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COMMEMORATIVE 



BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



OF- 



Central Pennsylvania, 



INCLUDING THE COUNTIES OF 



Centre, Clinton, Union and Snyder, 



CONTAINING 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT AND REPRESENTATIVE 
CITIZENS, AND OF MANY OF THE EARLY SETTLED FAMILIES. 



ILLUSTR AT E D 



CHICAGO; 
J. II. BEERS & CO, 

1898. 



PICMM THE PB1 V 111 MI'lIKi: 

i <M liTII - I . I .... \ -- 



■ 



i 



F^RE^^GEX 



THE importance of placing in book form biographical history of representative citi- 
zens — both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming generations — is ad- 
mitted by all thinking people; and within the past decade there has been a grow- 
ing interest in this commendable means of perpetuating biography and family genealogy. 

That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this nature needs 
no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has said that the history of 
any country resolves itself into the biographies of its stout, earnest and representative citi- 
zens. This medium, then, serves more than a single purpose; while it perpetuates biogra- 
phy and family genealogy, it records history, much of which would be preserved in no 
other way. 

In presenting the Commemorative Biographical Record to its patrons, the pub- 
lishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support their enter- 
prise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling them to surmount the 
many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the production of a work of this character. 
In nearly every instance the material composing the sketches was gathered from those im- 
mediately interested, and then submitted in type-written form for correction and revision. 
The volume, which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with 
the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an invaluable 
contribution to the historical literature of Central Pennsylvania. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



V 








imp 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 




EAVER. HON. JAMES AD- 
DAMS, a gallant soldier, states- 
man, jurist and Christian citi- 
zen of Bellefonte, Centre coun- 
ty, is another from that galaxy 
of great men that noble Belle- 
fonte — the proud home of gov- 
ernors and distinguished men — 
has produced, their names and deeds casting an 
illustrious halo o'er a finished century. 

Although born near Millerstown, Perry Co., 
Penn., it remained for Gen. Beaver to lay 
the foundation for his successes in life in Belle- 
fonte. He has descended on his paternal side 
from one of the most forceful, industrious and 
successful families in Pennsylvania. A distin- 
guished characteristic of the Beaver family 
through generations is courage, integrity, thrift 
and industry, and they have figured gallantly in 
all the wars which have been fought in this con- 
tinent for over a century and a half. In speak- 
ing of the remarkable traits of the Beavers, a 
gentleman of prominence said that he "was well 
acquainted with the uncles of ex-Gov. Beaver, 
and in all his intercourse with men he found 
them to be more successful and having a better 
knowledge of business than any men he knew." 
Hon. Thomas Beaver, an uncle of the subject of 
this sketch, now deceased, and who resided at 
Danville, Penn., for many years during his life, 
attained a position among the most prosperous 
merchants and iron manufacturers of the United 
States. While Gov. Beaver inherited valuable 
traits from his father's side, he is also indebted 
for much of his force, courage and industry to 
his mother. She was one of God's noble women, 
wise, generous, industrious, a devout Christian, 
and was loved and respected by every one that 
knew her. Those who knew her from childhood 
regarded her as a most remarkable woman. Her 



kind, sweet and generous disposition won the af- 
fection and confidence of every one. One who 
for several years resided near her home speaks in 
the highest terms of the respect, confidence and 
esteem she enjoyed among her neighbors and 
friends. It was these influences, coupled with 
his activity, energy and prominence, that have 
been the means of elevating this illustrious gen- 
tleman to the position of high honor and influ- 
ence he occupies to-day. 

George Beaver, the original founder of the 
family in this country, arrived here from Ger- 
many about the year 1740. Tradition says of him 
that "he was a man of fine physique, marvel- 
ous endurance, strong mind and untiring indus- 
try. " He devoted himself with characteristic 
energy to agricultural pursuits. His eldest son, 
George, was among the first to shoulder a mus- 
ket in the war of Independence, serving in the 
4th Pennsylvania Battalion, commanded by Col. 
Anthony Wayne. This son, after the close of 
hostilities, married Catherine Kieffer, the sister 
of an army comrade, and from this union came 
Peter Beaver, the grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch. He was born in Franklin county, 
Penn., received a good average education for the 
time, and when of age set up in business for him- 
self as a tanner in Lebanon county. He soon 
abandoned this occupation, however, and al- 
though he afterward engaged indifferent mercan- 
tile pursuits, seems to have devoted much of his 
time to religious work, and he acquired consider- 
able distinction as a local preacher of the Meth- 
odist denomination. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Samuel Gilbert, who had seen some 
service in the Revolutionary army, and by her 
had a large family. All of the six sons were at 
some period of their lives engaged in general 
merchandising in Millerstown, on the Juniata. 
Jacob married Ann Eliza Addams, whose father, 



YMEMORA Tivr. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Abi ' lams, ! srry 

county about 1811. Tw daugh- 

nd, ol these, Jai 

third child and fil I 

Thi I the widow in 1 

II Mel >onald, ol Mil 
11, and 1 with him and ber family 

unty H 
.t the disti . but m I 

d of a ' ion, th 

■t at hoi 
ili' ma- 

in | tered at 

tin I nd in a remarkably 

:nli. the jun 

at I iurg, I which he was the 

tnding in a la 
afterward the Rev. James A 
Reid, p 11 Church ol 

Springfield, III., in a historical sketch of Ins 

, bi tter known 

in 1 was a little lut 

11 enthu How, full of fun and pun and 

pluck and frolic, who never did anything bad, 

but always looked glad |ami has been grow- 

he was born. 
His usi sty has ; I him from 

ing me anything from his own pen, but Ins war 
reco himself and so well 

known that then tting at the 

facts. Gen. Beaver is an active and devoted 
member of the Pr< yto in l I urch, and as en- 
thu raJ in the Sabbath school v 

ii\ of Ins coun- 
try." I !• re we may add that in 1 Bea> er 
b) the I i Huntii 
lit it in ti nnial m< I be Gen- 

11 Church of the 
United l ppointed, 

by the r ol the Assembly, v ice- mud 

the Assembly, being the first layman in the his- 

( 'linn h whi i-d that po- 

Aftl d 111 

□te, and 1 Hon. 

II N M Allist 

I while 
a member of th framed tin- 

new n "I Pennsylvania II- 

himself with sin tity t" his studies, that 

|anuarj 9, when he had bat hed 

Ins ma: d to the 

tre County Hi^ industry and the painstal 



care he e i in all his work, the fact that he 

so thoroughly grounded in the p« iciples of 

the law, so read} in speech and ar,^ iment, at 

le an in n, and he was accounted 

re than ordinary promise. 

His 1 nizing his merit, and having 

le could render in a 
id important practice, took him into 
'iip. Whili ing himself for the 

Bar he joined the I T e Fencibles, under 

it. Audi n to become famous 

as " Pennsylvania's War Governor." Like every 
task he undertook, Heaver put his entire smil 
into the work, was so attentive and obedient that 
it. 1 mi d great proficiency in 
drill. He gave much attention to the study of 
tactics,. occurring he was made 

second lieutenant of the company. Then came 
the war. The firing on Fort Sumter had amused 
the loyal North, but in no instance did the Pres- 
ident's call for 75,000 volunteers to defend 
Washington meet with a more prompt response 
than in the picturesque little Pennsylvania town 
of Bellefonte. The Fencibles, indeed, had as- 
sembled, every man equipped for active duty, 
before the echoes of firing had died away. Writ- 
ing to his mother at this time, we find Lieut. 
.er saying: "A dispatch from Washington 
that hostilities have actually begun The 
South Carolinians fired upon the ' Star of the 
West,' which contained supplies fm- Major An 
derson. If this is true, which God forbid, war 
has actually commenced. Where will be the 
nation must be preserved. And who 
can mistake his duty in this emergency ? I have 
prayed for direction, guidance, and clear revela- 
tion of duty, and I cannot now doubt where the 
path of duty lies. It required, I will march in 
it, trusting in God for the result. There are few 
men situated as I am. N n dependent up- 

on me, and a business which I will leave in able 
hands. If we have a nationality, it must be con- 
tinued, supported, upheld. If w e are oidered to 
Washinf here, I will see you before 

God bless you, my mother." "No hesi- 
Burr, his biographer, 
"but a sword leaping from its scabbard to do 
battle I r country; a noble, 

dy patriotism, which saw in the country's 
peril tin ing duty."" The 

Mint of militia, who took 
this tnd w bill jit a ting, 

not yet twenty-four . . but he dis- 

played an a; d the situation, a fore- 

sight of events, and a realization of the mighty 
nvolved which would have done credit to 
much oldi 



COMMK.Vd/.'ATirE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The BelWonte Fencibles were mustered into 
service as C'npany H, 2d P. V. I., Col. 
Frederick S. Stumbaugh commanding, on April 
21, i86i,and were immediately dispatched by 
rail to Washington. The Confederates, how- 
ever, by the burning of the bridge at Cockeys- 
ville, Md., prevented further progress, and the 
command was ordered to return to York. His 
regiment joined the column which operated under 
the command of Gen. Patterson in the Shenan- 
doah Valley, being present at the skirmish called 
the battle of Falling Waters. In July the term 
of enlistment expired, and the men were duly 
mustered out at Harrisburg, on the 26th day of 
that month. Lieut. Beaver, however, had, 
previous to his muster-out, prepared to enter the 
service again; but this time he determined it 
would be "for the war." Aided by Thomas 
Welsh, lieutenant-colonel of the 2d Regi- 
ment, of Lancaster county, and J. M. Kilbourne, 
of Potter county, he soon organized the 45th P. 
V. I., and it was mustered into service on Octo- 
ber 18, 1861. At the election held for officers, 
Thomas Welsh was elected colonel, Lieut. Beaver 
lieutenant-colonel, and J. M. Kilbourne major. 
On October 21st the command left camp for 
Washington, and, shortly after its arrival there, 
it started for Fortress Monroe, whence, on De- 
cember 6, it sailed for Port Royal, S. C. Having 
received orders to occupy the Sea Islands, Col. 
Welsh divided his regiment, giving Lieut. -Col. 
Beaver a separate command, and he was sent to 
relieve the gallant 79th New York, at Fort 
Walker. In January, 1862, he relieved the 55th 
P. V. I. and part of the 7th Connecticut, then 
stationed at Hilton Head Island. Subsequently 
the regiment was ordered north to join the Army 
of the Potomac after the disastrous Peninsular 
campaign, and after a short sojourn at Newport 
News it was assigned to guard the military rail- 
road from Acquia Creek to Fredericksburg. Col. 
Beaver was dispatched with the remainder of the 
command to Brooks Station. 

On September 4, Lieut. -Col. Beaver, at the 
urgent request of his neighbors at home, and of 
Gov. Curtin, resigned his commission in the 45th 
to accept the appointment of colonel of the 148th 
P. V. I., known also as the Centre County regi- 
ment, and, with his new command, left Harris- 
burg on September 8. His regiment was posted 
along the Northern Central railroad during the 
Antietam campaign, and remained in that po- 
sition until December 10, when it was transferred 
to the Rappahannock, and became part of the 
1st Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps. As soon 
as the regiment arrived at the front, Col. Beaver 
rode up to Gen. Hancock's headquarters and re- 



ported his arrival. "Gen. Hancock, "he said, 
"I have been ordered to report to you, sir, for 
duty." "What is your regiment, Colonel?" 
" 148th P. V. I." was the reply; "and, General, 
while I would not presume so much as to sug- 
gest the disposition that is to be made of my 
regiment, I shall be glad if it could be placed in 
a brigade of your division, where the men can 
see a daily exemplification of the good results of 
the soldiery discipline I have endeavored to 
teach." The great soldier was, of course, no 
less surprised than pleased at the enthusiasm 
displayed by the young colonel, but could only 
reply: " I regret to say that we have no such 
brigade. I only wish we had. You will report 
for duty, sir, to the commander of the 1st Bri- 
gade of this division." It is said that the request 
which the young officer had made led Gen. Han- 
cock to keep a careful watch upon his future 
course, and it was not long before he observed 
that in camp and upon parade the regiment 
which he commanded was a model for all of the 
others in the brigade. Indeed, so conspicuous 
was its excellence that long before the army was 
again prepared for battle, Gen. Joe Hooker had 
predicted that it would not be long before its 
colonel would be a major-general. Gen. Han- 
cock's estimate of him, written twenty years 
after the incident just mentioned, may be here 
quoted: "Gen. James A. Beaver joined the 
first division of the 2nd Army Corps (then com- 
manded by me) with his regiment, the 148th P. 
V. I., just after the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December, 1862, and served constantly under 
my command in the 2nd Corps (save when ab- 
sent from wounds received in battle) until the 
fall of 1864. During that period he was en- 
gaged in some of the most important campaigns 
and battles of the Army of the Potomac, and 
took a conspicuous and distinguished part in 
many of them. I consider him one of the most 
intrepid, intelligent, and efficient young officers 
in our service during the war, and on several oc- 
casions mentioned him in my official reports foi 
valuable service and distinguished bravery. He 
was wounded at Chancellorsville, again while gal- 
lantly leading his fine regiment and brigade in an 
assault upon the enemy's works at Petersburg, Va. , 
June 16, 1864, and at Ream's Station, August 
25. 1864. On this latter occasioi he had just 
joined his regiment on the battlefield, and taken 
command of the brigade to which it belonged, 
after an absence caused by former wounds, when 
he was struck by a musket ball which shattered his 
thigh and disabled him for life by the loss of a leg. " 
Col. Beaver and his regiment were soon mov- 
ing forward to the battle of Chancellorsville, and 



i/JtHMOUAT/V/; lllniiliM'HICAl RKCOBD. 



hardly had 1 1 1 » ■ tiring on this memorable battle- 
field C* mmenced ere he fell, hit hard below the 
waistband. It seemed to all about him that the 
wound must eventually prove fatal, but he de- 
clined the services of those who sprang to his 
ce, saying: "Go to your places; it will 

be time enough to bury the dead when the hat- 
tie is over." An hour later he ret eived the W( I- 
come intelligence from the army surgeon that a 
gutta-percha pencil, which had been smashed to 
atoms, had turned the ball from its course, caus- 
ing it to plow a great track through the lleshy 
part of the abdomen only, and thus saved injury 
to the intestines. He was removed to his home 
.it Bellefonte, but before the wound was entirely 
healed he took command of Camp Curtin, by 
order of Gen. ("ouch, and began organizing the 
troops which were then Hocking by the thousands 
to H.urisburg in response to President Lincoln's 
call for 120,000 men for the purpose of defend- 
ing the' State ol Pennsylvania against I. re's inva- 
sion. The satisfactory manner in which he 

COmplished till .lied forth till following 

compliment from Maj.-Gen. Couch, which was 
issued in special order No. 35, July 15, 1 
" The Major-( .eneral commanding tenders thanks 
to Col. Beaver for the important service rendered 
him in the organization of the troops which were 
hurried to tin capital ami placed under Ins com- 
mand at Camp Curtin, Notwithstanding he was 
absent on leave in this department, on account 
of wounds received in battle, the zeal and energy 
he manifested in th< cause is worthy of emula- 
tion." Many years after this. < .. 11 Couch, 
speaking of Col. Beaver's devotion to duty at the 
time, said: "He was a soldier who could be 
trusted morning, noon and night." Col. Beaver 
now made to be allowed to rejoin his 

regiment, and, his request having been granted, 
he crossed the Potomac with it and participated 
in Gen Meade's retrograde movement from I 
peper Court House, and in the Mine Run cam- 
paign liming the autumn of 1863. l'art of the 
winter and following spring were spent 
Stevensburg, Va. On Mav 1;, he was assigned 
to the command ol the le, 1st I Hvision, 

id Corps. He participated in all the battle 
the Wilderness campaign, and received the sur- 
render of Gen, Stnait at Spottsylvania. In the 

ult of Cold Harbor his regiment especially 
distinguished itself for its daring and successful 
actions, and at Petersburg, on |une 16, he com 
manded brigade, but w rely wounded in 

the firsl assault upon the works. He > 
home, bm returned to the arm} in time to follow 

division, and reached it just as it was 
ing the t> 11 .nit of the enemy at R< am's 



Station on August 2$. By direction of Gen. 

cock he immediately assumed command of 
the brigade, and had scarcely more than relieved 
the officer in command when he received a wound 
in the right thigh, in consequence of which it 
was found necessary to amputate the leg at the 
hip. The loss of his leg, of course, completely 
incapat itated him for active service, and at his 
own request he was honorably mustered out of 
service on December 22, 1864, on account <>i 
wounds received in battle, having previously de- 
clined a detail for couit-martial duty at Wash- 
ington. Previous to this, however, he had been 
brevetted brigadier-general "for highly merito- 
rious and distinguished conduct throughout the 
campaign, particularly for valuable services at 
Cold Harbor while commanding a brigade." 

General Beaver resumed the practice of his 
profession with his partner, Hon. H N. McAl- 
lister, who had conducted the business during 
his absence, and who had no superior at the bar 
in central Pennsylvania. With both members 
of the linn actively and devotedly engaged in 
the practice of the profession, the business not 
only increased but became very exacting in its 
demands. He did not on this account, however, 
neglect the duties which devolve upon the indi- 
vidual citizen. Soon after his return he was in- 
duced, for the sake of securing harmony within 
the Republican ranks, to accept the nomination 
for representative in the State Legislature. Cen- 
tre county at that time gave an average Demo- 
cratic majority of about 1,000. There was no 
expectation that this majority could be overcome, 
and no special effort was made i.i the canva 
He was defeated by his Democratic competitor l>v 
a majority of less than 150. In the following yi 
he was informally tendered the nomination for 

s in a district which was then largely R< 
publican, the conferees of three of the counties 
(the district being composed of five) offering t« • 
support him for the nomination. He declined 
to allow the use of his name, however, on the 

mid that the representative of the disti 
who was then serving in Congress had a right to 
another term. He also refused to allow his 
name to be used in opposition to that of Gov 

ond term in 1869, although 
fered the support of a powerful faction in Penn- 
SJ lv ania polil 

In 1S7S his name was brought forward by the 
county convention of Centre countv as their 

I i 
not re:;. ud tln> !! for his services, and 

thei id no special attention to it. and no 

it was made to upport in other sec- 

tion- ol the Mate His name was favorably 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mentioned in the Republican convention of that 
year, and although he advised his friends to vote 
for Gen. Hoyt, whose nomination had been de- 
termined upon, he received a number of votes. 
This brought his name prominently before the 
people of the State, and in the campaign which 
followed he rendered efficient service, particu- 
larly in the northwestern part of the State, where 
great dissatisfaction existed. In 1880 he was 
elected as a district delegate to the Republican 
National Convention which convened at Chicago 
in that year, and was unanimously elected the 
chairman of the Pennsylvania delegation. Not- 
withstanding the division of the delegation into 
hostile factions, he held himself so fairly in re- 
gard to both of them that the vote of the Penn- 
sylvania delegation was never questioned during 
the entire period of that exciting convention; 
and after the nomination of Gen. Garfield he 
was tendered by his co-delegates the unanimous 
vote of the delegation for the Vice-Presidency. 
Several other delegations, North and South, 
made a like tender, and it was believed at the 
time that he would have been nominated upon 
the ticket with Gen. Garfield if he had not per- 
emptorily declined to allow his name to be used, 
giving for a reason therefor that it was neither 
good politics to nominate a candidate for Vice- 
President from Pennsylvania, nor had he any de- 
sire to occupy a place in which there was little 
opportunity for activity. At his suggestion the 
Pennsylvania delegation decided to support any 
candidate who might be presented by the ma- 
jority of the delegation from New York. Gen. 
Arthur was afterward nominated, and the result 
is well known. 

In January, 1881, a successor to Hon. Will- 
iam A. Wallace was to be elected by the Legisla- 
ture to represent Pennsylvania in the United 
States Senate. Hon. Henry W. Oliver was the 
choice of the Republican caucus. A large num- 
ber of Republicans, however, refused to support 
the caucus nominee, and a dead-lock ensued 
which lasted for several weeks. Without any 
consultation with him, and without his knowledge 
or consent, the name of Gen. Beaver was pre- 
sented by a representative of those who opposed 
the caucus nominee as a compromise candidate. 
He was named by what was known as the regu- 
lar caucus, but owing to the manner in which 
this was done the Independents declined to sup- 
port him. He went to Harrisburg, assisted to 
provide a tribunal which should name a candidate 
to be supported by both elements of the party, 
and then returned home. The result was the 
nomination of the Hon. John I. Mitchell, who 
was elected. By these means, and through his 



active participation in the Presidential campaign 
of 1880, Gen. Beaver was brought prominently 
before the people of Pennsylvania, and in the 
preliminary campaign which preceded the nomi- 
nation for governor in 1882, his name was the 
only one prominently mentioned for that nomi- 
nation. No opposition to his nomination was 
known to exist, and he was the unanimous choice 
of the convention when it assembled. Dissen- 
sions arose afterward, however, growing out of 
alleged abuses of internal management in the 
Republican party, which resulted in the calling 
of an independent convention, the nomination of 
another Republican ticket, and the consequent, 
and inevitable defeat of both. The entire Dem- 
ocratic State ticket was elected. 

In 1886 Gen. Beaver was again elected the 
unanimous choice of his party for the chief mag- 
istracy of the State, and after an exciting canvass, 
in which the Prohibition party took an unusually 
active part, he was elected by a plurality of over 
40,000. He was inaugurated January 18, 1887, 
and it may be truly said that no man ever assumed 
office with a greater or more sacred sense of the 
obligation which he then took upon himself. He 
entered upon his duties with a fearless determi- 
nation to faithfully execute the laws for the whole 
people, and his administration certainly proved 
that no pressure or crisis ever made him swerve 
from his resolve. His administration was char- 
acterized by a familiarity with the conditions of 
society, and a knowledge of the wants of the 
people, which were acquired by an active partic- 
ipation in their every-day life, through the varied 
means offered him for such a purpose. Provision 
for industrial education, in connection with the 
common-school system of the State, was strong- 
ly urged in his inaugural address, and throughout 
his administration this subject received his care- 
ful consideration, and was insisted upon on every 
proper occasion. During his term of office a 
commission to consider the whole question of 
industrial education was, at his suggestion, ap- 
pointed, and their report on the subject forms 
one of the most important and valuable contri- 
butions to the practical solution of this question 
which has yet appeared. In his first message to 
the Legislature he called special attention to the 
necessity for improvement in the roads of the 
State, and, as essential thereto, a reform in the 
road laws. The subject was immediately taken 
up by the governors of many other States, and is 
now one of the foremost questions demanding a 
practical and successful solution. 

On May 31, 1889, there occurred in the Cone- 
maugh Valley, on the western slope of the Alle- 
ghanies, a catastrophe which has probably no 



VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



>!ii I. by which some 3,000 livts were lost by 

on oi extraordinary heavy rains, and the giv- 
ing away of an mm. irvoir in the mount- 
ains sustained by a dam originally built for 
supplying the canal system "I the Mate with 
water, and which had more lately been main- 
tained for fishing purposes by an outing club. 
In response t< peals made for the be- 

ed and destit ute pei »ple 1 if this 1 
three millioi lars poured into the hand- ol 

the Executive, which were distributed through a 
relief commission appointed by him. He 

uned th isibility of borrowing $400,- 

000, which provided, through tb 

i Health, fur the removal of the debris 
in the valley, winch, owing to the particular cir- 
ciin 1 of the case, seriously 1 ndangen d the 

health (d the remainii g inhabitants. This work 
required months ol unusual labor and mosl care- 
ful fore i in plan and execution. Subse- 
quent events proved that the emei was 
wisely and 1 1 illy met and mastered. < i 
Beaver was deeply interested, during his official 
term, in the project to connect the waters of Lake 
Erie and the Ohio river by a ship-canal. He co- 
operated very zealously with a commission which 
was appointed by him to inquire as to the expe- 
diency ol sin h a highwaj , and in his last m< ssage 
to the Legislature gave 1 n to views which, 
m the light of subsequent developments in regard 
to thi Cana I nal system, show his grasp of 
the subject. He said in relation to the subject: 
" If the waters of Lake Lrie and the Ohio were 
connected by a canal such as proposed and 
shown to be entirel) feasible, and if the present 
■ inal from Albany to Buffalo were enlarged so as 
to admit \ e links 
would secure a chain ol inter-waterwa} commu- 
nication between New York and New Orle 
which would be invaluable for commercial pur- 
poses, and in time of war would furnish an en- 
tirely safe means of communication between 
these important termini and all other interior 
pomts. It would, in addition, give us con 
defensive purposes ol our lake front, which we 
do not now have, and which it >tful 
whether we can secure in any other way und< r 
present treaty stipulations. " 

His was a practical business administration 
without an)- effort at show, but with an earnest 
' -.ults calculated to advance 
the welfare of the people. Rev. Dr. Keady, of 
Alabama, who lost an arm in the Confederate 
service, and who is a warm personal friend of 
Beaver, at a meeting of their college class 
in 1891, thus summed up his administration, 
"in the words of one who watched his course 



closely: 'His administration was high-toned, 
conscientious, diligent, and clean, without even 
the shadow 1 no! scandal or of sub- 

jection to improper influences. He was consid- 
imate interests, scrupulous in his 
ippoiniment to office, and un- 
flinching in Ins exercise of the veto power when- 

I, even in the case 

supported by his best personal 

friends. lb indeed furnished a true 

ami honorable type of the American citizen and 

pub' i|.'" 

In lie- attempt to reorganize the militia of 

tin i Pennsylvania alter the war, Gen. 

was appointed a major-general by Gov. 

•s\ and took a prominent part in securing by 
in and practical effort such reorganiza- 
tion. It required great labor and persistence. 
He with a few others, however, including Gen. 
Hartranft. who was afterward elected governor, 
and other general officers, gave much time and 

:t. and finally succeeded in organizing the Na- 
tional Guard ol Pennsylvania, den. Beaver was 
continually in service 'Headier-general 

or major-general, until the election of 1886, 
when he became e.x-officio commander-in-chief, 
and appeared at the head of the Guard at the 
Constitutional Centennial Celebration in 1887, 
in Philadelphia, and at the celebration of the 

tennial of Washington's Inauguration in 1889 
in New York. He was thus, either as brigade 
or division commander or as the commander-in- 
chief, connected with the National Guard of 
Pennsylvania for over twenty years, and is now 
on the honorably retired list, with the rank of 
ma)' ral. Upon his return to private life 

he again resumed the practice of law with his 
formei law partners, | W. Gephart and Jno. M. 
Mr. Gephart retiring from the firm in 

,, the practice was continued for a time by 

vei & Dale, until the Governor retired ti 
active practice. He was for several years pi 
ident of the Blubaker Coal Co., which is the 
owner of a large and valuable body of bituminous 
Coal lands in Cambria county, Penn., and which 
has had a phenomenal growth and development. 
He i I of hi- State and her history, 

and is an earnest and efficient advocate of an) 
and all improvements tending to advance her in- 
terests and the welfare of her people. He has 
for many years i at interest in the Penn- 

sylvania State Co 1 member of its 

board of trustees for marls twenty-five years, 
and is chairman of th immittee which 

has practical direction ol its affairs. He has been 
largely instrumental in aiding in the wonderful 
development of this institution, which ran 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ond to none in laying broad and deep founda- 
tions upon which a great industrial university is 
to be built. He has been a member of the board 
of trustees of Washington and Jefferson College 
— his alma mater — and of Lincoln University, in 
Chester county, Penn., an institution for the 
education of colored young men. He has also 
been president of the Alumni Association of 
Washington and Jefferson College for a number 
of years. In college he was a member of the 
Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and he is also a mem- 
ber of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1889 
Dickinson College, of Carlisle, Penn., and Han- 
over College, of Indiana, both conferred upon 
him the honorary literary degree of LL. D. 

The General possesses a large and valuable 
library, and makes a specialty of collecting 
books and data of all kinds relating to the war. 
He was selected to act as grand marshal of the 
ceremonies at Washington in connection with 
the inauguration of Gen. Benjamin Harrison as 
President of the United States. Like most 
other great men who passed through the war, he 
is strongly in favor of burying all sectional ani- 
mosity connected with it, and in his address of 
welcome at Gettysburg, in 1888, by the Army of 
the Potomac, to the Confederate soldiers, said, 
among other patriotic and appropriate remarks: 

I have often busied myself in thought and have some- 
times spoken on some phases of the question, "Do the 
results of the war pay for its cost? " It is difficult for us to 
look at your side of that question. It was a great price that 
we paid on both sides for that decision. Think of the blood; 
think of the tears; think of the treasure; think of the prop- 
erty; look at the graves in yonder cemetery; think of the 
scene of the conflict. Oh, what a cost! and yet, my country- 
men, think of the result. Think of the new birth of freedom; 
think of the new hopes and the new aspirations for the future; 
think of the career which opens up before us as we face the 
future; think of the generations to come; think of the herit- 
age we are preparing for them; think of the great settlement 
of great questions settled, and only to be settled, by the 
sword; think of the saving of blood and of tears, and of 
treasure, because we took up the sword, and did not leave it 
for other generations who were to come after us, when feel- 
ing would be intensified, when greater numbers would be 
involved, and when the conflict would have been more pro- 
longed and more deadly. The finite mind loses itself in 
contemplation of these questions. We can bow to the de- 
cision; and I think we are learning to say more and more, as 
the days go by that, great as was the cost, infinite as was the 
price, the result pays — pays now and will pay much more in 
the future. I cannot particularize as to the questions which 
we face — the great questions of public policy which we must 
settle in this generation. I see a grand future for my coun- 
try. Do I say " my country?" Your country — our country, 
North and South. I see a great development of her material 
resources; I see a grand upbuilding of her intellectual 
power; I see a broad extension of her influence among the 
nations of the eat th; I see her glorious flag floating at the 
topmast in every harbor of the world; I see the principles 
upon which she is founded, extending and deepening and 
widening for the benefit of mankind; I see the glorious Chris- 
tianity which underlies and characterizes her civilization, car- 
ried by human lips of her commissioning throughout the world, 
for the healing of nations. And, as this vision arises, the ques- 
tion is not " What of the past? " but " What of the future? " 



How shall we meet its responsibilities? How shall we an- 
swer its demands? How shall we rise to the heights of its 
great possibilities? O, my countrymen of the Gray and of 
the Blue, these are the questions about which we should be 
concerned. And because the consideration of these ques- 
tions is pressing and imminent, we who wore the Blue have 
invited you men who wore the Gray, to join us here on this 
historic field. We welcome you because we need you; we 
welcome you because you need us; we welcome you because 
we together must enter in and possess this future, and trans- 
mit this heritage to the oncoming generations. Are we 
ready? If go, "Let the dead past bury its dead." 

In July, 1895, Gov. Beaver was appointed 
Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, 
which had been authorized by an Act of the Leg- 
islature then lately passed. He was subsequently 
nominated by the State Republican Convention 
for the full term of ten years from January, 1896, 
and was elected at the general election in No- 
vember which followed. Judge Beaver at his 
home is looked upon as a most exemplar)' citizen 
and no one takes a deeper interest in the affairs 
of his home town. Some five years ago he was 
elected by a handsome majority at the borough 
election as one of the councilmen of the borough, 
and was one of the most active workers in that 
body. He is a bright example for any young 
man. He is the embodiment of Christian cour- 
age, of all that goes to make a true and pure life. 
His time, his talents, his money, have been sac- 
rificed for the good of his country, his State and 
his home community. Still in the strength of a 
noble manhood, with a will to work, and intelli- 
gence to direct, he will continue to fill the same 
position of usefulness while he lives. When the 
true worth of this illustrious citizen is fully ap- 
preciated, no citizen in the history of this Com- 
monwealth will occupy a more exalted position 
in the annals of the State than Ex-Governor and 
General and Judge James A. Beaver. 

On December 26, 1865, Judge Beaver was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Allison McAllis- 
ter, daughter of the late Hon. H. N. McAllister, 
of Bellefonte. She is a lady of fine culture and 
education, and an air of refinement and taste 
surrounds her home. An enthusiastic American, 
she is proud of her soldier husband and his rec- 
ord, and she has the supreme satisfaction of 
knowing that she has proved herself a worthy 
helpmeet to him. They have two sons living — 
Gilbert Addams and Thomas, both bright and 
talented young men, who give promise of useful 
and helpful lives. A third son, Hugh McAllister, 
died August 2, 1897. He was a very remarkable 
young man, and although only in his twenty-fifth 
year had accomplished more in influencing others 
toward right living than often falls to the lot of 
much older men. His untimely death was uni- 
versally mourned in his home community, where 
he was greatly esteemed and beloved. 



s 



VOBATIYB BIOGRAPHICAL BBCOBD. 



SENATOR HENRY H IK I KIN. ol Belle- 
Eonte, Centre county, died at the "Merchants 
Hotel" in Philadelphia, November 8, 1849. He 

was the lirst white child born in Bellefonte, in 
the year 1798, a printer !>\ ion, and for 

many years editi I lefonte Patriot. He 

was a member "I the 1 louse in 

lator in 1826 for fudge Burnside's ui 
term, and Senator in 1831 $5 He was Deputy 
Secretary <>t the Commonwealth (nun 1839 4-. 
and fron (.8. At the close of his life he 

was superintendent oi the rub Mini the 

Inclined Plane. He was buried at Harrisburg, 
according to his own reqt 



HON JollN IK ILDEN I IRVIS, who diedat 
his home in I" Noveinl 

of the town- mosl prominent 
and distinguished citizens. He was descem 
from Puritan ancestry upon both his lather's and 
In- mother's side, the original ancestor o( the 
Orvis family being among the emigrants in the 
second vessel thai landed on the shore- of New 
England in 1653. The family subsequentlj re- 
moved to O mnecticut. 

|' se Orvis (1), man} years befon the Re- 
volution, removed fr Connecticut to the state' 

oi New York Several of his sons served in the 
armies ol the United States in the Revolution. 
Jesse Orvis (2), the youi >n, born in 1774, 

married Susan Holden, and removed with his 
family to Tioga county. Pennsylvania, in 1806. 
Prior to this. Jesse Orvis (3 . their third son, 
was born April 4, 1 s< >.) [esse • (rvis (3) married 
Elizabeth Rowley, the seventh child of I>r 
Reuben Rowley, who served with personal and 
professional credit in the Revolutionary armj 
a surgeon. The Do< tor - home during the war, 
and for some years subsequently, was in the pi 
ent State oi Vermont. Having married Susan 
Campbell, he removed, in 1803, from Vermont, 
to the vicinity of Albra, Bradford Co., Penn. 
I >i Rowley died July 6, 1834, in his eighty- 
third year; and his wife on February 1 ^. 1840, 
m her eighty- in si year. 

The children of Jesse Orvis (3) and wife were: 
Rev. Edward Everett Orvis, a distinguished 
divine in the Christian Church; Susan, married 
to Samuel Gillette; Lydia, married to Francis 
Warner; Irene, married to Victor Gillette; John 
Holden, subject of this sketch; Jesse Kilburn; 
Augusta, married to Nathan McCloskej ; and Sam- 
uel, who died in childhood. The mother, Eliza- 
beth, died March 2, 1S42. a victim of an epi- 
demic, and Jesse Orvis (3), in 1844, married El- 
mira Austin Prior to 1850 he lost his property 



in Tioga county by reason of some defect in the 
original title. Impoverished and somewhat dis- 

rtened b\ this event he, in 1853, removed 
with I md wife and their children to Harris- 

ville, Wis., where he resided until his death in 
when he was aged seventy-eight. 

John Hidden Orvis was born in Sullivan, 
Penn. Owing to his mother's un- 
timely death, followed by the financial misfortunes 
of his father, he was forced at an early age to be- 
gin his own support. While yet a boy of twelve 

rs, he came to reside in Howard, Centre 

nty, with bis half-brother, Orrin T. Noble; 
attended the common schools and at the early 

of fifteen years became a school teacher in 
t 111 tin township, and as such assisted in the or- 
ganization of the first teachers' institute of the 

nty, at Oak Hall, October 1, 1850. In 1S51 
he went to Baltimore, and there learned the art 
of printing in the office of R. J. Thachett. 
From thence he went to Chester county, Penn., 
when- he worked at his trade near New London, 
and attended a term at the New London Acad- 
emy Returning to Centre county, he followed 
his trade of printing, also teaching school, notably 

term, 1853 54, at Rock Hill school house, in 
Harris township. Just before this he took charge 
of an engineer corps for the purpose of running 
.111 experimental railroad line lor the P. & E. K. 
K. west through the Brush Valley narrows into 
Centre county past the villages of Rebersburg, 
Centre Hall and Oak Hall, and ending near the 
present site of the Pennsylvania State College. 
This he did to the sal 1 of his employers, 

but the line was never adopted It is said that 
this was the first railroad survey in Centre county. 
In public schools he was noted for his infallibility 

1 speller, and was the wonder of his school- 
mates in mental arithmetic. In his academic 
course of one month at a little academy in Ches- 
ter county, he began algebra, then to him an 
unknown science, and passing rapidly two classes, 
finished the higher algebra with the graduating 
class at the end of four week- About the same 
time he recited the nine books of geometry in 
nine lessons, concluding in so incredibly a short 
period of time tin work of several years in the 
ordinary academic training of boys. He always 
intended to make the law his profession, and 
when nineteen years old arranged to read under 
the tutor-hip of Nathan L. Atwood, of Lock 
Haven. He was born a lawyer. Every instinct 
of his nature led him to it; during his preparation 
he drank deeplv from the wall-springs of the En- 
glish common law; Coke was an especially fav- 
orite, and he familiarized himself with the lead- 
ing cases and decisions of the great chancellors 




^V7^. }C- £W^/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and judges of the English courts. He also 
thoroughly acquainted himself with the intrica- 
cies of special pleading and of technical practice, 
so that when he was admitted to the Bar in 
February, 1856, then just of age, he was grounded 
in all the general principles of the common law. 
As soon as admitted, he mapped out and entered 
upon a wide range of legal, political, historical 
and forensic literature. His memory was so re- 
markable that he could repeat long poems, such 
as "Lalla Rookh", or the "Lady of the Lake". 
His voluminous reading was done in the early 
years of his married life. So intense was his 
application to his books that at one time he al- 
most lost his eyesight; this happened particularly 
from his reading aloud to his young wife the five 
volumes of Macaulay's "England" in four weeks 
time. So retentive was his memory that what 
he had read in early years became part of his 
mental self, and he retained the power of apt 
quotation from the masters of English literature, 
that, while rarely indulged in, always surprised 
his audience. 

At the time of his admission the Clinton 
County Bar was composed mostly of men not far 
advanced in life, and he at once took a leading 
position among them. He read deeply and care- 
fully the laws of the State, for the purpose of 
familiarizing himself with the lines of decisions 
in the Pennsylvania courts. In this he was so 
successful that in later years no leading case or 
general principle laid down in Pennsylvania could 
be sprung upon him as a surprise. So complete 
was his work in this direction that, when ques- 
tioned upon it by a brother lawyer within a year 
before his death, he stated that "he believed he 
could truthfully say, and without egotism, that 
he was acquainted with all the leading legal 
principles laid down and reported by the Supreme 
Courts of Pennsylvania from the beginning of the 
Commonwealth to the present time." Yet he 
was not so engrossed in the law but that he did 
not deeply interest himself in.the political wel- 
fare of his country. His family had been Dem- 
ocratic from the time of Jefferson. He there- 
fore naturally identified himself with the great 
party, and just as naturally took a prominent 
part in shaping its councils in the county of 
Clinton. During the intense agitation preced- 
ing the war of the Rebellion he took a conserva- 
tive view of the Calhoun doctrine, and advocated 
the rights of the States as opposed to the ex- 
treme views of the opposite party. While doing 
this, he did not sympathize with armed rebellion. 
When, in 1 86 r, President Lincoln made his his- 
toric call for the three-months' men, John Hol- 
den Orvis at once responded, leaving his prac- 



tice and his family, and enlisted as a private 
soldier in Capt. Jarret's company raised in Lock 
Haven. This company was attached to the nth 
P. V. I., and at once went to the front. Mr. 
Orvis was engaged in the battle of Falling Wa- 
ters, the first of the bloody drama that followed, 
and by his side was killed the first Union soldier 
in actual fight. As his company was held in re- 
serve a few miles away from the battle of Bull 
Run, he was saved from sharing in the doubtful 
honor as well as danger of that great defeat. 
He was a good soldier, and performed good serv- 
ice on the Potomac and in the vicinity of Mar- 
tinsburg, Va. Unfortunately, from exposure to 
the fierce heat of the early summer, he received 
a sun-stroke that for a time rendered him unfit 
for service. He returned home at the end of his 
service in the uniform of a lieutenant, and held 
a promotion to a captaincy. He resumed his 
practice at Lock Haven, and in December, 1862, 
removed his family to Bellelonte. At the first 
court in December he took charge of twenty-five 
cases and won twenty-four, losing only one. 
The great ability with which he conducted the 
cases, and the remarkable success that crowned 
his efforts, placed him at the head of the Bar, 
where he had but one rival, the late Hon H. N. 
McAllister. Mr. Orvis at once formed a part- 
nership with the Hon. C. T. Alexander, subse- 
quently State senator from the district — a part- 
nership that remained undisturbed until the 
elevation of Mr. Orvis to the Bench. Before 
the law firm was dissolved, it was enlarged by 
the addition of Mr. C. M. Bower. 

Being an ardent Democrat, and finding the 
county in the hands of Republican office holders, 
he earnestly threw himself into the work of re- 
forming and reviving the Democratic party. Be- 
tween the terms of court he zealously advocated 
the principles of his party in every village of the 
county, and demonstrated his powers as a polit- 
ical organizer by at once changing the Democratic 
minority to a strong and unfailing majority. He 
was the author of the rules which govern the 
party organization to the present time. It was 
his leadership, zeal and service that, more than 
other causes, saved the county to his party. In 
1872 he was unanimously nominated by his party 
to the State Legislature, and that fall was elected 
by a flattering and decisive majority; this election 
permanently settled the numerical supremacy of 
his party in Centre county. As a member of the 
Legislature he immediately rose to the front. 
His party instinctively gave him the leadership 
on the floor. The State administration, though 
of opposite party affiliation, consulted with him 
upon all proposed important legislation of a non- 



Ill 



I OMMBMORATIVB BIOOBAPHIOAL RECORD. 



partisan character, ami in fact entrusted him with 
the introduction and conduct "f most important 
bills. His work in the committee-room and on 
the floor becami it that he was i ompelled 

t<> employ a privati ' pay him ;i 

salary equal to his ow n • that he 

ved th> pei pple without c pensation 

and ;it In-- i >wn ifice 

immediate!- led the adoption of the new 

constitution, that has I much 

late. 1 ruption, he was irily 

thrown in opposition to a i corrupt and 

iiiic|intoiis hills mostly of a private nature, now 
foi I ssible. With the al 

a lynx hi i ry job, and danger- 

ously corru] r," and with the boldness of 

a lion opposed and them in the Hoi 

In the midst ol unusual legislative corruption he 
commanded the n 

came out ol his term without a suspicion on the 
- i Ins enemies. In 1 873 he was re nomi- 
nated and re elected by a phenomenal majority. 
He rei eived the compliment of his party's no 
nation foi the speakership, and was the acknowl- 

ed Demi aderonall partisan questii ins 

and the acknowledged leader ol the House upon 

all non-partisan 1 s. During this session he was 

more than usually active in attacking and pun- 
ishing bribery in the ''lobby" and the "hou 
exertions which lead the impeachment and expul- 
sion of the most guilty. 

( >n the creation ol th< il Addil i 

Law Judge b) Ai t ol the Legislature "l April 9, 
1S74, m the district composed ol the counties of 
Centre, Clearfield and Clinton, the membei 
the three bars, without regard to politii 
ations, unanimously petitioned the Governor to 
appoint Mr. Orvis. In obedience to this demand, 
■nu\ in grai 1 lul rei ognition ol his merits and dis- 
tinguish 13 a p ilitical opponent, < rov. 
Hartranft appointed him to the judgeship. Judge 

( )r\ is accordingly accepted the apj itment.and 

tendered his resignation from th< I 
In November following he was elected by the 
people to the judgeship foi a period ol ten years, 
His elevation to the Bench was an epoch in the 
criminal history ol the di sti ii I I le immedi 
reduced the number of drinking places in the dis- 
trict, cutting down those in Bellefonte from over 
twenty to three. After his first court his name 

r to evil-doers ; the pi dice v 
made efficient; the public were notified and 

SUred that criminals would he punished, and un- 
der the efficient assistance of Col. Spangler, I 
district attorney, long trains of criminals w 
convicted ol mo is crimes and sentenced 

to the severest penalties of the State. Judge 



Orvis smote crime with an iron hand. He did 
rushed and destroyed it. During the 
1 years oi his term, the criminal weeks under 
Ins administration ceased to become features of 
Ins court, while terms would go by without seri- 
that the office ol district attorney 
actuall) became profitless. Judge Orvis was the 
igency in the central part of 
Pennsylvania. His greatness as a judge mani- 
more particularly in the trial of civil 
B) his fairness and impartiality he at 
once ii himself the friendship and compan- 

ionship of all the members of the Bar. He was 
in no sen-.,- a 1 lie was a great 

judge, because while giving due deference to the 
ms ol the Supreme Courts, he 
mad'- his own rulings in harmony with the eternal 
prim ! law and justice. Before his eleva- 

tion to the ip his competitors acknowl- 

1 him to be a good lawyer, on the Bench 
they found him to be a great one. As Gov. 
Beaver sai 1 of him in the memorial service held 
hv tie \ of the State: "Judge Orvis 

only knew the law, but he knew what the 
law ought to be." So that when the circum- 
anded it, he did not hesitate to start 
out in new lines and lay down general principles 
mantwith human reason, but heretofore un- 
announced 111 the hooks. For this reason ap- 
5 from his decision to the Supreme Court 
have established an unusual number of leading 
principles \<n few minds could reflect better 
than his the legal thoughts and language ol the 
oldei judges, but it was not the cold reflection of 
• satellite; his mind glowed 
with its ow 11 internal heat and warmth, and shone 
with self-created and luminous knowledge. It 
he that first settled the principle that where 
lands were divided by a county line, the tax sales 
ounty would convey title to the land only 
within its boundaries It was also he that 
checked the Supreme Court in its tendenc) to 
destroy the old common-law principle relative to 
the character and nature of negotiable papei 
It was also Judge Orvis thai established and for- 
mulated many of the leading principles of land 
location in what was probably the most compli- 
stem of land law in the world. To be a 
I land lawyer in Pennsylvania requires extra- 
ordinary intellectual power and labor When 
one is a great lawyer, such as fudge Orvis was, 
he is necessarily a mental 1 enon. The 

general reader ca the lorceo'f this un- 

less he has watched the ci on eject- 

ment in the county, lasting for weeks and months, 
involving knowledge of the most complicated 
and artificial system of trial ever invented \<\ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



11 



man, with a mastery over a myriad of technical 
points of original locations, of engineering, sur- 
veying, woodcraft, botany, topography, drafting, 
and of new and ancient titles marvelous to even 
the most initiated. All these must one be and 
have to be a great land lawyer. When Judge 
Orvis died he was the greatest land lawyer in the 
State. It was he who presided over the cele- 
brated ejectment brought by Burley against the 
Houtz heirs, which involved property to the 
value of millions of dollars, and it was his charge 
in that celebrated case that has been adopted by 
the profession of the State as the best text-book 
of land law in existence. In obedience to the 
demand for it from every section of the State he 
was obliged to have it printed in pamphlet form 
for general distribution. 

About 1873 Judge Orvis was elected a trustee 
of the Pennsylvania State College. The fortunes 
of this institution were then languishing. It had 
been an experiment in the line of higher educa- 
tion to the agricultural and mechanical classes in 
the direction of their particular trades and occu- 
pations; the experiment up to that time had 
proved a failure. The idea which had given 
birth to the college had been lost sight of, and it 
had sunk to the level of an ordinary preparatory 
school; the general sentiment was that the 
scheme had proved a failure, and that the insti- 
tution should be abnndoned. In addition to 
these discouraging circumstances, it was over- 
whelmed with an indebtedness both funded and 
floating. The college had, however, a few warm 
and faithful friends; these men — like Gen. 
Beaver — pursuaded Judge Orvis to 
self in the fortunes of the college, 
he was elected a trustee, and from 
his death he gave his best thoughts and purpose 
and much of his time to the college. Judge Or- 
vis and his co-trustees at first met with many 
obstacles, yet they never faltered. Year after 
year without compensation they worked; slowly 
at first, but step by step they reformed the pur- 
poses of the institution, and brought it back to 
its original position. Their first success was in 
inducing the Legislature of the State to feel some- 
thing of its responsibility by paying off the heavy 
indebtedness contracted for the building and 
plant itself. Conveniences being added, and its 
income diverted to the proper channels of edu- 
cation instead of paying interest, more and abler 
professors were engaged, and the scope of the 
institution enlarged. Nothing permanent could be 
done until the right man could be secured for the 
presidency of the institution. For years Judge 
Orvis and its other friends felt this, and hunted 
through the United States for their ideal presi- 



interest him- 
Accordingly 
that time to 



dent. At last they found him in Dr. George W. 
Atherton. After some delay they induced this 
gentleman to accept the responsibility of this 
position, and devote his life and strength to this 
particular work. After years of experiment and 
trial, the trustees have the same confidence in 
Dr. Atherton as at first. Things began to look 
brighter for the college; more students began to 
come; the Legislature manifested increased in- 
terest in its protege by erecting handsome build- 
ings and finely-equipped laboratories, until to-day 
the institution is fast becoming the pride of the 
great State of Pennsylvania. Judge Orvis' am- 
bition for the State College was limitless. His 
scheme for the future was a vast industrial uni- 
versity that dazzles the imagination. While he 
did not live to see the realization of such golden 
dreams, he did live to see the success of his favor- 
ite established beyond question, and doing a 
great and acknowledged work in the line of in- 
dustrial education. His work and services will 
never be forgotten in the annals of this great and 
growing institution of learning, and he will ever be 
recognized as one of the moulding minds and 
hands of its career. 

During the great railroad strikes in 1877 that 
paralyzed the industries of the country from 
ocean to ocean, and were particularly dangerous 
on the line of the Pennsylvania Company, a 
spirit of anarchy and communism penetrated into 
every town and county in the State; the masses 
sympathized with the rioters and strikers, and 
those who did not were cowed into silence. 
Bellefonte was not exempt from this; mobs took 
possession of her streets; sensational addresses 
were made to excited crowds, and prominent 
citizens were groaned at and threatened. In 
this moment of danger some careless expressions 
of three business men were whispered through 
the streets and construed by the rioters into dis- 
approval of themselves. Immediately the wrath 
of an irresponsible mob was upon them, and they 
were hunted down like wild beasts; stores were 
broken into, violence used, and it was only with 
the greatest difficulty that the men by the aid of 
active friends escaped from violence and fled 
from the town. The mayor of the town ha- 
rangued the people on the streets, read the riot 
acts, and ordered the citizens to their homes, but 
to no purpose. His constabulary was powerless, 
or in active sympathy with the offenders. Judge 
Orvis, then on the Bench, took prompt and ef- 
fective measures to meet the emergency of the 
hour. He summoned the sheriff, explained to 
him the gravity of the situation, and instructed 
him to use his powers and do his duty. Under 
his instructions the sheriff summoned several 



12 



COMMEMtiUA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



hundred resolute and law-abiding citizens, arm- 
ing and emp iwering them t her- 
iffs, and had tbem patrol tl and 
daj I irous in 
ceased, and the town ;it on into its 
wonted quiet < )a tin- trial of tin- offenders in a 
subsequent court, two « <l and 
tenced at hard work in the penitentiary. It was 
said at the time that Judge <>r\i- was the 
judge in tip State that thus vindicated tin- out- 
I majesty of the law 

At the same tune, in th il v ol 

Altoona, ;t similar spirit manifested its'-lf; in fact 
in g l i iwds and still m nt and il.m- 

m. ■thuds Gov. Hartranft ordered the 
militia <>f the Mate to arms, and Maj.-Gen. 
■ I to take command in the city Unfort- 
unately the railroads were in the hand- of the 
rioters, and the transportation of troop- both de- 
ficient and dangerous. Still mo: tunati iv 
the members of the National Guard were badly 
disciplined, ami too much in sympathy with t i 

nist whom they had been called to arms. It 
was a dangerous eiisis; tin- alarm of citizens was 
increasing, tires and murders beginning to occur, 
ami no one could forsee when and where would 
be thi ind < .• n Beaver needed intelligent and 
patriotic assistance. Judge Orvis. 1). II Hast- 
ings and a few other non-militant- offered them- 
selves as volunteers, and were grateful lj accepted 
b) the perplexed commander fudge Orvis was 
placed upon Gen Heaver's staff, finally ai tm 
judge advocate. As a staff officer and in tin- 
councils at headquarters, no one showed superior 
discretion or courage Under these trying cir- 
cum he displayed the same qualities of 

judgment, coolness and bravery that distinguished 
him as a jurist, and would have made his reputa- 
tion in the battles of his country. At one t 
it became necessary to take ammunition to a point 
some fifty miles west ol the city; the officer in 
i ommand sent secret intelligence of his wants to 
Gen. Heaver, but all trains were in the hand- of 
tin rioters, and the task of taking ammunition in 
person was one of such imminent danger that at 
first all shrank from it. At once fudge Orvis 
offered himself, and Col. J. L. Spangler volun- 
teered to be his companion. To be successful 
meant relief to troops in danger; to be deb 
meant exposure to personal violence if not death. 
During the night the two men prepared them- 
selves, and had large satchels filled with cart- 
ridges. In the early morning gray the tun 
friends walked with their heavy loads, and board- 
ed the tram m the midst of suspicion and angry 
faces. It took nerve to do this in a moment of 
such intense popular excitement. Fortunatel) 



both men had it, and without accident reached 
in safety the place to be reliev 

In [883 tie the State erected 

the counties of Centre and Huntingdon into the 
49th fudicial District, and made Judge Orvis it- 
president judge. In November of the same year 
voluntarily tendered his resignation of the 
office for the purposi iming his practice of 

the law. During the latter part of 1884 he 
fon, rtnersbip with J. Frank Snyder, un- 

the firm name of Orvis & Snyder, for Clear- 
field county, and January 1, 1885, formed a 
partnership with C. M. I Sower and his son, Ellis 
I. Orvis, under the firm name of Orvis, Bower 
i\: Urvis, for the county of Centre. Both of 

■ law firms continued unchanged until his 
in the time of his resignation until 
his last sickness, his practice was large, and 
sinned more and more immense proportions. It 
led him into almost every county in the State, 
lb- tune was occupied with important lej 

inents for every day for months ahead, and, 
with the exception of short vacations in the sutn- 
mer, his life was one of continuous legal battle 
in the various courts of Pennsylvania. Those 
who knew him, and had some proper conception 
of the stupendous work he was doing, could 
believe that one weak man could stand the 
strain So numerous ware his engagements, 
that in spite of all his precaution, his presence 
would be required at the same time in widely 
different courts; the perplexity and anxiety aris- 
ing from this multiplicity of engagements and the 
clashing calls upon his time would alone have 
broken down an ordinary man. Hut Judge Orvis 
delighted in legal strife. He loved a hard- 
foughl legal battle, enjoyed its victories, and 
found comparative pleasure even in honorable 

it. It was because he loved his profession 
and enjoyed the society of his professional breth- 
ren, even when arrayed againsl him at the coun- 

-e all lawyers were his 
friends and companions, and none his rivals; it 
was because there was no bitterness to him in 
the victory of others, that he lived so long and 

1 the tremendous strain upon his vital forces. 
What really killed him was overwork — exhaus- 
tion of the vital forces — whatever other name 
physician- may see fit to give it. The uniform- 
ity of his legal success is astonishing, considering 
tin- extent of his practice. One reason of this is 
that he either prepared his own cases, or had 
them prepared by others whom he directed how 
to do it. Another reason is that he would not 
intentionally undertake a case he believed with- 
out merit. Hut the main cause of his success is 
that he entered the legal arena armed at every 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



13 



point, encased in the full panoply of juridic 
armor, and that he never failed at the right mo- 
ment to use the weapon that would pierce his 
adversary, if that adversary were assailable. His 
mental resources were almost infinite, and he 
generally took the enemy unawares; then, again, 
it was his habit to keep strong points in reserve 
for an emergency, so that many a time he routed 
the other side, and convinced the judge at the 
very moment his cause seemed weakest. His 
last argument to the court, his last reply to his 
opponents, his last words to the jury, were al- 
ways his strongest and most unanswerable. His 
argument was always strong and clear, even 
from the start, but his clearness and strength in- 
variably made a crescendo. His power came from 
his intense self-reliance, as well as from his in- 
tense truthfulness. He never misquoted a case 
or consciously misapplied a legal principle. 
The presiding judge as well as his opponents 
could implicitly trust his quotation from authori- 
ties, and rely upon his citation of cases. He was 
too good a lawyer and too great a man to ignore 
the decisions that seemed to bear against him. 
With extraordinary candor he was always willing 
to give these full weight; but his peculiar power 
consisted in nice discriminations between the ap- 
plication of principle to the facts in the cases 
cited and the facts in question. More than any 
other lawyer living, was he able to turn the 
weapons of his opponents against themselves, 
and use the case most relied upon by them as 
the basis of an argument fatal to their position. 
Many of his most brilliant victories were gained 
because of his ability to turn the enemy's artil- 
lery against themselves. Though some few of his 
greatest trials were on the calendars of the crim- 
inal courts, he was only a great criminal lawyer 
because he was a great lawyer. That class of 
cases was not to his taste, and it was always 
with reluctance and under pressure that he ac- 
cepted such; the great bulk of his practice was in 
the trial of causes in the Court of Common Pleas 
and Appellate Court of the State; but he was an 
all-around lawyer. 

In the drawing of the ordinary legal docu- 
ments, the preparation of pleadings, convey- 
ancing, in the practice of the Orphans' Court and 
settlement of estates, in the drawing of contracts 
between business men, in the formation and con- 
duct of corporations and partnerships, in the 
consultation in his private office, in the courts of 
equity — in all alike he excelled. Though he was 
remarkably successful in persuading the under- 
standing of judges, he was equally so in reaching 
the convictions of jurors. His arguments upon 
facts were as clear and limpid as the magnificent 



spring that wells up in the town of his adoption. 
Jurors believed him because he never deceived 
them. He had a reputation for telling them the 
truth. He did not conceal or disguise facts that 
were stubborn and seemed contrary to his theory 
of the case. 'He n'ever twisted or distorted such 
facts, but gave them their due weight, and cap- 
tured the understanding of his hearers by giving 
unexpected but translucent explanation of their 
existence, thereby harmonizing them with the 
structure he had been carefully building out of 
the evidence and obtaining the verdict of the 
jury. 

At the memorial service it was said of him 
that he was a master builder, that he laid his 
foundations deep, building his walls of ponderous 
but polished granite. His work was beautiful 
and admirable because strong and true and en- 
during forever. He did not delight in useless 
ornamentation, yet it would be a wrong to him 
to say that in his mental armory there lay only 
the weapons of logic. He could shoot the sharp 
arrows of satire, wit, and humor, and many a 
fallacy has he pierced, and many a foe has he 
abashed with his truthful wit and genuine humor. 
Sometimes, when the occasion demanded, he did 
not disdain the weapon of rhetoric, and when he 
felt strongly the wrongs of some injured client he 
would burst forth into pathos and a tremendous 
indignation that thrilled the crowded court-room 
and stormed the jury-box. But in the main his 
triumphs were those of reason and a great legal 
and judicial mind, that forced its superiority to 
be acknowledged by all his associates and pro- 
fessional brethren. To the world at large he was 
known as a distinguished lawyer, a stern expo- 
nent of justice, and the logical and invincible 
speaker in the courts. But in the home and 
inner circles of his chosen friends he was a differ- 
ent personality. To the public he was a man of 
iron; at home he was the tender, loving husbandi 
and indulgent father. He was possessed of an 
exceedingly delicate organism; he could not en- 
dure the sight of pain or suffering in others. 
Any genuine tale of woe would bring tears to his 
eyes, and he wept with those that suffered. The 
news of the Johnstown horror prostrated him for 
days so that he lost his appetite and could not 
sleep. No one that had the slightest claim upon 
him ever failed of sympathy or came to him for aid 
and went away refused. He was generous to 
the detriment of his own fortune; so much so 
that he could keep no money about his person, 
for every one that asked received. For this rea- 
son he did not accumulate, and was compelled for 
the protection of his family to place all the sur- 
plus of his earnings in life insurance. He was 



11 



OOMMEMOHA T1VB BIOGRAPHICAL HBCORD. 



remarkable in the tena< itj of his friendsh 

ish comp mi 
though many times ibis favoi was sadly abus 
I lis charitj • ded, and 

his alms munificent, though never kn 
its recipients. 1 L in'that bore m i 

mities, and kept 

In early maul I he 1" 

the chun h by imi 
Fri 'in that hour until his 

liis belief in the cardinal prii hris- 

tian religion II Christ ief from 

the outstart ol 

doubt and skepticism never < .ist a shadow on his 
clear intellect. 

Jud ts married in the spin 

1856 to M Carolii I th Atwo 

daughter of Origen Atwbod, an iron master of 
near Philadelphia. Their children were: Ellis 

•.is, born November 16, 1857; William At- 
wot d, In in in I lied in infai 

Jennie Irene, born June 30, 1862, now the wife 

Uberl I Id; Anna, born Januar) 

l, now the wife of Harry Keller, a member 

"I the Bellefonte Bar; and < an. inn Atw I, born 

July 3, i - s 7 1 ■ I" his family Judge I »i 
generous and indulgent to a 1 
fathers. His home life was a peculiarly happj 
one, and w ned with the love and ad- 

miration of his wife and children. The only 
regret in the home life w 

in the line of his pro 1 work. 

When at home, where he loved to be with his 
own family, he welcomed his friends and neigh- 
There li I qualities and 1 onvi 1 
tional p to their best, and 1 1 
he showed his love ■ >( music, flowers and chil- 
dren. 



ELLIs L. ( 1RVIS, son of the late Judge John 
II. < Irvis, and junior im n the law 

firm of Orvis, Bowi 1 & < >n 1-. B illefonte, Centre 

'■ ity, was horn at Lock Haven, Penn . Novem- 

1" 1 16. 1857. In 1 ime with the family 

to Bellefonte, w here he h ded. 

Mr. Orvis prepared fur college at t' 
font' \. 1 emy, and in th'- fall "I 1 872 enti 
th>- freshn ai "I Pennsylvania I )ol- 

•-, in which institution he took I ical 

course, in 1 n the Kaini tin- 

best English oration, and was 
1 1'- sul sequently t' ok a tor 

one year in chemistry and modern Ian 
L11.. r ■ 1 graduation 

■ I in survej i "11111- .put. ient 

surveyor, and while lied law. 



In the fall ol 1 881 1 he was admitted to the Bar of 

nty, but lie still continued surveying 

until the winter S4, when he purchased 

an r mocrat, and became 

ted with the late S I. Shugert as junior 

after his connection 

with that journal his health failed, and he was 

tla- in wspaper business. 

i and fall of 1884 Mr. Orvis spent 

in th.- Rocky Mountains and along the Pacific 

ling as far north as British Columbia. 

While visitii National Park he had a nar- 

i'nii falling into the I 
of highway robbers. The people in the carriage 
just ahead of the one in which he and party w 
traveling wire attacked and "held up," and had 
Mr. (>i\is' 1 I scattered so that the ban- 

dits could not surround them, they would un- 
doubtedly have met the same fate that befell 
t them. 
'in January 1. 1S.N5, Mr. Orvis became the 
junior in. mb 1 of the law firm of Orvis, Bower 
& Orvis, since when he has been actively en- 
gaged in tlu- practice of law, giving his entire 
time t" Ins ] - 11. After the d. ath of Judge 

Orvis, which occurred in November, 1893, the 
iness of tin- linn was continued by Mr. E. L. 
is and Mr. Bower, the remaining members, 
and they have since been able to retain the ex- 
ive practice that they had prior to the death 
of |udge ( li 

Mr Orvis is a man of excellent character, of 
line attainments, and, although young in years, 
is one of the leading lawyers of Pennsylvania. 
He 1- strong in the trial of cases before the jury. 
and. in the presentation of questions of law to 
the court, has no equal among the members of 
tin Bai oi his county. In the trial of a case, 
1 in presenting questions of law to the court, 
he is extremely courteous, but forceful and con- 
vim 

lly he is a Democrat, but has never 
1. In 1SS3 he was unani- 
mously tendered the nomination of his part)- for 
tin unty Surveyor, and was elected 

by tin- hand 1 joi ity of over nine hundred. 

( >f his nomination the Watchman said: 

Ellis 1 :.ir county 1 is the only 

man c.f talent and edui Btion, 

in the art of sui avine had 

ition with the 
1 le understands tl theoreti 

iti 

refill in all I lis 

npliment t" I ami lie will do it 

111. .. 

in, in 1891, he v by a nomina- 

11 by a decisive majority in this 

Senatorial 1'i-tiict as a delegate to the proposed 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



15 



Constitutional Convention. In both instances 

these nominations came to him unsolicited. The 

following complimentary notices appeared at the 

time of his election as delegate: 

Ellis L. Orvis, Esq., who was selected as the choice of 
the county for delegate to the Constitutional Convention, is 
the junior member of the law firm oi Orvis, Bower & Orvis, 
and is well fitted for the honorable and important position. 
He is a gentleman of quite studious habits, has keen discern- 
ment and clear ideas, is conservative in his views and careful 
and considerate in his actions. There would be no danger, if 
men like Mr. Orvis are elected delegates, of rash and radical 
changes in the Constitution to the detriment of the people or 
injury to one's business interests in the Commonwealth. — 
Watchman, August l}, 1891. 

At the conference at Lock Haven last week Ellis L. 
Orvis, Esq., was chosen as one of the two Democratic nomi- 
nees of this district as delegate to the [imposed Constitu- 
tional Convention. This is a decided compliment to our 
young legal friend and a fitting recognition of his ability. 
Should the Convention be established, Mr. < >rvis would serve 
in that august body with distinction and credit to his con- 
stituency. Though the Convention may receive little in- 
dorsement in this district, we predict for him a handsome 
vote.- Centre Democrat, October I. 1891. 

On Christmas Day, 1884, Mr. Orvis was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Lowrie Lyon, a daughter of 
S. Stewart Lyon and Ann Valentine Lyon, of 
Bellefonte, Perm. Mrs. Orvis was born Septem- 
ber 19, 1863, at Hazelwood, the Lyon home- 
stead, in Spring township, Centre county. Two 
children have come to this union: Anne Valen- 
tine Lyon, born February 5, 1886, and Caroline 
Elizabeth, born March 24, 1890. Mr. Orvis is 
identified with the Christian Church, Mrs. Orvis 
with the Presbyterian denomination. 

Mrs. Orvis' grandparents on both sides have 
been extensively engaged in developing the early 
iron interests of Centre county. John Lyon, 
her grandfather, was for many years a member 
of the well-known iron firm of Lyon. Shorb 
& Co. 

Mr. Orvis is of a literary turn, and has an ex- 
treme fondness for books. His residence, situ- 
ated on East Linn street, is filled with a well- 
selected and magnificent library. Much of his 
time is spent among his books, and he is recog- 
nized as one of the best informed and most cult- 
ured men of Bellefonte. 



HON. ANDREW G. CURTIN, late of Belle- 
fonte. Centre county, lawyer, governor, 

diplomat, member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion and member of Congress, was born at Belle- 
fonte, April 22, 18 19. 

Roland Curtin, his father, was a native of 
Ireland, and was educated in Paris. His mother 
was Jane (Gregg) Curtin, the latter the daughter 
of Hon. Andrew Gregg. Roland Curtin, while 
a resident of Paris, narrowly escaped the guillo- 



tine during the Reign of Terror. He came first 
to Philipsburg, now in Centre county, then start- 
ed a store at Milesburg as early as March, 1797, 
and was a resident of Bellefonte, keeping store in 
1800. He was coroner of the county in 1803; 
sheriff in 1806, and soon after became extensive- 
ly engaged in iron works, and became prominent- 
ly identified with all public improvements made 
within the county. His death occurred in 1850, 
and that of the mother of Andrew G. Curtin, in 
1854. 

Andrew G. Curtin completed an academic 
course of education at the academy of Rev. 
David Kirkpatrick, D. D., in Mdton, studied law 
under Hon. W. W. Potter, in Bellefonte, com- 
pleting a course of legal study under Judge John 
Reed, in the Law Department of Dickinson Col- 
lege, at Carlisle. He was admitted to the Bar at 
the April term of 1837. In [840 he took an act- 
ive part in politics, in what was known as the Har- 
rison campaign, and in 1844 canvassed the State 
for Henry Clay for President. In 1848 and 1852 
he was on the State ticket for Presidential elec- 
tor. On January 7, 1855, he was commissioned, 
by Gov. James Pollock, secretary of the Com- 
monwealth, which position also included that of 
superintendent of the public schools. Progress- 
ive in every station he reached, his superintend- 
ence of State education has as one of its land- 
marks the institution of the system of normal 
schools, his recommendations and his annual 
reports culminating in the passage of the act of 
May 20, 1857, " To provide for the training of 
teachers for the common schools of the State." 

In i860, Mr. Curtin was nominated by the 
Republican party as their candidate for Govern- 
or, and elected over Henry D. Foster by a ma- 
jority of 32, 107 votes. His administration of the 
gubernatorial office during the dark days of the 
Republic made an imperishable name for his 
family, and added historic grandeur to the annals 
of the Commonwealth. The foresight which im- 
pelled him to refuse to disband the overflowing- 
volunteer regiments which the patriotism of 
Pennsylvania contributed on the call of the Pres- 
ident, and his prompt application to the Legis- 
lature for authority to organize them into a 
corps, afterward the famous " Pennsylvania Re- 
serves," saved the National Government, im- 
periled by the disaster of Bull Run. The ad- 
dresses he made, when presenting flags to the 
Pennsylvania regiments as they went forth to 
fight for the Union, will only be forgotten when 
the last volley is fired over the last Pennsylvania 
veteran of the war. Those 2 1 5 battle-flags, 
bearing the asgis of the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania, came back blood-stained, tattered, and 






if. 



COMMhMi'HA TlYK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



torn, 1 > 1 1 1 never disgraced upon any battle- fi 
of the Republic. 

Gov. Curtin's ever-enduring memorial, how- 
ever, in connection with the war, is the Orphan 
School, for the children ol those who gave their 
lives that tin- Union might live. Recurring 
his promise to thesoldiers, as thousands of nun 
him tor tin- last time, that Pennsyl- 
vania would never forget or neglect them or 
theirs, and that their children should he tin- chil- 
dren of the Mate, he clung to that purpose with 
a tenai its worthy of such a grand and noble 
cause. Amid his ci liers 

on the field and in the hospital, he never forj,'"t 
those who W( r< l< tt at home by the gallant fel- 
lows who had gone forward, It was the K rar| d 
undertone of his magnificent speech in the A 
emy of Music, at Philadelphia, r ' let the widow 
and lur dependent offspring in fact and in truth 
be the children of the State, and let the mighty 
people of the great ( ommonwealth nurture and 
maintain them." In January, 1864, in his an- 
nual message, he brought the subject to the 
attention ol the Legislature in the memorable 
H 1 'ids: "I con in lend to the prompt attention of 

the I the subjecf "I the relief ol the 

poor orphans of our soldiers w ho have given or 
shall give then livi s foi us during this crisis. In 
my opinion thi ir maintenance and education 
should be provided for bj the State. Failing 
other natural friends of ability, they should be 
honorably received and fostered as the children 
of the Commonwealth." 

Failing in getting through the Legislature a 
proper bill, which had been matured with greal 
care, the Governor started with the noble dona- 
tion of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company of 
$50,000, and laid the foundation for the Soldiers' 
Orphan Schools, a work of beneficence, right- 
eousness and justice which will keep Gov. Cur- 
tin's memory fragrant for ayes to come, the good 
results of which, felt all through tune, the Judg- 
ment Day wul only fully reveal. His health was 
much broken l>v arduous service during his first 
term, and President Lincoln tendered him a for- 
eign mission, which it was his intention to accept, 
but having been renominated for governor, and 

the people ol the Stale being unwilling to part 
with their war governor, he filled out a second 
term of the gubernatorial office. In 1869 he 
was appointed, bj President Grant, minister to 
Russia, returned to this country in the fall of 
1 S 7 2 , and took part in the liberal Republii 
movement which nominated Hoiace Greeley. 
He was very prominently spoken of for the sec- 
ond place on that ticket, and was the choice of 
the Pennsylvania delegation in the Greeley con- 



vention for President. His connection with the 
liberal Republican movement, and tile fact that 
his power and influence in the Republican party 
which were eminent while he remained in the 
country, but which had been broken by his ab- 
sence, carried him into the Democratic party 

He was a member of the Constitutional Con 
vention of [872 3, and for a few years after had 
little to do with politics. When he wearied of 
the quiet of business life, and longed for politics, 
Gov. Curtin found a place in the Democratic 
party, and was nominated for Congress in 1878, 
when he was defeated by the Greenbackers. He 
was nominated again, in 1880, by the Demo- 
crats of his Congressional District, and was 
elected for two terms, retiring in 1887 near the 
close of his seventy-first year. In Congress 
Go> ( urtin was a faithful public servant, and 
attracted much public attention. Atone time he 
was chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Com- 
mittee. 

Alter leaving Congress Gov. Curtin pursued a 
<|iiiet life at his mountain home in Bellefonte, 
respected and esteemed by people of al! classes. 
His familiar figure was an everyday sight on the 
streets of his native town. Tall, and erect as a 
youth, he would walk about for his daily exer- 
I'ntil within a short time previous to his 
death he kept up a livery interest in the politics 
of the county, and it was his influence that made 
his friend, Dr. J. H. Dobbins, the postmaster 
here under the former Cleveland administration, 
and not until he had given evidence that it would 
prove satisfactory would the department recom- 
mend the appointment of the present official. 
His time was occupied in looking after his business 
here and dispensing charities. No more ph 
ant hour could be spent than in a talk with the 
ex-Governor; he always loved young people, and 
gave them friendly counsel whenever an oppor- 
tunity presented itself, and those who enjoyed 
his intimacy will cherish his charming personality 
as Ion- as memory lasts. His death occurred 
■her 7, [894. He left to survive him his 
wife, a lady ol a charming personality, a daugh- 

■f Dr. William I. Wilson, three daughti 
all residents of Bellefonte, and one son, William 
Wilson Curtin. of Philadelphia. 



HON. HUGH N. MCALLISTER, who was 
listinguished citizen <>f I'.ellefonte, Centre 
county, and one of the most prominent lawj 
of this part of the State, was the eldest son of 
Hon. William McAllister and Sarah (Thompson), 
and was born on the farm owned by his father 






^4^UAl^_ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



17 



and grandfather in Lost Creek Valley, Juniata 
Co., Penn., June 28, 1809. 

His great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland 
to Lancaster county, Penn., about the year 1730. 
Major Hugh McAllister, grandfather of HughN., 
was born in Little Britain township, Lancaster 
county, in 1736. He served in the Indian war 
of 1763, and also in the war of the Revolution. 
At the close of the latter he retired to his farm 
in Lost Creek Valley, in Juniata county. He 
married Sarah Nelson, and reared a large family. 
A son, Hon. William McAllister, was born on 
the farm in Lost Creek Valley in August, 1774. 
He married Sarah Thompson. He served in the 
war of 1 8 1 2, and was for a long time one of the 
associate judges of Juniata count)'. 

Hon.. Hugh N. McAllister was reared on his 
father's farm, living at home and working on the 
farm during his minority, and receiving such 
elementary education as the neighborhood schools 
afforded. He obtained the rudiments of the 
classics from Rev. John Hutchinson. In 1830 
he entered the freshman class at Jefferson Col- 
lege, Canonsburg, and stood so high before the 
end of the year as to be chosen by his society as 
one of its debators, which honor, however, his 
modesty and timidity induced him to decline. He 
graduated, in 1833, high in a class in which were 
many more since distinguished in the Church 
and State. As soon as he graduated Mr. Mc- 
Allister commenced the study of law in the office 
of Hon. W. W. Potter, at Bellefonte. After 
completing the ordinary course of studies pursued 
by students in an office, he attended a law school 
then conducted at Carlisle by Hon. John Reed, 
president judge of the district, and author of 
"Pennsylvania Blackstone." On November 25, 
1835, on motion of W. W. Potter, Mr. McAllis- 
ter was admitted to practice in several courts 
of Centre county. He was at once taken into 
full partnership by Mr. Potter, and the election 
of the latter to Congress soon after threw the 
whole labor and responsibility of an extensive 
law practice upon the younger partner. As in 
every subsequent situation in life, Mr. McAllister 
brought so much ability, earnestness, zeal and 
indomitable perseverance to bear as to overcome 
all obstacles, and to successfully meet all re- 
sponsibilities resting upon him. The early death 
of Mr. Potter, while in Congress, left Mr. Mc- 
Allister alone in the practice to compete with 
one of the ablest Bars in the State. He remained 
without a partner until Gen. James A. Beaver 
was called to the Bar in 1859. From that time 
the law practice was conducted under the firm 
name of McAllister & Beaver. During the long 
professional career of nearly thirty-eight years 



he had an extensive, laborious and lucrative 
practice. Up to the lasteight or ten years of his 
life he regularly attended the courts of Clinton 
and Huntingdon counties, and, at times, courts 
of other counties. As a counselor he was al- 
ways discreet, careful and safe; as an attorney 
he was faithful, honest and industrious; as an 
advocate, he was earnest, zealous, and, at times, 
impressively eloquent. He would embark in no 
man's cause unless thoroughly impressed with its 
justice, and then he battled, as only a man of 
his temperament could battle, for the right. In 
the preparation of causes he was most thorough, 
and frequently performed an amount of labor 
which seemed beyond human endurance. His 
arguments before the Supreme Court of the State, 
of which the books of reports are full, were al- 
ways strong, clear and exhaustive. 

During the Civil war Mr. McAllister was one 
of the most earnest and zealous supporters of the 
Administration. He was ever foremost in con- 
tributing means, and performing work to secure 
volunteers, and in supporting the families of 
those who were in the service. He did more 
than any other one man to raise and organize the 
many companies which left Centre county, and 
finally, almost by his unaided exertions, raised a 
full company, of which he was elected captain, 
and upon its arrival at Camp Curtin, in Harris- 
burg, was assigned as Company F to the 232d 
Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, commanded 
by Col. George B. Weistling. Although far be- 
yond the age when men are relieved from military 
duty, and being unfit by education, habits and 
the state of his health for the hardships of a 
campaign, he accepted the responsibility, went 
with his company to the field, and served faith- 
fully until his place could be filled by a younger 
man. 

Mr. McAllister never held many public offices. 
Gov. Bigler, when a vacancy occurred in the 
Fourth Judicial District, desired to appoint him 
to the presidency of the Common Pleas, and 
asked his friends to induce him to grant the use 
of his name, and Gov. Curtin twice formally 
offered him commissions as president judge, 
which he declined. 

After the close of the war, he was appointed 
by the Governor as one of the commissioners to 
investigate, settle and adjust the claims of citi- 
zens of the border counties, for losses sustained 
by the war. This arduous and responsible duty 
he performed in a manner highly satisfactory to 
the State officials, as well as to the people im- 
mediately interested. He was elected one of the 
delegates at large to the Constitutional Convention 
of 1873, and was appointed chairman of the im- 



1- 



OOMMBMOBA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BECORD. 



portant committee on "Suffrage Election and 
Representation," and a member of the commit- 
tee on "Railroads and Canals." He entered 

upon his work with the energy and zeal wh 
ever characterized him. Unfortunately he did 
not limit bis labor by bis physical 
endure it, but by his desire for the permanent 

1 of his native Stale. Toward I 
winter his strength gave way und 
and he was compelled by Ins physician to return 

home for rest. He remained at h ■ foui 

five week-, during which time he improved in 
strength. Three weeks before his death, which 
occurred at Philadelphia, May 15, 1873, and ac- 
tuated bj an inten to take part in the 

important discussions then going on in the con- 
vention, and being in improved health, he went 
back to Philadelphia, and at once engaged ardu- 
ously in the labor of the convention. lie made 
several important speeches upon questions pend- 
ing before that body. He had over-estimated 
his strength, for his intense labor brought on 
disease, which in a few days terminated his 
earthly career. Literally he offered himself a 
sacrifice upon the altar of his Commonwealth. 
He sacrificed his life in his effort to protect the 
people from the corruptions oi the times, and the 
evils of misgovernment. Referring to him in 
this connection, his biographer said: "The 
delegates at large, elected upon the ticket with 
him, will select a successor, but they cannot till 
his place." 

As a citizen Mr. McAllister was always enter- 
prising, public-spirited and patriotic. lie took 
the lead in evi i\ 1 ntnpuse i to promote 

the public good. He labored hard and contrib- 
uted liberally for all such purposes. This he did 
not in a spirit of speculation to promote his own 

d, but to benefit the people. 

He was one of the projectors, the constant 
friend and liberal supporter of what is now the 
Pennsylvania State College. He kept the Agri- 
cultural Society in existence for years almost un- 
aided. He was tin- friend and supporter of the 
common schools, academies and seminaries, as 
well as Sunday-schools, For man} years he was 
the recognized head of the organizations in the 
county for the promotion 0! ti ri As a 

neighbor he was ever considerate, kind, obliging 
and liberal. As a man he was just, upright and 
inflexibly honest. He was not honest from pol- 
icy, but from an innate love of right and an inti 
hatred of everything wrong. Asa husband and 
father, he was most kind, gentle and affectionate. 
As a Christian, he was sincere, faithful and most 
exemplary. For a long time he was not onlj a 
member but an elder in the Presbyterian Church 



fonte, and took an active part in the la- 
bors of "ins, Presbyteries, Synods and 
ral Assemblies. It would take a volume to 
contain an enumeration of his virtues and his la- 
and in this brie I notii e we will attempt no 
further to detail what all who had the benefit of 
hi- acquaintance knew so well. He was a man 
of 11 and as few of the imperfections in- 
:it to human nature as is ever found in our 
race. 

Mr. McAllister was twice married— first to 
Henrietta Ashman Orbison, of Huntingdon, by 
whom he had seven children, four of whom died 
in infancy, and one, Ellen E., a lovely daughter, 
died in [866 at the age of twenty. Two daugh- 
ters, Mary A., the wife of Gen. James A. Heav- 
er, and Sarah B., wife of Dr. Thomas R. Hays, 
both of Bellefonte, survived their father. The 
Mrs. McAllister died April 12, 1857, and on 
September 12, 1859, Mr. McAllister married 
Margaret Hamilton, of Harrisburg, who died 
April 27, 1876, aged fifty- three years. She was 
the daughter of Hugh Hamilton, an editor of 
note, and granddaughter of ('apt. John Hamil- 
ton, under whom her husband's grandfather 
served in tin- Revolution. 

On the- death of Mr. McAllister the Constitu- 
tional ( Convention passed ap;>r< ipriate resolutions, 
and, out of respect for his memory and great pub- 
lic services, adjourned. Extracts Irom these and 
from addresses delivered in the Convention, to- 
ller with those from a similar meeting of the 
members of the Bar of Huntingdon. Clearfield, 
Clinton and ( entre counties held in the court- 
house at his home in Bellefonte, follow: 

That Ins death deprives the convention of one 

of its nieesi enlightened and industrious members, the Com- 

iwealth ei( eerie' of tier nieist public-spirited and useful 

immunity in which In- lived of a man whose 

indomitable energy, inflexible integrity and spotless moral 

character attracted te> him the nil affection of 

all who kcirw linn, and hi-, family of a kind and devoted 

ind and father. 

lint in no other work <if lu- life 'lid the- great chara 

H. N. McAllistei 1 1 much advantage as 

in the- di- his Christian duties. As an chirr in the 

hurch, representing Ins congregation in Pres- 
bytery, he was uniformly in the- lead of the . lergy in every- 
thing with which it was proper for him to deal; he was full 
■ion. ot work ami devotion; so in- appeared in 
the Synod, in 1 Vssembly, anil SO also at the- urcat 

ii.it united the- old and new school of tin- Presby 
oming chairman of the sustension com- 
mittee of the- Presbytery ol Huntingdon, he found opened 
In-fore- him .1 in l<l tor unselfish labor and 1 harity commen- 
surate, and only commensurate, with his enlarged desire to 
carry forward tin- work of the Lord. The clergy of his de- 
n throughout tin- State- bear willing testimony to 
the wisdom ami high ability he displayed in tin- management 
of that work. He had unequaled ability to induce others to 
give ci|i their means to the- work of the c hurl h, anil he pos- 
d mane: -ion to give abund- 

antly himself. I shall excite criticism from no one in this 
section when I say lh.it the- priv ale- c harities he- has bestowed 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HECORD. 



19 



upon the needy, in number and in the aggregate sum, far 
exceed those of any other man in the interior of the State. 
What a character! Always excitable, at times passionate, 
imperious and relentless, and yet generous, benevolent, com- 
passionate and affectionate. As neighbor, husband and 
father, I believe his life was faultless.— Mr. BlGLER. 

It was in the spring of 1841— thirty-two years ago— that 
I was sent to preside in the courts of the Fourth Judicial Dis- 
trict of Pennsylvania, consisting then of the counties of Mif- 
flin, Huntingdon, Centre, Clearfield and Clinton, and there I 
hist met Mr. McAllister. He resided at Bellefonte, Centre 
county, but was growing into a large and lucrative practice 
in several counties of the district. l r or ten years he prac- 
ticed law before me with great ability and success. I have 
never seen so laborious and painstaking a lawyer. His great 
forte lay in the preparation of his causes. He never came 
into court unfurnished with evidence, if evidence could, with 
any amount of research and industry, be obtained to estab- 
lish the facts of the case. Many ejectments upon original 
titles were tried in those ten years, and 1 have known Mr. 
McAllister to give fifty or sixty warrants and surveys in evi- 
dence, to fix the location of the one tract in suit. He would 
sweep over a whole district of country and examine survey- 
ors as to every mark in miles of lines to verify the conclu- 
sions he wished to establish in the cause upon trial. In all 
lawsuits, but especially in ejectments upon original titles, the 
law arises upon the facts in evidence, and he is the most 
philosophical and successful lawyer who arranges his facts 
most fully, and places them before the court and jury in that 
orderly sequence which is most natural and logical Per- 
haps I have known lawyers of more subtle reasoning facul- 
ties than Mr. McAllister possessed, but I never knew one 
who could prepare a cause so well. -HON. G. \V. Wood- 
ward. 

Resolved: That we have learned with feelings of pro- 
found sorrow of the death of Hon. H. N. McAllister, who 
for a period of nearly forty years stood in the front rank 
of the legal profession, not only in this and the neighbor- 
ing districts, but who, by his learning, his industry and 
integrity, has acquired throughout the entire State a high 
and enviable reputation as a lawyer of eminent ability; and 
who, by his liberality, his enterprising spirit, his devoted 
patriotism, his steady and earnest desire to be foremost 
in every good work, whether pertaining to religion, mor- 
ality, education or patriotism, by his open-hearted benev- 
olence and his unswerving devotion to duty, and to the 
advancement and promotion of whatever he regarded as 
right, has won the unbounded esteem, admiration and 
confidence of the entire community; and who, by reason of 
intense anxiety to perform his whole duty as a member 
of the Constitutional Convention regardless of the decline of 
his physical strength, fell at his post a martyr to that high 
sense of duty which has been the guiding star of his life. 

One by one they have gone. And now another is added 
to this list of the dead, and our memories are charged with 
sorrow at the departure of one more bright and shining light 
of this Bar. More than all that — more than an admiration 
of the legal learning, or the strifes and antagonisms which 
follow the professional life, we hold in our memories their 
character as citizens of the community, and we measure 
to them our gratitude by the good they did during their lives. 

I know full well that Mr. McAllister never had those 
attractive, magnetic qualities which make a man what is 
termed popular. He never did; it was not in his nature to 
condescend to the arts by which' men too often attain to high 
■ official position, or who become popular in the political ac- 
ceptation of the term; and yet I doubt much whether we 
could have stood at the grave of one citizen of Centre county 
who would be so universally mourned and whose loss would 
be more severely felt. It is not the Bar alone that sustains 
this loss. The society in which the man moved; the people 
to whom he gave an example of integrity and virtue; the 
community which surrounded him, has received a wound 
that is bleeding to-day, and throughout all this region of 
Pennsylvania there will be sincere mourning, because a use- 
ful citizen and a good man has died.— Ex-Governor An- 
drew G. Curtin. Chairman of the Committee of the Con- 
stitutional Convention. 



ON. ANDREW GREGG, who in his life- 
time was a citizen of distinction of Belle- 
fonte, Centre county, having served in both 
Houses of the United States Congress, was born 
June IO, 1755, about two miles northwesterly of 
Carlisle, Penn., on a farm, adjoining the meeting 
house farm, in Middleton township. 

Andrew Gregg, his father, came from Lon- 
donderry, Ireland, and his grandfather's name 
was John. The family had emigrated from Scot- 
land to Ireland, and an old-fashioned sword and 
espontoon, long in the garret of the old house 
on the Conodoguinet, were arms of the ancestor 
in the army of King William at the battle of the 
Boyne, July 1, 1690. Of Mr. Gregg's grand- 
father's family, John remained in Ireland; David, 
Andrew, and their sister Rachel, who was mar- 
ried to Solomon Walker, came to America: 
David settled in New Hampshire, and raised a 
large family there. The Gregg families of Salem, 
Mass., Elmira, N. Y. , and Indianapolis, Ind., are 
descendants of David. Andrew and Mrs. Wal- 
ker settled on Christiana creek, near Newark, 
Del., in 1732, where his first wife died, and An- 
drew married Jane Scott, daughter of Matthew" 
Scott, who had emigrated from Armagh, Ireland, 
to Chestnut Level. Andrew Gregg, the elder, 
removed to the farm near Carlisle, in 1750, 
where he died November 18, 1789. Among his 
children were Matthew, who was a wagon master 
in the army from January 9, 1779. to August 14, 
1790; James and John, who were also connected 
with the army. John Gregg was the father of 
Elizabeth (wife of George McKee), who died in 
Bellefonte. October II, 1801, and of the first 
Mrs. Roland Curtin, Sr. 

Hon. Andrew Gregg received his early educa- 
tion at Rev. John Steel's Latin school, in Car- 
lisle, and was then sent to Newark, DA., to 
complete his education. While thus engaged he 
turned out upon several occasions in the militia. 
On the march of the British from Turkey Point 
to Philadelphia, the academy at Newark was 
broken up, and Mr. Gregg returned to Carlisle 
to assist his father on the farm, his other brothers 
being in the army. In 1779 he went to Phila- 
delphia, with the intention of going to France 
for his health, which had been in a declining 
state for some time; but changing his intention, 
he accepted the appointment of tutor in the col- 
lege (now university) there, and continued there 
under Dr. Smith's and Dr. Ewin,''s adm nistra- 
tions until 1783, when he removed to Middleton, 
Penn., where he resided four years, engaged in 
the mercantile business. On January 29, 1787, 
Mr. Gregg was married to Martha, daughter of 
Maj.-Gen. James Potter, at the latter's old resi- 



<UMM/:Moi;A TIVE BIOGltArilir.ll RECORD. 



dence in Huffalo Valley, now Union county. He 
then removed to Lewistown, then being laid out 
by Gen. Pottei and Maj. Montgomery, where his 
daughter Mary, afterward Mrs. McLanahan, of 
Greencastle, Penn. , was born, November 2, 1788. 
In 1789 he removed to Peon's Valley, two miles 
east of the Old Fort. His public services com- 
menced Novembei 8, 1791, as member of the 
House of Representatives of the United States. 
He was continued in the House by successive 
elections for a period of sixteen years, and in 
1807 he was chosen United States senator, which 
position he occupied until March 3, 1813. He 
was twice elect, d president of the Senate, the 
highest distinction in the councils of the nation 
any Pennsylvanian had then attained. In 1814 
he removed from Penn's Valle) to Bellefonte for 
the purpose of better educating his family. Hi 
was the first president of the Centre Hank, which 
was organized under articles of association or 
partnership in 1813, and was re-elected in 1814. 
On the 10th of December, [820, he was ap- 
pointed secretary of the Commonwealth b) Cm\ 
I luster, which office he held when Dominated by 
a convention that met at Lewistown May 15, 
1K23, for governor in opposition to Mr. Shult*/, 
who had been nominated by what was called a 
Legislative Convention at Harrisburg on the 5th 
of March. After Mr. Gregg retired from the of- 
fice of Secretary of the Commonwealth, he resided 
in Bellefonte until lus death, which occurred May 
20, 1835. H° had strong party predilections, 
but was remarkable for his independence of char- 
acter, always acting according to the con- 
victions of his own mind, though they sometimes 
differed from those of political friends. He was 
while in office, in fact what he was elected 
to be, the representative of the interests of his 
constituents. He was always scrupulously ten- 
acious of his oath to subserve the public good 
according to the best of his judgment and abil- 
ity, never yielding his duty to the prejudices of 
party spirit or the vi< ws • >! interested politicians. 
Mr. Gregg's children, ten in number, v 
1 Mrs. Mary McLanahan, of Greencastle, 
mother of Andrew, James, Isabella and Mary. 

fane, mother ol Roland Curtin, Sr., fathi 
ex-Gov. A. G. Curtin. . ;-,) Martha, who married 
Dr. Constans Curtin, and died December 11, 
1 829. 1. 1 1 [ulia Ann, who married t len. |. 
Irvin. and .lied July 4. [856 (5 Eli Mitchell, 
wulow ol David Mu. bell, ,.| Bellefonte, now de- 
llon. Andrew Gregg, who died Ma) 
1 5, 1 869, father ol < ..n. John 1. ( Iregg, lat . 
the United States army, ol Andrew Gregg, county 
commissionei in 1! | James P, Gn 

married Kli.-.i Wilson, and died 111 Virginia, Sep- 



tember 8, 1 s 4 5 (8 M.ittluw D., married Ellen 
McMurtrie, who also died in Virginia, July 26, 
[845, the father of Gen. David McMurtrie Gregg, 
now !• Reading, Penn., a distinguished 

cavalry officer of the United States army during 
the war of the Rebellion. (9) Sarah, who married 
Henry Kinney, and died March 28, 1836. (101 
Mrs. Margery Tucker, of Uewishurg, Penn.. 
widow of Rev. Charles Tucker, of the Baptist 
( burch. 



mz 



ON. WILLIAM F. PACKER, another son 



Centre counts who became Governor of 
the Commonwealth, and a distinguished states- 
man, was born near Howard, April 2, 1807. 
When he was but seven years of age Ins father 
died, leaving a widow and five small children- 
the eldest under ten \ ears of age. Bereft of 
parental care, the sons, Hezekiah B. , afterward 
judge Packer, of Williamsport, William F., and 
[ohn P., afterward a merchant at Flemington. 
Clinton Co., Penn., as they arrived at a sufficient 

applied themselves to the task of assisting their 
mother in maintaining the family, and cheerfully 
sustained whatever hardships their situation im- 
posed, receiving at the same time such education 
as the limited facilities of the country schools ol 
that time afforded. Directed by their mother, 
and relying upon their own resources for their 
success, it is no marvel that these young men be- 
came distinguished, each in bis proper sphere in 
after life. 

In 1820, William F. Packer, then in his thir- 
teenth year, obtained a place in the office of the 
Public Inquirer, published in Sunbury, with 
Samuel F. Packer, a kinsman, afterward a 
State senator from the Northumberland District, 
who was publishing this paper at that time. 
When young William became assured of his po- 
sition he tin on foot a distance of eight) 
miles, and engaged himself as an appreni 
After about one year had elapsed the paper was 

mtinued and he returned to Centre county, 
where be completed hisapprenticeship in the offici 
ol the Bellefonte Patriot, then under the control of 
Henry Petrikin, who subsequently became a dis- 
tinguished member of the State Legislature, and 
was deputy secretary of the Commonwealth 
under Governor Shunk. After the expiration of 
bis appn up in 1825, he obtained a clerk- 

in the 1 recorder in 

I yci ming county, butat the commencement ol 
tb. Legislature, in December of the same year, 
be w . nt to Harrisburg and engaged 1 ji mrney- 
man printer in the 1 the Pennsylvania 

Intelligencer, published b) Simon Cameron, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



21 



since then United States senator, and David 
Krause, afterward president judge of the Bucks 
County District. He worked in this office for 
two years, and then went to Williamsport and 
entered his name as a student at law in the office 
of Joseph B. Anthony, who afterward served as a 
State senator, member of Congress and president 
judge of the Lycoming District. He never ap- 
plied for admission to the Bar, yet the knowledge 
thus acquired of the rudiments of the profession 
was of inestimable value to him in the public 
stations which he afterward filled. In the fall of 
1827, he purchased the Lycoming Gazette, which, 
in connection with John Brandon, he published 
until the spring of 1836. On December 24, 
1829, he was married to Mary W., daughter of 
Peter W. Vanderbelt, a most estimable lady, 
who still survives him. Mr. Packer took a lead- 
ing part in the agitation in constructing the West 
Branch canal in 1831. He was the author of 
the address to the people of Philadelphia, whose 
members in the Legislature opposed the appro- 
priations for the building of this canal, and to 
his efforts, as much as to those of any individual, 
are the people of that section of the State in- 
debted for preserving and completing this great 
improvement, whose influence was of incalcul- 
able benefit to the vicinity in which Mr. Packer 
was raised. Mr. Packer was appointed as 
superintendent of that division June, 1835. He 
took a leading and active part in favor of the re- 
nomination and re-election of Gov. George Wolf 
in 1835. In i836,'with O. Barrett and Benja- 
min Parke, he established The Keystone at Har- 
risburg, a paper which at once commanded the 
confidence and support of the Democratic party 
of the State. In February, 1839, he was ap- 
pointed a member of the board of Canal Com- 
missioners, in which position he achieved great 
success. 

In 1842 he was appointed auditor-general of 
the Commonwealth, and he continued to dis- 
charge the duties of that office for a period of 
three years, with great distinction. Mr. Packer 
served two terms in the Legislature of the State, 
from the district composed of Lycoming, Clinton 
and Potter counties, and also served as speaker 
of the House for two successive terms. He was 
a lifelong adherent of the Democratic party, 
and was one of the most forcible advocates and 
leaders. He was elected State senator in 1849, 
over Andrew G. Curtin, who afterward succeeded 
him in the executive chair. On all questions 
relating to improvements in the Susquehanna 
Valley, he especially distinguished himself. In 
185 1 he introduced a bill to incorporate the Sus- 
quehanna Railroad Co. This was the means of 



the building eventually of a network of railroads 
through this Valley, and the development of one 
of the richest and most valuable sections of the 
State. In the organization of the Susquehanna 
Railroad Co., in June, 1852, Mr. Packer was 
made its first president. He was nominated for 
governor in 1857, and was triumphantly elected 
by a majority of fourteen thousand votes. His 
administration of this office was accomplished 
with great ability, and although many compli- 
cated questions involving great and important 
decisions, were required, yet he met and dis- 
posed of all these with great credit and wisdom. 
Gov. Packer relinquished the office of State ex- 
ecutive in i860, to Hon. A. G. Curtin, another of 
Centre county's noble sons. Springing from the 
people, he was an active and creditable expon- 
ent of their rights, and opposed with unflinching 
firmness every form of intolerance, whether po- 
litical or religious. His name will ever be on 
record as one of Pennsylvania's most capable 
and illustrious statesmen. 



HON. JOHN MITCHELL, who was for 
years a distinguished citizen of Bellefonte, 

Centre county, was a son of Gen. David Mitchell, 
of Cumberland county (now Perry), who was for 
some twenty-two years a member of the Legis- 
lature. 

John Mitchell was born about two miles from 
Newport, Perry county, March 8, 1791. When 
quite a boy he went with his father on his jour- 
ney to the meetings of the Legislature to bring 
the horses home, and returned for him in the 
spring. He had little schooling, but a great ca- 
pacity for mathematics. One of the members 
gave him a book, and told him he must run lines 
all over the farm before his return in the spring, 
which he did, being only about fourteen years of 
age. He came to Centre county in 1800, and 
engaged with John Dunlop as a clerk in the iron 
works. In May, 18 14, he was married to the 
widow of Col. W. W. Miles {nee Annie Boggs), 
and then entered into the mercantile business 
with his brother David, in Bellefonte. In Octo- 
ber, 1 8 18, he was elected sheriff of Centre coun- 
ty, and as such became the executioner of Munks. 
Mr. Mitchell's ability as a surveyor and engineer 
was so universally recognized that he became 
constantly employed in such services. In 1821 
he laid out the Centre and Kishacoquillas turn- 
pike and superintended its construction, and sub- 
sequently as engineer located many of the turn- 
pikes, in the middle and northern portions of the 
State. In the fall of 1822 he was elected to the 
Assembly, and re-elected in 1823. When elected 









22 



Mon.XTlVR BIOGRAPHIOAL RECORD. 



the first tin . in the 

mountains sun nd returned the second 

da) after thi a 1 1> had been gi me i h 

weeks, and James M Peti ikin v at start- 

ing "nt to hunt him upand inform tiim of it. In 

• iber, i ■■>-•". when he ran tl. 
tli re was but one vote against him in the B< 
fonte box. This was attributed to Mr. Norris, 
brother-in-law of John Brown, 

ing candidates. He, hi m v> r, denied the im- 
chment. In the summer of 1827, under the 
din made a 

ind examination "I the proposed canal 
routes between the Susquehanna and Potom 
commencing at the month of the Conedocwinet, 
above Harrisburg, and running west as fai 
Green village, in Franklin county; then 
tinned to Gettysburg, etc. In 1S57 he t 
point d 1 ngineer on the Eri< m, conn 

with the Beavei division above New! istle, 
I running to Erie, superintending the con- 
struction ol the French Creek feeder, which was 
the firs! part ol the work. In 1829 he was ap- 
pointed by the Legislatui 1 the 1 anal i 
nn- oted b) ( lov. Wolf in 1S30, 
and continued in office until the adven: 
Ritnei - administration It was in this office that 
the peculiat talents , ,| \| r , \i,t, hell most 
coi 

an intuitive sagacity, and a complete kn 
ol mankind, lie milted with these qualitii 
coolness and disi retion. an indefatig 
vei pported bj an iron constitution. Ac- 

tomed from early lite to endure privatii 
often \oluntarilv un neither the storms 

Ol winter nor the heat o| siiiiiin 1 iiitei! led with 
lli' Ol Ins dut) . Ill- habit 

in the morning, 
and do .1 large amount ol brain-work bel 
bn 1 1' was Presidential elector on the 

' and Johnston ticket in 1835, and 

aftei hi - re val b) Gov. Ritner in 1 837 he « 

into the iron business, the firm ol |ohn Mitchell 
& Co. owning and managing Hecla and Mill 
Hall I 11 n. 1. es. I le failed in that business in 

"d m [839 was ap] in d superintendent 

"I the Beavei I the Pennsylvania canal, 

and in 1842 removed Iron, Centre count) 
Brid nty. 

In 18 |.|. h hen 1 R Shunk, who had 

I under Mr Mitchell, 
wa ernor, he promised Mr Mitchell 

the office ol surveyor-general; but there b 
ions in the Demoi ratii party, and Mr. Mitch- 
standing with ex-Gov. Porter, Go\ Shunk 
d bitterly that he could not keep his 
word, saying he could not help it, and was forced 



by circumstances. On January 1, [845, the 

I th Bi aver division to the Erie 
t lanaK - pany reappointed Mr. Mitch- 

ell, and in the performance ol the duties of the 

the remainder of his days. The 
last days of his life were clouded by the death of 
his son David, who was wounded in battle in 
Mexico, an! died at Perote. Mr. Mitchell died 
.11 Bridgewater, August 3, 1 849, of cholera. His 
two children, Mrs. Martha Kephart, of Union- 
ville, ( entre county, and Mrs. N H. Dickson, 
wife "i Dr. [oseph Dickson, at I'ittsburg, are 
both dead. 



H 



WON. WILLIAM W. POTTER, a distin- 
guished lawyerand statesman of Bellefonte, 
Centre county, and a grandson of Gen. James 
Potter, ol the Revolutionary war, was born at 
I'otters Mills, Centre county, December |S. 1792. 
In August, 1809, young Potter commenced 
attending the Latin school of Rev. Thomas 
Hood, near Lewisburg, from which he was 
transferred to Dickinson College at Carlisle. 
After he graduated, he read law with Hon. 
Charles Huston, of Bellefonte, and was admit- 
Bar in April, 1S14, of which for twen- 
ty-five \e,irs he was an honored member. Af- 
fable, courteous and kind to the junior members 
of the Bar, he was looked up to by them as a 
father. He was an able and judicious counselor, 
industrious and successful practitioner of 
the law, and his profession was his pride. Left 
with an ample patrimony, no child of penury and 
want was more indefatigable and industrious in 
■1 pursuits, and at his death he had no supe- 
111 his di landing and acquire- 
ments. In 1833 the grand jury of Union county 
petitioned the governor for the appointment as 
president judge ol that district. In 18 — he re- 
ed thi- imam is nomination in the district 

it in C ind was elected by the 

largest majorit) en in the district, and in 

1838, which was a fieri e and bittei political con- 

1 tl office 1 > 1 11 iiif^ 

the h nted this district' in Con- 

5, b) In- talents, 1 lear and discriminating 

mind, his eloquence, and with a mild and j^entle- 

manly demeanor, he gained foi himself a high 

reputation, and s( 1 at tin I the Demo- 

cratic delegation from Pennsylvania. Congress 
was convened in extra session on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, m consequence of the financial condi- 
tion of the country, by President Van Dunn, 
and on the 27th of September Mr. Potter made 
his maiden speech in ( the bill to 

ipone the fourth installment of deposit with 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



23 



the States, which placed him in the front rank of 
sagacious counselors upon our financial policy. 
His next speech, January 4, 1838, in reply to Mr. 
Cushing upon the Hayes resolution in relation to 
the United States Bank, was a masterly consti- 
tutional argument. On the 12th of April he de- 
livered a remarkably eloquent speech, exhibiting 
extensive historical research, upon the resolution 
relative to the Wyoming flag. The people of 
Wyoming Valley had asked for the flag their fa- 
thers had fought under, believing the one cap- 
tured in Canada in the war of 1812, and in the 
State Department, was it; but it turned out to be 
the one the British had fought under during the 
battle of Wyoming. On June 13, 1838, he de- 
livered a very able and exhaustive speech on the 
independent treasury bill, which acquired for 
him great notoriety and popularity. We shall 
allude to one other speech of Mr. Potter, that 
which was delivered February 28, 1839, on issu- 
ing treasury notes to meet the expenses of the 
government, as a brief, unanswerable, logical 
argument. He died at a comparatively early 
age, in his forty-eighth year, in the midst of his 
professional usefulness, and when rising into na- 
tional fame. His remains were conveyed to the 
family burying-ground at Potters Mills on the 
morning of October 1, attended by the judges of 
the court and the members of the Bar in a body. 
He left no children. His widow, Lucy (Winters) 
Potter, died May 30, 1875, in Bellefonte, at the 
advanced age of eighty-four years. They were 
married March 20, 1815. She was a sister of 
Mrs. Judge Huston and Mrs. Burnside. 



MON. CHARLES HUSTON (deceased), who 
was one among the honored and distin- 
guished citizens of Bellefonte, Centre county, was 
of Scotch-Irish origin, born in Plumstead town- 
ship, Bucks county, Penn., January 16, 1771. 
He was the eldest son of Thomas and Jane 
(Walker) Huston. His grandfather was one of 
the early immigrants to the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

A mere lad during the Revolution, many of 
its incidents were indelibly impressed upon his 
memory. His education was received at Dick- 
inson College, Carlisle, Penn., from which he 
was graduated in 1789. with the honors of his 
class. During the year 1790-91 he taught a 
select school at Carlisle, meanwhile studying law 
with Thomas Duncan, with whom he was after- 
ward associated on the Bench of the Supreme 
Court of Pennsylvania. In 1792-93 he was em- 
ployed by the trustees of the college as tutor of 
the languages. Among his pupils was Chief 



Justice R. B. Taney, of the Supreme Court of 
the United States. In his autobiography the 
Chief Justice says of him: " I need not speak of 
his character and capacity, for he afterward be- 
came one of the first jurists of the country. He 
was an accomplished Latin and Greek scholar, 
and happy in his mode of instruction. And when 
he saw that a boy was disposed to study, his 
manner to him was that of a companion and 
friend, aiding him in his difficulties. The whole 
school under his care was much attached to 
him." In October, 1794, Gen. Washington 
went through Carlisle on his way to quell the 
Whiskey Insurrection. Mr. Huston joined the 
expedition, and his vivid description of its vari- 
ous incidents will long be remembered by the 
many who had the good fortune to number him 
among their acquaintances. 

In those days lawyers traveled the circuits on 
horseback, and there remains a description of 
Mr. Huston's costume: slouched hat, drab three- 
caped overcoat, green flannel leggings tied around 
the legs with black tape, homespun dress coat. 
Thus attired, with boots and leggings covered 
with mud, for want of time to change his dress, 
he was compelled to enter the Supreme Court 
sitting in Philadelphia, where to the astonish- 
ment of the Bar, he delivered one of the ablest 
arguments they had ever listened to. In the 
spring of 1807 he removed to Bellefonte, attend- 
ing faithfully to an enormous practice until his 
appointment by Gov. Findlay to the presidency 
of the courts of this district. He was a powerful 
advocate before a jury, and the memory of the 
remarkable speech he madi in the Barber & Kel- 
ley case in court at Bellefonte still lingers, a 
traditionary witness of his forensic ability. 
He presided over the Fourth District for 
eight years with distinguished ability. Such 
was his influence with the jury, that in the course 
of these whole eight years he granted but two 
new trials. In 1826 he was appointed, by Gov. 
Shultz, one of the justices of the Supreme Court 
of Pennsylvania, in the arduous and responsible 
duties of which he continued until the expiration 
of his commission in 1845. How ably he dis- 
charged these duties will be best learned from 
his numerous opinions in full thirty-five volumes 
of reports. The last four years of his life were 
spent in the compilation of his work entitled 
" An Essay on the History and Nature of Original 
Titles to Land in the Province and State of 
Pennsylvania. " 

Judge Huston's wife, his only son and two 
daughters he had followed to the grave, and these 
afflictions weaned his thoughts from this world, 
and he looked for a better. He was a commun- 



24 



COMMKMiiUATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RE( ORD. 



at in the Presbyterian Church, and died as he 
had lived, a firm believer in tin- trutl ris- 

tianity. II 10, 

: i. he being in the eightieth 
He left to survive him two d the 

w ife of the Hon Jami s T. Hal mte, 

the otherthewil W. Sturdevant, 

ol Wilkes ce decea 



P< iRAV MEEK, 
tre county, and at present Sui the 

I rt at Philadelphia, has from a 

line of -. who v uous in the 

early histor) of our country and of the Stat 
Pennsylvania. 

ancestral hi our subject ap] 

in the sketch of Reuben 11. Meek, his lather. 

I i n< arlj forty years P. G lited 
and published the Watchman at Bellefonte, and 

•i prominently identified w it It the public affairs 
of the Commonwealth. II n in Patton 

township Centre county, Penn., July [2, 1^4-. 

I I - education was limited to that afforded l>v the 
common schools, and he began life as a sch 
teacher at Lumber City, Clearfield county, in the 
winter of 1 The next year he was a 
clerk, then worked on a farm, and followed what 
he could find to do that would permit an honest 
living, until May, 1861 He then, though but a 
boy, bee, Hue junior editor of the Democratic 
Watchman, then a four ; six columns 
to the page, with a circulation of less than five 
hundred, The paper had practically been aban- 
doned by its owin rs on account of the bitter t 
ing that existed against Democratic journals, and 
young Meek found 1 task in satisfying his 
readers and keeping out of the clutches of the 
provost marshal- His first articles attracted at- 
tention, and it was but a couple ol months until 
the owners thought him too out-spoken and rad- 
ical, and he was requested to resign his position. 
rfe then returned to his father's farm, when 
worked until July, 1862, when he managed to 
purchase a half interest in the paper, and assumed 
editorial control of it. The paper itself, small 
and with .1 limited patronage; the most influen- 
tial men of the party den radical 
and out-spoken; the merchants of the place re- 
fusing to give it their pati its youthful 
editor experienced the fact that he was on the 
unpopular side of public opinion, but believing 
himself right refused to allow these conditions to 
Stifle his convictions, or change its policy, and 
gained a reputation for consistency and plainness 
of speech which eventually secured for his paper 
that success which has since attended it, and 



made his reputation as an editor. Mr. Meek was 
not only a sententious but courageous writer, and 
during the Civil war the feeling toward him by 
holding opposite views was exceedingly bit- 
ter and extreme, as was shown by the many ar- 
il to. On one occasion he 
was arrested and taken before a justice of the 
peace in nte, charged with "high trea- 

son:" shortly after this a county grand jury pre- 
sented him for publishing "improper political 
matter;" following these he was arrested on oath 
of provost marshals three different limes, and 
taken before the United States Court at Pitts- 
burg, for his out-spoken denunciation of the 
policy of the Republican administration. In all 
these cases, except the first, which was never 
heard of after being placed on the justice's docket, 
nolle prosses were entered by the courts. In 
March. 1865, he was taken from his office, with- 
out notice and without any preferred charge, by 
ompany of United States soldiers and incar- 
cerated in the military prison at Harrisburg, from 
which hi latter taking an oath to re- 

turn for trial when demanded, a requirement 
that was never enforc 

H;~ constituents never lost confidence in him, 
and in 1867, 1 868, 1870. 1871, they elected him 
toth' II ise of Representatives by large major- 
ities While in the 11 iuse he was instrumental 
in having an act requiring railroads to fence their 
lines in Centre county, or pay for the stock 
killed (known as the railroad fence law) and the 
lumberman's lein act passed, which added to his 
p |>ularity with those classes of his section, as 
both of these measures have proven of material 
benefit to laboring men and farmers. In 1872 
he was secretary of the Democratic State Com- 
mittee, and in 1873, 1875 and 1S76, he had the 
indorsement of the county convention for State 
He was defeated by ex-Gov. Curtin 
for the nomination for Congress in 1878 in Centre 
county, by two votes in the convention. In 
2 he accepted the position of editorial secre- 
tary of the Democratic State Committee, and 
prepared th< r part of the documents for 

the campaign of 1882; and served as one of its 
secretaries, during the campaigns of 1883 and 
; He was elected chief clerk of the House 
in January. 1883, and filled 
that position during the memorable regular and 
special sessions of that year. As showing the 
manner in which he performed the duties of this 
position, we give, out of many of the same char- 
acter, this single extract from one of the leading 
journals of the State: "On Saturday last Mr 
P. Gray Meek, chief clerk of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, completed the settlement of his ac- 







i^^w h^uU 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



25 



counts, turned over to the Governor the remnant 
of the State's property in his charge, and left for 
his home. In his departure he carried with him 
not only the consciousness of having discharged 
his duty with fidelity, but the respect alike of the 
members and citizens with whom his official 
duties brought him in contact. During the pro- 
tracted sessions in which Mr. Meek presided at 
the clerk's desk, covering a period of eleven 
months, he has been an intelligent and zealous 
champion of economy and reform. He has been 
faithful to every obligation which the arduous 
duties of the office imposed. " 

In 1890 Mr. Meek was elected to the Senate 
by a majority approximating 5,000. He was 
made a member of the committee on Appropria- 
tions, Banks, Insurance and Congressional Ap- 
portionment, and prepared the Congressional and 
Senatorial Apportionment bills presented and ad- 
vocated by the Democrats. His principal effort 
during this session was put forth to secure legis- 
lation taxing un-naturalized persons for poor pur- 
poses. At the session of 1893 he served on com- 
mittees on Banks, Congressional Apportionment, 
Insurance, Legislative Apportionment, Public 
Printing and other committees, and again pre- 
pared the several Apportionment bills that his 
party presented and supported. Before his term 
as senator expired he was (in February, 1894) 
appointed Surveyor of the Port at Philadelphia 
by President Cleveland, which position he con- 
tinues to hold. The following extracts from the 
press speak for themselves: 

The well-rounded periods in the life of P. Gray Meek, 
the fighting editor of the Bellefonte Democratic Watchman, 
would fill a book and provide a good start for another one. 
As legislator, senator and proprietor of the best known and 
thoroughly successful country weekly paper, his career has 
been one alternating storms and sunshine, for he is nothing 
if not aggressive, and his type of Democracy is founded on 
the ultra-Jacksonian standard, with a mixture of the Jeffer- 
sonian article. To know Editor Meek is to know a clever 
and genial editor with an opinion and of sterling ability to 
back it up. He has literally cut out his career from sur- 
roundings severely hostile in character, and whether in the 
right or wrong he has always had the courage of his con- 
victions. 

The Watchman, under the capable management of 
Senator Meek, has been a very creditable journal. Its pro- 
prietor is a natural-born newspaper man, and a thorough 
believer in the principles of the Democratic party, and has 
been largely instrumental, in his career as a journalist, in 
keeping the party solid in party ranks. His paper is re- 
garded by the State newspaper fraternity as one of the best 
edited and finest printed weeklies in the Commonwealth. It 
enjoys a large circulation throughout many of the different 
States of this country. One of the finest and best-equipped 
job offices in Pennsylvania is connected with it, and the ma- 
chinery of the entire plant is run by the water power from 
the springs, whose waters flow by the building. Mr. Meek 
is assisted in the editorial work by his son, George R. Meek, 
who is a graduate of Pennsylvania State College, and a very 
able and forcible writer. 

In January, 1862, Mr. Meek was married to 



Miss Susan M., only daughter of George W. 
Meek, of Ferguson township, Centre county, and 
to them were born six children: Rachel L. , 
Mary Gray, Elizabeth Breckinridge, George R. , 
Eloise and Winifred Barron. The eldest daugh- 
ter is associated with her father and brother in 
the conduct of the paper. Elizabeth and Eloise 
are both graduates of the Bellefonte High School 
and of the Pennsylvania State College, as is also 
George R., the latter from the High School in 
1886 and from the State College in 1890, and 
since 1893 he has been the managing editor of 
the Democratic Watchman. The family adheres 
to the religious faith of their ancestors, that of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. 



JUDGE THOMAS BURNSIDE (deceased), 
who was a resident of Bellefonte, Centre 
county, was born near Newton Stewart, in 
County Tyrone, Ireland, July 28, 1782. He 
came with his father's (William Burnside) family 
in 1792 to Montgomery county, his father locat- 
ing near Fairview, in Lower Providence, in that 
county. In November, 1800, he commenced the 
study of law under Hon. Robert Porter, of Phila- 
delphia, and was admitted to the Bar February 
13, 1804, and in March removed to and settled in 
Bellefonte, Centre county. 

In 181 1 he was elected to the State Senate, 
and was an active supporter of Gov. Simon Sny- 
der in all the war measures of 1S12. In 1815, 
he was elected to Congress, and served during 
the memorable session of 1816. In the summer 
of the same year he was appointed by Gov. Sny- 
der president judge of the Luzerne District. He 
resigned that position in 1818, and resumed prac- 
tice at Bellefonte. In 1823. he was again elected 
to the State Senate, of which body he was chosen 
speaker. In 1826, before his senatorial term had 
expired, he was appointed president judge of the 
Fourth Judicial District, which office he held until 
1 841, when he was appointed president judge of 
the Seventh Judicial District. On January 1, 
1854, he was commissioned one of the justices of 
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, an office 
which he filled with honor up to the time of his 
death. 

Gov. Curtin once said: "Judge Burnside 
was a man of indomitable will, and had that in- 
tensity of purpose which baffled want, poverty, 
and ill-fortune. He came to this county when 
it was comparatively a wilderness, without means 
or friends, and supplied the want of early educa- 
tional training by his energy and perseverance. 
His goodness of heart, and open-handed hospi- 
tality soon surrounded him with a circle of stead- 



OOMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BBOORD. 



fast personal friends, and his large and liberal 
views of progress, w it h his lofty State pride, 
made him a captain of men and a ruling spirit.'' 

As a judge he posst ssed a kei n and discrim- 
inating sense of justice, and extensive knowli 
of law and moral courag ts mandates 

into execution As remarked by Hon. J;u 
MacManus, one of his students, his great strength 
of mind, common sense and quickness of appre- 
hension enabled him tn grasp the main points of 
a case, and with a vigorous step and a stately 
march he would clear away the rubbish of techni- 
cality, caring only for the justice of the cause be- 
fore him. Mr. MacManus relates that upon the 
occasion of some eminent visitor arriving at the 
judge's house in Belief on te, Mrs. Burnside sent 
Mr. MacManus fi >r the Judge, who was holding 
court at Lewi-town. It was late in the week, 
and a canal case to try. but the Judge asked the 
lawyers to continue the case to oblige him. They 
replied that the case was important, and the wit- 
nesses from a distance. "Well then, goon; I 
will try it for you, " said Judge Burnside. Taking 
a little time to t^et the facts accurately, he drove 
the case through and charged the jury, and was 
ready by the time lie had tixed upon to go home, 
and, what was remarkable, his opinion was the 
only one sustained of sevei a! whii li went up fr< >m 
different districts the canal pas ed through, in- 
volving precisi 1\ similar <]iirsi ii mis of law. 

judge Burnside took a di p oil livel) inter- 
est in all public enterprises of the day — turn- 
pikes, canals, railroads anil there are few pub- 
lic improvements, whether in his own immediate 
neighborhood, or in more remote portions of the 

State, which d t owe much of their success to 

his exertions and influence, ff ever he was biased 
on the Bench, it was b) delaj caused by i 
or tumults obstructing their progress even tem- 
porarily. The late Judge A S, Wi I to 
relate an anecdote in point : " I was concerned, 
when at the Bar, for a poor Irishman, who with 
others had been Convicted of a not on the canal 
near Lewistown; to my utter surprise he was 
called up with the rest for sentence. 'Why' I 
remonstrated with the Court, 'the evidence 
shows clearly my client was on the other side o) 
the river when the riot took place.' ' It don't 
matter,' said fudge Burnside, 'if he could hi 
gotten out he would have been in it. - ' 

In person, the judge was of medium height, 
had prominent nose and eyes, dark complexion, 
and was rather noted for want of comeliness of 
features. His kindness and blunt honesty m 
ample amends (or his lack ol personal beauty. 
In the language of Mr MacManus, the " judicial 
ermine was as unspotted when he laid it aside for 



the habiliments of the grave as when he first put 
it on." judge Burnside died at the residence of 
his son-in-law, Mr. E. Morris, in Germantown, 
March 25, 1857, in the sixty-ninth year of his 
age. Hi- hist wife, Mary Fleming), died Feb- 
ruary 28, 1 Si 3, at the early a^e of twenty-eight. 
II, 1 children were: Mrs. Harvey Mann, of 

in.; Spring; Mrs. Mary Morris, and the late 
Hon. |ames Burnside. By his second wife, 
Ellen (Winters), he also had children now resid- 

11 Bellefonte: Miss Lucy Burnside, Thomas 
Burnside and Mrs. Frances Boal. Mrs. Ellen 
W. Burnside died in Bellefonte, June 3, 1859, 
aged seventy-three years, eight months and 
seventeen days. 



HON [AMES T. HALE (deceased), formerly 
of Bellefonte, was one of Centre county's 
able men. He was a native of Bradford county, 
Penn . born October 14, 1S10, and lived with his 
parents on a farm, working thereon, and at inter- 
vals attending the schools of the neighborhood, 
until he was about fifteen years of age, when his 
father died, and, he being the eldest son, the 
support of the family was chiefly thrown upon 
him. Some time after the death of his father, 
he be< him the clerk in the prothonotary's office 
at Towanda. He then entered upon the study 
of the law under the direction of his uncle, Elias 
W Hale, of Lewistown, l'enn.. and on February 
28, 1832, was admitted to the Bar at that place. 
In 1835 he removed to Bellefonte, whereon May 
6 of that \ear. he married Miss Jane W. Huston, 
daughter of Hon ( holes Huston, associate jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He 
continued Ins practice in the courts of Mifflin 
county, and also attended the courts in the coun- 
t it s of Clearfield and Clinton. He was en- 
gaged in the trial of all the principal causes tried 
in the several courts for many years, until April 
10, 1851, when a vacancy occurred in what aft- 
erward became the Twenty-fifth Judicial District, 
whereof he was appointed pn iident judge by 
Gov. Johnston. He presided in the several courts 
of the district until December 1, 1851, when his 
commission expired, and he was succeeded by 
the Hon. Alexander Jordan. He occupied the 
h hut a short time, but during that brief 
period d luous duties of president 

judge with such promptness, dispatch, ability, 
and impartiality, that he achieved such popularity 
and renown as a clear-headed and excellent jud 

I by men who occupy the 
Bench for longer terms. After retiring from the 
-umed his profession, in which he con- 
tinued until about 1856, when he had become so 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



27 



largely engaged in other enterprises that he was, 
to a great extent, obliged to abandon the active 
duties of the profession. Having become inter- 
ested as part owner in a large body of ti mber and 
coal lands in the counties of Cambria, Centre 
and Clearfield, known as the Philips estate, whose 
value, development and availability depended 
chiefly upon railroad communication, he embarked 
his means, industry, energy and financial skill in 
the building of the Tyrone & Clearfield railroad. 
In 1856, he was elected president of the com- 
pany, and continued in that position until i860. 
During that period, notwithstanding the financial 
crisis of 1857, through his indomitable energy 
and enterprise, industry and financial ability, and 
the application of his own means, the road was, 
through much difficulty and many embarrass- 
ments, graded and so far advanced toward 
completion that it was in a year or two afterward 
finished and equipped and put in running order; 
and that important branch and feeder of the Penn- 
sylvania Central railroad opened up and made 
available the rich timber and mineral wealth of 
parts of Cambria, Centre and Clearfield counties. 

In politics Judge Hale was an ardent Whig 
and high-tariff man. When the Whig party 
passed out of existence he united with the Re- 
publican party, and in 1858 was elected to the 
XXXVIth Congress from the Eighteenth District, 
composed of the counties of Mifflin, Centre, Clin- 
ton, Lycoming, Potter and Tioga. He was re- 
elected in i860, from the same district, to the 
XXXVIIth Congress. In 1862 he ran as an in- 
dependent candidate, and was again elected over 
his competitor, the Hon. Wm. H. Armstrong, 
the regular Republican nominee. At the close 
of the session on March 4, 1865, he took his family 
to Philadelphia, where, after attending to some 
private business, he left them, and returned to 
Belief onte, and at once engaged in piofessional 
work, tried several cases at a special court held 
by his honor. Judge Pearson, and, though not 
being well, he argued a cause with great force 
and ability on March 31. The day following he 
was quite sick, and continued growing worse 
until the following Thursday evening, April 6, 
1865, when he died. 

Judge Hale was an upright man, kind friend 
and generous neighbor. From his first entry 
into Centre county, he was a consistent friend of 
the temperance cause, and the first to advocate 
publicly the passage of laws to prohibit the man- 
ufacture and sale of liquor as a beverage. He 
possessed a bright intellect, a remarkably tena- 
cious memory (never forgot a legal principle or 
a reported case he had read), and an intuitive 
knowledge of the law, was quick in his percep- 



tive power, always ready, and as it has been 
said of him, "was a lawyer without a book or 
an office. " In the trial of causes he was cool 
and calm, amiable and scarcely ever ruffled in 
temper, or disconcerted by any turn the case 
might take, and by his commanding presence, 
pleasing address, persuasive manner, simple but 
forcible diction, and, withal, sound argument, he 
was sure to carry the court and jury with him. 
He was a member and vestryman and prominent 
in the councils of the Episcopal Church. His 
wife and five children survive him. The widow 
and three sons, Capt. Charles Huston, James 
T., Jr., and George Natt have all since died. 
His daughter Lucy, intermarried with Rev. 
George G. Field, and Ellen, intermarried with 
N. H. Stone, still survive and reside at Coats- 
ville, in Chester county. 



MON. JAMES BURNSIDE (deceased) was a 
native of Centre county, born in Bellefonte, 
Penn., February 22, 1807. He was the eldest 
son of the Hon. Thomas Burnside. In 1824 he 
was a stude'nt at the Bellefonte Academy, and in 
1828 graduated with the highest honors at Dick- 
inson College. His study of law was prosecuted 
in his father's office. He was admitted to the 
Bar in November, 1830, by the court over which 
his father presided, and at once commenced the 
practice of his profession under the same stern 
and impartial regime. In October, 1844, he was 
elected a member of the Lower' House of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature, and re-elected in 1845. 
While in that position he gave proof of great 
ability. His speech, February 3, 1846, upon an 
amendment which he proposed to the State Con- 
stitution in favor of biennial sessions of the Leg- 
islature, was a particularly able effort. When the 
Twenty-fifth Judicial District was formed, Gov- 
ernor Bigler commissioned him its judge, April 
20, 1853, and in October he was elected without 
opposition to the same office. He was eminently 
distinguished on the Bench for his calm impar- 
tiality, yet off of it he was a lenient citizen and 
indulgent friend. In his private relations he dis- 
played many qualities of head and heart which 
endeared him to his friends and the people. 
Had he lived, higher honors were apparently in 
store for him; but, with only half of his years of 
usefulness expended, he was called suddenly 
away. He was instantly killed by being thrown 
from a buggy July 1, 1859, leaving a widow 
(since deceased), a daughter and two sons — S. 
Cameron and Thomas. His wife was Rachel 
(daughter of Hon. Simon Cameron), whom he 
married June 2, 1846. 



28 



COMVI U<U:.\T1VE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD. 



WILLIAM P. Ill MKS has descended from 
a family that has been identified with the 
interest "I Centre count} foi almost .1 century. 

Hamilton II bis grandfather, was born 

in Lancaster county. Penn., January 7, 1784, and 
removed to Bellefonte in the spring of 1810. On 
April i, 1 s 1 9, he succeeded R T. Stewart 
postmaster at Bellefonte, receiving his appoint- 
ment from Return | Meigs, postmaster-general 
under President Monroe, ami held that office 
until January, 1833, under General Jackson, 
when lie met the fate of Jackson's opponents in 
removal from office. His physical and mental 
organization eminently qualified him to be< 
a useful and enterpri Me established 

a large mercantile business, built mills, and 
among other pursuits was that of the manufact- 
ure of paper at Bellefonte, on which the Centre 
Democrat was printed I His attention 

to business, his skill, and his fidelity to his en- 

ements secured public confidence. He was a 
great friend and patron of young men; kind to 
the indigent and unfortunate; thej never called 
upon his benevolence in vain. He connected 
himself with the Presbyterian Church at an early 
age, gave liberally to its support, and served ac- 
ceptably as an elder for many years before Ins 
death, which occurred I bruary 28, 1859. He 
was a mosl devoted friend of his pastor, Rev. 
James Linn, who preached in the Presbyterian 
Church for over fifty years, and both families 
were intimately connected. He married Ann 
Elmira Bailey, who was a most excellent Chris- 
tian lady, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., 
born September 28, 1784, and died in Belle- 
fonte, March 31, 1862. Their children were: 
James Humes, who died in infancy; Mrs. Eliza- 
beth McClure, of Lewisburg; Mrs Rachel 
Humes, of Jersey Shore; W 11 Humes, of 
Bellefonte; Miss < .iroline Humes, of Bellefonte; 
and Edward < Humes (fathei oi our subject), 
who died March 28, 1895, and who survived all 
the othei children. Hamilton Humes and his 
wde were related to and connet ted with Lancas- 
tei county's # mosl prominent families, with only 
a few of their descendants still living. 

Edward C. Hi mes had been connected with 
the business interests <>f ( entre county from the 
very beginning of the century He was one of 
Bellefonte's most prominent business men, and 
in business he was eminently successful His 
birth occurred at Bellefonte, August 23, 1810 
He received his education at the Bellefonte 
Academy, then under the principalship of Alfred 
Armstrong, and latei at Dickinson ( ollege, Car- 
li le, Penn., and when the lattei was still under 



control of the Presbyterian Church, from which 

itution he was graduated in 1829. After 
clerking for a short time for his father, the two 
became associated under the firm name of H. 
Humes & Son, and afterward (with John Ton- 
ner), E. C. Humes&Co., and later on (with Will- 
iam H. Humi Humes & Brother. In 1846, 
in connection with the late Hon. A. G. Curtin, 
Hon. H. X. McAllister and Hon. James T. Hale, 
E. C. Humes established the banking house of 
Humes, McAllister, Hale lN: Co.. to which he 
gave all of his attention, and which soon ob- 
tained a first-class credit in the State. On June 
S, 1864, this institution was merged into the 
First National Bank of Bellefonte, of which Mr. 
Humes became president, and so remained for 
many years, or for the remainder of his life. At 
the time of his death he is said to have been the 
oldest National Bank president in the United 
States. Under his able management, this latter 
institution was also most successful, and on ac- 
count of the prominence of Mr. Humes, as well as 
ol the se\ eral gentlemen referred to (associated 
with him), the bank always sustained a high rep- 
utation, both at home and abroad. Besides his 
interests and connection with this bank, of which 
he was from its beginning also a director and 
,t stockholder, he was a director and stock- 
In ilder of the Centre County Banking Co., at 
Bellefonte, as well as having other large busi- 

- connections through the State. He was 
generally acknowledged, in business circles, to 
be a most safe counselor and adviser, and those 
having large means, as well as those in moderate 
circumstances frequently confided in him, and to 
them he was always ready and willing to give 
his best judgment and experience. He was par- 
ticularly kind and thoughtful in his home life, 
and what was to the happiness of his family was 
the oftener adding to his own pleasure. ( M Mr 
II nines' life nothing discreditable has ever been 
He wasa man whose close attention to busi- 
ness made him almost a stranger in political ami 
social spheres, but his home was always the most 
hospitable, and where his many friends alwi 

ived a most cordial welcome. Although a 
Republican, he had kind feelings toward those 
of anj other political party, and particularly so 
when feeling and knowing the sincerity "f their 
convictions. He was connected with tin; Presby- 
terian Church, "I which he was a lifelong mem- 
ber, an honored ruling elder for main years, and 
was a laree giver I" its support, He was recog- 

d as a in. in ol probity and earnestness. 

He w.i, nevei given t<> self-laudation, and his 

i intimate acquaintances never knew "t 





T/feA>ri£J 




;^?4^w4^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



29 



his many kindnesses to those in need of his helping 
hand. He has been sadly missed in Bellefonte 
by the many beneficiaries of his bounty, and the 
simple perfectness of his straightforward life will 
keep his memory bright in the hearts of those 
who knew him. 

On December 7, 1843, Edward C. Humes 
was married to Miss Lucy Alexander (born August 
4, 181 1), a niece of Mrs. William W. Potter, and 
three children were born to this union, two of 
whom are living: William P. and Miss Miley; 
Hamilton, the younger, died March 21. 1892. 
Mrs. Humes died February 18, 1886, aged sixty- 
nine years. She was a devout member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and a most gentle-hearted, 
generous and in every way excellent Christian 
lady. In her death the Church was deprived of 
a stanch friend and supporter. Mrs. Humes was 
connected with some very prominent families. 
Her maternal grandfather, William Winters, 
came from Berks county in 1778, and settled on 
a farm now within the city limits of Williams- 
port, this State. He was twice married; his first 
wife was Ann Boone, a sister of Col. Daniel 
Boone of Kentucky. The eldest daughter, Han- 
nah, by his first wife married Thomas Lincoln, 
the grandfather of President Lincoln, and shortly 
before his death, Lincoln (who was killed by the 
Indians) visited William Winters at his home, 
now Williamsport, and John Winters, his brother- 
in-law, returned to Kentucky with him, whither 
Mr. Lincoln had removed, after his marriage, 
from Virginia, John being deputed to look after 
some lands taken up by Col. Boone and his 
father. The second wife of William Winters was 
Ellen Campbell, whom he married in 1774. 
Mr. Winters died in 1794, and his widow resided 
where Williamsport now is, where she remained 
and reared her children as follows: Mary be- 
came the wife of Charles Huston, who adorned 
the Bench of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 
Ellen became the wife of Thomas Burnside, a 
member of Congress, judge of common pleas, 
and a justice of the supreme court. Sarah be- 
came the wife of Benjamin Harris, of Williams- 
port. Elizabeth became the wife of Thomas 
Alexander, of Williamsport. Lucy became the 
wife of Hon. William W. Potter, a leading pol- 
itician of Centre county, who died a member of 
Congress; he was the son of Gen. James Potter, 
one of the earliest settlers of Centre county. 

On the death of Mr. Potter in 1838, the 
widow resided at Bellefonte. and after the mar- 
riage of her niece to Edward C. Humes, made 
her home with them the rest of her lifetime. 
She was married in 18 16, and died May 30, 
1875, at the ripe old age of nearly eighty-five 



years. Her character was a very decided one, 
perceiving the right course to pursue and never 
swerving therefrom. A consistent Christian, and 
member of the Presbyterian Church for more 
than half a century. She had no children of her 
own, and so fixed upon herself the affections of 
the children of her niece, to which during her 
life she was an always present, ready and willing 
friend and ally. 

William P. Humes, the subject proper of this 
sketch, was born in Bellefonte September 21, 
1 844. He received his education in the academy 
at Bellefonte and at Pennsylvania State College, 
returning from the latter to Bellefonte the first 
year of the Civil war, where, after assisting in 
closing up the business of E. C. Humes & Bro.. 
he became connected with what was more gen- 
erally known as Humes, McAllister, Hale & Co.. 
private bankers, composed of E. C. Humes, H. N. 
McAllister, James T. Hale and A. G. Curtin, 
which bank later became the First National Bank 
of Bellefonte (our subject's father being the hon- 
ored president), with which institution William 
P. Humes has through all the intervening years 
been associated. He is a director in the bank 
and also a large stockholder. Enterprising and 
progressive in business lines, Mr. Humes sustains 
the reputation secured by his father and grand- 
father in the community in which they so long fig- 
ured in business affairs, and in which they so long 
enjoyed the confidence of all. He is of a diffident, 
unassuming and retiring disposition, very gener- 
ous and most kind to those in need; a member of 
the Presbyterian Church, he is one of its ablest 
supporters; in politics he is a Republican; socially, 
a member of the Union League Club of Phila- 
delphia, as well as of several other organizations. 

On December 27, 1877, Mr. Humes was mar- 
ried to Miss Eliza D. , daughter of James D. and 
M. A. Harris, and to this union was born a daugh- 
ter, Lucy Hamilton, who died at the age of six 
months. Mrs. Humes died July 1, 1881, in the 
forty-fourth year of her age. She, too, was a 
most consistent member of the Presbyterian 
Church and devotedly attached to its welfare; 
was most charitable and kind to all, and her sud- 
den death, which brought such a shock and so 
much sorrow to those nearest and dearest to her, 
caused a gloom over the whole community. She 
was one of a family of six children, three of 
whom are now deceased: James, who died quite 
young, with Mrs. T. M. Potter and Mrs. Eliza D. 
Humes; those living are: Mrs. Nancy D. Orbi- 
son, Mrs. Jane H. Sommerville, and Mrs. Louisa 
H. Hoy. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harris, father and mother of 
Mrs. Humes, were among the early settlers of 



BO 



( OMMBMOHATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ly identified with 
and connected with it^ most prominent 
families. They were both most worthy members 
"I tii' Presbyterian ( hurch, Mr. Harris also 
having served as a mo I I ruling elder in 

this ( hurch. Mr Han - li d I sbruary 26, 1842, 
almi Mrs Harris, wh 

<le. nh occurred February 1. 1 > I5 1 . 



*OV. DANIEL II. HAM [NGS. The life 
T histor} ol I )aniel I lartman I [astings, 
ernoroi the Commonwealth of Pennsylvai 
oof be ' ply impressed upon tbo minds of 

the- aspirin- youth "I to-day. It would be dif- 

ficult to imagine a less promising environment 
than that in which were spenl the early years of 
this distinguished orator, lawyer, soldier, finan- 
cier and statesman. 

William Hastings, bis father, was born in Ire- 
land, and, 1 after marriage with a native 
of Scotland, left bis home in Counts- Deny, lie- 
land, to come to 1! e New World, settling in [832 
in what is now Clinton county, near Ins father, 
who bad preceded him to America. The Penn- 
sylvania canal was then in process of construc- 
tion, and Georj I tings, tbe grandlather of 
the sub j eel of this notice, having obtained a con- 
tract for the construction of a section of it, his 
father worked upon it as a laborer foi some tune, 
but afterward found employment as a (arm h 
Neithei parent bad been given educational ad- 
vantages even of a rudimentary sort — and their 
logcabin, two miles from Salona, could be sup- 
plied with but bunted COmfurtS on their meagre 
income of fifty cents a day. Nine children 
shared its shelter and tbe 1 parents' love, and 
/ernor Hastings, who first saw tbe light there 
Februarj J'.. 1849, doubtless owes much of bis 
pra< tical 1 ommi m s< nse to the lessons learni d 

amid the 1 lose 1 mi< s and stei n realities 

poor man's home. He was named for Rev. 
Daniel 1 1, Htm. in, a vi nerable minister of tbe M 
E. Church, to whom tie ; ol bis namesake 

w.<> a source ol joy and pride. The public 
schools ol thai day and locality were not of the 
best, but tbe in [uired to place tbe bright 

bo\ under more suitable ti ould not be 

spared from tbe slendei | tbe pan 

Mr. George Hopson, of Farrandsville, however, 
nerously made provision for his attendance at 
a select school taught by Miss Mary A. Crosby. 
Through her cue and influence he acquired a 
fair knowledge ol tbe English branches, but at 
an early age In- was obliged to leave school in 
oid. 1 to assist in thi [gaining a livelihood. 

When the Civil wai broke out bis elder brothers 



took up arm ; nion, and young 

as be was tbe future governor showed his mar- 
tial spirit by running away repeatedly from bis 
home with int. nt to enlist in some fighting regi- 
ment. On bis first attempt he succeeded in 
Lock Haven, and on the second he 
made Ins way to Williamsp ort ; but each time he 
was captured and taken home. The third time 
be reached Carlisle, had actually donned the un- 
iform of a private soldier, and was rejoicing in 
tbe attainment of bis wish when his father again 
appeared, and the boy s. >rrow lulls returned to tbe 
Nittany Valley farm, and resumed lbs distasteful 
tod with the hoe an. I the plow. 

In tbe winter of 1863, a school in Wayne 
township, Clinton county, became vacant through 
the appointment of its teacher, Col. W. W. S. 
Snodely, as county superintendent. Although 
but fourteen years old tbe future governor de- 
termined to apply for the place and, borrowings 
dollar, he trudged eighteen miles through the 
snow on a wintry day, and secured a promise of 
appointment should he pass tbe examination. 
He walk back to Lock Haven on the same day, 
gained the required certificate, and the next 
morning walked to the school in time to open 
the day's session. His dollar had been spent, 
however, and during this first trying day in his 
new sphere he had nothing to eat. His success 
in tbe school made further employment easy to 
obtain, and for some years his winters were 
-p-nt in teaching, while in the vacation he as- 
sisted his father as before. His evenings were 
devoti .1 to study, and - 1 rapidly did he progress 
in learning and in professional skill that in 1867 
be was elected principal of the Bellefonte Acad- 
emy, and superintendent of the public schools 
ol Bellefonte, his duties including the oversight 
of all the schools in the borough. While then 
he pursued a course of study in Latin and Greek 
with Prof. W. II. Murray, of the Kpiscopa! 
School, as a tutor. From 1867 to 1875 Gov. 
Hastings ti I led the position of principal with 
marked success, and during two years of this 
period he displayed conspicuous ability in jour- 
nalism as assistant editor of the Bellefonte Re- 
publican. B) some means known only to him- 
self he also found time to read law, and on April 
1S75, was admitti I t 1 the Bar. Hebecame 

nee a member of the firm of Bush, Yocum \ 
Hastings, which continued until tbe withdrawal 
ol Mr Bush in 1X77, when the firm name of 
Yocum & Hastings wasadopted. In 1878, when 
Mi. Yocum was elected to Congress, anew part- 
1 ei was taken, and the business continued under 
the name of Hastings & Reeder. 

In tbe meantime our subject bad married (in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



31 



1877) Miss Jane Armstrong Rankin, daughter of 
James H. Rankin, who at the time of his death 
was the senior member of the Centre County 
Bar. His success in his profession and his grow- 
ing reputation as an orator brought him into 
prominence in public life, and he was elected a 
member of the school board, then burgess of 
Bellefonte, trustee of the M. E. Church, and 
trustee of the Pennsylvania State College, of 
Dickinson College at Carlisle, and of other edu- 
cational institutions. In July, 1877, the Penn- 
sylvania National Guard was called out to sup- 
press the well-remembered riots, and at Gen. 
Beaver's request our subject accompanied the 
command to Altoona as an aid on the General's 
staff. His long-suppressed inclination for mili- 
tary life made this opportunity a welcome one, 
and his energy and ability quickly attracted at- 
tention. In July, 1877, he was appointed a cap- 
tain in the 5th Regiment; in March, 1878, he 
was elected and commissioned lieutenant-colonel 
of the 5th. In June, 1883, he was appointed 
assistant adjutant-general of the 2d Brigade, 
and in March, 1884, he was elected colonel of 
the 5th Regiment, which in the annual inspec- 
tion of 1886 achieved the highest standing of any 
in the State. 

So capable did he prove himself in military 
affairs, that he was offered the appointment of 
adjutant-general of the State, and in January, 
1887, he resigned the colonelcy to take this 
wider sphere of responsibility, in which he won 
new laurels. At the time of the division en- 
campment at Mt. Gretna, in 18S7, when Gen. 
Sheridan reviewed the eight thousand guardsmen, 
the sight of the long ranks of infantry in perfect 
alignment, each soldier equipped as for actual 
warlare with uniform and accoutrements com- 
plete, and the cavalry and batteries following in 
like perfection of detail, the hero of Winchester 
was heard to say, "that looks more like business 
than anything I have seen in this country since 
the disbandment of the army at Washington in 
1865." To the united energies and vigilance of 
Gens. Hartranft and Hastings this success was 
attributed, and the National Guard had cause on 
this and other occasions to note Gen. Hastings' 
zeal and efficiency. He was appointed with 
Gen. Hartranft and others upon a commission to 
revise the military code, and rendered excellent 
service in the preparation of the bill under which 
the militia has since been given increased strength 
and effectiveness. 

An ardent Republican from his youth up, 
Gov. Hastings has always taken deep interest in 
politics, and, fitted as he was by nature and 
training for usefulness in that field, it is not sur- 



prising that he was early called to take an active 
place in the front rank of workers. His first 
triumph was as a manager of the Congressional 
campaign of 1878, when his partner, Seth H. 
Yocum, was a candidate. The task was no light 
one, as the Democratic majority usually reached 
3,000; but through shrewd and tactful manage- 
ment Mr. Yocum was elected, defeating ex-Gov- 
ernor Andrew G. Curtin. In 1882, during Gen. 
Beaver's campaign for the office of governor, 
Gen. Hastings, as a personal friend and political 
sympathizer, supported him with untiring energy. 
In no wise disheartened by the defeat of that 
year, he presented Gen. Beaver's name to the 
State Convention of 1S86 for renomination, and 
succeeded in having justice done to a brave and 
generous man against whom misrepresentation 
and prejudice had temporarily prevailed. In 
18S7 Gov. Hastings was chairman of the State 
Convention which nominated Henry W. Williams 
for Judge of the Supreme Court, and William B. 
Hart for State Treasurer. In Pennsylvania his 
power as an orator had long been known, but it 
was not until the Republican National Convention 
of 1888 that the country learned of his ability. 
Hon. John Sherman was Pennsylvania's choice 
for President, and Gov. Hastings, who was pres- 
ent as a delegate-at-large, was elected to bring 
the name of that candidate before the conven- 
tion. It was a time, a place, a theme, to arouse 
our spokesman to do his best, and in his half- 
hour address he gained a national reputation, 
and the newspapers throughout the land paid 
tribute to his brilliancy and charm as an orator. 
"Gath " telegraphed to the Chicago Tribune that 
day: " Sherman was best put in the field. The 
Pennsylvania man who lives in the little mount- 
ain town of Bellefonte made the best speech 
which has been heard at this display. It was 
worthy of being the party platform. Hastings, 
who made it, they say will some day be heard 
in the Senate or run for governor." 

Murat Halstead, of the Cincinnati Commer- 
cial-Gazette, wrote in his paper: "As to the 
reception of the presentation of nomination there 
was no marked preference shown for any candi- 
date until the splendid oration of Gen. Hastings, 
of Pennsylvania, nominating Sherman. Then 
things took a more decided shape. Gen. Hast- 
ings has a magnificent appearance and delivery, 
and his superb ringing sentences fell one after 
another, bright as new coin, each word clear as 
a bugle note; the mighty multitude felt the magic 
of oratory, of a man speaking worthily on a great 
occasion. There never was a finer speech made 
on such an occasion, and I remember Ingersoll's 
nomination of Blaine at Cincinnati. Gen. Hast- 






VMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mgs walks up at once to a place among the few 
ol our public speaker-;.' His success made so 
deep an impression that he was called upon by 
the presiding officer to take the chair for the day, 
.iik) was also invited to second the nomination of 
Hon. Levi P. Morton for the Vice- Presidency. 
As may be supposed be was il popular 

orator of the campaign of that year, and he did 
noble service in New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, contribut- 
ing greatly to the success of the cause. The in- 
fluence thus gained lias been strengthened and 
widened in succeeding campaigns, and in the 
memorable struggle of 1896 his rare gifts were 
■ It voted with supreme energy to the task of up- 
holding his country's honor and integrity. 

These and similar triumphs won admiration. 
It remains to mention a time when Gov. Hastings 
won also the love of every kindly heart. The 
story of the Johnstown disaster followed, as the 
weeks passed, by the story of rescue and rest 
tion under the guidance of the clear brain, 1 

and sympathetic heart of the man who took 
rge of that scene of desolation. On the fate- 
ful day of May 31, [889, Gen. Hastings was at 
Hastings, a flourishing town in Cambria county, 
named in his honor, looking after the extensive 
coal- mining operal - there in which he is inter- 
ested in partnership with <. >. Beaver, Robert 
Coleman and ("ol. J. L. Spangler. During the 
mght news came of the frightful devastation in 
the valley of the Conemaugh, and with the break 
of day Gen. Hastings started with Col. Spangler 
to drive over flooded roads and 'broken brid 
to Johnstown, where they arrived at 4 P. M. He 
lost no time in telegraphing to Gov. Beaver for 
supplies, and then he took off his coat and bent 
his energies to the work of relief. His executive 
ability and forceful character, no less than his 
official rank, indicated the man for the hour, and 
by general consent he assumed tb | al imm- 

inent of affairs, and as has been said won "by 
his uniform kindness and 33 mpathetic actions the 
gratitude of his fellow citizens throughout the 
State." The surviving inhabitants of the stricken 
city gave a public recognition of his great work 
on the evening of July 1 3, [889, when the Gov- 
ernor took his leave ol the place, and the sold 
o| the G. A. R. manifested the appreciation of 
his soldierly qualities bj presenting a badgi 
their order beautifully set with diamonds, claim 
ing thai by his gallant and faithful service 011 thai 
field of death and living agony he had proven 
himself a worth] le. 

Pennsj Kan irned to look to this 

tion foi In st 1 [ass gubernatorial timber, and the 
supply furnished in the past has abundant!) 



tified that confidence. What more natural than 
that this distinguished son should be called upon 
to administer to the affairs of the State! The 
story of his election in 1894 by the largest ma- 
jority ever given in Pennsylvania to the head of 
the State ticket need not be retold here. Since 
January 15, 1895, Gov. Hastings has rilled his 
high office in a manner to disarm criticism, and 
his steadily increasing fame points to yet more ad- 
vanced posts of duty. 

In the words of one who knows him well: 
"As a citizen he is clever, generous and univer- 
sally popular, and in thorough and complete sym- 
pathy with the people. No one hesitates to ask 
him a favor, for his disposition is gentle and oblig- 
ing. Entertaining and agreeable in conversation, 
he is a citizen of sterling worth, and exemplary 
in the discharge of all his social duties. His 
practical acquaintance and thorough sympathy 
with all that concerns the public welfare, his 
readiness to respond to every just call upon him 
as a citizen and as a man at whatever sacrifice, 
have had a thorough public test, and the whole 
career of his life affords an example worthy of 
imitation. Nothing but the louder cry of his 
country ever came in conflict with his duty to his 
nts, as a teacher he was painstaking, con- 
siderate and successful; as a lawyer he brings to 
the discharge of his duties honesty and earnest- 
ness of purpose, commendable zeal and energy, 
good judgment, strong convictions of duty and 
great knowledge of the law. In official position 
he has been equal to every emergency that arose, 
and in all cases brought great credit to the offices 
he has thus far been intrusted with. 



GEORGE W. ATHERTON, LL. I> . Presi 
dent of the Pennsylvania State College, -'as 
born in Boxford, Essex Co., Mass., June 20, 
[837. The Atherton family came to New Mug- 
land between [620 and 1630. The name was 
one of the most honorable in the early history of 
Massachusetts, one of its members, Maj.-Gen. 
Humphrey Atherton, being to the Massachusetts 
ay what Miles Standish was to the Plymouth 
Colony. This family was a branch of the old 
1. whose seat is still at Leigh, neai 
Manchester, England. 

At tin age of twelve years, the subject ol this 
sketch was left, by the loss of his father, to earn 
his own living, and to contribute in part to the 
support of a mother and two sisters. Circum- 

ices thus early developed the indomitable will 
and tenacity of purpose which have been his 
leading chara 3 in later life. By work in 

a cottfln-mill. on a farm, and, later, by teaching, 




' 







COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



33 



he made his way through Phillips Exeter Acad- 
emy, and in the fall of i860 entered the sopho- 
more class of Yale College, from which he was 
graduated in 1863. Meantime the war of the 
Rebellion had temporarily diverted him from his 
single and absorbing purpose of obtaining a col- 
legiate education. On the recommendation of 
President Woolsey and other friends, he was ap- 
pointed to a first lieutenancy in the 10th Con- 
necticut Volunteers, which formed a part of the 
Burnside expedition against North Carolina. He 
was constantly on duty in all the preliminary op- 
erations of the expedition, and was in command 
of his company through the battles of Roanoke 
Island and Newbern, his captain having been 
wounded at the very beginning of the former en- 
gagement. After the battle of Newbern, he was 
promoted to a captaincy, was engaged for some 
months in camp and outpost duty at Newbern, 
afterward took part in the movement under Du- 
Pont and Hunter from Hilton Head, South Caro- 
lina (to which his regiment had been transferred), 
against Charleston. The part assigned to the 
land forces in the movement was to take posses- 
sion of Seabrook's Island, for the purpose of 
holding the mouth of the Edisto river as a ren- 
dezvous for the ironclads. The immediate land- 
ing was effected without resistance. The confi- 
dence of his superior officers was shown at this 
time by the fact that Capt. Atherton with his 
company was detached from the main body and 
ordered to make an independent reconnoissance 
up the western side of the Island, without guides, 
in a strange country known to be occupied by 
the enemy, with instructions to rejoin the main 
body at the upper end. This duty he performed 
in a way that secured the warm approval of his 
superior officers. The next four or five months 
were passed in camp and out-post duty in the 
constant presence of the enemy, but with no par- 
ticular incident except occasional reconnoissance 
and skirmishes. He was repeatedly detailed as 
judge advocate of regimental and brigade courts- 
martial. Meanwhile Capt. Atherton had passed 
through one period of protracted, and nearly 
fatal, illness, and found his health in the sum- 
mer of 1863 so much impaired that this consid- 
eration, coupled with the apparent prospect of a 
long period of useless inactivity, led him to offer 
his resignation. The step was taken with the 
greatest reluctance, and only after consultation 
with his colonel and chaplain and other trusted 
friends in the regiment, and notwithstanding the 
assured prospect of early promotion. 

After several months of recuperation, our 
subject was appointed to a professorship in the 

Albany Boys' Academy, one of the best fitting 
3 



schools in the country, in which he had taught 
before entering college. During the succeeding 
years, while continuing his teaching, he com- 
pleted the branches of study which he had 
omitted during his absence in the army. In 
June, 1864, he returned to New Haven, passed 
examination in those subjects, and, as a special 
recognition of his standing in college and the oc- 
casion of his absence, received his degree (B. A.) 
to date back with his own class of 1863. Dur- 
ing the next three years he continued teaching in 
Albany, and then accepted a professorship in St. 
John's College, Annapolis, Md., where he also 
acted as principal nearly the entire year, in the 
absence of Dr. Henry Barnard. In the follow- 
ing year he left Annapolis, and became a member 
of the first Faculty of the Illinois State University, 
which was opened for students in 1868, with the 
Hon. John M. Gregory as regent. Here his 
work and relations were of the most congenial 
kind; but before the close of his first year of 
service he accepted a very Mattering and urgently 
repeated offer of the newly-established chair of 
History, Political Economy and Constitutional 
Law in Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. |. 
He occupied this chair nearly fourteen years. 
During these fourteen years he not only vigor- 
ously maintained the professional work of the 
class-room, but was active in all matters pertain- 
ing to the general work and interests of the in- 
stitution, as well as in a great variety of other 
and more public duties, such as lectures, ad- 
dresses, newspaper work, etc. In 1873. he was 
a member of the board of visitors to the United 
States Naval Academy. In 1875, he was ap- 
pointed, by President Grant, a member of the 
Commission to investigate charges of mismanage- 
ment and fraud at the Red Cloud Indian Agency. 
The charges were, at the time, a matter of great 
public notoriety, but the work of investigation 
was so thoroughly done, and the report submitted 
to the President so conclusive, that the House of 
Representatives, which during the succeeding 
winter made a point of investigating every branch 
of the government service, made no attempt to 
traverse the conclusions of this Commission. 

In 1876, greatly against his wishes, but in 
obedience to what seemed a call of duty from 
many who were interested in promoting purer 
politics, he accepted the Republican nomination 
for Congress, in a district having a very large 
majority for the opposite party. His defeat fol- 
lowed as a matter of course, though he ran ahead 
of the Presidential ticket at almost every polling 
place, and his vigorous canvass of the district 
elicited the highest praise on account of his un- 
compromising advocacy of honest money as 



34 



00MM1 VORATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



against the green-back folly then prevalent 
civil service reform tem, 

and of the purity <>f the ballot a rup- 

tion in the North, and fraud and vi i the 

South. In 1878, hi 'Mis- 

sion, compo! ■ I 'i i;\ ■ 1 ' inted 1>> 

Governor of N . to prepare and 

to the l 1 "l the 

State system of taxation. During tin 
the nature of his | mal studies, and his 

widening interest in public q l<-d him to 

take up the study ol lav He was admitted to 
the New |ersey Bar, me time 

as consulting attorney, but without relinquishing 
his Coll p. All ' : ied act- 

ivities he regarded as subsidiary to his principal 
work as a teach tide of young men. Him- 

self an ardent believ< t in one school of political 
opinion, he scrupulously avoided everything like 
partisanship in the teachings of the lecture- room, 
endca\onng only to instil a high sense of the re- 
sponsibilities and privileges of citizenship, and 
especially of the public duties of educated men; 
and there can be no doubt that it was his prac- 
tical experience of affairs which gave that l 
and effectiveness to his influence in the class- 
room, o| which his students speak with warmth 
and gratitude. The scientific department of 
Rul • had received from the I egisla- 

ture of New Jersej the benefits of the United 
Stat ; Land Grant Act, of 1862, and his connec- 
tion with the institution naturally led him to an 
examination of the provisions and the underlying 
principles of that legislation He became thor- 
oughly convinced that it was not onlj a measure 
of far-reaching wisdom as a provision for higher 
public education, but that it was peculiarly in 
keeping with the genius of our system of institu- 
tions. 

An unsuccessful effort made in Congress in 
the winter of 1872 73, by Senator Morrill, of 
Vermont, the author of the original measure, to 
increase the endowment ol the coll tab- 

lished under that Act, led Prof. Atherton to 
make a careful study of the results already ac- 
mplished by it. These results he presented in 
a paper read In-fore the National Education As- 
sociation at its meeting in Elmira, N. Y., in the 
summer ol 1873. There had been no previous 
attempt to make S o systematic an inquiry, and 
the array of facts showing what the colleges had 
already accomplished in the short time since 
their establishment was a surprise to friends and 
opponents alike. It was shown that the pro- 
ceeds of the I tnd < .rant had on the whole been 
wisely managed, and that the spirit of thi 
Congress had been promptly met by the action 



towns, and private individu- 
al which nearly live millions of 

.irs had been already received in grants and 
gifts, for the purpose of supplementing the funds 

apart by the United States. This address 
>f an active interest in the 
subject of government support for higher educa- 
tion which has given direction to all his subse- 

nt work, and there has since been no Con- 
il legislation in the shaping and securing 
of which he has not taken an active and influen- 
tial part. The well-known Act of 1887, provid- 
ing for the establishment of Agricultural Experi- 
ment Stations in connection with the Land Giant 
Colleges in every State in the Union, and under 
which fifty principal and several subordinate sta- 
tions are now in operation, is probably more 
largelv indebted to him for its passage than to 
any other single individual outside of Congress. 
While he would be the last to detract from the 
credit due to the efforts of others, it is the sim- 
ple truth to say that, in the midst of the numer- 
ous and widespread agencies which were set in 
operation in behalf of that important measure, 
his leadership was freely recognized by all who 
had part in securing it. The passage of this Act 
was followed by the organization of an Associa- 
tion, including in its membership all these Col- 
leges and Experiment Stations, which at once 
took rank as one of the most influential bodies of 
educational and scientific workers in the United 
States. This Association, known as "The 
American Association of Agricultural Colleges 
and Experiment Stations." chose Dr. Atherton 
as its first president. In 1890, Congress passed 
a third Act intended to strengthen the educa- 
tional work of the Land Grant Colleges, in dis- 
tinction from the work of experiment and re- 

rch which has been especially provided for by 
the Act of 1887. In promoting the passage of 
this measure, also, Dr. Atherton rendered im- 
portant service. 

Meantime, in the summer of 1882, he re- 
ceived and finally accepted a call to the Presi- 
deuev oi the Pennsylvania State College, one of 
the Land Grant Institutions. After having re- 
ceived the income of the Land Grant Act for fif- 
teen years, the institution had less than one hun- 
dred students, a meagre equipment, with a pub- 

sentiment either hostile or indifferent, and 
tins, notwithstanding the fact that its Faculty and 

rd of Trustees had in ver been without strong 
and able men. The task of building it up and 
making it worthy of so rich and powerful a Com- 
monwealth as Pennsylvania seemed almost a 
hopeless one, but to tins task Dr. Atherton de- 
vote! himself with a courage and enthusiasm 



COMMEMORATIVE BWG UAPIIKA I. RECORD. 



35 



which astonished even his friends, and the spirit 
of which was in itself an inspiration to others. 
At the end of ten years the results have been 
greater than the most sanguine friends of the 
College had dared to anticipate. A total change 
in public sentiment has shown itself in a steady 
increase in the number of students, and the ap- 
propriation of nearly four hundred thousand dol- 
lars by the Legislature has given the College a 
substantial equipment of the buildings and ap- 
paratus required for its work. The foundations 
of future growth have been laid on so broad and 
comprehensive lines that it is rapidly taking a 
place among the leading technical institutions of 
the country. In 1883, the degree of LL. D. 
was conferred upon him by Franklin and Mar- 
shall College. In 1887, he was appointed, by 
the Governor of Pennsylvania, chairman of a 
Commission created by authority of the Legisla- 
ture of the State to make inquiry and report 
upon the practicability of introducing manual 
training into the public-school system. The re- 
port of this commission has been widely recog- 
nized in this country and in Europe as the most 
complete single presentation of the subject pub- 
lished up to that date. At sixty years of age, 
after a life filled to an unusual degree with exact- 
ing labors, it may still be said of the subject of 
this sketch, as Cecil said of Sir Walter Raleigh, 
"he can toil terribly," and, like Raleigh, he pos- 
sesses the extraordinary mental grasp and breadth 
of intellectual interests and sympathies which 
render him an equally congenial companion to 
men of letters and men of affairs. 



T^HE PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE 
is, as its name implies, a State and not a 
denominational institution. It is situated in the 
small village of State College, in one of the most 
picturesque and healthful localities of central 
Pennsylvania. Practically surrounded by mount- 
ains, with Nittany on the east, Tussey on the 
south, and Muncy on the north, it is, as the poet 
says of Lake Constance, ' ' girt round with rugged 
mountains," yet the rugged mountainous view is 
relieved by the more restful and peaceful beauty 
of the foot-hills and lowlands, forming a well- 
contrasted panorama of natural scenery. The 
college campus of sixty acres, containing the 
numerous college buildings and professors' resi- 
dences, is artistically laid out with drives, ave- 
nues and walks, with here and there a secluded 
bower or romantic walk, and well merits the title 
of the ideal college campus so often bestowed. 

The College is one of the so-called land grant 
colleges, established under the Act of Congress of 



July, 1862. The section of the Act relating 
directly to the character of the work to be pur- 
sued by the institution reads: "The leading 
object shall be, without excluding other scientific 
and classical studies, and including military tac- 
tics, to teach such branches of learning as are 
related to agriculture and the mechanic arts in 
such a manner as the Legislature of the State 
may prescribe, in order to promote the liberal 
and practical education of the industrial class in 
the several pursuits and professions of life." 
The State Legislature accepted this Act of Con- 
gress, and further " pledged the faith of the State 
to carry it into effect." The College was opened 
in 1859 as a school for instruction in practical 
agriculture. An active movement in this direc- 
tion had begun several years earlier, and had en- 
listed the enthusiastic support of some of the 
most intelligent and public-spirited citizens of the 
State, among them Hon. Frederick Watts, of 
Carlisle, and Hon. Hugh N. McAllister, of Belle- 
fonte. After prolonged consideration of the vari- 
ous plans presented, a charter was secured in 
1855, superseding one granted the previous 
year, and two officers of the State and twelve 
other gentlemen were constituted a Board of 
Trustees. There was thought to be at that time 
a considerable prejudice among farmers against 
the word " College," and, for that reason, as 
subsequently explained, the institution was called 
The Farmer's High School of Pennsylvania. 
Donations of land as a site for the institution 
were offered in several parts of the State and, 
after a very careful examination, the Board ac- 
cepted the gift of 200 acres in Centre county 
from Gen. James Irvin, to which they soon after- 
ward added, by purchase, 200 acres more. For 
the purpose of providing the necessary funds for 
erecting and equipping buildings, the State Agri- 
cultural Society gave $10,000, the trustees raised 
$25,000 by subscription, and the Legislature in 
1857 appropriated $25,000, absolutely, and $25,- 
000 more on condition that a similar amount 
should be raised by private subscription, which 
was done. In 1861, the Legislature made an 
additional appropriation of $49,900, for the com- 
pletion of buildings, though the institution had 
been opened February 20, 1859, with such ac- 
commodations as were then available. 

The first president of the school was Dr. 
Evan Pugh, who had become deeply imbued with 
the fundamental conceptions underlying modern 
methods of teaching the applied sciences. He 
had studied in Germany at a time when very few 
American students went abroad for that purpose, 
and had spent several months at Rothamstead. 
England, working under the direction of Messrs. 



86 



OOMMEMORA 11 VE BI0QRAPHICA1 RECORD. 



Lawes and Gilbert. He entered upon this work 
here with great energ} and enthusiasm, and 1 
scheme of instruction was put upon a college ba- 
sis from the beginning. Dr. Pugh stated in i 
that " the school, on being d, adopted a 

course of instructions in mathematics and the nat- 
ural sciences more extensive than that in any 
agricultural college- in Eun pe, required corres- 
pondingly longer time for graduation, and that 
the trustees only awaited the time in which they 
would be able to complete its buildings to change 
its name." Accordingly in 1862 the name was 
changed to ' ' The Agricultural College of Pennsyl- 
vania." From 1855 to [867 the sum of $99,900 
was the total amount given to the institution by 
th. Legislature, and the entire amount was ex- 
pended in the erection of the original building; 
hut. owing to the great advance in the cost of 
building material, occasioned by the war which 
broke out in 1861, the resources at the disposal 
of the trustees proved inadequate to complete tin 
one main building, and the I legislature, bv an act 
approved April 11, 1866, authorized them to 
borrow $So.OOO and secure the same by a mort- 
gage. The institution had no endowment and no 
source of revenue except the fees of students. 
and the attempt to make such an institution self- 
supporting failed as it has everywhere and always 
failed Since [873 it has ri m income of 

$30,000 annually from the 1 nited States fund. 
In 1878 tin I egislature provided for the payment 
of the debt of the $So,000, which it had authoi- 
I twelve years before, and that sum is the total 

amount given by the State t, , the College betw 
1867 and 1 887, exci pi an appropriation of $3,000 
made for the erection of a bain on one of the ex- 
perimental farms. From 1857 to 1887, a period 
of thirty years, the State appropriated a total 
amount of $179,900 for the erection of the mam 
building and $3,000 for the erection of a barn. 
It is doubtless true that the institution during that 
period largi ly failed to satisfythe public expecta- 
tion. It is also true that from the passage of the 
Act of [867 until iSS; the Legislature of the Stat. 
was din ponsible for its administration, 

bin I and tiit.rt nplaints 

from time to time, it took no step I tain 

an. I supply the needs Ol the institution, and 

to feel no responsibility for the proper 

execution of the trust which it had assumed. In 

1874, in recognition of the fact that the Law of 

igress in ■ widened th.- scope "l its 

work, tl - th.' institution was again 

I, and it has since been known as The 

nsylvania State College. In 1887 the State 

n a new era in its dealings with the 

College. \11 the work ol the institution was then 



carried on. as it had been from the first, in the 
one original building, except that a small frame 
building for mechanical work had been erected 
three years before All the lecture rooms, labora- 
tories, dormitories, society halls, boarding club, 
armory, chapel, library, and everything else re- 
quired for the work of the institution, besides five 
families of professors, were crowded together 1111- 
dei that single roof. In the meantime other 
States had taken active and continuous steps, and 
made large appropriations for carrying out the 
Congressional Act, and leading men, in our Leg- 
islature and elsewhere throughout the Common- 
wealth, felt that Pennsylvania had too long disre- 
garded her own interests as well as the obliga- 
tions she had assumed toward the United States. 
It is not necessary to recall the long and not very 
agreeable record from 1867 to 1887, during which 
tin College maintained a difficult struggle for ex- 
istence. It is easy now to see that a different 
policy on the part of the State might have brought 
about different results during that period; but 
that ha> become a part of ancient history In 
1887 the attention of the Legislature was called 
to the situation, and the sentiment became gen 
that if Pennsylvania was to maintain a Stat, 
institution, it should be kept up at least to the 
standard of her penal and reformatory and charita- 
ble institutions; and, after a careful and detailed 
examination, $112,000 was appropriated with a 
view to beginning the work of reconstruction and 
placing the institution on a footing that would be 

litable to Pennsylvania, and in keeping with 
what other progressive States were doing for 
their institutions which had been established in 
ol in., with the same Act of Congress. The 
total amount then and since appropriated up to 
1895 inclusive was: Buildings $303, 500; repairs. 
improvements and insurance, $36,220; equip- 
ment, $102,200; maintenance. $38,300; making 
$480,220. For these recent expenditures the 
College has buildings to show which are worth 
every dollai they cost. Theyare: an armory, a 
botanical building, with conservatory and gri 
houses, a chemical and physical building, with 
lecture rooms and laboratories, an experiment 
station building, with offices, laboratories, etc., 

ittage for the ladies' department, a residence 
for the United States military detail, a residence 
for the director of the experiment station, four 
professor,' houses, and an engineering building, 
arranged for the departments of civil, mechanical 
and mining engineering, which is believed to be 
: its purpose in the United States, 
these, the bams and outbuildings on the 
two farms have been greatly enlarged (one of the 
bams being entirely new), and a central boiler 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECOUP. 



37 



house and steam plant erected for heating all the 
public College buildings, while a smaller plant 
serves the same purpose for all the experiment 
station buildings. 

In 1 88 1, a very important rearrangement and 
enlargement of courses of study was made by the 
Faculty and approved by the Trustees, which 
may be said to mark a distinct epoch in the educa- 
tional organization of the College, and one from 
which may be dated a new era in its growth. 
The substance of the new scheme was specializa- 
tion, in technical lines. A classical course and a 
general educational course, called the "General 
Science Course" were substituted for the three 
previously maintained ("Agricultural," "Classic- 
al" and "Scientific") and four Technical Courses 
added, viz: — Agriculture, Chemistry and Physics, 
Civil Engineering, and Natural History. These 
courses began with the Junior year, all alike 
being based on the general training given in the 
Freshman and Sophomore years. The number 
of full four-years' courses now organized is thir- 
teen, as follows: 

I. Classical Course. II. General Courses: 
A General Science course; a Latin Scientific 
course; a course in Philosophy. III. Technical 
Courses: A course in Agriculture; a course in 
Biology; a course in Chemistry; a course in Civil 
Engineering; a course in Electrical Engineering; 
a course in Mathematics; a course in Mechanical 
Engineering; a course in Mining Engineering; a 
course in Physics. Besides these regular courses, 
there are eight short courses — four in Agriculture, 
one in Chemistry, two in Mining, and anelement- 
ary course in Mechanics. The scheme was 
necessarily incomplete, but, while it has since 
been modified and enlarged in nearly every de- 
tail, the fundamental principle of differentiated 
(rather than elective specialties), based on a 
common foundation of training, has been ever 
since substantially maintained, and the growth of 
the College has followed along the main lines of 
the plan thus sketched out. In addition to these 
courses there exists the military drill and disci- 
pline which furnishes, as it were, the brawn for the 
healthful growth of the brain. The military or- 
ganization consists of the entire student body as 
a battalion, divided into companies, with their 
respective cadet captains. All the necessary 
territory for the various military manoeuvres is 
readily afforded by the large campus, and in win- 
ter the spacious armory is utilized as a drill hall. 
The National Government has furnished the 
College with two field pieces of modern pattern, 
and a large number of cadet rifles similar to 
those used at West Point. By a recent law of 
the State, commissioned officers of the battalion 



are eligible to appointment as brevet second 
lieutenants in the National Guard. 

Based upon this broadened foundation, the 
special work of the State College is the training 
of youth in those branches of learning which lie 
at the foundation of modern industrial pursuits. 
In accordance with the purposes of its founders 
and the terms of its original charter, it aims to 
give special and prominent attention to agricult- 
ure, both theoretical and experimental; but it 
also provides "a liberal and practical education" 
in the leading branches of mathematical, natural 
and physical science, in order to prepare youth 
for " the several pursuits and professions of life." 
In other words, while the College is no longer 
exclusively agricultural, it is doing more in the 
direction of progressive and scientific agriculture 
than when that was its principal object; and at 
the same time it has increased its subjects and 
courses of study, and its teaching and illustrative 
equipment, to such an extent that now, "with- 
out excluding classical studies," its leading ob- 
ject is to teach the various sciences in such a 
manner as to show their applications in the more 
important industries — to combine with every 
branch of instruction such an amount of actual 
practice in the shop, the field and the laboratory 
as will serve to illustrate and apply the theory, 
but without subordinating it. 

Dr. Evan Pugh served as president of the 
college from 1859 to 1864, his death occurring 
April 29 of the latter year. He was a profound 
scholar and a man of wonderful intellectual pow- 
ers. He spent six years abroad; he was three or 
four years in Europe at the Universities of Leip- 
sic, Gottingen, Heidelberg and, as stated above, 
in the laboratories of Lawes and Gilbert. Dr. 
Pugh by his scientific investigations while in 
Europe settled several important scientific ques- 
tions, and gained for himself a world-wide repu- 
ation as a scholar and investigator. Dr. Pugh 
was succeeded by William H. Allen, LL. D., of 
Girard College, who served two years, and re- 
signed to accept his old position as president of 
Girard College. On the resignation of Dr. Allen, 
Gen. John Frazer, A. M., professor of mathe- 
matics and astronomy and lecturer on astron- 
omy, was elected president. President Frazer 
was mainly instrumental in securing to the Col- 
lege part of the National land grant. He re- 
signed his position in 1868, and was afterward 
president of the University of Kansas, and also 
State superintendent of public instruction of that 
State. Thomas H. Burrows, LL. D., became 
president in December, 186S, and died in office 
in 1 87 1. Of Dr. Burrows, J. P. McCaskey, ed- 
itor of the Pennsylvania School Journal, said : 






I 0MMRMORAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



No other man in fhe history i 
touched ourcommon-sch fully, 

or throughout us whole range to such a • Dr. Bur- 

rowes. He put the to working force in lKtt-8; he 

. ,| //,, /'. 1852, and 

was the fii 
the Pennsylvania State ["i lation, and the first 

president ol the Lai inty Teai hers" Institute,* ailed 

to both po • the unanimous choice ;i< the leading 

it among thi advocati onbytheState 

and nl an im| wrote the 

Pennsylvania State Book, which we recall as a readei 

;n 1847, befon we knew anything ol us 
author; he wrote the Pennsylvania litecture.which, 

being supplied to all th< scl I sti cts, did much to im- 
prove the plans ol school buildings and their surroundings 
in 1856 and thereafter; he wrote the Normal School Law at 
the request ol Hon. H. C. Hickok.whoti ere in the 

present issue hool Journal the inl story 

of the origin of that law of vital importance to our educa- 
tional progress; be was called by Gov, Curtin who origi- 
u.iii d th. 1 1 must worthy public charity to organizi 
tern nf Soldiers' Orphan Schools, which was done with his 
customary energy and strong practical sense; and he died, 
after thirty five % < arsol almost continuous effort in behalf of 

eral i ducation, at the bead of the si hool that, we believe, 
is di ognized as the ial feature 

which rounds out into satisfactory completeness "ur Penn- 
sylvania system ol public instruction 

In March, 1871, Dr. (alder, the president of 
Hillsdale College, Mich., was chosen president, 
and during his administration ladies were ad- 
mitted to the privileges ol the institution. Dr. 
I'.ilili-r resigned in 1SS0, and was succeeded by 
President Shortlidge, and the latter in 1882 by 
Dr. George W. Atherton, the present executive. 
A writer in referring to the College in 1894 said: 

I be rapid growth ol the institution into a position of na- 
tional prominence has taken place within the last decade, 
and lias been the result of the policy adopted by the present 
executive, Dr. George W. Atberton. Previous to his inaugu- 
ration thi bad gained scarcely a local reputation, 
was 1 in thi a retn igra ment. He im- 
liately outlined the present courses ol ti work, 
the degree ol success which they have attained is 
suit 11 11 nt evidence ol theii practicability, and thedi 
the times for instruction ol such character. 

Referring to a visit to the college in 1 

tor J P. Mc( askey said: 

dent, Dr. Atherton, was absent in attendance 
upon a meeting of the A: >l lege Presidents and 

Professors then in session al Swarthmore, where he h 
paper upon the relations ol thi High - s ' hools ol the State to 
the < utions. It was a disappointment not to 

Bui what was better still, we saw everywhere evi- 
dence nl in- dr\ otion to thi interests of the < 
where the master hand in the work thai has been done and 
is doing under his administration. \\ e heard also on 1 
hand ad] I plan, e 

tive ability, tireless 1 nd unlimited ca work. 

Dr. Alia Hon, we may add, is a Soldier a 1 si holar, 

neof the I lals awarded by Ai t of 1 

dun: illantry in 

In an address delivered in 1894, Wm Pep- 
per, M I)., LI.. D., said: 

I feel that it is impossible to l< t sui b a day as this pass 
without some word ol tribute, sin h as I as an outsider might 
fitly speak, of what 1 Atberton has done foi this 

place, and for the I I ma. [*welve j 

• had thirty four students in thi 
es, one building on this campus, and a very un- 
savory reputation, fo-day, after twelve short yeai 



- administration, we see this fine group of buildings, we 

know there are three hundred students in attendance, that 

the curriculum has been enlarged, and the standard greatly 

i, and that all over the State thoughtful men and 

11 are turning their eyes to th me where 

is are secured. 

Faculty and Instructors in 1897-98 are: 
George W. Atherton. LL.D., president, profes- 
sor of political and social science; William A. 

khout, M. S., professor of botany and horti- 
culture: I. Thornton Osmond, M S., M. A., pro- 

ir of physics; Harriet A. McElwain, M. A.. 
lady principal, professor of history; Louis E. 
Reber, M S., professor of mechanics and me- 
chanical engineering; William Frear, Ph. D., 
professor of agricultural chemistry; George Gil- 
bert Pond, M. A., Ph. 1)., professor of chemis- 
try; Henry P. Armsby, Ph. 1)., lecturer on stock 
feeding; Henry T. Fernald, M. S., Ph. D., pro- 
fess" ology; Benjamin Gill, M. A., profes- 

of Greek and Latin; Magnus C. Ihlseng, E. 
M , (*. E. , Ph. I)., professor of mining engi- 
neering and geology; John Price Jackson, B. S.. 
M. E., professor of electrical engineering; Fred 
E. Foss, P>. S. . M. A., professor of civil engi- 
neering; Joseph M. Willard, B. A., professor of 
mathematics; Fred Lewis Pattee, M. A., profes- 
sor of English and rhetoric; George C. Watson, 
B. Agr., M. S.. ir of agriculture; Law- 

rence M. Colfelt, D I) , preacher to the College, 
professor of ethics; Martin G. Benedict, M. A., 
Ph. I)., professor of pedagogics, in charge of sub- 
freshman class; Daniel C. Pearson. Captain 2d 
Cavalry, U. S. A., professor of military science 
and tactics; George C. Butz, M. S., assistant 
professor of horticulture; Harry H. Stoek, B. S., 
E. M., assistant profess >r of mining engineering 
and metallurgy; Madison M, Garver, B. S., as- 
sistant professor of physics; Franklin E. Tuttle, 
M A .. I'n I' . i-istant professor of chemistry; 
William Mas. in Towle, B S . issistant professor 
of practical mechanics; Erwin W. Runkle, M. 
A . I'll. IX, assistant professor of psychology and 
ethics; Joseph H. Tudor, C. E., M S.. assistant 
professor of mathematics; Thomas C. Hopkins, 
M S., M. A., assistant professor of geology; Carl 
l> l'elii. M \ ■ 1 rol ssor of German; 

Harry K. Monroe, M. A., assistant professor of 

li-di; T. Raymond Beyer, B. S. , C. E., as- 
sistant pi of civil engineering; Charles 1 

mi. 1',. S., assistant professor of machine de- 
sign; Silvanus P>. Newton, A. B., M. I)., director 
of physical education; Anna E. Redifer, instructor 
in industrial art and design; Herbert E. Dunkle, 
B. S., M. 1. . instructor in mechanical drawing; 
John A. Hunter, Jr.. B. S., M E., instructor in 
ng; Henr) A Lardner, B. S., 
1 I instructoi •<' I engineering; Harry 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



39 



Hayward, B. S. , instructor in dairy husbandry; 
John H. Leete, B.A., instructor in mathematics; 
Irving L. Foster, M. A. , instructor in the romance 
languages; Francis J. Pond, M. A., Ph. D., in- 
structor in assaying; Walter J. Keith, M. A., Ph. 
D.. instructor in chemistry; Paul B. Breneman, 

B. S., instructor in civil engineering; Thomas H. 
Taliaferro, C. E., Ph. D., instructor in mathe- 
matics; F. H. Greenwood, B. S., instructor in 
practical mechanics; Budd Frankinfield, B. S., 
E. E. , instructor in electrical engineering; Lloyd 

A. Reed, B. S. , assistant in the electrical labor- 
atories; Warren P. Smiley, B. S., assistant in the 
chemical laboratories. 

Other Officers — Helen M. Bradley, libra- 
rian; Clara Dayton Wyman, in charge of music; 
Anna Adams McDonald, assistant librarian. 

Agricultural Experiment Station. — Of- 
ficers and Assistants. The President of the 
College; Henry Prentiss Armsby, Ph. U., direct- 
or; William Frear, Ph. D., vice-director and 
chemist; William A. Buckhout, M. S. , botanist; 
George C. Butz, M. S., horticulturist; George 

C. Watson, M. S., agriculturist; William C. Pat- 
terson, superintendent of farm; Miss Julia C. 
Gray, secretary; William S. Sweetser, B. S., J. 
August Fries, Milton E. McDonnell, M. S., 
Charles Albert Browne, Jr., M. A., and Cassius 
W. Norris, assistant chemists; Harry Hayward, 

B. S., instructor in dairy husbandry; Enos H. 
Hess, assistant to the director; Miss Minnie 
Edith Gray, stenographer. 



J [JUDGE ADAM HOY (deceased), late a dis- 
j tinguished citizen of Bellefonte, and member 
of the Centre County Bar, was a native of 
the county, born in Spring township, September 
6, 1827. 

George Hoy, the grandfather of the Judge, 
came into what is now Centre county, near the 
close of the eighteenth century, and in connec- 
tion with a brother, Charles, purchased (jointly) 
400 acres of land, dividing it equally. His birth 
occurred September 10, 1773, and his death on 
April 16, 1863. Of his twelve children, Albt rt, 
who married Magdala Weckerly, was the father 
of our subject. When but four years of age, the 
latter was sent to school, his first teacher being 
George Padget, a noted teacher of sixty years' 
experience in Buffalo and Penn's Valleys, and 
who then held school in Swartz' school house, 
on the Eckenrode place, in Spring township. 
In 1 85 1-52 he attended the Mifflinburg Academy, 
and from there went to Airy View, near Perry- 
ville, to the academy kept by David Wilson. In 
the fall of 1854 he entered the sophomore class 



in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and was 
graduated in 1856. He read law with the late 
Hon. H. N. McAllister, and was admitted to the 
Bar April 27, 1858. Upon the invitation of the 
late Judge J. T. Hale, Mr. Hoy occupied a room 
in his law office, and became more or less asso- 
ciated with the Judge in his extensive business 
up to the death of the latter. He was appointed 
president judge of the district in 1883, by Gov. 
Puttison, which position he held with great credit 
until January, 1885, when he was succeeded by 
Judge Furst. 

During the Civil war Judge Hoy acted with 
the Republican party, but shortly after its ter- 
mination he joined the Democratic party, and up 
to the time of his death he was an active and in- 
fluential member of that party. In 1873, and 
again in 1876, he was a candidate for the Senate, 
but failed to procure the nomination. In 1884 
he was the Democratic nominee for president 
judge, but was defeated in consequence of local 
dissensions and political complications in the 
Congressional District. He bore his defeat man- 
fully, and the faithful and earnest manner in 
which he fulfilled the duties of chairman of the 
Democratic County Committee, to which he was 
elected the year following his defeat, proved how 
devoted he was to the principles he espoused, 
and how true to the cause he advocated. His 
death occurred August 23, 1887. "Asa lawyer, 
Judge Hoy had few, if any, superiors at the Bar; 
as a judge, he was cool, fair, and fearless, and 
won the respect of all by the conscientious, able 
and impartial manner in which he discharged the 
duties of the position; as a citizen, he was 
large-hearted, liberal and progressive, and as a 
neighbor, he was kind and obliging to a fault. 
He was a consistent and active member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and a trusty, good man; 
one whose work and actions in life would make a 
worthy example for others to follow." 

On December 26th, 1865, Judge Hoy was 
married to Miss Louisa M., daughter of the late 
James D. Harris. He left, surviving him, his 
widow and seven children, namely: Anna H., 
Mary, Albert, Louise, J. Harris, Edward L. and 
Randolph Hale. 



w 



ON. FREDERICK KURTZ was born in 
York, Penn., December 28, 1833, and 
came from there to Aaronsburg in the fall of 
1846. After conducting the Centre BericJiter for 
upward of ten years, he removed to Centre Hall. 
H> re he established the Centre Reporter on the 
1st of April, 1868. From the start Mr. Kurtz 
conducted the business of his office in business 



10 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REt ORD. 



style, editing its columns with \ igor and to the 

i Ins part) . and diversifying his 

-matter with riginal matter than is 

tained in the majority ol inland journals. 

Success lias crowned his efforts, and the 
Reporter is now one of the I unty 

and i- a dominant factor in count) poli- 
Mr. Kurt/ has at all times stimulated 
public enterprise, and is the embodiment of a 
go ahead man. He was elected to the Legisla- 
ture in i rGen. James A Beaver, and re- 
bj a largel) ini reased majority, 

1 the highest vote upon the Democratic ticket 
II lator was unsullied, and 

rendered him still more popular among his con- 
stituents Among other indications of this is the 
fact that at a publii meeting "I tin- citizens of 

count) . irre party, held at Belle- 

fonte in the winter of [8l rse in op] 

sitiontoth I monopol) was heartily in- 

dorsed by Hon. H. N. McAllister and other 
leading citizens. It is to the credit, too, ol Mr 
Kurt/ that he was one of the hardest and a 

nest workers for railroad fa< ilities for Fenn's 
Valley, devoting days and weeks canvas 
subscriptions, and giving the enterprise continued 
editorial support, while he was also one of the 
most liberal subscribers foi the stuck 

Mr Kurt/ always has taken high ground in 
support of educational interests, especiall) advo- 
cating the establishment of teachers' institutes, 
and speaking on that behalf at various points in 
the Valley He served some twelve years as a 
sch' toi For oy he was 

president of the joint cuunc.il of the Lutheran 
charge; for about sixteen consecutive years he- 
has been elected presidi nl ol the Farmers' Mutual 
Fire Insurance Co., ol Centre county, for so 
twenty-six years has been president of the Centre 
Hall Water Co. ; was chairman of the building 
committee in the erection of the handsome Lu th- 
in church building at Centre Hall, and for 
nearly ten years has been an elder in that 
Soi iet) all of which positions he has tilled with 
< -hai tic zeal and efficiency. Centre Hall 

is also indebted t o hi in for the reconstruction of 
its water-works, and change of the wooden 
pipes to iron pipes of the 1" Si modern style, and 
he has added to the improvement of the town 

II a large roller flouring-mill and five dwel- 
lings. Moreover, the beautiful little town owes 
much of its reputation abroad to the columns of 
the Reporter, through which its exceedingly 
healthful location has become far famed. 

On January 26, 1861, Mr. Kurtz married Miss 
Anne Harter, who was born September 6, 183S1 
daughter of William Harter, of near Aaronsburg, 



and children as follows were born to them: Will- 
iam 1., April 12, 1862; Charles R. , October 
31, [864, John 1". May 23, 1 868; George W . 

h 21, 1874. 



J 



I DGE DANIEL RHOADS On one of the 
ated points adjacent to the mountain 
town of Bellefonte, Centre county, is the lit- 
tle burying ground of the Society ol Friends, in 
which rest the remains of "one of the grandest 
characters that ever lived anywhere," those of 
1 1 iinel Rhoads, whose grave is marked by a plain 
granite slab, on which is the simple inscription: 
■■ Daniel Rhoads, born 9th nth, 25th. 1821, 

Died 3d month, I 1 til, 1893." 
ircling the inscription and climbing about 
the stone are sprigs of ivy, while the family lot 
is a plain -ward under the shadow of one 

of N randest forest trees; the picture pre- 

sented, suggested, as we stood by the grave, the 
thought of how like the life and taste of him who 
1 1 i a re 
The Rhoads family is a most historical and 
interesting one in both this and the Mother coun- 
try. For upward of two hundred years the fam- 
ily have lived in Philadelphia, the old homestead 
now at Haddington, in the 28th ward, being still 
in the possession ol the family, occupied by the 
eighth generation. The progenitor of the family 
here in America was John Rhoads 1 ). who came 
overborn Derbyshire, England, in 1687. How- 
previous to this two of his sons — John (2) 
and Adam- had preceded him a number of years, 
being contemporaries with William Penn. John 
i) was thi -'11 "t Sir Fran< is Rodes II. whose 
grandfather, the tirst Sir Francis, built, in 1583, 
Barlborough Hall, in Derbyshire, England, the 
palatial, castle-like home ol the family Barl- 
borough Hall is situated in the parish of the 
same name in Derbyshire. The village of Barl- 
borough is on the estate which is on the verge of 
the counts- southeast of Sheffield ami northeast 
hesterfield. James F. Pilkington, in "Pres- 
ent State of Derbyshire," 1789, writes: 

Barlborough II. ill is a handsome mansion ol the age ol 
ibeth; the inside h.is been modernized, but the prin 
front retains its original appearance |siill the same in I 
having projecting bows terminating in octagon embattled 
turret-, and large transom windows with very small pane - 
in lead. In the space between the Mr-t and second stories in 
the fronts ol tl .ire busts of Sir Francis 

Rodes and Ins wife in 

Anna V. Bailey, a cousin ol Daniel Rhoads, who 
visited Barlborough Hall in 1884, thus alluded to 

the pi 

'rounds are very picturesque, noble trees scattered 
indgroves in the distance The house is approached 
■v beautiful avenues "I limes <>r lindens, a quarter of mile in 
length, very ancient and grand-looking trees. TheDeRodes 



,': 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



41 



arms are over the great front door, and the forearm with the 
oak branch and clusters of acorns beautifully carved in sev- 
eral places around the house. The drawing room, a very 
spacious square room, filled with paintings, busts, portraits, 
etc., contains a very magnificent stone chimney-piece, origi- 
nally in "the great chamber;" it is enriched with fluted Doric 
pillars supporting statues of Justice and Religion, and coats 
of arms and various articles in bas-relief. In this room is 
an immense stained-glass window, very rich in color and 
design, divided in small, octagonal panes, each pane con- 
taining the name and crest of the different families with 
whom the Rodes had intermarried. There are hundreds of 
old miniatures done on ivory, very antique, a magnificent col- 
lection of old china, said to be the finest in Derbyshire, con- 
tained in beautifully inlaid antique cabinets, also very richly 
inlaid tables. The furniture of this room is covered with 
very old Gobelin tapestry, of mythological subjects, and the 
curtains are of rich, wine-colored velvet, with strips of tapes- 
try down the fronts. The buff coat and sword of Sir Francis 
Rodes, worn in the time of Charles I, are preserved in this 
house. They are engraved in Groses' Ancient Armor, Plate 
XXX IX, as are also the armor, breast-plates, helmets, gaunt- 
lets, sword-proof coats of heavy chamois skin, lances, spears, 
swords, etc., contained in the great hall. 

Washington Irving writes: 

1 had been passing a merry Christmas in the good old 
style at Barlboro' Hall, a venerable family mansion in Derby- 
shire, and set off to finish the holidays with the hospitable 
proprietor of Newstead Abbey. A drive of seventeen miles 
through a pleasant country, part of it the storied region of 
Sherwood Forest, brought me to the gate of Newstead Park. 
During my recent sojourn at Barlboro' Hall, on the skirts of 
Derbyshire and Yorkshire, I had witnessed many of the rus- 
tic festivites peculiar to that joyous season, which have rashly 
been pronounced obsolete by those who draw their experi- 
ence merely from city life. I had seen the great Yule log 
put on the fire on Christmas Eve, and the wassail bowl sent 
round brimming with its spicy beverage. I had heard carols 
beneath my window by the choristers of the neighboring vil- 
lage, who went their rounds about the ancient hall at mid- 
night, according to immemorial custom. We had mummers 
and mimers, too, with the story of St. George and the Dragon, 
and other ballads and traditional dialogues, together with the 
famous old interlude of the Hobby Horse, all represented 
in the ante-chamber and servants' hall by rustics who inher- 
ited the custom and the poetry from preceding generations. 

Sir Francis Rodes, the builder of the Hall, 

was of the eleventh generation from Gerard De- 

Kodes, who lived during the reigns of Henry II, 

Richard I, John, and Henry III, from all of whom 

he received great favors. Gerard DeRodes was 

one of the greater barons, the capital seat of 

whose barony was Horn Castle in Lincolnshire. 

It would appear from the following quotation from 

old ballads that this family had at one time a 

seat either in Scotland, or nearer the border than 

Horn Castle, Lincolnshire — "The House of the 

Rodes on the Hill :" 

"The Gordon then his bugle blew, 
And said, 'Awa, awa,' 
This house of the Rodes is a' in a flame; 
1 haud it's time to g'a." 

Gerard DeRodes would have been one of the 
signers of the Magna Charta but for his absence 
as an ambassador to foreign ports, whither he 
had been sent by King John, March 29, in the 
ninth year of his reign, 1208. Burke says Ger- 
ard DeRodes was one of the noble Armagnac 
family of the ancient French nobility. The 



family at Bellefonte have a record of their lineal 
descent from generation to generation from Ger- 
ard DeRodes along the line of which are inter- 
esting and historical characters prominent for 
their ability and interesting from their nearness 
to royalty. Pictures of Barlborough Hall, of the 
old Philadelphia homestead, with those of some 
of their occupants, together with family treasures 
of " ve olden times" grace their home. The or- 
thography of the name has undergone a number 
of changes. 

One Samuel Rhoads of the family was mayor 
of Philadelphia about the year 1765, and pre- 
sided as vice-president over the deliberations of 
the American Philosophical Society during the 
absence of the president, Benjamin Franklin, at 
the court of France. Another ancestor of whom 
1 Daniel Rhoads was a lineal descendant was John 
Blunston, a minister of the Society of Friends, 
who came frem Derbyshire, England, in 1682, 
and settled at Darby, near Philadelphia, he being 
"An Original Purchaser" of fifteen hundred 
acres of land, comprising several tracts of various 
sizes situated mostly, if not entirely, within the 
limits of the present Delaware county, Penn. 
He was a member of the first Provincial Assem- 
bly of Pennsylvania, and one of the committee 
appointed to receive William Penn on January 
12, 1683. He was several times Speaker of the 
Assembly, being a member for thirteen years. 
He was also one of the justices of the Court, and 
in 1690 a member of the Council of State. He 
frequently acted as attorney for persons residing 
in England who held lands in this country. For 
the years I70i-'02-'o3-'o4 and '05, he was again 
a member of the Governor's Council. William 
H. Egle, in his "History of Pennsylvania," in 
speaking of him says: "he was regarded as a 
person of great ability and probity." 

The father of Daniel Rhoads was Joseph 
Rhoads, who was the son of Adam and Sarah 
(Jeanes) Rhoads. Joseph Rhoads was born at 
"the old homestead " 5th Mo. 2, 1779. On 1st 
mo. 16, 1806, at Friends Meeting House, Rad- 
nor, Penn., he married Naomi Thomas, daughter 
of Abel and Zillah (Walker) Thomas. Joseph 
Rhoads was a leading member of the Society of 
Friends, and was active in the anti-slavery 
cause, being president of the Delaware County 
Anti-Slavery Society, and was always willing to 
give work and shelter to any who appealed to 
him as having escaped from bondage. His home 
was a station on the "underground railway." 
His son, Daniel, in his younger days, frequently 
conducted fugitive slaves to the next station, 
twenty-five miles farther north. He was also 
one of the earliest in the temperance movement, 



42 



I Ml VORATIVS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and a pioneer in abolishing whiskey from Ihe 
harvest fields. He died August 28, i s 5 2 . and 
his wife, Naomi, died August 9, 1842. Both are 
interred in the Friends grave) ard, at I tarby, 
which piece of ground was given to the Soi iety 
by the John I'.lunston mentioned above, great- 

it-grandfather of [oseph Rhoads. Naomi 
Thomas, the mother of Daniel Rhoads, was born 
10U1 mo. 2\, 1783. She was of ancient Welsh 
and English ancestry, the progenitors of the vari- 
ous branches ol her family, being Friends, v. 
among the fust settlers ol 1 hester Valley and ol 
Radnor, which were of the earliest of Pennsyl- 
vania settlements. They came from Wales and 
England in the years [683 84 ami 1687. Her 

at-grandfath< r, tsa ic Walker, owned tin 
historic Valley Forge property, which included 
the ground on whi< h Washington's 1 leadquarters 
now stand, and considerable of the encampment 
site. <.eii \iiili.iii\ Wayne was a kinsman of 
hers. Both he and Gen. LaFayette were fre- 
quent visitors to her grandfather's house, and it 

aid thai her aunt. " The Little Naomi," . 
little girl was a special favorite of the gallant 
young Frenchman. Naomi (Thomas) Rhoads, 
like her husband, was an active and consistent 
member of the Friends Society. She was a de- 
voted wife and mother and one of the most ex- 
emplary of women, possessed of great strength 
ol character and rare intelligence, and of the 
sweetest disposit ion. 

The family ol Rhoads have tot generations 
been stanch adherents to the principles ol the 
Societ) "I Friends. A numbei of the name suf- 
fered repeated persecutions in the Mother coun- 

tTJ for Conscience' soke, and it was doubtless the 

hope of enjoying religious liberty which led John 
Rhoads and his sons to leave their Derbj 
homes and seek the wilderness of Pennsylvania. 

I >amel Kin iads earl) in life w as si nt ; 
Friends boarding school at Burlington, N. J. 
Later he attended the schools at Philadelphia, re- 
fing a liberal education. At the time of his 
birth, which happened in the old homestead re- 
ferred to, the latter was -out in the counh 
the Judge used to remark that: "I was born 
and raised in Philadelphia, although no one knew 
it at the tune, nor was it dreamed of then that 
the old <_>uak<T city would 111 tin. h io the 

extent it is to-day." In [850 John K Smith. 

le of the wile of Daniel Rhoads, of Trenton, 

N J , bought in the neighborhood of ten thou- 
sand ai res of the Levy lands, a\^\ on Milt s run, 
some three miles south of tin- rivei in Burn 
township, Centre counts-, Penn., built a large 
sawmill of the capai it} ol si\ million feet yearly, 
equipped with two circulai saws; the linn operat- 



ing here in 1853 was Smith, Taylor & Smith. 
That year Mr. Rhoads came from Philadelphia 
;e in the lumbering business with them, 
buying the interest ol Mr. Taylor, the firm be- 
ing Smith, Rhoads & Smith, with Mr Rhoads 
as it I'lie business was one of considera- 

ble scope, and employed many men in cutting 
timber, and in sawing and shipping timber. For 
four or five years the firm was most successful in 
tin extensive operations, cutting and shipping 
million feet annually, until in 1S58, 
when their mill — the " Sterling " — was destroyed 
by lire. In the latter year Mr. Rhoads returned 
to his native city to take charge of the Market 
street horse-car line. In 1 S60 he accepted the 
superintendency of the Bellefonte & Snow Shoe 
railroad, a position he held with honor and credit 
for twenty-oni years until the road was sold to 
the Pennsylvania Company on March 17. 1881. 
In the meantime the firm continued to operate at 
Burnside, and until 1876 manufactured considera- 
ble square timber and sawed lumber, later the 
business being confined to nothing but square 
timber. After retiring from the railroad office 
Mr. Rhoads, with Richard Downing, Wistar Mor- 
ris and other Philadelphia stockholders, formed a 
company known as the Dunkirk Ore Association, 
purchased the James Love farm at Loveville, 
Centre county, and went into the business (Mi 
Rhoads being engaged at the same time in mer- 
cantile business at that point) of mining and ship- 
ping ore. In addition to his own large busin 
interests he had shared for twenty-six years the 
responsibility and care of the William A. Thomas 
estate, of which he was sole trustee after the 
th of Mr. John Irwin, and so well was the 
trust kept that the property more than tripled 

On the death of A [udge Smith ol 

Centre count)-, in the spring of 1887, Mr. Rhoads 
was appointed by Gov. Reaver to fill out the un- 
it <l term. In this capacity he showed such 
I judgment and honest purpose that in the 
same fall he was nominated, much against his 
own wishes, and elected to the Bench by a large 
majority, notwithstanding the fact that the 
county was strong]) Democratic, and he was an 
ardent Republic, in lb- loved his party and be- 
lieved in its principles, but he was a Republican 
from hoi ivictions and not for expediency's 

s.ike, tor he never sought an office, and was very 
h'ath to accept the one that sought him. As a 
judgi neral satisfaction, and was often 

appealed to for advice bv tin president judge, 
who had the greatest 1 for his sound judg 

ment. Editor Meek, of the Democratic Watch- 
man, said: 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



43 



Of all the eulogies uttered this week in his praise, he 
would undoubtedly value most highly that spoken by his 
friend, Rev. Dr. Monroe, at the simple funeral services 
Tuesday morning: ''He was a good man." Judge Rhoads 
was a good man— good without the narrowness of an over- 
zealous fanatic; but good in the fullest sense of the term — 
in his love for God and his fellow-men, in his devotion to 
truth, in his sense of honor, in the purity and nobility of his 
life, in the fine courtesy of his manner, and the unfailing 
kindness of his heart. Although towering away above the 
average man mentally and physically, and of an independ- 
ent temperament, he was so gentle, so kind, and so unassum- 
ing, that the inspiration of his example will live and his 
name remain honored as one of our best and noblest citizens 
long after the records of the many more ambitious and con- 
spicuous have faded from the memory of men. 

Another of the home papers referred to him: 

Judge Rhoads as an employer of labor, while superin- 
tendent of the Snow Shoe railroad, became well acquainted 
with the laboring men in that section of the country, and of 
him they always spoke in the highest terms. Kind, generous 
to his men, he was always held in the highest esteem by his 
fellowmen. Among the poor he will be greatly missed, his 
missions of charity were more numerous and of larger extent 
than the public ever knew; more than one humble home has 
been warmed and cheered, and the hungry mouths of little 
ones made to rejoice by his timely gifts of fuel and food, 
from purely charitable motives. Tender-hearted as a child, 
he was still as firm as a rock when grave situations arose 
and principles of right were involved. Judge Rhoads was 
an ideal man in many respects, and while the vital spark 
has flown, we can still study with instruction the record of 
that noble life just closed. 

The Public Ledger of Philadelphia said: 

Judge Rhoads was held in high esteem not only on ac- 
count of his well-known character for integrity and trust- 
worthiness, but also by reason of the sweetness and gentle- 
ness of his disposition, combined with great firmness and 
strength. 

On April 25, 1861, Mr. Rhoads was married 
to Miss Maria Dick Smith, and from that time 
until his death he was a resident of Bellefonte. 
Their children are: Edward Keasbey, Joseph 
James, Francis Sinnickson and Rebecca Naomi. 
The eldest child, Samuel Jeanes, died in infancy. 

Mrs. Rhoads is of an historic family, of Revolu- 
tionary stock, and of an ancestry that formed a 
part of the Colonies upward of 200 years ago. 
Her paternal ancestor Smith acquired from King 
Charles II, of England, a grant of land at Salem, 
N. J., in 1662, and about that year came over 
from England and located thereon. The original 
parchment on which this grant was written is 
now in the possession of Mrs. Rhoads. Her 
grandfather, John Smith, was a captain in com- 
mand of a New jersey troop in the war of the 
Revolution, and her grandfather on her mother's 
side, Andrew Sinnickson, served as colonel of a 
New Jersey regiment in that war. The Sinnick- 
sons were of Swedish descent, being among the 
first settlers of New Jersey. Many of Mrs. 
Rhoads' ancestors held positions of responsibility 
and trust during the Colonial period. Her father, 
Edward Smith, was a native of Salem, N. J., 
born in 1797; he was liberally educated, and by 
profession was a civil engineer. In early man- 



hood he represented the people of his locality in 
the General Assembly of New Jersey. 

In 1833 he removed to the West, locating at 
Mt. Carmel, 111. Such were his attainments and 
popularity that his services were sought by the 
citizens of his adopted State, and he was elected 
a member of the Legislature, and had the honor 
of serving in that body with the afterward Presi- 
dent Lincoln. He soon rose in the ranks of his 
profession, and at his death in 1839 was chief 
engineer in charge of all internal public improve- 
ments of the State of Illinois. He was a man of 
great force of character and ability, but died be- 
fore attaining the prominence his ability would 
have commanded had his life been spared. Mrs. 
Rhoads was born at Mt. Carmel, III., in 1839. 

The Rhoads homestead at Bellefonte is just 
such a one as the reader of the family history 
would picture. The house and surroundings 
suggest the poetical; sitting on an eminent point 
well studded with trees and bowers, it reaches 
out to a commanding view of the picturesque 
countrv of the beautiful " mountain town." 



C\OL. JAMES GILLILAND, whose death oc- 
__Ji curred at Linden, near Washington, D. C. , 
on April 1, 1889, when he was at the advanced 
age of eighty-five years, belonged to one of the 
pioneer families of Centre county, in which he 
was an official and well-known business man up- 
ward of fifty years ago. 

Joseph Gilliland, his father, in 1796 removed 
from near Downingtown, Chester Co., Penn., to 
White Deer township, in what is now Union 
county, and in 1805 moved to Spring Mills, Cen- 
tre county. In 1814 he moved up to the end of 
Egg Hill in George's Valley, where his death oc- 
curred in 1S40. He was an active member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and was elected an 
elder of Sinking Creek Church in 181 5. He ad- 
hered to the Scotch-Irish Presbyterian training, 
and the Colonel often remarked that he did not 
think that as long as he remained at home, a 
Sabbath ever passed without the Shorter Cate- 
chism being repeated by himself and his broth- 
ers and sisters. The wife of Mr. Gilliland was 
Catharine Cowden, and their children were: Ann, 
Allen, Joseph A., Jennet and Julia (twins), Rob- 
ert, jennet, James, John, David, William, Speer 
and Samuel. The death of the wife and mother 
occurred July 18, 1830. 

Col. James Gilliland was born in Buffalo Val- 
ley, Penn., January 27, 1804, and his early days 
were spent at Spring Mills, where his father kept 
a hotel. Young Gilliland wasa keen observer of 
events, had a retentive memory, and his father's 



II 



( OMMSMORATIVE BI0ORAPMCA1 KBCORD. 



being with Judge Potter, Andrew 
Gregg and the prominent residents of Penn's 
Yallrv. the eai Is in< ttlements of 

n's Valley wen- derived from listening to the 
conversation of his father's friends, and to ( 
Gilliland. the local historian at Bellefonte is in- 
debted for many important occurreni I in- 

teresting tales thai otherwise would havi 
into oblivion. While yet a young man, Mr. 
Gilliland was engaged bj Hon. fsaai M< Kii 

i clerk in his store neat Jacksonville, w i 
he received good business training. In i 
|udge Mc.Kinney built Hecla Furnace, and while 
with the [udge he assisted in taking "arks" 
down Bald Eagle and then West Branch to I *< -it 
I >i ■; I Baltimore, and on one of these oc- 

ons the |udge insisted on his visiting Wash- 
ington city. Ihs business connections with j i ■ 
McKinne) made- him well acquainted through 
Centre county, and he soon became influential 
in politics, and when William L. Smith, the 
j . died in office, March 1 1, 1831, Mr 
Gilliland was appointed his si He served 

as such until January ij, [836. 

After retiring from this office hi I the 

tin. stone residence on Alleghanj street, in 

efonte, later owned by Mrs. Pifer, and en- 
gaged in the mercantile business therein In 
1837 he was one of a committee, with John Irvin 
and John Hall, which erected the Presbyterian 
church edifice that preceded the present Imild- 
ing. He was engaged several years in settling 
the estat. of Gen. Philip Benner. In the spring 
of 1847 he purchased from the Gratzes t! 
tracts ol land in Snow shoe township, and in 
partnership with Henry Van Dyke and John Mc- 
rmick immediate]} built a first-class sawmill, 
established a blacksmith shop, and completed an 
elegant Rouring-mill on the purchase. In 1849 
Messrs. Gilliland and Van Dyke laid out the town 
of Moshannon, and in 1851 the Presbyterian 

church there was built on ground donated by 

then 1 Mr. Gilliland was chosen one ol the elders 
and became clerk of the Session. On the break- 
ing OUt of the war. he was made captain ot .1 
com pan) raised at Snow Shoe, but on going to 
Harrisburg, owing to his advanced age, he was 
assigned to duty in the quartermaster-general's 
office under Gen. Hale, where he served some 
time, when Gov. Curtin appointed him commis- 
sary and quartermastei ol the rst Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Veterans, from which position he 
was transferred to Washington city as assistant 
agenl of the State of Pennsylvania, to look aftei 
the interests of the soldiers of that State; this 
office he filled during the war, according to the 
test im on ) of Gov, Curtin. " admirably and with 



gr< at fidelity." This is also the unanimous testi- 
mony of the soldiers from Pennsylvania. On the 
close of the war he moved some seven or eight 
miles out of Washington, where he resided the 
rest of his life. 

Gilliland was twice married, the first time 
to Eliza, daughter of John Rankin, of Bellefonte, 
who died in 1 s 54. While on their wedding trip 
they stopped at Washington city and called on 
President [ackson. Th received in the 

11, and the President honored the bride 
by taking a seat on the sola, between her and the 
bridesmaid. He entertained the party for an 
hour. His second wife was Mary Hampshire 
whom he was married December 30, 1857. 

Gilliland was a genial, pleasant man, 
had great conversational powers, was a reads- 
writer, and was all his life a great advocate of 
temperance and religion. He went down to his 
grave with the respi ct ol all who knew him inti- 
mately, for his promptness and diligence in 
forming his official duties, and deeply re- 
gretted by his friends and kindred for the kind- 
ntleness and affection he always showed 
them. Two sons, Capt. John R., late of the 51st 
Pennsylvania Regiment, and James C, and three 
daughters, Mrs. Isabella Wright (wife of Rev. 
\\ O. Wright, of Milesburg), Henrietta and 
Catherine, survived him. 



GEORGE TOMB BUSH. Beginning his ca- 
reer with the prestige of a well-known name, 
with health, and seemingly all the good gifts that 
a reasonable mind could ask at Fortune's hand. 
the subject of this sketch has made such use of 
his advantages as to have already attained dis- 
tinction in his chosen lines of effort. A son of the 
late Daniel G. Bush, of Bellefonte, Centre coun- 
ty, he was born in that city September 24, 1867. 
At six years of age he was sent to school in Bucks 
county, l'enn., and prepared for a course at col- 
lege. Hi- went to Swarthmore College, near 
Philadelphia, where he spent four years. He 
then entered the Pennsylvania State College, and 
remained until 1SS7, taking a complete course in 
chemistry. At his father's death he was called 
home, .md has since remained there, assisting his 
mother in the settlement and handling of the 
estate-, and later engaging in busin 

Real estate and insurance (principally life) 
occupied his attention for a time, and in 1890 he 
purchased his present store where he carries a 
large and well-selected stock of stationery and 
sporting goods, but still keeping up his work in 
life insurance, of which he has made a thorough 
study, and is considered a well-posted man on 




- - A 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



45 



that subject. He is an active member of the 
Board of Trade of Bellefonte, and often partici- 
pates earnestly in the various discussions that 
arise. 

An enthusiastic Democrat, Mr. Bush takes an 
active share in political work, and enjoys a large 
acquaintance among the party leaders. For 
several years he was a member of the city coun- 
cil of Bellefonte, and in 1894 he was made a 
delegate to the Democratic County Convention, 
serving as secretary of that body; was also 
chosen as delegate to the State Convention of 
that year, and has served in like capacities several 
times since. 

Mr. Bush possesses a remarkable physique, 
and is noted for his achievements as an athlete. 
His interest in cycling dates back to 1890 when 
he became prominent in the League of America. 
He was first elected to the State Board of Rep- 
resentatives of that organization, and soon after 
elected a member of the National Assembly of 
that body, and his legislative abilities have been 
so well recognized that he has been continued a 
member of those bodies ever since, and he is now 
one of the most active workers in the League 
and its work for good roads. As a referee in 
bicycle races he has a reputation for accuracy 
and impartiality, and is called to attend many of 
the noted contests in this and other States in 
that capacity. Early in life, while at college, he 
took great interest in football, and in this line he 
has also been active for many years, managing a 
team at Detroit, Mich., in 1892. Of late his 
energies in that line have gone from the player 
to officiating as referee at games, his accustomed 
impartiality and good judgment standing him in 
good stead. 

With all his other gifts Mr. Bush wields the 
pen of a ready writer, and for many years he has 
been a general correspondent for leading dailies. 
His pet hobby is philately, and his collection of 
stamps, comprising about eight thousand varieties, 
is the envy of most other devotees in that line. 
He is also a charter member of the American 
Philatelic Association, the leading society of 
philatelists in the world. Fraternally, he is a 
member of the Bellefonte Lodge of Free Masons, 
the Royal Arch Chapter, and Constans Com- 
mandery No. 33, Knights Templar, all of Belle- 
fonte, and takes great interest in these organiza- 
tions, holding many minor offices, and is at 
present captain-general of the Commandery. 

Mr. Bush inherits much of his father's fore- 
sight and quickness of decision and thought, as 
well as administrative ability, and his word is his 
bond, as his father's was before him. His good 
judgment and impartiality in all matters is well 



known, he many times being called in as arbi- 
trator in business affairs. He is a member of the 
Pennsylvania Society Sons of the Revolution, 
and also of the Nittany Rod and Gun Club, a 
hunting and fishing organization which has for 
its home the old Gregg mansion at Hecla Furnace, 
Centre county, Pennsylvania. 



D' 



AN1EL GRIFFEN BUSH, the father of 
George T. Bush, was a man of remarkable 
foresight, ability, and energy, and played a lead- 
ing part in the development of Bellefonte and 
vicinity. He was a self-made man, and his his- 
tory shows a marvelous degree of pluck and am- 
bition. He was born in Granville township, 
Bradford Co., Penn., March 28, 1826, and is a 
descendant of an ancestry which was distin- 
guished in the early history of this country. On 
the paternal side his great-grandfather, John 
Bush, was a captain in the French and fndian 
war, and was with Gen. Braddock, at Fort Du- 
Quesne, July g, 1755, at the memorable defeat. 
Daniel Bush, the son of Capt. John Bush, and 
the grandfather of Daniel G. Bush, was an able 
man of much more than ordinary education, and 
although crippled through the improper setting 
of a broken leg, he was one of the leading sur- 
veyors of his time. He surveyed the site of the 
present city of Auburn, and was employed by 
the Spanish Government in 1798 to make sur- 
veys in Louisiana. In 1807 he established his 
home in Litchfield, Bradford Co., Penn. His 
son, Joseph Bush, the father of D. G. Bush, 
was a millwright by trade, and married Lucretia 
Putnam, a relative of Gen. Israel Putnam, of 
Revolutionary fame, and a daughter of John 
Putnam, who came from Great Barrington. 
Mass., in 18 18. and made his home in Granville, 
Penn. John Putnam served three years as a 
soldier in Washington's forces, having entered 
the service at the early age of thirteen years, 
and throughout his life gave evidence of the pos- 
session of the honesty, firmness, and persistence 
that characterized his illustrious kinsman. Jo- 
seph Bush was unfortunate in his financial affairs, 
unprofitable investments and losses through giv- 
ing security for neighbors exhausting his estate. 
He died when his son Daniel was a lad of six- 
teen, and, the family being separated, the boy 
was sent to work upon a farm at six dollars per 
month for nine months of the year with the 
privilege of attending school in the winter. 
These meagre advantages did not satisfy his 
eager longing for knowledge, and many an even- 
ing he spent in study by the light of the fire. 
Reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic were 
the only studies included in the curriculum of the 



46 



00MM1 VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



distrii t scho . and one who had 

Tf.a hed the " rule ^l three « pbn 

i prodigy, < Ira mm .1 phy were al- 

most an unknown field to the pupils, and pn 
bly to th<- 1 Under these circumstan 

Mr. Hush made his way until he was himsell 
qualified to assume the duties of a teacher, his 
firsl being at New Albanj , Br idford ( 

I'liiii., where in 1 ived $10.00 per 

month and ' I round." In the same year 

id) 1 I law, and was enr< tiled 
student in I Mi rcur, of l 

wanda, Penn., afterward a judge "I tin- supi 

irt of this Stati I of Ins first term 

as a teacher found Mr. Bush more desirous than 
ever ol sei ui ing a I 1 education, and he 

determined I Whitestown Academy, 1 

Utica, N. Y. The paj for his first term of scl 
was not forthcoming, however, as the treasury 
was empty, and he was told that he would have 
to wait until the m< >n c-^- was collected at some 
tune in the future, perhaps three months, per- 
haps a year. Six dollars represented Ins entire 
available funds, bul in spite of this fact and of 
the opposition of his friends, Mr. Bush packed 
his in an old valise, and swinging it over 

his shoulder he started, staff in hand, t<> walk 
to Whitestown, a distance of 200 miles. On his 
arrival, about the 1st of April, [847, he found 
that the rooms of th >1 were only partially 

furnished, and that he would be obliged to buj .1 
bed As he had but three dollars and fifty cents 
left, this news had .1 discouraging effect, and for 
a time he felt inclined to join a regiment which 
M.i| 1 Si hofield, one of the proprietors of the 
hotel where he was stopping, was recruiting for 
the Mexican war. On hearing his story the Ma- 
jor, who was delighted with the young man's 
pluck, told him by all means to continue his 
studies, and settled the difficulty about the bed 
b) advising him to buy a bedtick and fill it with 
straw, and promised to lend him a pillow and 
othei necessaries. To tins good friend Mr. 
Bush owed much, not only for this kindly turn 
but for practical advice on various points. The 
payment ol his bill at the hotel left Mr. Bush 
only fifty cents, The mornings were cold, and 
half this amount was paid for five large sticks of 
wood, with which he managed to get through the 
term. Candles were an unattainable luxury, 
and Ik was obliged to visit the rooms of other 
students in oi,;,i to study at night, making the 
excuse ol lone 1 imeness. 

He had heard nothing from home for some 
time, but finally the postmaster informed him 
that there were three letters For him on which 
fifteen cents postage must be paid. In after days 



Mr. Bush must have often thought of the time 
when tie i this trifling sum meant so much 

to him. Telling the postma I he had no 

money, he said he wi me lor the letters the 

I day; but credit was offered and accepted, 
and with many bright hopes Mr. Iiush took the 
mis I rushed to his room to open them. But 

alas! instead of 1 I remittance he found 

oiii. - and cciisiiie for his folly in pursuing 

h an unprofitable ! ; -appointment 

was keen, and s 1 Mr. Bush realized that he had 

the new difficulty on hand of raising, before the 
next da) should end, the imn um of fift 

; w no one from whom he could 

hut fortune favored him, and learning 
that Mr. Williams needed help in his garden near 
the school, In- went to him and offered to work 
during the four hours which were allowed for ex- 
Six and one-fourth cents per hour was 
the (on in, and, by working two houi> 

that night and two next morning, the debt was 
paid. This employment continued until the gar- 
den was planted, and Mr. liush also found work 
for his Saturdays, at fifty cents a day, with some 
farmers in the neighborhood; but notwithstand- 
ing these efforts he found himself in debt for 
hoard and tuition at the close of the first term. 
vacation wa in work at twenty dollars 

a month, to which his employer voluntarily 
ad led five dollars, saying that he richly deserved 
it for his unusual efficiency. Two weeks in the 
harvest field followed, and then came the open- 
ing of the second term. Board was furnished at 
the rate of one dollar per week; but he decided 
that he could not afford this, and purchasing 

ie corn, meat and molasses he began boarding 
himself, and finding that he could accomplish 
this for about thirty-one cents per week he con- 
tinued the plan as long as he remained in school. 

The following winter he spent in teaching 
near Owego, N. Y., and in the spring of 1 
he went to White Deer Valley, Lycoming Co. , 
Penn., and taught one year. Here he became 
acquainted with Pelton's outline maps for teach- 
in;,' geography, and he decided to go to Philadel- 
phia and, if possible, secure the agency, which he 
irdingly did. Mr. Pelton being so impressed 
with his abilities that he made him general agent 
for this Stat'-. I le held this position until 1856, 
when In ttled at Bel 1 omplete his 

preparation for the Bar. His first practical knowl- 
edge of legal procedure was connected with an 
unfortunate experience. He had saved about 
$3,000, which lie had placed in the hands of a 
cousin, I). 1'.. Colton, of Athens. Penn., with 
whom he formed a partnership in certain real-es- 
tate investments in that city. The firm failed 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



47 



under Colton's management, and Mr. Bush's 
earnings of eight years were irretrievably lost, and 
a debt of $200 against the firm took the place of 
the expected profits. Thus Mr. Bush found him- 
self again at the foot of the ladder. His un- 
daunted energy did not fail him, however, at this 
crisis, and after his admission to the Bar April 
29, 1857, he devoted himself to the practice of 
his profession with a zeal and ability which com- 
manded success. He had taken an active part 
in the local work of the Democratic party in 1856, 
and his abilities being noted by the county lead- 
ers he received an appointment as mercantile ap- 
praiser, in 1857. As time progressed, he became 
interested in real-estate business, and turned his 
legal practice into the hands of a partner, the 
late George M. Yocum, with whom he became 
associated in 1862. The present Gov. D. H. 
Hastings was taken in as student-at-law by Mr. 
Bush, and was afterward taken into partnership 
with him, and Gov. Hastings owes to his pre- 
ceptor much of his later energy and push that he 
has since exhibited. 

Naturally Mr. Bush became a power in the 
political affairs, being an eloquent and fluent 
stump speaker, but although he was an ardent 
and tireless worker in emergencies, he seemed 
indifferent to reward. In 1868 his county pre- 
sented his name as a candidate for Congress, but 
at Mr. Bush's own request it was withdrawn in 
favor of the Clinton county candidate, Hon. L. 
A. Mackey, and when in 1876 the Democracy of 
Centre county again urged his candidacy, Mr. 
Bush again declined to oppose Mr. Mackey's no- 
mination. In later years ill health prevented his 
active participation in political affairs. 

As may be inferred from the incidents of his 
life, Mr. Bush has been altogether the artificer 
of his own fortune and reputation. He has been 
an intensely busy man all his life, and has de- 
monstrated in the improvements he has made in 
Bellefonte his capacity for business upon a large 
scale. He may be characterized as a man of 
great administrative ability, quick to think and 
to decide, pushing with energy to completion 
whatever he undertakes. In 1867 he erected his 
own magnificient residence on Spring street, in 
Bellefonte, and the large business block known 
as the "Bush Arcade," which was burned in 
1887, but was rebuilt by the estate. In 1868 he 
erected the " Bush House " and several dwellings, 
and in 1869 he erected a block of three brick 
dwellings on Spring street .above the Centre 
County Bank, and the brick block opposite the 
"Bush House" known as the " McClain Block," 
besides erecting at many different times upward 
of sixty frame houses. 



Mr. Bush's activity in the development of 
Bellefonte was not confined to Bellefonte alone, 
as he was prominently identified with railroad in- 
terests, being the chief promoter and the first 
president of the road from Norfolk, Va. , to Eliza- 
beth City, N. C. (now known as the Norfolk 
Southern), where he owned large tracts of land 
and made many improvements. 

In addition to all the building enterprises in 
Bellefonte to which Mr. Bush did not confine 
himself, he was also the leader in every industry 
that was founded in that time. In 1868 he went 
to Pittsburg and obtained the best method of 
building a glass furnace, with minute details as 
to cost of building and running the same, came 
home, raised a company, and built the works, 
subscribing considerable stock himself. 

The car works was started in 1873, Mr. Bush 
contributing the use of the valuable water power, 
and subscribed $10,000 stock, he being elected 
the first president of the company. 

He was also chiefly interested in getting the 
nail works here. Mr. Achenbach having»come to 
town for the purpose of trying to raise a com- 
pany, but without success, Mr. Bush met him at 
Lock Haven after he had left, brought him back, 
and immediately called together a few of the in- 
fluential citizens, and a company was formed 
headed by Gen. Beaver, and the nail works 
built. 

In order to show their appreciation of Mr. 
Bush's public spirit, all the leading citizens of 
Bellefonte, on the fourth of May, 1869, joined in 
a letter of thanks to him, and the tender of a 
public dinner at the "Bush House," which Mr. 
Bush accepted, designating June 1st for the occa- 
sion, which passed with great eclat. 

Constans Commandery No. 33, Knights Tem- 
plar, was chartered June 10, 1868, Mr. Bush 
being one of the first signers for the charter, but 
yielded the right of eminent commander to the 
Hon. S. T. Shugert, he being the next elected 
eminent commander. He was a charter appli- 
cant and the first high priest of the Royal Arch 
Masons, Chapter No. 241, which was chartered 
in 1872; he also took a prominent part in the 
lodge of Free Masons, and was a thirty-second 
degree Mason of the Scottish Rite Consistory. 

Mr. Bush was married to Miss Louisa Tomb, 
a daughter of George Tomb, of Jersey Shore, 
whose ancestors settled at Sunbury about 1750, 
on the 14th day of December, 1858, and settled 
permanently in Bellefonte. Their issue was three 
daughters and two sons, two of the daughters 
dying in infancy; Elizabeth married Chas. L. 
Calloway, of Baltimore; George T. , at home, is 
the subject of another sketch; and Harry is at 



1- 



COMM h:\loU.\TIVI-: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



present the general manager for a lumber com- 
pany at Carthagena, Columbian Republic, South 
America. Mr. Bush died on the morning of 
September 23, 1886. The following notice, ap- 
pearing in the Democratic Watchman the next 
day, would best indicate the feeling of the com- 
munity at such a bereavment: 

"Bellefonte's Benefactor Gone. The 
deatb oi D G Bush Esq., which occurred at 
his residence in this place yesterday morning, 

'>f a complication of diseases which have kepi 
him in poor health for several years, removes 
from our midst one of tb hearted, liberal- 

minded and enterprising citizens this section of 
the State has ever had. In his death Bellefonte 
loses one who has done more to build up the 
town, to enlarge its business facilities, to add to 
its real wealth, and to improve it in every way, 
than all its other capitalists combined. It loses 
a citizen whom every one respected; a neighbor 
who was loved by all; a man who needed no seals 
or written contracts to require him to keep his 
word; whose integrity was above suspicion and 
whose liberality in public enterprises others might 
feel proud to emulate." 

The remains of Mr. Bush were committed to 
the grave at three o'clock on the Saturday after- 
noon (September 25) following his death, in the 
Union Cemetery. During the funeral services and 
burial all plat es "I business were closed, and the 
people of the town, irrespective 01 age or sex, 
mournfully did honor to him who had done so 
much for the town. The Commandery 01 Knights 
Templar from Lock Haven, together with the 
Bellefonte Commandery, performed the last im- 
pressive services of that order. The Bai Asso- 
ciation attended in a body, he having been one 
whose counsel was often sought by both older 
and younger members. The ministers of all the 
Churches in Bellefonte delivered addresses, and 
the attendance upon this solemn occasion was 
the largest ever witnessed in Bellefonte, asever) 
one felt it to be a duty to pay their last respects 
to him who had done so much (or his fellowinen. 
In the evening the court house was crowded to 
participate in the memorial services of the Bai 
Association, and many feeling addresses were de- 
livered by Hon. A <■ I urtin. Hon. Judges Furst 
and Hoy. Col |. L. Spangler, Hon. John G, 
Love, Wilbur F. Reeder, E. C. Humes and 
others. 

COL. J. P. f < >BURN, president ol the I 
National Bank of Bellefonte, is one of tin- 
leading citizens of Centre county, and in fact is 
well-known throughout cistern Pennsylvania. 
For forty years he has been identilied with al- 



most ever \ important enterprise in his locality, 
and his influence has been helpfully exerted in 
all the varied activities of social, religious, busi- 
ness and political life. His title was gained 
through service upon Gen. George Buchanan's 
staff, and he was also a member of Gov. A. (.. 
Curtin's staff with the same rank. The peer of 
the best, he enjoys a wide acquaintance among 
prominent men, and was a personal friend of 
James G. Blaine for many years. 

The family name was originally Cockburn, and 
the Colonel's ancestors came from England about 
i, settling in Connecticut. Col. R. Coburn, 
our subject's great-uncle, did gallant service in 
the Revolutionary army, and was killed in the 
battle of Saratoga. The branch of the family 
in which our interest is especially centered came 
from Connecticut in the latter part of the last 
century, and bought lands in Bradford county. 
I'enn., where they located. These estates w 
later taken from them by the decision in the con- 
tent over the adverse titles granted by Penn and 
the English Crown. 

Dr. Charles Coburn, the Colonel's father. 
was born in Woodstock, Windham Co., Conn., 
October 30. 1785. Having prepared for his 
profession during his early years, he located .it 
Aaronsburg in 1814, where he continued to prac- 
tice successfully for many years. He was a man 
ol line intellect, and advanced ideas, a thorough 
"Yankee," jovial, good-natured, outspoken yet 
dignified, and was rarely gifted as an agreeable and 
entertaining conversationalist. Politically, he was 
an active, earnest and influential Whig, after- 
ward a Republican. His nature was deeply and 
sincerely religious; from his youth he was a sincere 
and earnest member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and during his early life, when the locality in 
Which he resided was comparatively a wilderness, 
he carried with him and distributed the Bible while 
making professional calls among his people with- 
out cost to those unable or too poor to pay. 
He organized the first Sunday-school in Aarons 
burj,'. where he resided, and was largely instru- 
mental with others in founding the Presbyterian 
Church there, and at Spring Mills, seven miles 
west ol his home, in Penn's Valley, in which he 
held the office of elder for many years until his 

death. 

< Mi January 15, 1824, Dr. Coburn was united 
in marriage with Miss Peggj C Potter, daughter 

I Gen. James Potter, of Potter township, ( - 
tie county, of Revolutio me She died 

leaving no issue, and on June 24, 1830, Dr. Co- 
burn married Miss Margaret Huston, also of Pot- 
ter township, who was born September 18, 1800, 
the daughter of James and Catherine (Ewing) 





r^Qgr&^rrt^p 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



49 



Huston, a family noted among the people of 
Penn's Valley for their modest, unostentatious 
generosity, and sterling integrity. Her father's 
early home was in the Cumberland Valley, but 
he became a pioneer settler of Potter township, 
Centre county, and owned one of the largest and 
best farms in that locality, his systematic meth- 
ods of cultivation being an important factor in 
his successful management. Mrs. Catherine 
Ewing Huston was during her childhood cap- 
tured by the Indians in a corn field on her | 
father's home farm near Spruce creek, Hunting- 
don Co., Perm., and made to tramp barefooted 
to Niagara Falls and Montreal, where she spent 
two years or more wandering about with the sav- 
ages. From constantly hearing and using their 
language, she had almost forgotten her native 
tongue, when she was finally exchanged and sent 
back in safety to her home. Dr. Coburn's long 
and eminently useful life ended April 25, 1858, 
and his wife did not long survive him, her death 
occurring August 21, 1861. Of their five chil- 
dren, only two lived to adult age — our subject 
and his sister Margaret, who married Morgan F. 
Medlar, a banker and broker at Allentown, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Col. Coburn was born July 11, 1831, at 
Aaronsburg, and the common schools of that 
town afforded him an entrance to the path of 
knowledge. Our subject spent three years in 
school at Owego, N. Y., two at Harrisburg 
Academy, and then entered the "Old Tenant 
School," at Hartsville, Bucks Co., Penn., where 
he prepared for Yale College. He did not take 
a collegiate course, however, as both his parents 
had become invalids, and for their sake he re- 
turned to Aaronsburg and tenderly cared for 
them until they passed away, his filial love 
making this sacrifice a pleasure. For seven 
years he was engaged in mercantile business as 
clerk and proprietor, and in the meantime he 
read law in the office .of Hon. A. G. Curtin and 
Edmund Blanchard, at Bellefonte, Penn., and in 
i860 was admitted to practice, His business 
ability has made him a valued adviser and helper 
in important ventures. For thirty years he la- 
bored unceasingly to secure the assistance and 
aid of capitalists and others in the construction 
of the Lewisburg & Tyrone railroad, of which he 
is a director, and which was finally built at a 
cost of $2,500,000, and is now in successful oper- 
ation via Coburn, Lemont and Bellefonte. 
Although he was acquainted for many years with 
tlje route which the road must eventually take, 
and had the best of opportunities to enrich him- 
self by purchasing land along the line, he re- 
frained from taking advantage of the opportunity, 
4 



out of a high sense of personal honor and a loyal 
consideration of the rights of the community. 
He has served as director of the First National 
Bank of Bellefonte, with acceptability, and July 
1 , 1 896, he was elected to the office of president. 
This bank is known as one of the oldest, most 
reliable and successful banking institutions in this 
part of Pennsylvania. It is a noteworthy fact 
that no paper of his was ever discounted or dis- 
honored, notwithstanding the .extensive business 
operations in which he has engaged. He was 
married October 17, i860, to Miss Jane E. Hus- 
ton, daughter of Thomas Huston, late a well- 
known and prominent resident of Nittany Valley, 
Centre county. 

Kind and considerate in all the relations of 
life, the Colonel cherishes enmity toward none. 
Politically he is a Republican. He has never 
sought office although frequently offered to him, 
and no man takes a keener interest in the success 
of his party, and the prosperity of the country 
than he, and his counsel is valued by those who 
know him, while his influence is felt by both 
friend and opponent. 



HON. JOHN BLAIR LINN, of Bellefonte, 
is one of Centre county's many men who 
have been called to positions of honor and trust 
in the public affairs of the State, which, to- 
gether with his connection with works on local 
history and genealogy of Pennsylvania families, 
has given him a large acquaintance and a repu- 
tation not confined to the State. 

William Linn, his great-great-grandfather, 
emigrated from the North of Ireland, in 1732, 
and settled in Chester county, Penn. Accord- 
ing to family tradition, 'his wife died in Ireland, 
and he brought with him an only son, William. 
They remained in Chester county but a few years, 
when, following the tide of emigration, they set- 
tled upon the frontier of the Purchase of Octo- 
ber, 1736, near what is now known as Roxbury, 
in Franklin county. The names of William 
Linn, Sr. , and William Linn-, Jr., appear on the 
assessment list of Lurgan township, Cumberland 
county, for the year 175 1, one year after the 
erection of Cumberland county (1750), Here 
the ancestor died, having nearly reached the one 
hundredth year of his age. His father fought 
on the side of "the Orange" at Boyne, July 1, 
1690, and was said to have been in Capt. Hugh 
Wilson's company, the first Irish officer who 
crossed the river. William Linn, Jr., born in 
1722 in Ireland, was an officer in Middle Spring 
Church. In June, 1755, he was in Philadelphia 
with his wagon, and with his team was pressed 






( omiEMORATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



into ill' haul su| . I Irad- 

doi k's army, and w 

Hi died \('iil 16, <n\ is buried in 

I Spring Church. 

He was twice married; Ins first wife, the one 

from who ur sub inna 

Trimble, who died ling to tradition, in 

Shipper — . when 

sequence of an Indian raid the frontier inhabit- 
ants had gathered I In children by this union 
wen- William and John. 

The foi mi i . William | j i was bi >rn in Lui 
township, I '7. I752;graduated at Prin 

ton, N [., class <>( 177-. studied theolog} tiu- 
der Re\ Ri >bei t Cooper, 1 ' I ' nted 

I haplain of 5th and 6th Penn b tttalions Feb- 
ruary 1 - pastor al ; 11 ings 1 now 
Newville), Cumberland county, until 1784; presi- 
dent of \\ Md., 1784 1785; 
pastor of Co N. Y., 1; 

lain of the I ! Repre- 

sentatives, U S., M.i\ 1, 1789. His published 
works are " s > rmons, Historii al and < haracter- 
istical, ' N. Y., 1791 ; " Signs of the I 
N. Y. . 1 7'.>4 ; " A Funeral Ei Gi Wash- 

ington, delivered Februarj the 

New York Soi ietj - 'l * incinnati; "Sermon 
tin Death of Alexander Hamilton, "etc. Shortly 

eath Di Linn 
"l Union Colli tady, but was m 

tugurated II' di d in Albany, X. Y., [anu- 

II y 8, 180J Di 1 .11111 married 1 fh si January 
10, 1 774, Rebei 1 a I llaii . daughtei "I Ri v | 
Blair, ^ Jer- 
sey, at Princeton, 176 

John Linn, the othi 1 I William Linn 

!.\ thi In -t mai 1 iagi . w .1 horn in I .in 
ti iwnship, April 2, 1754 II I .urgan 

to Buffalo Valle) (now Union 1 ounty . Penn., in 
1775; mi N 1 7. ij8o, I"' ma \nn 

Fleming, born September 6, 1761, daughtei 
John and Ann Fleming, nt) 

Their children were: Susanna married William 
ompson; Ann married Andrew M Bi th; Will- 
iam married [ane Morrow; |ohn married Mary 
F, Chambei lin; Margarel marrii I [oseph Mi 

monl . (ames F. . and [emima (died unn 
The parents ol these children died, the 
father on March 18, 1809, and the- mothei 
Septi mbei 1, 1 84 1 

James I I inn, nexl 
[ohn Linn, was born December 6, 1802. He 

i.i-il mi the farm at his n 
I ,ater he atti hoi >l at Milton, and in 1 

in reading law nndei the din 
Men iil 1 le •■■■ > idm il 
and began the pi n at Lew is- 



burg, which place he made his residence thrm 

life Beside the profession of law, he was a 

fond ol it, which 
went well with his I ion in mattei 

ements nd in the land law trials. 

II made copies of all surveys, and preserved a 
cop; ade; the d ipies were in a 

1 k, and tl ill tiled awaj separ- 

ately into townships and counties, and all were 
indexed in a 1 tranger could 

turn to them and undi rstand. Th< 
six hundred, and thi nplete history "I 

the early tra and many titles would be in- 

ile without them. I fe served a 

is transaction in 
which hi 1 rhe little slips of papei . 

■ in which the calculations and memorandums of 
the tra; happened in In- made, were all 

gathered up and put away with the case He 
kepi nmon picas docket, 1 opied ] 1 

motary's docket, in which tl 
was no entry except what was to be found there, 

Jlection docket, a brief hook, issue lists; in 
line from [826 to tin- day he did his last, tl 

history "I his busibess. 1 le was 

fnl lawyer. He was learned 

in his pi id withal, in the early part ol 

Ins with it his reading of poetry and 

historj in I much de\ oti d to the- 

\ lie was a Democrat, along with the old 

I ' 1 nil and Martin 
Van Bui ame an Abolitionist, voted lor 
Birney, and livi the day win n his fai 

["emperani 1 and Abolition ol Sla\ - 
• i\ were triumphant. He was a Scotch-Irish 
1, and with all his dignity and app 
1 \ friendly to all the amusemi 
of life. Hi- death 1. d October 8, 1 S69. 

Mi 1. 11111 married July 20, 1S26, Margaret I. 
Wil Jit. r of 1 [ugh Wilson 14 .md Cath- 

erine Irvine, and their children were: Marx I 
married Rev Elenr) Harbaugh, D. D. ; Wilson 1 
married 1 I ii Brown; [ohn Blair is our sub- 

jei t , J M.i rill n ! Billmeyi 1 1 

ver 1> died young; Anne (". married Dr. John S. 
Ang - ; 3 was tin- first wife of I >i [ohn 

S Vngle. 

Hugh Wilson 141 was the great-grandson of 

II ias Wilson, and was a native ol Northamp- 
ton county, Penn., 1 her 21, 1 ~ * > 1 ; died 

on his I Penn. , I October 9, 

1845, He served a nui tours during the 

l\'"> olution .in, under Col. Nicholas 

Kern, ami remo\ iffalo Valle} mow Union 

Penn . and kept store at Lewisbu 

lie III. lined I 17. I79O, 

mber 16, 1 -;>'.. died 



COMMEMORA Tl VE BIOGRAPHIOA I. RE( ORD. 



August 21, 1835, ' daughter of Capt. William 
Irvine, of the Revolution. Thomas Wilson, 
from whom Hugh is the fourth generation, was 
an officer in King William's army, among the 
first to cross the river Boyne, on horseback on 
the morning of July 1, 1690. He was specially 
rewarded, for his bravery, with a grant of land. 
He resided in County Cavan, Ireland, having an 
extensive bleach-green within a mile of Coote 
Hill, not far from the county town. His an- 
cestors had emigrated from Scotland to Ireland. 
Thomas had one son Hugh, born in 1689, in 
County Cavan, Ireland; married Sarah Craig, in 
Ireland; emigrated to America and settled in the 
"Irish Settlement" as early as 1736. His home lay 
northwest of what is now known as Howertown, 
in Allen township, Northampton Co., Penn. His 
land comprises 730 acres. He erected a flour- 
ing-rnill which was torn down as late as the 
spring of 1857. Upon the erection of North- 
ampton county, in 1752, he was commissioned 
one of the justices of the peace for the county. 
His last commission as justice was issued March 

15, 1766. His death occurred in the autumn of 
1773, and his remains rest in the old graveyard 
at the settlement. 

John Blair Linn was born at Lewisburg, 
Penn., October 15, 1 83 1 , and inherited his incli- 
nation to genealogy and local history from his 
father, James F. Linn, whose memorandums 
and newspaper files were the sources from which 
much of whatever is valuable in the " Annals of 
Buffalo Valley" was derived. He was prepared 
for college at the Lewisburg Academy, under 
John Robinson, Esq., late ot the Philadelphia 
Bar; entered Marshall College at Mercersburg, 
Penn., in May, 1846 (sophomore class), half ad- 
vanced, where he graduated at the age of seven- 
teen in the same class with the Hon. Charles A. 
Mayer, some years ago president judge of Clinton 
and Centre counties. He read law in his father's 
office, and was admitted to the Bar September 

16, 1 85 1 . The years 1852 and 1853 he spent in 
Sullivan county, which had just been opened out, 
where he was elected district attorney. He re- 
turned to Union county in 1854, where he prac- 
ticed his profession until his removal to Belle- 
fonte, in April, 187 1. On April 10, 1873, he 
was appointed deputy secretary of the Common- 
wealth by the Hon. M. S. Qua}', and May 15, 
1878, upon the resignation of Mr. Quay, he was 
commissioned Secretary of the Commonwealth, 
in which incumbency he remained until after 
Gov. Hoyt was inaugurated, and then returned 
to Bellefonte. Mr. Linn and Dr. Egle were 
made editors of the Second Series of Pennsyl- 
vania Archives, the publication of which was rec- 



ommended by Gov. Hartranft in his annual 
message, January 7, 1874, and they were is- 
sued in twelve volumes, under Mr. Quay's su- 
pervision. In 1879 Mr. Linn published the 
"Annals of Buffalo Valley, " a local work em- 
bracing the history of Union county principally. 
It is a book of 620 pages, replete with interest, 
though largely local, and involved an immense 
amount, of painstaking labor. While he was 
Secretary of the Commonwealth, there was pub- 
lished under his direction " Duke of York's laws, 
1676-82, and Laws of the Province, 1682-1700." 
In 1882 he edited a " History of Centre and Clin- 
ton counties" in a handsome volume of nearly 
700 pages, which has preserved all that is of 
value of " Men and things in these counties " in 
a readable and entertaining shape. Mr. Linn 
has not only inherited from his father his incli- 
nation to genealogy and local history, but also 
that same methodical and systematic manner of 
looking after his business affairs, and that same 
sense of right, justice and honor and Christian 
manhood — characteristic of his father — is pos- 
sessed by him. He is an exemplary citizen, 
known and beloved by all. His work in the line 
of history and genealogy has been one of labor 
and love — he being fond of research and inves- 
tigation. He possesses that love of books, and 
a literary taste that has been characteristic of a 
distinguished ancestry. He is identified with the 
Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a Re- 
publican. During the war of the Rebellion he 
was a patriot, and served his country. 

Mr. Linn was twice tnarried; (first) October 
22, 1857, to Julia J. Pollock, borr February 2, 
1 83 1, daughter of F. W. Pollock, of Milton, 
Penn., and their children were: Sarah P. G., 
born April 9, 1859; and Bessie W., born Sep- 
tember 13, i860. Was married (second) to 
Mary E. D. Wilson, daughter of Samuel Hunter 
and Mary Benner Wilson, and their children are: 
Mary H., born July 26, 1869, and Henry Sage, 
born January 18, 1873, at Bellefonte, Penn. 
The latter is a member of the Society of Cincin- 
nati. He is associated in the office with his fa- 
ther under whom he is preparing himself for the 
profession of the law. A well-educated, bright, 
genial and affable young man, he surely has be- 
fore him a promising future. 



JUDGE AUSTIN O. FURST. Every profes- 
sion has its prominent men; some made such 
by long membership, and others by their pro- 
ficiency in their calling. The subject of this 
sketch is made conspicuous among the jurists of 
Centre county both by the length of time he has 



52 



COMMKM<>U.\ Tl VB BIOQRAPHU .1 / RBI <>HD. 



devoted to the pursuit, and by the eminent suc- 
cess he has made of it. He is one of those men 
who may be said to have chosen well in the se- 
lection of a profession. Possessed of a keen 
sense of discrimination, mature judgment and a 
natural taste for the various branches of legal 
business, he has by years of stud)' and practice 
placed himself among the foremost members of 
the learned liar of the great State of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Judge Furst has descended from honored fore- 
fathers who came to America from Holland after 
the Reformation, his paternal ancestors being 
followers o( Martin Luther. John George Furst, 
the grandfather of Judge Furst, purchased from 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania a large tract 
of land in the eastern portion of Nittany Valley, 
which he laid out into farms for Ins lour sons — 
George, John, Samuel and Thomas and daugh- 
ter — Catherine These sons and daughter were 
reared in the Valley referred to, married there, 
and settled on that tract of lain! George, how- 
ever, afterward located in the vicinity of Free- 
port. Ill, where he passed the rest of Ids days. 
Two of the sons, Samuel and Thomas, were 
noted hunters of this section of the country, in 
which they were reared. The five children above 
named were strongly attached to the Church of 
their forefathers. John George Furst died in 
Clinton county (formerly Centre) in iSj i , and his 
wife, Agnes, in 1 8 1 3. 

John Furst, the second son of John George 
Furst, and the father of Judge hurst, was horn 
in the Susquehanna Valley, August r8, 1785, and 
was given one of the farms referred to, on which 
he resided until his death, which occurred April 
14, i859> when he « I) sevent) four years 

old. He was a man of ordinary education, but 
I good common sense; a man of practi- 
cal ideas which made him a useful citizen, and 
he was a lifelon culturist. He was inter- 

id, and took an active part, in the local af- 
fair-. . ! tin county; was a Jacksonian Democrat, 
and in his religious views was a Lutheran His 
wife, Ba . was ad of J< ihn 

and Catherine Shuman, of Mi Hers town, Perry 
county, this Stat.-. John Shuman died March 
7. 1807, aged fort) five years, Ins wife, Cather- 
ine, passing away in 1826, at the sixty 
years. In religious faith the Shumans w 
Methodists. To the marriage of [ohn Furst and 
i Shuman were horn eleven children, 
Judge l'ur.-t beii the youngest. The 
mother, who was a woman ol of 
character, lived to the hty- 
being remarkably wi > ed 
bi 'Hi ph) sit all) and mentally, I ler death 



curred September y, 1878. One of her sons, 
John S., was a very successful merchant, and one 
of the most influential men of Clinton county, 
an ardent Republican, and an elder of the Pres- 
bj terian Church. 

Judge Austin (). Furst, the subject proper of 
this sketch, is a native of the State, born on his 
father's farm in Lamar township, Clinton county, 
in the east end of Nittany Valley. In the schools 
of the neighborhood he acquired his early educa- 
tion, after which he went to the academy in Sa- 
lona, conducted by Prof. McGuire and Prof. Car- 
rier, respectively. Later he entered Dickinson 
Seminary, at Williamsport, from which he was 
graduated in 1853, with the honors of the class. 
In the fall of that year he entered the junior class 
of Dickinson College. Carlisle, Penn., but after 
a brief period sickness caused him to leave. Re- 
turning home, he in 1858 began the study of law 
in the office of his brother, Cline G. Furst, Lsq. , 
at Lock Haven, Penn., and he was admitted 
t" the Bar of Clinton County at the September 
term, i860. \ short time afterward he located 
at l'.ellefonte, and at the January term of Court 
in 1861, he was on motion made by the late Hon. 
H. N. McAllister, admitted to the Bar of Centre 
County, and has ever since followed the profes- 
sion of law. 

Prior to the session of the State Legislature 
of [882-83, Centre county was a part of the 
Twenty-fifth Judicial District. At that session 

tre and Huntingdon counties were united, and 
constituted the Forty-ninth Judicial District, 
fudge Mayer continued as president-judge of the 
Twenty-fifth 1 district, composed of the counties 1 il 
Clinton, F.Ik and Cameron, and Judge Orvis, 
who was the additional law judge of the old 
Twenty-fifth, became president-judge of the 
Forty-ninth. In the fall of [883 he resigned, 
and Judge Ho) was appointed by Gov. Pattison 
He continued is president- judge of the Forty- 
ninth District until the first Monday of January, 
1885. At the general election of [884 Austin ( >. 
Furst was elected president- judge, entered upon 
the duties of tin Brsl Monday 

fanuary, 1885, and continued in service (or a 
period ol ten \< ars, his term of office expiring on 
the first M mday of January, 1895, since which 
time he has in the practice of his pro- 

:i He has an office in l'.ellefonte, one in 
Huntingdon, and one in Philadelphia, the last 
being in connection with hi 1, William S 

Fursl nor coun 

I'M"! t>> the Jul -n to the Bench, 

he w . iged m many important suits both in 

equity and law. as well as in the criminal courts, 
ami was often pitted againstthefi lawyers 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



53 



of this section of the State, and has been con- 
stantly associated in cases with them. The dis- 
trict was a very large and important one, com- 
prising a population of 80,000 people, and during 
his judicial term a great many corporation cases 
were tried. in court, besides an unusual number 
of homicide cases. The most interesting of the 
latter class was that of Alfred Andrews, a young 
Englishman, who was tried at Bellefonte, at the 
January session, 1890, which case lasted for six 
days, and which was closely listened to by a 
crowded court-room daily, ft resulted in a ver- 
dict of murder in the first degree. The Judge's 
pathetic and touching address to the prisoner be- 
fore pronouncing sentence was highly commended 
and considered by the profession as an expression 
of high order of thought and language. Address- 
ing the prisoner, the Judge said: 

It is seldom, and hitherto unknown in this county, that 
one so young as you has committed a crime so revolting in 
its details. Lying in wait for your victim, and with the 
frenzy of lust in your heart, without a moment's warning, 
you made your assault, and to cover your shame, you added 
to your attempt at rape the foul crime of murder. No won- 
der that this community stood aghast at your crime. It is 
not surprising that the officers of the law were vigilant in 
seeking you out and bringing you here to answer for that 
crime. It is sad, indeed, to think of the deed you have com- 
mitted. Without pity or mercy you made a criminal assault 
upon Clara Price, and failing in your brutal attempt, you 
took her life to suppress the evidence of your guilt. She 
was a beautiful young lady, just ripening into womanhood — 
pure and virtuous—and happy in the bright prospects of life 
before her. Alone and unprotected in a lonely place, you 
made your assault upon her. She sacrificed her young life 
to save her virtue. Her noble efforts to protect her honor 
and purity ought to be written in granite above her grave. 
The law, in mercy, hitherto, has extended to you every 
means to prove your defense; it has thrown around you the 
presumption of innocence. It has given you a jury of your 
own selection; it has required the Commonwealth to prove 
you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You have had the 
benefit of able counsel and the process of the law to compel 
the attendance of your witnesses; the county has furnished 
means for your defense; you have had a patient, fair and im- 
partial trial before a jury of your peers — the jury has found 
you guilty of murder in the first degree; no other verdict 
could have justly been rendered under the evidence. The 
truth of the verdict has been made manifest by your own 
confession since the language of the law has been changed. 
It now demands that satisfaction shall be done. You have 
forfeited your life to the law, and justice requires that forfeit 
shall be paid. While you cannot restore the innocent life 
you have taken, the law requires that society shall be pro- 
tected from the assassin and murderer, and that your igno- 
minious death upon the scaffold shall be a warning and a 
terror to the evildoer. You need not expect or hope for a 
change in the verdict, by an appeal to any earthly tribunal. 
No constituted authority in the land can read the record of 
your trial without pronouncing your guilt. There is no ap- 
peal left for you, but to your God. To Him and Him alone, 
may your appeal for mercy be made. That mercy, which 
you denied your helpless victim, may yet through sincere 
repentance and faith in Christ be accorded to you. We 
earnestly commend you to a merciful God, who, in his infin- 
ite love granted pardon to the thief upon the cross, and who 
is able to save the penitent, however wicked he may have 
been. We have no desire to review the facts in connection 
with your crime, The confession you have made relieves 
the court from further delay in your case. It now remains 
only to pronounce the death sentence according to law. The 



sentence of the law is that you, Alfred Andrews, the pris- 
oner at the bar, be taken hence to the jail of Centre county, 
whence you came, and from thence to the place of execu- 
tion, designed by law, and that you there be hanged by the 
neck until you are dead, and may God have, mercy upon 
your soul. 

The following quotations from the press, and 
from his fellow-townsmen, who have known 
Judge Furst for years, are evidence of his rank as 
a lawyer and judge, of his high Christian char- 
acter as a man, and faithful performance of his 
duty as a citizen, and of his scholarly attain- 
ments: "We congratulate the Republicans on 
their excellent nomination. Mr. Furst is a gen- 
tleman whose learning and legal ability, integ- 
rity and faultless Christian life have placed him 
above the reach of slander. Should he be elected 
to the high office to which he aspires, he will dis- 
charge his duty fearlessly and well, and as be- 
comes an upright judge and arbiter. He is a 
clear and forcible writer, using his brilliant 
rhetoric and his admirable gift of humor only 
when they are aids to the enforcement of his 
argument. He is entitled to be called, without 
any exaggeration, an accomplished orator". 
"Judge Furst is firm, honest, positive and inde- 
pendent". 

Judge Furst is an ardent Republican. Of 
him the Democratic press says: " He has always 
been an uncompromising Republican, but always 
a fair fighter. " He has been a member of the 
Presbyterian Church since the age of twenty-five 
years, and a ruling elder of the Church at Belle- 
fonte since 1863. He has been for years presi- 
dent of the Dickinson Alumni Association, which 
includes in its membership some of the brightest 
and cleverest lawyers, ministers, and professional 
men of the State. He possesses a keen mother 
wit, which serves him well in that capacity, and 
his well-put sallies provoke unlimited merriment 
at these famous gatherings. He is one of the 
incorporators of the Law School of Dickinson 
College at Carlisle. He was a member of the 
school board of Bellefonte nine years. He is a 
home man, and his beautiful residence is an ideal 
one. His taste for agriculture is pronounced, as 
is his liking for the sport of Izaak Walton. 

The Judge has been twice married, first to 
Miss Frances M., daughter of William C. Sander- 
son, of Clinton county, a lady of rare beauty, 
both in character and in Christian virtue, and by 
this union there are two sons: William S., born 
June 12, 1868, and John S., born April 19, 1871. 
William S. graduated with honor in his class at 
Princeton in 1890; then spent the summer abroad, 
and in the fall entered the Law Department of 
the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, 
and in three years was graduated and admitted 



:.» 



CUMMEMOH \TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to the Bar in Philadelphia; al :e he began 

practice in that city, and ha ! «'d 

there, [ohn S. also wenl to Prii 
f erring a business life he i ntered the Williamsport 
National Bank, of which he is now assistant 
cashier. The Judge's s cond wife was Miss 
Caroline \\ , daughter oi Moses and Jane Wat- 
: i hambi 1 1 tin, oi Milton, and i he \ have three 
children: Jane \Y Watson, horn October 9, 
1879; lame-- C., horn December 1, 1882, and 
Waltei B., born May 2, 1887. 



JACKSON LEVI SPANGLER, oi Bellefonte, 
Centre county. Achievements more than 
words, things done rather than things said, 
have constituted the contribution of the German 
element of our population to the great political 
and industrial fabric which has been reared upon 
the foundations laid by William Penn for the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania more than two 
hundred years ago. 

Johannes Spangler, who came to the port oi 
Philadelphia August 17, 1731, from the Palati- 
nate, in the ship "Samuel,'' Hugh Piercy master, 
was no exception to the rule. He and his de- 
scendants have had their full share oi the solid, 

i\ da} wank in making the Commonwealth 
w hat it is. 

Col. (ackson Levi Spangler, the sixth genera- 
tion from Johannes, the elder, is the eldest son 
of John Spanglei and Annie Berger, and was 
born in Adamsburg, Snyder ( 1 . 1'. nn . Septem- 
ber 27, 1849. His early life was without special 
incident. He attended the common schools of 
sn\ inty until i860, when Ins lather re- 

moved to Centre county, and has resided at Cen- 
tre Hall, in one of the most beautiful valleys of 
Pennsylvania, from that tune until this, except 
during his official term as sheriff of Centre 

inty, to whii li office he wa ed in the year 

1S77. Col. Spangler attended the common 
schools in Centre county, ami was there fitted fot 
Dickinson Seminar) at Williamsport, from which 
institution he graduated with honors in 1 
1S71. H is 1 i with the seminary have 1 

very cordial ev< 1 sinci , He delights in attending 
its commencements, and at tin last commence- 
ment was the alumni orator, and entertain 
lai . nee by h tC and vivid desi rip 

tion oi the development of this portionol Penn- 
sj Ivania. 1 le entered the 1 & Alex- 

ander m the lattei pari oi 1871, pursued the 
studv oi the 1 iw diligently and with . and 

was admitted to the Bar ol ( entn Count} in Jan- 
uary, 1874. He at onci took his rank in the 1 
and hi> abilities wei ,• so quickly r< 



ni/e.l that in the sum: me year he was 

nominated for 1 1 District Attorney oi 

tre counts', and wa edbya irge majority 

in the fall ol the year. He filled the office ably and 
acceptably to the people for the full term of thi 
years, and would have undoubtedly been renomi- 
nated and re-elected in 1877 but for the fact that 
he declined a renomination, apparently for then 

that his lather was a candidate for sheriff in 
that year. Col. Spangler continued the practice 
of his profession, after his official term ceased. 
for a number of years alone, and, subsequently, 
as the senior member oi the firm oi Spangler & 
Hewes. He had high standing at the Bar, and 
was an especially persuasive advocate, his genial 
disposition and temper making him an especial 
favorite with the jury. During bis professional 
life he was also interested in local politics, in 
reference to which he was always an influential 
adviser in his party. He was the chairman of 
the Democratic County Committee during the 
celebrated campaign of iS.So, when Gen. Han- 
cock received a majority of 996 — an unusual one 
in Centre county, and larger than that of any 
other Presidential nominee since. In I.S90 be 
was the cordial choice of his county for the nomi- 
nation of Congress in the Twenty-eighth District, 
and would have undoubtedly been nominated at 
the conference of the representatives of the se\ 

I counties, but the fact that his nice sense of 
honor forbade his making an arrangement which 
he thought was not in accordance with an implied 
promise he had made. His mental equipment 
and education would have fitted him admirably 

as a - issful 1 indidate oi his party, and. ii 

nominated, he would undoubtedly have !>■ 

ted, and those who knew him best are satis- 
fied thai the district would have been worthily 
represented, in case of his election. 

Col. Sp.mglei s services in the National 

ol oi Pennsylvania have been valuable and 
almost unique. In 1S77, at the time of the great 
railroad riots- which convulsed the country, he 
accompanied Gen. Beaver, then commanding the 
;th Division of the \ itional Guard, as a volun- 

■ aide, when the Division was called into 
tion The headquarters were established at 
Altoona, where there was great unrest and much 
dissatisfaction on the part oi the employees of the 
Pennsylvania railroad V careful invi m ol 

the situation revealed the fact that the ferment was 

largely maintained hv the demagogical app 

1 man who had 1 ne into the commun- 

ity, and was little known, but who had exerted 

influence by In ddn 

'ol> wh. mbled to hear him 

The civil powei d to li,- paralyzed, and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



55 



neither major nor sheriff would undertake to ar- 
rest the disturber of the peace. At the request 
of Gen. Beaver, Col. Spangler (then without 
military rank) and Major M'Farlane were sworn 
in by the mayor as deputy policemen. The second 
day after their arrival at Altoona, they located 
this man in a saloon, had a carriage driven to the 
door, arrested him, hurried him to the carriage 
and drove to Hollidaysburg, the county seat of 
Blair county, before the fact of his arrest became 
known. From that day the spirit of unrest at 
Altoona decreased, and it was not long before 
complete order was restored. In recognition of 
his services. Gen. Beaver recommended him for 
aide upon his staff, with the rank of major, which 
was promptly confirmed by Gen. Hartranft, then 
Governor of the Commonwealth. 

Immediately after the unprecedented disaster 
caused by the flood at Johnstown in the latter 
part of May, 1889, Col. Spangler, who was in 
that part of Cambria county, hurriedly repaired 
to Johnstown in company with Gen. Hastings, 
and was so overwhelmed with the necessity for 
prompt action on the part of all who could 
render service to the afflicted people there, that 
he remained upon the ground and volunteered to 
render such service as he might, in the distribu- 
tion of provisions to those who were in need. 
He organized the Commissary Department, and 
was so efficient in the discharge of his duties con- 
nected therewith that, in recognition of his serv- 
ices, he was appointed by Gen. Beaver, then 
Governor of the State, assistant commissary-gen- 
eral, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Most 
men discharge their duties in National Guard serv- 
ice because of rank previously bestowed; in 
Col. Spangler's case, however, the services were 
rendered, and the rank followed in recognition 
of them. So much impressed were the officers 
and men who were on duty in connection with 
the Commissary Department at Johnstown, that 
at the conclusion of their term of service they 
presented Col. Spangler with a handsome sword 
as a recognition of their appreciation of the abil- 
ity with which he had met all the requirements 
of the position. 

In the fall of 1887, Col. Spangler became ac- 
quainted (through several gentlemen who had the 
cpntrol of a number of options upon coal lands 
in the northwestern corner of Cambria county) 
with the marvelous mineral wealth of this region. 
He visited this locality, and was impressed with 
its extent and value. As a result of it, he en- 
listed the interests of others in such a way as to 
induce an effort to secure control of a large body 
of coal in this neighborhood. As a result, the 
Blubaker Coal Co. was formed, of which he may 



be said to be the original founder. Others united 
with him, and the business was followed so intel- 
ligently and persistently that the company be- 
came the owner of some 12,000 acres of the best 
coal land in this region. Col. Spangler has con- 
tinued as a director of the Blubaker Coal Co. 
since its organization, and is one of the prominent 
stockholders. As a result of this business con- 
nection, he became interested in the Sterling 
Coal Co., and, when the business interests of 
the latter company increased in the region to 
such an extent as to demand active and energetic 
supervision, Col. Spangler was appointed general 
manager, and has resided in Hastings, acting inthat 
capacity for several years. He had considerable 
experience at Bellefonte in the development of 
real estate, and became interested in this region 
in the Hastings Improvement Co., and was one 
of the original and energetic movers in the devel- 
opment of the Spangler Improvement Co. In 
recognition of the services rendered by him as 
treasurer and trustee of the latter company, the 
village on the West branch of the Susquehanna, 
which is destined to be the center of a larger 
number of coal operations than any locality out- 
side of Houtzdale basin, was named "Spangler." 
On March 24, 1890, Col. Spangler was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Eliza Wagner Holliday, and enjoys 
the domestic comfort to which he is entitled in 
his elegant and hospitable home at Bellefonte. 
Although so largely interested in this locality, 
and spending most of his time either at Hastings 
or Spangler, he maintains his residence in Belle- 
fonte. We are persuaded that to no one man 
does northern Cambria county owe more of its 
recent development than to the subject of this 
sketch. 



E\DWARD T. TUTEN. The influence of a 
'I journalist, though silent, is all-pervasive, 
and in the United States, where the newspaper 
is the universal medium of information, not only 
on the events of the time but upon the principles 
and policies which move our vast social or- 
ganism, it has more than once proved itself a 
mighty power. In this work the subject of this 
sketch, as editor and proprietor of the Bellefonte 
Republican, hns borne a worthy part, and the 
following brief biography will interest a wide 
circle with whom his name is a household word. 
The Tuten family originated in France, but 
migrated to Holland, whence in the times of King 
William our subject's ancestors moved to Ire- 
land, settling at Belfast. The first to come to 
America was John Tuten, our subject's grand- 
father, who followed the sea, and was mate of a 






COM VEMORA Tl YE UIOUHAI'UICAL UECOliD. 



m:1. He was married m Boston to 
Sarah Partridge, a lady of English descent, and 
teroi Sir Robert Partridge, of Boston. John 
Tuten established Ins home in Boston about 
i Si .. ,, l>n t while on one of his hewas 

drowned at Archanp-I, Russia, at the age of 
thirty years. He left one son, Robert P. Tuten, 
and two daughters, one of whom married Henry 
C. Smith, and lived and dud at Nashua, N. II . 
while the other man I David Wilson Putney, 
and passed hei irs .it East i 

Mass. The widowed mother subsequently w 
ded James Luke, of Cambridge, Mass., and her 
remaining years were spent at that place. There 
was a large family of children by this union. 

Robert 1' Tuten, our subjei t's father, was 
born F< bruarj 6, [806, and grew to manhood in 
Massachusetts He learned the glass-cutter's 
trade, and at his death September 7, 1851, he 
was foreman ol the cutting shop in the work 
the New England Glass ' In polities he was 
an Old-line Whig, and he was a member ol the 
Universalist Church His third wife-. Nancj s 
Smith, our subject's mother, was horn at l> 
in;,\ N. 11., in 1819, and died in [883. She had 

seven children, one of whom died in childh I. 

and ol the others Edward T. is the eldest; 

11 v M married Vlonzo S Bruce, and resides 
at Mount Vernon, N. II., Susan R. is a resident 
o| Ayer, Mass . Robert P. lues at Iron Mount- 
ain, Mich., and is editor of the Iron Mountain 
Range; Sarah T. is treasurer of the Ayei Sav- 
ings Hank, at Ayer, Mass . Esther P. resides in 
New York City. 

Mr. Tuten (our subject] was horn Septembei 
1, 1S4J, at Cambridge, Mas,., and his youth was 
spint at that place and in Mount Vernon, N. II. 
He attended an excellent si hool, and was fitted 
for college; but at this point his student life 
closed. For some time he worked in the same 
glass wmks in which his lather had been em- 
ployed, and then he engaged in agriculture at 
Bedford, Mass.; but in 1873 he moved to Helle- 
fonte and purchased the Republican, which he 
has ever since edited with marked ability. Its 
columns have always reflected his own sturdy 
Republican principles, and for years it was the 
only papei ol thai political faith in the locality. 
Although Mr. Tuten h verj quiet in manner, he 
is firm and decisive in business dealings, and as 
a ' itizen and a journalist he is ever responsive to 

to the best interests of the place which he has 
I hi ISen for a In mie. 

Iii February, [870, Mr. Tuten was married 
at Brookline, Mass., to Mrs. Man. 1 1' Gray, nit 
Fifield, who was horn in 1834 She passed to 
her eternal rest in May, 1894, leaving one son, 



. ( '.. born December 4. 1S70. now editor 
and publisher of the Bellefonte Daily News. He 
is not married, and resides with our subject. 
Mi 1'uii mi is.i member of the Unitarian Church, 
and is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. , Centre 
holding the rank of Past Grand. 



CI >1. D Will. SCHNECK KELLER, late of 
Belle! litre county, closed an hon- 

ored career as citizen, soldier and lawyer, on 
August 1 J, 1894. 

The Kellers have lived in Centre county for 
nearly a hundred years Jacob Keller ( 1 ). the 

it-grandfather of Col. Keller, who was born 
in 1753, came to Potter township, Centre coun- 
ty, in 1806, hailing from Dauphin county, of this 
State lie purchased what was known as the 
Red Mill property He was a patriot of the 
Revolution, having served in ('apt. Daniel Old- 
enbrutfh's company of militia in 1777. Hewas 
m elder in the Reformed Church, and did much 
to advance the work of that Church in Centre 
countv ( 'ii'' ol the sons of facob Keller 1 1 : was 
named Jacob, and, of his seven children, 
Henry Keller, later of Boalsburg, was the father 
of our subject. He was for a time engaged in 
the foundry and mercantile business, and later 
in farming. His wife was Margaret Schneck, 
whose brother, Re\ Benjamin S. Schneck, D. 
D., was a distinguished divine in the Reformed 
Church. 

I hi hi I -'I Kellei was born at Oak Hall, 
in Harris township, September 5. 1844; he at- 
tended the public schools of his native township, 
and Boalsburg Academy, where he prepared for 
the Freshman class of Franklin and Marshall 
College, and was expecting to enter in Septem- 
ber, 1862; but before this time the long-sup- 
pressed antagonism between the North and the 
South broke out into open warfare, and being 
too patriotic to remain a mere spectator he joined 
in the contest, enlisting, in 1862, in Company 
<.. 148th Regiment, 1'. V I. He was made a 
corporal; in the battle of Chancellorsville, May 
3, 1863, he was shot in the shoulder, and the 
wound proving serious, a tedious period in hospital 
followed. On February 15. 1 S64, he was trans- 
ferred to the ujth Company, 2d Battalion, 
Veteran Reserve Corps, and remained in the 
ice until peace was established, being dis- 
charged by general order August pi. 1865. Dur- 
ing his term ol service he was detailed for spe- 
cial duty in the office of the < Juartermaster-gen- 
eral of the army at Washington, D. C, and 
later developed such facility and accuracy in his 
work that he was retained in that office, and 





£^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



57 



subsequently in the Census Bureau, where he 
was chief of a division until 1873. In the mean- 
time he was pursuing a course in the Columbia 
Law School, and by night study prepared him- 
self for the practice of his profession; having 
completed a full course in that institution, he was 
admitted to practice in the District of Columbia. 
In 1873 he resigned his position in the Bureau, 
and returning to his native county settled in the 
charming little city of Bellefonte. 

On April 29, 1873, he was admitted to the 
Bar of Centre County, and began an independent 
practice in which hesucceeded remarkably, build- 
ing up a large business in connection with the 
Orphans' Court. He continued his professional 
work until about two years before his death, 
which ended at a comparatively early age, a life 
that seemed destined to reap higher honors. He 
was prominent in the councils of the Republican 
party in this State, though never anxious for 
official position. He was an active member of 
Gregg Post, and of the Masonic fraternity, hold- 
ing rank in the latter as past master of the lodge, 
and past high priest of the Chapter. He acquired 
his military title as assistant adjutant-general of 
the 5th Division of the National Guard of Penn- 
sylvania, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He 
served in this capacity, and subsequently as as- 
sistant adjutant-general of the 4th and 2nd 
Brigades of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, 
almost continuously from 1873 to 1887, upon 
Gen. Beaver's staff. In these relations, as in all 
others he sustained in life, he was faithful, dili- 
gent and conscientious in the discharge of every 
duty. 

"As a member of the Bar his strength was in 
his conscience, and in his ability, by close and 
searching analysis, to reach the foundation prin- 
ciples of the subject, and when he reached a con- 
clusion, he was irresistible in following to the 
legitimate results what he believed to be right. 
He devoted himself without stint to the interests 
of his clients. It can be said without reserve 
that in all his relations, personal and professional, 
he was absolutely honest. 

"As a citizen he was faithful in the discharge 
of every duty. He followed his convictions as he 
followed the flag of his country, without waver- 
ing, and with an eye single to what he felt to be 
duty. His chairmanship of the committe, who 
had in charge the conduct of the campaign at 
the time of the submission of the constitutional 
amendment prohibiting the manufacturing and 
sale of intoxicating liquors, is an illustration of 
the manner in which he followed his convictions, 
and of the faith in which he met and discharged 
every duty. As the result of that campaign, 



which was due very largely to his leadership, 
and to the active work of his associates on the 
committee, the county gave a majority of 2,000 
in favor of the prohibitory amendment." 

Col. Keller was a member of the Reformed 
Church, and was sound in faith, and believed 
that the cause of temperance and sobriety was 
one of God's laws. He had been a Sabbath- 
school superintendent, deacon and elder in his 
Church. He always had the welfare of Belle- 
fonte at heart — was one who always did his part 
toward its prosperity. 

In May, 1866, Col. Keller married his first 
wife, Miss Martha E. Huestis, a native of Ver- 
mont, who was born January 5, 1842, and died 
March 17, 1876. A second matrimonial union 
was formed, in 1878, with Miss Martha E. R. 
Schroeder, of Reading, Penn., who survives him. 
By the first marriage there were four children, 
of whom Harry is the eldest. (2) William H. is 
now a successful attorney at Lancaster, Penn. 
He is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall Col- 
lege, where he took the highest honors of his 
class, and of Columbia Law School. His wife, 
formerly Miss Anna Dickey, is a daughter of 
Hon. Oliver J. Dickey, who for many years 
served as Congressman from the Lancaster Dis- 
trict, and was at one time a law partner of Thad- 
deus Stevens. William Keller has two children 
— Daniel S. and Elizabeth. (3) Martha E. died 
in 1892, at the age of twenty. (4) Ellen Mar- 
garetta died in infancy. There were three chil- 
dren by the second marriage: Daniel S., Jr., 
Rose Louise and John S., all of whom are now 
living. 

Harry Keller is a native of Washington, 
D. C. , where he was born December 22, 1866. 
He was carefully educated, his course in the 
public schools being supplemented by further 
study in a private school. Making early choice 
of the legal profession under his father's guidance, 
he began his preparation; but his course was par- 
tially interrupted from 1887 to 1890 by a term 
as clerk in the office of the adjutant-general at 
Harrisburg. Returning home, he was admitted 
to the Bar, April 16, 1891, and at once began to 
practice with his father. Since the death of his 
father he has continued alone, and while making 
a specialty of practice in the Orphans' Court he 
has also a large general practice. He is a stead- 
fast Republican in politics. Socially he is prom- 
inent, and belongs to the F. & A. M., the R. A. 
and the K. T. On May 7, 1891, he was married 
to Miss Anna Orvis, daughter of Judge John H. 
Orvis, of Bellefonte. Four children have blessed 
this union — John Orvis, Martha (who died at the 
age of six months), Henry, Jr., and Ellis Orvis. 






\fOSATIVB BJOORAPEJCAl RECORD. 



BERNARD I U III d in- 

ventor of note, and for a period one ol ( en- 
tre county's most successful mm manufacturers. 
He was a genius in the mechanical line, and his 
inventions crowned him with glor) and pecuniar) 
success. He was a broa I publii 

business man, who spent several hundred thou- 
sand dollars in improvements to develop the iron 
interests of the country. 

Mr. Lauth was Lineal!) descended from Dr. 
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, who 
was bi headi d in 1645 by an arbitrary decree of 
Parliament during the troublous times in the lat- 
ter years of the reign of Charles 1. Archbishop 

Land's widow, with eleven sons, migrated 

Alsace, and tin- nai I the family, through the 

idiom of the German language, changed lo that 
of Lauth. litre in this province, August 23, 
1820, our subject was born. He came with his 
parents and grandparents to America, arriving at 
Pittsburg, Penn., in the spring of 1S31. The 
worldly possessions of the famil) at tins tune did 
not exceed ten dollars. 'The lather went to work 
at fifty cents a day, and Bernard, not yet having 
completed his eleventh year, went to work in Dr. 
Peter Shoenberger's iron works at one dollar per 
week. He commenced at the lowest round in 
the business ladder, pulling up tin furnace door, 
he passed tie i i\ stage until he became a 

boss roller, ami 1 bled to 1 high as 

twenty-eight dollars per day. 

At the-.- worl 5 lie remained seven years, and 

was then employed as boss roller at the works of 

Hoke & Hartman on the east side of the river, 
with which concern he remained until 1 S44. In 
1847 he commenced business for himself at Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, and m company with others built a 
rolling-mill. He was at Zanesville some five 
ire, when he removed to East Birmingham, 
Pittsburg, and in connection with his brother 
bmlt a rolling-mill; this enterprise developed into 
tin' immense "American Ion Works " of Lauth 
& Jones, until the I tei retired and the linn be- 
came Jones & Locklin. While thus engaged in 
1857 Mr. Lauth made his invention for themanu- 

fai 1 d shafting. The one-half of 

the ihafting used in the great Centennial building 
at Philadelphia, in 1876, was rolled at these 

works. Mr. Lauth sold his right to [ones & 
Laughlins for one hundred thousand dollars, and 
then went to l.i gland. W'liile th. re he mad< 
second important invention, which la- patent; d 
in the United States — for rolling plates— Lauth's 
three high -plate rolls, lie had Ins family with 
him in Europe for four years, in older to give his 
chikiren go <] educations. Mr. Lauth's third 

invention was a continuous null for rolling band 



iron of 1 scription, for hoops, bands, etc. 

value may be judged from the fact that he 
sold a half-interest in it to the Bethlehem Iron 

ipany for seventy- five thousand dollars and a 
royalty of fifty cents per 1 

Mr. Lauth made his fourth invention in 1866; 
it was for straightening and angling beam iron 
mostly cold. < >n his return from Lurope he be- 
came engaged in business at Reading, Penn., 
where he built a sheet-mill for rolling sheets and 
plates, which was finished just as the war closed 
In [871 he removed from Reading to Howard, 
and took hold of the iron works there which were 
in a dilapidated condition. He remodeled and 
renewed them almost entirely, built new and 
handsome dwelling houses, erected a beautiful 
Catholic chapel, and, with a new rolling-mill 
erected in 1882, had one of the best iron works in 
Centre county. They consisted then of rolling- 
mills, two charcoal blast furnaces and forge, pud- 
dling furnace, etc., and in the premises known 
as the Howard Iron Works there were 612 acres 
of land, and 528 acres of oie land appurtenant. 
Upward ol two hundred thousand dollars was ex- 
pended in improvements, and the works gave 
employment to over two hundred men. He was 
a most active and energetic business man, and 
kept pace with the advancing world in winch he 
moved. He was greatly interested in politics, 
but took no active part, never having any desire 
to hold public position. He was a Republican 
His death occurred at his country home near 
Howard Juni 25, 1894; for several years he had 
been failing 111 health, and when the end came it 
came pi ai 1 fully, for he died in his chair and as 
though just (ailing into asleep. He possessed a 
tender heart, was ever willing and ready to do 
anything that would help his neighbor. By faith 
lie was a Roman Catholic, and was consistent in 
his belie) He was one of eight children, the 
others being: John X., Catherine, Magdalene, 
Barbara, Josephine, Mary and Caroline, all of 
whom are now dead excepting the last named. 

I" 1840, Mr. Lauth was married to Miss 
ibeth Wilhelm, and their children are: 1) 
1 . born Se] >er 21, 1 840, married 

Magdalene Berg, of Pittsburg. 2) John N , 
bom Di 14, 1842, married first) a Mrs. 

Smith, of Pittsburg, and second a Mrs. Dr. 
Knoor. (3) Mrs. M. L Comerford, who makes 
her home with her mother, and has three chil- 
dren Mar) Louise, Arthur A. and Bernard I. 

Mis. Caroline Com. rford, a resident of Pitts- 
burg, who lias three children — William B., 
Elizabeth and Caroline. (5 Mis. Elizabeth C. 

th, oi Reading, Penn . the mother of five 
ne daughtei — Charles \; Bernard, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



59 



Philip, Harrold, Robert, and Louise (who died 
at four years of age). (6) Mrs. Josephine Wil- 
helm, of Buffalo, N. Y. , whose children are — 
Grace, Walter, Louis, Paul and Elizabeth. (7) 
Mrs. Cameron Burnside, of Philadelphia, who 
has one daughter — Rachel. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Wilhelm) Lauth is a native 
of the village of Roeschwoog, near the river 
Rhine, Alsace, then a province of France, born 
September 30, 1821; she is the daughter of 
Mathias and Magdalene (Huck) Wilhelm. When 
she was six years of age her parents, with their 
family, came to America, being forty-seven days 
on the ocean en route. They located at Pitts- 
burg, Penn., where the father for many years 
was engaged in the hotel business, keeping a 
tavern first on Third street, called the "Sun," 
and subsequently one on Penn Ave., where he 
died. His children were: Mathias, Elizabeth, 
Magdalene, Francis, Catherine (1), Mary, Caro- 
line, Catherine (2), Josephine and Jacob. All 
are now dead excepting Elizabeth, Francis, 
Catherine (2) and Josephine. Mrs. Lauth is 
now passing the evening of her life in her com- 
modious and comfortable home near Howard, 
enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. 



C\ALVIN M. BOWER, a prominent lawyer 
_J and citizen of Bellefonte,was born in Haines 
township, Centre county, Penn., April 20, 1849 
a son of Jacob Bower, who was a prosperous and 
well-to-do farmer living near the village of 
Woodward. The mother was a daughter of 
Jacob Motz, of Woodward; both parents being 
members of two of the oldest and most prom- 
inent families of that section of the county. 

The subject of this sketch spent his early 
days as a farmer's boy, working on his father's 
farm during the summers and attending the pub- 
lic schools during the winter months. In No- 
vember, 1866, he entered the Aaronsburg Acad- 
emy to prepare for college. In the following 
spring he went back to his father's farm, and re- 
mained there until the fall of 1867, when he re- 
turned to the academy and spent the winter at 
his studies. In the spi/ng of 1863 he again 
returned to the farm, and remained at work (ex- 
cept for five months spent in teaching a term of 
school in the neighborhood) until August, 1870, 
when he entered Central Pennsylvania College, 
at New Berlin, Penn. During the time spent on 
the farm he was a faithful student, making use 
of his spare time in finishing his preparations for 
college. He remained at college until October, 
1871, whenTie came to Bellefonte to begin the 
study of law. He entered the law office of Orvis 



& Alexander, then one of the most noted law 
firms in central Pennsylvania. There he pur- 
sued his studies with the same zeal that charac- 
terized his school work, and in December, 1873. 
he was admitted to the Bar of Centre county. 

Immediately upon his admission to the Bar he 
was offered and accepted an interest in the law 
firm with whom he had been a student, and in 
January, 1874, he became a member of the firm 
of Orvis, Alexander & Bower. When Judge Or- 
vis, the senior member of the firm, was appointed 
to the Bench, the remaining members of the firm 
continued the practice under the firm name of 
Alexander & Bower. This partnership continued 
for a period of eleven years, during which time 
they were engaged in most of the important cases 
tried in Centre county. Mr. Bower was soon rec- 
ognized as a careful and conscientious lawyer, 
and soon attained an influential position at the 
Bar. He early acquired a large practice at the 
Orphans' Court, and was looked upon especially 
strong in this class of cases. The firm during 
its existence had a large practice, and taking an 
active part in the work soon became one of the 
leading lawyers of the county. One of the 
strongest evidences of Mr. Bower's ability as a 
lawyer is the fact that when Judge Orvis retired 
from the Bench he chose him as his law partner. 
The law firm of Orvis, Bower & Orvis, consisting 
of Judge Orvis, Mr. Bower, and Ellis L. Orvis, 
was organized January 1, 1885. This partner- 
ship at once came into prominence, and was rec- 
ognized as one of the leading law firms of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Bower has always taken an active 
and prominent part in their practice, and his 
success has placed him prominently among the 
leading lawyers of the State. For many years 
he was concerned in the trial of many of the im- 
portant ejectment cases tried in Centre county, 
and he is recognized as a well-equipped lawyer 
in this important branch of the law. The rec- 
ords of the court in the central part of the State 
show the extent of his practice, and the supreme 
court reports, for years, attest his prominence at 
the Bar, showing that he frequently appeared be- 
fore that tribunal in the leading cases from the 
the courts to which-his practice extended. 

Mr. Bower has always been an uncompro- 
mising Democrat, faithfully devoted to the prin- 
ciples of his party. These principles,as laid down 
by Jefferson, Jackson and Tilden, have always 
found in him an earnest and faithful supporter. 
As early as 1875 he was chairman of the Demo- 
cratic County Committee, and by his untiring 
work succeeded in effecting an organization that 
brought out a full party vote, resulting in a ma- 
jority of 1,500 in the county for the Democratic 



60 



' VBMORA TIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



nominee for governor. He has frequently been 
.1 delegate to State Conventions, and in 1880 
In- was honored with a place on the Electoral 
ticket. In 1 S94 he was unanimously Dominated 
by his party for President Judge of the 49th J 11- 
diri.tl District, then comprised o( the counties of 
tn and Huntingdon. In the dis .im- 

paign of that year he was defeated with the 1 

of the Democratic candidates, but lie ran 1,529 
votes ahead of his ticket in the district. When 
Mr. Bowei was nominated, one of the Demo- 
cratic papers in the district said: "The nomi- 
nation conies to him without a contest His 
eminenl position at the Bai in tl. in "f the 

State makes him the natural candidate of his 
party, and he led b) Democrats and 

Republicans alike to be the strongest Democratic 
nominee to be found in the district. " In the 
following year the I lemocratic County ( ommil 
instructed the delegates from Centre count) to 
present Mr. Bower's name before the State Con- 
\ cut 1011 for the nomination of Justice of the 
Superior Court, and pas solution instruct- 

ing the delegates to use all honorable means to 

ire his nomination. Huntingdon and other 
counties took similar action, and it soon became 
dent that there was a strong sentiment in 
his favor in various sections of the State His 
friends made a strong fight for his nomination, 
and he was only defeated by an unfortunate 
ruling of the chairman of the Convention, which 
gave the nomination to Incite Magee, ol I'itts- 
burg, by twenty-eight majority. 

Mr. Bower is a prominent and .111 active 
member of the Reformed Church Frequently 
he has been a delegate to Classis and Synods, 
and has tilled various Other positions with credit 
to himself and honor to the Church While he 
is thoroughly devoted to his Church, he is inter- 
I m the cause of religion without regard to 
denominational lines. lb- has also been active 
m Sunda I work, and is at present district 

and county chairman of the State Sabbath-school 
Association. He has also been an active worker 
m the cause ol education. For vears he has 
bet n a member of the board of trustees of Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, Penn., 
and as a mark ol appreciation of his work forthe 
colle. ■. Hid Ins literary attainments, that insti- 
tution some- years ago conferred upon him the 

ree ol Master of Arts He owns one of the 
finest libraries in Bellefonte, and by earnest and 
(areful study he has become- as prominent in lit- 
erary circles as he has in bis profession. Judge 
Orvis, when on the Bench, fittingly recognized 
Mr. Bower's legal and literary attainments by 
appointing him a member of the examining com- 



mittee; and he is in point of service the oldest 
member of that committee, having been reap- 
pointed by [udges Hoy, b'urst and Love, and 
is the President of the Board. 

Mrs Bower is a daughter of John Meyer, of 
near Rebersburg, and a lady of culture and re- 
finement. She is particularly noted for her love 
of plants and flowers, and the home of the fam- 
ily on the- extreme eastern end of Linn street is 
one of the finest in Bellefonte. The grounds 
surrounding the house are one mass of vines and 
flowers, all under the immediate care of Mis 
Bower. The only child, John Jacob Bower, isa 
student of Franklin and Marshall College, a 
member of the class of [898. 

ially, Mr. Bower isof a retiring disposition. 
1 bed m his books and his profession; yet he 
has acquired a large circle of acquaintances, and 
formed strong friendships. He is a representa- 
ti\ e of one of the oldest families in Centre counts . 
and his ancestors on both sides were some of the 
earliest settlers in the eastern end of Penn's 
Vallej Manyof theBowersand Motzes still re- 
side- in that section of the county, and some of 
thein own and occupy the lands where their an- 
cestors settled about the time of the Revolu- 
tionary war, the title thereto not having passed 
out of the family name in which it was originally 
acquired. 

[ai ob Bower, the great-grandfather of Calvin 
\I . and the son of John and Catherine- Bower. 
came into what is now Haines township from 
Hanover township. York county, in 1776. He 
married Christena Nease, daughter of Philip 
John Mot/, the great-grandfather of Mr. 
Bower on his mother's side, came to the site of 
Woodward from Penn township, in what is now 
Snyder county, in 1786. He bought land under 
date ol \pnl ."j. 17S5, and is credited with being 
the first settler on the town site named. Shortly 
alter locating, he built a mill, and in a small scale 
manufactured soda. He was highly educated. 
a sculptor by profession, and had to leave the 
I thi 1 land in consequence of his devotion to the 
cause of liberty. At his death he left quite a 
valuable collection of books on Church history. 
astronomy, etc. His wife's maiden name was 
Mary Whitmer. 



DAVID I FORTNEY, postmaster .at Belle- 
fonte, and a prominent member of the Cen- 
tre ( oimtv Bar. 

At the time- ol the birth of David Fortney 
(father of David p., the subject of this review), 
February \2. 1807, his father, whose name, too, 
was David, resided at Cornwall, in Lebanon 




X. 



{^c^-t^f 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



61 



county, this State. When a young man of 
twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, David 
(2) came to Centre county, and, as was the cus- 
tom in those days, became an apprentice to 
learn the trade of a carpenter under John Kim- 
port, a brother-in-law. After he had learned the 
trade, he for many years followed the business of 
a carpenter, and very many of the large bank- 
barns and dwelling houses in Penn's Valley, built 
from 1840 to 1856, were constructed by him or 
by his assistance and with his labor. He was a 
man of great energy, an excellent mechanic, a 
good citizen, large hearted, honest, kind and of 
the most tender disposition. He was a great 
hand to take care of and look a*ter the sick, and 
was very frequently called upon by neighbors in 
times of sickness and distress, to help to care for 
their sick. He married Susan Sellers, a native 
of York county, Penn. , who was born February 
17, 18 1 2, a daughter of Daniel and Hannah Sel- 
lers. Daniel Sellers, her father, soon after her 
birth, entered the army in the war of 18 12, and 
died in the service, whether from wounds or dis- 
ease contracted in the service is not now certainly 
known. To this marriage were born six children: 
(i) Mary, who married William Stover, died 
April 23, 1877. (2) John H., who was a mem- 
ber of Company D, 148th P. V. I., entering the 
service of the United States in August, 1862, 
along with his brother, David F. , and serving 
throughout the war; his death occurred April 3, 
1887, from disease contracted in the army. (3) 
James G. is a successful and prosperous farmer 
near Pine Grove Mills, Centre Co., Penn. (4) 
David F. , the subject of this sketch. (5) George 
William, a faithful and devout minister of the 
Gospel in the Luthern Church. (6) Sarah Ellen, 
a lovely girl of fifteen, the first of the family called 
upon to pass over the dark river, dying April 1, 
1863. This date also recorded the death of the- 
father, David Fortney, Sr. , who died just eleven 
hours after the daughter, both dying from what 
was then called "spotted fever". They were 
buried on the same day, April 3, 1863, in one 
grave. The wife and mother died at the home 
of her son James in Ferguson township, July 19, 
1883, full of years and good deeds. She had 
been early consecrated to God by her parents in 
the sacred ordinance of baptism, and at the time of 
her death had been a consistent Christian and 
member of the Lutheran Church for fifty years. 
After her husband's death, she generally passed 
the winters at the home of her son, David F., in 
Bellefonte, and the summers at the old farm with 
her son James. She was a sincere woman, kind- 
hearted, generous and thoughtful, exemplary in 
life, she became endeared to all who knew her. 



Her influence for good was remarkable, and she 
filled a place in the family and Church from which 
she has long been missed. Her son in an obit- 
uary notice thus speaks tenderly and beautifully 
of "Mother"- 

The early training of the family devolved almost entirely 
upon her. For weeks at a time, and almost continually, 
father was from home, of necessity, following his trade. She 
met the duties and responsibilities thrown upon her with un- 
faltering courage and firm faith that, if she did well her part, 
the end would also be well. She left nothing undone that 
would add to the interest, happiness or welfare of her chil- 
dren. To say that she was a good mother, a royal woman, 
and give the words all the force the language will imply, is 
but to feebly express her crowning glories. 

David F. Fortney, practically speaking, was 
reared among agricultural pursuits. His early 
education was such as the neighboring schools of 
the township afforded. He was in attendance 
at the academy at Pine Grove Mills, during which 
time he walked over three miles each way every 
day in the week, and was never tardy. While 
at the academy in August, 1862, young Fortney, 
with others, the principal included, enlisted for 
the war in Company D, 148th P. V. I., under the 
command of Col. James A. Beaver, afterward 
Governor of Pennsylvania, and now judge of the 
Superior Court. In less than a year, however, 
the young man Fortney was discharged from the 
service for disability arising from fever contracted 
while therein. He then returned to Pine Grove 
Academy for some months, and later taught a 
five-months term of school at White Hall school 
house, in Ferguson township, receiving $20 per 
month for his services. From April 20, 1864, to 
the last o( September, 1866, he attended what 
was known as Vermillion Institute, at Hayesville, 
Ohio, which was in charge of Rev. S. Dieffen- 
dorf, and was an excellent school, where he re- 
ceived quite a liberal education in higher mathe- 
matics, sciences, and in the Latin and Greek 
languages. On returning from Hayesville, he 
taught one term of school in Decatur township, 
Clearfield county. Early in life he made up his 
mind to be a lawyer, and with this end in view, 
he attended school, and taught probably longer 
than he otherwise would have done. In the 
spring of 1867 he entered the law office of Hon. 
John H. Orvis, of Bellefonte, and while reading 
law did, for his board, whatever work was to be 
done on his preceptor's place of some three acres, 
which comprised an orchard and garden. He 
was admitted to the Bar April 30, 1869, having 
practically worked his own way through school. 
and maintained himself by working part of the 
time while studing law. 

From the very first he took high rank as a 
lawyer, and gained and held the respect of his 
colleagues, and had acquired a fine practice. 






■/-.//.'. 1 TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HISCURD. 



when hi While 

tins 111 no waj injures his abi 

uli him 

lit him from in 

trials in < oui t. As an his ability ■. 

gnizi d b '.'lie. and he was 

frequent! \- i 

ability in this line. But for this misfortune, th 

mis would not I 

ii willing him, and w hich he wi mid 

havi 1 fe wa - chairman of the 

Den 

in i i m i 877 was elected disti 

■ if the- count) fi ir a t 1 m of tin 
largest majority, winch up to that lime, in a 
tween tun candidates, had 
been given for many years. He h 
quently impi to be .1 candidate for the 

Legislature, and just as often refused. Iff is 
widely known as the Demoi ratic " War-h 

ntre county. For many years he has taken an 
active part m State and county campaigns. He 
is always in demand as a campaign orator, and 
ite with the peop nty. 

" No man in the county has .it an) time done 
mon 01 better work for the continued success of 
tile party, m both county and State, than has 
Mr. Fortney, and no man m the party has more 
loyal and devoted friends than he." The Jeff er- 
sonian of West (luster, in 1872, paid him the 
following tribute: 

Of thi ded in the lati 1 none 

did tli.ui I ).i\ id !■ . 1 ortney, 

I sq., "i Bellefonte. M r. F on ibust, em 1 

>i si man, who went ii mined to do Ins 

full duty, and most admirablj did he perform it. Mr 

-I peiu two weeks with us, and spoke inalmos) everj 
tion of the county, and Ins praises are sounded by .ill who 
. inin. 

From January, 1882, to January, 1888, Mr. 
Mil orfney w a 1 of the county, and fi 

January, 1891, to the present tin I he has 

held the same office, and in examining accounts 
that pass through the commissioner's office he 
has been no >ns in loppin; 

11111 ■ in cutting down bills. 

The public will never fully know the actual 
ice he has been to them m this Dur- 

ing his first term (January, [882, to January, 

8) through h - there was collected and 

paid over t" the treasury ol the count) 

'.OOO. The fund ai m a lot of old 

■us which the count) hi 

townships 111 and outside of the cm: .ery 

member of the I I him, but 

ling sure he was right, he pushed the claims, 

and .it the ibout thi is' litigation, 

nty was 



licit to the line, and many irregul art - 

»rown up in the transaction of 
the public were V pped off and de- 

iunty have been 
many J me will con- 

tinue his work, energ) and 

abib' 

Mr. i nized abilit) . 

and is pen h 

d and favorably spoken of. In 

April. 1894, he was a| stmaster at 

worthy of note that in the 

backed by the entire 

Bar and the largest and best business interests of 

n ,1 business- 
like manner on business prim ong par- 
tisan as he is, p ilitics no not enter into the dis- 
charge of hi As a citizen he 
Is high amo nergetic and progressive 
men of the community in which he lives, and 
uch for tl; g iod of the pub- 
lic and its advan f the prominent 
men among whom he lives. Since June, 1882, 
he has been a member of the school board of 
and since 1XS4 lie has been continu- 
ously president of the board. During this time 
the have made great progress. Under 
his watchful I the enthusiasm of his na- 
ture, the schools have been transformed from 
machines into living moving things in which to 
educate boys and girls. He takes more pride for 
what he has done in this line, for the good of the 
children of the community, than anything else in 
the course of his life. Through his influence a 
very line school library has been started, stocked 
with the best of books for the young people. 
Through his efforts alone, a number of pri 
have been offered by wealthy citizens of the town, 
(or various excellence ill Studies and conduct to 
be: competed for by the pupils of the High 
Much good has come from this; the prizes 
• hey were a great 
help. lie spares no effort to do gi iod and add to 
the welfare and happiness of the many young 
pie in the schools. He is a leader in educa- 
tional lines, and Ins reputation is not confined to 

ul into the State. 
I 1 many years Mr. Fortn j bus been a 
member ol the board ol trustees of the Presby- 
terian Church, of which he is also a member 
I lis whole life and influ n on tin- 

side ol right. 

In 1879, when the Amendment to the I 

tition of I . pi ihibiting the manul 

ure ng liquors in the State. 

>n, he went inti 1 
the n for the Amendment with all his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



m 



well-known energy and enthusiasm, and for a 
period extending over two months he made 
speeches in every part of the count)', and did 
much to aid in securing for the Amendment the 
very large majority that was given it by the peo- 
ple of Centre county. He has a commanding 
personality, tall and well-built; with a face force- 
ful and expressive of human feelings, he meets 
his associates and even strangers with frankness, 
both socially and officially. On September 19, 
1876, he was married to Sarah E. Hue) 7 , a na- 
tive of Harris township, Centre Co., Penn. , and 
to them have been born two children (twins): 
David Paul, the fourth in line to be called David; 
a;id Katy H., a lovely child who died August 15, 
1886, in her tenth year. Her death was keenly 
felt by her parents, who took great delight and 
pride in their children. David Paul is now a 
student at the State College. 

Robert Huey and Katy Glenn Huey, the 
parents of Mrs. Fortney, were natives of Centre 
county, Penn. Adam Huey, the father of 
Robert, came to America in 1798 or 1799 to 
escape punishment for engaging in the rebellion 
led by Robert Emmet against the English Gov- 
ernment. One son of Robert, William C. , served 
in the Civil war as a member of Company C, 
148th P. V. I., and was severely wounded at the 
battle of Chancellorsville. 



T MOM AS B. POTTER, M. D., and his son, 
Wiiliam M. Potter, are prominent among 
the substantial citizens of Philipsburg, Centre 
county, and worthily represent a family which 
has been held in high esteem in this section from 
pioneer times. 

James Potter, the grandfather of Dr. Thomas 
B. Potter, was one of the early settlers of Penn's 
Valley, and his son, John Potter, the Doctor's 
father, who was born at Potters Mills in 1S00, be- 
came a leading business man there, operating 
woolen-mills and gristmills, and owning several 
farms. He died at Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1886, 
while on business connected with his lumber inter- 
ests there. His wife, Amelia (Burnside), a na- 
tive of Centre county, lived to the age of sev- 
enty. Only three of their children attained adult 
age: James G. (deceased) was formerly a book- 
keeper at Fond du Lac; Thomas B. is the sub- 
ject of this sketch; and William W. , is a dentist 
in Marinette, Wisconsin. 

Dr. T. B. Potter was born at Potters Mills 
November 21, 1829, and his early years were 
spent in that vicinity. After the local educa- 
tional resources were exhausted he attended 
school at Lewistown, and later studied at Prince- 



ton College. His medical studies were begun 
under the supervision of Dr. George L. Potter, 
of Bellelonte, and finished at the University of 
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he was grad- 
uated April 6, 1 85 1. Locating at Stormstown, 
Half Moon township, Centre county, he practiced 
there five years, and then removed to Philips- 
burg and became the leading practitioner there. 
After forty years of successful practice he with- 
drew to private life. He has acquired wealth, 
and owns one of tin- must valuable brick blocks 
in Philipsburg, the "Potter House," the princi- 
pal hostelry of that city being a part of it. His 
residence is in the Centre county portion of the 
city. 

Dr. Potter was married, in 1858, to Miss 
Mary E. Myers, a native of Stormstown, who 
died in 1869, leaving two sons: William M., 
who is mentioned more fully below; and Dudley, 
who died at the age of nineteen years. In 1880 
Dr. Potter formed a second matrimonial union, 
this time with Miss Ellen McMullen. They have 
no children. 

When Dr. Thomas B. Potter came to Philips- 
burg it was but a small village, with grass grow- 
ing in the streets, and he has lived to see great 
improvements and solid growth, in the bringing 
about of which he himself was among the fore- 
most. During the first five years of his residence 
in the then village, he was the only physician in 
the place. In 1869 he built the block where he 
now resides; in 1871 he erected the Arcade, 
and in 1879 the "Potter House," all adjoin- 
ing one another. In politics the Doctor is a 
stanch Republican ; he was the second burgess 
elected in the borough; was member of the first 
council, and was president of the school board 
some six years. Socially, he is a Master Mason, 
and he is a member of the Centre County Medi- 
cal Society. During the war of the Rebellion 
he served as assistant surgeon of the 77th P. 
V. I., from October, 1862, to May, 1863, serv- 
ing in the Western army, in Tennessee and 
Georgia, and was present at the engagements 
at Pittsburg Landing, but had to resign on account 
of impaired health. 

William M. Potter was born in Philips- 
burg, March 27, 1863, and obtained his elemen- 
tary education in the public schools. He at- 
tended State college for two years and a half, 
and then took a course in bookkeeping at Lewis- 
burg Academy. Thus equipped for business life, 
he returned home, and for some time was em- 
ployed in the office of Hoover, Hughes & Co., 
also working for W. P. Duncan, in his mine and 
coal office, and then spent four years as clerk in 
the Moshannon Bank. During the next two 



64 



cn.v.VKMOUA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL liECORI). 



years lit: visited various points in the West, and 
on his return he remained two years with the 
Pardee Mine Co., as check weighman; then, 
after a short time in I. V. Gray's store as book- 
keeper, he took a position as paymaster for K. B. 
Wiglan & Sons, remaining with them six years. 
For two years past he has been secretary for the 
Philipsburg Electric Light Co., and the Philips- 
burg Water Co., being a stockholder in both. 

In May, [888, Mr. Potter was married to 
Miss Rachel M. Steiner, who was horn in Ches- 
ter Hill. His residence is in that portion of the 
city which lies in Clearfield county, and he is 
one of the leading workers in the Republican 
party there. As candidate for county treasurer 
he greatly reduced the normal Democratic ma- 
jority. 



COL. WILBUR F. REEDER, junior mem- 
' ber of the law firm of Hastings cV Keeder, of 
Bellefonte, who has the reputation of being one 
of the most industrious and studious members of 
the Centre County Bar, in which he has taken 
high rank, is in direct line of descent from one 
John Reeder, who came from Norfolk, England, 
in 1656, and settled at Newtown, L. I., the Col- 
onel representing the sixth generation of the fam- 
ily in America. 

Charles Reeder, one of the sons of |ohn (\), 
was born in 1713, married in 1736, to Eleanora 
Mi nick, and died in [803. John Reeder (2) was 
a pioneer of what is now Northumberland county, 
Penn., coming probably from New fersey prior 
to the Revolutionary war. and locating near the 
present town of Elyshurg. He was driven out 
by the Indians at the time of the general exodus, 
and remained away about seven years. Subse- 
quently he returned and married Elizabeth 
Fisher, who was born in Sussex county, N. J , 
in 1774, and died in Northumberland county, 
Penn., in 18411. Some few years after 1799 the} 
removed to Allegheny, Penn., where lie was 1 on- 
nected with the iron industry of that vicinity, and 
there died in 1 S 1 3 . Elizabeth Fisher wis the 
daughter of Joseph and Catherine Mini gerFi iher, 
the former the | r of the Fisher family in 

America, bom in Saxony in 1734, ami with 
Im. nds and ;i si tei Elizabeth, immigrated to this 
country about 1747, locating in West Jersey, a 
f.erman colony at that time. In 1788 he lo- 
cated in Northumbi 1 iunty, Penn., where 

tin- remaining years ol his lib- were passed. He 
was a patriot, and served his country in the Rev- 
olutionary war. His wile was bom in Holland in 
1746. One of the sons of John Rei 

ph Reeder, was born at Bear dap. Northum- 



berland county, in 1799. married Catherine 
Mutcheler, who was born in 1792 and died in 
1S52. Not long after the father's death the fam- 
ily <>f John Reeder (2) removed from Allegheny 
county back to their old farm. Joseph Reeder, 
after his marriage, located in the vicinity of Elys- 
lung. Penn., where they lived until 1853, own- 
ing an extensive and valuable plantation. From 
that time until 1859 he was a merchant at Pax- 
inos, Penn., again a farmer in Northumberland 
county until 1870. then lived retired at Elys- 
burg where his death occurred in t88l. He mar- 
ried the second time. He and his wife Catherine 
were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Catherine Mutcheler was the daughter of Samuel 
and Mary Fisher Mutcheler, the father from 
what is now Warren county, N. J., and the 
mother, the daughter of Joseph Fisher above re- 
ferred to, were married in 1788, and in 1791 lo- 
cated on a tract of undeveloped land in Colum- 
bia county, Penn., on Little Roaring creek where 
they subsequently resided; she was born in 1769; 
both were members of the Presbyterian Church; 
in after years he engaged in the business of weav- 
ing in flannels and woolen fabrics. 

HlRAM J. REEDER, one of the sons of Joseph 
Reeder, the father of Col. Wibur F. Reeder, was 
born in Rush township, Northumberland county, 
March 5, 1826, married, in 1849, Elizabeth, 
daughter of foseph and Sarah Tietsworth Yocum, 
born in 1 S30. After marriage they removed to a 

fan ai 1 atawissa, Penn., where they resided 

until 1870 when they moved to Catawissa, where 
they continue to reside From 1863 until 1870 
Mi Reeder served as a justice of the peace. He 
has occupied a prominent position in local affairs, 
having tilled various local offices; was elected 
one of the counts- commissioners in 1N70 for a 
term ol three years; in 1873 he was again elected 
a justice ol the peace lor five years He is a prom- 
inent Mason. lb- has been an active workei 
in the M. E. Church all his life, ot which Church 
he and his wife are members. Their children 
are: [oseph !'>., born in 1851, died in 1869; 
George C . born in 1853, died in [863; and 
Wilbur F. 

Wn 1 1 1 b". Ri 1 i'i R was born mar Catawissa, 
Penn., on Januarj ;, 1855. He entered Dickin- 
son Seminary, at Williamsport, Penn., in 1872, 
and in 1875 was graduated, receiving a degree ot 
1!. A. and taking the first honors of his class. In 
tin' tall o| 1875 he came to Bellefonte, and com- 
mend <i reading law with the firm ol Bush, Yocum 
& Hastings, and in May. 1877, was admitted to 
the Bar after passing a rigid examination, ol 
which circumstance the Democratic Watchman 
tins comment 




! - 



{jdUAAW- wl Ov^i^U^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



65 



Mr. Wilbur Reeder, late a law student with Bush, Yocum 
& Hastings, was admitted to the Bar a couple of weeks ago 
after standing one of the best examinatii >ns ever gone through 
with by any young lawyer in this county. The examination 
was an exceedingly strict and thorough one, the committee 
putting in some twenty-five hours hard work. But they 
found Mr. Reeder booked on all points and in all phases of 
the law, showing the most ample preparation and an ex- 
haustive course of reading. The young gentleman was 
highly complimented by his examiners and the lawyers gen- 
erally. He is now a full-fledged attorney. We wish him 
success, hoping that he may go up until he reaches the top- 
most round in the ladder of legal fame and honor. 

He at once commenced the practice of law, 
and in 1881 formed a partnership with D. H. Hast- 
ings, since adjutant-general and now Governor of 
the Commonwealth. In the study of law Mr. 
Reeder applied himself closely, which was a dis- 
tinct characteristic of the man, and which has so 
remained, and to which his success thus far in his 
practice is attributed. Early in his career he be- 
came recognized as a safe counselor and reliable 
attorney, which resulted in procuring for the firm 
a large and lucrative practice. During Gen. Hast- 
ings' four-years' term of service as adjutant-general 
of the State Mr. Reeder most successfully man- 
aged their large business; this he is continuing to 
do while Mr. Hastings is serving his gubernatorial 
term. In January, 1889, he was concerned for 
the defense in a murder case, the first one after 
his admission to the Bar, and succeeded in pro- 
curing a verdict of acquittal after a vigorous and 
most bitter fight. Again, in November, 1889, he 
was retained for the accused in a murder case, 
when the press at this time remarked : 

The defense was represented by W. F. Reeder, Esq., 
singly and alone. Mr. Reeder had already made a reputa- 
tion for himself as a criminal lawyer, but his effort in behalf 
of the man charged with the murder of his wife and mother- 
in-law have added a new lustre of unusual brilliancy to his 
professional reputation. Under the circumstances connn ted 
with the case, which were so clear, it seemed almost an ab- 
surdity to set up any defense, and any man who sat in the 
court house on Wednesday afternoon and heard the case 
Mr. Reeder presented to establish the plea of emotional in- 
sanity could easily recognize in it the work of a great lawyer. 
And anyone who sat in the court house on Thursday after- 
noon, and listened to his eloquent appeal in behalf of his 
client, will readily coincide with us that the star in the pro- 
fessional firmament of Mr. Reeder now shines with unusual 
brilliancy, and that he is destined ere long to stand in the 
first ranks of the most noted criminal lawyers of the land. 

Outside of his professional life he has taken 

an active part in politics, and has several times 

served as chairman of the Republican County 

Committee, and of his services in this line the 

press on January 18, 1895, observed: 

W. F. Reeder, Esq., who has been chairman of the Re- 
publican committee of Centre county for the last three years, 
has resigned and laid down the scepter for another leader to 
take it up. Wilbur F. Reeder has made a noble leader, 
and is the man who led the Republican party to victory in 
Centre county. He is possessed of an indomitable will 
power and sound judgment, so that where he would lead his 
party was not afraid to follow. In the year 1887 he was 
chairman, and through his devotion and loyalty to the cause 
a full board of county officers was elected, something that 



had not happened for thirty years. His party recognized in 
him a man of sterling worth and ability, and in the year 1 S'j-J 
la was called again to take up arms and wage a battle 
against the principles of Democracy. He made a good 
fight and finished his course that year by again winning old 
Centre county into the line of Republicans by an overwhelm- 
ing majority. His shots were well-aimed and the enemj 
fell back. The resignation of Mr. Reeder ma \ be thou 
a loss to the party, but in time of war he will be found a vol- 
unteer in the front rank. The cause of his laying off the 
official uniform was the large and increasing law prai tii e de- 
manding his close attention. 

In 1 891 Mr. Reeder was elected mayor of 
Bellefonte. " His nomination and election is but a 
slight recognition of his many excellent qualities, 
and the judicial bench of Centre county might feel 
perfectly safe and justly proud of such a thor- 
oughly qualified jurist and legal practitioner. In 
W. F. Reeder the people of Bellefonte will have 
an able and dignified mayor. He will make one 
of the best officials the borough has ever had." 

Mr. Reeder has proven himself a force in 
everything hehasundertaken; his name was prom- 
inently mentioned at one time in connection 
with the judgeship. His ability and general 
make-up is such as will qualify him to fill high 
positions with honor and credit. As a citizen he. 
is progressive, and commands the utmost respect 
and confidence of all who have the pleasure of 
his acquaintance. He has been identified with 
the National Guard of Pennsylvania since 18S0, 
his record being as follows: a private of Com- 
pany B, 5th Regiment; corporal, July, 1880; dis- 
charged, February, 1882; first lieutenant, Com- 
pany B, July 22, 1889; re-enlisted July 23, 1S94; 
appointed assistant adjutant-general on the staff 
of the commander-in-chief January 25, 1895, 
which position he now holds Col. Reeder per- 
formed active duty at Homestead, Penn., in 
July, 1892, and at Punxsutawney, Penn., in 
June and July, 1894. As a member of the National 
Guard of Pennsylvania he has taken an active 
interest in everything pertaining to that organi- 
zation. With his ability, industry and perse- 
verance Col. Reeder hascertainlya brilliant future 
before him. In 1896 he received the indorse- 
ment of the County Convention for Congress. 

On September 11, 1897, Col. Reeder was 
appointed Deputy Attorney-General of the State 
of Pennsylvania, and at once assumed the duties 
of his office. This appointment was r? '-rded 
by the press of the State as being merited on the 
one side and worthily bestowed on the other. 

Col. Reeder is a member of the Union League 
of Philadelphia, as well as of other patriotic and 
social organizations. He is also prominent in 
Masonic circles, where he has attained to the 
thirty-second degree. On December 19, 1878, 
he was married to Lillie S. Gotwalt, and they 
have one son, John Wallace, born December 26, 






w 



VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1879. Mrs. Reeder is a daughter of Rev. Thomas 
and Mary J. Gotwalt, and a lineal <iescendant of 
Gov. Schultz. 

MIA. JAMES P. HUGHES. Bellefonte 
may well take pride in her excellent acad- 
emy in which so many nun who have attained 
distinction in business, professional and political 
life have been equipped for their work. Its 
widely recognized value as a factor in the pi 
ress.'l the community does honor to its efficient 
corps of instructors, and especially to the able 
principal, Rev. J. P. Hughes, who has directed 
it for more than a quarter of a century. Who 
can estimate the influences f< >r good which in that 
tune have been set in motion under his watchful 
guardianship? In home and business office, in 
pulpit and in legislative halls, the silent, un- 
noticed, but all-potent force of his teachings may 
mold ; 1 ii*1 shapi of which he had no 
thought, and which will in their turn bring into 
operation new centers of helpful inspiration. 

The personal history of Prof. Hughes will be 
read with interest, as revealing in striking man- 
ner the direct, consistent and unwavering pur- 
suit of a high purpose. Born in New Jersey De- 
cember 15, [827, he left home in boyhood and 
was prepared for college at Lewistown, Penn. 
In 1847 he entered Princeton College, in his na- 
tive State, and after completing the literary 
course he spent three years in the Theological 
Seminary, his graduation being soon followed by 
his ordination to the ministry. He is a born 
educator, and his ability in this direction was 
soon discovered, and after a short period of 
teaching in Wyoming Valley he was called to be- 

ci - one ol the principalsof the Edgehill school, 

Princeton, N. J., where he taught mathemat 
for seven years. For the three years next fol- 
lowing he was principal of the academj at I 
gansport, hid . and in [868 he came to Belle- 
fonte, and has now been the presiding genius of the 
academy here for thirt) years He has five assist- 
ants, while he himself 1- 1 1 instantly ai tive in class- 
room work, and the curriculum embraces classi- 
cal, mathematical, s< ientific and literary couftes. 
On June 27, 1 Soi, Prof. Hughes married 
Miss Emily W. Roberts, who was born in New 
York City, September 6, 1840, and passed from 
earth in June, 18S9, leaving the memory of a 
di voti d life as wife, mother and friend. Of this 
happy union eight children were born: ( 1) James, 
Decembi [864, a graduate of Princeton 

College, is a teacher in the classical department 
and associate principal of Bellefonte Academy; 

Emma, March [3, 1863, married A B. 

ander, of New York City; (3) Elizabeth, 



March 13, 1N6?. married A. B. Connor, of Chi- 
cago, 111.; 141 Charles, April 2, 1870, resides in 
Baltimore, Md. ; (5) Marian, November 16, 1S72, 
married Frank Basset, and has two children — 
Emily and Eugene; (6) Edward, February 25, 
1876; (7) Luther. March 16, 1878; and (8) Otti- 
lie, March 9, r88i. All are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, with which the Hughes 
family has been identified for many years. 

Prof. Hughes is naturally interested in all the 
tions of the day, and while not an active 
worker in politics is an influential supporter of 
the principles of the Republican party. 

Tlie old homestead of the Hughes family is 
Mtuated on Cap. May, and the Professor's pa- 
ternal grandfather, Jacob Hughes, was born 
there. He married Ann Lawrence (daughter of 
Rev, Daniel Lawrence), a lady of English de- 
scent. Their son, James R. Hughes (our sub- 
ject 1, was born in New fersey, and spent 
his life at the old home on l api May, where, 
having been carefully educated at Bridgeton, 
N. ]., he followed teaching in connection with 
agricultural pursuits. He and his wife, Eliza 
Eldridge, had twelve children, as follows: (1) 
Jeremiah, a merchant (now deceased); (2) Ann 

Mrs Downs Foster), who d Capi May; 

5) Daniel L. , a Presbyterian minister at Cape 
May; (4) Joseph E., a merchant at Cape May 
and associate of the court there; (5) Will- 

iam, who died in infancy; (6) Harriet, wife of 
Re\ Mr. Oakley, a Presbyterian minister; (7) 
James P., our subject; 8) Hannah, Mrs. Will- 
iam McMin (deceased), formerly of Altoona, 
Penn.: (9) Mary (Mrs. A. Fletcher); (10) Emma, 
wife of Rev. John Roberts, a clergyman of the 
Pn byterian Church; (11 Amelia, who married 

Rev. John Kershaw, a Pn inister; 

and (12) Jacob, who is also a well-known preacher 
in the Presbyterian Church. 



ELLEFONTE ACADEMY. Among the 
JJ first settlers of what is now Centre county, 
were many persons oi intelligence and culture, 

who full) appn I lated tl of I ■ In. .1 - 

tion, and desin d to establish some plan by which 
the youth of the vicinity —those ol their own day 
and after generations -would be insured a liberal 
course of instruction 

None were more desirous to accomplish this 
1 nd than James Dunlop and [ames Harris, pro- 






U at ni'H town 



John K 

'.111 <of P.m. .11 

SprliiK tnwnahlpl.-WUllani McKwrn. Tl... 

-J.'ini K.urou. Matlhov 

lOW n»Ulp). 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



67 



prietors of the town and the owners at that time 
(i 800) of the land on which Bellefonte is located. 
When Centre county was organized by Act of 
February 13, 1800, these gentlemen granted to 
Andrew Gregg, William Swanzy and Robert 
Boggs, as trustees of the new county, certain 
" lots and lands in and adjoining the town of 
Bellefonte," one-fourth of the proceeds of which 
was to be used for the erection andsupport of an 
academy or public school in said county. 

By the Act incorporating " Bellefonte Acad- 
emy," approved January 8, 1805, the lands de- 
signed especially for educational purposes were 
transferred to the control of the board of trustees 
of that institution. In accordance with the re- 
quirements of the Act of incorporation, the trus- 
tees held their first meeting at the house of Ben- 
jamin Patton, in Bellefonte, on the first Monday 
of May, 1805. By Act of January 9, 1806, two 
thousand dollars were granted to the Academy 
out of the State treasury for the erection of a 
building, one provision of said Act being that "a 
number of poor children, not exceeding six, were 
to be educated gratis, but no such child should 
be taught longer than two years." 

The first principal of the Academy was Rev. 
Henry R. Wilson. He remained in charge till 
October, 1809, when he was transferred to the 
Presbytery of Carlisle. He was succeeded as 
principal by the Rev. James Linn (a sketch of 
whom appears elsewhere in this volume), who 
was installed pastor at Bellefonte, April, 18 10, 
and about the same time entered upon the duties 
of principal. During all his active years. in Belle- 
fonte he exercised a watchful care over the school 
and labored continually to promote its interests. 
For many years he was president of the board of 
trustees. After Dr. Linn, as a regular principal, 
came Chamberlain, who is spoken of, by one 
who knew him well, as a fine scholar and an 
estimable man. After him came Robert Baird, 
who taught from the summer of 1818 to the fall 
of 1819, when he entered Princeton Theological 
Seminary. Another of the early principals was 
Rev. J. B. McCarrel. He was a member of the 
Associate Reformed Church. Most of the teach- 
ers of the Academy were of the Presbyterian 
faith, though the institution was not, as some 
suppose, under the especial control of that denom- 
ination. It always was, and still is, free from 
so called sectarianism, and open to all religions. 
The reason assigned for the Presbyterian com- 
plexion of the institution is, that the leading and 
most active educational spirits of the early times 
in Centre county were of that belief. 

The title to the land on which the Academy 
is situated was not vested in the trustees till June 



12, 1823, when by deed of James Harris, the 
surviving proprietor of the town, and Nancy his 
wife, the title to the property was formally 
vested in the Academy corporation. Col. James 
Dunlop, the other proprietor, interested in this 
educational project, had died on September 15, 
1 82 1. A full settlement for proceeds from sale 
of lots had previously been made by the proprie- 
tors of the town with Jos. B. Shugert and John 
Benner, then commissioners of the county, on 
the 27th of April, 18 16; there having then been 
paid to the commissioners the final balance of 
$2,716.38, a copy of which receipt is still "in 
hand." This project, represented in this settle- 
ment, was thus finally completed by this convey- 
ance of the property. 

In October, 1824, Prof. Alfred Armstrong, a 
graduate of Dickinson College, became principal. 
At the time he assumed control there were but 
twelve pupils in attendance. The trustees at the 
beginning of Prof. Armstrong's principalship 
were Rev. James Linn, John Lowrey, Andrew 
Gregg, Sr.. Thomas Burnside, Charles Huston, 
Hamilton Humes, John Morris, William Potter, 
John Blanchard and Franklin Smith, none of 
whom are now living. The next in order as prin- 
cipal seems to have been William E. Hamilton, 
but, as was the case with a number of Prof. 
Armstrong's successors, he occupied the position 
but a short time. John Livingston, perhaps, 
taught longer than any other. Like two at least 
of his predecessors, he was a graduate of Dickin- 
son College. He entered upon his duties as 
principal in 1837, and continued to faithfully dis- 
charge them till 1845, when, owing to ill-health 
he was compelled to sever his connection with 
the institution, and not long after died. On 
September 28, 1846, John Philips was employed 
as principal. He was probably also a graduate 
of Dickinson College, as he was recommended to 
the board of trustees by Prof. William H. Allen 
of that institution. Philips resigned September 
4, 1847, when an invitation was extended to the 
former principal. Prof. Alfred Armstrong, to 
again take charge of the Academy, which he did, 
continuing several years. Rev. Mr. Pratt also 
acted as principal for several years. 

During the early history of the Academy it 
appears to have been attended only by boys — 
there being no female department, and the co- 
education of the sexes seems not to have been 
adopted. There were times, however, during 
a temporary suspension of the Academy proper, 
when classes of young ladies were taught in the 
building by various teachers, among them Dr. 
Linn. About 1840 or '45 an additional building 
was erected adjoining the original structure, and 



IIS 



COMMEMORATIVE I; /<>t; /.' AI'IIICAL RECORD. 



occupied for a number "( \ears as a "Female 
Seminary," under the control of a distinct and 
separate board "I trustees. 

At a meeting of the trustees of the Academy, 
held in 1852, Samnel Linn, [ami - T. Hale and 
James Armor were appointed a committee "to 
take into consideration the propriety and expedi- 
ency of uniting the two boards of the Academy 
and Female Seminary, and of using the budding 
as a high school in connection with the public 
schools of this borough, and that they be instrui ted 
to correspond with such persons as they may 
choose in Carlisle and Philadelphia for the pur- 
poseof becoming acquainted with the high-school 
system adopted in those places." At a subse- 
quent meeting this committee reported as follows: 
"That they have conferred with the board of 
trustees of the Female Seminary, and they express 
a willingness to surrender their rights, on condi- 
tion that the Acadeim board pay the outstanding 
indebtedness of the Seminary; and thereupon re- 
solved that the said committee be authorized and 
instructed to accept the proposition made by the 
Seminary board, provided the said indebtedness 
be specified by the trustees of the Female S '■mili- 
ary, and does not exceed one hundred and fifty 
dollars." It seems that the above terms proved 
to be satisfactory, for in a short time the Acad- 
emy trustees had possession of the Seminary 
building, and thereafter conducted a co-educa- 
tional school within its walls. For a number of 
years after 1854 the Academy, as a classical in- 
stitution, was not in operation, the buildings be- 
ing used for public and select school purposes. 
In 1868 the trustees of the Academy 'gain took 
possession of the buildings, and at a meeting held 
March 23d of that year elected the Rev J. P. 
Hughes principal. 

Besides the principals already mentioned as 
having had charge of the Academy at different 
times, there were quite a number of others who 

'■d in that capacity but short periods, or 
merely conducted English schools when the Acad- 
emy was not in 1 'pir.it ion. 

On the 10th of November, 1874, a reunion of 
the pupils of the Academy was held in Bellefonte, 
it being the fiftieth anniversary of the institution. 
In an address delivered by Prof. Armstrong on 
that occasion, he gave the following description 
of the school room as it was when he took charge 
of it iii 1S24: " A room of moderate dimensions, 
with four windows, two facing the town on the 
east and two on the west toward the spring. 
I he furniture a few pine benches and two In i\ \ 

oaken tabli ientl) large for eight or ten 

boys to sit ai ound 1 a< h. These old fa >hii med 
school desks bore the marks of sharp knives if 



not the sharp wits of preceding generations of 

youth. They were fearfully hacked from end to 
end, but the hardness of the material and thick- 
ness of the planks resisted the desolations of the 
knives and the ravages of years. There they 
stood through my time and perhaps long after. 
* * * A heavy old six-plated stove standing 
in the middle of the room, and a hickory broom 
in the corner, completed the accommodations of 
this classic apartment." In regard to the branches 
taught at that time, Mr. Armstrong said: ■■ For 
three \ears or more, nothing was taught in the 
Academy, save sometimes a little mathematics, 
but the classic authors. It was Latin in the 
morning, and Latin and Greek in the afternoon; 
it was Latin and Creek on Monday, and Creek 
and Latin on Tuesday. Wednesday brought the 
same studies and Thursday the same. And Fri- 
day, what a blessed " repetition day," as it was 
called — a review of the whole week's previous 
study. 

The present principal is Rev. J. P. Hughes, 
who assumed the principalship in 1868 with fif- 
teen pupils in attendance. The thoroughness of 
the work done immediately attracted many stu- 
dents to the school, necessitating improvements 
for their accommodation. In 1872 the facilities 
were further increased by the erection of a large 
brick dormitory. In 1892 the increasing interest 
in the institution demanded a thorough renova 
tion of the school rooms, and the erection of a 
private residence for the Principal and his family, 
to which demand the trustees responded most 
cheerfully and fittingly. In the summer and 
fall of 1897 the trustees again were called upon 
to afford larger accommodations, the application 
for rooms coining from students from far and 
near. And again, equal to the occasion as tin \ 
always had been, they fitted up several more 
rooms in an unused section of the main school 
building, furnishing every convenience of steam 
heat, etc., for every room, and making the Acad 
emy in every particular one of the most attract 
ive and comfortable institutions to be found 
anywhere. 

The buildings, rooms and furniture of Belle- 
fonte Academy of to-day, as compared with the 
small buildings, single room, and "accommoda- 
tions, of fifty years ago, present a most striking 
and pleasing contrast. As Latin and Greek con- 
stituted the principal studies of Prof. Armstrong's 
pupils, so thej are yet, under Mr. Hughes, daily 
pursued, together with the Friday's reviews, to 
which have been added other branches, both 
useful and ornamental. Until September. 1876, 
the sexes were educated together under Mr. 
Hughes; at that time thej were placed in sepa- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



69 



rate apartments with a lady principal in charge of 
the female department. 

During Mr. Hughes' principalship the school 
has grown from the small class of fifteen to about 
one hundred scholars, about equally divided be- 
tween the sexes, and a corps of five assistants. 
Many of the pupils prepared by Mr. Hughes are 
taking high rank in some of the leading colleges 
of the country. In the year 1895 James R. 
Hughes, a graduate of Princeton College, be- 
came associate principal of the institution. 

The location of the academy is most beauti- 
ful, and the wisdom of those who placed it there 
cannot be too highly commended. Affording, as 
it does, a fine view of the entire town, and a large 
scope of the surrounding country, it is essentially 
attractive and desirable. The view to be had 
from the Academy is beautifully varied — the 
town lying below and encircling the eminence on 
which it is built, verdure-covered mountains in 
the distance, hills and valleys, cleared fields and 
blocks of woodland, winding streams, snow-white 
cottages, all spread in panoramic loveliness be- 
fore the eye. Such a scene, combined with the 
healthfulness of the climate, the morality and in- 
telligence of the community in which it is located, 
the course of training, both intellectual and 
moral, pursued at Bellefonte Academy, render it 
a most desirable place for the education of youth. 



¥ALENTINE. The Valentines of Bellefonte 
and their connections have descended from 
early and historic families of the State. The 
Valentine family is in direct line of descent from 
Robert Valentine (1), who died in 1651. His 
wife was Elizabeth Warren, a native of Lambs- 
town, County Wexford, Ireland, whose death 
occurred in Ballynocassick in 1695. Their son, 
George, of Bally Brummel, County Carlow, Ire- 
land, had a son Thomas, who in 17 15 married 
Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Hooper) 
Parke, of Battytean, County Carlow, and be- 
came the progenitor of the family in America. 
He was born in 1693, and about 1720 came to 
America, locating in Chester county, Penn. Later 
he moved into what became Montgomery county 
of the same State, where his death occurred in 
1747. Thomas Parke appears to have been a 
farmer in Ireland, owning in 1720 land in Balli- 
leau, Ballaghmore and Coolissnactah. In 1724 
he came to America bringing with him his family, 
and located in the great valley on the west side 
of what is now Downington, where he had pur- 
chased 500 acres of land. He died January 3r, 
1738, and his widow on June 21, 1749. He was 



an elder in Cain Meeting, and esteemed by 
Friends. 

Thomas Valentine and family were Friends, 
and identified with the Kilconnor Monthly Meeting 
in Ireland. Of their children, Robert, a native of 
Bally Brummel, Ireland, married, in 1747, Rachel 
Edge, of Providence, Chester Co., Penn., and his 
son Robert, born in 1752, married, in 1773, Ann 
Bond. Robert, the son of the emigrant, became 
a recommended minister in 1764, and traveled 
considerably in that capacity, including a visit to 
Great Britain at the close of the Revolutionary 
war. John Edge, the maternal grandfather of 
Rachel Edge, came to the country from St. An- 
drews, Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, 
England, and settled in Nether Providence about 
the year 1685. He was an earnest member of 
the Society of Friends. He had been subjected 
to heavy fines and imprisonment in his native 
county for refusing to act contrary to his con- 
scientious scruples, and on one occasion had to 
stand public trial. 

From Robert Valentine and Ann Bond came 
descendants of the name in Centre county. 
Their children were: Robert married Elizabeth 
Downing; George married Mary Downing; Sam- 
uel and Jacob D. died unmarried; Reuben B. 
married Sarah Downing; Abraham S. married 
Clarissa Miles; Bond married Lydia Fairlamb; 
Thomazine married Reuben Miller; and Rachael 
married Maj. Jonathan Kersley, of Detroit, Mich. 
Ann Bond was the daughter of Samuel and 
Thomazine (Downing) Bond, of West White- 
land, Chester county, and the granddaughter of 
Joseph Bond, who settled at Bristol, in Bucks 
county, Penn., in the early part of the eighteenth 
century; he was a large land owner, and was 
one of the petitioners for the incorporation of 
the borough, which was incorporated by letters 
patent from the Crown, November 14, 1720. Jo- 
seph Bond and John Hall were the first Bur- 
gesses of the town. The former represented his 
county in the Colonial Legislature. 

In 181 5, Samuel, Jacob D. , George, Reuben 
B., Abram S., and Bond Valentine, sons of 
Robert and Ann Bond, came from Chester 
county to Centre county, accompanied by Jacob 
Thomas, and leased the old Dunlop iron furnace 
erected by John Dunlop in 1802, and in 1821 
purchased it. Mr. Thomas withdrew in 181 7, 
and was succeeded by his son, William A. 
Thomas. They were all iron-masters, and for 
years were largely identified with the develop- 
ment of the iron interests of Centre county. 
They built additional forges and in 1824 built the 
first rolling-mill in Centre county. In 1842 they 
abandoned the old furnace, and built one just 



70 



i i,S!\ll MdUATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



outside of the borough ol Bellefonte. Mirny of 
the sons of these men succeeded them to the 
business, and some are still connected with it. 
Referring to these men who built the first Friends 
Meeting House at Bellefonte, and who by birth 
were members of the Society, a writer says: 
"The rise of the Friends Meeting in Bellefonte 
seems worthy of some notice. It was established 
by four or five men, who, making no especial 
profession of religion, yet yielded to a simple ap- 
prehension of duty, and built a house for the 
worship of God. All of them became faithful 
humble followers of the Lord Jesus, ami to one of 
them was committed the ministry of the Gospel 
of Christ. Friends Meeting is still regularly 
held in Bellefonte, and is largely composed of the 
descendants of those who established it." 

Of the Valentine brothers who came to Cen- 
tre county. George, born in Bast Cain, Septem- 
ber I, 1788, died in Bellefonte, July 13, 1857, 
married Mary Downing, born in Philadelphia, 
January 22. 1792, died January 27, 1879, issue: 
(1) Jacob Downing, born at Bellefonte October 
4, 1823, died September r6, 1896, in the house 
in which he was born, it being one of the first 
houses built in Bellefonte. He was an iron-mas- 
ter, "upright and honest, and lived in accord- 
ance with the (Juaker faith." He married De- 
borah Downing, a daughter of Richard and 
Sarah G. (Mount) Downing, issue: George, 
Jacob, Louise, Ellen and Robert. (2) Sarah 
married Dr. George Fox. (3) Eliza married 
Thomas S. Downing. (4) Reuben B., born in 
Bellefonte in 1 829, where he died in 1871, was 
an iron-master, and one of the most successful 
managers of the Valentine Iron Works. He was 
also engaged extensively in fanning, and was a 
conscientious and upright member of the Soci- 
ety of Friends. In 1857 he man nil Mary B. 
Jacobs, who was b >rn at East Whiteland, Ches- 
ter Co., Penn., a daughter of Joseph and Ann 
Bowen) Jacobs, issue: Mary and Emily 

ed); \niia [. ; [ulia (deceasedi; and Caroline 
\l (5) Caroline married Thompson Millikin. (6) 
George married Emily Jacobs (a sister ol Mary 
B.Jacobs), 1 i' 1 .in- II.. Mary D., Sarah \V 
and Emily J. 

Taking up the history i>l the Downing fam- 
ily Mary Downing (who married 1 Val- 
entine) was the direi lant of Thomas 
Downing, who was born in Bradninch, in Dev- 
onshire, England, in 1691, and who, as earl) 
1718, resided m Chestei county, Penn., and 
from whom descended the numerous families of 
Downings in that county. I 01 g< m rations the 
Downings were farmers and millers. Richard 
Downing, a son ol Thomas, married Mary Edge, 



and, of their children, Jacob Downing married 
.!) Drinker, of Philadelphia, and they became 
the parents of Mary (Downing) Valentine. A 
son of Richard, also named Richard, married 
Sarah G. Mount, and their daughter Deborah 
became the wife of Jacob Valentine. Elizabeth 
Drinker, the grandmother of Mary (Downing) 
Valentine, kept a diary from 1759 to 1807, which 
was published in book form in 1889. She was a 
direct descendant of Philip Drinker (i), who was 
born in 1597 and died in 1647; came in 1635 
from Exeter, England, and settled at Charles- 
town, Mass. Henry Drinker, the great-great- 
great-grandson of Philip, the grandfather of Mary- 
Downing, married Elizabeth Sandwith. The 
latter descended from John Jervis, of Roscoe, 
Kings county, Ireland, who came to America in 
1688, with a son Martyn, and purchased large 
tracts of land in New Jersey now called Jervis 
Sound. John Jervis was appointed a justice of 
the peace of New Jersey; Charles, anotherson, 
was court painter to King George II, a corre- 
spondent of the poet Pope, and translator of 
"Don Quixote." Henry Drinker was an iron- 
master and ship owner of Philadelphia; was ar- 
ie-,ted in 1777 and sent to Virginia under pre- 
tense of hostility to the American cause; he was 
a member of the common council of Philadel- 
phia, and a large land owner; he was born in 
1734, and 'lied in [809. The mother of Deb- 
orah (Downing) Valentine, Sarah G. Mount, was 
the daughter of James Mount, whose father was 
Ezekial, the son of Thomas Mount, who came 
from England and was the owner of the land 
on which the city of Louisville, Ky., was built. 
He had mans slaves, and was a man of wealth. 
Referring to the history of the Jacobs family, 
Mary 1'.. and Emily (Jacobs) Valentine are in di- 
rect line of descent h « in John Jacobs (1 ) (the first 
of the family in America), who in 1700 settled on 
1 portion of the Vanbibber tract of land in Prov- 
idence, Philadelphia county, His death oc- 
curred in 1730. His grandson, fohn Jacobs (3), 
was the Speaker of the firsl General Assembh, of 

the Comi iwealth ol Pennsylvania, His 

brother, Israel, was a member of Congress in 
and another brother, Jesse, held a cap- 
tain's commission an. I served in the Revolution- 
ary war, participating in a number of important 
battles Ann Bowen, mother of Mary B. and 
Emily (Jacobs Valentine, was in direct line of 
tit from fohn Bowen .1 , "1 Whiteland. 
Chester county, who died in 1715. The pa- 
ternal grandmother of Mary B. and Emily (la- 
cobs) Valentine was Mar} Brinton, of Thorn- 
burg, Delaware Co., Penn., who was in line 
from William Brinton (1 ), "f Staffordshire. En- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



71 



gland, who settled in Concord, Birmingham 
township, Delaware Co., Penn., in 1684, and 
was among the earliest converts of George Fox. 
He bought large tracts of land in Chester county. 
He was born in 1630, and died in 1700. His 
son, William, was a member of the Provincial 
Assembly in 1666, and died in 1 75 1 . Joseph, of 
Thornbury, Delaware Co., Penn., the son of 
William (2), was an associate judge of 
Pennsylvania, and a member of the Provincial 
Assembly. 

Reuben B. Valentine, of the Valentine broth- 
ers coming to Centre county in 18 15, was born 
in 1793, and died in 1841 ; married Sarah Down- 
ing (a sister of Mary Downing, the wife of his 
brother George), born June 17, 1797, died No- 
vember 30, 1843, and their children were: (1) 
Mary married Dr. Elias W. Hale, a wealthy 
gentleman of influence, of Lewistown, born June 
6, 1824, and died February 20, 1892; issue: 
Sarah, died young, and Ellen, the wife of G. 
Murray Andrews. (2) George was killed in a 
rolling-mill at the age of five years. (3) Will- 
iam Valentine died unmarried. 

Abraham S. Valentine, another of the origi- 
nal brothers locating in Centre county, died Au- 
nust 29, 1862, aged sixty-eight years; married 
Clarissa Miles, who died March 3, 1857, aged 
forty-nine years; was a member of the original 
firm and the inventor of the ore-washing machine 
since in general use, the adoption of which 
effected a revolution in the ore mining of this 
region. He was possessed of great business 
ability and foresight (being " a man far ahead of 
his time"), and it was due largely to his inven- 
tions and improvements that the Valentine char- 
coal iron achieved its wide-spread reputation. At 
the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he was 
one of the liberal contributors to a subscription 
for the support of the soldiers' families. Two of 
his sons, Abram and Bond, were in the service 
for a time. Clarissa Miles, wife of Abram S., was 
a daughter of Evan Miles, who died May 10, 
1838, in his sixty-ninth year, and of Rebecca 
George (of the family of George's Hill, Phila- 
delphia), who died July 28, 1845, in her seventy- 
sixth year; both are buried in the graveyard at 
Milesburg. Evan Miles was the son of Richard 
Miles, and the nephew of Col. Samuel Miles, of 
Revolutionary fame. The latter served as a 
lieutenant in the expedition to Fort Duquesne; 
was wounded at Ligonia in an attack made by 
the French and Indians; commanded a regiment 
in 1760, and at the end of the campaign was left 
in command of the forces at Presque Isle (now 
Erie), Penn. He commanded a regiment in the 
Revolutionary war under Gen. Washington. 



While leading his regiment at the battle of Long 
Island, August 27, 1776, he was captured, and 
while a prisoner was made a brigadier-general 
for distinguished service. He was no less dis- 
tinguished in civil life after the war, holding 
many responsible positions, among them that of 
mayor of Philadelphia. Richard Miles married 
Mary Pugh, who was a member of the Society of 
Friends, and in 1792 they located at Milesburg, 
Centre county, where both are buried. He was 
a captain of militia in the Revolution. His death 
occurred December 16, 1823, in. the eighty-fifth 
year of his age, and that of his wife, December 
20, 1794, aged forty-four years. Richard Miles 
was the grandson of Richard, one of the brothers 
who came from South Wales in 1682 or 1683, 
and settled at Radnor, Pennsylvania. 

The children of Abraham S. Valentine and 
Clarissa (Miles) were: (1) Anna married S. 
Stewart Lyon, and their issue are — John; Anna; 
Clara, the wife of William Jasper Nicholas; Mary, 
the wife of Ellis L. Orvis; and Rebecca. (2) 
Rebecca M. married Evan Pugh, Ph. D., who 
lived only a few months after marriage, and left 
no issue; he was a scholarly gentleman and dis- 
tinguished educator, and was the first president 
of the Pennsylvania State College. (3) Bond, 
born March 22, 1834, died April 19, 1889, mar- 
ried Mattie Kenney, who died August 25, 1882, 
in her forty-sixth year; their children are — Evan 
and Jane (died in infancy); Bond; and Edward 
K. The father of these was for years a member 
of the firm of Shortlidge & Co., of Bellefonte, 
dealers in grain and coal, and latterly he was en- 
gaged in the insurance business. "He was 
closely attached to the Society of Friends, and 
was very devoted to their teachings. He was a 
man possessing a pure Christian character, whom 
everyone honored. His friends were numbered 
by the hundreds, who looked upon him as a man 
worthy of imitation, because he followed as near 
as he could in the paths of divine teaching. He 
was courteous, genial, and enjoyed being genial 
whether in social or business lite ." (4) Abram 
S. , who resides at Atlantic City, N. J., married 
Eliza U. Natt, of Philadelphia, daughter of 
Thomas J. and Anne Natt, of England, and their 
children are — Charles, Arthur and Edward. 
Abram S. is connected with the Valentine Iron 
Works at Bellefonte, and for years took an act- 
ive part in the business interests of Bellefonte 
and vicinity. During the war of the Rebellion 
he was for a time in the service, and contributed 
largely toward the support of the soldiers and 
their families. (5) Evan M., who resides in 
Philadelphia, married Mary J. Taylor, of Doyles- 
town, who died. Their children are Harry S. and 



7J 



( OMMEMOKATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Abrarn S. (6) Samuel and (7) Blanchard died in 
infancy. (8) and (9) Clara and Mary, respect- 
ive 1\. unmarried. (10) Henry C. , now con- 
nected with the Valentine [roil Works, married 
Sarah, a daughter of Thomas, and grand- 
daughter of Judge Thomas Burnside, and t li> ir 
children are Stanley, Helen, Rebecca and 
Henrj Henry C. is a member of the borough 
council. 

Bond Valentine, the youngest ol the original 
Valentine brothers, did liol remain in the iron 
business long, but early turned Ins attention to 
the law. His birth occurred in [798. His early 
paternal training was such as to instill in his 
mind those principles of morality which were the 
guiding and controlling influence^ of his after life. 
He became a distinguished lawyer, and served 111 
the General Assembly, 1830-3.?, from Centre 
county. In 1842, influenced by conscientious 
1 onvictions, he abandoned the law that he might 
devote his life to the public ministry in the Soci- 
ety of Friends. The Friends Review, in an 
obituary notice, said: "His sterling integrity 
and the well known simplicity of his character, 
averse to mere forms, won for him the increased 
confidence and respect of the community, and 
his addresses have been marked by impassioned 
earnestness. In social circles our friend was very 
attractive, without reserve, original, genial and 
simple. 

I<| his first wife, Lydia. daughter of John 
and Susannah (Ashbridge) Fair] and, (arming peo- 
ple of near West Chester, Penn., and of English 
descent, two children were born, the elder of 
whom died in infancy; the other is Robert Valen- 
tine, who has long been at the head of the firm 
of Valentine & Co., of Hellefonte. Robert Val- 
entine is one of the prominent and wealthy citi- 
zens of Bellefonte. His second wife, to whom 
he was married in 1861, was Mary Xatt, daughter 
of Thomas J. and Anne Natt, born in England, 
and their children are: Emily and Julia, the 
latter being the wife of I>r. Bond, of Baltimore. 

I be homes of Robert Valentine and family, 
and the family of Keuben H. Valentine, are par- 
ticularly striking, and are of the several imposing 

and beautiful places of the 1 intain town of 

Bellefonti The former, a modem built, native 
stone structure, commodious and substantial, 
stands on one of the highest points of the town, 
and is very commanding in point of view. While 
the other is located a short distance from the 
town on a beautifully situated farm, ' ' Burnham, " 
this suburban country seat is surrounded by spa- 
cious grounds, and the old grey limestone house, 
built by Reuben B. Valentine in 1856, is of the 
Colonial style 



PHILIP B. CRIDER. The lumbering in- 
terests of central Pennsylvania is one of the 
great industries which have been an important 
factor in the development of that section, and 
one of the chief sources of its great wealth. For 
nearly fifty years few men have played a more 
conspicuous part in this development than the 
venerable gentleman of Bellefonte, Centre 
county, whose name introduces this sketch, and 
who, though nearing his four-score years, is yet 
"in harness," hale and hearty, bidding fair 
for an unusually vigorous old 

I r probably more than one hundred and 
fifty years the Crider family have resided in this 
Commonwealth. Upward of one hundred years 
ago, the ancestors of our subject came from 
from Lancaster county, and located on Chatham 
run, some five miles below the present borough 
of Lock Haven, then in Northumberland county, 
where William Crider 1 1 and William Crider (2), 
the grandfather and father respectively of Philip 
B , figured as wood-workers and millwrights, 
and where now reside a number of their descend- 
ants William Crider (2) was married to Mary 
Walker, and among their children were: Gabrial, 
Elizabeth, William. Catherine. Philip B. (our 
subject), Mary Ann, Susan, Jacob, Washington, 
Joseph, Emily, Ruth and Enoch. William, the 
father of these children, and his wife were plain 
everyday people, industrious, good citizens, and 
kind neighbors whose remains now rest, as do 
those of some of the older generation, in the old 
Plum Creek graveyard in the Crider neighbor- 
hood above located. William died May 15, 
1SS0, at the home of his son, Philip B., at Snow 
Shoe, Penn., aged ninety-four years, and his 
wife died at the old homestead in Gallagher 
township, Clinton Co., Pennsylvania. 

I). S. Maynard, in his •• Historical Views of 
Clinton County," thus alludes to Mr. Crider 
under the head of Gallagher township: 

In 1845, Mr. William 1 ridei moved from Pine Creek 
and settled near the Irish settlement, not fai from one of the 
brani hes ol Queens run. lie- is still living there at the ad- 
vanci eight] seven years, having raised to manhood 

and womanhood .1 large family ol 1 hildren, among them be- 
ing P B Crider, ol Lock Haven. Though having lived 
some years beyond the time allotted man, Nl r. Coder is still 

I health, with faculties unimpaired, and takes pleas- 
ure 111 talking of Ins pioneer experience in Gallagher town- 
ship. \s w.ts the 1 .isr with most of the <-.irlv settlers, he was 

ad marksman, and delighted in the 1 has.-. The first 
year he lived in the township he killed fivi bears, and the 
next v.-.ir six, to say nothing of the deer, and other smaller 
game. 

Philip B. Crider was bom at the mouth of 
Young Woman's creek, January 9. 1822, then in 
I ycoming county, now in Clinton county. Penn. 
That country being then new, and his parents 
poor, he had very meager school privileges, and 




Ucgife. ^ <U7YO^?* 





Z^£U2^^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



73 



early in life started to be self-supporting. He 
learned the business of manufacturing woolen 
goods in the employ of John Rich and John Hill- 
ard, at their factory in the western part of the 
town of Pine Creek, Clinton county, and re- 
mained with these gentlemen some thirteen 
years. He then purchased the old homestead, 
where he farmed for several years, when he became 
identified with the lumbering interests of Centre 
county, operating first between the Moshannon 
creeks, where he was engaged with Samuel Crist, 
of Lock Haven, then the most extensive lumber 
operator in the county, owning upward of four- 
teen thousand acres of good pine timber lands. 
He was so occupied several years, whei> he began 
manufacturing lumber for the Snow Shoe Rail- 
road Company. Following this, Mr. Crist and 
himself purchased the plant and stock of the firm 
of Holmes & Wigton.and the new firm carried on 
extensive operations in the same line for a period 
of years. Mr. Crider was next associated with 
Gen. Beaver, Edward Humes and others of Belle- 
fonte, who had formed a company and controlled 
several thousand acres of timber land in Clear- 
field county, where he met with a severe acci- 
dent, receiving a bad cut in one of his limbs by 
an awkward workman, from which he was dis- 
abled for two or three years. This led him to 
make a change in his business affairs, resulting in 
an exchange of business interests between him and 
Mr. Crist, which subsequently took him to Snow 
Shoe, where for many years himself and son, F. 
W. Crider, were extensive lumber operators, also 
having mills and yards in other localities. Some 
seventeen years ago they made the borough of 
Bellefonte their headquarters and principal point 
of operations. Their plant, which is located at 
the corner of Race and Lamb streets, together 
with mills in the woods, is one of the largest and 
best equipped in this section of Pennsylvania. 
The planing mills, lumber shedding, and other 
necessary buildings in all cover an area of five 
acres, while in the various departments of the 
business from fifty to one hundred hands are em- 
ployed, and the proprietors have with character- 
istic enterprise availed themselves of every late 
and meritorious device in the way of machinery 
and appliances calculated to insure rapid and 
perfect production. The firm manufacture and 
deal largely in white pine, yellow pine, hard 
wood and hemlock lumber, lath, pailing and 
and shingles, window and door frames, sash, 
doors, blinds, mouldings, stair work, and every 
description of mill work and building material as 
well as butchers' skewers. As foreshadowed 
above, the firm of P. B. Crider & Son operate 
mills and have large lumber interests in a num- 



ber of the neighboring counties, which places 
them in the front rank of the manufacturers of 
lumber in this section, contributing to the com- 
mercial importance of these various places. 
Owing to the extent of their operations, the large 
capital invested, and many hands employed, 
they distribute large sums of money, and they 
are leading factors in the success of those com- 
munities. 

Our subject has been a most successful busi- 
ness man. Possessed of good common sense, 
accompanied with business tact, and that energy 
which is characteristic of his German lineage, he 
has overcome obstacles and gradually forged 
steadily to the front until he occupies an envious 
position in business circles. His entire business 
career has been one of uprightness. Fair in all 
of his dealings with his fellow men, and of the 
strictest integrity, he now enjoys that satisfac- 
tion which such a life gives. He is an esteemed 
citizen of Bellefonte, and a man of considerable 
means, and of retiring disposition, modest and 
unassuming. 

In 1844, our subject was married to Catherine 
Miller, a daughter of John Miller, of Clinton 
county, Penn., a lady of uncompromising integ- 
rity, from the Crider neighborhood on Chatham 
run. To this union were born three children, 
namely: Fountain W. , a sketch of whom fol- 
lows; Isaac S., born August 31, 1847, wno was 
a successful farmer on Beech creek, Clinton 
county, where his death occurred November 17, 
1877, as the result of an accident while out hunt- 
ing; and Josephine H., who was born August 22, 
1850, and died May 4, 1870. The mother of 
these was born at Milton, Penn. , August 1 5, 1829, 
and died September 26, 1885. Their remains 
rest in the beautiful Cedar Hill Cemetery at 
Lock Haven. 



F 



OUNTAIN W. CRIDER. Foremost among 
the business men of the Bellefonte of to- 
day, whose enterprising handiwork in the city's 
progress and beauty, is conspicuously noticed in 
the several imposing business blocks — the pride 
of its citizens and the admiration of strangers — 
which stand as monuments to his enterprise, 
taste and thrift, is our fellow townsman — Foun- 
tain W. Crider. Though yet a young man, Mr. 
Crider occupies a prominent position in the busi- 
ness circles of the Commonwealth, and is an ex- 
ample of what may be accomplished in a few 
years, comparatively speaking, by industry, econ- 
omy and a fixed purpose with a determination to 
succeed. 

Our subject is a native of Clinton county, this 



74 



COMMEMORATIVE MOD liAPIW'Al. RECOUP. 



State, horn near Lock Haven, September ~, 

1845- His ancestors and the family are noticed 
in the sketch of his father. Philip B. Crider, 
which precedes this, as is also there Riven, in 
main, the history of the large manufacturing 
plant of P. B. Crider & Son. His early 1 
hood up to the age of fourteen years was passed 
on the farm, not unlike that of general farmer 
lads, receiving the benefit of the neighboring 
schools at the Plum Creek School House. In 
1859, then a boy of fourteen years, he entered 
the employ of John F. Rich & Son, then operat- 
ing a woolen-mill on Chatham run below Lock 
Haven. He had, in object, the learning the 
business of manufacturing woolen goods, and ac- 
complished his purpose, remaining in the mill 
some three years, excepting a period of three 
months each year, which were reserved for at- 
tending school at Lock Haven. At eighteen he 
turned his attention to the business portion of his 
education, and began clerking in the store of J. 
J. Bisel & Co., of Lock Haven, and after serv- 
ing for a period as salesman he became book- 
keeper, and remained with them two years, 
during which time he made his first venture in 
the line of speculation, investing bis savings in 
oil, which he lost. At the age of twenty years 
he entered the Eastman Business College, at 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y . and was graduated there- 
from in 1SO5. While young Crider was deprived 
of much of his boyhood, he was practically 
schooled in business, and before reaching his 
majority was well equipped for the battle of life, 
and entered the business world not without some 
knowledge of the roughness ol the road he was 
to travel. But fully prepared and eager for the 
fray, he launched out, and though he has by no 
means ever Sailed under a cloudless sky, he has 
stood nobly at the helm, and so wisely directed 
the barque that he has weathered the storms en- 
countered, and to-day sails under a triumphant 
banner upon a smooth sea. 

On January 1. 1866, young ( nder joined his 
father at Snow Shoe in the manufacture of lum- 
ber, and formed the firm of 1'. B ( ridei .\ Son, 
which still exists, and is one of the great manu- 
facturing industries of central Pennsylvania. 
Their business has constantly grown until it has 
extended into the neighboring counties of War- 
ren, Jefferson, Huntingdon, Clinton and Mifflin, 
having mills at various points in this territory 
with general headquarters at Bellefonte. The 
new hie given to the business in the addition of 
young Crider, who took hold with that en. 
that youth possesses, and which was so char- 
acteristic of his make-up, was marked, and it was 
not long until the extensions referred to w 



made, and the firm was in possession of large 
tracts of timber land, which were so judiciously 
handled as to result in great profits to the firm — 
some of the tracts involving upward of one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. These men became en- 
gaged in great interest outside of their lumber 
deals and the special business of manufacturing; 
they were large manufacturers of charcoal also. 
In the sale of timber lands, they reserved the 
oil, gas and mining rights, and are now possessed 
of these privileges in Jefferson county; merchan- 
dising and farming have been no small part of 
the business of P. B. Crider & Son, and they are 
now cultivating in the neighborhood of 1,500 
acres. The annual output of lumber at their 
several mills amounts to millions of feet. In 
their varied extensive interests they have for 
years given employment to many men, and kept 
in circulation great sums of money, which have 
been of great benefit to this section of the State. 

Our subject is a most capable and broad- 
minded business man, enterprising and progress- 
ive. In 1888 after the great fire which destroyed 
some of the best business buildings in Bellefonte, 
he purchased the site of the present " Crider's 
Exchange," and erected that most imposing 
business block which would be a credit and an 
ornament to a much more pretentious city. It is 
the finest business block in Bellefonte, and is a 
structure of modern scientific architectural beau- 
ty; built of brick and stone and occupying one 
of the most conspicuous corners of the borough. 
His palatial residence, which crowns one of the 
lulls of the mountain-town- -one of elegance and 

e — is but another evidence of his enterprising 
spirit and love to see the place of his adoption 
the ideal " Home of the Oovernors." 

Mr. Crider's life has been one of great 
tivitv a busy one; and like most men whose 
lives are absorbed in great business interests lie 
has given little time to politics, and has evinced 

lesire for public office. He is in no sense a 

politician, though betakes an interest in all pub- 
lic questions affecting the good of mankind and 
the ele\ Since early boyhood 

is been identified with the M. E. Chui 
giving liberally of his means to its support. lb 
has served in the borough council, and made a 

t efficient record. As may be inferred, Mr. 
(rider is a man of wealth, and of influence, 
which is not confined to Uellefonte alone, but 
extends throughout the State where his connec- 
tion with great business interests have given him 
a wide acquaintance. Mr. Crider, ton. is a self- 
made man a man that has risen from the poor 
country boy to the head of a great industry, and 
to the presidency of the great banking company 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



75 



of Jackson, Crider & Hastings; a man of wealth 
and influence, which, however, has in no way 
affected his manhood — his feelings and sympathy 
for mankind — these are the same as when he 
himself walked the paths of doubt amid the early 
struggles, and he is easily approached, greeting 
one with a smile and extending one that hearty 
welcome which makes the timid one feel at ease. 
Commanding in appearance, fine looking, with 
an intelligent face, his personality is striking, and 
but to know him is to account for his popularity. 
He is a great home man, and outside of business 
hours may be found with his family. Individually, 
he owns considerable property in Bellefonte and 
Centre county, other than the block referred to. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

OnJuly2i, 1868, Mr. Crider was married to 
Miss Mary Adeline Sullivan, a daughter of Will- 
iam and Ann (Henderson) Sullivan, of White 
Deer Mills, Union Co., Penn. Her parents died 
when she was young, and she was reared by her 
grandparents, Samuel and (Barber) Hender- 
son, of Union county, the grandfather being a 
substantial farmer and a citizen of some promi- 
nence there. The wedding occurred at Elmwood, 
111., where Miss Sullivan was visiting an aunt, 
Mrs. Rynearson. Mrs. Crider was a woman 
of education and refinement, and a very interest- 
ing lady, possessed of the virtues that won her a 
host of friends. Her birth occurred in Union 
county, Penn., May 25, 1845, and her death at 
Bellefonte, April 6, 1879. "She was a very 
earnest Christian lady, and died in the full hope 
of a glorious immortality." The children born 
to this marriage were: (1) Burns H., born Au- 
gust 2, 1869, now a photographer at Easton, 
Penrt., of the firm of Kreidler & Crider. (2) 
Carrol Low, born August 20, 1872, died August 
30, 1891. In January, 1891, Carrol had entered 
the Freshman class, Dickinson College, at Car- 
lisle, Penn., with many bright hopes and a prom- 
ising future, but his young life was cut short and 
the hopes of his father blasted, for in less than a 
year he was summoned higher, having contracted 
a fatal disease at college. His life had been one 
of purity and simplentss, and in his last breath 
he exclaimed: " I am the child of a King; I am 
not dying but am only going home to see Jesus." 
(3) May S., born August 28, 1877, is now in 
school at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. 

On December 14, 1882, our subject was again 
married, this time to Rebecca Jane North, and 
they have two children, Hugh North, born Sep- 
tember 27, 1883, and Mary Isabel!, born March 
28, 1886, both attending the Bellefonte Academy. 
The mother of these is a native of Juniata coun- 
ty, Penn., born June 9, 18.50, daughter of Hon. 



James and Susana Matilda (Strouse) North, of 
Juniata county. She is a lady of refinement and 
culture, and presides with dignity and grace at 
their elegant home, which is often the scene of 
social gatherings. 

Hon. James North, father of Mrs. Crider, 
though now nearly four-score years of age, is 
quite active in the business affairs of Juniata 
county, where he has long been a resident of 
prominence in public affairs and in business cir- 
cles. He has represented that county in the 
General Assembly of the State, and has been 
conspicuously connected with the railroad inter- 
ests of the Commonwealth; prominent, too, as a 
merchant and banker. His wife died on Novem- 
ber 21, 1896. Their children were six in number, 
namely: Nathaniel died in infancy; Caleb is in 
the Columbian National Bank at Washington, D. 
C. ; Washington is in the employ of the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Company, as ticket and freight 
agent (also a dealer in coal and lumber) at Mifflin, 
Penn.; Rebecca Jane (Mrs. Crider); Hon. Her- 
man H., a lawyer at Bradford, Penn., who has 
served three times in the General Assembly of 
the State; and Mrs. W. M. Jacobs, widow of 
George Jacobs, formerly a lawyer at Mifflin, 
Pennsylvania. 



C CHARLES R. KURTZ, of Bellefonte. The 
Jl ability to meet the emergencies of an exact- 
ing profession in a quiet, yet prompt and effi- 
cient manner, is a test of a well-disciplined mind; 
and a visit to the sanctum sanctorum of the gifted 
editor of The Centre Democrat, one of the leading 
Democratic papers of Centre county, impresses 
one with the value of this rare acquirement, 
the large and rapidly developing business of the 
establishment being managed with apparent ease. 
Mr. Kurtz, the editor and publisher of The Cen- 
tre Democrat, has had unusual advantages in the 
way of preparation for journalism, having been 
practically trained to it from boyhood in the office 
of The Centre Hall Reporter, of which his father, 
Hon. Frederick Kurtz, is editor. Notwithstand- 
ing the arduous labors which have brought the 
Democrat to its present prosperity, Mr. Kurtz 
has also found time to share in the various pro- 
gressive movements of his locality, and is es- 
pecially prominent in political work. Gifted as 
an orator, his services in that line are frequently 
in demand, which shows growing appreciation, 
and points to a brilliant future. 

Mr. Kurtz has been identified with Centre 
county from his birth, which occurred at Aarons- 
burg, October 31, 1864. His academic educa- 
tion was mainly obtained in the schools of Cen- 



76 



OOMMl MORATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tic Hall, where he attended until the age 
of seventeen. He th( red the Univer- 
sity <>f Lewisburg (now Bucknell University), 
pleted a scientific course, and was gradu- 
ated in 1886. Returning home, he took ch 
of Ik, Centre Hull Reporter .for two years. 
and in [888 went to Bellefonte to conduct 
/'//(■ Centre Democrat, At that time, and for 
many years previous, the paper was financially 
involved, and bad proven a bail venture from its 
inception. It then had a verj small circulation, 
but little advertising and little or no patronage. 
Under the able management of Mr. Kurt/, it 
soon showed marked improvement in both re- 
spects. The subscription list has grown from 
seven hundred to almost two thousand substan- 
tial nanus, and its columns are patronized by 
the leading business men of the vicinity. In July, 
1895, Mr. Kurt/ purchased the entile busini 
which had previously been owned by a stock 
company, The Centre Democrat Co., and has 
equipped it throughout with late and improved 
type, fast presses, folder and engine. When Mr. 
Kurtz took charge of the plant it had a small 
circulation. Now it boastsof having the largest 
number of readers of an\ Democratic paper in 
< Cntre county. 

With the past as a basis for judgment, we 
may safely predict for this elevci and energetic 
worker an enviable success, and many friends 
whom his gentlemanly bearing has won for him 
will rejoice to see the realization of his plans and 
hopes. 



C^L. WILLIAM POTTER WILSON, who 
J in his lifetime was a resident of Bellefonte, 
where his death occurred August 3, 1878, de- 
scended from ancestors of prominence and dis- 
tinction in the history of the State. His parents 
were Samuel Hunter and Mary (Benner) Wilson, 
the father being a son of ('apt. William Wilson, 
and the mother a daughter of Gen. Philip Ben- 

Capt. William Wilson was an officer of the 

First Regiment Pennsylvania Continental Line, 
and was a member of the Society of Cincinnati, 

his certificate Of membership being dated at 
Mount Vernon October 31, 17S5, and signed by 
Gen. Washington, as President of the Society, 
and by Gen. Henry Knox, as Secretary. Gen. 
Benner served in the Revolutionary war, and his 
father, an active Whig during the war, was cap- 
tured and imprisoned, Aftei the close of the 
struggle in 1792, he purchased what was called 
Rock Forge lands, and removed to Spring 
(reek to engage in the iron business, and from 



that time on until his death, in 1832, he was 
prominently identified with that business and the 
interests of Centre county. He was an 
earnest Democrat, and was twice Presidential 
elector, notably on the Jackson and Calhoun 
ticket in 1824 

William Potter Wilson was born at Rock 
Forge, Centre county, Penn., December 5, 1825. 
His preparatory studies were received at Belle- 
font my, and his college course at Dart- 
mouth College, where he graduated in June, 
[847. His legal studies were pursued at Mc- 
Cartney's Law School, at Easton, and in the 
office and under the direction of the late Hon. 
James Burnside, before he occupied the Bench. 
He was admitted to the Bar at the August term 
of [849, and continuously practiced his profes- 
sion with great fidelity to the interests intrusted 
to his care up to the time of his death. He was 
an entire stranger to the tricks of the profession, 
and heartily despised them; was the soul of honor 
in his professional intercourse with his brothers 
of the liar, and left a record of honorable prac- 
tice which will be remembered by all who were 
associated with him as colleagues, or engaged 
against him as adversaries. He was appointed 
an aide upon the military staff of Gov. Bigler 
during his administration, which entitled him to 
the rank and gave him the title of "Colonel." 
He was a candidate for district attorney of 
his countv in 1856, and for the State Senate in 
the- double district composed of the counties of 
Blair, Centre, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and 
Perry in 1870. He was appointed chairman of 
the Republican State Central Committee, and 
conducted the campaign of 1877, and it may be 
truthfully said that the earnest efforts to dis- 
;e faithfully the duties of his honorable po- 
sition tended largely to hasten the end of his 
earthly career, having been undertaken at a time 
when an enfeebled constitution required quiet 
and rest rather than excitement and efforts of a 
political campaign. He was decided in his po- 
litical convictions, but never offensive in their ut- 
terance or enforcement. As a citizen his place 
was worthily tilled. He exercised a great in- 
fluence in municipal affairs, having occupied a 
seat for many years, and the place of presiding 
officer, in the borough council and school board, 
business man outside the walks of his pro- 
fession, he was successful in an unusual degree. 
The railroad, turnpike and other semi-public in- 
terests of this region have contributed in a large 
part to this success, and have in turn been made 
to feel in their management, the influence of his 
judicious and conservative business views. He 
was at the tune- of his death st Cretan and treas- 





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IC 



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^ ; 


r 







Cf^ ls%r 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HE CORD. 



77 



urer of the Bald Eagle Valley Railroad Com- 
pany, and treasurer and almost sole manager of 
the Centre and Kishocoquillas Turnpike Road 
Company. 

The personal and relative duties of life were 
faithfully discharged by him in his sphere, and 
whilst we would not invade the sanctity of home 
and family, it is proper to say that where the 
duties which those relations involve were per- 
formed his death will be keenly felt. Of great 
kindness of heart, his affections embraced and 
led him to cherish and maintain those who were 
strangers to his blood but brought within his 
sphere of home life. He was a Christian man; 
quietly and unobtrusively he discharged his 
Christian duties and came down to the end of 
his life ' ' unstained and soothed by an unfalter- 
ing trust. " One of his great anxieties of his last 
year on earth was the welfare of the Church with 
which he was connected, and of which he was a 
trustee. 

On October 21, 1856, Mr. Wilson was united 
in marriage with Margaret H., daughter of Rev. 
James and Isabella (Henderson) Linn, of Belle- 
fonte, where Mrs. Wilson was born. They had 
no children of their own, but raised as their 
daughter Blanche Moran Hays, a cousin of Mrs. 
Wilson's. Both Mrs. Wilson and Miss Hays re- 
side in a beautiful and comfortable home at 
Bellefonte. They are identified with the Pres- 
byterian Church, and are active in its auxiliary 
societies. Mrs. Wilson's name has for years 
been associated with much good work done by 
the women of Bellefonte in charitable directions, 
and for the elevation of the morals of the com- 
munity. 

Rev. James Linn, D. D., who died at Belle- 
fonte, February 23, 1868, was a remarkable 
man, and enjoyed the rare distinction of having 
served the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church 
there the unusually long period of fifty-eight 
years. He was born in Sherman's Valley 
(now Perry county), Penn., September 4, 1783. 

His grandfather came over from Scotland in 
the early part of the eighteenth century, and was 
of solid Presbyterian stock. His father, John 
Linn, was born in Adams county, Penn., in 1749, 
was graduated at Princeton College in 1773; 
studied theology with Rev. Robert Cooper, and 
during his entire ministerial life, including a term 
of nearly forty-four years, was settled as the pas- 
tor of Centre Church, Sherman's Valley. He 
died in 1820 in his seventy-first year. He was 
married to Mary Gettys, daughter of the founder 
of Gettysburg. 

Dr. James Linn was graduated at Dickinson 
College in 1805, and studied theology with Rev. 



Joseph Williams at Newville. He was licensed 
to preach the Gospel September 27, 1808, by 
the Presbytery of Carlisle. He himself consid- 
ered it an honor of no small measure to have 
been licensed by such a body of ministers as then 
composed that Presbytery: "A noble band of 
venerable men, and men of talents." In the 
spring of 1809 he visited the congregations of 
Spruce Creek and Sinking Valley, since in the 
bounds of Huntingdon Presbytery, and from 
there he shortly after came to Bellefonte. The 
Presbyterian Church here had just been left va- 
cant by the removal of Rev. Henry R. Wilson, to 
Carlisle. His preaching here and at Lick Run for 
a few Sabbaths resulted in unanimous calls from 
both Churches, each for one-half of his time. 
On April 17, 18 10, he was installed pasto| of 
the Presbyterian Church at Bellefonte, the in- 
stallation taking place in the court house, which 
was then used as the place of worship. His 
time was divided between charges at Lick Run 
and Bellefonte. In 1839 the Bellefonte Church 
received his undivided labors, and as the pastor 
of this Church he remained until his death. His 
labors among the people were greatly blessed. 
He took an active interest in the cause of educa- 
tion, in the early years of his ministry taught 
the Bellefonte Academy, and was for many years 
president of the board of trustees. His labors 
in the temperance cause and in the interests of 
the Bible Society and Sabbath-schools were in- 
cessant all through the long years of his active 
life. He was eminently hospitable, and his gen- 
erosity spontaneous and unpretending. There is 
a sublime eloquence in the career of such a man, 
and the reputation he won he bequeathed to 
enhance the dignity, honor and usefulness of his 
fellow laborers in the ministry. His strong indi- 
viduality, clear mind, and sound judgment com- 
manded the respect of men of character, while 
his large-hearted hospitality, his genial humor, 
and his kind and cheerful disposition won upon 
all classes of the community, and made him a 
man of the largest influence. Yet, though gen- 
tle, yielding and forgiving in his temper almost 
to an extreme, his decision was uncompromising 
in all questions of principle. His preaching was 
characterized by the pointed and impressive pres- 
entation of truth, and was doctrinal and practi- 
cal rather than rhetorical. With a full, round 
voice, and a commanding presence, his personal 
advantages were more than ordinary. His man- 
uscript sermons show thoroughness and accuracy 
in preparation for the pulpit. 

Dr. Linn was twice married: First to Jane" 
Harris, February 28, 181 1, and their children 
were: Claudius B., James H., Hon. Samuel, 



K 



I OMMBMORA 77 YE BIOQRA fill' A 1. BB( ORD. 



Anna and Jane. This wife died AuguSt 14, 1K22, 
and on April 15, 1829, he married Isabella Hen- 
derson, and a daughter, Margaret II . was born 
to them. 

Col. Philip Benner Wilson, a brothi 
Col. William Potter Wilson, and a resident 
Bellefonte, where he died March 2. 1878, served 
with distinction in the Civil war. He was horn 
at Chillisquaque Mills, Northumberland < 
I'. mi.. December 8, 1822, and received his edu- 

111 at Milton. He entered the army in 1 
at Harnsburg, Penn., as captain of Company F, 
2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was later pro- 
moted to the majorship of the regiment. At tin- 
close of the war he returned to Bellefonte and 
entered the hardware business with John Irwin, 
|r., the firm soon establishing a large trade and 

cting a beautiful building. Later Mr. Irwin 
retired, and Col. Wilson associated with him in 
ihc business Thomas Hicks, the firm becoming 
Wilson & Hicks. The Colonel finally retired 
from the firm, and in connection with Col. Mc- 
l-arlane established another hardware store in 
the Humes block. At the time of his death he 
was the colonel of the 5th Regiment National 
Guard of Pennsylvania. 



ELIAS W. HALE, M. I)., late of Bellefonte, 
Centre county, was bprn in Lewistown, 
Penn., in June, 1824. being in direct line of de- 
scent from Samuel Hale, the first of the family 
known 111 this country, who was one of the 
founders of Hartford, Conn., in 1637. He served 
in the Pequot war. for which service he received 
a grant of land. He was deputy for Norwalk. 
He died at Glastonbury, Conn., in 1693. His 
son was Capt. Samuel (2 1, who was a deputy, 
and married a granddaughter of Thomas Welles, 
third governoi of the Colony of Connecticut. 
The latter's son was I'.enjamin. Benjamin's son 
was Gideon, and the g] 1 ol Gideon was 

Elias \\ Hale, father of the subject of this 
sketch. 

is W. Hale 1 1 was born in Glastonbury, 
Conn., April 18, 1775. ' lL ' was graduated from 
Yale College in 1704. and soon thereafter began 
the study of law with Chatles Hall at Sunbury, 
Penn. After completing his law studies he lo- 
cated in Lewistown, Penn., where he followed 
his profession ai d be< mie one of the ablest law- 
seism that section. He married Jean Mulhol- 
lan, an estimable lady, who survived him man}' 
sears. His death occurred Februar} 5, 1832. 
One of his daughters was the wife of the Hon 
Gideon Welles. Secretary of the Navy in 
President Lincoln. 



Dr. Elias W. Hale, the fourth child and last 
survivor of six children, read medicine under the 
direction of J. B. Ard, M. I)., graduated from 
j the University of Pennsylvania, and for a num- 
3 practiced the profession at Lewis- 
town, then removed to Reedsville, Penn., where 
he pursued the >ame calling. In the spring of 

( he located in Bellefonte, at which place his 
practice was somewhat limited. In 1 S74, in 
nection with William P. Duncan & Co., he 
bought the old mill, and went into the milling 
business under the linn name <>| Duncan, Hale & 
Co. Mr. Duncan retired in 18.S2. and the linn 
was changed to Gerberich, Hale & Co., Mr 
Gerberich managing the business. Dr. Hale was 
prominently connected with the Masonic frater- 
int\, and lie was well up in agricultural circles in 
the counts and Slate. He always took a decided 
interest in agrii ulture, and invariably lent a hand 
to its advancement. He was one of Bellefonte's 
shrewdest business men, and was an influential 
citizen from 1 864 until the time of his death. 
ll< ssms probably one of the largest property 
ossners in Bellefonte, possessing, in addition to 
his real estate in the town, a number of fine 
farms in Centre and adjoining counties, and his 
wealth would foot up hundreds of thousands of 
dollars. He was ia partner in the Moshannon 
Banking Co. , of Philipsburg, Penn. His death 
occurred in Mentone. Southern France, February 
20, 1892, whither himself and family had gone the 
October before for his health. 

Dr. Hale was tsvice married, his first wife be- 
in^ Miss Ellen Louise Steely, of the Kishaco- 
quillas Valley, in Mifflin county, this State, by 
whom he had a son, Harry. His second wife, 
to whom he was married April 29. 1857, was 
Mary, daughter of Reuben B. and Sarah (Down- 
ing) Valentine, and their issue were: Sarah, who 
dud in infancy, and Ellen, who is the wife of G. 
Murray Andrews. The widow of Dr. Hale has 
descended on both sides from Quaker families, 
who for nearly two hundred years have been 
prominently identified with the history of the 
the State. She is of the fifth generation 
from Thoma- Valentine, who in about 1720 
came t" America from Ireland, and with his 
family settled in Chester counts', Penn. He was 
born in County Catherlough (How Carlow), Ire- 
land. 9th month, lS, [693, and died in 1747. 
lb 1 father, Reuben I'.. Valentine, was an iron- 

ter, and in 1815 with several brothers came 

• ntre counts-, where all were closely iden- 
tified with the development "f the iron industries 
of the county, ami their sons after them Reuben 
B.'s death occurred at Bellefonte, March 27. 
1 84 1. His wife, Sarah Downing, was of the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



79 



fourth generation from Thomas Downing, who 
was born 12th month, 14, 1691, at Bradninch, 
in Devonshire, England, and who in 17 18 was a 
resident of Concord township, Chester county, 
Penn. Later he resided at Sadsbury, and still 
later at Downington, in the same county. Many 
of the name were farmers and millers. 



LIEUT. -COL. HARRY S. HALE, the only 
1 son of the late Dr. EliasW. Hale, of Bellefonte, 

Centre county, was born at Lewistown, Penn., 
August 12, 1852. In early boyhood he attended 
school at Reedsville, Mifflin county, and in 1864 
came with his father to Bellefonte, where he 
continued his studies under the tuition of the 
Rev. J. C. Laverty, an Episcopal minister, and 
at the academy under the presidency of Prof. 
Murray. In 1869-70, he was in attendance at 
Phillips Academy, in Exeter, N. H. He next 
was one year at Hopkins Grammar School, of 
New Haven, Conn. Afterward he spent two 
years at Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, Penn. 
At this time he was in poor health, and he passed 
a year or more in the lumber regions of Minne- 
sota. He returned East and spent a year on 
his father's farm at Mill Creek, in Huntingdon 
Co., Penn. In 1874 he took an interest in the 
flouring-mill of Gerberich, Hale & Co., of Belle- 
fonte, and remained actively engaged in that 
business until the time of his death. 

Perhaps the military history of Harry Hale 
was the most notable part of his life, and by 
these relations he became widely known among 
some of the most prominent military officers in 
the State. In June, 1880, largely through his 
efforts, Company B,of Bellefonte, was organized, 
he being one of the signers of the application. 
He was at that time elected second lieutenant of 
the company, in all the affairs of which he took a 
prominent part. This company became Com- 
pany B, of the 5th Regiment of the N. G. of 
Pennsylvania. He was soon appointed adjutant 
of the regiment, and in 1887 he was elected 
lieutenant-colonel, which relation he sustained 
to the 5th Regiment until shortly before his 
death, filling the position with credit to himself, 
and to those he represented; but in April, 1889, 
he was compelled to resign the office on account 
of failing health. He was a stanch Republican, 
and in 1886 the party nominated and elected 
him, over a strong opposition, chief burgess of 
Bellefonte. During this time he gained the 
confidence of the people, and was re-elected 
for a second term. While serving in this ca- 
pacity, he was always kind and affable to 
many who at times did not deserve his sym- 



pathy. He was obliging, and at all times ready 
to bestow a favor. Brave and courageous, 
standing up for the right, whether politically or 
in pursuance of his duty as a public officer, Col. 
Hale was a young man possessing these qualities, 
which claimed the admiration of all, and made 
him a man of great promise. He was a gentle- 
man of commanding appaarance, being six feet 
in height, and otherwise magnificently propor- 
tioned. When appearing in rank he was a 
very conspicuous figure. He was kind, honest 
and true, having a large heart, not only for the 
rich, but for the poorer class of people, aiding 
them by deeds of generosity. He was promi- 
nent in Masonic circles, having been for ten 
years or more a member of the fraternity, be- 
longing to both the Commandery and Chapter. 
He took a great interest in all of their proceedings. 
The death of Col. Hale occurred at Bellefonte 
on May 24, 1889, and he was given one of the 
most imposing and impressive funerals. His re- 
mains were interred at Lewistown, Penn., whither 
they were accompanied by Company B, with 
the field and staff officers of the 5th Regiment, 
and a body of Masons from Bellefonte. Col. 
Hale was unmarried. 



JOHN CURTIN, one of the oldest and most 
highly esteemed residents of Bellefonte, Centre 

county, was born in that beautiful mountain 
town, September 24, 18 10, and has been promi- 
nently identified with the development of his sec- 
tion throughout his active business life. 

Roland Curtin, father of our subject, a native 
of County Clare, Ireland, came to Centre county 
when a young man, and after a short period 
spent in mercantile pursuits engaged in the iron 
business, building a furnace which he operated 
for many years. By his first wife, Margery 
(Gregg), he had four sons who lived to adult age: 
Austin (who was in the iron business), James, 
Roland and John. His second wife, Jane (Gregg), 
daughter of Hon. Andrew Gregg, was the mother 
of the following children: Constance, Andrew 
(Pennsylvania's famous War Governor), Martha 
(who married Dr. W. Irwin, and both are now 
deceased), Norah (who married President Allen, 
of Girard College); Margery (Mrs. Thomas Rey- 
nolds); Nancy (the wife of Dr. Clark, of Phila- 
delphia, Penn.), and Julia (who is not married, 
and resides in Philadelphia). 

Mr. Curtin attended school in his youth at 
Bellefonte, Harrisburg and Milton, Penn., re- 
ceiving excellent preparation for his future career. 
His business opportunities were most fortunate 
and, engaging in the iron industry with his father, 



SI I 



COMMh\/(i/i.\ TTFB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he continued in active work until 1874, when he 
retired, being at the time a member of the firm 
of R. C. & J. Curtin. Since his retirement From 

business, his time has I" en mainly spent in his 
pleasant home at Bellefonte. 

In 1837 Mr. Curtin was married to Missjulia 
Ann Barnhart, who was born March 14, l8ll, 
in Bald Eagle Valley. ('I the seven children of 
this happy union two dud in infancy; the others 
are: ( 1 1 Margery I. married Irvin Curtin, and has 
two children- Roland I. and Gregg, i^j James, 
who was a cavalryman during the ("nil w 
married Miss Jam- Holder, and has three chil- 
dren- Latimer, Fred and Harrj (3) Sarah C, 
wife of Dr. J. F. Larimer, of Omaha, Neb., has 
three children — John C, Robert (i and Fred 
W. (4) Henry Roland, who is at present in 
charge of the iron works, married Miss l.ydia 
McMinn. and lias four children — J. Mack. John. 
Laird H. and Catherine. (5) John (i. is in the oil 
business, and resides in Philadelphia; he married 
Miss Lstella Louden, and has four children — 
Lou la, Julia, Allen and Walton. 

Mr. Curtin is a stanch Republican, and in the 
stirring campaign of 1896 supported McKinley 
with an enthusiasm and patriotic fervor which 
bridged the years, and recalled for him the days 
of his youth. Always a thoughtful student of 
current questions, local and national, he has 
given throughout his life loyal assistance toevery 
movement which promised to benefit the public. 



C\OL. WILLIAM SHORTLIDGE The per- 
' sonal history of the men who lead in the de- 
velopment of any section always holds an unus- 
ual interest, not only for those who, as members 
■ ( the community, share in the results of its prog- 
ress, but for all students of human nature. The 
generalship, the faith, the determined will, which 
distinguish these pioneer workers in any line, il- 
lustrate some of the best phases of our manifold 
life, and these qualities are none the less des. 
ing of honor when directed to the peaceful arts 
which feed and sustain our civilization rather 
than to deeds of daring on the field of battle. • 
The lime industry at Bellefonte, of which 
Col. Shortlidge is the pioneer, so far as its mod- 
ern aspects are concerned, has for man) years 
Keen .1 constant source ol wealth to that locality. 
It is probable that the men employed in it have, 
during the past twenty years, more steads work 
al better wages than any other industry ill this 

section has supplied, and in periods of business 
depression they have had special reason to con- 
gratulate themselves upon the constant demand 
for their labor. In 1 861 , when Col. Shortlidge first 



entered this business, the production of lime in 
the vicinity of Bellefonte was estimated at thirty- 
rive bushels per day, and at the present writing it 
has increased to 3,500 bushels per day, owing 
mainly to the foresight and energy of Col. Short 
lidge, who brought the superior quality of the 
product to wider notice. After the completion 
of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, he shipped the 
first carload of lime ever sent from that locality 
to a point outside of Centre county. For man- 
ufacturing purposes the Bellefonte lime is consid- 

I better than others, and it finds a ready 
market in all parts of the Union. The limestone 
from which it is obtained contains as high as 
ninety-eight per cent of carbonate of lime, and 
the product is noted for its whiteness as well as 
for its purity. Under the improved methods of 
burning adopted by Col. Shortlidge the causticity 
and plasticity are retained, and the superiority of 
this lime is shown by the fact that one bushel of 
it makes as much mortar as one and two-thirds 
of other kinds, while the adhesive quality is 
greater. Of late years other manufacturers of 
lime have located at Bellefonte, but the strata of 
stone which they use extends over twenty miles 
east and west, and there is no fear that the sup- 
ply may be exhausted. As there is a stead ni 
market for the lime for manufacturing purposes 
than for any other, greater attention is paid to 
meeting that demand, but agricultural and build- 
ing interests are also supplied, and the McCal- 
mont & Co. Sunny Side Lime Kilns, established 
in 1 86 1 by Col. Shortlidge and others, produce 
limes which under careful tests are declared to be 
eminently suited to these purposes. McCalmont 
& Company are also extensive dealers in coal, 
agricultural impli ments, seeds and fertilizers, and 
they control the agency for the celebrated Geisee 
saw mills, traction engines and separators, the 
American Road Machine Company's Champion 
Rock (rusher and Road Machine, and the Conk- 
lin wagons and carriages. They are large deal- 
ers in farm products, never losing an opportunity 
to buy grain, for which they pay the highest 
market price, their invariable rule in their trans- 

'ii- being to make the farmers' interests their 
own Their business requires a correspondence 
which is second in volume to but one othei as 

pared with all the other interests at Belle- 
fonte. Col. Shortlidge and Robert McCalmont 
are the managers of the firm, and others con- 
nected with it are Isaac Underwood, John S. 
Walker. J W Barnhart, Robert W. McCalmont, 
John II, Woomer and Wentworth II. Shortlidge 

The pei al and ancestral history of Col. 

Shortlidge will be of general interest. The name 
was formerly Shortridge and is of English origin. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



81 



and the family has been identified with the So- 
ciety of Friends from a very early period. Our 
subject's direct ancestors were pioneers of Ches- 
ter county, Penn., and his grandfather, Swithin 
Shortlidge, was born in New Garden township, 
and became a farmer in the same locality. He 
and iwo of his sons died within two weeks, dur- 
ing an epidemic of dysentery. His wife, Hannah 
Gawthrop, also a native of Chester county, and 
of Quaker origin, survived him many years. 
They had a large family of children, of whom 
five grew to adult age: (i) George, our subject's 
father; (2) Jane, who married Isaac Tussey, of 
Pocopson. Chester county, and died in March, 
1892, at the age of ninety-two years; (3) Phoebe, 
who married Jacob Shortlidge (a cousin), and 
died in early womanhood; (4) Joel, who married 
Sarah Ann Boyer, and died in Chester county, 
and (5) Evan, who married Sarah Holand, the 
former dying in Chester county at an advanced 
age. Hannah G. Darlington and Catharine T. 
Michener, daughters of Isaac and Jane Tussey, 
are highly esteemed relatives, as well as Phoebe 
S. Hobson and Isabel G. Shortlidge. 

Hannah Gawthrop Shortlidge had three sis- 
ters and four brothers, viz. : Elizabeth, Jane, 
Isabella, Thomas, James, George and William. 
All but William settled in Chester county, and 
he made his home in Baltimore, Md. One of his 
grandsons, William G. Huey, is at the head of 
the firm of William G. Huey & Co., bankers of 
Philadelphia. Elizabeth married Nicholas Tay- 
lor, an extraordinary business man of Baltimore, 
Md. ; Jane married Daniel Thompson, and reared 
a family; Isabella did not marry; all the brothers 
married, and left descendants. 

George Shortlidge, the father of our subject, 
was born in New Garden township, Chester 
county, in 1800, and passed his life there as a 
farmer, his death occurring in 1875. Like all of 
the family in religion, he was a Quaker. In pol- 
itics he was at first a Democrat, but he took a 
decided stand against slavery, and in 1856 he 
voted the Republican ticket, and from that time 
he adhered to that party. He married Martha 
Hutton, who was born in the same locality in 
1 802, and died in 1 887. Her father, Hiatt Hutton, 
a native of Chester county, was of Irish descent, 
and her mother, Sarah Pugh, was a member of 
an old Chester county family. The Huttons 
and the Pughs were all of Quaker faith. Our 
subject was the eldest of six children: (2) Jo- 
seph, a successful teacher, conducts an academy 
at Concordville, Del. ; (3) Anna P. married W. 
H. Walker, of Hockessin, Del. ; (4) Lydia H. , 
widow of Augustus A. Norris, resides at Woods- 
town, N. J.; (5) Swithin C. , a well-known edu- 



cator, is at present in London, Eng. , for his 
health; (6) Evan G. , a prominent physician of 
Wilmington, Del., where he located in 1870, is a 
man of marked ability and influence, and has 
been mayor of that city. During the Civil war 
he served in the 1 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry for 
some time, and after he completed his medicat 
studies he was appointed, at the instance of the 
Friends, a surgeon to an Indian agency. 

Col. Shortlidge was born February 20, 1 83 1 , 
and his childhood was spent at the old home- 
stead in New Garden township, Chester county. 
After attending the local schools for a time, he 
was sent to the Green woodell Academy, Marshall- 
town, Chester Co., Penn., of which Jonathan 
Gans was then principal. Two years were spent 
there in diligent study, and then our subject be- 
gan teaching, following that occupation in his 
native county and in the State of Delaware. In 
the fall of 1853 he entered the office of the 
Howard Iron Works, in Centre county as an ap- 
prentice to learn the business, and was employed 
there as bookkeeper and manager until the busi- 
ness was suspended in 1857, when he resumed 
the work of teaching. On May 25, 1857, he 
married MissRosanna G. McCalmont, a native of 
Marion township, Centre Co., Penn., born March 
16, 1833, and this happy event did much to 
shape his future course. For a time he contin- 
ued teaching, and August 25, 1858, he took charge 
of a school in Bellefonte. In the following 
spring he made an engagement with Valentines 
& Co., proprietors of the Bellefonte Furnace and 
Forge, to manage their office for two weeks 
during the absence of the members of the firm. 
At the end of that time he was requested to re- 
main longer, and in the course of a few months 
the firm decided that they could not dispense 
with his services, for which a liberal salary was 
offered and accepted, and Col. Shortlidge spent 
the next six years in their employ. As has been 
stated, he, in 1861, engaged in the lime business, 
with which he had become somewhat familiar dur- 
ing boyhood in Chester county. His extensive 
business interests have never prevented him from 
taking an active part in the general progress of 
the community. He is a firm supporter of the 
principles of the Republican party. He is a 
member of the F. & A. M. ; also of the borough 
council, now in the tenth year of service in that 
body. He is president of the Board of Trade, 
and a trustee of the Presbyterian Church. 

Col. and Mrs. Shortlidge have a most pleas- 
ant home, and of their six children two are living: 
Martha Elizabeth married John S. Walker, and 
has one son, Robert. Anna W. is at home. 
Jennie McCalmont, a daughter, and a y6ung lady 



82 



I '0 MMKMOHA Tl VK Bloc, /;.!/•// V .! /. /.'/••' OA'/A 



of much intelligence, who assisted her father as 
Stenographer and typewriter, died February 16, 
1 890, at the age of twenty-two, from "la grippe." 
Gi orge and William died in infancy, and James 
McCalmont, their eldest son, lived to the ape of 
only six months. 



Fll VAN VALZAH, M. I)., of Spring Mills, 
Centre county, one of the most successful 
physicians in that region, comes of a family 
which has for thi ms been prominent- 

ly identified with the medical profession. His 
ancestors were originally from Holland, but set- 
tled in New York long before the Revolutionary 
war. Dr. Robert Van Valzah, Sr., his great- 
grandfather, was bom April 17, [764, near the 
Croton river, in New York, and was the only son 
of his parents to leave descendants, ft is a re- 
markable fact that there is no other family of the 
name in this country, but, as will be seen, the 
line is not likely to die out. The father of Dr. 
Robert Van Valzah, Sr., died, and the mother 
married a wealthy man who gave his clever step- 
son an excellent education. Tradition has it 
that about the time that Dr. Robert Van Valzah 
graduated and began his professional career, he 
was paying devoted attention to a young lady, 
when he discovered that she had been making in- 
quiries as to Ins chances for inheriting his step- 
father's property. Angered at this, andbelieving 
her tn be wholly mercenary, he left the neighbor- 
hood and, in [786, came to Pennsylvania, his 
earthly possessions consisting only of a horse, sad- 
dle and bridle. On his arrival in Northumber- 
land e, nmty he made the acquaintance of a man 
named Beatty, who took a strong liking to him, 
and knowing him to be a poor but ambitious 
"M. D." in search of a location, advised him to 
go to Dry Valley, when- an epidemic was causing 
much suffering at the time. This advice was fol- 
lowed with satisfactory results. Dr. Van \ il^ah 
practicing there successfully until his removal to 
Buffalo Cross Roads, Penn., where he continued 
his professional work during his remaining v< 
his death occurring April 18, 1850, when he was 
aged eighty-six years 

Of his numerous descendants seventeen have 
entered the medical profession a record which 
few, if any. families can equal. lie had eight 
children, of whom our subject's grandfather was 
the eldest. (2) rhomas w 1- 1 ph\ 1. ian at Lewis- 
town, Penn . for many years, and was notably 

successful. He had f sons, and three pi 

tired medicine, Robert, at Freeport, III., How- 
ard, at Lewistown, IVmi., and |ohn, at Free- 
port, III J ' dm was a wealthy farmer and 



miller at Buffalo Cross Roads. (4) William also 
led at the old home, and was engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He had four sons, two of 
whom became physicians, Robert T. locating at 
Ashland. Penn. (now deceased), and William in 
New York City. A daughter oi Dr. Van Valzah, 
Sr., married Peter Wilson, and of her three sons, 
one. Dr. Robert Wilson, who practiced at Clear- 
field, Penn., and another, Rev. James I) Wil- 
son, of New York City, are both deceased. 

Dr Robert Van Valzah, Jr., our subject's 
grandfather, was carefully educated for his pro- 
fession, and located at Miftlinburg, where he 
practiced successfully until his death, which oc- , 
curred when he was between sixty and seventy 
years of age. He was a prominent member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and was regarded as a 
substantial and well-to-do citizen. He mar- 
ried Miss Nancy Montgomery, a descendant of a 
leading family of Northumberland county, which 
is still numerously represented in that locality. 
They had eight children: Robert F. is men- 
tioned more fully below; Thomas was a well- 
known physician at Boalsburg. Penn., where he 
dud; John H. studied medicine, but never prac- 
ticed, and his death occurred in the Far West; 
Samuel B. is a successful practitioner at Durand, 
111.; S. L. (deceased) was a physician at Mifflin- 
burg and later at Milton; Mary J. married J. W. 
Pennington, and died in Philadelphia, Penn. ; 
Ellen resides at Mifflinburg; Ada married Col. 
Churchill, of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Dr. Robert F. Van Valzah, the father of our 
subject, was born in Mifflinburg, January 10, 
1 8 1 - , and attended the schools of that place some 
years. As the need of better opportunities be- 
came apparent, he was sent to Milton, where he 
studied under that noted instructor, Prof. Kirk- 
patrick. His progress was rapid, and he began 
the preparation for his profession at an early age, 
and at twenty-one held a diploma from Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia. He located for 
a tune it Rebel sburg, taking charge of the prac- 
tice of Dr Strohecker, who had been elected to 
the Legi lature, but later he settled at Millheim, 
where he practiced independently ten years, gain- 
ing a reputation as the leading physician there. 
He removed to Aaronsburg in 1852, and re- 
mained until the tall oi [860, when he located 
permanently at Spun- Mills. In 1 842 he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah W. Forster, who was born in 
1819. the daughter of ("apt. John Forster, a 
wealth) merchant and prominent citizen of Mif- 
tlinburg. She died in November, 1871, and his 
death occurred in 1874, the remains of both be- 
ing laid to rest in the cemetery at Spring Mills. 
He was a large man, about six feet in height, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



83 



weighing usually 190 pounds, and was never sick 
until he was taken with the brief illness which 
suddenly cut short his life. He was very unas- 
suming in manner, and was never known to 
boast of his successes. His attention was de- 
voted entirely to his professional work, and had 
he given half as much thought to his accounts as 
to the scientific and humanitarian side, he would 
have accumulated much property. However, he 
had a comfortable competence and always lived 
well. He spent more than $10,000 in the edu- 
cation of his sons, of whose talents and charac- 
ter he was justly proud. He built the commo- 
dious residence where our subject now lives, and 
which as lately remodeled is among the best in 
Spring Mills. Politically he was a Democrat un- 
til the nomination of Gen. Irvin, a personal 
friend, for Governor of Pennsylvania. He then 
became a Whig and in later years was a Repub- 
lican, but while he was a regular voter, and took 
much interest in the success of his principles, he 
was not a politician. In religious faith he was a 
Presbyterian, but he did not attend church regu- 
larly on account of his professional duties. This 
negligence was, however, more than made good 
by his wife, who was very devout, and whose 
kindly nature showed the consistent follower of 
Christ. Their children were: John F. , a pros- 
perous merchant and banker, and one of the 
founders of the firm of Van Valzah & Wilson, 
of Tyrone, and of the First National Bank, of Ty- 
rone, Penn. , where he died March 28, 1891; F. 
H., our subject; Henry B. , who died June 8, 
1 89 1, at Clearfield, Penn., after a successful 
career as a physician, being known as one of the 
leaders of his profession in that county; and Rob- 
ert W., a dentist at Terre Haute, Indiana. 

With such an ancestry it is not strange that 
the subject of this sketch easily established him- 
self in the front rank among the medical frater- 
nity of his locality. He was born at Millheim 
February 18, 1847, but as his parents removed 
to Aaronsburg during his childhood his education 
was begun there, his first teacher being ex-County 
Superintendent D. M. Wolf, D. D. When he 
was thirteen the family settled at Spring Mills, 
and as the schools there did not offer an ad- 
vanced course he was later sent to Tuscarora 
Academy, in Juniata county. While there he 
enlisted, on July 6, 1864, at a call for one-hun- 
dred-day men, in Company H, 195th Penn. V. I., 
and served about four months, doing guard duty 
on the B. & O. R. R. west of Harper's Ferry, 
the greater part of the time being spent at Mar- 
tinsburg, W. Va. In 1865 he entered Dickinson 
Seminary, at Williamsport, Penn., and in the 
spring of the following year he began his pro- 



fessional duties under his father's guidance. He 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
delphia, Penn., in March, 1870, and a few 
months later began practicing at Loganton, 
Penn. , where he spent eighteen months. He then 
located at Potters' Bank, Centre county, but in 
November, 1874, he moved to Spring Mills to 
take the practice left vacant by his father's death. 
While he is thoroughly progressive in his ideas 
he is notably cautious and conservative in prac- 
tice, and he has met with signal success. Finan- 
cially, he ranks among the leading capitalists of 
Penn's Valley. 

On June 23, 1880, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Jane R. Van Valzah, daughter of John 
A. Van Valzah, of Buffalo Cross Roads. Three 
children brighten their home: Robert, born No- 
vember 1, 1882; Sarah, born November 2, 1884, 
and James W. , born June 6, 1889. Mrs. Van- 
Valzah is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and is prominently identified with the various 
lines of social and philanthropic work. The 
Doctor is a Republican, and although he is a 
stanch defender of the doctrines of the G. O. P., 
he is not an office seeker. Socially, he belongs 
to the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall, and to 
Samuel Shannon Post No. 282, G. A. R., at the 
same town. He is also a member of the Penn- 
sylvania State and the Centre County Medical 
Societies. 



HON. HARRY R. CURTIN is the present 
representative from Centre county in the 
State Legislature, and is one of the prominent 
citizens, not only of his locality, but of Pennsyl- 
vania. He belongs to one of the old and hon- 
ored families of the State, whose members have 
been prominent in public affairs, and as promo- 
ters of leading commercial industries. The name 
is indissolubly linked with the history of Centre 
county, and the gentleman whose name intro- 
duces this article has added new luster to the ex- 
cellent record of the family by his course in both 
public and private life. 

Roland Curtin, Sr. , the grandfather, was a 
native of Ireland, and during the war of the 
French Revolution he was attending school in 
France. He, with other students, escaped and 
came to this country. He first located in Phil- 
ipsburg, Centre county, where for a short time 
he engaged in merchandising, and then turned 
his attention to the iron industry in connection 
with a Mr. Boggs. In 18 10 he erected the Eagle 
Iron Works, and operated the same until 1842 
when the business was turned over to his sons. 
This became one of the most important factors 



M 



COMMEMORATIVE niOGRM'IIIcM RECORD. 



in the development of the locality, and Roland 
Curtin took a most active interest in the work of 
progress and upbuilding in Centre county. He 
also located a large tract of land, upon which 
the subject of this sketch is now living. After 
his arrival in Pennsylvania, he married Miss Mar- 
garet Gregg, a native of this State. One of their 
sons, Andrew G., was Pennsylvania's governor 
during the period of the Civil war. For two 
terms he held that office, being re-elected in 
1863, and for two terms he also represented his 
district in Congress. 

John Curtin, father of Harry R., was born in 
Bellefonte, Penn., in September, 1810, the 
youngest son of Roland and Margaret Curtin. 
On tlie retirement of his father from business he 
joined his brother, Constance, in the operation 
1 if the extensive iron works, which they con- 
ducted until 1864, when they were joined by an- 
other brother, Roland, Jr., under the firm name 
of R., C. & J. Curtin. This connection was con- 
tinued until (874, when Roland and John sold 
their interests to their sons, and John Curtin re- 
tired to private life. He is now residing in 
Bellefonte, in the enjoyment of a well-merited 
rest. He married Julia A. Barnhart, and they 
became parents of seven children — three sons 
and four daughters — namely: Margery B., wife 
of Gen. John I. Curtin, of Bellefonte; James B., 
deceased; Sarah ('., wife of J. F. Larimer, a 
physician of Omaha. Neb.; Harry R. ; JohnG., 
who is engaged in the oil business in Philadel- 
phia; Francis and Nancy, who died in childhood. 

Harry R. Curtin was born at his present 
home, January i-, 1850, and has here spent his 
entire life. He remained with his parents until 
1865, when he entered the Pennsylvania State 
College, pursuing his studies there for two and 
one-half years. I [e afterward continued his edu- 
cation in Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport, 
Penn., when- he remained for a year and a half, 
when he returned home and entered upon his 
business career, putting to a test in the practical 
affairs of life the knowledge that he had gained 
in the school room. He accepted a position as 

sman in a general mercantile store in Curtin, 
where he remained for a year and a half, then as- 
sumed the duties of bookkeeper for the firm of 
K , C. & J. Curtin, serving in that capacity un- 
til 1874. In that year he and his brother James 
boughl nut the interest ol their father, and An- 
drew and Austin Curtin succeeded to the interest 
of their father, Roland Curtin, thus leaving the 
business in the hands ol the four cousins and their 
uncle, Const rtin, .it which time the firm 

nami ol < Curtin & Co, was assumed. Busi- 
ness was thus conducted until 1877, when tin- 



uncle retired, and the partnership between James 
B . Harry R. , Andrew G. and Austin was con- 
tinued under the name of Curtin & Curtin. They 
operated the factories until 1890, when opera- 
tions were suspended, due to the increased facili- 
ties for manufacturing steel and taking the 
market for charcoal iron. When Harry R. Cur- 
tin first became a partner in the business he as- 
sumed the active management of the forge and 
furnace work, and was thus engaged until sus- 
pension of the business in 1890. He was then 
appointed special agent, under Robert P. Porter, 
for gathering statistics concerning iron and steel. 
A year later he was appointed administrator of 
the Constance Curtin estate, and now has in 
charge the business interests connected with that 
property, which includes ten thousand acres of 
land. Upon this has been built the little village 
of Curtin. which contains a railroad station, grist- 
mill and post office, and has a population of 
about two hundred. Mr. Curtin has also been 
engaged in the sawmill business for the past three 
years, and is one of the successful lumber mer- 
chants in this section of Centre county. 

On June 9, 1875, Harry R. Curtin was mar- 
ried to Miss Lydia G. McMeen, who was born in 
Milesburg, November 6, 1852. Her parents, Dr. 
William and Nancy J. (Lipton) McMeen, were 
also natives of that place; the father died in 
Milesburg in 1854; the mother, who was born in 
1S29, is now living with Mrs. Curtin, her only 
daughter. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Curtin 
has been blessed with four children, namely: 
Joseph McMeen; Curtin John; Hugh L. and 
Catherine. Mrs. Curtin is a member of the 
Baptist Church, and is a most estimable lady, 
regarded as a leader in the social circles in which 
they move. 

Mr. Curtin is a Republican in politics, and 
on that ticket was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture in the fall of 1894 by over 500 majority, 
although the county had always been a Demo- 
cratic stronghold. His election is certain)) a 
tribute to his personal worth, and indicates tin 
confidence and high regard which his fellow citi- 
zens entertain for him. He has also held a 
number of township offices. His course in the 
General Assembly has been most commendable 
He has ever labored for the best interests of 
counts- and State, placing country before part) 
and the public good before self-aggrandizement. 
He is again his party's nominee for the same 
office, and will probably for a second time be 
en to represent his District in the House. 
In business be is honorable, straightforward and 

- getic, carrying t- ■ I ul completion what- 

ever he undertakes, and his life is characterized! 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



85 



by the genuine worth which everywhere com- 
mands respect. On January i, 1897, he was 
appointed, by Gov. Hastings, one of the food 
commissioners of the State. 



GEORGE ASHBRIDGE FAIRLAMB, M. D., 
of Bellfefonte, Centre county, one of the 
oldest and most highly esteemed medical prac- 
titioners of that section, was born June 24, 1826, 
in Chester county, Penn., where his ancestors 
in both the paternal and maternal lines were 
early settlers. 

The Doctor is of sixth generation in descent 
from Nicholas Fairlamb, of Durham, England, 
who brought to the Society of Friends at Phila- 
delphia a certificate of membership from the 
Durham Monthly Meeting, dated June 13, 1700. 
This Nicholas Fairlamb purchased a farm at 
Middletown, Chester county, and settled there 
in 1704. He was sheriff of the county 1717- 
1719; associate judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas 1715, and member of the Colonial Assem- 
bly 1 704-5-1 1-12-13. In 1703 he was married 
to Catherine Crosby, daughter of Richard and 
Eleanor Crosby. John Fairlamb, a son of Nich- 
olas, was born in Chester county, and passed his 
life there, attaining an honorable place in the 
history of his time. He was sheriff of the county 
in 1755-56, justice of the common pleas court in 
1 76 1 and 1764, and member of the Colonial As- 
sembly in 1764-65, his death occurring in 1766. 
He was married November 13, 1742, to Susanna 
Engle. 

John Fairlamb (2), the grandfather of our 
subject, was born in 1759, and resided upon a 
farm near Westchester, Penn., where he died at 
a comparatively early age. His wife's maiden 
name was Susan Ashbridge. Their son, George 
A. Fairlamb, M. D. , our subject's father, was 
born in 1787, and died in 1829. He was a grad- 
uate of the University of Pennsylvania, and be- 
came a successful physician at Downingtown, 
Chester county. His first wife was Thomasine 
Whelen. His second wife (our subject's mother) 
was Annette Miller, a descendant of a well-known 
family of Chester county, the first of the line 
coming from Cornwall, England, in 1702. Her 
father, Joseph John Miller, a merchant in Phila- 
delphia, died at Lyons, France, while collecting 
a claim against the French government for gun- 
powder furnished to Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Dr. G. A. Fairlamb came to Bellefonte at 
the age of ten years, and he has ever since made 
that his home. After completing a course in the 
Bellefonte Academy he entered the University of 
Pennsylvania, and in 1848 received his degree in 



medicine from that noted institution. Returning 
home, he engaged in practice; but at the open- 
ing of the Civil war his patriotic spirit led him to 
join in the defense of the old flag. He raised 
Company H, 148th P. V. I., and entering as 
captain was promoted later to the rank of major, 
and after the battle of the Wilderness became a 
lieutenant- colonel. He was wounded at the 
battle of Chancellorsville, and twice at Spottsyl- 
vania in the charge made in the early morning of 
the 1 2th by the Second Corps, his right elbow 
being shattered by a ball, necessitating a re- 
section of the joint. He did not escape that 
worst of the fortunes of war, captivity, for the 
summer of 1864 he spent amid the horrors of 
Libby Prison. He was paroled September 12, 
1864, at Annapolis, Md. , and February 24, 1865, 
he was discharged from service on a surgeon's 
certificate of disability from wounds received in 
battle. No one can estimate the amount of 
strength and vigor which the sufferings and pri- 
vations of those brief years consumed for each 
man who passed through them, and the heart of 
the nation beats warmly for those who made the 
sacrifice of energies which should have sufficed 
for years of ordinary effort. After the war was 
over Col. Fairlamb was surgeon at the Lazaretto 
below Philadelphia for two years, being ap- 
pointed by Gov. A. G. Curtin. 



HON. JOHN HARBISON HOLT. The sub- 
ject of this biography, one of the honored 
sons of Centre county, is a most distinguished 
resident of Snow Shoe. He is a man of pro- 
gressive ideas, fine attainments, high minded, 
who has made the most of his opportunities in 
life, and is recognized as one of the leading and 
representative citizens of the community. 

Mr. Holt was born September 28, 1828, in 
the village which is still his home, a son of Squire 
John and Mary (Harbison) Holt, the former of 
whom was a lifelong farmer. He was the first 
child to whom the ordinance of baptism was ad- 
ministered in that place. His education was 
acquired mainly in the local schools, his early 
teachers being Samuel Baker, Miss Woodward, 
Jesse Comley, Daniel Irvin and R. Ephraim Will- 
iams. He learned rapidly, at the age of fourteen 
began hearing classes in different studies, and 
three years later was given a teacher's certificate. 
For some time he taught vocal music. Before 
attaining his majority he went to Blair county, 
Penn., where he learned engineering, but not 
liking the occupation, he gave it up two years 
later, and has since given his attention to the 
lumber business and farming. At the time of 



86 



COMMESfnHA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the Johnstown flood he was a member of the firm 
of J. H. Holt <.V Co., lumber dealers on the Sus- 
quehanna, and their losses at that time, in mill 
and lumber at Belford station, between Kart- 
haus and Sinnamahoning in Clearfield counts, 
amounted to $20,000. 

On April 5, 1 S 5 2 , Mr. Holt was united in 
marriage with Miss Letitia T. Askey, who was 
born in Clinton county, Penn., in [831, and died 
in January, 1 894. They became the parents of 
the following children: Oscar, a coal miner, re- 
siding in Snow Shoe township, Centre county; 
Ida, deceased wife of John R. Gilliland, who is 
now filling some official position at Washington, 
1 ' C. ; John Edgar, an extensive lumber merchant 
of Northumberland, Penn., who married Alice 
Gardner; Frank H., who is a noted marksman, 
and is now superintendent of a sawmill at 
Panthers Run, Centre county; Laura, deceased 
wife of William Loveland, also deceased, who was 
proprietor of an axe factory in Lamar, Clinton 
Co., Penn.; Samuel and Wilber H., both con- 
tractors, of Panthers Run; and Harry, who is 
attending the Sunbury Commercial College. 
For his second wife Mr. Holt, on January 9, 
1896, married Miss Mary H. Denlinger, a native 
of White Hall, Cumberland Co., Penn., and a 
daughter of Prof. David and Mary A. (Diffendal) 
Denlinger, natives of Lancaster and Cumberland 
counties, respectively. Her paternal grand- 
father, Jacob Denlinger, was a farmer of Lancas- 
ter county, where he spent his entire life. Abra- 
ham and Elizabeth 1 ' Washmood) Diffendal. the 
maternal grandparents, were also natives of the 
Keystone State, the former born in Adams county, 
and the lattt r in Cumberland county. 

Prof. David Denlinger spent his entire life as a 
teacher, following that profession up to within a 
week of his death, which occurred March 26, 
[892, when he was seventy years of age. He 
was the principal of White Hall Academy, which 
he founded, and conducted for seventeen years. 
It was later converted into the Soldiers' Orphan 
School, which he disposed of in 1865, and next 
had charge ol the Union Seminar} al New Berlin, 
Penn., for five years. During the following six 
years he was principal of the Cedar Hill Semi- 
nal', at Mt. Joy, Penn., winch position he re- 
signed in 1879, and then went to Manchester, Md., 
where he became principal and proprietor ol the 
Ii \ ing Institute, whi< n h inducted 

up to the time of his death. He was a distin- 
guished professor, with remarkable ability as an 
instructor, and the schools which he conducted 
took high rank among the educational institu- 
tions "I the kind. 

Mis. Denlinger 1- still living, at the age of 



seventy years, and now makes her home with 
her surviving children. A brief record of the 
family is as follows: Anna E. died at the 
age of five years; Mary H. is the wife of our sub- 
ject; John W. has for the past twenty years been 
a leading attorney of Lancaster, Penn. ; Austin 
F. is a practicing physician of Lansford, Penn. ; 
Lillie D. is the wife of Walter Snyder, a mer- 
chant of Pottsville, Penn. ; David W. is private 
secretary for the general superintendent of the 
freight department of the Central railroad, with 
headquarters at Mauch Chunk, Penn. ; Clara B. 
is the wife of Howell Souder, of Tamaqua, 
Penn., who is stenographer and private secretary 
of W. D. Zehner, general superintendent of the 
Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co.; Laura K. is 
residing in Tamaqua; and Alice I. is the wife of 
Howard Ring, a farmer of Baltimore county, 
Maryland. 

Mr. Holt has ever taken a prominent part in 
public affairs, is a recognized leader of the Dem- 
ocratic party in his community, and has repre- 
sented Centre county four years in the State 
Legislature. He has also filled many minor offi- 
including those of clerk of election, which 
he held nine years, school director, thirty-three 
)ears, and justice of the peace, one year. For 
a great many years, in connection with his lumber 
trade, he engaged in surveying. He is now serv- 
ing as president of the Salt Lick Gas Co., of 
which A. C. Hechendorf is secretary and treas- 
urer. He is now endeavoring to secure a large 
fortune left in England by the Holt family, 
which amounts to millions of dollars. Since at- 
taining his majority he has affiliated with the 
Masonic fraternity, now belonging to the Blue 
Lodge and Chapter of Bellefonte; for the past 
twenty-five years he has been an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church, of which he is a consistent 
and active member. Mr. Holt is a genial, court- 
eous gentleman, a pleasant, entertaining com- 
panion, and has many stanch and admiring friends 
among all classes of men. As an energetic, up- 
right and conscientious business man, and a gen- 
tleman ol attractive social qualities, he stand 
high in the estimation of the entire community. 



WILLIAM A. BUCKHOUT, M. S. , pj 
sor of botanj and horticulture at The 
Penns} Kama Si Centre county, was 

born at Oswego, N. Y.. December26, 1846. He 
attended the public schools of that place until 
; In [866 he entered the second class of 
cultural College, from which institution he 
was graduated in [868, and that year returned to 
engage in post-graduate study of botany From 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



87 



1869 to 1 87 1 he was occupied in farming at Os- 
wego, N. Y. In the latter year he returned to 
Agricultural College, and was engaged as in- 
structor in natural science, and later was elected 
professor of the same. In 1888 he was ap- 
pointed, by the Governor, a member of the State 
Forestry Commission. 

On July 12, 1876, Prof. Buckhout was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary L. Harkness, of Philadelphia, 
and their children are: Albert T., Nathan W., 
William H., Margaret \V. and Carolyn Reed. 

Prof. Buckhout is the botanist of the Agri- 
cultural Experiment Station of the College, where 
a farm of one hundred acres is devoted to experi- 
ments upon crops, soils, etc., the results of which 
experiments are published in bulletins and dis- 
tributed free by the Station. 



IJILLIAM FOKSMAN HOLT, a wealthy 
mine operator residing at Philipsburg, is 
a leading spirit in the varied activities of the com- 
munity. His family has been prominent in this 
section from the days when the unbroken forests 
marked the "frontier line," and Col. John Holt, 
who settled in Bald Eagle Valley in 1782, is said 
to have been the first white man who followed 
the Indian trail to Snow Shoe to hunt game. 

To go back to the origin of the family in 
America we find from Gilliland's sketches of the 
Snow Shoe region that a son of Sir John Holt, 
of England, emigrated to the New World and set- 
tled in the Cumberland Valley before the Revolu- 
tion. It is supposed that he was killed by the 
Indians, as he was never heard from after leaving 
home for a business trip to Philadelphia. He 
left a son, Thomas, and two daughters, who were 
among the first settlers at Lewistown, Penn. 
Thomas Holt had four sons and three daughters. 
Of the sons, William, the ancestor of Judge Holt, 
postmaster-general during President Buchanan's 
administration, migrated to Kentucky; James 
was killed by Indians; Thomas went to Ohio, and 
John was the settler in Bald Eagle Valley, the 
love of hunting leading him to enter the Snow 
Shoe region, and it was his custom to spend a 
few weeks in the fall of each year in this pastime. 
He gained his title of "colonel " in the Revolu- 
tionary war, and took part in several battles, 
among them being the engagement at German- 
town. He died in the summer of 1831 in his 
seventy-sixth year. Eight children survived: 
four sons — Thomas, James, John, Robert — and 
four daughters — Mary (who married Jacob Barn- 
hart), Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry Barnhart), Jane 
(wife of Frederick Antis), and Nancy (Mrs. James 
Patterson). 



John Holt, our subject's grandfather, married 
Mary Harbison, daughter of John Harbison, an 
Englishman, who settled at Milesburg in the 
early days, and whose numerous descendants are 
among leading people of the locality as members 
of the Baird, Holt, Swanzy, and McKibbin fami- 
lies and others equally well known. Mrs. Mary 
Holt was a woman of more than ordinary mental 
powers, while her devoted Christian life and sym- 
pathetic care for the sick and afflicted, whether 
rich or poor, won the esteem of all who knew 
her. John Holt and his wife were both natives 
of Bald Eagle Valley, and it was not until the 
spring of 1822 that he located in the Snow Shoe 
region, being the third settler there. He selected 
for his home a picturesque and fertile tract of 
land about a mile equidistant from Betchtol and 
Askey, and engaged in farming and lumbering. 
His life was one of great usefulness, and he was 
universally respected, being frequently called upon 
to serve in township offices, including that of 
justice of the peace, which he held for many 
years. His wife died July 9, 1867, at the age of 
seventy-two, and November 23, 1869, he breathed 
his last at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hugh- 
ey, in Princeton, 111., while on a visit. His re- 
mains were brought home and now rest in Snow 
Shoe Cemetery. This estimable couple reared a 
family of three daughters, and two sons: Will- 
iam, our subject's father; and Hon. J. H. Holt, 
a prominent citizen of this section, at one time a 
member of the State Legislature. 

William Holt was born in Bald Eagle Valley. 
He married Mary Forsman, a native of White 
Deer Valley, Lycoming Co., Penn., and daugh- 
ter of William Forsman, a lumberman, and his 
wife, Eliza (Buchannan), who were both born in 
that locality, coming to Centre county in the 
pioneer days, but later moving to Illinois, where 
they spent their last days. William Holt set- 
tled in Snow Shoe township, Centre county, in 
1822, and was prominently connected with the 
development of his locality as a farmer and lum- 
berman. He was the only person who was 
killed in the accident on the Snow Shoe railroad, 
June 1 1, 1878. As he was on his way to a po- 
litical meeting the train, a local freight with a 
coach attached, broke through a trestle and fell 
sixty- four feet. His death was a great blow to 
his family, and caused sincere mourning through- 
out the community. He belonged to the Ma- 
sonic order, and was a Knight Templar. His 
widow now resides at Philipsburg. They had 
the following children: Sue is the deceased wife 
of Capt. John Gillen, lieutenant of the Watch 
in the Patent Office, at Washington, D. C. ; Isa- 
bella, widow of C. G. Hirlinger, resides in Phil- 



88 



riiMM/:\/(,i;.\ TIVK HiniuiAl'lllcA I. IISOOBD. 



ipsburg; Charles H. is a successful physician at 
Grand Rapids, Mich ; William I is mentioned 
more fully below . < lara died at the age of eij 
een; Sarah M. died when three years old; Lida 
married Frank Whitman, a merchant at Pied- 
mont, W. Va , Mm,] married Harry McD. Lo- 
rain, of Philipsburg, and died in February, i8< 
Norman A is a storekeeper at the Snow Shoe 
mine. 

W. F. Holt, the subject | t this sketch, 

was born at the old homestead in Snow Shoe 
township, Centre county, December 14, il 
and there his youth was mainly spent, his ele- 
mentary education being supplemented by a 
course of study during 1874 and 1 S 7 3 iii the 
Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster Co., 
Penn. At his father's death he was appointed 
administrator of the estate, and at present he is 
the attorney for the estate. Until [892 he was 
engaged in the lumber business; but since that 
date his time has been occupied with his exten- 
sive coal operations. In June, 1S94, he organ- 
ized the Snow Shoe Mining Co . of which M. I). 
Kelley has since become president, with T. B. 
Budinger, treasurer, and which he as manager 
has successfully conducted The mine has a ra- 
lly of from 250 to 300 tons per day. 
Mi. Holt has an interest in the old home- 
stead, and at times resides there. He has never 
married. Socially, he is prominent, and he be- 
longs to Bellefonte Lodge, F. iv A. M , and Mo- 
shannon Commandery, K. I . , of which he is at 
the present tune E C. In politics he is a Dem- 
ocrat. 



€LEMENT DA LI-:, of Bellefonte, in whom is 
worthily represented the fourth generation 
of a family that has reflected honor to citizen- 
ship and credit to the name for upward of a 
hundred years in Centre county, is the son of 
Christian and Eliza (Neff) Dale. 

Clement Dale was born on his father's farm 
at Oak Hall, Centre county, February 25, 1851, 

and on the farm where his father and all of his 

children were born, and where now reside chil- 
dren of the fifth generation, who likewise were 
born there. Until the age of twelve years he at- 
tended the public schools id the neighborhood, 
then a private school at Rev Dr. Hammil's, a 
neighbor; at the age of sixteen he went to the 
Boalsburf,' Academy, and was there prepared for 
college under the tuition of G. W Leisher, 
working ad interim on his father's farm, who 
taught his children habits of industry and econ- 
omy, as well as to direct their lives into chain, els 
that would lead to usefulness and honor, in the 
various walks of life In the fall of 1 870 young 



Dale entered the Freshman class of Pennsylvania 
(Ollege, at Gettysburg, and was graduated in a 
1 lissical course in June, 1^74. After his gradu- 
ation he came to Bellefonte, read law in the 
office of Judge Furst, and was admitted to the 
Bai \ 1S76. He immediately opened 

an office in Bellefonte. on the site of the build- 
ing he now occupies, and in which he has contin- 

1 to conduct the practice of the law from that 
day to this. Mr. Dale, though only in middle 
life, with years of service ahead of him. has al- 
ready attained success, not only financially, but 
man and citizen. His life has been an ex- 
emplary one, always in the line of right in all 
questions pertaining to the elevation of the 
morals of the community in which he has lived. 
\ member of the Lutheran Church, he has ever 
taken a great interest in the cause of Christian- 
itv. and given much time and contributed largely 
t,, the upbuilding of his Church in Bellefonte, 
in the service of which he has labored as a Sab- 
bath-school teacher and superintendent, and the 
policy of which Church at large he has helped to 
shape. He was twice chosen a delegate to the 
General Synod of the Lutheran Church of the 
United Spates of America, the first time when it 
met in June, 1881, at Altoona, Penn., and the 
second time in June. 1895, at Hagerstown, Md. 
This honor was conferred by the District Synod, 
comprising the counties of Centre, Clinton, Un- 
ion, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry. He is at pres- 
ent a trustee in his home Church; a director in 
the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; and 
also a trustee of the Bellefonte Academy. 

Mr. Dale has been active in politics, and has 
contributed largely to the success of the Repub- 
lican part)' in Centre county, having been an 
available speaker and worker during the cam- 
paigns In 1 <S~7 he received the nomination of 
the Republican party for the office of District 
Attorney, and was paid the following compli- 
ment by the press 

" We favor the election of Mr. Dale because 
we believe he is the best fitted for the position. 
He is a rising lawyer at our Bar, and, what is 
important, he is honest — no money which may 
pass through his hands will be misappropriated. 
His record is pure and spotless, and, if he is 
elected, every citizen may feel confident that no 
defalcation will arise through any negligence or 
want of honesty on his part. 

•• Mr Dale is so well known in the county 
that no word of recommendation that we can 
utter can add anything to his popularity. He 
bel mgs to one of the oldest and most respectable 
families m our midst, was born here, as were also 
his father and grandfather before him. He is a 




^xLcool^/1 ck)-aA/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



89 



young man of untarnished reputation, a thorough 
scholar, a reliable and trustworthy gentleman, 
and, i£ elected to the office to which his friends 
aspire to elevate him, will make one of the most 
efficient officers this county ever had. With 
such a candidate in the field, it would seem as 
though his success ought not to be a question of 
doubt. There is no candidate yet mentioned by any 
man or party that offers a cleaner record, a more 
honorable .name, or who, if elected, would re- 
flect more honor or more credit upon the people 
whom he serves." 

In 1880 Mr. Dale was elected by a decided 
majority to the office of Chief Burgess of Belle- 
fonte, and very acceptably to the people and with 
credit to himself, served the borough in that 
capacity. For ten years he had been the City 
Solicitor of Bellefonte, which long term of serv- 
ice is of itself a sufficient evidence of his capa- 
bility and popularity. Having descended from 
Revolutionary stock, he belongs to a patriotic 
family, having lost one brother in the Civil war, 
and had another who distinguished himself and 
added honor to the family name in that struggle. 
Mr. Dale, himself, was but a lad at that time, 
too young for service, but for the last decade or 
more there has hardly passed a Decoration Day 
that his voice has not been heard proclaiming 
the heroism and sacrifice made by the "boys in 
blue." Our subject is a self-made man, and to 
him is due the position in life he occupies — a 
useful citizen and a lawyer whose energy, integ- 
rity, ability and honorable life adorn his pro- 
fession. 

On May 15, 1884, Mr. Dale was married to 
Miss Sarah Davis Wilt, of Philadelphia, and 
their children are: Mary Edith, born February 
28, 1886, died suddenly in Philadelphia, June 
22, 1889; Arthur Clement, born September 24, 
1889; and Marion Ethel, born September 6, 
1 89 1. Mrs. Dale is a native of Allegheny, Penn., 
a daughter of Benjamin and Susannah H. (Dobbs) 
Wilt, natives of Blair and Butler counties, Penn., 
respectively. When a child of five years of age, 
Benjamin Wilt's parents, George and Margaret 
Ann (Kuhns) Wilt, moved to the vicinity of Kit- 
tanning, in Armstrong county, Penn., and there 
passed their lives; both were born in Blair coun- 
ty. Mrs. Dale's grandparents on her mother's 
side were Francis Dobbs and Sarah (Davis) 
Dobbs, the former a native of Ohio, and the 
latter of Lancaster county, Penn. After their 
marriage they lived at Kittanning. Originally the 
Wilts and Kuhns were from Germany, and the 
Dobbses and Davises from England. The chil- 
dren of Benjamin Wilt and wife were: Sarah 
Davis; Mary E., deceased; Lemuel and Edwin 



M. The father was for many years a merchant 
at Kittanning, and during Mrs. Dale's childhood 
moved to Philadelphia, where he also engaged in 
business, and where he was reared and educated. 
He died in 1888. 



CHRISTIAN DALE (I), the progenitor of 
^Jl the Dale family here in Centre county, came 
to this country, arriving at Philadelphia, in 1749. 
Ludwig Derr, in 1772, owned the tract of 
land on which Lewisburg now stands, and that 
year Christian Dale was living on that part of 
the land known in 1877 as Col. Slifer's upper 
farm near the iron bridge, which place Dale 
cleared in 1772. He resided in Buffalo Valley, 
in which he was one of the first settlers, during 
the stirring times of the Revolution. In 1790 he 
removed to the end of Nittany Mountain, now 
College township, Centre county, where in 1796 
he built a gristmill and sawmill. He was one of 
those sterling old Germans to whom Pennsyl- 
vania owed so much, and whose walk in life was 
measured by the rule: "Be just and fear not". 
He died in July, 1805, at the age of seventy-two 
years ; his wife Rachel passed away in Decem- 
ber, 1808, aged seventy-six years, and their 
remains rest in the old Dale burying ground on 
the hill back of Lemont. These pioneers came 
to a vast wilderness, poor, and died at a ripe old 
age, comparatively wealthy, leaving to their 
children fine farms, and the inheritance of 
names made noble by a long life of toil and 
hardship. Their children were: Henry, Philip, 
Felix, Frederick, Christian, Cornelius, Mary 
(wife of Nicholas Straw, a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion), Eve (wife of Peter Earhart), and Rachel 
(wife of Lewis Swinehart). Of these. Christian 
and Frederick moved to Ohio ; the descendants 
of the others are living in Centre county — they 
are quite numerous and have always been exem- 
plary citizens. Henry Dale, the eldest child, 
was born in Northampton county, in 1758. He 
was a soldier with Washington at Trenton and 
Princeton, in 1776-77, and served in militia 
tours under Capt. Forster, of Buffalo Valley. On 
November 19, 1787, he married Rebecca 
Weberin, and their children were: Samuel, born 
November 23, 1788 ; Henry, born November 17, 
1793 ; and John, born November 25, 1797. His 

second wife was Phillena , whom he 

married April 22, 1804 ; she died September II, 
1836. The children by this union were : 
Christian, born December 20, 1806, and Henry 
(2), born April 2, 181 3. The father of these 
children died in the vicinity of Oak Hall March 
14, 1844, aged eighty-six years. The gun, pow- 



90 



' "U.VKMOUA Tl YE MOCHA I'HKA I. llEroiil). 



der-horn and fork, carried by him in the Revolu- 
tionary war, are in the possession of Clement 
Dale, Esq., <>f Bellefonte. 

Christian Dale (3), son of Henry Dale, died at 
his home near Oak Hall, November 7, 1885. 
His birth occurred December 20, 1806. His an- 
cestors had bought a large tract of land, which 
they cleared and converted into several la 
farms. Christian Dale (3) often said to his 
children and others, that he well remembered 
when there was no land cleared between Le- 
incjiit and Bellefonte except a small piece where 
William Grove lived in 1885 — a short distal 
from Lemont. By strict integrity and close 
economy Mr. Dale accumulated a large amount 
of wealth, and his personal influence was of the 
purest, and extended all over this section of the 
country. He had a memory stored with more 
unwritten or traditional history than, perhaps, 
any other man in Centre county. He often re- 
marked to his children that where he used to 
play when a child there he saw bis grandchildren 
play, meaning more particularly at a beautiful 
spring of sparkling water, that finds its way from 
the ground near the old homestead. He took 
great delight ingathering his children, as well as 
grandchildren, around him, and relating incidents 
of early and pioneer life. Many an incident was 
related by the venerable old man that will be re- 
membered through life by those who listened. 
In politics he was a Republican, and in [883 was 
the nominee of the party (or the office of associ- 
ate judge. His popularity in the county was 
evidenced by the large vote he polled. He re- 
reived the vote oi man} Democrats who full well 
knew him to be a man eminently qualified in 
e> ery respect for such an impi irtant county of 1 
He was a consistent member ol tin- Lutheran 
Church from youth up, and always contributed 
freely toward all religious and charitable pur- 
poses. The high esteem in which he was held 
by all who knew him could not be more forcibly 
manifested than by the large number of friends 
that attended the funeral, which was one of the 
largest in thai part of the county for man) \ 
Mr. Dale was described as "a tall, portly, gray- 
haired old gentleman, and as fine a type oi man- 
hood as one can well imagine." On |une 20, 
[826, Mr. Dale was married to Hannah Shoene- 
berger, who died April 7, 1844, in hei fortieth 

u Their children were: Susan, born April 

1827, married John Musser, of near Filmore; 

Henry, horn Novembei 9, 1S2K. deceased; 

< ieorge, born August 1,1 831, resides near Lemont; 

William J., horn June 22, 1833, lives near Pleas- 
ant Gap; Christian, bom October 6, 1835, is 
deceased; Solomon, born October 21, 1 S ^ 7 , 



served in the Civil war in Company A, 148th P. 
V. I., and was lost at the battle of Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, May 12, 1864; Mary C., born 
October 1, 1839; Catherine married John Musser, 
Jr.; Philip S., born May 31. 1842, resides near 
Oak Hall; and Martin L. and Margaret L. 
twins), born April 3, 1844. By a second mar- 
riage, this time to Eliza Neff, there were born: 
Austin W ., who is now living on the old home- 
stead; Alfred A., born July 29, 1849, of Belle- 
fonte; and Clement, born February 25, 1851. 
The mother of these died November 4, 1874, in 
the sixty-second year of her age. 

Capt. Christian Dale (4), son of Christian (3^, 
whose death occurred at his home in Benner 
township, on December 1, 1895, in the sixty- 
first year of his age, like his ancestor of the 
Revolution, was a patriot. He was born and 
raised on the old homestead, where he worked 
through the summer season, and taught school 
during the winters. On the breaking out of the 
Civil war, he offered his services to his country, 
enlisting at Boalsburg, and was made fourth cor- 
poral Company G, 49th P. V. I. On January 1 1, 
1863, he was transferred to Company C, and 
promoted to sergeant. On December 24, 1863, 
he re-enlisted as a veteran; on March 4, 1864, he 
was commissioned a second lieutenant, and De- 
cember 18, following, was promoted to first lieu- 
tenant. On May 17, 1864, he received a shell 
wound, and on [une 9, 1865, he became captain 
of Companv II. He participated in every en- 
gagement in which his regiment took part, and 
his record was a brilliant and daring one through- 
out the war. At the close of the war he re- 
turned with the regiment, and, coming home, re- 
sumed the life of a farmer. He started a grist- 
mill on his place near Pleasant dap, which was 
known as Logan Mills. For many years Capt. 
Dale was secretary ol the Centre County Fire 
Insurance Company, P. of II. He was a mem- 
ber of the Union Veterans Legion No. 59, of 
Bellefonte, and was their colonel in 1894; he 
was also a member of Post No. 95, G. A. R.,of 
Bellefonte. Capt, Dale was a man of firm de- 
cision of character, and took a common-sense 
view of everything. He had a kind word for 
everybody, poor or rich, and was a Christian 
man. His wife, who was Catherine Musser, and 
whom he married in 1867, preceded him to the 
. dying in 1 890. 
Henry Dale, a brother of the Captain, died 
at his home at Oak Hall in 1896. He was born 
at the Dale homestead November 9, 1828, and 
throughout lite was one of the county's most 
successful farmers. He took a deep interest in 
the Patrons of Husbandry, of which he was an 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



91 



influential member. He belonged to the Lu- 
theran Church of Boalsburg, and was one of its 
main supporters and pillars. He was an honest, 
upright Christian gentleman, highly honored and 
respected by a large circle of friends. He left, 
surviving him, a widow and four children, namely: 
Charles is a farmer near Lemont; Catherine M. 
is residing at Centre Hall; Alice is the wife of 
H. F. McGirk, of Altoona; and Miss Anna M. 
is at home. 

Austin W. Dale was born April 22, 1847, at 
the Dale homestead near Oak Hall, where he is 
now residing occupied in farming. He was mar- 
ried, in 1868, to Catherine Keller, a daughter of 
David Keller, of Boalsburg, and the children 
born to the marriage were: Luther K., April 
20, 1870; Clement G., October 8, 1871; Chris- 
tian K. (deceased), December 14, 187-; Mar- 
garet E. , April 3, 1878, died January 20, 1879; 
and Ellen E., January 10, 1880. The mother 
of these died March 29, 1883, in her thirty- 
fourth year, and September 25, 1884, Mr. Dale 
was married to Rachel E. Meyer, who was born 
August 8, 1847, a daughter of Henry and Cath- 
erine (Hoffer) Meyer, of near Boalsburg. Henry 
Meyer was a son of Henry Meyer, Sr. 

Alfred A. Dale, a well-known attorney at 
Bellefonte, where he has been engaged in the prac- 
tice of law for nearly a quarter of a century, 
was born and reared on his father's farm, where 
his early years and young manhood was passed 
not unlike that of the general farmer's son. His 
early schooling was received in the common 
schools of the neighborhood, and in a private 
school held on the Dr. Hammil homestead. He 
was prepared for college at the Boalsburg Acade- 
my, and was graduated from Pennsylvania Col- 
lege, Gettysburg, in 1874. Immediately after- 
ward he began the study of the law, under the late 
D. S. Keller, of Bellefonte, and was admitted to 
the Bar of Centre county at the August term of 
court, in 1876 "Al Dale," as he is familiarly 
called, has taken quite an active part in politics, 
and in 1892 was one of the Republican nominees 
for the General Assembly; but with the rest of 
that ticket he was defeated at the election in the 
Democratic land-slide of that year. The home 
paper in commenting on Mr. Dale's nomination 
said: "In A. A. Dale the voters of Centre 
county have a man whose ancestors were among 
the very earliest settlers of Centre county. Mr. 
Dale was born here, raised on the farm, and 
always took a deep interest and active part in all 
that pertained to the best interests of the county. 
He is, without doubt, one of the best qualified 
men for the Legislature that has been nominated 
in the county for years." 



EOBERT McCAY FOSTER was born No- 
vember 14, i860, at the old Foster home- 
stead, State College, Penn. He is a son of Capt. 
Robert M. Foster, who was born in Union county, 
in 1826, where he grew to manhood, and married 
Miss Delilah Smith, a descendant of a well- 
known German family, of Snyder county. 

Soon after his marriage, Capt. Foster pur- 
chased a tract of land, about 130 acres, adjoin- 
ing the lands owned by State College, and settled 
down to agricultural pursuits. He was a devout 
Presbyterian, and in his political affiliation he 
was a Democrat, patriotic to the core, and pos- 
sessing the qualities which fitted a man for 
leadership. The war of the Rebellion called him 
from his private life to serve in defense of the 
government. He raised Company C, 148th Reg- 
iment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which he 
was commissioned captain, and so distinguished 
himself by his gallant conduct, that at the battle 
of Gettysburg he held the rank of acting colonel. 
On the second day of that momentous struggle, 
while in charge of his command, in the wheat 
field, he met a soldier's death. His widow died 
December 27, 1895, and both lie buried in 
Branch Cemetery, State College, Pennsylvania. 

Robert M. Foster was the youngest of six 
children, of whom Thomas and William are now 
engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in 
Philadelphia, three daughters having died in in- 
fancy. 

The subject of this sketch was very early in 
life thrown upon his own resources, but with a 
noble mother's care, and by his own industry and 
economy, managed to get a good public-school 
education, and finally in 1878 entered Pennsyl- 
vania State College. After completing his course, 
he accepted the position of bookkeeper for the 
firm of Smith, Foster & Co., the prominent 
wholesale grocers of Philadelphia, with whom he 
is now connected. His knowledge of business, 
his integrity and faithful services, so endeared 
him to his firm that, upon the recent death of 
the senior member, he was honored by being 
made one of the executors. In 1896 he received 
nomination for member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. The campaign of that year was hotly 
contested, and notwithstanding the Republican 
nominee for president, Hon. William McKinley, 
carrying the county by over 400 majority, he, as 
a candidate on the Democratic ticket, carried the 
county by 580. His work as a legislator was so 
pleasing to the G. A. R., that, when the vacancy 
on the Commission of Soldiers' Orphan Schools 
was caused by the death of Hon. McCauley Cook, 
his appointment for this position was requested 
by them. The Speaker of the House, Hon. H. 



92 



cfiM\fh:.\loiiA T1VR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



K. Hoycr, when making this appointment said 
that "it gave him much pleasure to do so," 
owing to the fact that Mr. Foster's father, Capt. 
Robert M I oster, was killed at the battle of 
Gettysburg. His Legislative record is above re- 
proach. His work, pertaining to measures bear- 
ing upon educational matters, has been very 
< ommendable. 

In 1893 Mr. Foster was married to Mary Ella 
Snyder, a daughter of Thompson A. Snyder, a 
retin-d engineer and veteran of the Civil war. 
They have one son, Robert M Foster, Jr In 
private life Mr. Foster is very domestic. His 
home is, at all times, open to his friends, of 
whom he has many He is popular among all 

rous to the fault, and a native of 

the place. It is his pride to be must honored 
where he is best known, and, as his influi 1 
has extended, none have given him mure heart}' 
esteem and appreciation than the people who 
have watched his progress from boyhood. 



JVMES HAMILTON This venerable Chris- 
tian gentleman, and esteemed citizen of Belle- 

fonte, who has lived a score or more of years t 
beyond man's allotted time on earth, and who is 
probably the oldest native citizen of Cento 
county now living — at the age of ninety-three 
years— is residing in a comfortable home made 
happy by the presence of the good wife an 
octogenarian the two passing the evening of 
their lives amid plenty and in the enjoyment of 
good health. At this writing (January 4, 1898), 
Mr. Hamilton is in reasonable health for a man 
of his age, and, as has been his usual habit, he 
has just completed making presents to his wife, 
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Mr. Hamilton's parents were Joseph and 
Rachel (Carr) Hamilton, the parents of both of 
whom came from Ireland and settled in Centre 
county some time in the latter part of the 
eighteenth century. Joseph Hamilton was a son 
of a sea captain, and was only a boy when 
brought to America by his mother, and 1>\ trade 
became a shoemaker The grandfather of our 
subject on his mother's side was James Carr, a 
farmer in the vicinity of Pine Grove. Our sub- 
ject was the only child of Joseph Hamilton; the 
mothei was twice married, her second husband 
being John Morris, whom she married when 
young Hamilton was small, so that Mr Morris is 
the only father that he remembers Bj the 
were born: Wharton, [onathan, 
Reuben, Elizabeth. Margarel and Jane. Winn 
James was a mere lad Mi Morris met with an 

ident by which he was crippled, so from 



necessity he early began to labor and assist in 
the support of the family, receiving his schooling 
at intervals in the subscription schools of his 
neighborhood as best he could. At the time ol 
his birth April 4, 1804) his parents were living 
about a mile west of Pine Grove, on what is now 
the Ross farm. Subsequently they removed 
11 to Dunlop's, and at the age of six or eight 
years the lad, James, entered the employ oi 

- & Boyer, then operating Logan Forge 
and Furnace, as successors of John Dunlop. He 
began by sifting iron with a hand riddle, which 
occupation he followed four years at 30 cents a 
day, commencing his work before sunrise and 
continuing until sundown. From the age ol 
thirteen until he was nineteen he worked at 
Stops Gap, driving team, or working at whatever 
he could do, and during this time he had the 
advantage of three months' schooling, at ni^ht 
only. In 1815 the iron works were leased by the 
Valentine Brothers, who subsequently, in connec- 
tion with William A. Thomas, purchased them 
and eidarged them, and with these gentlemen 
young Hamilton remained employed at the 
works, rising step by step until he became their 
manager at the Furnace. While with both these 
men he was regular in his business habits — not 
losing a day's time in upward of sixteen years; 
learned habits of industry and economy, was 
courteous, kind and affable to all, which made 
him a popular and useful citizen, and led the 
way to the success in life he has attained. He 
received $300 a year, and boarded with George 
and Abram Valentine. From his savings early 
in the " forties'' he purchased two hundred acres 
of land of George Meese, the father of John 
Meese, a merchant of Bellefonte; some twenty or 
more acres were cleared and under fence, and on 
it was the stone house built by George Meese in 
1SJ4. Here Mr. Hamilton retired and led a 
farmer's life for upward of forty years, when he 
moved to Bellefonte. He was one of the active 
men of Pleasant Gap neighborhood in religious 
matters, and in 1850, when the Methodist Church 
Society was formed, he and M. P. Weaver were 
appointed a building committee for erecting a 
house of worship. Subsequently, in 1875, a new 
church edifice was built costing some $3,000, 
which later became the property of the two gen- 
tlemen above named. 

In January, 1 84 1 , Mr. Hamilton was united 
in marriage with Hannah Waddle, a native of 
Centre county, born at Rock Forge April 26, 
1S17, a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Ben- 
ner) Waddle, and to the union were born: 
Abram V. married < atherine Marton; Sarah mar- 

I l> Satterfield, now deceased; Laura is 




JAMES HAMILTON 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



93 



the wife of Capt. Samuel H. Williams, promi- 
nent in business circles of Bellefonte; Merrilla 
married William Dawson; and Mary is the wife 
of John Noll; all are residents of Bellefonte. 
Mr. Morris, stepfather of our subject, died about 

1824, and the former's wife, whose declining 
years were made pleasant and comfortable by the 
son, James, died near the end of the year 1865. 

Mrs. Hannah (Waddle) Hamilton descended 
from one of the many prominent families of Cen- 
tre county. Her maternal grandfather, Gen. 
Philip Benner, and his father before him, were 
both patriots of the Revolution, the latter being 
captured and imprisoned. After the Revolution, 
the General was engaged in the iron business in 
Chester county, this State, the place of his nativ- 
ity. He married Ruth Roberts, and in 1792 pur- 
chased the Rock Forge lands on Spring creek. 
Centre county, to engage in the iron business, 
and from that forward until his death was prom- 
inently identified with that business and the busi- 
ness interests and property of Centre county. 
He brought workmen with him from Chester 
county and commenced his improvements in May, 
1793, at Rock, erecting a house and sawmill; and 
in 1794 he erected his first forge, and the first in 
what is now Centre county, the forge making 
iron that year. He then erected a gristmill, and 
in 1799 a slitting mill. In 1800 he built another 
forge, and afterward added a nailmill, furnace, 
etc. He was an earnest Democrat, and was 
twice a Presidential elector. 

Thomas Waddle, the father of Mrs. Hamil- 
ton, came from Chester county with Gen. Ben- 
ner; was his bookkeeper and general utility man, 
married one of his daughters, and passed an act- 
ive business life, dying in Centre February 25, 

1825, aged forty-eight years. His wife Hannah 
died April 11, 1854, aged sixty-seven years. Re- 
ferring to some early surveys of what is now 
Centre county, a writer says: "The old Wad- 
dle place is on the survey in the name of Edward 
Crawford, Warrantee of July 1, 1784. The 
Waddle farm, owned by Joseph Allender at his 
death, and sold to Gen. Benner in 1805, was 
probably one of the oldest settled places on Lo- 
gan's Branch. Allender bought of Col. Thomas 
Hartley in 1793." 

The children of Thomas Waddle were nine in 
number: Ruth B. , married to William Wilson, 
of Cedar Springs; Eliza; Philip Benner, late of 
Patton township; Mordecai, late of Spring town- 
ship, who served as sheriff of Centre county from 
1854 to 1857; Mary, the wife of Samuel Griffith, 
of Bellefonte; Hannah, the wife of our subject; 
Thomas, a resident of Jersey Shore; James; and 
Sarah, who married Mark Williams; all are now 



deceased excepting Sarah, Mary, Thomas and 
Hannah; seven were living in 1882. The family 
was remarkable for longevity of life. Philip Ben- 
ner Waddle was one of the constituent members 
of the M. E. Church of Fillmore, organized in 
1843, at which time he was appointed a class 
leader, and served as such uninterruptedly fifty- 
two years. 

Returning to our subject and wife, we will 
add that they are a remarkable couple — their 
lives spanning almost a century of an eventful 
period of the country's history, and a wedded 
life of fifty-seven years. Hale and hearty for one 
of his years, father Hamilton retains a face almost 
free from wrinkles, one that wears a kindly smile 
for every one. He retains his mental faculties, 
and both the senses of seeing and hearing are 
good. He has been almost free from sickness 
throughout his long life, hardly experiencing an 
ache or pain. His first Presidential vote was 
cast for Gen. Jackson. Later he became a Whig 
and then a Republican. He has been a member 
of the M. E. Church since 1840. The wife, too, 
is well preserved, and is as active and sprightly 
as most women of fifty. She, too, has been 
identified with the M. E. Church from her early 
years. 



PROF. LOUIS E. REBER, M. S. The 
Pennsylvania State College has enlisted in 
its service a corps of instructors whose intelli- 
gence and professional skill are an honor to the 
institution, and their loyalty and devotion to her 
best interests has brought to a happy realization 
that noble ideal which has established, in the name 
of the Commonwealth, the means whereby the 
pathway to knowledge is made easy of access. 
Among those who have labored most effectively 
to build up the college, Prof. Louis E. Reber, 
Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering, 
is deserving of special mention, as it is mainly 
to his zealous efforts that the department owes 
its foundation and steadily increasing success. 

Prof. Reber's ancestry on both sides was of 
German stock; both parents, however, were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, the father, Jacob Reber, 
born in 1809, and the mother, Elizabeth Ehr- 
hart, in 18 — . Their marriage occurred in Cen- 
tre county, and here they afterward made their 
home, in Nittany Valley. The father died in 
1877, and the mother in 1881. They were suc- 
cessful farming people. Their children were: 
Amanda, wife of John H. Beck, a farmer and 
merchant of Lock Haven, Penn. ; Abigail, wife 
of John M. Krape, a retired merchant of Salona, 
Penn. ; William F., who was the Executive clerk 



04 



COMMKMORA VIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UFJOHD. 



of Pennsylvania under Gov. Pattison, and now 
a resident ol Philadelphia; Henrietta, the wife 

ol II II. Walker, of Lock Haven, Penn. ; Mary 
E., who died at tin- age ol seventeen; ami Louis 
F... our subject. 

Prof. Reberwas born at Nittany, < entrecoun- 

February 27, 1 s 5 s . in 1 880 he was gradu- 
ated from The Pennsylvania Stat \llii 
two year in teaching and further study at 
that institution, he devoted one year to post- 

luate work at the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology. In 1884 he returned to Tin- Penn- 
sylvania Mate College t" take charge of the de- 
partment of Mechanii Vrts In 1886 the chair 
of Mechanical Engineering having been estab- 
lished, he became Professor of Mechanical En- 
gineering, a title which, in connection with that 
of Dean of the School "I Engineering, he still 
holds. 

Prof. Reber is a member of the American So- 
ciety of Mechanical Engineers; of the Society of 
Naval Architects and Marine Engineers; of the 
American Association for the Advancement of 

nee, and the American Society for the Pro- 
motion oi Engineering Education. He was com- 
missioner for tli "f Pennsylvania to the 
Paris Exposition of 1889, and assistant executive 

nmissioner, in charge of collecting and in- 
stalling Pennsylvania's Mining Exhibit at the 
World's Fair in Chicago, and, later, judge of 
awards in the Machinery Department. 



fON PHILIP E. WOMELSDORF, ex- 
member of the General Assembly ol the 
Commonwealth from Centre count}-, and a prom- 
inent mining engineer, was born in Pottsville, 
Schuylkill Co . Penn., September 17, 1S59. 

The ancestrj "I the Womelsdorf family on 
the paternal side emigrated from the province of 
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, sometime in the 
seventeenth century, and founded the beautiful 
little town of Womelsdorf in Berks county, Penn. 
From them has descended a large number of the 

mans of that region, who for their great 
patience, confidence and steadfastness of pur- 
pose, are distinguishable .is the true types of the 
Pennsylvania Germans Womelsdorf was laid 
out in 1762, by John Womelsdorf, and is noted 
as being one of the points at which the " Father 
of his Country" stopped — Gen Washington 
having remained over night there, November 13, 
1793. On his mother's side, the Mills were 
Puritans, and the records show that man} of 
them have won distinction m the Revolutionary 
war for their loyalty and bravery. Mr Womels- 
dorf was educated in the common schools of the 



town in which he was born, and was graduated 
therefrom in June, [876. He then spent one 
year in a business college, and another in work- 
ing in the tanneries of Warren county. Early in 
1S7.S he entered the services of his brother, \ 
J. Womelsdorf, and the Girard estate in Schuyl- 
kill county, as a mining engineer, and for four 
vens worked in a very large number of the great 
anthracite coal mines of that region, in his pro- 

iion. He came to the bituminous region in 
1882, operating at Houtzdale, Osceola and Phil- 
ipsburg, and since that tune he has been inter- 
ested in the development of the mines of these 
and other bituminous regions, and is still activel) 
pursuing that profession. In September, 1894, 
lie was nominated for the Legislature by the Re- 
publicans of Centre county, and was elected the 
same fall. He served the county in this position 
very creditably to himself and acceptably to Ins 
constituents. His colleague from the county 
was the Hon. Harry R. (urtin. Two years 
later both gentlemen were again nominated for 
the same position, but were defeated at the elec- 
tion by the present members of that body, who 
are Democratic in politics. After their second 
nomination the press in October, 1896, thus al- 
luded to them: •• For Assembly our candidates 
are Harry R. (urtin, of Hoggs township, and P. 
E. Womelsdorf, of Philipsburg. They have 
both served one term in the Lower House; they 
have both been candid, upright and unceasing in 
the discharge of their legislative duties. Each 
one has come up to his present position from the 
ranks of labor. They are both examples of what 
honest labor, good morals and intelligent action 
will achieve." 

Mr. Womelsdorf is a man of acknowledged 
ability, honorable, honest and upright in his deal- 
ings with his fellow men, and as a recognition of his 
manly qualities he was elected a member of the 
town council of Philipsburg. a positionhe held three 

■ s. On September 21, 1882, our subject was 
married to Mary A. Bechtel, and their children 
are Philip Campbell and Frances B. 



V. HOYT, of Philipsburg, Centre county, 
is an expert civil and mining engineer, and 
his success demonstrates the wisdom of choosing 
an occupation that is in line with one's inclina- 
tions, lb- is of a studious turn of mind, and 
aside from his scientific work has read extensiveh 
of the best literature His family, which is of 
1-I1 origin, has been identified with Clear- 
field county for many years, his paternal grand- 
father, with several brothers and sisters, having 
come from Vermont to Pennsylvania in 1819. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



95 



Mr. Hoyt was born at Clearfield, Perm., Jan- 
uary 30, 1 85 1, and his early years were spent at 
the old home in Clearfield county. At the age 
of thirteen he accompanied his parents to Osceola 
and there took advantage of the public schools, 
preparing for a collegiate course. His bent 
toward engineering manifested itself with unusual 
clearness, and in 1865 he began to study in that 
line. Later he attended St. Francis College, at 
Loretto, Penn., for two years, and then began 
practical work in his chosen profession, assisting 
in railroad surveys. After a time he opened an 
office in Philipsburg, but in 1875 he went west 
to engage in professional work in California and 
Nevada. During his stay of five years on the 
Pacific coast, for fifteen months he edited the 
Independent, a weekly newspaper at Cherry 
Creek, Nev. The price — $10.00 per year or 
twenty-five cents per copy — would indicate to an 
Eastern journalist that he had struck a bonanza; 
but in that land of inflated prices he was able 
merely to hold his own, and finally sold the paper 
and went out of the business. Returning to 
Philipsburg, he resumed his regular work, and 
has since continued it with signal success. Mr. 
Hoyt is married and has five children, four girls 
and one boy: Edwin F. , Mary, Juanita, Joseph- 
ine and Jenevieve. Mr. Hoyt is racognized as a 
progressive and scholarly man, being secretary of 
the Philipsburg Board of Trade. In political 
faith he is a Republican, and is recognized as one 
of the active workers of his party. Mr. Hoyt's 
one brother is in the Government employ under 
the civil service law, as an architect, and at 
present writing is U. S. superintendent of con- 
struction at Little Rock, Arkansas. 



C\OL. JAMES F. WEAVER. The history 
1 of a State as well as that of a nation is 
chiefly the chronicle of the lives and deeds of 
those who have conferred honor and dignity upon 
society. The world judges the character of a 
community by that of its representative citizens, 
and yields its tribute of admiration and respect 
for the genius, learning or virtues of those whose 
works and actions constitute the record of a 
State's prosperity and pride. Among the prom- 
inent and leading citizens of central Pennsylva- 
nia is Col. Weaver, whose home is in Boggs 
township, Centre county. 

A native of that county, he was born in 
Spring township, November 6, 1830, and is a 
son of John and Elizabeth (Poorman) Weaver, 
natives of Dauphin and Centre counties, Penn., 
respectively. During his early life the father, in 
company with his brother, Daniel, engaged in 



milling, leasing a mill at Bellefonte in 1808, but 
his later days were spent in farming in Spring 
township. He and his brother Daniel erected 
the stone building on Allegheny street in Belle- 
fonte, then known as the Centre County Bank, 
now known as the late residence of R. C. Cur- 
tin, Esq. During the war of 1812 he was 
drafted, but sent a substitute. In religious be- 
lief he was a Presbyterian, and his political sup- 
port was ever given the Democratic party. He 
died in 1841, aged fifty-eight years. His wife 
was called to her final rest in 1847, at the age of 
sixty-two years. She was the daughter of Mi- 
chael and Mary A. Poorman, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, who early became residents of Centre 
county, where they spent their remaining days. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
John Frederick Weaver. 

The Colonel is one of a family of nine chil- 
dren, who in order of birth are as follows: Mary 
A. (widow of W. A. Davidson), residing in Chi- 
cago; David, who died in 1879; Harriet, who 
married John P. Harper, but both are now de- 
ceased; George B , deceased; Michael P., of 
Centre county; John J., of West Union, Iowa; 
William, who died when young; and James F., 
the subject of this sketch. 

When Col. Weaver was but ten years of age, 
his father died, and Hon. James Gilliland was 
appointed his guardian; but he continued to live 
with his mother until the age of sixteen. After 
reaching that age he was bound out to learn the 
carpenter's trade; but owing to ill health he was 
compelled to give it up. He then entered a 
printing office, with his brother George B., in 
Clarion county, Penn., and on the completion of 
his apprenticeship worked at the business in New 
York, Philadelphia and Baltimore for about a 
year, after which he returned to Bellefonte, 
where for the following year he followed mer- 
chandising. In 1852 he purchased the Centre 
Democrat, remaining as the editor and proprie- 
tor of that paper for two years and a half, when 
he sold out and engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Milesburg until after the outbreak of the Civil 
war. 

On August 8, 1862, Mr. Weaver was com- 
missioned second lieutenant, by Gov. Curtin, 
with the power to raise a company, which be- 
came Company B, of the 148th P. V. I. In 
September of the same year he was commissioned 
captain, and subsequently promoted to major, 
lieutenant-colonel and colonel of the same regi- 
ment. With the Army of the Potomac he par- 
ticipated in many of the engagements in which 
they took part, leading his men on many a 
Southern battle field. By his gallant service and 



'J6 



COMMl-:y<n:.\ TIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



agreeable manner he won the respect of his fel- 
low officers, and the love and confidence of those 
under him. The war being ended, he was hon- 
orably discharged June 8, 1865, mar Alexandria, 
\a At Poe River, \'a . May 8, [864, he re- 
ceived a scalp wound, caused by a piece of shell. 
On returning to his home at Milesburg, he re- 
sumed merchandising, which he carried on for 
three years in connection with J. P. Shope, and 
then sold out to his partner, and purchased his 
present homestead in Boggs township, where he 
has since continuously residi d 

On December 23, 1851, Col. Weaver was 
married to Miss Mary M Hall, who was born at 
Milesburg, September 25, 1831, a daughter of 
Thomas M. and Euretta (Roberts) Hall, also na- 
tives of Centre counts, where they spent their 
entire lives. By occupation the father was an 
ironworker. He was elected high sheriff, in 
1S45, and served as sheriff of the county for 
three years. He died in 1879 at the age of sev- 
enty-two years, his wife in 1870 at the age of 
sixty-nine years. Mrs Weaver is one in a fam- 
ily of eleven children: James S is deceased; 
Benjamin R. is a resident of Chicago; Hem*} B 
is deceased; William T. lives in Milesburg; Dr. 
George, M. D. , is deceased; Joseph G. lives in 
Kansas City, Mo.; Mary M. is now Mrs. Weave] , 
Ellen B., the widow of Joseph Swyers, lives in 
Howard, Penn.; Elizabeth is the wife of J. T. 
Reed, Esq., of Williamsport, Penn ; Isabella B. 
is the wife of J. C. P. Jones, of Milesburg; and 
Clara is the deceased wife of A. Thompson Hoggs, 
a merchant of Milesburg. Four children were 
born to the Colonel and his wife, viz: Eliza- 
beth, at home; J. Willis and James H., specially 
mentioned farther on; and one who died in 
infancy. 

Col. Weaver has taken a prominent and in- 
fluential part in public affairs, was elected county 
treasurer in October, 1871, for two years, and in 
the fall of 1876 was elected to represent his 
county in the State Legislature. He has also 
held various local offices, all of which he has 
filled with credit to himself, and to the satisfac- 
tion of his constituents, proving a most efficient 
and popular official. In January, 1885, Go> 

Robert E. Pattison appointed him a member of 
the Commission whose duties were to erect tin- 
State Industrial Reformatory at Huntingdon, 
He continued to serve on said commission until 
the institution was completed, and turned over 
to the State. He is a stanch supporter of 
Democratic principles. He has been an earnest, 

rgetic member of the order of Patrons ol 
Husbandry for the last twenty-five years, and 

i>ly interested in the education and elevation 



of the great Agricultural class of the country, and 
has devoted much time in Grange work in Centre 
and other adjoining counties. Since 1853 he 
has been a faithful member of the Methodist 
Church at Milesburg, and rilled the positions of 
ti ustee, Sunday-school superintendent, class lead- 
er and steward. His entire life being passed in 
Centre counts, he is numbered among its most 
valued citizens who have been devoted to the 
public welfare; and his honorable, upright life 
won him a host of warm personal friends 
He has manifested the same loyalty in days of 
peace as in days of war, and all who know him 
have for him the highest regard. 

J. Willis, the elder son of Col. Weaver, mar- 
ried Miss Blanche Holmes, daughter of Robert 
F. and Bethsheba Holmes, and they have two 
sons: Ralph and Max. James H., the younger 
son of Col. Weaver, married Alice M. Wagner, 
daughter of John M. Wagner, of Boggs town- 
ship, and they have seven children: J. Fred Wea- 
ver, Stella, Nellie, Edith, Clarence, Mary Mar- 
garet and Paul, all yet living except Mary 
Margaret, who died October 27, 1897. 



SAMUEL 11 WILLIAMS, one of Bellefonte's 
) able and enterprising merchants, is a man 
who-, history bears witness to a high ideal of 
citizenship. A gallant soldier, a successful busi- 
ness man, a progressive and public-spirited citi- 
zen, his example is worthy of emulation. 

On his father's side, ("apt. Williams descended 
from an old Dutch family that lived in Lancaster 
county, Penn. His ancestors, however, had re- 
sided farther east prior to their location in this 
State. David F. Williams, his grandfather, a 
hatter by trade, was born in Lancaster county, 
and married Miss Lydia Scott, a member of one 
of the pioneer families of Chester county. He 
passed the last years of his life with a daughter, 
Elizabeth, who had married James Canon and 
lived at Port Matilda, in Centre county. Of his 
other children: one son was killed in the Mexi< in 
war; Thomas F. died in Lancaster county, Penn.; 
and John F. became the father of our subject 
The latter was a native of Chester county, and 
he, too, made choice of the hatter's trade, and 
located .it Downingtown, in that county. He 
married Eliza Bunting, a daughter of Samuel 
Bunting, who came from the North of Ireland 
with his wife and settled on a farm on Muddy 
run in Chester county, which is still in the pi 

ion of the Bunting family. Of the six chil- 
dren of John F. and wife, our subject was the 
eldest, the others being: Morgan R.. who en 
I the army from Chester county, serving in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



97 



the 106th P. V. I., and died from the effects of 
wounds received in the battle of Fair Oaks 
David, who died from inflammatory rheumatism 
Horatio, now engaged in business in California 
and John and Annie, both of whom died in in- 
fancy. 

Capt. Williams is a native of Chester county, 
where his birth occurred March 19, 1839. At 
the age of fifteen he left his early home to learn 
the trade of house painting with his uncle by 
marriage, a resident of Stormstown, Centre 
county. His apprenticeship was barely ended 
when the Civil war broke out, and he was among 
the first to answer President Lincoln's call for de- 
fenders, enlisting April 19, 1861, in Company H, 
7th P. V. I. In August of that year he returned 
home, his term having expired; but in February, 
1862, he re-enlisted in Company H, 56th P. V.' 
I., and served until hostilities ended, receiving 
his discharge July 1, 1865. His regiment was 
incorporated in the Army of the Potomac at its 
organization, and his entire service was in con- 
nection with it, and ended only with its disband- 
ment. Capt. Williams was a gallant soldier, and 
his military record is a highly honorable one, 
and is one to which his children and his chil- 
dren's children can refer to with pride. Enlist- 
ing as a private soldier, he rose step by step until 
he became captain. For a time he served as a 
musician; became a sergeant, was commissioned 
second lieutenant of Company H, 56th P V I • 
was breveted first lieutenant and commissioned 
October, 1864; was breveted captain of Com- 
pany I, same regiment, and commissioned in Feb- 
ruary, 1865. He shared the fate of the Army of 
the Potomac from the beginning to the end, par- 
ticipating in the numerous skirmishes and en- 
gagements of the regiment, among which were- 
Ga.nsville, Groveton, Second Bull Run, South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel- 
lorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Cold Har- 
bor, in front of Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, Yel- 
low House and Five Forks. The Captain re- 
enlisted in 1864 as a veteran. 

At the close of the war Capt. Williams lo- 
cated at Ph.lipsburg, in Centre county, where he 
followed his trade until 1868, when he moved to 
Bellefonte, which borough has since been his 
place of business and home. He has for years 
been engaged in business in the line of paints 
oils, wall paper, picture frames, etc. He is 
active and influential in business circles and es- 
pecially interested and prominent in military 

r \„£° r the paSt fifteen y ears - or >onger, 
Capt Williams has been identified with the N 
G. P.; m 1880 and 1881 he was on Gen 
Beaver's staff; and for several years following 



this he was on the staff of Gen. Wylie as brigade 
commissary sergeant of the 2nd Brigade of the 
N. G. P. He served eight years as quartermas- 
ter of the 5th Regiment N. G. P., commanded 
by Col. Birchfield, his term expiring February 
28, 1897. In politics he is a Republican, and 
for five years he served as a school director, and 
six years as a member of the borough council. 
Socially he is a member of the F. & A. M. ; of 
the G. A. R. Post at Bellefonte, of which he is 
past commander; also past colonel of Camn So 
U. V. L. 

On November 1, 1865, Mr. Williams was 
married to Miss Sarah McMillen, a native of 
Huntingdon county, Penn., and to this marriage 
were born four children, namely: Horatio C. Ta 
painter by trade, who married Miss Delia Osmer; 
John H., also a painter, who married Miss 
Myrtle Bullock; Ella, the wife of A. Lincoln Mc- 
Ginley, and has two children— Sarah and Mar- 
gery; and Willis Edgar, at home. Mrs. Williams 
died in 1880, and in 1880 Mr. Williams was 
united in marriage with Miss Laura E. Hamilton, 
and they have one child, Marilla, born at Belle- 
fonte on December 4, 1883, and now one of the 
bright girls of the Bellefonte High School. The 
mother, Mrs. Laura E. Williams, a daughter of 
the venerable James Hamilton and wife, of Belle- 
fonte, a record of whose lives is given elsewhere 
in this volume, was born on the old Hamilton 
homestead near Pleasant Gap, in Centre county, 
where she received the benefit of the neighbor- 
hood schools, but later was sent to the boarding 
school at Jacksonville, where her education was 
completed. Mrs. Williams has been a member 
of the M. E. Church from girlhood, and is active 
in the Ladies Auxiliary society of the Church. 
She is an estimable lady. 



JOHN IRVIN THOMPSON, Jr., M. S. A., the 
able and efficient bookkeeper at the Penn- 
sylvania State College, is also well known in 
that section as a progressive agriculturist and a 
reliable and substantial business man. He was 
born October n, 1843, at Centre Furnace, Cen- 
tre county, and is a son of Moses and Mary 
(Irvin) Thompson. 

The early years of our subject were spent at 
his native place, and in 1859, having progressed 
beyond the somewhat limited course offered in 
the local schools, he entered The Farmer's High 
School for a wider range of study. His course, 
however, was interrupted early in the war of the 
Rebellion by his enlistment in the Pennsylvania 
State Militia; but, after a few weeks of guard 



98 



VOJIAT1VS i:iin;i:.\l'IIir.\[. RECORD. 



duty at Chambersburg, he returned to his bunks. 
In [863 another call to arm- mel his response, 
and he spent two months in service in Somerset 
and Bedford enmities. He should have gradua- 
ted with the class of '62, but owing to these 
hindrances he did not receive his diploma until 
the following year. From 1864 to 1869 he was 
engaged in bookkeeping at the Milesburg Iron 
\\ orks anil at Centre Furnace, and then he and 
Ins father and brother William formed the firm 
of John I Thompson & Co., and opened a bank 
at Lemont. For a time it was si ul, but, a 

panic threatening, the linn decided to return all 
deposits and close up the business. Mr. Thomp- 
son next became interested in the coal and grain 
business at Lemont, and continued in the busi- 
ness until 1S90, since which time he has rilled 
the position of bookkeeper at the Pennsylvania 
State College, and has also kept the accounts of 
the Experiment Station there. 

1 )n October 12. 1870, Mr. Thompson was 
united in matrimony with Miss Elizabeth Boal, 
who was born at Boalsburg, January^. 1846. 
Five exceptionally bright and intelligent children 
are entering upon useful and honorable careers 
under the watchful care of their parents: Mary 
Irvin is a student in the Woman's Medical Col- 
lege at Philadelphia; Helen assists her father in 
the office; George Boal is attending dental col- 
lege in Philadelphia; Bess B. is a member of the 
class of '97 at siate College; and Charles is also 
a student at State College. Mr. Thompson has 
a pleasant home at Lemont, is an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church at that place, and takes a 
generous interest in all enterprises that promise 
to result in good to the community. He is an 
ardent friend of temperance, and votes the Pro- 
hibition tick' • 

The Thompson family is of Scotch-Irishstock, 
and our subject is of the fifth generation in de- 
scent from the original emigrant who crossed the 
ocean about 1745. Gen. John Thompson, our 
subject's grandfather, married Elizabeth McFar- 
lane, whose grandfather, Matthew Louden, a 
Covenanter, was driven from his home in Scot- 
land by the religious persecutions of his day. 
Elizabeth McFarlane was the daughter of James 
McFarlane, a lieutenant in the Continental army, 
who was ait. 1. Ind to Gen Morgan's brigade, and 
who was raptured by the British at Fori Green 
in the Hudson river above New York City, re- 
maining a prisoner until the close of the war, 
after which he married Mai\ Louden. Gen. 
Thompson's wife moved from Mifflin county, 
Penn.. in 1809, and settled upon a farm in what 
is now College township (then Ferguson, and, 
later, a part of Harris township In 1814 den. 



Thompson built a substantial stone house near 
the log cabin in which he had first made his 
home. 

Moses Thompson, the second son of this wor- 
thy pioneer couple, was born March 25, 1810, 
and his reminiscences cover an interesting por- 
tion of the early history. Young as he was at 
the time, yet he remembered the excitement 
caused by the soldiers of the war of 18 12, the 
troops passing his father's house in going to or 
returning from Frie by way of Bellefonte. His 
mother, a devout woman of lovely character, in- 
structed him in the faith of her forefathers until 
her death, which occurred in the spring of 1822, 
when he was twelve years old. The educational 
advantages offered by the subscription schools of 
that lime and locality were meager, as the funds 
available were not sufficient to secure competent 
teachers, and men who had failed in every other 
line of work, or who through age or ill health 
were fit for nothing else, were usually employed, 
and Mr. Thompson fared no better than other 
farmers' sons. At the age of nineteen or twenty 
he assumed the responsibility of the farm, thus 
relieving his father from care, and one of his first 
acts was to banish liquor from the place, not- 
withstanding the fact that it was universally 
used, especially in harvest time. After his 
father's death, in 1832, the care of the fannlv 
devolved upon him, and this heavy burden on 
him while yei a youth so aged him that he was 
at that time considered by all his acquaintances 
as an "old man." He managed the farm with 
economy, energy and industry, until 1839, when 
he left it to his brothers. 

Mary Irvin, to whom he was married, was a 
daughter of John and Ann (Watson) Irvin. of 
Harris township, Centre county. For a vear 
they lived at the old homestead, but on April 1, 
[839, they moved to a farm which he had pur- 
chased a short time before. It lies near Oak 
Hall factory, and is now owned by the heirs of 
Dr. E. W. Hale During this three-year resi- 
dence and ownership, he made many improve- 
ments, and Ins industry ami economy were re- 
warded by a profit of $500 per year. On April 
1, [842, he removed to Centre Furnace, having 
purchased from Gen. fames Irvin, his brother-in- 
law, a sixth interest in Centre Furnace and Miles- 
bur^ Iron Works. In 1848, in company with 
his brother, William Thompson, he purchased of 
William Irvin a sixth interest in the same works, 
but, later, Moses Thompson bought his brother's 
interest, thus becoming owner of one-third of 
both properties. In August, 1864, he bought 
one-half of Gen Irvin's interest, the other half 
having been taken by Dr. J M. McCoy and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



99 



James H. Linn. On September 23, 1865, he 
sold his half interest in the Mileftburg Iron Works 
to Messrs. McCoy and Linn, and bought their in- 
terest in Centre Furnace, becoming the sole 
owner. His real-estate transactions were a 
source of profit, and at his death he was the 
largest land owner of Centre county, one of his 
estates comprising 6,000 acres in one tract. 

Many enterprises have felt the influence of 
his energetic support. He, with his partners, 
Gen. James Irvin and Hon. Andrew Gregg, sub- 
scribed a large part of the stock of the Bald 
Eagle Valley canal. He also contributed liber- 
ally to the building of the Bald Eagle Valley 
railroad, and gave more than any one else of 
money, time and oversight to the construction 
of the Boalsburg and Bellefonte turnpike and 
the Agricultural College and Junction turnpike. 
He was one of the largest (if not the largest) 
contributors in the county to the Lewisburg, Cen- 
tre & Spruce Creek railroad, and assisted greatly 
in establishing upon an efficient basis the Penn- 
sylvania State College, of which he was treasurer 
for many years. 

The influence of his mother's moral teachings 
was never lost, and at an early age he united 
with the Spring Creek Presbyterian Church, in 
which he long held the office of ruling elder. He 
never permitted his name to appear as a candi- 
date for public office, although as a private citi- 
zen he took keen interest in the country's welfare. 

Despite the anxieties of his life, and his un- 
remitting devotion to business, he lived past the 
allotted term of man. He was possessed of 
splendid physique, stood six feet high, straight as 
an arrow, and weighed over two hundred pounds. 
Eminently successful in all his undertakings, he 
was one of Centre county's representative self- 
made men. He began life with only a seventh 
interest in his father's farm, and the courage, en- 
terprise and judgment which enabled him to gain 
his fortune teach an encouraging lesson. His 
endurance, foresight and business tact were tested 
to the utmost during the panic of 1857, when 
only the closest attention to his imperiled inter- 
ests saved them from failure. He died June 19, 
1 89 1, aged eighty-one years, two months and 
twenty-five days. His wife died August 22, 1890. 

In his old age Moses Thompson had the su- 
preme satisfaction of seeing his children settled 
near the old home, all occupying honorable posi- 
tions in life. He had eight children, two of whom 
died in infancy. Of the others all are living ex- 
cept Sarah Irvin, who was married to Dr. Theo- 
dore S. Christ; those surviving their father being: 
Elizabeth McFarlane, wife of John Hamilton, of 
State College; John Irvin, of this sketch; Will- 



iam, who married Anna Elliott, of Lewisburg; 
James Irvin, who married Jeanie Shaw, of Clear- 
field; and Annie, who is not married. 



MARRISON KLINE, the efficient and popu- 
lar treasurer of Centre county, is a native 

of Snyder county, Penn., born May 12, 1841, a 
son of George and Elizabeth (Fetterolf) Kline, 
who brought their family to Centre county in 
1851, locating first in Penn's Valley, and are 
still honored residents of College township, where 
the father engaged in agricultural pursuits. Both 
are of German lineage, and are prominent and 
highly respected people. The mother is a 
daughter of Andrew Fetterolf, of Snyder county, 
a blacksmith by trade, also owning and operat- 
ing a farm. 

Ten children were born to the parents of our 
subject, of whom one son and one daughter died 
in infancy. The others are as follows: Harrison 
is the subject of this sketch; Robert, a minister 
of the Episcopal Church, now located in Allen- 
town, Lehigh Co., Penn., married Anna Erdman 
and has four children; Margaret is the wife of 
William Ishler, ex-sheriff of Centre county, by 
whom she had nine children, three of whom are 
yet living, and they now reside in Bellefonte; 
John, an attorney of that city, married Kate 
Olwine, whose father was a prominent farmer of 
Centre county, and they have two children; 
William married Adaline Myer, of Boalsburg, 
Centre county, died in 1890, leaving a wife and 
four children, and was buried in Shiloh cem- 
etery; Sarah is the wife of Harvey Meese, a car- 
penter of Benner township, Centre county, and 
they had ten children; Wesley, a practicing 
physician of Centre county, married a Miss Boal, 
of Centre Hall, and died several years ago, and 
Alice lives with her parents in College township. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
passed upon the home farm, where he assisted 
his father in the labors of the fields, attending 
at the same time the public schools of the neigh- 
borhood, where he acquired a good practical ed- 
ucation which would fit him for the responsible 
duties of life. As his vocation he chose agricult- 
ure, and has become one of the most prosperous, 
energetic and progressive farmers of Spring town- 
ship. On November 12, 1863, he was married 
to Miss Annetta Gentzel, who died in 1869, leav- 
ing four children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of 
Elmer Showers, an engineer living in Buffalo, N. 
Y. ; D. M., a farmer of Spring township, Centre 
county, who married Alka Keller, and has one 
child; Henry, a miner, having charge of the men 
at Washau Banks, in Spring township, who mar- 



100 



COMMEMORATIVE! BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ried Bertha Miller, and has three children, and 
Robert, a resident of Bellefonte. who married 
Margaret Swartz, and has one child. Mr. Kline 
was again married April 7, 1872, this time to 
Miss Sarah C.ephart, of Zion, ami to them were 
born two children: Anna C. , at home with her 
parents, and Orian, who is attending school in 
Bellefonte. 

In politics Mr. Kline is a steadfast adherent 
of the principles formulated by the Republican 
party, and on November 3, 1896, he was elected 
on that ticket) treasurer of Centre county by the 
handsome majority of 326 votes. Methodical 
and systematic in business, he will undoubtedly 
prove a most capable official, and serve with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. He has been very successful in his 
life work, and being endowed with many virtues 
and a genial, hospitable riiannet, he receives the 
respect and confidence of the entire community 
He is a worthy member of the PZvangelical 
Church, and is an active and prominent member 
of the Grange, at present serving as steward of 
that organization, also of the Royal Arcanum at 
Bellefonte, being one of the charter members of 
the lodge there. 



BAN KIN FAMILY 1 111 1 ot ( entre county, of 
which William B, Rankin, of Bellefonte, is 
a worthy and respected representative, is of old 
Pennsylvania stock. The first of the line to set- 
tle in Centre county was William Rankin, the 
grandfather of the gentleman named, and a na- 
tive of Franklin county, Penn., born November 
5, 1770. He took a prominent place among the 
pioneers of this section, and was the second 
sheriff of Centre county, and from 1806 to 1S10 
a member of the State Legislature His resi- 
dence was in Spruce Creek Valley, where he 
died November 29, 1847, :it the age of seventy- 
seven years, By his first wife, a Miss Maginley, 
In- had eight children: in William M. and (2) 
James Munsey were prominent physicians, the 
former of Shippensburg, Penn., and the latter of 
Muncy, Penn.; (3) Joseph Alexander is men- 
tioned more fully below; (4; Abigail married 
Ephraim Bailey, and now resides in Kossuth, 
Iowa; (5) Adam, deceased, was a farmer at 
Stormstown, Penn.; two daughters, Mary and 
Elizabeth, died unmarried. By a second mar- 
riage (the last time, with Miss Huston, there 

was one daughter, Susannah, who died m early 
womanhood. 

Tin- late Joseph Alexander Rankin, father of 
William B. Rankin, was reared upon a farm in 
Penn's Valley, at ( entre Hill, near Potters Mills, 



the district schools of the vicinity furnishing the 
usual educational opportunities,- of which he 
made the utmost, preparing himself for teaching. 
He followed this occupation until 1850 when, 
his approaching marriage causing him to seek 
more remunerative work, he engaged in the in- 
surance business. On April 17, 1851, he was 
united in wedlock with Miss Mary E. Blair, a 
native of Penn's Valley, born October 23, 1824, 
and six children blessed this union: (1) Abigail 
(deceased), who married Charles F. Cook, and 
had five children — Annie M., William H.. Nettie 
J., Joseph R. and Abbie; (2) William B., of this 
sketch; ( 3) Sarah C, who died in the spring of 
1896, in her fortieth year; (4) Annie M., who 
died in 1882 at the age of twenty-four years; (5) 
Caroline E. , who resides in Clearfield county; and 
(6) John, who died Nov. 14, 1893, in his thirty- 
first year. After his marriage Joseph A. Rankin 
made his home for twelve years in Spruce Creek 
Valley near the line between Centre and Hunt- 
ingdon counties, but the remainder of his life 
was spent in Bellefonte. He made a specialty 
of fire insurance, and built up a large business 
which he continued until five years before his 
death. In political faith he was first a Whij; 
and later a Republican, and he was a leading 
member of the Presbyterian Church, with which 
the family had been identified many years, his 
father having been a ruling elder in the society 
at Spruce Creek. Joseph Rankin died February 
15, [888, but Mrs. Rankin, who is a lady of fine 
intelligence, is still living and enjoying excellent 
health for one of her 

William B. Rankin was born January 3, 1854, 
and as a boy was given the advantage of the 
public schools of Bellefonte, his course there 
being supplemented by an attendance at the 
Bellefonte Academy His first employment was 
as a clerk in a store, but the growth of Ins 
father's business caused him to be called to assist 
in that, and on the retirement of the father, in 
[883, William B. Rankin purchased the entile 
interest, and has since carried on the enterprise 
as sole proprietor. Fire insurance is still the 
chief line, and the business extends throughout 
(entre county, Mr. Rankin's high character and 
sound judgment having gained the confidence of 
the general public. He represents twelve fire 
insurance companies, one life and one accident 
company, He has been an Odd Fellow since 
[878, an.l has filled all the chairs in the Subordi- 
nate and Encampment, and has been district 
deputy grand master two terms. He is secretary 
ot the school board, of which he has been a mem- 
ber for fifteen years. He was auditor of Belle- 
fonte for three years. Politically, he gives his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



101 



influence to the support of the Republican party. 
His wife, formerly Miss Adelaide Bailey, was 
born March 27, 1854, in Wellsboro, Tioga Co., 
Penn. Both take great interest in all that con- 
cerns the welfare of the community. They 
have six children: Lillie B., Elsie M., Walter 
B., John A., Adelaide and Mary. 

The Blair family, of which Mr. Rankin's 
mother is a member, is of Irish origin, her grand- 
father, William Blair, having come from County 
Antrim, Ireland, to settle in New Jersey, where 
he spent the latter part of his life. His son 
Samuel (Mrs. Rankin's father) was a native of 
that State, but left in early manhood and lo- 
cated for a time in Pennsylvania. Later he re- 
sided for twenty years in Wayne county, Ohio, 
and then spent one year in Illinois; but after this 
opportunity for observation he wisely chose to 
pass his remaining years in this section. He 
settled at Milesburg, Centre county, and his 
death occurred in Spruce Creek Valley. By oc- 
cupation he was a chainmaker and wheelwright, 
and held various political offices in his township, 
and, in Ohio, he served as justice of the peace 
for some time. He married Margaret Eakin, a 
native of Penn's Valley, and had five children, 
Mrs. Rankin being the first in order of birth; (2) 
Eleanor married Miles Read, of Clearfield county ; 
(3) Sarah J. is not married; (4) Catherine died 
at the age of thirty; and (5) William J. lived 
onlv fifteen months. 



JC. HARPER, an able and successful attorney 
of Bellefonte, Centre county, was elected in 
November, 1896, to the office of County Re- 
corder. As his abilities have already been thor- 
oughly tested in public office as Prothonotary, 
there is no doubt that his administration in his 
new position will be acceptable to the people. 

Mr. Harper is a native of Centre county, and 
was born November 1, 1854, upon a farm in Miles 
township, where his family has been well-known 
for many years. His grandfather, George Har- 
per, came from the lower tier of counties to make 
his permanent home in that township, where his 
death occurred. Our subject's grandmother died 
some years later at Centre Hall, at the age of 
ninety. John Harper, our subject's father, was 
born in Miles township, Centre county, and al- 
ways resided there, following agriculture as an 
occupation, and exerting a quiet influence as an 
upright citizen and a consistent member of the 
German Reformed Church. In politics he was a 
Democrat. About ten years ago, at the age of 
sixty, his earthly career closed; his widow, whose 



maiden name was Jane Magee, is still living at 
Centre Hall. Her parents came from Ireland 
before her birth, which occurred in Union county, 
and after a short residence in Buffalo Valley they 
settled in Penn's Valley, Centre county, their 
last days being spent in Miles township. Our 
subject was the second of three children: (1) 
Maggie (deceased) married G. W. Stover, Jr.; 
(3) Emma married George Emerick, and resides 
in Centre Hall. 

During Mr. Harper's early life he enjoyed the 
benefits of farm life, but was given the advan- 
tage of study at the normal schools at Centre 
Hall and Rebersburg in addition to the usual dis- 
trict-school course. In 1872 he began teaching 
school, and continued for sometime, his summers 
being spent in other work and in attending 
school. In 1876 he was appointed Deputy 
Prothonotary, and after proving his capacity by 
about three years of service in that position he 
was (in 1878) elected Prothonotary, taking his 
seat in 1 879. He was re-elected in 1 88 1 for three 
years, and at the close of his term began to read 
law. Since his admission to the Bar he has been 
in active practice, meeting with gratifying suc- 
cess, and he has now been chosen to the office 
of Recorder, as stated. He is a man well calcu- 
lated to gain and retain public confidence and 
esteem, and as a worker in the Democratic party, 
and as a citizen, he wields wide influence. 

On September 16, 1879, Mr. Harper was 
united in marriage with Miss Laura Graham, who 
was born in Bellefonte, October 2, 1854. Their 
pleasant home is gladdened by three children, 
Clarence, Helen and Arthur. 



C\APTAIN AUSTIN B. SNYDER, whose 
_J death occurred at his home in Bellefonte on 
February 6, 1892, held an honor and distinction 
that few of his fellow townsmen shared in, that 
of a patriot of two wars — the war with Mexico 
and the war of the Rebellion. 

As the name indicates, Capt. Snyder was of 
German lineage on his father's side, and de- 
scended from Gov. Simon Snyder. He was a 
son of Jacob and Jane (Allen) Snyder, industri- 
ous and frugal people, who lived at the time of 
their son's birth (October 3, 1824), in a stone 
house then standing on the site of Gerberich, 
Hale & Co. 's mill, at the foot of Race street in 
Bellefonte. Jacob Snyder was a millwright and 
also a miller, and had followed these occupa- 
tions in Bellefonte and elsewhere in Centre 
county. The Aliens were of Irish extraction. 
The children of this couple were: Austin B., 



102 



COMMK VORA Tl VI BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ellis and Latimar, all now dead. The mother 
of these dying, Mr. Snyder then married l.liza 
Gray, of Half Moon township. 

When our subject was but thirteen years of 
age, his father died, and he was thrown on his 
own resources, and at nineteen he enlisted in 
the United States army, served with distinguished 
honor through the Mexican war. and was 
one of the first to scale the wall at Chepultepec. 
He returned with a lieutenant's straps. Learn- 
ing the tailor's trade with Charles Calathan at 
Bellefonte, he followed that occupation until the 
breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. The 
echo of the guns at Fort Sumter had hardly dud 
away before the veteran of tin- Mexican war had 
recruited the Eagle Guards, and asCapt. Snyder 
he was mustered, with his command, into the 
4th Regiment under Col. Hartranft, April 19, 
[861, as Company H, of that regiment. The 
regiment was assigned t<> the First Brigade, 
Thud Division, of Gen. McDowell's army, and 
during their three-months' term of service were 
at Perryvillle (Md.), Annapolis. Washington 
City, Alexandria and Centreville. On October 
1, 1861, Capt. Snyder left Bellefonte in com- 
mand of the McAllister Rifles, "Inch was mus- 
tered in, October 17. as Company G, 5 1st P. V. 
I., under command "I Col. Hartranft. The reg- 
iment was assigned in the corps organization to 
Brig. -Gen. Reno, and formed a part of the Burn- 
pedition to North Carolina. From the 
very outset the expedition was subjected to se- 
storms, having encountered one after an- 
other from the time of setting sail in January, 
1862. and were at the merry of the waves and 
wind for nearly two weeks. Their first en- 
counter with the enemy was at Roanoke Island, 
where the enemy's entire force was captured. 
Capt. Snyder's delicate constitution could not 
withstand the exposure incident to the swamps 
and at so trying a time m the year, hence In- was 
compelled to resign fi"in the service, winch he 
did February 12, 1862. In September, [862, on 
the call of the Governor of Pennsylvania for 
50,000 militia, several companies volunteered 
from Centre county, and wi I in the 

23d Regiment, and of the militia concentra 
near Hagerstown, under Gen. John F. Reynolds, 
at the time of the battle of Antietam, Col. Sny- 
der served on the staff as lieutenant-colonel. 
Again on the call of the President for men in 
|une, 1863, at the invasion of the State by tun 
Lee's army, Capt. Snyder 

C, and served with them in the southern part of 
the State until discharged August 8, of thai \ 
He served several times as provost marshal, and 
alter the war followed his trade and carried on 



business for himself, residing in Bellefonte. For 
the last five or six years of his life, owing to fail- 
ing health, he was compelled to retire from busi- 
A consistent member of the Presbyterian 
Church; an honored comrade in G. A. R. Post 
No. 295, a beloved and loving father and a faith- 
ful husband, he has gone to answer "present" 
on the golden shore of Eternity. He was a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. 

On October 27. 1858, Capt. Snyder was mar- 
ried to Margaret Wolf, a daughter of Joseph and 
li (/ones Wolf, natives, the former of 
Boalsburg, Penn., and the latter of Muncy, 
I'enn ; both died and are buried at Bellefonte. 
The children of Capt. Snyder and wife are: 
Emma married Edward Cook, and lives at 
Jeannette, Penn.; Mary; Isabella T. died Sep- 1 
tember 18, 1885; Ellis, of Dunkirk, Ind. ; and 
George-, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania. 

Miss Mary Snyder is a native of Bellefonte, 
and received her education in its schools. She is 
conducting an extensive and fashionable millinery 
establishment, in the display of which is evi- 
denced ability and taste. She is popular with 
the masses, and her business efforts are being re- 
warded with success. Both she and her mother 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. 



HI GH S. TAYLOR. One who makes trial 
ol Ins talents in the profession of law is 
ged by the public upon his individual merits 
i much greater degree than is a man who 
chooses a business career, and the young attor- 
ney whose name opens this sketch may well be 
proud of the estimate which the people of Cen- 
tre county and of his native citv of Bellefonte 
have placed upon bis abilities. As he posse- 
an abundant fund of energy, there is every reason 
to believe that their high hopes for his future 
will be fulfilled, and their confidence justified. 
Mr. Taylor was horn [anuary 12, 1868, of 
tch-Irish parentage, and his home has always 
been in Bellefonte. The late Hugh Taylor, his 
father, a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, on 
arriving in America at the age of twenty years, 
settled at Bellefonte, where his death occurred. 
Our subject's mother, whose maiden name was 
Annie Starr, is a native ol Bellefonte, horn in 
1848, and is still living. As the eldest of a 
famih .'I fourteen children, Mr. Taylor learned 
t'i depend upon his own exertions, and the value 
■ •I thrift was "early impressed upon him by the 
difficulties experienced in gaining a livelihood for 
himself, and securing the means to help those 
who looked to him for more or less assistance. 
"When- there's a will there's a way," it is said. 






COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



103 



and he took a complete course in the Bellefonte 
High School, graduating in 1886; was then ap- 
pointed to the West Point Military Academy by 
Hon. Andrew G. Curtin, M. C, but resigned, 
and in 1 89 1 entered the Pennsylvania State Col- 
lege. His legal studies were carried on under 
the supervision of Orvis, Bower & Orvis, and 
after his admission to the Bar in 1894 ne re- 
mained with them a year and a half before start- 
ing in practice independently. 

Mr. Taylor has gathered around him many 
friends, and he has a lucrative business, his sound 
judgment on legal principles having been already 
demonstrated in his professional work. As an 
advocate he has few equals of his age, and his 
oratorical gifts have brought him into prominence 
as a political campaigner for the Democratic par- 
ty, of which he is a devoted supporter. In June, 
1896, he was elected chairman of the Demo- 
cratic Executive Committee of Centre County, 
was re-elected County Chairman in June. 1897; 
since February, 1894, he has held the office of 
tax collector of the city of Bellefonte. His 
abilities have a wide and varied scope, as he is a 
first-class mechanical engineer, having studied 
practical engineering and drafting at Pennsylva- 
nia State College, and at present he is superin- 
tendent of the Bellefonte Steam Heat and Gas 
Co. 's works. 

Mr. Taylor was married Novembers, 1894, 
to Kittie L. Bauer, second daughter of Nicholas 
Bauer, a merchant of Bellefonte, and they have 
two sons: Hugh and Vincent Nicholas. 

Socially our subject is a member of the K. of 
G. E. , and of the I. O. O. F., Centre County 
Lodge No. 1 56, and of Logan Fire Company 
No. 1. For eleven years he has been in military 
service in Company B, 5th Penn. National Guards, 
and now is captain of the company. 



DjANIEL C. KELLER, of Bellefonte, Centre 
county, the well-known proprietor of the 
"Hotel Haag," formerly known as the " Cum- 
mings House," is a member of one of the most 
prominent pioneer families. 

His great-grandfather, Elder Jacob Keller, a 
native of Lebanon county, Penn., born in 1 753, 
was an influential worker in the German Re- 
formed Church, and took a leading part in the 
establishment of his Church in Centre county 
after he made his home there. He was a patriot 
and served his country in the Revolutionary war. 
His children were: Jacob, grandfather of our 
subject, born February 21, 1779, died September 
12, 1835. John, born January 27, 1781, died 
November 15, 1871. Elizabeth, born March 11, 



1785. Margaret, born April 26, 1787. Chris- 
tian, born in October, 1789. Peter, born Janu- 
ary, 1 79 1. Philip, born December, 1794. Jacob 
Keller (2), our subject's grandfather, was born in 
Lebanon county, coming with his father to Cen- 
tre county, and settling in Potter township, at 
the old Red Mill. He married Elizabeth Korn- 
man, and had seven children: John, born in 
November, 1801, died in Harris township, Centre 
county, October 11, 1865. Jacob (3), our sub- 
ject's father, of whom mention is made farther on. 
Catherine, born April 11, 1804, married John 
Stauffer, who died January 15, 1898, at the age 
of ninety-four years; she passed from earth De- 
cember 31, 1897. George, born May, 1806, 
died September, 1865, near Ravenna, Ohio. 
Elizabeth, born 1808. Henry, born February 
3, 181 1, died February 6, 1884. David, born 
January 25, 1818, a resident of Boalsburg. Dan- 
iel, born August 15, 1825, who lives at Warren, 
Ohio. 

Jacob Keller (3) was born January 28, 1803, 
and became a weaver by trade, later engaging in 
agriculture. He was married December 15, 
1826, to Miss Christina Dinges, a native of Cen- 
tre county, born in Penn township April 22, 
1807. Their union was broken by the death of 
the husband February 10 (or March ? ), 1848, and 
she did not long survive him, her death occur- 
ring November 25, 1850. Our subject is now the 
only living member of a family of seven children, 
the names with dates of birth and death of the 
others being as follows: Samuel, May 16, 1828 
— October 5, 1875, a farmer in Centre county, 
and married to Elizabeth Wright; Andrew, Feb- 
ruary 1, 1831 — December 8, 1 88 1, a laborer, 
married to Sarah Bubb; Catherine, March 16, 
1833 — December 28, 1890, married to John 
Moyer, of Potter township, Centre county; Eliza- 
beth .February 11, 18 — , lived only twenty days; 
Christina, September 13, 1838 — August23, 1881, 
was the wife of Isaac Gift; Lydia, July 6, 1845 — 
June 18, 1893. 

Daniel C. Keller who is the sixth in the order 
of birth, was born July 18, 1841, and was reared 
at the old farm in Potter township, receiving but 
meagre educational advantages. He remained 
at home until his marriage, December 23, 1862, 
to Miss Julia A. Stump, who was born in Snyder 
county, June 8, 1844. Her father, William 
Stump, is now living in Virginia; her mother died 
in 1865. For three years following his marriage 
Mr. Keller conducted a hotel at Milroy, Mifflin 
county, and he spent one year in farming, and man- 
aging a hotel at Centre Hall. He then became in- 
terested in dealing in implements, and in the cat- 
tle business, and remained at Centre Hall until 



[04 



OOMMEMOBATIVB lilimUAl'IUCAL HECORD. 



1881, when he was elected county treasurer, and 
moved to Hellefonte. He entered upon the 
duties of his office January i, 1882, and served 
three years, returning to Pottei township at the 
close of his term, and erecting one of the finest 
lences in that section Farming and dealing 
in stock occupied his time while there, but in 
[883 he sold his farm and moved to Turbotville, 
Northumberland Co . Penn., to take charge of 
the "Union Hotel," which he gave up later for» 
his present business at Bellefonte. Success has 
attended his efforts in these various lines, and he 
is one of the substantial citizens. He still owns 
valuable property at Centre Hall, and during Ins 
residence there he for several years held the 
office of justice of the peace. In political faith 
In- in a Democrat, and tl genial nature 

which has 50 materially aided him to success in 

the hotel business has given him great influence 

in local affairs Like his ancestors, he belongs 
to the Reformed Chinch, and In- is also a mem- 
ber of the Masonic order, having been one of 
the nine charter members of the Old Fort I .< »d 

Mi and Mrs Keller have had four children, of 
whom two are deceased: Jacob \\ . , who was 
born January 29, 1804, died January 12, 1 866, 

and James 1)., born August 11, 1868, died Janu- 
ary 20, 1872; those living are: John R. , born 
October 14, 1871, and Mary A , born August mi. 
1875. both at home. 



QAMUlil. T. GRAY, of Patton township, one 
'O of the substantial and prominent citizens of 
Centre county, descended from ancestors who 
came to what is now the county, upward of one 
hundred years ago Peter Gray (I), from Fred- 
erick Co., Md., came to what was then known as 
the Half Moon country in 17SS, and was assessed 
and regarded as belonging to Franklin township, 
Huntingdon county. Accompanying the Grays 
was the Hartsock family from the same place, 
and these families became the earliest settlers of 
Patton township of which there is any record. 
From this Peter Gray has descended the many 
families of Gray in this section of Pennsylvania, 
a number of whom have never moved very far 
away from the lands he first occupied, and repre- 
sentatives of these families are found occupying 
honorable and useful stations in the various call- 
ings of life. 

John Gray, one of the sons ol Peter Gray (I), 
and the one from which Samuel T. descended, 
was born in 1707 and died in 1848; he married 
Catherine, a daughter of Conrad Hartsock, the 
head of the first family of the name to settle 
here; she died in 1847. Their children were: 



ibeth, married to Jonas Stine; Catherine, 
married to Samuel Stine; John (2), married to 
Mary Mattern; Samuel P., married to Sarah 
Gray; Barbara, married to George Mattern. 

th, married to Franklin Johnson; Susanna, 
married to Robert Blakely; Hannah, married to 
David McKinney; Eve, married to John Cham- 
bers; Isaac, married to Catherine Mattern; and 
Mary, married (first) to Thomas Shivery, and 

»nd to John Mattern. It will be observed 
that lour of these children married Matterns, 
and of the same family, so that their children 
were doubly related. The children of John (ir. i_\ 

1 iid Mary Mattern were: Samuel T. is our 
subject; Catherine married James Love; John C. 
married Rebecca Lias; Miles D. married Anna 
Wilson, and died in 1884; Isaac married Sarah 
Liggett, and died in 1889; George died aged 
twenty-one years; Elizabeth married James Ebbs 
(deceased); Mary married George Thompson (de- 
ceased); Harriet married Capt. William C. Dale, 
of Harrisburg, and Margaret married A. C. 
Hutchinson. The parents of these children died, 
the father in 1856, in his fifty-seventh year, and 
the mother in November, 1871, in her seventy- 
third year. 

Samuel T. Gray, the subject of this sketch, 
was bom July 24, 1S24, in Patton township, 
where his father and grandfather before him had 
lived, and within sight of his present home, where 
he has resided for forty-five years past. Like the 
sons of the general farmer, he received such edu- 
cational privileges as the schools of the neighbor- 
hood afforded, John W. Bowen and Reuben H. 
Meek being among his early teachers. He re- 
mained at home until his marriage in 1852, when 
he came to his present farm and began life for 
himself. This farm comprises some three hun- 
dred acres of land, much of which he has cleared 
and improved himself; it is well watered and lies 
beautifully; on it are large and commodious 
buildings, both barn and dwelling, and in goodly 
shape, presenting an inviting appearance — indic- 
ative of the careful and tasteful farmer that Mr. 
Gray is. The barn was built in 1855, and the 
house in 1859. Through industry, economy and 
good management, Mr. Cray has accumulated a 
competency. He has given his life to the pur- 
suits of an agriculturist, and is to-day one of the 
successful farmers and substantial and influential 
men of Centre county. While in no sense an 
office-seeker, he has for years served the people 
of his township as overseer of the poor; was for 
a number 1 if years justice of the peace, and for 
six years served as auditor of Centre county, his 
teim of office expiring some three years ago. 

Samuel T. Gray's wife, whose death occurred 



« ♦ 






«» 



/ 





V 





^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



105 



June 25, 1893, was Harriet Hutchison, a daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Hutchison, of Warrior's Mark, 
Huntingdon county, Penn., in his day one of the 
most prominent men of that section of the State. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Gray were Emma, 
born in 1853, died in 1870; George H., born in 
1855, died in 1856; Mary R., born in 1854, died 
in 1859; William E., born in i860; Annie Her- 
man, born in 1863, died in 1864; Minnie W., 
born in 1865, died in 1892; Nora; Samuel E. , 
born in 1872, died in 1891. In an obituary no- 
tice of Mrs. Gray it was stated that: 

Within the last two years death has entered the home 
three times and broken the family circle. First within this 
limit, Samuel was called; then Miss Minnie, a bright and 
charming young lady who had hosts of warm friends; last, 
but not least, was the dear mother, who has always been a 
true and faithful friend and guardian to both husband and 
children, who will never forget her loving kindness and 
tender mercy. She leaves a husband and three children to 
mourn her death: W. E. Gray, Esq., one of the rising your.g 
lawyers in Bellefonte, and Misses Annie and Nora, who live 
at home. Samuel Gray, the venerable husband, is one of the 
most prosperous and highly respected farmers in Centre 
county. He is also one of the auditors of Centre county, and 
is an honest and upright man. Mrs. Gray was a Methodist, 
and was sincere and devoted to the cause of Christianity. 
She was one of those Christians who live by faith and not by 
sight, letting her " light so shine that men might see her good 
works and glorify her Father in Heaven." She had a kind 
heart and was always trying to do some kindness. 

Mr. Gray has for many years been identified 

with the M. E. Church, having served as trustee 

and steward. In politics he is a Republican as 

was his father before him. 



[ON. WILLIAM E. GRAY, who has just re- 
tired from the office of Burgess of Belle- 
fonte, is a prominent member of the Centre 
County Bar, and one of the most active and 
popular members of the Republican party of his 
locality. A deep thinker and a thorough student, 
his success in legal lines has been won by sound 
logic, his speeches always possessing the rhetori- 
cal graces of the orator that he is, and the energy 
with which he carries out any project marks him 
a leader of men. 

Born June 14, i860, he has the best part of 
his life yet before him, and his friends predict for 
him, with reason, a brilliant future. He is the 
son of Samuel T. and Harriet N. (Hutchison) 
Gray. His early life was passed at the old farm 
in Patton township, the district schools of the 
neighborhood furnishing him educational facilities 
until at eighteen he entered the preparatory de- 
partment of Pennsylvania State College, where 
in 1883, after a five-years' course, he was gradu- 
ated with the degree of B. S. In 1882 he took 
the junior oratorical class prize at the contest in 
oratory. Subsequently he took the degree of M. 
S. After his graduation he spent two years in 



teaching school, the summers being devoted to 
the study of law with Messrs. Hastings & Reed- 
er. He then entered the Law School, at Albany, 
N. Y., and in May, 1886, graduated from that 
institution, receiving the degree of LL. B. At 
the commencement exercises he was one of the 
four orators chosen, and the only one from Penn- 
sylvania. On August 23rd, of the same year, he 
was admitted to the Bar in his native county, and 
has since been successfully engaged in general 
practice. In 1894, he was elected Burgess of 
Bellefonte for a term of three years, and in Jan- 
uary, 1895, he was elected chairman of the Re- 
publican County Committee, to which position he 
was re-elected in August, 1895, and again in 
June, 1896, and in August, 1897, he was again 
re-elected Republican County Chairman, his pres- 
ent term extending until January 1, 1899. The 
following extracts from the press evidence his 
growth as a young attorney and citizen: 

W. E. Gray is an orator and makes an eloquent as well 
as argumentative address before a jury or audience. He is 
true to his client in every detail, and is bound to succeed in 
his chosen profession. For the brief practice he has had, Mr. 
Gray has built up a reputation far better and more promi- 
nent than the average attorney of his age and experi- 
ence. He has made a big success in the quarter sessions, 
where he is employed more frequently than any young at- 
torney at the Bar. 

Mr. Gray has proven himself a worthy chieftain of the 
rapidly advancing Republican ranks, wide-awake, cautious, 
quick to perceive, and ready to act, combining all the ele- 
ments of a first-class leader and safe counselor. The in- 



terests of the Republican party of Centre county are safe in 

fair fiel " 
to win. 



his hands, and in a 



leld and a fair fight we are bound 



W. E. Gray is one of our rising young lawyers, and is a 
young man who would fill the office with dignity, and to the 
best interests of the people. A Burgess of a town ought to 
be a lawyer, and a man who knows how to dispense law. 

The next office of importance that expires this year is 
that of Burgess. W. E. Gray, Esq., has acquitted himself 
manfully during the last three years as chief magistrate of 
the borough, and, although he has to step down and out, he 
has made one of the best officers that we have had for years. 

On October 2, 1889, Mr. Gray was united in 
marriage with Miss Ellen Green, who was born 
at Barre Forge, Huntingdon Co., Penn., Sep- 
tember 21, 1862; in 1874 she removed with her 
father's family to Patton township. Centre county. 
She was educated in the public schools in that 
locality and in the academy at Bellefonte. She 
is the daughter of G. Dorsey and Mary Gregg 
Green. One son, Samuel Hutchison Gray, 
born September 3, 1893, has brightened their 
pleasant home. 



DvANIEL GARMAN, of Bellefonte, Centre 
_J county, proprietor of the "Hotel Garman" 
and of the handsome opera house in the same 
block, has been for many years one of the sub- 
stantial business men of that charming town. 



106 



- OMMBJIORATIVE BIOQRAPBICAL RECORD. 



While achieving success as a Boniface he has 
been no less fortunate in other lines, and notably 
so as the owner of extensive livery barns and as 
a dealer in horses. Although he has of late 
delegated the active work to Ins SODS, who - 
to have inherited his capacity for business, he 
has by ii" means lost his influence and prestige 
in financial circl' 

Daniel Garman is a Pennsylvanian by birth, 
having been born near Hamsburg, Dauphin 
county, February 12, 1820. His parents, George 
and Rebecca (Betzer) Garman, were both born 
and reared near Lancaster, Penn., but moved in 
1806, shortly after their marriage, to Dauphin 
county. The father operated a distillery in con- 
nection with his agricultural pursuits, and pros- 
pered si 1 u ell that at the time of his death, which 
occurred when he was fifty eight years old, he 
owned three good farms. In politics he was a 
Democrat, and in religious faith he was a Luth- 
eran. The mother lived to the age of sixty-two 

rs, and, of eleven children, nine — seven sons 
and two daughters — lived to adult 

Our subject, the fifth child in order of birth, 
grew to manhood at the old home, and at twenty- 
three started out to seek his fortune, locating 
first at Jersey Shore, Penn., where he learned the 
jeweler's trade, and was lor three years in that 
business with his brother. He also began there 
his career as a liveryman, which now dates back 
over forty-six years. In 1856 he went to Lock 
Haven, Penn.', and opened a jewelrj store and 
livery stable, and engaged in the buying and sell- 
ing of horses. In 1857, while there, he was 
married to Miss Louisa Schroyer, who was born 
at Milton. Northumberland Co , Penn., in 1834, 
and in 1 Sod he moved to Bellefonte. A large 
stoi k ot horses which he bought at that time en- 
abled him to establish himself in a profitable 
business at once; m [861 he purchased a hotel, 
and has evei since been 1 onnected with that line. 
His present hotel and opera house wen built in 
[880, and Ins residence and barn in 1SS7. 

In 1886, Ins pleasant home was darkened by 
the death of his faithful partner in the joys and 
sorrows of life. Nine children ot this happy 
union survive: 1) Edward is a merchant at 
llefonte. (21 Alien S., whowas bom in Belle- 
fonte, March 3, i860, took in the high 

"ml. and then learned the harness maker's 
trade, which he followed tor time years. In 
[890, as lus father desired to be released from 
active business, Allen S. Garman assumed the 
management <>f the hotel and opera house, which 
he still conducts in partnership with his broil 
< arney M. and Charles B. Allen S. is alert and 
intelligent, and finds time, notwithstanding his 



business cares, to take an influential share in the 
work of the local Democratic organization, and 
in public affairs generally. On all questions of 
the day he keeps well informed, and in discus- 
sion he is amply qualified to hold his own ground. 
(3) Ira D. Garman, third son of our subject, is a 
jeweler in Philadelphia, Penn. (4) Minnie mar- 
ried Isaac Matland, of Williamsport, Penn (51 
I Canny M. is a partner in the hotel and opera 
house management. (6) William is a clerk in 
the post office at Bellefonte. <7) Charles B. is 
one of the partners in his father's business. (8) 
Rebe married Charles Cruse, of Bellefonte. (9) 
Robert is a jeweler at Coatesville, Chester Co., 
vlvania. 
Darnel Garman in his younger life took an 
active part in politics, and served in the borough 
council and on the school board. He has been 
a Master Mason for forty-six years, and forthirty- 
five years has been identified with the Lpiscopal 
Church. 



J'olIN WAGNER, of Bellefonte. The salu- 
brious air of this mountain region is favora- 
ble to longevity, and the subject of this sketch, 
a hale and hearty citizen of ninety years, is evi- 
dence of the fact if any doubter were lo be found. 
With his stalwart frame, six feet in height, his 
healthy complexion, Roman nose and intelligent 
eyes of bluish gray, Mr. Wagner is a line speci- 
men of manhood, and hi-- vigor makes one think 
ol the times long past when three-score years and 
ten were not the ordinary limit of mortal exist- 
ence. 

Mi. Wagner is a son of the Keystone Mate, 
having first seen the light in Northumberland 
county November 9, 1806. His lather. John 
Wagner, was born in Berks county. Penn.. in 
1773, and died m 1S50, and the mother, whose 
maiden name was 1 atherine Kuntzman, was 
called bom earth at the age of sixty-seven years. 
I he grandfathers on both sides were soldiers in 
the Revolutionary army, and Grandfather V. 
ner was taken prisoner by the British and placed 
with others upon an island, where he died of starv- 
ation. An uncle who was with him survived the 
hardships, and returned home to tell the son 
ful story. Our subject's father saw the martyr 
to the cause lom for the last time when 

the I lessians went into camp near Reading, Penn- 
sylvania, 

John Wagner, Sr., was a weaver by trade, 
but later became mtc rested in agriculture, which 
he followed during the remainder of his life. In 
1S12 he moved to Haines township. Centre 
county, where he made his permanent home, and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



107 



until his death he was a prominent member of 
the German Reformed Church there. 

The personal history of the subject of this 
sketch is most interesting, as his reminiscences 
cover incidents which seem far removed from this 
generation. He remembers seeing soldiers dur- 
ing the war of 1812, and his experiences in help- 
ing upon the farm with the primitive methods of 
that day would reconcile the modern farmer's boy 
to his lot, as Mr. Wagner had to "tramp out" 
the wheat on the barn floor, and to thresh clover 
and rye with the old-fashioned flail. What 
schooling he had was obtained in the neighbor- 
hood of his home in Haines township, and in 
early manhood he settled upon a farm there. In 
1 827 he married his first wife, Miss Helen Collier, 
by whom he had two children: (1) Katharine 
E. married Daniel Gathagan, and had five chil- 
dren, of whom two, Julia and Webster, are liv- 
ing. (2) Peggy married William Harmon, and 
both are now deceased; their children are: John 
(who lives in the country), Clark and Belle. 
Mrs. Helen Wagner died in 1828, and Mr. Wag- 
ner afterward wedded Miss Sallie Weisser, born 
in June, 1816. By the last marriage there were 
four children: (1) Emetine, who married Mr. 
Hess, and has six children; (2) Sue, the wife of 
Adam Wagner, of Bellefonte, now retired from 
business. (3) Henry F. . who died unmarried in 
his forty-seventh year; and (4) John C, who 
when last heard from was in St. Paul, Minn. 
Mr. Wagner has lived to see his great-grandchil- 
dren and other descendants make an interesting 
group. 

In 1837 Mr. Wagner left his Haines township 
home for the vicinity of Boalsburg, and in 1859 
he established his home in Benner township, but, 
on his retirement from active work in 1868, he set- 
tled permanently in Bellefonte. He is a leading 
adherent of the Reformed Church there. In his 
political sympathies he is a Democrat, and he is 
an advocate of free silver at "16 to I." 



JC. MEYER. The reader of these memoirs 
will find the conviction borne in upon his 
mind that underlying all differences of train- 
ing and environment there lies another factor 
from which the history of each individual takes 
its bias. An ideal, a steady purpose, needed, 
and where this is found life is simplified and all 
things tend to bring about, sooner or later, the 
desired end. Truly, "where there's a will there's 
a way, "and fortunate is the man who early in 
life finds the right channel toward which to di- 
rect his energies. Among those who seem to 
have solved the problem thus, is the subject of 



this biography, now one of Bellefonte's success- 
ful attorneys. 

Mr. Meyer was born January 31, 1861, on a 
farm cailed Pleasant View, lying south of Aarons- 
burg. The family is numerously represented in 
this section, and a sketch prepared by Hon. 
Henry Meyer, of Centre county, the author of 
"the Genealogy of the Meyer Family," will be 
found elsewhere in this volume. The first of the 
line to settle in this State was Henry Meyer, who 
came from the Palatinate, Prussia, with his wife 
and several children, and located in Lebanon 
county. His son Christopher had a son George, 
who had a son Jacob G, the father of our sub- 
ject. Jacob G. Meyer was born near Camp- 
belltown, Penn., October 16, 1824, and was 
twice married, first to Henrietta Christina Furst, 
our subject's mother, and second to Lydia A. 
Dutweiler (nee Strohm). Jacob G. Meyer set- 
tled near Aaronsburg in early manhood, and 
cleared the farm now known as " Pleasant View," 
but in October, 1865, moved to the town to en- 
gage in general mercantile business. At the 
time of his removal our subject was about four 
years old, and from his sixth to his twelfth year 
he attended the public schools of Aaronsburg. 
He then entered the employ of B. F. Phillips, in 
a general store at that place, and remained two 
years, but his inclination for study was too strong 
to be suppressed, and he determined to prepare 
for college under the tuition of Prof. D. Mj 
Wolfe, of Penn Hall. To carry out this plan ha 
walked five miles each Monday morning and Fri- 
day night, and in 1878 he entered the sophomore 
class of Franklin and Marshall College at Lan- 
caster, Penn. In June, 1881, he was graduated 
with the degree of A. B., being chosen valedic- 
torian of his class. He desired to enter the legal 
profession, but like many others in like circum- 
stances he turned temporarily to teaching. In 
August of the same year he was elected assistant 
principal of the schools of Bellefonte, his duties 
beginning in September, and so successful was 
he in this work that when the Bellefonte High 
School was organized, in the fall of 1883, he was 
chosen principal. The first class was graduated 
under his charge in June, 1884, and his career as 
an educator promised to be a most brilliant one; 
but he had been spending his spare time in prep- 
aration for his profession, reading for the previ- 
ous year under the direction of Alexander and 
Bower, and wishing to give his entire time to 
this work he resigned at the close of the school 
year. Devoting his attention to his books, he 
soon completed his course of reading, and was 
admitted to the Bar, December 24, 1884. He 
began to practice in partnership with Judge 



108 



COMMEMOHA LIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RBOOBD. 



Adam Hoy, and secured an enviable reputation 

early in Ins career. 

Being an ardent Democrat, he became prom- 
inent m political circles also; in August, (886, be 
was nominated by his party for the office of dis- 
trict attorney, being elected in November fol- 
lowing by 666 majority In [889 he was again 
chosen to the office by a majority which was just 
twice that of [886. 1 Hiring the last term he had 
a peculiar experience, there being five homicide 
trials; foi fiftj years previous, there had not been 
a case of that nature. Of the five offenders, two 
received the extreme penalty of the law. and the 
others were convicted in lesser degrees. In 1 
Mr Meyer was given the unanimous support of 
the Democratic party in his county for the State 
Senate, but as Centre county had furnished the 
last represeutatn e the nomination fell to Clear- 
field county. In municipal affairs Mi Meyer 
has also been active, and in [893 he was elected 
burgess oi Bellefonte. overcoming an adverse ma- 
jority of 120. He is now giving his attention 
exclusively to his legal practice, which has as- 
sumed handsome proportions. 

In 1887 Mr. Meyer married Miss Lizzii S 
Ml Almont, who was born near Jacksonville, Cen- 
tre county, February 14, 1865. One daughter, 
Edna E., blesses this union Mr. Meyer and his 
accomplished wife are popular socially, and 
although he belongs to the Reformed Church 
they have for four years past been members of 
the choir of the Presbyterian Church. Socially 
Mr. Meyer has been identified with the I. O. O. 
F. for four years, and has passed the chairs in the 
Encampment. At present he is a member of the 
board of directors of the Odd Fellows' Orphans' 
Home at Sunburv 



THOMAS RENICK HAYES, M. D . of Belle- 
fonte, Centre county, is of Revolutionary 
stock, and of ancestry that is of the hardy and 
sturdy Irish race, which so early came to the 
Susquehanna country and played so important a 
part in the development of that country and so- 
ciety 

In the old Derry churchyard, in Dauphin 
c»unty, rest the remains oi Patrick Hayes and 
wife. He was a native of Ireland, born in 
t ount) Donegal in 1705, and in 1725 came to 
America and located in what is now Derry town- 
ship, Dauphin county. The records of the war- 
rantees of lands in that township show that Jan- 
uary 10. 1737, he became warrantee to ^00 acres 
of land. His death occurred Januarj ;i. 1 
Robert, their second sen. was born in 1733, and 



in 1 7' >2 married Margaret \\ ray. of Derry town- 
ship. John Hayes, eldest son of Robert, became 
deputy surveyor of Northumberland county, and 
later of Union county Many of the surveys in 
CCntre county were made by him as a deputy- 
surveyor of Northumberland county. His birth 
occurred in 1765, and in 1786 he came to Buffalo 
Valley, in what subsequently became Union 
county. In 1796 he married Margaret Gray, a 
daughter of Capt. William Gray, of the Revolu- 
tion [Capt. Gray, as a lieutenant, was prisoner 
from August 27, 1776, to Decembers, 1776; he 

I at Sunbury, July 18, 1804, at the age of 
fifty-four], and resided on the river just above 
the town of Lewisburg. Robert Hayes, in 1 790, 
bought the old Andrew Forster farm, located 
above Mifflinburg, which at his death was pur- 
chased 1>\ his son [ohn. The latter died May 
16, 1844; his children were: Robert Goodlow 
Harper. Nancy, David, Samuel, Joseph, Will- 
iam, Margaret, Anne and James; of whom the 
first named was the father of the subject of this 
sketch. 

Robert Goodlow Harper Hayes was born 111 
1797, and December 27, 1827, was married to 
Esther Renick Forster. He resided on the old 
home of his grandfather and father, where he 
died May 2, 1854. His wife's death occurred 
August 2, 1856. He had been an elder in the 
Presbyterian Church nineteen years. 

Dr. Thomas Renick Hayes received his edu- 
cation at Academia, in Juniata county, under 
Prof. J. H. Shumaker, and at Lafayette College. 
In 1 864 he was graduated from the Chicago Med- 
ical College, then practiced some years at Ocon- 
omowoc, Wis., successfully. In 1870 he located 
in practice at Bellefonte. In 1876 he assisted 
in organising the Centre County Medical Society, 
of which he became an original member, and of 
which he has served as president. He has served 
as vice-president of the Pennsylvania State Med- 
ical Society. Dr. Hayes is the author of the 
"Medical History of Centre County. " Hestands 
deservedly high in his profession. As a citizen 
he has contributed substantially to the interests 
of his adopted city in the erection of elegant 
dwellings. He has served in various positions; 
has been director of the First National Bank, 
and of the Bellefonte Building and Loan Asso- 
ciation. 

Dr. Hayes, on December 28, 1871, was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah B., daughter of Hon. H. N. 
McAllister (deceased), formerly of Bellefonte. 
Adhering to the faith of his ancestors for many 
generations back, he is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, active and zealous for its pros- 
perity. 





^^A 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



109 



T^HE POTTERS of Centre county. A. Boyd 
Hamilton, late of Harrisburg, Penn., says 
that John Potter, the first American ancestor of 
the Potter family, was a native of Tyrone, Ire- 
land, of Scotch parentage, born about the year 
1705. He immigrated with his family to Amer- 
ica in 1741, aboard the good ship Dunnegal, 
landing at New Castle, Delaware, in September 
of that year. He removed west of the river as 
early as 1746, and settled in Antrim township 
(now Franklin county), near Greencastle. In the 
early French war of 1747-48, he was in the serv- 
ice as a first lieutenant, and took an active part 
in the Indian war following Braddock's defeat. 
On the erection of Cumberland county, in 1750, 
he, on October 6th of that year, was commis- 
sioned its first sheriff, and again commissioned 
sheriff in 1753. On February 17, 1756. he was 
commissioned a captain in the Second Pennsyl- 
vania Battalion, and accompanied Col. Arm- 
strong's expedition against Kittanning September 
7, 1756. He died about 1758. His children 
were: James, who was a general in the Army 
of the Revolution, Thomas, who was killed by 
the Indians, Samuel, Margaret Annie, Catherine, 
Mary, Hannah and Isabella. 

Gen. James Potter, son of John Potter, ac- 
cording to Mr. Hamilton, and Hon. John B. Linn, 
in his "Annals of Buffalo Valley" and "History 
of Centre County," was born on the bank of the 
river Foyle, Tyrone, Ireland, in 1729, and was 
twelve years old when his father landed at New 
Castle in 1 741 . He was commissioned ensign in 
a company of which his father was captain, in 
Lieut. -Col. John Armstrong's battalion, and 
served as such in Armstrong's expedition against 
Kittanning September 7, 1756, and was wounded 
in the attack. On October 23, 1757, he was 
commissioned lieutenant of the second battalion, 
and February 17, 1759, he was promoted to 
captain. On October 2, 1764, he was command- 
ant of three companies on the northern frontiers. 
On July 27. 1764, he was in command of a com- 
pany which pursued the Indians who had killed 
a school master, named Brown, and his ten 
scholars, near the present site of Greencastle, 
Penn., and Capt. Potter was the first white man 
to enter Penn's Valley. 

Chief Justice Tilghman says: "Capt. James 
Potter was a man of a strong and penetrating 
mind, and one to whom early habits as an officer 
of the British provincial army, engaged in the 
defense of the frontier, rendered a life of peril, 
toil and enterprise familiar." He conceived the 
natural idea that, inclosed by the range of moun- 
tains which on every side met his view on his re- 
turn from Kittanning, there must be a fine coun- 



try beyond, and on being ordered to Fort Au- 
gusta, his idea of a fine country to be discovered 
returned to him. Having obtained leave of 
absence, he set off with one attendant, passing 
up the West branch to the mouth of Bald Eagle 
creek, then passing up Bald Eagle creek to the 
place where Spring creek enters it, they took to 
the mountains, and having reached the top of 
Nittany mountain, Capt. Potter, seeing the 
prairies and noble forest beneath him, cried out 
to his attendant: "By Heavens Thompson I 
have discovered an empire." Immediately de- 
scending into the plain, they came to a spring at 
a place which was in after days of some distinc- 
tion, and known by the appellation of "Old 
Fort." Here they found themselves out of pro- 
visions, and for two days and as many nights the 
fiesh scraped from a dried beaver's skin was their 
only subsistence. From here they started to re- 
turn to Fort Augusta, and by good fortune hap- 
pened on a creek, to which they gave the name 
of John Penn's creek. Pursuing the stream, they 
arrived where provisions could be had, and finally 
reached Fort Augusta. This was in all proba- 
bility in 1759, just after the purchase of 1758, 
when Potter was at Bedford, and had been first 
promoted captain of William Thompson's com- 
pany, and that Thompson was his companion. 
He afterward returned to Penn's Valley, and in 
the spring of 1774 removed his family, and made 
the first improvement at the spring, a little north 
of where the " Old Fort Hotel " now stands on 
the turnpike in Potter township, where he built 
a log house which was fortified in 1777, and 
known as the " Upper Fort in Penn's Valley." 
He owned in this Valley, in 1782, 9,000 acres of 
land. 

On January 24, 1776, he was elected colonel 
of the Upper Battalion, and in July a member of 
the Constitutional Convention. He was in com- 
mand of a battalion of Northumberland County 
Militia at Trenton, December 26, 1776, and at 
Princeton, January 3, 1777. On April 5, 1777, 
he was appointed third brigadier-general of the 
militia of the State, and was in command of his 
brigade at Brandywine and Germantown. He 
served with great ability upon the outpost of 
Gen. Washington's army while encamped at 
Valley Forge, and by particular request of the 
State Council he remained in the field during that 
winter. The house he occupied as headquarters 
during the time he was at Valley Forge is still 
standing, and is occupied by J. Ralter Rayser. 
It stands back a hundred yards from Trout 
creek. On January 9, 1778, he obtained leave 
of absence in consequence of the condition of his 
business and the illness of Mrs. Potter, whose 



110 



( OMMEMORATIVE B10QRAPE1CAL RECORD. 



"indisposition is with me a more urgent reason 
than any other fur my return. Dunn- the sum- 
iii. i nl 1778, he was in Penn's Vallej assisting 
in repelling inroads of 1 1 1 « ■ Indians. He remained 
in Penn's Vallej as late as July. 1779, when he 
retired with the rest oi the inhabitants, and took 
his family to Middle Creek, in Sin nty. 

t )n Novi mbei [6, 1 780, w hen he bet ami 
member of the State Council, lie- still resided at 
Middle Creek. On November 14. 1781, lie was 
elected Vice-President of the State, and May 23, 
1782, he was unanimously elected major-general. 
In 17S4 he was elected a member "f the Council 
.if (.'elixirs, taking his seat July 7. 1784. Mean- 
while he hid resumed his residence on his farm 
above New Columbia, now Union county. In 
a letter dated White Deer, April -''■. 1785, he 
•-ays: " I have just come home from Philadel- 
phia, and will have t,, return, which will prevenl 
my visiting Penn's Valley at this time In that 
year he was appointed one of the deputy sur- 
veyors of the "Old Purchase." In 1786 and 
17X7 he was largely interested, with Hon. 
Timothy Pickering, in lands in the Purchase of 
17S4. and in 17X8 turned his attention to im- 
provements in Penn's Valley, erecting the first 
house at Potter's hank, and the mills there. In 
the fall of 1789 he was injured in raising a barn 
on what was lately Foster's farm, east of the 
••Old Fort," and went to Franklin county for 
the benefit of Dr. McClelland's advice, and died 
therein during the latter part of that year. 

(,,11 Potter's first wile was Elizabeth Cath- 
cart, who died near Greencastle, in Franklin 
county (then ( umberland), leaving two children: 
[ohn. who died at Middle Creek, when he was 
aged about eighteen years, and Elizabeth C, 
who was married t<> Hon James Poe, of Frank- 
lin county. Mrs. Poe died September 11. 1819, 
and Hon. James Poe on June 21, 1X22, in An- 
trim township, Franklin county. Onlj one of 
their children, ^usan M.. wife of Samuel Van- 
Tries, who died in Bellefonte, December 10, 
1XX2. aged seventy-seven years, came to Penn's 
Valley. Gen. Pottet econd wife was Mary, 
widow of Thomas Chambers, daughter of James 
and Marj Patterson, oi Fermanagh township 
mow [uniata county), and .1 sister o) Capt. 
William Patterson. The second Mi-. Potter 
died in [791 01 1792, in Penn's Valley, and is 
buried in the old Stanford or Cedar Creek grave- 
yard, near Linden Hall The children born to 
tie- second marriage were: 1 ) James is mentioned 
farther on; (2) Martha, born on the ( .moco- 
cheague, April 10, 1769. married Hon, Andrew 
Gregg; 1 }) Mary married George Kiddles, .1 mer- 
chant of Middletown, and alter his death she 



wedded William McClelland; Mary H.. her 
daughter by the first marriage, married W. H. 
Patterson ; another daughter, Eliza, married Dr. 
1I1 i; Aid, i| Lewistown, whose heirs owned 
the old Potter place in White Deer, Union 
i\ 41 Margaret, the youngest daughter, 
married Fdward Crouch, of Dauphin county. 

Judi.h James Potter, son of Gen. James 
Potter, wis Ixiin at his lather's place on Conoco- 

ague creek, Antrim township (now Franklin 
county), Julv 4. 1767, a son of the second mar- 
riage ( >n December 15, 1 7XX, he married Mary 
liter of William Brown, the first set- 
tler at Reedsville, Mifflin county, and in 1789 es- 
tablished himseli at Potters Mills. On the death 
ol his father, he acquired large land interest, and 
carried on a store, mills and distillery at that 
e, and succeeded him as deputy surveyor of 
the Sixth District in the Purchase of 1784. In 
connection with Capt. Samuel Montgomery, of 
Carlisle, he owned the site of Lewistown, and 
laid out that village in 1790. On October 2, 
[790, he was commissioned one of the judges of 
the several courts of Centre county, which office 
he held dining life. In 1807 he was appointed 
major-general of the Tenth Military District. 
fudge Potter died November 2, 1818, when he 
was aged fifty-one years; his widow, Mary Pot- 
ter, who was horn June 15, 1770, died January 
6, 1823. Their children were: James, born 
December 1, 1789; William W.; George Lati- 
mer; Mary, married to Dr. William I. Wilson; 
John; Peggy Crouch, married to Dr. Charles 
( churn; Martha Gregg, married to Abraham 
Valentine; and Andrew Gregg. 

James Potter, son of Judge James Potter, 
was born at Potters Mills, Centre county, De- 
cember 1, 1789. On December 20, 1814, he 
married Maria Wilson, daughter of Gen. William 
Wilson, and by her he had the following chil- 
dren: James. Susan (married to O. P. Duncan), 
William W.. John, Dr. George L. and Andrew 
1 .!■ gg. For his second wife, James Potter mar- 
ried Susan Irvin, widow of Thomas Duncan (de- 
ceased 1, by whom he had children as follows: 
Thomas D . Irvin \\ '., Maria .married to Dr. 
Hendricks), Annie A. (married to Dr. W. < 
Spaulding), Jacob Lex, Charles H., and Mary 
Ellen (married to Simeon H. Crane and residing 
in ( The father of these, in connection 

with his brother [ohn, was extensively engaged 
in mercantile and manufacturing business. In 
1856 he removed to Watertown, Wis., and aft- 
erward to Madison, End., where he died March 
22, 1 

William W. Potter was born at Potters 
Mills. Centre county, March 8, 1819. He at- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ill 



tended the academy of Rev. David Kirkpatrick, 
D. D. , at Milton, and later was engaged with his 
father in the mercantile and milling businesses, 
in the transaction of which he made frequent visits 
to Philadelphia on horseback. He resided, re- 
spectively, at Potters Mills, Linden Hall, Centre 
Furnace, Milesburg, Iron Works and Bellefonte, 
and at his death, July 7, 1884, he was agent for 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Co., at Bellefonte. 
He was held in high esteem by his employers and 
the community, which was manifested by the re- 
spect shown him at his death, when all places of 
business were closed during the funeral services. 
On February 6, 1844, he was married to Sarah 
Irvin, youngest daughter of John Irvin, of Lin- 
den Hall, and of their two children, John Irvin, 
the elder, who was born November 23, 1844, 
succeeded his father as agent of the Pennsylva- 
nia Railroad Co., which position he occupies at 
the present time. George Latimer Potter, the 
younger son, was born at Potters Mills, April 6, 
1847. He attended school at State College 
(Centre county), Lawrenceville (N. J.), and 
Washington and Jefferson College (Washington 
county, Penn.), but as his health failed he did 
not complete the college course. He read med- 
icine for one year, but owing to an accident by 
which his father lost an arm, he took up the lat- 
ter's work, which he continued in until 1874, 
when he was obliged to relinquish it on account 
of failing health. In 1874 he engaged in the 
insurance business, and has since made that his 
permanent work. On June 21, 1876, he was 
married to Elizabeth J. Sanderson, daughter of 
W. C. Sanderson, of Eagle Mills, Clinton county, 
and they have two daughters: Marguerite, born 
July 29, 1877; and Sarah Irvin, born March 14, 
1883. Through her mother, Mrs. Potter is a 
descendant of the famous Indian scout, Robert 
Copenhoven. The family attend the Presbyte- 
rian Church, in which Mr. Potter is an elder. 



WILLIAM F. SMITH, prothonotary of 
Centre county, and clerk of the Courts 
of Quarter Sessions and of Oyer and Terminer, 
is one of the most able and popular officials 
whom the administration of county affairs has 
called to Bellefonte. Born and reared upon a 
farm in Penn township, Centre county, he has 
from youth displayed the qualities which mark 
the typical American, and, by his work as a 
teacher and farmer in early manhood, he strength- 
ened and developed those traits which have 
brought him success in a wider sphere of use- 
fulness. 

Mr. Smith is of Scotch-Irish blood, on the 



paternal side, but his ancestors crossed the ocean 
at an early date. Francis Smith, his grand- 
father, was born in Union county, Penn., but 
later settled in Penn township, Centre county, 
where he died at the age of eighty-two years. 
True to his descent, he was a forceful, independ- 
ent character, and as an Old-time Democrat 
never hesitated to declare his convictions. The 
late John B. Smith, our subject's father, was a 
native of Centre county, having first seen the 
light in Penn township, October 3, 1824. He 
was a blacksmith by trade, and made his home 
at Millheim, where he departed this life October 
18, 1892, leaving an honored memory as an up- 
right man and faithful citizen. His widow, Mrs. 
Amelia Gilbert Smith, who was born in Snyder 
county, Penn., January 8, 1830, survives him 
and resides at Millheim. 

William F. Smith, the only child of his par- 
ents, was born February 3, 1851, and the district 
schools at Millheim furnished him an elementary 
education. Not content with that, he sought 
wider opportunities, walking a long distance 
morning and evening during three successive 
terms to attend Penn Hall Academy, and later 
he studied at Aaronsburg Academy, two miles 
distant. The County Normal School at Rebers- 
burg, where he spent two terms, gave him special 
training for the work of teaching, and this call- 
ing he followed successfully for fourteen winters 
in succession. As indisputable evidence of his 
ability in this line we may mention that his work 
was done in his native township, among those 
who had no glamor of novelty to blind them in 
their criticisms, five terms being passed at Mill- 
heim Grove and eight in his home district. Dur- 
ing seven years of this time he employed his 
spare moments at the blacksmith's trade, and he 
afterward engaged in farming, which he followed 
for about ten years. He has also been in the 
life-insurance business, and has traveled over 
several States in that interest. As school director 
and assessor of his township he did good service, 
strengthening public confidence in his ability, and 
when he was nominated for the office of prothon- 
otary by the Democrats in the fall of 1892, he 
was elected by a majority of 805. He was in- 
stalled January 1, 1893, and so well did he per- 
form his duties that he was renominated by ac- 
clamation at the close of the term, and again 
elected. 

Mr. Smith married Miss Margaret E. Kim- 
port, who was born in Harris township, Centre 
county, September 19, 1850. They have one 
daughter living, Anna M. Smith, Another, 
Mary I., passed from earth at the age of one 
year and eight months. 



112 



COMMKMOHATIVK !110<i liAl'll 1<A I RBOOBD. 



JOHN T. JOHNSTON, late a venerable citi- 
zen of Bellefonte, Centre county, in the pub- 
lic affairs of which city he figured promi- 
nently for upward of a third of a century, and 
who at the tunc ol his death was chief clerk in the 
Department of Internal Affairs at Harrisburg, 
Penn . was a native of Centre county, born in the 
village of Pine Grove Mills, October 20. 1829. 

John and Charlotte Johnston, his parents, 
were natives of Pennsylvania, born, the former 
on November 12, 1790, and the latter on Febru- 
ary 14, [801. To them were born five children, 
of win mi our subject was the youngest. The par- 
ents during the latter's infancy moved to the 
headwaters of Spruce creek, now known as Rock 
Springs, where the mother died [uly 9, [832. 
About 1835 the father moved to Bellefonte, 
where he engaged in the mercantile business. 111 
which he continued until his death, which oc- 
curred October 13, 1839. 

John T. Johnston received his education at 
the common schools and academy at Bellefonte. 
His mother dying when he was but an infant, 
and his lather when he was ten years of age, he 
was thus left an orphan early in boyhood to be- 
gin alone the battle of life, the greater part of 
which struggle took place in Bellefonte, where, 
later, his victories were achieved, and where his 
every vote had been cast. At the age of fifteen 
he entered the office of the Democratic Whig, 
then published by John K. Shoemaker, for the 
purpose of learning the art of printing, and in 
the spring of 1851 he became a partner with Mr. 
Shoemaker in the publication of that paper. He 
entered politics as a Whig, and was the last 
chairman that that party ever had in Centre 
county. During the years of (854-55, he took 
an active part with the American or Know-noth- 
ing party, and in 1856 espoused the cause of the 
Republican party, advocating through the col- 
umns of his paper the election of Fremont and 
Dayton, the first candidates of that party for 
President and Vice-President, respectively, of the 
United States. He was chosen chairman of the 
Republican Committee of the county eight tunes, 
and was also very active, zealous and consistent 
in the support of the principles of his party, and 
its candidates, although he never "hunted with 
a brass band." In the winter of 1855 he was ap- 
pointed to a clerkship in the State Department 
at Ilarrisburg. under the administration of Gov 
James Pollock. After serving several months In- 
resigned and returned to Bellefonte, when he 
took sole charge of the Whig, which he con- 
tinued to publish until June, 1858. He was 
clerk to the town council of Bellefonte for a 
number of years, and was president of the school 



board two years During the years 1859 60 he 
served as clerk to the commissioners of the 
county, and in the fall of the latter year was 
elected prothonotary, being the first and only 
Republican ever chosen to that office in the 
county. During the session of 1866 he served 
as a transcribing clerk in the Senate at Harris- 
burg, and in the years 1867-68 he filled the posi- 
tion of chief clerk in the Internal Revenue office 
ol the then Eighteenth District of Pennsylvania. 
In the spring of 1869 he was appointed post- 
master at Bellefonte. and served in that capacit} 
until July 1, 1885 — a period of over sixteen 
years. In May, 1887, he was appointed railroad 
clerk in the Department of Internal Affairs at 
Harrisburg, and entered upon the duties of that 
position on June 1 of that year. One of the 
Bellefonte papers, referring to the death of Mr. 
Johnston, said: "In all the different positions 
of honor and emolument held by Mr. Johnston, 
covering more than a third of a century, it can 
be truthfully stated that he performed his whole 
duty intelligently, honestly, faithfully and well. 
He could always be relied upon, was never 
weighed in the balance and found wanting." 

On February 10. 1 X 52, oursubject was married 
to Miss Mary A. McKinney, a most estimable 
lady, who was a resident of Bellefonte, and al- 
though at times she and her husband were called 
upon to beartheir share of the vicissitudes of life 
— its afflictions and sorrows — their union proved 
an entirely happy one. Six children were born to 
this marriage, namely: Edward C who died 
whenfour years of age; AugustusC. , who died in in- 
fancy; Eliza F. . who is now Mrs. Roland Kelly, of 
Beaver Falls, Penn. ; Finley E. , who married Kate 
Kellond, resides at Hastings, Mich., and has two 
children — Edward and Lida M. ; George B . who 
married Lillie Aikens, resides at Beaver Falls, 
Penn., and has two children — Jennette A. and 
Mary Ann; and Harry I'.., an electrician, who 
married Sadie J. Walker, of Bellefonte, who died 
June 19, 1897. 

Mrs. Johnson, the widow of our subject, is 
the daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Flack) McKin- 
ney, and was bom at Bellefonte, Penn., her fa- 
ther being of Scotch descent and her mother of 
Irish parentage, The mother died at the home 
ol Mrs. Johnston in Bellefonte in 18X5, the fathei 
having died when Mrs Johnston was a child of 
ten years. 1I<- l>ft four children, namely: Nam j 
J. married Edward McBride, and died at James- 
town, N. Y.. leaving seven children; John is a 
farmer, married, has four children, and resides 
in Texas; Samuel, a tailor by trade, died at Al- 
toona unmarried: and Mrs. Johnston, who was 
the second child in the order of birth. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



115 



H ( 



TON. LEONARD RHONE. "Life," says a 
well-known writer, "is meaningless unless 
it is universal and coherent. " It is in a helpful 
relation to our time, a sympathetic union with 
the surrounding current of thought, feeling and 
purpose, that we can realize the worth of our 
own identity. To consciously ally one's self 
with any of the mighty movements that are shap- 
ing the future, is to invest life with new dignity 
and power. The present is a time of combina-- 
tions for varied aims, for man sees more and 
more clearly his weakness, as an individual as 
compared with his strength in union with others. 
One of the most significant and hopeful signs 
of the times is the awakening in that large body of 
hitherto isolated workers, the agriculturists, of 
this desire for united effort for their mutual good. 
The organization known as the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry is already a power in the nation, and if 
its force is wisely directed and energetically ap- 
plied the results must be momentous. 

In the subject of this biography, who has 
been for seventeen years the master of the Penn- 
sylvania State Grange, the farmers of this State 
have found a progressive, yet cautious, leader. 
He is prominent also in the National Grange, in 
which he is chairman of the executive commit- 
tee, and he has attended every annual meeting 
since 1880. His work in originating the Grange 
picnic and exhibition at Centre Hall, which meets 
annually in September, and lasts one week, has 
produced great and lasting benefit to the order. 
Every year sees an increase in attendance and 
exhibitions, and the opportunity for conference 
among the farmers is prized more and more. 

Mr. Rhone was born at the Rhone homestead 
near Centre Hall, July 21, 1838, and was mainly 
educated at the old Fairfield school in that vi- 
cinity. In 1857-58,. he attended Kishacoquillas 
Seminary one year, but it is to his own observa- 
tion and private reading that his wide range of 
information is due. In the winter of 1858-59 
he taught the Tusseyville school. Reared as a 
farmer boy, and later engaging in agriculture as 
an occupation, he has always been in complete 
sympathy with the tillers of the soil, and his at- 
tention was early attracted to the need of union 
among them for mutual instruction and informa- 
tion, and definite work for desired ends. From 
the organization of the Patrons of Husbandry he 
has always been an active member. His first 
official position was connected with the State 
society, but he was elected master of Pomona 
Grange of Centre county in 1875, re-elected five 
times, and in 1877 was chosen master of Centre 
Hall Grange. In April, 1874, he was appointed 
first deputy of the county by the then master of 



the State Grange, and this position he held until 
1878, when he was elected overseer of the State 
Grange, and two years later was elected to his 
present post. In the latter year he was elected 
trustee of State College, and nominated by the 
Greenbackers to the Legislature, but the latter 
honor was declined, as was a similar nomination 
in 1882. In that year he served as a delegate to 
the National Convention of Agriculture under ap- 
pointment by Gov. Hoyt, and later he was named 
byGov. Hastings as a member of the State Board 
of Agriculture. In 1885 the Democrats nomin- 
ated him for the Legislature, and the special is- 
sues of that time overcoming his disinclination 
for political life, he accepted, was elected, and 
in 1887 became his own successor. 

Mr. Rhone owns 215 acres of excellent land, 
and its fine condition shows that he is as strong 
in practice as in theory. In 1864 he was married 
to Miss Mary Margaret Sankey, daughter of the 
late James Sankey, Esq., of Potters Mills, and 
their union has been blessed with two clever and 
attractive daughters: Miss Mae V., a graduate of 
the seminary at Lutherville, Md., is now chief 
clerk in the Department of Zoology of Pennsyl- 
vania at Harrisburg. Miss Florence S. was grad- 
uated from Lewis Academy at Wichita, Kans. , in 
1893, with first honors, and at present assists her 
father as his private secretary. The family is 
prominent socially, and Mr. Rhone is identified 
with the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall. He be- 
longs to the Lutheran Church at Tusseyville, but 
his wife is a devout Methodist in faith. 

Mr. Rhone comes of our best pioneer stock, 
as is shown by the fact that his beautiful farm 
near Centre Hall has now been owned and occu- 
pied by the Rhone family for more than a cen- 
tury. The first of the name to leave the ances- 
tral home in Hamburg, Germany, was John 
Rhone, or Rahn, our subject's great-grandfather, 
who was born in that city in 1698, during a win- 
ter so severe as to be referred to in the history of 
the Fatherland as "the cold winter." There is 
now no record of his ancestry, and nothing is 
known of his immediate relatives except that two 
brothers came to America some time after his 
emigration, one locating in the East, and the 
other in the South. 

John Rhone was a youth when he first came 
to America, and after spending a few years in 
Pennsylvania he returned to his native land, 
where he married, his bride accompanying him 
on his second voyage to the New World. At 
that time emigrants were forbidden to carry 
money out of the country, on account of some 
movement political, commercial or military, and 
in order to evade the edict our pioneer invested 



114 



OOMMBMORA T17E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his patrimony in Bibles and merchandise, which 
he brought with him. A few copies "I these 
Bibles still remain and an- cherished in the family 
as priceless heirlooms. 

On his return to Pennsylvania, John Rhone 
located in Tnlpehocken township, Berks county, 
near the Norskill Lutheran Church, where he 
followed the blacksmith's trade for many years. 
\t the close of the Revolutionary war he moved 
to Franklin county and engaged in farming. 
While there Ins first wife died, but he afterward 
re-married. He was a temperate man, a consist- 
ent Christian, and a strict Lutheran in faith. 
He died in March, 1823, at tin- extraordinary age 
of 125 years — extending over portions of three 
centuries. To the last he retained his strength 
of mind and body, and when 105 years old he 
paid a visit to his native land. His remains were 
interred at Pleasant Hall, Franklin county, with 
those of Ins wives. He had eighteen children, 
most of whom lived to maturity, and some at- 
tained great age, one daughter dying in Cumber- 
land, Md , when 103 years old. But little is 
known of the others. 

The founder of the Centre county branch "| 
the family was Michael Rhone, one of the elder 
sons of this modern pitrian li He was horn m 
Berks county, Penn., June 8, 1759, and received 
a liberal education for the time 111 the parochial 
school of the German Evangelical Church near 
his home. The Revolution was 111 progress dur- 
ing his early manhood, and his father being en- 
gaged in furnishing supplies to the army, he 
assisted in this business, often undergoing great 
danger and suffering in conveying provisions to 
camp, especially during the memorable winter at 
Valley Forge. He was of temperate habits, and 
possessed unusual strength and endurance, his 
well-proportioned frame with its powerful sinews 
seeming capable of any task. When peace was 
restored, he traveled for several years in what 
was then the " wild west.' most of the time be- 
ing spent m Pennsylvania and New York. 

In 1792 Michael Rbo loved from Berks 

tinty to Haines township, Centre county, then 
.1 part of Northumberland county, where he 
purchased a tract of land and began to cli ar it 
for a farm. For some reason he sold the place 
two years later, ami went to the present home- 
stead, winch he purchased from [acob Straub, 
September 15, 170; This place was a part of 
the first survey in that Valley, the Manor of Not- 
tingham survey, made September 23 and 24, 

1766, and the land had previously been deeded 
to Straub on June 24, 1704, by John Penn, the 
younger, and John Penn, the elder, by their at- 
torney, Anthony Butler, of Philadelphia, as 



shown by documents in the recorder's office in 
Lewis town, Penn. The deed to Michael Rhone 
was recorded at Bellefonte. 

Before leaving Berks county, Michael Rhone 
married Miss Catherine Elizabeth Wagner, who 
was burn October 24, 1769. She seems to have 
been amply endowed with physical strength and 
a spirit capable of overcoming all hardships, while 
her loresight is revealed by the fact that she car- 
ried in her pocket a package of seeds of various 
kinds, from which came, a few years later, ex- 
tensive orchards of apple, pear, peach, plum and 
cherry trees, covering about twenty acres. Many 
of these trees are still standing. When the pio- 
neers settled at their new home it was in its 
primitive state, except for a small log cabin 
covered with clapboards an insignificant stable 
and a few acres ready for tilling. The location 
was beautiful, however, and an excellent spring 
added to the attraction of the place as a resi- 
dence, modern methods of obtaining a bountiful 
supply of water being then unknown. It was 
known as the Indian spring, and bands of Red 
men frequently camped there, a "trail" running 
past it from Logan's Gap to Tussey mountain. 
I is ancient path was visible for many years 
after the aborigines left the region, and arrow- 
heads and other relics were often found near by. 

The land proved fertile, and Michael Rhone 
and his good wife found themselves, in later 
years, the owners of one of the best farms 
in all that section. In 1805 a better house was 
erected. 30x40 feet in size, with a stone founda- 
tion, and having its logs deftly notched at the 
corners. It was two stories high, with an im- 
mense fireplace on each floor, and a high stone 
chimney stood outside at either end. A barn 
was built in 1810, and about 1820 the present 
substantial and commodious barn was erected. 
Intelligent, progressive and upright, Michael 
Rhone was universally esteemed, and his home 
was the center of a generous hospitality, which 
has been continued by its later occupants. In 
August. 1 X v. his faithful wife, who had shared 
his early labors and his well-earned reward, 
passed iwaj at the age of sixty-seven, and he 
followed her on September 16, 1844, in his 
eighty-sixth year, both being interred at Tussey- 
ville. Centre county, in the cemetery of Eman- 
uel's Church (Lutheran), of which they had long 
been members. 

They had two sons — John and Jacob — and 
seven daughters, two of whom did not live to 
maturity. Anna Maria married John Sholder, 
and moved to Ohio, where they and their only 
child died. Jane married Joseph Crotzer, of 
Potter township, Centre county, and had a large 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



115 



family. Katherine married Jacob Grossman, 
and moved to Lena, 111., where several children 
survive them. Nancy married David Harshber- 
ger, near Zion, and left a numerous family. 
Elizabeth married John Rishel, of Gregg town- 
ship, Centre county. John Rhone, who was born 
in 1800, married Miss Bottorf, of Pine Grove 
Mills, and settled in Clinton county, engaging in 
lumbering and other occupations. Some of his 
descendants still reside in that county. 

Jacob Rhone, our subject's father, was born 
in September, 1807, and spent his entire life on 
the homestead. Although the local schools fur- 
nished his only educational advantages, he se- 
cured an excellent fund of knowledge by individ- 
ual effort, being a constant reader of the best 
literature. He was a leading worker in local 
affairs, always favoring beneficial enterprises, 
and was especially prominent in religious mat- 
ters as a member of the Lutheran Church, serv- 
ing as an elder for a number of years. An 
ardent Democrat, he possessed much influence 
in political affairs, and was often a delegate to 
county conventions. 

In 1846 Jacob Rhone purchased the home- 
stead from the other heirs, but on March 19, 
1853, he was suddenly called from earth, a vio- 
lent attack of typhoid pneumonia baffling the 
skill of his physician. He had just been elected 
justice of the peace, but his commission had not 
yet been signed by the governor. His wife, 
formerly Miss Sarah Karstetter, survives him, 
and in taking up the management of the estate at 
a critical time, and successfully carrying forward 
the plans for the new residence then in process 
of erection, showed remarkable sagacity and ex- 
ecutive ability. In rearing their numerous 
family to take honorable and useful places in so- 
ciety she won yet more notable distinction. 
She was born in 181 1, the daughter of Leonard 
Karstetter, who resided at the confluence of Penn 
and Pine creeks, in what is now Penn township. 
Centre county. Her twin sister is still living, and 
they are probably the oldest pair of twins to be 
found in the county, if not in the State. Mrs. 
Rhone conducted the farm until April 1, 1869, 
when it was taken in charge by our subject, who 
afterward bought out the other heirs. 

Nine children were born to Jacob and Sarah 
Rhone: (1) John W., born in 1832, died May 
15, 1894; he graduated in 1863 from the Penn- 
sylvania College of Dental Surgery, and became 
the leading dentist at Bellefonte; in 1856 he 
married Miss Caroline E. Keller, of Boalsburg, 
who survives him with one son and one daugh- 
ter. (2) Leonard is the second in order of birth. 
(3) Mary Magdalene, born in 1834, is the wife of 



William J. Dale, of Pleasant Gap, Penn. (4) 
Sarah Ann, born in 1836, married John Hess, of 
Pine Grove Mills, Penn. (5) Elizabeth Emily, 
born in 1841, married H. P. Sankey, a farmer 
near Potters Mills. (6) Margaret J., born in 
1845, is the wife of Lewis F. Mason, of Grinnell, 
Iowa. (7) Lydia A., born in 1845, died in in- 
fancy. (8) Alice, born .in 1849, married John 
W. Hixon, of Newton, Iowa. (9) Franklin died 
at the homestead at the age of nineteen. 

On June 13, 1894, the family held a centen- 
nial celebration at the old home, and a throng of 
relatives, neighbors and friends met to rejoice 
with them. An elaborate program preceded a 
bountiful dinner, which was spread under an im- 
mense tent in the handsome grounds. Some 
well-trained singers rendered appropriate selec- 
tions, and a number of speeches were made, Mr. 
Rhone welcoming the guests in a felicitous man- 
ner. H. H. Harshberger responded, and Col. 
J. F. Weaver, of Milesburg, delivered an inter- 
esting historical address, which was followed by 
an anniversary poem by Miss Emma Brewer, 
superintendent of public schools of Crum Lynne, 
Penn. At the dinner table a number of witty 
speeches were made, and the remainder of the 
day was given to social diversions and impromptu 
musical selections, Grandmother Sarah Rhone, 
despite her eighty-four years, sang in a strong 
sweet voice two stanzas of a German song. One 
of the happiest features of this delightful reunion 
was the presence among her descendants of this 
honored lady, who conversed among the guests 
all day without apparent fatigue, and all joined 
in the wish that she might live long to enjoy the 
prosperity to which her own wisdom and energy 
so largely contributed. 



JOHN O. TODD (deceased), in his lifetime a 
prominent citizen of Philipsburg, was for 
many years connected with the mining in- 
terests of Centre county, and through diligence 
and economy secured a competency which en- 
abled him to spend his declining years in ease 
and retirement. He was born in Durham, Eng- 
land, November 24, 1823, a son of John and 
Mary J. (Waistle) Todd, who were natives of 
that country, where the father died November 3, 
1823. Later the mother wedded Joseph Boothe, 
and in the fall of 1848 they came to America, 
locating at Tamaqua, Schuylkill Co., Penn., 
where they remained for three years. They 
then took took up their residence in Philipsburg, 
Centre county, where the mother died in No- 
vember, 1868, and her husband on February 23, 
1870. 



116 



roVMKMoRATIVF BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



On April 12. 1847, Mr Todd sailed for 
America, landing in New York Ma) 22 follow- 
ing. Proceeding at once to Schuylkill county. 
Penn., he there worked in the coal mines for 
three years, and then came to Philipsburg, where 
he was employed in the lumber woods and in a 
sawmill, while during the spring he rafted lumber 
on the Susquehanna river. In i860 he began 
mining for his father-in-law, and served as min- 
ing boss until 1893, when he laid aside business 
cares, and sought the enjoyment of a well-earned 
rest. A practical and skillful miner, he was well 
litted for the responsible position which lit- rilled. 

On September 14, [862, Mr. Todd married 
Miss Susannah Nuttall, and ten children graced 
their union, namely: Martha J., now the wife 
of Andrew Allport, a farmer in Virginia; JohnT., 
who is a stockholder and superintendent of mines 
near Philipsburg; Frederick C, who is also inter- 
ested in mines at the same place; Charles (de- 
ceased); Mary W. and Harry W., both at home; 
Herbert. Albert and Edna (all three deceased); 
and Ethel N., at home. Mrs. Todd was born 
July 19, 1847, in England, whence when two 
years of age she was brought to the United 
States by her parents, John and Betty Nuttall, 
natives of Lancaster, England, who located in 
New York for a few years, later in Centre 
county. 

Mr. Todd died June S, 1S97. Socially he 
affiliate. 1 with the Kuights of Pythias; politically 
he was identified with the Democratic party, 
whose principles he strongly advocated and 
whose candidates he always supported by his 
ballot. A public-spirited, progressive citizen, 
he manifested a deep interest in all that per- 
tained to the welfare of the community, where 
he found a pleasant home for so many years, 
while throughout the county lie made many warm 
friends, and his departure from their midst was 
deeply mom ned 



J I WARD, 1). I). S., one ,,t Bellefonte's 
leading dentists, has shown a rare degree of 

foresight and prudence in the choice of a 
career. It is an excellent thing for a young 
man to take account of his circumstances, abil- 
ities and inclinations, an. I make judicious choice 
of an occupation early m life, when he may bend 
his best energies t.> his self-imposed task, and 
l'r Ward's example is worthy of emulation. 

Our subject is a nativeof Centre county, born 
October 27, 1858, at Pine Grove Mills, Fergu- 
son township, where be was given good edu.a- 
tional advantages in the district schools and in the 
Pine Grove Academy. At an early age he began 



to display his characteristic energy and business 
acumen, and while still in bis "teens" began 
teaching school, which occupation he followed 
six years, then became a traveling salesman for 
an art firm, his duties taking him all over the 
United States and familiarizing him incidental!) 
with the various phases of human life. His prac- 
tical mind gleaned many lessons from his expe- 
riences and observations, and seeing the value of 
a settled location and profession, he returned to 
his native county and continued his studies for a 
time. He then took a course in the Baltimore 
Dental College, at Baltimore, Md., graduating in 
1888, and after a few months located at Belle- 
fonte, where he has built up an extensive and lu- 
crative practice. Although devoted to his pro- 
fession, he is too public-spirited to fail in any of 
the duties of a true citizen, and he is highly es- 
teemed among all classes. In his political views 
he is a Democrat. He is a member of the school 
board, elected in 1895; also one of the stewards 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church; and a mem- 
ber of the State Dental Society. On March 5, 
[890, he was united in marriage with Miss Belle 
M. Stiver, who was born in Perm's Valley, near 
Tusseyville, in 1865. Three children have 
brightened their home, of whom two, Thomas 
A. and Harold Stiver, are living. The third in 
order of birth passed away in infancy. 

The Doctor's ancestors were early settlers in 
Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Simon Ward, 
was a native of Lebanon county, born in 1802. 
and died in Centre county in 1877. By occupa- 
tion he was a merchant tailor. He married Miss 
S( Hers, and they had ten children: Lusetta, 
I ieph Simon, [ohn, Uriah, William, James K 
Polk, Albert, Washington and Jacob. Seven 

is served gallantly in the Union cause in tin 
Civil war. Two, Washington and Jacob, losttheii 
lives, and John was wounded at Gettysburg and 
had a leg amputated. Jacob died at Crab Orchard. 
and Washington, although young, had been pro- 
inote.l from private to corporal, and was killed at 
ncellorsville. 

Joseph Ward, our subject's father, was born 
in Lebanon county, Penn.. May J. 1 S j 5. and 
was brought to Centre county in his childhood 
by bis parents. He learned the carpenter's trade 
and became a house builder and cabinet maker, 
every carpenter's shop being, in those days, a 
little factory. His wife, Mary Gill, was born m 
Centre county, Mas 26, [827. Her father, Will- 
iam Gill, was a native of Bucks county. Penn., 
whence he came to this section in early man- 
I, and died at Bellefonte, November 21, 1876, 
at the age of ninety years; he was a soldier of 
the war of 1812. Our subject's parents made 



GOMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHH A J, RE( 'ORD. 



117 



their home at Pine Grove Mills, and the father 
breathed his last there August 27, 1895; the 
mother is yet living at the homestead. The) 
had the following children: (1) William Bigler, 
a carpenter at Pine Grove Mills; (2) Augusta, 
widow of Rev. Joseph King, a Methodist min- 
ister; (3) Clara, who is at home; (4) James A., 
who has for sixteen years been a successful 
teacher at Salina, Kans; (5) Lusetta, who is at 
home; (6) Joseph Edward, our subject; (7) John 
H., a resident of Centre county; (8) George W., 
a well-known teacher at Pittsburg, Penn. ; (9) 
Ira C, a dentist in Chicago, 111., at No. 1123 
N. Clark street; (10) Mary E. , with her brother 
Ira C, in Chicago. 

Mrs. Belle M. Ward is the daughter of Thomas 
and Mary (Bike) Stiver, whose children were as 
follows: Samuel L. is the principal of the Mili- 
tary Academy at Bunker Hill, 111. ; William B. 
is a physician of Freeport, 111. ; Perry O. con- 
ducts a newspaper at Freeport, 111.; Roland J. 
is a physician at Lena, 111.; Thomas J. is a phy- 
sician at Denver, Colo. ; David A. is a dentist at 
Chicago; and Margaret is at home with her mother 
at Centre, Hall, Centre Co., Penn. The father 
died about 1 S 7 1 . 



JG. IRVIN. Among the foremost families of 
Centre county the Irvin family ranks high, 
both in the business and social world. John 
and Anne (Watson) Irvin, the grandparents of 
our subject, were of Scotch-Irish extraction, and 
from Scotland came to America in the early 
1 790's. They took up their abode at what is 
now Linden Hall, Harris township, Centre coun- 
ty, where the grandfather owned and operated a 
mill and distillery until his death in 1825. 

To this worthy couple were born nine chil- 
dren, as follows: Susan, wife of Gen. James 
Potter, of Potters Mills, Centre county; Gen. 
James Irvin, who was a member of Congress and 
at one time was a candidate for the office of gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania; John, the father of our 
subject; William, who made his home in Centre 
county, but died in China while serving as United 
States embassador; Lot W. , who was engaged in 
the iron business in Mercer county, Penn. ; Mar- 
garet, wife of Andrew Gregg, who was engaged 
in the same business in Hecla, Centre county; 
Nancy, wife of Benjamin J. Berry, of Lemont, 
Penn. ; Eliza, widow of Roland Curtin, brother 
of Gov. Curtin, and proprietor of the Eagle Iron 
Works, of Centre county; and Sarah, wife of 
Capt. W. W. Potter. The last two are still liv- 
ing in Bellefonte. 

John Irvin, Jr., the father of our subject, was 



born in Linden Hall, Harris township, and in the 
country schools near his home secured his educa- 
tion. Leaving school at an early age, he went 
to Oak Hall, College township, where he became 
proprietor of the Oak Hall grist and saw mills 
and a store at the same place. He built the 
Monroe furnace in Huntingdon county, Penn., 
where he lived for several years, but finally re- 
turned to Oak Hall. Subsequently, however, he 
removed to Iowa, where his death occurred, sur- 
viving his last wife three years. 

John Irvin, Jr., married Miss Hannah Greene, 
a daughter of Joseph Greene (owner of the Cen- 
tre Furnace of College township), who lived and 
died in Milesburg. The only child born of this 
union was our subject, and his mother died in 
1832, when he was but two years old. Later 
his father wedded Miss Isabella Rankin, a daugh- 
ter of John Rankin, of Bellefonte, and to them 
were born five children, namely: Mary, who died 
in Iowa; William, a commission merchant of 
Chicago, 111. ; Sarah, wife of D. H. Annabel, a 
dry-goods merchant, of Keokuk, Iowa; John, a 
farmer of the Hawkeye State; and Isabella, wife 
of C. C. Cox, a broker of Chicago. 

f. Greene Irvin, of this review, was born in 
Linden Hall, January 23, 1830, and there ob- 
tained his early education, which was supple- 
mented by a course of study in both Harrisburg 
and Lawrenceville, Penn. On the completion of 
his literary education, he entered the woolen 
business in Oak Hall, becoming the owner and 
manager of the large woolen-mill at that place. 
For many years he continued its operation, but 
has now laid aside active business cares, though 
he still owns the factory. He was a prominent 
representative of the industrial interests of the 
county, and the product which the mills turned 
out was of such superior quality that it com- 
manded the highest market price. He has the 
strictest regard for the ethics of commercial life, 
and his business methods commended him to the 
confidence and regard of all. 

On November 8, 1S54, Mr. Irvin was married 
to Miss Jane Riley, who was born February 19, 
1836, and is a daughter of Daniel Riley, of 
Boalsburg, Harris township, Centre county. 
They have become the parents of three children, 
namely: (1) Annie, born February 22, 1856, is 
the wife of William F. Mitchell, manager of 
a general store at Williamsburg, Blair Co., 
Penn. , and they have two children — Mary Mar- 
garet, born December 17, 1884, who died in 1889; 
and Joseph Irvin, born June 8, 1891. (2) Sarah 
Letitia, born December 26, 1857, was married 
June 15, 1 88 1, to Thomas F. Johnson, secretary 
of the Hollidaysburg Iron & Nail Works, at Hoi- 



118 



CO VMEMORA Tl VE BIOGRAPHICAL /.'/•.' ORD. 



lidaysburg, Penn., and thi two children 

I'll Irvin. born Maj md Mary [ane, 

born Jul} I Hannah Mar] 

July i 2, i 86o, died I 

Mr. Irvin has a pleasant In. me in Ci I 
tow i unrounded In beautiful gi >m- 

prising ten acres, and there he is spending his 
declining years surrounded by many warm 
friends. For thirty-fivi n a 

rian Church. 
I le cist Ins first Presidential vote for i 'tt. 

is now an ardent Republican in politics, but 
im politician in the sense "I office seeking, though 
he has creditably filled the offices ol i "I 

tin- poor, election inspector, township treasurer 
and township clerk. He li nds Ins aid and influ- 
eni e to all matt I to advance the 

ucational, mora i laterial welfai ol the i 
inunity, and is ranked among the valui d 
and leadin ie township. 



WILLIAM L [RWIN, M. P.. who is en- 
ed in th ine at [u- 

lian, Centre county, his attained an enviable 
position in the ranks of the medii srnity oi 

central Pennsylvania. I arnesl study, broad re 
n h, and the thoughtful app ol the 

knowledge that he has acquii him 

i pi actitii mi i w hii h maki ■ him a n 
worthy representative ol the prof 

n on the 9th ol Jul) . 1863, in West 1 ,,. 
ion, Iowa, our subject was two years of age 
when brought to Centre county by his parents, 

I >aniei and Lh/a C, Irwin. I i 1 . • lather is ; 
a prominent merchant in Julian. The litei 

n ol our subject was obtained in the dis- 

and at Bellefonte Academy, where 

he prepared himsell foi tidy of medicine, 

to make its In, life work I 

ing his youth he often a his father in the 

store, and while th n reading medicine, 

1 which he entered Jefferson Medical Coll* 
Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1890 on the 
completion of the three-years' course. He 
since successfully engaged in practice at Julian, 
and throughout his professional career has been 
a close student of the science of medicine, keep- 

fully abreast with the progress which char- 
acterises this nineteenth-century development. 
His worth is acknowledged by his professional 
brethren, and is attested by a large and lucrative 
practice. 

On May 14. 1894, Dr. Irwin was married 

Miss Susie Williams, and they have a son, 
John Boyd, born July 3, 1896. Mrs. Irwin was 
born in Huston township, Centre county, Augi 



a cultured and refined lady, and 
-fully engaged in teaching previous to her 
marriage. Her father. Abednego Williams, a 
ral farmer ol Huston township, was born 
there August 4. 1848, and is a son of Samuel S. 
and Eleanor Peters) Williams, who spent tl 
enti Centre o mnty. Since twenty- 

e \ears of age he has resided upon the pres- 
ent farm, and is one of the most successlul agri- 
culturists ol tin locality. On January 4, 1871, 
he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine 
M. Hartsock, whose birth occurred January 4. 
[850, in Huston township. Her parents, Hays 
and Susan (Williams) Hartsoi k, were also nati 
ol ( entre county, where they always made their 
home. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are active mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church, and highly 
spected and valued uieiiibi' iciety, then 

true worth being fully p I b) theii many 

friends and acquaintances. He is connected 
with the Grange in Unionville, and in politics is 
a Republican, favoring the gold standard. 

Mrs. Irwin is th- in a family "I seven 

children, the others being as follows: Martha 
J., born I bei 25 fohn K. , born Janu- 

ary 26, 1875, and Harry S., born February 14. 
1S77, are all at home with their patents, I hi 
dire L., bum February 3, 1879, died fuly 

1 < ■ . born ! ,1881, is at 

home; and Chester M., born June J5, 1883, died 
August 29, 1 - 

Politically, Dr. Irwin affiliates with the 1 1 

y, in the 1 >f which he tak> 

deep int. /rest. He Is a mi Mil" I ol 11 list oil town- 
ship scho '1 b iard, and part in the 
' education, A prominent member ol 
the medii al fraternity, he is now serving as pres- 
ident ol the Centn County Medical Society, and 
• leading member ol thi Pennsyh ania 
nd the American Medical 
iciation. Socially, he is affiliated with the 
I. O. O. F. , holding membership in the lodge at 
Unionville. Financially as well as profession- 
ally, the Doctor has met with success in his 
chosen calling, and owns a pleasant home in 
Julian, where he and his amiable wife delight to 
rtain their many friends. 



JH. I NYDER, county surveyor of Cen- 

tre county, with residence at Millheim, is 
one of the leading business men of Penn's 
Valley, being connected with some of the most 
important enterprises in that section. 

Mr. Reifsnyder was born near Annville, 
anon Co., Penn, July [8, i S37, and his fam- 
ily, which is of German origin, has been rep 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



119 



sented in this State for several centuries. His 
father, the late William Reifsnyder, a native of 
Berks county, Penn., born in 1805, came to 
Centre county in 1841, locating first at Aarons- 
burg. He started in life a poor boy, and for a 
time followed the weaver's trade; but after his 
removal to Aaronsburg he engaged in butchering, 
selling the meat about the vicinity, while in the 
fall of the year he would go into the country and 
assist the farmers in butchering. In 1848 he 
moved into Penn township, Centre county, a 
short distance to the northwest of Millheim, and 
in 1850 he removed to another part of the town- 
ship, which is now a part of the village site. He 
worked by the day at whatever employment pre- 
sented itself. In 1857 he resumed the business 
of butchering, with our subject as an assistant, 
and in the winter season did some huckstering 
also. He was an industrious man, and as a citi- 
zen was highly esteemed by all who knew him. 
He was a Democrat, but though a regular voter 
he was not a politician. From an early age he 
was an active member of the Reformed Church, 
and an earnest advocate of the Temperance 
cause. 

William Reifsnyder was married in 1830, in 
Lebanon county, to Miss Rachel Gass, a native 
of Lancaster county, born July 27, 1808. She 
was a daughter of John Gass, and one of a nu- 
merous family of children. William Reifsnyder 
died at Millheim, May 7, 1883, but our subject's 
mother is still living now, in her ninetieth year, 
and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. 
Armbruster. The children of this estimable 
couple were: Uriah, a carpenter of Millheim, 
who died in the fall of 1895; Mina, the wife of 
Davis Evans, of Potters Mills, Penn. ; Malinda 
B., now Mrs. George Armbruster, of Farmers 
Mills; Leah A., who resides at Millheim; Will- 
iam H. , a resident of Millheim ; and J. H. , whose 
name opens this sketch. 

As our subject came to Centre county in child- 
hood, his elementary education was chiefly ac- 
quired in the schools of Aaronsburg and vicinity, 
his first teacher being James Aikens. The meth- 
ods and apparatus of the schools of that day 
were not of the best, and Mr. Reifsnyder views 
the improvements in the present system with en- 
tire approbation. Owing to the poverty of his 
parents, he went to work at the age of ten years 
at such employment among the farmers as his 
strength would permit, and until the age of 
twenty his time was spent in different places and 
at various kinds of labor. From 1857 until 
1867 he was associated with his father in the 
butcher business, and for two years afterward he 
traveled through southeastern Pennsylvania sell- 



ing patent rights. He had fitted himself for 
teaching through home study, and at different 
times taught in Haines and Penn townships. 
Centre county — five terms in all, and having ac- 
quired also a knowledge of surveying he in 1868 
purchased the instruments belonging to Jacob Bol- 
linger, former surveyor, and began his successful 
career as a worker in that line. Other business 
enterprises in which he has engaged are the pur- 
chasing of the Duncan farm, south of Millheim, 
part of which was laid out in building lots, and 
forms part of the town, and is also known as the 
"Southern Addition." He was also an appli- 
cant to a charter for the Millheim Building & 
Loan Association and held the position as treas- 
urer and solicitor for a number of years. He 
was also one of the incorporators of the Millheim 
Turnpike road, extending from said place to Co- 
burn, and as contractor constructed part of the 
road; he was the first secretary and treasurer of 
that company; and at one time was a stock- 
holder in the Millheim Banking Company. He 
is the owner and operator of the Keystone Ce- 
ment and Lime quarries, which were opened in 
1872. He has been dealing extensively in im- 
proved and timber lands. 

In January, 1861, Mr. Reifsnyder was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary L. Kreamer, who was born in 
Miles township, Centre county, August 16, 1837, 
the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Reitzell) 
Kreamer. They established their residence at 
Millheim, and their home has been brightened by 
seven children, of whom one son and one daugh- 
ter are the only survivors — Jennie K. and Joseph 
W., both students at Bucknell University, Lew- 
isburg, Penn. Mrs. Reifsnyder died July 23, 
1892, leaving a large circle of friends to grieve 
with the stricken family. She was a devout 
Christian and a member of the Lutheran Church. 
In his political affiliations, Mr. Reifsnyder is a 
Democrat, and he is regarded as a leader in his 
locality. From 1862 to 1866 he served as con- 
stable of Penn township, and during that time he 
was also tax collector. In the fall of 1869 he 
was elected justice of the peace, and served con- 
tinuously until May, 1896, giving entire satisfac- 
tion to the public. He is now serving his seventh 
year as county surveyor. Since 1889 his activi- 
ties in all lines have been somewhat curtailed on 
account of an attack of "La Grippe," which left 
him less robust than before. 

His real-estate buildings are valuable. His 
comfortable home in Millheim was remodeled in 
1876, and he owns a number of other residences 
there, and twenty-two acres of improved land 
within the corporation limits; also several large 
farms west of Millheim. He has always been 



L20 



OOMMEMOHA 11 VE BIOQRA.PBH .1 /. RECORD. 



ready to encourage any local improvement. 
■ made in the fullest his intellect and 

his attainments are remarkable, and his sound, 
i judgment <>( men and affairs make his opin- 
ions valued, and his advii L, r ht 



HON JAMESSCHOFI1 I D, Representative 
the Bellefonte District in the (ieneral 
i the st ite. An honorable ambition, 
i. uned by practical ability and unyielding en- 
, is a passport to . and the biographies 

of our distinguished men furnish interesting illus- 
trations of the rule. It is a pleasure to present 
to our readers such a Forceful example as the fol- 
low iDg sketch convej - 

Mr. Schofield has become so thoroughly and 
. identified with the interests 

of this section that it is not difficult to imagine 
him making his wa) I heavj odds to his 

pn sent position in the community, yet his brave 
and successful Strug) lubtless one factor in 

his popularity. He was burn in Belfast, Ireland. 
March 20, 1848, the first child of William Scho- 
field and his second wife Ellen Allen). The 
father was a native of County M01 Ire- 

land, born in 1809, and in early life was a farm' r, 
but later had charge oi the shipyards of McClel- 
lan & Co., at Belfast, where his death occurred 
in 1896. Our subject's mother is still living in 
Belfast at the age of sixty-seven years. Both 
parents were connected with the Presbyterian 
Church from eai ly yi 

Our subject. James Schofield, received a good 
elemental - ) education in the schools of his native 
city, and learned the harness-maker's trade. 
When thus prepared for the practical work of 
life, he failed to find contentment in the pros- 
is which lay before him. For one thing the 
idea ol being a subject in a monarchy was dis- 
tasteful to him, and the thought that by crossing 
the Atlantic he could become a citizen in a Re 
public, and be himself a recognized factor in the 
government, filled Ins soul with longing. Hedid 
not hesitate long. With characteristic prompt- 
i and decision he made Ins choice, and at till- 
age of eighteen sailed for Amerii a, where he 
found a suitable location at Bellefonte, the cli- 
mate and the people both proving congenial. A 
livelihood was, of course, his firsl consideration, 
and he applied himself diligently to his trade, 
working as a journeyman until 1871. when he 
went into business on his own account. Thor- 
oughly competent in all branches of harness and 
saddle making, his masterly workmanship, couj 
with upright and honorable bu 
attracted an increasing custom until he became 



the leading dealer in his line in Centre county. 
His genial nature and well-informed mind gamed 
him warm friends, and his shop became a meet- 
ing place for the discussion of the live topics of 

lay. 

As his prosperit) tablished, he had 

time to take an active part in political affairs, 
and, ti r -t as school director and later as overseer 
of the poor, he did efficient service, fn 1892 he 
was ele ted on the Democratic ticket to the 
State Legislature, where he succeeded in getting 

e valuable measures passed. He was a mem- 
ber of the committee on Mining and Agriculture. 
At that time there were only seventy Democrats 
in the House. In 1894 he was again a candidate, 
but his party was slaughtered everywhere that 
year, and he went down with the rest. In 181 
he was again the choice of the Democrats of his 
county, and, although the party was divided, he 
was elected by a majority of 105, while Major 
McKinley carried the county by 400 votes. Mr. 
Schofield is now serving on a number of import- 
ant committees, among them being those of 
( itv Appropriations, Manufactories and Election 
Laws. No progressive movement in his locality 
fails to receive Mr. Schofield's appreciation and 
support, and his friends and admirers are by no 
means limited to any party or class. He is act- 
ive in fraternal society work as a member of the 
I. O. 0. F. and the K, G. E. 

Tile wife of Mr. Schofield, formerly Miss 
Lllen Fleck, is a native of Philipsburg, Centre 
county, Penn., born in 1856. Their children 
Mary who married George Parker, and has 
two children — Ferguson and Jennie), Edward, 
Elizabeth and Nancy, the son Edward being in 
the grocer) business at Bellefonte. 



W HARRISON WALKER, Esq., junior 
member of the law firm of " Fortney & 
Walker.' Bellefonte, Centre county, was born 
near Salona. Clinton Co., Penn., August 30, 
1874, and is the youngest son of Samuel E. 
Walker, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. 

Born and reared on a farm, his early educa- 
tion was received in the township schools. At 
ol fifteen he was admitted to Class '94 of 
the Susquehanna University :>t Selin's Grove, 
Snyder Co I nn., but was only in attendance 
at that institution for several terms. Then he 
went to Lock Haven and entered the Central 
State Norma! School and pursued special studies 
for preparation for the legal profession While 
at the latter institution he read law during his 
tioti, in tin- offices of T. M. Stevenson, Esq.. 
ol I .' ick I laven. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



121 



In the fall of 1894 Mr. Walker entered the 
Dickinson School of Law, at Carlisle, Penn., 
and also registered as a law student in the law 
offices of ex-Judge W. F. Sadler, of the same 
city, which gentleman manifested a great inter- 
est in Mr. Walker and his work. After two 
years of faithful study in the law department, to- 
gether with the office work entrusted to him by 
his preceptor. Judge Sadler, he was graduated 
from the Dickinson School of Law, June 8, 1896, 
receiving the degree of LL. B., ranking very 
high in his class. 

Mr. Walker was a member of the Clionian 
Literary Society, and also of the Henry Clay 
Debating Club, of the Susquehanna University; 
of the Shakespeare Literary Society, of the Cen- 
tral State Normal School; and of the Dickinson 
Law Society and Moot Court Club, of the Dick- 
inson School of Law, also of the Dickinson Col- 
lege Orchestra & Glee Club. He was the editor 
and business manager of ' ' The Shakespearean," a 
paper published at Lock Haven, by the Shakes- 
peare Society in 1893. He is also a member of 
the Dickinson Chapter of the Delta Chi Legal 
Fraternity, an organization exclusively for law 
students and lawyers. 

Politically, Mr. Walker is a Democrat. He 
took an active part in the campaign of 1896, and 
was considered one of the best young speakers 
in the field. He is a member of the Bellefonte 
Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and also of the Bellefonte Lodge of the Knights 
of the Golden Eagle. 

As a student in the law school, he was re- 
markably faithful to his duties — a painstaking 
and conscientious worker — and he commanded 
the esteem and confidence of both faculty and 
students. He is a gentleman of good moral 
character, of the highest probity, studious and 
energetic. He was admitted to the Cumberland 
County Bar at Carlisle, Penn., at the age of 
twenty-one, and to the Centre County Bar at 
Bellefonte, Penn., on the 20th day of July, 1896. 
On August 1, 1896, he joined in partnership, for 
the practice of his profession, with David F. 
Fortney, Esq., one of the leading members of 
the Bar, as well as one of the greatest educa- 
tional leaders in the State, under the firm name 
of " Fortney & Walker. " 

The subject of this sketch has laid a good 
foundation for legal knowledge, and his industry, 
ambition and perseverance, with his ability, jus- 
tify us in the prediction of a brilliant future for 
him. He is a clear, eloquent and forcible 
speaker. Upon entering his professional life at 
the Centre County Bar we find in the columns of 
one of the leading papers published in the 



county, the following: " W. Harrison Walker, 
Esq., the junior member of the law firm of Fort- 
ney & Walker, has spent years in faithful study 
and preparation for the practice of the law. He 
comes to the Bar more thoroughly prepared than 
any young man who has been admitted in recent 
years." 



E 



>\DWIN J. BURD, M. D., is one of the most 



eminent and skillful physicians of Centre 
county, and is now located in Snow Shoe, where 
he has built up a large and lucrative practice. 
In a comparison of the relative value to mankind 
of the various professions and pursuits, it is widely 
recognized that none is so important as the med- 
ical profession. From the cradle to the grave 
human destiny is largely in the hands of the phy- 
sician. Although our subject is one of the 
younger members of this honored profession, he 
has already won an enviable reputation. 

Dr. Burd was born, May 5, 1866, in Rebers- 
burg, Miles township. Centre county, a son of 
John R. and Susanna (Gephart) Burd, natives of 
Northumberland and Union counties, Penn., re- 
spectively. The father's birth occurred in Au- 
gust, 18 19, and in 1826 he was brought by his 
parents, John and Eleanor (Reynolds) Burd, to 
Centre county, and is still an honored resident of 
Rebersburg, where he is engaged in the saddlery 
business. The grandparents, who were natives 
of Ireland, first located in Northumberland coun- 
ty, where the grandmother died at the advanced 
age of ninety-two years, and the grandfather was 
killed while at work in the lumber woods. 

The mother of our subject was born in Jan- 
uary, 18 19, and was a daughter of Michael and 
Hannah Gephart, the former a native of Union 
county, Penn., and the latter of Ireland. In 
1 82 1 they came to Centre county, where they 
spent their remaining days. The great-grand- 
father Gephart was of German birth. Mrs. Burd 
was called to her final rest, June 19, 1892. She 
was the mother of six children: Emma, wife of 
John Beck, a cabinet-maker, of Duncannon, 
Penn.; Ella, who is with her father; Angie, wife 
of James Tharp, a conductor on the Lehigh Val- 
ley railroad, and residing in Easton, Penn. ; Mary, 
wife of Horace Breisch, who is also a conductor 
for that company and a resident of Easton; Win- 
field S. , a dentist of Bellewood, Blair Co. , Penn. ; 
and Edwin J., of this sketch. 

At the age of thirteen years, Dr. Burd began 
the battle of life for himself, at first working in 
a brick yard, where he was employed for four 
years during the summer months, while in the 
winter he attended school. In 1883 he began 



122 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the study of medicine under the direction of Di 
|. W. Bright, with whom he remained two years, 
and in the winter of 1885 86 he attended a course 
of lectures at the University of Maryland, in 

Baltimore. On his return home he resumi d 
work in the brick yard, where he remained until 
the following winter, when he went to Bellefonte. 
In that city he secured a position in the drug 
store of Dr. M. A. Kirk, but two months later it 
was destroyed by fire. He next engaged in clerk- 
ing 111 Easton for two months, and during the 
following six months filled a similar position in 
the store of Cyrus Jacoby. at South Bethlehem, 
at the end of which time he was taken ill with 
typhoid fever and was compelled to return home. 

In the summer of 1888, Dr. Burd resumed 
the study of medicine, and in October of that 
year entered Jefferson Medical College. Phila- 
delphia, where he graduated April 3, [889. He 
at once opened an office at Rebersburg, but two 
years later came to Snow Shoe, where his skill 
and ability were soon recognized. Besides his 
large general practice he is also serving as sur- 
geon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, 
which important position he has filled since com- 
ing to Snow Shoe. His political support is ever 
given the men and measures of the Republican 
party, and in religious belief he is a Lutheran. 

On July 28, iSSS, Dr Burd was married, in 
Rebersburg, to Miss [Catherine S Stover, who 
was horn in Aaronsburg. Centre county, August 
1 j, 1870. She is the youngest of the three chil- 
dren born to Thaddeus and Man Geuseweite) 
Stover, who are still residents of Rebersburg, 
where the father is engaged in farming. The 
sisters of Mrs. Burd are Carrie, wife of Henr) 
Detwiler, professor of the public schools of Re- 

burg; and Lula, at home. 



J\\ BRIGH r, M. D., of Rebersburg, Centre 
county, is a physician whose professional at- 
tainments place him in the front rank among 
the practitioners ol this section. European travel 
and study in the mosl noted centers of clinical 
work have supplemented the thorough prepara- 
tion of oiii own si hools, while natural talent has 

enabled him to improve to the Utmost these ad- 
vantages and the no less valuable training ga 
in years of practice. His success is the more 
creditable from having been gained by his own 
efforts in the face of financial difficulties in early 
life. 

John Bright, greal grandfather ol our subject, 
was born in Pennsylvania of pioneer stock. Ins 
family having been among the early settler- in 
the eastern counties of that State, and alter 



spending the greater part of his life there as a 
farmer, he came to Centre county to spend his 
last days. This was in the latter part of the 
eighteenth century, and he was then too old to 
work lb- son George, our subject's grandfather, 
who was born, probably, in Lehigh county, was 
married in Centre county, about 1788, to Eve, 
daughter of John and Barbara (Wolf) Stover, 
George Bright, who possessed much mechanical 
ability, located at Aaronsburg, and having learned 
the hatter's trade in the East before the removal 
of the family, he followed that business, and was 
also interested in farming. He and his wife- 
reared a large family, all of whom are dead ex- 
cept George, Jr. : 11 ) David, who never married, 
was a hatter at Aaronsburg; (2) Sophia married 
Adam Guiswite, a farmer of near Aaronsburg; 

Margaret never married, and her death oc- 
curred at the old homestead; (4) Catherine was 
the wife of Samuel Shafer, a farmer, who lived 
at Madisonburg; (5) John, who married Martha 
Hill, was a brick maker and tanner at Aarons- 
burg; (6) George, a carpenter and cabinet maker, 
married Sarah Bower, and is living in retirement 
at Aaronsburg at the age of eighty-five years; (7) 
Michael, who married Elizabeth Robinson, was 
a slave-holder before the war, in which he par- 
ticipated on the Confederate side, and his death 
occurred in Memphis, Tenn., in 1893. 

Another member of this family was Samuel 
Bright, our subject's father, who was born, about 
l8l8, at Aaronsburg. near the present site of the 
Lutheran cemetery. He was educated in that 
town, attending both the common schools and 
the academy, and then learned the carpenl 
trade under the instruction of his brother Geoi 
He was of ordinary stature, was active and sup- 
ple, and possessed decided genius in his line \- 
a citizen he was well known. He was the drum- 
major of an organization in Aaronsburg, and was 

insistent, if not an active, member of the Lu- 
theran Church. 

In politics, he was first a Whig, later a Re- 
publican, but he had no taste for the life, of a poli- 
tician, .md he followed the business of carpen- 
tering and cabinet making until his death; be died 
at the early age of thirty-eight, from the effects 
of being over-heated, and he was buried at 
Aaronsburg. His wife, Eve Weaver, a daughter 
ol Daniel and Elizabeth Keplinger) Weaver, was 

1 and reared in Haines township, Centre 
county. Six children blessed their union: 1 
Marj I Mrs. Thomas Miiler , o| W'infield, 
Kans. ; (2) Anna (Mrs. |ohn Walton), ol North 
Bend, Penn. ; (3) Jennie (Mrs. Huston Hunter), 
oi Mill Hall, Penn.; (4 James \\ . . professor of 
English Language in Johns Hopkins University, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



123 



Baltimore, Md. ; (5) John W. , our subject, and 
(6) Margaret, who died in infancy. After the 
father's death the mother formed a second union, 
this time with Levi Conser, and now resides at 
Logantown, Penn. By this marriage there are 
three children: Harry N., Ph. D., now princi- 
pal of the high school at Sunbury, Penn. ; 
Thomas C. , M. D. , practicing medicine at Sun- 
bury; and Minnie M., now Mrs. James Stoman, 
of Loganton, Penn. 

Dr. Bright was born November 17, 1854, in 
a house which stood upon land now inclosed 
within the Lutheran cemetery at Aaronsburg. 
During his boyhood he was taken by his mother 
to Loganton, where he attended school under 
the tutorship of Rev. W. H. Gotwald. Later he 
pursued a course in the normal school at Millers- 
ville, and taught successfully for a time in Dauphin 
county. Penn. Being entirely dependent upon 
his own resources for his education, his ambition 
found many hindrances but " where there's a will 
there's a way," and his was not the sort of a na- 
ture to be easily daunted. As he could save 
funds, he would pursue his studies, and thus in 
time he entered Jefferson Medical College at 
Philadelphia, and was graduated in 1880. In 
the fall of the same year he located at Rebers- 
burg, where Dr. Hilbish, a successful physician, 
then well advanced in years, welcomed Dr. 
Bright as his successor. A young physician could 
scarcely find a better opening than this, and Dr. 
Bright succeeded from the first, his ability, skill 
and devotion to h''s chosen 
retaining confidence. Each 
tice increasing; but so far from 
with the attainments which had won his success. 
Dr. Bright showed the true scientific spirit by 
determining upon still further study under the 
best guidance obtainable. In the fall of 1888 he 
went to Europe, and remained until the spring of 
1890, attending lectures under several eminent 
teachers, notably those of Leipsic and Vienna. 
On his return he resumed his practice at Rebers- 
burg, and has since continued it with growing 
popularity. 

In August, 1892, the Doctor was married to 
Miss Sarah M. Meyer, a native of Rebersburg, 
and a daughter of Reuben and Mary (Cosman) 
Meyer, prominent citizens. Mrs. Bright is a 
member of the Reformed Church and a leader in 
social life, her talents making her an acquisition 
to any circle. She is especially accomplished in 
music, and taught the art previous to her mar- 
riage. Three interesting daughters — Mary E. , 
born February 1 1, 1894, and Florence and Lucile 
(twins), born December 28, 1896 — brighten their 
home. 



work winning and 
year saw his prac- 
being content 



While not a politician, Dr. Bright takes great 
interest in the success of his party, the Repub- 
lican, and at various times when placed upon the 
ticket for a township office in opposition to his 
expressed wishes, he has acquiesced gracefully 
and given most acceptable service. His unusually 
thorough preparation for his profession gives him 
much influence within as well as without the 
charmed circle of the medical fraternity, and he 
is a valued member of the American Medical As- 
sociation, the State Medical Society, the West 
Branch Medical Society, and the Centre County 
Medical Society. He is a member of the Re- 
formed Church. Socially, he belongs to the Ma- 
sonic lodge at Centre Hall. 



FRANCIS ALEXANDER (deceased) was a 
worthy representative of an honored pioneer 
family of Perm's Valley, which was founded in 
Centrecounty by his father, James Alexander, who 
located in what is now Potter township, in 1795, 
becoming a tenant of one of the Potter farms, 
a short distance east of the "Old Fort," where he 
and his family lived for many years. The grand- 
father, Joseph Alexander, died in Potter township, 
in 18 1 8, to which he had removed at a later date 
than his sons, James and Henry. Alter remain- 
ing for a short time in Penn's Valley, the latter 
removed to Venango county, Penn. To the 
grandparents of our subject, Josiah and Elizabeth 
Alexander, were born seven children: James, 
Mrs. Nancy Boozer, Mrs. Abigail Evans, Mrs. 
Nettie Palmer, Henry, Mrs. Jane Jackson and 
Mrs. Margaret McCalmont. The mother of this 
family departed this life in 1825. 

James Alexander was a native of Cecil county, 
Md., and was a farmer by occupation. While 
he never accumulated any property, he reared an 
excellent family, and lived an upright, honorable 
life, respected by all who knew him. He was 
called to his final rest in July, 1830, and left six 
children, all born of his first marriage, namely: 
Josiah died in Potter township; Francis; Amos 
died March 1, 1881, in Millheim, Centrecounty, 
where he had been a merchant for several years; 
James died in Potter township; Elizabeth mar- 
ried John Sweetwood, and died May 30, 1841, 
in Potter township; and Rachel, wife of J. H. 
Keller, died April 6, 1878, in Potter township. 

The birth of Francis Alexander occurred in 
July, 1806, on the old Potter farm in Potter 
township, where his father had located on com- 
ing to the county. There he spent the days of 
his boyhood and youth, and obtained such an 
education as the schools of the locality afforded. 



124 



OOMMBMORA 1 1 V h: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In tlu- same township he was married to Miss 
Letitia Mi Elroy, a Dative of Huntingdon county, 
l'.nii,. born in 1804, and a daughter "f John and 
Elizabeth (Gardner) McElroy. children 

blessed their union, as follows: Margaret, who 
died in infancy; [ohn, who died in 1 wn- 

ship at the age of thirty years; Emily, a residi nt 
of Centre Hall; James, who is also living in Cen- 
tre Hall; Isaac, who died in Putter township at 
the ageof twenty-three; Mary, widow of John P. 
Ross, and a resident of Centre Hall; and L 1 
wife of Hon. W. A. Murray, oi Boalsburg, (Va- 
in- 1 ■ unity. 

Mr. ami Mrs. Alexandei began h (ping 

upon the farm where he was horn, which he 
rented, but in 1 .S4 7 removed to the tirst farm 
west of the "('Id Fort," which he purchased "1 
|ames and John Potter. There he made his 
home until his removal to Centre Hall, where he 
bought a pleasant residence and gave up active bus- 
iness life. He died in that village in February, 
1S7.4, and two years later his wife was laid by 
his side in the cemetery of Centre Hill, having 
died in April, 1S76. Both were earnest, consci- 
entious Christians, faithful members of tin- Pres- 
byterian Church, and were held in the highest re- 
gard by all who knew them. 

Mi All Kander was a thorough and skillful 
t. inner, whose success came as the jus) reward 
of honest labor, perse\ .md enterpi 

anil at his death he left Ins family in comfortable 
circumstances. He gave liberallj to the support 
<>( public enterprises, and in every way was a 
worthy citizen. Politically, he was a Democrat, 
and took an active interest in tin- sue cess of his 
party, but had no inclination for public office, 
though he acceptably served as overseer of the 
poor, school director and supervisor in his town- 
ship 



EUBEN II MEEK. Among the sturdy 
IT!. Scotch who came from Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, to America before the Revolutionary war. 
was Ri bed Meek and his family, who located in 
Maryland. From there si\ of his sons enlisted 
in the war of Independence, and three of them 
gave up their lives for their country. John and 
William were taken prisoners, and while their 
fate was never definitely known, it was generally 
supposed they win- among the victims that w 
fed on lime bread. Jonathan Wales, their body 
servant, as he was called, watched the prison 
until he saw two boxes of unusual length earned 
out; then he was convinced they were dead, as 
the Meeks were remarkably tall, one being six 
feet seven inches, ami the other ^ix feel lour 



inches high. A third brother, Robert, was killed 
in battle. 

Capt. George Meek entered the service with 
his broth' 1- The father, Robert Meek, owned 
property in Cumberland county in 1761. The 
family of George Meek lived near Lewistown 
(now Mifflin county; in 17S0, and he came into 

itre county with James Harris on a surveying 
expedition in 1784. On the 21st of January. 
1790, he took up a tract of land in Ferguson 
township, which is still owned by the Meeks. 
His children were: Mary, John, Robert, David, 
William. Sarah, Isabella and Jane. 

William married Elizabeth Breckinridge, 
whose family had settled in Huntingdon county 
about three miles southeast of McConnellstown, 
on the road leading from Huntingdon to Bed- 
ford, and where the father, eldest sister and 
younger brother had been murdered by the In- 
dians. He settled on that part of his father's 
tract now known as the David G. Meek farm, 
and died in 1806, leasing his wife and four sons 
ami a daughter born three months after the fath- 
er's death. The children were: John B., born 
June 5. 1797, died in Washington. D. C. , No- 
vember 28, [868; George W., born September 
14, 1799, died May 27, 1 S 7 7 ; Reuben H. ; Will- 
iam J.; and Harriet Jane, who married James 
M< Cartney, and died in Bolivar, Penn., in 1 88 1. 

Reuben Heron, the third child of William 
and Elizabeth Breckinridge Meek, was born on 
the 6th of October, 1801, at his father's home 
m Ferguson township. His mother, a woman 
of wonderful energy and ability, coveted for her 
children a good education, and gave them the 
best she could; John and Reuben were sent to 
Lewistown to school, but shecomp lied her boys, 
each one, except George, who looked after the 
farm, to learn a trade. Reuben she apprenticed 
to a hi icksmith. Some time after learning his 
trade he went to Philipsburg where he taught 
school, and studied with his brother John, who 
lived there. He began the study of medicine 
in the office of Dr. Lorraine; but was obliged 
finally to give up his cherished plan of becoming 
a physician, on account of his health, broken by 
sickness. 

In 1832 he married Mary Ann Gray, youngest 
daughter of Peter Gray, one of the pioneers of 
l'.itton township, and settled on a part of the old 
Gray homestead, where he lived until his death. 
March 7, 1S73. 

. men art' endowed with a nature so af- 

onate and lovable, a mind so clear and bright, 

an exceptional memory, a personality pleasing 

and attractive, and so great a love of humor. 

Fond of books, he was a careful and a constant 








'e/tfr ^i^fa^h 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



125 



reader, an excellent talker, and his sweet voice 
and genial presence linger yet in the memory of 
those who heard him sing at camp meetings, 
address an assembly, or relate a good story. As 
long as he lived he was genuinely kind to every 
one, and ever considerate of others. His home, 
ever a pleasant meeting place for his friends, was 
always open to the needy and distressed. 

In politics he was an ardent Democrat, and 
loved his party; but his devotion to its principles 
were actuated by honest conviction. He never 
aspired to an office nor would Fie accept any. 

Converted at the age of seventeen, he was a 
thorough and loyal and lifelong Methodist, es- 
pecially concerned about immortal things, hold- 
ing both God and man near his heart, and giving 
himself'out in the interest of both. He was in- 
strumental in organizing the first Sabbath-school 
in Half Moon Valley, and was devoted to the 
work always. 

On April 14th, five weeks after his death, his 
wife died, in the fifty-sixth year of her age. She 
was well known for her beauty in her younger 
days, and all through her life, hospitality, gentle- 
ness, unselfishness and devotion to duty distin- 
guished her character. 



iTXEPHARTS of Penn township, Centre county. 
\j$ This honored family has for more than 
seventy years been prominently identified with 
the interests of the community, and the name is 
widely recognized as a synonym for good citizen- 
ship. 

Michael Gephart, grandfather of A. J. and 
M. C. Gephart, residents of Millheim, Centre 
county, was born near Philadelphia, and in 1826 
came from Union county, Penn., to what is now 
the corporation of Millheim, locating on what is 
at present known as the Gephart homestead. 
His ancestors served in the Revolutionary war. 
He was a thorough and skillful farmer, a man of 
marked business tact, and a prominent citizen of 
the community. In Union county he was mar- 
ried, October 18, 1825, to Elizabeth Emmert, and 
they became the parents of the following chil- 
dren: J. Philip, who was born in January, 1827, 
and is now an ex-representative, residing in 
Bellefonte, Centre county; Michael, born No- 
vember 30, 1829; Jacob, born August 9, 1831; 
John, born November 27, 1833, died July 22, 
1852; Daniel, born September 23, 1836; Cathar- 
ine, born February 3, 1839; and Elizabeth A., 
born May 26, 1846. The mother of this family 
died May 7, 1852, the father in 1873. 

Jacob Gephart, father of A. J. and M. C. 
Gephart, was born on the old familv homestead, 



where he spent his entire life, and where his 
widow still resides. His education was obtained 
in the local schools, which were superior to most 
schools of those times, yet inferior to those of 
the present day, and well did he appreciate the 
value of good education, for to his children he 
gave excellent advantages in that respect. The 
sacrifices that he made in their behalf have been 
fully rewarded, for they are filling honorable 
and responsible positions. A farmer by occupa- 
tion, the old homestead fell to him, and in addi- 
tion to agricultural pursuits he engaged in the 
lumber business at times, and became quite well- 
to-do, owning at his death (in 1893) 225 acres of 
valuable land. He was an officer in the Evan- 
gelical Church, to which he was a liberal contrib- 
utor. A stanch Democrat in politics, he took a 
deep interest in the success of his party, but was 
no politician in the sense of office seeking, though 
he filled numerous minor positions with credit to 
himself and the community. He-was an earnest 
and judicious advocate of the Temperance cause, 
giving time and money to advocate it when the 
noble cause was yet so unpopular. He was an 
affectionate husband, kind and indulgent father 
and true friend, one whose upright, honorable 
life gained for him the esteem and confidence of 
all with whom he came in contact. His faithful 
wife, who still survives him, is a consistent mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church, and one of the 
most highly respected ladies of Millheim. Al- 
though now nearly three score and ten years of 
age, she is still well preserved and enjoys excel- 
lent health. 

On November 7, 1852, Jacob Gephart was 
married to Miss Catherine Decker, who was 
born in Centre county in 1829, a daughter of 
Adam Decker (now deceased), and seven chil- 
dren graced their union: (1) Calvin F., (2) Mar- 
garet E., (3) Anna C, (4) James M., (5) A. Je- 
rome, (6) M. Clair, and (7) M. Salina. Of these, 

(1) Rev. Calvin F. Gephart was born Octo- 
ber 16, 1853. After attending the home public 
schools and the local academy, he took a colle- 
giate course at Central Pennsylvania College, 
New Berlin, Penn., and at the Northwestern 
College, Naperville, 111., also a course of study 
in the Binghamton Music School, of Bingham- 
ton, N. Y. Entering the ministry, his health 
failed, and he then embarked in business at Mill- 
heim, Penn., establishing the musical instrument 
trade now carried on by his brother, M. C^ For 
a number of years he was an instructor in vocal 
and instrumental music, meeting with success in 
this line in connection with his studies and busi- 
ness. Believing the ministry of the Gospel to 
be his proper calling, he completed his Theolog- 



126 



VMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ical course at the Gettysburg ["bee-logical Sem- 
inary, graduating with the class of 1889. Being 
ordained to the Evangelical Lutheran ministry, 
Rev. Gephart h ! the Church faithfully. 

W'lun at college lie was co :nded for Ins hard 

work and oratorical efforts. As a clergyman he 
is said to be a good preacher, a faithful pa 
and of pleasing manner, having the aptness of 
winning people to the Church A- a business 
man he has been very successful in having wiped 
out "old" Church debts, at the same time increas- 
ing, and keeping the membership in good chi 
11. has many friends among both clergy and 
laity. He was married in November. lSSj, to 
Miss Sallie A Heagy, of Middlesex (Balfour), 
mar Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Fenn., and they 
have a daughter enjoying home and student life 
with them, their son having died in 1885 at Ha- 
gerstown, Maryland. 

(2) Mrs. Margaret Scho Gephart) was 

born, January 6, [855, at Millbeim, Penn. Her 
education was received in the local schools and 
at Central Pennsylvania College, New Berlin, 
Penn. After her school days she devoted her 

time t usic and social and home duties. She 

a consistent member of the Church, active 
in Sabbath-school work, and was a favorite in 
the best society of the community. In 1879 she 
became the wife of James Schoch, of New Berlin, 
Penn., a prominent business man, having la 1 
business interests in the West as well as in his 
native community. They have one daughter and 
one son to share tin- comforts of their comforta- 
ble home, over which Mrs. Schoch presides with 
grace to the enjoyment of their many guests. 
Mr. and Mrs. Schoch and family are prominent 
members of the local Evangelical Lutheran 
Church. Her sistei 1 $). Anna C, was born Feb- 
ruary 9, 1856, and died November 19, 1858. 

] cm. - M Gephart was born, October 6, 
1857, at Millheim, Penn. Alter completing the 
common-school course in his native town, he 
entered Central Pennsylvania College, at New 
Berlin, Penn., remaining there for several ye 
Then, in [880, he entered Dickinson College, at 
Carlisle, Fenn., and, completing his education at 
that institution, he engaged in teaching school 
for several years with success. Following ib 1 
Greeley's advice, he '-went West," locating at 
Holton, Kans. There he took up the stud) of 
law and was admitted to the Far. From Holton 
he went to Seattle, Wash., where he form. 
co-partnership with another young man in the 
practice of law under thi I & 

Gephart, which firm did a good business for 
several years, when Mr. Steel was elected to a 
city position on the Republican ticket. The firm 



having dissolved by mutual agreement, Mr. Gep- 
hart then entered law practice alone, in Seattle, 
and has continued with marked success. Hi 
regarded as a good, reliable practitioner, inas- 
much as he has been appointed to take charge of 
important interests by the judge of the city courts. 
He is a Democrat in politics, and has <er\ed as 
gate to State Conventions. In religion he is 
a Presbyterian, and among his associates he is 
well liked. 

\ |. Gephart was born March 11,1 
at Millheim. was given an excellent edu- 
cation, and was reared, in much the usual man- 
ner of fanner boys, upon the old homestead. On 
leaving the parental roof in [886 he went West, 
traveling as far as Washington; but on the death 
of his father, in 1893, he returned home, and 
has since had the management of the farm. 
where he and his mother live. Although a 
painter bv trade, he now gives his exclusive time 
and attention to agricultural pursuits. Politic- 
ally he is identified with the Democratic part\, 
and in religious faith is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. He stands deservedly high in 
the estimation of his fellow citizens, and has 
many warm friends throughout the community. 
(6) M. C. CiKPHAkt was born May 1, 1861, at 
the old homestead. Millheim, Penn. Having 
completed the common-school course, he taught 
>ol for several years with success in the com- 
munity in which he was reared. Entering Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania College, at New Berlin, Penn.. 
he pursued his studies there for several years, 
then entered Northwestern College, at Naper- 
ville. 111., and graduated from the business de- 
partment in 1883. After teaching several terms 
of public school in his native borough, he, in 
[888, again engaged in the music business in 
Millheim, which he and his brother had con- 
ducted several years before. This business he 
has since carried on successfully. He has been 
elected to political positions in his home borough, 
and is popular among the people. He is a 
man of temperate habits, a member of the United 
Evangelical Church, and interests himself in 
matters which are for the people's good. 

71 Mrs. M. Salina Goodhart (//<'< Gephart) 
was born at Millheim. Fenn.. February 26, 1863. 
Being the youngest of the family she was re- 
led as the favorite, yet was a very dutiful 
and helpful daughter in the advancing years of 
the parents. Being of a bright mind, she st< 
well in her classes at school, although she attended 
none but the home borough schools, which wen 
accounted good. In 1892 she was married to 
VV. L. Goodhart, a teacher in the borough 
schools at Millheim, since which time they hav. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



127 



resided at Millheim, where he has been engaged 
in business. Two children — one son and one 
daughter — have come to brighten their home. 



S\IMON HARPER, president of the Penn Val- 
) ley Banking Co., Centre Hall, and a retired 

merchant, is one of the substantial citizens of 
Penn's Valley, and few as good examples of self- 
made men are to be found in the locality, cer- 
tainly none better. 

Mr. Harper comes of an old family, and was 
born July 31, 1842, at Spring Bank, Miles town- 
ship, Centre county, youngest living child of 
George Harper, who was born in Berks county, 
Penn., a son of Henry Harper. George Harper 
received but limited schooling, chiefly in the Ger- 
man language, and was reared to farming pursuits. 
In Brush Valley he married Elizabeth Kreamer, 
who was born, in 1804, in Bethel township, Berks 
county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob Kreamer, who 
came to Brush Valley in 18 14, and where Mrs. 
Harper was reared from the age of ten years. 
Her youth was passed amid pioneer times and 
scenes, and she was well fitted to endure the 
hardships and trials destined for her later life. 
At the time of their marriage, her husband had 
little or no means, and his parents were not in a 
position to aid him. However, nothing daunted, 
Mr. Harper bought a farm, at Spring Bank, in 
Brush Valley, going heavily in debt for the same; 
but he prospered, and with the help of as noble 
a wife as ever lived, the debt was soon decreased. 
He died May 20, 1843, at the comparatively early 
age of forty-one years, leaving a widow with a 
family of children, our subject being but an in- 
fant. The husband and father was buried in the 
cemetery at Rebersburg. The following is a 
brief record of the children: Sarah married 
George Weaver, and lives in Rebersburg; John, 
a farmer, died in Potter township; Mary A. mar- 
ried Jonathan Gramley, and died in Brush Val- 
ley; Jonathan, by occupation a merchant, died 
in Bellefonte; Isabella is the widow of Philip 
Royer, of Nittany Valley; William is retired, and 
makes his home in Bellefonte (he served three 
years, during the Civil war, in Company A, 148th 
P. V. I.); Rebecca married Absalom Harter, and 
died in Millheim, Centre county; Jared, a mer- 
chant, lives in Bellefonte; Simon, our subject, 
comes next; and George, the youngest in the 
family, died in infancy. Of these, Simon bears 
a striking resemblance to his father, who was a 
man of slight build. He was a Democrat, but 
took no especial interest in politics, simply re- 
cording his vote quietly and unostentatiously. In 
religious faith he was a member of the Reformed 



Church, which his wife also attended, although 
not a member thereof, she being a Lutheran, but 
later also joined the Reformed Church. 

Dying a comparatively young man, George 
Harper had not opportunity to pay off all the 
indebtedness on the farm, and his dying request 
to his wife was that the homestead should not be 
sold, as he felt certain that by her careful and 
frugal management the debt thereon would be- 
fore long be cancelled. It was a heavy under- 
taking for her. the widowed mother of a large 
family, none of whom yet out of their "teens;" 
but her husband's dying words inspired her with 
fresh hope and courage, and with a will she went 
bravely to work. Early and late she " kept her 
shoulder to the wheel," doing a man's labor in 
the fields, and in the evening returning to the 
home never so wearied but that she would com- 
plete the domestic duties of the day. In course 
of time her self-denying efforts were crowned 
with success, and this noble woman found her- 
self and children under a roof free at last of all 
encumbrance. The homestead property re- 
mained in the family until 1856, in which year 
they moved to Rebersburg, and there Mrs. 
Harper resided until 1866, when she removed to 
Bellefonte with her son Simon, to whom her at- 
tachment was very great. Our subject paid for 
her support until, in 1866, he got a home of his 
own, from which time she passed her declining 
years with him, dying September 27, 1892. She 
was laid by the side of her husband in Rebers- 
burg cemetery, an elegant monument, erected 
by our subject, marking their last resting place. 
Mrs. Harper was a true Christian woman, a con- 
stant reader of the Bible, in both English and 
German, while during the later years of her life 
a great part of her time was spent in prayer. 

Simon Harper, the subject proper of these 
lines, received his education in part at the 
schools of the Harter district, in Miles town- 
ship, in part at those of Rebersburg, whither the 
family had removed when he was about fourteen 
years old, and as a farmer's boy his boyhood 
days were passed. At the age of seventeen we 
find him, for the first time in the arena of busi- 
ness life, in the capacity of clerk for Thomas 
Wolf, at Wolfs store, Brush Valley, his first 
salary being $75.00 per annum, with four weeks 
vacation during the harvest season, although the 
usual amount paid a new clerk was $50.00, so 
valuable already were his services, and so well 
appreciated. Later he clerked for W. J. Hoster- 
man, in Rebersburg, from there going to Belle- 
fonte, where he was in the employ of John Awle, 
when, the Civil war being at its height, he en- 
listed in August, 1862, in Company A, 148th P. 



L28 



COMHEMOIIA TIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



V. I. In this regiment he served faithfully until 
compelled by sickne-^ to n tire into the Veteran 
Reserve ( >rps, much against his inclination, for 
he persisted in remaining with his company 
longer than his health warranted. At the close 
of the war he was a member of Company E, 3rd 
Veteran Reserve! orps. After tin- war was over 
he was sent to Augusta, Maine, to muster out 
Maine troops, after which he was mustered out 
at that city, and he th n returned to Rebersburg. 

On May 18, 1866, Mr. Harper and bis widowed 
mother removed to Belief on te, where, along 
with his two brothers. Jonathan and William, he 
common :e 1 th sgen ?ral mercantile business, with 
which he was identified some fourteen years. 
During that long period of activity, his natural 
industrious disposition and consequent hard 
work impaired his health so much that he had to 
retire from the firm. In March, 1880, he took 
up his residence in the village of Centre Hall, 
where he recuperated, buying a nice home, to 
the improvement of which he spent no little 
time and money. At this time there were but 
two stores in Centre Hall, and after four years 
Mr. Harper decided to open a third, trusting t<> 
his previous experience and natural business 
qualifications for success ol Ins venture. It re- 
quired enterprise and energy, both of which 
characteristics he amply p d, and possesses, 

and in 1884, in partnership with 11. \Y. [Crea- 
mer, he opened a general merchandise store, 
which ere long became the leading one of the 
kind in the vicinity. In April, 1896, our sub- 
ject disposed i>l his interest therein, and retired 
from active business life. He still owns a one- 
half interest in the store building, a one-fourth in- 
terest in the bank building and bank at Centre 
Hall; a substantial residence in the same villag !, 
and 350 acres of land in Potter township A> 
already stated, he is president of the Penn Val- 
ley Hanking Co., at Centre Hall, and is a leader 
in enterprises tending to the advancement of his 
section of the county 

On December 28, 1870, at Bellefonte, Simon 
Harper was married t.> Miss Maggie E. Klinger, 
who was bom at Buffalo Run, Penn., May 
1854, youngest in the family of ten child 
five sons and live daughters horn to |rsse and 
Mary fKocker) Klinger, who came from Dauphin 
county to Centre county some years ago Mr. 
Klinger was a blacksmith by trade, in politics a 
stanch Republican, and for several years was 

justice of the peace at Bellefonte, where h died 
October 1, 1889, Ins wife passing away March 
18, 1893, and they sleep their last sleep in the 
cemetery at Bellefonte. They were members of 
the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs Harper 



have one child, Harry W. , horn October 17. 
1882, living at home. 

In polities Mr Harper is a lifelong Democrat, 
always interested in the success of the party, but 
never an office-seeker. For one term he served 
as chief burgess of Centre Hall, and has been 
elected to other offices, which, however, he de- 
clined to accept. Socially, he is a member of 
the F. & A M Lodge at Centre Hall, and ol 
the I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 153, at Bellefonte 
In matters of religion he and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church, and he was one of 
the committee who had charge of the church 
building, a handsome one, at Centre Hall, and it 
wis at his suggestion that brown stone was used 
in its construction. He is an elder in the Church, 
and is one of the most liberal contributors and 
leading members, and has served as superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school. Taken all in all, Mr. 
Harper is a typical representative self-made man, 
one who by his own perseverance, energy and 
sound judgment, has risen, rung by rung, to the 
summit of the ladder of success. On business and 
financial matters he is an acknowledged author- 
ity, and his opinion and counsel, which are often 
sought, are sure to be respected. His acquaint- 
ance in Penn's Valley is thorough, and he is held 
in the highest esteem. 



ISAAC GRAY (deceased), late of Patton town- 
ship, Centre county, was one of the most 
prosperous and successful farmers of the Half 
Moon country, and a very substantial citi/en of 
the community in which his entire life had been 
passed. 

The Grays are numerous in central Pennsyl- 
vania, descendants of one Leter Cray, who came 
to II, ill Moon Valley in 1788, from Frederick 
county, Md., and located in what is now Patton 
township; at that time he was assessed and n 
garded as belonging to Huntingdon county. John 
Cray, one of the sons of Peter Gray (1), and 
the one from whom Isaac descended, was born 
in 17(17 and died in [848; he married Catherine. 
daughter of Conrad Hartsock, the bead of the 
liist famil) of the name to settle in Half Moon 
Valley; she died in 1847. Of their children, 
John (iias (2) in, irried Mary Mattern, and the) 
ime the parents ol Isaac Cray (deceased 
(their fifth child , of whom we especially write 
John Graj - died in [856, in his fifty-seventh 
year, and his wife in November. 1 871, in the 
seventy-third year of her age. 

i.i\ was born on the old homestead 
in the vicinity of Cray's Church, in Patton town- 
ship, February 22, 18^4. where his father and 





OJJt^C 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



129 



grandfather before him had lived, and there his 
life of over half a century was passed. Descend- 
ing from a pious and Christian ancestry through 
several generations, he inherited a Christian 
spirit and a desire to live in keeping with the 
commands of our Savior, which were so strength- 
ened by the example of those older lives abou 
him that he early espoused the cause of Christ 
and enlisted in the work of His vineyard. In 
Half Moon Valley, Methodism took earliest root 
among the religiously inclined, and Methodism 
has prevailed since the pioneer era as the popular 
creed. About 1790 Peter Gray so arranged it 
that M. E. Circuit preachers stopped at his 
house occasionally to hold services, and for 
nearly thirty years his home was a temple where 
the surrounding community gathered once a 
month, and sometimes oftener, to enjoy the 
privilege of worship. In 1826 a rude log church 
was built near Peter Gray's home. He was 
chosen a leader when the class was formed in 
1790, and for full thirty-five years stood faith- 
fully at the helm. His successor was his son 
Peter B. , who was likewise a local preacher. 
After him followed Samuel P. Gray and Jacob 
Gray, and later, Isaac Gray, of this sketch. 
Since the formation of the class a Gray has been 
one of its leaders. The old log church stood 
from 1826 to 1 85 1, when it was destroyed by 
fire. It was replaced by a more pretentious 
structure, which was used until the building of 
the present beautiful edifice, still called "Gray's 
Church." Imbibing by tradition, and reared in 
such an atmosphere as pervaded the Gray fam- 
ily, it is not to be wondered at that young Isaac 
followed in the footsteps of his pious ancestry. 
It was mainly through his efforts and generous 
contributions that the new church was built. 
He went on through life assuming the duties of 
the day as his conscience directed, and led a use- 
ful life. He held all the offices of the Church, 
such as class-leader, trustee, steward, district 
steward and lay electoral delegate to the annual 
Conference. Like most of the Grays, he was in 
politics a Republican, though not active in the 
sense of a politician, but only interested as citizen- 
ship seemed to demand. He served his State as 
juror at a session of the supreme court held at 
Erie, Penn. He served in various township 
offices, always acceptably to his people. He 
was a most successful farmer, and considered a 
solid and substantial citizen, highly esteemed. 
His death occurred March 27, 1889. The press 
at this time said: 

Half Moon Valley loses one of its best citizens, and the 
county one of its most successful farmers; he has been ailing 
for years from an affection of the lungs, and although his 
case was known to be hopeless, death was not anticipated. 



He was a consistent and devout member of the Methodist 
Church, a good neighbor and a devoted husband and affec- 
tionate father, and will be sorely missed in the community of 
which he was a leading member. 

Born of pious Methodist ancestry, early he professed 
Christ, and joined the M. E. Church; for twenty-three years 
he was class leader, and also either Sunday-school superin- 
tendent or teacher. He always took an active interest in 
the Sabbath-school, and all the means of grace. Largely 
through his lead, and the active co-operation of a few others, 
be saw completed in his native community a most beautiful, 
substantial and convenient country church. By unavoidable 
delay it was not dedicated until two weeks after his death. 

On November 4, 1862, Mr. Gray was married 
to Sarah Liggett, who was born in Liberty town- 
ship, Centre county, Penn., February 5, 1837, 
and is a daughter of John and Susannah (Neff) 
Liggett, natives of what is now Centre county. 
Penn. To the marriage came: Lulu, Mary, 
Ruth, Esther and Bond. Lulu married Rev. 
George Glenn, who is a minister of the M. E. 
Church, now (1897) stationed at Gettysburg, 
Penn., and they have five children, namely: 
Randolph, Foster. Sarah Liggett, Eb'zabeth 
Meek, John Gray, and George, Jr. Mary died 
June 8, 1 87 1, in the sixth year of her age; Ruth 
married Rev. Frank Hartsock, of the M. E. De- 
nomination, now preaching at Marathon, N. Y. , 
and they have one child, Robert Gray; Esther 
Katherine is a home; Bond died in infancy. 

The Liggetts were originally from the North 
of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish stock. Oncoming to 
America they settled in Virginia, and from there 
moved to Washington county, Md. , whence 
came George, John and Absalom Liggett (broth- 
ers) into Bald Eagle Valley, then Northumber- 
land county, Penn., now Centre county; the 
date of the location of these brothers in the Bald 
Eagle Valley is not definitely known, but is fixed 
by one of the grandsons of George Liggett as be- 
ing as early as 1760, or in the decade following. 
They were among the earliest settlers of the Val- 
ley. John Liggett, the son of George Liggett, 
who came into Bald Eagle Valley as above 
stated, was born in the Valley in 1797. He was 
one of a large family, all of whom (including the 
parents), excepting himself and David, who died 
about 1842 at Eagleville, moved to Ohio years 
ago. John Liggett married Susannah Neff, 
whose ancestors came from Germany; four of 
their children are living, namely: Benjamin, 
now (1897) sixty-five years of age, resides in Kan- 
sas City, Kans. ; John is a resident of Beech Creek, 
Clinton Co., Penn., aged sixty-three; Mrs. 
Sarah Gray, widow of the subject of this sketch, 
resides on Buffalo Run, aged sixty years; and 
Fisher D. is a resident of Canton, Ohio, aged 
fifty-seven; three died in infancy, namely: Fisher, 
Elizabeth and one whose name is not given 
The parents of these died, the father at St. 



130 



COMMi:\lt>L.\TI\ /■: BIOQRAPEICA1 RECORD. 



Louis, Mo., in 1857, while en route to Kansas 
prospecting in that State for a future home, and 
the mother, in May, [887, aged eighty-seven 
years, ac Beech Creek, in the home "1 her son 
|<ilui Liggett. The older Liggetts, who came from 
Maryland, were slave owners, and broughtsome 
with them on coming to Bald Eagle Valley, and 
some of the d scendants "I those slave 
here at tin: present time 



HERBERT WILLIAMS, who departed tins 
life November .?, [886, was an honored vet- 
eran (il tin- Cud war, and a valued and repre- 
sentative citizen <>( Snow Shoe township. He 
was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in June, 
1S26, a son of William and Ann Williams, who 
were also natives of that city, where they con- 
ducted the " lion I • idgi Inn. " 

< in 1 oming to the United States, our subject 
first locati dm Pottsville, Penn., but later removed 
to Snow shoe, where he engaged in blacksmith- 
ing until the outbreak of the Rebellion. Feeling 
that his adopted country needed Ins s i\ ii 1 s, he 
put aside his individual interests, and in 1861 en- 
listed in Company E, 5th Reserve Volunteer In- 
fantry, under Capt. Landimore, joining his com- 
pany on tin' 1st of |une. During most of his 
service hi engaged in blacksmithing. He was 
wounded during the seven days battle of Rich- 
mond, was captured, was for eleven weeks con- 
fined in Libby prison, and on his release was sent 
to Bellevue Hospil d. New York City, where he 
remained for eleven months. When hostilil 
had i eased hi returned to his home in Snow Shoe, 
where In successfullj engaged in blacksmith 
for a number of years, hut at the time of his 
death was living practically retired. His sym- 
pathy, hi-- benevolence, Ins kindly greeting, will 
lony be remembered by those who knew bim, 
His duties were performed with the greatest care, 
and throughout his life Ins personal honor and 
integrity wen- without blemish, Ardent and 

constant in Ins affections, he w a-- a most tenderly 
! husband. In polities he was a stanch 

Democrat, hut did not aspire to office; in relig- 
ious faith he attended the Presbyterian Chun h 
In Si low Shoe 1 1 er he it Williams was married 
to Rebecca Hinton . who was twice married, 
her first husband being William Walker, of En- 
glish descent, who was killed while a soldier in 
the Federal army. By that union she had one 
son, who was horn September 7, 1852, and died 
March [6, 1 So", leaving a widow and eight chil- 
dren, who reside in Snow Shoe. The birth of 
Mrs. Williams 01 (lined m Spring township, Cen- 
tre county, May 10. In the same county 



] her parents, Isaac and Margaret (Lucas) Hinton, 
1 spent their entire lives, the father flying October 
3, 1 S 5 4 , and the mother on January 29, 1880. 
Their famil) numbered the following children: 
Austin, bom in 18 1 1 , died in Snow Shoe, Will- 
iam died suddenly in a hayfield in Centre county; 
Stac) married Daniel Wyland, and both are now 
I deceased; Benjamin died in Snow Shoe; Martha 
is the widow of William Shuck, of Milesburg, 
Centre county; Rebecca (Mrs. Williams) is the 
next in order of birth; Isaac and Constance are 
twins, of whom the former was a Union soldier, 
and was killed at Charles City Cross Roads June 
30, 1861, while the latter is a farmer of Iowa; 
Margaret died unmarried; and George died June 
1 i , 1 S90. 

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Williams 
were William and Martha Hinton, natives of 
England and Chester county, Penn., respectively. 
When a hoy the former was kidnaped and brought 
to America. Later he made his home in Centre 
countv. where he followed the occupation of a 
farmer. Joseph and Rebecca (Askey) Lucas, the 
maternal grandparents, were horn in Centre 
county, of German parent 

Mrs. Williams is a most highly respected lady, 
an excellent conversationalist, and has many 
warm friends throughout the community. In 
the course of her life she has met with two pain- 
ful accidents — breaking her right arm by falling 
from a cherry tree when thirteen years of a 
and breaking her left arm on the 17th of April, 
iSo", while assisting a neighbor in papering a 
room. 



Ll'> McENTIRE, the popular and efficient 
postmaster at Fillmore, ins the reputation 
of a strictly first-class business man, reliable and 
energetic, and is a citizen of whom Centre county 
may be justly proud. In the discharge of his 
official duties he is prompt and courteous, and 
thus wins the commendation of the many patrons 
of the office. He is also serving as express 
agent, and is engaged in merchandising, carrying 
a large and complete sti >< k of everything found in 
a first class general Sti 

Mr McEntire is a native of Centre county, 
horn on the 1st of January, 1825, to Edward 
and Isabel (Bathurstj Mel ntire. The paternal 

<ii Ins entire life in Ireland, dj 
in Count) Donegal; but the maternal grandfather 
came to the New World and aided the Colonies 
in their struggle for independence in the Revolu- 
tion. ir\ war. The latter was a descendant of 
the Earl of Bathurst, who die. I in England, and 
was heir to the estate, but through legal techni- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



131 



cality lost it. The father of our subject was born 
in Ireland, and when eighteen years of age came 
to the United States. For a number of years 
he served as bookkeeper for Roland Curtin, in 
the Curtin Iron Works, of Centre county, and 
here died at the ripe old age of eighty years. 

In his family were nine children, namely: 
Mary E. became the wife of Isaac Carter, and 
died September 30, 1892. Her husband is now 
a resident of Hutchinson, Kans. Barnard B., a 
resident of Clarion, Penn., married Elizabeth 
Cramer, and has seven sons. L. B., of this 
sketch, is next in order of birth. Eliza is the 
wife of Jackson Rarer, of Callensburg, Clarion 
Co., Penn., and has one son and five daughters. 
James C, of Reynoldsville, Jefferson Co., Penn., 
wedded Margaret Maxel, and has five sons. 
Nancy is the wife of John Coax, of Reynolds- 
ville, by whom she has three sons and six daugh- 
ters. Rebecca is the wife of James Hassey, of 
Beaver Falls, Penn., and they have two sons and 
five daughters. The other two children of the 
family died in early life. 

At the age of twenty-three years, Mr. McEn- 
tire, the subject of this review, was married to 
Miss Nancy Houser, a daughter of Martin and 
Catharine (Rumbarger) Houser. Her maternal 
uncle, John Rumbarger, was the founder of Du- 
Bois, Penn. Six children have been born to our 
subject and his estimable wife: (i)J- C. , the 
eldest, studied under Dr. Rothrock, of Belle- 
fonte, Penn., and is now engaged in the practice 
of dentistry in that city; he married Fannie La- 
verty, of Lock Haven, Penn., and has four chil- 
dren. (2) Dr. O. \V. , of Howard, Centre 
county, married Fannie Sellers, of Fillmore, and 
has one child. (3) E. C. , an attorney at law of 
Williamsport, Lycoming Co., Penn., married 
Frances Lipton; he prepared for his profession 
in Aurora Springs, Mo., where he made his home 
for nine years. (4) Harry H., who is engaged in 
the lumber business, married Ruby Lunt, and 
has two children. (5) Ella is at home with her 
parents. (6) Carrie M. is the wife of A. B. 
Cowher, a policeman of Hunters Park, Fillmore, 
Centre county. 

Mr. McEntire has been very successful, and 
by his systematic methods of conducting his 
business, his strict attention to it in all its details, 
and his thoroughly upright dealings, has made 
an honorable record in the business world. Be- 
sides his fine store, he is also the owner of prop- 
erty in and about Fillmore. Both himself and 
wife are consistent and faithful members of the 
Methodist Church, and she belongs to the Order 
of Rebekah. He takes an active interest in 
political matters, and in the discharge of his 



elective franchise votes with the Democratic 
party. His culture, intelligence and geniality 
make him an important factor in social circles, 
and have secured him many warm friends. 



JONATHAN WALRER (deceased), who in his 
lifetime was one of the most substantial and 

highly respected citizens of Brush Valley, 
and the owner of a fine farm near Wolfs Store, 
Centre county, was a member of a prominent 
pioneer family of that locality. The farm on 
which he resided is situated about two and a 
quarter miles east from Wolfs Store, and in 
earlier days was known as the " Erhard Home- 
stead." Jonathan Walker bought it from his 
parents, Daniel and Hannah Walker, and Daniel 
Walker purchased it from Michael Erhard, his 
(Daniel Walker's) wife's father, he (Daniel) mak- 
ing an agreement to keep Mr. and Mrs. Erhard 
the rest of their lives. 

Born April 11, 1843, our subject saw many 
changes in the locality, and in no place in life is 
progress more apparent than in the schools. 
While he made good use of such facilities as the 
district schools of his day afforded, he realized 
their deficiencies, and always was in hearty sym- 
pathy with the movement to provide the best 
possible instruction for the rising generation. As 
the youngest son of his parents, he was made 
useful at home during his boyhood, his chief work 
being to drive a team. He never worked away 
from home, and in early manhood he made ar- 
rangements to purchase the place, agreeing to 
support his parents during the remainder of their 
lives. 

Prior to this, some ten years, October 20, 
1867, Mr. Walker married Miss Amanda Dubbs, 
from New Berlin, Union Co., Penn., but a na- 
tive of Snyder county, Penn., and a daughter of 
Jacob Dubbs, a well-known farmer and merchant. 
Six children were born of this union: John W. , 
now at home; Ida (Mrs. W. Edward Weaver), of 
Miles township, Centre county; and Emma, Will- 
iam, Annie M. and Harry M., who are at home. 

When Mr. Walker bought the property he 
lived on, the old milling property was included, 
and he afterward conducted the sawmill on the 
old plan. For some time he carried on the 
manufacture of flour in the gristmill, but, after 
the improved roller machinery was introduced 
into other establishments, he used this plant 
chiefly for chopping. His estate comprises about 
five hundred acres, including some timber land, 
and the agricultural work has been carried on 
successfully, the portion under cultivation mak- 
ing one of the best farms in the locality. In his 



L82 



( 'OM Ml \H>l; A Tl YE lllOGHAPlIKM RECORD. 






later years Mr. Walk) I took the- active 

work ill the place, but be did much severe labor 
in bis tunc, and the toil and exposure undergone 
in hauling logs and similar work, left their im- 
press upon his frame in chronic kidney troubles. 
culminating in Bright's disease, the final cause of 
his death, which occurred September 4, 181 
He was buried in Rebersburg ., where 

his parents also sleep their last sleep. 

Although a shrewd manager, Mr Walker was 
thoroughly fair and honest in his dealings, claim- 
ing only his dues in any transaction. In politics 
he was a Democrat, but while he supported his 
convictions earnestly, he was no office seeker. 
However, in February, 1897, he was elected a 
school director of Brungart's and Stovei sschools 
1 Miles township), east precinct. The religious 
movements of his vicinity had his generous co- 
operation, and he was a member of the Lutheran 
Church. His widow is an adherent of the Re- 
formed Church. She has a pleasant home and a 
family of which any p. units might well be proud. 
each one giving promise of upholding the good 
name which the previous generation have now. 



GfBBONY F. HOOP, M. D . consulting and 
i prescribing physician, residing in Philips- 
burg, Centre county, was born December 6, 1827, 

on the line between Washing! :ounty, Md., 

ami Bedford county, Penn. , a son of Jacob and 
Sarah A. (Gibbon) | Hoop, who were married at 
Greencastle, Franklin Co., Penn., April 6, 1813, 
by Rev. William Rothrough. The father was 
born in Chester counts, Penn., September 22, 
17SS. was a farmer in his youngei years, but was 
later interested m a nail factor) and in merchan- 
dising. He rved as a volunteer soldier under 
Col. (latei Gen Scott in the war of [812 14, 
and marched from near Baltimore to Lake Erie. 
In religious belief he was a Lutheran, while in 
politics he was a Jackson Democrat. His death 
occurred, in Kylertown. Clearfield Co., Penn., 
June j j, [856, and his wife, whose bnth occurred 
in Lancaster county, Penn., November 6, 1790, 
also .bed iii Kylertown, August 15, 1858. 

In their family were -even children, .is fol- 
low- Sarah A., born in January, [814, married 
Joshua ( arr, a ship carpenter, who was killed in 
the Mi :icanwar, in 1846, and in [852 she wedded 
Adam Jury, of CI. . a 

prisoi f war, was starved to death in Salisl 

pi won during the Ci\ il war. Willis I 
November \ \, 1816, died in Mar) Star. 

1" i] 11 Jinn 10, 182 11 ied Davi of 1 an- 

nul \ , Penn. , but both are w w di 1 
no children living. Elizabeth, bom February 



18, 1824, is the deceased wife of George Dunkle, 
ol Franklin county, who is now living with his 
children in Philipsburg. The Doctor is next in 
order of birth. Rebecca, bom March 17, 1.S31, 
married Samuel Hile, who is now residing with a 
son near Reedsville, Mifflin Co., Penn.; Mrs 
Hile died in Huntingdon county, m i 

The Hoop family is of English origin, and the 
name was originally spelled Hooper. From Som- 

tshire, England, the founders of the family 
have been traced back to Rev. John Hoop, 1 
tor of Gloucester, and later bishop of Worcester. 
He was a man of great learning, and had a large 
following; but having imbibed the religious opin- 
ions of other reformers in those days, he w.is 
called a dissenter from the old Roman Catholic 
faith, and about 1553 was arrested and imprisoned 
as a heretic, and finally condemned to death at the 
stake, and executed in February, 1555, by order 
ol Her Majesty ••Bloody Mary," Queen of Eng- 
land. This sad event so terrorized all the broth- 
ers and sons of the families that they fled fi 
England, leaving a large estate unsettled, and 
then changed their names to avoid the vindictiv< 
searches of the English Government upon tin 
high seas, and into every country where tiny 
could press the power of reclaiming English sub- 
jects. Ever since that time the name has been 
variousl) spelled by dropping or adding let' 
for causes unknown to the writer hereof. I!ut 
since the American Revolutionary war it is well 
known by the numerous families of America that 
the Hoop, Hoopers and Hoopes families all spring 
from the same paternal trees in Somersetsh 
England. William Hooper, of Boston. Mass . 
and a signer of the Declaration of Independeii 
wis 1,1 tin- same original English family accord- 
ing to the 1 n lot in. it urn obtained at this writing. 

John Hoop, the paternal grandfather of the 
Doctor, was a native of Delaware The mater- 
nal grandparents were Willis D. and Sarah 1 1 
lingheisen) 1 ribbons. The < ribbons family wei 1 

Si Otch-Irish descent, and the name was (hanged 

in Gibbon) 
The boyhood and youth of Dr. Hoop were prin- 
11) passed on a farm in Duncanv ille, Blair 
Penn., where for three years he served an 
prenticeship to the tailor's trade, and sub 

atly win 1 rfoi ehouse, in HoUi- 

il. iv -burg, until June, 1 S46, when he Start 
westward. < >n reaching tin- ( ihio line he chain. 
his mind, and inty, Penn., and, 

traveling b) the way ol Half Moon Valley a 

fonte, Phillipsburg, March 4, 1847 

Alter conducting a tailor simp for .1 year, be began 
ing medicine with Dr. William 1'. Hill and 
Dr. Henry Lorain, ol Clearfield, with whom In 



i uMMKMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



L33 



remained for several months, and then engaged 
in teaching school in Morris township, Clearfield 
county, for three months, after which he returned 
to Philipsburg and continued his reading under 
the direction of Ur. Charles R. Foster, until 
September, 1849, when he entered the City and 
Marine Hospital in Baltimore, Md. , where he con- 
tinued his medical studies until March 4, 1851, 
when he was granted a diploma; then returned to 
Philipsburg and engaged in practice with Dr. Fos- 
ter for a few months. He was next located at 
Frenchville, Clearfield county, where he engaged 
in practice until 1854, at which time he sold out 
to Dr. F. Antes Canfield (who now resides in 
Necedah, Wis., the most prominent medical man 
in the State), and moved to Kylertown. In i860 
we again find Dr. Hoop in Philipsburg, but on 
the outbreak of the Civil war he was commis- 
sioned, by Gov. Curtin, surgeon of the 84th 
P. V. I., and remained in the service until Sep- 
tember 13, 1864. He was twice wounded, the 
first time at Winchester, in the spring of 1862, 
this being a slight flesh wound in the hip. In 
1863, in Loudoun county, Va. , during a running 
cavalry fight, he was struck in the right leg, and 
on the 31st of August in the same year he was 
overcome by sunstroke near Beverly Ford, 
Va. , which caused him to resign in September. 

After a short time spent in Philipsburg, Dr. 
Hoop went to the oil fields and carried on opera- 
tions as a member of the Norwich Oil Co. , clear- 
ing a large sum of money in a short time. He 
soon, however, returned to Philipsburg and be- 
came interested in the lumber business, organ- 
izing the companies of Hoop, Jones & Co. and 
Munson, Jones & Co., and erecting the first 
planing-mill in the town of Philipsburg; but in 
1876 he sold out, though he continued a resident 
as druggist until 1880, when he removed to Idaho 
Springs, Colo. There he engaged in gold and 
silver mining with good success for a time, but 
later, through the decline in silver ore, he found 
the business unprofitable, and returned to Philips- 
burg in 1891, where he has since made his home. 

Dr. Hoop was married May 11, 1851, in 
Philipsburg. by Rev. Daniel Ayers, to Miss Anna 
Test, of Philipsburg, who died December 7, 
1873. To them were born five children, namely: 
Laura B., born in Frenchville, Clearfield county, 
May 12, 1852, was married December 31, 1868, 
to William H. McCausland, a jeweler, of Philips- 
burg; Henrietta F., born June 26, 1854, died in 
1855; Lizzie, born February 27, 1857, died in 
childhood; James W., born January 30, 1859, 
married Ida Barrick, of Huntingdon county, and 
died April 19, 1896; and Ellen M., born January 
24. 1 86 1, is the wife of A. E. Lingenfeltor, an 



express agent of Tyrone, Penn. The Doctor 
was again married, this time, April 24, 1879, to 
Miss Josephine Flegal, the wedding ceremony be- 
ing performed by Rev. William H. Dill, of Clear- 
field. Her father, Rev. John Flegal, was a na- 
tive of Maryland, and a licensed minister of the 
Methodist Protestant Church. Two children 
grace the second union: Rex Carroll, born No- 
vember 12, 1880; and Lenore, born at Idaho 
Springs, Colo., November 8, 1886. 

Socially, Dr. Hoop is a Knight Templar, and 
is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and 
Commandery at Philipsburg, while in religious 
belief he is a Baptist. His political support is 
always given the Democratic party, and he is an 
earnest advocate of the free coinage of silver, 
having large interests in Colorado. He is widely 
and favorably known throughout this section of 
the State, and his genial and affable manner has 
gained him the friendship of a wide circle of 
acquaintances, who esteem him highly for his 
sterling worth and many excellent traits of char- 
acter. 



OBERT COOKE (deceased). As a repre- 
Jf3L sentative of a family that has been promi- 
nent throughout the formulative period of the 
government of this country, there, perhaps, could 
be found none in whom the hardy, but noble 
traits of the Colonial pioneer were so truly 
mingled with the progressive spirit of the nine- 
teenth century, than in the character of the man 
whose name opens this sketch — Robert Cooke, 
Sr. He was born near Northumberland, Nor- 
thumberland Co., Penn., April 22, 181 3; and 
was a son of Capt. John and Jane (Cooke) Cooke, 
who were both natives of Northumberland county, 
where they remained all their lives. 

When the Thirteen Colonies determined to 
become independent of the Mother Country, 
Capt. John Cooke took his place in the ranks of 
the "embattled farmers" who "fired the shot 
heard round the world." His father, William 
Cooke, a native of England, turned against his 
native land, and as a colonel in the American 
army, bravely bore his part in Freedom's cause. 

To Capt. John Cooke and his wife were born 
the following children: Jacob; William; Sarah, 
who married John Bropes (both are deceased); 
Charles, who died in September, 1896, at the age 
of 84 years, 7 months and 15 days; Robert, our 
subject; Elizabeth, who married John Jones, and 
John, all of whom are deceased. 

On December 1, 1837, Robert Cooke was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Quinn, a native of Muncy, 
Lycoming Co., Penn., and a daughter of Will- 



184 



StOHATlVB BIOORAPVICAL RECOlllh 



iam and Jane (White) Quinn. William Quinn 
was a native of Lycoming county, the son of 
Arthur and Jane Walton Quinn, natives of the 
same county. Both Mr. Quinn and his father 
were farmers by occupation, and lived and died 
al the place of their nativity. Mrs. Jane \\ h 
Quinn was the daughter of farm - and Fannie 
(McConnell) White, who were uatives of Scot- 
land and came to America at an early day. Mr. 
White was a millwright and followed his trade 
after coming to Lycoming county, where he 
died. William Quinn, the father of Mrs. Robert 
Cooke, was a man of much prominence in the 
community, and was a number of times honored 
by his fellow-citizens by being elected to local 
offices, at one time being deputy sheriff In pol- 
itics he was a pioneer of the Republican party, but 
his early death in 1856, at the age of fifty-eight, 
prevented his seeing Ins chosen party become a 
national power. His wife survived him until 
September. 1SS.1, when at the age of eighty- 
seven she, too, passed into the unknown land. 
To this worthy couple were born seven children, 
as follows: Mary; Jane, who died in childhood; 
Arthur (deceased:; Nancy, wife of Henry Cable, 
a tailor oi Mimcy, Penn; Fannie (widow of 
Hiintei Brown), residing in New York; John, a 
saddler of Muncy, Penn.; Elizabeth, deceased 
wife ol Andrew Peterman, who was a soldier in 
the Union army during the Civil war. was cap- 
tured, and died in I .ibby pi ison, 

The union of our subject and his wife were 
blessed with ten children, namely: (il John is 
a contractor and builder, of Philadelphia. 12) 
Charles is a traveling salesman for .1 shoe house, 
and resides in Mifflinburg, Penn. (3) Jacob has 
a large hotel at Charlotteville, Va. < \) Rosette 
is the wife ol I' rrj I ong, a merchant at Howard, 
Penn (5 Irwin is deceased. (6) Robert is in 
the livery business at Howard, and is a man of 
no little importance in the community in which 
In lives, as an office holder he has beei swerv- 
ing in his fidelity to duty; he was elected sheriff 
hi November, 1887, and during his term of office 
two executions occurred, one on February 20, 
1890; Ins integrity and upright character 1 
made him a 111. in in whom the people at large 
repose perfect confidence. (7) Clarence is -1 
lumberman at Howard. 8) Edward is de- 
■ Walter I., is menti 'her on. 
( to) Alice is at In ime 

In 1855 Robert Cooke removed from Lyi 

ing county, l'eun , t«> Howard, where lie engaged 
in mercantile business with his brother, [acob, 
and continued in that line until his death. He 
was Express agent, and for eighteen years w is 
the agent for the Bald Eagle Valley railroad. 



On February 28, 1889, after a long life of useful 
labor and thoughtful care of other-, Robert 
Cooke laid aside the cares of the world, and en- 
tered upon his final rest. He was a man among 
men, earnest and self-reliant, ever ready to aid 
in anything that tended to the uplifting of hu- 
manity. He left a name untarnished, and a 
family well-trained in those qualities of mind and 
heart, that will be to him a monument more last- 
ing than sculptured stone. 

At the time he gave up the agency of the 
Bald Eagle Valley railroad, his son, Walter L. 
COOKE, was appointed, and is still holding that 
position, his duties comprising those of operator, 
express agent, ticket agent, etc. He is a young 
man of rare ability and fine attainments; \ 
educated at the schools of Howard, and later, 
during the year 1*75. at the academy at Belle- 
fonte. He has attained to a degree of promi- 
nence seldom equalled by men of his years. His 
strict attention to his business, his upright deal- 
ing, together with his courteous manner, win 
him friends among all classes of people. He and 
his sister Alice lived at home with their mother 
until the latter's sudden death, October 25, 1896. 
She was stricken with paralysis the day before, 
and remained unconscious t • • the last. In her 
death the community at lar^e could well sym- 
pathize with the bereaved family, as this aged 
lad}- was most highly esteemed for those beauti- 
ful virtues of true womanhood, that find the 
largest happini ss in the home and family, and so 
typify the "mission of woman on earth born to 
nurse and to soothe, to help and to heal, the 
sick world that leans on her." 

Walter L. was married November 11, 1896. 
to Emma E. , daughter of William I larrison Long, 
gunsmith and general farmer, residing at Jack- 
sonville, Centre Co . Penn lie was born there 
October 19, 1836, and 1- a son of Joseph and 
Elizabeth 1 Benner) Long, native.- ol Milton and 
New Berlin, Penn., respectively, and early set- 
tlers oi Idamsburg, this State, where they both 
died m advanced lif< 

|" ■ : h I ' . paternal grandfather ol William 
lb. came to America from I ngland at an early 
day, located first in White Deer Valley, N 
thumberland Co., Penn., later moving to Union 
mow Snyder) county, where he followed farming 
and shoemaking. Henrj Benner, mater 

idfather of William II.. served in the war of 
1 S 1 2, enlisting from Union 1 now Snyder) com 
Pennsylvania. 

William H. Long was married November 28, 
1866, in Mifflin county, Penn., to Miss Sarah J. 
McAulay, and children as follows were born to 
then union Emma E., w if.- of Walter I . Cooke 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



135 



Mary M., wife of E. E. Schenck, a hardware 
merchant of Howard, Penn. ; and Margaret C, 
at home. The mother of these was born in 
Mifflin county, Penn., May 8, 1847, a daughter 
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Burkholder) McAulay, 
of that county, the former of whom, a farmer by 
occupation, was a man of prominence, an elder 
in the Presbyterian Church, and a Democrat in 
politics. He died in 1889, at the age of sixty- 
three years. 



w 



W. ANDREWS, M. D. Despite the 
healthfulness of this favored region, the 
aid of medical science is still invoked to counter- 
act the encroachment of disease. Among the 
able men who have devoted their lives to this 
work is the subject of this sketch, a well-known 
physician of Philipsburg, Centre county, whose 
careful and thorough preparation for his profes- 
sion, together with his native ability, early won 
him an enviable standing. 

A word concerning his ancestral history will 
be in order before proceeding to an account of 
the Doctor's own career, especially as his forefa- 
thers were among the pioneers of this State. 
His grandfather, John Andrews, a Pennsylvanian 
by birth, was a packet-boat builder at one time, 
later becoming a farmer. He purchased a large 
tract of land in Columbia county, Penn., and al- 
though he disposed of portions of it as suitable 
opportunity appeared he retained a fine home- 
stead, where he passed his last days and died at 
the age of seventy-six years. W. C. Andrews, 
our subject's father, was born in Columbia county 
in 1838, and after receiving a common-school 
education engaged in business as a cabinet maker. 
During the Civil war he enlisted in the Union 
army, served until the close of the struggle, and 
on his return to the ways of peace he became in- 
terested in mercantile pursuit, first at Lock Haven 
and for some years past at Philipsburg. His 
wife, Mary Lemmon, a native of Columbia coun- 
ty, died in 1884 aged forty-five years. 

Dr. Andrews, who was born April 2, 1 861, in 
Columbia county, was the only child of his par- 
ents. The public schools of Lock Haven afforded 
him good preliminary training, and after grad- 
uating from the high school he took the scientific 
course in the State Normal School there. Pur- 
suing his studies further, he was graduated from 
Dickinson Seminary in 1884, from the scientific 
course, receiving the degree of B. S., and in 
1888 he obtained the degree of M. D. from the 
University of Pennsylvania. From boyhood he 
had had an inclination for the medical profession, 
and before leaving Lock Haven to attend school 



he had begun to read medicine with Dr. Walls, 
of that city. 

An excellent opening for practice he found at 
Peale, Clearfield county, as surgeon for the 
Clearfield Coal Co., and there Dr. Andrews re- 
mained three years. In 1891 he located at 
Philipsburg, and in his six years of residence 
there has established an extensive practice among 
the best people of the community. Among his 
professional confreres his talents are recognized, 
and he is a member of the County and State 
Medical Associations, and of the West Branch 
Medical Society. He is surgeon at the State 
Cottage Hospital in Philipsburg, and has been on 
the medical staff of same since it was organized 
in 1892. 

In 1888 Dr. Andrews was united in marriage 
with Miss Jennie Jones, an attractive young lady 
of Philipsburg, daughter of Alfred Jones, a prom- 
inent hardware merchant. One daughter, Ruth, 
brightens their home. In politics the Doctor is 
a stanch Republican; socially he is a member of 
of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F., both of 
Philipsburg. 



CdURTIN C. TAYLOR. Among the highly 
_> respected and honored citizens of Spring 
township, Centre county, no one is more worthy 
of consideration than the gentleman whose name 
opens this sketch. Here his entire life has been 
passed, his home having always been within a 
half mile of his present residence at Pleasant 
Gap. In that village he was born October 24, 
1824, but in the years that have since come and 
gone he has witnessed many changes in the sur- 
rounding country, which was then but sparsely 
settled and few improvements made. 

George Taylor, father of our subject, was also 
a native of Centre county, born in Half Moon 
township, whence at an early day he removed 
from Bellefonte, to the foot of the mountain, 
locating at the place now known as Pleasant Gap, 
where he kept the toll-gate and conducted a 
hotel in which our subject was born. He died at 
Unionville, Penn., twelve miles west of Pleasant 
Gap, at the ripe old age of eighty-seven years. 
He was by birth a Friend, and always adhered 
to the faith of that society. By his wife, Mary 
Dunlap, he had two children: George (our sub- 
ject), and Thomas, now a resident of Unionville, 
Centre county. 

In the old tavern at Pleasant Gap, Curtin C. 
Taylor spent the days of his boyhood and youth, 
and his educational privileges were very limited 
as the school house nearest to his home was two 
miles distant. In 1844 he was united in mar- 



186 



( OMMB HOB ATI VE BIOGRA I'lIU .1 /. RECORD. 



riage with Miss Harriet Noll, who was born in 
Dauphin comity. Penn., November 26, 1824, a 
daughter ol ■ and Marj smith' Noll, 

tives of Lebanon and B< rks 1 ounties, Prim., re- 
stively. Her father lived to the age ol 
enty-five years, while her mother was sixty-nine 
at the time of h th. In their 

famiix were four children: Harriet, the wifi 
our subject; John, deceased; Sallie, wife of 
Henry Harman, "I Ross county, Ohio; and Em- 
manuel, a resilient of Sunbury, Penn. Four 
children two sons and two :race 

the union of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, as follows: 
11) I an iron molder, living in Bellefonte, 

Centre comity, married Kate Wian, and has four 
children — Jennie, Hallie, Willie and Mat 
Mar) is the wife of fohn Griffith, ol Pleasant 
dap. by whom she has lour children Hallie, 
\\ iter. Hatty and Millie. (3 Irvin, a! 
ident ol Bellefonte, married [essie Gro 
has three children Harry, Curtin and Charley. 
(4) Carrie is the wife ol Vbner Armstrong, and 
has one son- Curtin. 

After his marriage, Mr Taylor worked by 
the month for a time, and was then for thirty-six 
mployed on the turnpike. On April 1, 
1896, he was appointed toll-gate keeper, which 
ition he 1- now acceptablj filling. He has 
nevei cared to travel, and has never yel been on 
a railroad train He is an earnest Democrat in 
politics, while his wife is a member of the Meth- 
odist Church. The}' are quietly passing down 
the hill >>l life, enjoying the esteem and confi- 
dence of their neighbors and the affection of their 
children and many friends 



J \kll> . DAI I , M. I)., of I.e.nont. ( entre 
nty, has dest endi d from one of the 

families ol Buffalo Valle) and ol Centre coun- 
ty, where for several generations its representa- 
tives have been prominently identified with the 
history of this section. 

Dr. Hale is oi Revolutionary stock. The 
early history ol the familj is given under the 
head of Christian Hale (1) elsewhere. Felix 
Hale, son of Christian Dale 1 1 1, and the grand- 
father of our subject, was born February 2, 1767, 
and died Manh 12, 1833, in the sixty-seventh 
year of his age. He married Catherine Dorothy 
Pinogel, of the family of Pinogels, of Pinogel's 
Church, near Harrisburg, Penn As early as 
1780 we find the name of 1'mogel on record in 
Londonderry township. Dauphin county. Felix 
Dale and wife had two sons: David and Felix. 
The mother of these died April [5, 1*44 Felix 



Dale, Sr. , inherited from his father's estate the 
mill property, and by occupation was a miller 

and fai im-r. 

David Dale, the father of Dr. Dale, was 
born at Dales' Mills, January 8, 1798. He re- 
ed such schooling as the neighborhood schools 
of his youth afforded, and became a miller by 
occupation, also carrying on agricultural pursuits 
in connection with the milling business. He was 
a man of practical ideas and a genius in a me- 
mical line, building his own carding machine, 
which branch of the woolen-mill business, to- 
iler with a hemp-mill, he added to the grist 
and saw mill that had descended from his fore- 
fathers He was a man of good judgment and 
business qualifications, and made a success of 
life. The Dales for generations were Lutherans, 
and David was not an exception. In politics he 
was a Whig. On May 6, [824, he married Miss 
Margaret Hennigh, bom January 11, 
daughter of Major Frederick Hennigh. whore- 
sided just below Aaronsburg, Centre county, and 
their children were: (l ) William, born Febru- 
ary 20, 1825, a woolen-factory man, married 
Mary Mitchell, daughter of John Mitchell, of 
Harris township, and then onlj surviving child — 
John M. -is practicing law at Bellefonte. Will- 
iam died Decembei 20, 1S71, aged forty-six 
Felix, a farmer, born November 26, 
[826, married Rache [ane Mitchell, born in 1833, 
daughter ol David Mitchell, and died in 1891, 
Felix dying in 1892; no issue. (3) Thomas, born 
May 0, [828, and died in [889; married Mary 
I, a daughter ol Hon. George Boal, of Boals- 
burg. Centre county, who died in 1892 without 
issue. Thomas Dale was an intelligent gentle- 
man and a very capable business man. He was 

a man of high sense of h u and was greatly 

esteemed by all who knew him. He was a 
woolen-factory man, merchant and farmer. 141 
Abnet. born November 17, 1829, a minister of 
the German Reformed Church, was educated at 
Marshall College, 111 Mercei sburg; married Sarah 
Adams, of Butler comity, where he died in 1875. 
His widow, and one son, David E., who survived 
him. are still living in the town of Butler. (5) 
Mary M. Dale, born March 3, 1832, died July 
24, 1875, in her forty-fourth year. (6) David, 
born February 13, 1834, who was engaged in 
the woolen-manufacturing business at Dal 
Mills, and died unmarried, July 25, 1880. 
Cornelius, born February 7, 1836, a farmer, mar- 
ried Georgtanna, daughter of William Furey, of 
Bellefonte; they reside on the old homestead, 
and have four daughters living — Emma, Cor- 
nelia, Mary and Ethel, of whom, Emma married 
Edward Lingle. (8) Alfred, born January 21, 




rffr a^c O <%£ ^Zl> 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



137 



1838, a coachmaker, married Lila Bartol, and 
died in Tyrone, Penn., in 1876, of disease con- 
tracted while in the war of the Rebellion. He 
had one daughter, Florence, who is living in 
Philadelphia with her mother. (9) J. Y. Dale, 
the subject of this sketch. David Dale, Sr., 
died July 13, 1854, in the fifty-seventh year of 
his age, and his wife, Margaret, died January 1 1, 
1864, in her sixty-sixth year; both are buried at 
Boalsburg, in Harris township. Mrs. Dale was 
identified with the German Reformed Church. 

Dr. J. Y. Dale is a native of Centre county, 
born at the old homestead at Dales' Mills, Octo- 
ber 31, 1840. In boyhood he assisted in the 
work on the farm and in his father's mills. He 
went to the common schools in the neighbor- 
hood, attended the academy at Boalsburg, and 
for two years pursued classical studies under the 
tuition of his brother, the clergyman, then read 
medicine with Dr. Benjamin J. Berry at The End 
of the Mountain, a graduate of the University of 
New York, and one of the most widely known 
and prominent physicians of the county. Later, 
young Dale attended the Medical Department of 
the University of Pennsylvania, from which he 
was graduated in the spring of 1863; and while a 
medical student he had valuable experience in the 
military hospitals at Philadelphia and Pittsburg. 
In April, 1863, he located for practice in partner- 
ship with Dr. E. Greene, at Bellefonte, and in 
May, 1864, on the death of Dr. Berry, who had 
been engaged in practice at The End of the 
Mountain (nowLemont), for thirty-four years, he 
removed to that place, where he has ever since 
been actively engaged in the pursuit of his pro- 
fession, amid the scenes of his boyhood and 
among the descendants of the friends and ac- 
quaintances of his ancestors. Dr. Dale was pro- 
fessor of Anatomy and Physiology, and lecturer 
on Hygiene at the Pennsylvania State College, 
1867-71. He is a member of the American 
Medical Association; of the State Medical Soci- 
ety of Pennsylvania; of the Clinton County Med- 
ical Society; of the Centre County Medical Soci- 
ety, and of the West Branch Medical Association, 
of which he is now (1897; the president. This 
Association, which was organized in 1892, is 
made up of members in good standing of county 
societies in affiliation with the State Medical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania, in the counties of Cam- 
eron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycom- 
ing, Northumberland, Potter, Tioga and Union. 
He is Deputy Inspector for the State Board of 
Health. He is also a member of the Shake- 
speare Society of New York, and of the State 
College Scientific Association; and is a Free- 
mason, connected with the Blue Lodge, Chapter 



and Commandery at Bellefonte. In politics he 
is a Republican. 

On September 29, 1870, Dr. Dale married 
Matilda Allport, of Phillipsburg, formerly of 
Morrisdale, Clearfield county, born June 23, 
1845, a daughter of James and Matilda (Hunter) 
Allport, and their children are: Frederick, born 
August 7, 1 87 1, graduated at the Pennsylvania 
State College in 1893, served one year in the 
regular army, and is now a medical student at 
the University of Pennsylvania; Katharine, born 
July 27, 1874, is at home; David, born February 
26, 1876, is a student of the Pennsylvania Col- 
lege at Gettysburg; and Edith, born July 4, 1878, 
is at home. Dr. Dale's family are members of 
the Episcopal Church. 

Mrs. Dale, too, is of Revolutionary stock, 
and has descended from pioneers of the State 
and of Centre county. There is a family tradi- 
tion that the first of the Hunters to come to 
America was the son of a family of note, who 
had married a Miss Craig, a governess, and for 
that reason was disinherited. He located in 
what was then Lancaster county, but which sub- 
sequently became Dauphin county. They had 
three sons: Andrew, Robert and David. After 
the father's death, the widow made her home 
with a Miss Craig, her sister, until the Revolu- 
tion. Robert and David went into the war, but 
Andrew being only nineteen, this relative would 
not let him go, but he ran off and entered the 
service, and for this act of theirs all three were 
disinherited by their aunt. After the war the 
three sons returned to Dauphin county. The 
mother married a Mr. Crane, whose son became 
Secretary of State. Andrew Hunter married 
Rachel Moore, and their children were: Eliza- 
beth, born December 2, 1781; John, born March 
1, 1783; William, born July 24, 1786; Andrew, 
born July 25, 1788; Nancy, born April 12, 1791 ; 
Robert, born October 8, 1793; James, born 
March 1, 1798; and Craig, born August 27, 1800. 
Andrew Hunter removed with his family to what 
is now Centre county (his brother, Robert, ac- 
companying him), prior to July 25, 1788, the 
date of birth of his son, Andrew, which occurred 
in Potter's Fort in what is now Potter township. 
Subsequently the family removed to Slab Cabin, 
a branch of Spring creek (so called from a cabin 
built of slabs that stood on the banks of the 
creek), and there resided many years. The par- 
ents finally removed to Indiana county, where 
they died. Robert, the brother, moved to Ohio. 

Major Andrew Hunter, the son of the pio- 
neer, and the grandfather of Mrs. Dale, married 
Mary Evans, daughter of Eliezer and Christiana 
(Bard) Evans, and their children were: Matilda, 



188 



coMAll MOHA'llVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



born April i, 1 8 14; and Catherine, born October 
[6, 1819. Major Hunter died July 11. 1S70, 
and his wife on November 19. [868, and their 
remains rest in the Spring Creek graveyard, 
rheir daughter Matilda was married on Novem- 
ber 29, 1831, to James Allport. and their chil- 
dren were. James C, born January 19, 1833; 
Mary A., born December 16, t834; Samuel I 
born August 2, 1838; Catherine, bom December 
11, 1841; Matilda, born June 23, 1845; and Ho- 
bart, born March 3, [848. James Allport 
born at Hartley, \\ Inn-. England, May 

11, 1799. and was brought up by his uncle 
Charh is, who was a commissary-general in the 
I nglish army. James went with his uncle in his 
campaigns, and was educated by private tutors, 
who were sometimes Protestants and sometimes 
Roman Catholics. lb- was with Ins uncle in the 
Peninsular wai in Spain, and also accompanied 
him in the campaign with the "Iron Duke," 
which resulted in the defeat and final overthrow 
of Napoleon at Waterloo. The bo) fames was 
an eye witness of the battle of Waterloo, and 
brought away many interesting relics of the bat- 
tlefield, which are still in the p 11 of the 
family. Through the influence of his uncle he 

was pensi d by the English Government, 

which pension was to de-rend to his heirs so 
long as he or they remained to the 

I rown \lter making America his permanent 
home Mi. Allport became a naturalized citizen of 
the United States, declaring thai he would not 
for any pension forego his rights as a citizen of the 

land of In- adoption. In |8l6 Ins uncle sent him 

to New York, as an importer ol hardware, which 
business he followed until |X_\X. crossing the 
ocean sixteen times. Prior to iS^s the firm of 
Corp. Ellis & Shaw, with whom he had been 
doing business, failed, and he was compelled lo 
take ol tin in. as pay for money due him. la 
tracts ol hind in Clearfield county, neai Philli 
burg. In [828 he came from New York to see 
his lands, and after a short tune passed in look- 
ing over the countrj he returned to New York. 
The following yeai he again visited Ins lauds, and 
in the midst oi the forests he built a cabin, ami 
alone commenced life in a new country. He 
was married a- before stati d, and to his home in 
the wilderness took his young bride on hoi 

hack. 

Mi Mlp rt at once identified himself with the 
Democratic party, and was a sturdy advocate of 
its principles, and became one ol its leader- in 
Clearfield county and the surrounding country. 
The first railroad speech made in Phillipsl 
was delivered by him, when thi question was 
hrst heme agitated, and in favor ol its 1 onstruc- 



tion. In the later years of his life his lower 
i extremities were partially paralyzed, which 
1 greatly impeded his physical but not his mental 
activity. It prevented him from taking the 
active part in public affairs which his qualifica- 
tions so well fitted him to fill. The Allporta 
trace their genealogical line back to the time of 
Charles the Second, and it was their ancestors 
who hid that monarch in the oak-tree, when 
pursued by the minions of Cromwell. After the 
King ascended the throne, he bestowed on the 
family the coat of arms which still distinguishes 
them in the mother country. Mr. Allport died 
October 4, 1 S -;4 His widow still reside- 
Phillipsburg. 

Referring to the Evans and Bard branch of 
the ancestry of Mrs. Dale: Eliezer Evans came 
to Centre counts' in company with Gen. Philip 
Benner, as a bellows-maker, doing the General's 
work in that line, and also such work at the 
other forges built at about that period, and for 
years afterward in Centre county. The date of 
Gen. Benner's coming to the county was in 
1792, and he was from Chester county. The 
Evans family came from the vicinity of Morgan- 
town. 

Eliezer Evans was horn December 17, 1 
and died August 6, 1820; his wife, Christiana 
Hard, was horn February 12. 1771, and died 
April 25, 1X24; both are buried in the Spring 
( reek graveyard Their children were: Jeremiah, 
born August 27, 1792; Sarah, born December 8, 
13; Mary, born December 25, 1795; Joseph. 
horn May 24, 1 70S , Susan, born November '>. 
1800; Enoch, born June 2, 1803; Jane, born 
\pril 22, 1805; Ruth, horn August I.S, 1807; 
Christian, born June 7. [810; Elizabeth, born 
Much j, 1813. Christiana Bard was the daughter 
of Michael and Susanna (Sprogle) Bard 
anna Sprogle was the daughter ol [ohn llenr\ 
o| 1 [i English clergyman, who died in 

I lei ks COUnty, l'elili He was descended (loin 

an English nobleman, and his body was sent 
back to England. A memoir of his life 
ministry was published. 



J 1 )I1N GUNSALLUS, who is now retired fron 
ive busim ne of the prominent 

representative 1 itizensof Snow Shoe township 
1 entre county. Throughout his business career In 
was I m various enterprises, andbysound 

judgment, excellent management and fair deal 
ing, acquired sufficient propert) to enable him to 
e up business cares and enjoy the result of hi- 
fi irmer labor 

Mr. Gunsallus was born in Snow Shoe towi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



189 



ship, Centre county, December 19. 1837, and is 
a son of Meese and Ruth (Lucas) Gunsallus, 
natives of Clearfield and Centre counties, respect- 
ively. The former came to Centre county in 1820, 
and was here employed as a farmer and coal 
mine operator until his death, which occurred in 
1882, when he was aged seventy-eight years. His 
wife passed away in 1 889, at the age of seventy-six 
years. She was the daughter of John P. Lucas, a 
farmer of Centre county, while the paternal grand- 
father of our subject, James Gunsallus, was an 
agriculturist of Clearfield county. 

Eight children blessed the union of the parents 
of our subject: Lovy, deceased wife of William 
McKinney, a miner of Clearfield county; John; 
Adeline, wife of Richard Miles, superintendent of 
a stationery store and bindery in Harrisburg. 
Penn. ; Samuel, who was killed during the Civil 
war; Taylor, a coal miner of Ehrenfeld, Cambria 
county; Mattie, wife of Gust Holt, a lumberman 
of Snow Shoe; Ellen, wife of William R. Haines, 
who is engaged in the liquor business in Clarence, 
Centre county; and Eliza, wife of James Moore, 
a shoe merchant of frvona, Pennsylvania. 

John Gunsallus, the subject of this review, 
remained under the parental roof until the out- 
break of the Rebellion, when, in April, 1861, he 
enlisted for three months in Company B, 10th 
P. V. I., and in September following enlisted in 
Company G, 51st P. V. I., under Capt. Snyder. 
He took part in many of the most important bat- 
tles of the Civil war, including those of Roanoke, 
Newbern (N. C), Cedar Mountain, second battle 
of Bull Run, Cold Harbor, Antietam, Spottsyl- 
vania, Wilderness, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, 
Black and White Stations, Jackson (Miss.), and 
Knoxville (Tenn.). He also participated in vari- 
ous skirmishes, and was twice slightly wounded, 
both times in front of Petersburg. On July 27, 
1865, ne was honorably discharged and returned 
home with an enviable war record. He served 
as a private until after the battle of Antietam, 
Md., when he was made a corporal; later he was 
appointed orderly sergeant of the company. On 
January 1, 1864, he with his regiment re-enlisted 
to serve during the war, and soon after he was 
promoted to the second lieutenancy; later he was 
promoted to first lieutenant, and mustered out 
as such. During the period of his service he was 
never in the hospital or away from his regiment. 

Mr. Gunsallus resumed work on his father's 
farm, where he remained a short time, and also 
engaged in lumbering. Subsequently he went to 
West Union, Iowa, where he rented a farm for a 
year, after which he returned to the county of 
his nativity, and once more engaged in lumber- 
ing, following that pursuit for four years. He 



next engaged in cutting prop timber for the coal 
mines for fourteen years, and later followed min- 
ing for about a year, and is now living retired. 

On October 11, 1865, at West Union, Iowa, 
John Gunsallus was married to Miss Pamelia A. 
Lucas, who was born in Centre county, Penn., in 
July, 1840, and is the only survivor in the family 
of eleven children of Samuel and Rachel (Leech) 
Lucas, who died at West Union, Iowa, where 
the father carried on agricultural pursuits. Seven 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gunsallus, 
namely: Samuel, a teamster at Winburne; 
Maggie, deceased wife of Charles French, an in- 
surance agent of Philipsburg, Centre county; 
Anna, who is the widow of John Houston, and is 
residing with our subject; Harry, a clothing mer- 
chant of Snow Shoe; Edith, at home; Nora, who 
died when young; and Ruth, at home. 

In his political affiliations, Mr. Gunsallus is an 
ardent Republican, and has served his fellow 
citizens in the capacity of supervisor four terms, 
and tax collector three terms. Socially he is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encampment, 
of the Knights of Pythias, and of the order of 
American Mechanics. He is a public-spirited, 
enterprising man, one who takes an active inter- 
est in everything which seems to promise a bene- 
fit to the community, and enjoys the esteem and 
confidence of all who know him. 



^irTriLSON POTTER ARD, M. D., although 



but comparatively a few years established 
in Woodward, Centre county, has built up a 
practice which places him among the leading 
physicians of Penn's Valley. He is a native of 
Lewistown, Penn., born April 15, 1845, ar >d * s 
descended on the paternal side from an old Scotch 
family, his ancestors having crossed the Atlantic 
before the Revolutionary war, in which members 
of the family played a gallant part. 

Joseph . B. Ard, M. D., grandfather of our 
subject, was born September 18. 1784, and prac- 
ticed medicine successfully in Lewistown for a 
number of years; but on retiring from active life 
he settled in Philadelphia, where his death oc- 
curred February 27, 1861, his remains being 
taken to Lewistown for burial. He accumulated 
a large estate, and at the time of his death was 
worth several hundred thousand dollars. 

George Ard, our subject's father, was born in 
Lewistown, May 14, 18 14, and enjoyed through- 
out his life the advantages of inherited wealth. 
He was a large man of good build. In politics 
he was a Democrat, and - in his younger days 
manifested much interest in the party. His wife, 
Emeline (Harvey), was a daughter of Nathan 



140 



OOMMBItORA 111'/-: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Harvey, <>f Mill Hall, Penn. They had four 
children: Eliza, who married Francis SI 
maker, a wholesale druggist of Philadelphia; Jo- 
seph B., now a resident of Pine Grove Mills, 
Centre county; and Wilson P. (our subject and 
Ellen (twins), the latter ol whom married R. K. 
Lovett, and resided for a number of years in 
I' ris, France (she died in Charleston, S. ' 
The mother passed away in i S46, the father on 
August 20, [892, and the remains of both were 
interred at Lewistown. Mr Ard left a good in- 
heritance to his children, and during their youth 
provided them with more than ordinary educa- 
tional advantages. 

Dr. William P. Ard attended the schools at 
I ewistown and Philadelphia, and the academies 
irora and McVeytown, Penn., spending 
several years in the latter institution. I lis med- 
ical studies were begun under the pi hip 
of Prof. W. H. Pancoast, ol Philadelphia, and 
In- degree of M. 1> was obtained from Jefferson 
Medical College in 18S0. Thus prepared for 
his professional work, the Do< toi located al 1 
marck, Lebanon Co., Penn., remaining mure 
than a year, but m the fall "I [882 he removed 
to Woodward, (fiitre counts, where he estab- 
lished a large and lucrative practice. He was 
married in Reading, Penn., to Mi-s Amanda B. 
Moser, a native ol that city, and a daughter of 
Franklin Moser, a prominent farmer, and this 
union has been blessed with children as follows: 
I mi a I [oseph B., < ieorge, Wilson s and 
Mary M. Mrs. Ard is a leading member of the 
Reformed Church, and their charming home is a 
social center. 

I'll. is .1 in. 111 ill culture, In- reading 

extending beyond pro il literature, in 

which he keeps well posted. During his residence 
m Philadelphia, he was pleasantly associated 
with some eminent practitioners; but tin- rest ful- 
ness and i" life in the country appealed t" 
him strongly, causing him to seek a home there. 
Politic. ill\ he is . 1 Democrat, andhe takes great 
interest in tin- success 11I Ins party. 



HON. HENRYMEYER. The history or gen- 
ealogy of a family, whose members 
scattered over an ana extending beyond the 

limits of the counties embraced in this work, must 
necessarily be fragmentary and incomplete. The 
further division and sub-division of the material 
by the respective county lines, as contemplated, 
and by tow nship lines, m< reases the difficulties in 
the way of a satisfactory presentation. This 
task has. however, fallen to the capable hands of 
Hon Henry Meyer, a prominent and highlj 



lent <>f Miles township, Centre coun- 
ts, and as he has just completed, after several 
years of tedious labor, the manuscript of a second 
edition of his " Genealogy of the Meyer Family," 
he is peculiarly qualified to furnish the desired in- 
formation At the request of the publishers he 
I the following scholarly and accurate 
sketch. 

The Meyers are a numerous family, and are 
largely represented ill most of the States west- 
ward from Pennsylvania to California. There 
are many more members of this tribe beyond the 
limits of the counties embraced in this work — a 
subject, which, if treated fully , would be quite ex- 
tensive; a simple record of names alone would 
till many times the space allotted for this sketch, 
there being in number more than five thousand, 
and we will therefore state merely a few facts in 
the early Meyer settlement in this 
country, and trace the lineage of such descend- 
ants of the Meyer who immigrated from the old 
country, as were citizens at one time or other of 
the counties ol Centre, Clinton, Union and Sny- 
der. Penn., thus forming in a manner a connect- 
ing link between the many individual sketches of 
those members of the family. 

A brief referem e to the name itself it is 
thought would be proper since it is written in so 
many different ways It is German, and like so 
many other family names of that and other lan- 
guages, it has undergone changes in its transla- 
tion into English and its transmission from gen- 
ii. It is spelled in at least 
eleven different ways, viz. : Meyer, Mayer, Mj 
Meyers, Myers, Mover, Movers, Mire, Mei 
Meire, and Maire. In German it is written "lUrt'cr 
which anglicised becomes Meyer. 

The records show that a large number of 
Meyer immigrants came from the old country 
from 1725 to 1776. and no doubt quite a number 
before that period and since. It is not assumed 
that they were all of kin. In all parts of Holland 
and Germany the name is as frequently met with 
as the name Smith in this country. 

Henry Meyer, the ancestor of the branch to 
which this article is devoted, came from the Palat- 
inate. Prussia, and settled permanently at the 
head or spring of a small stream which he then 
named •• Mllhlbach, " situated in the southeastern 
part of the present limits of Lebanon counts 
Penn I te was accompanied by his wife, and tin 
couple then had one or two children. Then 
earthly possessions, consisting of some clothing, 
several pewter-plates, an axe, a German hymn- 
book and Bible, and several other indispensible 
articles, they carried in bundles, and began hou 
keeping under the friendly protect ion afforded by 




(1 iM/\>f lAAJL^f JL\r 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



141 



the spreading branches of a large white oak tree 
close to the spring just mentioned. The family 
arrived at the place at about four o'clock in the 
afternoon of a certain day in the month of Au- 
gust. The woman sat on the ground and wept; 
the father took his axe and began to clear the 
ground. The country then was a vast wilderness 
in which wild animals and Indians were abun- 
dant. The family had neighbors, but they were 
few and far between, and all equally poor. It is 
said two brothers of Mr. Meyer accompanied him 
to this country, one of whom also settled in Penn- 
sylvania, and the other moved to South Carolina. 
The date of the arrival of the Meyer immigrants 
in the new country is only approximately known, 
but it appears to have been about the year 17 19. 

Henry Meyer, who emigrated from Germany, 
had nine children that grew to maturity and wen- 
married, viz.: John died December 11, 178C, 
aged sixty-seven years, and lies buried in the 
Muhlbach Cemetery, Lebanon county, Penn. 
He was married, and his descendants, of whom 
there are many, reside principally in the eastern 
section of this State. No further reference to 
his family will be made in this sketch. 

Henry, born in May, 1730, died November 
17, 1812; married Catherine Ruth, born May 30, 
1837, died May 3, 1801, and both are buried in 
Mtihlbach Cemetery. The descendants of this 
couple reside in the eastern part of this State 
principally, and some in the Western States. 

Jacob, born at Muhlbach, Heidelberg town- 
ship, Lebanon Co. (then Lancaster county), 
Penn., in 1732, moved in 1768 to a locality 
about half a mile west of the present site of 
Freeburg, Snyder Co., Penn., then called 
Straubstown; died when aged about seventy-five 
years, and lies buried in the old graveyard near 
Freeburg. He married Susan Ream. The de- 
scendants of this couple are a multitude. A 
number of them are found in Centre and Clinton 
counties of this State, but the majority of them 
are settled in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and other 
Western States. 

Michael, who lies buried at Schaefferstown, 
Penn., died about the year 1794. He was twice 
married; his second wife was Catharine Becker, 
by whom he had two children, daughters. His 
descendants are in the eastern part of Pennsyl- 
vania and in Illinois. 

Christopher, the youngest son, was born in 
Malhbach, and died near Campbelltown, Penn., 
August 2, 1 801, aged sixty-seven years. He 
married Anna Maria, daughter of Alexander 
Schaeffer, the founder of Schaefferstown, Penn. 
She was born February 19, 1744; died January 
1, 1823, and both are buried in the Reformed 



Cemetery at Campbelltown, Penn. He moved 
to the village last named when still single, 
and became the owner of a large tract of land, 
part of which is still owned by his descend- 
ants. The couple had nine children, most of 
whom moved into Snyder and Centre counties, 
and will be named at the proper places in this 
sketch. Of the four daughters of the Meyer 
who came from Germany and settled at Muhl- 
bach but little is known. One was married to 
Alexander Schaeffer, one to Jacob Tillman, one to 
John Christopher Aahlschmidt, and one to Lou- 
dermilk. Tradition says one or two moved to 
South Carolina. 

The rest of this sketch will be devoted to the 
descendants of the two sons, Jacob and Christo- 
pher, above named, many of whom are residing 
in Centre, Clinton and Snyder counties, this 
State. In order to avoid confusion in repre- 
senting successive generations it is necessary to 
employ some system to distinguish them; there 
are various schemes of the kind made use of by 
genealogists, and for this sketch the following is 
adopted: 

The children of a family are numbered, be- 
ginning with the eldest, by Roman or. Arabic 
numerals, the different styles or forms of which 
will denote different successive generations. 
The children of Jacob and Christopher (sons of 
the Meyer who came from Germany) will be 
designated by Roman numerals, thus: I, II, etc. ; 
their grandchildren, by Roman numerals with 
parentheses, thus: (I), (II), etc.; their great- 
grandchildren, by Arabic numerals, thus, 1, 2, 
etc. ; next generation by Arabic numerals within 
parentheses, thus: (1), (2), etc. Henry (Henry, 
Henry, Jacob, Henry), reads as follows: Henry 
Meyer, son of Henry Meyer, son of Henry 
Meyer, son of Jacob Meyer, son of Henry Meyer 
(who came from Germany). 

Jacob Meyer was the third son of Henry 
Meyer, who came from Germany, and as already 
stated he moved from Muhlbach to Straubstown 
(now Freeburg), Penn., about the year 1768, 
purchasing a large tract of land near that town; 
he devoted his time to farming and to keeping a 
tavern. He and his wife Susan had eight chil- 
dren, six sons and two daughters. 

I. Catharine (Jacob, Henry) was married t<> 
John Meyer, not of kin. The couple were 
among the first settlers of Brush Valley (1792) 
near what is now Wolfs Store, in Miles town- 
ship, Centre Co., Penn., but moved to Kentucky 
about the year 1797. Their descendants live in 
the South and West. 

II. Barbara (Jacob, Henry) was married to 
Michael Motz. The couple lived on a farm at 



1 12 



COMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL HBCORD. 



' End, Penn's Valley, in 1 1 iwnship, 

and both arc buried at Si burch, near 

their <i]<i In imi stead I .efl i 

III. Philip i [acob, Henrj I, born al Mnhl- 

bstown to a 
[arm about a mile east ol WolfsStore He was 
i in the Revolutionary war. His wife, 
Anna Margaret, was a daughter of Andrew M<>rr, 
of the first settlers in the neighborhood of 
I,,. ; ■ ii n Straubstown . Penn. Philip 

died April 27, 1 83 1 , aged seventy-fi\ five 

months, thirteen days; Ins wife, bornAugusI 
17511. died March [2, 1829; buried side b) side 
in the Union 1 ry, Rebersburg, Penn.; 

they had eleven children seven sons and ; 

in. . rheir latei des I ml are legion, 

and are neatly all residents "I Ol 

IV. [ohn Jacob Jacob, Henry 1, born at 
Muhlbach, died in November, 1815; lies bui 

in Pine < reek 1 emetery, about two miles west ol 
|ersej Shore, within a short distance of his home- 
id (arm. He was married to Julia, daughter 
Morr, name, l abo\ e. Their d 
ants are found principally in Lycoming county, 
Pennsj Ivania. 

V. [ohn G& H wned his 
lather's homestead farm neat Freeburg, Penn.; 
dud about the year 1810; lies buned in 
the old cem burg; was twice mai 
iied, lirst. to Elizabeth, daughter of John Buch- 
tel; second, t<> Marj Brosius His ten children 
were widelj scattered in latei years. 

\ 1 I [em 5 (Ja ob I lenrj 1, bom neat Muhl- 
h, October 15, 1764, died May 17. 1K20; was 
twice married, first to Mary, daughter ol Jacob 
Steese, ol Penn township, now part oi Snydei 
1 ounty, Penn. , si 1 ond, to Margaret, daughb 1 ol 
Hon. Adam Harper, ol Penn's Valley, who was 
formerly one ol the associate judges ol Centre 
count) Husband and both wives lii buried 111 
the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg. Mr. Mi 
moved into Brush Valley (nearly all ol which is 
included within the limits ol Miles township . 
1 entre county, on a faun near Wolfs stole in 
179701 1798, and devoted much of Ins time to 
[arming from that time until his decease, though 
his trade was that ol a millwright. He built 
many gristmills and sawmills in central Pennsyl- 
vania, now within the limits ol Union, Snyder, 
Mifflin, |uniata, ( entre and Lycoming count 
I |. served as justice of the peace for many J 1 
hi- was commissioned. Februarj 28, 170.1. major 
of the First Battalion Third Northumberland 
Brigade; January 4, [802, lieutenant-colonel of 
1 list Regiment, Militia, lirst Brigade, Tenth 
Division, counties ,,t Mifflin, Huntingdon 
Centre When but sixteen years old he belonged 



to some organization recruited for protection 
against the Indians. He was widely known, and 
had a host of friends. There were eleven children, 
ten ol whom reached maturity — from the first 
wife, three; from the second, seven. Since all 
of these became residents of either Centre or 
Clinton comity, as well as most of their descend- 
ants, a brief record of this family will here be 
made: (I) Infant. (II) Henry (Henry, Jacob. 
Henrj . born near Straubstown (Freeburg), 
Penn., September 2, 1795, died at his home, 
three miles east of Rebersburg, December 28, 
1 SS 1 , lies buried in the Union Cemetery in the 
town just named; married to Hannah, daughter 

Nil hoi as Bierly; sin- was born Ma) 26, 1 *oo; 
dhd December 16, 1893; lies buried in the 

ingelical Cemetery, same town. He was but 
two or three years old when his father moved 
into Brush Valley, and 1 itizen of the 

place all his lifetime, engaging in business as a 
millwright and farmer. Issue nine: 1. Mary. 
[anuary 30, 1*24, married (first) Rev. 
George Weirich, and (second) John F. Price, 
now also deceased. Resides in Green township, 
Clinton county, Penn. 2. Matilda, born Januarj 
9, 1826; died February 4. 1853; buried at St 
Paul Church, Penn's Valley; was married to s, 
G. Mingle. 3. David, born September 15, 1827; 
married to Fyetta, daughter of Anthony Bierly; 
owns his father's homestead farm near Wolfs 
store. Brush Valley. 4. Catharine, born Feb- 
niarv 8, 1^29; married to Samuel G. Mingle; 
husband now deceased; family resides in Lock 
Haven. Penn. 5. Daniel, born February 24, 
1831, married Matilda, daughter of Peter Smull; 

de at Dakota, III. 6. Samuel B., born Feb- 
ruary 12. 1833, married to Maggie E Moore; he 
is a millwright by trade; resides near Milesburg, 
Centre county. 7. Judith, born March 20, 1835, 

tried to Joseph C. Bierly; resides on a farm 
neai Centre Mills in Miles township, Centre 
county. 8. Henrj (subject ol this sketch). 9. 
Selena, born Octobei 28, 1 S44. died June 27. 

l8 4 S 

Henrj Meyer, our subject, was born 
Rebersburg, Penn.. December 8, [840, and mar- 
ried Martha J., daughter of Thomas J. Taylor, 
and a native ol Rock Forge, Benner township, 
Centre county, born April 2 j, [850. They have 
ided at Rebersburg (Miles township), Penn., 
from 1872 until now (1897). Mr. Meyer was 
brought up on Ins father's farm, doing such work 
as usually falls to the lot of farmer boys, and dur- 
ing the winter season attended, two or three 
months in a term, the common schools of the 
neighborhood. He left home in the spring of 

i860 to learn the millwright trade with John 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



148 



Todd, who then resided at Potters Mills, Perm., 
and his spare moments were devoted to reading, 
and the study of mathematics and other branches 
which had a bearingon mechanical pursuits. He 
enlisted at Rebersburg, Penn., August 19, 1862, 
with almost a hundred young men of the same 
place (Brush Valley), in the army for "three 
years or during the war." Became, a few days 
after enlistment, a member of Company A, 148th 
Regiment, P. V. I., at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, 
Penn., the regiment being placed under the com- 
mand of Gen. (then Col.) James A. Beaver, and 
joined afterward with the Second Army Corps, 
Army of the Potomac. He went through the 
usual disciplinary stages of the volunteer soldier, 
and had his first practical experience in warfare 
in the battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May, 1863; 
then followed Gettysburg, Auburn Mills, Mine 
Run, the Wilderness, and Laurel Hill, besides 
several skirmishes of less importance. He was 
slightly hurt at Chancellorsville, but more seri- 
ously at Laurel Hill, May 10, 1864, by a minie 
ball passing through the left hand near the wrist, 
necessitating amputation of the left hand, which 
operation was performed at Campbell Hospital, 
Washington, D. C, May 17, 1864. On receiving 
his discharge, September 12, 1864, he returned 
home, entered the Rebersburg Select School for 
a few weeks, taught school the winter following, 
and continued teaching a number of terms. In 
1866 he attended the Union Seminary, New Ber- 
lin, Penn., for a term, and in the fall of 1868, 
entered the Keystone State Normal School at 
Kutztown, Penn., graduating therefrom with first 
honors of the class in the spring following. He 
then continued his work as an educator, and as- 
sisted Prof. Reuben M. Magee, county superin- 
tendent of common schools of Centre county, in 
the Centre County Normal School a number of 
terms. In May, 1875, he was elected county 
superintendent of common schools of Centre 
county, for a term of three years, and was re- 
elected without opposition in May, 1878; was 
elected in the fall of 1 882 a member of the House 
of Representatives of the Legislature of Pennsyl- 
avnia, and is at present serving a second term as 
a justice of the peace, having been elected the 
first time February 18, 1890. 

The foregoing sketch being only a brief 
record of the principal events in the biography 
of Mr. Meyer, it is deemed desirable in justice 
to himself that a few facts be mentioned which 
will give a better view of his every-day life, 
character and disposition. His progress as a 
pupil in the district school was seriously ham- 
pered from the very beginning until a youth of 
sixteen by the difficulties encountered by all 



pupils whose mother tongue is different from tin- 
language of the books which they study in school. 
His parents were Pennsylvania-German; all his 
neighbors then spoke the dialect of those people; 
the sermons then were nearly all German, as 
were also many of the periodicals, and much of 
the correspondence between people was in that 
language. Under such circumstances the pro- 
gress of pupils was slow and wearisome; they 
listlessly repeated the words of their reading 
lessons, committed definitions in grammar and 
geography, but the exercises were as unintelligi- 
ble to them as so much Hebrew would have 
been. Gradually Mr. Meyer overcame these ob- 
stacles, the printed page began to disclose ideas, 
and a taste for reading w.is rapidly acquired. He 
subscribed for English periodicals, bought and 
borrowed histories, biographies, books of travel 
and explorations, and eagerly read, during the 
few spare moments which work on the farm al- 
lowed, everything that came within his reach. 
His books were his cherished friends. He has 
ever been loyal to the Pennsylvania-German 
race, and has little respect for those shallow- 
pa ted dudes who would ignore their ancestry. 
He is aware that before many years the dialect 
which these people brought from the old coun- 
try will be superseded by the English language, 
but the noble qualities which they brought with 
them, and which make for the moral and mate- 
rial improvement of a community and the stabil- 
ity of a State, are still the heritage of their de- 
scendants. Of late years he has taken a special 
interest in the early history and traditions of 
these people who were the early settlers of his 
native Valley, and has prepared a historical sketch 
of the same, with biographical sketches of almost 
a hundred of the old settlers. He has been prom- 
inently connected with nearly all enterprises of 
his time which had for their object the improve- 
ment of his town and neighborhood. He has 
ever taken a prominent part in the work of his 
Church and Sunday-school. While officially 
connected with the common schools either as 
teacher or county superintendent, he labored 
faithfully in the discharge of his duties, and his 
labors were crowned in these positions with a 
commendable degree of success. Politically he 
is a Democrat, but of quite liberal views. In 
his dealings he has ever been strictly honest in 
his intercourse with those around him, courteous 
and obliging; to the poor he has been charitable 
beyond his means. He is unostentatious and re- 
served in his manner! and despises shams and 
the blusterer. Physically he is six feet tall, but 
not heavy set; blue eyes; temperate in habits. 
Mrs. Meyer, as stated above, is a daughter of 



1 11 



COtfMl VORATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Thomas J. Taylor, ol Unionville, Centre ' 
Penn ll'-r great-grandfather, Thomas Taylm, 
was a native ol Chestei county, Penn., or at 
least resided in that section in his younger days. 
He was married to Sarah Bebberly, whose parents 
resided on the ground fought over by the British 
and the American troops during the battle of 
the Brandywine, September u. 1 777. This 

ing ladj his future wife) was then not quite 
sixteen years old, and was an eye-witness of the 
battle, sin- used to relate many stirring incidents 
of the tierce contest, and among other I 
stated thai as she and others roamed over the 
battlefield they observed that the waters of the 
Brandywine were dyed red bom the blood of men 
and horses killed along its banks. After their 
marriage the couple moved, in 1800, to Half- 
moon Valley, Centre Co., Penn., where they 
settled permanently and raised a numerous fam- 
ily. The old lady dud in 1849, aged eighty- 
seven years, nine months, twenty-five days. 
Her husband had preceded her to the grave 
many yens. Among their children was a son, 

George, born in Chester ci ty, November 20, 

1798; died at Unionville, Centre county, Sep- 
tember 6, 1887. For many years he kept the 
tollgate at the foot ol Nittany mountain on the 
pike leading from Lewistown to Bellefonte. 

Later he became proprietor of a hotel at 
Unionville, just named He was married to Mary 
Kyser Dunlap, daughter of Daniel Dunlap; she 
was born in Lancaster county, December 12, 
1796; died at Unionville, Centre county. July 21, 
1X75; both lie buried in the Friends Cemetery 
near Unionville. The couple had only two 
children — Curtin and Thomas J. The latter the 
father of Mrs. Meyer) was born at Bellefonte, 
Penn., August 2. [822; he was married to Sai 
daughter of Jacob Homan. ol Penn's Valley, 
Centre county; she was born March 19, 1818, 
died February 22, 1859, and lies buried in the 
old cemetery at Milesburg, Centre Co., Penn. 
Mrs. Meyer while still single taught in the public 
schools ol Centre county, a number ol terms, and 
was quite successful as a teacher. 

Mr and Mrs Meyer have live children liv- 
ing, whose names with dates of birth an 
lows: (I) Hannah Jane, January 11. 1872. 
Henry! . Octobei ;. 1882 (3) Mary M., Au- 
gust i4, 1885. t> Sarah I . September 1, 1- 
5 1 Robei 1 T , August 14, 1 

111). Jacob (Henry. Jacob. Henry), horn 
near Straubstown now Freeburg), Penn., April 
}0, 1797, dieil near his fat i 
August 19, 1873, and lies buried in the Union 
( emeter) , Rebersburg, Penn. He wa 
married. 



I\> Benjamin (Henry, Jacob. Henry), 
youngest son of first wife, was born 111 finish 
Valtey, died in April, 1S24, no definite dates 
found; he was married to Mary B., daughter of 
Melchoir Poorman. Lies buried in the Union 
Cemetery at Rebersburg, Penn. His widow 
married Benjamin Beck, and is now also de- 
ceased. They had one child, Mary, who moved 
to Illinois. 

\ William (Henry, Jacob, Henry 1 was 

the eldest son of second wife, and was born in 
Brush Valley, July 30, 1S04; died March 15, 
1824, and lies buried in the Union Cemetery 
at Rebersburg, Penn. ; was not married. 

(YD [ohn (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born in 
Brush Valley, June 30, 1806, died at his home 

1 Wolfs Store, Penn., March 14, [892, and 
lies buried near his father and brothers Benjamin 
and William in Union Cemetery. Rebersburg, 
Penn. He was twice married, first to Mary 
( atharine, daughter of Daniel Poorman, a near 
neighbor of the Meyer family; second to Susan 
Confer. He was a cabinet-maker and undertaker 
by trade, and conducted his business at or near 
his father's old homestead all his life. He never 
enjoyed any educational privileges beyond those 
afforded by the country subscription schools of 
that period, and these even could not be attended 
larlv by pupils because the constant demand 
for assistance on the farms kept children out ol 
school; yet by assiduous reading his mind was 
well stored with useful knowledge on many sub- 
jects He was a stiff Democrat, and used to 
take great interest in politics in his youngei days, 
but was never an office-seeker himself. He was 
quite enthusiastic in military matters, and held 
various grades in the service, at different periods, 
the last and highest being that of major. 

With Ins fust wife he had seven children, 
with his second, one child: 1. Sarah, born 
I 1 bruary 18, 1840, married Daniel S. Miller; re- 
sides at Kant/, Snyder county. Penn. 2. Abi- 
gail, born April 17, 1841, man led Daniel T. 
Harter. resides at the old homestead, Brush 
Valley, near Wolfs Store, Penn. 3. Thomas 
P., born Au-ust 29, 1842, married Lucetta, 
daughter of John and Priscilla Bierly. lb 
dentist by pi . and n sides in Lock Havi 

Clinton county, Penn. 4. (Mixer P., born 
\ ember 17, 1845, died June 23, 1858. 6 Ed 

I II, born July ;. 1 847, man ied M.>.. 
Richards I le went West when quite 
man, and makes his residence in Cedar Rap 
Iowa; an extended sketch ol linn would thi 

pe of this work. 
Margaret J., born April 25, 1849, d 

8. Ellen, born Maj 25, 1855 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



145 



arried F. H. Custard, Williamsport, Pennsyl- 



vania. 



(VII). Reuben (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born 
November 15, 1808, died January 8, 1891, and 
is buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, 
Penn. He owned part of his father's farm. His 
wife was Mary, daughter of George and Sallie 
Corman, and they had the following children: 
l. William C, born June 17, 1844; single. En- 
listed August, 1862, at Rebersburg, Perm., be- 
came a member of Company A, 148th Regiment, 
P. V. I., which organization became subsequently 
a part of the Second Army Corps, Army of the 
Potomac. He was killed in an engagement at 
Deep Bottom, Va. , August 14, 1864, by a shell 
which passed through his breast. He was a 
brave soldier. 2. Joanna, born June 21, 1847, 
married J. B. Kreamer; Centre Hall, Penn. 3. 
Jerome A., born February 18, 1849, married 
Clara J., daughter of John Wolf. He owns his 
father's old homestead, and follows the occupa- 
tion of farming. 4. Henry Amazon, born May 
29, 1851, married Mary Theressa Snook; lives at 
Booneville, Clinton county, Penn. 5. G. Cal- 
vin, born January 12, 1853, married Lillie Mason; 
he lives in Pueblo, Colo. 6. Daniel T. , born 
April 18, 1858, married Lizzie E. Snyder; lives 
at Renovo, Penn. 7. Sarah, born December 
29, 1862, married Dr. J. W. Bright; lives at 
Rebersburg, Pennsylvania. 

(VIII). Judith (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born 
February 27, 1811, married Philip Walker; she 
resides at Clintondale, Clinton county, Penn. ; 
husband deceased. 

(IX). Susan (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born 
August 15, 1813, died November 23, 1883; mar- 
ried Griffin Rote, also deceased, and both lie 
buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Salona, Clinton 
Co., Pennsylvania. 

(X). Jonathan (Henry, Jacob, Henry), phy- 
sician, born in Miles township, Centre county, 
June 14, 1816; married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Melchoir Poorman. Dr. Meyer established him- 
self at Loganton, Clinton Co., Penn., where 
for many years he enjoyed a large and lucrative 
practice. He died September 15, 1880, and lies 
buried at Loganton. 

(XI). Abigail (Henry, Jacob, Henry), born 
March 10, 1819, died December 5, 1849; lies 
buried in the Union Cemetery, Rebersburg, Penn. 
She was not married. 

VII. Michael (Jacob, Henry), seventh child, 
was born near Mulhbach, March 20, 1765; died 
at Uniontown, Ohio, August 5, 1843; was mar- 
ried to Agnes, daughter of John Buchtel. The 
family moved from Straubstown (Freeburg) to 

Brush Valley, on a small farm near Rebersburg, 
10 



in 1805; thence to Stark county, Ohio, in 1814. 
Most of his descendants are living in Summit and 
Stark counties, Ohio, and none remain in Centre 
(now Snyder county), this State. 

VIII. Christopher (Jacob, Henry) was the 
youngest son of Jacob Meyer, and was born prob- 
ably after the family moved from Muhlbach to 
Straubstown (Freeburg). He died when aged 
about twenty years, and lies buried at Freeburg, 
Penn. Nodatecouldbefound;he was not married. 
This Christopher must not be confounded with 
the one mentioned below, of whom he was a 
nephew. It is almost impossible to prevent con- 
fusion when the same name belonging to persons 
of different families occurs so frequently. 

Christopher Meyer, the youngest son of 
the Meyer who came from Germany and settled 
at Muhlbach, was born at his father's old home- 
stead near the post village just named, located in 
the southeastern part of Lebanon county, but 
then belonging to Lancaster county. While still 
single, he migrated to the neighborhood of Camp- 
bellstown, same county, where he and his brother 
Michael purchased a large tract of land, about 
the year 1769. He later became sole owner of 
this tract, cleared it, with the aid of his sons, and 
lived there until his death, which occurred August 
2, 1 80 1 , when he was aged sixty-seven years. He 
was joined in matrimony with Anna Maria, 
daughter of Alexander Schaeffer, the founder of 
Schaefferstown. Several of these facts are stated 
at the beginning of this sketch, and are repeated 
here simply to designate clearly the position of 
Christopher, in the relationship. His children, 
of whom there were nine, nearly all became set- 
tlers of Centre county, and of the section which 
is now Snyder county. They left such a numer- 
ous train of descendants in the counties named 
that the briefest record possible would far exceed 
the limits assigned for this sketch. 

I. Catharine (Christopher, Henry) married 
Philip Fishburn, Penn. ; no dates. 

II. Henry (Christopher, Henry), born near 
Campbelltown, Penn., in 1767, died April 19, 
1844; married Elizabeth Hurst; family moved 
from Campbelltown into Centre county, near 
Boalsburg, in 1823. Six children — four sons and 
two daughters: (I) Philip (Henry, Christopher, 
Henry), born August 24, 1800, married Rachel, 
daughter of William Early, Esq. ; lived on a farm 
near Boalsburg, Penn. ; died November 26, (863. 
(II) Anna Mary (Henry, Christopher, Henry), 
born near Campbelltown, February 11, 1799, 
died December 25, 1880; married John Keller; 
lived at Boalsburg, Penn. (Ill) Jacob (Henry, 
Christopher, Henry), born February 2, 1802, 
died on the 30th day of September, 1882; 



146 



COMMEM()U.\ T1VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lived at Linden Hall, Penn. ; lies buried at Boals- 
burg; was not married. il\ Catharine (Henry, 
Christopher, Henry), born [anuary 16, 1804, 
died June 25, 1878; married t<. Daniel I'urst; 
Centre Mall, Penn. \ Henrj Henry, Chris- 
tophei . Henry), born S« ptember 30, 1810, 1 
October 5, 1888; married Catharine Hoffer; both 
dead and arc buried .it I iurg. They lived 

on a farm near the village, and r< ared a family 
of eight children. one of whom, Prof. Philip H. 
Meyer, was one of the candidates nominated in 
the fall of 1896, on the Democratic ticket, for 
county commissioner of Centre county VI) 

Joseph (Henry, Christopher, Henry), born June 
, 12, [818, died October 10, 1 868 ; married Beckie, 
daughter ol Georg and Sallie Corman, of Miles 
township, Centre county; no is 

III. John 1 Christopher, Henry), born mar 
Campbelltown, Penn., October 26, 1769, <J i • 
his home near Freeburg, Penn., July 17, 1 
married Esther Burkholder, and moved to 
Straubstown (now Freeburg), Penn., in 1 
On account of his giant stature, he was familiarly 
known as "big fohn Meyer." His descendants 
are quite numerous; most ol them still reside in 
Snyder county, and several in Centre county. 

IV Michael (Christopher, Henry), born 
near c ampbelltown, Penn., August 2, 1771, died 
at his home at Spring Hank, Brush Valley, I 
treCo., Penn., April 1, tS.12, and lies buried at 
Rebersburg; was married to Elizabeth Derstine, 
who was buried at Boalsburg. The family 
moved into the Valley in the spring of 1 S ^ 4 ; Mr. 
Meyer was a giant in stature and strength, ami 
was a fanner bv occupation. There were eight 
children — five sons and three daughti 

(I). Henry (Michael, Christopher, Henry), 
born near ( ampbelltown, Penn., November 14, 
[796, died January 3, 1873; married Eleanor, 
daughter of Henry Meyer, and granddaughter of 
John Meyer, who was married to Catharine 
Schaeffer, of Schaefferstown. The couple were 
second cousins. They remained in Lebanon 
county, and were farmer, by occupation. 

ill . Anna Mar} 1 Michael, Christopher, 
1 Put s . born near Campbelltown, Penn., May 5. 
1802, died January 28, 1882; buried at Shilo 
Church, near Belief on te, Centre county; was 
married to [acob Fishburn, a fanner, and lived 
near Belief) 

(III). Mich Christopher, I lenry), 

born ie npbelltown, Penn., February i". 

[804; died June 24, 1875; buried at Hummels- 
town, Penn. married Sarah Fox lie remained 
near the old homestead all Ins 1 

(IV 1 George l Michael, < hrisb iphei . I lem \ , 
born near (ampbelltown. Penn., March 1. 1 



died at his home near State College, Centre 
county, February 15. 1889, married Anna Fox, 
and left a number of descendants. He was a 
miller by trade, and also followed farming in his 
later years. 

Y . Elizabeth (Michael, Christopher, Hei 
bom December 26, 1807, died July 26, 1893; 
married Felix Burkholder. This family lived 
near Centre Hill, Centre county. 

(VI). Samuel ('Michael, Christopher. Henry), 
born [anuary 9, 1810, died at his home near 
Hiawatha, (Cans., December 28, 1894; married 
Elizabeth Pehler, and left many descendants. 

VII). Catharine (Michael, Christopher, Hen- 
r\ . born May 13, [816, died February 11, 1846; 
married to Daniel Dubbs; lived at Rebersburg, 
Penn. ; both are buried in Union Cemetery of that 
place; no issue. 

(VIII). Solomon (Michael, Christopher, Hen- 
ry ', born February 26, 1819, died in Potter 
township, Penn's Valley, [uly 19, 1 872; married 
twice, first to Margaret Spicker, second to Em- 
etine M. Embich. He was a school teacher and 
a noted instructor of vocal music. Not many of 
his descendants remain in Centre county. 

V. Jacob (Christopher, Henry), born near 
Campbelltown, Penn., March 25, 1774, died 
September 25, 1853; married Anna Sheller, who 
was born December 25, 1775; died March 25. 
1K50, and both were buried in the old Heckman 
Cemetery, mar Penn Hall, Centre county. The 
family moved from Lebanon county, in March, 
1826, upon a farm near the village just named. 
There were eight children — three sons and five 
daughters: 

1 I Elizabeth (Jacob, Christopher, Henr> 
born near Campbelltown, Penn., February 26. 
1801; died at Centre Hall, Penn., 111 1868, mar- 
ried to Henry Whitmer; they left issue, and Mrs 
William Wolf, Centre Hall, is one of the daugh- 
ter-. 

Hi Jacob (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), 
born mar Campbelltown, Penn.. August 5, 1802. 
died April 14, 1867; buried at Penn Hall, Penn 
single. 

'Ill Nancy (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), 
born impbelltown, Penn., September 14 

1804, died September 23, iXSf>; lies buried near 
Cedar Springs, Clinton county. Penn. ; man 
Samuel Kryd 

I\ Catharine Jacob, Christopher, Henrj 
born January 1, 1806; died at her home near 
Penn Hall. Penn,. March ;. 1894; single. 

«\ Mn\ I i. ib, Christopher, Henry), bom 
married Jacob Fisher, of 

niiii' 

•VI) Susan (Jacob, Christopher, Henry 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



147 



born November 30, 1808, died August 13, 1873, 
at her home near Penn Hall, Penn. ; single. 

(VII). Christopher (Jacob, Christopher, 
Henry), born in October, 1812, died June 2, 
1873, married Mary Ann Glass; owned and culti- 
vated a farm near Penn Hall, Penn. ; no issue. 

(VIII). John (Jacob, Christopher, Henry), 
born September 14, 18 14, married Eleanor 
Smith; live on a farm near Penn Hall, Penn.; 
issue two sons: (1) Jacob S. , born April 13, 
1854, married Susan C. Bitner, and lives on a 
farm near Penn Hall, Penn. ; they have four 
children as follows — John F. , born March 11, 
1875, is a teacher and a graduate from Franklin 
and Marshall College. [A more extended sketch 
will be found among those of Penn township.] 
Harry, born May 17, 1877; Eleanor Blanche, 
born September 26, 1879; Catharine S., born 
January 22, 1890. (2) John F., born December 
12, 1856, died December 16, 1863. 

VI. Christopher (Christopher, Henry), born 
near Campbelltown, Penn., January 21, 1776, 
died at Freeburg, Penn., June 11, 1840. He 
married Betty Howerter, and settled at Free- 
burg (then Straubstown), in the year 1800. 
There were ten children, nearly all of whom set- 
tled in Freeburg and vicinity. They and their 
descendants have been in the past, and are still 
in the present, prominent citizens of that local- 
ity, and, no doubt, will be properly represented 
in that part of this work allotted to Snyder 
county. 

VII. Christina (Christopher, Henryj, born 
near Campbelltown, Penn., married Samuel 
Carper, and moved to Bedford county, this State. 

VIII. George (Christopher, Henryj, the 
youngest son, was born near Campelltown, 
Penn., March 25, 1782. He came into Penn's 
Valley in 1827, locating on Pine creek, south of 
Aaronsburg, where he purchased a farm and a 
mill-site on which a gristmill was erected. He 
was married to Catharine, daughter of his first 
cousin, John Jacob Meyer, of Jersey Shore, 
Penn. He died January 1, 1854, and his wife, 
who was born December 2, 1788, died March 13, 
1858. Both are buried in the Reformed Ceme- 
tery at Aaronsburg, Penn. There were seven 
children — five sons and two daughters: 

(I). George (George Christopher, Henry), 
born January 13, 1806, near Campbelltown, 
Penn., married Lydia Harter. He was a miller 
by trade, and resided in Penn's Valley. Left 
issue. 

(II). John (George, Christopher, Henry), 
born December 30, 1806, died at his home at 
Aaronsburg, Penn., January 28, 1878; lies buried 
in the Reformed Cemetery there. He married 



Mary Klose, who was born April 23, 18 10; died 
at their home, which was then on a farm near 
Rebersburg, Penn., May 26, 1865, and was in- 
terred in the Union Cemetery of the town last 
mentioned. He was a miller by trade, but de- 
voted his later years to farming. There were 
seven children, of whom but one, Joseph K. , is 
now a resident of Miles township, Centre county, 
and his sketch is inserted. 

(III). Catharine (George, Christopher, 
Henry), born January 22, 1808, died October 3, 
1872; married Andrew Harter, Penn's Valley. 
They lived a short distance west of the present 
village of Coburn, Penn's Valley; left issue. 

(IV). Henry (George, Christopher, Henry), 
born near Campbelltown, Penn., July 27, 1809, 
died south of Aaronsburg, Penn., at his home, 
April 15, 1877. He married Elizabeth Stover, 
and had two children, of which, one is still liv- 
ing, Mrs. Harriet Ard. 

(V). Mary (George, Christopher, Henry), 
born January 20, 18 14, married Andrew Stover. 
They reside in the eastern part of Penn's Valley, 
and have a number of children. 

(VI). Philip (George, Christopher, Henry), 
born March 24, 1819, died June 25, 1876; mar- 
ried (first) Magdalena Stover, and (second) Mary 
Stover, who is still living. This family resided 
on Pine creek, south of Aaronsburg, Penn.; there 
were thirteen children. 

(VII). Jacob G. (George, Christopher, 
Henry), born near Campbelltown, Penn., Octo- 
ber 16, 1824, was twice married. His first wife 
was Henrietta C. Furst, and after her decease he 
wedded Lydia A. Dutweiler, nee Strohm. The 
family reside at Aaronsburg, Penn., in Haines 
township; his sons, William T. and J. Calvin, re- 
side in Bellefonte. Jacob G. Meyer died sud- 
denly November 6, 1897. 

IX. Mary (Christopher, Henry), born near 
Campbelltown, Penn., died in Dauphin county, 
Penn., was married to John A. Carper. The 
writer failed to secure any definite information in 
reference to this family. There were five chil- 
dren, one of whom, the late John Carper, of 
Linden Hall, Centre county, Penn., was very well 
known in the county. 



T^HOMAS STOVER, a venerable resident of 
Miles township, Centre county, universally 
esteemed among his acquaintances for his kindli- 
ness of heart and unwavering integrity, is at more 
than four-score years still hale and hearty. He 
is a native of Centre county, having been born near 
Aaronsburg, September 15, 1815, and his ances- 



148 



COMMF.MoliA 1 1\ F. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tors were among the pioneer settlers of Penn's 
Valley. 

Adam Stover, his great-grandfather, came 
from Berks county at an early period with four 
sons, all well grown, named John, Jacob, Fred- 
erick and Adam John Stover, the grandfather 
of our subject, was a buckskin dresser, and was 
exempt from service in the Revolutionary war on 
the ground that his labor was essential for the 
production of clothing and other articles of ne- 
cessity. He was married in Penn's Valley to a 
Miss Wolfe, by whom he had the following chil- 
dren, all of whom died in Haines township, 
Centre county: George had two sons, John and 
Jacob; John reared a large family; Henry is men- 
tioned more fully below; Thomas had one son 
and three daughters; Jacob left a family; Eve 
married a Mr. Bright, and Catherine married 
Adam Harper. 

Henry Stover, our subject's father, was born 
and reared in Haines township, Centre countv, 
and was married there to Margaret Guiswit' 
lady of more than ordinary ability and culture, 
and a successful teacher. Her father, Henry 
Guiswite, was a pioneer educator. Henry Stover 
settled upon a farm near Aaronsburg, obtained 
from his father, and passed his life there. 
He was of medium height and slight build. His 
education was but limited, as his father never per- 
mitted his children to attend any but the Ger- 
man schools, and even left a provision in his will 
disinheriting any child who should break this 
rule. Henry Stover made a comfortable living 
for his family, but never accumulated much, his 
death at the early age of forty-seven years cut- 
ting off the chance to reap the full reward of his 
previous toil. He was a Whig in politics, a 
Lutheran in religion, and was respected by all 
who knew him. His wife, who attained the age 
of eighty-eight years, adhered to the Reformed 
Church. They had nine children: Charlotte 
Mrs. Adam Stover) died in Brush Valley Nar- 
rows; James died in Kebersburg; Carolina (Mrs. 
Jacob Ding i) died in Ohio; Thomas was the 
fourth in order of birth; Leah (Mrs. William 
Shaffer) died at Madisonburg; Malinda (Mrs 
Absolom Confair) died at Aaronsburg; Sebilla 
(Mrs. William Burd) and Levi also died at 
Aaronsburg; Elias is now a resident of Rebers- 
burg; Jacob only lived to the age of three and 
one-half years. 

\> i 1">\ Mi. Stover attended a German 
school at what has always been known as 

■ ■ Wolfe's Si 1 1;" but work w ,i> considered n 

important than study, and he could not even 
pn >in fully by the limited advant I by 

his German teachei His mother, however, 



came to his rescue with home instruction, and as 
he possessed an excellent memory the foundation 
of a practical education was laid. Considering 
the good use which he made of his meagre op- 
portunities one must regnt that such a bright 
mind could not have enjoyed better facilities in 
youth. He chose the plasterer's trade as an oc- 
cupation, and served an apprenticeship under 
William Shaffer, and so great was his mechanical 
skill that later he " picked up " for himself the 
trades of brick laying and stone masonry. Until 
1S40 he remained in his native township, and 
then he went west, via Pittsburg, traveling on 
the Ohio from that point to Cairo, and then by 
the Mississippi river to northern Illinois, his 
destination being Stephenson county. At that 
time there were but few houses in Freeport, the 
county seat. Mr. Stover remained in Illinois 
about thirty years, working as a brick layer, 
plasterer, and stone mason, and engaged also in 
agriculture. He owned an excellent farm in 
Lancaster township, Stephenson county, and 
much other valuable real estate. In October, 
1848, he was married near Freeport to Miss 
Susan Newcomer, a native of Northumberland 
county. Penn., born March 30, 1828. Her par- 
ents, Philip and Elizabeth (Lantz) Newcomer, 
went to Illinois, in 1844, and later moved to 
Iowa, where they passed their remaining years. 
Mr. Stover found his health declining after a 
time, and being threatened with consumption he 
returned to Pennsylvania in 1868, locating in the 
eastern end of Bush Valley. There he conducted 
a shingle and saw mill for many years, cutting 
excellent white pine, and he is now known as a 
pioneer of that industry in the locality. His 
present home at or in Livonia has been cleared 
by him from its primitive burden of trees and 
stone piles, and its comfortable and commodious 
buildings wen.' all built by him. He has a goodly 
competence despite the fact that his dislike of 

tention has at times made him the victim of 
unscrupulous people. Free from guile himself. 
In has never found it easy to believe evil of 
others, while he has such a contempt for wrang 
ling that he has more than once submitted to 
imposition rather than undertake to do battle foi 
his rights It is said that some of the most 
valuable land in Freeport, III., rightfully belongs 
to him, but he has prai tically be< n robbed of it. 

In early years Mr. Stover was a Whig, and 
later he became a stanch Republican. His lirst 
vote was east for Go\ Kitncr as governor ol 
Pennsylvania. Not being disposed to be active 
in polities, he has held few offices, but his intei 
est in better education has led him to serve at 
times as school director. His estimable wife is 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



149 



one of the leading members of the Reformed 
Church, but he is not formally identified with 
any denomination, although he contributes liber- 
ally to religious work as occasion arises. He 
helped to organize the first Sunday-school at Li- 
vonia P. O., and can always be relied upon to 
give effective aid to any progressive movement. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stover have one daughter, 
Asenath, born February 16, 1859, in Lancaster 
township, Stephenson county, 111. She was 
married June 19, 1881, to J. H. DeLong, and 
has had four children, as follows: Thomas S., 
born April 28, 1882, died when two years and 
ten months old from bleeding at the nose; Au- 
brey C, born November 19, 1883; and Arctura, 
born July 6, 1886, are at home; and Susan L.. 
born December 1, 1888, died March 23, 1890. 

John H. DeLong is the third son of John and 
Lucretia ( Jayne) DeLong, who were among the 
first settlers in Livonia. He is a teacher by pro- 
fession. Although not a graduate, he has taken 
several terms at Cornell University, and Ship- 
pensburg State Normal School. He holds a State 
teachers' certificate, and has taught in all (at this 
writing) twenty-four terms in Centre, Clinton 
and Lyconing counties, fourteen being at his 
home in Livonia, where he is also postmaster, 
having held the position since the establishment 
of the office. 



WILLIAM IRWIN. Longfellow wrote: 
"We judge ourselves by what we feel 
capable of doing, while others judge us by what 
we have already done." If this golden sentence 
of the New England poet were universally ap- 
plied, many a man who is now looking down 
with haughty stare upon the noble toilers of land 
and sea, sneering at the cut of a neighbor's coat, 
or the humbleness of his dwelling, would be vol- 
untarily doing penance in sackcloth and ashes, at 
the end of which he would handle a spade, or, 
with pen in hand, burn the midnight oil in his 
study in the endeavor to widen the bounds of 
liberty or to accelerate the material and spiritual 
progress of his race. A bright example of one 
of the world's workers is the man whose name 
introduces this review, for by earnest labor and 
perseverance he has won a high degree of suc- 
cess. 

William Irwin, who now resides on the old 
family homestead in Marion township, Centre 
county, was born October 31, 1828. His grand- 
father, James Irwin, spent his entire life as a 
farmer in Ireland. His father, John Irwin, was 
also born on the Emerald Isle and, emigrating 
to America, was married in Union county, Penn., 



to Miss Mary McClelland, who was born near 
the city of Lancaster, in Lancaster county, Penn. 
They resided in Union county until 1800, when 
they came to the farm which is now occupied by 
our subject, and the father continued its cultiva- 
tion until his death in 1844, when he was aged 
sixty-four years. The mother made her home 
there until 1857, when with her children, Mary 
A., John J. and William, she removed to Jack- 
sonville, Centre county, where she departed this 
life in 1858, at the age of seventy years. The 
father was a farmer by occupation, and was a 
man of prominence in the community, holding a 
number of township offices. He supported the 
Democratic party by his ballot, and in religious 
belief both he and his wife were Presbyterians. 

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin had a family of six chil- 
dren: Samuel M., a former resident of Belle- 
fonte, who served as justice of the peace there, 
died while visiting at the old homestead; Sarah 
J. died at the age of eighteen years; Mary A. be- 
came the wife of R. Connelly, who served as 
sheriff of Centre county, and both are now de- 
ceased; John J. died at the age of thirty-seven 
years in Centre county; Louisa M., who died at 
the age of forty-five years, was the wife of J. P. 
Hughes, who served in the army during the Civil 
war, and died in Benner township, Centre county; 
and William completes the family. 

Mr. Irwin, the subject proper of this sketch, 
remained with his parents until they were called 
to the home beyond* spending his boyhood days 
midst play and work. The district schools of the 
neighborhood afforded him his educational priv- 
ileges. In 1858 and 1859 he was engaged with 
William Allison in mercantile business at Jack- 
sonville, Centre county; but after two years he 
sold his interest in the store and purchased a 
small farm in Benner township, Centre county. 
It was his intention to remain there only a short 
time, but he continued to make it his home for 
fourteen years, and then returned to Marion 
township, where he bought a farm on which he 
lived some nine years. He then purchased the 
old homestead, and has since made it his place 
of residence. It is improved with a handsome 
two-story brick dwelling, with good barns and 
outbuildings, and all modern accessories and 
conveniences. The land is highly cultivated, 
and in addition to this property he owns another 
valuable farm, deriving from the two a handsome 
income. 

On Christmas Day, of 1 860, in Clinton county, 
Penn., Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Susan J. 
Allison, a native of Porter township, Clinton 
county, born November 15, 1833. Her parents, 
David and Lucetta (McKibben) Allison, were 



150 



CO UMK.VOHA T1VE lUOCUAl'lUCAI. UFJOUD. 



natives of Centre county, and died in Clinton 
county. The father was a fanner and a man of 
prominence in the community in which he made 
his home. His children wen;: William M., de- 
ceased; Archibald, of Spi n- Mil!s, Centre county; 
Susan J. (Mrs. William hum ; James, a retired 
farmer oi Adams count), Ohio; Eleanor L., wife 
of James T. Nixson, a farmer of Clinton county; 
Henry C. , an agriculturist of the same county; 
Matilda L., deceased; and Joseph M., who is 
farming on the old family homestead. 

To Mr. and Mis. Irwin were born children as 
follows: Gertrude M., at home; D. Allison; 
William J., who died at the age of seventeen 
years; Eleanor L., teaching school, and living at 
home; Edith J.; Anna I. ; Susan B., a school 
teacher, living at home, and Florence L., also at 
home. Of these, I). Allison the only son) is 
now manager of the home farm, and is a young 
man of superior business and executive ability, 
carefully looking after the interests of the prop- 
erty, the labors of which he is conducting with 
success. As an ardent Republican, he stands 
well in his parly, "f which he is one of its advis- 
ers, and he is a delegate to county conventions. 
Edith J. was married April 7. 1S97, to J. Will 
Mayes, a marble dealer, of Howard, Penn. 
Anna L. was married December jo, iN</>, to 
Samuel L. Allen, of Pittsburg, Penn., where he 
is citv inspector ol public works. The mother of 
this family died September 25, 1893, deeply 
mourned by man) relatives and friends, for her 
excellencies of character had made her a general 
favorite in the community. 

Our subject gives Ins political support to the 
Republican party, has been honored with a num- 
ber of township offices, and served as township 
auditor several years, but has never aspire. I to 
political preferment. His duties of citizenship 
an' faithfully performed, and he is active in the 

^notion of all inti 1 Iculated to prove of 

public benefit, especially in the matter of schools, 
in which hi' takes great interest, being a din 
of the board; for many years he was overseer of 
the poor. He is a valued mi (fiber of the Lick 
Run Presbyterian Church, of which he is an 
elder. In his early life he was a strong temp 1 
iiiiiv advocate, and was a (barter member oi the 
Sons of Tempi ranee Society formed in his town. 



JOHN C. STOVER, of Aaronsburg, Centre 
county, is one of the representative citizens 
ol the county, and his influence is recogi I 
as a helpful factor in all the varied movements 
which promote the welfare of his locality. II 
family has been prominent in Penn's Valley from 



the earliest times, and is probably more numer- 
ous at the present day than any other in Centre 
county. 

The first to come to that beautiful and fertile 
region was Jacob Stover, Sr., our subject's great- 
great-grandfather, a Huguenot, who was born, 
about 171 5, in Alsace-Lorraine, then a part of 
France, and came to America with many other 
persecuted followers of his faith to settle in 
Lyken's Valley, Dauphin Co., Penn. About 
1772 he visited Penn's Valley, and entered a 
large tract of land in what is now 1 lames town- 
ship, Centre county, extending from mountain to 
mountain. He never resided there but, being 
well advanced in years, gave the estate to three 
of his sons, Jacob, Jr., our subject's great-grand- 
father, taking the northern portion, Adam the 
southern, and John the central. Another son of 
this worthy pioneer went to Canada, another, 
Michael, to Maryland, and (later) another. Fred. 
located in the eastern part of what is now Haines 
township, near Woodward. The four who set- 
tled in Centre county are the ancestors of this 
prosperous and highly respected family who have 
always displayed Lhe characteristic thrift, indus- 
try, independence and uprightness of their fore- 
fathers, together with a love of nature which has 
led them to choose almost invariably the calling 
of agriculture. No member of the family has 
ever taken a conspicuous part in politics. 

During the Revolutionary war several battles 
were fought in Penn's Valley, and traces 
Stockade, which was built on the farm of Adam 
Stover, were still visible a lew years ago. On 
July 3, 1778, occurred the massacre of Wyoming, 
in which old men, women and children were 
brutally slaughtered, and the news of tins hor- 
rible butchering caused a stampede among the 
settlers on what was then the " frontier," and 
all fled " down country " for protection, the event 
being known as the "the big run When 

the dwellers of 1' an Valley returned to their 
former homes they found the property in ruins, 
the only evidence of their occupancy to escape 
the tlames lit by tin being an apple I 

planted some years ; il the homestead of 

facob Stover, ]r. This interesting remindei of 
early days is still standing. In time the settle- 
ment was rebuilt, and in 1789 Jacob Stover, Jr., 
donated seven acres ol land lor a school site and 
for the use of the teach, r, and thirty acres for a 
church, parsonage and cemetery. Most of this 
d is still devoted to these purposes, and the 
more modern buildings which have taken the 
place of the original structures are used partly 
for a school and partly as a chapel for h ilding 
funeral services. In the cemetery but few have 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



151 






been interred except the members of the Stover 
family, and prominent among these are Jacob 
Stover, Jr., and his wife, Anne M. Weaver, the 
great-grandparents of our subject. Jacob Stover, 
who was born in 1749 and died in 18 — , seems 
to have been very influential in his day. Of the 
other three brothers, Fred married Anne Hetzle, 
and Adam married Pauline Troutner. 

Jacob Stover, Jr., had two sons of whom 
there is especial record. John, Jr. , passed his life 
quietly as a farmer at the old homestead, two 
and a half miles east of Aaronsburg, and is noted 
as having been the only Whig in the family, all 
the others having been stanch Democrats. He 
married Barbara Wolf, and has seven children: 
(1) George died in Aaronsburg. (2) Eve married 
George Bright, Sr. , of Aaronsburg, and J. W. 
Bright, whose biography appears elsewhere, is 
their grandson. (3) John married Miss Cather- 
ine Brown, and lived on a farm two miles east of 
Aaronsburg. (4) Henry married Miss Gredle 
Guiswite, and made his home on a farm north of 
the same town. (5) Catherine married Adam 
Harper, a farmer who lived three miles east of 
Aaronsburg. (6) Thomas, with his wife, Abilene 
France, occupied the old homestead. (") Jacob 
W. married Catherine Yeagley, and resided two 
miles and a half northeast of Aaro.isburg. His 
son Moses is now a resident of Haines township. 
All of this family attended the Stover school in 
youth, and all were Lutherans in religious faith. 

Adam Stover, son of Jacob, Jr., and the 
grandfather of our subject, reared a large family 
of children, among whom were Michael, now re- 
siding in Haines township, and Jacob, our sub- 
ject's father, who married Polly Kersteter, and 
after spending some years at the old homestead 
with his parents moved to another farm in the 
same township. His wife died at the age of sev- 
enty-four, and was buried in St. Paul's cemetery, 
but he lived to be over eighty years of age be- 
fore his remains were laid to rest beside hers. 
He was six feet, two inches tall, stout in propor- 
tion, and was active until a short time before his 
death. Like the rest of the family, he was a 
successful farmer, and although he voted the 
Democratic ticket regularly, he was not espe- 
cially interested in politics. He was a member 
of the Reformed Church, to which he contributed 
liberally. Of his twelve children, nine are still 
living. Elizabeth, widow of David Cornian, and 
Christina, widow of Jacob Bowers, reside in 
Haines township. Centre county. Harriet died 
in early womanhood. Benjamin is a resident of 
Haines township. John C. is mentioned more 
fully below. William K. is a farmer of Haines 
township. Julia was taken away in early woman- 



hood. Sally married Jacob Detvviler, of Tus- 
seyville, Penn. Nellie married Charles Smith, 
of Haines township. Leonard died in childhood. 
Lydia married Moses Eby, of Haines township. 
Susan L. (now Mrs. William Musser) resides in 
the same locality. 

J. C. Stover was born July 18, 1834, and was 
educated in the schools near his father's farm, 
his first teacher being Hon. J. G. Meyer. Farm 
work was done by primitive methods in his boy- 
hood, and he has spent day and day in "tramp- 
ping out" wheat. At nineteen he began to learn 
the blacksmith's trade with Jacob Condo, of 
Boalsburg, and for two years' work received $50. 
After completing his apprenticeship he returned 
home, ass.sted his father during one summer, 
and then spent a year as a journeyman black- 
smith with "Squire" Hosterman, of Haines 
township. 

On November 5, 1857, Mr. Stover married 
Miss Amelia Hosterman, a daughter of John and 
Polly (Bower) Hosterman. She was born Au- 
gust 9, 1834, in Haines township, and was edu- 
cated there, her first teacher being Mercy Hill. 
At the time of his marriage, Mr. Stover had no 
capital, save his native abilities, supported by a 
strong will; but he fearlessly faced his responsi- 
bilities, and has prospered as he deserved. In the 
spring of 1S58 he bought a blacksmith shop and 
residence at Aaronsburg from John Guiswite at a 
cost of $[,100, borrowing money for the first 
payment, and there he carried on his trade until 
March, 1S71, when he sold out to settle upon a 
farm in Haines township. For two years after 
his removal he followed his trade at the farm, but 
later devoted his attention exclusively to agricult- 
ure. In March, 1890, he rented the property 
and moved to Aaronsburg. His farm consists of 
seventy-four acres, and he also owns several acres 
of land adjoining Aaronsburg. 

Mr. Stover and his wile have been members 
of the Reformed Church for more than forty-five 
years. For fifteen years he held the office of 
elder, and at present he is a trustee. He has a 
neat residence in Aaronsburg, and he and Mrs. 
Stover are socially prominent. They have had 
seven children: (1) Clara V., formerly a suc- 
cessful teacher, married John A. Grenoble, of 
Spring Mills, and has five children — Charley E., 
Margaret A., William, Roberd R. and Anna M. 
(2) Tamma C. died in childhood. (3) Mary 
L. (now Mrs. E. E. Ardery, of Belle(onte) has 
two children — Lela A. and Verna A. (4) Annie 
R. (Mrs. Franklin Guiswite, of Woodward) has 
two children — Fred S. and Mary A. (5) Katy I. 
married George Weaver, of Haines township, 
Centre county. (6) Cora E. is at home. (7) 



152 



VMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Clymer H., a merchant and tinsmith oi Aarons- 
burg, married Miss Anna i March, and has two 
children Mary Jane A. and John L. Politically, 
our subject has always been a Democrat, and 
wliile he has never ben illy desirous of 

public office he has served abl) as si hool director 
and supen i 



T\l GRAMLEY, secretary ol the Spring 
Creamer) Company, at Spring Mills, 
Centre county, and one of the substantial citi: 
of that pleasant village, is a man, who while giving 
ose attention to business, has not lost sight of 
the value of t lie things which make (or progi 
in ways that cannot be estimated in dollars and 
cents. Well-read, intelligent and public-spirited, 
hi- influence in the community has always b 

ted in helpful w a\ s and to worth} ends. 

Mr. Gramley was horn in Rebersburg, |uly 
31, 1S50, the third son and fourth child of Sam- 
uel and Sarah J. (Smull) Gramle) At .\n early 
age his intellectual bent became apparent, and 

1 attending school in the Harter district in 
Miles township, I entrecounty, until he had com- 
pleted the com . he pursued his 
studies in the County Normal School at Miles- 
burg, preparing himself for teaching. His plans 
wi 1 I out in the face of discouraging cir- 
cumstances, ihe work at home requiring much of 
his time. Through strenuous efforts he 
ceeded. however, and when but a few n ths 

1 sixteen he took charge "I a school in Portei 
township, Clinton county, where he at mice estab- 
lished a reputation as an efficient disciplinarian 
and instructor. This success stimulated his ambi- 
tion, and he entered Penn Hall Academy, then 
conducted 1>\ Prof. Wolfe, and fitted himself for 
college; but he was then persuaded to return to the 
district where he had taught his first term, and 
again take the school tie spent three terms there, 
receiving an increase of salarj each term, and 
then taught the grammar school at Mackeyville 
lbs abilities once shown, his services were in de- 
mand, and be continued to teach for fourteen 
terms, the summer seasons being spent in farm 
work lb- hold- rettilie.tt, 5 , ,1 .1 1] grades, includ- 
ing a state certificate On retiring from the 
work of teaching, he entered into partnership 
with his brother, C. L. Gramley, in a general | 
mercantile business al Rebersburg; but his health 
becoming impaired he sold out after two years of 

Successful work in this line, and de< 1 led to fol- 
low agricultural pursuits. In connection with 
farming he taught school during the winter 

until iSSS, and in July of that year he 
formed a partnership in the creamers business 



with R. G Eisenhart in the Spring Mills Cream- 
ery Company, limited, a stock company which is 
now the oldest concern of the kind in Centre 

its Mr. Gramley is industrious, system- 
atic, and persi vering, carrying out with firm de- 
termination any plan once fixed upon, and the 
success of the firm is due in no small measure to 
his work and influence. He has a reputation for 
integrity in his dealings, which is in itself a 
source of strength to any enterprise with which 
•v be connected. 

On December 18, 1877, Mr. Gramley was 
married in Miles township. Centre county, to Miss 
Agnes Loose, who was born at Millheim, Septem- 
ber 7, 1856, the daughter of Samuel and Eliza- 
beth Brickley) Loose. They have one of the 
most comfortable and tasteful homes in Spring 
Mills. Mr Gramley has remodeled the house 
formerly known as the "Old Peter Wilson" home, 
adding all modern conveniences. They have a 
bright and interesting family, to whom they are 
giving the best educational advantages at their 
command: Orpha L., born October 19, 1878, is 
in the senior class at Irving College at Mechanics- 
burg, Penn.; S. Ward, born December 29, 1880, 
is in the sophomore class at Susquehanna Uni- 
versity, Selins drove, Penn.; Windon C. born 
November 3, 18S2. and Bruce S., born June 15, 
1 888, are at home. 

Mr Gramley and his wife are leading mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and he has held 

e in the Church ever since he was confirmed. 
His interest in the work has been demonstrated 
many times, and when the Rebersburg parsonage 
was built, he was one of the chief promoters of 
the enterprise. In politics he has always been a 
Republican, but though a stanch supporter of the 
doctrines of the party he is not a politician. On 

occasion he was nominated for the office of 

-fer, without solicitation on his part, and al- 
though no canvass was made in the county in his 
behalf, he was defeated by a bare plurality of 
thirty-two votes. 



WILLIAM \\. SPANGLER. Among the 
progressive and enterprising farmers of 
ty, the record of whose lives fills an 
important place in this volume, it gives us pleas- 
ure to commemorate the name of this gentleman 
He was born July 20, 1835. at Kagleville, on the 
farm which is still his home, and comes of a fam- 
ily that has long been prominently identified with 
the business and social interests of the commu- 
nity. 

I mas Spangler, lather of our subject, was 
born May 1, 1800, in York county, this State, 




{fr~.7K. Wt^^^u^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



153 



where his parents, who were of German birth, 
passed the greater part of their lives. As early 
as 1820, however, he came to Centre county, and 
for a number of years ran a stell-bottomed boat 
on the Susquehanna river between Sunbury, 
Penn., and Centre county. He built three boats 
while a resident of Liberty township, where he 
also engaged in agricultural pursuits, and became 
one of the most prominent and wealthy citizens 
of the locality. He was a faithful member of the 
Church of Christ, and a strong Democrat in poli- 
tics, on which ticket he was elected to several 
township offices. 

In Centre county Jonas Spangler was married 
to Mary Kunes, a daughter of Daniel Kunes, one 
of the honored pioneers of the county, where he 
located during the 1 8th century and followed the 
occupation of farming. Five sons blessed this 
union: Hiram, who for four years served in the 
Union army during the Civil war, taking part in 
twenty-six battles, and died from the effects of 
wounds received at the battle of the Wilderness; 
William W., the subject of this sketch; Samuel, 
who helped to take Fort Fisher during the Civil 
war, and is now a resident of Eagleville; George 
W. , who died in Philadelphia; and Jonas, who 
died from the effects of wounds received at the 
battle of Appomattox, after four years of arduous 
service. The mother of these children departed 
this life in 1839, at the age of thirty-five years, 
and the father passed away May 1, 1855. 

William W. Spangler never left the parental 
roof, and after the death of his father he assumed 
the management of the home farm, which he has 
placed under a high state of cultivation and im- 
proved with good and substantial buildings. 
Upon the place his father laid out the village of 
Eagleville in 185 1, but the remainder of the farm 
is devoted to agriculture. 

In December, i860, at Lock Haven, Penn., 
Mr. Spangler was united in marriage with Miss 
Emily A. Seyler, who was born in Stephenson 
county, 111., April 19, 1842, a daughter of George 
and Mary (Potts) Seyler, who were natives of 
Penn's Valley, Centre county, but at an early day 
migrated to Illinois, where the father engaged 
in tailoring and farming throughout the remain- 
der of his life. His family included seven chil- 
dren: George, a carpenter of Greenwood, Wis.; 
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Shaffer, of Freeport, 
111. ; Annie, widow of Daniel Smith, of Shabbona, 
111.; A. Jackson, a mechanic of Freeport; Emily 
A.; Alice, wife of a Mr. Agnew, a farmer of Ben- 
net, Iowa; and Mrs. Ellen Moses, of Livermore, 
Iowa. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Spangler were born five 
children: Tacy, wife of Ross Martin, a carpenter 



of Lock Haven, Penn. ; George, a resident of 
Liberty township, Centre county; Mary, wife of 
Albert Kunes, who is engaged in farming in 
Eagleville; Henry, a druggist of Middleburg, 
Snyder Co., Penn. ; and Millie E. , at home. The 
faithful wife and mother was called to her final 
rest March 12, 1873, and her death was widely 
and deeply mourned. 

In 1863 Mr. Spangler enlisted in the 149th 
P. V. I., known as the " Bucktail Regiment," 
and was under the command of Capt. Hancock 
for eighteen months, or until he (the Captain) 
was wounded, when another captain was put in 
his place. Our subject participated in a number 
of engagements and skirmishes, and when hostil- 
ities had ceased was honorably discharged May 
20, 1865, after which he returned home and re- 
sumed agricultural pursuits. He belongs to a 
prominent and well-known family of Centre 
county, and is related to Col. Jack Spangler, of 
Bellefonte. For seven years he filled the office 
of supervisor of his township, and for the long 
term of twenty years acceptably served as con- 
stable, holding the position continuously (with 
the exception of two years) from 1873 until Feb- 
ruary, 1896. Socially he holds membership in 
Blanchard Lodge No. 420, I. O. O. F., of 
Eagleville, and politically is identified with the 
Democratic party. He is an earnest, conscien- 
tious Christian, who since 1873 has been a prom- 
inent and active member of the Church of Christ, 
and as a citizen is held in the highest respect 
and esteem. 



WILLIAM FOSTER, History of. John 
Forster, or Foster (as many of his de- 
scendants now write the name), the ancestor of 
one branch of the Forster family, of Buffalo 
Valley, was a son of David Forster, of Derry, 
formerly Lancaster, now Dauphin, county, Penn. 
This appears by the will of David Forster, dated 
September 2, 1745, and recorded in Lancaster 
county. It is believed, though not certainly 
known to be a fact, that David Forster, with 
some of his family, came from the North of Ire- 
land about the year 1733, with the Scotch-Irish 
immigration of that period, and was among the 
first settlers of Donegal, Derry and Paxtang. 
He died in 1754, leaving a widow, Mary by name, 
and five sons, named respectively: William, John, 
David, James, and Robert. One of these sons, 
John Forster, the ancestor, became the owner, by 
purchase, of 271 acres of land situated in Hanover 
(then Lancaster) county, which had been sur- 
veyed to John Young under a warrant granted to 
him in 1 740. This tract of land was confirmed 



154 



I OMMBM<>i;.\rrVE MOGRM-UhM BBCOBD. 



to John Foster by a patent deed from Thomas 

.md William Penn, bearing date the 17th day ol 
November, 1752, ami In- resided upon the tract 
until about 1773 or 1774, when ! son, 

probably with a view ol bettering his condition 
and that of his family, he 'Imposed of it by sale 
and became one of tin- pioneer settlers of Buffalo 
Valley. That delightful and charming Valley, 
then an almost untraversed forest "I stately oak, 
hickory, walnut and pine, was within that part 
of Pennsylvania known as tin- last purchase made 
from the Indians by the Proprietai \ Government 
of the Colony in 1 768. 

The first surveys in the Valle) were made in 
1769. and from that year sturdy, adventurous and 
self-reliant settlers, among whom was John 
Forster, began to occupy, clear and cultivate its 
beautiful virgin acre rich and invit- 

ing with the promise of future fertility and pro- 
ductiveness. Among the first surveys made in 
1769, after the land office had been opened on 
the 3d ol April ol tli.it year to receive applica- 
tions for laud within the Purchase of 176N, a 
number ol tracts, aggregating eight thousand 
acres through the heart of the Valley, were re- 
turned for certain officers ol the 1 si and 2d bat- 
talions ol the Pennsylvania regiment that served 
under Col. Hemy Boquet in the expedition that 
marched under his command in [764 to the re- 
lief of Fort Pitt, tie site of the present city of 
Pittsburg, then beleaguered b) the Indians. In 
the allotment ol these surveys t<> the officers who 
ware to receive them, ware two that fell respect- 
ively to I. am c harles Stewart and Lieut. Jan 
McCallister, These tracts were at the western 
part of the survey, lying about two miles west ol 
the present town ,>i Mifflinburg. The first ti 
that of Lieut. Stewart, was called in the patent 
" [oyful l aluii," and contained 340 acres and 63 

perches. The other, that of Lieut. McCallister, 
was called " Chatham, "and contained 340 acres 

and 60 perches I , /ing fn an I lan- 

Falo, John Forster had become the 
■ iwnei ot these two tracts. On the west 
tract in. 11 Buffalo 1 reek, he built Ins cabin, liter- 
ally the beginning of a new home in the wilder- 

. (or himself, wile and children, and there he 
lived until his death, whii h oc< mud in 1783. 

In the tax list oi Buffalo township, Northum- 
berland county, ha tin year 1775 the list for 
the pre. is not being in existence the 

name of John Forstei on tins list his 

propert} returned for taxes consists of twenty 
acres ol cli a red lan<], two horsi 5, three cows and 
three sheep, probably for that time a substantial 
return. The property adjoining on the west of 
where he lived was the farm so well known in the 



Valley for many years as the William Young 
farm. His life seems to have been quiet, unob- 
trusive and moderately successful, though no 
knowledge of hi-- pi rsonality or traits of charac- 
ter have come down to his present descendants. 
As before staled, he died in 1783, and among 
some old family papers now in the possession of 
a friend at Paxtang, Dauphin county, is a letter 
written from Buffalo to Paxtang announcing his 
death, from which the following extract is taken: 
"John Forster was taken sick of a fever on the 
10th of September, 1783, died on the 20th, and 
hi Sunday, September 21. 1783." 
Of his wife nothing is known except that her 
name was Margaret. Eight years later another 
letter announced her death, as follows: " Mar- 
garet Forster was taken sick on December 31, 
1701, and died January 8, 1792, about 9 p. \i.. 
and was buried on Tuesday, January 10, 170 
The interments, though there are no marks to 
show w hei e tin y lie, were in the old Lewis grave- 
yard, about three miles southwest of Mifflinburg, 
then the common burial place for the inhabitants 
of the upper end of the Valley, where also rest 
in the peaceful sleep of death others of their 
family — children and grandchildren By his 
will, on record at Sunbury, after providing lor 
the support of his widow, he directed that his real 
estate, consisting of the two tracts of the land 
already mentioned, and containing- together 680 
acres, should he divided into three equal parts to 
he given to his three ><uis then living, a third to 
each, ami that his daughters should receive cer- 
tain bonds, winch he described as •• Bonds I 
ceived from the sale ol my plantation in Hano- 
ver. " 

The children ol |ohn and Margaret Forster 
were four sons and four daughters The sons 
were: Thomas, Andrew, |ohn, [r. , and Robert. 
The daughters were Christena, who became the 
wife of [ohn Montgomery; lane, who became tht 
wife oi William Irvim I li ibeth, who became 
the wife of [oseph Gray; and Rebecca, who he- 
came the wile , .1 William McFarlane 

A marriage record of the Derry nu\ Pax- 
tang Presbyterian congregation, published is 
Vol. VIII of the second series of the Pennsyl- 
vania Archives, shows that Thomas Forster, 
the eldest son, was married to |am N iung 
vember 4, 1777. and that Robert, the young- 
I to Esther Kcnick Decem- 
ber 14, I784. Andrew, the second son, wa- 
in nried to Susanna (,ra\ She was a daughter 
of Capt. William Gray, of Revolutionary fai 
and was first married to William Hudson. After 
his death she became the wife of Andn-w Forstet 
John. Jr.. the third -on, died young and uiunar- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



155 



ried, the victim of an Indian massacre. His 
death occurred on the 16th of May, 1780, in an 
attack made by a band of raiding Indians on what 
was known as French Jacob's Mill (Jacob Gro- 
shong), about five miles north of Mifflinburg, and 
near where the roid through the Brush Valley 
narrows enters Buffalo Valley. He was one of a 
company of enlisted rangers whose duty it was to 
patrol the northern side of the Valley along the 
Buffalo mountain to guard against Indian incur- 
sions. A sudden and unexpected foray, how- 
ever, was made by the savages, and in the smart 
skirmish that followed four of the rangers were 
killed, among them being John Forster, Jr. The 
names of the others were James Chambers, 
George Etzweiler and James McLaughlin. 

Thomas Forster was the Revolutionary soldier 
of the family — a sincere patriot and lover of 
liberty, he was early in the field for the independ- 
ence of the American Colonies. In 1776 he is 
the first found in the record as Major of the 
Fourth Battalion of the Northumberland County 
Associators, of which Phillip Cole and Thomas 
Sutherland, another ancestor of some of the 
presentForster family, was the lieutenant-colonel. 
This battalion was sent to Reading, but anxious 
to be at the front, Major Forster became a lieu- 
tenant in Capt. John Clark's company of Col. 
Potter's regiment. This company was detained 
in Reading until it was too late to reach the scene 
of actual hostility in time to take part in the en- 
gagements at Trenton and Princeton, but par- 
ticipated actively in several subsequent skirmishes, 
in which a number of casualties occurred, and in 
which the members of the company won honor- 
able distinction. 

Returning to the quiet life of a farmer after 
his patriotic military service, Thomas Forster, 
on the death in 1783 of the oldest son, inherited, 
together with his third of the real estate, the 
homestead of the family, where he lived a prom- 
inent and highly respected citizen of the Val- 
ley until his death in the month of November, 
18 10. His body also lies in the Lewis burying 
ground. 

In religious faith and belief the Forsters were 
strict Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, and were early 
members of the Buffalo Cross Roads Presby- 
terian Church, founded in 1773, and the parent 
congregation of that denomination within the 
bounds of the present county of Union. Accord- 
ing to Linn's Annals, the pews of the Buffalo 
church were just rated and rented in 1 79 1 , and 
among the pew holders of that year were Thomas 
Forster and his brothers, Andrew and Robert. 

The marriage of Thomas Forster and Jane 
Young was blessed with six children — three sons 



and three daughters. The sons were John, 
William and Thomas; the daughters, Margaret, 
Elizabeth and Jane. It is only William, how- 
ever, the second son of the family, who demands 
our attention on this occasion. 

He was born in 1784 at the home of his 
father in Buffalo Valley. The means then pro- 
vided in that newly settled locality for education 
were not great, and it is probable that in youth 
but few opportunities were afforded him for book 
learning. But he is still held in pleasant remem- 
brance as an intelligent and upright man, of 
sterling integrity in business affairs, possessed of 
a genial, cheerful disposition, the head of a 
household noted for its hospitality, a devoted 
husband and father, and an excellent citizen. In 
the second war with Great Britain (in 18 12), like 
his father, he found it a duty to enter the mili- 
tary service in defence of the right of his coun- 
try. With his older brother, John, and his 
cousin, William, son of Robert Forster, he be- 
came a member of a company of Pennsylvania 
Militia, commanded by Capt. John Donaldson. 
The company was attached to a regiment com- 
manded by Col. Snyder that marched to Mead- 
ville, thence to Erie, and then to Buffalo, N. Y. . 
remaining in service about three months. 

He was first married to Esther Young, who 
was born in Dauphin county, and their children 
were William and Esther (twins); the latter mar- 
ried NeillMcCay, of Fredericksburg, Ohio, where 
they celebrated their golden wedding in 1892. 
Mr. McCay died soon afterward; his widow still 
lives in Ohio, and by the favor of a kind Provi- 
dence was able to come from her distant home 
on December 28, 1897, to be present to mingle 
her congratulations with other friends at the 
fiftieth anniversary of her twin brother's mar- 
riage. 

The mother of William and Esther Forster 
died, and the father married Rachel McCay. The 
children of this second marriage were: Christena, 
who became the wife of Mark Halfpenny, and 
reared a family; he died in 1889, and she in 
1877. He was an extensive manufacturer of 
woolen goods at Lewisburg, Penn., and his chil- 
dren still own considerable property there. Mar- 
garet, who became the wife of Dr. Seabold, had 
four children, and died in 1879. Robert M. mar- 
ried De!ilah Smith. In 1862 he enlisted in the 
Union army, and was killed in the battle of Get- 
tysburg; he left three sons; his widow died De- 
cember 28, 1895. Thomas died at the age of 
seventeen; and Catherine married William Wit- 
mer, a lumber merchant of Philadelphia. Will- 
iam Forster died at his home in Hartley township, 
Union county, March 26, 1853, at the age of 



166 



OOMMEMORA TIVB Hint; HAl'llKM, RECORD. 



seventy years, and found interment in the same 
burial ground where his father and grandfather lie. 

William, '•(in of William and Esther I 

was born in Buflalo Valley (now Union county), 
Penn . March 22. [819. He was reared on a 
farm, and had the usual school privileges of the 
day and locality. Among his earl)- teachers 
wen- Miss Ruth Campbell and a Mr, Hanna, a 
Quaker. This was at Mifflinburg. He n nriained 
at heme until 1848, then ame to I entrecounty, 
locating on the Centre Furnace lands (now Dr. 
Christ's farmj. [n the spring of 1856 he moved 
to his present home in the upper part of Penn's 
Valley where he owns a beautiful farm, and upi a 
which he built the house he now occu- 
pies lli> farm comprises one hundred acres. 
Formerly a part of the town site ol State Col- 
lege belonged to the farm. Mr. Foster is one of 
the substantial citizens of State College, and by 
good management and industr} has accumulated 
a competency As were all his am estors, he is 
a Democral in his political views. The Forsters, 
too, wen- Presbyterians for generations, and our 
subject adheres to the same faith He is now 
tli' only man in the community who was there 
when the Pennsylvania state College building 
was erected, making him the oldest pioneer of 
the locality left 

In 1X47 Mr. Fostei was married, in Union 
county, to Maria 1 or 1, who was born in the Buf 
falo Valley, Union Co., Penn., in [827, adaugh- 
tei of Joseph and Elizabeth Wyley fori, 
tins happy union have come children as follows; 
Elizabeth, who in 1872 married William Ever- 
hart; they went to Chicago on their wedding 
trip, and she died th.re Charles H., a trusted 
United States Mail Agent employed since 1885 
on the mam hue of the Pennsylvania railroad 
between New York and Pittsburg. fames is a 
chemist in Alabama. Mary A. lives with her 
parents. John is a chemist in Alabama. The 
sons are all graduates of Pennsylvania State 
Colli 

Joseph ( oil, the father of Mrs I tei, came 

from Chester c ity, Penn., to the Buflalo Valley, 

and Ins ancestors were originally from Germany. 
lb 1 mother, Elizabeth Wyler, came from Lan- 
caster county. Penn.. and her ancestors from 
Ireland 



PRO! ( I PHAS L. GRAMLEY. It is a 
pleasure to note that man) of our most suc- 
cessful citizens are natives of this section, and 
have here developed the talents which their ma- 
ture years have devoted to well chosen activiti 
Prof. Gramley, the able and cultured superintend- 
ent of the schools of Centre county, is a t) p- 



cal example, and the story of his earnest pursuit 
of a worthy ambition cannot fail to convey a 
helpful lesson. 

Prof. Gramley was born September 17, 1852, 
at Rebersburg, Centre count), where he now 

les, and is of Pennsylvania- Dutch stock. 
The earliest records of the family place their 
home in son rn Pennsylvania, but the Pro- 

fessor's grandfather, Philip Gramley, was prob- 
ably born in the central part of the State. He 
located in Centre county in early manhood, and 
with the exception of a comparatively brief resi- 
dence in Clinton county, he made his home there, 
gaining by his ability and energy a prominent 
place among the pioneers of his locality. 
Samuel Gramley, the Professor's father was born 
in Rebersburg, March 4, 1827, and is still a resi- 
dent of that town, where he has always enjoyed 
the respect and esteem of the people. He at 
tended the district schools there for a time in his 
youth, and completed his course of study at 
Mifflinburg Academy, afterward entering into 
busirt 1 teacher, surveyor and farmer. \ 

county commissioner, and justice of the peace 
for main years, he demonstrated his capacity for 
public affairs, while his popularity is shown bj 
his election to these positions in the face of an ad- 
verse partisan majority. In religious faith he is 
a Lutheran. His wife, who was Miss Sarah J 
Smull, and who was also a native of Rebersburg, 
was born March 15. 1832. and passed from earth 
Max 14. 1XS0. The children of this marriage 
now living are: Prof Cephas L. , our subjei 
Titus M. is in the creamerj business at Spring 
Mills; (lenient H. is a farmer at the old home- 
stead in Miles township, Centre county; Naomi 
J. is the wife of Charles Heckman, of Clinton 
county, Penn.; and Ada E. is the wife of W. T 
Hubler. and resides at the old homestead. 

Our subject had the benefit of life upon a farm 
during his boyhood. When his intellectual ad- 
vancement demanded better opportunities than 
were to be obtained in the local schools, he spent 
two terms at Clinton Seminary; but with the 

1 of the genuine student he determined to 

re further advantages By teaching for a 
time he provided himself with the funds where- 
with to carry him through two years at Susque- 
hanna University, at Selins Grove, Penn. Aftei 
this he again engaged in teaching, and for seven- 
teen years he taught in the Grammar School at 
Rebersburg, Since 1S75 he has been more 01 
less engaged in Normal School and institute 
work during the summer up to the time of his 
appointment to the county superintendency of 
schools in 1892 This work he helped to carry- 
on .it Milesburg in 1875 '76 and '77, and there- 




/fa, &L, ^/7^i^l^<yL^Ly, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



157 



after at Rebersburg. He has had as high as 
seventy young men and women at a time whom 
he was preparing to follow the profession of 
teaching. He served out the unexpired term of 
his predecessor, and in 1893 was elected to the 
same office, and re-elected in 1896. He is a most 
efficient and able superintendent of the county's 
schools. 

In 1878 Prof. Gramley was married to Miss 
Joanna Weaver, a lady of good qualities, who 
was born in August, 1852, at Wolfs Store, Centre 
county. They have had two children: Gertrude, 
born in 1880, died in 1895, and Almah, born in 
1882, is at home. The parents are identified 
with the Lutheran Church, the Professor having 
been the chorister in both the Church and the 
Sabbath-school since 1875. He is a charter 
member of Rebersburg Lodge No. 103 1, I. O. 
O. F., organized in February, 1892, and he was 
the first Noble Grand, and first to fill all the 
chairs. In 1893 he represented his lodge at the 
General Lodge held at Reading, Penn. Prof. 
Gramley is also a practical surveyor and does 
work at times, as a recreation and relief, to his 
father, who works in this line. In politics he is 
a Republican. He has given many evidences of 
deep and generous sympathy with the welfare 
and progress of the community. 



r\ 



F. KREAMER, who is classed among the 
^3L successful farmers of Penn township. Cen- 
tre county, is well worthy to be ranked among 
the individuals who have distinguished themselves 
as useful and enterprising citizens. He was born 
in the same township, January 6, 1847, and was 
but a child when brought by his parents, Jona- 
than and Susannah (Strohm) Kreamer, to the 
farm which he now occupies, and which at one 
time was owned by his great-grandfather, Daniel 
Kreamer, who was the first of the family to come 
to Centre county. In his family were three chil- 
dren: Daniel, John and Mrs. Saloma Keen. 

Daniel Kreamer, Jr., the grandfather of our 
subject, was a farmer by occupation, as was also 
his father before him. He married a Miss Neese, 
by whom he had eight children — seven sons and 
one daughter — namely: Jacob who died in Kan- 
sas; John, who became an Evangelical minister, 
and died in the same State; William, an auction- 
eer and farmer, who died in Iowa; Jonathan, the 
father of our subject; Elias, a resident of Union 
county, Penn.; Daniel, once a minister, now liv- 
ing in Illinois; Henry, a painter in the same 
State; and Betsey, who married William Guitilus, 
and died in Mifflinburg, Penn. In 1876 the sons 



were all together, at which time their combined 
weight was over two thousand pounds. 

Jonathan Kreamer was born in Miles town- 
ship. Centre county, in 1821, and was reared to 
farm life. When a young man he married Su- 
sannah Strohm, a native of Lebanon county, 
Penn., and a daughter of Jonathan Strohm, who 
brought his family to Potter township, Centre 
county, when Mrs. Kreamer was but a small 
child. After their marriage the parents remained 
upon his father's farm until 1848, when they re- 
moved to the place now owned and occupied by 
our subject, having purchased it at the sale of 
his grandfather's estate. In (868 the father re- 
moved to Millheim, where he conducted what is 
now known as the " National Hotel" for a time, 
and died in that village in 1883. Like the other 
members of the family he was very large, being six 
feet, one inch in height, and weighing at one time 36 5 
pounds. He was an enterprising, energetic man, 
succeeding in accumulating a comfortable prop- 
erty; he was a Democrat in politics, and held a 
number of township offices to the satisfaction of 
all concerned. His religious views were those 
held by the Evangelical Church, of which he was 
a faithful member. His wife, who still survives 
him, makes her home with her daughter, Mary, 
at State College. In their family were six chil- 
dren: A. F. , the subject of this review; Mary, 
wife of Ab Miller, of State College; Sarah A., 
wife of Pierce Musser, of Millheim; Emma, wife 
of A. A. Frank, of the same place; John, express 
messenger for the Adams Express Company at 
Harrisburg, Penn., and Cora, wife of Greely 
Bowman, of St. Louis. 

During his boyhood, A. F. Kreamer attended 
the Liberty school during the winter months, his 
first teacher being Thomas Strayhorn. He re- 
mained upon the home farm until the removal of 
the family to Millheim in 1868, where he as- 
sisted his father in the hotel business for four 
years. On October 10, 1872, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Jestie Keen, who was born 
in Penn township, February 28, 1847, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Mary (Dininger) Keen, farming 
people. Two children were born of this union: 
Nora F. died in infancy; and N. F. , born Octo- 
ber 12, 1874, was married in November, 1893, 
to Miss Jennie, a daughter of Jacob Breon, of 
Gregg township, and they have one child — Helen, 
born April 1 1, 1895. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kreamer began housekeeping 
upon the farm where they are now living, but 
later removed to Haines township, where he 
rented land for fifteen years. On April 1, 1892, 
they returned to the old family homestead, which 
he had purchased in January, 1891. It com- 



158 



i ■<> l/l//. MORA Tl 17.' moan A run 'A I. BSt (>RD. 



prises seventj one acres of highly improved land, 
on which six generations have made their home, 
the grandchild <>f onr subject, who with its par- 
ents resides then being of the sixth genera- 
tion. Mr. Kreamei has always been identified 
with the I lemoi rati< party, and although 
oliice-seeker, has till' d a i in in her of local po 

illy, he affiliates with the (.ran-..-, and relig- 
iously, both himself and wife are connected with 
the Evangelical Church, in which he has served 

class leader. He is honest, industrious, 
thoroughly honorable in all the walks of life, and 
enjms the esteem and respect of the community 
to a large extent 



GEORGE R. STOVER, the efficient agent of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and 
also ol the Adams Express Company, at Coburn, 
i . nire county, lias descended from one of the 
pioneer families of the county. 

\s early as 1775 Jacob Stover and a son, 
Adam, settled 111 what is now Haines township, 
originally a part of Potter township. Centre 
county Michael Stover, the great-grandfather 
of onr subject, was a native of Bucks comity, 
IVim., ol German parents. He was a farmei by 
occupation and owned a fine body of land in 
Penn's Valley, on which he passed much of his 
days. Late in life he went into Sugar Valley, 
now a part of Clinton county, where he made his 
home with his son David, who cared for him in 
Ins declining years. His death occurred in 1855, 
and his remains rest in Union Cemetery, Logan 
township, Clinton county. In Penn's Valley he 
man led Margaret Miller, who was a native of 
Lebanon counts, l'enn. Their children were 
eight m number, namely: Adam (deceased , 
|acob deceased,; Jonathan, living a retired life 
al Booneville; David, grandfather of our subject; 
Elizabeth, now Mis. William Bethlehem; Cath- 
erine, now Mrs Samuel Esteiline, of Logan 
township; Christina, unmarried; and Lydia, 
widow ol |ohn Seller-, of Sugar Vallej . the 
mother of these died in September, 1873, at the 

old homestead, and was buried m the B leville 

cemetery. David Stover was bom December s, 
1808, in Penn's Valley, and was reared on his 
father's faun. He received a fair education in 
German, and when .1 man grown, in connection 
with his brother [acob, bought a farm of 1 60 acres 
in Sugar Valley known as the Bickle place, lo- 
. .1 ted in Logan township. This farm the two 
brothers operated jointly for twenty-five years, 
during all ol win. h time not a cross word p 
betwei n them. They improved the place great- 
ly, erecting a neat dwelling house, a barn, etc. 



In 1X7.2 David retired, and for fifteen years there- 

i so lived, of which period four years were 
passed in the village of Booneville in a comfort- 
able house which he had purchased for himself 
and wife. He died March 31, 1SX7, and was 
buried in the Booneville cemetery. He was a 
pious man, a good Christian, being a member of 
the Evangeli al As ti n foi some twelve 

years. He was a class leader; he also served as 

her and superintendent ol the Sunday-school. 

In politics he was a De a. it, and he held the 

office of overseer of the poor of his township. 
He was a man well and extensively known, was 
held in high esteem, and was greatly re-pected 
for Ins exemplars Christian life. His wife, Eliza- 
beth (Hahn), whom he married in 1 844, was born 
in Logan (now Green) township. May 3, 1822, 
and the children born to this union were: John 
M.; and Mary E., the wife of J. L. Boone, a 
merchant of Loganton, l'enn. The mother of 

e was the daughter of John and Sarah 
1 Si brack) Hahn, the former of German and the 
latter of Scotch-Irish descent. She is still living, 
making her home with her son. 

|ohn M. Stover is a native of Sugar Valley, 
born on the Stover homestead, in Logan town- 
ship, Clinton county, April 17, 1845. He was 
raised on that farm, and has been occupied 
through life as a farmer and stock raiser. He 
received his education in the public schools of 
his neighborhood, and at the Normal School in 
Rebersburg. When a young man he taught 
school for nine months in Rebersburg, in Clinton 
and Centre counties, and during the summer 
worked on the home farm. In 1872, on the re- 
tirement of his father from active work, he took 
charge of the farm on which he soon made many 
improvements. He was industrious, ener- 

getic and ambitious, and has met with that suc- 
his efforts have merited. He has been a 
careful manager, and has advantage ously handled 
his stock, and farmed systematically. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat; he is a member of the 
Lutheran Church, and is a teacher in the Sab- 
bath-school; socially he is identified with Sugar 
Valley Lodge No (.29, I. O. O. F., at Loganton 

On October 16, 1865, at Lock Haven, Mr 
Stover was married to Louisa Kleckner, who was 
born in Sugar Valley, March 6, 1844, a daughter 
of Robert and Catherine (Brumgart) Kleckner. 
and a granddaughter of Anthonj Kleckner, now 
ased, who was the tirst settler ol Sugar Val- 
ley. The children born to the marriage of John 
M Stover and his wife are: Calvin C. died 
the age of seven years; George R. is the subject 

ins sketch; Lizzie S. is the wife cf Clement 
M. Mark, agent at Pine Station on the Pennsvl 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



159 



vania railroad, and has two children — John C. 
and Mary L. ; Lula K., Edna E. and Mary Es- 
tella, all are unmarried and at home. 

George R. Stover, the subject proper of this 
sketch, was born June 2, 1868, near Loganton, 
Clinton Co., Penn., the second child and son of 
John M. and Louisa (Kleckner) Stover. Up to 
the age of fifteen years he was on his father's 
farm, occupied as a general farmer's lad is. He 
attended the schools of the neighborhood, and 
on November 30, 1885, he went to Coburn to 
become a student of the duties in the office of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company under \V. 
H. Kreamer, the agent of the company at that 
point. In this capacity he remained for about 
one year, then became a clerk and filled such po- 
sition two years. Next he worked on the P. & E. 
division of the same road as an extra man be- 
tween Harrisburg and Renovo. He worked as 
an extra man in the service till November, 1890, 
when he came to take charge of the office he 
first entered as a student five years previously, and 
where he has ever since been located. The sta- 
tion at Coburn is one of the most important, 
from a business standpoint, of any on the divi- 
sion, and in the handling of the great volume of 
business with dispatch, together with the manner 
in which the general affairs of the office have 
been conducted under the supervision of Mr. 
Stover, have reflected credit to his capacity and 
business tact. He is an affable and accommo- 
dating official. 

On November 13, 1889, our subject was mar- 
ried at Elmira, N. Y. , to Miss Lillie M. Charles, 
of Mifflinburg, Penn., daughter of S. F. Charles 
(deceased). They have one child, George R., 
Jr., born June 13. 1891. Mrs. Stover is identi- 
fied with the Lutheran Church. 



©EORGE M. BOAL is a representative of one 
of the oldest families of Penn's Valley, and 
his own honorable record has added new lustre 
to a name that has ever been synonymous with 
go*d citizenship. 

James Boal, grandfather of our subject, was 
born in Ireland, March 17, 1764, and in that 
country married Elizabeth Welch, who was born 
February 17, 1766. They were married in 1787, 
and two children were born to them on the 
Emerald Isle, the elder being Margaret, who was 
born May 16, 1788, and died near Bellefonte, 
Penn., in April, 1841, unmarried. The second 
child, George Welch Boal, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in County Londonderry, February 
9. T 79°- In the spring of that year, James Boal 
brought his family to America, and as he was in 



limited circumstances the trip was made by the 
cheapest passage. The voyage of three months 
was a stormy one, during which the ship sprang 
a leak, and much of the cargo, including some of 
the goods belonging to the Boal family, was thrown 
overboard. The grandfather first made a loca- 
tion in eastern Pennsylvania, and in the latter 
part of the eighteenth century established a home 
in Penn's Valley. He was one of its pioneers and 
developed a farm lrom the wild land. He was 
a linen and carpet weaver by trade, and having 
brought his loom with him to the United States 
did considerable work in that line of industry as 
well as at farming. He and his wife were devout 
members of the Presbyterian Church. His death 
occurred June 22, 1836, and he was laid to rest 
in Centre Hill cemetery near his wife, who had 
died December 16, 1832. 

The children born to this worthy couple in 
America were as follows: (t) Martha, born July 
21, 1792, married Abraham Pastorius, and died 
in Venango county, Penn., April 4, 1853. (2) 
Jane, born April 16, 1795, died unmarried, near 
Bellefonte, August 15, 1861. (3) William, born 
June 22, 1801, removed to Iowa, and died August 
10, 1880. (4) Elizabeth, born July 21, 1803, 
died in Penn's Valley, February 3, 1832. (5) 
James, born September 8, 1805, died near Belle- 
fonte, March 7, 1840. (6) Mary, born Novem- 
ber 12, 1807, married John Swords, and died 
near Bellefonte, July 26, 1841. (7) John C, 
born June 22, 181 1, wentsouth in 1836, and aft- 
er about a year all trace of him was lost. 

George Welch Boal was but a child when his 
parents came to Penn's Valley. He was reared 
as a pioneer farmer boy, and was married Octo- 
ber 29, 1822, near Milton, Penn., to Miss Sarah 
Cummins Shannon, who was born in Lancaster 
county, Penn., June 20, 1796, a daughter of John 
and Martha (Caldwell) Shannon, who were of 
Scotch-Irish extraction, and were natives of Ire- 
land. The father was a farmer and an excellent 
citizen, living near Milton, where he located at 
an early day. His children were: John C. , 
Ellen, Sarah C, Samuel, Martha J., Daniel, 
Anna Maria, James and Elizabeth M. At the 
time of his marriage George W. Boal located in 
George's Valley, Centre county, where he owned 
a small farm. In 1S35 he removed to what is 
now Harris township, where he became the 
owner of a most excellent farm. He was a 
highly industrious man, and after following the 
plow all day would burn log heaps at night. By 
his unflagging energy he at length accumulated a 
handsome competence. He was a powerful man, 
compactly built, and well fitted for his pioneer 
experiences. During the later years of his life 



160 



COMMKMORA T1VR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he lived retired. hi early life he was a Whig, 
and supported that parts when only two Whig 
ballots were cast in the township; later he was a 
stanch Abolitionist, and in [856 voted the Re- 
publican ticket. He died September 15, 1858, 
his wife on October 24, 1864, and they were 
buried in Centre Hill cemetery. They, too, were 
consistent members ol the Presbyterian Chinch, 
and the Boal family has for a century been one 
of the most highly respected in Potter township. 

The children of George W. and Sarah Boal 
in- as follows: Martha C., bom April <>. 1S24, 
is the widow of Dr. Henry Orlady, and the 
mother of Judge Orlady ; James C, born Decem- 
ber 27, 1.S26, was a well-known citizen of Potter 
township, and died March 27, 1895; his widow 
resides in Centre Hall. John S., born January 
18, 1829, married Elizabeth R. Cunningham, 
and lives in Centre Hall. George A., born Jan- 
uary 16, 1831, died in Ceorge's Valley December 
28, 1834. Samuel K. , born November 7, 1S32, 
died October 29, 1841. William A , bom Sep- 
tember 13, 1835, resides in Potter township. 
George M. is the next of the family. Elizabeth 
E., born June 21, 1842, died August 13, 1844. 

George M. Boal, whose name begins this 
record, was born in Harris township, Centre 
county, March 17, 1839, and when he had at- 
tained a sufficient age began his education in the 
Kock Hill school, under the direction of Chris- 
tina Wieland. He mastered the rudimentary 
branches in the district schools, was a student in 
Boalsburg Academy when Rev. Austin was its 
principal, and attended Kishacoquillas Seminary 
for one term. When not in the school room he 
assisted his father in the cultivation 01 the home 
farm, with the exception of two years when he 
served as salesman in the general store of Ard & 
Dunlap, at Pine Grove Mills. Centre county. On 
August 16, 1862, he enlisted as a private in 
Company D, 148th Infantry, and his first active 
service was at Chancellorsville. Alter that bat- 
tle he served on detached duty as clerk at the 
headquarters oi the hirst Division, Second Army 
Corps, under Gen. Hancock. Later he was in 
the general recruiting service at Harrisburg. On 
March 10, 1865, he was commissioned first lieu- 
tenant ami quartermaster ol the 83d P. V. I., 
joined th.it command at city Point, and was 
with the regiment in the field until the close of 
the war, when 111 |une, 1865, he was honorably 
discharged. 

While home on a furlough in February, 1 
Mr. Boal ha<l married Miss Ellen Love, ami on 
the close of the war hastened to his wife. She 
is a native of Potter township, born Februarj 
1840, a daughter of Judge W. W and Agnes 



1 Williams) Love. On his return to civil life. Mi 

il located on the old homestead of his father 
in Harris township, the property being owned by 
himself and brother Shannon. In the spring of 
1867, he sold to his brother Shannon, and pur- 
chased the John Durst farm in Potter township, 
where he has since carried on agricultural pur- 
suits. He owns more than 200 acres of valuable 
land, and has one of the best improved farrmvn 
the township, its well-tilled fields and neat t ,-•- 
pearance indicating his careful supervision. "He 
and his wife have five children: Martha J., wife 
of D. A. Boozer, of Centre Hall; Mary A., wife 
of Charles Meyer, of Centre Hall; Margaret L . 
wife of Charles Slack, of Potter township, and 
Blanche and Mabel, at home. This family 
occupy a leading position in social circles, and 
have the warm regard of many friends. 

Mr. Boal is a stanch Republican, and as he 
cares naught for office it is easily seen that his 
earnest support comes from a firm belief in the 
principles of the party as productive of the great- 
est good to the greatest number. He has a broad 
understanding of the questions which divide 
parties, and is also well informed on all general 
topics. He is a member of the Grange, and a 
charter member of Samuel Shannon Post, No. 
2S2. G. A. R., at Centre Hall. He and his wife 
hold membership in the Presbyterian Church. A 
substantial farmer, he has won success by his 
own efforts, and he is a man of kind and gener- 
ous impulses, widely and favorably known, and is 
best liked where best known. 



THOMAS H. HARTER. A definite purpose 
in life, pursued with resolute, vigorous 
will, is the distinguishing mark of a successful 
career, and no one who reads the following biog- 
raphy can fail to join the many friends of the 
able and energetic editor of the Keystone Gazette, 
of Bellefonte, in then confidence in his future. 
Mr. Harter's early perception of the path best 
suited to his talents was the first step, and a 
most important one. in the pathway to prosper 
ity and honor, and his alert, forceful and judi 
cious use of all the resources at hand has a 1 read] 
placed him in a position to command success 
A ready writer, an efficient manager, an 
thoughtful student ot every phase of human life 
and effort, he is well equipped for lus chosen 
work, and we ma\ add also that his charact. 

honest) fearless, outspoken, cleai 
honesty- has had much to do with his build 
up and maintaining his inlluence. 

Mr. Harl igs to a representative " Penn 

sylvania-Dutch " family, and his history is an in- 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



161 



teresting one. He was born May 28, 1854, at 
Aaronsburg, Centre county, upon a farm which 
formerly belonged to his grandfather, Andrew 
Harter, a pioneer of what is now Haines town- 
ship, Centre county, who came from Lancaster 
county, Penn., about the year 1800, and located 
at the lower end of Penn's Valley in the primeval 
forest, clearing and improving his property after 
the custom of that early day. For some twelve 
years a blanket took the place of a door in his 
humble home, and oiled paper served as glass 
for the windows. Wild beasts from the sur- 
rounding woods were frequent visitors, and one 
night his large bull-dog was thrown over the 
fence by one. Andrew Harter and his wife, Sallie 
(Rupp), had seven children: George (who died 
in Penn township, Centre county), Andrew, 
Jacob, William, John, Mrs. Henry Swartz and 
Mrs. George Noyer. 

William Harter, our subject's father, was 
born at the old homestead near Aaronsburg in 
1812, and passed his life there in agricultural 
pursuits, his death occurring in 1885. He was a 
Democrat in politics, and in religious faith was a 
Lutheran. He married Miss Rebecca Hess, who 
was born in Penn's Valley, Haines township, 
Centre county, in 18 15, and is still living in 
Aaronsburg. Our subject was one of twelve chil- 
dren: (1) Israel, a resident of Canal Fulton, 
Ohio; (2) Anna (Mrs. Fred Kurtz), of Centre 
Hall, Penn. ; (3) Jonathan, a retired farmer in 
Millheim; (4) Sarah (Mrs. Mench), who resides 
at the old homestead; (5) John, a resident of Os- 
ceola, Crawford Co., Ohio; (6) William, a 
butcher at Hartertown, Union Co., Penn.; (7) 
Daniel, a tanner at Smithville, Ohio; (8) Re- 
becca (Mrs. Levi Murray), of Centre Hall; (9) 
Andrew, a tanner at Rockford, 111.; (10) Aaron, 
the chief engineer of the Harrisburg electric light 
works; (11) Thomas H., our subject; and (12) 
Kate (Mrs. Samuel Campbell), of Millheim. The 
eldest of these is upward of sixty years of age, 
and the youngest thirty-six, all living, only one 
death having occurred in the family in sixty 
years. 

Thomas Harter's education was not obtained 
without difficulty, as his parents objected to much 
learning for fear that it " might make him a ras- 
cal." Perhaps we may find here the basis of 
that sensitive conscience, inherited and developed, 
which makes him so careful to avoid the least 
misrepresentation as to known facts. Conscious 
of his own rectitude, and not sharing his parents' 
fear of perversion, the lad kept up his search for 
knowledge, obtaining his books by employing 
his spare moments on the farm in the service of 
others. He attended school until i87i,whenhe 
11 



went to Smithville, Ohio, to learn the tanner's 
trade with his brother Dan, and while there he 
pursued his studies at the Smithville Normal 
School. On his return in 1872, he learned the 
printer's art with his brother-in-law, Hon. Fred 
Kurtz, of the Centre Hall Reporter, and then at- 
tended Penn Hall Academy for a year. In 1876 
he purchased the Nevada, Ohio, Enterprise, a 
weekly paper of limited circulation, which he soon 
established on a paying basis. But he longed to 
plant his feet on his "native heath," and in 1882 
he sold the Enterprise and bought the Post, of 
Middleburg, Snyder county. This also was in 
an unsatisfactory condition, but his industry and 
zeal again worked wonders, and the paper soon 
came to be recognized as one of the mostsprightly 
and interesting of its class. The advertising in- 
creased, and the Post was enjoying well-earned 
prosperity, when, desiring a wider field, Mr. Har- 
ter disposed of it and, in March, 1894, purchased 
the Keystone Gazette, at a bargain. His success 
there was a certainty from the first, and the in- 
creased popularity of the paper is no surprise to 
those who knew the efficiency of its new proprie- 
tor and editor. 

Mr. Harter is the author of the famous "Boon- 
astiel " letters, in the Pennsylvania-Dutch dialect, 
which were begun in the Middleburg Post, and 
later published in book form in answer to a de- 
mand from the public for their preservation in 
accessible form. As a critic has said, it is a vol- 
ume of legend, story and song, full of fun and 
philosophy, and every chapter points a moral or 
adorns a tale. One thousand copies have been 
issued, and a second edition will soon be pre- 
pared which will, no doubt, be illustrated. 

In 1876 Mr. Harter married Miss Mary Izora 
Musser, daughter of James Musser, a well-known 
citizen of Harterton, Union county. In his po- 
litical affiliations our subject is a Republican, but 
although firm in that faith he has never taken 
part in partisan work as a candidate for office, 
wishing to deal with the principles rather than 
the machinery of the organization. Socially, he 
is a member of the F. & A. M. His chief recrea- 
tion is hunting and fishing, for which he has in- 
herited a liking, and his cheery nature is always 
ready to take advantage of the pleasures which 
lie within his reach. 



m LEXANDER McCOY is one of the most 
^rL enterprising and progressive citizens of 
Centre county. He has a wide circle of friends. 
and by his genial manner and kindly disposition 
is constantly adding to that number. He is 
descended from honored ancestry of Scotch-Irish 



162 



OOMMEMOBA T1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



blood, those races being largelj represented in 
the settling of Penn's Valley, which thus became 
the home of a prosperous, reliable ;ui'l substan- 
tia] people. 

Mi McCo) i" ongs to the third generation oi 
the family in America, his grandfather, Alexand< i 
McCoy, bein^ tbe first to come to the United 
Sutes. He located in Mifflin count}-, where he 
married Miss Elizabeth McDowell. Alter re- 
moving to ( entre county, he became the well- 
known host of the "Old Fort Hotel," and sub- 
sequently he purchased of fhe Potter famil) the 
farm upon winch our subject now residi s He 
located thereon in 1847, and continued his 1 
idence there until lus death, which occurred in 

I S70, when he was aged seventy-eighl years; his 
wife died several years previously, and both were 
buried in Centre Hill cemetery. They were 
members oi the Presbyterian Church, and in pol- 
itics the grandfather was an Old-line Whig. He 
was a large, portly man, very robust, and was 
never ill until seized with the ii I ness that ter- 
minated his life. His children were John, fathei 
of our subject; Mary A., who became the wii 
Dr. A. S. Harshberger, and died in Mifflin 
county, |olm F. , who died on the home farm; 
Margaret, who died in Lock Haven, lVnn. . and 

Hannah, widow of H. II. Van Dyke, ol Lock 

I I iven 

John McCoy, father of our subject, was born 
in Mifflin county, in 1817. and was reared in thi 
usual manner of farmer lads of thai period. His 
school privileges were limited, but he eagerl) 
perused much of the literature thai came in Ins 

way. and in his later years was an almost con- 
a1 reader, so thai he became a well-informed 
man From 1 S4 7 until his death he lived on the 
old family homestead. He married Agnes Mc- 
( .rmick, who was born in Perm's Valley, in 
1827, and was a daughter of John and Hannah 
(Shannon) McCormick Her death occurred at 
the age of seventy-four years, and Mr McCoy 
died November 26, 1895, the result ol an injury 
done to bis hand in a corn busker, their remains 
were interred in Centre Hill cemetery. II. sup- 
ported the Whig part) until its dissolution, when 
he became a stanch Republican, firm in support 
of its principles. His children are Jane \ , wife 
of Robert Sartain, ol Mercersburg, Penn . P 
wife of J W. Wolf, of Centre Hall; Emma; 
Alexander; and John, of Harrisburg, Pennsyl- 
\ ania. 

Alexandei McCoy, whose name introduces 
this review, was born at "()id Fort, 'in Potter 
township, August 3, 1845, and during his earl) 
boyhood accompanied his parents to Potters 
Mills, where he acquired his education. When a 



boy he attended a select school, of which Prof. 
Love was principal, and also pursued his studies 
in the public schools. Realizing the value of 
mental training, he is a warm friend of the cause 
icatii »n, and does all in his power to advance 
the interests of the schools of his locality. His 
boyho.wl days were spent underthe parental roof, 
and when a young man he began dealing in live 
stock. Soon he became an excellent judge of 
stock, and his business transactions were there- 
fore crowned with success. He purchased stock 
which he shipped to Philadelphia and to Dela- 
ware county, Penn., and throughout his life he 
has followed that pursuit in connection with farm- 
ing. After his marriage he took up his residence 
in one of the two houses on the home farm, and 
at various times was his father's partner in busi- 
ness. He rented land of his father, and August 
15, 1896, purchased a portion of the old home- 
stead. He now owns a valuable tract of 150 
acres of arable land, together with some mount- 
ain land and a small tract near Potters Mills. 
He readily sees the advantage to be derived from 
improved machinery, and is one of the truly pro- 
gressive farmers of the township, utilizing the 
most advanced methods and improved imple- 
ment^ in his farm work. In October, 1895, he 
suffered a very painful accident, losing the third 
and fourth fi] I his left hand while operat- 

ing acorn busker and fodder cutter. 

At the age of twenty-five, in Boalsburg. Mr 
McCoy wedded Mary E., daughter of Samuel 
and Catherine (Jack) Wilson, and a native of 
Boalsburg. Their children are Aynes, wife of 
A I' Potts, a Lutheran minister of Youngstown, 
Ohio; Samuel \\ . . who married Merab Randol, 
of Williamsport, Penn., and John F. and Katy 
twins ; the last named died at the age of five 
years, and John F. is now a merchant at his 
1, Potters Mills. 

Mr. McCoy is unwavering in his allegiance to 
the Republican party, which he has supported 
sini e casting bis lirsl Presidential vote for Lincoln 
in [864. He warmly advocated the Republican 
doctrine, and does all in his power to insure tbe 
success of his party. He served most effect i\ 
hairman of the Republican committee of 
r township, and is the advisor and counselor 
ol bis part) in this section, but has never sought 

n himself His wife belongs to the IV 
b) terian Church, to the support of which he con- 
tributes He is a man of scholarly tastes, one 
who vely, and is widely inforrw 

on matters of general interest. His business ' 
brought him into contact with many, and I 

le of his friends is almost as extensivi 

cquaintances. He is most hospit- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



163 



able, is pleasant and genial in manner, and 
wherever he goes his genuine worth wins him the 
respect of all classes. 



H P H r ; 



HARSHBERGER, of Bellefonte, is a 
Kjl prominent member of the Centre County 
Bar, and in his chosen profession, and previously 
in his work as an educator, he has manifested 
abilities of a high order. He was born June 10, 
1849, in Walker township, Centre county, and 
is a descendant of a German family long resident 
in Pennsylvania. Various members settled in 
Lebanon county at an early day, Christian, Bar- 
bara and Ann locating there in 1737, Caspar and 
|acob in 1749, Johannes in 1754, Henrich in 
1768, and David in 1770. 

Christian Harshberger, our subject's great- 
grandfather, passed his remaining years in Leb- 
anon county, but he took up new lands in Bern 
township, Berks county (then Lancaster county), 
in 1745, 1753 and 1755. His son, Abraham 
(who died in 18 18), the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, became one of the pioneer farmers of Penn's 
Valley, Centre county, and helped to drive the 
Indians from that locality. His children were: 
(i) John, a farmer in Penn's Valley, who died 
there at the age of eighty years; (2) Joseph, who 
died in Ohio at an advanced age; (3) David, our 
subject's father; (4) Abraham (deceased), a well- 
known physician at Milroy, Penn., who served 
as a surgeon during the Civil war; (5) Henry 
(deceased), a successful physician in Juniata 
county, Penn. ; (6) Catherine, who never mar- 
ried, and is now eighty-nine years old. 

David Harshberger was born in Penn's Val- 
ley in 1804, and was there married to Miss Nancy 
Rhone, also a native of the Valley, born in 
1 8 10. They passed their wedded life upon 
farms in Snow Shoe and Walker townships, 
Centre Co., Penn., and were active members of 
the Lutheran Church, and leaders in many pro- 
gressive movements, the father being prominent 
in the early days as an Abolitionist and later as 
an ardent Republican. He died in 1881, and 
the mother in 1878. Of the twelve children of 
this esteemed couple all but three are living: 
John is a farmer and peppermint distiller in 
Michigan; Jacob was a soldier in the Civil war, a 
member of Battery M, 3rd N. Y. Light Artillery, 
and was killed at the taking of Richmond; David, 
a member of Company I, 3rd Mo. Cav., lost his 
life in the service, and was buried near Browns- 
ville, Ark. ; Abraham is a practicing physician in 
Philadelphia; Elizabeth married John Baney, of 
Zion, Centre county; Fannie died at the age of 
eighteen years; Mary A. married James J. Lower, 



and resides in Grand Junction, Colo.'; Zachariah 
resides in Milesburg, Centre county; H. H. is 
mentioned more fully below; Nancy J. married 
John S. Yerick; Samuel is a physician at Port 
Matilda, Centre county, and Jeremiah died in 
childhood. 

Mr. Harshberger's early years were spent on 
his father's farm in his native county, but his liter- 
ary education was completed at Dickinson Sem- 
inary, in Williamsport, Penn. He then became 
a teacher, and after three years as superintend- 
ent of the Orphans' School at Chester Springs, 
Penn,, he prepared for the legal profession, tak- 
ing a course in the law school at Albany, N..Y., 
graduating in 1872, and subsequently spent a 
year in the office of the late Judge A. Hoy, and 
traveled extensively in quest of lost health. As 
he resumed the work of teaching temporarily, it 
was not until 1882 that he established himself in 
practice at Bellefonte, entering into partnership 
with the Hon. Seth H. Yocum, since deceased. 
Since that time he has been devoted to his pro- 
fessional work, and has met with well-deserved 
success. Besides his professional duties, he 
finds pleasure in agriculture, and superintends 
the work on several large farms besides his own, 
and is eminently successful. 

On November 9, 1882, Mr. Harshberger 
married Miss Julia C. Barnhart, a native of Cen- 
tre county, born May 12, 1852. She died Jan- 
uary 29, 1894, leaving four children: Ralph C. , 
James B., Mary R. and David R. 

As an intelligent observer of current events, 
Mr. Harshberger is naturally interested in polit- 
ical questions, his allegiance being given to the 
Republican party. In religious faith he is a 
Methodist, an official member of his Church, and 
superintendent of the Sunday-school for the last 
ten years. As an educator he was in advance of 
his fellows, for as early as 1878 he, in a lecture 
delivered before the Centre County Teachers In- 
stitute, advocated a compulsory and free text 
book law, and asked that body to memorialize 
the Legislature to enact such a law, which reso- 
lution was defeated, and his hopes were not real- 
ized until he had gone out of the profession, 
when, in 1895, the Legislature enacted just such 
a law as was mapped out in his lecture. 



LOT R. HENSYL, M. D., an eminent physi- 
,1 cian and surgeon of Howard, Centre county, 

was born on the 6th of January, 1840, near 
Trevorton, Northumberland Co., Penn. , of which 
county his parents, John D. and Susan (Rother- 
mel) Hensyl, were also natives. The father was 
an extensive lumber merchant and farmer, and 



ir.1 



COMMEMORATIVE BI0QRAPHICA1 RECORD. 



a prominent and influential man in his commu- 
nity, in winch he served with destinction in sev- 
eral local offices. He was a Republican in p 
tics, and a consistent member "1 the Evangeli- 
cal Church. He did November 26, 1895, at the 
ripe old age of eighty-two, and Inn wife passed 
away December 30. 1894, at the age <>f eighty, 
She was own musm to Peter Frederick Rother- 
nifl, the celebrated artist, who painted the 
"Battle of Gettysburg" for the State of Penn- 
sylvania, (or winch he was paid $35,000. 

Dr. Hensyl is the second in order of birth in 
their family of ten children, as follows: Cathe- 
rine, wife of Levi Conrad, a miner of Trevor- 
ton, Penn. ; Nathan, a railroad engineer residing 
in Shamokin, Penn.; Lot R. ; Daniel, who died 
at the age of thirty-eight years; Miry, who dud 
in infancy; Silas, also an engineer, living in 
Shamokin; Rev. John, pastor of the Evangeli- 
cal Church of Mahanoy City, Penn.; Louisa, 
wife of William Yan/andt, a railroad engineer 
of Shamokin; Sallie, wife of Peter Neidig, a 
merchant of the same place; and \Y. L . a prac- 
ticing physician of Shamokin. 

George and Eva (Dunkelburger) Hensyl, the 
paternal grandparents of our subject, spent their 
entire lives upon a farm in Northumberland 
county, Penn, but the great-grandfather was a 
native of Germany, whence he came to America 
when he was twelve years of age. Abraham 
and Mary (Hunter) Rothermel, the maternal 
grandparents, made their home in Reading, this 
State. 

Our subject remained under the parental 
roof until seventeen years oi age, when he went 
to Philadelphia, and began clerking in the coal 
office of his uncle, Samuel H. Rothermel, where 
he remained for several months. Returning 
home, he worked for his father during the sum- 
mer in a sawmill, while through the winter sea- 
son he attended school until twent) \< ars ol age, 
thus acquiring a good literary education. He 
then In in 1 ading medicine with Dr. S. S. 

Smith, but on tl utbreak ol the Civil war l?id 

aside Ins books and enlisted in Company 1>, 52nd 
1'. V I., under ('apt. James Chamberlain. For 
ovei threi years he valiantl) fought for the pr< 
vation of the Union; he helped to storm all the 
forts m South Carolina; at Morris Island he was 
detailed as shipping clerk, and bj special 01 
wa^ sent to Jacksonville, Fla., where hi 
in that capacit) tor three months. Bj order of 
Gen Foster, he then returned to Morn, Island, 
and was iii the Ordnance Department until dis- 
■ hai ;ed in 1864 He was a brave and \ aliant 
soldi iys Found at hi-, post of duty. Re- 

turning home, our subject again resumed the 



ly of medicine with Dr. C. P. Herington, of 
Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Penn., with whom he 
remained for two and one-half years, and in 1866 
and 1 So- attended lectures at the Jefferson Medi- 
cal College. On receiving his diploma Dr. Hen- 
syl located at Howard, where he soon built up a 
large and flourishing practice, which his skill and 
ability justlv merits. 

Dr. L. R. Hensyl married Miss Sarah I 
Heim, who was born in Lebanon, Penn., Octo- 
ber 15, 1849, a daughter of Rev. William and 
Lydia (Hepler) Heim, the former a native of 
Northumberland county, and the latter of Schuyl- 
kill county. Penn. Rev. Heim was bom in 
Upper Mahanoy township, a son of John and 
Sophia (Kohl) Heim, and his paternal grand- 
father was one of the pioneers of that locality 
He bore the name of George Heim, and in the 
early records of Northumberland county, we find 
him paying taxes in 1778. He often traded with 
the Indians, and was never molested by the Red 
men but once, which was a short time before tin- 
French and Indian war and the Wyoming n 
sacre. He had sent his family and drove of cat- 
tle to Reading, and while all alone the Indian- 
knocked at his door and were admitted. After 
giving them milk and such food as the early set 
tiers had at that time, a young Indian beg 
flourishing a tomahawk around him, showing 
what he intended to do, but Mr. Heim arose and 
with his closed fist knocked him out ofthehon 
Alter thus disposing of the leader, the rest be- 
came his friends, telling him that he had doni 
right. 

John Heim, the grandfather of Mrs. Hensyl 
and a farmer and school teacher by occupation, 
died in 1S24. He was twice married, by tin 
first union having one son and seven daught- 
while by the second there were six sons and two 
daughters. Sophia (Kohl), his second wife, In 
to the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Hei 
children were as follows: John, of Richfield 
Juniata Co., Penn.; George, of Upper Mahanov 
township. Northumberland countv; Diana, w 
of John Straub, of Lykenstown, Penn.; Mollie, 
wife of Peter Beisel, of Upper Mahanoy; Pel 
ol Watsontown, Northumberland county; Will- 
iam, the father ol Mrs Hensyl; Daniel, of N 
thumberland county; and Jonathan, a residenl 
Illinois 

Rev. William Heim remained upon the hi 
farm until twenty years of age when he entered 
tin- ministry ol the Evangelical Association, a 
ever afterward devoted his time to the preach 
of tl 1 I, His death occurred at Mill' 

burg, I >auphin county. He « as the father of 1 
children: Frederick, Catherine, Charles and 



CUM ME MORA TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



165 



Sophia, all of whom died in infancy; and Sarah 
E., wife of our subject. Her maternal grand- 
parents were John and Catherine (Maurer) Hep- 
ler, natives of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. 

Five children grace the union of Dr. Hensyl 
and his excellent wife, namely: (i) Blanche 
E., who acquired her education in the Union 
Seminary of New Berlin, Penn., is now the wife 
of William Weber, a merchant of Howard. (2) 
L. Louise is a most accomplished young lady, 
and an artist of considerable merit, several of her 
elegant paintings adorning the walls of their home; 
for a time she attended the Central Pennsylvania 
College, and was also a student in Miss Wilson's 
Female Seminary, at Williamsport, and of Buck- 
nell Institute, Lewisburg, Penn. (3) Annie I., 
also at home, is a fine musician (4) William 
C. and (5) George S. are still under the parental 
roof. Fraternally, Dr. Hensyl holds member- 
ship in the f. O. O. F., and the G. A. R. and 
Veteran Legion, belonging to the local orders at 
Howard. His political support is ever given the 
Republican party. A talented, cultured gentle- 
man, he holds an honorable position among his 
professional brethren, and in social circles also 
stands high. 



J [AMES A. LUKENS, a retired contractor and 
builder, of Philipsburg, is well worthy of rep- 
resentation in any history of Centre county, 
for his life record has long been interwoven with 
its history and he has done much for the ad- 
vancement and general progress of the commun- 
ity in which he resides. 

Mr. Lukens was born in Mifflin county, Penn. , 
j October 31, 1829, and comes of a family that 
i has long been prominently connected with the 
interests of the State. His great-great-grand- 
1 father, Gabriel Lukens, came to America from 
j Germany, one of two brothers' sons, Charles and 
John, both surveyors appointed by the governor 
under Ring George. The former did much of 
the early surveying in Centre county; John was 
killed by the Indians near Standing Stone, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Pennsylvania. 

David Lukens, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, a son of Abraham and 

'. (Brown) Lukens, of Juniata county, Penn., 

1 where the father engaged in farming and lum- 
bering. He was twice married, his second wife 
being, in her maidenhood, Maggie Sanderson. 
David Lukens wedded Elizabeth Sunderland, a 
daughter of David and (Hamilton) Sunder- 
land, of Mifflin county, Penn., who were of 
Scotch descent. Four children graced their 
union: James A., of this sketch; William B., 



who died in Mifflin county, in 1889; Sarah A., 
wife of E. B. Jones, a railroad official living in 
Selins Grove, Snyder Co., Penn., and David, a 
wealthy miller of Atchison, Kans. The parents 
both died upon the old home farm in Wayne 
township, Mifflin county, the father on January 
28, 1834. aged thirty-two years, and the mother 
on January 8, 1834, aged twenty-six. They were 
consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and were widely and favorably known. 

Left an orphan at an early age, James A. 
Lukens made his home with his paternal grand- 
father until ten years old, when he began work- 
ing upon the farm of William A. Moore, with 
whom he remained for two years, and has since 
been dependent upon his own resources. For 
the following seven years he was with William 
Ward, working upon his farm until Mr. Ward's 
death, and then served an apprenticeship to the 
carpenter's trade. His literary education had of 
necessity been very limited, but in the winter of 
1847-48 he attended school, so that he might 
better be prepared for active business life. In 
1850 he fulfilled his first contract, preparing the 
timber for the first six bridges erected between 
Tyrone and Spruce creek on the Pennslyvania 
railroad. 

On November 20, of the same year, Mr. 
Lukens came to Philipsburg, and for the first' 
two years worked in a fanning-mill factory, and 
also engaged in peddling for same in summers to 
some extent. For some time he was employed 
in the lumber woods during the winter season, 
while through the summer months he worked at 
his trade of carpentering. In 1864 he began 
contracting and building on his own account, and 
he successfully followed the same until 1894, 
when he turned over the business to his son, and 
has since lived retired. He erected most of the 
fine residences in Philipsburg, on an average com- 
pleting sixteen buildings a year, and his business 
amounting to from $ 1 0,000 to $ 1 2 ,000. He was 
numbered among the most reliable and enterpris- 
ing business men of the city, promptly and faith- 
fully fulfilling his part of every contract. He is 
now, however, enjoying a well-earned rest, and 
can look back over a long and well-spent life. 

On November 6, 1851, Mr. Lukens was mar- 
ried to Miss Nancy Maguigan, and they became 
the parents of eight children: Cynthia E., wife 
of A. C. Shaff, a lumberman and farmer of Ma- 
dera, Clearfield Co., Penn.; William A., fore- 
man of a planing-mill in Allegheny, Penn.; Clara 
B. , a teacher in the public schools, who is resid- 
ing at home; Blanche A., who died at the age of 
twenty-three years; Jesse W. , a carpenter and 
builder of Philipsburg, who married Agnes Cou- 






166 



COMSfEMORATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



perwait; Bertha, wife of W. C. Smith, steel in- 
spector and shipper for the Johnstown Iron Co., 
of Johnstown, Penn. ; Emma, wife of G. C. Ro- 
land, a teacher and carpenter of Wall Station, 
Penn.; and Lucy Olga, who died in infancy. 

Mrs. Lukens was also a native of Mifflin 
county, born in 1830, and is a daughter of John 
and Nancy (Cross) Maguigan. Her father was 
born in Ireland, whence when four years of age he 
was brought to America, and was reared in Lan- 
caster, county, Penn., where his wife was born. 
Throughout life he followed farming. His death 
occurred in Mifflin county, after which his wife 
with her family removed to La Salle county. 111., 
in 1851, where she spent her remaining days. 
Their children were as follows: John, a veteran 
of the Mexican war, now residing in Oregon; 
Jonathan, who died at New Orleans while return- 
ing from the same war; Martha, deceased wife of 
John T. Errinfelt, a farmer of Armstrong county, 
Penn.; Nancy, wife of our subject; Mary A., de- 
ceased wife of Isaac Signor, who died in Cali- 
fornia; and Sarah, wife of Jesse Vanamie, a 
farmer of Wisconsin, who died in December, 

1897. 

A man of firm convictions, Mr. Lukens is 
fearless in the defense of what he believes to be 
right. None question his integrity or honorable 
business, and his record as a business man and 
as a private citizen alike commands respect and 
admiration. 

JOHN THOMAS FOW I. KK needs no special 
introduction to the readers of this volume. 
He is a worthy representative of the lumber in- 
terests of this section of Pennsylvania, and be- 
longs to that class of enterprising citizens who 
are the glory ol the American Republic, for their 
well-spent lives, their energetic efforts and re- 
liable business methods bring to them the pros- 
perity which should ever reward honest toil. He 
is now residing at Hannah Furnace, and is ex- 
tensively engaged in the lumber business, owning 
about 2, 500 acres of timber land in Centre and 
Blair counties. He was bum in Hartford 
county, Md. , October 8, 1839, but much ol his 
life has been passed in Pennsylvania. 

David P. Fowler, father of our subject, was 
a native ol 1'ike county, Penn., where his par- 
ents were also born, the father of German, and 
the mother ol Swedish, origin. By trade he was 
a blacksmith, and while sluicing a mule was se- 
verely kicked, from the effects "I which he died 
in August, 1849, in Maryland, about five miles 
from Baltimore. In 1833, in Northampton 
county, Penn., he had married Mrs. Elizabeth 
Kirkendall (formerly Miss Elizabeth Stockham . 



the ceremony being performed by Joseph Ink, 
justice of the peace. To them were born seven 
children, namely: (i) Harriet M. married Joseph 
Williams, in Philadelphia, and after his death 
wedded George Jones, but is again a widow; she 
is now residing in Philadelphia, the mother of 
seven children. (2) Emily M. is the wife of 
Ada.m Grissom, a politician, of Philadelphia, 
Penn. (3) John T.» of this review, is next in 
order of birth. 14) Charles D. and his twin 
brother, who died in infancy, are {he next of the 
family; the former became a member of the 
2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil 
war, and died of brain fever. (6) William T. is 
a machinist and sawyer, of Centre county, who 
also served his country during the whole war; in 
the 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. 17) Mary Anna 
died unmarried. 

The mother of our subject was born in Penn's 
Manor, Bucks Co., Penn., October 5, 1803, and 
died at the age of eighty-six years. She was a 
daughter of John and Alice (Smith) Stockham. 
John Stockham. our subject's grandfather, was 
born in Bucks county, Penn., and our subject's 
great-grandfather, also named John Stockham, 
came from Bristol, England, and his two brothers, 
George and Thomas, came to America soon after 
and joined him. They all settled in Bucks county. 
Penn. Our subject's grandfather (John Stock- 
ham) and his granduncle married sisters John 
wedding Alice Smith and Thomas wedding Eliza- 
beth Smith. Thus it will be seen that our sub- 
ject's great-grandfather and great-granduncles 
were named John, Thomas and George, respect- 
ively, as wen also his grandfather and grand- 
uncles. They were all Quakers or Friends. The 
Smiths came into this country with William 
Penn, as did also the Marshalls. Our subji 

it-grandfather and his brothers followed the 
building of dykes or ditches — reclaiming land. 
All that country north of Philadelphia, along the 
Neshamoney creek, they reclaimed from swamps. 
From them are descended all of the Stockhams 
111 America. The grandfather became a 1. 
land owner in Maryland, where hi- engaged in 
iiu ■ ;ig. milling and farming, and tl 

died. 

B) her first husband, Aaron Kirkendall, Mis. 
Elizabeth Fowler had the following children: 
(i Isaac was Inst from the family for about 
thirty-six years, but was found in Ohio by our 
subject, who brought him back to his moth 
home, where he died three years later. 
Alice is the deceased wife ol [ohn Peterson, now 
of Baltimore county. Md. (3) Amos is also a 
tanner of that counts | l) Rebecca, (5) Hulda 
and (6) Mary S . all died unmarried. 7) Georg* 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



167 



was killed by jumping over a fence, a picket 
passing through his stomach. Mrs. Elizabeth 
Fowler's third husband was Charles Buckley, an 
English miner, who died in California during the 
great "gold fever." He was killed by a cave-in 
of dirt and rock. By this marriage she had no 
children. It is a remarkable coincidence that all 
three of her husbands met with accidental deaths, 
Aaron Kirkendall (her first husband) having been 
killed by his wagon, laden with grain, passing over 
and crushing in his breast, he having fallen in 
front of the wheels, from the effect of which he 
died shortly after. Her people (Smiths and 
Marshalls, of Bristol, England) originally came to 
this country with William Penn, and during the 
first winter they spent in America they lived in 
" dug-outs ", in the sand hills on the bank of the 
river Delaware, where Burlington, N. J., now 
stands. Just across the river in Pennsyl- 
vania they named and started the large 
town of Bristol, in Bucks county, Penn. It 
was our subject's ancestor "Marshall" who 
traveled with the Indians and laid off the land 
that Penn was to get by trade. He afterward 
was the delegate of Penn to settle the disputed 
line, with Lord Baltimore of the Colony of Mary- 
land. 

John T. Fowler, the subject proper of this re- 
view, was only eight years of age when his father 
died, and soon after his mother's third marriage 
he left home, as he disliked his step-father, walk- 
ing eleven miles to an ore mine, where he secured 
work at driving two teams. Six months later 
he was taken home by his parents, but soon after- 
ward again returned to the mine, giving up his 
wages to his mother. Latershe secured homes 
for her six children, after first trying to get them 
work in the mines at Pottsville, Penn. Their 
step-father had gone to California, and our sub- 
ject went to live with a farmer in Bucks county, 
where he remained fifteen months, and then went 
to Burlington, N. J., with the intention of going 
to school through the assistance of his uncle, 
John Stockham, a lumberman of Philadelphia. 
On his arrival, however, he was placed in a family 
who misused him, making him work and not al- 
lowing him to attend school, although his board 
was paid by his uncle. A year later, after the 
marriage of Mr. Stockham, he joined him and at 
once entered school, attending the Morris Gram- 
mar School, at Philadelphia, later graduated, 
and then went to the Philadelphia High School, 
and there took up both French and German. It 
was his ambition to secure a good education, and 
he made the most of his opportunities. 

For one year after laying aside his text books, 
Mr. Fowler served an apprenticeship to the car- 



penter's trade, and was then persuaded to return 
to his uncle, for whom he worked in a sawmill 
for three years at one dollar per week and board. 
For the following two years he was employed 
in a sawmill at one dollar per day, and from 
the money thus received he paid the carpenter, 
with whom he began learning that trade, for the 
clothes given him while in his employ. Subse- 
quently he was connected with another sawmill, 
manufacturing bridge and ship timber, and there 
remained eleven years, receiving $900 per year. 
With the money thus accumulated, Mr. Fowler 
purchased a sawmill in Chester, Delaware Co., 
Penn., which he sold out to advantage after 
operating the same for two years. Going to 
Clearfield county, he afterward located in Bald 
Eagle Valley, at Fowler, a place named in his 
honor, and erected two sawmills which he suc- 
cessfully conducted some fifteen years. On Marsh 
creek, in Centre county, he next purchased a 
tract of timber land from the Curtins, and erected 
two sawmills, but four years later he sold out 
and returned to Fowler where he built two 
mills, which he operated for three years. There 
in 1877, he erected an elegant home, one of 
the handsomest in the county, and began farm- 
ing operations which he continued until 1893, 
when he removed to Dix, Blair Co., Penn. At 
one time he was one of the largest property 
owners in Centre county, meeting with success 
in his ventures until 1880; but through mis- 
placed confidence in supposed friends he has lost 
heavily, now having on his hands $40,000 worth 
of notes which have no value. 

Oh May 26, 1857, Mr. Fowler was married to 
Miss Harriet Matilda Atkinson, who was born in 
Cecil county, Md., October 3, 1833, and was 
closely related to the noted Cameron family of 
Scotland. She departed this life October 23, 
1889, and was laid to rest in the Tyrone ceme- 
tery. Her last words to her husband were, 
"Darling;, I have shared your joys and sorrows 
to the end." Her death was widely and deeply 
mourned, as by hej gentle ways and genial man- 
ner she made hosts of warm personal friends, 
and won the regard of all with whom she came 
in contact. For his second wife, Mr. Fowler 
wedded Miss Elizabeth J. Beck, and by her he 
has two children: Harriet M. A., born in Fowler, 
Centre county, September 29, 1891; and Mary 
E., born September 3, 1893. He also has an 
adopted son, James D. Dobson, born December 
3, 1883. 

Mrs. Fowler is a native of Huntingdon 
county, Penn., a daughter of Reuben and Mary 
(Holland) Beck, natives of Huntingdon and 
Cambria counties, Penn., respectively. The 



U98 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 






father died December 23, 1892, upon the old 
homestead farm where he was born. He was .1 
ol John and Elizabeth (Grazier Beck, the 
former a native of Maryland, the latter of Hunt- 
ingdon county, Penn. John Beck's father was 

■ "i the earliest settlers in Warrior's Mark 

Valley, Penn. Mrs. Fowler's mother, who is 
still living on the «>ld homestead in Huntingdon 

inty, was born in 1834, and is a daughter of 
Thomas and Bellcina (Wilson) Holland, natives 
of Cambria county, P nn. Mrs Fowler is one 
of a family <>f nine children, namely: Cerinus 
M., deceased; Blooming M., a railroad empl< 
living at Altoona, Penn.; Catherine ('., at home; 
Emma F., wife of I. awn nee Howe, a carpenter 
of Blair county, Penn , Elizabeth, wife of our 
subject; Simon E. and Lillian M., deceased; 
and John \\ . and David H., with their mother. 
Tli ors ol Mrs. Fowler her mother's 

i, the Hollens, came to this country from 
London, England, during the reign of George 
111. and settled on a large • ir Reading, 

Penn Her great-great-grandfather died on the 

iii neai Reading, alter which the family, 
consisting of three brothers and their aged 
mother, leaving the eldest daughter on the 

tte, migrated to Mill Hall, Centre Co., Penn., 
being among the earliest settlers in that county. 
These three brothers Hollen were millwrights 
by trade, and the place (Mill Hall, takes its 
name from them. 

While living at Dix, Blair county, Mr. Fow- 
ler met with a severe loss July 3, 1895, most ol 
his line library being d iStroye 1 by fire. It was 
vei\ large and contained many valuable bonks 
which he can never replace, including a complete 
set of •■ H.ii |'ii. Magazine" and "Weekly," 
bound, since the war. He succeeded in saving 
\ numbers. He is a life member '>l the Ma- 
sonic Order, belonging t<> Lodge No. 494, F. & 
\ M , ol ["yrone, Penn., and was a member "I 
the Union League of Camden. N J. He hi 
membership in the Presbyterian 1 hurch ol l\- 
rone," to which he liberally contributed when 
erecting its house of worship. His political 
port is always given the Republican party, and 
for many years he served as auditor and tax col- 
lect a in lu> township. ["he that he has 
achieved in life is the merited reward ol lus own 
labors. He has earned the proud title of a self- 
made man. and his life is an exemplification "I 
what can be accomplished through determined 
effort a,nd diligent e when guided by sound judg- 
ment and characterized by thorough reliability. 
His life has bi en manly, Ins actions sincere, his 
manner unaffected, and his example is well wor- 
thy of emulation. 



AMES (".MAIN WEAVER, one of Belle- 

fonte's progressive and "up-to-date" business 

men, is a leading worker in the important held 
of insurance, wherein his characteristic tact and 
practical sagacity find ample scope (or use. 

His father, David Weaver, was born January 
27, [ 8 1 1 , and lived most ol his lifetime on the 
Weaver Homestead, about three and one-half 
miles east of Bellefonte, where he followed most 
successfully his chosen occupation, that of a til- 
ler of the soil, up to the year 1873, when he 
removed with his family to Bellefonte, where he 
lived up to his death, which occurred on the 22(\ 
of March. [879. He was always regarded as 

of the most influential men of the commu- 
nity in which he lived, and was always ready to 
take the initiative in every movement that tended 
to elevate and improve society. He never as- 
pired to public life, but he was almost continu- 
ally kept at the head of township affairs, 
either filling the office of school director, or that 
of road supervisor; and was for many years the 
active superintendent of the Sunday-school work 
in the community. 

His mother, Susannah (Bridge Weaver, was 
bum July 1 5, i 823, near Farmers Mills, in Penn's 
Yalle\, and survived her husband nearly thir- 
teen years, her death occurring on the 7th of 
December, 1891, In their immediate family 
there are five children, the subject of our sketch 
ng the eldest; the second, Henry C, resides 
in Harrisburg, Penn.; the third. Miss Ida M . 
the fourth. Miss Belle E.; and the fifth, Miss 
Carrie A. — the three latter living in Bellefoi: 

J. <". Weaver was born Jul) 7, 1S51. He 
remained at home until he was twenty-one years 
of age, his early educational advantages bein^ 
those "I the district school, but these were sup- 
plemented by a course of study in the Bellefonte 
Academy, and two terms at the County Normal 
School at Centre Hall. He then engaged in teach- 
ing, his work being confined to district schools, 
and he continued in this work for about seven 

rs, during which time he secured the highest 
credentials possible in that profession, that of a 
Permanent Certificate from the State Depart- 
ment at Harrisburg. Early in tin- fall ol 1878 
he began the stud) of law with Stitzer & Magee, 
but not finding this congenial to his tastes, he 
laid it aside, and entered the business of Life In- 

nce, which he followed very successfull) up 
to November, 1887, when he undertook a gen- 
eral-insurance business, in which he has engaged 
ever since, although having added to it the Real- 
Estate and Loan Agency business. 

Mr. Weaver was united 111 matrimony to M iS 
Laura G. Barnhart, a daughter of Philip W, 




■G.liA,. 



■^xt^t/vy 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



169 



Barnhart, of Roland, Centre Co., Penn. They 
have the following children: Elsie, Maude, Harry 
('., Philip B., Fred D. and Robert. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are actively in- 
terested in religious and philanthropical move- 
ments, and, inheriting many of the sterling quali- 
ties of their honored ancestry, they are held in 
the highest esteem, this being notably so in the 
Church to which they belong, which is evidenced 
by the fact that Mr. Weaver enjoys the honor of 
being one of the ruling elders of the large and 
influential Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte, to 
which office he was elected in the year 1887. 



PijETER KEICHLINE, whose death occurred 
at his home in Pine Grove Mills, Centre 
county, on June 20, 1895, belonged to one of the 
early German families to settle in Pennsylvania, 
and a family that was conspicuous in the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

The Keichlines in America descended from 
John Peter Keichline, who emigrated from Heidel- 
berg, Germany, as early as 1742, and settled in 
Bedminster township, then Bucks county, Penn. 
He had three sons — Peter, Andrew and Charles 
— all of whom entered the Colonial army during 
the dark days of the Revolution. Peter lived at 
Easton as early as 1749, and was one of the four 
representatives of the county of Northampton at 
a meeting of Provincial deputies held at Phila- 
delphia on July 15, 1774, to take measures for 
public safety, and when the Revolutionary war 
began raised a company of riflemen in North- 
ampton and Bucks counties for Col. Miles' regi- 
ment, was in command at the battle of Long 
Island in 1776, and was taken prisoner. Lord 
Stirling wrote to Gen. Washington that the Eng- 
lish Gen. Grant was killed by Keichline's rifle- 
men. He was a patriot and warrior. Andrew 
Keichline was promoted to major on the battle- 
field of Monmouth, N. J. Charles, who entered 
the army later than his brother, took the oath of 
allegiance in June, 1788. Jacob Keichline, son 
of Andrew, was the landlord of what was known 
as "Keichline's Tavern" for thirty-six years. 
This tavern, which stood at the intersection of 
the Dunham and Easton roads, has been a noted 
tavern for 125 years past. The Centre building 
was erected about 1759. Col. George Pifer was 
the landlord from 1778 till his death in 1823, 
when he was succeeded by Jacob Keichline. 
This hotel sheltered many of the most distin- 
guished men of the country — Gen. Anthony 
Wayne, Benjamin Franklin, Gov. Mifflin, Tim- 
othy Pickering, Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, 
Judge Tilghman Bish, Stephen Girard, Joseph 



Bonaparte (ex-Emperor or King of Spain), and 
many others. 

Peter Keichline (1), the grandfather of our 
subject, built the first flouring-mill on Bashkill 
creek in Northampton county. He had a son 
Peter (2), and he a son Peter (3), of whom we 
especially write. 

Peter Keichline (3) was born in Forks town- 
ship, Northampton county, Penn., on September 
11, 1814. He left home in boyhood and walked 
from Easton to Aaronsburg, Centre county, and 
there served an apprenticeship of three years at 
the blacksmith's trade. From Aaronsburg he 
moved to Pine Grove, and from Pine Grove to 
Rock Springs, where he engaged in farming, and 
where he reared his family of seven children. He 
had married, on August 15, 1838, Sarah Long, 
then of Aaronsburg, but who was a native of 
Buffalo Valley in Union county, Penn., a daugh- 
ter of Peter and Sarah Long, who lived and died 
there. The children referred to were: Mary, 
Margaret, George, Sarah, John M., Susan and 
Peter. Later, Mr. Keichline moved back to 
Pine Grove Mills, where, with the assistance of 
other members of the Reformed Church, he built 
a neat Church. He was a highly-esteemed citi- 
zen. In 1877 he wrote a letter to a friend in 
which heistated he had been a resident of Centre 
county forty- five years, first locating at Aarons- 
burg; that his ancestors were all Democrats and 
believers in the Lutheran and Reformed Church. 

John M. Keichline, whose life thus far has 
been passed in Centre county, his birth occurring 
at Boalsburg October 12, 1846, received his edu- 
cation in part at the schools of the locality in 
which his father lived, attending for a time the 
Normal School at Rebersburg, and then the Boals- 
burg Academy. Later he was engaged in teach- 
ing school, and then read law in the office of 
Bush & Yocum at Bellefonte. He was admitted 
to the Bar in 1876, and located in the practice 
at Bellefonte, where he has since followed his 
profession with that success his industry, studious 
habits and ability merited. For some fifteen 
years he most acceptably filled the office of tax 
collector for Bellefonte, and for three terms — the 
years i884-'85-'86 — served as overseer of the 
poor. He has been a most trusted and careful 
public servant. In 18S9 the press, in referring 
to his candidacy and official relations, remarked: 
"At the request of the citizens of the town, irre- 
spective of party, Mr. John M. Keichline has con- 
sented to be a candidate for re-election to the 
position he has so acceptably filled for the past 
twelve years. No community has ever been fa- 
vored with a more gentlemanly, careful and suc- 
cessful collector of taxes than Mr. Keichline has 



170 



( OMMKMiiUATIVB BIOG IlM'll lC\i. RECORD. 



proven himself to be, and our citizens without re- 
gard to political belief, religious pinion, color, 
class, creed or condition will be glad to have an 
opportunity of continuing him in the position he 
now holds. It is to the interest of the town, to 
the interest ■>! ev< ry t i\ payer that they do so." 

On i ith of October, 1876, Mr. Keichline was 
married to Miss S. L. Wagner, of Central City, 
Boggs township, who was then 22 years of 
a daughter of John Wagner and Susan (Hahn), 
and their sun John M. is a graduate of the Belle- 
fonte High School; he was two years at the Penn- 
sylvania State College, where In- was initiated 
into the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and is now read- 
ing law in the office with his father; the daughter, 
Daisey, is attending the Bellefonte High School; 
the son Edward and other daughter, Annie, are 
going to school. 

In politics our subject is a Democrat. He is 
a member of Centre Lodge No. 153, I. O. O. F., 
a member of the Encampment No. 72. I. O. O. 
F., of Bellefonte, Penn., a member of K. G. E. , 
Bellefonte Castle No. 357. 



JOHN D. McGIRK, M. D., of Philipsburg, 
Centre county, is an able and successful 
physician whose main years of unremitting ap- 
plication to his professional work have given him 
a place in the front rank among the practitioners of 
his section. He is a native of Philipsburg, born 
October 21, 1834, and the family name is .1 
ciated with some of the important events of pio- 
neer times in that locality. 

Steven McGirk (his paternal grandfather), a 
native of County Tyrone, Ireland, was a Roman 
Catholic iii faith, ami during the troubles be- 
tween the Protestants ami the Romanists he was 
forced to leave his home to avoid persecution, 
Foi some time he remained in hiding, hut find- 
ing an opportunity t" make his escap ■ to Amer- 
ica he crossed the ocean with his family ami 
made his home in Shippensburg, Penn., where 
he spent many years as a sua essful stock de 
lie died September 30, [804, His wife, horn 
July, 1757. died December 18, 1831, at Philips- 
burg. They had five children: n Isabel mar- 
ried James Test, a t 1 1. n-t at Philipsburg, win u 
In ih died; theii 1 hildren •■ teven, Char- 

lotte, Margaret, fames, | \nnie and Israel. 

(2) Nancy married Majoi Davis, ol the United 
Si ites army, who served on Gen |ackson's staff 
during the wai of 1812; later he was sent to 
Fort Hawkins, Ala., and his wife died there. 
I \) fane (deceased | never inairied. I .) i Jam 

mentioned more fully below. (sfKaehel mar- 
ried |ohn B Meek, and both died at their home 



in Fine Grove, Centre county; they had the fol- 
lowing children — Wesley, Marvin, Fletcher. 
rlattie, Lottie, and Franklin. 

fames M -<,irk. our subject's father, was born 
in Ireland, and when a child accompanied his 
parents to the New World. Previous to his 
marriage he spent some time in the South with 
his brother-in-law. Major Davis, but in early 
manhood hi: settled in Philipsburg where he en- 
gaged in business as a farmer, miller and hotel 
keeper He was a man of unusual mental abil- 
ity, and having read medicine to some extent, he 
was often called upon to use his skill and knowl- 
edge for the relief of suffering humanity. He 
never attended medical college, and did not at- 
tempt to build up a regular practice; but being 
many times the only physician at hand, he ac- 
cepted the responsibility, often taking long 
journeys at the call of some afflicted family. 
These timely services endeared his name to the 
pioneers throughout that region. He was mar- 
ried in Fhilipshurg to Miss Eleanor Ashman, 
daughter of Col. Ashman, of Huntingdon county, 
Penn., an officer in the Revolutionary army. Of 
their two children, our subject was the younger. 
Henrietta (the elder) was horn at Philipsburg, 
April 15. (831, and after pursuing the course of 
study offered in the local schools was sent to 
Chambersburg, Penn., to complete her educa- 
tion She was married November 19, 1846, to 
Hon. C. R. Foster, M D., who was born in 
Cape May count)', X. J., June SO, 1S22. He 
studied medicine in fefferson College, Philadel- 
phia, and after his graduation in the spring of 
1844 located at Philipsburg, where he acquired a 
larjM- practice, extending over a wide range of 
country. He became interested in the lumber 
business also, but ten years prior to his death' in 
[867 he retired from activi tnd pro- 

fessional cares. He was prominent in public 
affairs, a membei of the M. F. Church, and a 
leader in the D itic organization, serving 

two terms in the State Legislature. Dr. and 
Mi I ister had one daughter, Helen Lou 
who married George A. Ziegler, of Huntingdon 
county, and died leaving two children. Helen 
Henrietta, who reside with their widowed 

ndinotliei 111 I ant and hospitable home. 

Dr. McGirk laid the basis of his edu :ation in 
the schools of his native town ami in th 
emy at Williamsport, Penn. , but for the most part 
Ins education has been gained by private stu 
Mi dical science early attracted his attention, and 
he prut ii ed with marked success for somi \ 
before entering medical college; but in the spring 
of 1871 I iln- regular professional 

course at the University of Pennsylvania, oh- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



171 



taining the degree of M. D. Returning to his 
old home he resumed his work with renewed 
zeal, and has since remained in active practice. 

On November 20, 1856, he was married to 
Miss Mary F. Hand, a native of Cape May coun- 
ty, N. J., born May 11, 1837. They have had 
three children: Loretta, who died at the age of 
seven years; Annie, at home; and Charles E., 
born September 17, 1869, now in practice with 
his father; his literary education was secured at 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn., and then, en- 
tering the University of Pennsylvania, he pur- 
sued the medical course, graduating in 1895. 
Studious, progressive, and endowed with fine na- 
tive abilities, he is a young man of whom the 
community expects much. Dr. McGirk and 
family are members of the M. E. Church. So- 
cially he is affiliated with the F. & A. M., in 
which fraternity he in his younger days took an 
active interest. In politics he invariably votes 
the Democratic ticket. Besides his elegant and 
comfortable residence, the Doctor owns a fine 
block in Philipsburg; for several years he kept a 
popular drug store in the city. 

Mrs. McGirk is a descendant of a well-known 
family of English origin. The first ancestor of 
whom we have any record was John Hand, who 
was born in 161 1, at Stanstead, near Maidstone, 
in the County of Kent, England. Coming to 
America, he settled first in Massachusetts in the 
vicinity of Lynn. In 1634 he moved to Con- 
necticut, to South Hampton in 1644, and to 
East Hampton in 1648, his death occurring at 
the last named place in [660. He married Miss 
Stamborough, and had seven sons and one 
daughter. Shamgar Hand, the first son, mar- 
ried, and had five sons and two daughters. Zel- 
ophephad Hand, the next in line of descent, mar- 
ried, and had four sons and three daughters. 
Nathaniel, the first son married, had three sons 
and three daughters, his eldest son, Jeremiah, 
being Mrs. McGirk's grandfather. He was born 
in 1763 and died in 181 5. He married Deborah 
Hand, his cousin, and had four sons and one 
daughter, as follows: Joseph, Jeremiah, Jesse, 
Aaron and Deborah. Aaron Hand, Mrs. Mc- 
Girk's father, was born May 30, 1786, and died 
May 31, 1852. He and his wife, Eliza (Foster), 
had four children: Aaron S., Elizabeth, Deb- 
orah and Mary (Mrs. McGirk). 



*> S. FRANK, M. D., of Millheim, one of the 
!f leading physicians of Penn's Valley, has 
gained by force of merit an enviable rank in his 
profession, and this success is more notable when 
one considers the high average of ability and at- 



tainment which is found in the fraternity in this 
section. In giving an account of the life of Dr. 
Frank it will be well to review the history of the 
family, and see the sturdy, progressive stock from 
which he has descended. 

Christopher Frank, his great-great-grand- 
father, came from Germany to America at an 
early period. Philip Frank, the great-grand- 
father, was for some time a resident of Hagers- 
town, Md., but in 1795 came to Centre county, 
and located near Aaronsburg, upon a farm now 
owned by Jacob Reed, the first farm to the north 
of the pike on the west side of the town. He 
was in comfortable circumstances, and being a 
man of intellect and enterprise was highly re- 
spected by all. In political faith he was a Dem- 
ocrat. His wife* Catherine Harper, was a sister 
of Adam Harper, who in 1802, became one of 
the first associate judges of Centre county. This 
worthy couple were among the early members of 
the Lutheran Church at Aaronsburg, where both 
were buried, the wife dying in 1831, and the 
husband in 1832. Their children were George, 
who is mentioned more fully below; Philip and 
John, who died at Aaronsburg; Eve, who mar- 
ried Judge John Shaeffer, and died in Miles 
township, Centre county; Elizabeth, who died in 
Lebanon county, Penn., unmarried; and Cath- 
erine, who married a Mr. Shade, and died in the 
West. 

George Frank, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born near Hagerstown, Md., in 1779, 
and from the age of sixteen made his home in 
this section, engaging in farming as an occupa- 
tion. He was of ordinary height and compactly 
built, and a most industrious worker, although 
he never accumulated much. His schooling was 
limited, but he possessed much native intelli- 
gence. He always took an interest in public 
affairs, and in politics was a Democrat. He was 
married in Aaronsburg, to Christina Kramer, 
who was born in Jonestown, Lebanon Co., 
Penn., in 1780, the daughter of Andrew and 
Margaret (Haine) Kramer. Her father died in 
Lebanon county, and her mother removed to 
Haines township, Centre county, where the young 
people first met. For some time after his mar- 
riage our subject's grandfather lived at Aarons- 
burg, but in 1809 he leased a tract of land in 
Sugar Valley, where he remained until 18 14. 
He then removed to Brush Valley, and later re- 
turned to Aaronsburg, where he died in 1837, 
his interment taking place there. His widow 
survived him many years, passing away in 1863, 
at the home of her son Samuel (father of our 
subject) in Rebersburg, where her remains now 
rest. 



!7i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



irteen children were horn of this union, oi 
whom eleven lived to adult age. Ten were liv- 
ing at the time of their lather's death. | 
miller b) trade, dud in Sugar Valley at thi- 
ol ninety; David, a millwright, died in Pickaway 
county, Ohio; John, a i r, died in Miles 

township. ( entre i i mntj ; < r, is 

living in Mercer county Ohio, at the age of eighty- 
nine years; Michael, a farmer and carpenter, 
died 111 Mercer county, Ohio, aged seventy-four; 
Samuel is mentioned below; Mary (Mrs. Si 
inon Confei at Millheim; Sail) Mi^ An- 

drew Stover) died in Haines township, Centre 
county; Elizabeth (twin to Sally married John 
Hetzler, and died in Illinois; Catherine (de- 
ceased) never married; and Eve (Mrs. Jai 
MiiihIi died m Aaronsburg. 

Samuel Frank, our subject's father, was horn 
April 25, 1821, in Miles township, Centre county, 
one and one-half miles south of Rebersburg, 
11 the mountain, in a one story cabin built ol 
logs. When Fie was lour years old his parents 
moved to Aaronsburg, where he attended the 
subscription schools of the day. Ins first teacher 
being Andrew Ebraght, who taught his 1 1. 
in his own home. As his parents were verj 
poor, the young student, who lived neai the 
school, made the fires to 1 his tuition dur- 

ing the winter One of his later teachers, Mt 
Ken. would hue his brightest and most advan 
pupils to teach the primary class, and this work 
falling to Samuel Frank, he was enabled to se- 
cure free tuition for some time. The death ol 
his fatlu i 1 ;iu ed the m ol the family, 

and February 5, [838, he left Aaronsbur; 
to Rebersburg. He had nothing in the world 
but thi lew belongings he earned upon his | 
and "ii arriving at Rebersburg he was bound 

out by the overseei ol the 1 1 . [ohn Moyer, to 

learn the tailor's trade under Daniel Winti 
I hi years, two months and twenty days v 
spent in this service without a cent ol paj or a 
day's schooling, his clothing only, and that of 

the ] resl sort, being given him. During the 

last M.ir he ran a shop at Wolfs Store for Mr. 
\\ inters, and at the end of his term he contin- 
ued business there on Ins own account. 

On February 28, 1843, Samuel Frank was 
married in Miles township, ( entre counts, to 
Miss Sarah Brungart, a native of that locality, 
born April 22, 1825, the daughter of a well-to- 
do farmer, George Brungart, and his wile, Sarah 

kahli. This marriage was a most 1 
one, Mr. Frank gaining an excellent wife who 
helped him in every way. He remained at 
Wolfs Store until 1854, and in the mi 
was for three years in partnership with Thomas 



Wolfe in a general mercantile business. Wish- 
ing to try a farmer's life, Mr. Frank then spent 
upon a farm at Spring Bank, in the 
same township, but in 1858 he sold out and re- 
moved to Rebersburg, where he purcha-. I a gen- 
eral store from William Hosterman. He con- 
tinued this business successfully for some time, 
Dr. J. H. Hilbish being hispartner fortwoyears, 
but in 1 sold his stoie and residence and 

bought a mill property and a small farm in the 
same township. Two years later he sold them 
and. returning to Rebersburg, purchased a r< 
dence -a Inch he still owns and a store adjoining, 
and also a small farm in the vicinity. He was 
antile business until 1879, when 
he sold out to Gramley Brothers, and for some 
years he has lived a retired life, although still 
enjoying excellent health. All things considered, 
lus career is a remarkable one. Could he have 
had a thorough education in his youth, so that 
his intellectual abilities would have had free 

pe, his life might have been spent in other 

1, hut he could have won no stronger, truer 
friends and admirers than lit- now has among the 
people oi Centre count} 

Anj political position in the gift of his circle 
of acquaintam es was his; he was associate judge 
ol Centre count} for fiv< 1877 1881); 

county auditor three years (1871 1874 . ami he 
held almost every township office, including that 
of justice of the peace, in which he served five 
years. In 1843, at the age of twenty-two, he 
was chosen overseer of the poor. For a quar- 

of a century he was regarded as one <<i the 
1110-1 influential I >> 1 ol Miles township, 

and he w is no less active in other movements ol 
Ins time. In 1^41 he and his wife united with 
the Lutheran Church in Rebersburg, and he has 
been among its chief supporters, holding e\ 
office except that of preacher, and contributing 
liberally, • peciallj to the building oi the new 
chinch. As a 1 11 he has always been 

fond oi hunting, and he has tramped hundreds 
ol miles ovei the mountains in search of game. 

On September 1, 1886, his faithful helpmeet 
passed from earth, and her mortal remains lie 
buried at Rebersburg. Since her death he has 
made Ins home with his son James. Four chil- 
dren survive; James 1' . .1 farmer neai Rebers- 
burg; Luther 1! , a clerk in the same town. 
George S., our subject; and Paulina, now V 
R, 1). Biei 1} , of Rebersburg. 

We will now return to the subject proper of 
this sketch. Dr. Frank was horn October 22, 
1859, in Rebersburg, where he received an ele- 
mentary education in the district schools, Hon 
Henry Meyer being his lirst teat her. Later he 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



173 



attended the normal schools of the locality and, 
with private instruction in science and the lan- 
guages, he prepared for teaching. At eighteen 
he took charge of a school, and after three years 
as a successful teacher in his native township he 
began the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel 
J. Hilbish, a noted practitioner of Rebersburg. 
His preliminary reading finished, he took a 
course in the Jefferson Medical College, graduat- 
ing in 1883. His first professional work was at 
Spring Mills, but after a short time he located at 
Rebersburg, where he remained until 1886. He 
then settled permanently in Millheim, and now 
enjoys a large and constantly increasing practice, 
the territory covered being probably as large as 
that of any practitioner in the county and not 
excepting the oldest. He keeps well informed 
on the various lines of professional progress and 
is identified with leading medical associations, 
being a member of the Centre County Medical 
Society; Pennsylvania Medical Society; West 
Branch Medical Society; and the American Med- 
ical Association. 

In 1885, the Doctor was married in Rebers- 
burg to Miss Melissa G. Miller, daughter of J. A. 
and Mary (Esterline) Miller, and they have an 
elegant home at Millheim, a model of conven- 
ience and comfort. Agreeable in manners and 
in conversation, he easily gains friends, whom 
his sterling qualities of character bind firmly to 
him. As a progressive citizen he manifests a 
keen interest in all local affairs, serving on the 
village council and the school board. At present 
he is coroner of Centre county; but while he is an 
enthusiastic supporter of the Democratic party, 
he does not aim at political distinction. He is a 
charter member of the Knights of the Golden 
Eagle at Millheim, aud he and his accomplished 
wife are leading members of the Lutheran 
Church, to which they contribute liberally, not 
only in money but in time and in strength, the 
Doctor being an elder in the Church and super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school. 



JAMES T. STUART was born December 9, 
1837, near Linden Hall, Harris township, 

Centre county, the second in the family of 
seven children born to David A. and Martha 
(Johnson) Stuart. 

There he began his education in the school 
house at Rock Hill, his teacher being Matthew 
Woods, later a practicing physician of Clearfield, 
Penn. Subsequently our subject attended school 
in Clearfield county, and at the age of seventeen 
completed his literary education in Boalsburg 
Academy. On beginning his business career he 



served as a clerk for George W. Johnson &. Co., 
of Huntingdon county, Penn., for three years, 
and during the following four years engaged in 
teaching school in Centre county, at$i per day. 
On his return from the war he again entered the 
mercantile establishment of Mr. Johnson in Peters- 
burg, Huntingdon county, where he remained 
some four years, and later, in partnership with 
William D. Keller, engaged in the manufacture of 
woolen goods in Houserville, College township, 
Centre county. At the end of three year, how- 
ever, he returned to Boalsburg, where he em- 
barked in mercantile pursuits, and also served as 
postmaster from 1873 until 1882. On removing 
to State College in the latter year he, in con- 
nection with his brother, John W., conducted a 
general store for three years, but since 1885 has 
been engaged in his present business in Boals- 
burg. His home and hotel is a beautiful stone 
structure, erected in [819 by Col. James John- 
son, and here everything is done for the conven- 
ience and comfort of his guests. 

On June 16, 1875, Mr. Stuart was wedded to 
Miss E. E. Hunter, a daughter of Dr. Reuben 
Hunter, who died in 1864 while serving as sur- 
geon of the 54th P. V. I. Four children bless 
this union, whose names and dates of birth are as 
follows: William, August 3, 1876; George J., 
July 23, 1880; David A., October 1, 1882; and 
Rueben R. , October 8, 1884. 

Hardly had the echoes of Fort Sumter's guns 
died away when Mr. Stuart offered his service to 
the general government to assist in putting down 
the Rebellion, enlisting April 20, 1 861, in the 7th 
P. V. I. , for three months. He was discharged 
July 20, 1 86 1, but on the 31st of the following 
August was made sergeant in Company G, 49th 
P. V. I., under Capt. John Bool; was promoted 
to second lieutenant March 16, 1862; and to first 
lieutenant December 1, of the same year. On 
January 12, 1863, he was transferred to the field 
and staff roll as adjutant; promoted to captain of 
Company G, February 25, 1864; commissioned 
brevet major of the United States Volunteers, 
April 6, 1865; promoted to major of the 49th 
P. V. I., in June, 1865; and to lieutenant-colonel 
July 14, 1865. His war record is one of which 
he may be justly proud, for he entered the serv- 
ice as a private, and for meritorious and gallant 
conduct on the field of battle steadily arose to 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 

Col. Stuart participated in the following en- 
gagements: Williamsburg, May 5, 1862; Har- 
net'sHill; Golding's Farm; Savage Station; Mal- 
vern Hill; Antietam; Fredericksburg, December 
13, 1862; Chancellorsville; Gettysburg; Rappa- 
hannock Station; Mine Run; Wilderness; Spott- 



174 



00MM1 VOEATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sylvania (nun House; Wim I edar Creek; 

Petersburg, April 2, 1865; Little Sailor's Creek, 
April 6, 1 865; and, on the 9th of the same month, 
Appomattox Court House, where Lee surren- 
dered to Grant, and the war was practically over. 
Col. Stuart was wounded at Rappahannock, No- 
vember 7, 1863, and in the shoulder at Spott- 
svlvaiiia, May 10, 18G4. After his return home 
he contemplated joining the regular army, and 
wrote l" Gen. W. S. Hancock for a letter of 1 
ommendation, winch lie still has in his possession, 
and which reads as follows: 

i iNi >nd< 'i.i 1 . Mi p., August 6, 1866. 

Lieut. Col. James T. Stuart, late of the 49th P. V. I., is 
known to me i" have been .1 faithful officer; heserved under 
my command during the Peninsula and Vntietam cam- 
paigns. He has been severel) wounded in action, and was 
promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcj ol bis regiment for 
gallant and meritorious services. I have no hesitation in 
him for .1 commision in the regular army ol 
the I nited States. 

ned) Winfield S. Hancock, Maj il U. S. A. 

In December, 1864, our subject was detailed 
to headquarters of the 6th Army Corps, as com- 
mander of a battalion of sharpshooters, with 
the rank of captain. Subsequently he was re- 
quested by Gen. Edwards to take a position on 
his staff as brigade inspector, which he accepted 
and filled until discharged, < .en. Wheaton re- 
lieving him from his former position. 

Col. Stuart isnow an honored and prominent 
member of the Grand Arm} Posi No. 95, and 
the Union Veteran Legion, both of Bellefonte. 
Since casting his first Presidential vote foi Abra- 
ham Lincoln, he has been a stalwart Republican 
in politics, and in [866 was the candidate of his 
party for State representative. He acceptably 
served as count} auditor from 1879 until 1882, 
and has filled various township offices to the 
satisfaction <>f all concerned. 



JOHN F. HARTER, I). D. S., a prominent 
dentist ol State College, Centre county, is a 
representative citizen whose influence is felt 
no less in public life than in his professional 
sphere. He was born in Millheim, January 5, 
1S57, and is a member of a family that has held 
a leading place in that city since the lime of his 
grandfather, |olm Hatter, who came there as a 
young man. 

fohn llaiter was a native of Lebanon town- 
ship, Dauphin Co., Penn., born November 16, 
1792, and became a p us carriage and 

wagon maker, employing a number of men. and 
his business was on.- ..f the most important in 
Millheim in his day. In religious faith he vi 
Lutheran, and in politics a Democrat, and while 
his attention was chiefly given to business mat- 



ters. In- took part, in a quiet way, in the varied 
movements of the time and locality. He was 
more then' ninety years old at the time of his 
death, which took place at the home of his son. 
Dr. W. S. Harter, our subject's father. 

On August 30, 1813, he married Miss Mollie 
ShretTLr, who was born November 29, 1794. and 
died February 15. 1861, both being bunedat 
Millheim. They had twelve children, whose 
nanus with dates of birth are as follows: Julia 
A., I nl \ 21, 1814, married Henry Rpyer, and 
died at Millheim, June 7, 1896; Elizabeth, May 
22, 1 8 16. married Michael Cooney, and died in 
Akron, Ohio; Sarah, August 16, 181 8, is the 
widow of John Purman, of Loganton, Penn., 
and the mother of Hon. William J. Purman, 
once a member of Congress from Florida; Will- 
iam S. , June 9, 1S20, is mentioned more fully 
below; John, December iS, 1K22, died in Mif- 
flinburg, Penn.; Margaret, December 12, 1824, 
is now Mrs. R. B. Hartman, of Millheim; Dan- 
iel, December 10, 1826, died November 29, 
1829; Henry, September- 23, 1S28, resides in 
Joliet, 111.; Hannah M., November 5, 1830, died 
in Millheim. unmarried; David, March 6, 1832, 
died January 30, 1833; Amelia, August 7, 1835, 
married J. D. Foote, and died in Millheim; and 
Mary M., December 24, 1837, is the wife of 
John West, of Chicago, Illinois 

Dr. William S. Harter, the father of our 
subject, was born in Millheim and grew to man- 
hood there. He learned the painters' trade 
in his father's shop, and having great m< 
chanical ability he became familiar also in an 
incidental way with all the details of carriage 
ami wagon making. He had extraordinary abil- 
ity as an artist, though lacking entirely a suit- 
able opportunity to develop his powers. His 
work with a pen was unusually fine, and one 
cannot but regret that his talent remained un- 
utilized. He was well advanced toward middle 
age when he began the study of dentistry with 
Dr. Swart/, a successful practitioner, with whom 
he later went into partnership. After a time 
Dr. Harter established an independent practici 
continuing in all over twenty years. While he 
made much money and lived in comfortable 
Style, he newer became wealthy. As a citizen he 
was highly respected, and he held a prominent 
place in the Republican organization in his sec- 
tion. For some years previous to his death he 
was government gauger and store keeper in the 
Eighteenth District of Pennsylvania. 

Dr. William S. Harter was married in Mill 
heiin to Mrs. Sarah (Detrich Messinger, wido* 
1 I David Messinger, who died shortly after his 
marriage, leaving no children. Mrs. Harter was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



175 



a native of Mifflinburg, but her parents died 
there during her childhood, and she was reared 
by Frederick Gutelius. She possessed much 
artistic skill combined with business ability, and 
at the time of her last marriage was conducting a 
millinery store. Both parents were Methodists, 
and the father was one of the foremost workers 
in the Church, giving his time and thought as 
well as money. He died April 30, 1877, from an 
illness contracted during a visit to the Centennial 
Exposition. His widow survived him until 
December 29, 1893, when she passed away, and 
was laid to rest beside him in the cemetery at 
Millheim. Their children were William C. , who 
died in childhood; Lydia J., who died in 1893, 
unmarried; Anna C, who married William S. 
Musser, and died in Millheim; Willis H. B., who 
died in infancy ; John F. , our subject ; Robert 
H. , engineer of a school at Chicago, III.; and 
Emma C, now Mrs. W. H. Miller, of Millheim. 

Dr. J. F. Harter's literary education was 
acquired in the schools of his native town, and 
his professional studies may be said to have been 
begun while a boy in his father's office. How- 
ever, he did not determine upon dentistry as a 
life work without testing other occupations. For 
some time he clerked for Daniel Gross, a mer- 
chant at Lock Haven, and later he took a course 
in telegraphy at Oberlin, Ohio, and worked as an 
operator in the Western Union office at Belle- 
fonte. On definitely deciding to adopt his pres- 
ent calling, he completed his preparation with 
Dr. A. J. Orndorf, a successful practitioner at 
Pine Grove Mills, Penn. He then established 
himself in business at Millheim, and continued 
afterward, with the exception of three years as 
county recorder, to which office he was elected 
in 1887, until his removal to State College in 
the fall of 1896. 

His political work and influence are worthy of 
more than a passing reference as he is one of the 
valued advisers of the Republican party in Cen- 
tre county. His popularity as a man is not lim- 
ited by partisan ties, and he has warm friends 
among those of opposite political faith. In 1893 
he was defeated for the office of sheriff by only 
260 votes, while the other on his ticket had an 
adverse majority of 800 or more. He has held 
numerous local offices, serving upon the city coun- 
cil and the school board of Millheim, and in all his 
public work his ability, discretion and fidelity 
have been fully proven. Always thoroughly- 
awake to the best interests of his town, he has 
been active in various movements of a non-par- 
tisan sort. He is secretary of the Millheim 
Building & Loan Association, and a leading 
worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, con- 



tributing liberally and serving at present as 
trustee, steward and superintendent of the Sun- 
day-school. In 1874 he joined the Millheim 
Cornet Band, of which he became leader four 
years later, and under his able direction the 
organization has become known throughout cen- 
tral Pennsylvania for its excellence, having gained 
valuable prizes at various contests in competition 
with bands from much larger cities. Fraternally, 
he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows at Millheim. He has been successful 
financially as well as in other lines. He owns 
two residences at Millheim, and his home is 
among the pleasantest in the place. 

Dr. Harter was married September 17, 1878, 
in Pine Grove, Penn., to Miss Charlotte Meek, 
daughter of F. E. and Eliza (Glenn) Meek, and they 
have two children, Sadie B. and Jessie M., both 
at home. In November, 1896, the Doctor and 
his family removed to State College, where he is 
building a fine home, and where he expects to 
remain to educate his children. 



C ELEMENT H. GRAMLY, one of the pros- 
Jl perous young farmers of Brush Valley, Cen- 
tre county, and one of its excellent citizens, is a 
descendant of that grand old pioneer family of 
Gramlys or Gramleys, who for nearly a century 
have been prominent and active in the growth 
and development of "the garden spot of Centre 
county." The family, which is a numerous one, 
has given to the county many of its best citizens, 
and in Brush Valley the name of Gramly is al- 
most synonymous with good citizenship. 

Our subject was born November 14, 1862, 
on the farm where he now lives, it being the old 
homestead of his parents, Samuel and Sarah 
(Smull) Gramly, and in the schools of the 
neighborhood began his education, which was 
mostly obtained in the Harter district, though 
completed in Rebersburg, where his brother. 
Prof. C. L. Gramly (now county superintend- 
ent of schoolsj, was then teaching. He was 
reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys, 
early becoming familiar with the duties of an ag- 
riculturist, and continued to remain upon the 
home farm with the exception of a short time 
spent as a farm hand in the employ of Jacob 
Krape, of Nittany Valley. On July 20, 1884, in 
Rebersburg, Mr. Gramly was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Krape, who was born in Clintondale, 
Penn., January 3, 1866, and is a daughter of 
Michael and Hannah (Bierly) Krape. They have 
one son, Samuel C. , born December 5, 1885. 

Mr. Gramly brought his bride to the home 
farm, which he operated for his father for two 



17C> 



CO VMBMORA TlVi: BIOQRAPMCA I. RECORD. 



years, but in 1886 purchased the stock and nec- 
essary machinery and rented the farm, which he 
still successfully cultivates He 1- 'me of the few 
Republicans in Brush Valley, and comes of a 
family whose members are practically the nu- 
cleus of that party in Miles township. On more 
than one occasion he has served as delegate to 
the county conventions from the township, and 
takes an active and commendable interest in po- 
litical affairs, lie 1- one of the leading and pop- 
ular citizens of the community, and those who 
have known him from boyhood are numbered 
among his stanchest friends. With the Lutheran 
Church he and his estimable wife hold member- 
ship, and at present he is serving as secretary of 
the Sabbath-schoi I 



MAJOR LORENZO LORAIN, who passed 
away at Baltimore, Md., March 6, 1882, 

while yet in the prime of manhood, was one of 
the brightest, strongest and most gifted sons 
Centre county ever had. Soldier, teacher, 
scientist, civil engineer — a brilliant success in 
each field of endeavor. His wonderful ability 
and remarkable qualities were justly recognized, 
and he was held in the highest regard by all with 
whom he came in contact in the various walks of 
life. Many men of world-wide fame possessed 
fewer of the qualities that command success and 
those in less degree than he. 

Our subject was born in 1'hilipshurg, Penn., 
August 5, [831, a son of Dr. Henry Tilden and 
Maria (Taylor) Lorain, the former of whom was 
born December 15, 1799, in Kent county, Md., 
the latter in Clearfield county, Penn. Dr. 
Henry Lorain was a son of John and Martha 
Lorain, who were born in Maryland. Thomas 
Lorain, the father of John was bom in England, 
and on March 24, 1759, received letters of 
marque from the Captain-general of Jamaica, 
Henry Moore, Esq., to command the ship, 
"Viper," to prey upon the French. He ser\ed 
with distinction, and on leaving the sea settled in 
Kent county, Md . about 177 1. He had three 
children: John, Jr., Eliza and Thomas. The 
first named took quite a prominent part in public 
affairs, and served as postmastei ol Philipsburg, 
at an early day in its history. I lis son, the 
Doctor, was a skilled surgeon and physician of 
Clearfield counts', whose practice extended over 

a wide stretch ol Coimti y 

The early education ol Major Lorain was 
rather limited, but was enough to develop the 

-I of his mind, and to lay the foundation for 
the mathematical and mechanical ability he 
evinced in later years Unexpectedly and unsolic- 



ited by him, he was offered the cadetship from 
his district, and concluded to give up civil engin- 
eering, which he was then studying, and accept 
the same. Accordingly, in June, 1852, he en- 
tered the fourth class at West Point, and gradu- 
ated with honor in 1856. He was then commis- 
sioned second lieutenant in the Third Artillery, 
and was constantly on duty at distant frontier posts 
until the beginning of the Civil war. In one ol tin- 
earliest engagements of that terrible struggle, tl t 
of Blackburn's Ford, on July 18, 1861, he ■ 
severely wounded, and for eight months was un- 
able to do even the lightest duty. He then ac- 
cepted the position of assistant to Prof. Ken- 
drick in the chemical department at West Point, 
entering upon his duties March 23, 1862. 

During his convalescence, Major Lorain was 
married February 18, 1862, to Miss Fannie 
Moseley McDonald, a native of Washington, 1> 
C. and a daughter of William J. McDonald, who 
for forty-five years was attached to the office of 
the Secretary of the Senate, during fifteen years of 
which time he was chief clerk of the I'nited 
States Senate. Four children were born to them: 
Henry McDonald, a prominent mining engineer 
of Philipsburg; Fannie B., who died in infanc) 
Mertie M., wife of Lieut. E. A. Anderson, of the 
I'nited States Navy; and W. J., who died in 
childhood. 

In May, 1862, Major Lorain's wounds be- 
came worse, but he continued to hold his posi- 
tion at West Point, for which he was well fitted, 
and with tireless energy devoted day and night 
to his work. He was offered several important 
volunteer commands, but knew it was unwise to 
ai 1 ept until his physical condition was improved. 
While at West Point he received the brevets ol 
captain and major, the former for gallant and 
meritorious service at the battle of Blackburn's 
Ford, Va. Although his wounds presented 
ive service in the fields, for nine years he did 
faithful service in the chemical department at the 
military school. He afterward commanded Fort 
1 1 fferson, Florida, and subsequently was stationed 
at Charleston, South Carolina. 

For one year he held the professorship ol 

physics .md mechanics at the Lehigh University, 

.11 Bethlehem, Penn., but his love for the arm) 

forced him to resign. He also refused oilier im- 

essorships in different colleges Sub- 

aently he served at Fort Hamilton. New York 
Harbor, but, owing to ill health in his family, 

isked to be relieved, and accepted the detail 
to the Artillerj School at Fort Monroe. Virgii 
which post had been repeatedly offered him, but 
winch, owing to the dislike captains of artilli 
had for such duty, he had always previously 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



177 



clined. Here he was again in his element, and 
in many ways promoted the interests of the 
school, making it far more efficient. His advice 
was often sought and freely given in the various 
departments, and he was instrumental in enlarg- 
ing its facilities. When compelled to leave the 
school his loss was severely felt. During his 
service there he recognized the fact that im- 
proved telescopic sights were necessary for the 
large guns, and devised a sight which bears the 
name of "Lorain." He also introduced firing 
by electricity at the School. 

Major Lorain was always an active man, fond 
of fields sport, and excelled in gunning and fish- 
ing. Up to the last two years of his life he took 
a prominent part in all such sports, his pleasant, 
social manner making him a valued addition to 
parties organized for that enjoyment. He par- 
ticularly delighted in sailing parties, and was 
remarkably skillful in his management of sail 
boats. At last he was compelled to give up 
these pleasures on account of his health, and on 
the 6th of March, 1882, he departed this life. 
His death was widely and deeply mourned for 
he had the happy faculty of making friends of 
all with whom he came in contact. Throughout 
his career of continued and far-reaching useful- 
ness, his duties were performed with the greatest 
care, and his personal honor and integrity were 
without blemish. His memory will ever be a 
sacred inheritance to his children; it will be cher- 
ished by a multitude of friends. 

William J. McDonald, the father of Mrs. Lo- 
rain, was born in September, 181 3, and on reach- 
ing man's estate he married Ann B. Holt, who 
was born in March, 1813, and died on the 1st of 
June, 1878. His death occurred June 5, 1878. 
In their family were four children : Fannie Mose- 
ley, widow of Major Lorain; Eugenia, wife of 
Col. William Sinclair, of the United States 
Army; William J., who is connected with the 
Pension bureau at Washington, D. C; and H. 
Bowyer, clerk of the Senate at Washington. 

John G. McDonald, the paternal grandfather 
of Mrs. Lorain, was of Scotch parentage. He 
became attached to Congress on its removal 
from Philadelphia to Washington, and also served 
as chief clerk of the Senate for many years. In 
1814, when the British troops fired the capitol, 
he and a negro saved all the archives of the 
Senate. His death occurred in that city, with 
whose interests he had been prominently con- 
nected for so many years. The maternal grand- 
parents, John E. and Clara (Mosely) Holt, were 
natives of Williamsburg and Norfolk, Va. , re- 
spectively. For a quarter of a century the 

grandfather served as mayor of the latter place, 
12 



which position he was filling at the time of Gen. 
La Fayette's visit to this city, and his daughter, 
Mrs. McDonald, served as flower girl during the 
services. 

Henry McDonald Lorain, the only surviv- 
ing son of Major Lorain, was born in West 
Point, N. Y., June 26, 1863, where he remained 
until 1870. At the age of eighteen he entered 
the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, with the 
view of taking a four-years' course of civil en- 
gineering, but at the end of three years was com- 
pelled to leave school on account of ill health. 
During the winter of 1885-86 he attended Bry- 
ant & Stratton Business College, at Baltimore, 
Md. Coming to Philipsburg in April, 1886, he 
entered the service of Holt & Chipman as mining 
engineer, and has since been with the company, 
although it has several times changed hands, be- 
ing now known as the Coaldale Mining Co. He 
first studied to be a civil engineer, but gave it up 
as he preferred mining engineering, in which he 
has been very successful. 

On June 6, 1894, Mr. Lorain was united in 
marriage with Miss Maud Holt, a daughter of 
William and Mary (Foresman) Holt, and one 
son, Sinclair, was born to them June 23, 1895. 
Mrs. H. McD. Lorain died February 10, 1897, 
and is buried in the Philipsburg Cemetery. The 
family is one of prominence, holding a high po- 
sition in social circles. Mr. Lorain votes with 
the Republican party, and in business as well as 
social circles stands deservedly high. 



BUNLOP, HARRIS, STEWART, PAXTON 
genealogies, and other families with whom 
inter-married, and explanatory remarks of their 
contemporaries, indicating their enterprise and 
character as citizens of the County and State. 

DUNLOP. 

The Dunlop family were Scotch-Irish Presbyte- 
rians residing in " Dunlop Parish," Ayrshire, Scot- 
land, during the period in the reign of Charles 
II (1660-1685) when he attempted to enforce 
Episcopacy upon the Scottish nation, in conse- 
quence- of which persecution they abandoned 
their estates and sought a new home in the 
County Donegal, North of Ireland (which had 
then become a refuge for Presbyterians and 
Covenanters who adhered to the "Westminster 
Confession of Faith" adopted by the Scottish 
people in 1643, and ratified by the General 
Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1647). 

From recent correspondence with the Rev. 
W. E. Lattimer, of English Dungannon, Ireland, 



178 



COMMEMORA TIVE 1U0QRAPUKM. RECORD. 



we have obtained a copy <>f the record of the 
Presbytery of Conway, County Donegal, ordain- 
ing John Dunlop (I)*, a minister. From tradition 
we learn he was the father of William IXnlop 
(II), whosatasa Ruling Elder in the Presbytery of 
Tyrone, freland, in 1712, and at an advanced 
age emigrated to this country with his family — a 
wife and four children — prior to the year 1730, 
first locating at Donegal, now Lancaster county, 
in this State (near the farm of that name now 
o vned by the Camerons), and in the neighbor- 
hood of which were residents by name: Harris, 
Hoggs, Lowry. Johnston and other well-known 
Scotch-Irish families, largely intermarried, and 
who later sought homes in other parts of the 
State. William Dunlop (II) we fin>l as early as 
1730 petitioned the Court of Lancaster county 
to recommend him to the Governor for appoint- 
ment as an Indian trader. He moved from 
Donegal to a farm adjoining the town of Shippens- 
burg, where he died 1 his granddaughter, Elizabeth 
Simpson, said at the age of 1 15). A deed dated 
January 15, 1752, and of record in Carlisle, from 
Margaret. William and Kphraim Dunlop to their 
brother, James Dunlop, conveying the farm above 
mentioned, recites: "it being partly in consider- 
ation that he forever maintain theii Mother De- 
borah Dunlop, wife oi William Dunlop, who died 
late." 
Jami s DUNLOP (HI) soon after married Jane 
Hoggs, daughter of Andrew Hoggs and sister of 
Col John and Capt. Alexander Boggs, of the 
Revolution, and provided his mother a home 
until her death some years later. His sister 
Margaret, having married, moved to one of the 
Southern States William was the commander 
of a vessel, and also the Indian trader mentioned 
in Pennsylvania Archives, and Ephraim moved 
to Tennessee, where he purchased a large plan- 
tation, and where he died leaving a large estate. 
James pursued the practice of law in Cumberland 
county, and was also engaged in the manufacture 
of iron at what was then known as the " Dunlop 
Furnaces" in Path Valley, now Franklin county, 
until about the time that Congress passed the 
Act authorizing a battalion for immediate serv- 
ice to be raised in Cumberland comity (Jan. 4, 
1770), when he abandoned all pursuits and de- 
voted his energies to raising and equipping of the 
regiment which was afterward known as the 
" 6th. Pennsylvania of the Continental line," and 
was on the 10th day of January, 1776, commis- 
sioned its major. The histor) of this regiment 
will be found in Pennsylvania Archives under that 
name, and further details of its service in n 

•All the Roman numerals refer to the generations from the first 
known ancestor, and nut to the number Ofchlldri 



of the 2nd Pennsylvania, Col. St. Clair, in Gen. 
Anthony Wayne's command. On the 25th of 
October, 1776, Major Dunlop was promoted to 
lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Pennsylvania. 
He participated in all the numerous engagements 
of that year with the British underGen. Hurgoyne 
at "Three Rivers", "Lie Aux Noix", "Isle La 
Motte", • Ticonderoga", Crown Point", etc., "in 
which the battalion suffered severely inkilledand 
wounded, and their exposure in the swamps 
without proper food or clothing, as expressed by 
Col. Dunlop, "rendered their condition pitiable," 
and is so reported by Gen. Wayne to the Com- 
mittee ot s.i let \ in Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. x, 
page 79. On the 23rd day of January, 1777, 
Col. Dunlop resigned his command [see letter in 
Vol. I. Pennsylvania Archives, page 694] because 
seniority in rank was not recognized. Col. Dun- 
lop's epaulets, sword and his discharge papers, 
together with the Continental money in which he 
was paid for his services enclosed therein, are 
preserved by his descendants in Bellefonte. On 
the 2nd of October, 1779, he was appointed 
lieutenant of Cumberland county, and on the 28th 
of October, 1784, was commissioned a Justice of 
the Common Pleas in Cumberland countv. Dur- 
ing all these years the family tradition recounts 
many hardships endured by himself and family, 
many narrow escapes and thrilling adventures; 
fleeing to the forts to avoid capture by the In- 
dians; destruction and burning of their property, 
himself twice a captive; devices of escape from 
them, etc. Col. Dunlop's wife Jane|«<V Hoggs) 
\\a> a lady of tine education, quick perception, 
reliant, prompt to act in an emergency, and pro- 
id herself and small children by flight on 
horseback through forest pathways to places of 
refuge from pursuing Indians on more than one 
occasion. In the quiet routine of family life 
her loving disposition and motherly care, as well 
as her neat ami methodical management of the 
household appointments, wire an example for all, 
and her advice and sympathy sought by many. 
other than her family relations. 

was a daughter of Andrew Boggs (I) 
who located on the Susquehanna at Logan's 
Ferry in 1730 (now Bainbridge). He had 200 
acres of land adjoining the Ferry, and died there 
m 1765. Andrew Boggs' wife was a Miss Pat- 
ton, sister of James who married Mary Allison 
(Mr. Patton died in 1746, and his wife the year 
following without issue). CoLONELjOHN He 
(II), son of Andrew rid Miss Patton, was 

an officer of the Revolution and a prominent 
man in Cumberland county, paymaster of militia, 
sheriff of the county from 1780 to 1783, and Jus- 
tice of the Common Pleas of Franklin county in 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



179 



1786. He moved to Centre county in 1795, and 
resided on the farm now owned by Henderson on 
Buffalo run, west of Bellefonte, and died in De- 
cember, 1796, aged sixty-four years. His wife, who 
died July II, 181 5, was Miss Elizabeth Johnston, 
daughter of Col. Johnston, who was of Scotch- 
Irish origin, and a colonel in the English army, 
who came to this country about 1700, and ob- 
tained from the government a large body of land 
partly (now) in Franklin county and in the State 
of Maryland adjoining, upon which he erected a 
large fine house, for those days, more like a fort 
than a dwelling, in old English style with wine 
cellars, etc. Col. Johnston's wife was a Mrs. 
Findlay (1), a widow with two sons, one of 
whom was the father of Gov. William Findlay 
{2), Mrs. Gov. Shunk and Jane Findlay, who died 
in Harrisburg in 1836, leaving a large number of 
grandchildren. The other son resided in Balti- 
more, where he and his wife both died leaving 
one child, Eliza Findlay (III), a little over two 
years old. The children of Col. Johnston and 
wife (nee Findlay) were all grown and married 
before the Revolution, except one who was not 
married until he was sixty-five ; his sons were all in 
the American army, as were also his stepsons. 
His son, Dr. Robert Johnston, was a celebrated 
surgeon of the Revolution, and about 1750 Dr. 
Robert went to China with a cargo of ginseng; 
was there some years, and upon his return mar- 
ried Miss Nellie Pauline, to whom he had been 
engaged, bringing with him the silk for her wed- 
ding dress (samples of which are still preserved); 
they both died leaving no children. His son, 
Thomas Johnston, was also distinguished for his 
bravery on many occasions during the war, and 
his son, James Johnston, who had obtained the 
same rank in the American army, was also 
known as Col. Johnston (and in the family, as a 
means of designation, " Uncle Jimmy"). After 
the war he went to England, and while there 
had a carpet woven with a blue ground, and the 
American Coat of Arms as a center piece, which 
was the first imported carpet in this country. 

Col. Johnston, Sr. , had four daughters, 
whose married names were: Beatty, Brown, 
Campbell and Boggs, one of whom was a widow, 
and she and " Uncle Jimmy" (Col., Jr.) occupied 
the home of their father and kept open house for 
all of the relations. "Uncle Jimmy" went to 
Baltimore upon the death of his half-brother, 
Findlay, and took home with him the child, 
Elizabeth Findlay, to whose education and train- 
ing he gave special attention. He was a mem- 
ber of the Legislature when it met in Philadel- 
phia, and boarded with a Mrs. Parker, a widow 
with four children — one son and three daughters 



— whose reverses in fortune, it is said, induced 
him at the age of sixty-five to marry the widow 
and take the flock home. The daughters were 
very handsome; one was the mother of Maj. 
Linton, great-grandmother of the beautiful Miss 
Chamberlain, who had such fame both here and 
in Europe. Col. Boggs was the first person 
buried in Bellefonte, on the hill now occupied by 
the residence of Daniel Rhoads, west end of 
Linn street, his remains afterward being removed 
to the new cemetery. His wife died July 11, 
181 5. Their children are as follows: Andrew 
Boggs Jr., (Ill), who was an attorney [see Bar 
list, Centre county], was born September 1, 
1773, was also in the iron business in Centre 
county with his cousin, John Dunlop; went west 
from Bellefonte, and married his cousin, Jane 
Johnston; lived in Pittsburgh for a time, then on 
the Kiskiminitis, where he made salt; the great 
flood of 1832 destroyed his works, entailing a 
loss of $30,000. The Legislature voted him 
$15,000 damages, as it had partly been occa- 
sioned by the building of the Pennsylvania canal. 
He owned the farm on which Saltsburg is now 
built. He had eight children, and some years 
after the death of his wife, married Sarah Bid- 
die, cousin of Nicholas Biddle, of National Bank 
fame; they had four children, and finally moved 
to Springfield, Ohio, where he and his wife both 
died. His descendants live in the West; one 
daughter married Simon Drum, of the regular 
army, who was killed at the taking of the City of 
Mexico (two of whose sons are now in the army); 
his (Andrew's) eldest son died unmarried, also 
two daughters, Jane and Rebecca. His second 
son was lost on the Isthmus of Darien in 1852. 
His daughter, Mary, married her cousin, John 
Miles; they died in Kentucky, leaving no de- 
scendants. Anna Bella, his eldest child, mar- 
ried Jacob Drum, and has two daughters living 
in Cleveland, Ohio. Elizabeth (2), daughter of 
Col. John and Elizabeth Johnston Boggs, was 
born in 1775, married James McLanahan before 
the family left Franklin county, and moved to 
Baltimore where they both died, leaving a num- 
ber of children: Craig McLanahan (4), eldest 
son, lived in Hollidaysburg. Robert (5) never 
married. William did live in St. Louis. Eliza 
Bell was married to Dr. Johnston Boggs. 
Dr. Johnston Boggs (3), son of Col. John 
and Elizabeth Johnston Boggs, was born 
June 7, 1776; married his cousin, Eliza 
Bell McLanahan (above mentioned); moved to 
Natchez and died there. Francis Boggs (4), son 
of Col. John and Elizabeth Johnston Boggs, was 
born February 25, 1778, and died when twelve 
years old. Ann (5), daughter of Col. John (3) 



180 



COMifhMOHAT/VK B10GU.WIW A I HEiDltD. 



and Elizabeth Johnston Boggs, was bom Octo- 
ber 24, 1779, married William Wistar Miles, son 
of Col. Samuel Miles, of the Revolution, who 
owned the land upon which the town of Miles- 
burg is situated, Centre Furnace and all of 
Brush Valley in Centre county. William W. 
Miles died in 1808, leaving two sons, John 14) 
and William (4). 

John (4) married his cousin. Man Ho--s, 
leaving no descendants; William married Mary 
Kephart; had numerous posterity about Tyrone 
and Kittanning, Pennsylvania. In 1814 Anna 
Boggs Miles was married (again) to John Mitchell, 
who was an iron-master of Centre county, after- 
ward a member of Congress, canal commis- 
sioner, and held many offices of profit and trust 
m Centre county. He first came to Centre 
county as a manager at the iron works 
of John Dunlop. In May, 1814, he was mar- 
ried, and then engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in Hellefonte with his brother David. In 
October, [818, he was elected sheriff of Centre 
county, and as such was the executioner of 
James Monks, convicted of murder, a crime so 
unusual in those days that the trial and execu- 
tion attracted to the town a vast throng of people 
from all the surrounding counties. Mr. Mitchell 
was .1 surveyoi and engineer of recognized abil- 
ity. In 1821 he laid out the Centre and Kish- 
acoquillas turnpike. In the year 1826 he made 
a survey for the State of the proposed canal 
routes between the Susquehanna and the Poto- 
mac rivers. In 1S27 he was appointed engineer 
of the Erie extension from New Castle to Erie. 
In 1829 he was elected by the Legislature one 
of the canal commissioners, again appointed by 
Gov. Wolf in 1830. He had three children: 
David, the only son, was killed in the Mexican 
war. Martha married P. B. Kephart. and 
thej bad four sons: |. Matlock, killed in the 

Rebellion. William dud recently. J. Miles 
and Harry survive; both are married, but have 
no descendants. Nam \ Harris Mitchell was 
married to Dr Joseph H. Dixon, of Pittsburgh, 
a highly esteemed and prominent physician, well 
known throughout Pennsylvania; he came of .1 
family of noted physicians; was a son of John 
Dixon, of Cecil county. Md. He died March, 
[897. His wife, who died several years previous, 
was almost as well known as her husband; her 
life being devoted to charitj and tin- alleviation 
of suffering, she was beloved bj all, and her 
ili was deeph lamented. They had no chil- 
dren. Mary Boggs 6), daughtei of ( ol. John 
and Eli abeth |ohn .ton 1 '• ig| •. was hoi □ v 
\ember 19, 1 78 1 . died June 14. 1809. J 
Boggs (7), daughter of Col. John and Eliza- 



beth Johnston Hoggs, was born March 13, 1784, 
and married John Royer, an iron-master of 
Huntingdon county, and a prominent politician; 
Mrs. Royer died at the residence of her son-in- 
law, Hon. Cyrus [1. Pershing, in Johnstown, 
October 28, 1869. \ Dr. John Boggs (8), son 
of Col. John and Elizabeth Johnston Boggs, 
was horn August 18, 1 787, married a Miss Alli- 
son; one of their daughters married a Bishop de 
Schweintz, and lives in Bethlehem; one died 
young, and the eldest married a Mr. Wharton, of 
Philadelphia, who was an elder in the Presbyter- 
ian Church, and they had two sons, Allison and 
Johnston, who were Methodist ministers. 

Ann Boggs (II), daughter of Andrew Bogg^ I' 
and Miss Patton, married Joseph Lowry, son of 
Lazarus Lowry, who came from the North of 
Ireland and located at Donegal, Penn., in 1720 
His (Joseph's) brother, Col. Alexander Lowry, 
w as an officer in the Revolution, whose grandson 
of the same name, Alexander, married Miss 
Margaret Speer, of Williamsburg, Penn., and re- 
cently died in Butler, Penn., leaving seven sons 
and one daughter. Joseph Lowry was engaged 
in two French and Indian wars, his family tw 
driven from their homes, and it burned to the 
ground; he afterward moved his family to May- 
town to educate their son, John G. Lowry; he 
was placed in a classical school conducted by 
Rev. Colin McFarquhar. John G. went into the 
army to quell the "whiskey rebellion" in 1792 
or '3; afterward accompanied his cousin, John 
Dunlop, to Centre county, and became a man- 
ager at his Iron Works, and later, in connection 
with Judge Huston, the administrator of John 
Dunlop. He was an elder of the Presbyterian 
Church almost from its organization in Hellefonte 
until the time he left the town, a year or two 
before his death. He was appointed treasurer 
for several terms, and when the office was made 
elective, was the first to fill the position. His 
first wife was Abigail, daughter of Richard 
MiKs, who was a brother of Col. Samuel Miles. 
tiny had one child, Edward, who died when a 
young mail, unmarried; his second wife was 
Rachel, widow of Capt. John Lightner; thej 
moved to St. Louis, where Mr. Lowry died. 
(2) James, son of Andrew Boggs and Miss Patton. 

horn ; Andrew, son of Andrew Boggs and 

Miss Patton, born - . [rfary, daughter of Andi 

Boggs and Miss Patton, horn ; Alexand 

son of Andrew Boggs and Miss Patton, born 
He (Alexander) was an officer of the Revolul 
and was a captain ii Col Clark's command in 
Ibraith's battalion, and with the bat 
talion during the celebrated "Flying Campaign' 
in New Jersey in 1776, was at the battles ol 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



181 



King's Bridge, Long Island, &c. , on many occa- 
sions distinguishing himself for great bravery. 
The children of Col. James Dunlop (III) and Jane 
Boggs(II) ate, viz. : William Dunlop(i), born Jan- 
uary 17, 1763, died unmarried. (IV) Andrew Dun- 
lop (2), born September 22, 1764, was admitted 
to the Bar of Franklin County in 1785, and was 
one of the attorneys admitted to practice at the 
first court held in Centre county in November, 
1800. He represented Franklin county in the 
Legislature from 1796 to 1800. Andrew married 
Sarah Bella Chambers, daughter of Col. James 
Chambers, of Chambersburg (son of Benjamin 
Chambers, who founded the town), and Cather- 
ine Hamilton, aunt of Martha Hamilton Alrichs, 
mother of Jane Alrichs, who was the wife of Ovid 
F. Johnston, the distinguished Attorney-General 
of Pennsylvania; their children: Ovid F. Johns- 
ton, prominent attorney ^Philadelphia. Fannie 
A., widow of Hon. S. T. Shugert. Miss Hannah 
and Miss Martha. The children of Andrew and 
Sarah Bella Chambers Dunlop are as follows: 

(V) James Dunlop (1) was born at Chambers- 
burg on the — day of , 1 795, and died on the 

9th of April, 1856. He was married to Maria Ma- 
deria. He was an eminent lawyer; graduated in 
Dickinson College, Carlisle, in 1 8 1 2 ; was admitted 
to the Bar in 18 17; a member of the Senate in 
Franklin county about 1825. He was the com- 
piler of Dunlop's Digest of the Laws of Pennsyl- 
vania, and a Digest of the Laws of the United 
States. In 1838 he moved to Pittsburgh, and 
was a member of the firm of Dunlop & Maderia 
(George A. Maderia, his brother-in-law), proprie- 
tors of the celebrated Siemans Edge Tool Fac- 
tory. In 1855 he moved to Philadelphia; he was 
stricken with paralysis in Baltimore, and died 
there April 9, 1856; their children were as fol- 
lows: Sarah Bella and Helen. Sarah Bella mar- 
ried John A. Wilson, a Pittsburgh merchant, at 
one time very rich, and who afterward lived in 
Elizabeth, N. J., where Mr. Wilson died; they 
had four children: Tieman, Dunlop, Nellie (mar- 
ried to a Dr. French) and Sarah Bella. Helen, 
daughter of James and Maria (Maderia) Dunlop, 
was married to John Motter, of St. Joseph, Mo., 
and had three children: Wilson, Dunlop, and 
Helen (who was married to W. D. Cook, of Pu- 
eblo, Colo.). 

Jane Catherine Dunlop (2), daughter of An- 
drew (IV) and Sarah Bella Chambers Dunlop, was 
married to Col. Casper Willis Weaver, of Weav- 
erton, Md. ; she was quite an authoress, and con- 
tributed many scientific articles worthy of publi- 
cation in the Department reports issued by the 
U. S. Government. They had nine children: 
Adam, Catherine Willis (who married William 



Oliver Collins), Charlotte Dunlop (who married 
Dr. Carlton Clare), Sarah Bella, Elizabeth, An- 
drew Dunlop, Patrick Henry, Mary Josephine 
and Virginia Hadessa. Charlotte Rhuhannah (3), 
daughter of Andrew (IV) and Sarah Bella Cham- 
bers Dunlop, was married to Charles S. Clark- 
son, a major in the Mexican war, and afterward 
a colonel. They had six children: John (1) Minor, 

who was married to , and by a second wife, 

Mrs. Bettie had Catherine (2), unmarried. James 
Dunlop Clarkson (3), married to Ella Scott. 
David (4), unmarried, resides in St. Louis. Jo- 
sephine (5), married a Mr. Clarkson; and Marga- 
ret (6), unmarried. 

Josephine (4), daughter of Andrew (IV), and 
Sarah Bella Chambers Dunlop, married Col. 
James Ludlow, son of Israel Ludlow, one of 
the founders of Cincinnati. They resided at Lud- 
low Station (a military post during the Indian 
wars). The fine large estate and hospitable sub- 
urban home was the resort of all the family connec- 
tion. They had eight children: (1) James Dunlop 

Ludlow was married to Susie , and in 1864 

lived near Peoria, 111. (2) Charlotte mar- 
ried Charles Jones; they had a daughter, and a 
son, Ludlow, who in 1864 was a practicing attor- 
ney in Cincinnati. (3) Saraha Bell was married 
November 6, 1846, at Mr. Justice McLean's, 
Fourth street, Cincinnati, by Rt. Rev. C. P. Mcll- 
vaine, to Salmon P. Chase, a prominent lawyer, 
statesman, diplomat, Judge of the United States 
Court, and a member of President Lincoln's cab- 
inet. Their children were: Jenette Ralston 
Chase, born September 17, 1847, a lady whose 
delightful letters and literary genius are known 
under the nom de plume of " Mrs. Hoyt ". Jos- 
ephine Ludlow Chase, born July 3, 1849, and 
Kate Chase, who was married to Gov. Sprague, 
of Rhode Island. (4) Catherine (Ludlow) mar- 
ried Jacob Baker; her second husband was 
Lewis Whiteman, and now resides at Ludlow 
Station, which she has purchased. (5) Benj. C. 
was married to Fanny Jones; he was a physi- 
ian of high standing in the Union army during the 
Rebellion, after which he resumed his practice in 
Cincinnati. (6) Josephine was unmarried, and 
died in 1866. (7) Rhuhannah married Randall 
Hunt, and resides in New Orleans; and (8) Israel 
was an officer, also, in the Union army, and now 
practicing law in Cincinnati. Sarah Bella (5), 
daughter of Andrew (IV) and Sarah Bella Cham- 
bers Dunlop, married (first) Hon. Jeptha D. Gar- 
rard, of Kentucky, and (second) Hon. John Mc- 
Lean, of Ohio, postmaster-general and Justice 
of the U. S. Supreme Court. Hadessa (6), daugh- 
ter of Andrew (IV) and Sarah Bella Chambers 
Dunlop. 



L-' 



(JOMMEUoliATlVE BIOGUAI'II HWL RECOUP. 



HARRIS. 

(IV) Ann I)unlop(3), daughter of Col. James 
and Jane Boggs, was born March 15, 176S; wac 
married June 15. 1790. to James Harris, a direct 
descendant of EDWARD HARRIS, of Scotland, who 
abandoned his large estates, which were confis- 
cated (and never recovered) in consequence of 
the persecution of the Covenanters in the reign of 
Charles II, or his successor, James II (1660 to 
[689), and settled in the County Donegal, near 
Rapho, in Ireland, his brother Charles accom- 
panying him and receiving like treatment. 

Edward Harris ( 1 1 was married to Flora Doug- 
lass, of the famous family of that name who re- 
sided near the borders of England. Their chil- 
dren were Edward, Robert and James. Edward 
(II), son of Edward (I), married and had children: 
Robert, William and Mary. Robert (II), son of 
Edward (I), married Dorotbj Wiley, and had 
children: John, William, James, Margaret, 
Thomas, Samuel, Robert and Charles. James 
(II), son of Edward (I), married Mary Simpson, 
and had children: William. Ann and James, and 
by a second marriage 1 with Janet McClure) had a 
son, John. William III , son of fames and Mary 
Simpson, married Catharine Wilson, and emi- 
grated from Ireland to the Swatara, below Har- 
risburg (Donegal). Their children were: Janus, 
John, William, Sarah, Mary and Robert. Ann 
(III), daughtei oi fames and Mary Simpson, mar- 
ried David Caldwell, who emigrated to Pennsyl- 
vania and then moved to Carolina, and had a 
family of children. After the death oi David 
Caldwell she married Rob it Harris, son ol Rob- 
ert Hi and I Joroth) Wiley, James III), m ol 
James and Man Simpson, never married. He 
was a surveyor, and lived with his half-brothei 
John, at Miffiintown, where he died September 
8, [804, and was buried in the Presbyterian 
graveyard. He was appointed deputy survi 
for pari ol Cumberland county on April [9, 1785, 
and his name is to be found among main ol the 
old surveys. 

John 1 llh, son ol | id Janet McClure, 

was born in Ireland in 1723, immigrated to this 
country in 1752, locating on the Swatara 1 1 )one- 
gah. He \\a> first married to Jane Poen, who 

I wit hi nit issue, His second wife \\ as a ci msin, 
Jean Harris, daughter ol John Grizzele Steel 
(son of Robert), and she died January 11, 1807, 
aged eighty-three, lea> ing the follow ing children: 
Jane, lames, William, I and 

Ann. "Donegal" was settled 1>\ Scotch-Irish 
Presbyterians, nearly all of whom occupied promi- 
nent positions in Colonial times, and the records 
of the Revolutionary war, and that of [ 8 1 2, fully 
establish the fact of their purest patriotism and 



love of country Every soldier and officer of the 
Third Battalion was from this place, John Harris 
early taking an influential part. He was one of 
the leading spirits at the meeting at Carlisle July 
1 j, 1774, to express sympathy for the oppressed 
at Boston, and adopt measures for their relief. 
He was a member of the Provincial Conference 
which met at Carpenters Hall June 28, 1776, and 
of the subsequent Convention July 1 5, 1776. He 
was appointed sub-lieutenant of Cumberland 
county March 12, 1777. From 1778 to 1 781 he 
served as a member of the General Assembly. 
He was one of the commissioners who met at 
New Haven, Conn., in November, 1777, to regu- 
late the price of commodities in the States. The 
Act for the gradual abolition of slavery 111 Penn- 
sylvania received his support, although himself a 
slave owner. He was commissioned a Justice of 
the Peace on 6th of February, 1779. In 1790 
he laid out the town of Mifflin, Juniata county, 
upon his estate, which comprised 375 acres, and 
with characteristic forethought and consideration 
1 ved a portion for public use, now occupied 
by the court house, Presbyterian and Lutheran 
churches, cemetery, &c. ; he died there February 
28, 1794, and was buried in the Presbyterian 
burying grounds there. (IV) Jane, daughter of 
fohn and |ean Harris, married James Patterson, 
son of Capt. James Patterson, who settled at Mex- 
ico, Penn. at a very early date, and had a warrant 
fo: 407 acres of land dated February 4, 1755. be- 
ing the day after the land office opened for the 
sale of lands west of the Kittatinny Mountains. 
This land he had surveyed on the 29th of the 
same month, and it is the first land patented 
within the limits of the present county. They 
had children: fohn and William, of whom. Will- 
iam married Mary Kiddle, whose son Kiddle Pal 
terson is the father of William II. Patterson, su- 
perintendent of public grounds at Harrisburg 
( 1878). Grizzelle ( IV i, daughter of John and Jean 
Harris, married fames Knox, Esq., a promin 
citizen of Miffiintown, a ]. P. and a merchant 
from 1794. Their children were Thomas, John. 
Maria, Jane and Hannah. All moved to tli 
West. William (IV), son of John and Jean Han 
d unmarried April 20, 1807, aged forty-eight 
1 5; he was a surveyoi Margaret | IV), daughter 
of John and Jean Harris, m, mud John Stewart, 
justice in Tuscarora. Ann ( IV). daughterof 
John and Jean Harris, married Samuel Pryson, 
Esq., formerly a distinguished citizen of Miffiin- 
town, who had served five years in the army dur- 
ing the Revolutionary war. was wounded at Ger- 
mantown and as County Lieutenant refit 
commission two colonels elected by the regi- 
ments, which so incensed the people that on. his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



183 



being appointed judge, a small army marched to 
Lewistown to drag him from the Bench and force 
him to resign. The effort did not succeed, but 
there was great excitement and it was on the 
verge of serious trouble and bloodshed. Their 
children were James, Samuel, Polly and Jane 
(Mrs. Ann B. died October u, 1831). 

James Harris (IV), son of John and Jean 
Harris, was born on the Swatara in 1755; with 
ample means and access to the extensive library 
of his father, his early education was thorough. 
He adopted the occupation of a civil engineer 
and April 19, 1785, was appointed deputy sur- 
veyor of Cumberland county, and on November 
19, 1789, for all of Mifflin county. In Septem- 
ber, 1787, he laid out the road from Frankstown 
to the Conemaugh river. He was married on 
June 15, 1790, to Ann, daughter of Col. Dun- 
lop; he moved to Spring creek in 1795 (the old 
home known as "Willow Bank"), and in that 
year, in connection with his father-in-law, laid 
out the town of Bellefonte upon their own prop- 
erty, and to their generous appreciation of the 
future needs of the town much is due. First 
donating the beautiful spring from which the 
town derives its name, the ground for the court 
house, jail and public buildings, cemetery, Pres- 
byterian church, parsonage and academy. They 
then appropriated one-half of all the proceeds 
from the sale of not only the town lots but of out 
lots, covering a considerable portion of their 
adjoining property, to the erection of the public 
buildings and academy, and for an endowment of 
the latter. Accurate land books of sales made, 
and receipts of the commissioners of the county and 
trustees of the academy for the proceeds to which 
each were entitled, are still in the possession of 
the family. James Harris was also a State Sen- 
ator from Mifflin county, and the first postmaster 
of Bellefonte. After the erection of the county 
he was State Senator from the District, from 
1800 to 1808. From 1789 his name is connected 
with all the land titles of Centre county, and his 
acquaintance with all the lands from the west 
branch of the Susquehanna to the Conemaugh, 
afforded the large Eastern land owners the only 
means of information in relation to their property 
in that region. He was an intimate friend and 
relation, by marriage, of Governor William Find- 
lay; his correspondence with him in relation to 
"Frontier Defence " will be found in Pennsyl- 
vania Archives Vol. IV, 710. Mr. Harris was 
also largely engaged in milling operations and 
other business enterprises in Bellefonte, and is 
justly regarded as one of the fathers of the place; 
he died there December 2, 1828, aged 71 years. 
His wife {nee Ann Dunlop) who survived him, 



died in Bellefonte, April 8, 1844, aged yy years. 
She was a woman of more than ordinary mind 
and cultivation. Her taste for metaphysical 
reasoning led the ablest theologians of her day to 
seek her society, and she was the author of a book 
entitled "The Alphabet of Thought," that was 
regarded by all as a work of great merit, elucidat- 
ing principles requiring much study and great 
research. The children of James and Ann Dunlop 
Harris were: (V) John (1) was a practicing physi- 
cian for some years, and afterwards engaged in the 
wholesale drug business in Philadelphia, and im- 
porters under the firm name of Harris, Hale & 
Co. He was married first to Eliza Hoge, a 
niece of Judge. Walker, his second wife being 
Miss Ellen Orbison, of Huntingdon, Penn., who 
acquired such celebrity during the Rebellion in the 
organization of help, collection and distribution 
of supplies and delicacies for the Pennsylvania 
soldiers in home and field hospitals. She is now 
residing in Vienna, where Dr. Harris died while 
serving as U. S. consul. Dr. Harris had no chil- 
dren. 

(V) Jane (2), daughter of James and Ann Dun- 
lop Harris, was married February 28, 181 1, to 
Rev. James Linn, who died in Bellefonte 
February 23, 1868, after a pastorate of 58 
years. We copy the following from Linn's 
History of Centre county: "James Linn was 
born in Sherman's Valley, in Cumberland Co., 
Penn., September 4, 1783, and was one of seven 
children. His grandfather came over from Scot- 
land in the early part of the last century, and 
was of solid Presbyterian stock. His father, John 
Linn, was born in Adams county, Pa., in the year 
1749, was graduated at Princeton College in 1773, 
studied theology with Rev. Robert Cooper, and 
during his entire ministerial life, including a term 
of nearly forty years, was settled as the pastor of 
Centre Church, Sherman's Valley. He died in 
1820 in his 71st year. He was married to Mary 
Gettys, daughter of the founder of Gettysburg. 
Mr. Linn was graduated in Dickinson College in 
1805, and studied theology with Rev. Joshua 
Williams at Newville. He was licensed to preach 
the Gospel September 27, 1808, by the Presby- 
tery of Carlisle. He himself considered it an 
honor of no small measure to have been licensed 
by such a body of ministers as then composed that 
Presbytery — a noble band of venerable men 
and men of talent. In the spring of 1809 he 
visited the congregations of Spruce Creek and 
Sinking Valley, now in the bounds of Huntingdon 
Presbytery. From there he shortly after came 
to Bellefonte. The Presbyterian Church in this 
place had just been left vacant by the removing 
of Rev. Henry R. Wilson to Carlisle. His 



184 



COMMEMORA TIVB BI0QRAPI1ICAL RECORD. 



preaching here and at Lick Run for a few Sab- 
baths resulted in unanimous calls from both 
Churches, each for one half of his time. The or- 
dination and installation took place April 17th, 
1S10, in the court house, which was thru used as 
the place of worship. In this service the Rev. 
Mr Coulter preached the sermon, and the Rev. 
Mr Grier presided and give the charge to the 
pastor. In 1839, the Bellefonte Church wishing 
to secure his undivided labors, he was released 
from the Lick Run charge, and by an unanimous 
vote was chosen a second time as pastor in Belle- 
fonte. In this relation he continued to the day 
of his death. In October of the year 1859, which 
marked a half century in his pastorate, the Pres- 
bytery of Huntingdon celebrated the occasion by 
special exercises of great interest, holding their 
fall meeting in Bellefonte for this purpose. 
Shortly after this his strength began perceptibly 
to fail to such an extent that it was decided to 
relieve him from regular labors by calling a co- 
pastor. In the spring of 1861 the Rev. J. H. 
Barnard was called to the co-pastorate, and re- 
mained until 1866, and was succeeded by the 
Rev. Alfred Yeomans in December of the same 
year" Dr. Linn's wife Jane {nee Harris) died 
August 14, 1822; he (again) married, April 15, 
1829, Miss Isabella Henderson. 

The children of K> \ fames Linn by his first 
wifewere: (VI) Claudius B. Linn ( 1 , of Philadel- 
phia, who was engaged in the « holesale drug busi- 
ness, and was married toa Mrs. Baldwin, a widow 
with two children. Sue Baldwin, unmarried, and 
William Baldwin, marriei daughter of John 

A. Wilson, and at present superintendent of the 
Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Ch railroad, re- 

siding at Fort Wayne. Claudius B. Linn had 
two children, a son, Lewis, and a daughter, 
Carrie, married to Hr. Carl Siler, has several 
children. James Harris Linn (2) was an iron- 
master. For a short time engaged *in that busi- 

> in Fast Tennessee, afterward at Howard 
Iron Works, in Centre county, and for the last 
forty years of his life was a member of the well- 
known firm of McCoy & Linn, of Milesburg Iron 
Works, at which place he died April 6, 1876. 
lie was married September 15, [843, to Harriet 
Stewart (daughter of Robert T. Stewart), who 
died July 16, 1895. They had no children. 

(VI) Hon. Samuel Linn (3) was a leading at- 
torney of Centre county, enjoyed a large general 
practice for many years, and was the foremost land 
lawyer in this part of the State, where the con- 
flicting titles and interfering warrants were the 
subject of litigation involving difficult legal ques- 
tions, and there were few quest s of this na- 
ture in the surrounding counties in which he was 



not employed. He was elected President Judge 
of this District, then composed ofClearfield, Centre 
and Clinton counties. He was a most eloquent 
advocate, as a judge clear, explicit, conscientious 
and just, but owing to his dislike for criminal 
jurisprudence 1 which the position included), and 
which he avoided when at the Bar, unless 
duty clearly pointed to the advocacy or de- 
fense in extreme cases involving the good order 
of society or malicious persecution, he resigned 
the judgeship in May, 1868, and returned to the 
practice. He was an author of legal works, and 
his •• Analytical Digest" of adjudged and paral- 
lel cases was a work involving immense labor 
and of incalculable value to the profession. Some 
vears after his retirement from the Bench he 
formed a partnership in the practice of law with 
Hon. William H. Armstrong, of Williamsport, 
and went there to live, where he died. Socially, 
he was highly esteemed; few persons had the 
fund of anecdotes, or the happy faculty of relat- 
ing them. He was an elder in the Presbyterian 
Church, and a representative of the same in all 
the high courts. He was born on the 20th of 
February, 1820, and married on the first of De- 
cember, 1847, to Miss Augusta Moore, of Car- 
lisle, Penn. They had seven children: James 
(1) died when a young man; Mary (2j married a 
Mi Hemingway, and resides in New Jersey; 
Harry (3) died recently; Claudius (4); Anna 
(5), married to Dr. Cheney, resides in Williams- 
port; Blanche (6); Herbert (7). 

(VI) Anna Linn (4), daughter of Rev. James 
Linn, who died March 25, 1847, married Judge 
John Irvin, Jr., a son of John Irvin and 
Mary, daughter of William Fisher, who was 
horn on the 21st of January. 1754, in Chester 
county. Thomas Fisher, the grandfather of 
William Fisher, was among the original pur- 
chasers of land in Chester county from the 
Penns, and at whose death it was inherited 
by his nephew, and in the fall of 1800 he 
mi ived to Centre county (then Upper Bald Fagle. 
now Union township), where he purchased land, 
built a dwelling, sawmill, and in 1812 erected 
the stone mansion now known as the old stone 
house at Snow Shoe Intersection. John Irvin. 
the grandfather of Judge John Irvin, Jr., was a 
( hestei County Friend, came to the Bald Eagle 
Valley in 1801, and settled on the place known 
as the Loughry farm, containing 400 acres of 
land, where he died in 1829, aged eighty yean, 
leaving two sons, William and John. The for- 
mer, well known as one of the early school 
teachers in the Valley, died in Unionville when 
over eighty years of age. The latter, John, Jr.. 
father of judge John Irvin. Jr., died in his pew 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



185 



in the Bellefonte Friends Meeting House one 
Sunday in 1859. His other sons were Ellis and 
William, of Clearfield county, and Dr. James, of 
Colorado, and two daughters — Melissa, married 
to Lewis Hagerman (two children surviving, John 
Irvinand Sarah), and Mary Jane, married to Augus- 
tus Whiteman. Judge John Irvin, Jr., early in life 
engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in 1841 en- 
tered into partnership in Bellefonte with Henry 
Brockerhoff, conducting perhaps the most ex- 
tensive business of the time in this part of the 
State, their business extending over many of the 
adjoining counties. On the 26th of December, 
1846, he retired from the business to engage in 
the manufacture of iron at " Howard Iron 
Works," under the firm name of Irvin, Thomas 
& Co., which in 1854 was changed to John Ir- 
vin, Jr., & Co., and continuing until 1865, when 
he sold the property to Grescom Bright & Co. , 
and moved to Bellefonte, expecting to retire 
from business, but the great change from an act- 
ive life induced him to engage with Col. P. B. 
Wilson in the hardware business, under the name 
of Irvin & Wilson, and they erected a fine brick 
block for that purpose, conducting a prosperous 
business for sveral years, when he retired to as- 
sume the management of some large trust estates, 
in which he continued to the time of his death, 
August 14, 1889. He was elected an asso- 
ciate judge of the county, serving out his full 
term. He was an enterprising citizen, trusted 
adviser and warm friend. He had two children, 
viz.: (VII) Mary T. Irvin (1) was married to 
Edmund Blanchard, a prominent attorney at 
law, and partner of Ex-Gov. Curtin. He was 
a son of the Hon. John Blanchard (hereinbe- 
fore mentioned), and was, until the day of 
his death, on the 27th day of Dec, 1886, 
the senior law partner of the firm of E. & 
E. Blanchard. He was well known through- 
out the State, and was largely engaged in 
other business interests. He was an enter- 
prising citizen, and perhaps no one in Bellefonte 
ever had the material interest of the place at 
heart, or contributed more in time or means to 
promote its welfare. Every enterprise and im- 
provement had his assistance, and the personal 
ambitions or preferment of any of its citizens 
had his unselfish and cordial support. They had 
the following children: (VIII) Rebecca, Fred, 
Anna and Christine. (VII) Jennie Irvin (2) was 
married to Joseph R. Bright, of Pottsville, who 
is extensively engaged in the iron and coal inter- 
ests of that region. They have the following chil- 
dren: (VIII) Anna, John. Howard, Edmund, 
Harris Linn and Stanley. 

(VI) Jane Eliza (5), daughter of Rev. James 



Linn, was married to Daniel Welch, of Belle- 
fonte, who was early engaged with his brother- 
in-law, Jas. H. Linn, and cousin. Dr. J. H. 
Dobbins, in the iron business in Tennessee; 
afterward a railroad contractor and business 
man, now deceased. They had no children. 
The Rev. James Linn, D. D., was married (a 
second time) to Miss Isabella Henderson, whose 
ancestor, Daniel Henderson, lived and died in 
Chester county before the Revolution. He had 
a number of children, one of whom removed to 
Carlisle and married Margaret, daughter of Dr. 
Jonathan Kearsley, who came from Dublin and 
then removed to Shippensburg; he was a deputy 
surveyor of Cumberland and Franklin counties, 
and died on the 8th of April, 1796. He had 
seven sons and four daughters, one of whom, 
Isabella, was married to the Rev. James Linn, 

D. D., on the day of , 18—. His 

sons all occupied positions of trust or prominence 
in the professions, as was also the case in the 
preceding generations. Rev. James and Isabella 
(Henderson) Linn had one daughter, Margaret 
H., who was married to Wm. P. Wilson, a 
prominent attorney of Bellefonte, for many years 
the law partner of his brother-in-law, Judge Sam- 
uel Linn. He was well known throughout the 
State, and interested in many large business en- 
terprises; died August 3, 1878. 

(V) Eliza G. Harris (3) was married to Dr. 
Daniel Dobbins, whose father was a clergyman 
of the Covenanter Church, and emigrated from 
Ireland to this country, locating in the Cumber- 
land Valley near Gettysburg. Dr. Dobbins was 
an eminent physician and practitioner in Belle- 
fonte for more than thirty-seven years, he re- 
ceived a classical education under the care and 
tuition of his father, who for a number of years 
was engaged in teaching, and by whom were 
educated many men who in after life became 
eminent in the different learned professions. The 
Doctor was a student of Dr. Church, of Phila- 
delphia, and graduated from the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1807, when he came to Belle- 
fonte and commenced the practice of medicine, 
which he continued with unremitting industry 
until the day of his death, February 27, 1814. 
He was a man of strong mind, sound judgment, 
an accurate and profound scholar, as skillful and 
eminent in his profession as any man in Pennsyl- 
vania, and a great excellence was that he never 
turned from his door, night or day, any one who 
needed medical aid. The humble child of pov- 
erty, the rich and the powerful, were all alike to 
him, all commanded his services and in any 
severity of weather. He died a martyr to his 
profession, universally regretted, esteemed and 



ISC, 



COMME.VOHA TIYF. BIOGRAPHICAL UECOHD. 



respected, and the citizens of Bellefonte claimed 
the privilege of being permitted to erect a 
monument to his memory. His wife died about 
three years previous, They left two children: 
Eliza, who has since died, and Dr. James H. 
Dobbins, for many y >ent (1898) a 

leading physician ol Bellefonte, who inherits 
many of the sterling qualities of his father. 

(V) James Dunlop Harris (4) was born in 
1797, and married in 1824 to Mary Ann Miller. 
He was one of the ablest civil engineers this 
State ever produced. Linn's History records 
very briefly some of the important undertakings 
in which he was engaged, viz : "In the incipient 
operations preparatory to the legislation which 
authorized the commencement of the Pennsyl- 
vania canal, he, in 1 825, explored one of the pro- 
posi for the canal to connect the eastern 

and western waters, and the Act having passed 
February 25, [826, be wa - immediately appoint d 
principal assistant to N. S. Roberts, Esq., who 
was charged with the location and construction 
of the section adjoining Pittsburgh and extending 
thirty-one miles to the mouth of the Kiskiminet- 
as. On Mr. Roberts' resignation, in May, 1827, 
Mr. Harris was appointed to take charge of that 
line, which was so fai advanced by the first of 
June, 1828, that the Board of Canal Commis- 
sion! anted him to the additional duty of 
locating and constructing that part of the canal 
extending from Blairsville to Johnstown, twenty- 
nt miles. He had this line, including four 
dams, thirty locks and tv< le aqueducts, 
so near completed in Jul)', 1829, in substantial 
manner, that they could have been finished dur- 
ing the season, when he was suddenly' removed 
by adverse influence of James S. Stevenson, act- 
ing canal commissioner on the Western Division. 
Mi. Harris' memorial on the subject to the 1 
islature in [830 caused the deb. it of Stevenson 
for U. S Senator. In 1831 John Mitchell and 
fames Clark, overruling Si 1, appointed 
Mi Han is, in conm 1 t ion with Roberl Faries, 
engineei to locate the whole West Branch lineof 
the Muni j Dam to the mouth of the I _;le. 
Mr. Faries and Mr. Harris were associated in the 
ition of the canal, and the line was then 
divided for construction, Mr. Harris taking the 
western portion. In |une, 1834, he was princi- 
pal enginei t of the Pennsylvania and 1 nal, 
and was shortly after offered charge of the Bald 
Eagle canal, which he declined as be had < 
himself to stay with his friend, Gen. Abner 1 a- 
cock, in the form' 1 enterprise. On March 25. 
1836, he was appointed principal engineer upon 
the extension of the North Branch Division, and 
to have general supervision of that and the Sus- 



quehanna Division. In the fall of 1838, he was 
i the 1 1 quest of the citizens of Schuyl- 
kill county and other counties interested in the 
trade of the Union canal, as an able and disin- 
terested engineer, to make examinations relative 
to its enlargement. His exceedingly able report 
will be found among the records of the House of 
Representatives at Harrisburg for the year 1839". 
In speaking of his death and funeral ceremonies 
attended by an immense concord of friends and 

libors, to testify their regard for his mem- 
ory, the Centre Democrat, published by S. T. 
Shugert, in its issue of the 28th of February, 
[842. among other things, says: " He acted his 
part in many important places, in all of which 
he sustained the character of an able, honest and 
conscientious man. He was the patron of all 
public improvements, and also of more limited 
and local pertaining to our town. He was the 
efficient advocate of everything that was ^ood 
and useful in civil and religious society. The 
temperance cause, the Sabbath-school, the Pres- 
byterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder 
and a very cheerful supporter, have experienced 
a severe stroke, and all deeply lament his loss." 
He died on the 26th daj of February, 1842 His 
wife, who survived him, died February 1, 1851, 

She was the daughter of Miller, who 

married a Miss Valentine, sister of Bond, Abram 
and George, the well-known iron-masters of C( li- 
tre county. The children of [ames D. and M 
A Miller Harris were as follows: 

(VI) James ( 1 | died in 1846. Thomazu 
was married to Dr. George I. Potter, gran.: 
of Gen. Potter, of the Revolution. Dr. Potter 
was a leading physician of Bellefonte for man) 
years, and a skillful surgeon ol the [48th Penn- 
sylvania during the Rebellion. Their children 
are: (VIIl Mary Pottei 1 ), who married Join 
Miller and resides in Bellefonte; have a -on. 
Charles James 11. Potter (2) (of the hardw 
firm of fas, Harris cS: Co.), married Mary Som- 
merville, and have- children: Donald, Thoma/uie 
ami Janet. Lucy Maria 131, unmarried. Geo! 
Potter (4 . residing at Fort Wayne, is man 
ami has two children. Thoma :im Potter : 
unmarried. (VI) Nancy Dunlop Harris 
married to Rev. James Orbison. They d 
the early years of their life to missionary work 
in India, in which country then four children 
were born. Mr. Orbison s health being impaired 
tiny retui in 1 to Bellefonte, where he died am 
buried. Their children: (VII Rev . James Harris 
( >i bison i 1 I, who is married and now also eng 
in missionary work in India. Nellie Orbison 2 . 
married to Rev. Beach, now the Presbyterian 
pastor at Bridge ton, N. J. Miss Agnes Orbison 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



187 



(3), unmarried, and residing with her mother in 
this county, returned to India, but her health 
did not admit of her remaining. Thomas J. Or- 
bison (4), now a student at the University of 
Pennsylvania. (VI) Jane Harris (4) married James 
S. Sommerville, a civil engineer and extensive 
coal operator of this county; (VII) their children: 
Elizabeth (1); Bond (2), married Nina Ramsey, 
and they have two children — Ellen D. and Jane 
H.; Mary (3); John S. (4); James H. (5); Allen 
O. (6); Robert H. (7); Donald Lang (8); 
Claudius L. (9) died in infancy. (VI) Eliza Dob- 
bins Harris (5) was married to William P. 
Humes, a banker of Bellefonte, and a grand- 
nephew of Hon. W. W. Potter and Hon. Charles 
Huston, of the Supreme Court, and son of E. C. 
Humes, for many years and until his death, re- 
cently, president of the First National Bank of 
Bellefonte. They had one child that died when 
quite young. 

(VI) Louisa Harris (6) was married to Hon. 
Adam Hoy, a prominent attorney of Bellefonte. 
He died in the prime of life, the exacting duties of 
an extensive practice contributing to the result. 
He was appointed by the Governor to fill out the 
unexpired term of Judge Orvis as President fudge 
of the District composed of Centre and Hunting- 
don counties. Their children: (VII) Nancy H. 
(i), Mary (2), Albert (3), Louise (4), married to 
Col. W. Fred Reynolds, a banker and capitalist 
of Bellefonte, James Harris (5), Edward L. (6), 
Randolph (7). 

(V) William Harris (5), son of James and Ann 
(Dunlop) Harris, born in Bellefonte on the 12th 
of July, 1799, adopted the profession of a civil 
engineer, and early in life look part with his 
father, James Harris, in the location and construc- 
tion of the various public works of that day, and 
the later public improvements in connection with 
his brother, James D., from which time until his 
death October 25, 1865, his services as civil 
engineer, or in connection with the land titles of 
the county, were constantly in demand as a re- 
sult of his skill, efficiency and painstaking accuracy. 
He was for several years largely engaged in the 
foundry and machine business, which in those 
days embraced the manufacture of all the more 
important articles of farm and home use, as 
plows, harrows, and all kinds of stoves, etc. He 
located and had charge of the construction of the 
Bald Eagle canal, of which he had also direction 
and control of the business management, as well 
as the engineering department, directing its main- 
tenance, improvement, repairs and contracting 
for the same until 1865 when it was so damaged 
by flood as to be abandoned. He located and 
constructed the Bellefonte and Snow Shoe R. R., 



and when built he had the supervision of all the 
engineering work as well as the exclusive charge 
of the lands and coal mines of the Snow Shoe 
Land Association, a corporation connected with 
the Railroad Company, establishing the lines of 
tracts, locating of the mines, and the improve- 
ments thereon, and. to whose careful and prudent 
management was mainly due the largely appre- 
ciated value of the stock of the company. He 
had fine social qualities, was fond of the society 
of his friends and acquaintances, kind hearted 
and liberal even to his injury, beloved by young 
and old. He was the most popular man in the 
county, and although the Whig party, of which 
he was an adherent, was largely in the minority 
in the county and district, he could be elected to 
any office for which he would permit his name to 
be used as a candidate, and without effort upon 
his part, as he was naturally averse to political 
preferment. In the councils of the different po- 
litical parties the common remarks heard were 
"I wish we could persuade William Harris to 
accept, " or " I fear they will persuade William 
Harris to run." He was elected treasurer of the 
county for two terms, and was State Senator 

from 1847 to 1850. He was married , 

1820, to Margaret McLanahan, daughter of Rob- 
ert McLanahan, of Franklin county, and Re- 
becca Dunlop, and their children were: Rebecca, 
and Ann and William, all of whom died early in life 
unmarried; (VI) Jane, who resides in Bellefonte; 
James, who was born on the 24th of September, 
1832, was married September 24, 1878, to Miss 
Lavinia Catharine Slaymaker, of Lancaster coun- 
ty. After completing his education, James Har- 
ris early jn life engaged in the tanning business 
in Snow Shoe township (from 185 1 to 1856). In 
1857 he engaged in business at Milesburg Iron 
Works, operated by his cousins, J. H. Linn and 
J. M. McCoy, with whom he remained until the 
beginning of the Civil war, when he enlisted in 
the service of the United States, attaining to the 
rank of Major, and upon his return at the close of 
the war organized, in connection with his cousin, 
John Harris (son of Joseph), the hardware house 
of J. & J. Harris. In 1884 and '85 he erected 
the large brick block, northwest corner of High 
and Water streets, with a special reference to 
the future home of the now extensive wholesale 
and retail hardware business of James Harris & 
Co., John Harris having in the meantime dis- 
posed of his interests to their cousin, James H. 
Potter. James Harris is an elder in the Presby- 
terian Church. He is one of the best known men 
in Bellefonte, and always abreast in any enter- 
prise for the improvement of the town or the alle- 
viation of suffering or want wherever found. Will- 



188 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPII I'M. RECORD. 



iam Harris (V i married (again) October 12, 1837, 
Miss Mary Fairlamb, of West Chester (sister of 
Dr. George A Fairlamb, of Bellefonte). She 
died July 13, 1S45, leaving one child: George 1 
now Dr. George F. Harris, a prominent physician 
I '>ellefonte, who is married to Mary W. Curtin, 
•eldest daughter of ex-Gov. Curtin. Their chil- 
dren are Kate C. and Adaline F. William Har- 
ris' (V) last wife was Miss Adaline Miles, daughter 
of Evan Miles, whom he married December 2 1, 

1847. 

V Joseph Harris, son of James and Ann 
Dunlop Harris, was born in the year l8or, 
and died July 14, 1 S45 . was married to 
Miss Jane Miller, a sister of his brother James' 
wife Like all his brothers, Joseph Harris had a 
thorough education and training. He early in- 
clined to a general business life. He was a man 
of great energy, and perseverance, and particular 
in business details, prompt and honorable in all his 
engagements. He was a warm and devoted 
(riend, fond of society, and hi-, hospitable home, 
the resort of all the connection, always had room 
for one more. He was an iron-master, and in 
1829 erected and carried on the furnace and 
works at Howard; some years later William A 
Thomas and Jacob Lex. of Philadelphia, became 
interested with him in the linn name of Harris, 
1 & Thomas. In [837 Joseph Harris built 
the dam for the Canal Co., finished the canal 
from Marsh (reek and cut a passage (torn the 
creek near the dam to the works. Thecomp 
then built another furnace stack in 1X40, and 
built an expensive rolling-mill, putting it in op- 
eration that fall. Joseph Harris died July 14, 
1S43. His children are: William A 11 and 
Joseph D. (3). first and third sons of [oseph and 
Jane Miller Harris, both died when the) were 

ig men and unmarried. John (2), the sec- 
ond son, was in the dmg business in Bellefoi 
and afterward, in connection with his cousin, 
fames Harris, founded the large hardware estab- 
lishment under tin rirm name of J J. Harris, 
now the largest hardware house in the counts- 
He was man ied to Miss Ra< be! Wagner. Their 
children: Joseph ( 1 ), Gu) Charles (3), 

Jane M. (4), Anna Mary 

fohn Harris died in Bellefonb . Dec. 19. 1 

VI) Mary (4), daughter of Joseph and Jane 
Miller Harris, was married to Wistar Morris, a 
very wealthy gentleman ol ( (verbrook, near Phila- 
delphia. Mr. Morris was the leading director of 
the Pennsylvania railroad for man) years, and in 
whose judgment the officials of that corporation 
had the utmost confidence and chief reliance. 
They had one child. Holly Morns 1 , who was 
married to Dr. Wood a celebrated Philadelphia 



divine. They had children: Morris (1), Mar- 
guerite (2). It was at their elegant country 
home President and Mrs. Cleveland were enter- 
tained when they visited in Philadelphia. 

(VI) Eliza T. (5), daughter of Joseph and 
Jane Miller Harris, was married to Evan M 
Blanchard, a practicing attorney of Bellefonte. 
He was a son of the Hon. John Blanchard, of 
Bellefonte, of whom Linn's History says: "Hon. 
John Blanchard was born atPeacham, \'t., Sept. 
30, 1787. When fifteen years of age his father 
died, and he assisted in carrying on the farm, at- 
tending the public schools in the winter. Sup- 
porting himself by school teaching, he prepared 
himself for college, and graduated at Dartmouth, 
in 1S12. He then removed to York, Pa., where 
he taught school and studied law, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar of York County March 31st, 
181 5. He first settled at Lewistown, and in the 
fall of 1S15 removed to Bellefonte, which contin- 
ued to be his residence up to the time of his 
death. He at once became largely engaged in 
the practice of law, and took a high position at 
the Bar. He was married in 1S20 to Mary, 
daughter of Evan Miles. He was a Whig in pol- 
itics, but not an active politician, and after much 
persuasion became the candidate of the party 
for Congress in the fall of 1844. His speeches 
in Congress, particularly on the tariff question, 
are characterized by great logical ability, and 
abound in evidence of great research of statistics, 
lb took sick about the close of his second term. 
and died at Columbia, Penn., on his way home, 
March 8, [849. His widow survived him until 
January'), 1 S 3 - . She was born at Milesburg March 
2 3i '799- Their sons, Edmund and Evan M. 
Blanchard, Esq., are members of the Bellefonte 
Bar.' The following brief estimate of Mr. 
Blanchard's character is from the pen of 1 \ 
Gov, Curtin, at one time Mr. Blanchard's law 
partner: " Mr. Blanchard was a thorough!) 
educated man, and it is not an exaggerated 
eulogy to say a ripe scholar. He retained 
his fondness for the classics, and read Latin 
and Greek habitually in his hours of relax- 
ation from professional labor. He was act- 
ive and zealous in the cause of education 
and participated in all means intended to im- 
prove and enlighten the people who surrounded 
him. In his professional reading, except in the 
preparation of his cases for trial, he preferred 
books and writers in which elementary princi| 
are discussed, and had the fondness of the thor- 
oughly educated and accomplished lawyer for th< 
common law. There were other phases of Mr 
Blanchard's nature which were scarcely known 
except to his intimate friends. He had a keen 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



J8» 



sense of the ludicrous, and enjoyed wit and hu- 
mor with rare zest. Those who knew him well 
only realized the extent and variety of his liter- 
ary acquirements. Remarkable for his agreeable 
conversation, he was always the leader in the so- 
cial circle when not too ill, and then he gave 
real enjoyment by his knowledge of modern 
classic literature, and amused by apt and quaint 
illustration drawn from his well-filled memory. 
A man of positive convictions on all questions 
that engaged his attention. Mr. Blanchard was 
bred and educated a Federalist in his political 
opinions, and never abandoned the principles of 
that party, which he had closely studied and well 
understood. It was a high compliment to him 
and a just appreciation of his character, as well 
as to the generosity and good sense of the people 
of the district in which he lived, to elect him 
twice to Congress when it was well known he 
was an avowed Federalist, when the name was 
odious and the party was defeated, disbandoned 
and its leaders in retirement. As an advocate, 
Mr. Blanchard was persuasive, clear in his logic, 
and always truthful in his statements. In his 
forensic efforts, he was remarkable for the sim- 
plicity of his language. His speeches were never 
long enough to weary the court or jury, or to lose 
him the interest of the Court room. That he 
was learned and truthful to his clients was the 
foundation of his professional success is true to 
his memory; and the purity of his social life and 
his integrity gave him the sobriquet of 'Honest 
John Blanchard,' and more than all other quali- 
fications gave him power in the forum and influ- 
ence in the community." 

The law firm composed of Hon. A. G. Cur- 
tin and Edmund Blanchard, being dissolved when 
Mr. Curtin was elected Governor of Pennsylva- 
nia, E. M. Blanchard and his brother Edmund 
became partners under the firm name of E. & E. 
Blanchard. They enjoyed a very large practice, 
and were also solicitors for a number of large 
corporations: Pennsylvania R. R. Co.; Bellefonte 
& Snow Shoe R. R. Co. ; Beaver Mills & Lumber 
Co. ; Moshannon Land & Lumber Co. ; Snow Shoe 
Land Association; Valentine Iron Co., and oth- 
ers requiring much of his brother Edmund's time 
from home. The confining office and detail work, 
for many years devolving entirely upon him, grad- 
ually impaired his health, yet no one ever heard 
a complaint or met him without a pleasant smile 
and cordial greeting that reflected the best of 
health and spirits free of the really many troubles 
and exacting duties that he bore so well. He 
had not an enemy on earth, on the contrary all 
who knew him were more than is implied in the 
word ' 'friend, " if occasion had required it. He had 



rare musical talent, and a melodious voice that 
was the principal feature in entertainments given 
by the Churches and Societies, whose requests 
for his assistance were always cheerfully granted. 
And he, too, enjoyed the sobriquet of his father, 
"Honest". He died in Bellefonte on the 7th day 
of Nov., 1894, deeply lamented by all, leaving to 
survive him his wife and four children : (VII) Miss 
Elizabeth; Miss Mary; Edmund, a law student 
in the University of Pennsylvania; and John Blan- 
chard, an attorney of this county in full practice, 
the solicitorof the Pennsylvania railroad and other 
large interests. 

Jane (VI), daughter of Joseph and Jane Miller 
Harris, was married to John S. Hendrickson, of 
Red Bank, N. J., the owner of large property 
interests in that vicinity; they at present reside 
in Bellefonte, and have the following children: 
Mary (1), Charles (2). Mrs. Hendrickson died 
in Bellefonte Dec. 29, 1897. Joseph Harris' (V) 
second wife was Jane Huston, sister of Gen. Hus- 
ton, iron-master at Hecla Works. They had one 
child: Sally Hopkins, who died quite young. 
Andrew Harris (V), son of James and Ann Dun- 
lop Harris, was born— — , and married Anna 

Bella Johnston (sister of Elizabeth Livingston 
and Jane Mulholland); they had one child. Dr. 
Lucien Harris, who died unmarried. 



(IV) John Dunlop (4), son of Col. James and 
Jane Boggs Dunlop was born April 22, 1770, and 
was married June 9, 1797, to Eliza Findlay, of 
Franklin county, a granddaughter of Col. John- 
ston (her father and the father of Gov. William 
Findlay were brothers). John Dunlop was the 
first one of the family to locate in Centre coun- 
ty, and purchased among other lands the Griffith 
Gibbon tract, upon which the town of Bellefonte is 
situated, which he afterward conveyed to his 
father. Col. James Dunlop, and his brother-in- 
law, James Harris, who laid out and became the 
proprietors of the town. He was the most ex- 
tensive land owner in the county; among other 
lands, owning those adjoining the town of Belle- 
fonte, for a distance of six or seven miles east 
and west, and forty thousand acres of timber 
land (now Snow Shoe and Burnside townships), 
comprising the valuable bituminous coal field of 
that region. In the order of essentials first re- 
quired by the settlers of the region, being re- 
mote from supplies, he contracted for the digging 
of a head and tail race, and the erection of a 
grist or flouring mill and a sawmill, which after- 
ward became the property of his brother-in-law, 
James Smith, now (1897) Hale estate, and de- 
voted his time to the development of the iron ores 
and erection of furnaces, the product of which 



190 



rii.MM r:\loli.\TlVE BIOQHAPII1CAL HECOliD. 



were hauled west to Pittsburgh with teams, or 
east by arks on the spring floods m Bald Fagle 
creek. He first built, in connection with Col. 
Samuel Miles, Harmon} Forge on Spring 
creek (now (1897) Milesburg Iron Works, of 
McCoy & Shugert). He then built Logan 
Furnace, on Logan branch, south of the town, 
now the Valentine Iron Co., in the meantime 
having built the stone house, corner of the I m 1 
mond, known a> the Judge Burnside property 
(now " Crider's Stone Building"), in which he 
for a time resided, and then moved to the large 
stone house he had built at Logan Furnace. He 
owned the furnace run by Boggs and Rover (both 
his relatives), and in 1S10, in connection with 
William Beattv (whom he had brought with him 
from Franklin county), built Washington Fur- 
nace, east of Bellefonte, now in Clinton county. 
He was the most energetic iron-master in the 
county. On the morning of Saturday, October 
8, 1814, he returned home from a business trip 
to Pittsburgh, stopping at his home only long 
enough to get a fresh horse, determined to visit 
one of his mine banks before dinner, and imme- 
diately upon entering the bank noticed the dan- 
ger of the earth falling, and succeeded in getting 
all the miners out safely, but was himself buried 
beneath the fall and killed. His death was se- 
verely felt and lamented He was line looking, 
of o immanding appearance, being over six feet in 
height, amiable in disposition and temper, and 
his moral and religious character irreproachable. 
His wife (n/e Eliza Findlay) died August 16, 1836. 
Their children: (V)Jane (1) was born December 
3, 1800, was married June, 1817, to William Cal- 
houn Stewart, a direct descendant of (i)John Stew- 
art, a Scotch Covenanter of the seventeenth 
century, who fled from Scotland to the County 
Down, in the North of Ireland, the refuge for 
proscribed Presbyterians and Covenanters in the 
reign of Charles II (1C60-1685), and died in 1720; 
had a son, (2) Robert Stewart, born near Glas- 
gow, 1665, in reign of Charles II; dud in 1730. 
Upon the death of his father he moved to Dru- 
more township. County Down, twelve miles from 
Belfast. The lives of father and son, John and 
Robert Stewart, therefore embraced an important 
period in the history oi England, commencing 
in the reign of Charles I, under Cromwell, 
Charles II, James II, William and Mary, Queen 
Anne, George I, and into the reign of George II 
Robert Stewart had a son (3) Samuel, born in 
1698 near Glasgow, Scotland, died in 1770. He 
emigrated to the North of Ireland with his fa- 
ther in 1720. In 1735, accompanied by his 
brother Hugh, he crossed the ocean, landing in 
Philadelphia, and settling in Drumore township, 



Lancaster Co., Penn., near Chestnut Level, a 
tch-Irish Presbyterian settlement ministered 
to by Rev. John Thompson, of Donegal Presby- 
tery. He was married in Ireland to Mary Mc- 
Clay; among other children they had a son 141 
Samuel. 

STEWART. 

IV Samuel Stewart, born in the County 
Down, Ireland, and brought to Pennsylvania in 
the emigration of his father"s family in 1735, and 
on arriving at age settled as a farmer in Hanover 
township, Lancaster county, about 1750. His 
warrant for one hundred acres of land was dated 
May 17, 1754. and assessed for the King's use, 
1759. From the date of this settlement therein, in 
1750, until 1704. this region was subject to Indian 
raids, from which the inhabitants suffered fear- 
fully, and continued until the massacre in Lan- 
caster by the Conestoga Indians. The historic 
meeting in Hanover township, June 14, 1774, as 
the earliest recorded movement toward independ- 
ence, found faithful and active participants in 
the Scotch-Irish. Samuel Stewart entered as a 
private in Col. Timothy Green's battalion, June, 
1776, in Capt. Rogers' company, destined for the- 
camp in the Jerseys. On the erection and or- 
ganization of the county of Dauphin he was 
upon the first grand jury, composed of prominent 
citizens. He was a member of the old Hanover 
Church, eleven miles east of Harrisburg, the 
records of which show that on November 2, 
1788. he and his wife were admitted to the Lord's 
Table. He died September 16, 1803, and was 
buried in Hanover church graveyard. He was 
married to Nancy Templeton, daughter of Rob- 
ert and Agnes Templeton, of Hanover, who 
died in 1 7 8 S , and they had among others the 
following children: 

(V) Robert Templeton Stewart, born June 
■5. '773. who married Mary Duidop, daughter 
of Col. James Dunlop. His father, Samuel 
Mew art. was married a second time, in 1789. to 
Agnes (Nancy) Calhoun, who was born in 1763, 
died August 29, 1823, and buried in the ceme- 
tery at Graysville, Huntingdon Co., Penn. Sb< 
was a daughter of William and Hannah Calhoun 
of Paxtang township, Dauphin county. They 
had a son, (V) William Calhoun Stewart, born in 
1790 in Hanover township, Dauphin counts. 
died May 31, 1850, in Cincinnati. Ohio. lb 
an iron-master and member of the firms of Lyon. 
Shorb & Co. , and Shorb, Stewart &Co.,of Cen- 
tre county, Huntingdon and Allegheny county 
iron firms, and represented their interest in Cin- 
cinnati. He was married, as stated above, Jim. . 
1817, in Bellefonte, to Jane, daughter of John 
Dunlop and grandaughter of Col. James Dunlop 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



191 



(she was a niece of his half-brother, Robert T. 
Stewart's, wife), and died in Cincinnati, April 
27, 1841. Their children are as follows: 

(VI) Helen, born in Bellefonte, died when a 
child. (VI) Laura born in Bellefonte, married 
Col. Charles Jones, planter of Red River, Cata- 
houla Parish, La. Col. Jones had some fifteen 
hundred slaves on his various plantations, and 
strenuously opposed the ordinance of secession 
until it was useless to contend against the over- 
whelming sentiment in the State, when he entered 
the Confederate service as an officer, and was 
shot in a dispute with Gen. Liddell, of Missis- 
sippi, in which also his eldest son William, as 
well as Gen. Liddell, lost their lives. Mr. Jones' 
family were all educated at Heidelberg, Germa- 
ny, and are as follows: Ella (1), married in 
Swizerland, and died abroad. William (2), shot 
in the dispute above referred to. Rosa (3), re- 
siding with her mother at Jonesville, La. Cuth- 
bert Bullett (4), of Washington, D. C. Francois 
(5), a linguist in the State Department, Wash- 
ington, District of Columbia. 

(VI) Rev. John Dunlop Stewart, born Febru- 
ary 23, 1824, married Margaret Schell, daugh- 
ter of John and Margaret Schell, of Birming- 
ham, and had a numeious family, of whom the 
survivors are: Alice (1), born February 25, 1849, 
married November 26, 1867, to Samuel Berlin. 
John A. Collins (2), born January 19 , 1856, mar- 
ried Bertha K. Martin, of Hollidaysburg. Laura 
(3), born December 12, 1857, married Decem- 
ber 12, 1876, W. F. Meminger, Evangelist, and 
have children — William S., Paul Jones and 
Charles Richard. Jesse Smith (4), born May 
16, 1866, a civil engineer in Tyrone. Charles 
B. (5), born December 31, 1868, married Car- 
rie E. Gray. Harry Lawrence (6), born Au- 
gust 13, 1873. (VI) Rev. William Calhoun Stew- 
art, born June 17, 1829, died in New York City, 
April 10, 1894; married (first) Mary Forgey 
Conklin, and had a son, William Calh jun (1), re- 
siding in California; he married (second) Laura, 
a sister of his first wife, and (third) Agnes, and 
had children — Deborah (2), Agnes (3), Anna 
(4) and Nemeha (5). (VI) Jesse Smith Stewart, 
born in Cincinnati, April 24, 1832, was first lieu- 
tenant of Company A, 125th Regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, was killed in the battle of 
Chancellorsville, in 1863; was married to Mary 
M. Clark, of Birmingham, and had children — 
Jesse (ij and William (2); both died in infancy. 
(VI) Ella Stewart married Robert G. Bushnell, of 
Pittsburgh (of Park Brothers & Co. steel works), 
who died December 28, 1894. Their children 
are— Jesse Stewart (1), Elinor Gray (2), Douglas 
Stewart (3). (V) Eliza J., daughter of John and 



Eliza (Findlay) Dunlop, was born April 15, 1803, 
and died April 29, 1826, unmarried. (V) Cath- 
erine Findlay, daughter of John and Eliza (Find- 
lay) Dunlop, born September 1, 1806, died in 
Bellefonte, August 27, 1 SS 1 , unmarried. (V) 
Nancy Harris, daughter of John and Eliza (Find- 
lay) Dunlop, was born May 25, (S09, and died in 
Bellefonte, June 23, 181 1. (V) Deborah Moore, 
daughter of John and Eliza (Findlay) Dunlop, was 
born February 24, 181 2, and died September 8, 
1869; she was married, by the Rev. James Linn, 
on the 2d of September, 1836, to the Hon. S. 
T. Shugert, son of Joseph Bishop and Mary 
(Mendenhall) Shugert, who was a descendant of 
Benjamin Mendenhall, who with his brothers, 
Moses and John Mendenhall, and sister, Mary Men- 
denhall, emigrated from England to this country 
with William Penn; they came from Wiltshire. 

(I) Benjamin Mendenhall was held in high 
esteem both in his religious society and as a citi- 
zen. In 1 7 14 he served as a member of the 
Provincial Assembly, and died in 1740 at an ad- 
vanced age. His wife, Ann, who was a daughter 
of Robert Pennell, of Chichester, survived him. 
They were married in Chichester Friends Meet- 
ing, of which they were both members, in 1689, 
and had nine children. (II) Moses Mendenhall 
was a son of Benjamin and Ann Pennell Men- 
denhall. (Ill) Caleb, son of Moses Mendenhall, 
had two sons, Moses and Caleb. They were or- 
phaned by the death of their father, when quite 
young; their mother married (again) a man by 
the name of Adam Redd, of Centreville, Del., 
by whom she had one daughter, Miriam, who 
has descendants in that region. The two boys, 
Moses and Caleb, when they arrived at age, took 
the farm of three hundred acres on the right 
bank of the Brandywine creek, a mile below the 
battle ground, September II, 1777, owned by 
their father, and held it as a divided inherit- 
ance until their death, the former dying in 1821, 

Moses' part of the farm 
Caleb, and Caleb's farm 
continued to hold them, 
respectively, until 1830, when the former sold 
and the latter died, and it passed out of the fam- 
ily, being held for over a century. 

(IV) Moses, son of Caleb Mendenhall, the 
elder of the two brothers, married Mary, daugh- 
ter of Aaron and Ann James, then of the town- 
ship of Williston, county of Chester, and Prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania, on the 26th day of the 
second month, 1771, at a meeting of the Friends 
at the Kennett meeting house, in the county of 
Chester, a copy of which marriage certificate, 
with the signatures of those present, is given be-' 
low (the Adam and Miriam Redd, whose names 



and the latter in 1825. 
descended to his son 
to his son Moses, who 



L92 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



appear, were the half-sister and stepfather of 
the bridegroom): 

Copy — Marriage Certificate of Moses Mendenhall of the 
fourth generation of Benjamin's lineand Mary James (Daugh- 
ter of A. iron and Ann James) of the Township of Williston 
County and Province aforesaid. Having declared their in- 
tentions of Marriage with each other before several monthly 
meetings of the people called "Quarterly," one of which 
w.is held .ii Kennett in the cmmty of Chester, and the other 
at Centre-, in the i ountv ol Newcastle, according to On- good 
order used amongst them, and having consent of Parents 
and others concerned, their said proposals of marriage was 
allowed of by said Meetings. 

Nnu these are to certify all whom it may concern that 
for the full accomplishing their said intentions this twenty 
eighth day of the second month, 1771, they, the said M 
Mendenhall and Mary James, appeared in a put) In- meeting of 
the aforesaid people at Kennett Meeting I louse and the said 
Moses Mi ndenhall taking the said Mary James by the hand 

did in .1 solemn manner openly det Lire that lie took her to 

be his wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto her 
a loving and faithful husband until it shall please ■ the Lord to 

separate them by death (or words to the same effect), and 

then and there in the same assembly, she. the said Mary 
lames, did in like manner declare that she look him to be her 
husband, promising through Divine assistance to be unto 
him a loving and faithful wife until it shall please the Lord 
to separate them bv death (or other words to the same eh 

and moreover the s;ud Moses Mendenhall and Mary James 
(she aci ording to the custom of marriage assuming the name 
of her husband) as a further confirmation thereof did then 
and there to these present set their hands. 

Moses Mi ndi nhai i 
Mary \l endi shai i 

And we, whose names are here under also subscribed 

being present at the solemnization of said marriage and sub 
scription have as witnesses thereunto set our hands the day 

and year above written. 



Thomas Carlton. 

I in mi. is Temple. 

Thomas Mithous. 
( aiei i Pierci 

mill King. 
rhomas Carleton, Jr. 

|i sse ( loud. 

Mai v (loud. 

John Lamborn. 
Is. i.i. Mendenhall. 
Miriam Redd. 
Adam Redd. 

I \ .In Kirk. 

Phoebe White. 

ioshua Gibson, 
ohn Gibson. 
Hannah Levis. 
Mary Smedley. 
ail Kirk. 

Adam Kirk. 



I. ill. I'einple. 

\nn Lamborn. 
Ann Way. 
Hannah Baily. 
Mars Way. 

mi Levis. 
William Harvey. 

James Wickersh.nn 

fames Ben net. 

ii Baily. 
I'.noi h Wickersham. 
Won James. 

Joshua fierce. 
ii i to I leald. 
Isaac Mendenhall. 

Samuel ( ,rulib. 
Phoebe Kirk. 
Esther Marshall. 
Caleb Mendenhall. 



(V) Moses and Mary James Mendenhall had 
eleven children. (V) Ann (ii), their second child, 
married Bennett Auge, a son of Daniel Augi 
wine and shipping merchant □ nx, France, 

originally from Amsterdam, Holland Bennett 
Auge was born in Bordeaux, France, 1778, and at 
twelve years of age joined an elder brother in 
business in the West Indies, and was overseer of 
the plantation at the time of the insurrection at 
San Domingo in [791. He was in the armj of 
defence, and left when the whites generally took 
refuge in the vessels, and came with his brol 
to the United States in 1801, and married 111 
Chester county; had five children, one of whom. 



Moses Mendenhall Auge, born in Centreville, 
Delaware count}, in 1X42, married Mary Cow- 
den, of Plymouth. He was of a decided liter- 
ary turn, and author of Biographies, Essays, &c. 
One of the early Anti-slavery advocates, editor 
of The Norristown Republican; moved to Phila- 
delphia, where he died February 21, 1892, leav- 
ing two daughters, Annie and Ella Auge. 

( V ) Mary, daughter of Moses and Mary James 
M.ndenhall, the eighth child, born 11th month 
4th. 17S2, married Joseph Bishop Shtlgert, 
whose father was a prominent citizen ol York 
county, and sheriff as early as 1759. Joseph 
B. had received a fine education, was a great 
reader, fine penman and chose the employment 
of civil engineer and surveyor, and was for some 
\ ears employed on the Pennsylvania canal be- 
tween Lewistown and York. Soon after his 
marriage he moved to Centre county. He was 
one of the earliest principals, if not the first, of 
the Bellefonte Academy, and one of the commis 
sioners of Centre county in 1815 and 1816, and 
as such settled and receipted to Dunlop & Har- 
ris, proprietors of the town of Bellefonte, for trn 
final payments due the county from the sale of 
town and out lots appropriated to the erection 
of the county buildings hereinbefore mentioned. 
A great portion of his active life was spent in 
the location of the public works of the State 
and later in life ,» .1 surveyor and manage! 
the large land interests of Gen. Patton, ( 
Samuel Miles, Gilbert Lloyd, and others in thi 
region or neighborhood of his home in the Qua- 
ker settlement in Half Moon Valley, near War- 
riorsmark, at which place he died on the 14th 
day of November, 1853. They had eleven chil- 
dren, viz.: 

SHI (.1 k 1. 

1 VI) [ohn Wilson Shugert, for many years ed- 
itor of the Democratic paper published at Harris 
burg, and afterward in an official position at 
Washington, I). C, where he died, leaving 
wife and two daughters (VI) Moses M. Shug 
married, and had a family residing near Ciui 
nati. (VI) Aanm James was engaged in the iron 
business at Hannah Furnace, where he was killed 
bv accident (VI) Eliza Keitley married Elij 
Merriman, and had two sons and two daught. 
(VI) Mary Ann married Rev. Hugh Mulhollan, and 
had a huge family. (VI) Caleb Mendenhall mar- 
ried, and lias a family living at Titusville. 1 
Hannah married. (VI) Dr. William Brindle, for 
manj practicing physician at Titusville, 

Penn., commenced practice in 1 8^4 and contin 
until his death February 12. 1866, leaving a fan 

dmg at Titusville. (VI) Dr. Thomas Burnsi 
also a practicing physician at Titusville, m 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



193 



deceased, leaving a family residing at that place. 
(VI) Delinda married a Mr. Elder, and has a fam- 
ily residing at Corsica, Jefferson county. By a 
second marriage Joseph B. Shugert had two 
children. (VI) Lloyd, who was married, and killed 
in the battle of Gettysburg. (VI) Almeda was 
married, and had a family all now deceased. 
Joseph B. and Mary (Mendenhall) Shugert's 
fourth child was (VI) Hon. Samuel Townsend 
Shugert, born February 20, 1809, and married 
(V) Deborah Moore, daughter of John and Eliza 
(Findlay) Dunlop, on the 2nd of September, 
1836. 

(VI) S. T. Shugert commenced the publication 
of the Centre Democrat in Bellefonte, in 1835, 
and continued its publication until 1845 when he 
received an appointment in the U. S. Patent 
Office, Washington, D. C. , where he remained 
until the administration of President Buchanan, 
when he was promoted to the office of Commis- 
sioner of Patents, retiring at the expiration of 
that administration. During his residence in 
Washington, the old Centre Democrat having 
passed out of Democratic control, and the party 
without an organ at the county seat, he purchased 
and established, with Henry Hays as editor, the 
Democratic Watchman, the first issue of which ap- 
peared on the 28th of November, 1855, and upon 
his return from Washington he was elected to the 
Legislature and the State Senate, after which time 
he established another newspaper in Bellefonte, 
taking the old name of the Centre Democrat, which 
he continued a publication of until a few years 
prior to his death, which occurred on December 2 [ , 
1895. His wife, Deborah M. (nee Dunlop) having 
died September 8, 1869, he was (again) married to 
Fanny Alrichs Johnston, daughter of Ovid F. 
Johnston, a distinguished attorney general of 
Harrisburg, Penn. ; by his first wife he had the 
following children: 

(VII) John Dunlop Shugert (i) was mar- 
ried on the 23d day of December, 1869, to 
Mary S., the daughter of Dr. John and Jane 
Ann Stewart McCoy. He read law in the office 
of the Hon. Samuel Linn, and was admitted to 
practice on the 2d of February, i860. In 1S65 
he was elected treasurer of the county, and upon 
the expiration of his term, on the 6th of January, 
1868, was elected cashier of the Centre County 
Banking Company, which he, in connection with 
Hon. A. G. Curtin, Hon. James Milliken, Hon. 
James A. Beaver, E. C. Humes, H. N. McAllis- 
ter, William P. Wilson, P. B. Wilson, F. S. 
Wilson, John T. Hoover, Constance Curtin and 
J. P. Harris, had then organized, and in which 
he is still engaged. Mary S., his wife, died Sep- 
tember 29, 1883, leaving the following children: 



(VIII) John McCoy (1); Deborah Dunlop (2), 
died October 13, 1872; Frank McCoy (3); 
Jean Stewart (4); Kate Dunlop (5); and William 
Findlay (6), died October 4, 1882. (VII) Mary 
M. (2), daughter of S. T. and Deborah M. Dun- 
lop Shugert, was married to John Moran; they 
have one child: (VIII) Townsend Shugert. John 

Moran died on — day of , and she was married 

(again) to William E. Burchfield, and now resid- 
ing in Philipsburg. (VII) William Findlay Shu- 
gert (3), son of S. T. and Deborah M. (Dunlop) 
Shugert, was married — day of August, 1895, 
to Miss Margaret Mills, of Washington, D. C, 
sister of the wives of General William Mitchell 
and Major Dunwoody, of the regular army. 

(VII) Eliza Dunlop (4), daughter of S. T. andl 
Deborah M. (Dunlop) Shugert died when young. 

PAXTON. 

(IV) Jane Dunlop (5), daughter of Col. James 
and Jane (Boggs) Dunlop, was born in Cumber- 
land county, Penn., February 13, 1772, and died 
at Gettysburg, Penn., November 14, 1862. She 
was married on June 20, 1794, to Rev. William 
Paxton, D. D. , of Adams county, who was born 
in Lancaster county, Penn., April 1, 1760, died 
in Adams county, Penn., April 16, 1845, and was 
a son of Capt. John Paxton, of Lancaster county, 
Penn. Rev. William Paxton, D. D., was a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary war, being a private in 
a company of which his father, John Paxton, was 
captain (Associated Company Pennsylvania Mili- 
tia, September II, 1776, and Second Battalion 
Lancaster County Militia, Col. James Watson, 
in 1777). He was for fifty years pastor of the 
Presbyterian church at Lower Marsh Creek, 
Adams county, Penn., and was considered a 
wonderfully good preacher, and a man of excel- 
lent ability as a theologian. Their children were 
as follows: (V) Jane (1), died in infancy. 
(V) Col. James Dunlop (2), son of Rev. William 
and Jane (Dunlop) Paxton, was born on June 1 1, 
1796, died at Baltimore February 10, 1864; was 
married March 18, 1819, at Millerstown, Penn., 
to Jane Maria Miller, who was born at Millers- 
town, Penn., January iS, 1797, and died at 
Baltimore April 29, 1870. She was the daughter 
of Hon. William Miller and Margaret Craig, and 
their children were as follows: (VI) Margaret ta 
Eliza (1), daughter of Col. James Dunlop and 
Jane Maria Miller Paxton, was born at Millers- 
town, Penn., November 29, 1 8 19, and died at 
Lake George, N. Y. , July 15, 1895, and was 
married at Gettysburg, Penn., May 9, 1854, to 
John McPherson Stevenson, who was born in 
Bedford county, December 6, 181 8. He was a 
son of John Mitchell Stevenson and Nancy Rus- 



104 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAl'llKM RECORD. 



sell. lit was engaged in the mercantile business 
in Baltimore, M<t, from 1X511 to 1870. Their 
children areas follows: (VII) William Paxton 
(i), son of [ohn McPherson and Margaretta Eliza 
I'.ixton Stevenson, was born February 24, 1855, 
and married on September 29, 1881, Marianne 
Witherspoon Woods (VIII); their children are: 
Waltei W oods ( 1 ), born September 9, 1882, and 
Margaretta Paxton 121, born September 1, 1883. 
(VII) Rev. Alexander Russell (2), son of John 
\l< Pherson and Margaretta Eliza Paxton Steven- 
was born December 29, 1856, and was mar- 
ried on April 11, 1882, to Mary Margaret Ken- 
nedy (VIII); their children are: Thomas Kennedy 
(1), born November 10, 1883. Caroline Paxton 
(2), born March 5, 1888, died November 28, 

1895. Alexander Russell, Jr. (3), born May 
28, 1893, and Stuart Kiddle (4), born November 
14, 1896. 

(VII) James Dunlop Paxton 1 3), son of John 
Mcpherson and Margaretta Eliza Paxton Steven- 
son, was born February 9, 1859, and died Feb- 
ruary 1 , 1 860. 

(VI) Rev. William Miller, D. D. (2). son of 
Col. James Dunlop and fane Maria Miller Pax- 
ton. was born near Millerstown, Adams county, 
June 7, 1824, married (first) August 11, 1852, 
Hester V B. Wicks, and had one child, Francis 
Herron, born January 3, 1854, died September 

7, 1854. He was (again) married on November 

8, 1855, to Caroline S. Denny; their children as 
follows: (VII) Elizabeth Denny (1 ), born Decem- 
ber 30, 1858; (VII) Rev. James Dunlop (2) was 
in, lined May 22, 1883; tbey have no children; 
(VII) Amelia Maria (3) was married May 27, 1 886. 
to Frank C. Roberts (8), and they have four chil- 
dren-r-Caroline (1), died in infancy; Catharine 
(2); Paxton (3); and Frank (4); (VII) William 
Miller (4); (VII) Caroline Denny (5) was married, 
on February II, 1890, to the Rev. Lewis S. 
Mudge; (VII) Hanna Denny (6) died February 27, 

1896, unmarried; (VII) Margaretta (7) and (VII) 
fames I Donaldson 8 1. 

(VI) Dunlop i j), son of Col. James Dunlop 
and |ane Maria Miller Paxton, born in October, 
1829, and unmarried. (V) Dr. John (3), son of 
Rev William and Jane Dunlop Paxton, was 
married to Jane Wilson, and had the following 
children: (VI) Mary Jane(i)died in infancy, and 
(6) James Wilson (2) was married to Margaret 
Dunlop Smith, and had the following children: 
(VII) Helen Jane (1) was married, on May 22, 
1883, to her cousin, Rev. James Dunlop Paxton, 
son of Rev. William Miller and Caroline S. 
Denny Paxton; (7) John (2) and Margery (3) 
both died in infancy; (7) James Wilson, Jr., be- 
ing the fourth child. 



(V) Eliza King (4), daughter of Rev. Will- 
iam and Jane Dunlop Paxton, was married 
to Thomas Johnston; their children were: (VI) 
William Paxton (i) died young and unmarried; 
iVIi (ohn Thomas (2) married Margaret Pinney, 
and had three children. Eliza (1). (V) Harriet 
daughter of Rev. William and Jane Dunlop 
Paxton, married John Crawford, of Gettysburg, 
and had the following children : (VI) Anna Dodd 
I 1 ) .was married to the Hon. McPherson, and had 
five children, namely: 1 VII 1 John Bayard ( 1 ), 
William Lenhart (2), Norman Bruce (3). Donald 
I'.ixton (4), and Annie Crawford (5). (VI) Mar- 
garet (2) and Harriet (4), daughters of John and 
Harriet Paxton Crawford, died in infancy, and 
Sally Bruce (3), their third daughter, is unmarried 
and resides in Gettysburg. 

(IV) Elizabeth Dunlop (6), daughter of Col. 
James and Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born in 
Cumberland county February 13. 1/74. and died 

in Bellefonte on the day of , . 

She was married in the First Presbyterian 
Church of Carlisle. October 26, 1795. to James 
Smith, Esq., of Cumberland county, afterward 
a large land owner in the neighborhood of Belle- 
fonte. She was a woman of more than ordinary 
mind, fond of reading and the examination and 
discussion of all the leading questions of the day. 
It was then so-unusual for ladies to express opin- 
ions on public policy and conduct, that by reason 
of her advanced Anti-Slavery views she was 
thought eccentric. The} hid two children: (V) 
William Smith ( 1 ) never married, and is now de- 
ceased; (V) James Smith (2) never married, and is 
in >w deceased. She was married (a second time) to 
Michael T. Simpson, a gentleman of fine educa- 
tion. He held an official position in Washing- 
ton, D. C. They had one child: (V) Martha 
Simpson (3), who was married to Brooke Mack- 
all, a wealthy banker of Washington, and their 
children were as follows: (VI) Lily (1) died un- 
married; (VI) Leonard (2) was married to Mas 
Rosa Gretta, of Richmond. Va. ; they had bo 
children, and he was married (again) to a daugh- 
ter of John Hancock, of Washington, D. C, 
brother of Gen. Hancock; (VI) Brooke (3) is un- 
married, (VI) Louise 14) married a Mr. Owen, a 
surgeon oi the U. S. Navy; they have two chil- 

dren Dunlop (1) and (2); (VI) Kate 

married Robert Christy, a practicing attorney of 
Washington, D. C. , and author of "Proverbs. 
Maxims and Phrases of all Ages." They had 
three or four children; (VI) Covington (6) d 
when young; (VI) Benjamin (7); (VI) Barton (8). 

(IV) Deborah Dunlop (7), daughter of Col. 
James and Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



195 



Cumberland county. May 9, 1776, and was mar- 
ried to James Johnston, of Franklin county; they 
moved to Centre county and settled at the mouth 
of Wallace run. They had six children, of whom 
the first three died unmarried: (V) Rebecca (1); 
(V) James Dunlop (2); (V) Mary (3); (V) Anna 
Bella (4) married Andrew Harris, son of James 
and Ann Dunlop Harris; they had one child; (VI) 
Dr. Lucien Harris (1), who died unmarried. (V) 
Jane Johnston (5) was married to Mr. Mulholland; 
they had no children. (V) Eliz. Johnston (6) 
married John Livingston, principal of Bellefonte 
Academy. 

(IV) Rebecca (8), daughter of Col. James and 
Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born May 19, 1778, and 
died on Wallace run, in Centre county. She 
was first married to Robert McLanahan, of 
Franklin county, and moved to Wallace run, 
Centre county; they had two children: (V) James 
Dunlop McLanahan (1), who was married to 

Eliza Welch, daughter of William C. and 

Leyden Welch; their children were as follows: 
James ( 1 ) died when young; William (2) married, 
and had one child, both now deceased; Mary (3) 
never married, and died recently in Bellefonte at 
her cousin's, Harriet Linn. (V) Margaret (2), 
daughter of Robert and Rebecca Dunlop McLan- 
ahan, was married to Hon William Harris, son 
of James Harris, one of the proprietors of Belle- 
fonte, whose family is hereinbefore enumerated. 

(IV) Rebecca Dunlop McLanahan was (again) 
married to Robert Steele, of Centre county, and 
had the following children: (V) William Steele 
(3) never married, and now deceased; (V) Mary 
Steele (4) was married to James Gordon, a large 
land owner of Centre county, and had the follow- 
ing children : (VI) Robert ( 1 ) was never married ; 
was a member of the Anderson Troop, and killed 
early in the war of the Rebellion; (VI) William 
Leslie (2) married to Miss Muffly, and had a nu- 
merous family residing in Kansas; (VI) Theodore 
(3) was married to Esther Graham, and died 
leaving no children; (VI) James D. (4) was a civil 
engineer, and was killed in a railroad accident in 
New York State; he was never married; (VI) Mar- 
tha (5) married Joseph R. Muffly, a broker of 
Philadelphia; they have two children: Eliza- 
beth (1), married June 2, 1897, to Joseph L. 
Montgomery; and Lillian (2); (VI) Hon. Cyrus 
Gordon (6) was married to a daughter of Hon. 
John F. Weaver, of Clearfield. Cyrus studied 
law in Bellefonte, was admitted to practice, and 
then moved to Clearfield, where he enjoyed a 
large practice, and was two years ago elected 
President Judge of that District, although the po- 
litical party to which he was an adherent was 
largely in the minority. (They have several chil- 



dren); (VI) Isaac Newton (7) is a civil engineer, 
and also a graduate in mechanical engineering; 
is not married. 

(IV) James Dunlop, Jr. , (9), son of Col. James 
and Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born October 18, 
1780; was an attorney, admitted to practice law 
in Centre county, in August, 1801 [see Bar list]. 
He went south, and died there in 1824. He was 
married to a Miss Dunbar, and had a daughter 
married to a Mr. Smith, of Natchez, Mississippi. 

(IV) Mary Dunlop (10), daughter of Col. 
James and Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born De- 
cember 26, 1784, and died June 12, 1827, and 
buried in the First Presbyterian Churchyard in 
Pittsburgh, Penn. She was married January 10, 
1809, in Bellefonte, by the Rev. Henry R. Wil- 
son, to Robert Templeton Stewart (5) (a half- 
brother of William C. Stewart, who married 
Jane, daughter of John and granddaughter of 
Col. James Dunlop). He was born June 15, 
1773, and died in October, 1835, a * Hollidays- 
burg, while en route to Pittsburgh, and buried at 
Saltsburg, Indiana county. He was a son of Sam- 
eul(IV), Samuel (III), Robert (II), John (I), here- 
inbefore mentioned. He settled in Bellefonte in 
the year of 1800, and was admitted to the Bar of 
Centre County at the November term of court, 
1800. He was retained in the famous slander 
suit of McKee vs. Gallagher, August term, 1801, 
in which there were fourteen lawyers for the 
plaintiff, and twenty-two for the defendant. In 
1810 he was appointed postmaster and continued 
in office until 1 8 1 9. In 18 id he engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits with his half-brother, William C. , 
and in 1819 entered into partnership with John 
Lyon in the manufacture of iron; residence at 
Coleraine Forges, Huntingdon county. In 1828 
Lyon and Stewart sold Coleraine Forges to 
Joseph and James Barnett and Anthony 
Shorb. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1823, and 
built the Sligo Rolling Mill. Represented Alle- 
gheny county in the Pennsylvania Legislature 
in 1 831-1832. Disposing of his interests in the 
iron business, Mr. Stewart went to manufacturing 
salt in the Kiskiminetas. He was a man of 
genial disposition and social habits, and of great 
practical humor. In person he was above the 
ordinary size, and of very dark complexion, which 
he inherited from his grandmother Stewart. 



Robert T. and Mary Dunlop Stewart had the 
following children: (V) James Dunlop Stewart 
(1), born April 4, 18 10, died September 26, 18 12. 
(V) Jane Ann Stewart (2), born December 2, 
181 1, died October 3, 1812. (5) Stephen De- 
catur Stewart (3), born January 22, 18 14, 
died September 5, 1858; he was married July 9, 



19(5 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD. 



[839, and had five children, the survivors of 
whom are: Jane(i), married to Edward Fos- 
ter, who have several children; Ellen (2), mar- 
ried to Frank E. Taylor, resides at Philips- 
burg and have four children; Harriet (3), unmar- 
ried, and Elizabeth (4), married to I. Lose, ami 
have several children. (V) Harriet Stewart (4) 
born June 10, 1816, and married September 15, 
1843, by the Rev. Samuel Cooper, to James Harris 
Linn, son of the Rev. James Linn, D. I). She 
died July 16, 1895, an d Mr. Linn died April 6, 
1876. They had no children. (V) Samuel Roheit 
Stuart (5), born November 2. 1 s 1 7, died Sep- 
tember 23, I 85 I, unmarried. 

(V) Jean Ann Stewart (6), born June 13, 
1820, and was married on February 13, 1*43. by 
the Rev. James Linn. D. D., to Dr. John M Mc- 
Coy, in relation to whom Linn's History of Centre 
County says: " Dr. McCoy was born in what is 
now the town of Belleville on the 4th. of Febru- 
arv, 1816. His parents died when he was quite 
young and he came to his uncle Alexander McCoy, 
who lived at Potter's Fort, and made his home 
with him, attending Mr. Breckinridge's school. He 
studied medicine with Dr. W, I. Wilson, between 
whom and himself there existed the most inti- 
mate friendship His parents were Francis and 
Mary (Michall) McCoy, natives of Mifflin county. 
One of their sons, Francis, was a merchant at 
Hollidaysburg, Penn., and another, Robert H., 
was engaged in the iron business at Philadelphia, 
in which city his death occurred. Francis, Sr. , 
was married a second time, and by the last wife 
had three children, namely: William, who was 
a soldier and died during the Civil war; Susan, 
who became the wife of James Patterson, of 
Williamsburg, Penn., and Catherine, who mar- 
ried George Fay, ol Williamsburg, Pennsylvania. 
In 1837 Dr. McCoy graduated in the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania, 
and located first in the practice of medicim 
Penn Hall (then known as Centreville), whence 
be moved to Bellefonte in 1841. 

He occupied an office upon Allegheny sti 
and had among his students Dr. Geo. L. Potter, 
Dr. J. B. Mitchell, Dr. George A Fairlamb, Dr. 
Woods and others, all having become noted 
practitioners. In [845, in connection with Dr. 
Potter, Dr. McCo} purchased the drug store of 
Dr. John Harris, and the firm ol McCoj & Pot- 
tei continued until July 17. 184S. At that ' 
Dr. McCoy withdrew from active medical pi 
and entered into the iron business with Gen. 
James Irvin, \L - ["b mpson and Jami I larris 
Linn, under the firm name of Irvin McCoy & 
Co. After the death of Gen Irvin, and the with- 
drawal ol Moses Thompson, the name took its 



present form. James H. Linn died April 6, 
187(1, but the firm name has remained un- 
altered since. Dr. McCoy was an excellent 
manager and first-class business man, and to his 
tact, good judgment and general information the 
success of McCoy & Linn's Iron Works is to a 
great extent to be attributed. He was a kind- 
hearted employer, and much esteemed by the men 
in his service. He in every way tried to add to 
the happiness and comfort of those over whom 
he had control. He kept the works moving 
nearly all the time when financial distress and 
want of orders induced many to shut down, in 
order to give the employees work, though at a pe- 
cuniary loss to the firm. The medical profession 
lost much by his withdrawal from practice, as he 
was a cheerful and valuable adviser, never failing 
to proffer his best advice upon all occasions. Vs 
a physician he was extremely pleasant in the sick 
room, always encouraging a patient, and curing 
nearly as much by his cheerfulness as by his 
medicine. He stood high as a physician, and 
his skill and success are still highly spoken 
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church 
for many years, and an amiable gentleman 
whose loss was both a public and private calam- 
ity. He died at Milesburg Iron Works suddenly, 
of heart disease, on Sunday morning, January 1 
[879." The children of John M. and Jean Ann 
Stuart McCoy were: 

VI) Frank McCoy (i) graduated at the 
Pennsylvania State College, and, preferring th( 
iron business, became the manager of McCoy A 
Linn at Milesburg Iron Works, the prosperous con 
dition of which is largely due to his efficient ser\ 
ices, economical methods and good judgment. H* 
succeeded to the principal ownership of the works 
and now successfully conducts the same. He v. 
married October 30, 1879, to Esther Eleai 
Allison, daughter of William Allison, a well- 
known and prominent business man of Centre 
county for many years, His ancestor, Archibald 
Allison, landed with his family in America 11111' 
18, [773. His wife Mary was the third daughl 
of John Kennedy, and was born in Scotland, shire 
of Galloway, parish of Kirkmaiden, November 1. 
I le died in I 'ax ton township (now Dauphin 
county) October 6, 1783, and his widow Marj 
Potter township, Centre county, |une 6, 180S 
They had a son, Archibald. Jr., who, though 
young in years, took an active part in the di 
fense of the frontiers, to which proper refer 
is made in Linn's "Annals of Buffalo Valley, 

174, and was an exceedingly bold and 
courageous man. After the war he pushed 
up inb 1 Penn's Valley, where he 1 
or. third daughter of George and Margaret M 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



197 



Cormick, May 7, 1789. George McCormick 
was the first settler at Spring Mills, bought his 
land of Reuben Haines, and built the first mill 
there. He bought of the Penns the eastern third 
of what was known as the Manor of Succotli, 
north of the Great Spring tract, and died May 
3, 1845, on tne p' ace st; i" owned by his descend- 
ants. He left a widow, Eleanor, who died Jan- 
uary 27, 1848. 

A numerous family blessed this union, the 
names with dates of birth being as follows: 
George, August 18, 1792, died September 28, 
1866; William, April 5, 1794; James, February 
26, 1796, married Margaret Hutchinson, and died 
September 18, 1863, at North Liberty, Ohio; Mar- 
garet, May 26, 1797, married William Kelley, son 
of Col. John Kelley, and died in Union county, May 
12, 1846; David, May 22, 1799, married Lucetta 
McKibben, and died December 22, 1877, in Clin- 
ton county; Mary, May II, 1801, died Septem- 
ber 27, 1856, in Adams county, Ohio; John, No- 
vember 22, 1803, died January 23, 1844; J ane . 
September 22, 1805, married Thomas Riley, and 
died in Kansas; Eleanor, February 8, 181 1, mar- 
ried Dr. John Grossman, of Adams county, Ohio. 

William Allison, Mrs. McCoy's father, resem- 
bled his father in character, and was one of the 
prominent men of this section in his day. His 
first employment was as a clerk in a store at 
Harrisburg, where he remained six or seven years. 
He then went to Brown's Mills, in Mifflin coun- 
ty, now Reedsville, and in July, 1827, opened 
a store in partnership with J. & J. Potter. 
After the dissolution of the firm, in 1829, Mr. 
Allison conducted the business for a few years, 
and then returned to his old home near Spring 
Mills. The death of his father in 1845 brought 
to him a large amount of work in connection 
with the settlement of the estate, and this with 
the improvement of his share of the property, 
occupied his time for many years. In Decem- 
ber, 1847, tne failure of J. & J. Potter, of whom 
he was a creditor to a large amount, occasioned 
a protracted litigation, but Mr. Allison's claims 
were finally sustained. In the meantime he pur- 
chased a hotel and factory, and considerable 
real estate at Potters Mills, and made his home 
there in the old residence of James Potter. His 
declining years were marked by uninterrupted 
prosperity, his business tact and great executive 
ability enabling him to manage his extensive in- 
terests with success. He possessed a remarkable 
memory, and having kept himself well-informed 
upon passing events he became in later years a 
veritable encyclopedia. During his late years 
he was confined to the house by a paralytic 
stroke; but his cheerful spirit did not fail him. 



He died February 11, 1877, and his remains 
rest in the family burial lot near Spring Mills. 
His wife, to whom he was married June 25, 
1847, was Miss Sarah A. McNitt, a daughter of 
William R. and Esther (McCoy) McNitt, and 
granddaughter of Robert McNitt, one of the ear- 
liest settlers in Kishacoquillas Valley. They had 
the following children: William M.,born No- 
vember 4, 1850; Esther E., January 15, 1852; 
Edward, August 2, 1855; Lillie E., September 
28, i860, and Archibald, June 27, 1863. 

The children of Frank and Eleanor Allison 
McCoy are as follows: Anna Allison (1); Mary 
Stewart (2), died in infancy; and John (3). 

(VI) Harriet Linn McCoy (2) was born July 
15, 1845, and died September 8, 1853; (VI) Mary 
Stewart McCoy (3) was born July 9, 1847, and 
died September 29, 1883. She was married 
December 23, 1869, leaving a family hereinbe- 
fore mentioned. 

(IV) Joseph Dunlop (11), son of Col. James 
and Jane Boggs Dunlop, was born March 19, 
1786, and died unmarried. 



A 



DAM H. KRUMRINE, a well-known and 
%L progressive farmer of Ferguson township, 
is one of the representative men of that portion 
of Centre county. He is the owner of a valuable 
and well-improved farm of 120 acres, where he 
was born December 23, 1854. The well-ap- 
pointed place, with its substantial buildings and 
highly cultivated fields, testifies to his earnest 
labors and careful management. His paternal 
grandfather was a member of the Continental 
army during the Revolutionary war, serving 
under Gen. Washington, and the trunk which he 
then used is still in the possession of a member 
of the family. 

John Krumrine, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Millheim, Penn's Valley, Penn., and 
on reaching man's estate was united in marriage 
with Miss Christina Decker, by whom he had 
nine children, as follows: Lydia, wife of D. M. 
Neidig, a retired farmer of State College, Penn., 
by whom she has two children; Sally J., wife of 
M. D. Snyder, a butcher of State College, by 
whom she has eight children; Catharine E., wife 
of William Kemmerer, a retired miller, by whom 
she has one child; Adam H. ; Jacob, who wedded 
Margaret Dreibelbis; Margaret, wife of S. S. 
Greibe, proprietor of a livery stable and the 
"State College Hotel," by whom she has two 
children; J. N., a merchant of State College, 
who married Lizzie Martel, and has one child; 
Sydney, a druggist of Bellefonte, Centre county, 



108 



cnMMhMOHA TIVK BIOGRAPHICAL HFJOliD. 



who married Jennie Hubb; and Christina, who is 
living with her mother in State College. On 
coming to Centre county, at the age of eighteen 
years, the father had located in Ferguson town- 
ship, but he died in College township, in 1891. 
In the usual manner of farmer lads, Adam H. 
krumrine spent the days of his boyhood ami 
youth, and from the time he was old enough t>> 
handle the plow has followed farming, meeting 
with excellent success in his chosen calling. 
Since attaining his majority he has been identi- 
fied with the Democratic party, always support- 
ing its men and measures by his ballot. He is a 
consistent member of the German Reformed 
Church, and socially affiliates with the Gran 
He is a wide-awake, enterprising farmer, and as 
a citizen stands deservedly high in the estimation 
of his neighbors and friends. 



JOHN GILLEN DUBBS. The hope of suc- 
cess inspires each man who makes his en- 
trance into the business arena, but it is not 
all who find their bright anticipations realized. 
Among the successful ones is numbered the sub- 
ject of this sketch, a well-known business man of 
Belief onte, Centre count)', whose industry and 
judicious management have won lor him goodly 
rewards of a substantial natun 

Mr, Dubbs is of German descent, his paternal 
grandfather having come from the Fatherland to 
settle in Lebanon counts. Penn. Of his five 
children, ]oel is a carpenter in Sharon, Penn.; 
Rosa married Mr Schire, and lives in Steelton, 
Penn. ; Eliza, who never married, resides on the 
edge of the city of Lebanon, Penn. ; and anothi r 
sister, Mrs. Labe, made her home in Altoona, 
where her descendants still live. The other 
member of the family, Jeremiah, our subject's 
father, was born in Lebanon county, in 1829, and 
became a shoemaker near the old fort, where he 
resided for many years previous to his death in 
1891. His wife, Eliza Reynolds, who pi 
from earth about twenty-five years ago, was born 
at Potters Mills, Centrecounty. They had seven 
children: 11 May M. (Mrs. William Reed 1, now 
deceased; (2) Cecelia (Mrs. Harry Ross), of Al- 
toona; (3) George, who resides at the old home- 
stead; (4) James, a resident of 1'hilipsburg; (5) 
John G., our subject; (6) Thomas, who lives al 
Philipsburg; and (7) Andrew, who lives at the 
old home. 

Our subject's youth was spent in Penn's Val- 
ley, where he was born in [anuary, 1 849. After 
acquiring a plain but practical education in the 
schools of that locality he engaged in agriculture 
at Nittany, continuing until 1886, when he went 



to Bellefonte and established himself in business, 
as a dealer in implements of all kinds, including 
a full line of agricultural tools. Although his ex- 
panding business has demanded close attention, 
N*r. Dubbs takes much interest in local affairs 
and in the Republican party, and he is an active 
mender of the I. O. O. F. Encampment at Belle- 
fonte. In 1868 he wedded Miss Eliza Ulrich, a 
native of Union county, Penn., born in 1849. 
They have two living children: May G. and John 
I . and four others gladdened their home for a 
short time only. 



WILLIAM S. MUSSER, agent for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at 
Spring Mills, Centre county, is a descendant of 
one of the oldest and most numerous families of 
Penn's Valley. This family may be said to be 
divided into two factions, the Republican and 
Democratic. Our subject comes of the for- 
mer, who are as devout in their support of the 

trines of that party as the other faction is in 
support of Democratic principles 

Mr Musser was born on a farm near Spring 
Mills, Gregg township, July 20, 1866, and is the 
eldest son and child of his parents, M. M. and 
Kate (Fisher Musser, who removed to Haines 
township, Centre county, when he was quite 
young, and there he first attended school near 
Fiedler. He did not wish to take the collegi 
course which his parents had decided upon, but 
I school in Bellefonte and Gettysburg. 
In 1883 he returned home, and being desirous of 
obtaining a good business education, he borrowed 
$200 of his uncle. Nicholas Harper, giving onh 
his word for its return, but it has long since been 
paid in full. With the money he thus obtained 
lm paid Ins tuition in the Eastman Business Col- 
lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he com- 
pleted the prescribed course and received a di- 
ploma. 

In December 1884, Mr. Musser entered the 
office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Compain 
Spring Mills, as a student under Stephen 
the agent at that time, and June 20, 1885, be- 
came extra agent and operator on a branch of 
that road. He next, in April, 1866, took 
of the office at Nesbit, Penn., where he remained 
until the following February, when he was ma 
weighmaster at Williamsport, Penn., later serv- 
ing as clerk in the freight office of that place. In 
July, iSSS, he was transferred to the office Bt 
Spring Mills, where he has since acted as agent 
and operator, and also agent for the Adams I 
press Company. 

In Centre Hall, July 21, 1890, Mr M> 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



199 



was married to Miss Clara S. Hettinger, of 
Spring Mills, daughter of Michael and Amelia 
(Grove) Hettinger, and they have one child, 
Marion K. , born June 9, 1891. Although a 
young man, Mr. Musser is recognized as one of 
the best and most enterprising citizens of Spring 
Mills, and is a credit to the excellent family to 
which he belongs. He is a prominent and active 
member of the Lutheran Church, where at pres- 
ent he is serving as trustee, and socially is a 
Master Mason, affiliating with the lodge at Centre 
Hall. 

WH. BLOOM is a leading and influential 
member of the agricultural community of 
Ferguson township, Centre county. The im- 
provements upon his place reflect great credit 
upon him; the buildings are of a handsome and 
substantial character; and the surroundings of his 
residence are extremely beautiful. He is an able 
financier and a substantial citizen, always mak- 
ing the most of his opportunities, and in his chosen 
vocation has met with a well-deserved success. 

Mr. Bloom was born August 7, 1850, and is 
a son of William and Sarah (Lesch) Bloom. The 
father, who was of German descent, was a native 
of Berks county, Penn., and came to Centre 
county from Union county, Penn., whither he 
had moved. His family constituted six children: 
Jemima, who married Daniel Heckman, and 
died in October, 1870, leaving three children; 
Amelia, wife of.John Frantz, a farmer of Centre 
county; Adam G., a dairyman and farmer of Lock 
Haven, Clinton Co., Penn., who married Ellen 
Runkle and has two children; W. H., of this 
sketch; Peter F., who died in 1863, during boy- 
hood; Clara A., wife of William Smith, a farmer 
living near Pine Grove Mills, Centre county, by 
whom she has eight children. 

Our subject is indebted to the free schools of 
White Hall, Penn., for his educational privileges. 
He early became familiar with agricultural pur- 
suits, and chose farming as his life work, now 
owning and operating a valuable tract of 1 50 
acres four miles from State College, Centre coun- 
ty. The land is under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and yields bountiful harvests in return for 
the care and labor expended upon it. On De- 
cember 24, 1867, Mr. Bloom was married to 
Miss Sarah E. Carter, a native of Centre Furnace, 
Penn., whose mother was from Centre county, 
Penn. Her father, who was also a native of 
Centre county, enlisted in 1862 in the 148th 
P- V. I., in Capt. Foster's company, and laid 
down his life on the altar of his country at the 
battle of Chancellorsville. He also had two 
brothers in the Union service, both of whom 



were wounded — William losing a leg, and Jacob 
Lee being wounded in the hip. Her family is of 
German and English extraction. She has two 
brothers, Frederick K. and Joseph Carter, and 
one sister, Henrietta (wife of James Mowery). 

Eleven children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Bloom, in order of birth as follows: Will- 
iam A., who died in infancy; Emma V., wife of 
Oscar Heckman, a farmer of Penn Hall, Centre 
county; Anna M., who was born May 15, 1872, 
is the wife of Elmer E. Royer, of Pine Grove 
Mills, Centre county, by whom she has a son, 
William H. ; Henry C. , at home; Frankie, who 
was born September 23, 1875, an( 3 died in in- 
fancy; Oliver P., born October 27, 1878; Bessie 
R., born July 10, 1880; Lizzie M., born May 5, 
1882; Grover Cleveland, who was born May 9, 
1884, and died April 3, 1886; E. Orvis, born 
January 17, 1890; and Margaret C. , born No- 
vember 4, 1 891. 

In politics, Mr. Bloom is a straight and stanch 
adherent to the principles formulated in the plat- 
forms of the Democratic party, and exercises 
his elective franchises in support of the can- 
didates offered by that organization. Religiously 
he is a member of the Reformed Church, and 
socially is a member of the Grange. A genial, 
whole-souled American citizen, he is a leading 
and representative man of Ferguson township, 
and merits and receives the warmest confidence 
and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 



Ey/TLLIAM H. STOVER, a prominent citi- 
llm. zen of Aaronsburg, Centre county, now 
retired from active business cares, is one of the 
men who make old age seem the better portion 
of life. His fine presence and dignified manners 
would attract attention anywhere; while, to those 
who have the pleasure of his personal acquaint- 
ance, his well-stored mind and conversational 
powers are a source of perpetual pleasure. 

Mr. Stover is a native of Aaronsburg, having 
been born January I, 1825, in the house in which 
the greater part of his life has been spent. His 
father, Jacob E. Stover, was born at Williams- 
port, Md., on the Potomac river, and, losing his 
parents while yet a boy, began his business 
career at a great disadvantage. He learned the 
tanner's trade in Maryland, and as a young man 
settled in Haines township, Centre county, where 
numerous relatives had already located. There he 
built a tannery which he conducted for many 
years, and being an excellent workman enjoyed 
a large trade. He was industrious, but a lack of 
the distinctive qualities of the financier prevented 
him from acquiring more than a moderate com- 



L*X1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



petence. Politically he was a Whig, steadfast in 
principle and a regular voter, and in religion he 
was a Lutheran 

Jacob E. Stover was married in Aaronsburg. 
to Catherine, daughtei of Jacob Hubler, one of 
the first settlers in the township. Mr. Stover 
died at the age of sixty-seven, but his wife lived 
to be nearly eighty years old before she, too, 
passed away. The remains of both were interred 
at Aaronsburg. Their children were seven in 
number, and three sons did active service in Un- 
civil war. Samuel H. died at Boalsburg, Penn. 
Isaac died in Aaronsburg. Catherine married 
Christian kaup, and died in Milesburg. George 
II., who was quartermaster of the 179th P. V. 
I., was a resident of Morgan county, Mo., and 
died in 1897. William H. is mentioned more 
fully below. Michael, who held the rank of 
lieutenant in the 179th P. V. I., died in Morgan 
county, Mo. John H., an attorney, was active 
in raising the [79th Regiment, and served gal- 
lantly through the war as its colonel. When the 
struggle was ended he removed to Morgan coun- 
ty. Mi) , where he dud At one time he repre- 
sented that district in Congress. 

Although the subject of this sketch displayed 
from an early agea particularly retentive memory, 
andwould have profited by a good education, hisop- 
opportunitirs were limited to those of the usual dis- 
trict school privileges, As his father owned a farm 
as well a- a tannery, there was alwa) s work in one 
place or the other to keep his boys from mischief. 
Mi Stover remained at home until he attained 
his majority, and shortly after was married in 
Aaronsburg to Miss Sarah S. Ettinger, a nal 
of Haines township, Centre County, and a daugh- 
tei ol Emanuel and Elizabeth (Bike) Ettinger. 
The young couple went to housekeeping in the 
house where Mr. Stover was born. Four chil- 
dren were born ol this union: Edward W. died 
at the ageol six years; Emma married Cyrus G. 
Bright, oi Aaronsburg; Luther E. is a tanner at 
\ 1 ons! hi re. ; and Charles II. is a baker at Mifflin- 
town, I'enn Mr. Stover engaged in business as 
a tanner, purchasing his father's old establish- 
ment, which had been sold to George Koyer. 
After following the business successfully fi 
1847 to 1S76, he retired, leaving the manage- 
ment to his son Luther E., who has proven an 
able successor. With a comfortable home and 
with leisure for reading and other intellectual 
pursuits. Mr. Stover has passed a quiet life since 
giving up business. The family circle was in- 
vaded by the hand of death July 15, 1S92, when 
the beloved wife and mother passed to the unseen 
life, and her mortal remains now [est m the 
Aaronsburg cemetery, 



Taking keen interest in all forms of progress, 
Mr. Stover has been an active member of the 
Lutheran Church for many years, holding nu- 
merous offices, including those of deacon and 
elder, and at different periods, amounting in all 
to thirty-five years, he has been superintendent 
! of the Sunday-school. He has strong convic- 
tions and the courage to express them, neither 
money nor friendship having power to make him 
acquiesce in anything which he does not approve. 
In early life he was a Whig, and later he became 
a Republican, but although his support could al- 
ways be relied upon, he has not cared to run for 
office. In fact he declined various offers of a 
place on the party ticket, even as a candidate for 
the legislature. 



HUGH MCALLISTER BEAVER, named for 
his maternal grandfather, Hon. Hugh Nel- 
son McAllister, was born at Bellefonte, Penn., 
March 29, 1S73. He was the third son of Gen. 
James Addams and Mary McAllister Beaver, and 
spent- his entire life prior to entrance to College 
(with the exception of short periods while his 
father occupied the executive office of Pennsyl- 
vania) in his native town. 

His preparatory education was pursued at 
Bellefonte and Harrisburg Academies, at which 
he was prepared for entrance to the Freshman 
Class of the Pennsylvania State College, in 1891. 
He graduated in the General Science course in 

1895 

His ancestors of the fourth preceding genera- 
tion were all born in Pennsylvania, and all of the 
male members of his immediate ancestry of that 
ration served in the Revolutionary war, ex- 
cept Benjamin Elliott, who was a member of the 
Convention which framed for Pennsylvania the 
Constitution of 1776. On his father's side his 
ancestry was English, German (Palatine) and 
French (Huguenot), and on his mother's side, 
English and Scotch-Irish. The distinguishing 
characteristics of this varied ancestry combined 
to produce a personality which, in early boyhood, 
was characterized by earnestness, 'intensity, 
vivacity, courage and perseverance. These 
characteristics increased and developed with his 
growth, and found full play in his short, acti\' 

life. 

He developed very early a strong taste foi 
military pursuits, ami was, for several years, 
captain of a boys' company called the "Belle 
fonte Guards. " It was difficult to communit 
his own earnestness in this play service to his 
company, however, and his own views in regard 
to such service changed with his years. Ufa 






J 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



201 



father, knowing his tendency in that direction, 
and thinking that he had an opportunity of secur- 
ing an appointment to West Point for him, wrote 
to him upon the subject, advising him to deter- 
mine the matter for himself, and give his answer. 
His characteristic reply indicated the change 
which his views had undergone upon the subject. 
Although then only in his seventeenth year, he 
replied, after careful consideration, that "life 
was too real and too earnest to be spent in keep- 
ing Indians on their reservations or playing the 
dude at a swell fort," the latter part of the re- 
mark having been doubtless induced by what he 
had seen a year or two before at the " Hygeia 
Hotel " at Fort Monroe. 

A signal illustration of his intensity of pur- 
pose and determination was exhibited in his last 
year in college. During a snow blockade which 
prevented the running of trains and all inter- 
course between tjie State College and his home, 
twelve miles away, by the ordinary means of 
conveyance, he walked the entire distance, most 
of the way on the tops of the fences. He was 
naturally much exhausted by the journey, and as 
a result had a serious affection of the eyes, 
which prevented his carrying on his studies. 
He was fortunate, however, in having several 
young lady friends who had graduated at college 
and who were familiar with the subjects then 
engaging his attention. Three or four of them 
were willing to give him an hour each day and, 
availing himself of their invitation, he took up 
the studies of the senior year with them and, by 
having them read to and discuss the subjects 
with him, was enabled to keep up with his 
studies and to graduate with his class. 

During his college course he was a member 
of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and was largely 
instrumental in securing the fine Chapter House 
which is occupied by that Fraternity at the Penn- 
sylvania State College. In this, as in every- 
thing which he undertook, he manifested the 
most determined zeal and activity. One of his 
fellows in the Fraternity has said in regard to it: 
"His marked business ability well fitted him for 
the work. He consulted on plans, supervised 
the work, negotiated the finances and, in fact, 
gave himself so completely to the task that he 
was familiar with the smallest details. His time 
and money were freely offered. When the fire 
swept away the beautiful structure, in a few 
months after it had been occupied, no disconso- 
late cry went up from him. His first message 
was: 'We must prepare to rebuild at once;' 
and it was done. He immediately took hold of 
the rebuilding, and we now have a house better 
than the one destroyed. Hugh lived long enough 



to see the work finished and the Chapter at home 
once more." 

During his senior year in college a call from 
the Young Men's Christian Association of Penn- 
sylvania, to become its College secretary, in the 
place of his older brother who had been called to 
the service of the International Committee at 
New York, came to him. His plans had been 
carefully thought out and, to some extent, laid, 
but the call was carefully considered. The re- 
sult was a contest between inclination and duty, 
which finally resulted in his acceptance of the 
call, and a complete dedication of his life to the 
highest welfare of the young men of this country 
or elsewhere, wherever God, in his providence, 
might call him. To this work he gave two years, 
diverging at different times to take the Bible 
work at College Conferences at Lake Geneva, 
Wis., Knoxville, Tenn., and Northfield, Mass. 
To this work he gave the best that was in him, 
and in it achieved marked and marvelous results. 
In the spring of 1897, he received a call to be- 
come the secretary of the Inter-Collegiate Young 
Men's Christian Association of New York City, 
which was then regarded as one of the vital 
points in'College work for young men throughout 
the world. He accepted the invitation, and was 
to have begun his work on the 1st of September 
of that year, under auspices which seemed to 
promise immediate and far-reaching results. 

His last public work was at the College Con- 
ference of young women at Northfield, which 
was held in July, 1897. He was selected as the 
teacher of the Bible Training Class and, al- 
though even more boyish in appearance than in 
years, as was said by one of the members of his 
class " old and young sat at his feet and delighted 
to learn from him." Many of the hundreds of 
letters which were received by the family after 
his death were from members of this class, and 
testified to the remarkable power which he ex- 
ercised not only in his public teaching, but in his 
private interviews with its members. One of these 
letters, from a distinguished medical missionary, 
contains this tribute: " When we saw him, so 
young and so attractive, we felt the dangers of his 
position. He was such a good comrade, and so 
absolutely without self-consciousness or affecta- 
tion. He was enthusiastically earnest, and filled 
with the Holy Spirit. His marvelous influence 
seemed due but little to his attractive personality. 
To that winsomeness was added an intangible 
something which warded off all foolish sentiment- 
ality, and drew the girls to him, because of the 
Christ in him. We sometimes wondered how 
the man in him was not spoiled, when nearly the 
whole Conference sat at his feet. It is clearer 



202 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REColll). 



now — like his Lord he was not to be touched, 
because not yet (but oh, so soon to be !) ascended 
to his Father. What we felt and dimly under- 
stood was the radiant likeness which now in His 
Presence satisfied his loving heart." 

Upon his return home, after his service in 
this Conference, he seemed unusually tired, but 
made no complaint. In a few days there devel- 
oped an attack of appendicitis — of which, as was 
afterward learned, he had unheeded premoni- 
tions — which ran its course so rapidly that not- 
withstanding the most distinguished medical and 
surgical advice and assistance a fatal termination 
seemed inevitable, and so proved. The earthly 
life of Hugh Beaver, so consecrated to high aims 
and holy purposes- — so full of loving service and 
so rich with promise ended on the 2nd day of 
August, 1897. 

At the same hour as the funeral services at 
his home, memorial services were held at the 

<ral Christian Conference at Northfield, Mass. , 
at which Mr. I). L. Moody spoke very feelingly, 
and alluded to the fact that he had urged young 
Beaver to accept the chair of the English Bible 
.it the boys' school at Mt. Hermon, for which 
he regarded him as especially qualified. 

An earnest effort is now being made to erect 
1 Y. M. C. A. building at Lincoln University for 
the use of its students, to be known as the Hugh 
McAllister Beavei Memorial, so that the memory 
of this devoted young man may be perpetuated 
along lines of service to which his short life was 
so unreservedly given. 



WB HENDERSON, M. 1).. physician 
and surgeon in the borough of Philips- 
burg, Centre county. Pennsylvania. 



JAMES II KAN KIN, whose death occurred 
in July. 1893, at Bellefonte, * entre county, 

where he had passed a life hevond man's al- 
lotted years, and where he had been an honora- 
ble member of the Bar for fifty years, repre- 
sented one of the first families to locate in the 
place. 

|ohn Rankin, the father of James II., was 
born in Franklin county, Penn., May 1, 1779, 
and became one of the early settlers in Perm's 
Valley, I entre county, lli^- father was born in 
Ireland. Before John's removal to the villi 
of Bellefonte he was an elder in Mr. Stuart's 
Church, and after his location there he connected 
himself with the Presbyterian Church. He 
opened a store in Bellefonte in 1810. He was 
sheriff of Centre county in 1812; prothonotary 



in 1818; and a justice of the peace, 1840-44. 
On June 7, 1804, he married Isabella Dundas, 
who was born on the ocean en route from Scot- 
land, and their children were: Mary, who mar- 
ried Alfred Armstrong; Isabella, who married 
John Irvin; Jane, who married George S. Arm- 
strong; Ellis, who married James Gilliland; 
William I).; Dr. John C. ; James H., our sub- 
ject; J. Duncan; and L. Calvin. The father of 
these died April 22, [848. 

James H. Rankin was born in the old Mc- 
Allister home, on the corner of Allegheny street 
and Cherry alley, Bellefonte, March 3, 1819. 
His early education was acquired in the- public 
schools and at the academy at Bellefonte; later 
he was graduated from Jefferson College, Can- 
nonsburg, Penn. Returning to Bellefonte, h 
a law student in the office of William Potter dis- 
played an unusual talent, which had its reward 
in a brilliant examination for the admission to 
the Centre County Bar, which he passed in Jan- 
uary, 1840. The Bar of Centre County at that 
time was reputed one of the best in the State. 
In 1850 he was elected district attornej over 
Robert G. Durham, Whig; in 1853 and 1856 he 
was re-elected, di feating Edmund Blanchard and 
William 1\ Wilson. On October 13, 1861. Mr 
Rankin was mustered into the service as first 
lieutenant of Company H, 56th P. V. I., and 
went to the front in defense of the Union; sick- 
ness, however, necessitated his return home in 
the following spring, and he resigned on March 
2~ , iS<>2. At the close ol the war he was ap- 
pointed to one of the leading positions in the In 
ternal Revenue Department, which he filled 
integrity. After the expiration of his term ol 
office lie resumed the practice of the law, which 
with a general insurance business he kept up un- 
til the last few Mas-, ol his life. •• As a citizen 
none could have been better than he, as a 1 
band and father he was faithful and honored 
As a friend we can offer no more expressive eu- 
logism than to say that the death of no other 
man will cause more profound regret in 
hearts of all classes of people in oui town, 
life, always simple and unassuming, was that 'f 
an honorable man. His character beyond 
proach and his spirit fraternal and God-like to 1 
fault. He had no enemies because all who knew 
him were friends. " 

Mr. Rankin was a charter member of (■ 
Post No. 95, G. A. R. He marrii d Miss B 
Furey, who was bom on her father's (Robert 
Furey) farm near Pleasant Gap, and their chil- 
dren are: Alice, who married R. A. Kinsl 
editor of a paper at Philipsburg, Penn. ; H 
John I., of Washington, D. C. ; Jennie, the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



20S 



of Gov. D. H. Hastings; Miss Bella, at home; 
and Edward, the operator of the Western Union 
Telegraph at Bellefonte. The parents of Mrs. 
Rankin were natives of Centre county, Penn., 
where the greater part of their lives were passed, 
and where they died, the father on May 19, 1846. 
Robert Furey was the son of John and Barbara 
(Lebo) Furey, early residents of Centre county, 
and here died, the former in February, 1826, 
and the latter on March 5, 1850, aged eighty- 
eight years. The other children of this couple 
were: William, Jeremiah and Nancy. 



w 



VAN PELT (deceasd) was for 
■ATX many years one of the leading citizens of 
central Pennsylvania. He was prominently con- 
nected with the development of the industrial 
interests, and his industry and enterprise were 
important factors in the material welfare of the 
community in which he lives. Monuments of 
brass or stone are not needed to perpetuate his 
memory, for he is enshrined in the hearts of 
many friends who witnessed his upright life and 
recognized his sterling worth. 

Mr. Van Pelt was born in Tomkins county, 
N. Y., in 1840, and during his youth lived the 
free open life of a farmer boy on the family 
homestead near Slaterville, N. Y. In the sum- 
mer months he followed the plow and aided in 
the harvest fields, while in the winter season he 
attended the public schools of the neighborhood. 
His parents were Lorenzo and Betsy (Rice) Van- 
Pelt, and he was the eldest of three children, 
the others being E. G., of Ithaca, N. Y., and 
Romelia, wife of R. G. H. Speed, of Slaterville 
Springs, N. Y. The father of this family followed 
farming in his early life, and was afterward a 
dealer in patent rights. 

After mastering the rudimentary branches of 
learning in the common schools, Mr. Van Pelt 
pursued an academic course of study in Ithaca 
and Groton, N. Y. , after which he took a com- 
mercial course in Cleveland, Ohio. He then 
went on a trip down the Mississippi river with 
the Government Engineer Corps, and soon after 
his return to the North removed to Centre Hall. 
He came to that town as a patent right salesman; 
but seeing that there was a favorable opening 
for the foundry business, he turned his attention 
to that industry, and for a time was employed 
as bookkeeper in a foundry. Subsequently he 
purchased an interest in the business, and became 
the leading partner in the firm of Van Pelt, 
Shoop & Co. Throughout his remaining days he 
was identified with that industry, and his capable 
management made it a profitable source of in- 



come. His business ability, however, was by 
no means limited to one undertaking, for he suc- 
cessfully controlled a number of interests which 
resulted not only to his own material benefit, 
but proved of value to the community as well. 
He was associated with Gov. Beaver, Gen. Hast- 
ings, and Col. Spangler in the founding and 
upbuilding of the town of Hastings, Cambria Co. , 
Penn. In April, 1888, he went to the site of 
the village, which was then a wilderness, cut 
down the trees, blocked out the town, measured 
the streets and staked off the houses; in brief, 
he was the active manager and promoter of 
Hastings, which in two years attained a growth 
nearly as great as Centre Hall. 

On February 21, 1878, in Centre Hall, Mr. 
Van Pelt was married to Miss Anna Spangler, 
daughter of ex-Sheriff Spangler. She was born 
in Adamsburg, Snyder Co., Penn., December 12, 
1853, and completed her education with an aca- 
demical course. She is a cultured lady, presid- 
ing with grace over her hospitable home, and to 
her husband was a cherished companion and 
helpmeet. They had three children: John, born 
January 21, 1880; Helen R. , born February 27, 
1882, now attending Wilson College in Cham- 
bersburg, Penn.; and Bessie M., born in Septem- 
ber, 1888, died in September, 1889. 

In politics, Mr. Van Pelt was a Democrat who 
loyally supported his party, but never sought of- 
fice. In 1890 he went to Hastings to look after 
his business interests in that place, returning 
home in April. Three weeks later, on the 3d of 
May, he died, and a noble life was thus ended. 
While he made no profession of superiority to- 
his fellowmen, all recognized him as a man of 
unquestioned integrity and irreproachable char- 
acter. He was upright in his dealings, courteous 
at all times, considerate of the feelings of those 
with whom he was associated, and ever a true 
gentleman in the highest and best sense of the 
term. All who knew him mourned his death, 
and the sympathy of the entire community was 
extended to his family. His wife and children 
still reside in the pleasant home which he left to 
them in Centre Hall, and their circle of friends 
is extensive. 



ON. C. A. FAULKNER, associate judge of 
^11 Centre county, is one of Philipsburg's lead- 
ing citizens. An able and successful business 
man, he is also a forceful worker in local affairs, 
and is an influential representative of the old- 
school Democracy. 

Mr. Faulkner comes of good New England 
stock, and was born in New Hampshire, March 25, 
1840. His father, W. A. Faulkner, a native of 



1>04 



COMMKMOHA Tl VK BIOGRAPHIC A I. BEt 'OBD. 



Massachusetts, was born in 1S11, and is now 
living in Philipsburg in good health and possess- 
ing remarkable strength for one of his years. He 
is a constant student of the Bible, and takes 
much interest in the questions of the day, being 
in his political views a stanch Democrat. He 
was married in early manhood to Miss Clarissa 
Hinds, a native of New Hampshire, who died in 
Philipsburg some years ago at the "Potter 
House.'' They came to Pennsylvania in 1846, 
locating first in Erie county, where W. A. Faulk- 
ner was engaged in business as a carpenter and 
millwright until 1 S 5 7 , when he removed with his 
family to Philipsburg. There he followed car- 
pentering and lumbering for a time, but he has 
now retired from active business. Of his four 
children two are living: (1) Clarissa J., the wife 
of B. F. Morgan, of State College; and (2) C. A., 
our subject. The others were: (3) Louisa M., who 
died at the age of eighteen, and (4) Henry, who 
was a remarkable boy, having sis toes on each 
foot, and weighing, at the age oi thirteen years, 
213 pounds; he died of typhoid fever. 

Judge Faulkner's school days were spent 111 
Erie county, where he attended Girard Academy. 
He also became familiar with the details of the 
carpenter's trade by assisting his father. After 
the removal of the family to Philipsburg he en- 
gaged in the hotel business, and al three differ- 
ent times he had charge of the old " Moshannon 
House," a brick hotel. In the spring oi [877 he 
opened the "Potter House " there, and after 
conducting it swine six or seven years he went 
into the wholesale liquor business, which he fol- 
lowed two years, His genial disposition and 
quiet manner have made main warm personal 
friends, while his abilities have won even wider 

appreciat as is shown by his election in 1892 

to the office of associate judge in his county to 
serve until 1897, and Ins faithful performance of 
the duties of that place has am pi} justified the 
expectations of his supporters. Socially, he is a 
member of the Independant Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and of the Royal Arcanum 

fudge Faulkner married Miss Florence shoop, 
a native of Philipsburg, born in [86l. Then 
pleasant home is gladdened by an interesting 
family of seven children: C. A., Grace. Irvin, 
Pierre, May, Florence and Pauline. 



Hon. John ( Henderson has won a 
distinguished position among the leading 
business men of Centre county, for many y< 
being identified with the mercantile, lumber and 
agricultural interests of this section of the State, 
but now practically living a retired life upon his 



farm on Mud Lick branch, in Huston township. 
A native of Centre county, he was born Decem- 
ber 6, 1832, in Patton township, then called 
Pond Bank. 

Rev. William B. Henderson, father of our 
subject, was born in Morris county, N. J., April 
IO - 1 793. of which State his parents, Eleazor 
and Margaret (Barton) Henderson, were also na- 
tives. At one time they came to Centre county, 
but not being satisfied returned to New Jersey, 
where they died. By occupation the grandfather 
was a lumberman and coal miner. Until eight- 
een years of age Rev. Henderson followed ore 
mining, and two years later became a local min- 
ister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a 
circuit rider for twenty- five years. He contin- 
ued the work of the ministry up to his death, 
which occurred October 22, 1856. He was three 
times married, his first union being with Miss 
Rachel Connor, who was born in 1798, and died 
in October, 1839. To them were born six sons 
and one daughter, as follows: Samuel, who died 
at the age of six years; Eliza, deceased wife of 
Rudolph Light, of Blair county, Penn. ; Robert 
I deceased, who was a merchant and local 
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
William B., who died at the age of twenty-five 
years; John t ., of this sketch; David S., also a 
minister and school teacher, who died at the age 
of twenty; and James F., who died in the army. 
Rev. Henderson next married Mary A. Fugate, 
who died in 1845, at the age of twenty-eight 
years, and later he wedded her sister, Martha J. 
I ugate, by whom he had two children: Grant, 
who died in infancy; and Martha, who died at 
the age- of i>ne year. The mother of these chil- 
dren passed away at Altoona, Penn., in 1892, at 
the age of sixty-four. 

Our subject was provided with very meagre 
educational privileges, being able to attend school 
for only about a year and a half. He remained 
tinder the parental roof until his marriage, March 
2;. 1855, to Miss" Elizabeth J. Cooper. Ten 
children graced their union, namely: Martha M . 
who died at the age of twelve years; Frances A., 
wife of W. P. Parsons, .1 i. inner of Huston town- 
ship; Mary E., wife of Rev. S. J. Taylor, of 
Berlin, Somerset Co.. Penn.; Elmer E. , a mer- 
chant of Julian, Centre county; Emma, wife of 
Rev. L. N. Fleck, of Stoyestown, Somerset 
count} , Grant, who died at the age of one y 
Lillie L, wife of <>. F. Steverson, a farmer of 
Patton township, Centre county; Ollie M., at 
home; Curtis I)., who died at the age of seven- 
teen years; and Verrus G., at home. 

Mrs. Henderson was born in County Down. 
Ireland, December 5, 1835, ana " was tne on 'y 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



205 



child of Thomas and Mary (Reed) Cooper, also 
natives of the Emerald Isle. By occupation the 
father was a fisherman, and was drowned in 1836 
during a big storm. In 1848 the mother and 
daughter crossed the Atlantic, taking up their 
residence in Buffalo Run, Centre Co., Penn. 
During the last forty years of her life Mrs. 
Cooper found a pleasant home with our subject, 
where she passed away in 1893. Mrs. Hender- 
son is also deceased. She was an earnest, de- 
vout Christian, a true and faithful wife and ten- 
der mother. She left many friends who deeply 
mourn her taking away, as her quiet, unassum- 
ing manner and pleasant ways endeared her to al' 
with whom she came in contact. 

After his marriage, Mr. Henderson rented a 
farm in Bald Eagle Valley for two years, which 
he operated during the summer season, in the 
winter working in the lumber woods. For the 
following two years he lived upon a rented farm 
in Patton township, and then removed to a rented 
place in the lower end of the county, but while 
there purchased a farm in Huston township. 
However, he went to Julian Furnace, where for 
three years he conducted a hotel, and on selling 
out there purchased the large " Hotel Elsworth," 
in Osceola, Clearfield Co., Penn., which he con- 
ducted from 1867 until 1875. On the 20th of 
May of the latter year it was destroyed by fire, 
which also reduced to ashes eight other buildings 
belonging tooursubject, thus causing a heavy loss. 
The previous January, he had been appointed, by 
President Grant, postmaster at Osceola, which 
position he filled for three years and a half, when 
he resigned and began the cultivation of his pres- 
ent farm in Huston township, Centre county. 
Here he made his home from May, 1877, until 
1894, when he went to the village of Julian, 
where in the spring of 1889 he had opened the 
mercantile establishment now conducted by his 
son. The building was destroyed by fire in May, 
1896, but business was at once resumed at an- 
other location. In the spring of the same year, 
Mr. Henderson returned to his farm, but leaves 
its management to his son, and after a long life 
of toil is now calmly resting from his labors. In 
the flood of 1889, which caused so much damage 
in Centre county, he lost considerable, but he 
has steadily overcome all the difficulties and trials 
that have beset his path, and is enjoying a com- 
fortable competence which is well deserved. 

Mr. Henderson has served his fellow citizens 
in the capacity of school director twenty-eight 
years, mayor of Osceola one year, tax collector 
of Huston township, and county commissioner 
six years, the duties of which he discharged with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 



constituents. Although an ardent Republican, 
and the county strongly Democratic, he was 
elected county commissioner with a majority of 
739, which fact plainly indicates his popularity, 
and the confidence and trust the people repose in, 
him. For twenty years he was the efficient 
president of the school board, and was treasurer 
two years. He is a devoted Christian, a faithful 
worker in his Master's vineyard, and the poor 
and needy always find in him a friend. 



ICHAEL MILLER, a highly respected resi- 
dent of Madisonburg, Centre county, is 
one of the genial, kind-hearted men whose influ- 
ence is a power for good in any community. An 
able business man and an active promoter of all. 
lines of local progress, he well deserves mention 
in this work. 

Mr. Miller belongs to a well-known pioneer 
family, his grandfather, Michael Miller, having 
come from the southern part of the State at an 
early day to settle upon a farm in Centre county,, 
at Pine Creek, where John Miller, our subject's 
father, was born and reared. Starting in life 
with but little help from his father, John Miller 
made his way through his own efforts to a place 
of prominence among the agriculturists of the 
county. His first farm was in Walker township, 
and at one time he owned three farms, his estate 
being inventoried, at his death, at about $30,000. 
Although farming was his chief occupation, he 
did much profitable work in threshing in the days 
of the small horse-power machines, and while 
the canal was in process of construction he was 
engaged in butchering. He was a Democrat in 
politics, but neither sought nor held public office. 
In early manhood he was united in marriage with' 
Miss Eve Bartholemew, who, like himself, was a 
devout member of the Reformed Church, in 
which he held office for many yeaFS. Both died 
at Hublersburg, Centre county, the father at the 
age of seventy-three, the mother when sixty- 
eight, and their remains were laid to- their final 
rest at that place. They had eleven children, 
of whom nine lived to adult age: Catherine 
married Gideon Dunblazer, and died in Clinton 
county; Henry died in Walker township, Centre 
county; John, a farmer, is living in semi-retire- 
ment at Hublersburg; Eliza is the widow of Dr. 
Samuel Adams, of Illinois; Fannie married Ben- 
jamin Reich, and died at Jacksonville, Penn. ; 
Sarah married Job Long, of Clinton county; 
Michael and Mary were twins, the former being 
our subject, and the latter now the widow of 
Samuel Goodhart, of Centre Hall; Amelia A. 



2oe 



VOMMKAf'UiA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UK< ORD. 



married (first) John Stover, and (second) Amos 
Ertly, of Jacksonville. 

Michael Miller, our subject, was born May 
12, 1838, at the old home in Walker township, 
litre county, and his education was such as 
the schools of the district then afforded, compris- 
ing only "the three Ks. " As the son of a thrifty 
farmer, his time was well employed at home, and 
he did much hard work in his youth although he 
was not of large build. On March 16, 1862, he 
was married in Clinton county to Miss Sarah 
Brungart, who was born March 29, 1840, the 
•daughter of George Brungart, a leading farmer 
of that county, and his wife, Elizabeth (Wol- 
ford). During the first four years of his married 
life Mr. Miller rented the home farm from his 
father, but in the spring of 1866 he bought, at a 
cost "( $6,000, a farm of eighty-three acres in 
Miles township, Centre county, known as the 
George Shaffer farm. He made his home there 
until 1880, when he sold the place and purchased 
the " old Schmeltzer farm " near Madisonburg. 
In the spring of 1886 he removed to that town, 
where he has since resided, and at the same time 
he bought an eighty-three-acre farm in the same 
township, on which he built a new house, now 
occupied by his son, George E. In addition to 
this property and his fine residence in town, he 
owns 107 acres of mountain land. 

Mr and Mrs. Miller have had seven children, 
whose names, with dates of birth, are as follows 
Mary I., June 23, 1863, died January 19, 1868; 
George E., October 25, 1864, is a prosperous 
farmer in Miles township; Sarah K., November 
23, 1865, married Clark Gramly, of Miles town- 
ship, Centre county; Klmira M , August 1 1, 1867, 
married Charles Smull, of Rebersburg; Maggie 
H . , March 1 1 , 1869, died at the age of eight* ■■ n . 
Minnie E., October II, 1873, and Bertha G., 
April 16, 1880, are at home. Mrs. Miller is a 
Lutheran in religion, but our subject is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church, in which he has 
been a deacon and is now an elder. He is a 
steadfast supporter of Democratic principles, and 
has been supervisor and overseer of the poor, 
while as school director he has done effective 
work in securing for later generations the educa- 
tional advantages of which he was deprived in 
his youth 



JONATHAN SPANGLER. The Spangler 
homestead near Kebersburg, Centre counts, 
has now been in the possession of that fam- 
ily for more than a century, and its present occu- 
pant, the subject of this sketch, is the third 
owner indirect line of descent from its original 



purchaser, Christopher Spangler, who made his 

I home there in 1794 or '95. This pioneer was 
born in Moore township, Northampton Co., 
Penn., May 17, 1766, and lived for some time in 

' early manhood in Union county, Penn., east of 

' New Berlin, before locating at the present home- 
stead. He bought the interest of George Hoerr- 
ner in the tract, and was the first settler, al- 
though a log cabin stood thereat the time of the 

I purchase. 

George Christopher Spangler, the father of 
Christopher, was born in Prussia, and came to 
Brush Valley some time after this settlement, ac- 

l companied by three other sons. They were: 
Henry, who was a pioneer settler in Su;;ar Val- 

; ley, locating near the present site of Tylersville; 

I George, who went to Ohio; and Peter, who was 
the first settler in Bald Eagle Valley, later mov- 
ing to Ohio. Another son, John, settled along 
the Sinnamahoning. 

Christopher Spangler always lived at the 
present homestead, and he died there February 
21, 1855, aged eighty-nine years. His wife, 
Anna Margaret (nee Knder), died July 14, 1832, 
and both were buried in the Reformed cemetery 
at Rebersburg. He was a powerful man, well 
built and robust, and, while farming was his chief 
occupation in Centre county, he also followed 
weaving at times, having learned the trade in 
youth. He was a man of strong convictions — 
moral, religious and political — and fearlessly car- 
ried them out. The Sabbath breaker and the 
tippler slunk away at his approach. The pro- 
fane man and the bully subsided into silence as 
he passed, all evil-doers dreading his reproof. 
He was unusually intelligent, and was a warm 
friend of education, heartily supporting the com- 
mon-school system when that question was sub- 
mitted to a vote of the people. At one time he 
was a Lutheran, but in 1806 he united with the 
Evangelical Association, in which he became a 
leader. He was well versed in Scrip 1 ure, and at 
one time was a local preacher. His house, which 
was built in 1805. was a rendezvous for preach 
and services were often held there before any 
churches were erected. In politics he was a 
stanch Democrat, and he voted regularly, con- 
sidering it a duty. His family consisted of ten 
children, as follows: Samuel and Jacob died in 
Potter township, Centre county; the third child 
(name not known) was drowned in the water 
trough at home; Jonathan, Sr. , is mentioned 
more fully below; Anna M. married Conrad 
Hare; Susan married Solomon Gerheart; Magda 
lena married Jacob Wise; Christina married a 
Mr. Evans; Esther married John Betts; and K< 
becca married Jacob Kreamer. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



207 



Jonathan Spangler was born in 1803, on the 
same farm and in the same house in which his 
son, our subject, now resides. He was reared 
as a farmer boy, with such schooling as his time 
and locality afforded. His education was prac- 
tical and mainly self-acquired, and, as he was 
fond of reading and had a good memory, he be- 
came conversant with the issues of his day in 
Church and State. His hearing was deficient, 
or he would doubtless have taken the same in- 
terest in Church affairs which was shown by his 
father, as he was a devout member of the Evan- 
gelical Church and a prominent contributor. His 
word was as good as his note, his promise for 
anything being all that his friends would ask. 
Intoxicating drinks had in him a bitter enemy, 
and he was the first farmer in his locality to 
abolish the use of the whiskey jug in the harvest 
field. In politics he was a Democrat until 1862, 
when he became a Republican, and his change 
was the occasion of much surprise at the time. 
He held office in Miles township, and took in- 
terest in the success of the part}', keeping always 
well posted on issues. Progressive and enter- 
prising in his own affairs, he was no less so in 
advocating good roads and other improvements. 
He owned a large farm, which he has partially 
cleared, and was one of the leading agriculturists 
in his township. 

Jonathan Spangler, Sr. , was married in Union 
•county, Penn., to Miss Catharine Maize, of Union 
county, the daughter of Michael Maize, a well- 
known farmer. The children of this union were 
Reuben, who died in Stephenson county, 111. ; 
Matilda, who married George Dauberman, and 
died in Kane county, 111. ; Ira, who died in Brush 
Valley, at the age of twenty years; Margaret, 
who married Benjamin Gramley, and died in 
1895, in Kane county, 111.; Charles, who died 
when nineteen years old in Miles township; 
Simon, now of Harvey county, Kans. ; Jonathan, 
our subject; Anna B., now the widow of Perry 
Condo, of Jacksonville, Penn. ; Edward, of Kane 
county, 111. ; and Uriah, of Harvey county, Kans. 
The mother died February 24, 1857, and her re- 
mains were interred in Rebersburg in the family 
burial plat. The father married a second wife, 
Rebecca Lutz, of Penn Valley, who died in May, 
1888, leaving no children. The father breathed 
his last November 4, 1888. 

Jonathan Spangler, the subject proper of 
this sketch, was born April 26, 1842, at the old 
homestead. He attended the Gramley school 
during boyhood, and later studied a short time 
at New Berlin. He has seen great impsovements 
in the schools, and heartily endorses them. He 
was reared as a farmer boy according to the cus- 



tom of his time, and remained at home except 
for one winter, when he lived with his sister, 
Mrs. Dauberman. 

Mr. Spangler was married December 25, 1863, 
to Miss Sarah A. Condo, a native of Aaronsburg, 
and a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Poorman) 
Condo, and they went to housekeeping on the 
old Spangler farm, where they now live. At 
first Mr. Spangler rented the farm, and they lived 
three years in the tenant house; but in 1835 he 
bought the homestead, the property comprising 
117 acres of tillable land, and some that is still 
in a primitive condition. He has a pleasant 
home, and six children who are unusually tal- 
ented: Charles C, of Filmore county, Neb., is 
a teacher. Joseph E. is a farmer of Centre Hill. 
Ira, now of Sullivan county, Penn., is a minister 
of the United Evangelical Church. Catherine 
resides in Nebraska, and is not married. Annie 
is the wife of O. F. Stover, of Miles township. 
Agnes L. is at home. 

Mr. Spangler's first vote was cast, in 1864, 
for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time he has 
been a stanch supporter of Republican doctrines, 
but always looks to principle, however, more 
than partisan ties. He is an enemy to the liquor 
traffic, and hopes to see it abolished. He and 
his wife are active members of the United Evan- 
gelical Church, and he has served in various 
offices, having been a class leader for ten or 
twelve years, and at present he is assistant super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school. Reading is a 
favorite pastime with him, and, while his mem- 
ory is not especially retentive, he is familiar with 
many more topics than the average man. He is 
one of the best citizens as well as a substantial 
farmer, and kindliness is a prominent and at- 
tractive characteristic with him. 



J S. DAUBERMAN, who to-day occupies alead- 
ing position in business circles, is one to 
whom prosperity has come in return for un- 
tiring labor, enterprises and well-managed busi- 
ness interests. He is identified with the agricult- 
ural, industrial and commercial interests of 
Centre county, and wherever known is held in 
high regard, for his business record is most hon- 
orable, and his private life is above reproach. 

Mr. Dauberman was born in Potter township, 
Centre county, near Sinking Creek, October 26, 
1832, and is of German lineage, his grandfather, 
Israel Dauberman, having been a native of the 
German Empire. He became the founder of the 
family in America, and his son John was the first 
of the name to locate in Centre county. The 
latter was one of the first agriculturists in Penn's 



•_., ifi 



COMMKMOliATIVK BIOGRAPHICAL HKCOllh. 



Valley. He owned considerable land in Potter 
township; and was widely known as a substantial 
farmer and prominent citizen. In his boy- 
hood he learned the cabinet-making and car- 
penter's trades, and could also follow blacksmith- 
ing with good success, so that several industries 
contributed to his prosperity. He was tin- prin- 
cipal donator to the building fund of the first 
church at Egg Hill; in politics he supported the 
Democratic party. He married Margaret Hah rn. 
who lived to be seventy-six years of age, he dying 
at the age of eighty-one, and they were buried 
in Egg Hill cemetery. John Dauberman, the 
father of our subject, was the eldest of their 
family; a daughter became the wile of Mr. Shreff- 
ler, and died in Illinois; Margaret married Sam- 
uel Spangler, and died in Potter township; Polly 
married Michael Dillman, and died in Plainfield, 
Illinois. 

John Dauberman, the father "I our subject, 
was born in 1800, and acquired a good practical 
education, for after attending the public schools 
he spent one term in study at Millheim. He 
possessed resourceful business ability, and w as 
an energetic farmer, also carrying on the foun- 
dry business when his father retired from that in- 
dustry. He always lived on what is known as 
the Dauberman homestead, with the exception 
of three years spent on a farm near by. His 
later life was passed in retirement from active 
business cares, save the management of his prop- 
erty interests. He then traveled to a considera- 
ble extent over the country, and made a number 
of investments in Western lands, mostly .in Kane 
county, III. He married Catherine Swartz, <>f 
Penn township, a representative of an old fam- 
ily, and their children are Sarah, who married 
Isaac Tressler, and died in Oak Hall, Penn. ; 
Margaret, widow of John Rishel, of Centre Hall; 
George, who died in Kane county, III.; Cath- 
erine, who died in childhood; and J. S. , of this 
review. The father was a man five feet, eight 
inches in height, and during most of his life was 
a hard worker, accumulating a competence as 
the result of his industry and frugality. He died 
when about seventy-seven ye tge; his wife 

had passed away previously when about seventy- 
five years ol age. Their remains were intei 
in Egg I lill cemetery. 

J. S. Dauberman, oui subject, began his edu- 
cation in the Egg Hill school under the guidance 
o| William Toner, who belonged to a famih that 
furnished a number of teachers to that school. 
He received good advantages for the time, and 
on the home farm received ample training in the 
labors required in the cultivation of the field. 
He was also a natural mechanic, and without in- 



struction learned the cabinet maker's trade. He 
was married December 27, 1X59, to Mary E. 
Goodheart, who was born in Mifflin county, 
Penn., July 50, 1836, the only daughter of John 
and Martha (McEwen) Goodheart, who came to 
Centre county when Mrs. Dauberman was a girl. 
Her maidenhood was there passed, and her edu- 
cation was obtained in the public schools. 

Mr. Dauberman began his domestic life upon 
the old homestead, where he followed farming 
and also did much mechanical work in the line 
of cabinet making, carpenterinp; and blacksmith- 
ing. He shod his own horses, and even manu- 
factured the horse-shoe nails. These pur- 
suits occupied his attention until 1890, when in 
connection with his son he embarked in the fur- 
niture and undertaking business, in Centre Hall, 
as successors to William Camp. After a few 
years, however, the firm became Dauberman & 
Goodheart, and in 1895 our subject became sole 
proprietor. He still owns 150 acres of land 
which he rents. A man of broad capabilities, 
resourceful and persevering, his able manage- 
ment has brought to him prosperity. He is a 
member of the executive committee in charge of 
the Central Hall picnic grounds, of which he e 
superintendent. He purchased one of the first 
kerosene lamps used in Penn's Valley. He is a 
stanch Democrat in politics, has served in nu- 
merous township offices, and has been street com- 
missioner of Centre Hall. He belongs to the 
Grange, and to the Evangelical Church, in which 
and in the Sunday-school he has held various 
offices, while for several years he was superin- 
tendent of the Union Sunday-school at Egg Hill 
His wife is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dauberman have two children 
J. G., born March 10, 1862, is now proprietor 
of the Centre Hall Meat Supply Co.; Laura M 
born January 13, 1864. became the wife ol 
Charles Knarr, and died March 9, 1885, leaving 
on, John II., who has made his home with 
his grandfather since four months old. Mr 
Dauberman removed to Centre Hall in March. 
1887, and m that year erected his substantial 
brick residence. His career has been straight- 
forward and manly in all the relations of life, and 
he well deserves representation in an) histo 
Centre county, 



MILLER S I I.W \KT. M. I)., ol Poll -• 
entre county, has been one of the 
-t important factors in promoting tin d 
lent of the great lumber interests of this - 
tion ol Pennsylvania, and belongs to that 




\ VV> S\\N*Ww 




/TtOc&u* J/e 



c' / * fZ<L 



u 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



209 



of typical American citizens whose business 
careers not only advance their individual pros- 
perity, but add to the public welfare also. There 
is much in his life that should serve as an inspi- 
ration and encouragement to others, for his 
career is that of a self-made man — one who has 
been the architect of his own fortunes and has 
builded wisely and well. 

Dr. Stewart was born at Penn Manor, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Penn., October 1, 1819, a son of 
Robert and Margaret (Miller) Stewart, natives of 
Scotland and Ireland, respectively. The pater- 
nal grandparents always remained in the former 
country. They were representatives of the old 
Stewart family, famous in Scottish history. Both 
the maternal grandparents were centenarians at 
the time of death. The parents of the Doctor 
met and married in Huntingdon county, where 
the father purchased from the agent of William 
Penn 300 acres of land, paying for it seven 
pounds and three shillings. There he remained 
until his death in 1 820, and was extensively en- 
gaged in farming. The mother died on the old 
homestead in 1886, at the age of eighty-seven 
years, she having, after the death of Mr. Stewart, 
married Elisha Green. Their children were: 
John, who died at the age of seventy-seven 
years; James, who died aged eighty-two years; 
David, who died aged seventeen years; William, 
who died at the age of seventy-six; Margaret, 
who married Benjamin Burns, and died at the 
home of our subject, at the age of seventy- 
three; and Miller, the subject of this review. 

At the age of eighteen years Dr. Stewart 
started out in life for himself as a clerk to the 
prothonotary of Huntingdon. In 1839 he se- 
cured a clerkship in the collector's office at Hol- 
lidaysburg, and in the fall of 1841 entered the 
Allegheny Literary College, where he pursued 
his studies for a year. He then went to Hunt- 
ingdon, and in 1842 began reading medicine 
under the direction of Dr. William Swope, at 
Huntingdon, after which he took a course in 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where 
he was graduated in the spring of 1845. Re- 
turning to Huntingdon county, Dr. Stewart en- 
gaged in practice there until 1849, then spent 
one year in traveling in the West, and in 185 1 
established a home at Fairmont, Marion Co., 
Va., where he practiced until January, 1854. 
At that time he came to Snow Shoe township, 
Centre county, and became interested in the de- 
velopment of the lumber business, in connection 
with his brother William, the business relation 
between them existing until the latter's death in 
1886. Subsequently the Doctor increased his 
operations, conducting an extensive enterprise in 

14 



that line until 1889, when, his labors having 
brought to him an ample fortune, he retired to 
private life. In 1879, while working in a saw- 
mill, he had four of the fingers of his right hand 
cut off by a buzz-saw, after which he learned to- 
use his left hand in writing. 

On September 29, 1853, Dr. Stewart wedded 
Miss Patsy E. Shaw, a native of George Creek, 
AlleganyCo., Md., born in February, 1833. Her 
parents, Major William and Patsy (Burns) Shaw, 
were natives of Maryland, and their parents of 
England, whence at an early day they came to 
America, locating in Maryland. Major Shaw's 
children were: William and James, both de- 
ceased; John, a farmer of Iowa; Andrew, who is 
living on the old homestead in Maryland; Mrs. 
Stewart; Margaret, wife of Samuel Rees, a 
farmer and cattle dealer of West Virginia; Henry 
C, a farmer of West Virginia; and Benjamin, a 
physician, now deceased. 

The children of Dr. and Mrs. Stewart are 
William, who is engaged in the canning of salm- 
on, in Seattle, Wash.; Walter S., a physician 
of Wilkesbarre, Penn. ; David, who is living with 
his parents; Mary E., wife of J. B. Miller, a phy- 
sician of Westernport, Md.; De Laune G., a 
dentist; Margaret Ann, who is living with her 
brother Walter; and Robert F. , of Seattle, 
Washington. • 

In 1864 Dr. Stewart erected his present 
handsome and commodious residence. He is 
heavily interested in Pennsylvania Railroad stock, 
but aside from looking after his investments has 
no active business interests. In politics he is a 
stalwart Republican. The spirit of self-help is 
the source of all genuine worth in the individual, 
and it is this that has brought to him prosperity. 



|JfILLIAM STEWART, late of Snow Shoe, 
Centre county, was a brother of Dr. 
Miller Stewart, who is now a resident of that lo- 
cality, and a son of Robert and Margaret (Miller) 
Stewart, whose lives were passed in Huntingdon 
county, Pennsylvania. 

William Stewart was born at the Stewart 
homestead in Huntingdon county, December 1, 
181 1. He received only a limited education, 
and began his business career as a clerk in a 
general store at Huntingdon in the employ of 
Thomas Reed. From this store of Mr. Reed, 
young Stewart went into the office of the pro- 
thonotary of Huntingdon county, in the same 
county. He was a good penman, became a 
quick and accurate clerical man. and after the 
election of Governor David R. Porter to the guber- 
natorial chair was chosen by that gentleman as 



210 



00 i/i//. l/o/;. i TIVB HKXiRAl'IIKAL RECORD. 



his private secretary, which t< >< >k him to Harris- 
burg, Penn. After years of service in this capac- 
ity be went to Nanticoke, this Stat'-, as business 
manager of the Governor's affairs. In 1849 he 
came to Snow Shoe in search of health, his con- 
stitution having been somewhat impaired by pre- 
vious confinement at close office work. Here he 
bought a large tract of timber land in connec- 
tion with John S. Miller, who sold out to Robert 
Dorsey, and it is said built the first Steam sawmill 
inCentre county. These gentlemen carried on an 
extensive business in the sawing of lumber and 
in the shipment of square timber. Until the 
completion of the Snow Shoe and Bellefonte 
railroad they rafted their logs and sawed lumber 
to market via the Moshannon creek and Sus- 
quehanna river. In January, 1854.1 the interest 
of Mr. Dorsey was purchased by Dr. Miller 
Stewart, and since that time up to the death of 
William, the Stewart brothers conducted a most 
extensive and successful lumbering business, and 
accumulated a large fortune. They usually 
rafted from one to one and one-half mill- 
ion feet of lumber annually. William's death 
occurred at his home in Snow Shoe, May 5, 
1SS6. He was quite a philanthropist, giving 
liberally of his wealth where he thought it would 
do good and relieve distress. He was most 
kind and charitable, and died as he lived, uni- 
versally respected and esteemed. The older 
Stewarts were formed) Democratic in their polit- 
ical affiliations, but with the beginning of the 
Civil war they became Republicans, and William 
u as no exception. He nevei married, 



A 



r^ LBERT C MINGLE, the well-known re- 
tail boot and shoe dealer of Bellefonte, 
Centre county, is a representative of the best 
type of American citizenship, his public spirit be- 
ing no less noticeable than is his ability and en- 
terprise in business In 

The history of the Mingle family is one in- 
teresting in many respects. It dates back into 
another century, and is closely connected with 
the development oi the country from that time 
to the present day. They were among the first 
to settle in Pennsylvania, and, at the time of 
then coming here, the State was still under the 
English rule. This was in 1732 when the first of 
the Mingle familj settled in Berks county. In 
1S02, the great-grandfather of A. C. Mingle, the 
subject of our sketch, located in Union county, 
His son David, who was still quite young, ac- 
companied by a brother, joined the army during 
the war of 1X12, David becoming a member ol 
• Henry Miller's company, stationed at Mar- 



cus Hook. At the close of the war he learned 
the art of shoemaking, and later married a Miss 
Grove, of Union county, a member of the fam- 
ily noted for their prowess in battling with the In- 
dians. About the year 1823 he settled in Mifflin- 
burg, but later moved to Haines township, Centre 
county, where he lived until 1854. He then 
went to Stephenson county, III., remaining there 
to the time of his death, in 1S72. He had 
tweKe children, and was twice married, his first 
wife dying in Centre county. The children of 
the tirst wife were: Henry A., the father of our 
subject: Samuel, a boot and shoe maker, who 
died some years ago at Lock Haven, Penn., and 
Susan Mot/, who died at Woodward, Penn., De- 
cember 1 1, 1897. 

Henry A., the father of Albert C. Mingle. 
was born at MifHinburg in the year 181 8, and. 
when he was but two or three years old, his fa- 
ther moved to Centre county. At the age of 
fourteen years Henry worked with his father at 
the trade of shoemaking, going, as was the cus- 
; torn at that time, from house to house, making 
and repairing shoes for the farmers and their 
I families. When about twenty-one years old he 
settled in Aaronsburg, bought a home, and there 
1 lived until the year 1891, when he died. He fol- 
[ lowed his trade as a shoemaker until 1865 when 
i he engaged in mercantile business for a number of 
\ years. While still quite young, he was for B?i 
years captain of the Patriotic Riflemen; was jus- 
| tice of the peace for eighteen years; held nearly 
all of the township offices during different periods 
of his life, and after retiring from the mercantile 
business, was elected county commissioner, which 
office he creditably filled for three years. He 
was a man who had the respect and confidence 
of all who knew him, and throughout his entire 
life was a consistent member of the Reformed 
Church. 

He was married to Miss Eve Bower, who still 
survives him. Her family, who are of Sv. 
origin, settled in Lebanon county at an eai 
date, and from that point the grandfather of Mi- 
Mingle moved to Penn's Valley, < entre county, 
and bi I the first settlers of the Val- 

lej where numerous of his descendants still live. 
Henry A. Mingle raised five children: Will- 
iam B , who since 1873 has been cashier of the 
Penn's Valley Banking Company at Centre Hall; 
Dr. D. H., a practicing physician at Maxwell, 
Iowa; Thomas J., who is in the employ of the 
Singer Sewing Machine Co., at Minneapolis, 
Minn ; Albeit C, the subject of our sketch, and 
Edward Ci.. who lives with his mother at the old 
homestead. 

Albnt > Mingle was born at Varonsburg, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



211 



Penn., September 26, 1854. He received a 
thorough education in the public schools and the 
Aaronsburg Academy. At the age of eighteen 
vears he was apprenticed to the printer's trade 
on the Millheim Journal, which at that time was 
published in both English and German, thus 
giving him an excellent training in the two 
languages. After serving his time at the case, 
he abandoned the trade of printing and accepted 
a position in the mercantile establishment of 
William Wolf, at Centre Hall, Penn., where he 
remained for five years. Being desirous of em- 
barking in business for himself, he moved to 
Bellefonte, and opened his present establishment. 
Strict attention to business and honest dealings 
have placed him among the foremost of the busi- 
ness men in Bellefonte. His success in life, 
however, has not been achieved without hard 
work, but with an untiring energy, and a practi- 
cal knowledge of what is essential in his respect- 
ive calling, he has built up for himself a busi- 
ness and a name of which he can well feel 
proud. 

In 1882 he was married to Miss Maggie Hof- 
fer, of Centre Hall, Penn., and his home is now 
graced by a charming wife and two bright daugh- 
ters, Helen and Roxie. While never aspiring to 
public office, he was several years ago elected 
mayor of the Republican city of Bellefonte, on 
the Democratic ticket, and at the present time is 
a member of the Bellefonte school board. So- 
cially he is also prominent, being a Mason, Royal 
Arch Mason, and a Knight Templar, also a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. In all of these Societies 
he is a past officer, and has represented them all 
in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. 



7|NL 



HARTER, the able and efficient 
_ postmaster at Coburn, Centre county, and 
I president of the Millheim & Coburn Pike Com- 
I pany, is a man whose exemplary life and upright 
I dealings with his fellowmen have won for him 
that priceless treasure — a good name. Prosper- 
ous also in a material sense, he stands among 
the leading business men of his section, while his 
j generous interest in the progress of the com- 
munity has been demonstrated in many ways. 
Mr. Harter was born in Penn township, 
j Centre county, March 7, 1839, and is the third 
in direct and consecutive order to bear the same 
name. Andrew Harter, his grandfather, was a 
1 farmer in Haines township. Centre county; An- 
drew Harter, our subject's father, was born there 
July 31, 1802, and was educated in the German 
schools of that day and locality. 

On arriving at manhood's estate the latter re- 



ceived from his father, who had but little means 
beyond his modest home, about $150 worth of 
goods, and with this outfit he set up a home of 
his own, taking unto himself a wife, Catherine 
Moyer, who was born in 1808 in Lebanon county, 
Penn. Her father, George Moyer, a farmer, 
settled in Haines township, Centre county, when 
she was but a child, and his remaining days were 
spent there. Our subject's father first rented a 
farm in his native township with a brother-in- 
law, Henry Moyer, but later removed to Penn 
township, Centre county, and rented land from 
James Duncan. He was an energetic man and 
capable of much work, being six feet, one and 
one-half inches in height, and very wiry and mus- 
cular, and each year saw an improvement in his 
financial condition. In time he purchased the 
farm in the same township, which is now owned 
by our subject, but he never became very 
wealthy. He could never refuse a favor, and his 
generosity was often imposed upon. He and his 
estimable wife were both members of the Luth- 
eran Church, and in politics he adhered to the 
Democratic faith, taking much interest in party- 
work, and serving in various township offices. 
He died suddenly at the age of fifty-nine, and his 
wife passed away when sixty-four years old, the 
remains of both being interred at Aaronsburg. 

They had ten children: Polly, who died in 
infancy; Catherine (Mrs. Philip Shook), of Gregg 
township, Centre county; Sarah (Mrs. Henry 
Behm), of Haines township, Centre county; John 
M., of Coburn; Julia A. (Mrs. Henry Stemm), of 
Illinois; Margaret (Mrs Jacob Sanders), of Penn 
township, Centre county; Andrew, our subject; 
Harriet (Mrs. Daniel Geutzel), of Gregg town- 
ship; George M. , of Potter township, Centre 
county; and Jacob M., of Coburn. 

The schools in which our subject received his 
education were not of the best, and he felt deeply 
the need of wider opportunities. But his parents 
needed his help on the farm, for although not the 
oldest he was much depended upon, so he virtu- 
ally sacrificed his future in order to assist at 
home. When his father died, Mr. Harter and a 
brother-in-law, Mr. Shook, were appointed ad- 
ministrators. The business affairs were in a 
much more complicated state than they probably 
would have been had the sad event been antici- 
pated, and in order to meet certain urgent obliga- 
tions against the homestead, Mr. Harter rented 
it, and by hard work and good management se- 
cured the money in time. Later he and his 
brother George bought the place, which contains 
156 acres, and conducted it in partnership until 
the brother sold his interest, purchasing a farm 
adjoining. Since that time Andrew Harter has 



212 



00M.VE.V0J1A VIVE IIIOGHAI'IIICA I. liEColU). 



been the sole owner. He has a comfortable com- 
petence gained by methods which enable- him to 
look any man in the face with no fear of any ac- 
cusation of dishonesty. In April, 1893, he re- 
moved with his family to Coburn, where he owns 
a good home, one of the finest in the place. 

In April, 1863, Mr. Harter was married, in 
Haines township, Centre county, to Miss Cath- 
erine Kleckner, who was born Februar) g, 1843, 
in Hartley township, I nion * . Penn. She was 
the second child and daughter in the family of 
seven children born to Joseph and Sail. 
Kleckner. Her father died during her girlhood, 
and at the time of her marriage she was em- 
ployed as a domestic. Three children have been 
born of this marriage: (1) George A., a physi- 
cian of Maytown, Lancaster Co., Penn., and a 
graduate "1 Susquehanna University and Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia; he married Libbie 
Gaugler. of Selins Grove, Snyder county, a daugh- 
ter of Jackson Gaugler, a railroad contractor, 
and they have three children — Charles Andrew, 
Marie Catherine and Helen <■. (2) Andrew J., 
a music dealei and accomplished musician at Al- 
toona, Penn., of the First Lutheran Church of 
which city he is organist; he received his musical 
education in part at the New England Conserva- 
tory "f Music, Boston, Mass., where he studied 
two years; on December 4, 1890, he married 
Miss Sallie I! Shirk, who was horn in Potter 
township January 8, 1867, a daughter of Joseph 
and Agnes (Shires] Shirk, farming people; Mis. 
Harter died December ro, 1 896, leaving two chil- 
dren — May Kathleen, hi .in May 1. [892, and 
James Andrew, born August 17. 1894. (3) [at 
E. is a professorol musii al Coburn; he also was 
a student at the New England ( onservatorj ol 
Music at Boston; he married Jennie Hosterman 
February (2, 1 S 9 1 ; he is at present engaged in 
the mercantile business, at Coburn, Penn. . | I 
ent tax collector of Penn township; and has I 
officer and organist in the Lutheran Church since 
1890. Mi Hartei has given his sons much more 
favorable opportunity for education than he 
himself enjoyed, and they have proven t hem-elves 

worthy of their advantages. All OCCUp) honora- 
ble position- in their respectivec munities, and 

are active in Church affairs and in all progressive 
movements 1 >l the day. 

Mr. 1 1. uter, himself, is a leading workei in 
the Lutheran denomination in his locality. While 
attending the Millheim Church, he held the ol 
of deacon, and he is now an elder in the Coburn 
congregation. He has always been a liberal 
giver, and was the I I toward the 

new church at Coburn. He is much interested 
in local affairs ol even sort, and as .1 leading 



stockholder in the Millheim & Coburn turnpike 
and as president of the company has been a 
factor in the success of that enterprise. He be- 
longs to the Grange, and is prominent in the 
councils of the Democratic party, having held 
numerous township offices, including those of 
auditor and supervisor. In September, 1893, he 
was appointed postmaster at Coburn, and has 
since discharged the duties of the place with 
characteristic fidelity . He has always been a 
leader in musical advancement, and to his un- 
tiring efforts are due many of the grand musical 
successes for which the community, in which he 
lives, is noted. His characteristic energy and 
determination have always made of him a leader 
and not a follower, and among his neighbors he 
has many friends and few enemies. 



L. CARLISLE, M. I). It is not everj 
A~.L professional man who finds in his own na- 
tive place, and among his old-time acquaint- 
ances, .the best field lor the efforts of matun 
yens, and that Dr. Carlisle, a rising young phy- 
sician of Philipsburg, Centre county, should thus 
tempt fate, and win success under circumstances 
usually considered most trying, is evideno 
more than ordinary ability and worth. 

Dr. Carlisle was horn December 28, 1862 
and is a son of Samuel and Martha (Lorain) 1 
lisle, who died when he was a child of less than 
three years, Samuel Carlisle was a native of 
this State, and came to Philipsburg from Cham- 
bersburg in early manhood to engage in mercan- 
tile business. The Doctor's mother, who was 
horn in Centre county, was a granddaughtei 
Philipsburg's honored pioneer, John Lorain 
and his wife Martha, both native- ol Maryland 
Thomas Lorain ra'ndfathei of M rs. ( 

lisle, commanded the ship in which he cam' 
America, and, locating in Maryland at an earl) 
period in its history, took a leading part in tb< 
development of the place, in which he settl 
Dr. Henry Lorain. Mi- Carlisle's father, 
born in Maryland, but locating in Clearfield 
county be< ime one ol the most prominent phj 
cians of that section, his practice extending 1 
a wide range of territory. He married Mi 
l iylor, a native of the county. 

Dr. Carlisle being left an orphan at such 
tender age, was taken in charge by his moth' 
brother. Major 1 tin, one of the abli 

and most noted sons ol Centre county. A k< 
and well-balanced intellect and rue execute 
ability, combined with a genial nature which won 
the lasting I of all sorts and conditions'ol 

men, gave him extraordinary influence His 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



213 



capabilities seemed almost limitless. As soldier, 
teacher, scientist, civil engineer, and inventor, he 
did work of permanent value. He was born in 
Philipsburg, August 5, 1831, and during his boy- 
hood, while studying civil engineering, he was 
offered a cadetship at West Point, which he ac- 
cepted. Entering in June, 1852, he was gradu- 
ated with honors in 1856, and received a com- 
mission as second lieutenant in the Third U. S. 
Artillery, his duties taking him to various points. 
At the outbreak of the Civil war he naturally 
took a post of responsibility, and in one of the 
first battles, that of Blackburn's Ford, Va., in 
July, 1861, he was severely wounded. He never 
entirely recovered (in fact his death was the re- 
sult of disease superinduced by the wound); but 
in March, 1862, he accepted a position as assist- 
ant in the chemical department at West Point, 
which he held for over eight years. He was 
offered several volunteer commands, but much as 
he desired to join the army in the field his phy- 
sical condition prohibited it. He received, how- 
ever, the brevet rank of captain for his gallant 
conduct at Blackburn's Ford, and later that of 
major was bestowed. On leaving West Point he 
was stationed at Fort Jefferson, Florida, as com- 
mander, and later at Charlestown, S. C, and 
then he took the chair of physics and mechanics 
at Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, Penn. His 
liking for military surroundings and connections 
led him to resign this position, and to refuse 
other important posts in different colleges. For 
a time he served at Fort Hamilton, New York 
Harbor, and later became an instructor in the 
United States Artillery School at Fortress Mon- 
roe, Va. , and remained until a short time before 
his death which occurred March 6, 1882, at Bal- 
timore, Md., while on sick leave. While at the 
school he made, or was instrumental in bringing 
about, many improvements, and he invented a 
gunsight, which bears his name. 

He left a widow, formerly Miss Fannie Mose- 
ley McDonald, of Washington, D. C, and two 
children: Henry McDonald, a mining engineer 
in Philipsburg, and Mertie M., wife of Lieut. E. 
A. Anderson, of the United States Navy. 

Under the fostering care of this noble man 
our subject passed his most impressionable 
years. The frequent changes of location had 
their educational effect, and he attended various 
schools also— one at Norfolk, Va. , the academy 
at Troy, N. Y., and a school at Gettysburg, 
Penn. In 1882 he became a clerk in the office 
of the Philipsburg Banking Company, and held 
the position ten years, resigning in 1892 to take 
a similar place in a coal company's office. He 
had by this time discovered his real bent, and 



after one year in the last position he entered the 
medical department of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, and in 1896 received the degree of M. 
D. Returning to Philipsburg, where he had 
long been deservedly popular, he began his pro- 
fessional labors. 



ICHAEL STROHM, of Centre Hill, Cen- 
tre county, has rounded the Psalmist's 
span of " three-score years and ten," and in his 
declining years can look back over a well-spent 
life, honorable in both business and social rela- 
tions. Such a career has won him the unqualified 
respect of all with whom he has been brought in 
contact. 

Mr. Strohm was born in Lebanon township, 
Lebanon Co., Penn., October 29, 18 16, and is a 
son of John and Susanna (Graybill) Strohm. 
His great-grandfather, who was of German birth, 
left the Fatherland to found a home in America. 
The grandfather, John Strohm, a farmer by oc- 
cupation, had a family of two sons and two 
daughters. John Strohm, the father of our sub- 
ject, was married in Lebanon county, and in 1835 
removed to Centre county, locating in Potter 
township, near Centre Hill, the journey being 
made in a large wagon with several horses. Be- 
ing a man of considerable means, he here pur- 
chased a valuable property of 270 acres, which 
he successfully operated until his death. His 
earnest labor brought to him a comfortable com- 
petence, and he was known as one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the community. In politics 
he was an Old-line Whig, and manifested his re- 
ligious belief by his membership in the Evangel- 
ical Church. He died in 1846, at the age of 
sixty years, and was laid to rest in Egg Hill 
cemetery, near his wife, who had passed away in 
1 841. Their children were Jonathan and Henry, 
who both died in Stephenson county, 111.; Maria 
(wife of Peter Albright), who died in Mifflin 
county, Penn. ; Michael, the subject of this sketch ; 
Jacob, of Tusseyville, Centre county; Susan, 
widow of Jonathan Kreamer, of State College; 
John, who died in Potter township; and Lydia, 
wife of J. G. Meyer, of Aaronsburg. 

The educational privileges which Michael 
Strohm enjoyed were very limited; he lived in a 
German community, and the teaching was in the 
German tongue. He could not speak English 
until, at the age of nineteen years, he came to 
Centre county with his parents, but by contact 
with those who used the English tongue, he be- 
came familiar with the language, and by ex- 
perience and observation he has gained a good 
practical education. His training at farm labor. 






214 



COMMKMOUA TIVB BlOGUM'ItlCM. RECORD. 



however, was not meager, (or at an early age he 
became familiar with the duties that fall to the 
l..t of the agriculturist. In [84] he drove a two- 
horse team to Freeport. III., for a man who was 
moving to the West. The town of Freeport at 
that time contained but twelve houses. Mr. 
Strohm worked in Illinois for a year and a half 
as a farm hand; but with the exception of that 
period he remained with his parents until his 
marriage. 

In Potter township, October 30. 1845, Mr. 
Strohm was married to Miss Catherine Wagner, 
who was horn in Potter township, a daughter of 
Bi rnard Wagner. The young couple began their 
domestic life on the old homestead, and Mr. 
Strohm settled upon his father's estate. He aft- 
erward purchased a part of the farm, and erected 
all the buildings thereon with the exception of 
the barn, which was only partially completed 
when he became the owner On that place he 
lived until the spring of 1877, when he came to 
Centre Hill, and embarked in general merchan- 
dising, which he has since followed. He now 
owns a valuable farm of [30 acres, together with 
a house and lot, his store room and his stock of 
goods in Centre Hill. His property is the visible 

lit of thi ind perseverance which are 

numbered among his marked characteristics. 

In 1895 Mr Strohm was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who died March 30, 
and was buried in Sprucetown, hei death 1 iccurring 
only a few months before their fiftieth wedding 
anniversary. She had been to her husband a 
faithful companion and helpmate, and his loss 
was deeply felt. Their children were: John. 
who died at the age of nineteen years; William, 
of Red Cloud, Nebraska, who was accidentally 
shof while hunting; Elmira, wife of W A. Kerr, 
of potter township', James B., 1 omits- commis- 
sioner of I iellefonte; Sallie and Annie (twins), 
who died in infancy; Horace, who died in< entre 
Hill; and Laura, wife of W. W. Bayard, of 
Philadelphia, The mother of this family w 
membei ol the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
carefully reared her children. 

Mr. Strohm is one of the - ol the 

I ippei anoe campaign, and cast his first vote lor 
William Hems Harrison. Since the organiza- 
tion of the Republican party he has been one of 
us supporters. He is a faithful member of the 
Mi thodisf Episcopal Church, has served as trus- 
tee and a-- a member of the building commitl 
and was for years a member of the Quarterl) 
Conference. He has been verj active inChurch 
work, and does all in his power to advance those 
interests which are calculated to promote the 
moral welfare of the community. His life has 



been well spent, winning him high regard, and he 
is still active in business affairs although he has 
passed the age of four-score years. 






JOHN GLEN HALL (deceased), who in his 
lifetime was an active, prominent and enter- 
prising citizen of Union township, Centre 
county, carried on farming pursuits on the Dick- 
run road up to his death. He was born Decem- 
ber 10, 1S29. within a couple of hundred feet ol 
where he died of pneumonia, January 31, 1897. 

Robert Hall, father of our subject, first saw 
the light December 26, 1800, the first white child 
born at Bellefonte, Penn., became a blacksmith 
by trade, but his later days were spent in fann- 
ing on the place where our subject now resi^ 
There his death occurred October 10, 1883. He 
was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and in politics was a stalwart 
Democrat. On August 2 ;. 1827, he was mar- 
ried, by K< \ Amos Smith, to Elizabeth Hut- 
ton, and they became the parents of three chil- 
dren; Aaron, who was born July 29. i s j S , and 
dud March 11, 1892; John G., the subject >! 
this sketch; and Rachel, who was born June 12, 
1 S3 1, and is now the wife of Henry Peters, of 
Minnesota The mother, who was born Januarj 
12, [806, passed away January 25, 1835. Sh< 
was tin- daughter of John and Marj Parsi 
Hutton, who also spent their entire lives in Cen 
tre county engaged in agricultural pursuits 
Their parents were natives of Maryland. 

For his second wife Robert Hall was married, 
September 15. [839, by Rev. James Amos, to 
Mrs Mary 1 Vrmgost) I'. mm. who was born in 
Centre counts. September 26, 1S11, and died 
Jul) 3, 1849. To this union came the following 
children: William, born July 30, 1S40, 1 
fanner ol Minnesota; Eliza, born February 
[842, is the wife of William Peters, of Mmne- 

Andrew was born September 9, 1 
David and Daniel twins) were born April 27. 
1846, the former being now an agriculturist 
Union township and the latter a blacksmith of 
Unionville, Centre county; Mar) 1... born June 
30, [849, is the wile ol Henry Holter, a car] 
ter in the borough of Howard. 

F01 Ins third wife. Robert Hall wedded 
Mr- I tiln line (Kline) Shaw, December 11. 
185 1, and three children graced this union: 
Lawrence, born March 26, 1853, died June 21, 
[871: Thomas, born [uly 12, 1854, is a lutnh 1 
merchant of Wisconsin; and James, born Oi 
her ji, [856, is a farmer of 'entre counts. 
Penn. The mother of these children was born 
in Berks county, Penn., December 2. 1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



215 



daughter of John and Elizabeth Kline, and now 
makes her home with our subject. 

The parental grandparents of John G. Hall 
were Hon. John and Hannah (Armont) Hall, 
natives of Delaware county, Penn., where they 
were married and remained until 1896, when 
they removed by keelboat and wagons to Belle- 
fonte. There the grandfather started the first 
blacksmith shop in the place, conducting the 
same until his removal to the present homestead 
of our subject, where he and his wife died. His 
grandfather was a native of England, and came 
to America with two brothers, locating in Pennsyl- 
vania, where he spent his remaining days. For 
two terms Hon. John Hall represented his county 
in the State Legislature, and was re-elected, but 
declined to accept the office. He was very fond 
of hunting, and our subject now uses his powder- 
horn, and the bone from a turkey's wing, with 
which he used to decoy those birds, imitating 
their call. 

Mr. I-fall, the subject proper of this review, 
never left the parental roof, but remained at 
home, caring for his parents until their life's 
labors were ended. He obtained his education 
in the schools of the neighborhood, and worked 
some in the lumber woods of the locality. Like 
his grandfather, he was very fond of hunting, 
was ever a good marksman, and the first game 
which he killed was a deer a half mile from his 
home, bringing it down with a flintlock musket. 
From that time he killed many wild animals, 
including bears. On January 17, 1882, he 
married Miss Minerva J. Hutton, and two sons 
were born to them: Robert C, January 31, 1883; 
and Joseph A., August 10, 1890. Mr. Hall 
affiliated with the Democratic party in politics, 
but had no aspirations for office, though he filled 
several township positions of honor and trust. 
As an enterprising, progressive farmer he had 
few superiors in Union township, and as a citizen 
he had the confidence and respect of all. 

Mrs. Hall, widow of the late John G. Hall, is 
a native of Clarion county, Penn., a daughter of 
Joseph and Martha (Delp) Hutton, who were 
born, the former on May 25, 1824, in Centre 
county (about two miles from the birthplace of 
John G. Hall), the latter born in October, 1829, 
in Clarion county, Penn., and died April 15, 
1897, of pneumonia and heart trouble. Three 
daughters, as follows, constitute their family: 
Minerva J. is the widow of John G. Hall; 
Susanna is the wife of Joseph Logan, a farmer 
and lumberman, of Osceola, Penn. ; and Mary is 
the wife of John Gearhart, of Clearfield county, 
Penn. John Hutton, grandfather of Mrs. Min- 
erva J. Hall, was born March 29, 1778, married 



November 2, 1802, to Mary Parsons, born Novem- 
ber 20, 1779. The names and dates of birth of 
their children are as follows: Hannah, May 10, 
1803, died May 12, 1827; Thomas, June 22, 
1804; Elizabeth, January 12, 1806; Mary, June 
6, 1808; Amos, June 22, 1810; Rachel, Septem- 
ber 3, 1812; Catherine, October 20, 1814; John, 
March 22, 1817; Sarah, October 23, 1819, died 
May 15, 1897; and Joseph, May 25. 1824. The 
father of this family died September 16, 1833, 
the mother on November 21, 1839. Of their 
children, Elizabeth was married to Robert Hall, 
August 23, 1827; Thomas was married to Mary 
Bathurst, January 1, 1828; Mary was married to 
Aaron Hall, August 19, 1828; Rachel was married 
to Charles Appleton; Sarah was married to Adam 
Smith, May 10, 1840; Catherine was married to 
Robert McCown. 



HW. KREAMER, the leading merchant of 
Centre Hall, Centre county, is the senior 

member of the well-known firm of Kreamer & 
Son, the owners and proprietors of an excellent 
general store. He is also one of that beautiful 
little town's best citizens, and is a worthy repre- 
sentative of one of Penn's Valley's oldest pioneer 
families, which was founded here over a century 
ago, and has since been prominently identified 
with the progress and development of the county. 

Mr. Kreamer was born September 28, [837, 
in Brush Valley, on a farm adjoining the village 
of Kreamerville, Centre county, and is the sec- 
ond child and only son of his parents, Daniel 
and Susannah (Weaver) Kreamer. The father 
was born in Brush Valley, November 7, 1815, 
and he was the youngest son of Jacob Kreamer. 
He obtained such an education as the district 
schools of that early day afforded, and was 
reared upon a farm, early becoming familiar with 
its arduous labors, as but crude machinery was 
then used. In Brush Valley he wedded Susan- 
nah Weaver, who was born there, October 6, 
1814, a daughter of John and Barbara (Brun- 
gart) Weaver. Five children blessed their union : 
Sarah (now Mrs. John Wolf), of Miles township, 
Centre county ; H. W. ; Amanda, who first 
married George Wolf, and after his death 
wedded A. Lukenbach, of Bellefonte ; Hannah, 
who married S. S. Wolf, and died in Brush Val- 
ley ; and Emma, widow of E. Wolf, of Rebers- 
burg, Centre county. 

Daniel Kreamer followed farming near 
Kreamerville until his removal to Rebersburg, 
where for several years he successfully engaged 
in the hotel business. He died at that place at 
the ripe old age of eighty years, his wife passing 



216 



COMMi:V<>l:.\ II YE mograpiikm. RECORD. 



away a short time previously, at the same age, 
and they now sleep side by side in the Rebers- 
burg cemetciv For years the father was a 
singing teacher, and served as leader of the 
choir <>f the Reformed Church, of which he was 

insistent member. He was a medium-sized 
man, being fnc fret, eight inches in height, and 
was quite active and energetic. In politics he 
was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, 
and i Ij filled a number of local offices. 

Mr. Kreamer, whose name introduces this 
sketch, obtained a fair education in the district 
schools near his home, which, however, were 
much inferior to those of the present time On 
leaving the farm at the age oi fourteen, he en- 

d the stole ol Gross Boger & * o., in Rebi 
burg, where he began clerkingfor $4 per month, 
hut during the live years he was in the employ 
■ ■I 1 hat firm his wages were increased. La 
he embarked in general merchandising on his 
own account in the same plai subsequently 

engaged in farming at Spring Bank, Miles town- 
ship. Centre county, for eleven years. Coming 
to Centre Hall, in 1884, he became a member of 
the well-known and reliable linn "I Eiarpei & 
Kreamer, general merchants, who were the lirst 
to successfully compete with the did established 
stores of thai place In April, [896, hebeca 
sole owner of the business, which is now con- 
duct, d under the firm style oi Kreamer & Son. 
They carry a large and well selected stock of 
general merchandise, and b\ fair and honorable 
deaiiitLT have built up an excellent trade, which 
is constantly increasing. 

Mr. Kreamer married Miss Emma Stroh- 
ecker, of Rebersburg, a daughter of Hon Sam- 
uel Strohecker, who represented * entre county 
m tin- General Assembly, and was one oi the 
prominent doctors of Brush Valle) Three chil- 
dren were horn ol this union: Samuel S., who 
like his lather is also an only son. and is now the 
former's partner in business; [ennie now Mrs. S 
H. Heckman), of Lock Haven, Penn. ; and 
racy, at home. The mother of these chil- 
dren depaited this life in 1886 l"i Ins second 
wife Mr. Kreamei wedded Miss Maggie tianna, 
a successful teacher of Spring Mills, Centre 
county. 

lake Ins father, Mr. Kreamer is a firm 
hereut of Democratic principles, and has served 
with credil to himself, and to the satisfaction of 
his constituents in a number oi official positions 
oi honor and trust, for the past six years bi 
treasurer of Centre Hall. He and his wife 
sincere ami conscientious Christians, he 
prominent member of the Reformed Church, in 
which he has also held various offices, includ 



those of deacon and elder, she as an equally prom- 
inent member of the M. E. Church. He owns an 
elegant home, besides a half interest in the 1 
business block in Centre Hall, and the sue 
that he has achieved is due entirely to his own 
energy, enterprise and good executive ability. 
He is one of the most methodical, popular and 
reliable business men of Centre county, and in 
social as well as business circles holds an envi- 
able position. 



DA Nil. I. /. KLINE, ex-sheriff of Centre 
county, is one of Hellelonte's oldest and 
mi 1st highly respected citizens, owning a large and 
valuable farm in the vicinity, and being identified 
with the various progressive movements which 
have contributed to the welfare of the city. 

Michael Kline (h her), who was of 

German birth, was a fanner in New York State, 
but pun based an extensive tract of land near 
Watsontown, in Union counts, Penn. [ohn 
George Kline, our subject's father, was a native of 
Berks count\. Penn., and was placed in charge 
of the Union county estate at an early age. While 
there he married Mi>s Amy Zimmerman, and 
later moved to the vicinity of Lock Haven. He 
died at Howardville at the age of sixty-three 
years. His wife passed her last days in our sub- 
ject's home, and at the time of her death she was 
eighty-two years old. Her children were: John, 
a fanner by occupation, died years ago; Daniel 
/. is the subject of this sketch; Samuel F. is .1 
resident of Howardville; Lucinda married Daniel 
W. Hall, andresides in Iowa; and Barbara, Mary 
Ann, Washington, and David all died young. 

Daniel /. Kline was born December I, l8l8, 
in Union county, but his long and useful life has 
been mainly spent in Centre county. He at- 
tended the Union school near Lock Haven, and 
latn assisted his father upon the farm in How- 
ard township, Centre county. When ten y< 
old he began w 01 king b\ t he month for neighl 

farmers, and after his marriage in 1856 to 
his first wife. Miss Lucetta Kiester, he continued 
this work for a time, and also taught successfully 
in the country schools, making his home in How- 
ardville. Finally be engaged in farming for his 
own behalf on his present propertj . one mile - 
of Bel 

l'.\ Ins first marriage hi- had a daughter, | 
phine, who married Harry C. Brew, who ism 
ten- ted in the Fairbanks scale works at Pi I 
burg, but makes Bellefonte his residence with 
his wile, and their children -Lucetta and Austin 
l> I'm subject's present wife-, whose maiden 
name was Sarah Hall, is the mother of one daugh- 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



217 



ter, Nellie, who is now the wife of Judge Love, 
of Bellefonte, and has two children — John G. 
and Catherine. 

In the fall of 1866 the people of Centre 
county called Mr. Kline from his agricultural 
labors, electing him to the office of sheriff, which 
he held three years, serving with ability and 
credit. During that time he removed to Belle- 
fonte, and he has since left to other hands the 
active work of his farm, which contains 2 1 7 acres, 
all in one tract. He has been a lifelong Demo- 
crat. His interest in local affairs has been 
evinced in practical ways, and, as one instance 
among many, we may note his generous activity 
in securing the collections for the new M. E. 
Church at Bellefonte. of which Mrs. Kline is 
a member. Our subject is a Master Mason of 
Bellefonte Lodge No. 268. 

Mrs. Kline was born in Bellefonte, January 
8, 1829, a daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) 
Hall, the former of whom, a native of Delaware 
county, Penn., died in 1850. The mother's 
death occurred in 1876. Of their children, seven 
in all, four are still living, namely: Daniel, resid- 
ing in Iowa; Hannah, who married Rev. Thomas 
Barnhart, and resides in Iowa; John N., who re- 
sides near Howard, Penn., and Sarah. 



BANIEL B. WEAVER, a prosperous miller 
of Miles township, Centre county, residing 
near Wolfs Store, is a citizen of the best type. 
In the hour of our country's danger through re- 
bellion he served gallantly in her defense, while 
in peace he has maintained an honorable and 
useful position among his fellows. He was born 
July 2, 1840, near Wolfs Store, where his father, 
John Weaver, a son of John Weaver, Sr. , also 
first opened his eyes to the light. 

Our subject's father was reared as a farmer 
boy, enjoying but meagre educational privileges 
in the subscription schools of that day, and 
working upon the home farm until his marriage. 
His wife, Susan Brungart, was born and reared 
in Brush Valley, and her father, Jacob Brungart, 
was a well-known agriculturist living east of 
Wolfs Store. After their marriage the young 
couple located on a farm belonging to John 
Weaver, Sr. , where they resided many years, 
and then after a short stay upon a farm south of 
Wolfs Store they returned to the farm where 
our subject was born. There both passed away, 
and their remains now rest in the burial ground 
at Rebersburg. John Weaver, Jr. , was of or- 
dinary build, but of a strong constitution, and 
usually enjoyed robust health. He was indus- 
trious and lived in comfortable style, but never 



acquired riches. His honesty was unwavering, 
and throughout the community he was held in 
high esteem. As a Democrat he always took 
keen interest in political issues, being a regular 
voter, and for two terms he held the office of 
supervisor. He was a member of the Reformed 
Church, his wife of the Lutheran. They had 
the following children: Thomas, a shoemaker 
at Tylersville, Penn. ; Israel, who died in boy- 
hood; Daniel B., of this sketch; Mary (Mrs. 
John Breon), of Miles township, Centre county; 
Chestie (Mrs. William Meyer), of Wolfs Store; 
John H., who died in early manhood at Potters 
Bank; William H., a miller at Millheim; Maggie 
(Mrs. John Minich), of Brush Valley; and 
Charles A., a miller at Osceola, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Weaver (our subject) attended the dis- 
trict schools of his neighborhood during his 
youth, his first teacher being Mrs. John DeLong 
at Wolfs Store. The value of, indeed the neces- 
sity for, better educational facilities for the peo- 
ple became impressed upon his mind at an early 
period, and the present free-school system finds 
in him a warm friend. He did but little work 
away from home, and practically lived there until 
his enlistment at Rebersburg, August 22, 1862, in 
Company A, 148th P. V. I. The company went 
via Lewistown to Harrisburg, where the members 
were instructed in the duties of a soldier and 
equipped for service. Mr. Weaver's first battle 
was the memorable struggle at Chancellorsville. 
and he took part in all the engagements of his 
regiment until after the fight at Deep Bottom, 
where he was wounded by an exploding shell. 
He lost three months in consequence, spending 
most of the time in hospital at Philadelphia, with 
a thirty-days' furlough home. After rejoining 
his regiment at Falmouth, he served until the 
close of the war. His record was a most cred- 
itable one, and at his discharge in July, 1865, he 
held the rank of sergeant. On his return from 
the front he spent a short time at home, and in 
1866 he began farming on his own account, rent- 
ing the farm where he was born. In 1867 he 
married Miss Mary C. Kreider, born May 31, 
1842, in Penn township. Centre county, a daugh- 
ter of Philip Kreider, a prominent farmer and 
merchant. He was born in Lebanon county, 
Penn., in 1803, and died in January, 1842. In 
December, 1828, he married Leah Bowman, 
who was born in Cornwall township, Lebanon 
county, January 3, 1803, and died April 4, 1856. 
Eight children were born to them: Melinda Ann, 
widow of George W. Stover, of Penn township; 
William S., who died in 1855, aged twenty-three; 
Rozanna, who died in infancy; John Philip, who 
died leaving a family in Miles township; George, 



218 



ro.VMK.VoJiA TIVE lilocUM'lUCM. UKcnRD. 



deceased in infancy; Reuben II.. who died young; 
J. B. Kreider, M. I)., practicing medicine in Bu- 
cyrus, Ohio; and Mary C. (Mrs. Weaver). The 
father was fairly well-educated for his day and op- 
portunities, and was fared as a farm hoy by an 
uncle, John Boumberger, he being a mere lad 
when his father died. As he grew t<> maturity 
he proved a good business man, and for several 
years he carried on a store, also kept a hotel in 
Lebanon. In addition to this he learned the 
carpenter's trade, and worked at same for a time. 
In 1835 he located at Centre Hall, and four years 
later moved to Penn township, where he died. 
In religious faith he was a member of the Re- 
formed Church, and in politics he was a Demo- 
crat. 

Daniel B. Weavei bad only his own savings 
to depend upon, ami as has been said he rented 
a place from his father in order to make his start 
in business. One year be spent there, and he 
then rented from |ohn Mover a farm near Penn 
Hall. His next removal was to a farm of his 
own in Gregg township, Centre county, com- 
prising eighty acres. For this he went heavily 
in debt; but through hard work and good man- 
agement he prospered, and each yeai saw the 
obligation decreased, He finally traded the 
place for his present property at Wolfs Store. 
rhere was a sawmill and a gristmill on this lat- 
ter estate, and a residence which Mr. Weaver 
occupied for some time; but later he purcha 
more land and built a new home. He now owns 
about 100 acres of land, improved with the 
buildings mentioned, and still conducts the mill- 
ing business successfully. 

Mr. Weaver and Ins wife are leading m 
bers of the Reformed Church, and for several 
years be held the office of deacon, They have 
had ten children, viz.: Elmer K., who died at 
the age of tin- Edwin T, deceased; 

Clayton D., a miller, at home. Rosa E., who 

die. I in childhood; An 1 I'.. a successful 

teacher; Calvin J., a miller; Orlando \\ . . Me 
linda A. and Susan 1, . who are at home, and 
one that died in infancy. Ot thi » . Edwin T. was 
a highly respected young farmer oi Brush Val- 
ley, but he was cut off 111 the prime of Ins useful- 
ness, living April 25, 1897, from injuries received 
in a run-away, his team getting frightened when 
they were hauling a drill; he lilt a widow. Ida 
M. (WalkerJ Weaver, and two children: Mi- 
riam Grace and Edwin Then.] 

Our subject has had his times of discoui 
mint and loss like most business men, but pel 
severing and well-directed effort has • arried him 
through. He bears a most enviable reputal 
(or integrity in his dealings. Politically he is a 



Democrat, and wherever he has resided he has 
taken an active and influential part in local 
affairs, serving as school director and supervisor 
in Gregg township, and as supervisor in Miles 
township. 



FRED S. DUNHAM, editor and proprietor of 
the Weekly Hornet, published at Howard. 
Centre county, was born at Lock Haven, Penn . 
November 7, 1862, a son of David S. and Mary 
A. (Blake 1 Dunham, natives of Indiana counts, 
Penn., and Portland, Maine, respectively. The 
mother died in Beach Creek, Clinton Co., this 
State, in November, 1876, but the father is still 
living. 

Our subject remained at home until after the 
death of his mother, and then began working in 
apotieiv it Howard in order to pay off the in- 
debtedness on a home which his mother had 
started to build. Out of the fifty cents per day 
which he received for his services, he drew out 
only twenty eents, letting the remainder go on the 
debt. Besides himself he also supported his 
lather and sister, the- former being an invalid at 
that time. At tin end of two years he left the 
pottery, and entered the rolling mills of B 
Lauth, in Howard, where he remained for four 
veais, a part of the time serving as watchman. 

Mr. Dunham next became fireman in a sash 
factory in Addison. Steuben Co., N. Y. , whi 
he remained for one year, and on the expiration 
of that tune returned to Howard. For thl 
years In- was employed at painting and other odd 
jobs, and then went 1,, Altoona, Penn., where he 
ran an engine in the planing-mill of John Cline 
for a year, when it was destroyed by tire. I 
turning to Howard, he worked in a sawmill foi 
twelve months, and next began learning the 
printer's trade in the office ol tin Bellefonte Re- 
publican, where in- was employed lor two yean 
l-'or the following six years he was with the 
Bellefonte Gazette, but in 1894 he came to How- 
ard, and established the Weekly Hornet, which 
he has since conducted with good success, having 
a circulation of about sixteen hundred copies 
He also does job printing, and tin- work turned 
out is first-class in every particular. Being p 
sessed of an energetic spirit, good executive a 
ity, and excellent judgment, he has met with 
well-deserved success in this undertaking. 

()n August 1. 1883, Mr. Dunham was married 
to Miss Clara K. Neff, and to them were born tw 
children: William N\, who died at the age 
six veil-,, and Alverda M.. who died at the 
ol eight. Mr. Dunham is an ardent suppoi 
of the principles of the Republican party ; sociall) 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



219 



he is a member of the Patriotic Sons of America, 
and the Independent Order of Heptasophs, both 
of Bellefonte. Religiously, he holds member- 
ship in the Evangelical Church. He is a self- 
made man, whose advancement has come through 
his own efforts, and who by industry and honest 
toil has won a place among the representative 
business men of Howard. 



BF. MILLER, a highly-respected resident 
of Madisonburg, was for many years a 
prominent agriculturist in Miles township, Cen- 
tre county, and has but recently taken posses- 
sion of his pleasant home in town. As a native 
of Centre county, he has seen no reason to quar- 
rel with the fate which cast his lot in so desira- 
ble a spot, and throughout his life he has re- 
sided there, and in a quiet but effective way has 
taken a helpful part in the progressive move- 
ments of the locality. He was born February 
28, 1844, in Ferguson township, the son of Elias 
and Cecelia (Marsh) Miller, of whom a biogra- 
phy appears elsewhere. His first schooling was 
obtained at the Glade school in his native town- 
ship, and his first teacher, a Mr. Thompson, was 
of the kind whose ideas of discipline begin and 
end with a " sound whipping." This was a dis- 
couraging introduction to the path of knowledge 
and it speaks well for Mr. Miller's innate ability 
that he continued to make the best of the mea- 
ger opportunities offered by the country schools, 
laying a foundation upon which his subsequent 
reading has been carried on with excellent re- 
sults, making the greater cause for regret that 
so able an intellect did not have better opportu- 
nity for early development. Like all intelligent 
men whose early aspirations were cramped by 
similar circumstances, Mr. Miller is an earnest 
advocate of better schools for the rising genera- 
tion, thinking money spent for good teachers and 
suitable buildings well invested. He was but a 
boy — not yet in his "teens" — when his par- 
ents removed to a farm in the vicinity of Madison- 
burg. Work was, of course, plenty, and Mr. 
Miller acquired familiarity with the details of farm 
management at an early age. After some years 
his parents removed to Madisonburg and Mr. 
Miller with his brother Harvey conducted the 
farm. 

In 1867 Mr. Miller was married in Brush Val- 
ley, Centre county, to Miss Hannah C. Schmelt- 
zer, who was born near Madisonburg, April 18, 
1S47. Her parents, John and Rebecca (Shaffer) 
Schmeltzer, moved to Illinois during her child- 
hood, but the father dying there not long after- 
ward the family returned to Miles township. 



After his marriage Mr. Miller continued to reside 
at the old home until March 17, 1896, when he 
removed to Madisonburg, where he owns a home. 
His farm consists of 145 acres with 100 acres 
cleared, and the elder of Mr. Miller's two sons, 
John E., who was born July 27, 1868, now has 
charge of it. The other son, Kline A., born Oc- 
tober 4, 1877, has fine musical ability and is now 
a student in Warren, Ohio. A third child, Will- 
iam D., a promising boy, died at the age of ten 
years. Mr. Miller met with a sad accident when 
about three years old. He was playing with his 
brother Harvey (a year and a half older;, and a 
stone was thrown which injured his left eye, 
causing its loss, and ever since a few weeks after 
the accident there has been intense pain also. 

Mr. Miller and his wife are prominent mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church, in which he has 
been deacon and elder, and is at present the 
treasurer. Sunday-school work has always 
claimed his active aid, and at the age of twenty 
years he became superintendent. He has held 
the office at intervals since, and now fills it. Po- 
litically he is a stanch Democrat, but although 
he is a regular voter, and has served in various 
township offices, he is not a politician in the 
modern sense of the word. He has taken an 
active part in local affairs, and in the Grange. 
His sound judgment and integrity are valued 
among his associates, as has often been shown by 
his appointment to posts of responsibility such as 
the guardianship of children. He has often 
served as a juror, both grand and traverse, and 
in whatever capacity his abilities have been tested 
he has proven himself competent and faithful. 



JrOHN W. CONLEY, an influential and popu- 
lar agriculturist of Potter township, Centre 
county, was born April 3, 1836, in Armagh 
township, Mifflin Co., Penn. His father, Rich- 
ard Conley, was a native of the same county, 
born September 2, 1809, just six weeks after his 
parents, John Conley and wife, had come to the 
United States from the North of Ireland. In 
their family were eleven children, two sons 
(Richard and Joseph H.) and nine daughters, of 
whom only one is now living : Catharine, wife 
of P. W. McDowell, of Mackeyville, Clinton 
Co., Penn. The grandfather died in Mifflin 
county, where he had followed his trade of 
coopering. 

Richard Conley was early thrown upon his 
own resources for a livelihood, and when a boy 
learned the blacksmith's trade, but did not fol- 
low the same. In the county of his nativity he 
married Mrs. Hannah L. Bryson, who was born 



22( i 



COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECOUH 



in Chestei county, Penn., April 16, 1800, a 
daughter "f William Cottle, who was a member 
of the Society of Friends. By lu-r tirst marriage 
she had two children, who died in infancy, and 
three children were born oi the second union: 
Bethsheba M. , who married Robert Holmes and 
died iii Benner township, Centre county; fohn 
\\ '.. of this sketch ; and Mary ).. wife of |<>lm 
Holmes, (if Jacksonville, Pennsylvania. 

After Ins marriage, Richard Conley rented a 
farm in Mifflin county for four years, aftej which 
he removed to Earlystown, Penn., where fur the 
next decade he made his home, and then [01 
on a farm on the Brush Valley road in Gregg 
township, Centi >unty, near the Potter town- 
ship line, which he operated until the spring of 
[863. Upon that place the mother of <>ur sub- 
ject died in August, 1 nd was buried in the 
Stone Church cemeterj in Mifflin counts. After 
coming to Centre county she had united with 
the Presbyterian Church, although by birthright 
she was a Quaker, and was evei afterward a 
consistent membi 1 1 'I thai d< m minal ii m 

In the spring of 1 863 the father sold his stock 
and farm tools, and enlisted in the Emergency 
Regiment, of which he was appointed quarter- 
master. It was stationed in Somerset and I 
ford counties, this State, to resist the Confederate 
invasion, and latei was sent to Gettysburg, but 
arrived too late to participate in that battle. 
Vfter doing guard duty at fiarrisburg, the regi- 
ment was disbanded. In the fall of [863, Mr. 
Conley was elected sheriff of Centre county, as- 
suming the duties of the office on the fourth 
Monday in November, and acceptably served for 
three years, during which time In- made his home 
in Bellefonte. There he wedded Miss Mar) A. 
1 1 \ in by whom he bad one child, Edith, who 
died 111 infancy. The wife and mother died in 
September, 1 895 On his retirement from oi 
Mi I onley removed to a farm in Benner town- 
ship. Centre county, which he hired a man to 
operate, and there made lii-^ home until called to 

his final rest September 2, 1 88 1 . His remains 
were interred in the cemetery of Jacksonville. 

lb was a Mason, and for years was an elder in 

the Presbyterian 1 hurch. He was a fine speci- 
1 1 1 . 1 1 1 of physical manhood, being six feet, one 
inch in height, and weighing 215 pounds. Al- 
though in youth his school training was limited, 
he acquired a good practical knowledge by read- 
ing and observation in later \ eai 

When lour yeai [ohn W. G »nli . 

companied his parents to Earlystown, andean 
distinct!) remember the journey. There he be- 
gan his education, which was all obtained in the 
district si bools until he was twent) yeai 



after which he attended the Boalsburg Academy 
n taught by Rev. Austin; for two years. Be- 
ing the only son, he rendered much assistance to 
his father in the labors of the farm, and thus 
early became familiar with the duties that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist. 

In February, [861, in Potter township, Mi 
ley was married to Miss Catharine Keller, 
who was born in that township. May 1 I, 1 840, a 
daughter of John H. and Rachel (Alexand 
Keller. Three children graced their union: 
William |., born in Gregg township, October [4, 
1, is a resident of Bellefonte, and bj his 
marriage has one daughter, Nellie; Richard N . 
born January 8, [864, died at the age of tilt 
months, and James K., born January I, 1S6.X. is 
living in Freeport, 111. Mr. Conlej engaged in 
farming in Gregg township until 1870, when he 
removed to Centre Hall, and became connected 
with the foundry of that place, s< lling ma< hinerj 
in Virginia and Maryland. On Jul)' 9, 1872, he 
removed to his present place, a portion of the 
old Kellet farm, and all ol the improvements 
found thereon stand as monuments to his thrift 
and industry. His home being destroyed by tire 
in 1S7X, he erected bis present commodious brick 

Although not strictly partisan, Mr. Conlej bj 
his ballot generally supports the Democratic 
party at Mate and National elections, but at 
other times votes fur the man whom he consid- 
1 best qualified to fill the office. A jovial, gen- 
ial gentleman, he has made hosts of warm 
friends throughout the county, and he and his 
estimable wife hold an enviable position in social 
circles. Reared in the Presbyterian Church, he 
has always adhered to that faith, while she is u 
consistent member of the Reformed Church. 



II. MAM I. HARTER, one of the most 
enterprising and prosperous busin 
of Eagleville, t entre county, and numbered 
among its liberal-minded and public-spirited cit 

i/ens. has for some years been engaged in tin 
manufacture and repair of furniture and wagons, 
in which he has achieved an enviable reputation 
One ol Ins leadin teristics in business al 

is his fine sense oi order and complete sys- 
tem, and the habit of giving careful attention !• 
the details, without winch success in any under- 
taking is never an assured fact. 

A natnc of ( entre county. Mr. I lai 
bom in Mai ion township, June 15, 1853, and b( 
Ii mgs to a family t hat was early established within 
its borders His paternal grandfather, Jai 
1 1 alter, of l'eun's Valley, removed to Nittanj \ 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



221 



ley in 1835, locating on the old Harter home- 
stead, where he followed farming for the rest of 
his life. He was of German descent. 

Andrew Harter, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Penn's Valley, Centre county, born 
June 7, 1823, and on reaching manhood married 
Miss Eve Smith, who was born in Clinton county, 
Penn., January 2, 1823, a daughter of Peter 
Smith, who died on the old homestead in that 
county. His great-grandfather, who also bore 
the name of Peter Smith, was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. Eight children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Harter, namely: John S. , born 
May 8, 1846, for many years engaged in teach- 
ing, but now following the carpenter's trade in 
Clintondale, Penn. ; Mary E., born April 8, 1848, 
is the wife of Daniel Gordon, a machinist of 
Spring township, Centre county; Susannah, born 
March 16, 1850, is the wife of Frank Buck, a 
farmer of Lycoming county, Penn.; William I. 
is next in order of birth; Jacob A., born Novem- 
ber 8, 1855, is a merchant of Centre county; 
Jennie R. , born April 30, 1857, is the wife of 
George Fatzinger, a railroad man of Milton, 
Penn.; Sarah E., born November 23, 1859, is 
the wife of Calvin Woomer; and Emily, born 
April 2, 1862, is the wife of William Dale, a 
farmer of Centre county. The mother of these 
children died in June, 1862, on the old home- 
stead in Marion township, where the father still 
resides. He is a faithful member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and a Democrat in pol- 
itics. 

For his second wife Andrew Harter wedded 
Mrs. Susan (Arbegust) Shears, widow of Jacob 
Shears, and to them were born the following 
children: Samuel, who is now living in the West; 
Laura, wife of Eli Brehen, a carpenter of Axe- 
mann, Centre county; Bell, wife of Larry Heil, 
an engineer of Centre county; Frank, who is in 
the bicycle business in Clinton county; Clement, 
a lumberman; Harry, a carpenter of Axemann; 
George, who is still on the homestead with his 
parents; and Cora and Bertha, also at home. 

During the boyhood and youth of William I. 
Harter he attended the public schools, and aided 
his father in the labor of the farm until nineteen 
years of age, when he left home, and for a year 
a half worked as a farm hand. Going to Jack- 
sonville, Centre county, he began serving an ap- 
prenticeship to the wagon and coach maker's 
trade under Ira C. Johnson, who failed nine 
months later, and he then went to Mackeyville, 
Clinton Co., Penn., where he embarked in busi- 
ness on his own account. Wishing to learn the 
cabinet maker's trade, he disposed of his busi- 
ness and went to Brush Valley, where he served 



a six-months' apprenticeship to that trade. He 
then resumed business at Mackeyville, where he 
remained for three years, and in 1882 came to 
Eagleville, where he built his present house and 
shop. He is a natural mechanic, always having 
been handy with tools, and the success that he 
has acheived in life is due entirely to his industry, 
perseverance and good management. Socially he 
affiliates with the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Eagle- 
ville; is an active member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church; and is an uncompromising 
Democrat in politics. On February 9, 1882, in 
Liberty township, Centre county, he was married 
to Miss Mary A. Bitner, and they have two in- 
teresting children: May C, born December 25, 
1890; and Norris I., born February 13, 1893. 
Although so young, the son seems to have in- 
herited his father's taste for mechanics, and shows 
a marked talent for the use of tools. 

Daniel Bitner, the father of Mrs. Harter, is a 
retired farmer of Liberty township, born at his 
present homestead September 7, 1822. His 
parents, John and Susan (Nestlerod) Bitner, were 
natives of Germany and Centre county, respect- 
ively, and were married in the latter place. 
George Bitner. the grandfather, on coming to 
America was accompanied by his two sons, John 
and Abraham, and they first located in Lancaster 
county; but on reaching his majority John came 
to Centre county, where he followed the trade of 
shoemaking, later engaging in farming. He was 
a member of the Mennonite Church, and a Dem- 
ocrat in politics. He was born in 1797 and died 
in 185 1, while his wife passed away in 1835, at 
the age of fifty years. In their family were the 
following children: Christian, John, Nancy, 
Susan, Catherine, Barbara, Lida, Martha, Abra- 
ham, Susan, Daniel, Lavina. Daniel Bitner was 
married February 23, 1843, to Miss Mary Wen- 
sel, who was born in Prussia, Germany, Novem- 
ber 10, 1823, a daughter of Abraham and Cath- 
erine (Rhumsbutt) Wensel, who, on coming to 
America in 1829, located in Columbia county, 
Penn., but in 1839 came to Centre county, 
where both died, the former in 1846 and the lat- 
ter in 1867. Their family numbered seven chil- 
dren: Eliza, Margaret, Peter, Mary, Catherine. 
George and Elizabeth. 

The following children graced the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Bitner: Catherine, wife of William 
Scantlin, a farmer of Liberty township, Centre 
county; John I., a real estate and insurance 
agent, of Hagerstown, Md., who married Alice 
Newcomer; William N. (deceased), who married 
Mary Hesing, and after her death wedded Mary 
C. Lucas, now residing in Eagleville; J. Albert, 
a farmer of Liberty township, who married 



222 



00 VMBMORA Tl 7E BIOORAPHIOA I UBi ORD. 



rie Gardner; Howard \V (deceased), who 

married Frances Johnson, now residing in Liberty 
township; Alice, the wife of our subject; Clara, 
wife of Thomas Bechdel, a farmer of Marsh 
i reek, Centre county, and [da M., at home. 

Mr. Bitner still i upon the farm where 

his birth occurred, and to its cultivation and 
improvement devoted his attention throughout 
his active business career, but is now enjoying a 
well-earned rest. For twenty-five years he served 
as school director, and has also acceptably tilled 
the offices ol overseer of the poor, supervisor, 
collector and treasure) of Ins township. In 
politics he is a firm Demo< rat, and for forty-five 
years has been a consistent and earnest member 
of the Christian Church. 



\KT H. STIVER, a thorough, energetic and 
VV prosperous farmer of Potter township, 
( entre county, is a native of the county, his birth 
occurring in Boalsburg, July l8, 1840. His great- 
grandfather, Michael Stiver, who was a Revolu- 
tionary hero, was the founder of the family in 
the county, ami on lus death was laid to rest in 
the Tusseyville cemetery. Among his children 
was Samuel Stiver, who was born July 3, 1; 
and became a farmer by occupation, at one time 
owning the farm where our subject now resides. 
On June 18, 1801, Samuel Stiver was married 
io Margaret Shimp, of Mifflin county, Penn., who 
was born March 15, 1784, and they became 
parents of the following children: Margaret, 
born January 15, 1802. married Hems Selick 
and died in Ferguson Valley, Mifflin county; 
Thomas J., born October 10, 1802, was 
a farmer and died in Potter township; |olm S. , 
born October 31, 1803, died, when a young man, 
in Mifflin county; Mary, born March 5. 1805, 
wedded John Farner. and died in Potter town- 
ship; Elizabeth, born December 22, 1806, mar- 
ried Daniel Shirk and died in Potter township; 
[ane, born August 9, 1808, married Frederick 
Leathers, and die. I m Bald Eagle Valley, Novem- 
ber 11, 1892; Samuel was bom November 15, 

[809; Michael, the father of our subject, is next 

in order of birth; David, born January 18, 1813, 
died in Bedford Springs, Penn.; Charlotte, born 
I une 17, 1815, died when young; 1 atherine, born 
September 7. 1817, died unmarried; George W., 

born January 2. 1X19, died in Pottei township; 
Martha P., born July 29, 1820, married Henry 
Mower, and died in Bedford, Penn.; James I', 

born September 3. 182.4. is single and lives near 
Pittsburg, Penn.; and Sarah A., bom Febri 
io. 1826, died when young. The father of thi 
children died August 13, 1846, the mother August 



13, 1863, and they both lie buried in a private 

cemetery on the farm of our subject. She was a 

stent member of the Methodist Church. 

On the home farm in Potter township. Mi- 
chael Stiver was born. July 26, 1 8 1 1 , and 
then reared until old en. .ugh to learn a trade 
As the family was very large, and his parents 111 
limited circumstances, he was a young man be- 
he became the possessor of his first pair of 
boots. The little farm not only had to supplj 
the family with food, but from its products which 
were sold thej obtained the other necessaries of 
life. Under John Stauffer, Michael Stiver 
learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked 
in Boalsburg until the fall of 1852, whin be 
■ .one to Potter township. His brother Gei 
owned the homestead farm, but being a loser l>\ 
the failure of the Potters, to help him, the father 
of our subject took the place. He owned prop- 
erty in Harris township, and also a farm in "Trie 
Barrens,'' but to assist his brother sold these and 
purchased the old home, where he continued to 
reside throughout the remainder of his life. 
After coming to Potter township, he gradual!) 
abandoned his trade, despite the protest of his 
former patrons, as he was a thorough workman. 
and Ins work always satisfactory performed. He 
improved the buildings on the farm, but took ni 
active part in the cultivation of the land. 

On September 27, 1838, by Rev. Daniel 
Moser, a Lutheran minister, at Spruce Creek, 
Michael stiver was married to Mary A. Hen- 
neich, whose birth occurred in Aaronsburg, Cen- 
tre county, September 4, 1816. They began 
housekeeping in Boalsburg, where he owned a 
home, and four children came to brighten the 
household, of whom our subject is the eldest 
Mary E., born February 1, 1844, is the wife of 
Samuel Barr, of Tyrone, Penn. Martha M , born 
January 14, 1848, is the wife of Sylvanus Lane. 
a Methodist Episcopal minister. Abnei D 
born November 4, 1856. died on the 19th of the 

e month. The father's death occurred De- 
cember 1, 1888, and his remains were interred 
.11 I entre Hall. He held membership with th< 
Reformed Church of Boalsburg and Tusseyville; 
was first a Whig in politics, voting for William 
Henry Harrison, and as a Republican supported 
Benjamin Harrison for the Presidency. He took 
<1 uite an active interest in the success <>f his 
party, was well posted on political jssues. and 
although the township is strongly Democratic 
was elected supervisor, a fact which indie 
his popularity. He was a man of ordinary build 
strong and robust, and 1>\ hard work and g 1 
management secured a comfortable competen© 
though he lost some money bj going security for 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



223 



friends. Of the strictest integrity and honor, he 
commanded the respect and confidence of all who 
knew him. The mother, who is also a faithful 
member of the Reformed Church, finds a pleas- 
ant home with our subject, and is surrounded by 
many warm friends and acquaintances. 

Mrs. Stiver is the second in order of birth in 
the family of six children born to William and 
Margaret (Shreffler) Henneich, the others being 
Sarah and another daughter who died in infancy; 
Philip, a resident of Missouri; Charles, who died 
in Penn Hall, Penn. ; and William, a prominent 
railroad man, who died in Illinois. The father 
of these children died at the early age of thirty 
years, and was buried at Aaronsburg, but the 
mother, who afterward married again, lies in the 
cemetery at Millheim. By some of the family 
the name has been changed from Henneich to 
Hennich, and Haney. Mrs. Stiver was only nine 
years of age at the time of her father's death, 
and as the children became scattered she made 
her home with her uncle, David Dale, who lived 
near Lemont, and there remained until her mar- 
riage. Her education was obtained in the dis- 
trict school near Lemont. The last two years 
of her school life were under Prof. William War- 
ing at Oak Hall. 

Mr. Stiver, whose name introduces this sketch, 
began his literary training in the schools of Boals- 
burg, George Livingston being his first teacher, 
and after his removal to Potter township, at the 
age of eleven years, he attended the district 
schools. Later he was a student in the academy 
at Potter's Mills, then conducted by Prof. David- 
son. 

Soon after the outbreak of the Civil war, 
Mr. Stiver wished to join the Union forces, but 
as he was an only son and his services were 
needed at home, he did not enlist until August, 

1864, when he became a private of Company 
G, 210th P. V. I. He participated in all the 
engagements in which his regiment took part, 
including the Weldon raid and the first and sec- 
ond battles of Hatcher's Run, where the regi- 
ment lost heavily. On March 31, 1865, at Grav- 
elly Run, he was struck by a bullet which passed 
through the right forearm, shattering the bone, 
and he was sent to City Point hospital, but a 
few days later was transferred to a hospital in 
Washington, D. C. After a short time there, 
he was sent to a hospital in West Philadelphia, 
where he was honorably discharged June 27, 

1865. Mr. Stiver's arm has never fully recov- 
ered, and for two years after his return home he 
was unable to work, while later he only assisted 
in the lighter labors of the farm. At one time 
he made all arrangements to go West, but as his 



parents objected he never left the parental roof. 
Previous to his father's death he bought the farm 
tools, and engaged in the operation of the land on 
his own account. He isia systematic, progressive 
farmer, one who ably manages his affairs, but 
hires most of his work done. 

Mr. Stiver was married in Hublersburg, Cen- 
tre county, in N ovember , 1886, to Miss Anna 
Carner, of that plac<-, ,1 daughter of John and 
Barbara Carner, who are farming people. Out- 
subject is well informed on the leading questions 
and issues of the day as he is an extensive reader, 
and gives his political support to the Repub- 
lican party. Originally he held membership with 
Gregg Post No. 95, G. A. R. , of Bellefonte, 
but now belongs to the order in Centre Hall. 
Since 1858 he has been a consistent member of 
the Presbyterian Church, and has served as a 
teacher in the Sabbath-school. He holds a 
prominent position among the leading represent- 
ative citizens of Potter township, is genial and 
hospitable, and a friend to the poor and needy, 
who are never turned away empty-handed from 
his door. 



WW. SPANGLER. The name of this 
well-known resident of Potter township, 
Centre county, has long been familiar to the 
people of this section as that of one of their 
most valued citizens, resolute, energetic and en- 
terprising, and one who has made his mark in 
the building up of the township, socially and 
financially. He belongs to an honored pioneer 
family of Centre county, which made its first set- 
tlement in Brush Valley, Miles township. 

Mr. Spangler was born November 30, 1839, 
in Potter township, a short distance east of Cen- 
tre Hill, a son of Jacob Spangler, who was a na- 
tive of Miles township, and was the youngest son 
of Christopher Spangler. When a young man, 
Jacob Spangler came to Potter township to work 
as a farm laborer for his older brother Samuel, 
and here married Rebecca Wagner, a daughter 
of Bernard Wagner, who was one of the leading 
and prominent citizens of the township. Six 
children graced this union, namely: Mary, now 
the wife of M. L. Leitzel, of Potter township; 
W. W. , subject of this sketch; Catharine, wife 
of Jacob Wagner; Ellen, who married John 
Slack, and died in Potter township; J. B., a 
farmer of that township; and Anna, wife of 
Aaron Rishel, of Jasper county, Missouri. 

At the time of his marriage, Jacob Spangler 
located upon a farm, and lived on two different 
places in Potter township before he was able to 
purchase a farm of his own. His first land is 



/ 



224 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIC A I. RECORD. 



that now owned and occupied by our subject and 
was bought from Jacob Bottorf. He was very 
successful in his farming operation, as he was in- 
dustrious, energetic and progressive, and became 
the owner of two good farms, which he placed 
under a high state ol cultivation. Although his 
early opportunities were very meagre, he 
tained a fair education for his time, which was 
mostly acquired in the school of experience. In 
later years he was a great reader, was well 
posted on the leading issues and current events, 
and took quite an active interest in the success 
,,f the Democratic party, which he always sup- 
ported by his ballot; he was called upon to serve 
a-, supervisor of his township. He was a promi- 
nent and consistent member of the Evangelical 
Church, in which he held various offices, and at 
his death was buried in Zion Church cemetery 
by the side of his wife, who died at the age of 
fifty-four years, while he was sixty-two when 
called to his final rest. Though not a large 
man, he was robust, seldom being ill, and was 
very active and industrious. 

In the Pine Grove school, taught by Jane 
Taylor, Mi Spangler, the subjei I propi i of this 
review, began his education, and his advantages 
were confined to the district schools of his time. 
lie learned rapidly, however, and as a result ol 
his fitness, was often selected as extra teacher, 
m which capacitj he served for a short time on 
various occasions. He heartily endorses the im- 
provements that have since been made in the 
public schools, is a warm friend of a better and 
thorough education, and as a school director has 
done efficient service in their interests. His 
farm training and first ideas ol business were ob- 
tained .m the I. ii in where he still lives, and, be- 
ing the elder son. rendered his father valuable 
assistance. He never left the parental roof, but 
continued to aid in the operation of the farm 
during the lifetime of his parents. In 1880 he 
purchased the place", whii h comprises 140 a 
of rich and arable land under a high state of cul- 
tivation and improved with good buildings. On 
October 1, 1894, his barn was destroyed by fire, 
1 , 1 1 1 on the te a new structure was raised 

by the |i itb ol November. 

At the age ol thirtj one years, Mr. Spai 
was married in 1 lames township, Centre county, 
to Miss Adella Bollinger, a native ol Aaronsburg, 

in the same ci tj . and a daughter of Gi 

Bollinger. She was the recipient of a good edu- 
abling hei to successfully engage in 
teaching foj ten or twelve j 'dr. and Mrs 

Spangler began their domestic life upon his 
present farm, which he rented until 1880, and 
there the birth of their four children occurred 



Bernard K . the eldest, is a stenographer by pro- 
fession, and occupies a responsible and confiden- 
tial position in a wholesale house in Chicago. 111. 
Gertrude M. is a graduate of the Lock Haven 
Normal School, and now follows teaching. Will- 
iam E. is also a stenographer and typewriter of 
Chicago. Harry B. is at home. This is one of 
the most noted families in the township, and re- 
flects great credit upon the parents. 

Mr. Spangler is a prominent and active mem- 
ber of the Democratic party, and although he 
cares nothing for political distinction, he has 
creditably served in a number of minor ofti< 
being at the present time a school director and 
the postmaster at Potters Mills. He and his 
timable wife hold membership in the Spn 
town Methodist Episcopal Church, where he has 
served as class leader and steward, and is at 
present one of the trustees of the Church. The 
family is one of prominence, standing second to 
none in the community, and is well worth] 
honorable mention in a work of this character 



J,OBERT JAMES HAYNES (decease. 
{_ of Snow Shoe, was one of Centre counts - 
most popular and highly esteemed citizens. The 

stors of the Haynes family were alvt 
British subjects, and emigrated in the time 
Cromwell to the Island of Barbados, when the) 
have always been landed proprietors. Ml 
Haynes' parents, Thomas Haynes (son of Roberl 
James Haynes), and Williamina. his wife (dau 
ter of William Everslej of Barbados), cam< 
the United States in [832 and settled in Geoi 
town in the District of Columbia, where in Sep 
te. nber of that year Robert James was born, Ohl) 
son .md second child. His education was ob- 
tained at Dr. Smith's School at Alexandria. Di 
Vollmer'sat Westchester and Bishop Doan's ' 
lege at Burlington, N. J.; and, his parents ha 
I to Philadelphia, his youth was lar( 
nt their. Being devoted to out-do, .1 sports 
llj to hunting and fishing, he was 
traded to Central Pennsylvani 1. He was in 
business foi varying periods at Howard, at Salt 
1 ii k, and at Snow Shoe, where for a numb 
l the " Mountain lb H< 

active pari in politics, refusing the m 
offers of his neighbor citizens, serving onlj 
1 hool director. 1 Ii 
red at Snow Shoe, March 3, [894, dyinj 
suddenly and unexpectedly while sitting talking 
to Mi I ii ak, without a word or indica- 

1 pain. Commenting on his death 
paper said: "No man was ever kinder, more 
is than Robert J. Ha 



. 




• 



ROBERT J. HAYHES. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHIC 'AL RECORD. 



225 



indeed he was the balancing wheel for the whole 
community in which he lived, with a pleasing 
personality and a mind as liberal as the mount- 
ains, on which he loved to hunt and fish, were 
broad; he was liked and respected by young and 
old, rich and poor." 

A friend writing of Mr. Haynes from Snow 
Shoe said: " When a young man, fond of hunt- 
ing and fishing, he started for the West branch 
of the Susquehanna, then abounding with fish, 
and the forests along its banks running through 
Clearfield, Centre and Clinton counties, abound- 
ing with game. His first landing was at Schutac, 
in Clinton county; thence going to Salt Lick, 
Clearfield county, where he married Miss Martha 
Watson. After his marriage he returned to Salt 
Lick and started in the mercantile business. At 
this time the writer's (a boy of seven years) ac- 
quaintance began, dating back to 1857 and con- 
tinuing up to the day of his death. He built a 
large and commodious house at Salt Lick. The 
friends he entertained were many, and in the 
spring of the year accommodated raftsmen, so 
that he became known all over Clearfield coun- 
ty. He was kind-hearted and of a jovial disposi- 
tion. Well do we remember the first lesson he 
gave us, the skating in our boyhood days. He 
enjoyed immensely to get a crowd of young peo- 
ple together skating or playing, and he was gen- 
erally the youngest in the part he took in the 
crowd. In the sick room he was grand. His 
jovial disposition and cheerfulness would make 
the patient forget all his aches and pains, and 
before he was aware of it would be sitting up. 
The writer went through a six-weeks' spell of 
sickness, and he was there most every day. His 
presence was worth more than doctor's prescrip- 
tions. About twenty-five years ago he moved 
from Salt Lick to Snow Shoe, and took charge of 
the ' Mountain House,' and remained in charge 
about ten years, and a guest once stopping there 
never passed the house without stopping while 
he was in charge. Such was the reputation he 
gave the house far and wide. After leaving the 
•Mountain House ' he retired to private life, but 
his fellow citizens called him to office in township 
affairs, justice of the peace, auditor, school di- 
rector, etc. A man of fine social qualities, finely 
educated, and one who would have graced our 
Legislative halls with honor, but he was not am- 
bitious for political honors. He was a Cyclope- 
dia of knowledge, a great reader, and was well 
versed in transpiring events. His death brought 
a public loss to our town and community. Of 
all the men I ever met his temper was the most 
even; always the same kind, genial disposition. 
He was a great favorite with little boys, always 

15 



a name and a kind word for them. Liberal, no 
subscription paper for benevolent or charitable 
purposes ever left his hand without responding to 
the call. His familiar face will be missed upon the 
street and in public gatherings." 

On January 2, 1855, Mr. Haynes was married 
to Martha, a daughter of James and Eliza (Lucas 1 
Watson, then of Karthaus, Penn., and their sur- 
viving children are: William Rotherock, and 
Robert James; five others died in infancy. 
Mrs. Haynes was born in Centre county, August 
28, 1837, and his parents were also born there. 
Both the Watson and Lucas families were early 
settlers of Boggs township, Centre county. 



OBERT J. HAYNES. The thriving little 
3l village of Snow Shoe has a full quota of 
live, energetic and persevering business men, 
among whom is the subject of this sketch, a gen- 
eral merchant. He is a native of Clearfield 
county, Penn., born in Karthaus township, Oc- 
tober 3, 1863, son of Robert J. and Martha 
(Watson) Haynes, a sketch of whom appears 
above. 

Our subject was educated in the public 
schools, and at the age of fifteen began working 
in the coal mines of Snow Shoe, where he re- 
mained for one year. During the following 
eight months he drove a team for a merchant of 
that place, and then embarked in business on his 
own account, beginning with a small stock of 
confectionery, to which he added as his financial 
resources increased, until he had an excellent 
general store, which he successfully conducted 
for nine years. In 1891 he opened the " Karthaus 
House " in Clearfield county, which he carried 
on for two years, but on the death of his father 
returned to Snow Shoe, where he engaged in 
the livery business for a year and a half. On 
February 1, 1895, he purchased the mercantile 
establishment of Gillen & Murray, and has since 
successfully conducted the same, having by fair 
and honorable dealing built up an excellent 
trade. 

In June, 1892, in Clearfield, Mr. Haynes 
wedded Miss Gertrude Smith, a daughter of 
Squire Joseph S. and Margie (Barthurst) Smith, 
residents of Snow Shoe. Three children bless 
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Haynes, namely: 
Elsie, Eversley H. and George R. In politics 
Mr. Haynes is an uncompromising Democrat, 
and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
Lodge No. 226, Snow Shoe, which he has repre- 
sented in the Grand Lodge. He is one of the 
prominent and highly respected citizens of the 
community, and deserves honored place in the 



226 



CO.VMi:.\l')U.\TlVl-; ISlouiiM'llIfM. RECORD. 



record of the best people of Centre county. He 
is an excellent marksman, and his chief recreation 
is hunting. 

Wll LIAW K Haynes, a brother of Robert J., 
was born in Howard, March 23, 1857, and re- 
mained with his parents until 1S77, during which 
time he obtained a good education in the public 
schools. He began his business career as an 
employee of the Snow Shoe & Bellefonte Rail- 
road Company, and subsequently weighed coal 
for Burrell, White & Co., for two years, while 
the following year he served as weighmaster for 
the Kado Mining Co. In 1892 he established 
his present saloon at Clarence, Centre county, 
which he has since carried on with good success. 
Like his brother, he supports the principles of 
the Democratic party; socially he holds a mem- 
bership with the Knights "I Pythias at Snow 
Shoe. A pleasant, genial gentleman, he has 
made hosts of warm friends throughout the 
county where he is so well known. 

On August 28, 1877, William R. Haynes was 
married to Mary E. Gunsallus, and their union 
has been blessed with seven children: Franklin; 
Robert; George, who died at the age of three 
months; Bessie; Eversley, who died in infancy; 
Ida; and Ada, who died at the age of three years. 



M se 



I. KLINE. Sometimes " Dame Fortune " 
A~-L seems to test to the utmost the courage and 
endurance of her followers before finally turning 
upon them a smiling face. In the life of Mr. 
Kline, now a successful merchant of Madison- 
burg, Centre county, there were surely hardships 
and losses enough to dishearten any ordinary 
youth, and his history furnishes a remarkable ex- 
ample of pluck and determination. 

Mr. Kline is still a young man, having been 
born May 15, 1863, in the Russian province of 
Finland. His parents, who were of Jewish 
scent, were poor, and the death of the father 
when our subject was but two and one-half 
years old, left the mother and a family of three 
boys and three girls to make a livelihood for 
themselves Mr. Kline was the youngest son 
and fifth child, and began to make himself use- 
ful at an early age. At eleven he took a small 
stock of notions, and started in business as a 
peddler, and so well did he succeed that at six- 
teen he had saved $500. This seemed to justify 
an enlargement of his operations, and in the fall 
of 1879 he purchased a horse and wagon and a 
stock of dry goods; but in a few weeks after un- 
dertaking this new line, his entire outfit, includ- 
ing the horse and wagon, was stolen from a 
country tavern where he had made a stop. To 



a man such a loss would be severe, and it must 
have been overwhelming to a boy of his age and 
inexperience. He had but $5.00 left, and his 
sad predicament excited so much sympathy 
among the peasants of the neighborhood that, 
notwithstanding their poverty, they raised $80, 
by popular subscription, and gave it to him. 
With this he bought a new stock, and again be- 
gan carrying a pack on his back. At the end of 
a year he had $205 saved, but he was then (in 
the fall of 1880) compelled to enter the Russian 
military service, in which he remained five years. 
The pay was so small that his savings were ex- 
hausted before the expiration of his term, and 
when he was again free to enter business life he 
decided to seek, in the United States, a better 
chance than his own country afforded. He had 
a brother, Julius Kline, in New York, who sent 
him $40 and a ticket, and thus provided for, Mr 
Kline sailed from Hamburg, after thirteen days 
on the ocean landing in New York in the latter 
part of March, 1885. For a time he made hi- 
home with his brother, a fish merchant in Hester 
street, who employed him as a clerk, but city air 
and life proved uncongenial, and Mr. Kline began 
to long for the country. At first the brother was 
unwilling to let him go; it was agreed, however 
after a time that, Mr. Kline should resume hi> 
former business of peddling. He could not yet 
speak a work of English, but in June, 1885, h< 
left New York with a stock of goods worth forty 
dollars which his brother had helped him to pro- 
cure. His destination was Kant/ P. ().,near 
Selins Grove, Snyder county, where a cousin, 
Mr. Milner, resided, but naturally the young 
stranger, ignorant both of the language and the 
countrv, had no little difficulty in finding the way 
there. Mr. Milner, who was a merchant, en- 
couraged him in his enterprise, and taught him 
how to greet people whom he would meet, and 
to say "good bye," and although for some t 
Mr, Kline was apt to use the words of salutation 
in a hap-hazard way.he gradually became famil- 
iar with their use and added others to his vocah- 

Mr Kline Lit Kant/ P. O. with his pack on 
his hack, and started for Centre county; but not 
being very strong the weight soon told upon him. 
To add to his discomfort he contracted ague, and 
in the spring of 1886, while at Madisonburg, ha 
was taken seriously ill. It being evident that he 
could not continue to carry a pack, some kind 
friends assisted him to get a horse and wagon. 
The former cost $22.50 at a sale in lVnn town- 
ship. Centre county, and the wagon was pur- 
chased from L. B. Stover, of Madisonburg, 
$15, With this equipment Mr. Kline made an- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



227 



other start and fortunately no more reverses 
were met, and in the spring of 1894 he had be- 
come so prosperous that he decided to open a 
store. During the first year in the United States 
he bought his goods from Mr. Milner, as he had 
not the ready cash with which to purchase in 
New York to the amount that he desired; but 
later he readily secured loans from substantial 
citizens of this section and was enabled to buy 
his goods to better advantage. On establishing 
himself in Madisonburg, Mr. Kline spent several 
months in settling up his accounts, and Septem- 
ber 20, 1894, he opened a general store, where 
he has already built up a large and profitable 
trade. His establishment is a model of neatness, 
comparing favorably with any in this section, not 
even excepting those in the largest towns. It 
speaks well for his honesty and fair dealing with 
the past that he could settle among his former 
patrons and command their custom, and his 
straightforward yet courteous manner wins the 
confidence of all who meet him. Considering 
the short length of time that he has been in the 
locality, his rise to a place among the leading 
merchants of Brush Valley is extraordinary. 

Mr. Kline's prosperity has not caused him to 
forget his brothers and sisters in the old country. 
He has helped them in a substantial way, send- 
ing several hundreds of dollars at various times. 
Three of the family are now in the United States 
— a sister, Gussie (Mrs. Jacob Goldstein), being 
a resident of Paterson, N. J. On October 7, 
1897, Mr. Kline was married to Miss Rachel 
Paris, of Altoona, Penn. As a public-spirited 
citizen he is interested in political questions, but 
he is not an active worker. While sympathizing 
in the main with the principles of the Democratic 
party, he votes for the "best man" as occasion 
arises. 



EjMJWARD ALLISON. If the title of " lead- 
__^ ing farmer" can consistently be given to any 
one agriculturist of Potter township, Centre 
county, the subject of this sketch certainly de- 
serves it. He belongs to one of the prominent 
and representative families of Penn's Valley, 
which has borne an important part in the upbuild- 
ing and development of this region, and has 
done much to promote its moral and material 
welfare. On the farm which is still his home Mr. 
Allison was born, August 2, 1855, a son of Hon. 
William and Sarah A. (McNitt) Allison, the 
former of whom died in 1877, the latter on 
December 18, 1896. 

In a subscription school at Potters Mills, 
our subject began his education under the in- 



struction of Frank Hess, and continued to pur- 
sue his studies in the district schools until the 
fall of 1871, when he entered the State College, 
where he was a diligent student for three years. 
The knowledge that he thus acquired has been 
greatly supplemented by extensive reading and 
observation in later years, and he is well-informed 
on all the leading questions and topics of the 
day. On leaving the school room, Mr. Allison 
returned to the home farm, which he has since 
successfully operated, and is also engaged in look- 
ing after the extensive interets of the family in 
and around Potters Mills, his sister Lillie Eliza- 
beth living with him. In addition to his agricult- 
ural pursuits, he was connected with his broth- 
ers, William and Archibald, in a woolen-factory 
up to about 1892, which proved a paying invest- 
ment. He is a wide-awake, energetic business 
man, a progressive farmer, and always secures 
the best results from his labors. 

Since casting his first vote, Mr. Allison has 
been a firm adherent of Republican principles, 
taking a deep interest in the success of his party, 
but is no politician in the sense of office-seeking. 
He always attends and supports the Presbyterian 
Church. "Ed," as he is familiarly known by 
his hosts of friends, is unassuming, and well 
liked by all who know him, and is a worthy rep- 
resentative of the honored family to which he 
belongs. 



HEZEKIAH K. HOY, who is prominently 
identified with the agricultural interests of 
Benner township, Centre county, was born in 
1835, a son of John and Susannah (Hoy) Hoy, 
who came from Union county, Penn., as did also 
the grandparents of our subject. By trade the 
father was a miller, which occupation he con- 
tinued to follow until 1840, when he purchased a 
farm in Benner township, on a portion of which 
Hezekiah H. now resides. He died in 1864, at 
the age of sixty years, and his wife passed away 
at the age of forty-six. 

Their family comprised eight children, in or- 
der of birth as follows: Henry, born in 1829, 
died in 1895, in Arkansas, where his family still 
make their home; Lydia married Jacob Hartman, 
and died in 1893, leaving a family who reside in 
Illinois; Sarah is the wife of John Rishel, a 
farmer of Centre county, Penn. ; Hezekiah K. is 
next in order of birth; Catharine is the wife of 
John Houser; Mary A. is the wife of W. H. Mil- 
ler; Susannah is the wife of Michael Corman, of 
Walker township, Centre county; and Emeline is 
the wife of Samuel Fravel, of College township. 
Centre county. 



228 



<<im.vi:m<>i;a tivr biographical record. 



The boyhood and youth oi our subject were 
passed after the manner of most farmers sons, 
he aiding in the labors of the fields and attending 
the district schools when his services were not 
needed at home. He chose tanning as his life 
occupation, and is now the owner of the old 
homestead, a tract of 1 38A acres. The well 
tilled fields and neat appearance of the place 
show his careful supervision, and the neat and 
commodious building are models of convenience. 
In i860 he married Miss Mary E. Fishburn, and 
eight children have come to bless their union, 
namely: Ettie, born in 1861, is the wife of Dr. 
Austin Shuey, of Prospect, Ohio; Anna M. is the 
wife of Grant Pifer, a clerk in a railroad office in 
Wilkinsburg, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Catharine 
and Harry (twins), the former being the wife of 
Rev. W. J. Wagner, of Muncy, Lycoming Co., 
Penn., while the latter married Sally Garbrick; 
Jacob and Minerva (twins) are next in order of 
birth; Ursinus 11 married Blanche Dale, and 
lives in Benner township, Centre county; and 
1 aroline is at home. 

Politically, Mr Hoy has ever been an ardent 
supporter of the principle's ol the Democratic 
party, and favors the free coinage of silver. He 
is a valued citizen of the community, has been 
an active agent in promoting the various schemes 
for its advancement, and has taken a conspicuous 
part in the administration of public affairs. He 
is an earnest and useful member of the Reformed 
Church, and upright and honorable in all th> 
lations of life. 



FELIX BURKHOLDER (deceased, was for 
many years one of the prominent and repre- 
sentative citizens "I Potter township, Centre 
county, where his memory is held in reverence 
and honor. A native of the Keystone State, he 
was born January 4, 1806, in Annville township, 
Lebanon county, and was a son of Felix Burk- 
holder, Sr. , who never lived in Centre county, 
but often visited his son after his removal to the 
county. In the family were four sons and three 
dan if whom, out subject is the fourth in 

order of birth. His father being 111 comfortable 
circumstances he was provided with fair educa- 
tional advantages, but generally attended schools 
where only German was taught. 

On February 7, [833, in the county of his na- 
tivity, Mr. Burkholder was united in marriage 
with Mi>s Elizabeth Meyer, who w'as born in 
Annville township, Lebanon county, December 

[807, and was the fourth daughter of Michael 
and Elizabeth Meyer. They began their domestic 
life in Dauphin county, this State, where Mr. 



Hurkholder engaged in milling for a number o! 
years, and where were born to them the follow- 
ing children: Mary, born Jannary 9, 1835, died 
on the 29th of the following February. John, 
born April 13, 1836, was a miller by trade, and 
died September 23, 1893, in Miami county, Ohio, 
where his family are still living. The next child 
died unnamed. Catharine, born September 6, 
1838, is a resident of Centre Hill, Centre coun- 
ty. Felix M., born September 24, 1839, died 
May 24, 1893. Elizabeth is the youngest. 

In the spring of 1*40 the family migrated to 
Centre county, traveling by boat through the 
canals to Lewistown, and thence by wagon tp 
their destination. Mr. Burkholder rented what 
is known as the Red Mill in Potter township, 
which he successfully conducted until the spring 
of [860, when he purchased the William Milh- 
gan farm near Centre Hill, and turned his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits for the first time, 
having engaged in milling for over thirty years 
with good success. Upon that farm he spent his 
remaining days, dying on the 7th of May, 1883. 
and now lies buried in the cemetery of Tussey- 
ville. His wife, who survived him for some time, 
passed away |nlv 26, 1S93, and was laid to rest 
by his side. 

After coming to Centre county, the family 
circle was increased by the birth of four children, 
the' oldest of whom, a son, died in infancy, un- 
named; Michael M , born March 5, 1843, is a 
farmer of Potter township; Elizabeth, born Sep- 
tember 17, 1844, married Daniel Seltzer, by 
whom she had one child— Elmer B., who was 
born September 12, 1868, and died October 1; 
1876 (she and her sister now make their home to 
gether in Centre Hill, where they have mam 
warm friends); Mary, the youngest in the family. 
was born August 12, 1849, and died September 
10, 1887. 

Mr. Hurkholder was an energetic, hard-work- 
ing man, who met with success in his business 
ventures by honest and fair dealing, and whose 
word was ever considered as good as his bond. 
His wife was ,1 consistent member of the Re- 
formed Church, and although not connected with 
any religious denomination he was a great Bible 
student, and gave liberally to the support I 
Churches. In politics he was an ardent supporter 
of the Republican party. 



FM. BURKHOLDER (deceased) was one 
the valued and highly esteemed cit 
Potter township, Centn county, lb- was born 
September 24, 1839, in Derry township. Dauphin 
I 1 . Penn., but in infancy was brought to 



, 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



2l>9 



tre county by his parents, Felix and Elizabeth 
(Meyer) Burkholder. Although he never served 
an apprenticeship to the miller's trade, he learned 
that business while assisting his father in the 
operation of his mill, but throughout his early 
life was principally engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits upon the home farm. 

While cradling wheat during the harvest of 
1 86 1, Mr. Burkholder sprained his left leg in 
such a way as to necessitate its amputation five 
years later, and for two or three years during 
that interval he suffered untold agony and was 
obliged to use crutches. His early education 
was somewhat limited, but after the loss of his 
limb he resolved to further continue his studies 
in order to support himself by teaching, and at- 
tended school at various places, including Penn 
Hall, Millersville and Potters Mills. Obtaining 
a certificate, he successfully engaged in teaching 
some nine years, and became one of the leading 
educators of Potter township. 

In Centre Hall, September 7, 1876, Mr. 
Burkholder was married to Miss Mary E. Mc- 
Clintock, who was born in Potter township, June 
11, 1845, an< f ' s one °f * ne four children of 
Alexander and Elizabeth (Reichlev) McClintock, 
the others being Sarah C. , wife of William H. 
Mapes, of Camden county, N. J.; Samuel K., 
of Harris township, Centre county; and Ann E. , 
who died in childhood. ' The McClintock family 
is of Scotch-Irish extraction, the great-grand- 
father of Mrs. Burkholder being a native of the 
North of Ireland. Her grandfather, Samuel 
McClintock, was a carpenter and farmer. The 
father, a farmer by occupation, died in Potter 
township at the age of sixty-six years, the mother 
at the age of seventy-one, and they now rest in 
the Sprucetown cemetery. In religious belief 
they were Methodists, and were highly respected 
citizens of the community in which they made 
their home. 

After his marriage, Mr. Burkholder located on 
the same property where his widow still resides. 
He remodeled the house, erected a good barn, and 
made that place his home until his death on May 
24, 1893. His remains were interred intheTus- 
seyville cemetery. About 1873 he commenced 
the sale of agricultural implements throughout 
Centre county, and became quite a successful 
agent. This business gave him a wide acquaint- 
ance, and his circle of friends was extensive. 
His funeral was the largest ever held in Centre 
Hill, people coming from miles around to pay 
their last tribute to the deceased, whom all hon- 
ored and respected for his sterlingworth and many 
excellent traits of character. He was a success- 
ful business man, leaving to his family a comfort- 



able competence; a kind husband and a loving fa- 
ther, whose interests centered around his home. 
An earnest Christian, he was a devout member of 
the Reformed Church, in which he was serving as 
elderat the time of his death. His political sup- 
portwas given the Republican party. Mrs. Burk- 
holder still resides at the home left her, and in 
the settlement of her husband's affairs displayed 
excellent business ability. She is a lady who has 
the respect of all who know her, and her circle 
of friends is only limited by her circle of acquaint- 
ances. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Burkholder, their names and dates of birth being 
as follows: EffieE., March 13, 1878; Morris A., 
October 20, 1879; Wilbur E., July 4, 1881; 
Harry F. , May 13. 1883; and Amnion R., April 
3, 1886 — all at home except Morris, who is work- 
ing on a farm, and Wilbur, who is attending 
school. 



SOLOMON PECK, senior member of the well- 
known mercantile firm of Peck & Son, has 
been prominently identified with the commercial, 
industrial and agricultural interests of Huston, 
Centre county, and vicinity for many years. His 
honorable business methods and untiring energy 
have brought to him a well-merited success, and 
have been of material benefit to the community 
by advancing its interests. 

A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in 
Dauphin county, September 21, 1837, and in 
1846 was brought to Centre county by his par- 
ents, Simon and Mary Ann (Singer) Peck, the 
former a native of Dauphin county, and the lat- 
ter of Perry county, Penn. His paternal grand- 
parents, Conrad and Barbara (Lyter) Peck, were 
also born in Dauphin county. 

Our subject is second in order of birth in a 
family of eleven children, as follows: (1) Sarah 
A. is the wife of George Rossman, a laborer of 
Illinois, to which State they removed in 1888, 
and they have five children. (3) Anna M. is 
the wife of Ira C. Walker, a farmer, by whom 
she has one child, and they removed from Cen- 
tre county to Illinois in 1865. (4) Conrad, 
born April 23, 1 84 1 , married Lydia Arney, of 
Centre Hall, Centre county, by whom he has 
three daughters, and they have made their home 
upon a farm in Kansas since 1883. (5) Cath- 
arine, born September 6, 1843, is the wife of 
Nathaniel Bowersox, a farmer of Brush Valley, 
Centre county, and they have eight children. 
(6) Anna E. is the wife of J. I. Jones, a farmer, 
by whom she has two children, and they have 
lived in Kansas since 1887. (7) Joseph, born 
August 15, 1848, married Minerva Spangler, by 






280 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



whom he has two daughters, and is a farmer of 
Kansas, to which State he removed in 1878. 
Barbara, born May II, 1851, married Sam- 
uel Leopold, of Sugar Valley, Penn., but they 
now live on a farm in Missouri. (9) Martin, 
born December 3, 1853, married Magdalene 
Weaver, by whom he has two daughters, and on 
leaving Centre count)- in 1880 went to Kansas, 
but finally located upon a farm in Missouri. (IO) 
Austin, a farmer of Illinois, born June 25, 1857, 
married Alice Snyder, by whom he has one son. 
(iii Myron, born May 20, i860, is married and 
living upon a farm in Kansas. 

After obtaining a good practical education in 
the common schools of Centre county, Mr. Peck, 
the subject of this review, learned the cabinet 
maker's trade, at which he worked until 1885, 
when he embarked in merchandising in Huston; 
he is also engaging in undertaking and fanning. 
He is a wide-awake, enterprising business man, 
of known reliability, and his straightforward, 
honorable course has gained him the confidence 
of all with whom he has come in contact. He 
married Miss May E., daughter of John Wolf, 
of Miles township, Centre county, and they have 
one child, Edwin J., who was born June 18, 
i860, and is now connected with his father in 
business. On May 23, 1893, the son was wed- 
ded to Miss Tillie E. Yearick, a daughter of 
Henry Yearick, a retired farmer of Marion, Cen- 
tre county. One child blesses this union — Earl 
Henry, born June 24, 1894. 

A man of broad and liberal views, well in- 
formed on the leading issues and questions of the 
day, our subject is one of the prominent, influen- 
tial citizens of Walker township. In connection 
with his store in Huston, he also owns a fine 
farm just a half mile from the city limits, but 
makes his home in the village. A strong 1 >emo- 
crat in politics, he has been honored by Ins 
party with several official positions of honor and 
trust, including those of county auditor, overseer 
of the poor, school director, and justice of the 
peace for the past fifteen years, ami it is needless 
to say that bis duties were ever promptly and 
faithfully performed. Religiously, he holds mem- 
bership in the German Reformed Church. He 
bears a remarkable resemblance to Governor 
Altgeld, of Illinois. 



G^EORGE SHAFFER, one of the few surviv- 
__\ orsof the brave bind of pioneers who took 
an active part in transforming Brush Valley from 
a primitive wilderness to a region of fertile farms, 
is now the oldest citizen in the vicinity oi Madi- 
sonburg. Under his observant eyes great changes 



have taken place, and it is interesting to listen t< 
his reminiscences of the early days, his clear and 
active mind retaining well the memories of bis 
youth. 

Mr. Shaffer is a native of Brush Valley, hav- 
ing been born at the old Shaffer homestead near 
Madisonburg, December 1, 1 8 1 1 , and is a mem- 
ber of the well-known pioneer family. Hi^ 
grandfather, John Adam Shaffer, was born in 
Berks county, Penn., October 31, 1752, and did 
gallant service in the Revolutionary army. He 
was second lieutenant of a company of Associa- 
tors, during the campaign of Trenton and Prince- 
ton in 1776-77, and was noted for his Herculean 
fame, being the strongest man in the company. 
He came from York county, Penn., with a 
brother, Nicholas, and settled in Brush Valley 
about the beginning of the present century, pur- 
chasing the interest of Valentine Ertle's in a tract 
of land one-half mile east of Madisonburg, where 
he passed his remaining days, his death occurring 
January 14, 1840. He was married in York 
county to Elizabeth Klinefelder, a native of that 
county, born December 27, 1760. She died in 
November, 1835, an< ^ tne remains of both v. 
interred at Madisonburg. They had eleven chil- 
dren, of whom the following record is given: 
John died in Miles township, Centre county; 
Michael in Walker township, Centre county; 
Ceorge in Indiana; Jacobin Ohio; Adam and 
Samuel in Pennsylvania; Barbara in Ohio; 
Catherine in York county, Penn. ; Lizzie in 
Indiana; live in Venango county, Penn., and 
Magdalena in Ohio. 

fudge John Shaffer, our subject's father, was 
born in York county, [anuary 31, 1780, and 
a young man when he came with his parents to 
Brush Valley, where he made his permanent 
home, his death occurring at the farm near Madi- 
sonburg, September 21, 1851. He was well 
known throughout Centre county, and was in- 
fluential politically as a member of the Demo- 
cratic party. He served four terms as count) 
commissioner, and was associate judge of Centre 
county from 1 84 1 to 1 846. At one time he 
owned five thousand acres of mountain land 
which he sold in portions at different times. He 
was prominent in the Lutheran Church, 

deacon and elder, and in fact took an active 
part in all progressive movements of that 
and locality. Well built physically, he t 
pride in the fact and in the resemblance ol all 
his sons in this respect. He was married (fit 
in Penn s Valley to Miss Eve Frank, daugh 
of Philip Frank, of Aaronsburg. The tl 
children of this union — John, Daniel, and Eli 
beth 1 Mrs. Frederick Johnsonbaugh) — all did 10 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



231 



Indiana. Their mother died and was buried at 
Rebersburg, and Judge Shaffer afterward mar- 
ried Miss Sarah Kren, who was born October 9, 
1778, and died January 16, 1867. Of their fam- 
ily, our subject was the eldest; (2) Catherine, 
widow of Edward Houtz, resides in Gregg town- 
ship, Centre county; (3) Adam will be mentioned 
elsewhere; (4) Sarah married Michael Hazel, and 
died in Brush Valley; (5) Andrew died at Madi- 
sonburg; (6) Joseph resides in Nittany Valley; 
17) Philip died in Illinois; (8) Hannah, widow of 
Samuel Royer, lives in Indiana; (9) Susanna, 
widow of Samuel Winter, resides at Kramers- 
ville. 

George Shaffer, our subject, passed his youth 
upon his father's farm, his time being largely em- 
ployed in clearing and burning brush. There 
were no free schools in his time, and he never had 
a day in an English school. At the age of twen- 
ty-four he married Miss Lydia Wolfe, who was 
born in November, 1807, the daughter of Anthony 
Wolfe. Three children were born of this union: 
(1) Daniel E. served in the Civil war in Company 
A, 148th P. V. I., as first lieutenant, but was 
taken ill while at the front and returned home, 
where he died September 12, 1864; (2) Rosetta 
married Abraham Lukenbach, and died at Rock- 
ville, Penn. , April 23, 1862; and (3) George W. 
died in Missouri. The mother of this little fam- 
ily, who was a devout Lutheran in faith, died 
November 10, 1862, and her remains lie in the 
cemetery at Madisonburg. Mr. Shaffer for his 
second wife married Sarah, daughter of Peter 
Rodebaugh and widow of William Bair, who was 
at one time a merchant and hotel keeper at Madi- 
sonburg. She was born October 16, 181 5, and 
died at Madisonburg November 29, 1894, leaving 
no children by this union. She belonged to the 
Reformed Church, of which Mr. Shaffer is a 
leading member, having held various offices. To 
one Church he has given $1,000, including the 
bell and other fixtures donated by himself and 
his wife. 

After his first marriage Mr. Shaffer remained 
five years at the old home, and then bought a 
portion of the farm and put up suitable buildings 
for his use. He followed agriculture there until 
i860 when he removed to a farm near Madison- 
burg and continued his work. In 1889 he gave 
up the active management of the estate, and in 
his eighty-third year he ceased to do the various 
chores with which he had whiled away a portion 
of his time. Thus the evening of his life is spent 
in peaceful contemplation of the past, and the 
hope of the future reunion with his loved ones 
who have preceded him to the "better land." 

Mr. Shaffer is a Democrat in politics, and has 



voted for every Presidential candidate of his party 
from Andrew Jackson down. He has always 
been a valued counselor in the local organization, 
and has held various township offices. 



S\AMUEL HOOVER, a leading citizen and 
) extensive farmer and cider manufacturer, re- 
siding at Hannah Furnace, Taylor township. 
Centre county, was born February 21, 1838, in 
York county, Penn., of which county his parents, 
Philip and Lena (Grenewolt) Hoover, were also 
natives, the former born July 27, 18 10, and the 
latter February 3, 18 16. In 1841 they removed 
to Huntingdon county, where they remained un- 
til the spring of 1850, when theywent to Tyrone, 
Blair Co., Penn., and in the spring of i860 came 
to Centre county, locating on the farm where 
our subject now resides. The father was a 
prominent and wealthy farmer, and held several 
local positions of honor and trust to the satisfac- 
tion of all concerned. Politically, he was a stanch 
Democrat, and attended the Lutheran Church, in 
which his wife held membership. Both died on 
the farm at Hannah Furnace, the father on De- 
cember 23, 1871, and the mother on April 20, 
1888. The paternal grandfather of our subject, 
Henry Hoover, and the maternal grandfather 
were of German descent, and spent their entire 
lives in York county, this State. 

Samuel Hoover is third in order of birth in a 
family of ten children, the others being as fol- 
lows: Susan, born January 22, 1833, died at the 
age of six months; Henry, born July 1, 1835, 
died in Texas while serving in the Union army 
during the Civil war; Daniel, born May 4, 1840, 
died from effects of fever contracted in the army; 
Philip, born October 29, 1843, was a Union sol- 
dier, and is now engaged in the butchering busi- 
ness in Arizona; John, born April 6, 1845, con- 
ducts a meat market in Blair county, Penn. ; Zach- 
ariah, born October 25, 1847, died at Tyrone, 
Penn., by being thrown from a mule; George M., 
born April 4, 1850, died of fever; James F., born 
April 14, 1853, died of typhoid fever; and Alex- 
ander, born November 27, 1855, is a farmer of 
Centre county. 

While quietly an inmate of his father's house, 
the storm of civil war broke over the country, 
and in response to the call of the general gov- 
ernment for men, Samuel Hoover enlisted in 
1861, in Company C, 14th P. V. I., under Cap- 
tain Crouder, and remained in the service until 
the expiration of his term of three months. Re- 
turning home, he there remained until 1863, 
when he embarked in the dairy business at Al- 
toona, Penn., but in 1864 enlisted for one year 



282 



COMMEMOBA TIYF BIOO R M-ll KM. RECORD. 



In Company C, 208th P. Y. I., which was or- 
ganized at Harrisburg, Penn., September 13, 

I. and u;^ assigned to the- First Brigade, 
Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. He was 
mustered into the United States service at Camp 
1 mini, and participated in many battles and 
skirmishes, including tiie engagements .it I orl 
Steadman, Petersburg and Appomattox. He was 
never wounded, and at the close of the war he 
received an honorable discharge and returned 
home, where he has since engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. 

On December 25, 1862. Mr. Hoover was mar- 
1 1' I t<> Rosanna V. Rush, who was born in 1839, 
and died in 1869. Three children graced this 
union: William T., now engaged in the imple- 
ment busim ss at Port Matilda, Penn, ; Sallie, at 
home; and Philip A., also at home, who married 
Flora Heckwith, and has one son, Samuel L. On 
February 9. 1872, Mr Hoover, (<>r his second 
wife, wedded Mrs. Maria Keys Benn, widow of 
[osiah Benn, by whom she has one daughter, 
Anna, now the wile of Harry Chaney, general 
managerof a coal mine at Broadtop, Penn. By 
bis second marriage, Mr Hoover had two chil- 
dren: Olga F., now deceased: and Linnie K.. 
at home. 

Mrs. Hoover is a nativi ol ( entre county, 
and a daughter of George O. and Mm David- 
Keys. The former was bom m New York, 
January ;. 1 788, was a scholarly gentleman, a 
school teacher by profession, and an artist of 
considerable prominence. He held membership 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a 
pronounced Republican in politics. His death 
occurred August 4, 1855, and the mother of Mrs. 
Hoover departed this life June 21, 1874. She 
was born in Centre county, Penn.; September 18, 
1800, and was a daughter ol [ames and Rebecca 
Brown) Davidson, natives of Ireland anil Hunt- 
ingdon county, Penn., respectively. The paternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Hoover were Jacob and 
Jemima Keys, who came to America from Eng- 
land, and located in New York City, where the 
grandfather engaged in merchandising through 
out his remaining days. 

To I O and Mar) Davidson) Keys 

were born nine children: Andrew |. is deceased. 
Dr. William S. H. was bom 111 Centre county, 
in 1826, and attended the Lewistown Academy. 
He became a minister of the United Brethren 
Church, and in recognition of his scholarship and 
theological eminence the degrees of .\ M, and 
1). I) were conferred upon him by Otterbein 
University of Lebanon, Penn. In 1S78 he left 
that Church and joined the Presbyterian, of 
which he was ever afterward a prominent min- 



ister. He died at the age of sixty-six ye; 
Rebecca J., the third child, is now the widow of 
George Sharrer, of Philadelphia. David is de- 
ceased. Maria is the wile of our subject. \1- 
mira is the wife of Jacob Condo, a carpenter of 

i. 1'. 1111. Harriet ( ). married Adam < i 
but both are now deceased. [ames W. is a pat- 
ternmaker of Harrisburg. Penn. The father of 
this family was twice married, his first union be- 
ing with Eliza Funk, who was born April 28, 
[788, and died August 27. 1822. Two children 
wire born to them: Henry K . now deceased; 
and George \\ .. now a fanner of Ohio. 

Mr. and Mrs 11 ei occupy a most eh 

residence, situated on an elevation and com- 
manding a hue view ol the surrounding beautiful 
country. There they delighl to entertain their 
many friends, their latchstring alw ing 

out. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat, and 
socially is connected with the Grand Army Post 
at I'vrone, and the Odd Fellows Lodge at Port 
Matilda, Penn. A man of unquestioned in' 
rity in business and social circles, be stands de- 
servedly high, and has tin- happy facult) "t 
easily making friends and always retaining them. 



THOMAS BOWMAN BUDINGER. The 
industrial and commercial history of Centre 
county would be very incomplete and unsatisfac- 
tory without a personal and somewhat extended 
mention of those whose lives are interwoven 
closely with the business development of tin 
State. Mr. Budinger has been prominentl) 
identified with various enterprises of Centre 
county, and his business record is one that an) 
man might be proud to possess Beginning at 
the very bottom round of the ladder, he has ad- 
vanced steadily step by step until he now occu- 
pies a position of prominence. 

Mr Budinger was born in Lycoming count) 
Penn., December 13, 1832. and is a son of Will- 
iam and Lucretia 1 Hoffman) Budinger, natives 
ol Luzerne counts. Penn. Emigrating to Ly- 
coming countv. they located near Williamsport, 
where the father engaged in the lumber business 
ami farming. His wife died there in 1894, but 
he is still residing on tin- old homestead. Their 
children are: Sarah E. is the deceased wife of 
D. Y. Plummer, who is engaged in the mail 
service in Williamsport, Penn.; Johanna L. is 
the wife of James O'Brien, proprietor of 
•• Llkins Hotel," at Elkins, W. Va.;Thomas B 
comes next in the order ol birth, Philip is now 
engaged in fruit growing in Los Angeles, Cal 
and William is engaged in the livery business in 
that city. 



I 








COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



233 



Mr. Budinger is one of Centre county's self- 
made men, one of her most prominent citizens, 
and his business interests are to-day extensive. 
From the time he was thirteen years old until he 
was twenty-one, he worked in his father's saw- 
mill in the summer time and attended public 
school in the winter. At the age of twenty-one 
he hired out tohis father at $20.00 per month; but 
after working for one year he concluded to start 
in business for himself, so he obtained $10.00 from 
his father and went upon the road securing or- 
ders for enlarging pictures. He traveled through 
Cameron and McKean counties, and during the 
first trip of three months he cleared $375.00; he 
then remained at home for a short time, after 
which he went on the road and traveled through 
Elk and Jefferson counties, and during this sec- 
ond trip cleared about $400.00 in cash. He then 
went to Salladasburg, and while visiting his father 
met with a severe accident, by having his ankle 
broken, which caused him to put all business 
aside for one year; when he had recovered, how- 
ever, he endeavored to travel and sell pictures 
again, but the injury he had received from his 
broken leg made it impossible to continue in 
that business. He then obtained employment 
in a sawmill at Williamsport, where he was em- 
ployed taking charge of a lath mill for about 
three years. He then purchased from his father 
nine acres of land and a small home, upon 
which he lived for about four years, and during 
that time he received employment from the Tide 
Water Pipe Co., first as a day laborer for a few 
months, and he then secured the contract from 
the Tide Water Pipe Co. , to bury their pipe three 
feet under ground. During the first three months 
he cleared $700. 00, and lived in tents and boarded 
his own men. 

Mr. Budinger then contracted to lay the pipe 
between Williamsport and Muncy, and during 
the six weeks thus engaged he cleared $750.00. 
The oil was running through the pipes at the 
time, and it was a very difficult matter to bury 
the pipe underground without breaking it, but 
he was so successful in burying over fifty miles of 
pipe for the Tide Water Pipe Co. without an ac- 
cident or the loss of a single barrel of oil, whilst 
other parties who were employed at the same 
business, broke the pipe and lost several thou- 
sand barrels of oil at one time. He was then 
employed by the Standard Oil Co. , to bury pipe 
through a section of Clinton county, at a salary 
of $100.00 per month. After finishing this work, 
he was out of employment, and meeting a gen- 
tleman in Jersey Shore he was induced to come 
to Snow Shoe, Centre county, Penn. , with a 
promise of a position on the Beech Creek rail- 



road; but after remaining in Snow Shoe for sev- 
eral days he learned that the party had no au- 
thority to hire him, and that the salary offered 
by the contractors was not sufficient to induce 
him to engage in that business. 

A successful business man is he who is quick 
to recognize and take advantage of opportunities, 
and this element Mr. Budinger possesses in a 
high degree, and it has been one of the most im- 
portant factors in his prosperity. While in Snow 
Shoe he noticed that potatoes were being 
sold at $1.00 per bushel, so he went to Wat- 
sontown, Penn., and purchased a carload of 
that vegetable, then shipped them to Snow 
Shoe and sold them at a good profit. He also 
noticed that large quantities of bread was being 
shipped to Snow Shoe, and believing that he could 
make that article of food cheaper than it could 
be sent there, he rented an old oven, and in an 
old shed, the best accommodation that could be 
secured, he embarked in the bakery business, 
and his expenditures for rent and improvements 
for the first year amounted to over $475.00; but 
by hard work and strict attention to business, he 
made a clear profit of $2,000.00 the first year. 
He continued in that line of business until 1886, 
when, the railroad being completed, he aban- 
doned the bakery business and established a gen- 
eral mercantile store, which he successfully op- 
.erated until the first of May, 1887; and as the 
property he then occupied was wanted by its 
owner for other purposes, he purchased a lot and 
put up the buildings he now occupies, and his 
trade has steadily increased until the volume of 
his sales are very large. He carries on two 
stores — one at Clarence, Penn., and the other at 
Snow Shoe, Penn., with a stock of fully twenty- 
five thousand dollars (the store at Clarence, 
Penn., he purchased of W. B. Masters on Janu- 
ary 1, 1892). 

In 1 89 1 Mr. Budinger began operating in the 
coal business in a small way on the land owned 
by Potter & Co., hauling the coal on wagons, 
that had to be shoveled into the railroad cars, 
and he contrived an ingenious invention to dump 
a three-ton load of coal from an ordinary road 
wagon into the cars, which operated very success- 
fully; but in 1895 the price of soft coal became 
so low that it became unprofitable to load coal 
in that way, and on September 1. 1895, in con- 
nection with Kelley Brothers, he purchased the 
property of the Snow Shoe Mining Co., and he 
is now treasurer of the company. Under the 
capable management of the present officers, the 
output of the mines have been largely increased. 

In July, 1874, at the home of the bride, at Mt. 
Eagle, Centre county, Mr. Budinger was mar- 



284 



OOMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ried to Miss Alice Leathers, and they had twelve 
children: Delia and Emma Blanche are grad- 
uates of the Birmingham Seminary, of Blair Co., 
Penn.; Samuel and Arthur are students in the 
Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport; Effie is at 
home; Alice is deceased; Edith, Maud, Thomas 
J., Philip, Robert and Sarah are all still under 
the parental roof. 

In his social relations, Mr. Budinger is an Odd 
Fellow, and in politics is a Republican. He 
holds membership with no religious denomina- 
tion, but his wife and family are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man of 
great energy, one who carries forward to success- 
ful completion whatever he undertakes. Through 
his entire business career he has been looked 
upon as a model of integrity and honor, and his 
life to-day is an example of what can be accom- 
plished by a man of natural ability and strength 
of character. He is respected by the community 
at large, and honored by his business associates. 



SoUIRE JOSEPH M. GREEN, one of the 
1 eldest citizens of Milesburg, Centre county, 
win-re he has passed an active, busy life of nearly 
three-score and ten years, is a descendant, on 
both sides, of prominent families in the history 
of the State. 

Born December I, 1829, at Milesburg, Squire 
Creen is the son of Joseph Creen and Catherine 
(Miles), both natives of Milesburg, and the grand- 
son of Joseph Creen, Sr., and of Joseph Miles, 
and thi' great-grandson of Gen. Samuel Miles, of 
the war of the Revolution, mention of all of whom 
appears in the sketch of (i. Dorsey Green, to be 
found elsewhere. Joseph Green, Jr., was born 
in 1800. He became a clerk for Hamilton 
Humes at Bellefonte, going there to take charge 
of Centre Furnace as manager. He was the 
manager of the Milesburg Iron Works for Irvin, 
dp 111 & Co. In 1830, in connection with his 
father-in-law, Joseph Miles, he opened a store in 
Milesburg. On the death of the latter, in 1840, 
Mr. Green carried on the business alone until 
1852, then took as a partnei a son, Joseph M. 
lie served several times as burgess ol Milesburg. 

Politically In- was first a Whig, then a Republic- 
an. He was identified with the Baptist Church. 
His death occurred in May, 1S79. His wit 
also deceased. Their children are: Joseph M.. 
our subject; Edward A., who is living on the old 
furnace property on Mill creek; and F. Potts 
1 ireen, a druggist of Bellefonte. 

Joseph M. Creen at the age of seventeen 
years began and subsequently served an appren- 
ticeship at the machinist's trade. Later he was 



engaged in lumbering and merchandising in part- 
nership with \Y. M. McMeen, a cousin, under the 
firm name of W. M. McMeen & Co. The firm 
later became Joseph Green & Son, and was so 
continued until in 1861. On the breaking out 
of the Civil war Mr. Green enlisted in Company 
A, 49th P. V. I., and was with the Army of the 
Potomac. While on the Peninsula campaign he 
was taken sick at Yorktown, Va., and owing to 
the nature of the disease he was compelled to re- 
tire from the service, and was honorably dis- 
charged. He returned to Milesburg, where he 
was disabled for a number of years as the result of 
his military service. Later he took charge of the 
gristmill at that point, and has at periods from 
that time to this operated the same. For many 
years he has served the people of Milesburg in 
various capacities, and has a clear and good rec- 
ord, as one will readily judge when he learns that it 
has been "Squire" Green now for thirty years, 
as his service as a justice of the peace is Hearing 
the third of a century milestone. He has filled 
all the borough offices — member of the council, 
of which he has been the president, burgess, etc. 
He is a Thirty-second Degree Mason, being a 
member of Lodge at Bellefonte. Politically he 
is a Republican. 



JINDREW HARTER, who follows general 
_ J\ farming in Marion township, Centre county, 
is a representative of one of the pioneer families 
of Penn's Valley, whose identification with its in- 
terests has proved a material factor in its devel- 
opment and upbuilding. He was born in Harris 
township, Centre county, June 7, 1823. His 

paternal grandparents, Andrew and (Roop) 

Harter, natives .of Lancaster county, Penn., re- 
moved at an early day to Penn's Valley, where the 
grandfather followed farming throughout his n 
maining days. The maternal grandparents, An- 
drew and (Kramer) Kern, were also born in 

Pennsylvania, ami came to Penn's Valley at an 
early period in its development. They too, 
fanning people. 

Jacoh and Elizabeth Kern: Harter, the par- 
ents of our subject, were both natives of Haines 
township. Centre county, whence they removed 
to Marion township. The father became otic 
the leading farmers of that community, and took 
a prominent part in public affairs, serving in sev- 
eral local offices, including those of supervisor 
and tax collector. He and his wife were n 
bers of the Lutheran Church in early life, after- 
ward uniting with the Evangelical Church. 
Jacob Harter died in the spring of i860, at the 
age of sixty-four years, and his wife passed awaj 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



235 



in 1866, at the age of sixty-six years. Their chil- 
dren were as follows: John, of Hamburg, Clin- 
ton Co., Penn., who was drowned in the Johns- 
town flood; Jacob (twin brother of John), who 
died at his home in Illinois in 1895; Sarah, who 
became the wife of Jacob Garbrick (now a re- 
tired farmer of Marion township), and died in 
1896; Andrew, subject of this sketch; Ann, wife 
of George Danberman, of Illinois, where both 
died; Samuel, a farmer of Illinois; Mary, de- 
ceased; David, a resident farmer of Marion town- 
ship; William, a merchant of Tylersville, Penn., 
and Daniel, of Jacksonville, Pennsylvania. 

Quietly passed the early boyhood days of An- 
drew Harter, who remained with his parents until 
twenty-three years of age, during which time he 
worked on the farm and also followed carpenter- 
ing. On leaving home he assisted in the devel- 
opment of land, by grubbing out the roots and 
other labors incident to the improvement of tim- 
ber tracts. After three years he rented a farm 
in Marion township, and continued its cultiva- 
tion for eight years, but he did not meet with the 
success that he had anticipated, and in conse- 
quence turned his attention to the sawmill busi- 
ness, which he followed at Hoy's Gap, for three 
years, and then sold out. In the spring of i860, 
he purchased his present home, and has since 
given his attention to agricultural pursuits. 

On June 10, 1845, in Clinton county, Mr. 
Harter married Miss Eve E. Smith, a native of 
Clinton county, who died June 28, 1862, at the 
age of thirty-nine years and five months. By 
her marriage she became the mother of the fol- 
lowing children: John S., now of Clinton coun- 
ty, justice of the peace and school teacher; Mary 
E. , wife of Daniel Gordon, of Clinton county; 
Susanna, wife of Frank Buck, a farmer of Centre 
county; William I., a wagonmaker of Centre 
county; Jacob R., merchant, of the same county; 
Rebecca J., wife of George Fatzinger, a baggage 
master in Northumberland county; Sarah E., 
wife of Calvin Womer, who is employed as a 
cook in Chicago, 111. ; and Emily, wife of Will- 
iam Dale, a farmer of Centre county. 

On March 5, 1863, Mr. Harter was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Susan (Arbegust) Sharer, who 
was born in Perry township, Snyder Co. , Penn. , 
December 4, 1836, a daughter of Jacob and Polly 
(Dutter) Arbegust, natives of Snyder county, 
where they were married, and where they made 
their home for many years. The father, who was 
a potter by trade, died in 1883 at the age of sev- 
enty-two years; the mother died in 1851, at the 
age of forty. Their children were Sarah, who 
became the wife of Joshua Roush, and both are 
now deceased; Harriet, deceased wife of Jacob 



Howard, of Juniata county, Penn. ; Savilla, 
deceased wife of George Myers, a miller, 
residing in Coburn, Penn. ; John, a miller of 
New Berlin, Penn.; Mrs. Harter; Eva, deceased 
wife of Joseph Rifter; Jacob, a shoemaker 
residing near Freeburg, Penn. ; Peter, who was 
killed in the army; and Aaron, deceased. The 
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Harter were Nich- 
olas and Eva (Metz) Arbegust, farming people of 
Union county, Penn. Her maternal grandfather 
was a native of Ireland. 

The children by Mr. Harter's second marriage 
are: Laura, wife of Elias Breon, a carpenter of 
Centre county; Lucy B., wife of Lawrence Hyles, 
an engineer of Mine Bank, Pleasant Gap, Centre 
county; Samuel, a carpenter of Indiana; Frank- 
lin P., a machinist of Renovo, Penn.; Clemen- 
tine, a carpenter, residing at home; Harry E. , a 
carpenter of Axemann, Penn-; George, a miner 
of Centre county; Albert, at home; Cora, wife of 
George Aikey, a farmer residing in Centre county; 
and Edna S. , at home. 

Mr. Harter votes independently, supporting 
the candidates whom he thinks best qualified for 
office. His fellow townsmen have manifested 
their confidence in his ability and worth by elect- 
ing him supervisor for two terms, school director 
two terms, and auditor one term. He was also 
assistant assessor under Harry McDowell, and 
was elected constable, but declined to serve. He 
formerly belonged to the Evangelical Church, 
but now holds membership in the Methodist 
Church. 



JOSEPH C. BIERLY. The Bierly family has 
held for so many years a prominent place in this 
section, that the purpose of this work would 
not be fulfilled if the part which they have taken 
in local .history were not given a place. Like 
most of the early settlers, they are of German ex- 
traction, the name having been formerly written 
Bherly. The founder of the line in this region, 
Melchoir Bierly, came from Bavaria, Prussia, 
with his wife, before the Revolutionary war, 
probably before the French and Indian war, 
and about the time of the Revolutionary war, lo- 
cated in Snyder county, near Mahantango creek. 
During that war they were obliged to flee from 
the Indians, probably at the time of the "Run 
away" in 1778, which has become a historical 
event, and they never returned, -as Melchoir Bierly 
found employment in the iron works of Lancas- 
ter county, and made his home there. He met 
his death while crossing the mountains to visit 
friends. He had two sons, of whom the elder. 



286 



COMME WORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Nnholas, settled in Ohio; and Anthony was the 
grandfather of our subject. 

Anthony Bierly was the progenitor of all the 
Bierlys in Sugar Valley, Clinton county, and 
Brush Valley, Centre county. He came from 
the region of tin- Mahantango, near McKee's Hali 
Falls (now in Snyder county , in 1791 or '92, and 
leased from Col. Samuel Miles a tract of 300 
acres of land a short distance north of the pres- 
ent site of Rebersburg. Tradition says that he 
was the tirst man to travel over the Brush Valley 
Narrows with a team after the completion of tin 
road there, and a tedious journey it was, accord- 
ing to all accounts, the \\.i\ I tremelj 
rough, and for lack of other accommodations 
party was compelled to camp out at night. On 
arrival at their destination a log cabin \\ o-> con- 
structed, and the work of subduing the wilder- 
ness and creating a home was begun. Natur- 
ally, Anthony Bierly bei ame a lea. lei among the 
pioneers "I the locality, and his foresight and 
public spirit deserve recognition at this day. He 
was one of the leading men in the building, in 
1804, of the first church in Rebersburg He died 
\pi il 7. 1 825, aged about eighty-two years, and his 
wife. Anna Maria Warner, who was horn No- 
vember 15. 1752, passed awaj April 3, 1S44. the 
remains of both being laid to rest in the Luth- 
eran and Reformed cemeteries at Rebersburg. 
I'h. \ had twelve children: 1) Margaret main.. I 
(first) John Phillips, (second Peter Greninger, and 
(third a Mr. Cartel, and died in Venango county, 
Penn.;(2) Nicholas died neai Rebersburg, |uly 
25, i S4X, m his sei 1 (his w i 
Lucy (Buchtel), died March jo, 1851); (3) Liz- 
married Peter Berry; (4) Catherine, a tailoress 
by occupation, never married; 5) John, who was 
born m Northumberland county, February 8, 
1779. married Catherine Berry, and died in 1870 
m Siir.n Valley, neai I ylersville; (6) Sarah mar- 
ried 1 firsl | 1 1, nrj < ireninger, and (sei ond) < •> 
Lesh; (71 Eva married Michael Ketr 
Rosina married Christian Gramly, and died in 
Miles township, Centre county; 01 Barbara mar- 
ried Fred Womeldorf, and died in Sugar Valley, 
Anna married PhilipGlantz, of Sugar Valley; 
and her death occurred there; ( 1 \) Anthony. |r , 
is mentioned more fully below; and (12) Mary 
iMrs Michael Kahl) died in Brush Valley, and is 
buried at Rebersburg. 

\ m 1 1 1. >i 1 \ Bierly, Jr., the father ol the 
subject of this biography, was born Sep- 
tembers, 17S7, and was hut a child at the time 
of the removal to Centre county. He learned 
the blacksmith's trade in Aaronsburg, and fol- 
lowed it for many years in Brush Valley and latei 
in Rebersburg. His parents were well-to-do, and 



gave a liberal start in life to all the other chil- 
dren; hut owing to some misunderstanding he re- 
ceived but little if any assistance from them 
11. succeeded, however, and had an extensive 
busii mploying several hands. Of lai 

build and active temperament, he was capable ..f 
doing an immense amount of work; but although 
he made a j^reat deal of money he never became 
wealthy, as his kind and generous disposition was 

ii imposed upon to his loss. He was a stanch 
Democrat, and a leader in many local movements. 
serving for some time in the Home Militia as 
chief musician. 

In 1814 In married Mi-- Maria Kratzer, who 
was born near Shamokin", Penn., in February. 
1793, and died February 9, i860; his own death 
occurred July 18, 1857. Both were devout mem- 
bers oi tin- Evangelical Church of Rebersbuii,'. 
where their remains now rest. They had eijj,ht 
children, as follows: Melchoir, horn |ulv 20, 
1815; John is a blacksmith at Tylersville, Penn.; 
William, born September 19, 1818. is a farmer 
and shoemaker at Rebersburg; Susan, horn June 
20, 1824, is now Mrs. Joseph Miller, of Rebers- 
burg; Rachel, born in [826, married Rev. Gei 
Young, an i 1. who died at 

Baltimore; George is a blacksmith and miller in 
Nittany Valley; Daniel, born September 9, 1828 
(now deceased), was a blacksmith at Tylersville. 
and Joseph C, horn February 22. 1 834, is referred 
to below. 

Joseph C. Bierlv is one . .| the substantial cit- 
izens of Brush Valley, and the history of his lite 
reveals a character which is well worthy of re- 

t. As a boy he attended the schools of Re- 
bersburg but with no regularity. From eight to 
twelve years of age he began to learn the black- 
smith s trade. Few men of his standing have 
had mi. h meagre opportunities, and knowing as 
he does the value of an education he has ever 
been a firm friend of progress in our common- 
school system, and his two sons have enjoyed 

\ advantage that he could procure for them 
in il.. ii preparation for life's duties. Mr. Bierly 

ud hi- trade in Rebersburg with his brother 
Melchoir, receiving at the end of a three-years' 
apprenticeship one pair of shoes and a Ken- 
tuckv jean "womise." His annual vacation 
of two week- he spent in the harvest field, earn- 
ing a little money for clothes, and other neces- 
saries, hut when his term as an apprentice e\- 
pired he was in debt to the amount of $30. He 
began work at Tylersville as a journeyman at $1 ? 
a month; later he worked elsewhere, and being a 
thorough master of the trade he commanded ex- 
cellent wages. After saving a considerable sum 
of money, he returned to Rebersburg and formed 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i>37 



a partnership with his brother Melchoir; later, 
however, he built a shop of his own and carried 
on his trade successfully for several years. 

In February, 1866, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Judith Meyer, a native of Brush Val- 
ley, born March 20, 1835, and a daughter of 
Henry and Hannah (Bierly) Meyer. Desiring 
the wholesome surroundings of farm life for his 
family, Mr. Bierly purchased first from S. S. 
Wolfe a farm of 140 acres near Rebersburg, and 
has since resided there, except during four years 
spent on the farm of his father-in-law, east of 
the same town. Building a shop upon his prop- 
erty, which now includes more than 200 acres, 
he followed his trade for some years. In the 
fall of 1879 he had the misfortune to lose his left 
arm by accident, a fall entangling him in the 
machinery of a thresher; but this handicap has 
not prevented him from continuing his habitual 
activities, seeming in fact to stimulate him to 
greater efforts. For thirty-seven years he gave 
much attention to veterinary practice, being a 
friend and admirer of that noble animal, the 
horse, of whose fine points he is an excellent 
judge. His success in this line of work has been 
marked, his services being often sought from a 
distance. 

Despite his shrewdness and caution in busi- 
ness affairs, Mr. Bierly has at times met with re- 
verses, one individual alone causing him a loss 
of $5,000, which would have been greater had 
he not sought the protection of the courts. Quiet 
and unassuming in manner, he yet impresses one 
as a strong character, and his influence among 
those who know him is great. He is a stanch 
adherent of the principles of the Democratic 
party, but in local affairs he disclaims the neces- 
sity for partisan bonds, and votes for the best 
man. He speaks with manly pride of the help- 
ful influence of his estimable wife, attributing no 
small portion of his success in life to her. Their 
two sons are a credit to them, and the money so 
freely spent in giving them a thorough education 
was well invested. 

Prof. H. E. Bierly was born in the house now 
owned by Hon. Henry Meyer, Rebersburg, Penn. , 
January 28, 1866. He attended the common 
schools of Miles township, until he was eighteen 
years of age, not having a chance to attend the 
summer schools on account of too much work on 
the farm. He then determined to get a better edu- 
cation, and in 1884 entered Union Seminary (now 
Central Pennsylvania College), New Berlin, Penn. 
This institution he attended most of the time be- 
tween the years 1 884-1 888, during which time 
he nearly completed the classical course and pre- 
pared himself for Princeton University, which he 



entered in 1888 as a member of the class of '92. 
He spent five years at Princeton University, four 
as an under-graduate, taking the "A. B. course," 
and one year as a post-graduate, studying physi- 
ological psychology under Prof. Ormond, also the 
philosophy of religion, under the same professor. 
The next year, 1893-94, ne was unanimously 
elected "Professor of the Natural and Physical 
Sciences" in Belleview Collegiate Institute, at 
Caledonia, Mo., where he taught one year, at the 
expiration of which time the Institute was par- 
tially closed. The next year he attended Har- 
vard and Boston Universities, studying metaphys- 
ics under Prof. Royce and cosmology under Prof. 
James, of Harvard University, and comparative 
theology and history of religious history of Chris- 
tian doctrine, in the School of Theology, of Bos- 
ton University. It was then that he became 
acquainted with Pres. G. Stanley Hall, John 
Fiske, Joseph Cooke, Professors Carpenter and 
Davids, of Oxford University. This year in Bos- 
ton, and as a student of both of these Universi- 
ties, was of the greatest value in his educational 
history. The next year he was "Professor of 
Mathematics and Science" in Missouri Military 
School, Mexico, Mo., which was destroyed by 
fire at the expiration of that year. During the 
following year he was engaged in writing a thesis 
on the " Origin and Development of the Concep- 
tion of God", also in child-mind investigations in 
central Pennsylvania, in connection with Pres. G. 
Stanley Hall, of Clark University, Mass., and 
Prof. Earl Barnes, of Leland Stanford University, 
Cal. At present (1898) he is professor of phil- 
osophy and science in Virginia College for Young 
Ladies at Roanoke, Va. , one of the best of the 
Southern female colleges, in which he occupies a 
very responsible position, next to the presidents 
thereof. 

As a student Prof. Bierly became intensely- 
interested in philosophy, through Sir William 
Hamilton's lectures on metaphysics, the various 
works and writings of James McCosh, primarily - , 
and through the edited works of Kant, Fichte, 
Schellingand Hegel, having a natural inclination 
to speculative studies. At the same time he is 
greatly interested in biology, through a Natural 
History Society, which was organized by Prof. 
H. N. Conser, Ph. D., at Central Pennsylvania 
College, and which led him to reading of nearly 
all the works of Darwin, Huxley, Romanes and 
Herbert Spencer. It was the works of James 
McCosh that took him to Princeton University, 
whose lectures on metaphysics he attended in 
his freshman year, this being the last course on 
that subject given by McCosh, with whom he as 
a student was very well acquainted, and upon 






( OMMEMORATIVB BI00RAPB10AL RECORD. 



whom lie called quite often, having received spe- 
cial recognition, encouragement and kindness 
from McCosh while alive. While a student of 
Princeton University he made a special study of 
philosophy and biology, having taken all the 
branches the university offers on both philosophy 
I [e took li mors in the latter sub- 
ject, and was offered a fellowship in osteology by 
the Chicago University, which he, however, did 
not accept, as he did not desire to give so much 
time in that particular line of investigation, hav- 
ing derided to make the study ol philosophy a 
life vocation. He attended and was a member 
of the World's Congress of Philosophy held at 
Chicago during the World's Fair, at which time 
lie became personally acquainted with Prof. 
|osiah Royce, professor of philosophy in Har- 
vard University, who has been his private ad- 
viser and director in philosophy ever since. 

Prof. Bierly is a member of the Pennsylvania 
German Society, and of several Psychological 
and Scientific Associations. He contributes a 
series of articles on the various ptions ol 

Cod for "The Preachers Helper." just now 
1898) he is more extensively engaged in child- 
mind investigations than ever, with Pres. Hall, 
Prof. Earl Barnes, Prof. Royce, also contributing 
a series of articles on child-mind study for sevi 
child-study magazines. He has also addressed 
and lectured before quite- a number of teachers' 
associations and institutes in Missouri, Pennsyl- 
vania and Virginia on various, but mostly psycho- 
logical, subjects. During the Bryan campaign in 
[896, on account of not being hard pressed for 
work, he became ver) much interested in pol- 
itics, through bis cousin, Hon. Willis R, Bier- 
ly, of North Dakota. On acceunt of the Demo- 
cratic party splitting, Mr. Bierly was requested 
by the foremost politicians of the county to take 
a hand in politics and rally the Silver forces, as 
he did, and has done valuable service for his Val- 
ley and the county, having been elected presi- 
dent of the Bryan and Sewall Club of Brush 
Valley, which was composed of about two hun- 
dred members, He is a member of the M. E. 
Church, which lie joined while a student of 
Princeton University. He was one of the three 
firsl members of the- M. F. Church at Kreamer- 
ville, and rendered very effectual services in the 
building up ol the Methodist Church at this 
place, having been appointed for this especial 
work, lasting several years, by the < Hiarterly Con- 
ference (Methodist). 

Edwin S. Bierly, the younger, was born at 
Rebersburg, Penn., in [869. A few years after 
his birth bis parents moved on a farm two miles 
southwest of Rebersburg, where his early boy- 



hood was spent. After attending the schools 
of Brush Valley he in 1 888 spent one winter term 
at Central Pennsylvania College with his brother 
Elmer. Here he completed the junior year of 
the I tv Normal) Department with the 

class of 1891. Being unable to pursue his stud- 
ies until January of [891, he then was admitted 
into the Junior class of the State Normal at Lock 
Haven, \t the middle of the spring term he 
was compelled to leave the Normal through sick- 
ness (the measles) contracted through his chum. 
He then returned to Central Pennsylvania Col- 
and completed the ''1! try (Normal) 

irse " with the large class of 1S92. Aft- 
ter attending Central Pennsylvania College sev- 
eral more terms as a student of the scientific 
course, he, on the following year, entered Dick- 
inson College, Carlisle, Penn., where he remained 
during the winter term of 1895; but had to 
illege on account of sickness before the 
expiration of the college year. He then remained 
at home the greater part of the year on ac- 
count o| sickness and then entered Dickinson 
Seminary at Williamsport; but after being there 
six weeks he was again compelled to leave school 
through lack of health. Shortly afterward he 
was appointed general book agent for the " Min- 
ter Book Company", Harrisburg, Penn., and 
was quite successful in this work in the summer of 
1896. On October 8, 1896, he was married by 
Rev. Fans, his M. E. pastor, to Miss Sadie Er- 
hard, a daughter of Cyrus and Catherine Er- 
hard, of Rebersburg. Mrs. E. S. Bierly was 
and is a dressmaker by trade, but worked almost 
all the time in Lock Haven. She is a very in- 
dustrious and ambitious young woman, and high- 
ly respected by all. She has a good common- 
school edm at i' m, having attended the Normal Se- 
lect School conducted by Supt. C. L. C.ramley, 
at Rebersburg. The following year he and his 
wife spent with his parents until January, [8 
when he regained his health and returned to Dick- 
inson Seminary as a student of the Theological 
irtment. 

In politics, he too is a " chip off the old block" 
namelv a !> He is a member of the M 

I". Church, and has always taken an active part 
In Church work at Kreamerville, his. home Church, 
as one of the principal officials. 



BRAM V. MILLER. Among the citizens 

L. of mark in Centre county no one is more 

worthy of consideration than the gentleman 

whose name introduces this biography. In days 

I of peace he has not only proved a valued membei 

of society, but on Southern battle fields during 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



239 



the dark days of the Rebellion he fearlessly 
fought for the old flag and the cause it repre- 
sented. He is now, however, living retired at 
his pleasant home in State College, surrounded 
by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, 
who delight to show their appreciation of his 
sterling worth and many excellent traits of char- 
acter. 

The Miller family was among the very earli- 
est settlers of Pennsylvania, locating on the banks 
of the Delaware river about 1675, several years 
before William Penn took up his residence here. 
Later members of the family made their home 
at what is now Downingtown. Reuben Miller, 
the grandfather of our subject, was a resident of 
Chester county, this State, and was a miller by 
trade as well as by name. He married Thoma- 
zine Valentine, and had eight children: William, 
who became a wealthy citizen of Kentucky, and 
whose daughter is now living in Harrisburg, 
Penn.; Robert V.; Isaac; Mordica, who also 
lived in Kentucky; Mrs. Eliza Thomas; Mrs. 
Mary Ann Harris; Mrs. Jane Harris; and Mrs. 
Rachel Miles. 

Robert V. Miller, the father of our subject, 
was a native of Chester county, and after the 
death of his father he went to Alexandria, Va., 
and lived with his uncle, Mordica Miller, until 
1815, at which time he came to Centre county 
with his uncles, Valentine Bros., and worked in 
an iron store at Bellefonte. He hauled iron from 
that city to Pittsburg, thence carrying it by rafts 
and arks on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to 
Louisville (Ky.), Natchez and New Orleans. 
Subsequently he went to Lexington, Ky., and 
there kept an iron store for Valentine & Thomas, 
of Bellefonte, Penn., and was engaged in pros- 
pecting for a time; he also for a brief space kept 
an iron store in Louisville, Ky. Returning to 
Centre county, he for some time prior to 1827 
was proprietor of the Mill Hall Iron Works in 
partnership with his brother Isaacand his brother- 
in-law, Joseph Harris, but on October 29, that 
year, he joined the regular army, enlisting in 
Company A, First Regiment of Artillery, U. S. 
A., and was stationed at Camp Holback, under 
Capt. (later Gen.) W. J. Worth, and First Lieut. 
W. A. Patrick (who was provost marshal general 
of the Army of the Potomac during the Civil war), 
until the fall of 1830, when he returned to Centre 
county, and engaged in the iron business for sev- 
eral years. He was also the owner of 300 acres 
of valuable land in the county near Pleasant Gap, 
which he left to his children. He died from ex- 
citement on the 7th of July, 1863, three days 
after the battle of Gettysburg, in which two of 
his sons participated. 



Robert V. Miller was united in marriage with 
Miss Elizabeth Lytle, a native of Centre county, 
and they became the parents of twelve children, 
as follows: Reuben, who died at the age of four 
months; one that died in infancy unnamed; Will- 
iam, a civil engineer, who died while surveying 
for a railroad in Honduras, Central America; 
Eliza, a resident of Bellefonte; Abram V., sub- 
ject of this sketch; Isaac, who is living retired 
near Bellefonte; Thomazine, a resident of Phila- 
delphia; Jacob, who was killed in the battle of 
South Mountain, September 14, 1862, and was 
buried at home; Mary Ann, who is living with 
her brother, Robert V. ; Clarissa, wife of Henry 
Pennington, of Abilene, Kans. ; Jane, wife of 
Alfred Russell, who is also a resident of Abilene, 
and is serving as county clerk; and Robert V., 
a contractor of Bellefonte. 

Our subject was born April 24, 1838, in 
Spring township, Centre county, and there se- 
cured a good practical education. After leaving 
the schoolroom he engaged in teaming until the 
breaking out of the Civil war. On April 15, 
1 861, spurred on by a spirit of patriotism, he be- 
came the second to enlist in the Bellefonte Fen- 
cibles, and took part in the first battle of the war, 
that of Falling Waters, July 2, 1 86 1 . On the 
26th of July he was honorably discharged and re- 
turned home, where he recruited for the 45th P. 
V. I., the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry and the 
57th P. V. I. 

In the winter of 1861 Mr. Miller again en- 
listed, becoming a member of the First Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, and participated in the battles of 
Falmouth, Strasburg, Mt. Jackson, Cross Keys 
and Fort Republic. While on picket duty in 
1862 he had an ar.m and several ribs broken, 
which caused his confinement in the hospital at 
Washington, D. C. , for some time. Rejoining 
his regiment, he took part in the engagements of 
Fredericksburg and Gettysburg, and was dis- 
charged December 28, 1863. On the 29th of 
the following February, however, he again en- 
listed, this time in the 184th P. V. I., and with 
that command was in the battles of Bethesda 
Church. Cold Harbor and Petersburg. In the 
first attack on the Weldon Railroad he received 
a shot in the shoulder, one in the leg, one in the 
head, and a piece of shell took off a part of his 
lower jaw, together with eleven teeth. For 
twenty-four hours he lay on the battle field in 
this condition, when he was finally found and 
taken to City Point, Va., and thence to Camp- 
bell Hospital, Washington, D. C. On May 12, 
1864, he had been commissioned first lieutenant 
of Company E, 184th P. V. I., and with that 
rank was mustered out. His army record is one 



240 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1866, 

in in- 

1868, 

are at 



of which he may be justly proud, for he was ever 
found at his post of duty and in the thickest of 

the fight. . 

On September 29, 1865, Lieut. Miller was 
married to Miss Jane Potter, and of the four 
children born of their union, the births of t 
occurred in Iowa. John, born March 18. 
and Robert, born July 23, 1867, both died 
fancy; and Elizabeth, born October 13, 
and George P., born October 1, 1871, 

home. . , 
Since 1874, Lieut. Miller has served as United 
States gauger and store keeper for his collection 
district, and in the fall of 1895 was the Repub- 
lican candidate for prothonotary. Although the 
county was Democratic, by 800, he was beaten 
by only 69 votes. In 1 896 he was the candidate 
for sheriff of Centre county on the Republican 
ticket, and was beaten by only 16 votes with the 
largest vote ever polled in the county. He is a 
noble type of the citizen soldier, equally true to 
his country on the battle field or in the peaceful 
surroundings of his home, and his family may 
well feel proud of his honorable and manly rec- 
ord. . 



JOHN M. DALE, of Bellefonte, is of the fifth 
generation of the Dale family who have lived 
in Centre county. 

Christian Dale (1), his great-great-grandfa- 
ther, came to this country, arriving at Philadel- 
phia' in 1749. In 1772 he cleared and was living 
on that part of a tract of land known as Col. 
Slifer's farm, near the iron bridge in the vicinity 
of Lewisburg, the land in 1772 being owned by 
Ludwig Derr. Mr. Dale .resided in Buffalo Val- 
ley, in which he was one of the first settlers dur- 
ing" the stirring times of the Revolution. In 1790 
he removed to the end of Nittany Mountain (now 
College township. Centre county 1, where, in 1796, 
he built a gristmill and a sawmill. He was one 
of those sterling old Germans to whom Pennsyl- 
vania owed so much, and whose walk in life was 
measured by the rule— "Be just and fear not." 
He died in July, 1805, aged seventy-two j 
his wife, Rachel, passed away in December, 
08, aged seventy-six years, and their remains 
1 m the old Dale burying ground, on the hill 
back of Lemont. These pioneers came to a vasl 
w ild, rn poor, and di( d comparatively wealthy, 
leaving to their children fine farms, and the in- 
heritance of names made noble by a long life of 
toil and hardships. Their children were Henry, 
Philip, Felix, Frederick, Christian, Cornelius, 
Mary (she marrfed Nicholas Straw, a soldiei ol the 
Revolution), Eve (she married Pi ter ] 
am l R a( rried Lewis Swinehart). Of 



these, Christian and Frederick removed to Ohio. 
Henry was bom in Northampton county, August 
-9 1758; he was a soldier of Washington at 
Trenton and Princeton in 1 776-1777, and sen 
in military tours under Capt. Forster, of Buffalo 
Valley. Felix Dale, son of Christian (1), w 
horn February 2, 1767, and died March 12. 1833, 
in the sixty-seventh year of his age; his wife, who 
was < atherine Dorothy Pinogel, died April 15, 
[844, aged seventy years, and both lie buried in 
the Dale graveyard. By their side is a stone 
bearing the inscription: 

Maria Elizabeth Bindnogle, 

died August 11. 1822, 

aged 86 years. 

She was Likely the mother of the wife 
Felix Dale. The Pinogels were from neai 
Harrisburg, Penn., where there was a settle- 
ment bearing the family name. We find 
the name Pinogel on record in Londonderry 
township, Dauphin county, as early as 1780. 
Felix Dale inherited from his father's estate the 
mill property, and by occupation was a miller and 
farmer. He had two sons, David and Felix. 
David Dale was born in the vicinity of Dales 
Mills in January. 1 798- He received such school- 
ing as the neighborhood schools of his youth af- 
forded, and became a miller by occupation, also 
carrying on agricultural pursuits in connection 
with the nulling business. He was a man 
practical ideas and a genius in a mechanical line 
building Ins own carding machine, which branch 
of the woolen-mill business, together with a hemp- 
mill he added to the grist and saw mill business 
that had descended from his forefathers He 
was a man of good judgment and business qual- 
ifications, and made a success of life. 1 he 1 >ales 
[or generations were Lutherans, and David was 
not an exception to the rule. He married \A 
garet a daughter of Maj. Frederick Hennign, 
who resided below Aaronsburg. Centre county 
Both lie buried in the cemetery at Boalsburg, 
David dying (uly 13. '854. i" the fifty-seventh 
year of his age, and his wife. Margaret, on Jan- 
uary 11, [864, aged sixty-five years. Of the nin< 
children, William, the eldest, was the father ol 
the subject of this sketch. 

William Dale was born at the home tarm. 
where he grew to ma assisting in the worl 

on the farm and about the mill. Subsequently 
was employed in the woolen-null at Oak 
II ,11, where he learned the business under Join 
Irvin In [860 he was married, ;uid in cornier 
tion with a Mr. McCarns, located at Neshao 
k, Lawrence Co , tins State, where they 

,,1 years engaged in carrying on a vt 







9fJL^, &lAs 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



241 



en-factory. Mr. Dale then returned to Dales' 
Mills, and, in connection with his brothers, con- 
verted the old flouring-mill at that point into a 
woolen-mill, where he was engaged in business 
for several years; then sold his interest and lo- 
cated at Lemont, where his widow now resides, 
and where his death occurred December 20! 
1 87 1, when he was in his forty-seventh year.' 
Like his father and forefathers, he was an indus- 
trious, upright and honest man, and a highly re- 
spected citizen. He was a Christian man, ad- 
hering to the faith of his ancestors, that of the 
Lutheran Church. In politics he was a Repub- 
lican. His wife was Mary M. (daughter of John 
and Sarah Thompson Mitchell), born in the 
neighborhood where she now resides, and their 
children were: John M., born November 10, 
1861; and Edgar, who died in infancy. 

The Mitchell and Thompson families were 
of Scotch-Irish origin, and have resided in Cen- 
tre county for nearly a century. John Mitchell 
(I), the grandfather of Mrs. Dale, presumably 
from Scotland 'or Ireland, lived for many years 
in Mifflin county, and died there. His children 
were: Susannah married Frank McCoy (grand- 
father of the present Frank McCoy, of Belle- 
fonte); Mary married William Thompson; Eliza- 
beth married a Roderick; Samuel; David; Rob- 
ert; William; James and John. The latter and 
David, during the war of T812, located in Cen- 
tre county, John on a farm in the vicinity of the 
present village of Lemont, where he followed 
agricultural pursuits frTroughout life, dying Jan- 
uary 18, 1865, in the seventy-sixth year of his 
age; and David, in Ferguson township. John 
Mitchell married Sarah Thompson, and their 
children were: Moses Thompson married Maria 
Lock, of Mifflin county; John Hutchinson mar- 
ried Nancy Johnson, of Boalsburg; Nancy Cul- 
bertson died young; William also died young- 
Misan Margaret, unmarried; and Mary M. (Mrs. 
Dale), all of whom are now dead excepting the 
last named. John Mitchell, after the death of 
his wife (which occurred March 5, 1832) mar- , 
ned 1 again, the second wife being Letitia Patton 
ol his neighborhood, but formerly from Lancas- 
tar county. The Mitchells were men of influ- 1 
ence in the county, and the best of citizens. I 
Uav.d married a daughter of John Barron a 
woman of rare intelligence and much ability. ! 
jonn b., one of her sons, was treasurer of Centre I 

Shn I S r jtch - Irish P^entage, the elder 
Mitchells Presbyterianism was inherited from a 
°ng l>ne of ancestors. The father of Sarah 
Thompson) Mitchell emigrated from the North 
of Ireland about the year 1745, and Matthew 
Louden, her maternal grandfather, was one of the 



Scotch Covenanters who were driven from home 
by persecution. The Thompsons were residents 
of Mifflin county before coming to Centre county 
early in the present century. 

John M. Dale was born at Neshannock Falls, 
Lawrence Co., Penn., on the nth of November, 
1 86 1. His parents removed from there to the 
old homestead in Centre county about three 
years afterward, and continued to reside there. 
He entered The Pennsylvania State College in 
1878, and graduated with the class of 1882. The 
same year he began the study of law and. in 
1883, entered the law offices of Beaver & Gep- 
hart at Bellefonte, and, under their direction, 
read law and was admitted to the Bar of Centre 
County on the 1st of January, 1886. Directly 
after his admission to the Bar, he went to Lock 
Haven, where he engaged in the practice of law 
in connection with Capt. W. C. Kress, of that 
place, now the State Law Reporter. 

On April 12. 1886, Mr. Dale returned to Belle- 
fonte and entered the office of his former precep- 
tors, and, on the election of Gen. Beaver, in the 
fall of 1886, to the gubernatorial chair, he be- 
came a member of the firm, which was styled 
Beaver, Gephart & Dale. This partnership con- 
tinued until November 1, 1893, when Mr. Gep- 
hart withdrew, in order to give his entire time to 
the Valentine Iron Co., and the new Central 
Railroad Co., of Pennsylvania, of which he was 
chosen general superintendent. Gen. Beaver 
having returned to Bellefonte upon the expira- 
tion of his official term, and once more actively 
engaged in the practice of law, a new firm was 
formed under the name of Beaver & Dale. This 
firm continued the practice of law until the first 
of July, 1895, when, owing to the fact that Gen. 
Beaver was appointed to the Bench of the Supe- 
rior Court of Pennsylvania, it was dissolved, and 
Mr. Dale has since been practicing law alone. 
Mr. Dale has always been a Republican in pol- 
itics, and has taken considerable interest in the 
success of the Republican party. He was con- 
nected with the County Committee in 1889 and 
1890, and in 1891 was elected chairman of the 
County Committee, in which capacity he served 
for one year. 

On the 1 8th of October, 1888, he married 
Miss Florence G. Fox, a daughter of Thomas }. 
E. Fox, of Leesburg, Virginia, and their chil- 
dren are: Virginia Dale, who was born in 1891. 
and John M. Dale, Jr., who was born in 1893. 



ISRAEL WEAVER, one of the progressive and 
J enterprising agriculturists of Haines township, 
is a worthy representative of one of the honored 



242 



aOMMBMORA TIVB BIOGBAPEICAL BBOOBD. 



pioneer families of Centre county, his grand- 
father, John Weaver, having located in that 
town-hip at a very early day in its history, and 
re reared a large family. He was a weaver 
by trade, and also engaged in farming, owning a 
valuable and well-improved farm at the time of 
his death. 

Frederick Weaver, the father of our subject, 
is born in Haines township, in 1803, and being 
the youngest of seven sons, according to the old 
sa) ing, "should be a doctor. " Strange enough, 
naturally possessed a talent for the medical 
profession, and from youth was called "Doc- 
tor." Although he never studied medicine, he 
used to bleed many people when the custom was 
in vogue, and manufactured and dealt in medi- 
cine, selling throughout the township. He was 
reared to farm labor, but when quite young 
learned stocking weaving at New Berlin, Penn., 
and later engaged in general weaving, manufact- 
uring carpets, bed spreads, cloth, etc. 

In Haines township Frederick Weaver was 
married to Catharine Mark, who was born there 
in 1798, a daughter of Rudolph and Margaret 
Walterbarger) Mark, in whose family were eight 
children —four sons and four daughters. Her 
father was a farmer by occupation. To Mr. 
and Mrs Weaver were born the following chil- 
dren: William, a farmer of Gregg township, 
Centre county, Mary, who became the wife of 
Jesse Wert, and died in Aaronsburg, Centre 
county; Israel, the subject of this sketch; Aaron 
1). , a resident of Aaronsburg; and Frank J. The 
mother of these children died in [876, and the 
father afterward wedded Mrs. Elizabeth Krull 
{nee Lutenbach), who is still living in Haines 
township. 

Frederick Weaver and wife began housekeep- 
ing in Haines township, where he had erected a 
small dwelling upon a couple of acres of land, 
and there followed his trade of weaving until the 
ing of 1834, when he removed to a farm he had 
purchased one mile east of Aaronsburg, compris- 
ing sixty acres. This he cultivated in connection 
with weaving, and added to the original tract 
until he had 128 acres of excellent land Al- 
though his father's estate was quite large, it had 
to be divided among so many children that each 
eived only a small amount. According to the 
provisions of the will, the next to the youngest 
son received the farm, and was to pay each of 
the fourteen children $200, at intervals of two 
years each, beginning with the eldest, so that it 
was thirty years before Frederick received In, 
$200. He therefore had to start out in life with 
no capital, and the success which he achieved 
was due to his own unaided efforts. He died 



upon hi- farm ueai Aaronsburg, in January, 18: 
and was laid to rest in the cemetery of that 
place. His political support was given the Dem- 
ocratic party until the formation of the Repub- 
lican party, when he joined its ranks. Religious- 
ly, both he and the mother of our subject Wi 
consistent members of the Lutheran Church, 
and they were highly respected citizens of the 
community. 

li 1 Weaver was born in Haines township. 
March 2S, 1K31, and in the subscription schools 
acquired a limited edm ation, his first teacher be- 
ing |ames Polly. As soon as old enough to 
handle a plow he began to assist in the labors of 
the farm, which he continued until seventeen 
vea , , when he entered the shop of hi- 

cousin, John Weaver, in Haines township, and 
learned carpet and coverlet weaving. On attain- 
ing his majority lie formed a partnership with his 
father in that business, which he continued until 
his marriage. 

In August, 1853, Mr. Weaver married Miss 
Luzetta, daughter of Solomon Confer, a farmer 
by occupation, and they began their domestr 
life in an old log house upon his present farm, a 
tract of sixtv-nve acres, for which he went w 
debt. Upon the place stood a sawmill which he 
has since conducted in connection with the labors 
of the farm, and ha- made many valuable and 
useful improvements upon his land, including the 
erection of a fine residence, which cost $3,000 
Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have no children of 
their own, but have given homes to several, u 
eluding Lucetta, now the wife of B. F. Edmunds, 
who was taken when a child and reared in their 
home, as was also her mother, Agnes, and made 
her home with them from three years of a 
At the present time they have a boy, Wea 
Edmunds, now eleven years of age. They have 
not only given homes to the children, hut treated 
them as if they were their own, providing them 
with excellent advantages. Kind hearted and 
generous almosl to a fault, no couple in Ha 
township are held in higher regard or have more 
friends. They are earnest, devoted Christians, 
faithful members of the Lutheran Church, with 
which he has been officially connected for years. 
Like his father, Mr. Weaver was originally I 
Democrat, hut now gives his unwavering support 
to the men and measures of the Republican 
party. 



MATH AN ILL BEERLY, who for eighl 
y, lts past has held the office of justice of 
the peace in and for Hoggs township, Centre 
counts, is a typical American, and has record as 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



243 



a soldier and a successful business man, who as 
a public-spirited citizen commands admiration 
and esteem. He possesses rare talent for music 
also, and this gift has been devoted to the public 
service in the leadership of the Milesburg band, 
which under his able direction won the first prize 
in the famous tournament at Hecla Park, August 
30, 1894, as the best band in central Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The biography of this gentleman is of unusual 
interest. He was born September 28, 1843, in 
Clinton county, and is a descendant of one of the 
most prominent pioneer families. The name was 
originally written Bierhley, later Bierly, and this 
form is still adhered to by other branches of the 
family; but our subject's father, Peter Beerly 
chose to adopt the new spelling, which has been 
continued by his children. The first ancestor 
of whom there is authentic record, was Melchoir 
Bierly our subject's great-great-grandfather, who 
came from Bavaria, Prussia, in Colonial times 
with his wife and two sons— Nicholas, who set- | 
tied in Ohio and was never married, and Anthony 
our subject's great-grandfather. Melchoir Bierly ' 
located in what is now Snyder county, on the 
banks of the Mohantango creek, but during the 
great «« Runaway " caused by the Indian troubles 
of 1778 he left that locality and went to Lancas- 
ter county, where he remained. His wife brought 
from the old country a beautifully ornamented 
bottle, which is now a cherished relic in the 
family of a great-grandson, Melchoir Bierly of 
Kebersburg. ' 

Anthony Bierly, our subject's great-grandfa- 
ther, was a man of note in his day, possessing an 
unusually keen intellect and forceful character 
He was versed in the ancient science of Astrology' 
and practiced it for a time at Guy. In 1791 
probably m the spring, he came to Brush Valley 
and settled with his family upon a tract of 300 
acres which was leased from Col. Samuel Miles. 

franH? 1 ^ Y T^ hl ' S SOn Nicho1 ^, our subject's 
J"' fa d c °™ to the place in the fall 

for rh. ♦ ^ a P ° rti0n ° f Jt and P' ant ^in 
ZeljT !, U T er ' S harV6St About half an 
who Ia I" 6 u 3 ' b , 6en Cleared ^ Mr - Strawbridge, 

Bierlv fir 1 ° bU,U u a hut there * and when Mr 
in ThJ firSt "T e ' there were a ^ huts standing 
m the woods through other parts of the Valle/ 

between tV T SitUated ab ° Ut half ' wa y 

thon ^ Bierly Pr Th nt "^ ° f ^ S and A °" 
apple tZl' J v . G are Up ° n the P lace sever al 
home anH ^ *** br ° Ught fr0m the °W 

halTtr ^ n ° W t measure * thirteen and one- 
naif feet , n circumference. During the Revolu- 

Moha r n y fa War Anth ° ny Bier) y whil/living on the 
Mohantango served in the militia, but it is not 



known what engagements he took part in. On 
one or two occasions, he with other parties fol- 
lowed Indians who had murdered white families 
When he brought his family to Centre county he 
came through Brush Valley Narrows, over the 
road which Col. Samuel Miles had opened but a 
short time before, and it is said that Mr. Bierly 
was the first man, who traveled over it in a ve- 
hicle. He took an active part in the develop- 
ment and improvement of his locality, and was 
especially interested in the village of Rebersburg 
which was established upon his tract of land He 
died in 1825 at the age of eighty-two, and he and 
his wife, whose maiden name was Warner, were 
both buried in the Lutheran Reformed Cemetery 
at Rebersburg. Neither has a tombstone with 
an inscription. Their children, none of whom 
are now living, were: Nicholas, our subject's 
grandfather; John; Anthony, Jr.: Margaret, who 
married John Philips; Mary, wife of Michael 
Kehl; Sarah, who married (first) Henry Gren- 
mger, and (second) George Lesh; Anna, wife of 
Philip Glantz; Barbara, wife of Frederick Wom- 
eldorf; Rosina, who married Christian Gramley 
Elizabeth, wife of Peter Berry; Eva, wife of 
Michael Ketner, and Catherine, who never mar- 
ried. 

Anthony Bierly, Jr. , made his home upon a 
portion of the original tract, and died there July 
l8 . l8 57. aged sixty-nine years, ten months and 
ten days. He married Maria Kratzer, and had 
the following children: Melchoir; John; William- 
Susan, who married Joseph Miller; Rachel, wife 
of Rev. George Young, a minister of the Evan- 
gelical Church, who died many years ago; George- 
Samuel; and Joseph. 

John Bierly, second son of Anthony Bierly 
Sr. was born February 8, 1779, in Northumberl 
land county, Penn., and was about twelve years 
of age when he came to Brush Valley. His 
mother used to tell him how she secreted him in 
a sugar trough in the wood when he was a few 
months old, while the rest of the family fled on 
account of an attack upon the settlement by the 
Indians. The savages did not discover him, and 
he was found uninjured on the return of the fam- 
ily when the danger had passed. He married 
Miss Catherine Berry, of Lancaster, and lived 
near Rebersburg for forty-five years, but later re- 
moved to Sugar Valley, where he died in 1870 at 
the age of ninety-one. Most of his children set- 
tled in Sugar Valley. Hon. Willis R. Bierly, his 
grandson and a son of Peter S. Bierly, was a 
member of the State Legislature from Lycoming 
county. 

Nicholas Bierly, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, located upon the original tract, and passed his 



I'll 



inuui VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UECORD. 



life there, dying Jul) ;S, at the agi 

enty-tln His wife Lucy was a daughter of 

[ohi Buchtel, who came to t entre county about 
the same time as th< Bierlys She died March 
[851, ag I • • 1 1 1 \ -three years, and both 

were laid to rest in the Lutheran Reformed cem- 
eter) at Rebersburg. They had ten children. 
whose names with dates <>f birth are as follows: 
Nicholas, February 12, 1 799, died in Sugai Val- 
ley, aged seventy-eight; Hannah, M 1 Soo, 
married Henry Meyer; Michael, Novembei -i, 
1801 ; John, September 25, 1 81 , Dei ember 
6, 1805, moved to Ohio; Anthony, August 26, 1 807; 
Reuben, March s, 1809, moved to Missouri; Pe- 
ter, April 1 ^, 1814, is mentioned more fully be- 
low ■; Simeon, March 25, 1817; George, Julv 17, 
I S lo. Settled 111 < >hlo. 

Petei Beerly, our subject's father, was a 
wagonmaker in Clinton county until [847, when 
he moved to Boggs township, (entre county, 
and continui d ili.it business throughout his 
remaining years, He was a man of influence, 
and in his last \ 1 ai s was ,1 Republican m politics. 
His death occurred December 7, [868. His 
wife, Sarah Karstetter daughter of Rudolph and 
Margaret Karstetter, was born |une 2(1. 1814, 
and died March 30, 1887. The} were married 
February 19, [837, and had eight children, whose 
names with dates ol birth are here given: Rob- 
ert, December 2, 1837, is a wheelwright and 
manufacturer at Central City, and a leading citi- 
zen, of whom a biography appears elsewhere; 
Rebecca, April 2, [839, widow of David Wat- 
son, resides m Boggs township, i entre county; 
Messulan, September 14. 1841, enlisted in the 
army during the Civil war. ami died a soldi 
death Febru r\ 8, 1 863 ; Nathaniel, September 
28, 1843, is the subject proper of this sketch; 
Tartulious, June 20, 1846; Agnes, September J4, 
1849, married Byron Teller, a pumpmaker in 
1 h.<^'s town-hip, Centre county; Newton, Sep- 
tember Jo. 1852, died March 4. 1853; and I 
uel, May 30, 1858, who is also a musician. 

Squire Beerlj began Ins business career in his 
father's hop, but at the age of nineteen 

he enlisted in Company B, 1 t8th 1' V. [., under 
Col James 1' Weaver. He spent three years 
m tin- service, and was detailed as membei of a 
biass band. He fortunately escaped all wounds, 
although he took part in man) hotly contested 
battles, including those of the Wilderness, 

ttsylvania, Gettysburg and Petersburg. Not 
until peace was 1 | did he return home. He 

woiked with his father for three years, and al 
the death ol the latter continued the business in 
partnership with Robert Beerly, the brother 
menl until 1891. They were also 



iged foi .>ome time in cider making In , 
Squire Beerly became interested in mercantile 
business at Central City with Louis F. Wetzler, 
his present partner, and has since conducted it 
successfully. 

On June 1. 1874, Squire Beerly was united in 
marriage with Miss Ellen Heaton, but no chil- 
dren blessed their union. Mrs. Beerly was born 
February ij, 1853, a daughter ol Andrew and 
Liddie (Poorman) Heaton. Politically the Squire 
is a Republican, with a decided leaning tow 
free silver; and in religion he favors the doctrines 
of the Presbyterian Chun h Si icially he belongs 
to the Grange, the (1 A R. and the Veteran 
League, and at times held various township 

offices, having been a justice of the peace sil 

[879 

As director ol the Milesburg band Mr. Beerl) 
has achieved a success in which every one in the 
community feels personal pride. On the 00 
sion of the band tournament referred to ahc 
the citizens of Milesburg sought to giv< expi 
sion to the popular feeling by giving an ovation 
to the hero of the hour, Squire Beerl). The 
borough council took appropriate action, and an 
elegant banquet was prepared by the ladies of tin 
town at Bogg's Hall. The affair was a surprise 
to the Squire, who, on his arrival at Central Cit) 
from Bellefonte, was met by the constable and 
given to understand that he was wanted in Miles 
burg to answer to a serious charge. Much be- 
wildered, but willing as a loyal citizen to submit 
to the authority of the law, he entered one ol 
the carriages in waiting and soon found himself 
the chief figure in a triumphal procession hea'' 
b) the Milesburg band, the chief burgess and t h<- 
members of the borough council. On arriving 
at the banquet hall in Milesburg the assembl 
was called to order by the clerk of the council. 
and various speeches were made during the even 
ing, the Squire being presented with a beautiful 
gold-mounted ebony baton, which he modestly 
received with a few well-chosen words. 



DiR I k WHITE was born Novembei 
1866, m Mechanicstown, Frederick county, 
Md., and is a descendant of a well-known fan 
of that state His grandfather, [ohn White, v 
was of Irish stock, owned and cultivated a I 
estate in Carroll county, Md. The Doctor's 
ther. William White. M. IX. was born in tbat 
Mate in 1824, at Taneytown, and, alter gra 
ing from the 1 lepartment of the Univer- 

sity of Mar) land. I01 ated at M 
where he followed his profession with signal suc- 
cess until his death in 1S85. He served foi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



245 



time as a member of the Legislature of the State. 
His wife, Emily J. Cover, who was a German by 
descent, was born in Ladiesburg. Md., in 1835, 
and died in 1880. They had seven children: 
John and Thomas died in childhood; William P. 
resides in Baltimore, Md.; Minnie E. at Thur- 
mont (formerly Mechanicstown); F. K. , our sub- 
ject, was the fifth in order of birth; May E. re- 
sides in Philipsburg; Howard, a graduate in den- 
tistry, is practicing his profession at Cuero, 
Texas. 

Until the age of fourteen Dr. White remained 
at home, then attended Pennsylvania College, 
Gettysburg. He prepared for his profession at 
the Baltimore Dental College, graduating March 
5, 1885, and since 1887 he has been established 
at Philipsburg. 



MOBERT JONES HEPBURN, whose indus- 
try and prudent management in business 
affairs, and many excellent qualities as a citizen, 
long ago gained for him the esteem of the people 
of Bellefonte, Centre county, is a native of Ly- 
coming county, Penn., born September 7, 1822. 
He is of pioneer stock, his grandfather, John 
Hepburn, an Irishman by birth, having settled 
in Lycoming county when that region was as yet 
but sparsely populated. Samuel Hepburn, the 
father of our subject, was born there, and spent 
a long life as a farmer near Jersey Shore, where 
he was numbered among the leading adherents 
of the M. E. Church, and took an active inter- 
est in politics as a Democrat. He lived to the 
age of ninety-one years, three months and one 
day, and his wife, Mary Crawford, who was born 
in Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irish parentage, also 
attained a good old age, passing away in her 
eighty-seventh year. Nine children of this es- 
timable couple lived to maturity, viz.: (i)Will- 
iam, who after two years of gallant service in 
the Union army died a soldier's death at Suffolk, 
Va. ; (2) R. J., our subject; (3) Margaret (de- 
ceased), formerly the wife of Ira Martin, of New 
York State; (4) Mary (Mrs. John Gheent), of Jer- 
sey Shore; (5) Martha (deceased), who married 
Warren Clark, of Limestone Valley; (6) Nancy, 
now the second wife of Warren Clark; (7) Jane, 
who married Robert Davidson, of Jersey Shore; 
(8) Charles, who resides at Lovel Corners, near 
Jersey Shore; and (9) John, a resident of Linden, 
Lycoming county. 

As a farmer's son, Mr. Hepburn had an op- 
portunity to acquire industrious habits in youth. 
At eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's 
trade, and after working at it several years he 
moved from Lycoming county to Centre county, 



1848, died in infancy. 
1 85 1, is a carpenter 
married February 4, 
they have no children. 



locating at Bellefonte, where since 1844 he has 
been employed by the Valentine Iron Co., in the 
fashioning of the wood work required in then- 
business. He is an expert in this line, and for 
years has done the work of three men. On De- 
cember 3, 1846, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary E. Wonsley, who was born March 28, 
1828, in Monongalia county, W. Va. (then part of 
the Old Dominion), and came to Bellefonte with 
her foster parents when she was about eighteen 
years old. After nearly half a century of wedded 
life she passed away January 26, 1895. 

Ten children blessed this union. The first 
two, the younger of whom was born May 4, 

(3) J- W., born July 20, 
near Bellefonte; he was 

1875, to Miss Betty Fall; 

(4) Thompson, born Sep- 
tember 29, 1855, was married in September, 
1877, to Miss Mary E. Walker; he died May 10, 
1886, leaving one daughter, Maude. (5) IraM., 
born May 15, 1858, died August 21, i860. (6) 
Charles E., born May 4, 1861, died October 17, 
[864. (7) Alpheus, born April 12, 1864, a car- 
penter by trade, married Miss Jennie Gushing, a 
native of Ohio, born July 4, 1863. (8) Sanford 
S., born March 12, 1867, died February 24, 
1872. (9) Carmina, born June 2, 1870, married 
Robert Fry, a painter. (10) Samuel E., born 
November 23, 1872, married Miss Emma J. 
Bridge, who was born near Bellefonte in January, 
1867, and they have two children — Mary E. and 
Pearl C. ; he was formerly in the grocery business 
but is now a carpenter. 

Mr. Hepburn has been for many years a mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church, and all his children have 
followed this worthy example. In his political 
views he is a Democrat. 



SAMUEL BURRELL. When one reaches 
„) the age of three-score and ten there can be 
no more keener satisfaction than that given by a 
review of a life of usefulness, spent in contented 
labor in one's appointed sphere, and marked by 
the approval of one's own conscience and the re- 
spect and affection of those with whom one's lot 
has been cast. To an agricultural worker living 
"close to Nature's heart," such a retrospect 
must show long years of peaceful routine toil, 
and assuredly this is the case with the subject of 
this sketch, who in a hale and hearty old age is 
now living in retirement at Penn Hall, Centre 
county. 

Mr. Burrell is a native of George's Valley, 
Centre county, born March 22, 1827. His fa- 
ther, John Burrell, a native of Shamokin. Penn., 



246 



COM VEMORA T1VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



born April 20, 1798. was married in early man- 
hood at Sunbury, Penn., to Miss Rachel McKin- 
ney, daughter <>f Abraham McKinney. They 
came to George's Valley soon after this event, 
accompanied by Samuel Burrell, an uncle of our 
subject. For some time both brothers followed 
the mason's trade, which they had previously 
learned, and, in company with George [Igen, 
they purchased a tract of timbered land on I 
Hill, where John Burrell cleared a farm and 
built a home for himself. Samuel finally settled 
in Nittany Valley, and, giving up his trade, fol- 
lowed farming exclusively until his death. 

John Burrell continued his trade for many 
is, the work ot his farm being left to others 
while he was thus employed. He often had a 
large fori e oi men at work foi him, and he was 
himself a most industrious man. Although not 
remarkably tall, he was known as "Big John 
Burrell, " because of his great muscular power, 
his feats of lifting at " raisings " being extraor- 
dinary. Despite his hard work he never accumu- 
lated much, but at the time of his death he had 
a comfortable home and 175 acres of land, prac- 
tically clear of indebtedness. For some years 
previous to his death he had devoted his atten- 
tion to [arming. He was much given to driving 
a fractious team, and was considered an excellent 
horseman; but on December 19, 1S50, while re- 
turning from a trip to Bellefonte with a load of 
mill feed, he stopped at Spring Mills and loos- 
ened his horses, intending to lead them to tin 
mill, hut a sin. it away. They took 

fright at something, and made a spring which 
broke the bridle bit, so that he was thrown under 
their hoofs and so injured that he died the fol- 
lowing day at 10 A. M. His remains were in- 
terred in the cemetery in George's Vallej He 
was a man of prominence in the locality, and a 
leading member of the Lutheran Church, hold- 
ing various offices ami contributing liberalh 
the work of the society Politically he was a 
Wing, but his abolition principles led him to en- 
ter the Republican party on its organization, and 
at tin- election just prior to his death he voted 
for Fremont 

1 lur subject was tin child of John and 

Rachel Burrell. Of the other children by this 
marriage: (2) John went to Illinois, and during 
the Civil war enlisted from that State, and was 
wounded. He returned home, but later rejoined 
the army, and in May. 1864, In- mel a soldier's 
death. (3) Mary A. married Jacob Breon, of 
Altoona, Penn. (4) A. Gregg is a farmer in 
Gregg township, Centre county (5) David, who 
served in the Civil war in the [48th P. V I , is 
a mason at Centre Hall. (6) Rebecca (Mrs. 



Janus Yeakley) resides at Cleveland. Ohio. \j^ 
William H. H. enlisted in the uSth P. V. I.. 
ami was killed at Gettysburg. The mother of 
this family died in 1844, and was buried in Heck- 
man Cemetery, and for hissecond wife thefather 
married Mrs. Polly (Gill Dunkle, widow of Jacob 
Dunkle. she died 111 [889. The children of 
this union were: Thomas, who died in infai 
and Bii/.a, now Mrs. Benjamin Smith, of Belle- 
fonte. 

The free-school system had not been inaugu- 
rated when the subject of this sketch was a I 
and he attended only the subscription schools of 
the day, a Mr. Kannedy being his first teacher 
As the eldest son In- was obliged to assist in tl)> 
farm work from an early age, and owing to his 
father's frequent absences, while working at his 
trade, much responsibility devolved upon him 
In those days farm labor was not lightened by 
machinery, and then- was plenty to do the year 
round. Before Mr. Burrell attained his majority 
he learned the mason's trade, working first under 
his la t In r's direction, and completing his appren- 
ticeship with "Big John Kmern k When he 
came of age he began working at his trade on his 
own account. In November, [848, he was mar- 
ried in George's Valley to Miss Lydia Hetting 
who was born in Haines township, Centre county, 
in August, 1829, a daughter of Isaac and Max) 
(Bartges) Hettinger. For the first year after lis 
marriage Mr. Burrell lived at the home of hi 
ther-in-law, farming, and working at his tradi 
He then rented a farm in Haines township, and 
at the end of seven years had saved $230, and 

[uired also a lot of farming implements, mostly 
of a cheap grade, purchased second hand at - 
in the neighborhood, and Stocked the farm U 
this tiint In bought the farm which he had hecii 
renting, and having but a small proportion oi 
pun hast price, he went m debt to secure the 
place Industry, thrift, and shrewd management 

bled him to pay the obligation, and in 

spring oi [881 he 1 ght another farm, th 

David Musser farm", in Gregg township 

tnty, contracting a debt of $7,0011. which 

1 paid oft in due time. He has retained both 
estates, and is now pos d oi a tine compe- 

tence. In the spring of [891 he removed to Peno 
Hall, where he owns a comfortable home; b 
although hi is supposed to have retired from act ive 
business, he may be found almost an) da) work- 
ing as busil) as it his livelihood depended Upon 

efforts, his industrious habits not losing thnr 
force with advancing years. 

Mr. and Mrs Burrell have had >i\ children: 
John, who died at twenty-two years of 

ly M., now Mrs. David Gentzel, of Califon 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



247 



Harriet, now Mrs. Samuel Ulrich, of Millheim; 
Mary, now Mrs. John Wagner, of Haines town- 
ship; Ida, at home; and Speer.a farmer of Gregg 
township. Mr. Burrell was a Democrat until 
recent years, but he now votes the Prohibition 
ticket from principle. He has always been active 
in local affairs, and has served as supervisor of both 
Gregg and Haines townships. He served three 
times as judge of election in Haines township, and 
was also overseer of the poor there. He and his 
wife are both devout members of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he is at present an elder. 
Years ago he began to give $30 a year to foreign 
missionary work, and added $5.00 each year un- 
til the donation became $105, when he dropped 
back to $100, and this amount he has given an- 
nually for several years. In addition to this, he 
has always given liberally to other branches of 
Church work. His time has been bestowed 
freely in the same good cause, and for twenty 
years he was either superintendent or assistant 
superintendent of the Sabbath-school at Pine 
Creek School House, in Haines township, Centre 
county. 

The following is a copy of the original pass, 
from Germany to America, given to Antonius 
Bourrell, ancestor of our subject: 

We, the graciously appointed magistrate of His Serene 
Highness, the Duke of Wittenburg, in the princely borough 
and ducal village of Dornsletter, hereby announce and 
affirm to all whom it may concern to read this that — Where- 
as Antonius Bourrell, burger and tailor of said borough, 
and legitimate son of Paul Bourrell, late burger of Perrose, 
duly declared to us that he was determined, with the help of 
God and in the hope of a fairer fortune, to emigrate to the 
territories of America, there to settle in domestic life, and — 
Whereas he confirmed testimony as to his legitimacy with 
freedom and conduct and in due form requires us to give him 
the necessary certificate therefor; and — Whereas we deem 
his desire to be fully justified and in account with the most 
recent laws of the Kingdom — Therefore, for the sake of 
truth and for the love of it by means of this open and pub- 
lic letter, and in virtue of our present office we declare of the 
aforesaid Antonius Bourrell from evidence placed before us, 
from the Church and Baptismal register that he was begot- 
ton in lawful wedlock of the aforementioned Paul Bourrell 
and of his lawful wife, Anna Felicetas, as true and natural 
parents, that he was born into the world on the 5th of May, 

; in the year 1716, and was brought to holy baptism here. 
Thus, that no reproach can be brought against his family, 
and its posterity, but rather that a true and honorable birth 
is Ins, and that he was never held in servitude by any man. 

j Furthermore as far as we know he has conducted himself in 
daily life and deed in such wise that we can testify all things 
kind, honorable and good of him. To all magistrates, high 
and low, our humble and dutiful request is that they will be 

I, pleased to receive Antonius Bourrell kindly and graciously 

I together with his 25-year-old wife, Anna Maria Barbara Hin- 
demachin, and their three children, Johannes, aged ten; 
Christina seven, and Elizabeth seven years, professors of the 
Lutheran faith, and in servitude to no man. In consequence 
of these presents we desire that they (the family) be indeed 
permitted to enjoy prosperity. Such service we will re- 
quite gladly, and as in duty bound in all cases of a similar, 
or of any other nature, and further testimony whereof we 
have begged and interested the worthiest, the most learned 
and venerable of His Serene Highness' bailiffs, Mr. Ludwig 
Achatius Wohren, openly to affix hereunto his seal of office. 



Given in Dornstetter, the 12th of May, 1752. Ducal Wurt- 
emburgish, bailiff and officers in Dornstetter. 

[Signed] Ludwig Achatius Wohren. 



WILLIAM KREAMER is one of the most 
prominent and substantial citizens of the 
pleasant little town of Millheim, Centre county, 
and his history shows that he possesses the char- 
acteristic qualities of the typical business man. 
He is a native of Centre county, and was born 
June 5, 1839, in Miles township, where his fa- 
ther, John Kreamer, was a prominent farmer. 

John Kreamer was born in Berks county, 
Penn., and when he was a boy of twelve sum- 
mers accompanied his parents to a new home 
upon a farm near Rebersburg. He grew to man- 
hood there, and married Miss Sally Weaver, by 
whom he had six children: Jonathan, a resident 
of Jefferson county, Kans. ; Reuben, of Rebers- 
burg; Mary, who died unmarried in Miles town- 
ship, Centre county; William, our subject; Jes- 
tie Ann (deceased), who did not marry; and Jerad, 
a resident of Potter township. Centre county. 
The father was an industrious man and prospered 
in his affairs. He was influential in local and 
religious movements as a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and was active in politics as well, bein<; 
elected to various township offices on the Demo- 
cratic ticket. He attained the good old age of 
eighty-six years, and his wife, who was a devout 
member of the German Reformed Church, passed 
away at eighty-eight years of age, the remains 
of both being interred in the cemetery at Rebers- 
burg. 

William Kreamer's early opportunities for 
schooling were none of the best, being limited 
to the country schools of the time and locality, 
and this is probably one cause of his earnest ad- 
vocacy of improved methods for the training and 
instruction of the youth of to-day. His inter- 
est has been shown by his many years of service 
as a member of the school board of Miles town- 
ship, Centre county, and for six consecutive 
years he was the secretary of that body. 

Mr. Kreamer grew to manhood on the farm 
where he was born, and at the age of twenty-five 
he was married in Rebersburg to Miss Annie M. 
Ruhl, who was born in the same township, July 
14, 1839, a daughter of John Ruhl. Mr. Kreamer 
took his bride to the old homestead, where they 
resided until the spring of 1895, when they re- 
moved to their present home in South Penn 
street, Millheim. 

He has not only been a most successful farmer, 
but has been largely interested in buying and 
selling stock, having paid out thousands of dol- 
lars to stock raisers in his county and those ad- 



248 



' OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



At present he is retired from active 
business with the exception of the 'arc of certain 
and loans Mi- home in Millheim 
is both comfortable and tasteful, making a pli 
anl spot in which to spend the leisure which his 
prosperitj gives He and Ins wife are prominent 
members ol the Lutheran Church, and have be- 

ie identified with its varied helpful activil 
They have one daughter, Ida V., now the wife of 
W II Klepper, a teacher in the Grammar 
School at Lock Haven, Penn.; thej have had 
lour children: Lee R. . Paul K.. Fairy G. 

ed in l 892 and Anna M 

Politically, Mr (Creamer is a Democrat, but, 
while he is a stanch and inHuential supporter of 
his party, he lias never been a politician in the 
ordinary sense of the term. The different town- 
ship offices which he has held from time to time 
have been tilled most creditably, the same shrewd 
judgment and energetic management which have 
won him his success in the business arena having 
been devoted to the discharge of his official du- 
ties 



THLO S ( HRIST, M 1).. oi State College, 
( cntre county, is a physician of wide repu- 
tation and large experience. His skill as a sur- 
geon has won for him the appreciative recogni- 
tion of the profession at large a supreme test of 
merit — and his contributions to medical litera- 
ture, and the reports ol notable cases in his prac- 
tice, mark a degree of success seldom attained. 

f)r Christ is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and 
belongs to a well-known pioneer family, hisgreat- 
grandfather Christ having come from Germany 
111 earlj manhood with two brothers Jacob 
Christ, our subject^ grandfather, was bom in 
Pennsylvania, and became prominent in the trans- 
portation business long before the days of rail- 
roads, He hauled goods on contract from Phila- 
delphia to Pittsburg, making use of a large 
wagon drawn by six black horses. He had 
three children: Levi B . mentioned below; 
Eliza, who married William Dellaven. of Miners- 
ville, Schuylkill county, Penn. ; and Jacob, who 
met a soldier's death at Gettysburg. 

Levi B". Christ, our subject's father, was born 
11 Philadelphia, fuly 4, 1804, and when a boy 
was taken by his parents to Lewisburg, Union 
county, where he made his home throughout the 
later years. He became a successful merchant 
and foundryman, and was highly esteemed as a 
citizen. His wife, Hestei (Sterner), was a na- 
tive of Berks county, Penn., born in 1797. and 
came to Union county in childhood with her par- 
ents. She died in August, 1863, and the father's 



death occurred in 1876. Of their six children 1 
did not live to adult age. The others are: in 
Theo S , subject of this sketch; (2) Edward 
B., a merchant at Murphy. Cal.; (3) M 
Pi cilia ii' I Daniel S. Kremer, ol Philadel- 
phia, and 141 Emily, who married [ohn I 
wait, ol Freeport, 111. She is an aunt of Mr- 
William Mckinley, wife of tin President of the 
United States. 

hi 1 hrist was reared in the city of Lt 
burg, where he was born April 21, 1S30. Heat 
tended the academy there in boyhood, and a 
made himself useful in his father's store. Hav- 
ing decided upon the medical profession as a lift- 
calling, he began his preparation under a precep- 
tor at Lewisburg, Penn.; and later took a course 
in the Medical Department of the University of 
Pennsylvania, graduating in March, i860. Es- 
tablishing an office at Lewisburg, he commenced 
his practice with flattering prospects; but at the 
first call to arms in 1861 he responded, enlisting 
April iS, and was made assistant surgeon of the 
4th Regiment P. V. I. He assisted to raise thi 
company, and was to have been its captain, but 
being advised to go in his professional capacin, 
he in preference accepted a commission as assist 
ant surgeon. On April 21, 1861, he saw acti\< 
service, his regiment going first to Harrisb 
then to Philadelphia, where they marched 
through the streets in silence at night. From 
there they went to Perry ville, where they guarded 
the ferry some ten days; thence proceeded 
Annapolis, Md., helping there to build a railroad, 
later moving to Washington, 1). C. After tin 
death of Col. Elsworth, the regiment went int" 
Virginia, and was stationed at Alexandria, the: 
marching to Hull Run. At the end of their 
three-months' term of service they were muster. I 
out at Alexandria. 

Dr. Christ remained at home for two months 
after his return, but on receiving notice of an - 
amination at Harrisburg for army physicians, he 
entered it and secured one of the thirteen p> 
t ions offered, there being 20K applicants 
October u, 1S61. he was made assistant surgeon 
ol the 45th P. V. Vol. .which regiment went 1 
to Baltimore, Md., where it embarked for Hil' 
Head Island, S. C . arriving Decembers, 1- 
Here it wis divided, part moving awa\ to (' 
Island, while the part to which Dr. Christ v 
attached remain. .1 on the Island under CO 
inand of Lieut.-Col. (afterward Gen.) Jan 
\ Beavei Though the Doctor was only 
assistant surgeon, yet he tilled the position of 
medical director on the Island, and had his hands 
full, as smallpox had broken out severe!) 
both nun of the regiment and the negroes living 




2 r Y>uu^_J^v^^^ iwjfe, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



249 



on the Island. In one day he vaccinated as 
many as 97 colored people. In July, 1862, the 
regiment returned to Fort Monroe, where it en- 
camped. On August 4, 1862, it was assigned to 
the First Brigade, First Division, Ninth Army 
Corps, and it was afterward attached to the 
First Brigade, Second Division, of the same corps. 

On August 4, 1862, Dr. Christ was promoted 
to the rank of surgeon, and in the fall of the 
same year he was made brigade surgeon. On 
September 6, the regiment moved by water to 
Washington, D. C. ; on the 9th proceeded to 
Brookville, Md. ; thence to Frederick City on the 
1 2th, and to Middletown on the 13th. On the 
14th it fought the battle of South Mountain, 
and had 129 men killed and wounded; then 
Antietam, where it lost 30 killed and wounded. 
On October 19th, they pitched thei| tents op- 
posite Fredericksburg, Va. , and were engaged in 
the fight there December 13, 14 and 15. On Feb- 
ruary 12, 1863, they were ordered to Newport 
News, and remained there until the 22d of May. 
The regiment was then sent to Baltimore, Md., 
then by rail to Kentucky, June 4th. When an 
order came to Gen. Burnside, to re-inforce Gen. 
Grant, at Vicksburg, Miss., it moved at once by 
rail, via Lebanon, Louisville and Cairo (111.), 
and then by boat to near Vicksburg, 19th. On 
July 4th, Vicksburg was captured by Gen. Grant. 
In the afternoon of same day, the regiment went 
in pursuit of Gen. Joe Johnston's forces, whom 
it chased to Jackson, Miss., on the 10th, form- 
ing line of battle, fighting began, frequent as- 
saults being made daily. On the 17th the enemy 
retreated across Pearl river, destroying part of 
their bridge. The regiment then destroyed about 
fifteen miles of M. C. railroad, and returned to 
Jackson, on the 20th. Next morning it started 
back to its old camp near Vicksburg, arriving 
there on the 23d, having suffered much from the 
heat and want of water. On August 4th, it 
embarked on steamer for Cairo, 111. ; from Cairo 
it proceeded to Cincinnati; thence to Covington, 
Ky., thence to Crab Orchard Springs, where it 
was recruited, and was fitted for hard and active 
service. It then started for Knoxville (East 
lenn.), via Cumberland Gap; here it surprised 
the Rebel Gen. Frazer, and captured him and 
his active command — some 2,500 officers and 
men — guns and supplies. The men of the Doc- 
tor's regiment all enjoyed their marching out 
of quarters much more than they (the Rebels) 
did. The regiment arrived at Blue Springs 
(Tenn.), October 8th, had a battle there, and 
drove the enemy away so hurriedly that they 
left their dead and wounded on the field. 

On the 13th the regiment moved by rail to 



Knoxville (Tenn.j, where it remained for two 
weeks, then moved twenty-five miles southwest 
of Knoxville, to near Loudon. On the 16th, it 
fell back to Knoxville, to protect that place from 
the enemy, and there remained until January 1, 
1864, when 426 men of the 45th Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers re-enlisted " for three years 
or during the war," thus securing to themselves a 
veteran furlough. Being mid-winter, with scanty 
provisions upon which to subsist, it became a 
question with the officers in command whether to 
remain and longer wait for rations, or take up the 
line of march and forage on the way. The lat- 
ter alternative was chosen. An example of heroic 
endurance and patriotic devotion to the flag 
worthy of imitation was manifested in the conduct 
of the men on the march. With only a quart 
of meal and five pounds of fresh meat per man, 
and no certainty of obtaining more on the road, 
barefooted and poorly clad, it required a patriot- 
ism as earnest, and a purpose as fixed, to pa- 
tiently endure the privations and hardships of 
the march, as to achieve victory in the face of 
the enemy. At one time during the engagement 
with Longstreet, the Doctor was glad to get any 
sort of food, and often ate corn roasted on the 
cob, from which they made their coffee; it was 
also their bread for days at a time. At the end 
of this term of service in 1863, he was re-mus- 
tered as a veteran for three years, or during the 
war, and came home on a thirty-days' furlough 
before resuming duty. 

On January 16, 1864, the regiment com- 
menced this perilous march, via Cumberland 
Gap. On the 2 1 st it arrived at Barboursville, 
where the men received full rations and were 
supplied with shoes. On the 8th of February it 
arrived at Harrisburg, Penn., and were granted 
a veteran furlough. It was the first regiment to 
re-enlist for the war, and reported as such to 
Gov. A. G. Curtin. This Veteran Regiment, 
with many new recruits, proceeded on the 19th 
of March to Annapolis, Md.,the place of rendez- 
vous for the veterans of the 9th Army Corps. It 
was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Divi- 
sion, and moved to Washington, passing on the 
25th in review before the President, and en- 
camped near Alexandria, Va. On the 27th, via 
Fairfax Court House, and the Bull Run battle 
field, it encamped at Bristoe Station, on the 
evening of the 28th, and remained guarding the 
station until May 4th. On the 5th the Wilder- 
ness campaign opened. The regiment marched 
through dense woods and almost impenetrable 
thickets, bivouacking at night in line of battle. 
At one A. M. of the 6th the men were aroused, 
and the battle opened at daylight with great 



250 



COMMBMORA T1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



fury. The fighting was most desperate. Night 
coming on, the contest closed. The regiment 
lost 145 men killed and wounded. Then it pro- 
ceeded to Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania (Curt 
House, Po River, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
1st, 2d and 3d of June. In the three days of 
fighting here its loss was [63 killed and wounded, 
oul of the >oo who were engaged in battle. 

The 45th Regiment participated in all the 
movements of the army until it reached the 
[ames river, on the evening of the 14th. Cross- 
ing on the following morning, it moved on to in 
front of Petersburg (Va. |, arriving there on the 
[6th at 10 A. M. — at two P. M. it formed line of 
battle, then fighting began, and lasted a number 
nt days; the loss of the regiment was small — 
three killed and eighteen wounded. On the 25th 
the 48th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, as- 
sisted at times by the 45th Regiment, began the 
work of excavation under the Rebel fort in front 
of the 45th's division, and the explosion took 
place on the morning ol the 30th. It was a grand 
success. The Doctor witnessed it in front of the 
fort Here his regiment lost twenty-eight men 
in killed and wounded. Thus it went on, battle 
after battle, until the final surrender at Appomat- 
tox, April 9, 1865. 

The Doctor says he always loved the offi 
and nun of the noble 45th Regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Veteran Volunteers. Everywhere the 1 
iment performed manful and soldierly servi 
and won for itself and its State an honorable 
lame, having been engaged in forty-one reg- 
istered battles, besides a great number of heavj 
and light skirmishes, and was one of the twelve 
regiments that were the heaviest losers during 
the war. It helped to carry our country through 
the hour of its extreme peril, and prosed to all 
nations of the world that "the government of 
the people, by the people and for tin people" 
was not to •• perish from tin- 1 arth. " 

During the 1 rvice, Dr. Christ 

was medical director on the staff of Major-Gen. 
Robert l'>. Potter, and was surgeon-in-chief of 
tin Second Division, 'ah A. ('. He was honor- 
ably discharged October 20, [864, expiration of 
term, and returned home, resuming his practice in 
May, 1865, .11 ( hester< ity, Delaware < 0., Penn., 
w here he remained thirteen years, before locat- 
ing at his present home in Centre county. He 
purchased a farm ol 187 acres about a mile from 
I ■ mont, and has since spent his time in agricult- 
ure and in the practice of his profession. In ad- 
dition to his homestead he owns 2 10 
timber land in the Valley, and he also had an 
interest in a store at Lemont, since sold. 

On December 6, 1 87 1 , Dr. Christ was united 



in marriage with Miss Sarah Irvin Thomps 
who was born in Centre county, July 4, 1839, 
and died February 20, 1X87. Four children 
blessed this union: M. Thompson died at the 
age of two years, six months and seventeen daj 5; 
Then. S., Jr., lived only eight months and seven 
days; Hester S.. born December 5, 1875, was ed- 
ucated at Birmingham Seminary, and Mary Irvin, 
born March 15. 1878, was graduated from the 
same institution June 10, 1896. The 1 >•■■ 
and his daughters are members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church; socially, he affiliates with the 1 
,md A. M . and has been a Master Mason since 
1853, and a Knight Templar since 1865. In pol- 
itics he has been a Republican since 1850, and 
while in Chester City he was president of the city 
council. As may he supposed from his war 1 
ord, Dr. Christ is a member of the G. \ K . and 
indeed lie was one of the first to join that gallant 
band. Before its organization he helped to form 
a Soldiers' Union at Cluster City, Penn., which 
was incorporated with the G. A. K. as Post N 
2;. and he was made Post Surgeon. On his re- 
moval to Centre county, he helped to rganize 
Post No. 197, at Lemont, and has held the rank 
of commander for fifteen consecutive years. He 

member of the Veteran Legion, Encampment 
No 59, Belief onte. 

Dr Christ takes an active interest in the va- 
rious medical societies of the regular school, and 
belongs to the American Medical Association and 
to the State and County Medical Societies. 
For several years he served as president of the 
board ol stockholders of Pennsylvania Military 
Academy at (luster, and for six years he was sur- 
geon-in-charge of the institution. He waselected 
the first Burgess of State College. Penn He 
contributed generously to the medical and surgical 
history of the war of the Rebellion, and honor- 
able mention is made of thirteen difficult opera- 
tions made by him, while his work receives 
well-merited notice also in Atkinson's ' ' Physicians 
and Surgeons of the United Stab 



'(AMES A. KELLER, secretary of the ( entre 

tnty Mutual Insurance Co., is one of the 
most prominent businessmen and well-known 
ns of Pottei township, his acquaintaiii 
tending all over (entre county. He was horn 
June 10, 184;, mi the farm where he still re- 
sides, which is located a short distance ea 
Centre Hall, his parents being John H. and 
Rachel (Alexander) Keller. The father was born 
September 2, 1813, in Potter township, a son of 
Christian and Catharine Hanevi Keller. The 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



251 



great-grandfather, Jacob Keller, who was born 
February 15, 1753, came to Potter township, 
Centre county, in 1806, from Bethel township, 
Dauphin Co., Penn., and purchased what is 
known as the Red Mill property. He was a sol- 
dier in the militia during the Revolutionary war, 
and after serving two months was discharged at 
Lebanon, Penn., November 2, 1777. His dis- 
charge papers are still in the possession of his 
descendants. Of his large family the sons were 
Jacob, John, Christian, Philip and Peter. 

The first of the Keller family to locate in the 
portion of Potter township where our subject 
now resides was Christian Keller, his grandfa- 
ther, who secured a tract of land from the Potters 
in 1828. By trade he was a miller. He died 
August 12, 183 1, at middle age. An interesting 
incident in his life is related in Linn's History of 
Centre County, as follows: "In 1806, when 
Christian was but a boy, Conrad Dillman lived 
near Potter's Fort, and had a beautiful farm, 
which excited the admiration of all. Mr. Dill- 
man was an adept at extracting teeth, and young 
Christian one day, with some companions, among 
whom was Catharine Haney, his future wife, 
called at Dillman's to have a tooth pulled. After 
the completion of their errand the party started 
for home. Their path lay over the hill, and 
when Christian reached the top, he looked back 
over Dillman's fine farm, and made the remark 
to Catharine, at the same time pointing back to 
the farm, 'If you and I had that place it would 
be all I'd wish for.' She smiled, but said noth- 
ing. Twenty-five years later he related the cir- 
cumstance, and during the meantime his wish 
had been realized." In his family were the fol- 
lowing children: William, who died while serv- 
ing as county commissioner; John H., the father 
of our subject; Elizabeth, who became the wife 
of Amos Alexander; Catharine, wife of John 
Boozer; Lydia, wife of Peter Hoffer; Rebecca, 
wife of Watson Pennington; Sarah, wife of Isaac 
Pennington; Leah, wife of John Hoffer (de- 
deased); David C, who died in 1854; and 
Christian, deceased in 1895. Of these children, 
but two are now living. 

The father of our subject was reared in much 
the usual manner of farmer boys, and his educa- 
tion was limited to a course in the district schools 
of that early day. In Potter township he was 
united in marriage with Rachel, a daughter of 
James Alexander, who belonged to one of the 
old and highly respected families of the town- 
ship, that originally came from Maryland. Of 
the children born to this union, three grew to 
adult age, namely: Catharine, now Mrs. J. W. 
Conley, of Potter township; James A. ; and Mag- 



gie E., who married Levi Murray, and died at 
Centre Hall; the others died in infancy. 

On the death of his father, John H. Keller 
assumed the responsibility of caring for the large 
family in connection with his brother William, 
and provided for their support for a number of 
years. Afrer his marriage he located on the 
farm where our subject now resides, and there 
made his home until 1868, when he removed to 
Centre Hall, and became connected with the 
Centre Hall Manufacturing Co. Ten years later 
he returned to the farm, where the mother 
suffered from paralysis and died April 7, 1878. 
The father's death occurred at the same place, 
June 7, 1895, and he was laid by her side in the 
cemetery of Centre Hall. In politics he was a 
stalwart Democrat, and held various offices in his 
township. When a boy of sixteen years he 
united with the Reformed Church, and contem- 
plated studying for the ministry; but as his serv- 
ices were needed at home he gave up the idea, 
though he always took an active part in Church 
work, and no matter what the condition of the 
weather his familiar face was always seen in the 
house of worship on Sundays. He held various 
offices in the Church, and represented the same 
in the Synod and elsewhere. To all good works 
he was a liberal contributor, and had the confi- 
dence and high regard of all who knew him. His 
wife was a consistent member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

James A. Keller, whose name introduces this 
sketch, first attended the Plum Grove school, 
which was then taught by J. H. Shoemaker, 
and later pursued his studies in the Tuscarora 
Academy and Dickinson Seminary. At the age 
of seventeen years he obtained a teacher's certi- 
ficate, which he held for eight years, and for a 
short time engaged in teaching in Boggs town- 
ship, Centre county; but after his return from 
Dickinson Seminary, he aided his father in the 
work of the farm as the war was then in prog- 
ress and help was scarce. 

On January 8, 1867, in Mifflinburg, Penn., 
Mr. Keller was united in marriage with Miss 
Charlotte Kleckner, who was born in Union 
county, in November, 1844, a daughter of David 
and Esther (Wingard) Kleckner. She is the 
youngest in a family of nine girls, all of whom were 
school teachers with the exception of herself and 
eldest sister. Six children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Keller: Esther R., who died in infancy; 
Annie M., an accomplished musician, who is 
now the wife of Frank Fisher, of Penn Hall, 
Centre county; David K., a well-educated young 
man, who resides at home and has engaged in 
teaching since the age of seventeen years; John 






COMMRMORA TIVE BIOO UM-ll It M. 1!F.< ORD. 



11.. who is attending Franklin and Marshall Col- 
lege; and Christian I), and William F.. both at 
h"nie. 

For eif^ht years after his marriage, Mr. Keller 
rented the home farm, and then purchased MJ 
acres of the same for $ i oo per acre. In [877 he 

ted his present substantial brick resident e, 
has made main other valuable improvements 
upon the place, and now has a highly cultivated 
tract of 116 acres. He is a man of more than 
ordinary business capacity, is shrewd md ener- 
getic, and of the strictest integrity. In connec- 
tion with his farming operations he is also secre- 
tary of the Centre County Mutual Insurance Co.. 
which office he has now held for three years. 
while lu was president of the company eight 
years and vice-president three years. He is also 
.1 member of Penn's Valley Banking Co. at Cen- 
tre Hall, and in business circles stands deservedly 
high. 

Politically, Mr. Keller has always been a firm 
supporter of the Democratic party, and bis fel- 
low citizens recognizing his worth and abilit) 
have elected him to various official positions of 
honor and trust, including those of school di- 
rector, overseer of the poor, tax collector, asses- 
soi and registration assessor. For eight 
years he has been a member of the registration 
board, and was elected justice of the peace, hut 
refused to qualify. Both himself and wife are 
earnest and active members of the Reformed 
Church, and during the erection of their new 
church, which was completed in 1896, he was a 
member of the building committee; and at one 
time he took a verj active part in Sabbath- 
school work. Socially, he affiliates with the 
Grange and the Masonic fraternity Understand- 
ing the advantages to be derived from a good ed- 
ucation, he has provided his children with exi 
lent opportunities alone that line, so that thej 
might be fitted for any position in life. He is 
one of the most progressive and wide-awake 
business men of Potter township, but is unas- 
suming and in no waj seek'- notoriety. He is a 
worth) representative of one of the most illustri- 
ous and popular families of Centre county, and 
is universally held in high esteem. 



GEORGE W. KREAMER one ol the most 
reliable and promising young businessmen 
of Centre county, now conducts a general mer- 
chandise store in the little village of Kreamerville. 
Joseph Kreamer, father of our subject, was 
born near Pine Grove, Schuylkill Co., Penn., 
whence when two years old he was brought by 
his parents to Centre county, they locating at 



what is now known as Kreamerville. The grand- 
father became an extensive land owner and 
farmer of that place, where he spent his 
maining days. He bore the name of Jacob 
Kreamer. and his wife in her maidenhood was 
therine Geisler. In their family were eight 
children: John, a farmer, who died in Rebers- 
burg; Daniel, a hotel keeper and farmer of the 
same place, where his death occurred; Elizabeth, 
deceased wife of George Harper, a farmer of Re- 
bersburg; Catherine, who married Henry Smull, 
and died at Rockville, Miles township. Centre 
county: Mary, deceased wife of Frederick Burk- 
ert, a merchant of Rebersburg; Hannah, who 
married Daniel Dubbs, a farmer, and is still liv- 
ing in Rebersburg: and Sarah, wife of David 
Wolfe, who makes her home near that village. 

The elementary education of Joseph Kreamer 
was received in the common schools near his 
home, and for a time he was a >tudent in "Wolf's 
Store school." When he was sixteen years of 
age his father died, and the year following he left 
school, completing his education with a short 
course in the Muney high school. Returning 
home, he took charge of the farm which his fa- 
ther had left him. and although quite young was 
ver\ successful, as he was honest and industrious 
Being of an amiable disposition, he naturally 
found many who would help him in various ways, 
either by their advice or security when buying 
hi irses, stock, etc. 

In 1834, Joseph Creamer wed. led Miss Re- 
becca Reit/el. and to them were born two chil- 
dren: Catherine, horn April 7. 1835, is the wife 
of William Wolfe, of Buena Vista, III. ; and Mary, 
horn in 1837, is the wife of John H. Reifsnyder, 
of Millheim, Centre county. The mother of 
these children died in 1856, and March 14. 1861, 
Mr. Kreamer married Miss Maria Haine, by whom 
he had four children « \V .whose nami 

introduces this sketch ; Margaret, wife of W 
Musser, ol Centre county; Ada K., wife of Hart] 
Brown, foreman of a large manufacturing estab- 
lishment in Colchester, 111.: and Harry H., book- 
keeper foi the Sterling Bicycle Works of Chicago. 
Mrs. Kreamer was reared and educated in Read- 
ing, Penn., and is th th in order of birtl 
in the family of twelve children if Samuel and 
Margaret (Hoff) Haine. Her father was a tan- 
ner of Fine Grove, Schuykill county. Shi 
Still living in Millheim with her son-in-law, W 
S. Musser, and is a highly respected lady who ha- 
niany warm friends. 

The father continued the operation of th< 
farm now owned by our subject until his death 
which occurred at Kreamerville, October 1 1 
1892. at the ripe old age of eighty years. H 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



J5H 



was a liberal, kind-hearted gentleman, a true 
friend, and lost many thousands of dollars by go- 
ing security for others. He made no enemies, 
hut had the love and confidence of all with whom 
he came in contact, and was a consistent member 
of the Lutheran Church, to which he was a gen- 
erous contributor. Politically he was an ardent 
Democrat, and was well posted on the questions 
and issues of the day, always voting intelligently. 

George W. Kreamer is a native of Brush Val- 
ley, born near the present village of Kreamer- 
ville, January I, 1862, and in the district schools 
of the neighborhood obtained his education. He 
began his business career as a clerk in the general 
store of Harter & Loose, of Rebersburg, and was 
later with C. C. Loose, of the same place. Sub- 
sequently he worked in the lumber woods, tak- 
ing contracts for getting out lumber, and oper- 
ated the home farm for some time. In the fall 
of 1893 he erected his present building, and be- 
gan dealing in general merchandise in Kreamer- 
ville. Courteous and obliging, he has built up 
an excellent trade, his customers coming from 
miles around. 

In September, 18S5, in Brush Valley, Mr. 
Kreamer was united in marriage with Miss 
Rachel Hartman, a native of Rebersburg, and a 
daughter of Fred and Abigail ( Bierly) Hartman. 
They have one child, Earl T. , born June 13, 
1889. Mr. Kreamer follows in the political foot- 
steps of his father, supporting the men and meas- 
ures of the Democratic party, and has served as 
inspector of elections, and constable of his town- 
ship five years. Socially, he affiliates with the 
Grange, and religiously he and his wife are both 
faithful members of the Lutheran Church, while 
he has served as superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school for several years. His uprightness, in- 
tegrity and public-spiritedness have won him the 
confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and he 
is classed among the most respected representa- 
tive citizens of Centre county. 



WILLIAM THOMAS LEATHERS, a well- 
known and reliable business man of How- 
ard township, Centre county, is the senior mem- 
ber of the firm of W. T. Leathers & Son, roof 
painters and dealers in the Excelsior Graphite 
Roofing paint for iron, tin, shingle and paper 
roofs, with headquarters at Howard. He was 
born on a farm near Mount Eagle, December 25, 
1844, a son of Frederick and Rebecca (Working) 
Leathers, who spent their lives upon that farm. 
His paternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary 
Slick) Leathers, were natives of York county, 
Perm., where they were married, but as early as 



1795 they became residents of Howard township. 
Centre county. The maternal grandparents, la- 
cob and Christina Working, made their home 111 
Penn's Valley, Centre county, whither they had 
removed by ox-teams when the place was an un- 
broken wilderness. 

Frederick Leathers was three times married. 
his first wife being Nancy Barthurst, of Mount 
Eagle, by whom he had four children: Hannah, 
who married James Antes (both are now de- 
ceased); Elizabeth, deceased wife of Reuben Id- 
ings, a farmer of Centre county; Martha, win. 
wedded Eastings Guthrie (both are now de- 
ceased); and Mary, wife of John N. Barnhart, a 
retired school teacher living in New Jersey. For 
his second wife, Mr. Leathers wedded Rebecca 
Working, who died December 25, 1849, at the 
age of forty-five years, leaving four children: 
James K., a farmer of Howard township; Nancy 
E., widow of James Antes, of Jersey Shore, 
Penn. ; William T., our subject; and Frederick 
M. , a fanner of Farnhamville, Iowa. The third 
wife of Mr. Leathers bore the maiden name of 
Jane D. Stiver, and was a native of Penn's Valley, 
Penn. She died in 1891, at the age of eighty- 
five years, and her husband passed away April 
1, 1877, when aged seventy-nine years. 

At the age of sixteen years, on August [6, 

1 86 1, young Leathers enlisted in Company A, 
45th P. V. I., then commanded by Capt. John 
I. Curtiri (later. Gen. Curtin), and until in July, 

1862, the command served under Sherman. It 
participated in the battle of James Island and in 
many skirmishes. The command took part in 
the battle of Antietam, Md., on September 17, 
1862, after which engagement Mr. Leathers was 
transferred to the 6th U. S. Cavalry, Troop I, 
in which he served until September, 1864. He 
was engaged at Beverly Ford and in other minor 
battles, and in the battle of Gettysburg almost 
his entire, regiment was captured, he narrowly 
escaping. After the battle he served principally 
as a messenger at the headquarters of Gen. Sher- 
idan. Mr. Leathers was twice wounded, once 
while with the infantry and again while carrying 
a dispatch from Gen. Sheridan to Gen. Kilpat- 
rick, receiving a bullet in the left thigh, which 
he carried some six months or more. On Septem- 
ber 21, 1865, Mr. Leathers was married in Cana- 
da, Centre Co., Penn., to Miss Mary E. Hughes, 
who was born in Howard township, July 22. 
1844, a daughter of Rev. John and Mary A. 
(Goodfellcw) Hughes, natives of Blair and Centre 
counties, Penn., respectively. When a small 
boy her father had come to Centre county with 
his parents, Corney and Margaret (Brown) 
Hughes, who were born in Ireland. His mother 



L'. r . 1 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



I in Huntingdon county, Penn . buthis tail 
death occured in Centre county. The maternal 
grandparents of M thers, Thomas and 

Marj A < .r.iliam) Goodfellow, were also natives 
of Ireland, but at an early age became residents 
ij I low arc 1 township, Centre county, Perm. . where 
they spent the remainder of their lives, and 
where foi several years the grandfather enga 
in farming, and then lived reti 

Rev. [ohn Hughes was iut ( hristian, 

and a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He was quite prosperous in his business 
undertakings, and was an extensive dealer in coal 
and wood He departed this life in Canada, 
Centre county, February 14, 1876, at the age of 
sixty-three years; his wife died in the same house 
Maj 14, 1871, at the age of seventy-four. In 
their family were three daughters: Eliza, who 
died at the age of one year; Martha, wife of 
George D. [ohnson, who is operating the old 
homestead farm il da; and Mary I. 

Twelve children graced the union of Mr. 

and Mrs. Leathers: 1 Mary A. died at the 

of six years. (j| James L. . a roof painter, 

"I Mt. Eagle, married Edith Leathers December 

pi, iSSS, (3) Frederick resides at home, and 

ists Ins father in roof painting; 141 Lott II. 
died in infancy; Luc) I '•. is at home; Ida R. was 

married to Howard 1'. Nell October 14, 1897; 
Mattie M. is at home; < leorge H. travels for his 
father; Gilbert < died when fourteen months 
old; and Cookman A , Jessie and Milton W. are 
all three at home. Foi ears after his mar- 

riage, Mr Leathers lived with his wife's parents. 
and then located on the old Leathers homestead, 
where he resided until April 7, 1807. when he re- 
moved to Howard. In 1S84 he began the paint 
business, and July 2. 1805. patented the Excel- 
sior Graphite Roofing Paint, which is highly 
commended by those who have used it. He 
has some excellent testimonials from prominent 
citizens of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York State, 
etc., among whom maj be mentioned President 
McKinley (all of whose roofs in Canton the firm 
covered in September, 1897), Lieut-Gov. Jones. 
The business of \Y. T. Leathers & Son has ever 
been conducted on the strictest principles of 
honesty, and their prosperity cannot be attribute I 
to a combination of lucky circumstances, but 
rather to their well-directed energy, enterprise, 

integrity and intellectual effort. 

In February, 1895, Mr. Leathers was elected 
justice of the peace, and he has also held other 
local positions, which he has tilled to the satisfac- 
tion of all concerned. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Veteran Legion of Bellefonte, the 
Grange, and Grand Army Post No. 262, of 



Howard, while politically he is prominently iden- 
tified with tlie Republican party. He and his 
amiable wife are consistent and worthy members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and occup\ 
a high social position among the residents of the 
community. 

PETER BREON (deceased), who in his life- 
time was a well-known agriculturist of I 
ter township, justly deserves to be ranked among 
the self-made and prominent citizens of Centre 
county, where his entire life was passed, lb 
was born in Gregg township, where his father, 
Peter Breon, Sr., was also born. The family 
was founded in Centre county by his grandfa- 
ther. Valentine Breon, of Berks county, Penn.. 
who, with his brother, Jacob, located here at an 
early day, and from these two are descended all 
who bear the name of Breon in Perm's Valley. 
By trade the grandfather was a shoemaker. His 
death occurred in Confer Valley, Gregg town 
ship, and lie was laid to rest in the Mountain 
Cemetery of that place. In his family were th' 
following children: Peter, the father of our sub- 
ject; Daniel and George, who both died in Gregg 
township; Valentine, who lives in Illinois; Cath- 

i erine, who married John Wenerich, and died it; 

I Centre county; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin 
Ripka, of Gregg township; Hannah, widow of 
John Crater, and a resident of Gregg township, 
and Sally, who married Simon Weaver, and died 
near Centre Hill, Centre county. 

After acquiring a limited education in the 
German language, Peter Breon, Sr. , learned the 
shoemaker's trade, at which he worked through 
out the greater part of his life, never accumula- 
ting much property, however, having only a 
small home at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred when he was over seventy years of age. 
II was buried in Cross Roads Church Cemet 
by the side of his second wife. In his youn 
years he was a robust man, politically was a life- 
long Democrat, and in religious faith he was a 
member of the Reformed Church. In Gr< 
township he married Miss Rebecca Sunday, and 
they became the parents of the following chil- 
dren: Daniel, who died in Gregg township 
George, oi Su^.u Valley, Clinton county; Peter, 
th. subject of this sketch, born April 16, 18s 
Sally, who married Jacob Crater, and died in 
Haines township, Centre county; Betsy, de- 
ceased; Hannah, widow of John Smelzer, of Pot- 
ter township; Caroline, who married Jonathan 
Yeagly, and died in Gregg township. I 
mothei of these children passed away in Gr< 
township, and her remains were interred in 
Heckman Cemetery. Later the father wedded 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



255 



Rebecca Ream, and to them were born seven 
children, namely: John, of Gregg township; 
Henry, of Penn township; Samuel, who died in 
Centre Hill; Valentine, of Sugar Valley; Will- 
iam, of Kansas; Rebecca, who married Daniel 
Decker, and died in Gregg township, and Annie, 
who married Abraham Alters and removed to 
Kansas, where he died, and where she has since 
married and now lives. 

His parents being in very limited circum- 
stances, Mr. Breon, the subject of this review, 
was unable to attend school until twelve years of 
age, and then pursued his studies in the school 
house that stood over the hill from Tusseyville 
toward Colyer. During the first winter he had his 
feet frozen as his shoes were very poor, and from 
that injury did not recover until the following har- 
vest. He was at that time living with Judge W. 
W. Love, and continued to make his home with 
different farmers until his father's second mar- 
riage, therefore his school privileges were very 
meagre. After his return home he assisted his 
father for one year, and then again worked for 
others, including John Grove who resided in the 
east end of George's Valley, and with him he re- 
mained some nine years, during which time he 
worked very hard, but his wages were poor. 
Later he was with William Grove, in George's 
Valley, and subsequently he learned the carpen- 
ter's trade under Daniel Lose. During the sum- 
mer he would work for $5 per month, while 
throughout the winter season he worked for his 
board at whatever he could find to do. After 
serving a three-years' apprenticeship, he worked 
at his trade for one year, and then'turned his at- 
ention to farming. 

At the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Breon 
married Miss Catharine Grove, daughter of Will- 
iam Grove, and to them were born three children: 
Rosetta, now Mrs. James Runkle, of Snyder 
county, Penn. ; Amanda, who died at the age of 
seven years; and Henrietta, who married Adam 
Ripka, and died at the home of her father. (Ripka 
lived in the same house where she died a few 
years later). The wife and mother died, and was 
buried in Cross Roads Church cemetery in 
George's Valley, and for his second wife Mr. 
Breon wedded Catharine Ripka, a native of 
Gregg township, and a daughter of John Ripka. 
Five children blessed their union: Howard, who 
died in childhood; Perry W., a farmer of Potter 
township; Lavina, wife of William Flory, of 
Centre Hall, Centre county; Savilla, wife of Rob- 
ert Foreman, of Centre Hall; and Celesta, wife 
of Gotleib Strohmeier, of the same place. 

For sixteen years Mr. Breon rented the Dr. 
Smith farm, near Centre Hill, then lived on the 



Spangler farm above Tusseyville for one year, 
and for the following twelve years operated the 
Samuel- Huston farm. On leaving the last place 
in 1888, he purchased his late home, and contin- 
ued to live a semi-retired life, enjoying the fruits 
of his former toil. He died November 29, 1897, 
at the age of 69 years, 7 months and 13 days. He 
had ever been a hard working, industrious man, 
and the success that came to him was assuredly 
well merited. He was a man of the strictest in- 
tegrity and honor, his word being considered as 
good as his bond, and he lived peaceably with his 
fellow-men, having never been engaged in a law- 
suit. As a tenant farmer he worked for some of the 
most particular and precise land owners in Centre 
county, but his labors always proved satis- 
factory. 

An incident, which plainly indicates the con- 
fidence and trust reposed in him, is as follows: 
During the war he was drafted, and being poor 
his wife and little ones would have been left des- 
titute had he gone to the front. However, he 
had not a penny with which to hire a substitute, 
nor a single dollar's worth of property to give as 
security. He had concluded to join the army, 
but, without his solicitation, Reuben Keller, a 
merchant of Centre Hill, offered to furnish him 
with $1,000, not even asking an individual note, 
and declining the same when Mr. Breon offered 
it. It is unnecessary to say that the money was 
in due time returned. He enjoyed the esteem 
and respect of all with whom he came in contact 
in the various walks of life, and was a consistent 
member of the Lutheran Church. Although he 
usually supported the Democratic party, he was 
not strictly partisan, and at one time he effi- 
ciently served as supervisor of Potter township. 
He sleeps his last sleep in the Centre Hall cem- 
etery. 

WILLIAM ROTHROCK GARDNER. The 
prosperity and advancement of a com- 
munity depends upon its commercial activity, 
which is the result of the enterprising efforts of 
its business men. One of the leading and influ- 
ential citizens of Howard borough, Centre coun- 
ty, is the gentleman whose name introduces this 
review, proprietor of the Howard Handle & 
Spoke Company, located at Howard. 

In that village, Mr. Gardner was born Octo- 
ber 24, 1861, a son of Andrew J. and Catherine 
(Lucas) Gardner. The father is also a native of 
Howard borough, he having been born Novem- 
ber 12, 1 82 1, in Howard township, of which 
Howard borough was formerly a part. His par- 
ents, Washington and Jane (Austin) Gardner, 
were natives of Sherman's Valley, Cumberland 



256 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



county and Centre counts , respectivel) Wash- 
ington Gardner was born March 3, 1791, and 
was a sou of |<>lm and Nancj [Thornton) Gard- 
ner, natives of Ireland, who came to this coun- 
try in 1795. while his wiiV was burn April 4, 
1796, and was a daughter of William and |ane 
Austin, Datives of Pennsylvania and early set- 
tlers of Centre county. To the grandparenl 
our subject were born the following child 
Hannah, wife of Jacob C. Smith, a farmer of 

Centre c ity; Nancy, widow of Nathan II. 

Lucas, of Lagleville, Centre county; Andrew J.; 
Caroline, wife of Daniel Smith, a retired carpen- 
ter of Illinois; John 1)., a farmer of Centre 
county; Washington, who died when young; 
Anthonj W, a farmer of Howard; Bersheara, 
widow of Joseph Williams, of Eagleville; Ellen, 
deceased wife of fames DeLong, a merchant oi 
the same place; William, a farmer of Centre 
county; and Matilda, who died in early life. 
The parents of these children have both passed 
away, the lather dying March 3, (872, ami the 
mother on December 25. (883, They were 
highly-respected farming people of Centre coun- 
ty, and members of the Church of Christ 

In 1845, Andrew J. Gardner began his busi- 
ness career as a carpenter and farmer in Howard 
township, but since 1894 he has lived retired in 
the village of that name, enjoying a well-earned 
rest. On December 18, 1849, '"' married Miss 
Catherine P. Lucas, and the following children 
grace their union: Frances D., born December 
$1, [851, is the wife of Roland Leathers, a deco- 
rator and general laborer, of Mt Eagle, Penn.; 
Jane A., born August 3 1 , 1854, is the wife ol 
K. G. Shutt, a carpenter and millwright of Kane, 
Penn.; Wickliffe H., born July 21, 1S56, is a 
bookkeeper for the A. French Spring Co., Pitts- 
burg, Penn.; Mitchell I., born August <>, [858, 
is bookkeeper for the Valentine Iron Co. . of 
Bellefonte, Penn.; William K. is next in order 
of birth; and Ira, born December 14, 1866, died 
February 21, 1S67. I '"or the past forty-eight 
years the father has been a consistent and ear- 
nest member of the Church of Christ, and with 
the exception of three years of that time has 
served as elder His well-spent life justly en- 
titles him to the high regard in which he is uni- 
|]\ held. 

The mother of our subject, a most estimable 
lady, was born in Centre county. February 23, 
1825, and is a daughter of Thomas and Anna 
(Peters) Lucas, natives of New York, who early 
became residents of Centre county, where they 
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Her father died 
Manh i), iSji.atthi nty-two, and her 

mother on July 7, IKS}, at tin age ol 



nine years. A family of twelve children were born 
to them, ot whom, Catharine P. was the third. 
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Gardnei Bap- 
tist and Anna (Erskin) Lucas, were natives ..( 
Inland, whence in an early day tn . 
Centre county. Pennsylvania. 

William R. Gardner was married December 
16, 1896, to Mi~ Gertrude McKean Bennison, 
daughter of Jonathan and Margaret Mi Kean) 
Bennison On October 6, 1897, a son Donald 

n — was born to them. Mr Gardm 
widely and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity During his boyhood and youth he aided 
in the labors of the farm, and for three yea 
after starting out in life for himself, he was in 
the postal service on the Pennsylvania and Erie 
railroad, his route lying between Williamsport 
and Lrie. For a time he was also operator for 
the Pittsburg & Lake Erie railroad at New Ca 
[unction, Lawrence Co., Penn. Thebusines- 
which he is now proprietor was organized by 
Shutt & Poulson in 1S79; in 1893 our subject 
purchased an interest bom K. G. Shutt, and ha^ 
since served as manager. It is one of the lead- 
ing industries of the locality, and much of it> 
success is due to Mr. Gardner, whose courteous 
atment of patrons and honorable dealing in- 
sure future prosperity. Politically, he is 
earnest supporter of the Democratic party; in 
religious faith he is a faithful member of the 
( hurch of Christ. 



HARRY P. KELLEY, a successful and ; 
perous coal operator of Snow Shoe, Centre 
county, and a member of the Snow Shot- Mining 
Company, was born in Howard, Centre count) 
Penn., February 5, 1856, a son of Patrick and 
Sarah (Flack) Kelley. He acquired his educa- 
tion in the common schools, and continued undei 
the parental roof until twenty-two years of a 
when In went to Marion county, Iowa, wl 
for seven months he worked in the coal mines 
He was next employed in the John Deer pi 
factory at Moline, 111., but at the end of 
months was called home bv the death of h 
brother, who was killed while unloading -■ 

I'oi seven months after his return. Mr. K* 
worked in the lumber woods, and then result 
mining, which he continued to follow uninl 
rupted from 1881 t<> [889. In the latter yeai 
bei inie ( onnei ted with the firm ol robin A ^ 

m Snow Shoe township, of which firm hi- 
father w r, but the latter died in M 

[889, and m the following (uly our subjei I 
chased the interest of Mr. Tobin, the firm 
coming Kelley Brothers. Under that nan 





r <&. 




COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



257 



ness was continued until 1894, when a number of 
their mines gave out. The year previous they 
had purchased the Gansallus property (which 
they are now operating), comprising sixty-eight 
acres of excellent coal-land in Snow Shoe town- 
ship. In 1895 was organized the Snow Shoe 
Mining Company, of which M. D. Kelley, a 
brother of our subject, is president; T. B. Bud- 
inger, treasurer; W. D. O'Bryan, secretary; and 
William F. Holt, manager. They are doing an 
excellent business, much of which is due to the 
capable management of our subject, who has 
charge of the Snow Shoe Colliery Mines Nos. 1, 
2 and 3. 

On May 24, 1882, in Cooper township, Clear- 
field county, Penn. , Harry P. Kelley was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Mosebarger, and to them were 
born six children, whose names and dates of 
birth are as follows: John, June 3, 1883; Logan, 
September 21, 1884; Thomas, September 3, 
1886; Paul, May 30, 1889; Mary, April 20, 1892; 
and Justina, June 19, 1895. All are still living 
with the exception of Paul, who died on August 
22, 1892. 

Mrs. Kelley is a native of Clearfield county, 
and a daughter of John and Eva Mosebarger, 
who were born in Germany, where they married, 
and whence in [857 they emigrated to America, 
locating in Clearfield county, Penn. There the 
father engaged in farming until his death, which 
occurred October 3, 1893; the mother is now re- 
siding at Peale, in that county. They had four 
sons and three daughters: John, who is operat- 
ing the old homestead farm; George (deceased); 
Frank, who is conducting the "Coal Exchange 
Hotel" at Philipsburg, Centre county; Frederick, 
who is in the hotel business in Grassflat, Clear- 
field county; Lizzie (the eldest daughter) is mar- 
ried to John McGowan, a prosperous farmer in 
Moshannon; Mrs. Mary Kelley, the second 
daughter, taught school five terms in Clearfield 
county, and one term in Centre county; Annie 
(the youngest) is married to Richard Sheehe, who 
is proprietor of the " Columbus House " at Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Kelley is an ardent supporter of Demo- 
cratic principles, and has served for three years 
as school director in the village of Snow Shoe; 
fraternally he is a member of the Ancient Order 
of Hibernians of that place, while in religious 
faith he is a Roman Catholic. 



BjAVID H. SHIVERY, of Benner township, 
Centre county, was born in 1859, on the 
farm tin which he now makes his home, a son of 
Andrew J. and Jane (Wilson) Shivery, both of 



whom were of German descent. The father, 
also a native of Centre county, was born in 1828, 
and spent his entire life here engaged in agricult- 
ural pursuits. He was called to the home beyond 
in 1893, at the age of sixty-five years, but his 
wife, who was born in 1828, is still living. They 
had a family of four children, namely: David 
H. ; George B., a practicing physician of Wood- 
land, Clearfield Co., Penn., who married Bessie 
Dale, and has two children; and Margaret E. 
and Sallie E., who reside with their mother in 
Bellefonte. 

The boyhood days of David H. Shivery passed 
quietly and uneventfully. He remained under 
the parental roof and assisted his father in the 
development of the home farm during the sum- 
mer months, while in the winter season he at- 
tended the public schools, completing his educa- 
tion in an academy in Bellefonte. The occupa- 
tion to which he was reared, he has made his life 
work, and his early experience well fitted him for 
his present duties. His landed possessions aggre- 
gate 140 acres, the greater part of which is under 
a high state of cultivation. The latest improved 
machinery is used in planting and caring for his 
crops, substantial outbuildings shelter his grain 
and stock, and a comfortable residence forms the 
hospitable home of his family. He is progressive 
in his methods of farming, systematic in the man- 
agement of his affairs, and energetic in the prose- 
cution of his business. Enterprise and industry 
are the predominant traits in his character, and 
have been the stepping stones on which he has 
risen to a place among the substantial citizens of 
the community. He has only been once beyond 
the boundaries of Pennsylvania, in the summer 
of 1893 visiting the World's Columbian Exposi- 
tion at Chicago. A man of intelligence and genu- 
ine worth, he is recognized as a valued citizen of 
the community. 

On February 16, 1882, Mr. Shivery was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Etta Marshall, 
a native of Centre county, as were also her par- 
ents. They had three children: Joseph Law- 
rence, Andrew J. and Russell Burton. The last 
named died February 11, 1895 (at the age of 
four years), of congestion of the brain caused by 
an attack of measles. On November 23, 1897, 
Joseph Lawrence, the elder of the other two, 
had climbed a tree in pursuit of squirrels, but 
while standing on a decayed limb it broke, and 
he was precipitated to the ground, a distance of 
some forty feet, whereby his neck was broken, 
death ensuing instantly. He was born August 
30, 1884, and was consequently thirteen years, 
two months and twenty-four days old at the time 
of the fatal accident. 



17 






MoUATlVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in MEMORY OF JOSEPH I \v. SHIVERY 

autumn leaves w< re gold and red, 
summer birds bad flown, 
When Lawrence's spirit took its (light 
I .. worlds ol joy unknown. 

He was dashed down so i ruelly; 
\\ i gathered by Ins side — 

' In agony we Stood about 

When we found that he had died. 

\\ tun smoothing down his glossy locks, 
We laid his hands to rest. 

From all the cares and toils of earth, 
I pon his manly Dp 

His voice, his Step, no more we hi 

At morning's early gleam; 
But on his face a farewell smile. 

As if in pleasant di 

His body sleeps upon a hill. 
Beside his little brother, 

And may his spirit rest in peace 
h orever and fori 



We miss thee from our home, dear— 
We miss thee from thv place; 
A shadow o'er our hi' 
We i sunshine of thy face. 

We miss thy kind and willing hand. 
I'hv fond and earnest care; 
Our home is dark without thee 
We miss thee everywhere. 



EMANUEL MUSSER is recognized as one of 
the most intelligent men and skillful farm- 
ers of College township. Centre county, though 
he is now practically living a retired life. H 
pursuing the even tenor of his way as an honest 
man and good citizen, furthering the good of his 
community as he has opportunity, and enjoying 
the respect of his neighbors. Almost his entire 
life has been passed in Centre county, his early 
home being in Gregg township, where he was 
born June i, 1834. 

The paternal grandfather of our subject, 
Michael Moser, who was born in that part of 
Northampton county, now Lehigh county, early 
in the latter half of the eighteenth century, was 
twice married, having by his first wife five chil- 
dren: George and Jonathan, residents of Gregg 1 
township; Mrs. Betsy Kepler (deceased 1, Mrs 
George Haring, of Gregg township; and Mis 
John ('infer, of Illinois At an early day the 
father of these children came to Centre county 
and took up government land in Haines (now 
Gregg) township, where he passed away about 
1859 at a ripe old age. 

George Moser, who was horn July 7, 1804, 
attended school at the Cross Road school house 
in Gregg township, but his educational privileges 1 
were very limited. After operating his father's | 
farm for a few years he purchased 161 acres, on 

•This name ha» been changed by local custom. The original name 
haring been Motor, U a Oppoojl farther 00 in tin- reriew 



which he spent the balance of his life, dying on 
the 2nd of February, i 846, when our subject 
was only eleven years old. He was. of the 
Christian faith, a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and a Whig in politics, casting his Pres- 
idential vote for William Henry Harrison. His 
wife, who was born October 10, 181 1, was a 
daughter of Philip and Elizabeth (Ilgen) Moser, 
and died in Gregg township, January 7, 1846. 
In their family were eight children, namely: Ro- 
setta, widow of John W. Krumrine, late of State 
College, Centre county; Elias, a farmer, who 
died in Gregg township, in 1888; Emanuel, of 
this review; Mrs. Rebecca Wolf, who died in 
Logansville. Penn.. in 1883; Maria, wife of 
Henry Gramley, of Iowa; George M., who died 
in childhood; William H. H., of Mercer, N. Dak.: 
and Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Gates, of Illinois. 

Upon the old homestead in Gregg township 
Emanuel Musser passed the days of his boyhood 
and youth, and acquired his education in the Cross- 
road and Heckman schools of the same township, 
which he attended until sixteen years of age, 
when he started out to earn his own livelihood as 
a farm hand at $6.00 per month. After one year 
spent in this way he learned the tanner's trade, 
which he followed for four years in Boalsburg, 
Harris township. Centre county. On the expir- 
ation of that period, he went to Illinois, where 
for six months he worked at the carpenter's 
trade; but failing health caused him to return 
home, and for four years he again followed 
farming. After his marriage he operated 
his father-in-law's farm two years, at Buffalo 
Run Valley, and then rented a place for the 
same length of time in Pine Grove, after which 
he purchased sixty-seven acres near Houserville. 
\ft( r cultivating that tract for nine years he sold 
out and bought 164 acres of good land near State 
College, where he has made his home since 
1874. He has intde many noticeable improve- 
ments upon the farm which add to its value and 
attractive appearance, including an extensive 
dairy, which he has conducted for fifteen years 
with excellent success. 

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. 
Musser was in her maidenhood Miss Katharine 
Bottorf, a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Ans- 
pach) Bottorf, and was born in Centre county, 

ruarj 29, 1836 By her marriage she has 
become the mother of nine children: Luther 
Willis, a teacher in the borough of State College; 
Lillie Curtis, wife of David O. Ktters, superin- 
tendent of public schools of Bellefonte; George 
Frederick, insurance agent, of that city; Jacob 
Arthur, who has charge of agents' furnishing de- 
partment in Allegheny; James Franklin, a ma- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



259 



chinist of Williamsport, Perm. ; Boyd Anspach, 
assistant principal in the Bellefonte High School, 
Bellefonte; Lydia Catherine, wife of Roger Bow- 
man, commission merchant of Philadelphia; and 
Nanie Lingenfelter and Helena Dale, at home. 
The children have been given good collegiate 
educations, and now occupy honorable positions 
in society. 

Mr. Musser uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the Democratic party, but supported 
Abraham Lincoln when he was the Presidential 
candidate. He is an active worker in the Luth- 
eran Church, and a charter member of Oak 
Hall Grange. For many years he was one of the 
most energetic and industrious farmers of the 
community, but to a certain extent has laid aside 
business cares, and is now enjoying a well-earned 
rest at his elegant home, which is situated on a 
prominence a quarter of a mile north of State 
College. Surrounded by many warm friends 
and acquaintances, he and his-estimable wife are 
passing their declining years in the rest and re- 
tirement that should always follow useful and 
well-spent lives. They are valued members of 
society, their intelligence, pleasant and courteous 
manners making them welcome guests wherever 
they visit. 



JOHN SHAFFER, who for many years past 
has been a leading citizen of Miles township, 
Centre county, is known far and near as 
"Uncle Shaffer," his genial, kindly nature hav- 
ing won the affectionate regard of all who 
knew him. 

Born November i, 1825, on the farm adjoin- 
ing that upon which he now resides, he is now 
passing an honored old age amid the scenes upon 
which he first opened his eyes, and where his ances- 
tors were among the earliest settlers. He erect- 
ed his present commodious residence upon the 
site of a house built and occupied by his grand- 
parents, John Adam and Catherine (Klinefelder) 
Shaffer. 

Adam Shaffer, our subject's father, was born 
November 22, 1796, and was a mere child when 
his parents settled in Brush Valley, where he was 
reared as a farmer boy, and afterward engaged 
in agriculture on the old homestead as he was 
one of the youngest of a large family of children. 
Later, he purchased the property from his father, 
and his death occurred there April 4, 1862, his 
remains being interred at Madisonburg. He pos-' 
sessed great mechanical skill, and could turn his 
hand to various trades without special instruction. 
He was greatly respected in the community and 
was a leading Democrat, holding various town- 



ship offices. In Church affairs he was also prom- 
inent, being one of the founders of the Lutheran 
society in his locality, and helping to build the 
church in Madisonburg which preceded the pres- 
ent structure. He was married three times. By 
his first wife, a Miss Musser, of Penn's Valley, 
he had one daughter, Rebecca, who married (first) 
John Schmeltzer, and (second) John Hoy, and 
died in Madisonburg. The second wife, Miss Lydia 
Bailey, our subject's mother, was born in 1801 at 
White Deer, Penn., the daughter of Jacob Bailey. 
She came to Brush Valley before her marriage, and 
made her home with a sister, Mrs. John Ruhl. 
She died in 1847, and six children survive her, 
our subject being the eldest. (2) Eliza married 
John Yearick, and died in Clinton county; (3) 
Abigail married Rev. Samuel Yearick, a Meth- 
odist minister, and died in Brush Valley; (4) 
Henry lives in Indiana; (5) Adam F. died in 
Madisonburg March 21, 1862, aged twenty-three 
years, eight months and two days; (6) Aaron 
resides in Illinois. By his third marriage, with 
Miss Lydia Shull, Adam Shaffer had two children: 
Annie, now Mrs. David Bacher, of Centre Hall, 
and another daughter who died at an early age. 
Like other members, Uncle John Shaffer's early 
educational opportunities were extremely limited, 
the free schools of the present time not being 
heard of until his school days were about ended. 
As the eldest son, there was plenty of work found 
for him at home, and many days were spent in 
riding the horses which tramped out the wheat in 
the barn after the old-fashioned way. A bright, 
observant mind can learn much outside of books, 
however, as any one will discover who talks with 
Uncle Shaffer. As a young man he visited Indi- 
ana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, making the 
return journey from Indiana to the vicinity of 
Wheeling upon a horse which he sold at that 
point, continuing the trip by stage and by water. 
Since that time he has made three other visits to 
the West, stopping in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, 
Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, and he 
has also seen the principal points of interest in 
the East. In order to cure him of any early 
attack of the " Western Fever," his father offered 
him the home farm under advantageous circum- 
stances, and Mr. Shaffer accepted the offer under 
conditions which were complied with. 

In 1848 he married Miss Frances Schmeltzer, 
who was born December 3, 1825, the daughter 
of George and Margaret (Beckle) Schmeltzer, a 
sketch of whom is given elsewhere. Over forty 
years of happy wedded life were spent, but on 
November 18, 1892, the beloved and loving wife 
passed over the borders of the unseen world 
there to await the coming of her dear ones. Of 



280 



' OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



her six children, four are still living: (i) Ed- 
mund F.. born March 28, 1 849, died Februar) c8, 
1858; (2) Johanna married fohn Roush.ofGr 
township, Centre county; 5) Washington is a 
farmer in Miles township; (4) Emma married 
Wilson Hazel, of Madisonbu Thomas re- 

sides in Dakota, 111., and (6) Mary \ . born May 
8, 1863, died August 1 3, 1867. 

Since his marriage Mr. Shaffer has made his 
home on the old farm near Madisonburg, with 
the exception of live years in Clinton counts. It 
formerly contained 200 acres, hut Mr Shaffer 
sold about sixty acres to his son, Thomas. The 
farm is in excellent order with good buildings, 
and in all portions shows the progressive man- 
agement of its owner, who has, however, ^-'^ 
ted the active work to othei hands for nearly six 
years past. Possessing rare mechanical ability, 
he has always delighted in working at the black- 
smith's trade, also in coopering, and in two 
shops which he has fitted up on his farm he has 
carried on t! les as occasion offered, doing 

the work more for pastime than for anything 
else. Foi years he had done most of his own 
blacksmithing. Jolly and good natured, he en- 
.1 hearty laugh even at his own expense, and 
he has a host of friends among young and old. 
His wealth has not been gained through penuri- 
ousness ami self-denial; he has enjoyed life, and 
has tried to make those around him do the same. 
Whatever he does is done well, and the best is 
none too good for his own use. while in choosing 
foi his family or friends the same spirit is shown. 
A liberal giver to every worthy cause, he has 
been for years a "pillar" in the Lutheran 
(lunch, and has held " about ever)' office except 
thai ol preacher." In politics he is a Democrat, 
first, last and all the time, but he has nevei 
cared for office, although for twelve years he 
was overseer of the poor. 



WILLIAM KISIIEL, one of the honored 
and most highly respected citizens of Tus- 
seyville, was for many years actively identified 
with the agricultural interests of Potter township, 
Centre county, and is a worthy representative of 
a prominent pioneei family th.it has been an im- 
portant factor in the progress and development 
of central Pennsylvania. 

The grandfather ol our subje< t > ame from the 
southern part ol the Mate to what is now Centre 
county, long before it was <>: and the fa- 

ther, George Rishel, was horn in Gregg township 

in the latter part of the past century When 

hut a boy he came to Potter township, and 

'ied and developed a good farm near Centre 



Hill, where bis death occurred when he was over 
nty years of age. As a farmer he was highly 
successful, owning three large farms at the time 
of his death. He adhered to the principles ol 
the Democratic party, and in religious faith was 
a member of the Evangelical Church. He was 
united in marriage with Catharine Ream, who 
died when past her eightieth birthday, and to 
them were born eleven children — five sons and 
six daughters, of whom our subject is the ninth 
in order of birth. One son, David, wis an Evan- 
gelical minister, and three daughters were married 
to Evangelical ministers, viz.: Rebecca to Rev 
Daniel Ken. Susan to W. W. Orwig, and Sarah 
to John Kreamer. 

In George's Valley, Centre county. William 
Rishel, the subject proper of this review, was 
born July 25, 1820, and was reared in much the 
usual manner of farmer boys, assisting in the 
work of the home farm, and obtaining such an 
education as the district schools afforded at that 
early day. He remained under the parental roof 
until twenty-one years of age, when he was united 
in marriage with Miss Margaret Heltinan, who 
was born in Clinton county, Penn., in January. 
iXjo One chihl blessed their union: Mar) J.. 
now the wife of Samuel Swartz, of Tusseyville. 
After his marriage, Mr. Rishel operated the 
old home farm in connection with his brother 
John, until 1862, when he purchased a farm near 
Tusseyville, hut in i860 removed to his present 
excellent farm, to which he has added until at 
present it comprises over 240 acres, divided 
into two farms, for which he paid $20,000. To 
its care and cultivation he devoted his entire 
time and attention for many years, but has now 
practically laid aside business cares, and is en- 
joying a well-earned rest. He was not only a 
thorough and skillful farmer, but also a shrewd 
and reliable business man, whose success in life 
was due to his own untiring and persistent efforts, 
guided by sound judgment. Having purchased 
different farms, he would improve and cultivate 
them for a short time, and then sell at a hand- 
some profit. By this means he has become one 
of the most substantial agriculturists of the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Rishel is a stanch Democrat in politics, 
and has been elected to official positions, but re- 
el to qualify. He is one of the prominent and 
hading members of the United Evangelical 
Church, and to the erection of their new hoi 
of worship he wa of the most liberal con- 

tributors, lie has faithfully filled various Church 
offices, and is an active as well as devout mein- 
mgregation. His name is a synonym 
foi honesty, his dealings have been characterized 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



261 



by a straightforward, honorable business policy, 
and he, therefore, merits and receives the confi- 
dence and esteem of all who know him. His 
noble wife has shared his trials and hardships, 
and to her no little credit is due for the success 
he has achieved. 



JOHN HOFFA, Jr., a grain dealer and coal 
merchant of Coburn, Centre county, is one 
of the most energetic business men of that 
thriving town. He was born in Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, Penn. , April 4, 1870, 
a son of Cyrus Hoffa, who is a wealthy and 
prominent business man of that locality, the 
present manager of the Buffalo Milling Co., of 
Lewisburg. The paternal grandfather, Jacob 
Hoffa, was a native of Berks county, Penn. , 
where he worked at his trade of cabinet making, 
and also engaged in the lumber business. He 
died in Reading, at the advanced age of eighty- 
two years. 

Cyrus Hoffa was born in 1838, about four 
miles east of Milton, Penn., and was the fourth 
in order of birth in the family of four sons and 
one daughter. He secured a good education, 
being a student for a time at Gettysburg College. 
On reaching man's estate he married Miss Mar- 
garet Auten, a daughter of Robert Auten, and to 
them were born seven children: Regina, at 
home; Franklin, who died at the age of two 
years; Carrie, wife of Dr. Ralph Steans, a prac- 
ticing physician of Mifflinburg, Penn., Hattie A. 
and Maize E., at home; John, the subject of this 
sketch; and Robert A., bookkeeper in a bank of 
Lewisburg. The mother of these children de- 
parted this life in 1872, and was buried in Fall- 
mer Church cemetery, in Northumberland county, 
Penn. For his second wife the father wedded 
Lizzie Angel. After his first marriage Mr. 
Hoffa located upon the farm where our subject 
was born, and where he still makes his home. 
Upon the place was standing a gristmill of forty- 
barrel capacity, which he operated, and he later 
became identified with the grain business at 
Lewisburg, carrying same on in connection with 
his farming and milling interests. He is con- 
nected with other enterprises in Lewisburg, 
although he still makes his home in Kelly town- 
ship, being director of the Union National Bank, 
and also of the Milton Trust Company of Mil- 
ton, Penn. Prominent in milling circles, he is 
the efficient secretary of the State Millers Asso- 
ciation, and is one of the most substantial and 
reliable business men of Union county. His 
political support is always given the men and 
measures of the Democratic party. In May, 



1896, he made a trip to Europe, spending sev- 
eral months in visiting its principal cities and 
points of interest. 

The primary education of John Hoffa was se- 
cured in the district schools, after which he at- 
tended a select school at Bloomsburg, Penn. , 
for a time, and completed his education by a busi- 
ness course in the Eastman Business College, at 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. During his vacations he 
aided in the work of the home farm, and while 
still in his " teens " engaged in the flour and feed 
business in Lewisburg. In August, 1891, he 
came to Coburn to take charge of the grain ele- 
vator for the Buffalo Milling Co. , of Lewisburg, 
and has since been identified with the business 
interests of the place. He is also successfully 
engaged in dealing in coal on his own account, 
and although young in years is one of the most 
energetic and enterprising business men of the 
community. 

On January 17, 1892, in Mifflinburg, Penn., 
Mr. Hoffa was united in marriage with Miss Altha 
M. Reedy, a native of Buffalo Cross Roads, 
Penn., and a daughter of Levi Reedy. To this 
union has been born a daughter, Margaret, March 
23, 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffa are both mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and hold a high 
position in social circles. Mr. Hoffa is a strong 
Democrat in politics, and cast his first Presiden- 
tial vote for Cleveland in 1892. 



C CHARLES EDWIN DORWORTH, ex-editor 
J) of the Bellefonte Daily News, and at pres- 
ent a newspaper correspondent and story-writer, 
of Bellefonte, was born in Bellefonte, Centre 
Co., Penn., September 9, 1876. Of German- 
Welsh extraction, Mr. Dorworth inherits the 
perseverance of the former with the ingenuity of 
the latter class of people. He is the third of 
four children, and from youth has had a talent 
for writing. 

Dr. E. S. Dorworth, his father, was born at 
Emaus, Lehigh Co., Penn., February 19, 1834, 
and is of German descent. He was graduated in 
medicine from the Universities of New York and 
Pennsylvania, and since 1865 has been a prac- 
ticing physician in Bellefonte. Mrs. Hannah J. 
Dorworth, wife of Dr. Dorworth and mother of 
our subject, was a daughter of William Reese 
Jenkins, and was born in Blaina, South Wales, 
in 1845. In 1852 she came to this country 
with her father, who was an extensive iron man- 
ufacturer up to the time of his death, in 1886, 
the Jenkins name being still associated with 
some of the extensive iron foundries and ma- 
chine shops in central Pennsylvania. 



262 



cnMMF.MoiiATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Charles Edwin Dorworth received his tirst 
scholastic training in the Hellefonte public 
schools. During his senior year at the Belle- 
fonte High School he left that institution to take 
a three-years' elective course at the Bellefontr 
Academy to prepare himself especially fur jour- 
nalism. In 1S91 he entered the office of the 
Keystone Gazette, at Hellefonte, and, realizing 
that he must have a practical, as well as a theo- 
retical, knowledge of newspaper work, began at 
a case. In this way he soon became thoroughly 
conversant with all the details of newspaper 
making. Occasionally he was sent out on as- 
signments in order to give him an opportunity to 
do reportorial work. It was not long, however, 
until he did nothing else, and the summer of 
1893 found him the regular correspondent of 
several large Pittsburg and Philadelphia dailies. 
He continued doing local work for the city pa- 
pers until the fall of 1894, when the Philadelphia 
Inquirer detailed him to report the Hastings 
gubernatorial campaign itinerary He traveled 
with the party all over the State, and his stories 
in the Inquirer made that journal one of the 
most interesting reflectors of what was, in many 
respects, the most noted political battle ever 
fought m Pennsylvania. 

In September, 1895, he was tendered and 
accepted the editorship of the Hellefonte Daily 
News. His conduct of that paper revived it at 
once from a state of almost total dilapidation to 
a bright, newsy daily, ranking with any of the 
inland publications. A year later he resigned 
this position to pursue his studies in journalism 
further, and at the present time is again em- 
ployed by several Pastern dailies, doing news 
correspondence and story writing. Mr. Dor- 
worth is a pleasing writer, and does not lack 
that force which makes forethought in the pro- 
duct of his pen. Socially he is bright and popu- 
lar with all classes, and embodies a rare com- 
bination of good nature with good common 
sense 



MOBERT J. YOUNG, M. D., an eminent 
physician and surgeon of Snow Shoe, < 

tre county, was born January 15, [862, in 
Broomhill, Northumberland, England, a son ol 
Thomas and Isabella Wood) Young, natives of 
Scotland and England, respectively. Thepater- 
nal grandfather, James Young, a tailor by trade, 
spent his entire life in s< otland, Thomas Wood, 
the maternal grandfather, was a mountain) 
living among the Cheviot Hills, on the dividing 
line between England ami Scotland Through- 
out life he principally engaged in cattle dealing 



In Kelso, Scotland, was celebrated the mar- 
riage of the parents of the Doctor, who brought 
their family to America in 18S3, and located at 
Snow Shoe, where the father died in the spring 
of the following year, at the age of forty-six. 
The mother, who was born in 1834, now makes 
her home in Punxsutawney, Penn. As washer 
husband, she is a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and highly re- 
spected by all who know her. In their family 
were five children, namely: James, who was 
born in 1859, and died at the age of eleven years; 
Robert J., of this sketch; Thomas, a coal opera- 
tor of Oshanter. Clearfield Co., Penn. ; William, 
an engineer of Punxsutawney, who resides with 
his mother; and Elizabeth, wife of Frederick 
Wilson, also an engineer of that place. 

In the land of his nativity. Dr. Young at- 
tended a high school, where he acquired a good 
practical education. At the age of nineteen 
years he crossed the Atlantic, locating at Irwin 
Station, Westmoreland Co., Penn., in 1881. 
For some time he was engaged in mining and at 
various other occupations by which he could 
earn an honest dollar, until 1886, when he be- 
gan reading medicine with Dr. L. C. Harmon, 
of Philipsburg, Centre county. At the end of 
two years he attended the University of Mary- 
land for one session, and then entered the Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, from 
which he was graduated with the class of 1889. 
He at once "hung out his shingle'* in Sii"W 
Shoe, when' he now has a large and lucrative 
practice. His thorough knowledge of medicine, 
and his skill in surgery have won for him the con- 
fidence of the people, and he therefore enjoys an 
excellent patronage. 

I >i Young was married in Baltimore, J anu- 
aiv 20, 1891, to Miss Minnie M. Yarnell, who de- 
parted this life February 17. 1895. She was a 
native of Centre county, born October 15. 1871, 
and was a daughter of James I. and Barbara K. 
(Fetzer) Yarnell, also natives of Centre county, 
who now reside in Snow Shoe, where the lather 
served as postmaster from 1888 to 1893. He is 
a son of Thomas and Phoebe (Akley) Yarnell, 
early settlers of Centre county, where were born 
John A. and Mar) A Fetzer, the maternal 

idparents of Mrs. Young. Four children 
wen- horn to Mr. and Mrs. Yarnell: John 1 
and Jesse H . lumbermen, who are living with 
their parents in Snow Shoe; Nora M . who died 
November 17, [895; and Minnie M 

Fraternally, l>r Young is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, both of Snow Shoe; politically, he 
is 1 supporter of the Democratic party. He is a 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPniCAL RECORD. 



263 



progressive physician, possessed of that true love 
for his work, without which there can be no suc- 
cess; is constantly improving on his own and 
others' methods, and gaining further encourage- 
ment and inspiration from the performance of 
each day's duties. 



HENRY N. TWITMYER. There is prob- 
ably no man in Spring township, Centre 
county, more widely or favorably known than 
the gentleman whose name introduces this re- 
view, and who is now successfully following the 
carpenter's trade in Pleasant Gap. Throughout 
his entire life he has been identified with the in- 
terests of the county, his birth occurring in 
Walker township. His parents, Emanuel and 
Lucy (Gephart) Twitmyer, who were also na- 
tives of Centre county, died in that township, the 
former passing away in 1882, and the latter in 
1894. 

To them were born the following children: 
Henry N., subject of this sketch; John, a prac- 
ticing physician of Mercer county, Penn., who 
married Donah A. Hull; Aaron, who died in 
childhood; George W., principal of the public 
schools of Honesville, Penn., who married Jo- 
hanna Reese; Jeremiah, a contractor and 
builder, residing in Illinois, who married Ger- 
trude McCalmont; Mary E., wife of Albert 
Shreffler, of Mill Hall, Clinton Co., Penn.; Ed- 
win, principal of the high school of Seattle, 
Wash.; Harvey B., who is married, and is a 
teacher in a seminary near Pittsburg, Penn. ; and 
Nancy M., wife of Samuel Decker, of Zion, this 
State. 

During the dark days of the Civil war, our 
subject bade adieu to home and its influences, 
and went to the front to aid in the preservation 
of the Union, as a member of Company H, 4th 
P. V. I., commanded by Col. Hartranft, Capt. 
Austin B. Snyder, First Lieut. William H. Blair 
and Second Lieut. William Raphile. At the expi- 
ration of his term he veteranized, re-enlisting in 
September, 1864, and serving until hostilities 
had ceased. He was honorably discharged and 
mustered out in July, 1865. 

On February 1, 1866, Mr. Twitmyer mar- 
ried Miss Elmira M. Brooks, and to them were 
born eight children: Delia B., wife of Abner 
Noll, a merchant of Pleasant Gap, Centre 
county; Cora B., at home; Rosa J., wife of 
Harry Hile, a plasterer of Pleasant Gap; Ella 
E. , wife of James Coral, a school teacher of the 
same place; and Harry E., Mary G., Minnie A. 
and Lillie E., who are still under the parental 
roof. The family occupy a beautiful home in 



Pleasant Gap, where they are surrounded by 
many warm friends and acquaintances. Politic- 
ally, Mr. Twitmyer is a stanch Republican, 
strongly upholding those principles for which he 
was ready to sacrifice his life in the early days 
of the party. He is a true citizen in every re- 
spect, and has an excellent reputation as a 
straightforward, upright man. A conscientious, 
earnest Christian, he is a faithful member of the 
United Evangelical Church. 



CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. FRY, one of the in- 
_' dustrious and thorough agriculturists of Fer- 
guson township, Centre county, was born July 
18, 1843, on the farm where he still resides, and 
is a son of Conrad and Mary Ann (Custenbauder) 
Fry. His paternal great-grandparents were na- 
tives of Germany, while his grandparents were 
born in Easton, Northampton Co., Penn. The 
grandfather, Conrad Fry, was a soldier in the 
war of 18 1 2. 

Our subject is the eldest in a family of nine 
children, and in order of birth was followed by 
Jonas, who was born in 1845, and was killed at 
the battle of Chancellorsville during the Civil 
war; Stephen, who died in childhood; Sarah A., 
wife of E. E. Young, a carpenter of Bellefonte, 
Centre county; Polly A., wife of G. W. Ward, 
of Bellefonte; Hannah, who died in infancy; 
George W. , who died in childhood; another child 
who died in infancy; and Robert B., who is mar- 
ried, and is a carriage painter of Bellefonte. 

Capt. Fry, whose name introduces this 
sketch, secured a good education in the Pine 
Grove Academy, of Centre county. On October 
1, 1 861, he enlisted in Company E, 45th P. V. 
I. At the battle of South Mountain, Md., he 
had his skull fractured by a bullet, and was left 
on the field for dead. By careful treatment, 
however, he recovered, and was honorably dis- 
charged at Baltimore, April 24, 1863, after 
which he returned home. For a number of 
terms he taught the Pine Grove Grammar 
School, and he still takes an active part in every- 
thing tending to the advancement and promotion 
of education. 

On September 12, 1865, Mr. Fry was mar- 
ried to Miss Sally E. Laurimore, and to them 
were born seven children, namely: John W. ; 
Mary R. , wife of Charles Dale; S. E. ; Bella C. : 
Conrad M. ; Mabel L. ; and W. H. After the 
death of this wife, Mr. Fry wedded her sister, 
Rebecca C. Laurimore, December 25, 1883. 
Three children grace this union: Hugh L. ; 
George B. McClellan; and A. F. Reno. The 
second was named for a noted general in the 



264 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REC< >/;/). 



Union army, and the last for Gen. Reno, who 
was killed in the Civil war. 

Our subject is the owner of the old home- 
stead farm, a valuable place of 110 acres, which 
is located in the garden spot of the Valley. It 
is beautifully and tastefully laid out, adorned 
with evergreens and ornamental shrubbery of all 
kinds, making it one of the most attractive farms 
in the locality. To its cultivation he devotes 
his time and attention with st gratifying re- 
sults. In public affairs he takes a prominent 
and influential part, and has been called upon to 
serve in several official positions of honor and 
trust. He has been assessor for the last fifteen 
years; overseer of the poor; was secretary ol the 
school board before attaining his majority; was 
re-elected director secretary, and was census 
'•numerator in [88o. asting his first 

Presidential vote for Gen. McClellan in 1864, he 
has been a patriotic Democrat in politics, and 
has served as chairman of the County Demo- 
cratic Central Committee, a position he still 
holds. He has been commander of J. O. Camp- 
bell Post No. 272, (.. A K . of Pine Grove 
Mills, Centre county, has been a delegate to the 
State Encampment, and is its present quarter- 
master. He assisted m organizing Grange No. 
252, of which he is past master, and is also 
prominently identified with the I O. O. P.. 
filling all the principal chairs in the local lodge, 
and was a d( ,i:md Lodge; he be- 

longs also to the Independent Order of Hepta- 
sophs; and is the captain of the Jr A M. 
II was also a charter member and nl of 

Companj B, Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Na- 
tional Guard, in which organization he served 
his term of enlisl ment. 

1 ipt. Fry is a man of good address, genial 
in disposition, hospitable in Ins home, and re- 
spected by all who know him. A fluent writer, 
he is correspondent for \anous newspapers. He 
is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian 
Church, of which he is a faithful member, and 
is secretary of the Sunday-schoor, also set retary 
of the Church council. Besides general farming, 
he is engaged in stock-raising and in the prac- 
tice of veterinary surgery. In addition to the 
above, he is a member of the Centre County Vet- 
erinary Association, of which he is vice-president 
and member of the executiv( committei . and is 
president of the Pine Grove Academy Alumni 
ociation. His associates are the young peo- 
ple, as his general deportment and appeara 

those of a man much younger in years. His 
name has frequently been mentioned as a candi- 
date for county office, but thus far he has de- 
clined the honor. 



ICHAEL DAVID KELLEY. While"the 

L race is not always to the swift nor the bat- 
tle to the strong ", the invariable law of destiny 
accords to tireless energy, industry and ability a 
successful career. The truth of this assertion is 
abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Kelley, who 
is one of the most energetic and progressive busi- 
ness men of Centre county. He is an extensive 
mine owner in the vicinity of Snow Shoe, where 
he makes his home, and is a member of several 
different mining companies. 

Mr. Kelley was born May 20, 1861, in the 
village where he still resides, and is a son of Pat- 
rick Kelley, a native of Ireland, in which country 
his mother died. In [842 Patrick accompanied 
his father, Michael Kelley, to the United States, 
as did also his brother and sister, Thomas and 
Mar\ They are all now deceased, Thomas be- 
ing killed while a soldier in the Union army dur- 
ing the Civil war. The father of our subject was 
fifteen years of age when he crossed the At- 
lantic and located in Centre county, where he first 
worked in the iron mills. Later he removed to 
Snow Shoe township, where he found employ- 
ment in the woods, subsequently engaged in min- 
ing for ten years, and during the remainder of his 
life followed agricultural pursuits. His death 
occurred May }o, 1889. 

In Centre county Patrick Kelley was married 
to Sarah Flack, who was born in Howard town- 
ship, that county, a daughter of Thomas and 
Catherine Flack, and is now residing in Williams- 
port, Lycoming Co., Penn.. By her marriage 
she became the mother of the following children: 
Harry P., an extensive coal operator of Snow 
Shoe; John, who was killed while unloading a car 
in [880; Mary, wife of William Casher, who is 
op< rating the old homestead farm in Snow Shoe 
township; Michael I) ; Annie, widow of James 
Tobin, and a resident of New York; Sadie, wife 
of James McGilley, a chemist for Sweet & Co., 
of Williamsport, Penn. ; and Catherine and Mil- 
lie, who are with their mother in Williamsport. 

Mr. Kelley, of this review, began attending 
school as soon as he had reached a sufficient age, 
and when thirteen years old entered the mines. 
where he worked throughout the year with the 
exception of the winter months, which he spent 
in school until he was eighteen. He then de- 
voted his entire time and attention to mining 
until he had attained his majority, when he re- 
turned home and assisted in the labors of the 
farm tor two years. Since that time he has 
nsively interested in mining, 

On June 1 1, iXSS, Mr. Kelley and his brother, 
Harry P., formed a partnership with James To- 
bin, and leased a mine known as the Snow Shoe 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



265 



Colliery, No. i, which they continued to operate 
until July 31, 1889, when the brothers purchased 
Mr. Tobin's interest, and the firm became Kelley 
Brothers. They operated the mines Nos. 1 and 
2, until November I, 1891, when they bought 
the interest of Charles Watson in the Tacoma 
colliery mine, known as the Watson & Morgan 
mine, and the name of the firm was changed to 
Kelley Bros. & Morgan. They are the owners of 
a tract of 160 acres of excellent coal land which 
they operate, while the firm of Kelley Bros, 
have 200 acres. The Snow Shoe Mining Co., of 
which our subject is president, has a valuable 
tract of 433 acres three miles northwest of the 
village of Snow Shoe, in Snow Shoe township. 
The other stockholders, besides our subject, are 
H. P. Kelley, T. B. Budinger and W. F. Holt. 

Mr. Kelley was married in Snow Shoe, Janu- 
ary 13, 1884, to Miss Sarah Haggans, who was 
born in 1868, a daughter of James Haggans, 
who died there from the effects of exposure while 
at work in the woods. Her mother now resides 
at Houtsdale, Clearfield Co., Penn. There were 
only two children, of whom John died at the 
age of three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kelley 
have been born six children. May, James, Pat- 
rick, Edward, Leo and Theresa, and the family 
circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. 

Politically, Mr. Kelley is a stanch Democrat, 
and in religious belief is a Catholic. The record 
of his life is that of a man who has by his own 
unaided efforts worked his way upward to a po- 
sition of affluence. His life has been one of 
industry and perseverance, and the systematic 
and honorable business methods which he has 
followed have won for him the support and con- 
fidence of many. Without the aid of influence 
or wealth, he has risen to a position among the 
prosperous business men of the county, and his 
native genius and acquired ability are the step- 
ping-stones on which he has mounted. 



HERBERT D. MEEK, one of Centre county's 
intelligent and energetic sons, is a success- 
ful druggist and pharmacist at State College, and 
his prospects for the future are most promising. 
He was born March 7, 1869, inPatton township, 
Centre county, where his parents, D. L. and M. 
E. (Waddle) Meek have for many years been 
prominent and highly respected residents. 

The district schools of that locality furnished 
Mr. Meek an elementary education during boy- 
hood, and he was also trained to habits of indus- 
try upon his father's farm. Excellent as were 
his surroundings, discontent found lodgment in 
his youthful mind', and he decided to seek a 



wider range of activity. Four years were spent 
in State College in the Mechanical Engineering 
Departments, and then the ambitious young man 
went to Pittsburg, where he was employed by 
the Westinghouse Machine Company for two 
years; but the Homestead strike had a demoral- 
izing effect upon the business of the firm, and 
Mr. Meek found his occupation gone. At this 
junction he determined upon his future business, 
and entering the National School of Pharmacy at 
Washington, D. C, he took a complete course, 
graduating in 1894. For some time he was 
employed as a pharmacist with J. W. Drew, of 
Washington, and in April, 1896, he went to 
State College and opened his present drug store. 
His store of drugs is complete, and their arrange- 
ment and neatness of all the appointments of the 
store show the characteristic precision which Mr. 
Meek carries into all his business operations. 

Mr. Meek was married October 22, 1896, to 
Nannie M. Campbell, daughter of Ex-Commis- 
sioner Campbell, of Fairbrook, Penn., and they 
have one child, born December 8, 1897. 

A typical American in thought, our subject 
has always taken great interest in public ques- 
tions, and he is a stanch supporter of the princi- 
ples of the Democratic party. 



Kir F. ROCKEY, who is successfully engaged 
in buying and shipping produce in Potter 
township, Centre county, has from an early age 
made his own way in the world, unaided by cap- 
ital or influential friends, but by industry, per- 
severance and good management he has stead- 
ily worked his way upward until to-day he is do- 
ing a large and prosperous business and has se- 
cured a comfortable home. 

fn Nittany Valley, Mr. Rockey was born, 
September 10, 1854, a son of Jacob Rockey, 
who was also a native of Centre county, born 
May 15, 1825, in Penn Hall, and his grand- 
father, John Rockey, was an early settler of 
Penn's Valley. At Penn Hall, Centre county, 
in 1853, was celebrated the marriage of Jacob 
Rockey and Miss Elizabeth Rossman, who was 
born in Potter township, January 11, 1835, and is 
the eldest daughter and third child in a family 
of twelve children — five sons and seven daugh- 
ters — whose parents were Jonathan and Mar- 
garet (Fye) Rossman. Her mother was born 
June 26, 181 1, and died October 23, 1875, while 
her father was born March 22, 1808, and died 
March 26, 1863. As they were quite poor she 
was forced to earn her own living during her girl- 
hood, and therefore lived much among strangers. 
After his marriage. Jacob Rockey made his home 



l'66 



- OMMBMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in Nittany Valley, where he worked as a (arm la- 
borer, and in that way secured enough capital 
with which to purchase a small home near Tus- 
seyville, where his death occurred March 8, 1873, 
and his remains were interred in the cemetery of 
th.it village. He was a Union soldier in the Civil 
war, a member of the 2 10th 1'. V, I., and his 
arduous service left him in poor health for the re- 
mainder of his life. Politically, he was a sup- 
porter of the Republican patty, and in religious 
faith he was a member of the Reformed Church. 

Seven children were born to the parents of 
our subject, namely: W. F. . of this review; 
Sarah C. , wife of John Xugard, of Cleveland, 
Ohio; Mary R., wife of Wilson Kline, of the 
same city; Margaret E., wife of John Davis, of 
Altoona, Penn. ; Flora A., wife of C. H. Perkins, 
of Cleveland; Elizabeth S., wife of Samuel Jor- 
dan, of Lewistown, Penn.; and Jacob J. R. , an 
employee of our subject in the produce business. 
As the father left little property at his death, the 
family soon became scattered, as the children 
were obliged to earn their own livelihood. Later 
the mother married William From, now de- 
ceased, and she finds a pleasant home with her 
son, W. F. Like the father, she is a consistent 
member of the Reformed Church, and she is a 
most estimable lady. 

Mr. Rockey, the subject proper of this review, 
was but a mere child when brought by his par- 
ents to Potter township, and in its district 
schools he obtained his education; but at the 
early age of twelve years he had to laj aside his 
books and assist his parents in the support of the 
family. The first wages that he received was 
$50 for eight months' work, winch was used to- 
ward paying for their little home. For some 
time he was employed by different fanners in 
Potter township, and with the money thus earned 
paid off the few outstanding debts left at his fa- 
ther's death. 

In 1872, Mr Rockey embarked in his present 
business On a small scale, in com a it'll 

t reorge Meese, and at first was obliged to borrow 
a horse with which to gather up the produce pur- 
chased. This lie sold in Bellefonte at a good ad- 
vantage, and was soon able to buy a horse. As 
his business prospered he needed two, one for 
use m buying the butter, eggs and other produce 
from the farmers, and the other in selling the 

is in the cities He is one of the oldest deal- 
ers along this line in Potter township, and his 
straightforward, honorable business poltC) has 
gained him a liberal share of the public pat- 
ronage. 

After making his home for several years with 
his uncle, Michael Rossman. of Potter township. 



he in the spring of 1888 purchased fifteen acres 
of land from Abraham Horst, of which he has 
since sold two and one-half acres, paying for the 
tract $i,OO0. The old clovermill standing 
thereon he converted into a dwelling, but this 
has since been replaced by an elegant home; and 
he also erected a cold storage warehouse and 
other substantial outbuildings. After secunn. 
home, Mr. Rockey naturally wished some one to 
preside over it, and in December, 1889, in Har- 
ris township, Centre county, he married Miss 
Jennie Mayer, a daughter of Henry and Almira 
(Bryman) Mayer. Four children were born to 
them: Mvra E. ; Verna M.. who died at the age 
of two years; Margaret C, at home; and William 
Henry. The parents are both active members 
of the Reformed Church, in which he is serving 
as elder. In politics he is identified with the Re- 
publican party. He deserves great credit for the 
success that he has achieved in life, and certainly 
is entitled to a place among the honored and 
valued pitizens of Potter township. 



Jt'HN \\ . STUART is a prosperous business 
man and influential citizen of State College, 
Centre county, and the following brief bi- 
ography is interesting as showing in outline the 
influence anil events which have marked his life. 
Mr. Stuart had the advantage at the outset 
of a name which has been held in high esteem in 
this section from pioneer times, his paternal 
grandfather, Rev. William Stuart, a well-beloved 
minister of the Presbyterian faith, having in early 
days come from Donegal. Ireland, to make his 
home in Centre county. An able, fearless, and 
devoted preacher, the effect of his labors at that 
formative period cannot be estimated. His cir- 
cuit extended from the Susquehanna at Lewi-- 
burg to Clearfield, the entire region being then 
know 11 as Union county. Of his three children: 
Priscilla married Dr. Montgomery, and resided 
in Lycoming county, Perm.; Isabella died in early 
womanhood; and David (our subject's fatlv 
who was born in Harris township. Centre count). 
in 1812, is now living in Boalsburg. His life 
has been -pent quietly, agriculture being his 
main pursuit, although he has also been 
in lumbering His patriotism is of the stalwart 
type, and he was a stanch advocate of the doc- 
trine ol "America for the Americans in Know- 
nothing tunes Later he became a Republican. 
and in 1862 was one of the emergency nun 
who volunteered to protect the State from the 
invasion of the Rebel army, while in local affair.- 
he has always exerted much influence in .1 quiet 
way. His wife, Martha (Johnson . was born in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



267 



Harris township, Centre county, in 1813, and 
passed from earth in 1885. Col. James John- 
son, her father, a native of Lancaster county, 
Penn., was a prominent merchant and hotel 
keeper at Boalsburg. Mrs. Stuart was one of 
eight children, the others being: George, a 
prosperous iron-master, who held the offices of 
sheriff and associate judge of Huntingdon county; 
James, who died in 1862 or 1863; Nancy (Mrs. 
J. H. Mitchell, of College township), who died 
about a year ago; Ann, who married a Mr. Mont- 
gomery; Ellen, who married Alexander Johnson, 
of Boalsburg, and are both now deceased; Han- 
nah, the widow of the late Judge Birchfield, of 
Centre county; and Margaret (deceased), who 
was the first wife of Judge Birchfield. 

Seven children blessed the union of David 
and Martha Stuart: Priscilla Ann, who has 
never married; Col. James T., a resident of 
Boalsburg; Esther E. (Mrs. Samuel B. Wilson), 
deceased; William, who died in infancy; John W., 
our subject; George, who died in childhood; and 
Harry S., now residing in Boalsburg. 

John W. Stuart was born August 23, 1844, 
in Harris township, Centre county, and his edu- 
cation was acquired in the common schools of 
that section, and in Pine Grove Academy. When 
the Civil war broke out, he was only a boy in 
years, but the stirring events of that time brought 
quick development to natures which were capa- 
ble of high resolution and courageous action. In 
1862 he enlisted in Company G, 148th P. V. I., 
and served until mustered out June, 9, 1865. 
Entering with the rank of private, he was soon 
made sergeant, and January I, 1864, he was 
commissioned lieutenant. For three months he 
served as quartermaster of his regiment, but the 
greater part of his time was spent at more dan- 
gerous work, as he participated in all the impor- 
tant engagements of the regiment from Chancel- 
lorsville to Appomattox Court House. On May 
10, 1864, he was wounded at Poe river, necessi- 
tating his absence from duty until Septeitiber 1, 
1864, when he rejoined his comrades in front of 
Petersburg, Virginia. 

After his return to peaceful avocations, our 
subject followed agriculture for ten years, and 
then spent three years in the hotel busines at 
State College. Since that time he has con- 
tinued in business there, as a general mer- 
chant for eight years, and later as a dealer in 
coal and grain. He is one of the leaders in these 
lines, and owns two elevators, one at State Col- 
lege and one at Oak Hall, Penn. On December 
23, 1869, Mr. Stuart married Miss Margaret 
Ellen Musser, a native of Boalsburg, born August 
>. 1850, and they have five children. Elizabeth 



Musser, a young lady of fine intellectual gifts, 
was educated at State College; William A. is at 
home; George died at the age of six months; 
Daniel is a student at State College; and Maggie 
Johnson is at home. 

Mr. Stuart's gallant record as a soldier entitles 
him to membership in the G. A. R., and he be- 
longs to Capt. Foster Post, No. 197, at Lemont. 
He is also a member of the Union Veteran Le- 
gion at Bellefonte, holding the rank of colonel. 
He served as postmaster through the Garfield- 
Arthur administrations, and was again appointed 
postmaster by President McKinley in 1897, in 
which capacity he is now serving. 



OBERT H. REED is one of the native sons 
of Centre county, his birth having occurred 
in Patton township, April 26, 1848. 

William Reed, father of our subject, was born 
in Ireland, in 18 10, and married Rose Ann Han- 
nah, also a native of the Emerald Isle. They 
were married in that country, and soon afterward 
came to America. The mother died in 1873, 
and was laid to rest in Gray's cemetery, Patton 
township; the father has now reached the ad- 
vanced age, of eighty-six years. They had seven 
children — five sons and two daughters: William 
H. carries on agricultural pursuits in Huntingdon 
county, Penn. ; Jane is the widow of Christ Hart- 
sock, who died leaving two children; Nicholas 
E., who in early life was a railroad engineer, and 
is now a wealthy citizen of Kansas, married Anna 
Hartsock, and has eight children; Catherine E. 
is the wife of J. J. Kline, a resident farmer of 
Huntingdon county, Penn.; David J., who mar- 
ried Amelia Irvin, by whom he had three chil- 
dren, is a wealthy farmer of Kansas, owning sev- 
eral hundred acres of land (during the Civil war 
he was a faithful Union soldier, and was wounded 
while fighting for his country); Robert H. is the 
sixth in order of birth; and John E. is a farmer 
of Huntingdon county, and has had a family of 
five children, three of whom are living. 

Robert H. Reed has spent his entire life in 
Patton township, Centre county, with the excep- 
tion of two years passed in Stormstown. He ac- 
quired his education in the Waddle school, and 
is a well-informed man whose practical knowl- 
edge and business experience have enabled him 
to secure a comfortable competence. His life 
has been one of earnest industry, and he is now 
the owner of 135 acres of good land, situated 
about a mile from the Scotia mines. His farm 
is well improved with substantial buildings, and 
his land is richly cultivated. In his methods of 
farming he is progressive and enterprising, and 



268 



COMStEMOItA TIYF. HlnOHAl'llUM RECORD. 



the success which he has achieved is richly mer- 
ited. 

On February 22, 1877, Mr. Reed was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary C. Kelley, a daughter of Jere- 
miah Kelley, of Benner township Centre count}'. 
They have seven children — four sons and three 
(laughters — ami the family circle yet remains un- 
broken by the hand of death. Their names and 
dates of birth are as follows: William G. Clif- 
ford, August 19, 1878; Irvin G. , May 5, 1880; 
Katrine, January 23, 1S84; Anna M., September 
16, 1885; Ethel J., August 26, 1S90; John E., 
July 26, 1893; and Robert E., March 23, 1897. 
In his political adherency Mr. Keed is a Demo- 
crat. He is a man of sterling worth, genial and 
kindly in disposition, affable in manner, and pos- 
sessing that true nobility of character which 
everywhere commands respect and confidence. 



SYLVESTER Kill's PRINGLE, a leading 
merchant and undertaker of Fort Matilda, 
Centre county, is a native of Pennsylvania, burn 
December 13, 1 8 ^9, in Summer Hill, Cambria 
county, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth 
(Ritts) Pringle. The father was born in Cam- 
bria county, January 29, 18] ,, and in earl}- life 
followed mercantile pursuits in Summer Hill and 
Claysburg, Penn., hut later turned his attention 
to farming. His parents were Philip and Marj 
l'ringle. who were of Scotch-Irish origin. In 

politics, Philip Pringle, Jr., was a Dei rat until 

1860, after which he gave his support to the Re- 
publican party, and, being one of the prominent 
men of the community where he made his home, 
served in several official positions, lb' and his 
wife were earnest Christians, faithful member-- of 
the United Brethren Church. 

The mother of our subject was horn in Mian 
county, Penn., November 23, 1820, a daughter 
el Thomas and Catherine (Lower) Ritts, natives 
of Pennsylvania, who died in Taylor township, 
Blair county, then part of Bedford county. Bj 
occupation her father was a farmei and saddler. 
In 1870 Mrs. Pringle, her hu ind one 

daughterall diedof typhoid fever; the father pas 
away September 21, and the mother on October 
16. Six children wen- 1m, in to them: Sylvester 
K., of this sketch; M,u\ * and Sarah A., who 
died unmarried; John S., who died in infancy; 
Jane, wife of James Dively, of Altoona, Penn., 
and David A . a residi nl ol Mahaffey, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The boyhood and youth "t Sylvester K. 
l'ringle were spent upon his father's farm, where 
he remained until fifteen years of age, when he 
began clerking in the mercantile establishment 



of his uncle at Sharpsburg. Owing to ill health 
he resigned his position two years later and re- 
turned to the home farm, where he remained till 
he was twent) years old, and then entered the 
employ of Hasting & Coolbroth, from Portland, 
Maine, who were engaged in the shook business in 
Blair county, and served as their foreman for 
twelve years, during which time he got out tim- 
ber in Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Clearfield and 
Centre counties. In 1872 he embarked in the 
shook business and the manufacture of staves in 
Centre county on his own account, and was thus 
engaged for three years. Purchasing a farm in 
Taylor township, he operated the same until 
1 88 1, when he removed to Port Matilda in order 
to better educate his children, and in 1884 he 
erected his present comfortable home and neat 
store building. He has met with success in mer- 
chandising, and is one of the representative and 
prominent business men of the place. 

In Blair count}, December 29, 1859, Mr. 
Pringle was married to Miss Catherine Ickes, 
who was born August 7, 1837, in what was then 
Bedford county, but is now pari ol Blair county. 
Penn., a daughter of John and Eve (Emler) 
[ekes. Ten children graced this union, namely: 
Lloyd S., a merchant ol Mahaffey, Penn.; Mary 
\ . wile of S. K. Mansfield, of Bedford county; 
Clara \ . who dud in infancy; Amanda ].. wife 
of William Lingerfelder, of Altoona, Perm., who 
works in the railroad shops; Arthur C... deceased; 
Minnie B. and Effie L. (twins), the former at 
home, and the latter the wife of Martin McKel- 
vey, who is employed in the railroad shops in 
Altoona; [ohn I . <>f Altoona; and Elizabeth and 
Chestei M . at hi >me. 

John Ickes, the father of Mrs. Pringle, was 
born August 2, 1802, at what is known as Dutch 
Corner, Bedford county, and was a son of Philip 
and Elizabeth Ickes, who spent their entire 1: 
111 that count}', engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
At Dutch Corner, John Ickes married Eve Em- 
ler, a daughter of Jacob and Christina Emler, 
also fanning people of Bedford county. The fol- 
lowing children were burn of their union: Polly 
who married 11. Walter, but both are now de- 
ceased; Elizabeth, wife of A. |. Berget, a farmer 
u| Blair county; SallieS., wife of Jacob Diebert 
a merchant and farmer of Claysburg, Penn.. 
Mary A , deceased wife of H. Hedrick, a retired 
farmer of Blair county; Catherine, wife of our 
subject ; Adam, a resident of Cambria count} 
Christina, wife of Moses Barkcomer, a farm' • 
ol Blair county; Hannah, wife of Jacob Dotson. 
a farmer of Blair county; John, who operates th 
homestead farm; Rosanna and Lucinda, d< 
ceased; Eliza J., wife of Alexander Butler; Eve, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



269 



wife of Samuel Smith, a miner of Lilly Station, 
Penn. ; Harrison, a railroad employee; and Beckie, 
wife of Alexander Butler, of Blair county. The 
father of this family was a Republican in politics, 
and a member of the German Reformed Church, 
to which his wife also belonged. He died Sep- 
tember 14, 1896. In his family were fifteen chil- 
dren, 106 grandchildren, 1 39great-grandchildren, 
and seven great-great-grandchildren. 

During President Harrison's administration, 
Mr. Pringle was the efficient postmaster at Port 
Matilda, and has ably filled several other local 
offices. He is a firm supporter of the Repub- 
lican party, fraternally is a member of the Odd 
Fellows Society, No. 845, at Stormstown, and 
with his family holds membership in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. He started out in life 
with nothing but his indomitable energy, and 
his accumulation of this world's goods is attrib- 
utable to his sound judgment and persevering ef- 
forts. His word in business transactions is con- 
sidered as good as his bond, and he is justly 
recognized as one of the energetic and repre- 
sentative citizens of Centre county. He has 
taken a prominent part in public affairs, always 
lending his influence to promote the best inter- 
ests of the community where he resides. 



BD. BIERLY, a leading contractor and 
builder of Brush Valley, Centre county, is 

a member of a family that has been so promi- 
nent in this section from the pioneer days as to 
need no introduction to our readers. 

Mr. Bierly is a great-grandson of Anthony 
Bierly, the famous old pioneer, and a grandson 
of Nicholas Bierly, who was born in 1775, and 
came to Brush Valley with his father. As the 
latter's health became impaired, the support of a 
numerous family devolved upon the two elder 
sons, Nicholas and John, the former naturally 
taking the lead. He married Lucy Buchtel, who 
was born in 1778, the daughter of John Buchtel, 
an early settler of Brush Valley. For many 
years this worthy couple lived in Rebersburg, 
where both died, he on July 25, 1848, and she 
on March 26, 1851, their remains being interred 
in the Lutheran and Reformed cemetery at Re- 
bersburg. They had ten children, whose names 
with dates of birth are as follows: Nicholas, Jr. , 
February 12, 1799, died in Sugar Valley, in 1877; 
Hannah, May 26, 1800, married Henry Keyer, 
and died in Miles township; Michael, September 
25, 1801, and John, September 25, 1803, died in 
Miles township after reaching adult age; David, 
December 8, 1805, lives in Montgomery town- 
ship, Wood county, Ohio; Anthony, August 26, 



1807, is mentioned more fully below; Reuben, 
March 8, 1809, removed to Missouri; Peter, 
April 13, 1 8 14, died near Milesburg, Centre 
county; Simeon, March 25, 1817, is also de- 
ceased; and George, July 17, 18 19, resides in 
Montgomery township. Wood Co., Ohio. 

Anthony Bierly, the father of our subject, 
was born August 26, 1807, at the old Bierly 
homestead, near Rebersburg, and after attending 
for a time the local schools, such as they were, 
he learned the cooper's trade, completing his ap- 
prenticeship under Robert Smith, of Penn's Val- 
ley. He was married in Miles township, Centre 
county, to Miss Rachel Ruhl, a native of York 
county, Penn., born in February, 181 1. Her 
father died when she was a child, and an uncle, 
John Ruhl, who died in Lock Haven, brought 
her to Brush Valley, where she grew to woman- 
hood. Neither of the young couple had any as- 
sistance from home to give them a start in life, 
but Anthony Bierly made a comfortable living at 
his trade, which he followed during his active life. 
As his boys became old enough for work, he kept 
them busy upon a farm which he owned, but he 
did not devote his own time to it, farther than to 
direct their labors. 

On retiring from business Anthony Bierly re- 
moved to Kreamerville to a comfortable residence 
built by our subject, who traded it as part pay- 
ment on the home farm, agreeing as a further 
consideration to support his parents as long as 
they should live. The mother died October 2 1 , 
1886, and the father on July 2, 1890, both de- 
vout members of the Lutheran Church. He never 
acquired more than a fair competence, and was 
disinclined to contend for his rights, preferring 
to lose an account rather than sue any one. 
This peaceable disposition, together with his 
unshaken integrity, won him friends among all 
classes, and he was highly esteemed throughout 
the community. He was a Democrat in politics, 
and in early life voted regularly, but, as old age 
came on, his feeble health prevented him at 
times from getting to the polls. He had nine 
children, namely: Catherine, who married (first) 
John W. Barker, and (second) Elijah Sharp, 
who died at Kreamerville; Hannah, now the 
widow of Michael Krape, of Clintondale, Penn. ; 
Lydia (now Mrs. Samuel Loose), of Rebersburg; 
Abigail, who married Frederick Hartman, and 
died in Clinton county, Penn. ; Cornelius, a 
farmer and plasterer of Bradner, Ohio; Mar- 
garet, the widow of Gideon Kreamer, of Brush 
Valley; R. D., our subject; Paulina (now Mrs. 
Jacob Wolheiser), of Kreamerville; and Fauette 
(now Mrs. David Meyer), of Miles township. 

R. D. Bierly's birth occurred February 3, 



270 



COMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1844, in Miles township, Centre county, and he 
was educated in the common schools of that lo- 
cality, improving his opportunities so well that 
before he was twenty-one he taught successfully 
at the Gramley school. He was reared to farm 
work, but, as he possessed unusual mechanical 
skill, he decided to learn the carpenter's trade, 
and aft' 1 one summer at the work was as com- 
petent as most app 1 full term. 
For one year he was employed as a skilled 
workman, and then went into business on his 
own account, his reputation increasing with the 
progress of time until he holds to-day a foremost 
place among the workers in that line in his sec- 
tion. As a contractor he is noted for his hon- 
esty and fair dealing, and he has built many of 
the best residences in Centre county, including 
some of the most elegant homes in Millheim and 
Rebersburg. Other buildings which stand as ev- 
idences of his skill are the Lutheran churches at 
Millheim and Rebersburg, and the school houses 
there and in Coburn. Financially, he has pros- 
pered, and he owns tsvo houses in Rebersburg, 
as well as 115 acres of timber land and forty 
acres of cleared land. His home in Rebersburg, 
built in 1*97, is a model of tasteful architecture. 
In 1 867 Mr. Bierly was married to Miss Pauline 
Frank, only daughter oi Samuel and Saloma 
(Brungart) Frank. After his marriage, Mr. 
Bierly in ule his home in Kreamerville for some 
time before removing to Rebersburg. Seven 
children have blessed his marriage: Sally, the 
wife of Thomas Auman, of Rebersburg; Willis 
I- . residing at Rebersburg; Charles C, a car- 
penter at Rebersburg; Melvin C. , who died June 
10, 1882, at the age of four years; and Curtis M., 
Samuel A. and Raymond S., who are at home. 
As a citizen, Mr. Uierly's influence is felt in every 
progressive movement as a helpful force. He 
and In-- wife are leading members of the Luther- 
an Church, in which he has held the office of 
deacon for many years; lie is also identified with 
the Grange, being master for several years of 
Miles Grange. Politically he is a Democrat, but 
he is not at all bigoted, and when occasion seems 
to demand it he votes independently. He has 
never sought office, his attention being confined 
to other matters. 



MJ. DECKER, one of the leading citizens 
and self-made men of Potter township. 
Centre county, has made his home upon his 
present farm since November, 1892. Under his 
able management the land yields bountiful har- 
vests, and the excellent improvements seen there- 



on stand as a monument to his thrift and enter- 
prise. He started out in life for himself with no 
capital save a pair of willing hands and a deter- 
mination to succeed, and by the exercise of per- 
severance, industry and economy is now the 
possessor of a handsome competence. 

Mr. Decker was born in George's Valley, Cen- 
tre county, April 26, 1833, a son of Michael and 
Barbara Price) Decker. The father's birth 
occurred December 15, 1795, in the southern part 
of the State, where his father, Casper Decker, 
died. When a young man, Michael Decker 
came to Centre county, accompanied by his 
mother, who lived with him for some time. Here 
he worked at the carpenter's and millwright's 
trades, or in fact anything by which he could earn 
an honest dollar. In Centre county he married 
Barbara Price, who was born in George's Yall 
May 7, 1800, a daughter of Jacob Price. In the 
place of her birth they spent their entire married 
life, and from its primitive condition the father 
developed a farm, but never accumulated much 
property. He was a Democrat in politics, and 
at one time served as overseer of the poor His 
death occurred in March, 1880, that of his wife 
in August, 1 87 1, and both were laid to rest in the 
Sprucetown cemetery. After her death he was 
again married, and by the second union had five 
children, of whom one died in childhood. 

Mil hael J. Decker, the subject of this review, 
is the seventh in order of birth in the family of 
ten children born of the first marriage, namely 
Mary, born December 12, 1818, wedded Nicholas 
Sheriff, and died in Juniata county, Penn.; Ann, 
born September 9, 1821, married John Gall, and 
died in Ohio; Casper, born June 28, 1824, died 
in boyhood; Elizabeth, born March t8, 1826, is 
the wife of Lot Evans, of Stephenson county, 
111.; Margaret, born September 12, 1829, is the 
widow of John McNeal, and lives in Chicago, 
III.; Barbara, born July 9, 1831, married Samuel 
Leitzel, and died in George's Valley; Michael J.; 
J. Thomas, born December 12, 1835, died in 
Flemington, Penn.; Catharine, born August -'. 
[837, died February 13, 1897 (she hail been a 
mute from the time she was two yeats old); and 
ne V., born October 25, 1839, is a resident 
of Gregg township, Centre county 

In George's Valley our subject was reared to 
manhood, and his education was such as the dis- 
trict schools of the locality afforded at that earlv 
day. During the winter time he assisted his fa- 
ther in the sawmill at the expense of his school- 
ing, while his summer months were passed in 
farm work as soon as he was able to handle a 
plow or be of any service in the cultivation of 
the land. He remained at home until his mar- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



271 



riage, giving his father the benefit of his labor. 
On October 17, i860, in Millheim, Centre coun- 
ty, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- 
beth Stahl, who was born in Crawford township, 
Clinton Co., Penn., September 7, 1837, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Nancy (Shaw) Stahl. Her fa- 
ther, a farmer by occupation, was born in White 
Deer Valley, near New Columbia, Penn. , and 
when a young man removed to Clinton county, 
where he purchased land and made his home un- 
til his death. Mrs. Decker was the second in a 
family of ten daughters, and at the age of ten 
years left home and lived with relatives until her 
marriage. Like her husband she obtained her 
education in the district schools. They have six 
children, whose names and dates of birth are as 
follows: Nannie W. , October 29, 1862; Barbara 
E., May 3, 1866; Francis W., May 4, 1868; 
Anna May, May 9, 1871; James L. , May 20, 
1874; and Maurice J., March 19, 1885. Of 
these, Barbara E. is the wife of W. O. Rearick, 
of Centre Hall, and Anna May is the wife of 
Hiram Lee, of Potter township, the others being 
at home. 

For three years and a half after his marriage, 
Mr. Decker lived upon his father's farm in 
George's Valley, and the first property he owned 
consisted of sixty acres in Nittany Valley, near 
Hublersburg, upon which he made his home un- 
til able to sell at an advantage. He then re- 
moved to Potters Mills, where for a short time he 
conducted a store, and on disposing of his inter- 
ests there he bought land in George's Valley, 
where he resided for some time. Subsequently 
he engaged in the grain business in Coburn, Cen- 
tre county, and was very successful along that 
line, continuing the same until his removal to his 
present farm, which at that time was not in a 
very flourishing condition. He has erected sev- 
eral new buildings upon the place, and made 
other valuable and useful improvements. He is 
the owner of two fine farms, aggregating 230 
acres of rich and arable land, and his accumula- 
tions are but the just reward of his own untiring 
labors. 

Mr. Decker uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the men and measures of the Democratic 
party, and is at present serving as overseer of the 
poor. He has also held the office of school di- 
rector, but declined to serve a second term. 
Both himself and wife are faithful members of 
the Methodist Church, of which he was steward 
for several years, and is at present trustee. The 
family is one of prominence in the community, 
holding a high position in social circles, and their 
pleasant and hospitable home is always thrown 
open for the reception of their many friends. 



JOHN MULHOLLAN, who was born in 1800, 
and died on the 11th of June, i860, was one 
of the most prominent and influential citizens 
of Clearfield county. Carlisle wrote that "biog- 
raphy is the most universally pleasant and prof- 
itable of all studies." and in the life record of this 
gentleman there is certainly much of interest 
and of benefit. He was a self-made man, one 
whose energy and perseverance enabled him to 
pass on the highway of life many who had a more 
advantageous start. His labors brought to him 
a handsome competence, and by his well-spent 
life he won not only success but- the high regard 
of all with whom he came in contact. He was a 
son of Rudolph and Mary M. (Werham) Mulhol- 
lan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of 
Ohio, of Irish and German extraction, respect- 
ively. Their children were James, Rudolph, 
George, Mrs. Mary Schwitzer, Alfred, Nancy 
(who died in infancy), John, Mrs. Nancy Clark, 
and Mrs. Rebecca Bowers, all now deceased. 

John Mulhollan was one of the early settlers 
of Centre county, where he made his home dur- 
ing the rest of his days. In early life he en- 
gaged in rafting on the river, and developed an 
extensive lumber trade which brought to him a 
handsome income. In later life he turned his 
attention to agricultural pursuits, and was thus 
engaged at the time of his deatn. His business 
career was characterized by great energy, well 
regulated and guided by sound judgment. He 
would brook no obstacles which could be over- 
come by determined purpose and honorable 
effort, and thus worked his way upward to pros- 
perity, leaving at his death a large estate. On 
February 20, 185 1, in Union county, Penn., he 
was married to Miss Barbara Betlion, who was 
born in Perry county, Penn,, October 3, 1821, a 
daughter of David and Mary (Rafter) Betlion, 
natives of the Keystone State and of German de- 
scent. Both are now deceased. The father 
was a farmer, also a pilot on a boat that plied 
between Lock Haven and the ocean. In poli- 
tics he was a Democrat, and both he and his 
wife were members of the Baptist Church. In 
their family were the following children: Will- 
iam (deceased); Barbara; John (deceased); Mary, 
wife of Christian Burns; Andrew (deceased); 
Joanna, wife of Cornelius Kaylor, a farmer of 
Union county, Penn. ; Louisa, widow of John 
Richardson, also of Union county; Montgomery 
(deceased); and Kate, wife of Frank Speaker, a 
merchant of Montandon, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Mulhollan also gave his political support 
to the Democratic party, and his widow is a 
warm advocate of the principles of that party. 
He was a leader in business circles, and alto- 



272 



' OMMBMORATIVB lilOURAI'llirM HEcoliD. 






gether a prominent citizen of Centre county. 
Industrious and persevering, he made the most of 
his opportunities, and in all the relations of life 
was a man whom to know was to honor. Ill- 
widow still resides on the old homestead, which 
is a valuable property, the land being underlaid 
with coal and oil. With the many womanly 
qualities which bring to her friends, she combines 
excellent executive ability, and capably looks 
after hei property interests. Mr. and Mrs. Mul- 
hollan had children as follows. Elizabeth E., 
born October 31, 1851, died October 4, i860; 
David R., bom March 24, 1854, is a farmer of 
Burnsides township; William O., born March 23, 
[856, died January 5, 1880; John A., born No- 
vember 16. 1S57, is now in Buffalo, N. Y. ; Cath- 
erine A., twin sister of John A., is living with 
her mother. 

David R. Mulhollan, the eldest son, whose 
home is only a short distance from that of his 
mother, is one of the enterprising and progressive 
agriculturists of Burnside township. Hewasmar- 
ried June 4, 1873, to Miss Alice J. Flegal, of 
1 .oslten township, Clearfield county, and they 
have had nine children, namely: Ida 1 deceased), 
John P. , Millie C. , Ella V. (deceased), |ames R.. 
\Y. 0., Preston E., Bernice E. and l'.riiest M. 
They have a pleasant home, and are highly es- 
teemed people of the community. 

The Mulhollan family is especially worthy of 
mention in this volume. Mrs. John Mulhollan 
and her children all rank among the best rep 
sentatives of tins section of the county, and did 
also Mr. Mulhollan, her deceased husband 



MARTIN B. CARMAN. Leisure, the cum 
of an undisciplined intellect, is to the intel- 
ligent and cultured an opportunity for continued 
advancement. The subject of this sketch, a 
prominent resident of Bellefonte, is one of the 
favored few who, having a taste for the refine- 
ments of life, have also the wealth to make their 
ideals, in some measure, realities. 

Mr. Carman is a native of Pennsylvania, hav- 
ing first seen the light in the "City of Brotherly 
Cove," September 4, 1875. His father, the I 
Martin Garhan, was horn in Dauphin county, 
Penn., in 1820, and in early manhood went west, 
engaging, when he was about twenty-one, in the 
management of a trading boat on the Mississippi 
river. He continued the husmess for many years, 
but at the approach of the Civil war his trips up 
and down the stream were interfered with, and 
life itself became unsafe Suspending his oper- 
ations, he returned to hi- native State, and alter 
looking about for a suitabli business opening lie 



decided to locate in Philadelphia, where he pur- 
chased the old " Blue Anchor Inn," famous as the 
hostelry where William Penn first stopped when 
he came to America. This investment. proved 
extremely profitable, a handsome fortune being 
realized under the wise management of the new 
owner Mr. Carman was a member of the epis- 
copal Church, and in politics adhered to Dem- 
it ic principles. His death occurred in 1 
Our subject's mother, whose maiden name 
Lydia Scott, passed from earth in 1879 at the 
age of thirty. She was a native of Philadelphia 
and a daughter of William Scott, who was for 
many years the manager of the Asylum for the 
Blind at that city. Being blind himself, he un- 
derstood the peculiar difficulties under which his 
charges labored, and had overcome them as to be 
able to do most artistic work in various lines, 
specimens being now preserved among his rela- 
tives as precious souvenirs. He lived to the 
of eighty years. Of his three daughters--Mrs. 
William Wood, Mrs. Carman and Mrs. Roach- 
the eldest and the youngest reside in Philadel- 
phia. 

Martin 1 \. Carman was the only child of his 
parents. His youth was spent in his native city, 
his education being obtained there. After com- 
pleting his studies with a course in LaSalle Busi- 
ness College, he settled at the beautiful little cit) 
o! Bellefonte, the ample income from his father's 
estate enabling him to make his home wherever 
he chose, and to secure the books, the compan- 
ionships, the artistic surroundings which were 
most congenial. He is a genial host, and his 
residence is a center of social life. On January 
16, 1896, he was united in marriage with Mis- 
Grace Lukinbach, a native of Indianapolis, [nd., 
born in November, 1875, who was reared in 
Bellefonte and graduated from the high school 
there. Mr. Carman takes keen interest in the 
various questions of the day, and in political 
faith is a Democrat. 



JOHN M WAGNER was for many years a 
prominent citizen of Centre county, and .1 

leading representative of its business interests 
His thoroughly American spirit, his resolute pur- 
pose and unfaltering industry, enabled him to 1 
from a lowly position to one of affluence. He 
connected with the nulling interests ot the count) 
and his name was a synonym for honorable busi- 
ness dealing. The record of such a man fur- 
nishes its lessons of incentive and inspiration, 
his life is one worthy of emulation. 

Mi Wagner was born in Lebanon county, 
Penn., August Ji, 1823, and died in Cento 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



273 



county, May 23, 1892. His parents were David 
and Catherine (Maulfair) Wagner, natives of 
Lebanon county, where they spent their entire 
lives, the father following the occupation of 
farming. Their family included the following 
named: Mrs. Mary Siegler (a widow), of Goshen, 
Ind. ; Elizabeth, deceased; Jacob, David and 
John M., who have passed away; Henry, a farmer 
of Lebanon county; Sarah, wife of Charles 
Fritz, of the same county; Amanda, who is mar- 
ried and living in the West; Fannie, wife of Ste- 
phen Bolts, of Annville, Penn. ; Gideon, of Leb- 
anon county; Daniel, of Dauphin county, Penn.; 
and Joseph, of Lebanon county. 

John M. Wagner spent his childhood in his 
parents' home, and acquired a fair education in 
the public schools. He came to Centre county 
in 1848, locating in Bellefonte, where he worked 
for his brother for several years. He then 
turned his attention to farming, and later rented 
the mill known as the Wagner & Thomas Mill at 
Bellefonte. He afterward became proprietor of 
the Central City Rolling Mill at Central City, 
erecting the same in 1875. It was supplied with 
all the latest improved machinery and most im- 
proved processes for manufacturing flour, and 
was successfully operated by Mr. Wagner until 
his death. It was one of the leading industrial 
concerns of the county, and the capable manage- 
ment, well-directed effort, honorable dealing and 
business ability of the owner brought to him a 
large patronage." He was thoroughly reliable at 
all times, and his extensive business yielded him 
a handsome income. 

On January 2, 1849, Mr. Wagner was united 
in marriage with Susanna Hahn, who was born 
in Clinton county, Penn., February 1, 1824, 
a daughter of John and Sarah (Shrack) Hahn, 
also natives of Clinton county, where they spent 
their entire lives. The father was a shoemaker 
by trade, and also followed the occupation of 
farming. He was a member of the Reformed 
Church, and in politics was a Democrat. His 
death occurred in 1847. when he had reached the 
age of sixty-six years, and his wife died in 1837, 
at the age of forty years. They were the par- 
ents of seven children namely. Elizabeth, 
widow of David Stover, of Clinton county; Kath- 
erine, widow of T. Bailey, of Centre county; Mrs. 
Susanna Wagner; Sarah, widow of Samuel Get- 
tich, of Centre county; Mary, deceased wife of 
John Fenstermaker, of Lycoming county, Penn. ; 
John, of Ohio; and David, of Clinton county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of ten 
children — three sons and seven daughters — as 
follows: William, proprietor of the old roller 
mill in Central City; Frank, deceased; Marv, 

18 



wife of Frank Weaver, of State College, Penn. ; 
Sarah, wife of John Keichline, of Bellefonte; 
John C, a general farmer of Centre county; Jen- 
nie, wife of Peter Keichline, of Bellefonte; Allie, 
wife of James Weaver, of Milesburg, Centre 
county; Annie, deceased wife of James Williams, 
of Bellefonte; Carrie, wife of Louis Wallace, of 
Milesburg; and Ella, at home. 

In connection with his milling operations, 
Mr. Wagner carried on farming. Improving his 
opportunities, he worked his way steadily up- 
ward, and became the possessor of a handsome 
estate, which he left to his family. In 1871 he 
erected a beautiful brick residence, two stories 
and a half in height, and surrounded the home 
with many excellent improvements, which added 
both to its value and attractive appearance. He 
was deeply interested in the welfare and progress 
of town and county, and gave a liberal support 
to measures calculated to prove of public bene- 
fit. His death was deeply regretted, and caused 
the loss to Centre county of one of its valued 
citizens. Mrs. Wagner and her daughter, Miss 
Ella, occupy the home place, extending its cor- 
dial hospitality to their many friends. 



JESSE D. REARICK (deceased) in his life- 
time was a. representative agriculturist of 
Centre county, his farm being finely located 
in Union township, where he maintained his 
place among the progressive and intelligent citi- 
zens around him. 

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rearick was 
born in Union county, August 5, 1830, a son of 
George and Mary C. (Sterne) Rearick, who were 
also natives of that county, the former born in 
July, 1796, and the latter on October 13, 1805. 
In 1840 the family removed to Clinton county, 
Penn. , but two years later came to Centre coun- 
ty, where the mother passed away February 7, 
1869, and the father on April 15, 1876. He was 
a shoemaker by trade, but also engaged in farm- 
ing. His political support was given the Re- 
publican party, and both himself and wife were 
consistent members of the Reformed Church. 
The paternal grandparents of our subject, John 
and Maria Rearick, were natives of Germany, 
and on coming to America first located in New 
Jersey, but later removed to Union county, 
Penn., where the grandfather engaged in black- 
smithing until his death; there his wife also de- 
parted this life. The maternal grandparents, 
David and Catharine Sterne, both died in Clinton 
county, where the grandfather had followed the 
tailor's trade for many years. 

Jesse D. Rearick was the third in order of 



274 



OOMMBMORA T1VB BIOGRAPirKM. UEColU). 



birth in the family of six children, tl be- 

ing: William B., born September 20, 1824. 
died in September, 1891. David, born January 
25, 1820. died in October, 1867. Mary, born 
January 6, [833, wedded John Sheckler, now of 

gs township, Centre county, and died Janu- 
ary 9, 1874. Rachel, born September 29, [843, 
died in April, 1844. Hannah, born November 
22, 1K44, married Daniel l'>. Malone. of Beach 
Creek, Penn., and died March 9, 1895. When 
our subject was about sixteen years of age light- 
ning struck the team which his father was driving 
and so injured him that he was unable to per- 
form any manual labor, while for seven years 
before his death he was totally disabled, Jesse 
I), therefore remained at home, taking care of his 
parents and managing the home farm until he 
was twenty-eight years of age. He was indebted 
to the common schools for his educational privi- 
leges. 

On January 30, 1858, Mr. Rearick was mar- 
ried to Miss Leah Hassenplug, and they became 
the parents of five children: George, born Oc- 
tober 24, 1858, is at home; Mary C, born Feb- 
ruary 10. 1 861, is also at home; Hannah M . , 
born January 1 1, 1863, is the wife of Calvin Lu- 
cas, a fanner of Centre county; John A. C. , born 
|anuary 12, 1865, is also a farmer of Centre 
county, and Ella B., born August 2, 1867, died 
December 26, 1 S 7 1 . 

Mrs. Rearick was born September 23, [828, 
in Union county, where her parents, Henry and 
Catherine (Stem) Hassenplug, spent their entire 
lives. The father was a saddler by trade, but 
spent his later life in farming. He died in [86l, 
at the age of sixty-two years, and her mother 
passed away in [83J, at the age of thirty; they 
were members of the Lutheran Church. In their 
family were the following children: Amelia, de- 
ceased wife of Reuben Spotts; Charles, a farmer 
of Ohio; Mary, who died at the age of eighteen 
years; Susanna, wife of Edward Hendricks, of 
Union county, Penn. ; Israel, a miller and farmi r 
of the same county; Leah, wife of our subject; 
and Zacharius, deceased. After the death of his 
first wife, Mr. Hassenplug wedded Miss Mollie 
Frock, by whom he had five children: Matilda, 
wife of John Cline, of Mifflin counts', Penn.; 
I lenry I '.. . a farmer of Indiana; Sarah J. , deceased . 
Samuel F., of Tyrone, Penn.; and Jane, wit 
Isaac Shirk, a tanner of Tyrone. The paternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Rearick, John and Rebecca 
Hassenplug, were natives of Germany, and aftei 
coming to the United States spent the remainder 
of their lives in Union county, Pennsylvania, 

For several years after his marriage, Mr. 
Rearick engaged in teaming, and then rented a 



farm near Milesburg, in Boggs township, Centre 
county for two years. During the Civil war he 
enlisted in the Union service, becoming a mem- 
ber of the 200th 1'. V. I., which was organized 
at Harrisburg, September 1, 1864. He served 
under Capt. Franklin K. Hoffman, First Lieut. 
Thomas C. Crawford, and Second Lieut. Joseph 
Miles, and participated in the battles of Fort 
Steadman and Petersburg, as well as in various 
skirmishes. He was several times slightly 
wounded during the nine months he was in the 
service, and while on the Warrenton raid in 
North Carolina was wounded in the head, which 
caused the loss of his left eye. He was then hon- 
orably discharged and returned home. Subse- 
quently for five years he was engaged in the man- 
ufacture of galvanized iron at the Milesburg Iron 
Works, and then purchased his late farm, a valu- 
able tract of 187 acres, which he brought under 
a high state of cultivation, and well improved. 

Mr. Rearick passed from earth March 12, 
1897. He was an ardent Republican in politics, 
a member of the Lutheran Church, and of the 
Grand Army Post No. 262, of Milesburg. In 
his home he was ever an indulgent father, kind 
and devoted husband, and his genuine worth and 
many manly virtues were and still are widely 
recognized. His wife, who is noted for her 
excellent cooking, proved a most faithful helpmeet 
to him, and with him shared in the respect and es- 
teem of all who knew them. He valiantly went forth 
in the defense of his country during her hour of 
peril, and in times of peace manifested the same 
loyalty that characterized his army career. For 
the injury sustained in the service he received a 
I" usion. 



Gl I'kcl 1'. RFARICK (deceased), who in his 
lifetime was one of the systematic, progress- 
ive and intelligent fanners of Gregg township, 
spent his entire life in Centre county, and was 
prominently identified with its agricultural in- 
t> tests. He was born in Potter township, near 
Potters Mills, March 8, 1830, and is a son of 
Philip Rearick, a native of Pennsylvania, whose 
father was bom in Germany 

Philip Rearick came to Centre county, and 
foi some years was employed as a teamster by 
Mr. Potter, at Potters Mills. He married M 
Jane Feath, daughter of James Feath, a nai 
of Inland, and a tailor by trade. Mrs. Rearick 
also worked at the tailor's trade, and after her 
marriage made the clothing for her family. Mr 
Rearick died when our subject was only eight 
years ol age, and was buried at Centre Hill. 
During the later years of his life he follov 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



275 



farming, and he left his family in comfortable 
circumstances. While teaming he hauled goods 
and grain to Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pitts- 
burg, two weeks often being required in making 
the trip. In the family were five children: Mary, 
wife of David Hoover, who resides near Belle- 
fonte; George P. ; William F., of Gregg township; 
0. P., of Webster county, Mo.; and Margaret, 
who was born after the father's death, and is now 
the widow of Jonathan Royer, of Bellefonte. For 
a few years the family lived in Gregg township, 
and then removed to The Loop in Potter township. 
For some years the mother resided with our sub- 
ject, but died at the home of her youngest 
daughter, at the age of sventy-seven years, and 
was buried at Centre Hill. 

George P. Rearick began his education in 
Colyer, and his advantages were only such as 
the common schools afforded. He was the eldest 
son of a widowed mother, and much of the sup- 
port of the family devolved upon him. During 
his early boyhood he began working for his board 
and clothing, and when he was first given money 
for his services he received only $2 per month. 
When working for $3 per month he gave his 
earnings to help his mother buy a cow. Until 
he had attained his majority his wages went to- 
ward the support of the family, and most of the 
time he received $10 per month. He began 
farming on his own account in Gregg township, 
in what was known as the George Woods farm, 
and his live stock consisted of a few head of cat- 
tle, about fifteen sheep and two horses. He had 
gone in debt for these; but his economy and in- 
dustry enabled him soon to pay off all indebted- 
ness. In this humble manner he got his start in 
life. After a year he rented the Peter Wilson 
farm, which he operated nine years, and in 1864 
purchased a farm in George's Valley, thus be- 
coming owner of 205 acres, for which he paid 
$10,000. He lived there until the spring of 
1888, and during that time made many excellent 
improvements, erecting good buildings and 
transforming the land into richly cultivated 
fields. In the spring of 1888 he removed to his 
late home, whereon he built an excellent house 
and barns. 

Mr. Rearick was married December 5, 1861, 
in Potter township, to Miss Mary Heney, who 
was born April 24, 1841, a daughter of David 
and Mary A. (Rishel) Heney. The paternal 
grandfather was Adam Heney, and the maternal 
grandfather was George Rishel. Mrs. Rearick 
was the sixth child and fourth daughter in a fam- 
ily of seven children. Her educational privileges 
were limited in early life, but she made the most 
of her opportunities, pursued her studies in 



Aaronsburg, and when about eighteen years of 
age entered school in New Berlin, Penn. Subse- 
quently she engaged in teaching for one term. 
Mrs. Rearick has had seven children: William 
O. born September 27, 1862, is engaged in deal- 
ing in agricultural implements in Centre Hall, 
Centre county; Ida V., born December 12, 1863, 
is the wife of Isaac Y. Moyer, of Cleveland, 
Ohio; Ora Jane, born October 4, 1865, died 
March 12, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio, where she 
had been attending school, after a few days' ill- 
ness from fever and heart trouble, and was buried 
in Centre county; David H., born October 14, 
1867, is living in Farmers Mills, Penn.; Mollie, 
born December 11, 1869, died at the home of 
her sister, Mrs. Isaac Moyer, in Cleveland, Ohio, 
June 20, 1895, after a brief illness from cerebro- 
spinal menengitis, and was buried in Centre Hill 
cemetery (a tribute of respect, and condolence 
for her untimely removal from the field of her 
labors was passed by local members of the For- 
eign Missionary Society of the Sinking Creek 
Presbyterian Church); Calvin A., born Decem- 
ber 10, 1871, died at the age of thirteen years; 
Maggie R. , born January 21, 1874, died at 
the age of six years; John E., born Aug- 
ust 21, 1876, Jesse P., born October 14, 
1878, George Leroy, born March 16, 1881, and 
Savilla B., born April 24, 1884, are at home. 
Mrs. Rearick is a member of the Sinking Creek 
Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed in 
the community. 

Mr. Rearick died at his residence on the farm 
February 19, 1897, a t the age of sixty-six years, 
eleven months and eleven days. His illness was 
of about four months' duration, and the cause of 
his death was an ulceration or catarrh of the 
stomach, and he suffered much, but bore it all 
bravely. He was able to be about, and it was 
only about ten or twelve days before his death 
that he was compelled to take to his bed. Con- 
sciousness did not desert him until near the end, 
and his death was calm and peaceful. He was 
buried in the cemetery at Centre Hill. He was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, having 
united with that body some forty years ago. 
For about fifteen years he was an elder in the 
Church, and always contributed liberally to its 
maintenance. Resolutions of respect and con- 
dolence were unanimously adopted by the Session 
of the Sinking Creek Presbyterian Church, of 
which he was senior member. 

In politics Mr. Rearick was a stanch Repub- 
lican, but steadily refused to become a candidate 
for office, though frequently urged to do so. He 
was a warm friend of education and all interests 
which tend to uplift mankind and advance the 



276 



<().\lME.\tmiA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



welfare of the community. His success in farm- 
ing was the result of his own well-directed ef- 
forts, and he may truly be called a self-made 

num. 



DANIEL BRUNGART (deceased) was a 
member of one of the oldest families of 
Brush Valley, their settlement dating back a full 
century. The family originated in Germany, 
where our subject's great-grandfather was born. 
Martin Brungart, the grandfather <>f our subject, 
was the tirst to settle m < entre county, Penn., 
having left his former home in the neighborhood of 
Hanover, York count}-, Penn., in 1798 to locate in 
the east end of Brush Valley, where he died, his 
remains being la*id to rest in the old graveyard at 
Rebersburg. He had a large family of children\ 
namely: Martin, Jacob, Johan George, John ' 
and several daughters, two of whom remained in 
York county. 

Johan George Brungart (commonly known as 
George), our subject's father, was born July 20, 
178X. in Manheim, York county, and was but a 
lad when Ins parents removed to Centre county. 
He was married April 9, 1S11, to Salome Kahl, 
who was born January 14, 17X7, at Heidelberg, 
Berks county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob and 
Catherine Kahl. Seven children were born of 
this union, the names with dates of birth being 
as follows: Catharine, January 20, 1812, mar- 
ried [acob Erhard, and died in Miles township. 
Centre county; [acob, [anuary 9, 1814, died in 
Rebersburg; Johannes, March 9, [817, died in 
January, [£25; Susan, March 10. i X 1 o, married 
Jeremiah Haines, and is deceased; George, Feb- 
ruary 4, [821, lives at Rebersburg; Daniel, [uly 
4, 1823, is the subject of this sketch. Sai 
April 22, 1825, married Samuel Frank; and Mar- 
garet. March 15, [827, married John Hosterman, 
and died in Miles township. 

George Brungart was a farmer, also an ex- 
tensive laud owner, and was one of the substan- 
tial citizens of his time. In 1S20 he built on his 
farm a tannery, which was superintended by Ja- 
cob Steffy, also from York county, and the 
leather he took to Philadelphia by team, bring- 
ing back goods for the merchants, the trip occu- 
pying three weeks. He never learned the trade, 
but was a most skilled mechanic, and spenl most 
of his time in a shop on his farm, where he n 

Is and instruments of various kinds. He n 
a plow which was an improvement over the 
clumsy ones then in use, and which became well 
known. It was the one alluded to in the old 
saj ing 1 in Hi u-li Valley, that " no man 

was much unless lie owned a long-barrelled shot- 



gun, a red wamus, and a Brungart plow." He 
was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the 
Lutheran Church, in which he held an influen- 
tial place. Tall and slender in person, he pos- 
sessed much vitality, and lived to see his ninetieth 
year, dying December 21, 1X77. His wife died 
some years previously, being over seventy years 
of age, and both were buried at Rebi rsburg. 

The subject of this sketch had but meager 
educational privileges, and attended the old-time 
subscription schools for a few weeks in winter 
each year. Reared as a farmer boy, he always 
followed that occupation, and, after working for 
his father several years in early manhood, he 
bought the old farm in Miles township. Centre 
county. In May, 1846, he was married in Miles 
township, to Miss Ph<ebe A. Royer, who was 
born in that township, February 19, 1X25, the 
daughter of Col. Henry and Polly (Gross) Royer. 
Col. Henry Royer came from Berks county, and 
at one time owned much of the land around Re- 
bersburg, as well as a large tract of mountain 
land. In 1877, Mr. Brungart removed to Re 
bersburg, where he built the present substantial 
brick residence. He had two children: Elmira 
E., born February 6, 1847, died February 15, 
[850; and Jasper R., born June 17, 1851, of 
whom special mention will presently be made. 
Daniel Brungart died April 8, 1897, and is buried 
in the cemetery at Rebersburg. 

Politically, Mr. Brungart was a Democrat, 
and he held several minor offices in his township, 
but was never a politician. He was a leading 
member of the Reformed Church, as is his widow, 
and he was at one time an elder therein. He 
owns an excellent farm containing over 165 act- 
am! two valuable lots in Rebersburg. While he 
r posed as a philanthropist, he contributed 
to almost every worthy movement seeking aid, 
and lie and his estimable wife were noted for 
their kindness of heart. 

[asper R Brungart, the only living child oi 

Mibject, received his education in the schools 
of the township, after which he followed teach- 
ing some live years. In 1879 he entered mer- 
cantile business in Rebersburg, busing out J. 
Spiglemyer, and continued same for five years, 
at the end o| which time he commenced farm- 
ing, which vocation he followed up to 1X90, when 
he built his pleasant home at Rebersburg, wbi 
he has smce lived retired. In December, 1X04. 
be graduated from the Chautauqua Universit) at 
Syrai use, N Y . and is at present taking a read- 
ing course from that institution. 

On October 3, [876, Jasper R. Brungarl 
married in Union county. Penn., to Mary I 
Long, who was born June 28, 1850, a daughter 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



277 



of Ephraim and Margaret (Slear) Long, highly 
respectable farming people. Her father was a 
native of Berks county, Penn., born April 8, 
1 8 14. and died January 13, 1856, a son of Lud- 
wig and Hannah Long, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Ephraim Long was twice married, first time to 
Sarah Snook, by whom he had two children — 
Esther and Isaac — who lived to maturity. For 
his second wife, Ephraim was married, May 12, 
1848, to Margaret Slear, and three children were 
born to them, two of whom died in infancy, and 
Mary E. (Mrs. Brungart). Mr. and Mrs. Eph- 
raim Long are both deceased, he having passed 
away January 13, 1856, and she on July 27, 
1863. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jasper R. Brungart are active 
members of the Reformed Church. In politics 
he is a Democrat, and has filled various township 
and school offices. 



PHILIP W. BARNHART (deceased), late 
justice of the peace, and an honored resi- 
dent of Boggs township, Centre county. Prom- 
inent among the pioneers of Centre county who 
have witnessed most of the marvelous develop- 
ment of this section of the State, and who, by 
honest toil and industry, have succeeded in ac- 
quiring a competency, is the gentleman whose 
name introduces this sketch. He was born just 
one mile from his late home, April 13, 18 13, a 
son of Judge Henry and Isabella (Holt) Barn- 
hart, who were also born in Pennsylvania, and 
married in Centre county. For many years the 
Barnhart family have made their home in the 
county, and five generations now lie buried in 
the Eagle Cemetery, Boggs township. 

Judge Henry Barnhart was quite prominent 
and influential in public affairs; in 1832 was 
elected a member of the Legislature from Cen- 
tre county, serving two terms, and was also as- 
sociate judge for ten years. He was a stanch 
supporter of Democratic principles, and during 
the war of 1812 was commissioned a colonel in 
the militia. He was an extensive lumber mer- 
chant, and one of the leading business men of the 
county, as well as one of its representative and 
most public-spirited citizens. Although not a 
member of any religious organization, he regu- 
larly attended the services of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and in all the relations of life 
was upright and honorable. He died in 1874, 
at the age of eighty-seven years. His parents, 
Philip and Elizabeth (Antis) Barnhart, were na- 
tives of Montgomery county, Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Barnhart, the mother of our subject, 
was a consistent member of the Methodist Epis- 



copal Church, and died in that faith in 1877, at 
the age of eighty-six years. She was a daughter 
of Col. John and Sarah (Milligan) Holt, who 
were born in England, but came to Pennsylvania 
at an early day, locating first in Cumberland 
county (now a part of Dauphin county). In 
1779 they removed to Bald Eagle Valley, Centre 
county, locating on a farm, where Mrs. Barnhart 
was born July 4, 1790, and there her death also 
occurred. She was descended from Thomas 
Holt, a brother of Lord Chancellor Holt, who 
became a resident of Carlisle, Penn., at an early 
period in its history. The records of the Holt 
family were destroyed by the burning of the 
court house of Cumberland county. 

On May 17, 1809, was celebrated the mar- 
riage of the parents of our subject, and to them 
were born twelve children, five of whom died in 
infancy; the others are as follows: Julia is the 
deceased wife of John Curtin, a resident of 
Bellefonte, Penn. ; Philip W. is the subject of 
this review; Sarah married Thomas R. Sellers, 
but both are now deceased; Henry, who married 
Mary Joslin, deceased; Nancy married D. Kim- 
port, but both are now deceased; Mary is the 
wife of Irvin Davis, of Hollidaysburg, Penn. ; 
and Katherine is the wife of James M. Kimport, 
of West Virginia. 

In the common schools of Centre county 
Philip W. Barnhart acquired a fair education, 
and for two terms engaged in teaching, receiving 
a salary of $18 per month, and boarding himself. 
He began his business career as a farmer and 
lumberman, following the former occupation 
during the summer months, and working in the 
lumber woods during the winter season. He re- 
mained at home until his marriage, at the age of 
twenty-seven, when he located upon a rented 
farm, which he operated for four years. He 
then purchased a small portion of his late farm, 
the boundaries of which he extended from time 
to time, until at the time of his death he had a 
valuable place of 230 acres. 

On September 17, 1840, Mr. Barnhart wed- 
ded Miss Rebecca Leathers, and they became 
the parents of ten children — four sons and six 
daughters — namely: Mary I. is the deceased 
wife of Samuel H. Orris, a decorator, of Miles- 
burg, Centre county; Lucy is at home; Warren 
is deceased; Joseph is a resident of Renovo, 
Clinton county, Penn.; Amanda is at home; 
Julia is the deceased wife of H. H. Harshburger, 
of Bellefonte, Penn., Laura is the wife of J. C. 
Weaver, a merchant of Bellefonte; Harry lives 
in Punxsutawney, Penn. ; Alice is the wife of H. 
G. Herd, of Farnsville, Penn. ; and James K. is 
bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Belle- 



278 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRM'HI'AL RECOlil). 



MARTIN LUTHER RISHEL. About the 
year 1800 there came to Centre county, as 
a pioneer settler, Henry Rishel, a young man of 
German descent and probably of German birth. 
He settled in Green Grove, near the present site 
of Penn Hall, Gregg township (then Haines 
township), purchasing 130 acres of land where he 
and his wife Maria Hull, made their home until 
about 1S24, when they moved to a farm of 100 
acres in the same township, near Farmers Mills. 
Henry Rishel was fairly educated, and was suc- 
cessful as an agriculturist and prominent as a 
citizen. He died July 25, 1847, of apoplexy, and 
his remains were interred in the Union cemetery 
near Farmers Mills. 

His son, Col. John Rishel, the father of the 
gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was 
born near Penn Hall, December 26, 1808, and 
attended the schools of that pin e until the age 
of sixteen, when the family removed t" the 
present Immestead near Farmers Mills. His 
education was good for the time, and his excel- 
lent judgment and practical knowledge of affairs 
gave him much influence in trie community. His 
title was gained by long service as colonel of a 
Regiment in the Pennsylvania National Guard. 
He was a heavy-set man, weighing about 200 
pounds, and had a full round face. Like his fa- 
ther, he followed farming as an occupation. 
Occupying the homestead until his death, 
which occurred June 8, 1878. He never ac- 
cumulated a fortune, but he added sixty-one 
acres to the original one hundred, and built an 
elegant residence which is still used by his heirs. 
His liberality and public spirit were showy in 
many ways, andfoi years he w as a leading worker 
in the Evangelical Lutheran Church al Farmers 
Mills, holding all the various offices at different 



fonte. The family holds a high position in 
social and intellectual circles, and is one of prom- 
inence in the community where they are so 
widely known. 

'Squire Barnhart departed this lift- November 
4, 1896. For the long period of forty years he 
most acceptably served as justice of the peace, 
and in 1895 was again elected by every vote 1 
in Boggs township, but declined to further accept 
the office. For three years he also served as 
county commissioner. Politically, he was iden- 
tified with the Democratic party, in religious be- 
lief was a Methodist, and socially he was a mem- 
ber of the Grange of Pennsylvania. In manner 
he was pleasant and genial, in disposition kindly, 
and the high regard in which he was universally 
held was well deserved. 



tunes. In 1872 he was sent by the Central Penn- 
sylvania Conference as a delegate to the Luth- 
eran Synod at Fort Wayne, Ind. When the 
building of St. John's Church near his home was 
proposed, he gave the movement his hearty sup- 
port, donating all the ground necessary, and 
many other Churches were assisted by him. In 
local politics his influence was marked, and 
throughout his career he was one of the chief 
supporters of the Democratic party in his sec- 
tion, holding numerous offices. He served as 
county commissioner for two terms, from 184910 
1855, and was justice of the peace in Gregg town- 
ship from 1845 to 1863, and again from 1867 to 
1S78 — a total of thirty-one years and one month, 
his death interrupting his service. At the time 
of his decease he also held the office of jury com- 
missioner. 

On November 22, 1832, he married Miss 
Rachel Reynolds, by whom he had three chil- 
dren: Henry, born August 9, 1833, died April 
9, 1835, and twins, born February 28, 1836, 
of whom, the elder, a son, never breathed, and 
the younger, Sarah Ann, died February 22, 1894. 
The mother passed away March 14, 1841, and 
on January 10, 1842, Col. Rishel married Miss 
Catherine Homan, who died February 18, 1807. 
of pneumonia, at the age of eighty years, nine 
months and nineteen days, while living with her 
son, our subject, at the old homestead. There 
were four children by this union: Mary Eliz- 
abeth, born November 13, 1842, died November 
12, 1 881; Samuel, born April 18, [846, died 
April 25, 1850; Martin, who is mentioned more 
fully below; and Kosetta, born November 27. 
1853, who married E. F. Smith, a professor of 
music at Dakota, Illinois. 

Martin Luther Rishel was born at the old 
homestead January 3, 1850, and was reared to 
farm life, his education being limited to an attend- 
ance at the schools of the neighborhood for about 
two months and a half each year. He began 
his schooling at the age of four, with W 1 
Plotner as his first teacher, and did not discon- 
tinue entirely until he reached the age of twenty- 
one. After attaining his majority he conducted 
the farm two years in partnership with his lather, 
receiving one-fourth of the value of the prodi 
sold, and furnishing nothing. Later he rented 
the place on shares, and he afterward managed 
it on the same plan by an arrangement with the 
other heirs. [Since this was written, the afore- 
said homestead has been sold through proceed- 
ings of court, and about 1 1 2 acres of the original 
homestead are now owned and occupied bj M. 
L. Rishel and family. | 

On January 12, 1 87 1, Mr. Rishel was mar- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



279 



ried to Catherine Houtz, daughter of Edward 
and Catherine A. Houtz, and this union has been 
blessed with five children: John E., Carrie E. , 
William F., Elizabeth J., and Rosa I., who are 
all at home. His family also includes his wife's 
mother, who is quite infirm, and was eighty-four 
years of age December 17, 1897. Edward 
Houtz died April 7, 1884, at- the age of seventy- 
seven years and one month. 

Since his father's death Mr. Rishel has taken 
his place in local affairs, assisting with the same 
liberal spirit in all progressive movements. He 
is active in the support of the same Church, and 
during his twenty-five years of membership has 
held all the various offices therein, including 
those of deacon and elder. He differs from his 
father only in outward appearance, being six 
feet, one inch in height, and very slender. As 
a worker in the Democratic party, he has cer- 
tainly fallen heir to his father's influence, and he 
has filled numerous township offices with char- 
acteristic ability and faithfulness. As school di- 
rector he has sought to improve the usefulness of 
the local schools. In the spring of 1879 he was 
elected justice of the peace, to succeed his father, 
and has served ever since, even occupying the 
same room formerly used by his father as a court 
room, making forty-eight years that the duties of 
that office have been discharged by one family in 
one room. Mr. Rishel is fond of reading, keep- 
ing well-informd on the issues of the day, and 
his sterling qualities of character have won the 
respect of all who know him. 



DAVID FORCEY, the well-known and popu- 
lar proprietor of a leading drug store at 
Philipsburg, Centre Co., Penn., is a man whose 
sound judgment and ready tact have won him 
success in many lines of business, and who holds 
a high and enviable position among the progress- 
ive citizens of the county. 

Mr. Forceyis a native of this section, having 
been born in Clearfield county, November 20, 
1837, one of the family of seventeen children 
born to Mathew and Margret (Murry) Forcey. 
His youth was spent mainly at his birthplace 
and in Huntingdon county, Penn. On leaving 
school he engaged in mercantile pursuits at 
Green Tree, Huntingdon Co., Penn. While 
there he was married, in 1861, to Miss Mary A. 
Myton, a native of Huntingdon county, Perm., 
and in 1862 they moved from Green Tree to 
Clearfield county, where he was engaged in mer- 
cantile and lumbering pursuits for about eighteen 
years. Mr. Forcey is the father of two sons: 
Mathew J. and William W. 



The Forcey family is of German and Irish 
lineage, and has been represented in this section 
since the latter part of the eighteenth century, 
Thomas Forcey, the grandfather of our subject, 
having about the year 1790 come from Delaware 
to settle upon a farm in Clearfield county. He 
lived to the patriarchal age of ninety-nine years, 
and consequently the greater part of his life was 
spent in Clearfield county. He married Eliza- 
beth Arnola, and had five children: Jane, Cath- 
erine, Tamar, Nancy and Mathew. 



JAMES IRWIN KUNES, a member of the firm 
of S. H. & J. I. Kunes, is one of the leading 
and enterprising business men of Eagleville, 
Centre county, where he is successfully engaged 
in general merchandising and in the lumber trade. 
His success has come to him not as a result of 
propitious circumstances, but as a reward for far- 
sighted dealing, executive ability and discrimina- 
tion. With a laudable ambition he has grasped 
eagerly every opportunity for raising himself to 
the level of the high standard he has set up, and 
his resolute purpose and commendable diligence 
have secured for him the goal of his hopes. 

Mr. Kunes was born June 17, 1839, in the 
village which is still his home, and is a son of 
Daniel and Mary (Bechdel) Kunes, the former a 
native of Eagleville and the latter of Liberty 
township, Centre county. During his early life 
the father engaged in farming, later conducting 
a hotel in Eagleville for many years, but spent 
his last days in retirement there, where his death 
occurred. His wife died near Beach Creek, 
Centre county, in 1847, at the age of thirty-six 
years. Both were earnest members of the Chris- 
tian Church; in politics he was first a Whig, later 
a Republican. 

To the parents of our subject were born the 
following children: David, who died in infancy; 
Samuel H. ; Joseph B., who died in 1894; Ma- 
hala, deceased wife of William Clark, a farmer 
of Marsh Creek, Penn.; James Irwin; Daniel B., 
a brief sketch of whom follows; Fannie P., wife 
of Mills Linn, a farmer of Clinton county, Penn. 
After the mother's death the father wedded 
Elizabeth Potts, of Millheim, Centre county, who 
is still residing in Eagleville. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject, 
Daniel and Hannah (Roerbanck) Kunes, were 
natives of Pennsylvania and among the founders 
of Eagleville, while the great-grandfather, who 
also bore the name of Daniel and was a Revolu- 
tionary soldier, made his home in Centre county, 
and died at Eagleville. David and Susan (Hell- 



280 



00 VMBMORA I IVE BIOGi;.\rill< M. BBGOBD. 



man) Beckdell, the maternal grandparents, made 
their home on Marsh creek, Centre county, where 
the grandfather engaged in farming and the dis- 
til 1 1- r \ business. 

At the age ol sixteen, James I. Kunes began 
life for himself b) working on the farm of his 
brother, Samuel IL, with whom he remained 

s ■ four years, and for the following six years 

engaged in boating on the canal. Subsequently 
lit* conducted the " Kunes Hotel" for three years, 
and then purchased a farm, which he operated 
at intervals some five years. In 1873, m part- 
nership with his brother. Daniel B., he engaged 
in merchandising in Eagleville for three years, 
at the end of which time he became sole owner, 
but since 1 894 he and his brother, Samuel H., 
have conducted a general store at that place, 
and have built up an extensive and lucrative 
business. In connection with his mercantile 
pursuits, our subject is also interested in lumber- 
ing and farming, in which he has met with a 
well-deserved succes-. 

On October 14, 1867, in Eagleville, Mr. 
Kunes was married to Miss Margaret E. Graham, 
and to them was born one daughter, who died 
when only nineteen days old Kight vears ago 
Mr. and Mrs. James I. Kunes adopted a bright 
two-year-old boy, Charles Graham, a nephew. 
He is a smart little lad, learning very fast, and a 
source of much gladness and pleasure to his 
adopted parents. Their residence, which is the 
finest in Eagleville, is a two-story-and-a-half 
brick building, and their hospitality reigns su- 
preme; there their many friends are always sure 
to find a hearty welcome. As will have been 
seen, the family has long been prominently identi- 
fied with the business interests of Eagleville and 
vicinity, and the name of Kunes deserves an 
honored place in a work of this character. Our 
subject uses his right of franchise in support of 
the men and measures of the Republican party; 
is a public-spirited, progressive man, giving his 
influence and support to all worthy enterprises 
for the benefit of the community; and is a faith- 
ful and consistent member of the Christian 
Church. 

Daniel B. Kunes, brother of our subject, was 
born in Liberty township, Centre county, Feb- 
ruary 1 1, 1841, and on the 28th of March, 1869, 
was married to Miss Mary I). Mapes, by whom 
h<' has three children: Lloyd B., bookkeeper for 
the Berwick Stove Company (limited), "1 Ber- 
wick, Penn. ; Josephine at home; and one that 
died in infancy. For the past sixteen years Mr 
Kunes has acceptably served as justice of the 
peace in Eagleville, and he is one of its most 
highly respected and valued citizens. 



EJ. DESHLER, M. D. (deceased). OnSep- 
tember 2j. [890, there passed away at his 
home in Aaronsburg, a well-beloved physician, 
whose many years of faithful toil m his professi. .11 
made his name a household word in that commu- 
nity. Nor had his influence and his efforts been 
confined to professional lines only, for in all the 
varied activities of our common life he had taken 
a helpful part as a loyal citizen, devoting his 
abilities to the cause of progress. 

Dr. DesliKr was born at Weaversville, North- 
ampton county. Penn., April 7, 1826, the son of 
Jacob Deshler, and the grandson of Peter Desh- 
ler. Jacob Deshler was a native of eastern 
Pennsylvania, as was his father before him, and 
several years of his early life were spent in Phil- 
adelphia. His educational advantages were bet- 
ter than those of the average youth of his time, 
and he became prominent as a civil engineer. 
For years he held the office of justice of the 
peace, which in that day was filled by appoint- 
ment and carried much honor with it. In his 
later years he moved from Northampton county, 
where he had an elegant home, and settled upon 
a fine farm near Milton, Penn., to spend the re- 
mainder of his life. Of his four children, our 
subject was the youngest; Mary M. married Dr. 
Edward Martin, and died at Weaversville, 
Northampton county; Joseph died in Northum- 
berland county, Penn. ; Elizabeth married George 
Stahl, and died in Northumberland county. Ja- 
cob Deshler and his wife were members of and 
active workers in the Reformed Church. 

Dr. Deshler's early education was obtained in 
the schools of his native county, and he was a 
young man at the time of the removal to Milton. 
He attended Marshall College before its consol- 
idation with Franklin College, at Lancaster. 
Penn., and at one time thought of studying for 
the ministry, but concluded to enter the medi- 
cal profession. His brother-in-law, Dr. Martin, 
was his first preceptor, and he also studied in the 
office of Dr. Charles Dougal, of Milton, before 
beginning his course in the Pennsylvania Medical 
College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 
1 8 5 3 lor a few months he located at Buffalo 
Cross Roads. Penn., and then moved to Turbut- 
ville, Penn., where he continued to practice until 
1858, when he settled permanently in Aarons- 
burg. 

As a practitioner he was very successful, keep- 
ing well abreast of the advance of modern science 
by his extensive reading. Unassuming in man- 
ner, he never indulged in self-praise, but his in- 
nate worth and thorough intellectual training 
were readily recognized among the best people 
He possessed a knowledge of surveying, and at 




Ic^u^c «77<^W^r 



QOMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



281 



one time was elected without any effort on his 
part to the office of county surveyor. For five 
years he served as justice of the peace, having 
been chosen to that position without his solicita- 
tion. He was a stanch Democrat, an active 
member of the Masonic order, and at the time of 
his death was" trustee about twenty years, of the 
Reformed Church, in which he had foryearsbeen 
a leading member. He joined the Church when 
a young man, and was among its foremost work- 
ers, donating toward it liberally both of time and 
money. He was a leader in the Sabbath-school 
up to within some fourteen years prior to his 
death, when owing to impaired health he was 
obliged to give way to younger people, although 
he never missed attending divine service, even to 
the last Sabbath before his death, he dying sud- 
denly of heart disease. 

On September 22, 1853, the Doctorwasmar- 
ried at Tusseyville, Centre county, to Miss Maria 
Jordan, a native of Spring Mills, Penn., born 
March 4, 1829. Four children blessed this union: 
Elizabeth died in infancy; J. Jordan is a physi- 
cian at Glidden, Iowa; M. Emma, who died at 
the age of twenty-two, was a highly accomplished 
young lady and a graduate of Bethlehem Mora- 
vian Female Seminary; and Ellanora died at the 
age of twelve years. 

Mrs. Deshler still occupies the comfortable 
home which her lamented husband left her, and 
her fine social gifts and well-stored mind make 
her a favorite in the most cultured circles of 
Aaronsburg society. She is a member of the 
Reformed Church, as were also her parents and 
grandparents. Her parents, Joseph and Eliza- 
beth (Bair) Jordan, were highly esteemed resi- 
dents of Centre county, and she was the eldest of 
a family of six children, of whom five — two sons 
and three daughters — lived to adult age. She 
attended the country schools of her time in her 
girlhood, and later pursued her studies in the 
seminary at Jacksonville, Penn., while a con- 
tinued course of reading, guided by a fine liter- 
ary taste, has given her an unusually wide range 
of information upon current topics, making her a 
most interesting conversationalist. She has 
spent much of her time in travel, and has visited 
various cities in both the East and the West. 



R 



A. BUMILLER, editor and proprietor of 
_ the Millheim Journal, is a well-known 
journalist of Centre county, and one of Millheim's 
foremost citizens. He was born January 1, 1855, 
in Munich, Bavaria, the only child of Francis and 
Creszentia (Von Kepple) Bumiller. The father 
was a well-educated man, of scholarly tastes, who 



served as district surveyor in Munich, and also 
occupied the position of instructor in surveying 
in the government schools of that city, where his 
death occurred. The mother, who belonged to 
a noble family of Germany, is still living in 
Munich. 

Our subject was provided with excellent edu- 
cational privileges, being educated in one of the 
gymnasiums for which Munich is justly famed, 
and continuing his studies in that institution 
until he had attained his eighteenth year. In 
the summer of 1873 he left his native land to 
seek his fortune in the United States, sailing from 
Bremen on the 1 ith of July, and arriving in New 
York City two weeks later. His destination was 
Millheim, Centre Co., Penn., where his uncle, 
Adolph Miller (Bumiller), was living, and here he 
entered the printing office of George W. Foote, 
editor of the Centre Berichter, which paper was 
established at Aaronsburg, Centre county, in 
1827. 

During the winter of 1873-74, Mr. Bumiller 
conducted an evening school, where the German 
language was taught, being well equipped for 
this task by his previous scholastic training in 
Germany, where he had acquired a thorough 
mastery of his mother tongue. This instruction 
was all given in addition to his duties in the 
printing office. The years 1874 and 1875 were 
spent in Bellefonte in the office of the Republican, 
where he gained a good practical knowledge of 
the art of printing, and on his return to Millheim, 
in the latter part of 1876, became German editor 
of the Berickter, which at that time was pub- 
lished half in English and half in German. In 
1880 the paper became entirely English, and the 
name was changed to the Millheim Journal, at 
which time Mr. Bumiller became half owner and 
associate editor. Three years later he purchased 
the paper, of which he has since been editor and 
proprietor, and under the able management the 
circulation has been greatly increased, and the 
plant newly equipped with the latest improved 
machinery, run by steam power. 

In Millheim, Mr. Bumiller was married April 
4, 1876, to Miss Ella, the eldest daughter of 
Squire B. O. Deininger, one of Millheim's lead- 
ing citizens, and they have two children: Ida A. 
and Frances C. 

Politically, Mr. Bumiller gives his unwaver- 
ing support to the Democratic party, and has 
served as councilman and school director. In 
October, 1894, he was also appointed notary 
public by Gov. Pattison, and during the Centen- 
nial celebration of Millheim was a member of 
the committee to which was mainly due its grand 
success. He affiliates with the Odd Fellows 






CO VMBMORA TIVH BWaRAPlWA I. RECORD. 



Lodge of Millheim, and is a prominent and con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, now serving as secretary of its Sunday- 
school. He ranks among the leading journalists 
of the county, and as a citizen also holds an en- 
viable position. 



J. CARLIN, one of the representative 
business men and prominent citizens of 
Brush Valley, Centre county, ami a leading mer- 
chant of Kebersburg, was born February 23, 
1S30, at Potters Mills, in Potter township, Cen- 
tre county. 

George Carlin (father of our subject), who was 
weaver by trade, was employed in the woolen- 
factory at that place. He was a native of the 
North of Ireland, whence when quite young he 
came to the United States with his parents, who 
located in Philadelphia, where both died. They 
possessed but limited means, and the father 
dying when the children were yet small, much 
responsibility rested upon George, who was the 
eldest. The others were James, a railroad en- 
gineer, who served in the Confederate army as 
colonel of an Alabama regiment, and died at 
Carthage, Mo. ; William, also a railroad engineer. 
running on the Pennsylvania Central between 
Harrisburg and Philadelphia, who was a skilled 
mechanic and constructed an engine from the 
metal contained in a gold dollar; and Jane, who 
became the wife of John Hoyt, and died in Reeds- 
ville, I'enn. John Hoyt was bookkeeper for Will- 
iam Mann, Jr., & Co., axe makers. He was 
killed by the cars while crossing the tracks at the 
axe factory, in 1 872. 

In Philadelphia George Carlin learned to 
weave carpets, blankets, cassimeres, etc., and 
when a young man came to Potters Mills, ( . 11 
tre county, in order to obtain work at his trade. 
There lie married Miss Catherine Toner, also a 
native of Ireland, who came to America with her 
parents, Thomas Toner and Catherine bis wife. 
A^ the Potter Mills had closed down, Mr Carlin 
removed to Mifflin county, I'enn.. in 1X50, and 
obtained employment in Mann's axe factory as a 
temperer, which position he held until i8< 
when he returned to Centre counts, and pur- 
chased a home in Sprucetown, where his death 
occurred in 1875, when he wis aged 6S years. 
He was a large and powerful man, weigh- 
ing about 200 pounds, and his death was 
caused by a third stroke o) paralysis. His 
wife was called to her final home in 1X84, 
and was laid by his side in Sj >i ucetown cemei 
He was an intelligent, well educated man and 
fine penman, and during his early life engaged in 



teaching in Chester county, Penn. Politically he 
affiliated with the Democratic party. 

Our subject is the fifth in order of birth in a 
family of seven children, a brief record of the 
others being: John T. was a member of Com- 
pany A, 46th P. V. I., during the Rebellion, hut 
after serving eighteen months was' discharged in 
1863, on account of disability; he later became 
ticket agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany at Spruce Creek, Hollidaysburg and Indi- 
ana, Penn., respectively, and died at Yeagertown, 
Mifflin Co., Penn., in 1869; Sarah died at Pot- 
ters Bank, Penn.; Mary died in infancy; Maria 
died at Potters Bank, at the age of twenty-eight 
years. George died at the same place; and Jane 
died at the age of nineteen. 

W. |. Carlin was an infant when taken by 
his parents to Mifflin county, and in the public 
schools of Reedsville he obtained his primary ed- 
ucation, which was supplemented by a course in 
the Lewistown Academy, where he paid his own 
tuition, earning the money as an employee in 
Mann's axe factory. After the return of his par- 
ents to Centre county, he attended the schools 
of Potters Mills for a time, his teacher being 
George Peters. He then began teaching in Ty- 
lersville, and successfully followed that profes- 
sion for six years. In Boalsburg, Centre coun- 
ty, he married Miss Emma Leitzell, a daughter 
of Aaron and Alvina (Hackman) Leitzell. Mr. 
Carlin's tirst experience m the mercantile busi- 
ness was as a clerk in a store in Reedsville when 
small but a boy, and later he held a similar position 
in the store of W. J. Thompson & Brother at Pot- 
ters Mills, while for a time he served as bookkeeper 
for J. S. Shipman, a wholesale grocer of Titus- 
ville, Penn.. with whom he remained through 
the year 1872 until the spring of 1873. Pre- 
viously, however, he had also served as clerk in 
the establishment of R. H. Duncan at Spring 
Mills. On leaving Mr. Shipman he came to Ke- 
bersburg, where for a time he taujdit school. aiu\ 
was also agent for various sewing machines. In 
1st. [893, he purchased the general store ol 
I. B. Frank, which he has since successfully 
conducted, now having the leading mercantile 
establishment in the place. 

In politics Mr. Carlin is a stanch Democrat, 
and is a leader and counsellor of his party in his 
locality, taking a keen interest in its suc< ■ 
F01 three years he ably served as constable of 
Miles township, and since [882 hasserved as jus- 
tice of the peace. lie is a prominent member of 
the Odd Fellows Society, No. 1031, of Rebers- 
burg, which he represented in the grand lodge at 
Pittsburg, in May. [896, and both himself and 
wife are active members of the Lutheran Church. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



283 



while he has also served as secretary of the Sab- 
bath-school for ten years. They have a comfort- 
able home in Rebersburg, whose latch-string is 
always out, and their many friends are always 
sure to receive a hearty welcome. A man of 
known reliability, Mr. Carlin has often been 
called upon to act as administrator of estates, 
and as agent in settling other business transac- 
tions, the duties of which he has always promptly 
and faithfully discharged. In connection with 
his mercantile pursuits and official duties, he also 
acts as agent for W. B. Rankin, of Bellefonte, 
who represents various insurance companies. He 
isa careful, methodical business man, whose suc- 
cess is due entirely to his own perseverance, en- 
terprise and good management. " Squire Car- 
lin," as he is familiarly known, is one of Rebers- 
burg's best citizens, and stands high in the esteem 
of all who know him. 



TEMPEST SLINGER, a well-known hotel 
keeper at Philipsburg, Centre county, fur- 
nishes in his career an admirable example of 
British pluck and enterprise. He was born in 
England, December 23, 1847, and is a descend- 
ant of an old Yorkshire family. 

His paternal grandfather, for whom he was 
named, was a native of Slaidburn, in that county, 
and followed agricultural pursuits there all his 
life, his death occurring in 1847 when he was 
aged seventy-five years. He married a Miss 
Wilkinson, and reared a family of eight or nine 
children, all of whom lived to a good old age. 
Nicholas Slinger, our subject's father, was born 
in Yorkshire in 1816, and after a busy life as a 
farmer is now enjoying his declining years in well- 
earned leisure. His wife, Jane Seed, also a na- 
tive of Yorkshire, was born in 1820, and is still 
living, the fifty-sixth anniversary of their mar- 
riage being celebrated in November, 1896. She 
is of a long-lived family, her father, Thomas 
Seed, having attained the age of eighty-four. 
Our subject was one of a family of eleven chil- 
dren: (1) William died at seven years of age; 
(2) Ann died at twenty-six; (3) Jane is the widow 
of Henry Slater, of England; (4) Tempest is the 
subject of this sketch; (5) John Thomas, who is 
married, is superintendent for T. Barnes, of 
Philipsburg; (6) Elizabeth Alice is the wife of 
Major Nutter, of the English army; (7) Mary 
Ellen is the wife of William H. Heath; (8) Emma 
G. is not married; (9) Margaret, who married 
Robert Hindle, lives in the old country; (10) 
George N. is an attorney at law in England; (11) 
Nancy died at the age of two years. 

Mr. Slinger attended the schools of his native 



place until he reached the age of fifteen, and he 
was early trained to practical work upon his fa- 
ther's farm, where dairying was an especial feat- 
ure. His active and aspiring mind was not sat- 
isfied with the outlook for business, and he deter- 
mined to seek a more promising field for his ef- 
forts. On January 1, 1884, he landed at Phila- 
delphia, and in the course of a prospecting tour 
he visited Philipsburg, but after four months he 
went to Cuba and became interested in the man- 
agement of a sugar plantation, remaining four 
months. He then returned to Philipsburg, where 
for a time he was engaged at a coal mine as 
weigh boss, but later devoted his attention to the 
hotel business with a diligence that has won him 
success. In April, 1893, he took unto himself a 
life partner, Miss Elizabeth Ann Goshorn, a resi- 
dent of Philipsburg. They are prominent mem- 
bers of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Slinger has 
always shown an active interest in local progress, 
and in the political problems of his adopted coun- 
try, voting the Democratic ticket. 



LS. BRICKER is a representative of the 
1 mercantile interests of Boalsburg, Centre 

county, and in his life there is an exemplification 
of what can be accomplished through diligence 
and earnest application, guided by sound judg- 
ment. He is now conducting one of the best 
groceries and general provision stores in the place, 
and by courteous treatment of his customers and 
fair dealing has built up a good trade, receiving a 
liberal share of the public patronage. 

The Bricker family has long been identified 
with the interests of Centre county. Joseph 
Bricker, the grandfather of our subject, came 
from Lebanon county, Penn., and was a carpen- 
ter of Millheim at an early day in its history. 
There his death occurred in 1855. In his family 
were the following children: Henry (now de- 
ceased), who was a blacksmith at Salona, Penn. ; 
John C, the father, of our subject; William, a 
farmer; Samuel, a tailor and merchant; Joseph, 
a farmer — all of Fremont, Ind.; Mrs. Louisa 
Hoffnagle and Mrs. Elizabeth Lingle, also of 
Fremont, Ind. ; Mrs. Rebecca Miller, of Mill- 
heim, Penn.; Mrs. Malinda Best, of Kansas; and 
Catherine, wife of John McGill, of Lock Haven, 
Pennsylvania. 

John C. Bricker, father of our subject, was 
born in Millheim, August 18, 1827, where he 
obtained a meagre education in its public schools, 
and at an early age served an apprenticeship to 
the shoemaker's trade. About 1840 he estab- 
lished a shop in Boalsburg which he conducted 
a number of years, when he moved to Pine Grove 



284 



COMMEMORA TIVR BIOQ ltM'HKM. RECORD. 



Mills, Penn., and in i860 bought a farm two 
miles west of Boalsburg, where he lived till 
1S74, when he removed into Boalsburg, and 
died there in 1N77. He married Rosanna Condo, 
who still lives in Boalsburg. and by her he had 
six children, two of whom dud in infancy, the 
others being as follow- Emma, now the wife 
of B. l'>. Cramer, an inn keeper oi Punxsutawney, 
Penn.; Mitchell, a coachsmith, living in Lewis- 
town, Penn. , who married Sarah 1 [assinger; Laird. 
a coachsmith, who married Clara Wirtz, 
and died of typhoid (ever Februarj 9, 1880; and 
L. S., the subject of this review. 

Our subject was born May 12. 1859, at Pine 
Grove Mills, Ferguson township. Centre county. 
While at the Branch school in College township 
he obtained his primary education, his first 
teacher being John Bathurst. As he was eighteen 
years of age when his father died, he immi 
ately took up the shoemaker's trade under Rob- 
ert Gunsollus, of Boalsburg, and continued to 
follow the same in that place for eleven years. 
In 1889 he was appointed postmastei al Boals- 
burg, which position he satisfactorily filled for 
four years and a half, when he wai removed for 
political reasons, and he left the office as he had 
entered it with the confidem e and respect of all, 
and has the satisfaction of knowing that his 
office was one of five fourth-class offices in Cen- 
tre count} . graded as "excellent." Since 1893 
he has successfully conducted Ins present store. 

Mr. Bricker was united in marriage with Miss 
Laura E. Stover, a native of Unionville, Centre 
county, and the ninth in order of birth in the 
family of twelve children born to William and 
Sophia (Richard) Stover, the former a native of 
Hartslog Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., the 
latter born at "Rattlesnake Inn," on the sum- 
mit of the Alleghany Mountains. For a time 
Mrs. Bricker was a student in Eden Seminar] 
(since dissolved), but completed her literary edu- 
cation in the Boalsburg Academy, after which 
she successfully engaged in teaching school in the 
village of Unionville and Union township, Cen- 
tre county. By her marriage she has become 
the mother of three children: Maud, who was 
born February 9, [881, and died November 3, 
1883; John W., born November 27, 1883; and 
Howard, born October 22, 1888, 

Mr. Bricker is a recognized leaders in the 
ranks of the Republican party in his community, 
and for ten years served as chairman of the 
township committee, while in 1896 he was a 
candidate on that ticket for the office of treas- 
urer of Centre county. His honorable business 
methods and his upright life have gained him pres- 
tige in the community where he has long made 



his home, and his genial manner enables him to 
make friends easily, and when once a friendship 
is gained it is always his. 



QOTTLIEB HAAG, a well-known resident of 
Bellefonte, Centre county, is one of the 
prosperous German-born citizens of that thriving 
town, and his success is the more notable from 
the fact that at the time of his landing in New 
York, when a young man of twenty-five years, 
he had only two dollars in his pocket. 

Mr. Haag was born in Wittenberg. Mehrstet- 
ten, German}-, June 14. 1829, the son of George 
Haag, and grandson of George Haag, Sr. The 
father was a native of the same place, born in 
1804, and was a carpenter by trade. He mar- 
ried Catherine Mant/.. who was born in Hunder- 
sengen 111 1S05. Both were devout members of 
the Lutheran Church. The father died at sev- 
enty years of age, and the mother lived to be 
fifty-six. Of their ten children, the subject of 
this sketch is the eldest. George is a lockmaker 
111 Switzerland. Magdalene married Mr. Ruse, 
and resides in Germany. Ludwig was killed b) 
an accident in Germany. Margaret married John 
Scheidenberger, a miller at Warrensburg, Mo 
Philip resides at Williamsport, Penn. Christina 
met her death by accident at the age of seven 
years. Llizabeth, widow of John Reutter, re- 
sides at the old home. The youngest child died 
at an early age. 

Gottlieb Haag learned the carpenter's trade 
in his native land, and in 1854 he came to 
America in search of better opportunities for ad- 
vancement in life. Naturally he had to spend 
some time in prospecting for a suitable field for 
his labors, and he worked at West Hoboken. 
N. J., and Union Hill, N. J., before locating in 
Schuylkill county, Penn, where he remained 
twelve years. He then passed a number of years 
at Cressona and Pottsville, and several years at 
Williamsport, when he established himself in 
business at Pleasant Gap, Centre county, build- 
ing a hotel and distillery there, the latter being 
put into operation June 24, 1874, for the whole- 
sale whiskey trade. In addition to this distiller] 
he owns, at that place, a gristmill and ten acres 
of land. Mr. Haag is an adept in the hotel 
business, having been engaged in it some thirtv 
years altogether, at Pottsville, Pleasant Gap and 
Bellefonte. For nine years past he has been a 
resident of Bellefonte, where he bought tw 
valuable lots, upon which he erected two double 
houses and a commodious stable, with other 
first-class improvements. He also is the owner 
of the "Hotel Haag" property at Bellefonte 



I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



285 



He adheres to the religion of his parents, being a 
member of the Lutheran Church, and, in his 
political views, he is a Democrat of the Free- 
silver type. 

On November 13, 1854, Mr. Haag married 
Miss Catherine Treyz, a native of Germany, 
born September 7, 1828, about fifteen miles 
from his early home. They have had no chil- 
dren of their own, but have reared two boys, 
who are now like sons to them: John C. Mul- 
finger, who was born February 3, 1859, was 
taken into our subject's home at the age of six 
years, and at present has charge of the hotel 
and distillery at Pleasant Gap. He married 
Miss Kate Mundreich, and has had eight chil- 
dren: Kate, Maggie, John, Gertrude, Gottlieb, 
David (deceased), Edward and Frederick. Harry 
Haag, who was formally given the name of his 
adopted parents, is in charge of the stable de- 
partment of the "Hotel Haag" at Bellefonte, 
under Daniel C. Keller, who keeps the hostelry. 
He married Miss Maggie Noll, and has four chil- 
dren: Mabel. Ralph, Gottlieb and Philip. 



D 



t,ANIEL FLISHER, one of the old and hon- 
ored residents of Potter township, Centre 
county, was born June 12, 181 1, in Lower Pax- 
ton, Hanover township, Dauphin Co., Penn. , a 
son of Daniel and Catharine (Keller) Flisher. 
He is the fourth in order of birth in their family 
of seven children — three sons and four daugh- 
ters — the others being as follows: Elizabeth, 
who married John Osman, and died in Centre 
Hall, Centre county; Michael, who died in Stone 
Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn.; Polly, who mar- 
ried Daniel From, and died in Nebraska; Susan, 
who married Dr. James Powley, and died at 
East Liverpool, Ohio; John, who died in Car- 
rollton, Ohio; and Katy, widow of John Gentzle, 
of Penn township, Centre county. 

The father, who was a farmer by occupation, 
died about 18 18 in Upper Paxton, Lykens Val- 
ley, Dauphin county, whither he had removed 
during the infancy of our subject. He left a 
good farm of 160 acres, but a small debt of $900 
rested upon it, and the times being hard had to 
be sold for $1,000, and afterward was sold for 
$90 per acre by the sheriff. His death was 
caused by falling from a hay mow, which in- 
jured him internally. He was a brave and loyal 
man, and had served as a soldier in the war of 
1812. About 1823 the mother, with her children, 
came to Centre county, where her brother, Jacob 
Keller, had previously located. They came the 
entire distance in a covered wagon, and narrowly 
escaped being drowned while crossing the Sus- 



quehanna river at Liverpool, Penn., after a 
freshet when the water was very high. The few 
dollars that the family possessed was invested in 
a small tract of land near Tusseyville. The 
mother died at the home of her daughter in 
Gregg township, Centre county, at the age of 
seventy-three years. 

The privileges afforded our subject for se- 
curing an education were very poor. He had 
just begun the study of arithmetic when he was 
forced to lay aside his books and aid in the sup- 
port of the family. By experience and observa- 
tion, however, he has acquired a good practical 
knowledge. At the age of eleven years he was 
hired out by his mother, at first receiving only 
fifty cents per month, although he did all the 
plowing on the farm. When sixteen years of age 
he began learning the shoemaker's trade in Pot- 
ter township, under his brother, Michael, and 
after mastering the business worked at the same 
for about fifteen years in that locality. 

Before he had attained his majority, Mr. 
Flisher was married near Spring Mills, Centre 
county, to Miss Polly Boone, who was born in 
Berks county* Penn., in 1812, and they became 
the parents of seven children, namely: William, 
who died at the age of twenty-three years; Jared, 
a resident of Jamestown, N. Y. ; Eliza J., now 
Mrs. William Jordan, of Adams county, Ohio; 
Isaiah, a traveling salesmen of Philadelphia, 
Penn.; Catharine, at home; Uriah S.. of Los 
Angeles, Cal. ; and Ellen, who married Julian 
Fleming, and died in Centre Hall, Centre coun- 
ty. The wife and mother died in January, 1876, 
and was buried in Tusseyville cemetery. On 
April 10, 1879, in Centre Hall, Mr. Flisher was 
again married, this time to Miss Mary A. Shirk, 
a native of Potter township, and a daughter of 
Joseph and Eliza (Benner) Shirk. Before her 
marriage she successfully carried on dressmaking. 
She is a most excellent woman, and a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

After his first marriage, Mr. Flisher lived for 
a short time with his widowed mother, and later 
rented a small house, which was so meagerly 
supplied with household goods that his young 
wife had not even a dough tray. For several 
years he gave his entire time and attention to 
his trade, and after embarking in fanning also 
did odd jobs at shoemaking. The first property 
he owned consisted of forty acres of land in Pot- 
ter township, near Colliers, which he operated 
until 1844, when he sold the same and purchased 
eighty-five acres, known as the Flisher home 
farm. Upon that place he continued to reside 
until 1879, when he removed to Centre Hall and 
bought his present comfortable home. He is. 



286 



I OMMEMORATIVS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the owner of two fine farms in Potter township, 
aggregating over two hundred acres, one of 
which, a tract of over one hundred acres, cost 
him $105 per acre; he also has 450 acres of tim- 
ber land. 

Mr. Flisher has been a stanch Democrat in 
politics since casting his first Presidential vote 
for Andrew Jackson, and has never missed a 
Presidential election. His recollection of the 
issues of the various campaigns is remarkable, 
and, for his years, not one man in a thousand re- 
tains their mental faculties, or is as active in 
body as our subject. As a systematic farmer he 
was foremost among the best of Potter township, 
and still continues to manage his business inter- 
ests. He has held different township offices, and 
at the present time is serving as overseer in Cen- 
tre Hall. When a young man he was elected 
captain of a militia company, but being of a re- 
tiring nature he declined the honor. Reared by 
a Christian mother, religious influences have 
clung to him, and he has long been a faithful and 
active member of the Reformed Church, of 
which for years he has been elder, and has also 
served as deacon. The object of respect by 
\ 1 >img and old, Mr. Flisher is greeted with affec- 
tion and esteem, and in his declining years is en- 
joying the reward of a well-ordered life, and one 
in which he has exerted himself to do good to 
those around him. 



DANIEL DAUP, one of the most skillful and 
thorough farmers of Potter township, be- 
longs to an honored and highly respected family 
■ if Centre county. His father, Joseph Daup, a 
native of Wurtemburg, Germany, was born March 
9, 1 8 16, and is one of the eight children (six of 
whom grew to adult age) born to Xavier and 
Christina Daup. He is the only one of the fam- 
ily to come to the United States. 

At the age of fifteen years, Joseph Daup be- 
1 learning the blacksmith trade, and later 
worked as a journeyman in various country shops 
and towns until he received letters from friends 
in America, telling him of the excellent opportu- 
nities here afforded poor young men. Saving 
his money until he had enough to pay his pass.! 
he, in March, [849, embarked on a schooner at 
Bremen for New York, which port he reached 
after a long and stormy voyage of sixty-live days, 
during which time the vessel was driven as far 
north as Greenland. For a short time he re- 
mained with acquaintances in New York City, 
and then went to New Jersey where his friends 
were living, but found it difficult to obtain work. 
He was first employed in Lewistown, Penn., on 



the construction of the canal and in the stone 
quarries, where he contracted ague, and the few 
dollars that he had saved went for board. As 
! soon as he had sufficiently recovered to travel he 
crossed the Seven Mountains to Potters Mills, 
Centre county, where he arrived October 14, 
1849, and secured his first work at his trade in 
the United States, being employed by John Haney 
at $7 per month and board. After working for 
others for two years he started a shop of his own. 

In the fall of 1850, at Potters Mills, Joseph 
Daup was united in marriage with Catharine 
Decker, who was born at the Loop, in Potter 
township, November 6, 1823, adaughter of Nicho- 
las and Mar) 1 l'echt) Decker, in whose family 
were five children, the others being Sarah, widow 
of Daniel Auman, of Potter township; Henry, 
who died in that township; John, who died near 
Boalsburg, Centre county; and Mary, a resident 
of Pottertownship. The father of these children 
was a mason by trade, but the later years of his 
life were spent in farming. He died at the age 
of seventv-one \ears, his wife at the age of sev- 
enty-three, and the}' were buried in the Tussey- 
ville cemetery. Six children were born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Daup: Elizabeth, now the wife of 
Aaron Zerby, of Penn township), Centre county. 
Amelia, wife of A. C. Ripka, of Potter township; 
Daniel, of this sketch; Sarah, wife of William 
Ertel, of Penn township; Ellen, wife of Jefferson 
Heckman, of Gregg township; and Hettie, wife 
of Charles Leister, of Sprucetown, Centre county. 

After his marriage, Joseph Daub located in 
Centre Hill, where he owned his first shop, and 
carried on business there some four years, after 
which he went to Penn township, and bought 
another shop and several acres of land. Two 
years later, however, he sold out, and from 1858 
made his home in Sprucetown, where he followed 
his trade continuously until recent years, when 
failing health compelled him to abandon it. He 
died April 27, 1897, aged eighty-one years, one 
month and eighteen days. For many years he 
was an active member of the United Evangelical 
Church, in which he acted as class leader, ex- 
horter and trustee, and enjoyed the esteem and 
confidence of all who knew him. In politics be 
was a Democrat, but never cared for official dis- 
tinction. He and his estimable wife reared a 
family of which tluy were justly proud, all occu- 
pying honorable positions in society. 

Daniel Daup was born March 17, 1856, in 
Penn township, and when a child accompanied 
his parents to Sprucetown, where he was reared 
tn manhood. His early education was obtained 
at the Egg Hill school, where his first teacher 
was Mary Hennigh. At an early age he began 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



287 



assisting his father in the shop, where he soon 
acquired a good knowledge of the trade, though 
he never served a regular apprenticeship. He 
remained with his parents until his marriage, at 
the age of twenty-seven, to Miss Jennie A. 
Evans, a daughter of Evan and Anna (Miller) 
Evans, who belonged to one of the best families 
of Potter township. They began their domestic 
life in Sprucetown, where Mr. Daup was em- 
ployed by his father for one year, and then 
removed to the Rankin farm, in George's Valley, 
which property he rented for two years. He 
then took up his residence upon the Dauberman 
farm, in Potter township, where he was a tenant 
until the spring of 1897, when he returned to the 
Rankin farm, which he had purchased in 1895. 
It comprises 1 1 5 acres of excellent land, which 
he has placed under a high state of cultivation, 
and made many useful improvements thereon. 

Mr. Daup is a stanch Democrat, yet no poli- 
tician or office-seeker, content with regularly 
casting his vote for its men and measures at State 
and National elections, but on local affairs he 
votes independent of party ties. He and his wife 
are earnest members of the United Evangelical 
Church, in which he is serving as steward and 
trustee, and also as teacher in the Sunday-school. 
He is one of the steady-going, prosperous farm- 
ers of Potter township, one who has made his 
own way in the world, whose integrity is unques- 
tioned, and who, as a citizen, holds a prominent 
place in the estimation of his neighbors and 
friends. 



^/ D. THOMAS, of Aaronsburg, Centre coun- 
MUl ty, is well known as a successful educator 
through twenty-two years of faithful and efficient 
service. Although he has recently retired from 
that profession, his work will not readily be for- 
gotten by the many who have been helped by 
him in the steep and sometimes weary paths of 
knowledge. 

Prof. Thomas was born in Haines township, 
Centre county, April 26, 1851, and so far his life 
has been spent mainly in that locality. Jacob 
Thomas, his grandfather, was born December 9, 
1767; confirmed April 12, 1795, by Rev. Loch- 
man (Lutheran); married in 1797 to Christiana 
Ensminger, and died December 31, 1824. His 
wife Christiana was born about 1768, and died 
1855 or '56; both are buried in the vicinity of 
Annville, Lebanon Co., Penn., where they 
resided. Jacob and Rebecca (Dutwiler) Thomas, 
parents of our subject, were both natives of 
Lebanon county, Penn. The father was born 
April 24, 1808, and received his early education 



in the German schools of that day, his knowledge 
of English being "picked up" incidentally. Be- 
ing bereft of his father at the age of sixteen, he 
found himself obliged to assume the manage- 
ment of his mother's farm, which he continued 
until his marriage to Miss Dutwiler, who was 
born near Palmyra, September 14, 181 1, daugh- 
ter of John and Anna Mary (Williams) Dutwiler, 
who resided on a farm near Campbelltown, Leb- 
anon Co., Penn., and are both buried at Camp- 
belltown. Mrs. Thomas, who lost her father 
when she was fourteen years old, received fair 
educational advantages for that day, and was a 
woman of fine mental ability. For a time after 
their marriage they remained in Lebanon county, 
and one child was born there: Elizabeth, who 
married George Y. Stover, and died in Stover, 
South Dakota. 

In 1832, Jacob Thomas, of Annville town- 
ship, Lebanon Co., Penn., in company with two 
other gentlemen, started to seek a place whereon 
to locate. Land in Lebanon county having ad- 
vanced in price beyond his means of acquiring a 
farm (he having only limited means), and hav- 
ing in view the western part of Ohio, they trav- 
eled as far west as Dayton, but for some reason not 
finding a satisfactory place to locate. On their 
way home they came to Centre county, Penn., 
their first point of observation being Boalsburg; 
from there they came to Haines township and 
bought the farm upon which Mr. Thomas located. 
He had traveled the whole distance of 1,060 miles 
on horse-back, being gone about six weeks, and in 
April, 1833, Jacob Thomas and his wife settled 
upon this farm in Haines township, Centre county. 
There nine children were born to them, our sub- 
ject being the youngest of the family. The 
others were John, now of Clinton county, Penn. ; 
Christiana, who married George Hoover, and 
died in Shingletown, Penn.; Anna M., who re- 
sides in Aaronsburg; Rebecca, who married Jesse 
Snyder, and died near Penn Hall, Penn. ; Jacob 
D., a resident of Illinois; Adam J., a carpenter 
at State College; Jeremiah, now of Illinois; and 
Aaron, a carpenter at Centre Hall. 

Jacob Thomas made farming his lifelong oc- 
cupation. He was over six feet in height, and 
enjoyed excellent health, even his last ailment, 
rheumatism of the heart, afflicting him only a 
short time. He was very industrious, and while 
rearing a large family, managed to secure a fair 
competence. His death came just at the time 
when he was in a position to realize the benefits 
of his labors. While he was a firm believer in 
the principles of the Republican party, he did 
not allow his partisan prejudice to blind him, and 
at times voted independently. Never a politician 



:'>- 



I !/.»/ i:\10RAT1VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in the strict sense of the word, he yel took an 
active interest in local affairs and held the office 
of school director several times, as well as other 
township offices. He was also active in religious 
work as a member of the Reformed Church, 
holding various official positions. His death oc- 
curred at the old homestead March 29, 1864; his 
wife passed away January 7, 1884, and the re- 
mains of both are interred at Aaronsburg. 

As a boy the subject of this sketch found the 
outlook for an education most unpromising. The 
schools near the homestead were none of the 
best, but he made good use of the facilities which 
they offered. His first teacher was Thomas 
Frhart, and Mr. Thomas has had the satisfaction 
of presiding over the same school room in which 
he spent his first day as a pupil. He remained 
at home until his widowed mother removed to 
Aaronsburg and then as she, though in comfort- 
able circumstances, was not able to spare the 
funds necessary to secure him better educationa 
advantages, he determined to secure them him- 
self. For several years he worked as a farm 
hand for leading agriculturists, his first employer 
being Clay Allison, ol Nittany Valley, who paid 
him $8 per month. With the money thus earned 
he attended the academy at Aaronsburg, also the 
County Normal at Centre Hall, alternately work- 
ing and studying. 

In his twentieth year, Mr. Thomas began his 
successful career as a teacher in the St. Paul dis- 
trict of Haines township, Centre county, and, 
with the exception of one term in Miles township, 
the entire twenty-two years of work were spent 
in the former locality, six successive years being 
passed at Aaronsburg. He was never content 
to merely " keep school," the responsibilities of 
his position as a guide to those entrusted to him 
were too keenly realized for that, and the inces- 
sant care incident to the work when conscien- 
tiously done caused him to retire in [894 from the 
profession, A taste for carpentering jseems to be 
hereditary in the family, and many <>f Mr 
Thomas' vacations have been given to that work. 
One summer was spent in Efhingham county, 
111. He owns a house in Centre Hall, but since 
the death of his mother he has made his home in 
Aaronsburg, where he owns a residence and 
several lots. I lis success, won a- n has been by 
his own efforts, is will deserved. 

Mr. Thomas is a Republican on national 
issues, but does not believe that party allegiance 
should extend to local affairs, and lie has at tii 
supported other candidates for township and 
county offices. He is no place seeker himself, 
but has held some minor positions. As .1 mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church, he contributes to 



the work of that society, and as a good citizen 
takes a loyal interest in all that tends to promote 

progress. 

SAMUEL FOSTER LYTLE, M. D., de- 
' ceased October 9, 1 S96, occupied for a score 
of years a prominent position in his profession, 
and was recognized by his colleagues, far and 
near, as one of the leading physicians of Centre 
county. He was a member of the County, State 
and National Medical Associations. President of 
the Board of Health, and State Health Inspector 
for his District. Esteemed as he was by the 
members of his profession, the people, whose 
good fortune it was to be subject to his ministra- 
tions, loved him for his sympathetic nature, and 
venerated him for his rare ability and skill. 

Possessing as an inheritance the qualities of 
an ancestry whose lineage was noble in the 
highest sense, not because of descent from pro- 
genitors of rank and title, but because of that in- 
trinsic strain of valor, firmness and fineness of 
character, and integrity of purpose which is the 
measure of worth and constitutes true nobility 
and gentility. He was also richly endowed by 
nature with a talent for the profession he loved 
and to which his life was devoted. 

The remote history of Dr. Lytle's family goes 
back to County Donegal. Ireland, where the 
name still adheres, honored and respected, and 
begins in this country with the settlement of a 
branch of the family in Lancaster county, Penn.. 
more than a century ago, where they became 
distinguished for their patriotism during the 
period of the Revolution. Foremost in loyalty 
was Col. Andrew Lytle. who was commissioned 

olonel of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment in 
the Revolutionary army, July 23. 1 78 1, in com- 
mand of which he served with distinction, re- 
ceiving the personal commendation of Cen. 
Washington, and honorable mention in the 
Archives of the State. He was a charter member 
of the Order of the Cincinnati, and died in 1784 
of camp fevei His son, Isaac Lytic, grandfa- 
ther of Dr. Lytle, was born in Lampeter. Lan- 
caster county, in 1772, and was married in 
1802, to Jane, daughter of Xaccheus Piersol. of 
a Valley, a descendant of an ancient and 
honorable Scotch family in direct line from Archi- 
bald Douglas. He removed to Harris township, 
Centre e, unity, in 1S14, where he died Septem- 

[854 Hi- eldest son, Griffeth, fathei 
Dr. Lytle, was born in 1806, coming with his 
father to 1 entre county in [814, where he en 
riculture, lb- married Susan Foster, 
born in Huntingdon county in 1S12, a woman of 
remarkable beauty of charater and refinemen; 




/^L£*-^- 




Mfr A:^, A i? 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



289 



manner. Purchasing a farm near Lemont, 
which is still the home of his eldest son, William, 
he resided there until 1855, when he bought a 
farm in the vicinity of State College, where his 
death occurred in 1875, his wife, Susan, surviv- 
ing him fifteen years. Of their ten children. Dr. 
Lytle was the youngest son. 

Dr. Lytle was born March 14, 1851, and 
from early childhood evinced a decided trend of 
mind toward medicine and surgery, which in- 
creased with years until in early manhood it be- 
came his passion and determined his career. 
Graduating from State College, he pursued the 
study of medicine under Dr. J. Y. Dale, of Le- 
mont, with the eagerness and intensity of one 
whose aspiration was to master the science. En- 
tering Bellevue Hospital Medical College as the 
next step forward in his profession, he graduated 
honorably in 1875. Still bent on the acquire- 
ment of learning, he pursued a post-graduate 
course at Columbia College before entering upon 
the active duties of a physician. At this time he 
received an appointment as surgeon in the regu- 
lar army, but the death of his father led him to 
decline the position. In the autumn of 1875 he 
came to Philipsburg, rapidly acquiring a prac- 
tice. Four years later he married Nannie, 
daughter of Thomas Crissman (deceased) and 
Margaret Crissman, whose family still occupy a 
position of high standing in the community. 

With the increase of his clientage as the Doc- 
tor's popularity increased, the demands upon him 
became so great that his health suffered from the 
strain; but through his deep sympathy with others 
and his great fortitude, he bore his own suffering 
silently and bravely, ministering to the sick when 
needing help himself, and struggling against 
physical disability that would have broken a less 
heroic spirit. Gentle and generous to the last, 
courteous and brave, he died literally with har- 
ness on, coming from the bedside of a patient 
where with all his skill he was fighting for the 
life of another against the dread destroyer, to 
yield suddenly his own life up to that relentless 
hand. 

Dr. Lytle was a man of broad culture, studi- 
ous habits, in touch with the most advanced 
movements in the science of medicine, and a 
type of the scholarly professional gentleman, be- 
loved and mourned by the community which he 
served and healed. 



DjAVID F. BOWERSOX, a prominent agri- 
culturist of Haines township, Centre county, 
is also known throughout that section as a suc- 
cessful veterinary surgeon, and for years his serv- 



19 



ices have been in demand whenever an injury or 
ailment of any live stock required skillful treat- 
ment. He possesses mechanical ability of a high 
order, and with no instruction has mastered the 
blacksmith's trade, being an expert at horse shoe- 
ing, and he has repaired rifles, guns and other 
fire-arms, and in many ways displays unusual 
talent in this line. 

Mr. Bowersox belongs to one of the oldest 
families of Centre county, his great-grandfather, 
George Bowersox, a native of Hanover, Penn., 
having settled in Potter township as a pioneer, 
following the blacksmith's trade and farming. 
He and his wife, Catherine Kister, each lived to 
be more than eighty years old, and they reared 
a family of six children: Jacob, David, George, 
Catharine, Elizabeth and Susan. 

David Bowersox, our subject's grandfather, 
was born in Centre county, and being reared to 
farming followed that occupation all his life. He 
married Elizabeth Stover, of Haines township, 
Centre county, a daughter of Adam and Catherine 
(Weaver) Stover. In his later years he purchased 
the Stover homestead, and settled there. He 
was short and spare in build, and died at the 
comparatively early age of fifty-eight years. In 
politics he was an ardent Democrat, and he be- 
longed to the Lutheran Church. His wife sur- 
vived him with two sons, John (our subject's fa- 
ther) and Philip (who died in Woodward, Penn ). 
The widow made her home for twenty-eight years 
with her son John, and died in Coburn when more 
than eighty years old, her remains being laid to 
rest beside those of her husband at Stover's 
Chapel, 

John Bowersox, the father of our subject, 
was born April 13, 1825, in Haines township. 
Centre county, and is now living in retirement 
at Coburn. His education was that which the 
schools of the time and locality afforded, being 
confined to an attendance for a few months of 
each year at the log school house at Stover's 
Chapel. A family lived in one part of this build- 
ing. The work at home was plentiful at all 
seasons, as in winter he could ride the horse 
while tramping out the grain in the barn, and 
the summer brought an increase of outdoor work. 

At eighteen he began to learn the trade of 
cigar maker and tobacconist with James Powley, 
in a shop that stood where the Coburn toll-gate 
has since been built. After finishing his appren- 
ticeship he worked at his trade for a year, but 
it did not agree with him, and he learned the 
tanner's trade in Aaronsburg with George Royer. 
This business he followed successfully for thirty- 
five years, devoting especial attention to prepar- 
ing leather for gloves, which were made by his 



290 



< OMMEMORATIVB BIO0 HM'llIiM. RECORD. 






employei -. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Mary Frederick, has been ol ^t'eat assistance to 
him. and at that time she made hundreds of 
dozens of pairs of gloves which our subject 
would take about the country for sale. Their 
marriage was celebrated October 8, 1846, in 
Hartley township, Union Co., Penn., where the 
bride's birth occurred May 14. 1 S 23. Her fa- 
ther, |ohn Frederick, was a weaver by trade, 
and depended upon his earnings for the support 
of his family of ten children — five sons and five 
daughters. He and his wife, Barbara Catherman, 
were each nearly eighty-four years old at death, 
and both win- buried at Laurelton, Penn. Our 
subject's mother was the third child and third 
daughter. Her educational advantages were 
meagre, but a bright and active mind has enabled 
lur to gather much practical information on va- 
rious subjects. 

After the death of David Bowersox, our sub- 
ject's father took the old homestead and followed 
farming there for several years; but in the spring 
of 1883 he removed to Coburn, where our sub- 
ject built for him a residence. He owns a farm 
ol 121 acres and a great deal of timber land. 
His industry and thrift, with the help of his 
economical wife, have won a notable success, 
and both are enjoying the fruits of their past la- 
bors in well-earned leisure. An excellent mem- 
ory enables him to review the incidents of his 
life with remarkable precision, and he recalls 
events that occurred in his third year. Our sub- 
ject is the eldest of three children, the others be- 
ing Chestie A., who married (first Henry J. 
Musser, and (second) A. P. Maize, of Aarons- 
burg; and J. A., who resides in Coburn. 

David F. Bowersox was born December 2 1 , 
1849, at the old home in Haines township, Cen- 
tre county, and the district schools of tin- tune 
furnished him his elementay instruction. Between 
the farm and the tannery there was plenty of 
work for him to do, and forty days of schooling in 
winter was considered a liberal amount for him. 
I very opportunity for study was eagerly seized 
by the bright boy, and as his patents permitted 
him to sit up late at night he was able to lay the 
foundation for a good practical education. 
Throughout his life he has been a warm friend 
of good public schools, his own experience em- 
phasizing their \ 

On March 11, 1 S 7 J . Mr. Bowersox was mar- 
ried, in Aaronsburg, to Miss Margaret A. Swanger, 
a native of Penn township, born Di 1 19, 

1852. Her father, Philip Swanger, was a shoe- 
maker, and he and his wife. Sarah (Won 
reared a family of eight children to adult 

twelve years after his marriage, Mr. Bower- 



rented the home farm from his lather, and 
although he then removed to another rented 
farm he returned later to the old place. In Feb- 
ruary, 1885, he purchased a farm of twenty acres, 
where he now resides, going in debt for it, and 
to this he has since added some mountain land, 
making a fine estate. Under his careful man- 
I ageinent the farm has been greatly improved, 
J the barn having been remodeled and some new 
buildings put up. His extensive veterinary prac- 
tice began in November, 1872, when the epizootic 
was prevalent, and his attention being once 
turned in that direction, his success in treating 
horses and other live stock was so great as to 
create a constant call for his services. While he 
has never graduated from a school in which this 
science is made a specialty, he has read all the 
authorities on the subject, and with his wide ex- 
perience in practical treatment is now an author- 
ity himself. 

Mr. Bowersox and his wife are leading mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, in which he holds 
the office of deacon. He also takes an active 
part in Sunday-school work. Two children. 
Sarah and John F. D., brighten their home. 
Courteous and intelligent, Mr. Bowersox is a 
pleasant companion, socially, his conversation 
being always interesting, while in business cir- 
cles he is equally esteemed as a reliable, success- 
ful man. Politically he was a Democrat until a 
constitutional amendment upon the temperance 
issue was called for, when, having long been a 
foe to intoxicants, he became a pronounced Pro- 
hibitionist. While deeply interested in political 
questions, he is not an office seeker, but has 
served as a judge of election. 



BB. HARTMAN. In the career of this gen- 
tleman we lind an excellent example for 

young men just embarking in the field of active 
life, of what may be accomplished by a man be- 
ginning poor, but honest, prudent and industri- 
ous. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth 
having occurred in Heidelburg township, Lehigh 
county, April 19, 1820, and he is a son of Simon 
and Elizabeth (Bysell) Hartman. The father, 
who was born, reared and married in the same 
county, was a son of Jonathan Hartman, who 
there died. The maternal grandfather of our 
subject w as Peter I lysell. 

About [824 Simon Hartman removed to 
Hartley township, Union Co., Penn . where he 
in 1 11 in . time, when there were 

a great many wild animals in the forests, such as 
wildcats, wolves, panthers and bears, who would 
approach the house and carry off sheep and hogs 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



291 



as their prey, arid could often be heard at night. 
Later Mr. Hartman followed weaving in the 
town of Hartleton, in the same county, where 
his death occurred at the age of seventy-one, and 
he was there buried. He was a Whig in politics, 
and an earnest member of the German Reformed 
Church, as was also his wife. She passed away 
in Millheim at the age of seventy-three years, 
and was laid to rest there. In their family were 
the following children: Lydia, who married Will- 
iam Hazel, and died in Wooster, Ohio; Saloma, 
who married George Catherman, and died in 
Union county, Penn. ; Peter, who died in Woos- 
ter, Ohio; R. B., subject of this sketch; Eliza- 
beth, who married John Royer, and died in 
Hartleton, Penn.; Rebecca, who married John 
Swartz, and died in Millheim; Caroline, who 
married James Rouch, and died in Clearfield 
county, Penn.; and Henry, and another that died 
in infancy. 

The early educational privileges which our 
subject received were not of the best, and his 
teachers often permitted the scholars to play 
rather than study. He was reared in much 
the usual manner of farmer boys, and on leaving 
home worked at farm labor for others. In 1839 
he started out to fight life's battle, and on the 
19th of May of that year arrived in Millheim 
with all his possessions on his back, his capital 
being his ambition. He first worked for John 
Harter, the pioneer carriage and wagon maker of 
the place, with whom he remained for several 
years. 

During that time, Mr. Hartman was married, 
June 1, 1843, to Margaret Harter (a daughter of 
his employer), who was born in Millheim, De- 
cember 12, 1824, and whose mother bore the 
maiden name of Mollie Shreffler. Eleven chil- 
dren blessed this union: Sarah J., who died in 
infancy; C. W., a molder, of Millheim; Mary E., 
wife of John Harshbarger, of the same place; 
Anna M., wife of Willis Weber, of Rebersburg, 
Centre county; Amelia M., wife of Leonard Sto- 
ver, of Haines township, Centre county; Lydia 
R., wife of Philip P. Leitzel, of Millheim; John 
H. B. , who is in partnership with our subject; 
William, a machinist, of Millheim; Minnie, wife 
of Adam Harter, of the same place; and Thomas 
and Gertie, who died in infancy, 

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Hartman began 
peddling the old Hathaway cook stoves, manu- 
factured by Search & Rockey, selling them 
throughout several counties in Pennsylvania, and 
later became foreman in their foundry. After 
acquiring considerable experience, he in company 
with his brother-in-law, J. D. Foote, purchased 
the foundry then owned by Haupt, Cummings & 



Haupt, which they conducted under the firm 
style of Foote & Hartman, manufacturing stoves, 
implements, mill gearings, plow points, and cast- 
ings in general. At the end of seven years, Mr. 
Hartman sold out and made a trip to Illinois, 
with the view of locating in the West, but soon 
returned to Millheim. He stopped at Bellefonte 
on his way back, and at a sheriff's sale purchased 
the property which he now owns. To the coach 
shop already standing he added a foundry, with 
which he has since' been connected; but is now 
practically living retired, leaving the active busi- 
ness management to his son. Besides his own 
comfortable residence he has also erected five 
others for his children. Always willing to lend a 
helping hand to those in need, he has sold many 
thousand dollars worth of goods on credit to men 
who were unable to pay for them at the time, 
and much of which he never collected. Integrity, 
honesty and fair dealings have characterized all 
his transactions, and his word has ever been con- 
sidered as good as his bond. 

Mr. Hartman was a Democrat in politics un- 
til 1892, since which time he has voted the Pro- 
hibition ticket at State and National elections, 
but on local affairs votes independent of party 
ties. He has served as a member of the council 
and school board of Millheim, but cares nothing 
for official preferment. Socially he is an Odd 
Fellow, while, religiously, both himself and wife 
have been active members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church since 1842, and for half a cen- 
tury he has served as class leader. They are 
earnest, sincere Christians, and their home has 
ever been the headquarters for visiting ministers. 
During the fifty-three years that have passed 
since they were made man and wife, they have 
been true to the vows taken, and Mrs. Hartman 
has proved a true helpmeet to her husband, cheer- 
ing him in hours of sorrow and adversity, and 
aiding in securing their present prosperity, which 
is so richly merited. 



JOHN WOLF, a representative and promi- 
nent citizen of Potter township, Centre county, 

was born August 21, 1824, upon a farm near 
Sprucetown, where the birth of his father oc- 
curred October 22, 1796. 

The family, which is quite numerous in 
Perm's Valley, was founded in Centre county, by 
Peter Wolf, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
who came from Carlisle, Penn., in the latter part 
of the seventeenth century. He had previously 
visited what is now Centre county, and being im- 
pressed with the locality returned to Cumberland 
county, where he owned considerable property, 






I 0MMEM0BAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 






which he at once disposed of with the intention 
of buying in Centre county. He received Conti- 
nental money for his property in Cumberland, 
and by the time he got to Perm's Valley he found 
it was worthless to paj for his land there. He 
located in the portion of Potter township which 
was known as Wolf's Den. wild wolves being 
very plentiful in that neighborhood, and with the 
aid of his family succeeded by improvement in 
securing a home. The deed to the land was ob- 
tained by Abraham Wolf, June iS, 1S10 (after 
the death of his father), grandfather of our sub- 
ject, and a portion of it is now in the possession 
of John Wolf, the subject of this review. 

Abraham Wolf, who throughout life followed 
the occupation of farming, was married in Cum- 
berland county. Penn., to a Miss Shauffner, and 
to them were born seven children —three sons 
and four daughters namely: in Cathari 
who married (first) John Hennigh, ;md (second i 
Phillip Grove. Their was one daughter by her 
second marriage, who when about seventeen 
years of age, along with two other children, dur- 
ing the absence ol their parents in Penn's Valley, 
at ,i camp meeting, was burned to death, their 
house it is supposed being set on tire by some 
men who were fishing at night by the aid ofliejit 
from pine knots. Mrs. Grove, some years after 
her husband's death, went to live with her son, 
Jacob Hennigh, in Illinois, and there died (2) 
Peter was the father of our subject. (3) Peggy 
married fohn Decker, and died in Potter town- 
ship. (4) Jacob's death occurred in Illinois. 
Polly K. married James McBride, and died in 
Ven inty, Penn. 6) [ohn, who was twice 

married, died in Kansas. His first wife was 
Mi \ Wagner, .1 cousin oi our subject (daughter 
of his mother's sistei |; she died when her first 
child, a daughter, was born, and both were 
buried in one coffin. They resided at Spruce- 
town, Penn., and the interment was made in 
etery, the second grave made there. 
(7) Elizabeth married Samuel Friese, and resides 
in Wisconsin. The parents ofthis family passed 
away in Centre county, and lie buried in what is 
now known as Tusseyville cemetery (then the 
Loop cemeten |, Potter township. 

Peter Wolf, the father, was a weaver by 
trade, which occupation he followed through the 
winter seas, ui, while in the summer he engaged 
in farming. He married Sally Ream, of Penn 
township, Centre COUnty, alter which he located 
upon the old home farm ol lus lather (at thai 
time deceased 1. taking the larm at the appraise- 
ment. Here his wife died in 1831, and her 
remains were interred in Tusseyville cemeti 
To this marriage there were born five children: 



Mary, who married Samuel Harter, and died in 
Iowa; Margaret, the wife of George Newcomer, 
of Iowa; John, the subject of this sketch; George, 
a prominent citizen of Freeport, 111., who served 
for one term as judge in Stephenson county, and 
died in September. 1896; and Peter, a resident 
of Dakota, 111. After the death of his first wife, 
the father married Catharine Karr, of Union 
county, Penn., who also died on the old home- 
stead, and lies buried at Egghill. Two children 
were born to this union: Leah, who died when 
young; and Catharine (now Mrs. Thomas To 
of Bellefonte. Penn. After the death of his 
second wife, the father broke up housekeeping, 
and died at the home of his son, Peter, near 
Dakota, 111., at the age of eighty-six years. He 
was a tall, robust man, and was successful in his 
farming operations, succeeding in accumulating a 
comfortable competence. In early life he was a 
Lutheran, but later joined the Albright Church; 
in politics he regularly supported the Democratic 
party. 

John Wolf began his education at the Long 
Bridge school, in Potter township, under the in- 
struction of Timothy Ladd, who came from the 
State of Maine. He was a cripple, and had 
always to keep his seat, being unable to walk. 
Mr. Ladd returned to Maine, and lived to be 
ninety-six years ol age This was a subscription 
school. The first free school that Mr. Wolf 
attended was at Egghill, one of the best country 
schools of the township, his teacher, at that 
time, being William Toner. When about seven- 
teen years of age, he left home to learn the 
cabinet-maker's trade, in Millheim, under Samuel 
Harter. During his apprenticeship of two and 
half years, he received only lus board and 
clothes and a two-weeks' vacation in harvest, at 
which interval he worked for fifty cents per day, 
thus securing spending money. For some time 
he continued to follow that trade, and when it 
was dull, he w< irked at carpentering. He went to 
Pittsburg, Penn., after the big fire there, in the 
spring of I S 4 5 , but not finding desirable employ- 
ment, he. along with five other men and a 
woman, went by boat to Cincinnati. Ohio. Thi 
fare from Pittsburg to Cincinnati was seventy-five 
cents each, and provisions twenty-five cent- 
each, tin trip, which occupied two days and two 
nights, thereby costing the party one dollar 
apiece, the woman doing the cooking for them. 
and at the end of their journey they still had 
some provisions left 1 >\ 1 1 

While in Cincinnati Mr. Wolf worked for on< 
week for his board; then he worked two weeks in 
Dayton, Ohio, and after paying for his board had 
just $2.25 left. Later he found employment in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



293 



the harvest fields in Perry county, Ohio, at fifty 
cents per day. From Ohio he went with another 
man, helping him for his expense in taking horsesto 
Washington, D. C. , where he had the pleasure' of 
seeing President Polk, and from there he re- 
turned on foot to his old home in Potter town- 
ship. To this Mr. Wolf adds the following: 
"On my way from Ohio to Washington, D. C, 
I traveled through Maryland and Virginia, and 
was there an eyewitness to some of the effects of 
slavery. I saw one woman and her daughter 
(about eight years old) driven away, while the 
husband and father had to remain behind. The 
little girl cried for her 'papa' to go along, but 
not being sold with the Tot', he could not go. 
It was this selling and breaking up of families 
that was so hard for the poor slaves, otherwise 
they were cared for better than the free negroes, 
or even most poor white people are ". While on 
this trip Mr. Wolf saw the first railroad cars that 
his eyes ever beheld. They were on the road 
from Baltimore to Cumberland, Md. In the 
spring of 1846 he went to Freeport, 111., in com- 
pany with his sister Margaret, and her husband, 
finding board and doing the cooking on the way, 
the journey being made in a wagon. Their trip 
was one that took them six weeks to make. This 
route was by way of Chicago, in which city they 
passed along Lake street, which was the muddiest 
piece of road on the route from Centre Hill, Penn. , 
to Freeport, 111. During the summer at Freeport 
he assisted in roofing the first brick house in the 
city. During the following winter and spring he 
worked at the carpenter's trade in Plainfield, 
Will Co., 111., for $10 per month and board, and 
in 1847 went with surveyors to the Black river 
valley in Wisconsin, before that State had been 
admitted to the Union, and while there were still 
Indians there. The country was very wild, the 
party walking for days and days through dense 
pine forests and over swamps. 

In the fall of 1847 Mr- Wolf returned to Pot- 
ter township, Centre Co., Penn., where, on Jan- 
uary 1, 1852, he was married to Miss Rebecca 
P. Sankey, who was born in 1828, in Nittany 
Valley, Clinton county, a daughter of James and 
Rebecca (Pennington) Sankey. Three children 
blessed their union: (1) Virginia, wife of David 
R. Sweet wood, of Potter township; they have 
four children — Charles M., Franklin W., Jennie 
A. and Verna C. (2) James, who died at the 
age of twenty-three years. (3) Sally, who was 
twice married, the first time to James Lee, by 
whom she had one son — Rufus Lee; her second 
husband is Jacob Kamp, of Lock Haven, Penn., 
by whom she has two children — Edna C. and 
John W. The mother of this family died in De- 



cember, 1876, and was buried in the Sprucetown 
cemetery. Later, the father married Miss Jen- 
nie E. Kohler, and they have one child — Mary 
M., at home. Our subject had purchased prop- 
erty near the Sprucetown Church, where for two 
years after his first marriage he made his home, 
working at carpentering, then removing to a 
farm owned by his father, and located in the 
northwest part of Potter township. On this 
farm, years before the Indians left the Valley, 
they killed a white man and took a young lady a 
prisoner. During the eleven years he resided 
on that place, Mr. Wolf followed farming ex- 
clusively. In 1865 he purchased a portion of 
the old Wolf homestead near Sprucetown 
Church, and erected thereon good and sub- 
stantial buildings, where he continued to reside 
until his removal, in 1890, to his present place 
adjoining the farm. Renting his farm, he has 
now practically laid aside business cares, and is 
enjoying a well-earned rest. Mr. Wolf began 
life without means, and may properly be num- 
bered among the self-made men of Centre coun- 
ty, who have attained a good position among 
their fellow-citizens by the exercise of their na- 
tive resolution and industry. At the time he 
started for Illinois he had just thirteen dollars in 
money to go on. To secure a competence he 
has also kept in view the good of the community, 
and he is one of the first men to be approached 
in the inauguration of any enterprise tending to 
build up the township and the welfare of its peo- 
ple. He cast one of the only two votes deposited 
in Potter township for Fremont in 1856, and also 
supported Lincoln at each election; but for the 
past twenty years he has been a Prohibitionist. 
During the Civil war (in the last draft made in 
1865) he was drafted, but sent another man in 
his place, paying him $550. He keeps himself 
well posted in regard to current events, espe- 
cially matters pertaining to prohibition, and 
justly deserves to be numbered among the hon- 
ored and valued residents of Centre county. He 
has never united with any Church. 

The following account of a trip made by Mr. 
Wolf, as one of a surveying party, from Free- 
port, 111., into Wisconsin in 1847 when the coun- 
try was new, in thus graphically described by 
him: "We started from Freeport, 111., went 
on foot with two horses with pack-saddles to the 
Mississippi river, which we crossed on a ferry- 
boat to Dubuque, Iowa. We had to wait there 
nearly a week before there was any boat going 
up the river. While there I saw the first Indians 
coming east to Indiana, where they had a Re- 
serve. The chief could talk some English and 
told us there was no game in Iowa, and couldn't 



294 



' OMMRMOBATIYB BIOGRAPHICAL UKioilD. 



live there. They crossed the river on the ferry- 
boat, which required several trips. After the 
first load had gone the chief knew what the 
price was for each Indian, pony and soon. He 
then got his money ready for the next load, and 
he appealed to Mr. Strohm, who was also from 
Centre county, Perm., and myself to see whether 
he was correct in his count, and said to us 
1 whiteman will cheat Indian.' We finally got 
a chance to goon a steamboat as far up the river 
as LaCrosse, Wis., which was as far as the boat 
went. We had to stay there several days (as 
boats seldom went farther up the river). At 
that point, and at that time there were seven 
little buildings only, in all were kept Hour, 
whiskey and some few groceries. The day after 
we arrived at LaCrosse, we were looking around. 
and were told by those keeping one of the larg- 
est stores there, that all of them were- out of 
flour and whiskey. The day before when the 
boat came they all got a new supply, and he had 
retailed one barrel of whiskey and half a band 
of flour, mostly to the Indians, as there were 
scarcely any white people at that place. The 
bossof our party hired a small boat, about thirty 
feet long, which we pushed along with long 
poles, which reached the bottom of the river. 
There was one place the water was so deep that 
we could not reach the bed ol the river and we 
had to i ross over to the Iowa side, and had to 
paddle the boat with our hands and with little bits 
of boards that happened to be on the boat. We 
were taken some distance down stream and the 
same occurred in getting back to the Wisconsin 
we found the mouth of the Black 
river. 

"The second evening after, on Black river, we 
stopped to get our supper, there came a few Indians 
to us and wanted some whiskey, but we had none. 
We had two barrels of mess-pork, which they 
thought were barrels of whiskey, so we had some 
trouble to make them understand the situation 
as they could not speak English, and wecouldn'1 
talk to them only by motions. They could say 
'whiskey.' and would point to the barrels 
and to their mouths. They went away, 
but soon returned and brought a few more In- 
dians with them, and a large fish weighing about 
thirty pounds, and also about a gallon of whor- 
tleberries which they wanted to trade for whis- 
key. We showed them the barrel of porkthatwe 
had opened, but they insisted for us to open the 
other barrel. Finally we got them convinced 
that we had no whiskey. We gave them some 
pork, bread and some money for the fish and 
berries, and then the)' left in peace. After we 
got up the river we stopped at a lumber camp 



and then we went about seven miles south of the 
river where some surveyors had been before we 
want there. They had run the land into town- 
ships, and we were to run the section lines. At one 
place we got on a high ridge, one side of which 
was straight up and down, and on looking around 
to see the sights I stepped on a big rock that lay 
nearly on a balance over-hanging the other 
rocks. This nearly pitched me over, hut I 
st( pi" 1 back and told Strohm that it wouldn't 
take much to tumble it over, which we did with 
verylittle lilting, and when it struck below, it 
broke into many pieces, which we could see roll- 
ing down into the valley. I just thought we 
would put it out of the way for somebody might 
go there some time, and step on it as I did, and 
tumble over. Well we did not finish the sur- 
veying as one of our men got hurt in one of his 
legs, and we had nothing with us to doctor him 
with, so the bo- him to the river, and 

lit went home Alter this I did his work (which 
was that of flagman) and my own, too (which 
was marking lines and corners). About a week 
later one of the chain carriers ran away. He 
went to the Black river, where he picked up a little 
boat and went back to Galena, 111. Mr. Strohm 
and I helped him away without the boss knowing 
it, we were both tired of the job; then we could 
not go on with the work. lour oi us that 

were left started for Freeport, 111., on foot with 
the two horses. W< our days ingetting to 

the first little settlement, and we had only taken 
provision for three days, the distance hemi; so 
ninety miles, so the last day we had nothing but 
coffee. The settlers were out of flour, but had 
a little cornmeal and milk, s,, we hail mush and 
milk for supper. Thesettlers had sixty miles to 
For tlour. The next day we got to another 
settlement and soon ware provided for. " 

I lie reason for Mr. Wolf's going t<> Illinois 
was that in the east there was little work to be 

id at such wages as would satisfy him Wages 
were low. He had been offered work at his 
trade at eight dollars per month, but he was 
furnish his own tools, and was required to ; 
his board on Sundays, and his laundry He had 
been offered six dollars a month and board 
drive a team, but this he declined as the hours 
were long from 6 a. m. to 6 p. m. with other 
unsatisfactory features about it. This was in 
the spring ot [846. That same sear, while in 
Chicago, he applied to a cabinet-maker for work, 
and was offered employment at piece work 
follows: for making a breakfast table, seventy- 
five cents; for making a bedstead, forty cents; 
and all other kinds of work in proportion. At 
that time it took a workman two days or longer 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



295 



to make a table, so Mr. Wolf figured that at 
such prices he could make about thirty-eight 
cents per day. These prices were without board 
and lodging, which was three dollars per week. 
On Mr. Wolf's stating that he did not see how 
men could work for such prices, his reply, in 
substance, was that foreigners coming to that 
city would do it as they could live on about five 
cents a day. Mr. Wolf could then do about as 
much work as any other man, but he could not 
live on five cents a day or compete with men 
who did. 

C\HARLES GUMMO is numbered among the 
' leading and enterprising farmers of Patton 
township, Centre county, and is also a stone 
mason by trade. He comes from "over the 
sea," his birth having occurred in Wittenberg, 
Germany, March 24, 1827, and is a son of 
Charles and Elizabeth (Behrer) Gummo, both 
now deceased, the former dying in 1830, and the 
latter in 1888. They were the parents of four 
children, the others being Madaline, wife of B. 
Ruskin; Caroline, who married, and reared a 
family; and John, who married, and spent his en- 
tire life in the Fatherland. 

In the land of his nativity Charles Gummo 
was reared and educated, and in 1852 he married 
Frederica Bardt. In the following year he sailed 
with his wife for America, landing in New York 
May 19, 1853. He was the only one of his fam- 
ily who ever sought a home in the New World, 
but here he has prospered, and is the owner of a 
good farm of forty acres in Patton township, 
Centre Co., Penn., which is under a high state 
of cultivation and well improved with good and 
substantial buildings. Before coming to this 
country he had served for four years in the Ger- 
man army, was therefore well drilled and dis- 
ciplined, and during the dark days of our Civil 
war, enlisted in the Union army September 14, 
1864. On the battle field he was a brave and 
fearless soldier, and for meritorious conduct was 
promoted to lieutenant in the spring of 1865. 
Among the important engagements in which he 
participated was the battle of Stony Creek. 
When the war was over and his services were no 
longer needed he was honorably discharged June 
7, 1865, and returned home. 

Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Gummo, namely: Charles F., who is mar- 
ried, and living in Wisconsin; Frederick, who is 
married, and is a farmer of Pine Grove Mills, 
Centre county; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Dun- 
lap, also of Pine Grove Mills; Andrew, married, 
and engaged in farming in Patton township. Cen- 
tre county; George, married, and also a farmer 



of the same township; William, a resident of 
Wisconsin; John, who is married and is an agri- 
culturist' of Pine Grove Mills; Emma, wife of Ed- 
ward Louck, a farmer of Ferguson township, 
Centre county; David, who is married and is 
fireman in a sawmill in Patton township; Katha- 
rine, now a resident of California; Minnie, at 
home; and two children who died in early child- 
hood. 

Since casting his first vote in i860, Mr. 
Gummo has been a stalwart Democrat in politics. 
Socially he is connected with the Grange, while 
in religion he is a member of the United Breth- 
ren Church. That he is true and loyal to the 
interests of his adopted country was manifest 
by his service in the Civil war, and for injuries 
sustained in that struggle he now receives a pen- 
sion of $12 per month. 



/*V\EORGE B. WEAVER, a valued and es- 
VJI teemed resident of Rebersburg, was formerly 
an agriculturist of Miles township, Centre coun- 
ty, and enjoyed more than ordinary success, but 
has now laid aside the cares v and responsibilities 
of active business life, and is enjoying a well- 
earned rest. He was born in Miles township, in 
August, 1 82 1, a son of John Weaver, also a na- 
tive of Centre county, whose father was one of 
the pioneers of Brush Valley, coming from 
southern Pennsylvania to Centre county in the 
latter part of the eighteenth century. He was a 
farmer, and reared a large family, several of 
whom died in Brush Valley, others being scat- 
tered over the West. 

John Weaver for his first wife wedded a Miss 
Fallgate, by whom he had one daughter, Sally, 
who became the wife of John Kreamer, and died 
in Brush Valley. After the death of the mother, 
Mr. Weaver wedded Polly Brungart, and to them 
were born five children: Jacob, who died un- 
married at the age of fifty-five years; John, who 
died in Brush Valley at the advanced age of eighty 
years; Henry, who died in the same place; 
George B., of this review; and Susan, who mar- 
ried Daniel Kreamer, and died in Rebersburg. 
The father was a distiller and farmer by occupa- 
tion, and was very successful in his business 
ventures, owning three valuable farms. He was 
a man of about five feet, eleven inches in height, 
very robust in his younger days, and at the time 
of his death, which occurred when he had 
reached the advanced age of ninety years, he 
was still well preserved, retaining his vitality to a 
remarkable degree. His second wife died at the 
age of seventy-seven, and was laid by his side in 
the cemetery of Rebersburg. They held mem- 



296 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



bership in the Reformed Church, and in politics 
he was a Democrat. 

Upon the home farm George B. Weaver was 
reared, his education being obtained in the sub- 
scription schools of the neighborhood, which he 
was only able to attend about three months dur- 
ing i ir as his services were needed on the 
farm. Alter the plowing, sowing and reaping 
were completed, the grain had to be threshed by 
tramping it out, and tins was done during the 
winter season, so that it left little time for him 
to attend school. At the age of ten years he be- 
gan hauling wood by ox-team for his father's dis- 
tillery. In January, i S4 ^. he was married, in 
Miles township, to Miss Sallie Harper, who was 
born in Brush Valley, in 1822, a daughter of 
mil Elizabeth (Kreamer) Harper. They 
became the parents of three children: Fietta 
(now Mrs S. Krumrine); Joanna, wife of Prof, 
1 I.. Gramley; and Delia, at home. 

Mr. Weaver began his domestic life upon 
oi Ins father's farms, which he later pur- 
chased and still owns. In the early days he had 
to haul all his grain and produce t" Lewisburg, 
and it took two or three days to make the round 
trip as the road was very rough and steep, and 
often tour, or mx horses were required to haul a 
load of fifty or sixty bushels of grain. Mr. 
Weaver remained upon the farm until April 4, 
[868, when he removed to Rebersburg, where 
he is now living a retired life in the pleasant and 
comfortable home which he there purchased. 
However, lie --till owns an excellent farm in 
Miles t' ivt nship. 

In his political view- Mr Weaver is a Demo- 
crat, and has served his fellow citizens in the 

icityof overseer of the poor. He is a genial, 
jovial gentleman, always cheerful, and therefore 
an excellent 1 ompanion. He has endeavored t" 
live peaceably with all men. having never had 
but two lawsuits, both of which he won. Straight- 
forward and honorable in all things, he enj 
tin 1 onfidence and respect of his fellow citizens 
in a high degree. For man) years he and his 
estimable wife have been active members ol the 
Reformed Church of Rebersburg, to which the\ 
have been liberal contributors, and Mr. We 
served on the building committee at the time of 
the erection ■ >! the house of worship. They have 
celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, and 
during the many years that have come and gone 
since they started out on life's journey together 
they have shared with each other its joys and sor- 
row s, and faithfully born their part of its trials, so 
that now in their declining years they can look 
back over a useful and well-spent life with no re- 
grets. 



w 



ILLIAM WALKER. But few men live 
beyond their eighth decade, and fewer 
still attain that age with faculties unimpaired and 
a memory that records vividly the events of the 
past. The gentleman whose name opens thi> 
sketch, a highly respected citizen of Rebersburg. 
Centre county, enjoys this distinction, and he 
and his estimable wife, now seventy-six years of 
age, are spending the fifty-eighth year of wedded 
life, free from the ills which too often accompany 
ad va need age. 

Mr. Walker is a worthy representative of a 
prominent pioneer family, and was born in Brush 
Valley, Centre county. March 24, 1 S 1 6, the son 
of John Walker, who died in 1858, at the ag< 
eighty-six, and his wife, Mar) M. (Gramley), who 
lived past the limit of three score and ten, dying 
in 1852. John Walker was a native of North- 
ampton county, l'enn.. and came to this section 
about 1790, as a young man, finding employ- 
ment at driving a team for the furnaces of Nit- 
tany Valley. He was the first of the family to 
come to Centre county, but later his brother 
Philip settled there and became prominent as a 
pioneer. Walker township being named in his 
honor. 

John Walker's marriage took place in Brush 
Valley, where his wife's father, Francis Gramley, 
was a leading citizen. Soon after this event Mi. 
Walker returned to his old home, and spent a 
short time before settling permanently in Centre 
county. He chose agriculture as an occupa- 
tion, and his first farm, in Brush Valley, is 
now, after the lapse of more than a century, still 
in the possession of the family. Thomas W 
Walker, a son of our subject, owning and occu- 
pying it at present. John Walker also became 
the owner of a farm in Sugar Valley, and his in- 
dustry and systematic and judicious management 
of his property gained him a substantial fortune. 
He was a heavy-set man. and our subject re- 
sembles him greatly in build. His interest in 
public affairs, national and local, was keen, and 
his regard for the Democratic party was second 
only to that which he felt for his Church, the 
Lutheran. He and his wife were both devout 
followers of that faith, and he held office in tin 
Church for many years. Their remains w 
laid to rest in the cemetery at Rebersbur- 

Our subject was the youngest in a family "' 
six children, and is the only survivor. Catherine 
(Mrs. Jacob Snyder) died in Clinton county in hi 
ninety-fourth year; John, a farmer, died in Illi- 
nois; Daniel, who died in Miles township at the 
age of eighty-two. was one of the wealthy farm- 
ers of his time; Rebecca married George Neff, ami 
died in Sugar Valley, Clinton county; and Mary 




09V OfaJjfa^- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



297 



married Benjamin Wheland, and lived to be 
more than eighty years of age, her death occur- 
ring in Illinois. 

Mr. Walker, of this review, was educated ac- 
cording to the customs of the early day, attend- 
ing school for a few weeks in the winter season 
in a small log house that stood on one corner of 
his father's farm. Threshing was then a winter 
occupation, and it was his duty to guide the 
horses as they tramped out the grain on the 
barn floor. Only when this annual task was 
completed could he secure an opportunity for 
study at school. His life was that of the typical 
pioneer farmer, with home-spun clothes, plain but 
abundant food, and plenty of work. He devel- 
oped into a stout, healthy youth, and at sixteen 
could work beside any hired man, and " keep up " 
without difficulty. His liking for system in his 
work was early shown, and even when a boy his 
furrows when plowing were always straight. His 
father was not active in farm work, and the elder 
sons left home as they reached manhood, and 
thus much responsibilty fell to our subject, who 
at sixteen had practically assumed the manage- 
ment. In 1849 he bought the place, which con- 
tained about 165 acres. He was unusually suc- 
cessful financially, and at one time owned three 
large farms, one of 140 acres, being in Stephen- 
son county, 111. At present he owns 172 acres 
near Rebersburg, and several town lots aside from 
that upon which his handsome residence stands. 
This he bought in 1872 at a cost of $3,000, the 
lot covering five acres, and since that date he has 
resided there. 

In January, 1840, Mr. Walker was married, 
in Miles township, to Miss Polly Smull, who was 
born near Rebersburg in 1821, the daughter of 
Henry and Elizabeth (Royer) Smull. The chil- 
dren of this union were Amanda (now Mrs. Peter 
Kessler, of Rebersburg); Ira J., a farmer of Ste- 
phenson county, 111., married Maria, daughter of 
Simon Peck; Jestie M., who died at the age of 
forty-four years, unmarried; Wilson T. , residing 
near Dacotah, 111., married Kate Zimmerman; 
Thomas W. , of Miles township, living on a farm 
which has been in the Walker family over one 
hundred years, married Annie, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Elizabeth Loose, of Rebersburg, Penn. ; 
Emma (now Mrs. A. F. Vonada, of Coburn); 
Mary M. (now Mrs. J. F. Garthoff, of Coburn). 
Mr. Walker is justly proud of his children, and 
has given nearly $5,000 to give them a start in 
life. The mother departed this life in May, 1 897, 
aged seventy-six years. 

Mr. Walker has always been prominent in 
local affairs, and has held various township offi- 
ces. He is a Democrat, and votes regularly, 



having missed but one election since 1837. He 
and his wife are leading members of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has served as deacon, elder 
and trustee. He is a liberal giver to the cause, 
and donated $400 when the church was built at 
Rebersburg. 



GEORGE DURST is now retired from the 
active labors of life, and occupies a com- 
fortable home in Centre Hall, Centre county. 
His has been a long and busy career, with little 
time for idleness along the thoroughfare of life, 
where he has left his mark, and may truly feel 
that he has not lived in vain. He is a native of 
Centre county, born January 3, 1832, in Potter 
township, where for many years he was exten- 
sively and successfully engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. 

George Durst, Sr., father of our subject, was 
born in Lebanon county, Penn., October 12, 
1 80 1, whence when a boy he was brought to 
Centre county by his parents, Peter and Barbara 
(Peters) Durst, also natives of Lebanon county. 
They located in Potter township, one mile west 
of Earlystown, where Peter Durst followed 
farming throughout his active business life, own- 
ing at one time three good farms. He lived to 
be quite old, and was buried at Tusseyville by 
the side of his wife, Both were devout members 
of the Lutheran Church. In their family were 
the following children: Peter, who died in Cen- 
tre Hall; John, who died in Mercer county, 
Penn. ; George; Daniel, who died in Potter town- 
ship; William, who died in Kansas; Maria, who 
married Daniel Musser, and died in Freeport, 
111. ; Sarah, who married John Smith, and died 
in Union county, Penn. ; Elizabeth, who married 
George Smehl, and died in Clearfield county, 
Penn. ; and Catharine, who married John Neff, 
and died in Centre Hall. 

When a boy, George Durst, Sr., began 
learning the wagon maker's trade, but, not liking 
it, turned his attention to farming, in which he 
met with excellent success. After his marriage 
he located upon a place his father owned in Pot- 
ter township, and later purchased a farm one 
mile west of Earlystown, where our subject was 
born. There he continued to live until the 
spring of 1848, when he removed to a farm in 
Potter township, near the Gregg township line, 
having purchased the same of Col. Andrew 
Gregg. There he made his home during the re- 
mainder of his active business career, and going 
to Centre Hall lived retired for several years. 
Trading his town property for country land, he 
lived upon the place for a short time, but again 






( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



returned to Centre Hall, where his death occurred 
March 8, 1882. He was buried at that place, as 
was also his wife, who died while visiting her son 
Hiram in Gregg township, June 25, 1878. She 
was a member of the Reformed Church, while 
Mr. Durst held membership in the Lutheran 
Church. In politics he was always a Democrat, 
but cared nothing for official distinction. He 
was a robust man, of powerful build, and being 
industrious, energetic and progressive, met with 
remarkable success in his undertakings, owning 
at <>ne time five excellent farms. When his chil- 
dren started out in life for themselves he also 
ted them very materially. 

In Harris township. Centre county, Gi 
Durst, Sr was married to Catharine Meyers, who 
was born in Canipbelltown, Penn., January 16, 
1804. and in 1S23 came to Centre county with 
her parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Hurst) 
Meyers. They located near Boalsburg, where 
her father purchased a large tract of land. He 
was born in 1767, and died April 19, 1844. He 
was a representative of the third generation of 
this numerous family in the United States, his 
lather being Christopher Meyers. The grand- 
father came from Germany and located perma- 
manently neaj the source of Mill creek, in what 
is now Lancaster county, Penn Mrs Meyers 
was born in 1779, and died May 22, 1859. She 
was the mother of six children: Philip, Jacob, 
the mother of our subject 1, Henry, 
Joseph and Mary. 

Mr. Durst, the subject proper of this review, 
is the fourth in ord< 1 of birth in a family of eight 
children, the others being as follows: Josepl 
.1 retired farmer living neai Mifflinsburg, Penn. 
t \ 1 us is a retired farmer living neai Boals- 
burg. Centre county; Priscilla married Henry 
Dale, and died in Ferguson township, Centre 
county: Elizabeth makes her home in Centre 
Hall; John II.. who was a member of the 148th 
P. V. I. during the Civil war. was wounded at 
the battle of Gettysburg, and died at the hospital 
in Harrisburg, Penn, Philip is an agriculturist 
of Potter township, and Hiram is a farmer of 
< 'i egg township, Centi inty. 

Our subject began his education at the Fair- 
field school house in Potter township under the 
direction of Uriah Slack, but as his services 
were needed on the home farm hiseducation was 
limited. At the age of sixteen he accompanied 
Ins parents to Gn gg township, where he assisted 
in the development and cultivation of his father's 
extensive farm, comprising over 400 acres, and 
continued under the parental roof until his mar- 
riage, giving his parents the benefit of his serv- 
ices even after he had attained his majority. 



In Juniata county, Penn., February 8, 1859, 
Mr. Durst wedded Miss Sabina Shellenberger, 
who was born in Fayette township, that county, 
July 26, 1828, a daughter of John and Catharine 
(Kiester) Shellenberger, the former also a native 
of Fayette township, and the latter of Buffalo 
Valley, Union Co., Penn. By occupation the 
father was a tanner and farmer. Mr-; l)nr>t 
was the second in order of birth in a family of 
nine children — four sons and five daughters — 
and obtained a fair education for her time. By 
her marriage she has become the mother of two 
children: William H., born April 9, 1861, is a 
farmer of Potter township; and Adda J., born in 
April, 1 863, is the wife of A. P. Krape, of Cen- 
tre Hall. 

Mr. Durst began housekeeping upon a part 
of his father's large farm, which had been sold to 
his brother, Joseph, who, at that time, was 
desirous of selling out. The house was an old 
log structure, which served as a dwelling until 
1887, when our subject built as good a residence 
as is to be found in Potter township In 1886 he 
removed to a small house, which he had pur- 
chased, near his farm, while his son-in-law 
operated the home place; but in 1889 he returned 
to the farm. In the spring of 1894, however, he 
came to Centre Hall, where he is now enjoying a 
well-earned rest, free from the cares and respon- 
sibilities of business life. However, he -till owns 
a farm of 125 acres in Potter township, and nine 
acres adjoining Centre Hall. Although he has 
ever been a hard-working man, he is still well- 
preserved. Politically, he is a supportei ol Dem- 
ocratic principles; in religious faith he is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church. He takes a genu- 
ine interest in the enterprises set on foot for the 
progress and welfare of his adopted county, and 
takes high rank among the leading and repre- 
sentative citizens of the community. 



J At OB S MEYER, a leading citizen and 
farmer of Penn town-hip. Centre county, is a 
representative of one ol the nd most 

highly respected families of central Pennsylvania. 
The first of the family to cross the Atlantic 
to America is supposed to have borne the Dame 
of Henry Meyer, who was a native of Palatin 
Prussia, and arrived here some time between the 
years 1721 and 1725. The spelling of the name 
has often been changed, and the Mayers and 
Mayers of Centre county belong to the same 
family of which our subject is a member. His 
father has always spelled the name Mover, which 
practice had its origin in rather a peculiar way. 
While at school, a copy was written by his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



299 



teacher, in which the name was spelled Moyer, 
and the pupils told that such was correct. Im- 
pressed with the knowledge of their teacher, they 
have retained the spelling until recent years, 
when the error was rectified, and the proper 
spelling adopted by quite a number, including our 
subject. An extensive genelaogy of the Meyer 
family has been compiled by Hon. Henry Meyer, 
of Rebersburg, Centre county — a volume which 
reflects credit upon the author, as it has required 
years of research and much travel to complete. 

On coming to the New World, Henry Meyer 
located in the southeastern part of Lebanon 
(then Lancaster county), Penn., near the beau- 
tiful spring which forms the source of Mill brook. 
In his family were four sons and one or two 
daughters, but nothing is known of the latter. 
John lived upon the old farm in Lebanon county,, 
where he died December 11, 1786. Jacob left 
Lebanon county in 1768, and with his family 
located in that part of Penn township, Centre 
county, which is now Snyder county, where he 
died, and he now lies buried in Freeburg, Penn. 
Christopher was the great-grandfather of our 
subject. Michael never married. 

Christopher Meyer owned a large tract of 
land near Campbelltown, Lebanon county, 
where he made his home, and there died August 
2, 1 8 10. His children were Henry, John, Mi- 
chael, Jacob, Christopher, George, Catharine, 
Christina and Mary. Of this family, Jacob 
Meyer was the grandfather of our subject. He 
was born March 25, 1774, and on reaching man- 
hood married Anna Sheller, who was born in 
Lancaster county, December 25, 1775, and was 
a daughter of Adam Sheller. Eight children 
graced their union, namely: Elizabeth, born 
February 26, 1801, married Henry Witmer, and 
died in Centre Hall, Penn., in 1868; Jacob, born 
August 5, 1802, died September 14, 1867, at 
Penn Hall; Nancy, born September 14, 1S04, 
married Samuel Kryder, and died September 
23, 1886; Catharine, born January I, 1806, died 
in Penn township, Centre county, in March, 
1894; Mary, born December 7, 1807, married 
Jacob Fisher, and died in Illinois; Susan, born 
November 30, 1808, died in Penn township, 
August 13, 1873; Christopher, born in October, 
18 1 2, was a farmer of Penn township, where he 
died June 2, 1 873 ; and John, the father of our sub- 
ject, completes the family. 

In March, 1828, the grandfather came to 
Penn township, locating on the pike west of 
Millheim, and became one of the most substan- 
tial farmers of Penn's Valley. On coming to the 
county he had practically laid aside active busi- 
ness cares, but purchased 270 acres of fine land 



for the benefit of his children, whom he left in 
comfortable circumstances. His death occurred 
September 25, 1853, while his wife died March 
25, 1850, and both were interred in the Heck- 
man cemetery. He was a man of fine physique, 
over six feet in height, of a most kindly dispo- 
sition, making no enemies, and always sacrificing 
himself to avoid a quarrel. He was a prominent 
member of the Penns Creek Church, Reformed and 
Lutheran, to which he was a liberal contributor, 
and was a stanch Democrat in politics. 

The birth of John Meyer occurred in Annville 
township, Lebanon county, September 14, 1814, 
and he was therefore fourteen years of age at the 
time of his removal with his parents to Centre 
county. In school he learned very rapidly, and 
was soon able to read and write both English 
and German, whilst in mathematics he surpassed 
most of the scholars who were several years his 
senior. When a young man he clerked in the 
store of his brother-in-law, Mr. Witmer, at 
Aaronsburg, but, aside from this and several 
terms passed in teaching, his life has been that 
of a farmer. He taught the Cross Road school, 
in Gregg township, Centre county, in 1842, when 
seventy-five pupils were enrolled, some studying 
German, the others English. Teachers were 
then required to pass an examination only in 
reading, writing, orthography and arithmetic, 
and never but once was he examined in geogra- 
phy. For four terms he engaged in teaching at 
$17 per month, out of which he had to board 
himself. 

On June 16, 1853, in Penn township, John 
Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor 
Smith, who was born October 1, 1827, in what 
was then Gregg but is now Penn township. Her 
parents, Francis and Anna (Koons) Smith, were 
natives of Dauphin county, Penn., but were mar- 
ried in Centre county, and had seven children: 
John, who died in Smithtown, Penn township; 
Joseph, who lives in Gregg township; Eleanor, 
mother of our subject; William, who died in 
Penn township; Mary, wife of Eli Smith, of 
Penn township; Robert, who died in Gregg town- 
ship; and Jacob, formerly a resident of Potter 
township, Centre county, now deceased. The 
father of this family died when over eighty years 
of age, while his wife had passed her eighty-fifth 
birthday. Both were members of the Evangelical 
Church, and politically he was a Democrat. By 
trade he was both a mason and cooper. To the 
parents of our subject were born but two chil- 
dren, the other being John F. , who was born- 
December 12, 1856, and died December 16, 
1863. 

After his marriage, John Meyer located on 



800 



"i' MOHATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the farm where he has since resided, it being the 
li'imestead of his father, who left it to his three 
sons, John, Jacob and Christopher, while to his 
daughters he gave money. For many years John 
operated the place in partnership with Jacob, but 
on the latter's death purchased the entire amount, 
to which he has since added the farm of his fa- 
ther-in-law, makinga valuable tract of 275 acres. 
Ili- political support has always been given the 
l'einocracy, and he has been called upon to fill 
almost every township office, being assessor for 
three terms, school director, tax collector, over- 
seer of tin poor, supervisor, auditor and clerk of 
election. On Octobor 23, [880, he was elected 
elder of the Salem Reformed Church, of which 
In has been a prominent member for years, and 
he not only contributed liberally toward the erec- 
tion of the house of worship, but boarded the 
mechanic-- during its construction at the lowest 

-ible priii Previouslj to being made elder 
he served as deacon of the congregation. He is 

pi ionally well preserved for a man of his a 
in full possession of his mental faculty, and as 
his tastes have always inclined him to reading 
and study, he 1- well informed on the current is- 
ind questions ol the day. 

Upon the farm which is still his home, Jacob 
S Meyer, the subjei t proper of this review, was 
born April 13, 1854, and in the country schools 
of the neighborhood he obtained his elementary 
education, his first teacher being Mary Stephen. 
Alter completing his literary course in the acad- 
emy at Penn Hall, 'he was licensed to teach, and 
for one term had charge of the Murray school in 
1 iregg ti iwnship. 

On December 20, 1874, in Aaronsburg, Mr. 
Meyer was married, by Rev, Cyrus H. Keiter, of 
the Reformed Church, to Miss Susan C. Ritner, 
who was born in Potter township, Centre county, 
September 7, 1854, and was the fourth in order 
ol birth in the family of eight children of ]acob 
and Catharine Catherman) 1 inner, farming peo- 
ple. The Catherman family was a remarkable 
one, Mrs Bitner attending are-union when the 
entire family of seventeen were all present, and 
this hem- aftei they had reached adult 
Five children have been horn to Mr. and Mrs. 
Meyer: 1 John F., born March 11. 1875, is a 
very bright and promising young man, a graduate 
o| Franklin and Marshall College, which he en- 
tered at tin age of fifteen, in September, 1 
He graduated in June, 1894, having taken first 
honor of his class. He then turned his attention 
to the profession of teaching, and in September, 
1894, was elected principal of the public schools 
of Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn. In the 
fall of 1896 he resigned his position, being elected 



assistant principal of F. and M. Academy, where 
he taught one year, but resigned in June. 1897. 
Not being satisfied with the standard of his pro- 
fession, he entered Johns Hopkins University, 
Baltimore. Md.in September, 1897. (2) Harry 
N.. born May 19, 1877, is a successful teacher 
with a bright future before him. Not being sat- 
isfied with what he received in the public schools 
at home, he entered the Millersville State Nor- 
mal, Lancaster county, Penn., in September, 
1897, in order to fit himself for the profession of 
teaching. (3) Eleanor B., born September 26, 
1.S79, has inherited a taste for music, possessing 
great natural talents for the art, which are stim- 
ulated to rapid development by the atmosphere 
of music prevading her father's home. (4) Cath- 
erine, born January 18, 1 890, and (5) Helen G., 
born July 20, 1892, are also at home. 

ng a fine vocalist. Mr. Meyer has engaged 
in teaching singing during the winter seasons. 
He is a warm supporter of the Democratic party. 
and has serv sor five terms, supervisor 

and school director. In the Salem Reformed 
irch, in which he and his wife hold member- 
ship, he is at present secretary of the Consistory, 
and leader of the choir; is very active in all 
Church work, and in fact gives his earnest sup- 
port to all worthy objects which are tor the ben- 
efit of the community. A great reader, he is 
well posted on all the questions of the day, and 
does all in his power to advance the educational 
interests of the township by elevating the stand- 
ard of its schools. 



Jt'HN A. DALEY, an enterprising and pro- 
-sive agriculturist of Centre county, now 
living in Curtin township, was born in Spring 
township, April 19, 1S42. Ilw father, Jeremiah 
Daley, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, 
whence he came to Centre county, in the sum- 
mer of 1830. His parents, John and Bridget 
(Mennan) Daley, also natives of County Done- 
gal, crossed the Atlantic in 1834, and the grand- 
father and father were employed in an iron in- 
dustry mar Rcllefonte. John A. Daley's grand- 
uncle, Jerry Mennan, was a member of the town 
council of Bellefonte that extended to Gen. La- 
Fayette an invitation to visit that town on his 
second trip to America as he passed through to 
Lake Erie from Philadelphia. 

The father of our subject was engaged in 
iron working, for Valentine & Thomas, until 
1852, when he located on the farm where John 
A. Daley now resides. It was then an unbroken 
wilderness, but he continued to improve it until 
his death in 1 866, when he was sixty-six years 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



301 



old. He married Isabella Mungen, also a native 
of County Donegal, Ireland, as were her par- 
ents, Patrick and Isabella Mungen, who spent 
their entire lives there, the father following the 
occupation of shoemaking. Jeremiah Daley, 
after two years spent in America, sent for Miss 
Mungen, to whom he was betrothed in his native 
land, and who came to Centre county with his 
friend, John Love. They were married in Belle- 
fonte, and Mrs. Daley died in 1844, at the age 
of twenty-eight years. They had two children — 
Bridget M., deceased wife of William Lunnen; 
and John A. 

Mr. Daley, the subject proper of this review, 
lost his mother when he was only two years of 
age, but remained at home with his father until 
the latter's death, and assisted in the cultivation 
of the old homestead; also attended school. He 
continued on the farm until 1861, when, the 
Civil war having broken out, he enlisted in Com- 
pany A, 45th P. V. I., under Capt. John I. Cur- 
tin, who afterward became a general. On Jan- 
uary 1, 1863, he re-enlisted, and remained at 
the front until July 18, 1865, when the war hav- 
ing ended, he was mustered out. Three times 
he was wounded, receiving a flesh wound in the 
nose at the battle of South Mountain; on June 
3, at Cold Harbor, he was wounded in the left 
side, and was obliged to remain in the hospital 
until September 28, when he rejoined his regi- 
ment; two days later he was shot in the right 
hip, where the ounce ball still remains. At the 
time of his discharge he was serving with the 
rank of sergeant. He participated in twenty- 
eight battles, including the engagements at South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, 
Crab Orchard, ■ the siege of Knoxville, Blue 
Springs, the battle of the Wilderness and others. 
On his return from the war Mr. Daley resumed 
farming, and has cleared one hundred acres of 
his land, transforming it into rich and fertile 
fields, which yield to him a handsome income. 
His methods are progressive, his labors con- 
ducted with system, and his careful manage- 
ment and enterprise have brought to him success. 

On Christmas Day of 1867 Mr. Daley was 
married to Miss Mary J. Haines, who was born 
in Liberty township, Centre county, February 
18, 1849, a daughter of John and Rachel (Baker) 
Haines, the former a native of New York, and 
the latter of Centre county. The father came to 
Centre county at an early day, and made it his 
home until his enlistment in the Union army. 
He died in Andersonville prison in 1864, at the 
age of forty-six years, thus giving his life in 
defense of his country. His widow, who was 
born June 12, 1826, is still living in Liberty 



township. Their children are: Mrs. Daley; 
Emeline, wife of Joseph Bechdel, of Liberty 
township; Kline S. , who is living with his mother 
on the old homestead; Annie M., who died in 
1895; William, who served as deputy sheriff in 
Kansas, and is now a school teacher of Liberty 
township, Centre county; Lea M., a school 
teacher and seamstress; and Fannie, wife of John 
Boone, a lumberman of Howard, Penn. The 
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Daley were John 
and Jane (Packer) Haines, natives of Centre 
county, where they spent their entire lives. The 
maternal grandparents, Jacob and Mary (Boon). 
Baker, were also natives of the same county, and 
the former was a carpenter by trade. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Daley were: 
Jeremiah, who was employed as clerk in the 
Record and Pension division of the War Depart- 
ment, was killed in the Ford Theatre disaster in 
Washington, D. C, June 9, 1893, at the age of 
twenty-four years and ten months; Charles C. is 
at home; Robert C. is now auditor of Curtin 
township; William H. died of typhoid fever in 
Washington, D. C, in 1889; Mary B. is the 
wife of William A. Everley, a lumberman of 
Curtin township; James died in his parents' 
home; Franklin, Anna L. and Sarah M. are still 
under the parental roof; and Nellie died in 
infancy. 

Mr. Daley has been honored with a number 
of local offices, and in 1889 received an appoint- 
ment to a clerical position in the office of the 
Secretary of the Interior Department, where he 
remained four years, four months and four days. 
He then returned to his farm, which he is now 
successfully operating. He is a valued member 
of the Odd Fellows Society of Howard, also of, 
the Grand Army Post at Milesburg, Penn. , and 
belonged to the Union Veterans Union in Wash- 
ington. In religious faith he is a member of the 
River Brethren Church. He takes quite an 
active interest in political affairs, giving his sup^ 
port to the Republican party, and is a man whom, 
to know is to esteem and honor. 



JOSEPH ROSS KESSINGER is one of the 
enterprising merchants of Hublersburg, Cen- 
tre county, and his activity in business has 
been of material benefit to the village as well 
as to himself. Gifts of money may be used in 
beautifying or adorning a town, but the real bene- 
factors of a corporate community are those who 
promote its business interests, for prosperity de- 
pends upon the exchange of commodities, where- 
by men are employed, and thus secure the means 
of establishing homes and; caring for their fam-. 



802 



I OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL BEl ORD. 



ilies. Mr. Kessinger is ;i wide-awake, enterpris- 

business man, and well deserves mention 
among the representative citizens of Centre 
county. 

( )ur subject was born in Clinton county. 
March 18, 1834, and is a son of Adam and Eliza- 
beth (Hunsicker) Kessinger. The father was 
born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was mar- 
i there to Miss Hunsicker, a native of Switzer- 
land, who came to America when about fifteen 
years of age. About 182X they removed to Cen- 
tre counts, and Mr Kessinger built the Lamar 
furnace for the firm of Kurtz lV Irvin. He finally 
located in Mill Hall, Clinton county, where his 
death occurred in 1S5S Just thirty-six years be- 
fore, to the day and hour, he was married, and 
bv that union were born ten children: (1) De- 
Witt Clinton wedded Miss Mary Ann Fetterhaff, 
and has six children. He served through the 
Civil war, and now receives a pension in com- 
pensation for injuries sustained. His trade is 
that of an iron molder, and he lives in Lock 
Haven, Penn. (2) Thomas M. also served in the 
Civil war; he was an iron molder, but is now re- 
tired; he is married, and resides in Mill Hall. 
1 j i Joseph K. is the next in order of birth. (4) 
Francis M , who is married and has a family of 
six children, served throughout the Civil war, and 
is now a traveling salesman for the house of 
Strickler \ Co., of Mifflinburg, Penn. (5) Fan- 
nie R. is the widow of ( icorge Roffe, of Mill Hall, 
Penn., and has a family of eight children. 
Marv P. is the wife of George Bowers, an axe- 
maker of Mill Hall, where they live with their 
family. (71 Jacob G. was killed in the battle of 
Cold Harbor during the war of the Rebellion. 
Three of the children died in infancy. 

I'nder the parental roof Mr. Kessinger, the 
subject of this review, spent the days of his boy- 
hood, and is indebted to the common schools for 
his educational privileges. Like his father he 
learned the foundry business, becoming a profi- 
cient workman in that line. His life has been a 
busy and useful one, and from humble surround- 
ings he has steadily worked his way upward to a 
position of affluence, overcoming the difficulties 
and obstacles in his path by resolute and honora- 
ble purpose. He is now engaged in merchandis- 
ing in Hublersburg, and his enviable reputation 
as a straightforward business man insures him a 
liberal patronage. 

On May 22, [857, Mi Kessinger married 
Miss Julia, daughter of Peter Heller, a promi- 
nent citizen, who served for more than thirty 
\ ears as justice of the peace of Walker township, 
Centre county. Thej have eight children: 
William I'... who was born October 30, [858, 



and is an iron molder by trad.-, wedded Mary 
linker, and has eight children; (2) Thomas L.. 
born October 6, 1862, is also an iron molder by 
trade, but is now assisting his father in the 
store j Laura B. is the wife of James H. 
Rathmell, a bookkeeper residing in Germantown, 
near Philadelphia, Penn.; (4 Harvey A., born 
May 27, 1866, married Minnie M. Decker, by 
whom he has a daughter, and now resides in Pit- 
cairn, Penn., where he follows the machinist's 
trade; (5) George C, an iron molder, married 
Gertrude Struble, and has two children; 

h |. is the wife of Joseph Emerick. a farmer 
of Walker township. Centre county, by whom 
she has two children; (7 Maud A., born in July. 
[878, and (8) Arthur 1>.. born in August, [883, 
are still at home. 

In his political views Mr. Kessinger is a Re- 
publican. Loth he and his wife hold member- 
ship in the Methodist Church, and are people of 
sterling worth. He is a self-made man, indus- 
trious and intelligent, his sterling worth gaining 
him the confidence of all, while his genial man- 
ner has made him a popular citizen. 



JB. REAM, one of the most intelligent and 
highly esteemed citizens of Penn's Cave, was 
born in Gregg township, November 28, 1 
His father, Michael Ream, was a native of Penn 
township, and a son of Abraham Ream, who 
came to Centre county at a very early day, and 
made one of the first settlements in Haines town- 
ship. There in the midst of the forest he devel- 
oped a farm, but subsequently removed to Penn 
township, where he opened up another farm, up- 
on which his last days were spent. He was 
twice married, and had quite a large family of 
children. By the second union there were three 
sons: George, David and Michael. 

The last named learned the weaver's trade, 
which he followed for some time. Afterward he 
purchased a farm on the Brush Valley road in 
Gregg township, and gave his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits. He passed away in November, 
[884, at the age of eighty years, and was buried 
in Green Grove cemetery. His first wife was 
Lydia Musser, daughter of Philip Musser, and 
their children were: George; John Bangaman; 
Rebecca, wife of Daniel Homan, of Penn's Cave; 
Lydia, wife of Jacob Henn, of Des Moines, [owa; 
Hannah, wife of A. P. Lose. ofCentre Hall; and 
George Philip, married to Liny Houts, and liv- 
ing at Green Grove. The mother of these died 
about 1843, and was buried in Union cemetery, 
ther afterward married Catharine Mark, 
and their children were: Susan, wife of Samuel 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



303 



Long, of Perm's Cave; Samuel, married to Sarah 
Musser, and living at Madisonburg, Penn. ; and 
Michael, married to Canses Weaver, and living 
at Millheim, Penn. The father was a successful 
farmer, and left his family in comfortable cir- 
cumstances. He not only cultivated his land, but 
during the winter season also engaged in weav- 
ing. In politics he was a Democrat. In his 
early life he adhered to the faith of the Reformed 
Church, but afterward became a member of the 
Evangelical Church, and took a very active part 
in its work, also served in many official positions 
connected therein. 

J. B. Ream began his education in a school 
that stood on the site of Union cemetery, in 
Gregg township, and his first teacher was George 
Consort. His school privileges were somewhat 
limited, but practical experience, observation and 
extensive reading in later years have made him 
a well-informed man, and he is not only familiar 
with current events but also has quite a wide 
knowledge of classical literature. During his 
boyhood he spent considerable time at the home 
of his grandfather Musser in Penn Hall. His 
time was largely devoted to farm work, and he 
had little leisure for enjoyment. 

When twenty-one years of age, Mr. Ream 
married Miss Susan Rishel, who was born in No- 
vember, 1829, on the farm where our subject 
now resides, a daughter of Jonathan and Eliza- 
beth (Phone) Rishel. They began their domestic 
life in George's Valley, Gregg township, where the 
lady's father owned a farm and there lived until 
1 85 1, when they removed to a farm owned by 
Mr. Ream's father in Gregg township. In 1856 
he purchased the farm which he yet owns in 
Brush Valley, and there continued to reside until 
1883, when he took up his residence in Penn's 
Cave. He now owns 175 acres of valuable land 
upon which are two sets of substantial farm 
buildings. His life has been a busy and useful 
one. A heavy indebtedness rested upon him 
after the purchase of his farm, but he worked 
early and late, and in course of time this was not 
only paid off but a comfortable competence was 
secured to keep him and his family through his 
declining years. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ream had ten children, as 
follows: (1) Lucetta, born September 12, 1850, 
married William Losie, January 9, 1873, and 
they had three daughters; but in March, 1892, 
the husband and father and the three children 
all died of diphtheria within the space of sixteen 
days. (2) Susan Alice, born August 14, 1853, 
married Emanuel White, of Axemann, Centre 
county, August 24, 1871, and they have three 
sons and two daughters. (3) George W. , of 



Penn's Cave, born April 24, 1855, married Anna 
Shrackangost, August 24, 1879, and they have 
three sons and one daughter. (4) Sarah Emma, 
born February 25, 1857, died May 6, 1857. (5) 
Mary L. , born May 22, 1858, married Isaiah 
Prossman, of Penn's Cave, August 19, 1869, and 
they had four sons and two daughters. (6) John 
Benjamin, born September 17, i860, died Janu- 
ary 26, 1866. (7) Magdalene Catherine, born 
April 4, 1863, married Israel Spade, of Madison- 
burg, Centre county, May 19, 1889, and they 
have one son and one daughter. (8) Noah, of 
Penn's Cave, born October 4, 1865, married 
Maggie Weaver, October 27, 1885, and they 
have three daughters. (9) Julia Caroline, born 
November 18, 1867, married Samuel Frederick, 
of Farmers Mills, May 24, 1885, and they have 
one son and one daughter. (10) Hannah Mar- 
tha, born April 1, 1870, died March 14, 1892; 
she also was a victim of that terrible diphtheria, 
having caught the disease while attending the 
sick ones at her sister's (Mrs. Losie) home, and 
dying in- about one week from the time she was 
attacked. 

In his political adherency, Mr. Ream is a 
Democrat, and he has served as overseer, super- 
visor and school director, in all of which offices 
he has discharged his duties with a promptness 
and fidelity that has won him high commenda- 
tion. He holds membership in the Reformed 
Church, and his wife belongs to the Lutheran 
denomination. He is now serving as elder in 
Union Church, and is one of its most active and 
influential workers. Socially, he belongs to the 
Grange. His high personal character, his prob- 
ity and his fidelity to duty have won him the un- 
qualified regard of all with whom he has been 
brought in contact. 



JTRIAH D. OSMAN, who is now practically 
f) living retired upon his farm in Potter town- 
ship, Centre county, was born September 22, 
1 83 1, near Millersburg, Dauphin Co., Penn., a 
son of John and Elizabeth (Flisher) Osman. 
The grandfather, Andrew Osman, was a farmer 
of Dauphin coun y, where his death occurred. 
The family was originally from Ireland, but was 
founded in this country at a very early date in 
its history. 

In the fall of 1837, John Osman, with his 
family, removed to The Loop, in Potter town- 
ship, Centre county, making the journey in 
four-horse wagons, via Lewistown and over 
Seven mountain. They stopped with the ma- 
ternal grandmother while the father was look- 
ing up a location, and decided to make their 



804 



ciiMMI MoIiATlVt: BIOGRAPHICAL UFjORD. 



home in Potter township. By trade the father 
was a weaver, at which he worked to some ex- 
tent after coming to Centre county. After the 
death of his wife February 12, 1875, he resided 
with our subject in Centre Hall, and there passed 
away December 28, of the same year. Their 
remains were interred in the Centre Hall ceme- 
tery. They were faithful members of the Evan- 
gelical Church, and highly respected by all who 
knew them for their sterling worth. In politics 
the father was a Democrat 

To this worthy couple were born eleven chil- 
dren, namely: Amanda, wife of William Au- 
inan, of Spring Mills, Centre county; Mary A . , 
widow of David Rhue, of Wallace Run, Penn.; 
Uriah 1).; Jeremiah, a resident of Iowa; Israel, 
who was a member of the 210th P. V. I. during 
the Rebellion, and is now living in Millhall, 
Penn.; Hiram, who was also a Union soldier, 
and is now a resident of Altoona, Penn. ; James, 
who belonged to Company I), [48th P. V. I., 
and is now a resident of Michigan; Daniel, who 
belonged to the same company as James, and was 
killed at the battle of Chancellorsville; Catharine, 
widow of Lewis Muselman, of Centre Hall; John, 
of Lamar, Penn.; and Canada, who died at the 
age of nine years. 

The first school which Uriah D. Ostium at- 
tended was held in what was known as the Sink 
school house at The Loop; but his educational 
advantages were very meagre, lor at the tenderage 
of eight years he began to earn his own living. Aft- 
erlivingfoi six weeks with James Powley, a fanner, 
he began learning the tailors trade under Henrv 
Holtzman, of Centre Hall, and during his appren- 
ticeship received only his board and clothes. 
When he had mastered the trade, .his employe! 
left Centre Hall, and Mr. Osman assumed charge 
of the business at the same stand. For over 
twenty years he was the leading tailor of the 
place, and only laid aside his trade when com- 
pelled to do so by ill health, removing to his 
present farm in February, 1871. It comprises 
sixty acres, which he purchased for $6,000, and 
to its cultivation and improvements devoted his 
time and attention for many years with n 
gratifying results. 

Mr. Osman married Dorothy Stover, who 
lived near Centre Hall, and to them were born 
three children: William F. , now a resident of 
Worth county, Mo.; Clara A., wife of Horace 
Zerlev, of Salt Lake City, Utah; and John A., a 
bricklayer of Bellefonte, Centre county. For 
his second wife he wedded Catharine Rover, of 
Potter township, by whom he had one son, 
Thomas M.. a teacher, of Mercur, Utah. In In- 
political views, Mr. Osman is a Democrat, but is 



not radical, reserving his right to support the best 
men regardless of party affiliations. He is a man 
of more than ordinary intelligence, whose educa- 
tion has been almost wholly self-acquired, and 
through his own untiring labor he has secured a 
comfortable competency, which enables him to 
spend his declining years in ease and retirement 
from active labor. He is a member of the Lu- 
theran Church, in which he has filled various 
offices, and he has the respect and esteem of all 
who know him. 



EMMA JORDAN. One of the pleasantest 
homes in the beautiful little city of Aarons- 
burg, Centre county, is the Jordan homestead, 
now the property of the lady whose name open- 
this sketch, and whose admirable qualities of 
mind and heart have endeared her to a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances. Miss Jordan's 
ancestors settled in Lancaster, Penn., main- 
years ago. Her great-grandfather was Elias 
Jordan, of Lancaster; his wife {nee Bruner) was 
1 native of Holland. To them were born, Oc- 
tober 31, 1761, twin sons (the only sons .Casper 
and Martin. 

Casper Jordan, grandfather of Miss K Emma 
Jordan, was born in Lancaster county. Penn . 
October 31, 1761, and died in 1820. at the a^e 
of sixty-five years. In 1820 he removed with his 
family to Union county, Penn., to pass his re- 
maining years, and he and his wife, Mary {nee 
Bender, the daughter of a highly respected mer- 
chant of Lancaster city), who died in 1851, aged 
ninety-two years, are buried at Mifflinburg. They 
had six sons — Isaac, David, John, Henry, Adam 
and Joseph— and four daughters — Elizabeth, 
Marie, Susan and Sarah. Of this family, Isaac, 
who was twenty-five years older than his brother 
Joseph, moved to Ohio, and died at the ag< 
eighty-two years; David went south; John v 
killed while tearing down a building at Mifflin- 
burg, Penn. ; Henry and Adam moved with their 
families to Clyde and Bellevue, Ohio, respectively; 
Joseph moved to Centre county; Elizabeth 
twice married, (first) to a Mr. l.owry, (second) to 
a Mr. Moore, and died in Lewisburg; Marie mar- 
ried a Mr. Parmer, and moved to Toledo. Ohio; 
Susan died in infancy; Sarah was twice married, 
(first 1 to a Mr. Goode, (second) to a Mr. Maver. 
and died at the age of ninety-three at Fayette, 
Fulton Co., Ohio. 

Joseph Jordan, the youngest son in the above 
mentioned family, and the father of Miss Emma 
Jordan, was born at New Holland. Lancaster 
Co., Penn., November 17, 1804, and bein^ still 

outh when the family came to Union county 








OtMnJh. Jkr-davx 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



305 



he spent some years there with his father. At 
twenty-three years of age he went to Gregg town- 
ship, Centre county, and purchased a farm; a 
year later he was married in Rebersburg to Miss 
Elizabeth Bair, a native of Brush Valley, born 
September 23, 1806, a daughter of Squire George 
Bair, who for years held the office of justice of 
the peace, and was one of the leading citizens of 
the Valley. 

Mr. Jordan made his home upon his Gregg 
township farm for some time, and two of his 
children were born there: Maria J., the widow 
of Dr. E. J. Deshler, of Aaronsburg; and Eliza- 
beth, widow of Rev. D. O. Shoemaker, and now 
residing at Lock Haven with a daughter, the wife 
of T. M. Stevenson, Esq. 

Mr. Jordan was an excellent judge of lands, 
and found it profitable to buy farms, which he 
would improve and dispose of at an advance, 
and in this way it came about that the family 
residence was changed about a number of times. 
He removed from Gregg township to Sugar Val- 
ley, and one son, George B., now a merchant of 
Chicago, was born there; he is married to Miss 
Henrietta J. Leitzell. The next home was in 
Nittany Valley, and there a son was born, Will- 
iam F., who is a farmer at North Liberty, Adams 
county, Ohio; he married Miss Eliza J. Flisher. 
Later the family removed to Tusseyville, Potter 
township, Centre county, where two children 
were born: R. Emma, the subject proper of this 
sketch, and James I., who died at the age of 
thirteen. 

The various deals in real estate made by Mr. 
Jordan brought him a profit (except his last pur- 
chase of two farms just previous to the deprecia- 
tion of land values), proving him to be all in all 
a successful man, and he was considered unusually 
shrewd and "long-headed." In 1859 he settled 
in Aaronsburg, where he died September 6, 1893. 
His estimable wife (lovely in person and charac- 
ter) had passed to the unseen life January 8, 
1889, and the remains of both now rest side by 
side in the Reformed Church cemetery at Aarons- 
burg. They had passed together over sixty 
years of married life in unbroken harmony and 
affection. Both were devout and consistent mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church (in which Mr. Jor- 
dan has been an elder over fifty years), to which 
he was one of the most liberal contributors, and 
his advice in Church affairs was much valued. 
Being extremely fond of reading, especially works 
on theology, he was well-informed, and on sev- 
eral occasions while attending the Church Synod 
he spoke with much effectiveness, and displayed 
such thorough knowledge as to attract consider- 
able attention. He took much pleasure in travel, 



also, and in his early days made extensive jour- 
neys, visiting points of interest in the United 
States. 

Although Mr. Jordan was a firm believer in 
the doctrines of the Democratic party, and at 
times held township offices, he was never a poli- 
tician as that word is usually understood. " He 
was honorable in all his dealings with his fellow- 
men, and his word was as good as his bond." 
One notable feature of his character was his pro- 
gressive, liberal view of life and affairs; he was 
always advancing, keeping fully abreast of the 
times, and showing keen appreciation of new in- 
ventions. His home, which his abundant means 
enabled him to supply with every comfort, bore 
evidence of the trait mentioned in its convenient 
arrangements and appliances. His children have 
done credit to the pious home training of their 
youth, and all are occupying honorable stations 
in life. Martin, the twin brother of Mr. Jordan's 
father (Casper Jordan), passed all his life in the 
city of Lancaster, Penn. His wife (nee Hoof- 
nagle), who at the time of her death had been 
a widow fifty years, requested that her body 
should be buried in the grave of "her Mar- 
tin," and their remains lie in the Reformed 
Cemetery at Lancaster, Penn. They had an 
only son, Casper, who was on his way, on 
the ocean, to some foreign country, when the ship 
he was on sank in a storm, and he was drowned 
at the age of twenty-four years. His sisters 
married, and had large families, of whom the fol- 
lowing named are now the only survivors: Mrs. 
James H. Cochran, of Broad street, Philadelphia; 
Mrs. Dr. Barton, of the same locality; Harry J. 
Wentz, also living in Philadelphia; Miss Hattie 
Wentz and Mrs. Dr. Longenecker, both of Lan- 
caster county, Penn., and George M. Frame, a 
dentist in New York City. 

The grandchildren, now living, of Joseph Jor- 
dan are: J. Jordan Deshler, M. D., of Glidden, 
Iowa; Edwin Jordan, Esq., of Chicago; Howard 
C. Jordan, of Nebraska; Emma K. , wife of Rev. J. 
F. Kerlin, of Williamsport, Penn.; Margaret, 
wife of T. M. Stevenson, Esq., of Lock Haven; 
Dr. D. E. Shoemaker, of Washingtonville, Penn. ; 
H. P. Shoemaker, of Watsontown, Penn. ; and 
Miss Grace Jordan, of North Liberty, Ohio. 

Miss R. Emma Jordan was born January 1 1, 
1842. Her health was not sufficiently strong 
during girlhood to permit her to gratify her wish 
for a collegiate education, but after completing a 
course in the common schools she attended the 
academy at Aaronsburg, and her fine mental 
powers have assimilated through reading and ob- 
servation an unusual amount of information. 
She is highly accomplished, and was at one time 



806 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



especially proficient in music, in which she gave 
lessons. During the last years of her parents' lives 
she gave them the most devoted and watchful 
care, ministering to theii every need, and bright- 
ening their hours of pain or weariness with her 
filial love. Her kindliness of heart has found a 
wide field of expression in generous assistance to 
different charities, and she has done much for 
the Reformed ( hun h, of which she is a consistent 
member. Always active in its various lines of 
i .. she was especially helpful at the time of 
building of the new church edifice, being 
me oi the leaders in the Ladies Aid Society, 
winch work had been effective and successful, 
after a career of six years succeeding in raising 
funds to the amount of $1,093. Neither is she 
lacking in practical business ability, her man 

it of her father's estate, as executrix under 
the will, showing rare tact, discretion and firm- 
m ss of character. 



El ETTEROLF, a well-known and highly 
j respected citizen of Spring Mills, Centre 
county, is now enjoying, in well-earned ease, the 
reward <>l previous years of toil. He is a native 
of this section, having been born October 3, 
[830, at Troxelville, in what is now Snyder 
■count \ . His family has been identified with that 
ilitj since the time of Ins grandfather, who 
was a pioneer settler. The grandmother, Mrs. 
therine I'etterolf, attained the age of ninety- 
years, and was held in high esteem by later 
generations in the community which she had 
seen arise upon the spot where stood the forests 
that her contemporaries cleared away. 

Peter Fetterolf, our subject's father, was 
born then- in 1S01, and always made his home 
in the same locality, farming being Ins occupa- 
tion until, having acquired a comfortable fortune. 
he retired to Troxelville to pass his declining 
\i ars, purchasing a lot and building a residence. 

He was six feet, ■ inch in height, bony and 

muscular, and in his day was a powerful man. 
Quiet and unobtrusive in manner, he never 
sought publii office or official position, but his 
neighbors were not blind to his abilities, and he 
was called upon to fill the office of supervisor. 
He took much interest in polities, first as a 
Whig, and later as a Republican, and was promi- 
nent in religious work, be and his wife being 
leading members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. 
Fetterolf, whose maiden name was Sail} Swartz, 
was also a native of Snyder county, born in 1802. 
Both lived to the age of seventy-five years, the 
father dying in 1870 and the mother in the \ 
following. Their children were: Henry, a 



fanner in Kansas; Susan (Mrs. John Hendricks), 
of Snyder county; Polly, who married George 
Kara, ind died soon afterward; Hannah S., who 
married George Huffman, and died in Sioux City, 
Iowa; Catherine (Mrs. Jacob Bingerman), who 
died in Snyder county; E., the subject of this 
sketch; Philip, who died in Snyder county, leav- 
ing a family; Daniel, who died (unmarried) in 
Snyder count}-; and Elizabeth iMrs. Frederick 
Schrayder), of Selinsgrove. 

As the son of a busy farmer, Mr. Fetterolf's 
education was subordinate to the demands of the 
farm work, which during his boyhood was unre- 
lieved by labor-saving machinery, and often oc- 
cupied a large part of the winter season as well 
as the summer. The schools were not of the 
best, either, the community where he then lived 
retaining the old-fashioned subscription schools, 
until after his time, notwithstanding the eff 
of his father and a few other progressive citizens 
to secure the modern system. A remarkably 
retentive memory, which enables him to recall 
certain events that happened when he was but 
two years old, has given Mr. Fetterolf a wide 
range of information, and his intelligent views of 
men and things reveal an active mind which 
would have made effective use of a thorough 
education. 

In the fall of 1848 Mr. Fetterolf began an 
apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade with 
John Kessler, seven miles from Selinsgrove, 
receiving at the end of two years' work the sum 
of $25.00. In 1850 he went to Potter township, 
Centre county, and worked "The Loop" as a 
journeyman blacksmith, and later he was simi- 
larly employed at Milroy, Troxelville and Laurel- 
ton, where he finally engaged in business on his 
own account. After a year and a half there he 
moved, in 1853, to Spring Mills, and rented a 
shop, which he conducted lor some time. Two 
years he then spent in Nittany Valley, Benner 
township, Centre counts, but he returned to 
Spring Mills later, and after continuing his trade 
a short time, he decided to give it up and 
in agriculture. The change was made in 1856, 
Mr Fetterolf renting a farm in Gregg township. 
Centre county, from William Allison. As pros- 
perity smiled upon his efforts, he purchased some 
adjoining land, which he cultivated, while still 
occupying the other farm as a tenant. In 1886 
he sold his property, and, relieved from business, 
removed to Spring Mills, where he bought a sub- 
stantial buck residence. 

Mr. Fetterolf was married in Union county, 
in the fall of 1850, to Miss Rachel Wyand, 
daughter of George Wyand, a prosperous fanner 
She was a native of Snyder county, born July 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



307 



27, 1829. After nearly half a century of wedded 
life, she passed away February 11, 1896, 
lamented by all who had come within her sphere 
of helpful influence. Her remains were interred 
in the cemetery at Spring Mills. Seven children 
blessed this union: Edward, who died in infancy; 
Mary E., now Mrs. George Crawford, of Spring 
Mills; Sarah M. (Mrs. Philip Meyer), of Boals- 
burg; Elizabeth (Mrs. J. K. Bittner), of Gregg 
township, Centre township; Birdie (Mrs. C. A. 
Krape), of Spring Mills; R. F. , a Lutheran min- 
ister, stationed at Millersburg, Dauphin Co., 
Penn. ; and Priscilla E., who died at the age of 
eleven years. Mr. Fetterolf has reason to be 
proud of his children, and he has given them the 
best educational opportunities which his means 
enabled him to secure, his own experience teach- 
ing hiin the value of such privileges. 

Upright in character, and honest in dealings, 
Mr. Fetterolf has won the respect of his asso- 
ciates wherever he has gone. Since 1850 he has 
been an active member of the Lutheran Church, 
and has been almost continuously in office. For 
eight consecutive years he served as elder, and 
for eight years he was superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, to which, in his younger days, he 
devoted much of his time and attention. His 
political allegiance was first given to the Whig 
party, but in the readjustment which followed 
the discussion of the slavery question, he became 
a Republican, and has ever since supported the 
principles of that organization. 



JEREMIAH E. WALKER. Among the pio- 
neer families of Centre county none holds a 
higher place in the esteem of the public than 
does the Walker family, which was established in 
Brush Valley about a century ago, our subject's 
grandfather, John Walker, having gone there 
from Northampton county, Penn., as a young 
man, settling permanently, and marrying Miss 
Mary M. Gramley, a member of another well- 
known family. 

Their son Daniel, the father of our subject, 
was born in Brush Valley, July 9, 1807, and was 
reared to manhood at the old farm. He married 
Hannah Erhard, a native of Brush Valley, born 
October 9, 1807, a daughter of Michael and 
Anna Mary (Wildeson) Erhard, well-known resi- 
dents of Miles township, Centre county. Six 
children were born of this union: Samuel, an 
ex-teacher now residing in Salona, Penn. ; Jere- 
miah E., our subject; Jonathan, of Brush Valley; 
Harriet, who married Samuel Brungart, and died 
in Miles township; Mary, who married Ruben 
Snook, and died in Nittany Valley; and Sarah, 



now Mrs. James Carman, of Rebersburg, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Daniel Walker was by occupation an agricult- 
urist, and passed his active life upon the first 
farm he ever owned. Although of small stature 
he was an industrious man, and was successful 
for his day. At the time of his death he owned 
over 500 acres of land in Brush Valley, 200 acres 
in Nittany Valley, and other tracts elsewhere. 
In politics he was a steadfast Democrat, but no 
office seeker. He took much interest in relig- 
ious work as an active member of the Lutheran 
Church; his wife was identified with the Re- 
formed Church. She died May 26, 1884, and 
his death occurred Ma}' 27, 1887, the remains of 
both being buried in the cemetery of Rebers- 
burg. 

J. E. Walker was born at the old home in 
Brush Valley, July 18, 1837, and his education 
was acquired at the Brungart school house, his 
opportunities being decidedly inferior to those of 
the present time. His father owned a sawmill 
and gristmill in connection with his large farm, 
and was able to find plenty of work for his boys. 
The consciousness of the value of a good educa- 
tion has made Mr. Walker an advocate of a more 
liberal school system than was common in his 
youth. On February 5, i860, he was married 
in Brush Valley to Miss Anna Brungart, a native 
of Clinton county, Penn., born December 16, 
1838, daughter of John and Mary (Barner) Brun- 
gart. Her father was a blacksmith and farmer 
and a well-known citizen. Mrs. Walker was the 
tenth child and seventh daughter in a family of 
twelve children — three sons and nine daughters, 
and her educational opportunities were limited 
to the schools of that locality. 

Mr. Walker established his home in his na- 
tive township, at Walker's Mills, and conducted 
the gristmill for his father, having learned that 
business in Mill Hall when about seventeen 
years old. He spent twenty-five years as a 
miller in Miles township, operating only two dif- 
ferent mills, and yet he has made thousands of 
barrels of flour and sawed thousands of feet of 
lumber. Hard work and careful management 
have gained him a comfortable competence, 
while he is highly respected among his associates 
for his honesty and uprightness. Failing health 
compelled him to give up milling for agricultural 
work, and a few years later, in the spring of 
1890, he removed to Rebersburg. He still owns 
a farm of fifty-eight acres in Miles township, 
which he oversees. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walker have had six children, 
of whom five are living, and make a family of 
which any parent might be proud. Jane married 



Hi ^ 



COMMKM<)J;a TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL liKcoRD. 



Newton Brungart, of Sugar Valley; Emma C. 
died in childhood; Emma resides in Bellefonte; 
and Lewis E., Elizabeth M. and Meta O. are at 
home. Mr. Walker and his wife are Lutherans 
in faith, and have always been in sympathy with 
the various progressive movements in their vicin- 
ity. As a steadfast believer in Democratic prin- 
ciples, Mr. Walker takes keen interest in his 
party, but he has neither sought nor held office. 



JOSEPH W. FOLMAR, a skillful farmer, and 
the present efficient supervisor of Boggs t< iwn- 
ship. Centre county, residing in Bald Eagle 
Valley, was born March 8, 1839, at Milesburg, j 
Centre county, and within the borders of that 
county has always made his home. His father, 
John Folmar, was a native of Prussia, and was a j 
son of Joseph W. Folmar. The former was a 
soldier under Napoleon, and on coming to the 
New World located at Bellefonte, Penn., where I 
he married Cresintha Windelin, who was born 
in Switzerland, and came to America with her 
parents, Joseph and Ocello Windelin, also na- 
tives oi that country. They located at Clear- 
field, Penn., where hei tnothei s death occurred, j 
but her father died in Centre county, 

John Folmar and his wife began their domes- 
tic life in Milesburg, where they remained until 
1851; when they went to Clearfield enmity, 
Penn. There both died, the father on June 20, 
isss, at the age of seventj eight years, and the 
mother on January 10. [888, at the age of 
enty-seven years, Both held membership m the 
Catholic Church. In early life the father fol- 
lowed the trade ol blacksmithing, but later en- 
gaged in farming and lumbering. In his family 
were the following children: Joseph \\ . , sub- 
ject of this sketch 'Jacob and John /. ,of Clearfield 
county; Andrew C of Peale, Penn.; Francis, a 
farmer of Clearfield county; James, a carpenter 
and wheelwright of Peale City, Penn.; William, 
a farmer of Clearfield, Penn.; and Mary M.. de- 
ceased wife of F. I). Volmont. 

At the age of four years, Mr. Folmar, the 
subject of this review, entered the schools of 
Milesburg, which he attended until he had at- 
tained his twelfth \ear, and then went to Clear- 
field county, where he was variously employed ; 
until l86l, mostly in the lumber woods He 
then became a member of Company C, 5th 
Pennsylvania Reserves, under Col. Simmons. 
Whilecutting wood on duty at Camp Pierpont, 
through an accident of some kind he cut himself 
with an axe in the right foot, and later was 
wounded at Bethesda Church, Virginia, in the 
left hip. He participated in many important en- 



gagements including the battles of Antietam and 
Gettysburg, also the seven-days' fight at Rich- 
mond, and in 1864 was honorably discharged at 
Harrisburg. On being mustered out, he engaged 
in lumbering for nine years, and then returned to 
the old home farm, which he operated until 
1889, when he came to Centre county, and has 
since lived on his present farm. He is a stal- 
wart Democrat in politics, and in 1895 was 
elected on that ticket to the office of supervisor 
of Boggs township, which he is now so capably 
filling. He holds membership in the Catholic 
Church, and with the Grand Army of the Re- 
public. 

Mr. Folmar has been twice married, his first 
union being with Miss Catherine Piffer, whom he 
wedded in 1876, and to them were born two 
children; Mary C, deceased; and Catherine, 
deceased wife of John Hill. The mother of 
these died in October, 1882, at the age of thirty- 
seven years, and November 8, 1886, Mr Folmar 
was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary A. Rolley, 
who was born in Paris, France, November 19, 
[826, and is a daughter of Peter and Jeann< 
Henry Fontenoy, who came from that country 
to the New World in 1S24, locating at French- 
ville, Clearfield Co., Penn., where the father 
died April 28, 1 87 1, at the age of seventy-two 
years, and the mother on May 31, I S 5 3 . at tin 
age of fifty-seven years. In their family w 
three children: John, who died March 17, 1894; 
Marj A . wife of our subject; and Josephine, 
wife of Frank Jennie, of Kast Farmington, Wis. 
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Folmar were 
Peter and Jeanne C. Fontenoy, who never left 
France, their native land, while the maternal 
grandparents were Louis P. and Mary Henry. 
also natives of that country, where the last 
named died; the grandfather's death occurred at 
Frenchville, Pennsylvania. 

On April 2 1 , 1 S 4 5 , John Bronel was married to 
Miss Mar) A Fontenoy, and to them were b< 
children as follows; Frank, of Osceloa, Penn.. 
of Gi ttysburg; Leopold, of Piano. 111.; 
Jennie, deceased wife of James Derr, of Belle- 
fonte, Sidonie, who makes her home at West- 
field, N. Y.; Pauline and Justin, at home: Man 
wife of P. Hayes, of Spangler, Cambria count) , 
and Minnie, of Philadelphia Mr and M 
Bronel removed to her present home in 1S64. 
but six months later he was killed by a train at 
the Milesburg cross road in Bald Eagle Vallej 
He had formed) resided at Frenchville, and ■ 
a lumber merchant b) CU] ation. In 1 v 

Mrs Bronel married John Rolley, who died in 
[882, at the age of forty-six years He was 
general I, inner and lumberman. Two children 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



309 



blessed their union: Flora, wife of Emil Lioret, 
of Michigan; and Odilla, wife of A. M. Mott, of 
Bellefonte, Perm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Folmar 
are widely and favorably known, and have many 
friends throughout the community where they 
reside. 

iPVEORGE B. HAINES, a prosperous agricult- 
1JT urist residing in Rebersburg, Centre county, 
is one of the progressive men who, taking a 
broad and liberal view of life and its opportun- 
ities, avoid the dull routine into which too many 
dwellers in the rural neighborhoods fall. Fond 
of reading, he keeps well informed on the issues 
of the day, while the advantages of scientific 
knowledge are seen in his successful management 
of his estate. 

His family is of English origin, and for at 
least three generations his ancestors have been 
tanners by occupation. His great-grandfather, 
John Haines, was the first to come to America. 
The grandfather, John Haines, Jr., was in early 
manhood a resident of York county, Penn. , but 
came to this section about 1816, locating at 
Aaronsburg, Centre county, where he followed 
his trade until his death. 

Jeremiah Haines, our subject's father, was 
born in Aaronsburg, about 1820, and was one of 
five children — two sons and three daughters — 
who lived to adult age. He was quite young 
when his father died, leaving but little means, 
and his early education was extremely limit- 
ed, a fact which, in view of his later success 
in lines requiring accurate knowledge of a kind 
not commonly possessed, indicates unusual men- 
tal power. He learned the tanner's trade near 
Woodward, and with a cash capital of $100 
started a tannery in the eastern end of Brush 
Valley, where he remained until 1855, when he 
removed to Rebersburg and bought out a tannery 
owned by Henry Flickinger, and in connection 
with this business he followed farming on a small 
scale, as his purchase included sixteen acres of 
land. He was a shrewd financier, and as a busi- 
ness man was of more than ordinary ability. At 
the time of his death he owned 550 acres of 
land, which has been kept in the family. His 
extensive business required a knowledge of cer- 
tain legal points, upon which he posted himself 
by reading. He was justice of the peace for 
twenty years, and was looked upon as a man of 
excellent judgment. His reading covered a wide 
range, and his library contained many valuable 
works on theology, in which he was well versed. 
For many years he held the office of elder and 
deacon in the Lutheran Church, and he always 
contributed toward the work of that organiza- 



tion. In politics he was a Democrat, but he did 
not seek official honors. 

Jeremiah Haines was twice married, first 
time to Susan Brungart, daughter of George 
and Salome (Kahl) Brungart, and two children 
were born to this union: Emma, now Mrs. 
Thomas E. Royer, of Miles township; and 
George B., our subject. The mother died in 
1862, and the father married a second wife, Mrs. 
Sarah Heckman, nee Oswalt, widow of George 
Heckman. She was also taken from him by 
death, but left no children. Squire Haines was 
a man of ordinary build, but above the average 
height, and his health was uniformly good. His 
death occurred quite suddenly in April, 1893, his 
remains being buried in Rebersburg. He was 
fond of his home and was of a peaceful disposi- 
tion, conceding to every man the right to an 
opinion, and if it happened to differ from his, he 
made no effort to change it by argument. Many 
of the noted men of Centre county were his per- 
sonal friends, and a visit to Rebersburg by such 
men was also marked by a visit to "Squire" 
Haines. 

The subject of this sketch was born August 
6, 1849, six miles east of Rebersburg, and first 
attended school in that town with Samuel Gram- 
ley as his teacher. As soon as he was old enough 
he began to learn the tanner's trade under his 
father, work of various kinds being assigned him, 
but his education was fair for his time, although 
it was obtained in the common schools of Miles 
township, and in the Rebersburg Normal School, 
which was then in existence, he was licensed to 
teach, but never taught. He lived at home with 
his parents until the time of his marriage, but 
never entirely completed the trade of a tanner, 
although he was sufficiently familiar wi.th it to 
perform work in almost any department. 

In December, 1870, Mr. Haines was married 
in Miles township to Miss Emma J. .Burkert, a 
native of Miles township, born August 10, 1852, 
a daughter of Jacob Burkert who is mentioned 
more fully below. Mrs. Haines is a lady of fine 
intellectual ability, and had a license as a teacher, 
although she never entered the profession. After 
his marriage, Mr. Haines located on his father's 
farm in Brush Valley, and followed agriculture 
for eighteen years; in the spring of 1888 he re- 
moved to Rebersburg, where he now occupies 
the old Burkert homestead, which he greatly im- 
proved, remodeling the house and erecting a 
new barn and other buildings. After the death 
of his father, he and his brother-in-law were ap- 
pointed executors to the estate. In addition to 
his pleasant home in Rebersburg he has 200 
acres of farming land. 



810 



OOMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Haines and his wife are leading members 
cit the Lutheran Church, and he is a trustee of 
that society. Their children are a credit to 
them, all taking prominent places in social life: 
William B. is a farmer of Miles township. 
Charles M. isinglei resides in Baltimore, Md. 

abeth L. is at home. Melville C, a licensed 
teacher, lives at borne < >f these, William B. 
was married in 1890 to Lida J. Oakes, and they 
have one son, Harry O. , born in 1891. All the 
rest are single. Mr. Haines is a Democrat in 
politics, and, while not radical, is a stanch sup- 
porter of his party, and has held various offices 
in the township, his sound judgment .md well- 
known public spirit making him a populai candi- 
date 

Jacob Burkert, the father of Mis Haines. 
was an excellent citizen, noted for his liberality 
and practical sagacity. I le was .1 hatter by trade, 
and before coming to Brush Valley had lived in 
Berks county, I'enn. Politically, he was .1 stead- 
fast Republican, and he took a prominent part 
in local affairs, serving ten years as justice of the 
peace of Miles township, Centre county. He 
and his wife, Elizabeth Smull, died in Rebers- 
burg, each being about seventy-two years old, 
and both sleep in the cemetery at that place. 
Mrs Burkert was a devout member of the Re- 
formed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Burkert had the 
following children: Cyrus [., a ministei of tin 
United Brethren Church, is presiding elder of 
the Dayton (Ohio) district; George was a soldier 
in the Civil war with the Bellefonte Invincibles, 
and died in camp at Carlisle, Penn.; C. Milton, 
now of Germantown, Ohio, was formerly a rail- 

i conductor on the Yandalia route: John (.. 
of Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., Kans. , is probate 
judge of his county; Edwin is a physician at 
Dayton, Ohio; Clayton resides at Valley Palls, 
Kans. ; Charles AaA m childhood; Elizabeth died 
in infancy' Effinger died at the age of fifteen 
years; and Emma J. now Mrs. Haines) completes 
the family. 



CHARLES LUCAS is one of the most enter- 
prising, industrious and most highl) respi 
farmers of Centre county, his home being at 
Wallace Run, I iwnship. He was bom 

one mile from that place September 30, 1833, and 
is a representative of one of the honored pioi 
families of the county 

Joseph and Mary (McKibben) Lucas, grand- 
parents of our subject, were natives of Merlin, 
Pi mi., and came to Centre county at an early- 
day. His parents, Charlesand Elizabeth Shirk) 
Lucas, were natives of Centre county, spending 



their entire lives in Bald Eagle Valley. The fa- 
ther was the first white man who located there, 
and crossed the Alleghany Mountains to what is 
now known as Snow Shoe, Centre county. He 
was a ship carpenter and a millwright, and went 
with Perry as ship carpenter during the war of 
1812-15, serving with that commander when he 
won the famous naval victory. Mr. Lucas spent 
his last days at fanning. In politics he was a 
1 >< mocrat, but never sought office. He died on 
Wallace run, in 1S75, at the age of seventy-eight 
years, and his wife passed away in 1865. at the 
age of seventy-four. They had live children: 
fames M., a farmer of Centre county; Rebecca. 
wife of Jacob Brovver, of Minnesota, Charles; 
and Morgan, a farmer of Boggs tow nship 

Charles Lucas, our subject, spent his hoy- 
hood days in his parent's home, and attended the 
district schools. He afterward engaged 111 lum- 
bering and in farming, and was connected with 
the nurseiv business for live years. At the age 
of twenty-seven he left the old homestead, was 
married and rented a farm in Union township, 
whereon he resided some eight years. He then 
purchased the old homestead, where he has since 
lived, gi\ ing his time and attention to agricultural 
pursuits. His life has been one of industry and 
honest toil, and his 1 ml perseverance are 

the factors which have brought to him his suc- 
cess. On November 30, |S;S, lie married Kliza 
Brower, who was horn in Union township, Cen- 
tre county, February 4, 1840, a daughtei ol Will- 
iam and Hannah Resides) Brower, also natives 
of Centre county, when they spent their entire 
lives. The father, who was a manufacturer of 
charcoal, died in [869, at the age of seventy-two; 
the mother died in 1 S 7 j . aged seventy-one years, 
rhey had children as follows: Mary A., A Even- 
son and [ohn, all dei ' t, widow of 
James McClincy, of Centre county; Ellen, 

ed wife of Benjamin 1 ' lizabeth, widow 

of Hiram Talbert, of Union township; Jacob, of 
Minnesota; William, deceased; Nancy, wife of 
J M. Lucas; Sarah, deceased wife of Thon 
McClincy, oi Oregon; Philip, afarmer "I Centre 
county; Kliza; and Emeline, wife of Enoch 
1 1 ugg, a men ham ol Milesburg. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lucas became the parents of 
nine children five ions and tour daughti 
Edward, who is living in Pleasant Gap, Centn 
county; Elizabeth, wife of William Johnson, of 
Snow Shoe: Hannah, deceased wife of William 
Rogers, of Tyrone; William E., Mary, diaries 
S.. James s . Franklin M. and Maggie, all at 
home. The mother of this family died April 
1895, and her taking off was deeply mourned by 
many friends as well as her immediate family 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



311 



Mr. Lucas has served as school director for 
the past five years, and takes a deep and com- 
mendable interest in education, as well as all 
things calculated to upbuild the community and 
promote the general welfare. In politics he is a 
Democrat. Religiously he is connected with the 
United Brethren Church, and is serving as trus- 
tee in the congregation in which he holds mem- 
bership. He belongs to one of the oldest fam- 
ilies of the county, and his own identification 
therewith covers a period of almost two-thirds of 
a century. He has not only been a witness of 
much of the growth and development of the 
county, but has ever borne his part in the work 
of improvement, and is numbered among the 
worthy and valued citizens of his section. 



HENRY C. WARFEL, of Philipsburg, Cen- 
tre county. Among the only series of 
medals of honor granted by Congress for hero- 
ism during the Civil war is one" inscribed: "The 
Congress to Private Henry C. Warfel, Company 
A, First Pa. Cavalry." The deed of valor thus 
commemorated was in truth worthy of such dis- 
tinguished notice, being the capture of the colors 
of a Virginia regiment at the battle of Paines 
Cross Roads, April 5, 1865. Private Warfel's 
military record is one in which any American 
would take pride, and the medal and the docu- 
ments relating to his soldierly achievements are 
cherished possessions. 

The opening of the Civil war found Mr. War- 
fel a boy of sixteen, an apprentice in a tin- 
ner's shop at Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn., 
and notwithstanding his youth his heart was 
fired with patriotic ardor, and he longed to do 
battle in the defense of the Union. As the out- 
look grew darker, and it was seen that the strug- 
gle would be longer and more deadly than was at 
first anticipated, he prepared to go, and in August, 
1862, enlisted in response to the call for men for 
nine months' service, joining Company I, 125th 
P. V. I. His regiment was assigned to McClel- 
lan's forces, and the time was mainly spent in 
Maryland. His first term of enlistment was sig- 
nalized by the fierce engagements at Antietam 
and Chancellorsville; but nothing daunted by this 
baptism of fire he re-enlisted, in 1863, in the 
195th P. V. I., and was immediately transferred 
to Company A, 1st P. V. C. He served until 
the close of the war, participating in all the 
movements of his regiment, including the cam- 
paign before Petersburg, and was at Appomat- 
tox at the time of Lee's surrender, also marched 
in the Grand Review at Washington. After re- 
ceiving his discharge on May 27, 1865, he re- 



turned to his work as an apprentice, and when 
his trade was learned was employed by a rail- 
road company for about two years. A trip to 
Illinois occupied six months, and in February, 
1869, he went to Philipsburg, where he has ever 
since followed his trade, and has established him- 
self in business as a tinner and plumber. On 
May, 15, 1892, he was commissioned postmaster 
at Philipsburg, by President Harrison, and served 
four years with ability and credit. A steadfast 
Republican, he wields some influence in the 
councils of the party in his locality, and he has 
also been active in affairs in his borough, serving 
as Burgess for four years. In religious faith he 
is a Presbyterian. 

Mr. Warfel was married in Philipsburg, in 
1874, to Miss Sarah A. Du Bree, a native of 
Bucks county, Penn., born in 1851. Three chil- 
dren have brightened their home, of whom the 
eldest, Emma D., is the only survivor. (2) Juni- 
ata F. died in 1889 at the age of eight and 
one-half years. (3) D. DuBree lived to the 
age of only three years and two months. 

The early life of our subject was spent in 
Huntingdon county, Penn., where he was born 
September 14, 1844, and he was educated in the 
schools of Mill Creek district, His family has 
been long established in Huntingdon county, his 
grandfather, George Warfel, having settled there 
in early manhood. He was of German descent, 
but was a native of this State. He had a nu- 
merous family of children, our subject's father 
being the eldest, but the names of all are not now 
recalled. John died at Frankstown, Blair coun- 
ty; Philip is living in the West, probably in Iowa: 
Margaret married Jacob Baker, of Alexandria, 
Penn. ; and Sarah (deceased) was the wife of 
Jacob Walters, of Huntingdon county. 

Adam Warfel, the father of our subject, was 
born in Huntingdon county in 181 3, and passed 
his life there, his death occurring in 1880. By 
occupation he was a blacksmith, and he was a 
highly respected citizen, a member of the Bap- 
tist Church, and an influential worker in the Re- 
publican party. In 1863 he was elected county 
commissioner. His wife, Barbara Foster, was 
born in Bedford ccunty, Penn., in 1820, and is 
now living near Huntingdon, Penn. Of their 
children, eight lived to adult age, viz.: (1) Nancy 
is the widow of Simon Bales, of Huntingdon 
county; (2) George is a blacksmith in that coun- 
ty; (3) Henry Clay is our subject; (4) James is a 
clerk and bookkeeper in Pittsburg; (5) Elias H. 
W. is a tinner in the same city; (6) William is 
a blacksmith at Pittsburg; (7) John is a machin-' 
ist in Philadelphia; and (8) Juniata is the wife of 
H. H. Pensyl, of Altoona. 



312 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPMCAL RECORD. 



DANIEL PONTIUS IRWIN is an enterprising 
merchant of Julian, Centre county, whose 
systematic methods, executive ability and sound 
judgment, combined with energy and industry, 
have made him one of the substantial citizens of 
Huston township lb is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born in Union county, December 10, 
iSiS, and for man) years he has been identified 
with the commercial interests of Centre i ounty. 

John Irwin, father of our subject, was also 
born in this State, of English parentage, his 
father coming to this country from England be- 
fore the Revolutionary war, in which struggle he 
aided the Colonies, and died from the effects of 
wounds received. In Union county, l'eiin.. 
John Irwin married Catherine Pontius, also a 
native ,,f Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew 
and Dorothy Pontius, who spent their entire 
lives in Union county Hei paternal grandpar- 
ents were of German birth, and were among the 
earliest settlers of that county. In (835, Mr. 
and Mrs. [rwin came to < entre county, where he 
engaged in farming until 1850, when they mi- 
grated to Fayette county, Iowa, he carrying on 

icultural pursuits there until his death, which 
occurred in 1864, when he was aged eighty-one 
years. The mother dud at West Union, Fay- 
ette county, in 1867, at the age of seventy-o 
I heir six children were .1- follows: Andrew, a 
farmer, who died in Centre county. Penn. ; 
[ames, a farmer ol ( edar Rapids, Iowa, where 
he died; John, a deceased fanner of Iowa; Dan- 
iel P., subject of this sketch; Rachel, deceased 
wife of Hon 1'. F. Sturgis, a banker oi Iowa. 
who represented his district in the Legislature; 
and Louis, who died in Iowa 

The boyhood of our subject was spent in 
Union county, he attending the public schools 
and assisting in the labors of the farm until six- 
years of age, when he began serving an ap- 
prenticeship to the carpenter's trade, which busi- 
ness he followed lor live sears. He next en- 
gaged in clerking in a mercantile establishment 
in Bellefonte. Penn., where he remained i..i sev- 

I years, and later was in partnership with 
John B. Awl in the same business. Subsequently 
he was bookkeeper for tin- Washington Iron Co. 
lor a few years, and then again clerked in a store 
at Hellefonte. Still later he engaged in mercan- 
tile pursuits at Milesburg, Penn., until i860, 
when he went to West Union, Iowa, where for 
three years he served as bookkeeper. In 1 863 he 
located at Julian, Penn., becoming railroad station 
agent and conducting a general store, in partner- 
ship with T. E. Griest, which connection con- 
tinued for two years. He then purchased his 
partner's interest, at the same time giving up the 



station, and has since successfully conducted his 
store alone. 

On February 8, 1859, Mr. Irwin was united 
in marriage with Miss Eliza G. Underwood, and 
nine children blessed their union: John, born 
January 4. i860, died January [2, 1861; Clara 
M., born May 2, 1862. died July 29, 1862; 
William I'., born July 9, 1863, is a prominent 
physician of Julian; Edwin P., born October 28, 
1865, is a hardware merchant of Tyrone, Penn.; 
Louis O, born August 9, 1869, is engaged in the 
same business in Bellefonte; Catharine Alvina, 
born April 17, 1872, is at home; James B., born 
April 9, 1875, died September 25, 1882; and 
Alfred T., born December 23, 1877, and Charles 
A., born December 1, 1880, are both at home. 

Mis Irwin was born in Milesburg, Penn., Oc- 
tober 28, 1839, and is the third child in the 
family of Dr. William and Alvina (Griest Under- 
wood, the others being as follows: Amanda, de- 
ceased wife of Benjamin Rich, also deceased; 
l'lmbe J., deceased wife of Leander driest. 
Joseph, deceased; Newton, a lumber merchant of 
Elizabeth City, N. C. ; and Hannah Alvina, de- 
ceased wife of John G. Greenleaf, of Cleveland, 
t >hio. 

1 >r. William Underwood was born in York 
county, Penn., October 7, 1811, and during his 
mature years engaged in the practice of medicine 
at Unionville, Penn He was also an extensive 
lumber merchant, and built the plank roads from 
Unionville to Tyrone, and from Julian over the 
mountains to Beaver Mills, at a cost of $50,000. 
He was one of the prominent and representative 
business men of this section, was largely inter- 
ested in the milling company at Beaver Mills, 
and was the first president of the Bald Eagle 
Valley railroad. For many years he was a 
preacher in the Society of Friends. In Adams 
county, Penn., Dr. Underwood married Alvina 
Griest, a native of that counts, born 7th mo. 
15th, 1812, died 3d mo. 31st, 1853, and he 
later married her sister, Lorana Griest, who was 
born in the same county, in 1820. One daugh- 
ter was born to them: Ida, wife of EmmersOD 
Bosworth, a railroad man of Buffalo, New York. 

Politically, Mr. Irwin affiliates with the Dem- 
ocratic part)-, and for three years he served as 
postmaster at Julian, while for six years he was a 
member of the school board. In religious belief 
he is a Presbyterian; socially he has for man) 

is been a member of the I. O. O. F. He 
is liberal in his support of every worthy enter- 
prise for the good of the community, is public- 
spirited and progressive, and has the confidence 
and high regard of all with whom he has come in 
contact. 










(Z^Cjci^u/ ?Jt 



J o^nn^J 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



313 



iOBERT BEERLY. In past ages the his- 
EL tory of a country was the record of wars 
and conquests; to-day it is the record of com- 
mercial activity, and those whose names are 
foremost in its annals are the leaders in business 
circles. Our subject is unquestionably one of the 
strongest and most influential business men of 
Centre county — the proprietor of a large wagon 
factory at Central City — and the place which he 
occupies in business circles is in the front rank. 

Mr. Beerly was born December 21, 1837, in 
Clinton county, Penn., and traces his ancestry 
to Nicholas Beerly, a German astrologer. The 
latter's son, Nicholas, was born in Pennsylvania, 
and wedded Lucy A. Buchtel, also a native of 
this State. Both died at Rebersburg. Their 
son Peter, the father of our subject, was born in 
Centre county. He married Sarah Karstetter, a 
native of Clinton counfy, and a daughter of Ru- 
dolph Karstetter, who died in that county. To 
this worthy couple were born children as follows: 
Robert, subject of this sketch; Rebecca, widow 
of David Watson, of Boggs township; Masulam, 
who died in the army in 1863; Nathaniel, a mer- 
chant and justice of the peace of Central City; 
Tartonlius, deceased; Agnes, wife of Byron Tay- 
lor, of Boggs township; Lemuel, of Boggs town- 
ship; and Newton, who died in childhood. The 
death of both parents occurred in Boggs town- 
ship, the father dying in 1868, at the age of 
fifty- four years; the mother in 1889, at the age 
of seventy-three years. He was a wagon manu- 
facturer by trade, working at the same in Clinton 
county until 1847, when he located in Centre 
county, and in i860 became a resident of Boggs 
township, where he carried on wagon making 
and repairing until his death. His political sup- 
port was given the Republican party. 

As a life work Mr. Beerly chose the occupa- 
tion of wagon-making, which trade he learned 
under his father's able directions, and in the dis- 
trict schools he obtained his literary education, 
which was somewhat meagre, he being the oldest 
son, and obliged to assist in the support of the 
family. He continued with his father ■ until 
his marriage, when he removed to Milesburg, 
where, for five years, he worked for Jonathan 
Bullock, and then returned to Boggs township, 
and here, for twenty-one years, carried on oper- 
ations at his father's old plant. In 1890, how- 
ever, he erected his present steam factory, which 
he has since successfully operated with the assist- 
ance of his two sons, Albert and Ellis, and enjoys 
a large and lucrative patronage. He has the 
most complete wagon factory in the county, and 
for the past nineteen years has also engaged in 
the manufacture of cider. Tireless energy, keen 



perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devis- 
ing and executing the right thing at the right 
time, joined to every-day common sense, guided 
by resistless will power, are the chief character- 
istics of the man, and have been the important 
factors in his success. 

In 1 86 1, Mr. Beerly was united in marriage 
with Miss Hannah J. Worts, and to them were 
born three sons and two daughters, as follows: 
Roland, who died in childhood; Laura, who died 
at the age of thirty years; Albert, associated with 
his father in business; Cora, who died when 
young; and Ellis, also with his father. Mrs. 
Beerly was born in Centre county, July 20, 1835, 
and is one of the thirteen children of Jacob and 
Annie (Hanser) Worts, also natives of Centre 
county. In order of birth the children are as 
follows: Barbara married J. Moore, and both 
are now deceased; John is also deceased; Eliza 
is the wife of J. McGonigle; Jacob is deceased; 
Samuel lives in Houserville, Centre county; 
Mattie; George; Joe; Philip, also of Houserville; 
Catherine is deceased; Mary is the wife of Will- 
iam Gross, of Centre county; Abraham is a 
farmer of Perry county, Penn. ; and Hannah J. is 
the wife of our subject. The father was a prom- 
inent farmer of Centre county, and a stalwart 
Republican in politics. 

Since 1864, Mr. Beerly has lived at his pres- 
ent home, and has been elected to several town- 
ship offices, but has declined to accept the same, 
as political distinction has no attraction for him. 
Until the past nine years he was a Republican, 
but he now affiliates with the Prohibition party. 
His religious views are those of the Presbyterian 
Church, but at present he is connected with no 
Church organization. A man of fine musical 
talent, he has won several prizes at musical 
contests, and is a prominent member of a band 
and an excellent orchestra. He is one of the 
representative citizens of the community, held 
in the highest regard by all who know him 



ISAAC BECK. Prominent among the repre- 
sentative citizens and respected men of Half 
Moon township, Centre county, is found the 
subject of this biographical notice, who has a 
valuable farm of 160 acres. This is well im- 
proved and highly cultivated, and shows conclu- 
sively that the owner has not mistaken his calling 
in adopting agriculture. 

Mr. Beck was born in Half Moon township, 
October8, 1835, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth 
(Cryder) Beck, who are now deceased, the 
former having died in 1883, the latter in 1884, 
and were laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery, 



314 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGliM'lW M. UECORD. 



in Half Moon township. They were of German 
descent, born near the city of Warriors Mark, 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., and were the parents of 
seven children. Our subject is indebted to the 
public schools of Centre county for his educa- 
tional privileges, and upon the home farm be- 
came familiar with agricultural pursuits, which 
he decided to make his life work. 

On Octobei. 21, 1859, Mr. Beck married 
Miss Barbara Rider, a daughter of Michael and 
Barbara Rider, of Gatesburg, Penn. Her father 
was born in Dauphin county, this State, Febru- 
ary 18, 1797, and died January 30, 1881, while 
her mother was bom November 15, 1799. m 
Lebanon county, Penn., and departed this life 
March 9, 1874. In their family were twi 
children, namely: Mary, born August 2, 1817, 
died August 22, [869; Catharine was born Janu- 
ary 29, 1821; Elizabeth, born December 21, 
1822, died May 8, 1883; Lydia, l»>rn December 
25, 1824, died September II, 1890; Sarah A . 

11 December 13, 1826, died November 23, 
1890; Jacob K., born February 15, 1829, makes 
his home in Gatesburg, Centre county; Michael 
C, born March 14, 1832, lives in Nebraska; 
Nancy, born August [3, (834, is the wife of 
Samuel Musser, of Fairbrook, Centre county; 
John (,., bom Mas 15, [836, is a resident of 

tesburg; Barbara, born April 22, 1838, is the 
honored wife of our subject ; Mathias, born April 
28, 184(1. also makes his home at Gatesburg; 
and Ellen, born April 2;. 1843, is the wife of 
William Hastings, of the same place. 

Four children grace the union of Mr and 
Mrs. Beck, as follows: 111 Elmer E., born 
September 3, 1861, was married January 8, 
[891, to Alice Whippo, bj whom he has three 
children, and is now serving as superintendent 
of the farm in connection with the Huntingdon 
Reformatory, oi Huntingdon county, Penn. 
Mar} E., born October 1, [863, was married 
June 27, iNS.,, to J. E. Corle, a clerk in the 
postal service, and they have two children: Sa- 
lome and Barbara 1. (3 William !■'., born 
January i8, [866, married Sarah Campbell, 
daughter of Cornel: tnpbell, of Altoona, 

Blair Co., Penn.; (4) Daniel J., born June 4, 
[869, is still at home with his parents. 

Mr. Beck has been an ardent Republican in 

politics from the time he voted for Lincoln in 

1, and takes a deep interest in the success of 

his party; since the organization of the Grange in 

his community he has been identified with that 

ivement; in religious faith he is an active and 
faithful member of the Lutheran Church. He 
is one of the most popular citizens of Half Moon 
township, thoroughly honest, upright and reli- 



able, and is highly honored and respected by all 
who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. In 
his beautiful home hospitality abounds, the fam- 
ily delighting to entertain their many friends 



RB. B< >< IB, a leading blacksmith of Aarons- 
burg, was born December 13, 1845. in 
Hartley township, Union Co., Penn., and is a 
son of Adam and Susannah (Adams) Boob, the 
former born in the same county July 14, 1815, 
and the latter in Dauphin county, this State, 
April 26, 1821. The paternal grandfather was 
Michael Boob, while the mother's father was 
Samuel Adams. 

Adam Boob was reared amid humble sur- 
roundings in the county of his nativity . as his 
parents were in limited circumstances, and after 
his marriage located upoft a small tract of land 
near Laurelton, Union county, when- h< worked 
at the mason's trade and later engaged in farm- 
ing. He is now the owner of a small farm in 
that county, where he still makes his home, and 
is well preserved for one of his years. His po- 
litical support is ever given men and measures of 
the Democratic party, and in religion he is a 
German Baptist. His faithful wife was called to 
her final rest in the spring of [895. 

In their family were the following children: 
Hannah, born August 24, 1838, is the wife of 
[ohn Pick, of Union county; Levi, born April 3, 
1840. lost his arm in the Union service while a 
member of Company A, 148th P. V. I., and died 
in Union county from accidental shooting while 
bear hunting; William, bom February 13. 1842, 
was also a member of Company A, 148th P. V.I., 
was wounded and died in a Rebel prison; Na- 
thaniel, born October 24, 1843, was a member 
ot the same company, and is now a resident of 
Union county; K B., of this sketch, is next in 
order of birth; Ellen, born July [6, 1847, is the 
wife of Joseph Hartley, of Union county; Sarah, 
horn December 17. 1851, married William Heck, 
and died in Shingletown, Penn. : Frank, born 
November 21, [854, is a farmer of Union coun- 
ty; Amanda, born November \ '■,. 1857, is the 
wife of Joseph Smith, of Juniata county. Penn. j 
and Maria, born July 6, [861. is the wit 
John Frederick, of Union counts 

The educational privileges of our subject 
were rather limited, and the schools which he 
attended were much inferior to those of the pres- 
ent day. Until eighteen years of age he 
mained upon the home farm, assisting in its de- 
velopment and cultivation, and then began learn- 
ing the blacksmith s trade at Mifflinburg, Penn., 
in the shop of Miller, Diehl & Co., his compen- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



315. 



sation to be $60 for two years, but for the eight- 
een months he was with them only received $30. 
The following eight months he worked for Isaac 
Sellers, of the same place, and then formed a 
partnership with Perry Catherman, but after 
conducting a shop in Mifflinburg for a few 
months the connection was discontinued, our 
subject being alone for a short time. Coming 
to Centre county, he opened a smithy in the 
country near Hartleton, but a year later located 
in Aaronsburg, buying out the business of John 
C. Stover in March, 1871. He has greatly en- 
larged his shop, adding coachmaking to the reg- 
ular blacksmith business, and has built up a fine 
trade, which his skillful work justly merits. 

In Mifflinburg, September 19, 1867, Mr. 
Boob was married to Miss Sarah Sheary, who 
was born in East Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, September 5, 1844, a daughter of George E. 
and Leah (Young) Sheary. Three children have 
come to bless their union: William W. , born 
June 15, 1868, is a carriage hardware jobber of 
Centre Hall, Penn., and a wide-awake, energetic 
young business man; Lewis E., born December 
24, 1874, is also a promising young man, pos- 
sessing excellent musical talent; George C. , born 
October 25, 1881, completes the family. 

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Boob had 
not a dollar with which to begin housekeeping, 
and went in debt for his home, which cost $2,300; 
but being an honest, hard-working man, he soon 
paid off the indebtedness and has secured a com- 
fortable competence, all through his own unaided 
exertions. Originally he was a Democrat in 
politics, but since 1892 has supported the Prohi- 
bition party, as it embodies his views on the tem- 
perance question. He is now serving his second 
term as water works trustee, and is a valued and 
efficient member of the school board. Since 
1863 his wife has been a consistent member of 
the Lutheran Church, while he is a Methodist in 
religious belief. They have made many friends 
since coming to Aaronsburg, and by all who know 
them are held in the highest regard. 



HENRY CLAY HOLTER, a veteran of ' the 
Civil war, and a prominent resident of 

of Howard borough, Centre county, is a descend- 
ant of three well-known pioneer families. On the 
paternal side, his grandfather, Jacob Holter, Sr. , 
who was born in Maryland in 1776, came to Cen- 
tre county in 1800, and opened a blacksmith 
shop in Howard township, where he later en- 
gaged in farming. He died at the age of eighty- 
six years. His first wife, who was a Miss Miller, 
died leaving two children, and he afterward mar- 



ried Miss Catherine Neff, a native of the Bald 
Eagle Valley, who died at the age of eighty- five 
years. 

By this last union there were eleven children, 
among whom was a son, Jacob, Jr., the father of 
our subject, who was born January 19, 18 19, 
and lived in Howard township until recent years, 
having now retired to Liberty township, in the 
same county. In his more active days he was a 
successful agriculturist, and also took an influen- 
tial part in local affairs and in the Republican 
party, serving as school director, overseer of the 
poor and supervisor. He married Miss Cath- 
erine Pletcher, a native of Howard township, and 
a daughter of Henry and Magdalena (Schenck) 
Pletcher, who were born, reared and married in 
Lancaster county, Penn., but located in 1796 
upon a farm in Howard township and made their 
permanent home. Mrs. Catherine Holter died 
at the old homestead September 9, 1889, aged 
seventy-four years, six months and eighteen days. 
She was a devout Christian, and for forty-nine 
years had been a member of the Mennonite 
Church, to which her husband has belonged for 
about fifty years. 

To Jacob Holter, Jr., and his wife, Catherine 
(Pletcher), were born children as follows: 11) 
Joseph L., a resident of Howard, married Mar- 
tha Kaup, and has one child — Anna J. (2) 
Henry C. is our subject; (3) Michael P., a car- 
penter at Howard, married Susan B. Schenck, 
and seven children were born to them — Minnie 
M., Lydia J. (Mrs. Pletcher), Charles E., Albert 
L. , James A., Samuel B. , and Herbert J., who 
died September 28, 1895. (4) John B., a stone 
mason and plasterer, of Howard, married Carrie 
B. Smith (no children). (5) Magdalena died in 
1852. (6) Catherine M. married Isaac Williams, 
a barber at Eagleville, Penn., and has had eight 
children — Harry G., Shuman S., Eliza C. , 
Henry S., Dela, Frankie, Laura and John J. (7) 
Nancy J. married Albert Schenck, a farmer of 
Liberty township, Centre county, and had seven 
children, all yet living — Carrie, May (Mrs. 
Coder; she has two children — Albert and Rey- 
nold), Elsie, Wilber, Catherine, Irvine and 
Viola; Mrs. Nancy J. Schenck died March 11, 
1893. (8) Christian died in infancy. (9) Jacob 
S., a plasterer at Howard, married Mary E. Mil- 
ler, and has one child — Sherman M. (10) Mary 
A. married Bower Schenck, a farmer of Liberty 
township, and they have three children — Charles, 
Morris and Lydia. (11) Susan E. married J. Z. 
Loder, of Howard, and they also have three 
children — Joseph M., Mary B. and Mabel E. 

The subject of our sketch was born Septem- 
ber 21, 1843, and remained at the old home in 






816 



COMMKMOItA TIVK I!l<><; UM'll KM. UECORD. 



Howard township, Centre county, until he was 
about nineteen years of age, assisting in the farm 
work and attending the neighboring schools. He 
displayed decided mechanical ability, and making 
choice of the carpenter's trade began an appren- 
ticeship in [862. The "dark days" of the Re- 
bellion were drawing on, and every loyal man 
felt the prompting within to aid as he could in 
the preservation of the Union. Young as he was. 
Mr Holter left the carpentei s lunch after six 
months of his apprenticeship had passed, and 
went to the front as a member of Company I >. 
45th P. V. I., under Capt. Austin Curtin. He 
continued in the service until the army was dis- 
banded, and received but one wound, and that a 
slight "lie, although he saw much severe fighting, 
especially in the battles of the Wilderness, 
Spottsylvania, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, 
North Anna, the long struggle before Petersburg 
and the final combat with Lee's forces. He was 
mustered out July 17, 1865. but he has since 

n for some time a member of the 46th Ri 
ment Pennsylvania Militia. In [876 he joined 
Centre County Veteran Club. 

On his return from the war Mr. Holter re- 
sumed his work as an apprentice, and completed 
his preparation for his trade, which lie has since 

followed successfully, six sawmills being ai ig 

Ins list of large buildings constructed. In [876 
he added undertaking; and in this branch of 
work he formed a partnership in 1892 with J. H 
Schenck. Mr. Holter is highly esteemed in busi- 
ness circles, but his popularity does not end 
there by any means. To mention the various 
offices which he has held would be to enumerate 
all the important places on the local ticket. He 
has been school director nine years; town coun- 
cilman six years; overseer of the door two years; 
chid burgess one term; assessor one year; 
county collector two years; supervisor one year; 
and for three years was secretary of the school 
board. He is a prominent member of the Grand 
Army Post, No. 262, at Howard, and served five 
years as commander and three as adjutant. He 
also held the leading offices in the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America before their disbandment. 
While he is not identified with any Church, he 
gives generous support to all religious and phil- 
anthropic enterpi i 

On June 30, 1868, Mr. Holter married Miss 
Mary E. Hall, who was born June 30, 1849, the 
daughter of Robert and Mary (Armegast) Hall, 
natives and lifelong residents of Union town- 
ship, Centre county. Mr. and Mrs. Holter have 
a bright, clever family of children. The eldest, 
Daniel W., born April 26, 1869, is at home; 
Frank E., born February II, 1872, died May 5. 



1874; Nannie K., born January 16, 1874, mar- 
ried Lot Thompson, of Liberty township. Cen- 
tre county, and their children were — Annie M., 
horn June 2, 1895, died November 23, 1895; 
George C, born June 21, 1896; and Clarence 
Cameron, born December 1 , 1 897 ; Lizzie M. , born 
August 1, 1875, is a successful school teacher, 
and resides with her parents; John S., born 
March 7, 1877, is an intelligent young man with 
fine literary taste, and is now employed as clerk 
inthe "Syracuse Hotel'' at Howard; Robert B., 
born January 19, 1879, is at home; Ella L., born 
May 23, 1881, died March 13, 1897 (She was 
a member of the M. E. Church and Epworth 
League); Mary A., horn June 18, 1883, is at 
home; [acob L. , born April 12, 1885. died De- 
cember 26, 1888; David A., born February 19, 
1887, Philip C, born January 28, 1889, Simon 
('. B., born September 4. 1892, and Henry W . 
born July 26, 1894, are at home. 



JESSE CLEAVER, one of the representative 
ml prominent citizens of the borough of 
Unionville, Centre county, is a native of that 
county, born February 5, 1844, on the banks of 
tie Bald Fagle creek, not far from the present 
site of Unionville. He traces his ancestry back 

[oshua (leaver, who came to America from 
Wales, locating in New Jersey. He wedded 
net , who lost her membership in 

the Society of Friends by her marriage, he being 
a member of the Church of England. He died in 
1783, at Philadelphia, leaving his widow with 
lour children. Nathan, Jesse, Eunice and An- 
drew. 

Tlu' youngest of this family. Andrew 1 
was bound out to Benjamin Tompkins, of Bucks 

ity, Penn., with whom he remained until 
reaching the age of twenty-one, and then r< 
turned to his mother. He married Hannah 
Clark, a daughter of William and Hannah 
(lark, and one of their twelve children was Will- 
iam, the father of our subject. The grandfather 
was born December 4, 1783, and died Januan 8, 
[84P, about one mile east of Curwensville, Penn. 
He was laid to rest in the Friends cemetery at 
Grampian Hills, Clearfield county. 

William (leaver was born in Clearfield, 
Penn., April 20, 181 1, and died March 30, 1857. 
He was tour times married, his first wife being 
Anna Was, whom he wedded in Centre county, 
and they had one son. Thomas W., who was 
born October 13, 1S34, and is now a farmer of 
Bedford county, Penn. After the death of his 
first wife, Mr. Cleaver married Keziah Griest, of 
Bald Eagle Valley, who was born September 3, 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



317 



1810, and died May 14, 1846. She was a daugh- 
ter of Amos and Phoebe (Swain) Griest, natives 
of Chester county, Penn. , who removed to York 
county, where her father spent his remaining 
days. By this union Mr. Cleaver had three 
children: Charles G., who was born November 
22, 1 84 1, and is now engaged in farming in Bed- 
ford county, Penn.; Jesse, subject of this sketch; 
and a daughter who died in infancy. For his 
third wife, Mr. Cleaver wedded Hannah Kirk, of 
Lumber City, Clearfield county, and to them 
was born a son, Isaac K., now residing in the 
State of Washington, whose birth occurred March 
28, 1850. After her death he married Louisa 
Garretson, widow of Isaac Garretson, and one 
child graced their union: William P., born in 
February, 1857. 

Jesse Cleaver obtained a good practical edu- 
cation in the common and select schools of his 
day, and subsequently followed the profession of 
teaching during the winter seasons, while the 
summer months were spent in agricultural pur- 
suits. Soon after the death of his mother he 
went with his father to Clearfield county, where 
he remained until the latter was called to his final 
rest in 1857. He then made his home with 
friends for about thiee or four years, after which 
he served a three-years' apprenticeship under a 
carpenter and cabinet maker of Curwensville, 
and later followed those occupations for a time. 
During the oil excitement he was induced to go 
to the oil regions, where he assisted in the erec- 
tion of many of the first derricks and engine 
houses in the famous Pithole City, which rose, 
flourished and faded, as it were, in a day. Later, 
for a time, he boated oil on Oil creek and the Al- 
legheny' river to Franklin. In the meanwhile he 
had studied surveying under the direction of an 
old and competent surveyor, and has now for 
over twenty-two years followed that occupation. 

On March 31, 1869, Mr. Cleaver was united 
in marriage with Miss Edith Wickersham, of 
Adams county, Penn., and the names and dates 
of births of their children are as follows: Eva W. , 
August 17, 1870; Florence N., September 9, 
1872; Bertha K., August 23, 1876; and Edgar 
W., June 29, 1 88 1. They are all still at home 
with their parents, and constitute a most inter- 
esting family. 

Mrs. Cleaver was born in York county, Penn., 
September 22, 1835, a daughter of Abner and 
Anne (Griest) Wickersham, who spent their en- 
tire lives in that county. The father was born 
September 11, 1788, and died February 9, 1853. 
He was married in March, 1821, to Anna Griest, 
who was born May 16, 1796, and died April 25, 
1863. Mr. Wickersham studied medicine, but 



never engaged in its practice, turning his atten- 
tion exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He 
was a son of James and Sarah (Garrison) Wick- 
ersham, who were born in Chester county, and 
spent their last days in York county. The pa- 
ternal great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Cleaver 
was of English birth; her maternal great-grand- 
father, John Griest, came from England, and his 
son Willing (her grandfather) was born near 
Wilmington, Del. The latter married Anne Mc- 
Millan, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Cleaver 
is one of a family of four children, the others 
being as follows: Maria (born March 15, 1822, 
died July 27, 1890), married William Cook, also 
deceased; Josiah (born May 12, 1825, died Feb- 
ruary 19, 1882), and Mary A. (born May 15, 
1 831) is a resident of Adams county, Pennsyl- 
vania. From the age of sixteen years until 1891 
(with the exception of two years at boarding 
school) Mrs. Cleaver successfully engaged in 
teaching, at different times having charge of 
both public and select schools. She is a highly 
cultured and refined lady, who with her husband 
belongs to the Society of Friends. 

In politics Mr. Cleaver is an ardent Repub- 
lican, and is now the candidate of that party for 
the office of county surveyor, for which position 
he is eminently fitted, as by private surveying he 
is thoroughly familiar with the lands of Centre 
county. In all respects he is accounted as a 
useful and desirable member of society, and is 
universally held in high esteem. 



JOHN A. STOVER, who is probably one of 
the most highly respected agriculturists of 
Walker township, Centre county, has been an 
important factor in the development of the com- 
munity, promoting its material and moral inter- 
ests. His parents, George and Catharine (Welt- 
barger) Stover, were of German descent, and 
born near Spring Mills, Centre county. He was 
the eldest of their four children. (2) Benjamin, 
a farmer, living at Centre Hill, Centre county, 
married Sadie Byrd, and has four children — 
three sons and one daughter. (3) Howard, a 
farmer of Madisonburg, in the same county, 
wedded Mary Klinefelter, and has two children — 
Clark and Maud. (4) Samuel, whose home is on 
a farm near Zion, Centre county, married Emma 
Hull, and has two children — James and Mary. 

Our subject was born near Farmers Mills, 
Centre county, and in the usual manner of farmer 
boys he was reared to manhood. In 1865 he 
was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Markel, 
who died in 1870, leaving two children — one son 
and one daughter: Catharine, born October 7, 



818 



' OitMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



[867, is now the wife of Noah Breon.'a farmer 
of Walker township, and they have two chil- 
dren — Elmer and Mary; Samuel W., born April 
21, 1870, is still at home with his father. For 
his second wife, Mi Stovei wedded Johanna 
Dietz, in 1873. Her father, Jacob Dietz, by 
occupation a farmer, was a native of Germany, 
and in early manhood came to America, where he 
married. By Mr. Stover's second marriage there 
1- a son, Harry, born June 2, 1 S 7 5 . and married 
to Kate rate, of Nitt 

Mr. Stover has an excellent farm of twenty- 
five acres in Walker township, near Hublersburg, 
which he has under a high state of cultivation 
and well improved with good buildings. Like 
his ancestors for the last half century, he is a 
stalwart Democrat in politics, always casting his 
ballot with that organization. A sincere and 
■conscientious Christian, he is a worthy member 
of the German Reformed Church, and is in fa- 
vor of any movement tending to benefit the com- 
munity, or calculated to elevate the tone of so- 
ciety m general. By his neighbors he is classed 
among the leading agriculturists of Walker town- 
ship, and by his honorable upright life has gained 
many friends. 

S. SHAFFER, the able and popular post- 
master at Madisonburg, Centre county, is 
a member oi one of our oldest and best-known 

families. 

[ohn Adam and Sarah (Kern) Shaffer, grand- 
parents of our subject, were pioneer settlers in 
Brush Valley, Centre county, and their son, 
Adam Shaffer, Jr., our subject's father, was born 
September 12, 1815, at the "old Shaffer hon 
near Madisonburg, and was in his day one of the 
leading men of the community, a successful 
farmer and influential D and a generous 

friend to every form oi local improvement. Al- 
though the late Adam Shaffer was reared as a 
farmer's boy. with but limited educational ad- 
vantages, his native abilities enabled him to 
gather a goodly fund of practical information 
upon various subjects, and his shrewd judgment 
and well-known public spirit caused him to be 
selected by his fellow-citizens to different local 
offices, including those of overseer oi thi 
assessor, tax collector, school director and super- 
visor, notwithstanding the fact that he cared 
little for public honors. He was a regular voter, 
considering it every citizen's duty to register his 
choice of men and measures. He was a large, 
well-built man, robust and a hard worker, ai 
complishing much more by his systematic man- 
agement than others could in the same time. 
\>ide from a short trip in the Wesl his life was 



spent in his native locality, and largely upon the 
homestead which he rented for some years pre- 
vious to his father's death, and then purchased 
from the other heirs. In 1874 he bought an- 
other home in the same locality, where he passed 
his declining years. His death occurred in Feb- 
ruary, 1889. and his remains now rest in the 
cemetery at Madisonburg. 

< >n September i j, 1 840, he was married to 
Miss Mary Schmeltzer, daughter of George and 
Margaret fBeckle) Schmeltzer (of whom more 

tided mention is made below). She still 
occupies the home which his thoughtful care 
prepared for her. Both united with the Luth- 
eran Church in youth, and became devout and 
consistent followers of its teachings, and liberal 
contributors to its work. Adam Shaffer held 
various offices in the Church, and for twenty 
years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. 
It was never his habit to say to his children "Go 
to Sunday-school "the persuasive " come ", being 
typical of his attitude in leading them into paths 
of right doitif,'. to which his own feet were famil- 
iar. ( )f four children, our subject was the eldest; 
(2) Maggie married C. F. Yearick, and died in 
Marion township, Centre county; (3) Hmma, 
now Mrs. J. W. Hazel, resides at Spring Mills; 
1 1 1 1 ".His S. lives in Madisonburg. 

U, S. Shaffer was born at the old home in 
Miles township, Centre county. May 21, 18 
and his early education was obtained mainly in 
Madisonburg, his first teacher being Jonathan 
Shaffer. His limitations in this respect have 
made him an earnest supporter of better facili- 
ties for the youth of to-day. At eighteen he 
was examined and licensed to teach, and a sec- 
ond application for a certificate proved success- 
ful also, but he never taught school. Two trips 
were taken to the West, during which he visited 

its m Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 
but he has been too much attached to the old 
home to leave it permanently, On December 
25, 1873, he was married in Marion township. 
Centre county, to Miss Mary Yearick, who was 
born August 25, [850, daughter of Henry and 
Catherine (Linebaugh) Yearick. The young 
couple settled at the "old Sclimelt/er farm,' 
then the propertj oi our subject's parents, and 
after renting for some years he purchased, in 1 8f 
the "old Shaffer farm,'' which he sold after- 
ward to buy his present farm of 148 acres in 
Miles township, Centre county, a fine estate 
with good buildings showing liberal and progress- 
ive management. In the spring of 1890 Mr 
Shaffer bought a pleasant residence in Madison- 
burg, where he has since resided. Two children 
— Estella A., and Ellis B. — brighten the home; 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



319 



the latter had a twin brother, who died in infan- 
cy, unnamed. 

Mr. Shaffer and his wife found a ready wel- 
come in the best social circles of their new 
home. Mrs. Shaffer is a member of the Re- 
formed Church, but our subject is a Lutheran, 
at present holding the offices of elder and super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school, and since he 
was sixteen years old he has been an active 
worker therein as an official. He is a great 
reader, and keeps well-informed upon the issues 
of the day. Politically, he is a stanch Demo- 
crat, and he has held various positions, serving 
as tax collector at his old home and as school 
director in the Madisonburg district. In July, 
1893, he was appointed to his present office of 
postmaster, and in the discharge of his duties he 
displays ability and faithfulness. In the councils 
of his party his advice is highly valued, and he 
takes an unfailing interest in the practical work 
of the organization. 

Mrs. Adam Shaffer, our subject's mother, is a 
member of the well-known Schmeltzer family, 
which is now without a male representative in 
Miles township, Centre county, where her ances- 
tors were early settlers. Her grandfather, Con- 
rad Schmeltzer, was born February 27, 1768, in 
Germany, where he was married in early man- 
hood to Miss Margaret Cinder, also a native of 
the Fatherland, born December 17, 1767. They 
were poor, and in order to make their way to 
the wider opportunities of this new country they 
mortgaged their labor as is shown by the follow- 
ing copy of an indenture which is preserved by 
U. S. Shaffer as an interesting relic of the past : 

Philadelphia. 

This indenture Witnesseth — That Conrad Schmeltzer 
and Margaret, his wife, of their own free will have put them- 
selves as servants to Henry and Fdk. Spang — for the consider- 
ation of forty-one pounds, three-eighths of which paid George 
Meade for their passage from Rotterdam — as also for other 
good causes the said Conrad and Margaret Schmeltzer have 
bound and put themselves, and by their presents do bind 
and put themselves, servants to the said Henry and Fdk. 
Spang, to serve them, their executors and assigns from the 
day and date hereof for and during the full term of Three 
\ears and six months from thence next ensuing. During all 
which term the said servants, their said masters, their execu- 
tors, or assigns, faithfully shall serve, and that honestly, and 
obediently in all things, as good and dutiful servants ought 
to do. And the said Henry and Fdk. Spang, their executors 
and assigns, during the said term shall find and provide for 
the said servants, sufficient meat, drink, apparel, washing, 
and lodging, and at the expiration of their terms they shall 
give said servants two complete suits of clothes (one whereof 
to be new), or fifteen pounds specie in lieu of the new suits, 
likewise to give them a cow. And for the true performance 
hereof both the said parties bind themselves unto each 
other by the said present. Two witnesses whereof they 
have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals. 
Dated the twenty-seventh day of August, seventeen hundred 
ami ninety-one. Conrad Schmeltzer, 

Lewis Farmer, Margaret Schmeltzer. 

Register. 



The young couple arrived in the United States 
in the spring of 1 791 , and in February, 1795, 
they were free to seek a home for themselves. 
For some time Conrad Schmeltzer worked as a 
forgeman, having previously become familiar 
with that business, and in this manner he secured 
money to buy his first land, a new farm in what 
is now Kelly township, Union county. Their 
first home was a humble cabin, but their industry 
and economy brought prosperity, and it was re- 
placed by a large stone house, which is still stand- 
ing. He had a good store of gold and silver 
also, and as his sons grew to manhood he deter- 
mined to secure land for them. A trip through 
Ohio and Indiana failed to show a suitable loca- 
tion, and returning to Pennsylvania he bought a 
tract in Brush Valley a short distance west of 
Madisonburg and extending from mountain to 
mountain. To this place Conrad and his wife, 
with those of their children who were at home, 
removed in the fall of 1830, and there the last 
days of the brave old couple were spent, the wife 
dying October 8, 1850, and the husband on 
April 11, 1853. Both were buried at Madi- 
sonburg. At the time of their settlement upon 
the place a tenant was conducting a distill- 
ery, but Mr. Schmeltzer put a stop to that 
business at once. Six children were born to 
Conrad and Margaret' Schmeltzer: (1) John, 
who died at an early age; (2) George, who is 
mentioned more fully below; (3) Margaret, Mrs. 
Tatusman; (4) Mary (Mrs. John Heckle), who 
died in Kelly township, Union county; (5) Jacob, 
who died in Ohio, and (6) Katy, who never mar- 
ried, and was for years prior to her death her 
father's amanuensis and bookkeeper. 

George Schmeltzer, Mrs. Shaffer's father, was 
born August 3, 1794, in Bucks county, Penn., 
and was but a child when his parents moved to 
their first farm, where as he grew to manhood 
he learned the business of farming, in which the 
greater portion of his after life was spent. He 
was a man of rather short stature and stout 
build, very energetic as a worker, peaceable and 
friendly in disposition, and although he talked 
very little he always meant what he said. In 
politics he was a Democrat, and various town- 
ship offices were creditably filled by him, while 
he was also active in religious matters as a devout 
member of the Lutheran Church. He was mar- 
ried, in 181 5, in Bucks county, to Miss Margaret 
Beckle, who was born December 27, 1792, and 
they had eight children, whose names with dates 
of birth are here given: Esther, July 21, 1816, 
is the widow of Joseph Gramley, of Rebersburg; 
John, September 4, 18 17, was a farmer in Steph- 
enson county, 111., where his death occurred; 



820 



COMMEMORATIVE BlOQRAl'UKW I. RECORD. 



Mary, born in May, 1819, is the mother of our 
subject; George, Jr., November 1, 1820, was at 
one time a practicing physician at Madisonburg, 
but died at the opening of his career; Jacob, 
March 5, 1823, died in Dakota, 111 , where he 
was in business as a grain dealer; Frances, De- 
cember 3, 1825, married John Shaffer; Benjamin, 
March 13, 1828, resides in Dakota. 111.; Hannah 
M., November 28, 1832, married John Laurer, 
and died in Stephenson county. 111. The mother 
of these children died December 10, 1845, and 
on October 14, 1850, Mr. Schmeltzer married 
Miss Regina Wagner, a native of Sugar Valley, 
born June 15, 1806. She died January 25, 1879, 
leaving no issue. 

After his first marriage George Schmeltzer 
remained at his father's farm for a few years, and 
then moved to the vicinity of White Deer Hole 
and rented a farm on the Muncy river. At the 
time the dam was built there, he took charge of 
the boarding shanty for the contractors, and dur- 
ing the summer of 1830 he had often as many as 
200 men to feed. In the fall of that year he 
would have accompanied his father to the new 
home in Brush Valley, but extra inducements 
were offered him to remain where he was, and he 
did not rejoin the family until the spring of 1831. 
He located on the northern portion of the new 
tract in an old log house, the ends of the logs 
being not yet sawed off. Later a dwelling was 
built, which is still occupied by the owners of the 
farm. After the death of his first wife he re- 
moved tn Madisonburg, where he built a new 
residence, and his death occurred there April 26, 
1878. 



71 l'.SALOM SHADE TIPTON, who departed 
r\. this life February 25, 1884, was one of the 
leading and influential citizens of Howard town- 
ship. Centre count\. 

William Tipton, his father, was of English 
origin, born in Cumberland county, Penn., Jan- 
uary 13, 1773, and as earh as 1796 came to 
what is now Centre county. He married Eliza- 
beth Shade, who was born May 30, 1780, and 
their children were: Mary, born August -6, 1802, 
married James Heverly, ami died December 10. 
1836; Sarah, born February 27, 1806, married 
Isaac W. Meese; William, Jr., resided at How- 
ard, and died January 21, 1850; Washington 
died April 16, 1839; Nancy, born April 22, 1815, 
married Samuel Gardm r; Caroline M , born 
August 16, 1817, married George Spearing, and 
died in 1879; Absalom S. , born January 26, 
[820; and Jemima E., born June 3, 1S26, mar- 
ried Levi Fuller. 



The old homestead, where our subject was 
born and lived to manhood, is now the site of 
much of the town of Howard. In early life he 
was of a delicate constitution, and after he re- 
ceived an education in the neighborhood schools, 
at the age of seventeen began teaching; school, 
which he followed several terms; but rinding it 
too confining, he gave it up. While yet young, 
at his father's death he assumed the management 
of the estate, assisted by his mother and sisters. 
In 1846 he bought out the other heirs. He laid 
out the town of Howard, selling the first lot t.. 
Samuel Brickley. After he quit the occupation 
of a teacher he became engaged in the lumber 
business, which, in connection with farming, he 
carried on throughout life. He farmed exten- 
sively, and took a great interest in the vocation; 
his buildings were fine and modernly equipped, 
while all other improvements corresponded, evi- 
dencing the neat and progressive farmer that he 
was. In the lumbering business he gave empln>- 
ment to many men, often having on his pay roll 
as many as eighty men. At the time of his death 
he had arranged plans all drawn and much of the 
material purchased, for the erection of an elegant 
residence on the old Tipton homestead, which 
later, however, was abandoned. 

Mr. Tipton was one of the most enterprising 
citizens of the township, and did much for the 
town of Howard, restoring the water privilege to 
the place by replacing the old canal banks 
Despite his bodily infirmities he was one of the 
most energetic men of Centre county, and made 
a success of life, accumulating a valuable estate, 
owning at the time of his death three fine farm- 
on Marsh creek, 230 acres of timber land in th< 
same locality, and other property in and arouinl 
Howard. He imbibed from his earl)' surround- 
ings the principles of Jeffersonian Democracy. 
but later became an ardent advocate in opposi- 
tion to Slavery, and subsequently became a Re- 
publican. As a citizen he was honorable, prompt 
and true to every engagement; as a man he held 
the honor and esteem of all classes of citizen- 
all creeds and political proclivities; as a husband 
he was a model worthy of all imitation. II 
a man of the times, broad-minded, public-spiril 
and progressive. He was an active and earnest 
member of the M. E. Church. 

On December i~ , 1859, Mr Tipton was mar- 
ried to Miss Rebecca J. Garman, and to them 
were born the following children: (l) Mary I 
born January 2j , [861, married Jerr) Ryan, wh 
is engaged in the hotel business in East Bufi • 
N. Y.; their children are — Ethelyn A . Edward 
Tipton, and Ralph R. :i George W., bom 
April 28, 1862, married Elizabeth L. Cox, and 







** **V 






w 










■' 


m m 






fl 












■^ 




<FiZ/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



321 



is a lumberman of Howard; their children are 
Claremont, Jr., Bernice V., Alice M., and Leon- 
ard W. and Lester (twins). (3) Frances T., 
born September 12, 1863, is the wife of Edward 
C. Mclntire, an attorney of Williamsport, Penn. 
(4) Sarah C, born April II, 1865, died in in- 
fancy. (5) Laura T. , born July I, 1866, is the 
wife of M. M. Hunter, an attorney of Carthage, 
Mo. ; their children are — Harold T. and Frances 
R. (6) John Howard, born November 16, 1867, 
is a traveling salesman, residing in Bellefonte, 
Penn. ; he married Anna Hopton, of Tyrone, and 
has one child — Mary Helen. (7) William F., 
born January 14, 1870, graduated with honors 
from the Eastman Business College, Poughkeep- 
sie, N. Y. ; he married Sallie Askey, and died 
October 9, 1891, leaving one child — William 
Fuller. (8) Isabella J., born July 18, 1871, died 
in infancy. 

The widow of our subject, a most estimable 
lady, was born in Salona, Clinton Co., Penn., 
June 19, 1836, and is a daughter of Michael and 
Margaret ('Lovell) Garman, natives of Cumber- 
land and Huntingdon counties, Penn., respect- 
ively. They were married in Mill Hall, Centre 
county, December 24. 1828. The mother's 
death occurred February 18, 1869, when she 
was sixty-eight years, while a resident of Salona. 
In their family were seven children: William E., 
born December 20, 1829, died February 7, 1854; 
Foster, born February 13, 1832, died October 
17, 1857; Mary C. , born February 7, 1834, first 
wedded William Martin, and after his death mar- 
ried George Kustenboarders, a farmer of Centre 
county; Rebecca J. is next in order of birth; 
Mathew B., born January 5, 1839, died August 
30, 1850; Austin, born November 3, 1840, served 
for three years in the Union army, and is now a 
carpenter of Colorado; John M., born December 
2, 1842, was under age when the Civil war broke 
out, but ran away from home and joined the 
army, and died from the effects of his service 
December 26, 1861. 

Michael Garman, the father of Mrs. Tipton, 

was born April 15, 1800. Her mother was Mary 

(Slutterbeck) Garman. The father died before 

the son's birth, and the latter was reared by 

strangers. In 1828 he came to Centre county, 

and throughout his active business career engaged 

in lumbering and farming, but in his later years 

he lived retired with his daughter, Mrs. Tipton, 

where he passed from earth May 24, 1897. He was 

an energetic, hard-working man, and prosperity 

crowned his efforts; but through bad investment 

he lost much of his property, being a stockholder 

in the National Bank of Lock Haven at the time 

it failed. A conscientious Christian, he, during 
21 



the last forty-five years of his life, was a faithful 
and active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and his was a useful and well-spent life. 
He was a strong advocate of temperance, and 
spent both time and money in the cause. Dur- 
ing the Civil war he strongly supported the 
Union, giving of his means to the support of the 
the soldiers' families, and using his influence for 
its suppression. 



fjk J. STOVER, a prominent citizen of Coburn, 
JkJL Centre county, is a retired agriculturist who 
after many years of well-directed laborcan gather 
the rewards thereof at leisure. He was born 
January 27, 1846, in Haines township, Centre 
county, where his ancestors settled at a very 
early day, his grandfather, Adam Stover, having 
been a pioneer farmer. 

Andrew Stover, our subject's father, was born 
and reared there and learned the carpenter's 
trade. His parents having a small farm and a 
large family, he was obliged to make his own way 
in life from the start. He was industrious and 
frugal, and won a high place in the esteem of the 
community. In politics he was a Democrat, 
and he was a leading member of the Lutheran 
Church. At an early age he married Miss Polly 
Moyer (or Meyer, as the name was originally 
spelled), a daughter of George Moyer, a well 
known farmer. They began housekeeping near 
Coburn, and for a number of years Andrew 
Stover was engaged in general carpenter work, 
but when nearly forty years old he purchased 
forty acres of land in Haines township, Centre 
county, and followed farming until his death. 
He died at the age of fifty-four, and his mortal 
remains were laid to rest in Wolfe's Chapel 
cemetery. His widow, who was born January 
20, 1 8 14, and is consequently eighty-four years 
old, is now living with our subject. They reared 
a large family, as follows: Julia is Mrs. Enoch 
Kramer, of Haines township, Centre county; 
George M. is a carpenter of Aaronsburg; Daniel 
M. is a carpenter of Haines township, Centre 
county; Israel M. lives in Berrien county, Mich.; 
Catherine married Franklin Detwilder, and died at 
Aaronsburg; John is a resident of Berrien county, 
Mich.; A. J. is our subject; Benjamin lives in 
Haines township, Centre county; Jacob, Monroe, 
Jeff and James, all resided in Berrien county, 
Mich. ; Henrietta died at the age of twenty-one 
years; and Elizabeth, who married Henry Kramer, 
went west, and for twelve years has not been 
heard from. 

A. J. Stover's early education was such as the 
common schools of his day afforded. As his 



322 



( OliMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



parents had but limited means most of the chil- 
dren left home earl) to make a living, and he 
was the only one of the boys who remained 
until of age. He was eighteen years old when 
his father died, and the will confided to his care 
the mothrr and younger children. This com- 
mission he fulfilled, all his work at the home- 

I being done for the motherand family. At 
twentj one he was married in Haines township, 
( entre county, to Miss Innie Stover, a native of 
the township and a daughter of Martin Sto> 
His savings at this time amounted to nearly $i 50, 
and he made a beginning as a farmer by renting 
forty acres of land in Penn township, Centre 
county, where he spent six years. Having pros- 
pered, he rented a larger farm in Haines town- 
ship. Centre county, and lived there three years. 
In the spring of 1S78 he purchased his first farm, 
a tract of eighty-seven acres in Haines township, 

are county, and although he went $3,600 in 
debt, he enjoyed at last the satisfaction of hav- 
ing a home that he could call his own. He re- 
mained there until the spring of 1895, when he 
removed to his present home in Coburn. He 
owns uver 240 acres of land, and is regarded 
as one of the substantial citizens of the lo- 
cal it \ 

Mr. Stover's four children by the first mar- 
riage are all residents of Centre countv: Amnion 
A 1- a farmer of Haines township; Warren F. is 
afarmerof Gregg township; William resides in 
Haines township; and Katy married John Hess, 
ol Haines township. The mother of this little 
family died in February, [886, and was buried 
in Wolfe's Chapel cemetery. On February 16, 
[888, Mr. Stover was married in Haines town- 
ship to Miss Eve Mover, a sister of his first wife, 
and there is one child by this union, Martin A., 
who is at honn 

Mi Stover has not only proved himself a 
successful business man. but he has always taken 
a prominent part in the local work of the Demo- 
cratH part] , and has held the office of super\ 
for three terms. He is a member of the Re- 
(1 rnied Church, in which he has been a deacon, 
and he is interested in all that tends to promote 
the ijood of the community. 



ty. As a business man he has been enterprising, 
energetic and always abreast with the tin 
and has been rewarded with a comfortable com- 
petence. 

Mr. Williams was born in Worth township, 
September 1, 1849, a son of Joseph and Mar- 
garet (Wagner) Williams, in whose family were 
five children: Thomas (deceasedl, who was a 
wagon maker by trade: Ebenezer, who operates 
a flouring mill in Bald Eagle, Penn.; Wagner 
W. (deceased), who was a miller and merchant; 
Albert Y., of this sketch; and Jane, who died in 
infancy. 

The father's birth occurred in May, 1809, in 
Centre county, at the home of his parents, Jos- 
eph and Jane (Williams) Williams, who were 
natives of Wales, and were married in Centre 
county, Penn., February 3, 1796. In their fam- 
ily were the following children: Margaret, Will- 
iam, Susan, James, Mary, Ellen, Joseph. Maria, 
Philip, Jane. Nancy and Ebenezer. By trade 
the grandfather was a farmer and weaver. The 
parents of our subject were married in Centre 
county, where they spent their remaining days. 
By occupation the father was a farmer, carpen- 
ter and lumberman, and at the time of his death 
was operating a water sawmill in Worth town- 
ship. He was Democratic in politics, served in 
several local offices, and held membership in the 
Baptist Church, to which his wife also belonged. 
He died in May, 1 S56. 

The mother of our subject was born in Union 
county, Perm., December 22, 1819, and was a 
daughter of Adam and Mary (Scherfler) Wagner, 
who were born and married in Union county, 
where they remained until 1829, when they took 
up their residence in Worth township, Centre 
county, and there spent their last days. They 
were of German extraction, and the parents of 
the following children: Catherine, Sarah. Mary. 

Jane, John and Nancy. 
first husband. Mrs. Will- 
Jones, who was born in 
[821, and is now a 1 



Leah, Eliza, Mai 
After the death ol her 

lams married John I 
Centre county in May, 



ALBERT YOUNG WILLIAMS, proprietor 
of the Port Matilda Flouring Mills, which 
are located at Port Matilda, Worth township, 
Centre county, is one of the representative and 
prominent citizens of the community, and has 
done much to promote the commercial and in- 
dustrial activity, advance the general welfare, 
and secure the materiavelol depment of the coun- 



deiit of Port Matilda, where he is engaged in 
shoemaking. In early life he engaged in mer- 
chandising, luml aid the manufacture of 
tile. Living with him is Margerie B. , the only 
child born of the second union of the mother of 
our subject. She passed away September 5. 
1896, leaving many friends as well as her im- 
mediate family to mourn her de,.th. 

Albert Y. Williams was nine years of age 
when he became a resident of Port Matilda, and 
for seven years attended its schools, acquiring a 
good practical education. At the age of eighteen 
he left home, and [or two years was in the em- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



323 



ploy of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, after 
which he served an apprenticeship in the flouring 
mills of Irwin Brothers at Curwensville, Clear- 
field county, operated by William D. Smith. 
Eight months later Mr. Smith bought the Union- 
ville flouring mill, and our subject accompanied 
him to that place, remaining in his employ until 
May, 1870. The following two years he worked 
in a mill at Grahamton, Penn., and then came 
to the mill of which he is now proprietor, pur- 
chasing the same in May, 18S6. Being a prac- 
tical and skilled miller, he has met with a well- 
deserved success in his operations, receiving a 
liberal share of the public patronage, and the 
quality of flour turned out is of a most superior 
grade, commanding the highest market price. 

On July 2, 1871, Mr. Williams was united 
in marriage with Miss Delilah McDowell, and 
they have nine children, whose names and dates 
of birth are as follows: Abbie M., June 15, 
1872; Margaret B., November 19, 1873; John 
M., October 16, 1875; Florence E., December 
23, 1877; Edith W. , February 12, "1880; Mabel 
E., September 11, 1882; Edgar W., January 
29, 1885; Belva L., August 5, 1888; and Blake, 
December 29, 1891. All are still at home with 
the exception of Abbie M., the eldest, who is 
now the wife of Rev. J. C. Young, of Three 
Springs, Huntingdon Co. , Pennsylvania. 

A native of Clearfield county, Mrs. Williams 
was born June 20, 185 1, in Graham township, 
a daughter of David and Maria (Snell) McDow- 
ell, who were born in the same county and 
died in Graham township, the former in August, 
1870, aged fifty- four years, and the latter in 1893, 
aged seventy-six. He was a man of great promi- 
nence, a farmer and lumberman by occupation, 
and held several official positions of honor and 
trust in his township. He voted with the Demo- 
cratic party, and in religious belief he and his 
wife were Methodists. In their family were six 
children, namely : Elizabeth, wife of Jacob 
Heinhart, a farmer of Clearfield county; John, 
who resides on the old homestead in that county; 
Sarah, wife of James Little, an agriculturist of 
Clearfield county; Margaret, who died in infancy; 
.Eliza J., wife of E. Bush, a farmer of Clinton 
county, Penn. ; Catherine, wife of John Powell, 
a farmer of Clearfield county; and Delilah, the 
worthy wife of our subject. 

Mr. Williams uses his right of franchise in 
support of the principles and candidates of the 
Republican party, and has most creditably served 
as school director, auditor, and overseer of the 
poor for the past eight years. His life has been a 
success owing to his own perseverance, industry 
and good management, and his career is illus- 



trative of the fact that certain actions are fol- 
lowed by certain results. Honorable and up- 
right in all his dealings he justly deserves the 
high regard in which he is universally held. 
With the Methodist Episcopal Church he and his 
wife hold membership, and their standing in so- 
cial circles is high. 



JOHN BARNES. The history of the able and 
energetic men who have participated in the 
development of this section will always hold 
a deep interest, and the subject of this sketch, a 
well known coal operator residing at Philipsburg, 
Centre county, is a notable example of success- 
ful effort. Like many of the best financiers and 
business men of the country, Mr. Barnes comes 
of English stock, his family having been estab- 
lished in Lancashire, England, for many genera- 
tions. The authentic records go no farther back 
than to the grandfather, James Barnes, and in 
his life we find a romance which parallels the 
most beautiful dreams of fiction. He and his 
wife were born on the same day of the same 
month, but the grandmother a year later than 
the grandfather. They were married upon one 
anniversary of their birth, and died on another 
anniversary of their birth. From the time of 
their marriage they had never been separated for 
a single day and night, and their mutual sympa- 
thy was so remarkable that each shared pain felt 
by the other. On the day of their death they 
lay side by side, and after the devoted wife 
breathed her last the children attempted to re- 
move the lifeless body, but the husband waved 
his hand as a signal that they should not disturb 
it, and eighteen minutes later his soul had fol- 
lowed hers to the vast unknown. They were 
seventy-five and seventy-four years old respect- 
ively. 

This couple reared a large family of children, 
among whom was a son, John, our subject's fa- 
ther, who became a farmer as was his father be- 
fore him, and lived and died in Lancashire. He 
married Miss Jennie Hayes, and twelve children 
were born of their union: James is deceased; 
Hannah married Edward Riley, and lives in 
England; Samuel and Lawrence are both living 
in England; John is our subject; Henry died in 
Philipsburg; Isabella is the wife of James East- 
wood, of England; Thomas is a prominent resi- 
dent of Philipsburg; William resides in England; 
Alice Ann; Jane married George E. Smith, and 
also lives in England; Rachel is deceased. 

The subject of this sketch was born in March, 
1836, and his early years were passed at the old 
home where he worked upon the farm and in 



824 



COMMKMOHA TlVi: BI00BAPSI0A1 RECORD. 



the neighboring mines. On coining to America 
in 1862, he found his first employment at Powel- 
ton, Penn., in the mines, and after spending 
about two years in work there and elsewhere, he 
located permanently at l'hilipsburg. He had 
only a few dollars in his pocket, but he had a 
strong constitution, and his shrewd judgment 
and high ambitions were supported by untiring 
energy. He began his career there as a digger 
in a coal bank, but he had already formed a deter- 
mination to make his way to wealth, and after a 
few years he began the more profitable work of 
clearing away drift on contract. He and his brother 
Thomas soon acquired a fund which enabled 
them to begin operating the Cuba mines, and 
they followed their success there by working the 
Derby mines and then the Lancashire mines 
Nos. 1 and 2, employing 150 men. From this 
point their progress was rapid, and they are now, 
recognized as leaders in their lines of business. 
Their experience covers the entire range of min- 
ing operations, from the hard manual labor of 
digging to the prospecting and purchase of coal 
lands. 

Mr. Barnes is a prominent member of the 
Episcopal Church; in his political affiliations he 
is a Republican. He was married in April. 1865, 
to Miss Elizabeth Pilkington, and their hi 
has been blessed by thirteen children: fames 
conducts a clothing store in Barnesboro along 
with his brother John; he married Letitia Laffin, 
and has two children Edithand Maggie. Mag- 
gie married K. Miller, of Zanesville, Ohio, and 
has three children John, Elizabeth and Mar- 
1. Thomas is proprietor of the " Ramsdale 
House," Philipsburg; he married Martha Alice 
Ramsdale, and has one child -William [ohn. 
Jane Anna died at the age of [our months. Will- 
iam lived only one month. Joseph is ;ii home. 
Alice died at the age of twenty-one years. fohn 
conducts a clothing store in Barnesboro, along 
with his brother James. Mary is at home. 
Alfred died when eight months old. Harry and 
it home. Arthur died at the age ol 
three months Despite their many cares, our 
Subject and his wife are models of physical 
health and vigor. Mr. Barnes owns valuable 
real estate in Philipsburg, and, besides his ele- 
gant home, has built a line block on Main stri 
Mis I lai nes i-, also a native 1 .1 I ,am ash 
England, and was bom September 12, 1845, the 
daughtei "I John and Margaret Pilkington. 
lb 1 fathei died in I ngl ind, and when she was 
enteen yens old she was brought bj her 
mother to America, 1 with two brothers 

and a sister. The) made their home in Powel- 
toii, where Mrs. Barm 



The mother died at the age of sixty years. The 
other children were: Joseph, who lives in Kan- 
sas; Mary E., the wife of Charles Cutshaw. who 
lives in Illinois; and John, who is deceased. 



JOHN D. LONG. In the eye of an American 
there can be no higher honor than the record 

of service in the war which established be- 
yond further question the permanent union of 
tin States, and made the country truly "one 
and indivisible ". Happily we still have with 
us many of the veterans of that struggle, and 
prominent among them is the highly respected 
citizen of Spring Mills, Centre county, whose 
name introduces this biography. Mr. Long not 
only served with distinction himself, his devotion 
to the cause crippling him by a painful ami p 
manent injury, but he belongs to a family which 
sent live sons to the front, and would have sent 
another had he been old enough. 

Mr. Long's family is of German extraction. 
and his immediate ancestors in this country on 
both sides were engaged in agricultural pursuits 
His father, George Long, was born in Berks 
county, Penn., in 1805, his parents being fanners 
there of limited means, his youth was spent in 
agricultural work, except one winter when he 
worked at the coopei s trade He was married 
in his native county to Miss Mary Deck, who 
was born there in 1807, the daughter of a farmer 
and a member of a family which is now largel] 
represented in that section. After his marn 
George Long settled upon a rented farm in Berks 
county, but in the spring of 1841 he removed 
with his family to Centre county. Our subji 
was then only four years old, but he rememl 
vividly the journey in a covered wagon such as 
was commonly used in that early day by travel) 
For about five years George Lou- lived upon a 
rented farm one and one-half miles northeast of 
A. n and then he removed to a rented 

farm in Gregg township on the Brush Valley 
road. His remaining years were passed in that 
township. lie was a small man, and did no! 
tain the ordinary limit of three-score years and 
ten. his death occurring in March. [864. Mrs 
I ong, who was of large build, and weighed about 
200 pounds, survived him until 1871, maki 
her home with their son. Levi; her remains now 
rest beside those of her husband in Union cen 

They belonged to the sect known as the 
River Dunkards, and in lanci with the 

tenets ol that faith Mr. I rained fi 

participation in politics, and seldom or nevei vol 
In early years he sympathized with the Den 
cratic party, but alter the opening of th 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



325 



war he expressed his hearty indorsement of Re- 
publican principles. Although he was a most 
industrious worker he never accumulated any- 
thing beyond a meager competence. He and 
his wife reared a large family of children, who in 
character and standing are a credit to their par- 
ents. Levi resides in Madisonburg; William, 
who served in the war as a member of Company 
D, 148th P. V. I., is now a farmer in Brush 
Valley; Jacob, a resident of Philadelphia, served 
in the 205th P. V. I., and being a harness maker 
by trade was detailed as brigade saddler; Rebec- 
ca, Mrs. Peter Zeigler, died in Gregg township; 
Caroline is the wife of H. J. Limbert, of Madi- 
sonburg; John D. is mentioned more fully below: 
Henry, who enlisted in Company D, 148th P. V. 
I., died a soldier's death at Chancellorsville May 
3, 1863; George, a shoemaker by trade, lives in 
Stephenson county, 111. ; Mary is the wife of 
John F. Breon, of Gregg township; Polly (Mrs. 
Johnson) lives in Kansas; Daniel, who served in 
Company A, 148th P. V. I., was captured and 
died in a Southern prison; Jonathan was too 
young to enlist with his brothers, but his patriotic 
zeal led him to enter the army during the recon- 
struction period, when he served in Alabama; 
Michael resides in Oklahoma; and Lizzie is the 
wife of George Greninger, of Clinton county, 
Pennsylvania. 

J. D. Long (our subject) was born February 
12, 1837, at Stouchsburg, Penn. , and his expe- 
rience in youth was that which the conditions of 
farmers' life in those days imposed upon the sons 
of poor and hard-working parents. He remained 
at home until the age of nineteen, receiving but 
little schooling and that not of the best, and in 
the spring of 1856 he went to Spring Mills to 
learn the carpenter's trade under Michael Nofsker, 
his wages being $5.50 per month and board, his 
washing not being included. After becoming fa- 
miliar with the details of thetrade he worked two 
years for Samuel Loose, and was also employed by 
other carpenters in the locality, but in the spring 
of i860 he found similiar work in Montgomery 
county, Ohio, where he remained until his re- 
moval, in March, 1861, to Fort Wayne, Ind.. 
There he enlisted, June 14, 1861, in Company C, 
15th Ind. V. I. His first battle was at Rich 
Mountain, West Virginia, only a portion of the 
15th Regiment being engaged, and he took part 
in all the engagements of his regiment until after 
the battle of Stone River, where he was wounded 
at 11 a. m. December 31, 1862. His left limb 
was struck near the ankle by a shell and instantly 
severed, the bone being splintered almost to the 
knee. He spent three weeks and a half in the 
field hospital and the same length of time in a 



hospital at Nashville, when he was sent to Louis- 
ville and there, on February 24, 1863, he was 
honorably discharged on account of disability. 
Before returning to Centre county he visited 
Ohio and Indiana, but the serious problem of a 
livelihood confronted him, and as he could no 
longer follow his trade he decided to become a 
saddler, his injuries not interfering with that 
work. Accordingly he went to Petersburg, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Penn., in January, 1864, to learn 
the trade with his brother Jacob. A few months 
sufficed to give him a knowledge of the business, 
and in August of the same year he took charge 
of the shop while his brother joined the army for 
the final desperate struggle which brought definite 
victory to the Union cause. In the spring of 
1866 Mr. Long moved to Penn Hall and later 
settled in Spring Mills, continuing his trade suc- 
cessfully in both places. After a time he en- 
gaged in mercantile business at Spring Mills, but 
a few years ago he retired, leaving his store to 
the care of his son. A goodly competence has 
rewarded his efforts; he owns 144 acres of land 
in George's Valley, and a comfortable residence 
which he built for himself at Spring Mills; another 
dwelling house which he built there was sold. 

Mr. Long is most kind and generous, and 
during his business career he made many friends 
by whom he is held in the highest esteem. He 
wields a potent influence in local affairs, and al- 
though he has never been an office seeker he is 
one of the Republicans of Penn's Valley. Under 
Harrison's administration he held the position of 
postmaster at Spring Mills, receiving his appoint- 
ment June 15, 1879. Previous to the Rebellion 
he had been a supporter of the Democratic party, 
but since that time he has been a steadfast 
adherent of the G. O. P. On June 15, 1897, he 
was appointed postmaster at Spring Mills, Penn. 
As might be inferred from his war record, he is a 
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
belonging to Post No. 282, at Centre Hall. 

On February 12, 1865, Mr. Long was mar- 
ried at Centre Hall to Miss Mary A. Leitzel, a 
native of Gregg township, Centre county (born 
May 8, 1839), and a daughter of Philip and Julia 
(Nofsker) Leitzel. They have six children: 
Charles P. and George H. are in the mercantile 
business at Spring Mills; Philip P. is a merchant 
at Potters Mills; Susan E. is the wife of Robert 
Neese, of George's Valley; and Ida M. and Frank 
A. are at home. 



C CHARLES BEIRLY, a prominent agriculturist 
Jl of Brush Valley, residing near Rebersburg, 
is a man whose patriotism has been tried amid 



:::v, 



COMMBMORA TIVB BI0QRAPHICA1 RECORD. 



the hardships and exposures of the battlefield, 
the camp and the march, and survived the still 
more trying test of hospital life. At the age of 
twenty-two, in obedience to his country's call, 
he enlisted, August 22, 1862, at Rebersburg. in 
Company A, [48th P. V. I After a short stay 
at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, for equipment and 
drill, the new recruits went to the front, their 
first experience in battle being at Chancellors- 
ville. Mi- Beirly took part in the other eng; 
ments of his regiment until he was wounded in 
the evening of the second day at Gettysburg 
while he was crossing the stone fence. He was 
removed from the field in an ambulance, and 
spent nine months in a hospital in Philadelphia. 
Nothing daunted by this 1 1 pi i' 1 m e, he deter- 
mined to remain in the service, but being inca- 
pacitated for active work in the field he was 
transferred to the Invalid Corps, and for s< 
time was on guard duty in New York City. 
Later he was detailed for hospital work at Wash- 
ington, and he did not leave the until the 
war was ended, being mustered out [une 26, 
1865. 

Mr. Beirly is a membei of a pioneer fami 
Brush Valley The name is properly spelled 
Bierly, but at the time of his enlistment it was 
placed on the army rolls as Beirly, and he has 
since adhered to that form. lie is a grandson of 
Anthony and Maria (Kratzer) Bierly, and a son 
(it Melchoir Bierly, who was born in Miles town- 
ship, July 20, 1815, and became a leading citi- 
zen there. At twelve year he began to 
learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, 
and always followed that ttion. Melchoir 

rly was married December 3, 1836, in M 
township to Catharine Gephart, who was bom 
in Berks county. Penn., November 1. 1811. Her 
nis, Daniel and Hannah Gephart, removed to 
l nion 1 ounty when Catharine was but a babe, .1 mi 
after nine years there they settled at Madison- 
burg, Centre count}. Mi Gephart followed the 
weavei s trade. Later they went to Seneca 
county, Ohio, and died there. Mrs. Bierly was 
the eldest oi ten children- six sons and I 
daughters. Of the live children of this marri: 
two lived to adult age: Charles; and Mary [., 
now the wife of William Ilium Nittany 

Valley; three children— one daughter and two sons 
— died in childhood. 

Melchoir Bierly was a Republican and strongly 
loyal, being an ardent admirer of Lincoln and 
opposed to slavery. In local affairs he was in- 
fluential but he never sought office. He was a 
large man, well built, a hard worker, and was 
nearly eighty years when he died, January 11, 
1X114. He had but fifty cents when he was mar- 



ried, and he fought his own fight, winning a 
comfortable competence. He and his wife both 
united with the Lutheran Church, and were alw 
in aympathy with religious and philanthropic 
work. Mrs. Bierly still lives in Rebersburg, and 
is well preserved for one of her age. Since his 
fatl. 'hour subject has given his mother 

a good home, and has cared for her with filial 
dei otion. 

( barles Beirly was born near Rebersburg, 
April iS. 1840, and attended the schools of his 
day at Rebersburg, John Burket being his first 
teacher. He had some difficulty in committing 
his lessons to memory, but was an apt scholar 
in some respects. He began to learn the black- 
mith's trade when he was twelve year.- old, and 
when not in school he was to be found in his 
father's shop, where there was always plenty of 
business, several men being constantly employed. 
Alter his return from the army he resumed work 
at his trade. 

Mr. l'>i irly was first married September 10, 
[865, m Brush Valley, to Miss Amelia Snook, 
the daughter of Levi and Mar-. net 1 \\ olford) 
Snook. They began housekeeping in Reb 
burg, and Mr. Beirly became a partner in his fa- 
ther's business, which they continued until they 
me to his present farm in 1X74. He rented 
the place at tirst from his father, and in Novem- 
ber, 1893, acquired the title. The farm contains 
res, and Mr. Beirly has erected every 
building on it except the residence and corn crib. 
I le 1 ivi us a home 111 R< i and also h 

small tract of mountain land. The children of the 
first mat Margaret |.. now Mr-. C. 0. 

Mayer, of Selins Grove, Penn.; Warren M., of 
Franklin county, Penn. ; Alvin M., who died at the 
of age sixteen years; George A., who died in in- 
fancy; and Charles II., a farmer of Brush Valli 
The mother, who was a devout Christian and a 
member of the Lutheran Church, died in Novi 
ber, 1874, and her remains now lie buried at 
Rebersburg. 

For his second wife, Mr Beirlj was mart 
March 12, 1X76, to Miss Mary M. Moyer, b 
,in Penn's Valley, Penn township, Centre county, 
May !_•. 1845, daughter of Elias and Su 
Young) Moyer, who removed to Bo nty, 

Iowa, when she was ten years old. SI 
reared there, and taught a subscription 5ch 
when but seventeen years old. Her father died 
there- in 1X64, and soon afterward she returi 
with some ot her family to Pennsylvania, wh 
she met Mr. Beirly. She was the eldest of nine 
children — six sons and three daughters — and 
now the onlj one of this family left in Brush Val- 
ley and Penn's Valley. Two children were born 



I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



327 



of this marriage: Lowell S. and Orpha C. , both 
at home. 

Politically, Mr. Beirly is a Republican, but 
while he is a stanch member of the party he is 
no office seeker. He and his wife are prominent 
members of the Lutheran Church, and he has 
held the office of deacon therein. Socially he 
belongs to W. W. Beirly Post, G. A. R., at 
Millheim, of which he was one of the organizers. 
A substantial, industrious and honest farmer, he 
is one of the best of citizens, and he is held in 
high esteem by all who know him. 



DAVID H. RUHL, proprietor of the "Spring 
Mills Hotel," is one of the noted citizens of 
his town, and one of the best known hotelmen 
in Penn's Valley, where his genialty and social 
disposition have won him a host of warm friends. 
He was born in Warwick township, Lancaster 
county, Penn., December 30, 1840. His father, 
Peter Ruhl, was born in the same county, June 
11, 1820, and was a son of George Ruhl, a 
farmer in affluent circumstances who left to his 
children considerable property. 

Peter Ruhl was reared in his native county, 
and was married to Miss Mary Heagg, who was 
born near Manheim, Penn., in April, 1820. Mr. 
Ruhl followed farming in Lancaster county until 
our subject was five years of age, when he re- 
moved with his family to Anville township, Leb- 
anon county, and subsequently located near 
Campbelltown in that county, where he-operated 
a rented farm. While residing there the mother 
died, February 28, 1875, and was buried in 
Hirschey Cemetery, near Campbelltown. The 
father has since married a Mrs. Selmire, and is 
now living a retired life in Annville. He was a 
stanch Whig and is now a stalwart Republican. 
By his first wife he had two children: David and 
Abraham, who died at the age of five years. By 
his second marriage he has a daughter, Emma, 
at home. He is highly respected for his sterling 
worth, and has many friends in the community 
where he lives. 

David H. Ruhl had meager educational priv- 
ileges, for during his boyhood the schools were 
somewhat primitive in character, and moreover, 
his services were needed on the farm, for his 
parents were in but limited circumstances. At 
the age of nineteen he gave up school, and when 
twenty-one years of age he left home. Previous 
to that time his labors had all befcn for the bene- 
fit of his parents. Since early manhood he has 
been engaged in auctioneering, and has added 
not a little to his income thereby. In 1862 he 
came to Centre county, and began work as 



a farm hand for J. H. Fishburn, in Benner town- 
ship. On January 1, 1863, he accepted a clerk- 
ship in the store of D. M. Wagner, of Bellefonte, 
at a salary of $13 per month, but his wages were 
considerably increased during the seven years 
which he remained in the employ of that well- 
known merchant. In 1870 he and his brother- 
in-law, Samuel Gault, purchased the grocery 
business of Levi A. Miller, of Bellefonte, and 
the firm of Ruhl & Gault conducted the store for 
two years, when the former became sole proprie- 
tor. A year later he sold out and again entered 
the store of D. M. Wagner, with whom he re- 
mained for six months. 

On the expiration of that period, Mr. Ruhl 
came to Snow Shoe, and accepted a clerkship 
with May, Loeb & Co., with whom he continued 
until the store was closed out a year and a half 
later. He then conducted a licensed house in 
Snow Shoe for a year and a half, and for two 
years conducted a temperance house in Snow 
Shoe, called the "Snow Shoe House." In 1879 
he located at Potters Mills, Centre county, where 
he conducted a licensed house until April 1, 
1887, when he came to Spring Mills. 
1896, he purchased his present hotel 
and now has a popular hostelry. 

Mr. Ruhl was married November 13, 1866, 
in Boalsburg, Penn., to Miss Sarah S. Poorman, 
of Benner township, where she was born in 
April, 1845, a daughter of Henry (a farmer) and 
Hannah (Friese) Poorman. The children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Ruhl are: Edwin, born March 13, 1868, 
now a hotel keeper in Centre Hall; Lydia, born 
June 7, 1870, is now the wife of W. W. Rishel, 
proprietor of the "Kline House," at Lewistown, 
Penn.; William, born December 16, 1879; and 
Harry, born June 20, 1885. Mr. Ruhl is a 
stanch Republican in politics, and served as 
judge of election in Gregg township in 1894 and 
1896. He does all in his power to advance the 
interests of the party, but has never been an of- 
fice seeker. Socially, he belongs to Spring Mills 
Castle No. 169, K. G. E., and in matters of re- 
ligion he and his wife attend the Presbyterian 
Church. They conduct one of the best hotels in 
Penn's Valley, and the hospitable disposition 
and friendly manner of the proprietor have made 
him very popular with the traveling public, and 
secured him a liberal patronage. 



In July, 
property, 



JOHN MANN. On the Marsh Creek road, in 
Curtin township, Centre county, stands the 
home of this gentleman, who is one of the 
most progressive agriculturists and lumbermen of 
the community. Mr. Mann was born in Nittany 



828 



COMMEMOHA TIYE 1U0U RM'UUM RECORD. 



Valley, March 9, 1828. His parents, Robert 
and Catherine (Kline) Mann, were natives of 
Lycoming ami Centre counties, respectively. At 

:arly day the father took up his residence in 
Nittany Valley, where he remained until 1838, 
and then removed to the farm which is now 
cupied by the subject of this review. The tract 
of land i>n which he located was then an un- 
broken wilderness, but he converted the timber 
into lumber and transformed the raw land into 
richly cultivated fields By trade he was a 
blacksmith, and followed that pursuit until lo- 
cating upon the homestead farm. He died in 
1864, at the age of sixty-fivi and his wife 

passed away in 1881, at the age of seventy-one. 
Then- children were Betsy, wife of Henrv I 
inger, both now deceased; Mollie, wife of David 
McClosky, a lumberman and fanner of Curtin 
township, George, deceased; John; Robert, de- 
ceased: Anna, wife ..f Fred Bortley, of Hublers- 
bure,. Penn. ; Beckie, wife of Michael Confer, a 
retired fanner of Centre county; and fames, de- 
ceased. 

The paternal grandparents, William and 
Bets) Mann, were natives of Ireland, and at an 
early day cami to America, locating in Lycom- 
ing county, Penn.. where the former followed 
ultural pursuits. The maternal grandpar- 
ent-, William and Betsy Kline, were nativi 

itre county and ''I German extraction. Mr. 
Kline was a co< .per by trade 

« Mi the old homestead fai m \> ihn Mann spent 
the days of his boyhood, remaining with his par- 
ents until twenty-two years of age. During that 
time he attended the common schools, worked 
in the woods and aided in the development of 
the fields. At the age of twenty-two he left 
home and began lumbering and teaming. He 
also drove logs on Beach creek for eleven suc- 
cessive years during the spring season, and en- 
ergetically prosecuted his labors until, as the result 
of his industry and economy, he had accumu- 
lated sufficient capital to purchase the old home- 
stead in 1865. He had previous]) been working 
■on contrai t at Sandy (reek, and now turned his 
attention to the development of his property and 
to lumbering. So wild was some portions of this 
region that since the date of his locating here 
he has killed many deer, bears and wild 1 
and on several occasions has had narrow escapes 
from wild animals. The amount of game that 
he has killed probably exceeds that of any other 
man in the county, and he spent a portion of 
each year in hunting up to 1895 

On December 21, [851, at Beach Creek, 
Clinton Co., Penn., Mr. Mann married Miss 
Louisa Huff, who was born in that county Sep- 



tember 29, [830. Her parents were William 
and Anna (Barnes Huff, the former a native of 
Williamport, and the latter of Lancaster, Penn, 
The father, who was a farmer, died in 1886 in 
Grundy county, III., when over ninety-seven 
years of age. In 1852 he removed to the \\ 
and was extensively I in farming there. 

His wife died in the same county in 1890, at the 
age of eighty-seven. Their children were James, 
who died in Illinois Mi^ Mann. Sarah, widow 
of Joseph Thomas, of Oklahoma; Jonathan; and 
Silas, a farmer in Ponca, Nebraska. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mann were: 
Beckie, whodiedin infancy; William T. , a farm- 
er of Centre county; Catherine, wife of John G. 
Packer, foreman of the chemical works in McKean 
county, Penn.; Robert J., a farmer of Curtin 
township; Mary J., wife of Green Watson, a farm- 
er of Centre county; Sarah I . wife of Ja 
K. Frye, a farmer of Centre county; Beckie, wife 

William Lyons, a lumberman, of Castan 
Penn.; Anna, wife of George Diet*, a farmer of 
Centre county; Carrie, wife of William Rocken- 
brod. a carpenter of Castanea, Penn. ; and Susan, 
wife of James Niman, a farmer of Boggs town- 
ship, Centre county. 

In political views, Mi Mann is a Republican, 
but has had neither time nor inclination for pub- 
lic office. His life has been a busy and useful one 
and all that he possesses has been acquired 
through his own efforts and the able assistance of 
his estimable wife, who has indeed been to him 
a true Helpmate. Steadily has he worked his 
way upward and his tireless energy and resolute 
purpose are the stepping stones on which he has 

u. In his hunting days he had many exciting 
experiences, and is now giving his attention to the 
more quiet and lucrative pursuits of farming ami 
lumbering. 



JOHN WITHERRITE was called from this 
life June 11, 1896, and was laid to rest in 
Messiah Cemetery, Boggs township. Centre 
county. He was born in that township. J urn 
1821, and with its interests was closely indenti 
fied throughout his entire life. He was one of 
the family of seven children born to Michael and 
Mary Dickson) Witherrite, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, the others being: William, Michael, Isaac 
and Elizabeth (twins), fames and George. All 
are now deceased with the exception of James, 
who makes his home at Julian, Pennsylvania. 

Our subject was entirely a self-made man. 
having started out in life with no capital save a 
pair of willing hands and a determination to sue - 
ceed His early days were spent in the coal 




MRS. MARY WITHERRITE 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



829 



mines and in chopping wood, but later in life he 
turned his attention to general farming and by 
perseverance, industry and economy succeeded in 
accumulating a good property, owing at the time 
of his death a fine farm of ninety-four acres. His 
political support was ever given the Democratic 
party and its nominees. 

On February, 20, 1845, Mr. Witherrite was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Swagret, who 
was born October 6, 1 8 1 8, in Huntingdon county, 
Penn., a daughter of Peter and Catherine 
(Walker) Swagret. Her parents spent their en- 
tire lives in that county, where the father engaged 
in farming, and in religious belief they were Dunk- 
ards. The mother died in 18 19, at the age of 
twenty-six years, and the father in 1850. Mrs. 
Witherrite was the only child born of their union, 
and was reared by her maternal grandparents, Ja- 
cob and Margaret Walker, natives of Germany 
and Scotland, respectively. On coming to Amer- 
ica they located in Huntingdon county, where 
they continued to live until their deaths. Her 
paternal grandparents, John and Christina Swa- 
gret, were both born in Germany, and on coming 
to the New World made their home in Mifflin 
county, Pennsylvania. 

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Witherrite, as follows: (1) Martha J., born No- 
vember 30, 1845, was married in September, 
1873, to Samuel Furl, a farmer of Boggs town- 
ship, and they have five children — Sarah, John, 
Clara, Alfred and Michael. (2) Alfred, born 
March 3, 1848, was married January 18, 1S88, 
to Ellen Holderman, and they make their home 
in Boggs township. (3) Mary M., born December 
7, 1849, was married August 7, 1879, to Charles 
Hall, of Centre county, and they have seven chil- 
dren — Betsy, Carrie, Jessie, Polly, Toner, JohnB. 
and Clara. (4) Michael, born November 3, 1852, 
was married March 14, 1889, to Cora Clark, and 
they have one son — Arburtis H., born Octo- 
ber 29, 1893; they make their home in Centre 
county. (5) Clara E. , born July 17, 1865, was 
married March 19, 1886, toHarry Bottoff, of Cen- 
tre county, and they have one daughter — Elsie V., 
born December 9, 1891. 

Mrs. Witherrite is a woman of more than or- 
dinary business capacity, and manages her farm 
with excellent skill, displaying sound judgment 
and careful consideration. Since girlhood she 
has been interested in bee culture, upon her place 
has fifty hives, and three years ago she secured 
1000 pounds of honey. In early life, like her 
husband, she endured many hardships and trials, 
and upon their marriage they started out in very 
humble circumstances, their household effects 
consisting of a bed and a skillet which she bor- 



rowed. They had no chairs and neither knives 
nor forks, but together they worked, persistently 
and earnestly, until they had secured a good home 
neatly and tastefully furnished. Mrs. Witherrite 
has often split rails, which she carried up the 
mountain, and even now she is a great worker. 
On removing to her present farm it was still an 
unbroken wilderness, and her home was a small 
cabin, which in 1853 was replaced by her present 
comfortable residence. It is picturesquely lo- 
cated in a valley between two mountains, and on 
the farm are several elegant springs, and a beau- 
tiful stream which runs through its entire length. 



X"tL 



W. ULRICH, one of the excellent citizens 
and well-known farmers of Penn township. 
Centre county, was born June 8, 1842, in Mill- 
heim, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Yeakley) Ul- 
rich. The birth of the father occurred near the 
old fort in Potter township, Centre county, April 
17, 1 8 10, while his father, Christopher Ulrich, 
was born in August, 1774, in Dauphin county, 
Penn., and became the founder of the family in 
Centre county, locating here during the latter 
part of the eighteenth century. For a time he 
conducted a hotel in Aaronsburg, later lived 
upon a farm which he had purchased in Brush Val- 
ley, but died while a resident of Potter town- 
ship, August 1, 1 8 1 3. His wife, who bore the 
maiden name of Catharine Showers, was born in 
Dauphin county, in March, 1778, and survived 
him many years, dying March 30, 1858. In 
their family were four sons: Adam, who died 
at Millheim; Samuel, a tanner, who died in Leb- 
anon county, Penn. ; Michael, a tailor and farmer 
by occupation, who died in Potter township; and 
Daniel, the father of our subject. After the 
death of her first husband, the mother of these 
children married a Mr. Gilbert, and died near 
Tusseyville, where her remains were interred. 

After the death of his father, Daniel Ulrich 
went to Dauphin county, Penn. , where he had 
numerous relatives living, and there made his 
home until eighteen years of age, when he re- 
turned to Centre county. In Aaronsburg he 
served an apprenticeship with Henry Whitmer, 
a saddler and harness maker, and after learning 
the trade established himself in business in Mill- 
heim in 1832. In that same year he wedded 
Sarah Yeakley, who was born in Penn's Valley, 
Penn township, in 1809, a daughter of Jacob and 
Sarah (Haine) Yeakley, farming people who 
lived on Penn creek. For many years Mr. Ul- 
rich continued to follow his trade in Millheim, 
where he later engaged in the butchering and 



S330 



COMMl VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tanning business. There his death occurred 
December 18, 1888, and when his wife departed 
this life in 1891, she was buried by his side in 
the cemetery at Millheim. Formerly he was a 
Whig in politics, later a strong Abolitionist, not 
afraid to express bis views on the slavery ques- 
tions, and when the Republican party was formed 
to prevent the further extension of slavery, he 
joined it* ranks. He was a worth) member of 
the Evangelical Church, and from her early girl- 

rj his wile held mi mb< rship in the Lutheran 
Church. After the death of her husband she 
made her home with her children who tender]) 
cared for her until she, too, passed away. The 
father was industrious and energetic, and through 
his own unaided efforts succeeded in accumula- 
ting considerable property, but nearly the entire 
amount was appropriated by unscrupulous parties, 
so that his hens received but little. During the 
dark days of the Civil war he was one of the 
most patriotic and loyal citizens, and in every 
respect was a reliable, trustworthy man, univer- 
sally esteemed 

In the family were the following children: 
Maria, now the wife ol George Gramley, of 
Miles township. Centre county; Michael, a sad- 
dler and harness maker oi Millheim; Harriet, 
widow of Daniel Luse, .nid a resident of Johns- 
town, Penn. ; David, a tanner living in Missis- 
sippi; George, a harness maker of Millheim, who, 
during the Civil war, was a member of the tin 
month- and later re-enlisted in Ander- 

son's Cavalry, serving until the close of the war; 
Sarah, widow ol Benjamin Orndorf, of Haines 
township. Centre county; A \\ .. of this sketch; 
Lydia, who married Jacob Beame, and died in 
Penn township; Daniel, a harness maker of Mill- 
heim; Catharine, wife of |ohn Auman, of Juniata 
county. Penn. ; and Hettie, wife of Jacob Cath- 
erman. of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania. 

I n 'in the age of four years, A. AA Ul 

le his home with his md aunt. Samuel 

and Annie Yeagly) Krape, farming people of 
Penn township, who had no children ol then 
own, and upon In- farm he has since 

made his home. His education was such as the 
country schools of the locality afforded at that 
time, his first teacher being a Mr. Bollinger. At 
intervals he was able to attend school until at- 
taining his majority, ami, being studiously in- 
clined, has supplemented the knowledge there 
acquired by extensive reading and study in later 
years. On September 30, i860, in Pine Grove, 
Centre county, he married Miss Sarah Weaver, 
who was born in Miles township, in 1844. a 
daughter of Henrj and Maria Weaver, and they 
have three children; Annie, wife of Alvin Hal 



ter, of Penn township; Lizzie, wife of John 
by, of Gregg township, Centre county; and 
Charles, at home. 

Mr. Ulrich brought his bride to the home of 
his foster parents, whom he devotedly cared for 
until called to their final rest. He became the 
ner of the farm, a valuable tract of seventy- 
nine acres, which he has placed under a high 
state of cultivation and improved with good 
buildings, and also owns fifty-six acres ol timber 
land. Politically, he is identified with the Di 
ocratic party, and has acceptablv filled several 
local offices, being assessor (our years, tax col- 
lector two years, overseer of the poor three 
years, supervisor one year, and inspector of elec- 
tions one year. Earnest, conscientious Chris- 
tians, he and his wife are active members of the 
Reformed Church, in which he has served as 
deacon for several years. Fraternally, he is 
connected with the Grange. 



H' 



AX gaged in general farming in Marion town- 
ship, Centre county, is a gentleman whose well- 
known devotion to all the duties of public and 
private life has made him a valued citizen of the 

imunity. He has been prominently connected 
with the political and agricultural interests, and 
his upright career has won for him tin- unqual- 
ified regard of many friends 

Mr. W hiteleather was bom m ■ un- 

ship. Centre county, February 10, 1S42. and is a 
son ol Jacob and Catherine (Frazier White- 
leather, the former a native of Maryland, and 
the lattei of Centre county. The grandfather, 
Andrew W hiteleather. lived in Maryland until 
alter the death of Ins wife, and in 1830 he 
accompanied his son Jacob to Pennsylvania, 
The latter established a home in Marion town- 
ship, "ii the farm where our subject now 
and continued to make it his plai de nnt 1 

1879. He died in February, 1885, at th 
seventy-six years; his wife passed awaj in 
December, 1873, at the age ol seventy-thi 

They were members ol th< R 
Church, and in politics he was a Democrat 
Their children were: Elizabeth, who 
Elias Mosier, and after his death wedded I 

ig, who is now living retu litre count) . 

Julian Nicholas, a grading gardener and fanner 
of Centre county; David, deceased; Amos 
Williamsburg, l'dair Co., Penn.; and Henry, of 

this review 

Henry W hiteleather was reared to farm life, 
and worked for his father until twenty-four y 
of age. He was then married in Centre county, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



331 



April 3, 1866, to Miss Catherine E. Dorman, who 
was born in Union county, Penn. , in January, 
1848. Her parents, Louis and Catherine (Den- 
nis) Dorman, were natives of Union county, and 
came to Centre county in 1856, since which time 
they have been residents of Penn's Valley. 
Their children are: John, a farmer of Nittany 
Valley; Sarah, wife of John Orendorf, a farmer 
of Centre county; Peter, who is living retired in 
Illinois; Rebecca, widow of George Geiswhite, 
of Centre county; Mary, wife of Henry Snavely, 
a resident farmer of Centre county; Lavina, wife 
of John Geiswhite, an agriculturist and shoe- 
maker of the same county; Lida, wife of John 
Confer, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in 
Millheim; Vietta, wife of Newton Hess, a farmer 
of Centre county; Catherine E. (Mrs. White- 
leather) and David ; who is living on the old home- 
stead in Penn's Valley. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Whiteleather 
are as follows: Emma J. (at home), John F. (a 
lumberman of Centre county), Sa"rah L. (at 
home), Jacob (who is also engaged in the lumber 
business), William H., Catharine E., Clara R., 
Mary A. and Rosie B. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Whiteleather rented 
a farm in Gregg township, where he remained 
for five years. After he left his home his parents 
broke up housekeeping and went to live with 
him. On his removal from Gregg township, he 
located in Brush Valley, Centre county, where 
he remained for eight years, and on the expira- 
tion of that period he rented of his father his 
present home. Seven years later, in connection 
with his brother Amos, who now resides in Will- 
iamsburg, Penn., he purchased the old home- 
stead, which they have since operated. He is a 
progressive, enterprising agriculturist, and his 
capable management of affairs has brought to 
him success. He gives his political support to 
the Democracy, and on that ticket has been 
elected to the office of supervisor two terms, and 
to the office of tax collector. He has also served 
as school director, and is deeply interested in edu- 
cation and all movements calculated to prove of 
public benefit. He belongs to the Reformed 
Church, and is a highly respected citizen, whose 
upright career commends him to the confidence 
of all. 



IPV\EORGE W. LONG is now practically living 
\£ a retired life at Eagleville, Centre county, 
enjoying the fruits of his former toil. His has 
been a long and busy career with little time tor 
idleness, and through his own untiring efforts he 
has succeeded in accumulating a competence 



which enables him to lay aside business cares, 
though to some extent he still engages in the ex- 
press business. The money that he had suc- 
ceeded in saving he now has out on interest. 

On January 27, 1833, Mr. Long was born in 
Bucks county, Penn., and is a son of Jacob and 
Ann (Van Horn) Long, natives of Selins Grove, 
Snyder county, and Yarleyville, Penn., respect- 
ively. Both died in Harrisburg, Penn., the for- 
mer in 1876, aged eighty years, and the latter in 
1 87 1, aged seventy-six. Throughout his business 
career the father served as superintendent of a 
tannery. In their family were the following 
children: Joseph, a brick manufacturer of Ohio; 
George W. , of this review; Lewis, who was 
killed in 1882, when in the employ of a railroad 
company; Jerome B. , a brick maker of Harris- 
burg, Penn.; Jacob, who died in 1886; and Mar- 
garet, who is living in Harrisburg. The paternal 
grandparents of our subject were Joseph and 
Juliet Long, the former a native of Germany, 
and the latter of Little York, Centre Co., Penn., 
where the grandfather located at an early day 
and engaged in merchandising and milling on 
Penn creek. The maternal grandfather, Joseph 
Van Horn, was of English extraction. 

George W. Long remained with his parents 
until twenty-six years of age, during which time 
he obtained a fair common-school education, and 
worked at brick-making in Harrisburg. In 1852 
he came to Eagleville, though he did not locate 
permanently there until 1858. For a number of 
years he spent the winter seasons in lumber 
woods, while through the summer he, was en- 
gaged in boating, owning three good vessels. 
On September 25, 1858, in Howard, Centre 
county, he was married to Miss Jane R. Courter, 
and to them were born eight children, namely: 
William, weigher and shipper, of Homer, Centre 
county; Edward, who died when young; George, 
who died at the age of eleven years; Albert, a 
resident of Johnsonville, Penn. ; Charles and 
Eldra, engineers of that city; Minnie U., who is 
with her parents, and is serving as organist of a 
Church; and Joseph H., who is also with his 
parents. 

Mrs. Long was born in Liberty township, 
Centre county, where her parents, Abraham and 
Nancy (Rogers) Courter, who were of English 
descent, had located at an early day. Both died 
in Eagleville, where the father had worked as a 
laborer. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth 
Courter, were natives of Lycoming county, Penn. , 
and became pioneer settlers of Centre county, 
where they spent the last years of their lives. 
Michael and Susan Rogers, the maternal grand- 
parents of Mrs. Long, were of Scotch-Irish de- 



882 



' tiMMKMoiiATIVE BIOUHAPHU M. BEt ORD. 



scent. The family of Abraham Courter and 
wife, were as follows: William, a shoemaker 
of Eagle ville; Lucinda, a widow of Hiram Spang- 
ler, and a resident of Eagleville; Peter, deceased; 
Charles, who died in 1890; Mary A., widow of 
Andy Kline, of Bloomsburg, Penn. ; Jane E., 
wife of our subject; Lidda, wife of John W. 
Long, a farmer of Clinton county, Penn. ; Re- 
becca, wife ol Nathan Minnick, a miner of 
Wilkes Barre, Penn.; David, who died in infan- 
• j ; and one who died unnamed. 

In 1864, Mr. Long enlisted in Company B. 
11th P. V. [., undei Capt. Ben Haines, and at 
the battle of the Wilderness was shot through 
the right .leg He was tln-n confined in the 
hospital at Chester Hill, Philadelphia, until No- 
vember, 1864. when he rejoined the command 
at Petersburg, but two weeks later became ill. 
though he remained with his regiment. At the 
battle ol Five Forks, in 1865. he was shot 
through the left hip joint, and was confined in 
the hospitals at Alexandria and Washington until 
honorably discharged in [une, [865. On return- 
ing to his home in Eagleville, he became fore- 
man in a sawmill, where he was employed dur- 
ing the summer, working in the woods for two 
winters. In 1878 he purchaseda boat which he 
ran on the river, and later handled coal and en- 
gaged in general freighting at Eagleville. A 
straightforward, honorable business man. he won 
the confidence and respect of all with whom he 
mi in contact, and in his declining years is en- 
joying the reward of a well-ordered life. He is 
a stalwart Republican in politics, and fraternally 
prominent member of the Grand Army of 
the Republic, and of the Patriotic Order ol Sons 
of America. 



JiMlN I LUCAS, who is prominently identi- 
fied with the commercial and industrial in- 
terests of Centre county, is pre-eminently a 
self-made man lie began life with a definite, 
purpose in view, worked faithfully, honestly and 
with a will for its accomplishment, and is now 
enjoying a comfortable competency. He is now 
the efficient and popular postmaster of Moshan- 
11011, where he is also engaged 111 general mer- 
chandising, operates both a saw and (louring 
mill, and is interested in the lumber business. 
He is a man of good executive ability, fair and 
honorable in all his dealings, and has thus gained 
a liberal share of the public patronage. 

Mr. Lucas was born at the Eagle Iron Works, 
Centre county, September 9, 1842, a son of 
William H. and Margaret (Bathurst) Lucas, also 
natives of Centre county, where the father 



worked at his trades of a mill and wheel wright 
throughout life. The family was founded in 
America by Benedict Lucas, a native of Ireland, 
who located in Pennsylvania, where his son, 
Charles, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
was born. The grandparents, Joseph and Abbie 
McMullen) Luc.' both natives of Centre 

county, where they spent their entire lives. 
Henry and Margaret (Tate) Bathurst, the ma- 
ternal grandparents, were born in England, but 
at an early da\ came to the United States and 
located in Centre county, as did also the great- 
grandfather, Lawrence Bathurst, who was disin- 
herited for aiding tin Colonies in the Revolu- 
iry war. 

Our subject is the eldest of five children, the 
others being: Margaret, who died in infani 
Nelson, who is in the Pension Department at 
Washington, 1>. C. ; Andrew J., a retired ma- 
chinist of Altoona, Penn.; and William H., a 
farmer of Snow Shoe township. Centre com 
The mother of these children died in 1852, at 
the age of twenty-eight years, ami the father 
afterward wedded Mrs Elizabeth (Price) Wat- 
son, who now resides in Milesburg, Centre coun- 
ty He died in 1876, at the age of fifty-nine 
years. He was a fmn Democrat in politics, and 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as 
was also the mother of our subject. 

During his boyhood and youth |ohn T. Lucas 
attend* d the local schools and assisted his father 
in his work, remaining with him until Septeml 

1, when he enlisted iu Company 1 >. 45th P. 
V. I., under (apt. Curtin, for three years' serv- 
ice. He participated in many important battles 
and skirmishes, including those of Fredericks- 
burg, Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Blue Sprin 
the siege of Knoxville, and the battle of the 
Wilderness, where he was wounded in the right 
shoulder, May 6, 1804, but remained with his 

ipany, though for two months he was unabh 
for active service. On the expiration of his term 
of service he was honorably discharged and re- 
turned h , wlnie he was employed in tin 

iron works with his father until his marriage, 
June [6, 1800, in Huntingdon county, Penn., to 
Mi~- Num. P. Isenberg. To them were born 
eleven children, as follows: Edith L., at home; 
Harry, who died at the age of twenty ye 
( lydeC . a merchant of Clearfield county, Penn.. 
who married Minnie Edmond, of Chicago; Carrie 
I . John F., James W. . Clarence T. and Anna 
I . who are with their parents; Marion, who died 
in infancy, and Jennie M. and Albert C at 
home. 

Mrs. Lucas was born in Emlenton, Venango 
Co., Penn., December 25, 1843, a daughter of 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



833 



Daniel and Caroline T. (Taxis) Isenberg, natives 
of Huntingdon and Centre counties, respectively, 
who removed to Emlenton shortly after their 
marriage, which was celebrated in Venango coun- 
ty. On coming to Centre county in 1870, they 
located at Milesburg, where they remained until 
1884, when they removed to Moshannon. The 
father, who was born in March, 181 5, died in 
Moshannon, February 6, 1893. He was a cooper 
by trade, a Republican in politics, and a consist- 
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
to which his wife also belongs. She was born 
August 15, 1820, and now finds a pleasant home 
with our subject. Their family consisted 01 two 
daughters: Annie P., and Jennie E., wife of 
William Lucas, a brother of our subject. 

The Isenberg family was founded in the New 
World by Amick Isenberg, a native of Germany, 
whose son, George, was born in Huntingdon 
county, Penn. , and married Anna Wise, also a 
native of that county, where they made their 
home upon a farm throughout life. They were 
the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Lucas, while 
her maternal grandparents were John B. and 
Jane (Stump) Taxis, natives of Germany, but 
who were married in Centre county, where the 
grandfather worked at his trade of cabinet mak- 
ing. In their family were the following children: 
Joanna married John Mim, but both are now de- 
ceased; Mrs. Isenberg is next in order of birth; 
Penniah married John Cripps, and after his death 
wedded John McGwin, a stone mason of Indiana 
county, Penn. ; Priscilla, deceased, was three 
times married; Gideon is a retired cabinet maker 
of Joliet, 111., and has served as circuit clerk of 
his county; John B. is a practicing physician of 
Gardner, 111. ; Maria wedded Hugh Carson, but 
both are now deceased; Irene married John Eck- 
ler, and after his death wedded William Dunlay, 
a merchant of Pepin county, Wis. ; and Harriet 
married William Eckler, and after his death 
wedded L. Place, a farmer of Wisconsin. 

After his marriage, Mr. Lucas worked in the 
iron works of McCoy & Linn, and was also em- 
ployed in the lumber woods until 1870, when he 
was appointed assistant superintendent of iron 
works, which position he continued to fill until 
1873. He then served as superintendent of the 
Curtin works until 1881, in which year he came 
to Moshannon, where he first operated a grist- 
mill. As his financial resources have increased 
he has added to his business until it has assumed 
its present extensive proportions and embraces 
several lines of trade. The success of his life is 
due to no inherited fortune, or to any happy suc- 
cession of advantageous circumstances, but to his 
own sturdy will, steady application, studious hab- 



its, tireless industry and sterling integrity. Mr. 
Lucas gives his unwavering support to the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party, and has served 
his fellow citizens as school director and auditor. 
In religious faith, he is a member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church; fraternally, he is affiliated 
with the Royal Arcanum, belonging to the lodge 
in Bellefonte. He is a man who has ever been 
found in the foremost ranks of citizens who are 
devoted to their country's best interests and to 
the welfare of their fellowmen, and he well de- 
serves the high regard in which he is universaLly 
held. 



JOHN J. ORNDORF, of Haines township, 
Centre county, is a progressive and well-to-do 

agriculturist, and a citizen of recognized in- 
fluence in political, social and business life. His 
ancestors were among the early settlers of that 
locality, and he has the distinction of occupying 
the same farm on which his father, grandfather 
and great-grandfather lived. The family must 
have been established in this State at a very early 
period, as the great-grandfather, John Orndorf, 
was a farmer and storekeeper in Berks county 
during the Revolutionary war. He came to 
Centre county and settled on the old homestead 
near Woodward about 1790, becoming owner of 
an extensive tract of land, and passing his re- 
maining days in agricultural pursuits. 

One of his children, Henry, our subject's, 
grandfather, remained at the homestead and mar- 
ried a Miss Hess, by whom he had seven chil- 
dren, only one of whom, Samuel, is now living: 
Henry was a carpenter at Jacksonville, in the 
Nittany Valley; Betsy married Mr. Kleckner, a 
farmer of Union county, Penn. ; Catherine never 
married; John, a carpenter and farmer in Centre 
county, died when seventy-seven years old; 
Samuel, a carpenter, of near Woodward, Centre 
county, is still living, now eighty-eight years old; 
• Benjamin was a farmer and carpenter in the same 
locality; and David, our subject's father, lived 
and died on the old homestead. 

David Orndorf was a man of good native 
abilities, but his education was limited to an 
attendance of a few months each winter during 
boyhood at the Vonada school. Choosing farm- 
ing as his occupation, he made his start in life by 
purchasing from the other heirs, after the father's 
death, sixty-five acres of land, including the old 
homestead with the first house that was built 
there. The land was then held at $35 an acre. 
He made many repairs and improvements, and 
added more land until at the time of his death, 
May 8, 1876, he had 249 acres under cultivation 



:;:;! 



00 V VEMOliA 77I7-: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and a large amount of forest land He was a 
Democrat in politics, and a leading member of 
St. Paul's Reformed Church, two miles 
Woodward. His wife was Miss Catherine Morti- 
mer, of Pottsville, and five children were born to 
them, 'Hir subject being the eldest. William 
died near Woodward in [887, leaving a widow. 
Isaac is a farmer in Haines township. Centre 
county. Alice married Isaiah Boob, a farmer of 
Union county. lVnn. ; Alfred, a graduate of State 
College, became insane from overstudy, and is 
now m an asylum. 

subject of this biography was horn on 
the old hoi . August (8, 1S47. and re- 
ceived his education at the Yonada school dur- 
ing boyh 1. attending until the age of twenty, 

with the exception of two years lost on account 

ekness. On leaving school he assisted his 
father until his marriage, on April 3, 1866, to 
Miss Sarah I.. Dorman. He then settled upon 
a farm two miles north of Woodward, belonging 
to his uncle John, and remained then- seventeen 
years. In 1885 Ik- removed to the old home- 
stead, and now owns 136 acres of fine farming 

land with .1 l-sized tract which is yet uncul- 

tivated. Mr. and Mrs. Orndorf have had si 
children, whose names with dates of birth are as 
follows: Charles, August 21, 1867, is at home; 
Susannah, October 28, 1868, married Warren 
HoSterman, and resides near Woodward; Louis 
D., January 8, 1 S 7 2 , postmaster at Woodward, 
married Miss Lydia Weaver, and has one child, 
Ray; Catharine A., twin to Louis D., married 
John Hosterman, and lives near Woodward; 
Howard B., February 28, 1876, died at the age 
of twenty; Anna !\.. March 20, 1877, and Sadie 
I . . \ j > 1 1 1 20, 1885, are at home. 

Mr. Orndorf is a man whose advice is sought 
by his acquaintances upon business and legal 
matters, his sound judgment making him a 
leader in the community. He is a member of 
the Reformed Church, and also belongs to the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America at Woodward, 
and to the Patrons of Husbandry, Goodwill 
Grange No. 1030. As a Democrat he is influ- 
ential and active, and has repeatedly held office 
in his township. 



JOHN ROSSMAN. The life of this gentle- 
man, who is now living retired in ("iir™ town- 
ship. Centre county, is a striking example oi 
what can be accomplished by perseverance and 
industry, when guided by sound judgment. He 
has had a somewhat remarkable experience 
m his struggle with the world. In addition to 
being thrown upon his own resources at a tendei 



he has been the victim of misplaced confi- 
dence and treachery in business practices where 
his kind-heartedness induced him to help others. 

Mr. Rossman was born in Walker township. 
Nittany Valley, Centre county, September 22, 
1S27, of which county his father. John Rossman, 
was also a native, while his grandfather, Henry 
Rossman, was a German by birth. The last named 
was a highly educated man, who taught school 
in Rebersburg in early life, and later became a 
licensed ministei "I the Reformed Church. He 
was one of the pioneer preachers of this section, 
known far and near, and would ride from charge 
to charge on horseback. His death occurred at 
The Loop, in Potter township. Centre county, 
when in his eightieth year. 

John Rossman, Sr.. was the eldest in the 
family of four sons and rhree daughters, and 
during his boyhood he learned the weaver's trade, 
which was a more profitable business in those 
lavs than at the present time. In Walker town- 
ship he married Miss Sarah, a daughter of Philip 
and Margaret Brown Walker, and in 1833, with 
his family, he started for East Germantown, Ma- 
rion Co., Ind. The journey was made in covered 
wagons, the covers for which he wove, and they 
cooked their meals along the road and slept in 
tin wagons. On arriving at his destination, Mr 
Rossman was not pleased with the prospects; the 
1 innate did not agree with him, and in the follow- 
ing spring he was taken ill and died, and his re- 
mains were interred at East Germantown. In 
politics he was a Democrat. 

At the death of the father, the mother was 
left with eight children to care for among stran- 
gers. Subsequently her father came for the fam- 
ily, and they returned to Pennsylvania, where 
she purchased a home near the junction in Nit- 
tany Valley, and kept the two younger children 
with her, while the others were senl out to make 
their own way in the world. They were as fol- 
lows; Henry, a carpenter, who died in Nittany 
Valley; Elias, also a carpenter, who died in that 
place; Nancv, widow of Reuben Loveland, and a 
resident of Yankeetown, Nittany Valley; Sarah, 
who married Daniel Wolf, and died in Mill Hall. 
Clinton county; John, subject of this sketch; 
George, a carpenter of Stephenson county. III.; 
Jane, who married Thomas Shook, and died at 
Washington Furnace, Penn. ; and David, a resi- 
dent of Pottei township. The mother passed 
away at The Junction at the age of seventy-five 
years, and was laid to rest in the Snydertown 
cemetery. In early life she was a member of 
the Reformed Church, hut later united with the 
1 \ angelical Association. 

1 oi two years after the return of the family 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



335 



from Indiana John Rossman lived with his uncle, 
Isaac Walker, in Nittany Valley. Robert Smith 
was his guardian; but at the age of eight years 
he was hired out for his board and clothes to 
Jonas Pauley, whose home was distant one mile 
from Penn Hall, near Brush mountain. With 
him our subject remained until attaining his ma- 
jority, during which time he was allowed to 
attend school for only six months. He worked 
on the farm of his employer, and when not em- 
ployed in this way was given the privilege of 
learning the trade with Mr. Pauley, who was a 
shoemaker. When his term of bondage had ex- 
pired he worked for his preceptor for three years 
at $10 per month, with the exception of one 
month during the harvest season, at which time 
he worked in the fields, where he could earn fifty 
cents per day. Being economical, during the 
first year he succeeded in saving $100. He next 
worked at his trade by the piece for two years, 
which was more profitable. 

While thus employed, Mr. Rossman was 
married in Gregg township, October 2, 1851, to 
Miss Elizabeth Ziegler, who was born in that 
township February 19, 1832, the ninth in order 
of birth in the family of thirteen children born 
to Peter and Barbara (Walterparger) Ziegler. 
Her father, a farmer by occupation, was a native 
of York county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Rossman 
have four sons: Josiah C, born May 10, 1856, 
and Lewis E. , born February 6, 1859, are both 
residents of Gregg township; Howard F., born 
March 7, 1862, has a store in Spring Mills; and 
Harvey D., born May 16, 1863, is a farmer of 
Gregg township. With them resides a grand- 
child, Alverta M. (the daughter of Josiah), who 
was born April 9, 1878, and has made her home 
with them since two years of age. 

Upon his marriage, Mr. Rossman rented a 
house and lot in Brush Valley, Gregg township, 
until 1853, when he purchased a farm, shop and 
home of sixty acres of Mr. Pauley, where he 
lived for fifteen years. In 1868, in partnership 
with Edward Houtz, he bought 304 acres, of 
which he has 168 acres in the same township, 
and upon his share erected all the buildings. He 
continued to follow agricultural pursuits until 
1884, when he built his present comfortable res- 
idence on the same place, and has since lived 
retired, enjoying a well-earned rest. In politics 
he has always been a Democrat, but not strictly 
partisan, and has creditably filled the positions 
of tax collector, overseer of the poor, school di- 
rector thirteen years, and supervisor five years, 
being for twenty consecutive years an office 
holder. Earnest and conscientious Christians, 
he and his wife are active members of the Re- 



formed Church, in which he has served as dea- 
con and elder, and delegate to Classes twice, and 
delegate to the General Synod at Akron, Ohio. 
They enjoy the friendship of a wide circle of 
acquaintances, who esteem them highly for 
their sterling worth and many excellent traits of 
character. 



iOHN NEWLIN HALL. The subject of this 
sketch stands second to none among the 
prominent agriculturists of Howard township. 
Centre county, and his record it has been deemed 
wise to preserve in this manner for the perusal 
of the coming generation. As a judicious tiller 
of the soil he has met with success, and as a man 
and citizen he holds a good position among his 
neighbors. He is also one of the honored pio- 
neers of the township, in whose development and 
progress he has borne an active part. A practi- 
cal and skillful hunter, for forty years during its 
early history, he engaged in hunting and trap- 
ping with remarkable success, having killed many 
buffaloes, bears, deer, wild-cats, panthers, etc., 
and trapping one of the only two black wolves 
ever caught in the county. 

Mr. Hall was born in Bellefonte, May 1, 1831, 
and is a son of John and Sarah (Weaver) Hall, 
the former a native of Chester county, and the 
latter of Berks county, Penn. His paternal 
grandparents, Hon. John W. and Hannah Hall, 
were born in Pennsylvania, and in 1796 located 
in Centre county; thus for a century has the 
family been prominently identified with the 
interests of that county. The grandfather, an 
expert blacksmith by trade, established one of 
the first smithies in the county, but spent his last 
days in retirement upon a farm. He took a 
prominent part in public affairs, and was the first 
member of the Legislature sent from Centre 
county, being elected in 1800. 

The father of our subject accompanied his 
parents to Centre county and located in Belle- 
fonte. In his family were seven children, namely: 
Joseph B. , who died at Howard, in March, 1894; 
Daniel W. , an extensive farmer of Fayette county, 
Iowa; Hannah, widow of Rev. Thomas Barn- 
hart, of Red Oak, Iowa; Sarah, wife of ex-Sheriff 
Daniel Z. Kline, of Centre county; John N., the 
subject of this review; William M., an expert 
blacksmith, who died in October, 1880, and Mary 
J., who died September 27, 1895. 

Since the early age of six years the subject 
of this sketch has resided upon his present farm 
in Howard township, whose well-tilled fields and 
neat appearance testify to his skill and ability as 
a practical farmer. His literary education was 



886 



co.M.VEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



obtained in the schools of Centre county. On 
April 17, 1856, Mr. Hall was united in marriage 
with Miss Susannah Allbaugh, of Blair county. 
Penn., and to them have been born six children, 
namely: John D., of Bellefonte, is a conductor 
on the Pennsylvania Central railroad, and made 
the first trip on that road in which an accident 
occurred, the engine turning over owing to the 
rails being spread, but no one was hurt. Ida M. 
is the wife of D. N. Johnson, a farmer of Marion. 
Linn Co., Iowa. Sarah Alice is the wife of 
George K. Sti filer, and both are school teachers 
in Blair county, Penn. Temperance, who has 
engaged in teaching for fifteen years, is at home. 
Mollie K., who has also taught for eight terms, 
resides with her parents. William H. is also at 
home. 

Mrs. Hall is a native of Blair county, her 
birth having occurred in Hollidaysburg, Novem- 
ber 16, 1829, and she is a daughter of Rev. 
David and Elizabeth (Snyder) Allbaugh, the for- 
mer a native of West Virginia, and the latter of 
Blair county, Penn., where their marriage was 
celebrated in 1814. By occupation the father 
was a farmer and miller, and he also served as a 
minister of the German Baptist Church. He 
was born August 23, 1776, and died at the home 
of his daughter, Mrs. Mary A Harris, in Cam- 
bria county, Penn., March 4, 1865; his wife 
passed away in Blair county, January 25, 1855, 
at the age of sixty-nine years. Their familj 
consisted of ten children: Sallie, widow of Levi 
Hoover, of Linn county, Iowa; Jacob, John and 
Thomas, who all died when young; Mary, widow 
of William Harris, residing near Johnstown, Cam- 
bria county; Catherine, who married Abraham 
Good, but both are now deceased; Susannah A , 
wife of our subject; Joseph, who served for three 
years during the Civil war, and is now a gard< 
of Cambria county: David, who died when 
young; and Daniel W., who was also a Union 
soldier, and was killed at the battle of Nashville. 
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Hall, David 
and Florence Allbaugh. were natives of Virginia, 
and died upon a farm in Blair county, Penn., 
while the materi ndparents, Thomas and 

Mary Snyder, were born in Hagerstown, Md., 
and also spent their last days upon a farm in 
Blair county. 

Politically, Mr. Hall supports the men and 
measures of the Democratic party, and has 
served his fellow citizens in several official pi 
tions. In 1874 he v ted county conn 

sioner, and so acceptable was his servii e thai he 
was re-elected the following yeai lor a tin 
y< ars term. After faithfully serving for six \. 
as school director, he retired from office in 1 



during which time he had been secretary of the 
board, and attended every meeting, 108 in all. 
For two years he was also overseer of the poor. 
Socially he is a member of the Grange at How- 
ard, and religiously holds to the faith ol the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and possesses a 
large share of the benevolence which induces 
him to take an active interest in that which is 
going on around him, and which most nearly af- 
fects the welfare of the community. 



DANIEL A. MUSSER (deceased) Among 
the sagacious, farsighted and enterpn 
business men who have contributed to the devel- 
opment of Penn's Valley, Centre county, the sub- 
ject of this memoir deserves a place. He was a 
native of that county, with which throughout his 
life he was identified, and was a descendant of a 
well-known pioneer family. The name was for- 
merly spelled Moser, and while the Penn's Val- 
ley branch has adopted the spelling used by our 
subject, various forms are found among the other 
branches in the different parts of the United 
Mates. 

Sebastian Musser, the grandfather ol our sub- 
ject, and the first of this line to settle in Centre 
county, was born in Linn township, Northamp- 
ton Co., Penn., January 3, 1760, and his wife, 
Anna Maria Miller, a native of the same town- 
ship, was born July 15, 1762. The}' had only 
one child, Philip B., born in Northampton coun- 
ty, August 27. 1785, and a few years later th< 
little family came to this section. 

Philip B. Musser, our subject's father, vvi 
shrewd and successful business man and a lead- 
ing farmer of his day, accumulating a handsome 
competence. He was a prominent member of 
the Lutheran Church, and an influential worker 
in local affairs, serving at one time as justice of 
the peace. On November 4. 1S06, he was mar- 
ried in Centre county to Elizabeth Ilgen, whow 
born August 26, 1790, the daughter o I Rev. Lud- 
wig A Ilgen, an old-time Lutheran minister 
Thirteen children were born to them, the nan 
with dates of birth being as follows: John £ 
bastian, March 29, 1808, was a fanner and min- 
ister of the Evangelical Church, and his death 
rred in Penn township, Centre county, Jan- 
uary 9, 1887; Ludwig \. W. (later W. I \ 
gusl m, [810, died at Millheim, Octobers 1 8i 
Maria 11., October 10, 181 1, married 
Mu~ 1 died in Gregg township. Centre 

county; John P., November 4, 1813, dud 111 
fancy; Philip A., December 9, 1816, a tarn.' 
died in Penn township, Centre county. Octob 
11, [894; Anna B. , July 3, [818, married John 




DAHIEL A. MUSSER 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



337 



Hubler, and died in Brush Valley; John G., De- 
cember 12, 1820, died in Millheim; Daniel A., 
June 28, 1822, is the subject proper of this 
sketch; Maria C. , February 16, 1826, widow of 
Thomas Frank, resides in Millheim, as do also 
Lydia E. , March 16, 1828, John F. Ilgen, Janu- 
ary 23, 1830, and Sarah C, now Mrs. Frederick 
Catherman, February 20, 1833; James J., No- 
vember 19, 1834, is a resident of Hartleton, 
Union Co., Penn. The mother of this family 
died July 15, 1854, and was buried at Aaronsburg. 
The father, for his second wife, married a widow, 
but there were no children by this union. He 
died November 29, 1874. 

The late D. A. Musser was reared as a farm- 
er's boy, attending only the country schools of 
his day. Early in life he learned the miller's 
trade at what is now known as Fisher's Mill, of 
which his father was then the owner. In June, 
1846, his parents removed to Millheim, and our 
subject ran a gristmill there for some time. On 
June 29, 1 85 1, he was married in Mifflinburg to 
Miss Lydia A. Shreffler, a native of Millheim, 
born March 5, 1826. She was one of the eight 
children — four sons and four daughters — of Daniel 
and Rachel (Moyer) Shreffler, and was educated 
at Millheim, her first teacher being John Toner, 
a noted penman and one of the pioneer educators 
of this region. 

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Musser had 
$400 saved from his earnings, and this sum he 
invested in mountain land in Poe Valley, in part- 
nership with his brother, W. L. Musser. The 
venture proving successful, he built a residence, 
and a sawmill which did a profitable business. 
Later he was associated with J. P. Gephart in 
the same line, his success continuing undimin- 
ished. In 1855 he built the present home at 
Millheim, in which his widow still resides, \x\d 
where he spent his last years, his death occur- 
ring June 30, 1888, very suddenly. Of seven 
children, five are living. The names of all with 
dates of birth are here given: F. Pierce, Octo- 
ber 31, 1852, resides at Millheim; Junie A., 
August 5, 1855, married A. Walter, of Millheim; 
Elizabeth A., September 16, 1857, died in in- 
fancy; Jane Mary Belle, April 6, i860, married 
C. A. Sturgis, and died in Millheim; Rose E., 
August 4, 1863, married T. R. Stam, of West 
Union, Iowa; H. Clymer, September 6, 1866, 
and Milton O., February 2, 1870, are well-known 
shoe dealers at West Union, Iowa; both are 
married. 

Mr. Musser was so intimately connected with 
the varied activities of his locality, that his in- 
fluence seemed to touch all phases of life. Asa 

business man he identified himself with many 
22 



enterprises, notably the Millheim Banking Co. 
At the time of his death he owned two large 
flouring-mills, several farms and much valuable 
real estate in and near Millheim, aside from the 
family residence. Despite the constant labor 
and thought which enabled him to secure his 
handsome fortune, he found time for public 
affairs. He was a lieutenant in the militia in 
the "olden time," and always took keen inter- 
est in local politics. He was a leader in the 
Democratic organization, holding many town- 
ship offices, and at the time of his death was 
president of the Millheim borough council. In 
county politics his advice was sought and influ- 
ence felt. He was deputy sheriff during the 
term of his brother, W. L. Musser, as sheriff, 
and in 1875 was elected county treasurer with an 
increased Democratic majority. His son, Pierce, 
filled the office by Mr. Musser's appointment. 
The centennial celebration of Millheim was an 
event in which he manifested great interest, and 
it was a source of grief to all classes in the com- 
munity that he could not share in the successful 
realization of the plans which he had so warmly 
approved. In religious work he was active, 
' contributing both time and means. In i860 he 
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
until his death was a leading worker in the 
Church and Sunday-school. His chief recreation 
was the chase, and he annually spent several 
weeks in the mountains in search of deer and 
other game. Of all his various interests, how- 
ever, his home and family stood first in his affec- 
tions, and throughout his wedded life the dearest 
place on earth was his own fireside. 



iyi M. MUSSER, a well-known retired mer- 
iL chant of Aaronsburg, and an honored veter- 
an of the Civil war, is a representative of a fam- 
ily that has been identified with the development 
of Penn's Valley for more than a century, and 
at a still earlier day had become prominent 
among the pioneers of Linn township, North- 
ampton Co., Penn., where the first American 
ancestors settled on their arrival from Germany. 
About 1789, Philip Musser, the grandfather of 
our subject, located in Penn's Valley, and was 
engaged in agriculture there until his death, July 
19, 1804. Of his eight children, the three sons 
were named Philip, David and John. 

John Musser, our subject's father, was born 
in Gregg township, Centre county, January 8, 
1793, and was married May 15, 1822, to Miss 
Susan Fiedler, a native of Penn township, Cen- 
tre county, born July 19, 1S01. He followed 



:•.:> 



i OMMBMOBATIVE BI0GRA1-JIHM, RECORD. 



the carpenter's trade until 1832, when be moved 
in the farm of his father-in-law, Jacob Fiedler, 
but si ion afterward went to Miles township, Cen- 
tn county, to start a fulling-mill. This he dis- 
posed "I after a tunc and returned to Gregg 
township, the remainder of his life being spent 
in farming. In [842 he moved to Spring town- 
ship, Centre county, and died there April 
[880, at the age of eighty-seven. His wife passed 
Lway in the same township, in January, 1875, 
ami both were buried in the Union Cemetery 
.11 Bellefonte. 

John Musser was small in stature, but heavy 
weighing about 150 pounds. While he was 
not a learned man, he had excellent judgment, 
and was noted for precision of thought and 
speech, and for that most uncommon quality — 
common sense. He was "self-made," and by 
his industry ami thrift accumulated property to 

■ nsiderable amount. In early life he was an 
Old-line Whig, later becoming a steadfast Re- 
publican, and at times he held township offices. 
During many years he was an elder in the Lu- 
theran Church, to which he and his wife both be- 
longed, and hi- had a great influence in the so- 
ciety . 

lb- had ten children, whose names, with 
dates of birth are as follows: Philip, January 
1 w. 1 823, is a carpenter at Lena, 111. ; Catherine. 
May 6, 1824, married Joseph Keller, and died in 
Rudd, Iowa; Molly, November 6, 1825, married 
George Breon, and resides at Lena, 111.; Re- 
becca, March 12, 1827, married William A. Kes- 
lin, and died at Rudd, Iowa; John, March 31, 
1N20, is a farmer in Spring township, Centre 
county; Susan, January 26, [831, is the wile of 
John Wetzel, of the same township; Samuel, De- 
cember 7, 1832, formerly of Millheim, now re- 
sides in Scranton, Penn. ; M. M., October 11, 
[834, is mentioned more fully below; Israel, Jan- 
uary 30, 1838, was second lieutenant of Com- 
pany I), 148th P. V. I., and lost his life in the 
service, dying May 20, 1863, in the hospital at 
Falmouth, Va.; and Mary, July 1, 1842, is the 
wile of Rev. William Schoch, a Lutheran minis- 
ter of New Berlin, Pennsylvania. 

M. M. Musser was born in Miles township. 
Centre county, and he first attended school in 
the Beaver Dam District, in Gregg township, 
with John S. Price as teacher. He lived at 
home until he was twenty-five, and during that 
time he attended, for one term, a school at 
Aaronsburg taught by Prof. Burrell. His own 
experience as a teacher was limited to one term 
in the Koupsburg District, in Benner township, 
Centre county ; but his attention was soon turned 
to mercantile pursuits, and he began clerking in 



Bellefonte in the store owned by David Wagner, 
John B. Awl and Isaac May. 

In August, 1862, Mr. Musser enlisted in Com- 
pany K, 1 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry, better known 
as the •' Anderson Cavalry." Their first engage- 
ment was at Stone River, and Mr. Musser was 
one of the gallant three hundred who were sent 
out by Gen. Rosecrans as an advance guard. At 
Chickamauga he was one of the orderlies of Gen. 
Rosecrans, with the rank of sergeant. Promotions 
■ one in the regular order, and at the time of his 
discharge at Nashville in June, 1865. he held a 
commission as second lieutenant. He never had 
a leave of absence, and never lost any time 
through wounds or sickness. 

In September, 1865, our subject was mar- 
ried at Farmers Mills to Miss Catherine Fisher, 
who was born in Heidelberg township, Berks 
Co., Penn., September 9, 1838, a daughter of 
Adam and Mary (Brussman) Fisher. In the fol- 
lowing year Mr. Musser located at Farmers 
Mills, purchasing a store from his father-in-law, 
and in 1867 he removed his stock of goods to the 
place now called Fiedler P. O. , in Haines town- 
ship. Centre county. In the fall of 1873 he 
bought his present property in Aaronsburg from 
J. 11 ob \\ Me. and during the next year he remod- 

I the building, making it more convenient for 
a dwelling as well as for business purposes. His 
business was continued successfully at that loca- 
tion until 1894, when, owing to ill health, he 
sold his stock and retired. 

Mr. Musser has a refined and courteous man- 
ner, and through his wide reading has kept well 
informed on current topics. His judgment is 
sound, and has gained great influence for him 
among his acquaintances. To his children he 
has given good educations, and they have done 
justice to their opportunities. William S., who 
was born in Gregg township, July 20. [866, is 
tion agent for the Pennsylvania railroad it 
Rising Spring; Irene O. born October 8, 1867, 
in Haines township, is at home; Charles H.. a 
twin ol Irene C. , is in Kirkbride Hospital. Phila- 
delphia; Mary S., born in Haines township. 
April 17, 1870, married Mr. Mertis; and Edward, 
of Bloomsburg, Penn.. is an insurance agent 
in Philadelphia. In his political affiliations Mr 
Musser has always been a Republican, and is 
one of the influential workers of the party, rep- 
resenting his locality in the county conventions. 
He is a leading member of the Lutheran Church, 
in which he is a trustee, and has held every office 
except that of minister. He helped to organise 
the Grand" Army Post No. 298, at Millheim, and 
at present is its commander; and is postmaster 
at his home, Aaronsburg. 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



339 



B 



O. BRAUCHT, the genial and popular 
EL proprietor of the "Coburn Hotel," is one 
of the prosperous business men of Penn's Valley, 
one who has made his own way in the world un- 
aided by capital or influential friends, and at one 
time served as stable boy at the hotel of which 
he is now the owner. He was born in Penn 
township, Centre county, September 10, 1865, a 
son of William and Harriet (Geary) Braucht. 

George Braucht, grandfather of our subject, 
was the first of the family to come to Centre 
county, his home being previously in Lancaster 
county, Penn., and in Penn township married 
Elizabeth Kersteter, a daughter of Leonard Ker- 
steter. They lived upon the farm where the 
father of our subject spent his entire life, and 
there reared their seven children, namely: John, 
of Penn township; Daniel, of Coburn; William, 
who died near Coburn; Dena, who died near 
Penn Hall; Sarah, who married John Heckman, 
and died near the same place; Lydia, wife of Ja- 
cob Breon, of Penn Hall; and Elizabeth, wife of 
William Neese, of Gregg township, Centre coun- 
ty. Upon the homestead farm the parents of 
these children spent their entire married life, and 
at their death were buried in the cemetery at 
Aaronsburg. Both were earnest members of the 
Reformed Church, and highly respected citizens 
of the community. 

William Braucht was born in Penn township, 
January 11. 1838, and was educated in the 
country schools near his home. In January, 
1865, he married Miss Harriet Geary, who was 
born in the same township, August 6, 1846, a 
daughter of Reuben and Catherine (Musser) 
Geary, in whose family were eight children: Sam- 
uel and Mary (twins), the former a resident of 
Lewisburg, Penn., the latter being the widow of 
Andrew Stover, and a resident of Coburn; Dan- 
iel, of Penn township; Sarah, widow of Michael 
Rishel, of Brush Valley, Centre county; Philip 
and Catharine, who died in childhood; Harriet, 
the mother of our subject; and Diana, who mar- 
ried Simon Wolf, and died in Sugar Valley, 
Penn. The father of these children, who was 
an agriculturist, died at the age of seventy on the 
farm where he had made his home for many 
years. He was buried at Millheim by the side of 
his wife, who had died previously in the faith of 
the Reformed Church, of which he was also a 
member. 

When a young man, William Braucht 
learned the carpenter's trade, and, although he 
located on a farm after his marriage, was prin- 
cipally employed at his trade. After suffering 
for two years from heart disease, he died sudden- 
ly in September, 1873, and his remains were in- 



terred at Aaronsburg. He was a stanch Demo- 
crat in politics, but cared nothing for political 
distinction. In his family were four children: 
R. O., subject of this sketch; Elizabeth; Abigail, 
who died at the age ot thirteen years; and Will- 
iam, a resident of Glen Union, Penn. The 
mother continued to reside upon the farm left by 
him, and is now the wife of Jonathan Dingles, 
by whom she has two children: Cloy and 
Frank. She is a consistent member of the 
Evangelical Church. 

R. O. Braucht was but a small -boy at the 
time of his father's death, and as his mother's 
financial condition was not very good, he was de- 
prived of many privileges afforded most boys. 
Being robust and strong, he left home at the age 
of twelve years, and began working as a farm 
hand for Daniel Kramer for $2. 50 per month. 
By nature steady and industrious, he could always 
find employment, and remained with Mr. Kra- 
mer, of Penn township, for two years. His edu- 
cational privileges were necessarily limited to a 
few months' attendance, at the country schools 
during the winter season, and often he was 
obliged to work for his board. He worked as 
hostler at the hotel which he now conducts, and 
also as a farm hand for many of the best farmers 
of Penn township. At the age of seventeen he 
went to the lumber woods, where he was vari- 
ously employed, his first contract being for 
trucking logs at Poe Mills, and later worked in 
the sawmill for Luther Guiswite, at Engleby. 
In the spring of 1886, he went to Stephenson 
county, 111., where he worked as a farm hand 
one summer, and on his return to Centre county 
again worked at Poe Mills for four years and a 
half. In the spring of 1 891 he became connect- 
ed with the livery business in Coburn, buying 
out the establishment of William Kremer, which 
he conducted for three years, and then purchased 
the "Coburn Hotel." This property he has 
greatly improved, making it one of the best 
hostelries of Penn's Valley. Of an agreeable 
disposition, and unusual willingness to adminis- 
ter to the wants of his guests, his house has be- 
come a favorite with the traveling public. 

In 1889, in Millheim, Centre county, Mr. 
Braucht was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary 
L. Gates, a native of Sunbury, Penn., where 
her parents, Amos W. and Louisa Gates, still 
reside. Two children grace their union: Bes- 
sie, born March 5, 1890; and Daniel, born April 
24, 1893. 

Mr. Braucht uses his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the Demo- 
cratic party, while fraternally, he is a member 
of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Millheim, and the 



340 



' i'MMKMOUA TlYi: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Patriotic Order Sons of America at Coburn. 
Honest in his business dealings, public- spii 
and liberal, he has won the confidence ami re- 
spect of the entire community, and for the 
success that he has achieved in lite he deserves 
i credit. 



GREEN C. DECKER, a prosperous agricult- 
urist of (.■ /alley, Centre county, is 
a man oi rei ognized influence in the community 
in which he, lives. His parents. Michael and 
B rbara l'rice) Decker, were highly esteemed 
resM i that locality, and our subject was 
born Octobi i 22, 1839, on th farm which 
he now owns and cultivates. 

I li. Decker district school in Gregg town- 
ship, Centre county, was named in honor of his 
family, and Mr. Dicker received hi ition 

within its walls, Thomas Timer being his first in- 
structor. The order and discipline of the olden 
time impressed Mr. Decker most favorably, and 
he is an advocate of a return to the old system 
when the control of the schools was vested in the 
directors, and county superintendents were un- 
known. As a tarn 1, Mr. Decker was 
trained to habits of industry, and his work at 
home was varied during his boyhood with em- 
ployment in a sawmill, where he gained a knowl- 
edge of that business. Until the age of twenty- 
six he remained at home receiving nothing in the 
way oi remuneration except his board and home- 
spun clothes, lie used i" assist his mother in 
preparing tlax, as she wove most of the material 

I in clothing the family, making the green 
baize cloth so common in that day. as well as the 
linen required. 

In 1865 Mr. Decker was married in Huston 
township, Centre county, to Miss Keziah Will- 
iams, daughtei oi Scott Williams, and he took 
his bride to the old homestead which he rented 
from his father. In 1 880, after his father's death, 
he purchased the place, and he has since built a 
new residence and made other substantial im- 
provements, all the buildings, except the barn, 
having been erected by him. The farm com- 
prises [68 acres of nt land, and he 
owns 1S0 acres of mountain land. He has a 
handsome competence gained bj his own efforts. 
1 Ivei confidence in others has caused him losses 
to the amount of $1,000 orn bul fortunately 
he I suffered seriously. I' re- 
markable mechanical ability, he has done all of 
his own work in wood, iron and stone, and his 
able home displays many evidencesof his 
skill. 

Mr. 1 >e< ker is an active member of the Evan- 



gelical Church, in which he was class leader for 
years. He has always been agenerous supporter 
of religious and philanthropic movements and 
before he united with the Church he helped to 
organize the Sunday-school at Locust Grc 
and 1 . ed as secretary and treasurer, while 

assisting in other ways to bring it into its present 
nourishing condition. He has always attended 
the '• Locust Grove Church," where he is equally 
active, contributing liberally of time and means 
to aid its work. His first wife, who was also a 
devout and consistent member of the Evangeli- 
cal Church, passed to the unseen life, and her re- 
mains now repose in the Sprucetown cemetery. 
Mr. Decker for his second wife wedded M 
Allie Nicolls (ne'e Wilcox . a widow, who 
born in New York State. There were twi 
children by the hrst marriage: Michael died in 
infancy; Ella and Scott are at home; the fourth 
child, a son, died in infancy; Thomas, Katy (Mrs. 
Win. Rishel), Co G., foseph, Densmore D., 

Edward I), and |ennie are at home, and Robert 
died in infanc) 

Mr. Decker is much respected as a man of 
sound principles. He takes great interest in 

I affairs, and as a progressive fanner is a 
member of the Grange. In politics he is a D' 
ocrat, but while he 1 ady to assist in party 

work he has never sought I in official 

■ ion. 



IRVIN M. HARVEY. This gentleman occu- 
pies no unimportant position among the lead- 
ing farmers of Hoggs township. He was born 
in Huntingdon county, Penn., February 1, 1851, 
a son of Henry I- Harvey, whose birth occurred 
September 2. 1X24, in Clinton county, this Si 
At the age of seventeen years the father went 
tn Huntingdon county, where he operated a 
foundry and machine shop until the spring 
1865, when he came to Centre county, and here 
engaged in farming until 1890. He now makes 
his home at Altoona, Penn. He is a son of 
Isaai and Catharine Harvey, who were born in 
Bi >ks county, Penn., but at an early day beca 
residents of Centre county, Pennsylvania. 

Attaining to mans estate, Henry L. Hai 
was united in marriage with Miss Isabella Irvni 
who was born at Jersev Shore, Penn., a dauj 
ter of William and Mary Irvin. natives of I 
land, who on coming to the United Stat 
ted in Lycoming county, this State. Our sub 

: is the eldest of the four children born 
this union, the others being Anderson 1'. n 
of Olean, N. V. ; Cilery B., of Wild 
Penn.; and William, who died in infancv. I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



341 



mother died in Huntingdon county, May 21, 1857, 
at the age of twenty-seven years, and afterward 
the father wedded Miss Lizzie Gardner, who was 
born in Blair county, Penn. , and died in 1888 at 
the age of fifty-five years. Six children graced 
the second marriage: George C. and Martha B., 
both of Altoona, Penn. ; Cora, wife of Frank 
Strunk, of Bellefonte, Centre county; Walter 
C, deceased; John H., of Toledo, Ohio; and 
Charles I., deceased. 

At the age of twenty-five years, Irvin M. 
Harvey left home and began life on his own ac- 
count. For two years he operated rented land 
in Clinton county, and at the end of that time 
removed to Centre county, where he also engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. After renting for three 
years, he purchased his present valuable farm of 
140 acres in Boggs township, to the cultivation 
and improvement of which he has since devoted 
his time and attention with most gratifying re- 
sults. 

On February 24, 1876, Mr. Harvey was mar- 
ried to Miss Julia C. Curtin, and to them have 
been born four sons and three daughters, namely: 
Joseph W. , Rebecca A., Oscar C, Katie, Isa- 
bella, Harry and John F., all at home. Mrs. 
Harvey was born October 9, 1853, in Boggs 
township, at what is now known as Curtin, and 
is a daughter of Austin and Rebecca (Bathurst) 
Curtin, also natives of that county, the mother 
born July 16, 1817. The father, who was born 
August 26, 1 80 1, was interested in the noted 
Curtin Iron Works, at Curtin, but his later days 
were spent upon the homestead farm where his 
widow now resides. He died July 21, 1871. 

Mr. Harvey gives his political support to the 
Democratic party, but has never aspired to office. 
Socially, he holds membership with the Grange, 
and religiously is a faithful member of the Church 
of Christ. He holds a prominent place among 
the intelligent farmers of the community, and 
his integrity, manliness and true Christian char- 
acter have won the respect of all. 



lEUBEN T. COMLY, a thorough and skill- 
ful farmer and business man of more than 
ordinary capacity, is a representative of the agri- 
cultural and commercial interests of Union town- 
ship, Centre county, his home being on Dick's 
Run road. He was born in Centerville, Elk 
Co., Penn., March 26, 1850, but he has long 
made his home within the borders of Centre 
county, where he is both widely and favorably 
known. 

His father, John T. Comly, now a saddler, 
harness and shoemaker of Unionville, Centre 



county, was born in Adams county, Penn., No- 
vember 16, 1 822, and is a son of Jesse and Naomi 
(Howell) Comly, who were born and married in 
Adams county, where they remained until 1836, 
when they came to Centre county. They located 
near Bellefonte, where the grandfather engaged 
in tanning and farming. He died in October, 
1853, at the age of seventy-nine years, and his 
wife passed away December 24, 1865, at the age 
of seventy-seven years and six months. In their 
family were the following children: Jacob, a 
retired tanner of Centre county; Joseph, de- 
ceased; Benjamin, who is also living retired in 
Centre county; Jesse, who died shortly after his 
return home from the war; Eleanor, widow of 
Jerry M. Hench, of Perry county, Penn. ; and 
John T. , father of our subject. The paternal 
great-grandfather was of English birth, while his 
wife was born in Scotland. On coming to 
America they located in Centre county, where 
they spent their remaining days. The maternal 
great-grandparents of our subject, who were 
natives of Scotland, located in Union county, 
Pennsylvania. 

On March 5, 1848, John T. Comly was mar- 
ried to Catherine Green, who was born in Elk 
county, Penn., February 13, 1830, and is a 
daughter of John and Mary (Thompson) Green, 
natives of Centre county, but who met and were 
married in Elk county, where they spent their 
remaining days on a farm. Her father was born 
October 12, 1799, and died October 24, 1883; 
her mother was born August 9, 1809, and died 
September 1, 1889. In their family, Catherine 
T. , the mother of our subject, is the eldest; the 
others are as follows: Rebecca, born July 8, 
1 83 1, married J. Nolf, and since his death has 
become the wife of W. Rudolph, of Elk county; 
Mary, born November 2, 1832, died July 14, 
1833; James R., born July 12, 1835, is living in 
Elk county; Reuben T., born March 12, 1838, 
died March 26, 1840; Elizabeth, born August 18, 
1 841, married Louis Zimmerman, and after his 
death wedded J. L. Bonaham, of Olean, N. Y. ; 
and John C, born August 6, 1847, is a farmer 
of Elk county. 

John Green, the maternal grandfather of our 
subject, was twice married, his first wife being 
Ann Kyler, who was born September 15, 1802, 
and died July 31, 1827. To them were born two 
daughters: Elizabeth, born March 29. 1826, 
died August 8, 1826; and Eliza A., born July 10, 
1827, died January 27, 1861. John Green was 
the son of James and Elizabeth (Fisher) Green, 
natives of Centre county, where her death oc- 
curred, but he died in Elk county. The maternal 
grandmother of our subject was a daughter of 



342 



COMMI-:MiiU.\ TIVB l;H>(ll;.\rilirM. RECORD. 



Robert and Catherine (\Y;mt/i Thompson, also 
natives of Centre county, but the former died in 
Clearfield county, and the latter in Elk county, 
Pennsylvania. 

John T. Comly continued to engage in the sad- 
dlery business in Elk county until September, 
1864, when he came to Centre county, locating 
first at Nittany Valley, where he followed fann- 
ing for three years, but since that time he has 

cessfully carried on the saddlery business and 
shoemaking at Unionville. He is a valued and 
highly respected citizen of the community, and 
a Republican in politics. In his family are two 
children, our subject being the elder; William 
II . born Maj 25, [854, is a resident ol Union- 
ville. He was married July 3, [879, to Mary A. 
M'-Cune, and they have two children: Raymond 
and Boyd. 

Reuben T. Comly remained with his parents 
until he had attained his majority, during which 
time he attended school and served an appren- 
ticeship to the saddlery business with his father. 
He then taught school on Dick's rim, in Union 
township, Centre' county, for one term, and for 
the same length of time had charge of a school 
at Unionville. The following Christmas Di 
Cember 25, 1*711, he was married to Miss 
Amanda Davidson, and they have four children. 
all at home, namely: |ohn A., born September 
5, [S72; Ella E., born September 20, [874; 
Olive B., born January 26, 1878; and T. I 11- 
wood, born February 28, [887. 

Mrs. Comly was bom in 1 1. ill Moon, Centre 
county, March 30, [848, and is a daughter of 
Alexander and Sarah (Hicks Davidson, whose 
births occurred at the same place'. There her 
parents were married and remained for fifteen 
years, when the} removed to Union township, 
where the mother died in 1 s 5 1 , at thi 
forty years, and the father m April, [884, at the 

ol seventy-seven. He engaged in the manu- 
facture of charcoal, was a Republican in politics, 
and with his wife held membership in the M 
Slab Church. In their family v en chil- 

dren Martha, bom fanuar) 3, 1832, is the wife 
of W. Irwin, a farmer of Union township; Mary, 
born in 1S34, died in (836; Hannah, born in 

tember, [839, is the widow of Harris Way, 
of Union township; Eliza, born January 1 1. 18 — , 
is the wife of William Taylor, of Centre county; 
Joseph II. and James are both prominent farm- 
er-, of the same county; Amanda is next in order 
of birth; and one died in infancy. The father of 
this family was a second time married, Mrs. 
Mary (Walker) Watson becoming his wife. She 
was the widow of Green Watson, by whom 
had four children: Lemuel; Roxanna; Miriam, 



wife of a Mr. Marshall, of Clearfield county, 
Penn. ; and Green, who was killed b) a falling 
log. By his second wife, Mr. Davidson had three 
children: Michael, a butcher of Philipsburg, 
Penn.; Grant, a fanner of Centre county ; and Ida, 
wife of William Brower, a farmer of Union town- 
ship. 

After his marriage, Mr. Comly purchased his 
present farm in Union township, and has made 
his home there since 1 87 1. Besides general 
farming he is successfully engaged in dealing in 
agricultural implements, and he is a straightfor- 
ward, reliable business man of unquestioned in- 
tegrity. Fraternally beholds membership with 
Blooming Lodge No. Oyj, I. O. 0. F., of Union- 
ville, the Encampment of Bellefonte, No, 72, 
and with the; Grange. He is a pronounced 
Republican in politics, and in 1 v die can- 

didate of that party for county treasurer, but was 
unable to overcome the strong Democratic 
majority. He is public-spirited and progressive, 
and no man takes a deeper interest in the pros- 
perity of the county, whose interests he has 
j promoted. 



DR. GEARY, a prominent resident ol Penn 
township, Centre county, is a man wl 
genuine worth has won for him th m of his 

acquaintances, while his industry and judicious 
management have brought a material reward in a 
handsome competence. Born in Penn township, 
March 23, 1830, he has always made his home 
there, being engaged until recent years in the 
blacksmith's trade, and also following agricult- 
ural pursuits to some extent. 

His grandfather, Valentine Geary, and lather, 
Reuben ( learj . came to Centre county from Berks 
county, Penn., when the latter was a child, the 
family residing in Gregg township for some time 
after their removal. Valentine Gear} wa 
tailor by trade, and was remarkably healthy, liv- 
ing 1 t ninet} year-- ol age without a ti 
of disease, except for the illness which resull 
in his death. His last days were spent in Boals- 
burg, where his remains were interred. He was 
twice married, his second wife, Rebecca, accom- 
panying him to Centre county. His children 
were: John, who died in Woodward; R 
our subject's father; William, who died in *'i 
township, Washington, now ing in Iowa 
Daniel L., a resident of Millheim; Valentii 
Jr.. who was killed in Gregg township by a fall- 
ing tree; Lucinda, widow of John Runkle, of 
Penn Hall; Matilda, widow of John Schitx. of 

>r Valley; Polly (Mrs. Michael Lamy), of 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



343 



Millheim; Lydia, who lives in Iowa; Rebecca 
(Mrs. William Stuart), residing near Bellefonte; 
and Mary, who married John Painter, and died 
in Pleasant Gap, Centre county. 

Reuben Geary was a son of his father's first 
wife. His training in youth was similar to that 
of most country boys in his day, and he devel- 
oped into a robust man, six feet in height, with 
energy and ability, fully equal to the task of 
gaining a livelihood, which, owing to the straight- 
ened circumstances of his parents, was laid upon 
him at an early age. As a young man he was 
married in Penn township, Centre county, to 
Miss Catherine Musser, a daughter of Philip Mus- 
ser, a well-known citizen of Gregg township, 
residing near Penn Hall. For some time after 
his marriage Reuben Geary worked as a farm 
hand, but in 1849 he bought a small farm in Penn 
township, where he spent his remaining years. 
He was between fifty and sixty years old at the 
time of his death, and his wife, who was older 
than he, passed away a few years before, the 
remains of both being buried at Millheim. He 
was a steadfast Democrat, and with his wife 
belonged to the Reformed Church. They had 
eight children, of whom the first two — Samuel, 
a resident of Union county, Penn., and Mary, 
widow of Andrew Stover, of Coburn — were twins. 
D. B. is mentioned more fully below. Philip 
died at the age of nineteen. Sarah, widow of 
Michael Rishel, resides in Brush Valley. Cath- 
erine died young. Harriet married (first) William 
Braucht, and (second) Jonathan Dinges, of Penn 
township. Diana married Simon Wolf, and died 
in Sugar Valley. 

Two, or at the most three, months' attend- 
ance in the year at the subscription schools of the 
time was supposed to be sufficient for the mental 
needs of a boy when our subject was seeking an 
education, and this, with a short attendance at 
Dr. Stamm's school, save what he received in 
later years at public schools, was all the instruc- 
tion he' ever had. He remained at home, assist- 
ing in the work of the farm until he was seven- 
teen, when he began to learn the blacksmith's 
trade in Millheim with Samuel Wiser. He worked 
three years for his board and clothes, acquiring 
a thorough knowledge of the business, which he 
then followed a short time as a journeyman. He 
owned three and one-half acres of land near 
Coburn, and in i860 he began business for him- 
self in a shop there, boarding at a house near by. 
In 1864 he was married in Penn township, Centre 
county, to Miss Julia Zerby, a native of Gregg 
township, and a daughter of Adam and Susan 
(Snavely) Zerby. 

For two years after his marriage Mr. Geary 



rented Feidler's house, later a dwelling house 
belonging to Samuel Krape, and then built his 
present home. His farm is small, but has been 
well improved by him with suitable buildings, in 
addition to which he owns fifty-six acres of tim- 
ber land in the same township, and in 1877 he 
bought four and one-half acres of farm land. 
When he began housekeeping his mother gave 
him an old bed, and this was the only help that 
he received from his parents until his father's 
estate was divided. He has been very successful, 
and notwithstanding some losses through going 
bail for certain parties, he has a fair share of 
this world's goods. Lung trouble interfered with 
his business for about eight years, but except for 
that he followed his trade continuously until 1 89 1 , 
when he was disabled for hard manual labor by a 
fall of twelve feet into a well which he was 
digging, a rope breaking while he was being 
lowered. In politics he is a Democrat, and he 
holds an influential place in the local organiza- 
tion. For many years he has served as con- 
stable of his township. 

Mr. Geary's first wife, who was a devout and 
consistent member of the Evangelical Church, 
died in October, 1894, her burial taking place at 
Paradise Church. His present wife, formerly Miss 
Susan C. Wise, is a daughter of the late John 
Wise, formerly a well-known resident of Penn 
township, Centre county. John Wise was married 
to Cathryne Stover, of Hainestownship, daughter 
of Valentine Stover, one of the early settlers of 
that township. Mr. Wise built (1839) the shop 
in which Daniel Geary commenced work in i860. 
Mr. Wise died April 11, 1869, in Shelby county, 
111., after an illness of eleven days, of pleurisy 
and finally dropsy of the heart, at the age of 
fifty-seven years, seven months and twenty-one 
days. There is a peculiar providence connected 
with the above case. Mr. Wise started for 
Shelby county, 111., about the middle of March, in 
company with hisdaughter-in-law, and after being 
with his son (in said county) a few weeks, he took 
sick and died there. His son brought the corpse 
back (in compliance with his father's request 
before he died) to his bereaved family in Haines 
township, Centre county, from which place, on 
the 16th of April, his last remains were followed 
to the tomb, at Aaronsburg, by a large concourse 
of sympathizing and weeping relatives, friends 
and neighbors, to pay their last tribute of respect. 
Cathryne Wise, his wife, died January 25, 1887, 
aged seventy-four years, eleven months and 
twenty-three days, and was buried in the ceme- 
tery of the Reformed Church at Aaronsburg. 
She died in the triumph of the true Christian 
faith. 






844 



VMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL i:i:<OHD. 



JAMES II. HOLMES, one of the representa- 
tive and prominent citizens of State College, 
is numbered among the self-made men of 
Centre county, his accumulations being the re- 
sult of hi- own industry, obtained by self-denial, 
economy and the exercise of a naturally good 
judgment, in regard to both agricultural pursuits 
and business matters. This county has ever 
been the field of his operations and the center of 
his interests and hopes. 

Mr. Holmes traces his ancestry to I 
Holmes, a wealthy Scotch-Irish gentleman, a 
copy of whose will is now in our subject's posses- 
sion. Hi- son Robert was the father of Jonathan 
Holmes, th> ither ol the gentleman whose 

name introduces this -ketch. The last named 
was born in the i it} "I Belfast, Ireland. Septem- 
ber 25, 1760, ami "ii 1 oming to the New World 
located in Mifflinburg, Union Co., Penn , where 
he conducted an inn until his death. He mar- 
ried [ennet Laird, who was horn March 24, 
1764. and they became the parents oi five chil- 
dren, whost ind dates of birth are as fol- 
low- Rachel, 1 1788; Jennet, Octo- 
ber 25, 1789; Elizabeth,- April 26, 1792; Mary, 
August 9, 1 704 ; and Robert, November 9, 1799. 

K0b.1t Holmes, the father of our subject, 
was born in Union counts, and there acquired 
his education. He worked al his trade .1- .1 
millwright until forty years of age, when he pur- 
chased 1 50 acres of land neai Bellefonte, which 
he sold a later; then bought 167 acres in 

Marion township. Centre counts, removing to 
the same in [835, when it was still unimproved. 
He 'iice began its development and cultiva- 
tion, and added to the tract until, at his death, 
September 16, [874, he had 300 acres of valu- 
able land. He was a Democrat in politics, and 
an elder in the Lick Run Presbyterian Church of 
Jacksonville, of which he was a consistent and 
devoted member. 

On Novembei 5, [822, Robert Holmes was 
married to Mary Snyder, who was born August 8, 
1803. Nine children blessed their union, whose 
names and dates of birth are as follows Sarah 
Jane, January 20, 1S24; Caroline, December 8, 
1825; William Laird, July 20, 1827; James, Oc- 
tober 18, [831; Robert, November 11, 1833; 
Man Amanda. March 24, [836; Harriet Eliza- 
beth, November 4, 1838; John, August 4. [840; 
and Margaretta, August 31. 1X44. The mother 
of these children passed a was on the 16th of 
April, 1893, the father on the 16th of Septem- 
ber, [874. 

The birth of our subject occurred in Belle- 
fonte, and in the schools of Marion township. 
Centre county, he acquired his early education. 



his first teacher being Samuel Kline, who is still 
living in Howard. His opportunities, however, 
for securing an education were poor, and at the 
age of sixteen he laid aside his text books to 
sist his father in the labors of the farm, which he 
continued until he was twenty-one, when he 
rented a farm for a year. 

On January 2, 1 S 5 4 , Mr. Holmes wedded 
Miss Emily McKibben, and to them were born 
twelve children, namely William J., born No- 
vember 3, 1856, died in infancy; Robert E. , born 
May 4, 1859, is a practicing physician of Spruce 
Creek; Mrs. Mary A. Deal, born January 7, 1 S64, 
is living in State College; Olivia K., born Si 
tember 18, 1865, is deceased; Clayton I., born 
January iS. 1 S66, is a dry -goods clerk; J. Laird, 
born February 17, 1868, is a school teacher of 
State College; Hamill, born September 5, 1S70, 
is a carpenter of that place; and James H., born 
February 28, 1873, Emily Augusta, born Decem- 
ber 25, 1875, and Jennie Mabel, bom November 
9, 1878, are all at home; and Mandella. born 
March 10, 1881, died in infancy- 
Mr. Holmes continued to reside in Marion 
township until his enlistment in the Union army 
during the Civil war, October 3, 1861, in Com- 
pany G, 51st P. V. I., and served as corporal 
under (apt Snyder in the battles of Roanoke, 
Newberne and Camden. He was wounded at 
the last named, and was taken to the hospital in 
Georgetown, D. C, where he was honorably dis- 
charged November S, 186 

In 1865 Mr. Holmes purchased 135 acres of 
land in Ferguson township. Centre counts. 
which he continued to make his home until [888, 
when he removed to State College, where for 
four years he engaged in merchandising, but is 
noss lisiiif; retired. He is the owner of consider- 
able property, including the Holmes Block, a 
beautiful three-story business block on Coll' 
avenue, erected in 1896. His business dealii 
base ever been characterized by a straightfor- 
ward, honorable policy, which has won the con- 
fidence of all. For forty-five years he has been 
a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. 
and was a member of the Grange and < iood 
remplai t Centre Furnace for several years. 
He also holds membership in the Grand Army 
Post No. 57, of Lemont. and his political sup- 
port is given the Republican party; but he has 
neither time nor inclination for public office, pre- 
ferring to devote his energies to his business in- 
terests, which being well conducted along honor- 
able lines has. brought to him a comfortable 
competen 

Mrs. Holmes was born July 22. 1839 
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Smith) McKibben. 



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«1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



345 



who were the parents of seven children, viz. : 
Mary J., Sarah G., William S., John (deceased 
in infancy), Margaret J., Nancy S. and Emily 
(Mrs. Holmes). Joseph McKibben (Mrs. Hol- 
mes' father) was among the earliest settlers of 
Clinton, Pennsylvania. 



JACOB and JOHN H. BEHRER. There 
are numerous fine farms in Centre county 
which will compare favorably with any 
others in the State as regards production, and 
also as to the improvements which have been 
made upon them. Many of these places are 
owned by men comparatively young in years, 
but who have succeeded in an eminent degree in 
making their places the most desirable in the 
locality. As representatives of this class of agri- 
culturists we take pleasure in presenting the 
names of the subjects of this notice, who have 
a fine farm of 160 acres in Patton township, near 
Waddle. 

Jacob and John H. were both born at Buf- 
alo Run, Centre county, the former on Septem- 
ber 1 6, 1864, the latter on May 9, 1872. They 
are sons of Jacob and Mary (Augenstine) Behrer, 
in whose family were thirteen children, the others 
being: Mary, wife of C. B. McCormick, a farmer 
living near State College, Centre county, by 
whom she has one son; Regina, wife of Elmer 
Rumbarger, a farmer of Stormstown, Centre 
county, by whom she has six children; Elizabeth 
E. , wife of John Wirtz, a farmer of Houserville, 
Centre county, by whom she has two children; 
Lena, wife of Richard Palmer, who is operating 
a woolen-factory at Oak Hall Station, Centre 
county, and by whom she had one child; Amanda, 
who is living with her mother near Buffalo Run, 
Centre county; Hannah, who is keeping house 
for our subjects; Kate; Sallie; Anna; David, who 
married Eva, daughter of John Ward, of Storms- 
town, by whom he has one child (he has now 
leased a farm near Tyrone, Sinking Valley, and 
operates the same); and Charles, at home. The 
father of these children died October 17, 1891, 
and was laid to rest in the Pine Hill Cemetery; 
the mother is still living. They were both sin- 
cere and earnest Christians, faithful members of 
the Methodist Church, with which their family 
is also connected, while in politics the father sup- 
ported the Democratic party, and the sons also 
give it their allegiance. 

The family is widely and favorably known 
throughout Centre county, and its members hold 
a high position in social circles, where intelli- 
gence and true worth are received as the pass- 
ports into good society. 



JTONATHAN O. DEININGER. It is given 
to but few to attain eminence in political 
life, but the strength of the nation lies not 
in its political leaders but in the citizens who in 
the business walks of life faithfully discharge the 
duties that devolve upon them. The proud title 
of a self-made man is within the reach of each 
individual who has the will to dare and to do, who 
will bravely face all obstacles and conquer them 
by determined purpose and honorable effort. 
Such a man is he whose name introduces this re- 
view, and his life is in many respects well worthy 
of emulation. 

Mr. Deininger was born in Womelsdorf, Berks 
Co., Penn., April 17, 1830, a son of August E. 
and Johanna (Obenland) Deininger, natives of 
Germany. His grandfather, Christian Deininger, 
was a man of education, and, as was customary 
in the Lutheran Church in those days, served as 
a school teacher, and as that was a salaried posi- 
tion he earned his living in that way. August 
E. Deininger was born in 1797, and in 18 18 
came to America to try his fortune. He was 
married in Pennsylvania, and for a time supported 
his family at the weaver's trade, but subsequently 
followed stone cutting and the marble business. 
In the winter of 1843 he started with his wife 
and children for Millheim, and between Young- 
manstown (now Mifflinburg) and New Berlin the 
sled in which they journeyed stuck in the snow, 
and they were thereby delayed for a day. The 
father purchased property in Millheim, where he 
followed the business of marble cutting during 
his active life. He died at the age of seventy- 
seven, and his wife passed away in 1861, both 
being interred in Millheim cemetery. He was a 
stanch Democrat in politics, but never sought 
office. He held membership in the Evan- 
gelical Church, and was a member of its board of 
trustees. Five of his children died in infancy, 
and those who reached mature years were: Anna 
Maria, widow of Jacob Keen, of Millheim; C. F. , 
a minister of the Evangelical Church, who died 
in York, Penn.; Jonathan O. ; B. O., a printer 
and marble dealer, who died in Millheim; and 
August O., of Hughesville, Pennsylvania. 

Jonathan O. Deininger acquired his education 
in the school near his home, but illness prevented 
his continuous attendance. At the age of seven- 
teen he began the trade of cabinet making in 
Millheim, and served a two-years' apprenticeship 
under John Poorman. He worked from daylight 
until dark, and often in the winter months con- 
tinued his labors by the light of a candle. In 
compensation for his services he received $1 5 per 
year, and was allowed two weeks time during the 
harvest season that he might earn extra money 



846 



C'OM.M i:\lni; A T1VE BIOGUA I'll l< a I. RECORD. 



on the farms. After his apprenticeship he worked 
for three years as a journeyman, mostly in Belle- 
fonte, and then began business on his own acc< mm 
at that place. Later he carried on a shop of his 
own in Millheim, and in April, 185:;, removed to 
Centre Hall, locating on the present site of 
Kreamer's store, where he purchased a small shop 
and in the same building maintained his residence 
ami carried on business until [857. lie then 
erected a home on tin- site of the post office. He 
carried on cabinet making until 1 S 7 3 , when he 
sold out and established the tirst hardware busi- 
ness in the town. He has since continued in 
that line, but is now living in semi-retirement, 
enjoying the fruits of his former labors. 

Mi. Deininger was married October 14, 1S52. 
in I'.cllefonte, to Miss Anna M. Neiman, who 
was bom in l'.erks county, Penn., September 2, 
1831. Her parents, William and Barbara Kin- 
sell, Neiman, came to Centre counts' when she 
was six years of age, jourm ying in a large coal 

"ii. They made their home near the Valen- 
tine Works, ami her father engaged in hauling 
coal from Snow shoe to that well-known furnace. 
Two years after their arrival he was killed by a 
coal wagon, and from that time until her marriage 
Mrs. Deininger lived among strangers, the first 
home that she could really call her own being 
the little one in Millheim, to which she went as 
a In 

Mr. Deininger at that time had only $20 in 
niomy. About a year previous his shop in 1 ;■ 
fonte was destroyed by fire, which left him in 
very limited circumstances; but his diligence has 
enabled him to surmount all difficulties, and he 
has steadily worked his way upward to prosper- 
ity I Ie erected the store room in which Ki earner 
& Sou are now doing business, and has probably 
put up mote buildings thin any other man in 
< ntre Hall. He now owns a business block and 
his own home, and is also interested in the hard- 
ware stoic. His political support was given the 
Democratic party until [864, since which time 
he has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Ri 
publican party, which he evei supports by his 
ballot, although he never seeks office for him- 
self. 

I he children oi Mr. and Mrs, Deininger were 
as follows: Lucy, wife of J. W. Haney, of Cen- 
tre Hall, by whom she has one son — Wilbur; 
Mary, wife of Samuel Shoop, of Centre Hall, by 
whom she has two children Anna and William; 

ra and Emanuel, who died in childhood; 
Sarah, at home; Clement F., teller in the bank 
at Centre Hall, and one of the prominent and 
popular young men of that place; and Allen, who 
died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Deininger hold 



membership in the United Evangelical Church, 
and the family is one of prominence in the com- 
munity. Mr. Deininger commands the higi 
respect of all. He has a genial nature, 
whole-souled man and delights in a good joke. 
His extensive readinghas made him well-informed, 
and no man has more friends in the community. 



JOHN WEAVER, a self-made man, whose en- 
, and well-directed efforts have brought 
to him a comfortable competence, and whose 
sterling worth has won him the high regard of 
many friends, is now living a retired life upon his 
farm of 206 acres at Dick's Station, in Taylor 
township, Centre county. He was born in Sink- 
ing Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., March 22, 
1829, but almost his entire life has been passed 
in Centre county, where he experienced all 
trials and hardships of pioneer life. 

Samuel Weaver, our subject's paternal grand- 
father, was born in Pennsylvania oi German 

it, and at an early day became a residen 
Huntingdon county, where he followed farming 
throughout life. The maternal grandparents, 
Jacob and Elizabeth [sett, wore also natives of 
Pennsylvania, of German extraction, and early 
located in Huntingdon county, there residing upon 
a farm. 

John and Rachel (Isett) Weaver, parents of 
our subject, were also natives of Huntingdon 
county, where their marriage was celebrated, and 
where they remained until 1834, when they came 
to Centre county, locating near our subject's 
tit home. For a time the father worked for 
the Huntingdon Furnace, later engaged m char- 
ng and choppii I wood, but spent his 

last days in farming. He was first a Win. 
polil rward a Republican, and by his I 

low cit i/ens was called upon to serve as supervisor 
and school director in Taylor township. In 
ligious belief he was a Presbyterian. He died 
June 23, 1872, at the age of seventy-seven y< 
his wife passed away March 5, I S 5 7 , at the 
of se\ enty-six. 

Our subject is the eighth in order of birth in 
their family of twelve children — seven si 
five daughters, as follows: Solomon and Ja. 
are both deceased; Sallie married John I 
and both are now deceased; Samuel was seal 
to death by the explosion of a steamboat; Bar- 
bara married William Robinson, and both 
now deceased; Joseph is a farmer of Blair coun- 
ty, Penn. ; Margaret is the deceased wife of 
Thomas Hamer, also deceased; |ohn is our sub 
ject; Franklin is deceased; Rachel is the widow 
of Adam Waltermever; David is a retired lum- 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



347 



berman, of Tyrone, Perm. ; and one died in in- 
fancy, unnamed. 

Until he had reached the age of twenty-one 
years, John Weaver remained under the parent- 
al roof, assisting his father in the labors of the 
farm, and attending school when the opportun- 
ity afforded. For a time he crossed the mount- 
ains into Huntingdon county to school, a dis- 
tance of three miles, through the unbroken for- 
est, and later pursued his studies at a school in 
Centre county, to which he walked a distance of 
five miles through the woods. On a winter 
morning he would start before dawn with the 
other children, carrying pine lights, and they 
would take turns in breaking the path through 
the snow. On coming to Taylor township with 
his parents, the country was a dense wilderness, 
inhabited by wild animals of many varieties, in- 
cluding bears, panthers, wildcats and deer, and 
they experienced all the difficulties of frontier 
life. 

On leaving home, Mr. Weaver went to Bald 
Eagle Furnace where he worked as a farm hand by 
the month for a year and a half, and then engaged 
in chopping wood in Huntingdon county during 
the winter, and in charcoaling in the summer for 
the same length of time. Subsequently he was 
employed in various iron works in this section 
of the State, after which he returned to the old 
homestead, and again engaged in chopping wood 
and charcoaling for some time. In connection 
with William Robinson and Jacob Ridering, 
Mr. Weaver next contracted to grade three 
miles of the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, but for 
this work he says they got nothing, ' ' as the 
head contractor ran away with the funds ". 
After another company had taken charge of the 
road Mr. Weaver contracted for three-quarters 
of a mile of grading, and later was made track 
foreman over a crew of men. When the track 
was laid he was appointed division foreman, 
and continued his connection with the rail- 
road service for thirty-one years, during which 
time he graded for the round house at Tyrone. 
His faithfulness to the company's interests is 
plainly shown by his long retention in their serv- 
ice. On leaving the road he purchased his pres- 
ent tine farm, which he continued to operate un- 
til 1893, but is now enjoying a well-earned rest. 
During his service with the P. R. R. Co. as 
track foreman, no less than eleven men were pro- 
moted from his subdivision as track foremen. 

On November 22, 1849, Mr. Weaver was 
married to Miss Nancy Nearhoof, and to their 
union came the following children: The eldest, 
Mary, died when young; Jeremiah, born Decem- 
ber 3, 185 1, married Etta Woomer, and is a 



merchant of Altoona, Penn. ; Miles, born Feb- 
ruary 17, 1853, died from the bite of a rattle- 
snake; Anna Eliza, born October 4, 1854, is the 
wife of Henry Sharer, a mechanic in the railroad 
shops of Tyrone, Penn. ; Sarah J., born July 15, 
1856, is the wife of W. S. Johnson, a farmer of 
Blair county, Penn.; Samuel, born February 22, 
1858, married Bertie Brisbon, and is railroad 
foreman at Lemont, Penn.; John W., born 
December 10, 1S59, married Elizabeth Walk, 
and is still on the home farm; Harriet, born 
October 25, 1 861, is the wife of S. C. McAlister, 
clerk at Morrisdale Mines, Penn.; George, born 
December 10, 1863, is at home; Alice, born Sep- 
tember 22, 1866, is the wife of W. O. Irwin, 
hostler at the Punxsutawney (Penn.) round 
house; Ellen, born May 8, 1869, is the wife of 
W. H. McAlister, flagman on the Beech Creek 
railroad, Penn.; and Nannie B., born July 11. 
1874, died young. 

Mrs. Weaver was born in Huntingdon count v, 
April 2, 1.^25, and is a daughter of Andrew and 
Mary (Kephart) Nearhoof, also natives of that 
county, who came to Centre county in 1835, 
where the father engaged in farming until his 
death about 1 87 1 , when he was aged seventy- 
two years. His wife passed away May 30, 1889, 
at the age of eighty-three years, eleven months, 
twenty-three days. Both held membership in 
the Dunkard Church, and in politics he was a 
Republican. They were the parents of eleven 
children, namely: Nancy, wife of our subject; 
Mary, who wedded Jacob Rider, but both are 
now deceased; Henry (deceased) was a farmer 
of Blair county ; Simon is an employee in a planing 
mill at Tyrone, Blair county; Eliza is the de- 
ceased wife of Joshua Beck, of Philipsburg, 
Penn.; John is a farmer of Centre county; An- 
drew is a farmer of Taylor township; Catherine 
is the deceased wife of E. Lewis, a farmer of 
Blair county; George is an agriculturist of Cen- 
tre county; Martha is the wife of Fulton Mc- 
Monagle, a butcher living near Pittsburg, Penn. ; 
and Abner, an iron worker of Mifflin county, 
Penn. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. 
Weaver — Henry and Mary Nearhoof — were early 
settlers of Huntingdon county, where they re- 
sided upon a farm, while the maternal grand- 
parents, Henry and Kate Kephart, also farming 
people, came to Centre county at an early day. 

Mr. Weaver served his fellow citizens in the 
capacity of school director for many years, and 
was also elected supervisor of his township, but 
got another man to serve in his stead. He was 
drafted during the Civil war, but owing to illness 
in the family he sent a substitute. He was ever 
a hardworking, energetic man, and the success 



848 



( ommemohative biographical record. 



that has come to him is but the just reward of 
earnest, persistent effort. The obstacles and 
difficulties in his path he overcame, and worked 
his way steadily upward until he can now spend 
the evening of 1 tirement, surrounded by 

all the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life. He is an ardent Republican in politics, 
though has never aspired to public office. Him- 
self and wife hold membership in the United 
Brethren Church, and they have the respect and 
confidence of the entire community. 



H. ARNEY, a well-known and popular cit- 
izen of Centre Hall, Centre county, is a 
worthy representative of one of Potter town- 
ships best lamilies. He is a native of the 
county, born December 5, 1S40, in Gregg town- 
ship, a sen of Jacob and Rachel \\ Meyers Arney, 
who when he was thirteen years of age removed 
to Potter township, where the greater part of his 
life has been passed. In the Musser school, 
Gregg township, he began his education undei 
the guidance ol Robert Cook, at which time dis- 
cipline and order were the principal features of 
the school room. As his father owned and oper- 
ated a clover-hulling mill, in which business win- 
ter is the busiest season, our subject for two 
years assisted him in his work at the expense of 
his schooling. In [856 he entered an academy 
at Lock Haven, Penn., where he completed his 
literary studies. 

Soon after leaving the school room, in the 
fall of [857, Mr. Arney began clerking in the 
store of Arney & Ro 1 entre Hill, his father 

being a member of the firm. Previous to this 
time he had lived upon a farm, and had early 
become familiar with the duties that fall to the 
lot of the agriculturist. Following his services 

lerk .it Centre Hill, he was similarly employed 
in the general store of William Wolfi . ll I entre 
Hall, and Daniel Hess, at Linden Hall, both of 
which stores did a large business at that time. 
Subsequently he was lor two years and a half 
employed as clerk in the dry-goods establishment 
'■I Bisel & Everett, of Lock Haven, Penn., and 
later byTroxal & Bridgens, of the same place. 

In 1863, Mr. Arney went west, and enl 
the employ of what was then the Toledo & 
Wabash railroad, serving in the capacity of yard- 

ter at its western terminus -State Line, Ind. 
While the business was new to him, he readily 
adapted himself to his duties, and was made 
ticket agent at Danville, 111., after the consolida- 
n of that road with another, at which time it 
became known as the Wabash railroad. Having 
contracted ague and malaria, he was forced to 



abandon that section of the country after four 
years of railroad life, and was compelled to 
decline an offer of a substantial salary to remain 
with the company. The business possessed for 
him the usual fascination, and it was with reluc- 
tance that he gave it up. Returning to his native 
state, the healthy mountain air hastened his recov- 
ery, and he was soon able to accept the position 
of manager of the store belonging to C. C. Mc- 
Clelland, at Round Island, Penn. , where he spent 
one winter. About this time his father removed 
to a farm near Centre Hall, where, in 1868, was 
erected the brick house now occupied by our sub- 
ject, and he returned home in order to assist his 
father in the improvement and cultivation of the 
place. 

On July 24, 1S70, in Millheim. Centre county. 
Mr. Arney was married to Miss Mary A Ziegler, 
who was born at that place June 1. 1848 
daughter of Michael and Lydia (Gephart) / 
ler. Her father, a well-known citizen of Mill- 
heim, was born in Penn township, Centre county, 
a son of Peter Ziegler, and belonged to oni 
the prominent families of the community. Dur- 
ing the Civil war he supplied the government 
with many hundred horses. He died in October, 

14, at the age of seventy-four years: his wife 
in May, 1877, at the age of fifty-six. and both 
were interred in the cen t Millheim. 

their family were the following children: Daniel. 

add ler, ol Millheim; John, postmastei 
Swengel, Union I I nn.; Sarah, now Mrs. J 

A. Reeseman, of Centre Hall; Emma, wife o( 

ry Van Pelt, of Ithaca. N. Y. ; James, of 
Union county, Penn ; Mrs Lydia Smith, o( 
Tyrone, Penn., and Mary A , wife of our sub- 
ject. In 1871 Mr. Arney removed to a par- 
Philip Foster farm, where he continued to 
live until [893, when he located upon his present 
place. It is the old home of his father, compris- 
ing 135 acres of rich and arable land, which h> 
and his brother, Dr. G. F. Arney, now own. A 
great reader, he keeps himself well informed on 
the leading questions and topics of the day, 
is numbered among the best and most popular 
citizens of Centre Hall. 

Mr. and Mrs Arney have one son, A. Miles 
one of the brightest young men of the neighbor- 
hood, who was born August 22. 1878, and is DOW 
a student in Pennsylvania State College, tak 
a four-years' course in electric engineer! 
The parents are devout members of the I 
formed Church, in which Mr. Arney has sen 
as deacon. At State and National elections 
unwavering support is given the Democratic 
party, but on local affairs he votes independent!) . 
endeavoring to support the best men regard! 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



349 



of party ties. At present he is acceptably serv- 
ing as treasurer of the Farmers' Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company of Centre County, also as 
township auditor, and has held other official 
positions, including those of school director and 
election officer. He is a wide-awake, enterpris- 
ing citizen, one who has the good will and high 
regard of all who know him. 



BUDOLPH MULHOLLAN (deceased), a na- 
tive of Carlisle, Penn., died at his home in 
Centre county, in August, 1883. Success in busi- 
ness may be achieved by industry, perseverance 
and capable management, and he who adds to 
this the record of straightforward, honorable 
dealing, commands the respect and confidence of 
all. Such in brief was the business career of Mr. 
Mulhollan, who possessed untiring energy, quick 
perception and the ability to plan and success- 
fully execute business undertakings. His life 
demonstrated the truth of the saying that success 
is not the result of genius, but the outcome of 
resolute and honorable purpose. 

John and Mary (Werham) Mulhollan, parents 
of our subject, natives of Ireland and Ohio, re- 
spectively, came to Clearfield county at an early 
day, making their home near Pine Glenn, in Burn- 
side township. Their children were James, 
Rudolph, George, Mrs. Mary Schwitzer, Alfred, 
Nancy (who died in infancy), John, Mrs. Nancy 
Clark, and Mrs. Rebecca Bowers, all now de- 
ceased. 

No event of special importance occurred dur- 
ing the boyhood of Rudolph Mulhollan, who 
divided his time mid play and work, while in the 
public schools he acquired his education. He 
was married in 1864, in Tyrone, Penn., to Car- 
oline Swimer, a native of Germany, born in Jan- 
uary, 1845. Her parents, Michael and Regina 
(Kaltenburger) Swimer, were also natives of the 
Fatherland, where they spent their entire lives, 
the father following the stone mason's trade. In 
the days of her maidenhood their daughter, Car- 
oline, came to America with her aunt, Mrs. 
Wilds, who located in Clearfield county, but after 
a few years went to Kansas, and was never heard 
from again. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mul- 
hollan are Mary, wife of Samuel Emrick, a mer- 
chant of Karthaus; Martha, wife of Eugene 
Meeker, who conducts a meat market in Kart- 
haus; Clara, wife of Thomas Brown, a druggist 
of Belle Vernon, Penn.; Blanche, wife of Dr. 
John Hays, of Karthaus; and Nancy J. 

Rudolph Mulhollan at an early day engaged in 
hotel keeping in Burnside township. He after- 
ward carried on farming on an extensive scale. 



and was also one of the largest lumber dealers in 
that section, his business constantly increasing 
until it had assumed extensive proportions. He 
possessed keen sagacity, and in consequence made 
judicious investments on which he realized hand- 
some returns. Steadily his capital increased 
until he thus became one of the wealthiest men 
of Centre county. In his dealings he was always 
honorable, straightforward and true, and no con- 
fidence reposed in him was ever betrayed. After 
his wife had received one-third of the estate, 
there still remained property sufficient to give 
each of his children $13,000. In his political 
adherency he was a Democrat, and in religious 
belief a Catholic. His wife, who died February 
21, 1897, held membership with the Lutheran 
Church, and was a most estimable lady, receiv- 
ing the warm regard of all. She died, of dropsy, 
at her home near Pine Glenn, and was buried 
Thursday, February 25, in Snow Shoe Cemetery. 



BALSER WEBER. It has been said that 
.) biography yields to no other subject in 
point of interest and profit, and it is especially 
interesting to note the progress that has been 
made along various lines of business by those 
of foreign birth who have sought homes in Amer- 
ica — the readiness with which they adapt them- 
selves to the different methods and customs of 
America, recognize the advantages offered, and 
utilize the opportunities which the New World 
affords. In Mr. Weber we find the true type of 
a progressive German-American citizen. 

Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, 
July 4, 1829, the only child of Paul and Cather- 
ine (Roemer) Weber, natives of the same coun- 
try, where they spent their entire lives. The 
mother died in 1832, at the age of twenty-eight 
years, and the father was again married, having 
by the second union five children, namely: An- 
drew, a lumber merchant of Germany; John, who 
died in that country; Michael, who died a few 
years after his arrival in the United States, in 
1856; Barbara, wife of Paul Kammerer, a cop- 
persmith of Germany: and Caroline, wife of Mel- 
choir Krauss, of New York. The father's death 
occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy years. 
He was a tanner by occupation, and a devout 
member of the Catholic Church. 

Until twenty years of age Balser Weber re- 
mained at home with his father, whom he assisted 
in the tanning business, and in the schools of his 
native land secured a good education. For two 
years before leaving the Fatherland he worked 
for others. In 1849 he sailed for America, ar- 
riving in New York after being twenty-eight days. 






COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



upon the water, his possessions being a cash cap- 
ital of $3.25. After a short time spent in that 
city, he went to Schenectady, where he worked 
in a broom factory for two months and in a tan- 
nery for a month. 

( )n leaving that place Mr. Weber came to 
Howard, Centre county, Perm., m November, 
[849, where he was first employed by Abraham 
Sussman, a merchant, who was born in Germany 
and was a friend of our subject. 1 1 is work was 
peddling, during two years carrying his mer- 
chandise, and for the following four years travel- 
ing with a horse and wagon. In 1857, by 
economy and persistent labor, he was able to 
purchase the store of Robert J. Haynes, which 
he successfully conducted until 1889, when he 
turned over the business to his three sons — Abra- 
ham, John Paul and William — and is now fiving 
a retired life, enjoying a rest which he so richly 
deserves. 

On September 30, 1 S 5 j , Mr. Weber was 
united in marriage to Miss Anna Fletcher, and 
to them have been born eight children: Abra- 
ham; Mary, wife of C. M. Muffly, a real-estate 
broker, of Chicago, 111.; Caroline, Laura and 
Henry, all three deceased; Clara, wife of Thomas 
I. Thomas, of Howard, where he is engaged in 
farming, and John P. and William. The sons 
will be more fully spoken of farther on. 

Mrs. Weber was born in Howard township, 
October 28, 1828, and is a daughter of Henry 
and Magdelina (Schenck) Plctcher, natives of 
Lancaster county, l'enn., and married in Centre 
county, where they had come in 1795, and here 
engaged in farming. Her father was born Sep- 
tember 17, 1789, and died January 10, 1876, 
while her mother was born September 5, 1786, 
and died May 11, 1S61. In their family were 
eleven children: Nathan, deceased; Catherine, 
deceased wife of Jacob Holter, a retired fanner 
of Liberty township, Centre county; Michael, a 
carpenter of Howard: Daniel, John, Henry, 
Christ, and Jacob, all live deceased; Mollie, who 
married Henry Holter, but both are now de- 
ceased; Anna, wife of our subject; and Joseph, 
deceased. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. 
W'iber came to Centre county from Lancastn 
county in 1795, and here spent the remainder of 
thnr lives. 

Mr. Weber was reared in the Catholic Church, 
to which faith he has always adhered. Socially 
he is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in poli- 
tic-, is a stanch Democrat. He ha> never had 
any inclination for public office, but has faithfully 
served as a member of the town council, and as 
overseer of the poor for four years. He has 
made many warm friends since becoming a resi- 



dent of Howard, and has the respect and confi- 
dence of all with whom he has come in contact 
in either busines> or social life. 

Abraham Weber, the eldest son of our sub- 
ject, is now the popular chief burgess of Howard, 
ane senior member of the well-known firm of |; 
Weber's Sons. He was born in Howard, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1853, and after attending its public 
schools for some time, was a student in the Iron 
City School of Pittsburg, Penn , for live months. 
He remained under the parental roof until his 
marriage, January 21, 1879, to Miss Rachel J. 
Nb>ore. To them have been born six children: 
Mary, Anna, Balser, Emma and Edith, all at 
home, and one that died in infancy. Abraham 
Weber was first elected chief burgess of Howard 
in 1880, and was re-elected in 1886 and 1894, so 
that he is now serving his third term. His ad- 
ministration of the duties of his high official posi- 
tion is characterized by an enlightened policy, 
which is well calculated to advance the interests 
of the town. Politically, he follows in the foot- 
steps of his father, always voting the Democratic 
ticket; socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F, 
Lodge at Howard, and of the F. & A. M.. at 
Bellefonte. 

John P. Weber, the second son, was born at 
Howard, January 15, 1868, and received a lib- 
eral common-school education. He married Kate 
Yearick on September 19, 1889, and has three 
children. He, too, is a member of the firm. 

William Weber, the youngest son, also a 
member of the firm, was born December 4, 1870, 
and received his education in part at the com- 
mon schools, in part at a business college in 
Lock Haven, at which he graduated July 15, 
18S7. On December S. 1 So 1 . he married Blanche 
Lstella Hensyl, eldest daughter of Dr. L. K 
Hensyl, of Howard, and to them has been born 
one child, Dorothy Elizabeth. Although he is a 
Democrat, and the town council always verj 
strongly Republican, that body elected him the 
clerk of the council three years in succession, and 
also elected him borough treasurer three years in 
succession, which position he now holds. 



GEORGE B. SIMLER, Sr. The meritedand 
J fitting reward of a well-spent life, and active 
business career, is an honored retirement in 
which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. 1 
many years this gentleman was prominently con- 
nected with the business interests of Philipshurg. 
but in [881 he laid aside all care, and is now 
resting from his labors in a comfortable home, 
which was acquired through his own efforts. He 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



351 



is widely and favorably known in Centre county, 
and his name occupies a high place on the roll 
of leading and influential citizens. 

The first of the Simler family of which there 
is any authentic record is John Henry Simler. a 
native of Germany, who became a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war, enlisting in France, in 1780, 
as a private in Capt. Bart's corps of the first 
troops of Light Dragoons, Free Legion, under 
command of Col. Armand. On arriving at Bos- 
ton, Mass., the troops proceeded to Yorktown, 
Va. , and in the memorable siege and capture of 
that place Mr. Simler took part, it being taken 
by the United forces of America and France. He 
remained in the service until regularly discharged 
at Philadelphia. At Yorktown he had received 
wounds in the left eye and forehead from a sabre 
which is now in the possession of our subject, 
and the scars he carried to his grave. On the 
termination of the war he located at Philadel- 
phia, where he married, and two children were 
born: George and Sarah. His first wife died 
of yellow fever in 1793, and four years later he 
was again married. By this union he also had 
two children, Charles and Mrs. Sarah A. Cow- 
fer. Later John H. Simler migrated to Philips- 
burg, Centre county, where he erected the first 
house, and worked at his trade of shoemaking. 
Here his daughter married and continued to make 
her home until her death. In Philipsburg his wife 
died in 1822, and two years later, when his son 
George brought a flock of sheep to Centre coun- 
ty, he was persuaded by him to return to Phila- 
delphia, where his death occurred, October 14, 
1829. 

With his father, Charles Simler had come to 
Philipsburg, by ox-team, in 1797, and here in 
February, 18 14, he had married Sallie Morrow, 
a native of Bellefonte, and a daughter of John 
Morrow, who was one of the early settlers of 
Centre county. To this worthy couple were born 
eleven children, as follows: John D., born 
March 9, 18 15, conducted a bakery in Philips- 
burg, where he died February 2, 1875; Jane, 
born December 1, 18 16, married Franklin R. 
Street, now deceased, and died in November, 
1895; J- Henry, born August 2, 1820, died in 
Philadelphia; George B., born August 2, 1820, 
is the subject of this sketch; S. Annie, born July 
24, 1822, married John Huston, now deceased, 
and she died in 1844; Charles, born November 
10, 1824, was a carpenter of Philadelphia, where 
his death occurred December 28, 1889; William 
B., born April 15, 1827, a painter by occupa- 
tion, was a Union soldier during the Civil war, 
and came to Philipsburg in 1864, where he died 
July 19, 1874; Theodore, born May 26, 1832, is 



a brass fitter of Philadelphia; Margaret, born 
March 9, 1835, is the widow of Alex Adams, and 
resides in Chester Hill, Penn.; and Mary A., 
born November 26, 1837, died when young. In 
1825, with our subject, the father returned to 
Philadelphia, his native city, where he passed 
away May 7, 1845, at the age of fifty-four years. 

George B. Simler remained under the pa- 
rental roof until twenty-seven years of age. His 
early education was rather limited, and at the 
age of seventeen years he began serving an ap- 
prenticeship to the carpenter's trade with William 
Cobb, a contractor and builder of Philadelphia, 
receiving $40 and board per year. On attaining 
his majority he started out as a journeyman, and 
was thus employed until twenty-eight years of 
age, when he was appointed a policeman of 
Philadelphia, which position he acceptably filled 
for eighteen years. Returning to Philipsburg, 
he here engaged in the express business until 
1 88 1, since which time he has lived retired, his 
son, George B., now conducting the business. 

On May 6, 1S47, in Philadelphia, Mr. Simler 
was married to Miss Amanda Carpenter, and to 
them were born nine children. : (1) Harry, born 
February 25, 1848, married Ellen Tarr, by whom 
he had thirteen children, three now deceased; he 
is a constable of Philipsburg. (2) Charles L., 
born April 27, 1850, died September 26, 1853. 

(3) Sallie, born June 25, 1852, is the wife of 
Albert Jackson, a machinist of Johnstown, Penn. 

(4) John, born June 8, 1855, died when young. 

(5) George B. , born December 13, 1857, is en- 
gaged in the express business in Philipsburg. 

(6) Hester, born January 12, 1861, died in in- 
fancy. (7) William N., born August 15, 1864, 
married Lizzie G. Osier, by whom he had two 
children, Charles Albert and Mary Estella (the 
wife and one child are deceased); he is an expert 
taxidermist, and a resident of Philipsburg. (8) 
Susannah A., born February 13, 1867, is the 
wife of William Cronover, a carpenter of Philips- 
burg, by whom she has one son, Clarence. (9) 
Jacob R., born May 4, 1871, is also a taxider- 
mist. With the exception of George B. and 
Jacob R. , who were born in Philipsburg, the 
other children were all born in Philadelphia. 

Mrs. Simler is also a native of Philadelphia, 
her birth occurring April 8, 1829. There her 
parents, Conrad and Hester (Sowers) Carpenter, 
spent their entire lives, the former dying August 
2, 1867, at the age of seventy, and the latter on 
May 12, 1886, at the age of seventy-five years. 
In their family were the following children: Con- 
rad (deceased); Amanda, wife of our subject; 
William, a motorman on the street cars of Phil- 
adelphia; John (deceased), Andrew J. and Martin 



:;.".!' 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



V. (twins), who died when young; Elizabeth and 
Maty, who died in childhood; John N . a detect- 
ive of Philadelphia; Wilhelmina, also a resident 
of that nd George and Jacob, who died 

in childhood. The father of this family w; 
butcher by trade He was a son of Benjamin 
ami Margaret (Milli titer, natives of Eng- 

land ai any, respectively. The forn 

was a cooper, and a member of the Society of 
Friends. The maternal grandparents ol Mrs 

ler, William and Hester (Miley) Sowi 
were also natives of Germany, and when quite 
young came to Philadelphia, where the grand- 
father f • * 1 1 • i wed the butcher's trade. 

Mr. Simler is one of the honored pioneers of 
Philipsburg, with whose interests his family i 
been identified since the very beginning of the 
city, anil have been important factors in its up- 
building and advancement. When he first went 
to Philadelphia with Ins father in 1825, the jour- 
through the almost unbroken wilderness re- 
quired nine days; but all this has since been 
1 hanged, and now i, r ood roads and railroads cm*--, 
and recross each other all over the country. In 

tics Mr. Simler is a Republican, and for fifty 
years has been a member of the I. O. 0. 1'.. 
joining I No. 15 in Philadelphia. He is 

well known as .1 man whose integrity is above 
question, whose word isasgood as his bond, and 
is held in the highest I by his many friends 

and acquaintances. He has filled with honor 
man 3 of trust in Philipsburg; was burgess 

one term, member of the council two terms, and 
president of the board. In township matters he 
was assessor of Rush township two terms. I 
following inscription is taken from the headstone 
that marks the last resting place, in the old cem- 
etery, of our subject's maternal grandmother: "To 
the memory of Letitia Morrow, who departed 
this life thi April, A D. 1 S33, aged 65 

-, 3 months and 6 da 



JOHN C. MOTZ (deceased) < >n January 1 7, 
at his hom< 
Woodward, Centre county, a man who had 
for many years, 1 in the development 

of Penn's Valley, his untirin • in the : 

motion 1 ial operations preparing 

for him an enduring place in the history of that 
on Progressive and clear-sighted, Ins work 
was of a nature to build up tin community while 
trging his own fortune, and his shrewd, ener- 
ind forceful management of his \., 

nmanded the admiration ol the 
public. 



Mr. Mot/ was born June 22. 1832, at the old 
homestead in Woodward, which had been the 

lence of two previous generations, his grand- 
father, John Motz, born in [758, having been the 
first settler in that locality, which, in fact, once 
bore the name of " Motz's Bank.'.' The family 
to which he belonged was obliged to leave the 
Fatherland on account of religious persecutions, 
then so prevalent. The extensive collection of 
books which he left at his death contained valu- 
able works on Church, History, Astronomy and 
other subjects. His wife, Mary (Whitmer), who 
was born October 9, 1767, was a noble charac- 
ter, devoted to the care of the sick and feeble of 
the neighborhood, and was so skillful in this work 
that her services were esteemed as much as a 
physician's would have been. In 17S6 they 
moved to the site of Woodward from what is 
now Snyder county, and spent their remaining 

rs there, the grandfather dying in 1S02. and 
the grand ther on March 13. [839. They left 

ii children three daughters and four sons — 
the names of the latter being: Jacob, John, 
( .n irge and James. 

John Motz, |r. , our subject's father, was born 
January 6, 1792, and lived and died at the old 

nestead. He was married December 11, 
7, to Elizabeth Fisher, who was born No- 

iber 1, [800, at Fisher's Ferry, Northumber- 
land Co.. Penn., and died January 3, 1 SSj. 
They had three sons and four daughter, \ 
Daniel Alexander, born June 15, 1S29, died Oc- 
tober 1, 1 S33 ; John C, our subject; William 
Henry, born March [3, 1839, died July 22, [848; 
Lydia, Sarah C, < .-th.-rine A. and Mar) Eliz- 

th. One of the daughters, Lydia, married 
C. H. Gutelius, of Mifflinburg; she was an able 
and active business woman, and at one time 
traveled 600 miles by ox-team from Omah 
Denver, where she was successfully engaged in 
extensive real-estate deals; she died May .;. \l 
Sarah C. married Dr. P. 1>. Neff, who died at 

itre Hall. Catherim A. married Dr. < 
p. \ iate ot 1 lanover, Penn., and nov 

Philadelphia. Mary Elizabeth, born Fcbruan 
11. 1 S 4 5 , died November 30, [861. 

The common-school system of the pn 
da\ was in its infancy during the period in which 
our subject was acquiring his education, but his 
studies in the local schools were supplemented 
with a course in the academy at Mittlinburg. At 
an early age he began to manil 
ability, and at twenty he became a merchant 
Woodward. As time passed he sought still 
if activity, operating u gristmill and 
distillery, ami finally purchased the entin 
left by his father. His close attention I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



353 



ness, and thorough knowledge and supervision of 
its details, made success sure, and when an en- 
terprise was once undertaken he spared no pains 
in its prosecution. His mill property was im- 
proved atheavy expense in 1S52, and again in 1878 
in order to secure the latest machinery and meth- 
ods. His early success was not won without 
some sacrifice, however, and after fifteen years 
he was compelled by impaired health to give up 
all care for a time. A trip to the Rocky Mount- 
ains, in 1867, greatly benefited him, and on his 
return he resumed his accustomed activities, soon 
embarking in other and larger enterprises. 

On March 15, 1872, he, with others, estab- 
lished the banking house of John C. Motz & Co , 
at Millheim, of which he was the chief promoter 
and first president. This position he held for 
many years, and the bank weathered the finan- 
cial storms of that time bravely under his judi- 
cious yet bold management. The failure of Jay 
Cooke lost for the firm all their Eastern ex- 
changes; their credit, however, was sustained by 
paying over their counters thousands of dollars 
in cash, as the bankers would not wait for the 
ordinary return by mail, but sent special messen- 
gers with checks. For many years he was the 
principal stockholder in the Bellefonte, Aarons- 
burg and Youngmanstown Turnpike Co., and as 
its president conducted its affairs to the great 
advantage of the people of the Valley as well as 
that of the shareholders. He was one of the 
capitalists who secured a charter in April, 1879, 
for the Millheim Turnpike Co., of which he was 
the heaviest stockholder, and his interests are 
still retained by his family. He dealt extensively 
in lumber and grain, and shipped the first carload 
of grain over the Lewisburg & Spruce Valley 
Creek railway; and indeed, were we to mention 
all the enterprises in which he was a leader, we 
would bring in review all the varied elements of 
material progess in his locality during his time. 
No project was broached indicating benefit to 
the Valley that he did not encourage in a practi- 
cal and effective way. He left a large estate, 
comprising several mill properties, extensive 
tracts of farm and mountain land in this State, 
valuable real estate in Kansas, Colorado and 
Iowa, together with stock in gold mines and 
other interests. As a loyal friend to the best 
interests of his native village, he gave especial 
attention to its improvement. He was a royal 
entertainer, always glad to see his friends, and 
socially as well as in business circles he was held 
in high esteem. A stanch Republican, he took 
great interest in the success of his party, and he 

23 



was also a liberal supporter of religious work, 
giving not only of his money but of his time and 
personal influence. In 1S65 he became a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Association, and for many 
years was superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

On November 14, 1869, Mr. Motz was mar- 
ried to Miss Maranda A. Reigard, a lady of fine 
intellectual powers, and gracious womanliness, 
whose gifts of mind and heart have made their 
home a social center. They had three sons, 
who are all taking prominent places in the com- 
munity, and make a trio of whom any parent 
would be proud. [Sketches of these will be 
found elsewhere.] 

Mrs. Motz is a daughter of Dr. Jacob Reigard 
and his wife, Lucinda Wagner, who are now liv- 
ing at the age of eighty-six, in the possession of 
unusual health and vigor. Dr. Reigard prepared 
for his profession under the guidance of Dr. Big- 
elow, of Millheim, and began to practice when 
only nineteen years old, locating at Orangeville, 
Columbia Co., Penn., where he met and married 
Lucinda Wagner. Notwithstanding the opposi- 
tion of the older physicians, hesucceeded, his skill 
in surgery enabling him to perform some opera- 
tions with which the others were not familiar. 
Later he moved to Shirleysburg, where he re- 
mained many years, and then spent twelve years 
on a farm five miles from the city of Doyle's 
Ford. There malaria seized him, and after suf- 
fering from ague for eighteen months he sought 
a change of air at Woodward, remaining three, 
years. During this time his daughter was wooed 
and won by Mr. Motz. In 1 852 Dr. Reigard and 
his wife removed to Freeport, 111., where they 
now enjoy the rewards of past labors. The 
Doctor amassed a considerable fortune through 
his practice and by judicious speculation, and at 
one time he owned the only gristmill at Freeport. 

Mrs. Motz was born May 25, 1835, in Col- 
umbia county, and was educated in the schools 
o'f Shirleysburg. and at a select school in Dan- 
ville, Penn. She was the first born in a family 
of ten children; (2) Ira G. died at Shirleysburg, 
aged eleven years; (3) Francis M., deceased, was 
a farmer at Freeport, 111. ; (4) Shepherd W. is in 
the clothing business at Freeport; (5) Amanda 
M., deceased, married F. G. Welsh, a machinist 
at Chicago; (6) Juniata is at home; (7) Mary 
Belle, who married Mr. Welsh after her sister 
Amanda's death, is a journalist, and resides at 
Williamsburg, Kans. ; (8) Louisa A. married R. 
S. McWilliams, a farmer; (9) Scioto M. died at 
Freeport, 111.; and (10) Blanche Eugenia is at 
home with her parents. 



354 



i u 1/ Ml-: MORA Tl VK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



J 



' J. SHULTZ. This highly respected gentle- 
man, who is one of the most industrious 



energetic farmers of Miles township, Centre 
county, was born in 1857, in Sugar Valley, Clin- 
ton Co., Penn., and is a son of Jacob and Re- 
becca (Gramley) Shultz, the latter of whom v 
a daughter of Christian Gramley. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject, who also bore the 
name of Jacob Shultz, disappeared suddenly 
from home, and has never been heard of since. 
The parents were married in Brush Valley, 
Centre county, whence they removed to Sugar 
Valley, where two years and a half were passed, 
and they then, in the spring of [861, returned to 
the former place, locating near Rebersburg. The 
father not only provided for his own maintenance 
from a very early age, but also helped to support 
his parents, who were in limited circumstances, 
so that at the time of his marriage he had only 
one summer's wages with which to begin life. 
B< ing a hard worker and economical, he man- 
aged to save some capital, which he invested in 
land, having at the tune of his death over 150 
acres of good land. There his widow, an 1 
nest Chistian woman, still resides. He died at 
the age of seventy-four years, and was laid to 
i in the cemetery <»l Rebersburg. Like his 
wife, he was a consistent member of the Luth- 
eran Church; in politics he was a Democrat. 
They had nine children, namely: Rebecca, now 
tlie wile of Ceorge Miller, "I Madisonburg, Cen- 
tre county; | [., of this sketch; Henry, who 
died in infancy; Hannah, who died in childhood; 
Bevie, who died in infancy; Frank and Charles 
twin- , now t.iriners of Brush Valley and Sugar 
Valley, respectively; Annie, wife of Jonathan 
Shott, of Miles township; and a son, who died 
in infani 5 In addition to rearing his own fam- 
ily, the father also cared for his widowed mother 
and brother. He was an honest, straightforward 
man, whose word was newer questioned nor his 
1 ity doubted. 
|. |. Shultz was afforded but limited educa- 
tional privileges, but he made the most of his 
advantages and learned rapidly, so that In 
now a well-informed man. As soon as he was 
large 1 nough t<i handle a plow he began work in 
the fields, and continued to assist in the labors 
of the home farm until he had reached Ins twen- 
ty-seventh year, with the exception of a few days 
a't a time when he would find employment else- 
where After he had attained his majority he 
hin d out to his fathei bj the year, and on his 
ipital consisted oi what he had 
manaped to save from his wages. He then lo- 
cated on the old Smull farm, which his father 
had purchased, near Kreamerville, and there con- 



tinued to reside until coming to his present farm 
in the spring of 1887. It comprises sixty-seven 
acres, pleasantly located at Spring Bank, in Miles 
township, and under his able management has 
become very productive. He married Miss Sarah 
I l'>ressler, of Brush Valley, and they have two 
children — Ira E. and Ida M., both at home. 
Sincere and earnest Christians, the parents are 
faithful members of the United Evangelical 
Church, and their genial, courteous manners 
have attracted to them many warm friends. 

Fraternally, Mr. Shultz is connected with the 
Grange, and in politics he is an earnest advocate 
of Democratic principles. He has served his 
fellow citizens in the capacity of election judge 
and supervisor of his township two terms, but 
prefers to give his time and attention to his busi- 
ness interests, in which he is meeting with excel- 
lent results. 



REUBEN GRIMM, a prosperous retired farm- 
er residing in Madison burg, Centre county, 
is one of the leading citizens of that pleasant 
little town, and takes an active and helpful place 
in the life of the community, being especially 
mt 1 rested in furthering the work of the Lutheran 
Church, of which he has been a leading member 
for many years. 

Mr. Grimm was born January 18, 1828, in 
West Beaver township, Union county, now a 
part of Snyder county. His father, Daniel 
Grimm, was born in 1795 in Berks county. Penn., 
and was the only son of a German settler there, 
who did not succeed well enough in this new land 
to give his sons a start in life. Accordingly, 
Daniel Grimm, seeing the necessity for making 
his own way, came as a young man to Union 
county, and began farming and lumbering, in 
which he made a notable success. He became 
the owner of two farms and a sawmill, the latter 
being his chief source of wealth. He married 
Miss Magdalena Smith, a native of Beaver town- 
ship, Union county, horn in 1795, and they had 
thirteen children, all of whom are now living: 1 t \ 
L( ah, widow of Edward Kinney, resides at £ 
ins^rove, Penn.; Levi, a resident of Marysville, 
Venango Co. , Penn., enlisted from that locality 
during the Civil war, and lost a leg in the 
Daniel is a retired farmer at Orangeville, Steph- 
enson Co., 111.; Catherine married Joseph Shaf- 
fer, of Walker township. Centre county; Isaac, 
a bachelor, resides in Orangeville, III.; Susan, 
widow of |ohn Walters, lives near Milesbl 
Penn. ; R( uben is mentioned more fully below; 
Mollie (Mrs. Weary lives in Missouri; Mary, 
widow of Jacob Nestlerode, resides in Madison- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



355 



burg; Christena married Lewis Pellman, of Har- 
tleton, Perm. ; Adam, a farmer of Cherokee 
county, Kans. , was a soldier in Company A, 
148th P. V. I., was taken prisoner and suffered 
much before released; Louisa married William 
B. Shaffer, of Walker township, Centre county; 
John, a farmer in Oklahoma Territory, was a 
soldier in Company A, 148th P. V. I. 

In 1840 our subject's father sold his property 
and removed to Brush Valley, where he pur- 
chased, from Jacob Reber, a farm of 1 50 acres 
adjoining Madisonburg. Seven wagons, each 
drawn by four horses, conveyed the family and 
household goods to their new home via Penn's 
Valley Narrow, and they arrived at Madisonburg, 
April 3, 1840. Daniel Grimm followed agricult- 
ure until 1856, when he rented the farm to our 
subject and retired to Madisonburg, building a 
home there for his declining years. He was a 
shrewd yet honest business man, no speculator, 
depending upon hard work and judicious manage- 
ment for his success. His education was entirely 
practical, but he acquired through observation a 
goodly fund of information on various subjects. 
Being opposed to slavery, he was among the first 
to join the Republican party, having previously 
been a Whig. At times he held office in the 
township, serving as school director and super- 
visor, and although not a politician he never 
missed a chance to vote. He was very fond of 
company, and made an annual visit to Snyder 
county, preferring to go always on foot. In the 
Lutheran Church, of which he and his wife were 
both members, his counsel was held in high es- 
teem, and he was chosen to various offices, in- 
cluding those of deacon and elder. His wife 
died June 2, 1865, he passing away July 23, 
1882, and the remains of both now rest at Madi- 
sonburg. 

Reuben Grimm, the subject proper of these 
lines, was twelve years old at the time of the re- 
moval to Centre county, and his education, which 
had been begun in the schools at the old home, 
was continued in Madisonburg, his first teacher 
there being William Yearick, who later became 
a clergyman. His opportunities did not compare 
with those which a more liberal and judicious 
policy has placed within the reach of the youth 
of to-day, and as a farmer's son much of his time 
was spent in work at home. At eighteen he be- 
gan to learn the blacksmith's trade at Madison- 
burg under Edward Houtz, his wages for the first 
year being $2.00 per month, and for the second 
and third years, $3.00 per month. For a time 
after completing his trade he followed it inZion, 
but in the spring of 1850 he went to Stephenson 
county, 111., and worked at his trade and at farm- 



ing for seven months. News came to him of the 
burning of his father's barn, and he returned 
home to help in rebuilding it. He spent three 
years and three months at his trade in Zion, work- 
ing for a brother-in-law, Joseph Shaffer, and then 
assisted his father for a year at the old farm. 
On February 22, 1855, he was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Shaffer, who was born in Miles town- 
ship, Centre county, July 3, 1835, a daughter of 
Samuel and Catherine (Bright) Shaffer. Mr. 
Grimm's savings at the time amounted to less 
than $400, but, renting the old homestead from 
his father, he began farming on his own behalf, 
and continued successfully for thirty-two years. 
In 1875 he purchased the farm, and still owns 
124 acres of farm land in Brush Valley, with 
twenty-five acres of timber land in Sugar Valley. 
In 1888 he removed to Madisonburg, where he 
owns two lots, on one of which he built a new 
home, one of the best in the place. Since re- 
moving to town Mr. Grimm has for four years 
carried the mail between Madisonburg and Mill- 
heitn, but has not undertaken any other business. 
Of his two sons, Lewis S. is a jeweler at Leb- 
anon, Kans., and Charles L. is at home. 

Mr. Grimm's first Presidential vote was cast 
for Gen. Winfield Scott; on the dissolution of 
the Whig party he became a Republican, and has 
since remained steadfast in that political faith. 
While never an office seeker, he has at times 
shown his keen interest in educational progress 
by serving as school director in his township. In 
the Lutheran Church he has held various posi- 
tions, having been deacon for many years, and 
he is now an elder. He has always given liber- 
ally to the work of the society, and was one of 
the building committee when the new church at 
Madisonburg was built. 



DAVID L. ZERBY, teller of the Millheim 
Bank, Millheim, Centre county, is one of 
the most substantial and conservative business 
men of Penn's Valley. He is a native of Penn 
township, Centre county, having been born at 
Penn's Creek, January 28, 185 1, the fourth son 
and child of Adam and Susan (Snavely) Zerby, 
well-known and highly respected residents. 

Mr. Zerby, for a time, attended the schools 
of his district, W. E. Shirk being his first teacher. 
In 1868 he attended the Aaronsburg Academy, 
and later the academy at Penn Hall, receiving 
instruction from such able educators as W. H. 
Gottwalt, Prof. Salm, George W. Ebright and D. 
M. Wolf. At eighteen he was competent to 
teach, and undertook the management of the 
"Mountain School" in Gregg township, Centre 



856 



OOMMBMORA TlVt: lSIOQRAI'llIf.U. RECORD. 



county. Finding the work congenial, he decided 
to continue it, and his pronounced success mak- 
ing it an easy matter for him to secure positions, 
he taught for thirteen years, or twenty-six terms, 
all but one term being in his native township. 
Six years were spent at Liberty school, and his 
success there indicates his efficiency as both an 
instructor ami disciplinarian. He was especially 
gifted in mathematics, the most difficult prob- 
lems being solved by him with ease. 

On November 5, 1 S 7 4 , Mr. Zerby was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret Keen, a native of Penn 
township, Centre county, and daughter of Jacob 
and Anna Mary (Deininger Keen, who are men- 
tioned below. Since his marriage Mr. Zerby has 
made his home in Millheim, and on giving up 
teaching as a vocation, he entered mercantile 
life as a clerk for W. K. Alexander in his general 
store. He remained there some time, and was 
also employed at odd intervals in the Millheim 
Bank, in which he took his present responsible 
position as teller in January, 1893. Since enter- 
ing upon the duties of the place he has gained 
hosts of friends, the public having learned that 
in their dealings with him they can be sure of 
courteous treatment and the most scrupulous 
honesty. He is a sell '-made man, and, although 
his father assisted him in securing an education. 
the money was repaid from the earnings of the 
first term as teacher. 

In 1877 Mr Zerby purchased his residence in 
Millheim, and extensive improvements have 
made it one of the pleasantest homes in that 
charming village. His only child, Stella E., an 
accomplished young lady, is now a teacher in the 
high school at Millheim. The family attend the 
I'niicd Evangelical Church, and all are promi- 
nently identified with its activities. Mr. Zerby 
is a trustee and steward, and for many years has 
been superintendent of the Sunday-school. His 
zeal for the welfare of the Church has been shown 
in many ways, and during the negotiations for 
the transfer of certain properties in 1'enn's Val- 
ley to the new Church, he has ably represented 
the adherents of Bishop Dubbs. His interest in 
public affairs is not less keen, any project for 
the advancement of Millheim borough receiving 
his hearty support In political affiliations hi 
.1 Democrat. He was the first burgess of the 
borough, and has served on the school board, 
while in May. [889, and again in 1894, he was 
elected justice of the peace. As an official he 
has shown characteristic efficiency and public 
spirit, winning the confidence and esteem of all 
cl asses. 

Mrs. Zerby's family is ol German extraction, 
the name having been Kuhn originally. Hei 



great-grandfather, Johan Jacob Kuhn or Keen, 
was the first to leave the Fatherland, and after a 
brief residence in Berks county, Penn., he came 
to this section and settled upon a farm in Centre 
county, one mile west of Millheim. This is still 
known as the Keen farm, and has been contin- 
uously in the possession of his descendants since 
his day. He reared a large family of children, 
seventeen in all. His son George (Mrs. Zerby's 
grandfather) accompanied him from Berks coun- 
ty, became a leading farmer of Centre counts, 
and in later years a prominent member of the 
Evangelical Church. His wife, Saloma Kramer, 
w as a daughter of Daniel Kramer, a pioneer 
settler. 

Nine children were born of their union, the 
names with dates of birth being as follows: 
Jacob, October 22, 1809, died at Millheim when 
between seventy and eighty years of age; Re- 
becca, November 5, 1811, died while you 
Elizabeth, January 15, 1814, married Samuel 
Runkle, and died in Illinois; Mary, November 
22, 1816, married George Mark, and died in 
Millheim; Jacob. January 11, 1818; Daniel, 
January 5, 1820, went west, and all trace of him 
was lost; Samuel, September 24, 1822, resides 
in Williamsport, Penn.; Peter, January 20, 1826, 
is a resident of Cass counts', Mich. ; Katie. Sep- 
tember 22, 1831, is now Mrs. John Gutileus, of 
MifSinburg, Penn. The father of this family 
died in his seventieth year, and the mother in 
her eighty-fifth year, the remains of both being 
interred at Aaronsburg. 

Jacob Keen, the father of Mrs. Zerby, ob- 
tained a practical education, partly in the local 
schools of his day, and partly through observa- 
tion. Although he was not the oldest son, his 
capacity for leadership was made evident at an 
early age, as he always " went ahead." On Jan- 
uary 5, [843, he married Miss Anna M Deinin- 
ger. a native of Bernville, Berks Co., Penn , horn 
December 4, 1823. Her parents, Emanuel and 
[ohanna H. (Obenland) Deininger, both came 
from Wurtemberg", Germany, in their youth, and 
were married in the United States. Emanuel 
Deininger was a well educated man, though not 
as familiar with English as with German, and Bit 
excellent musician. By occupation he was 
marble cutter and candle maker, the latter husi- 

- prosing especially profitable. He moved 
with his family to Philadelphia when Mrs. Keen 
Was a young lady, and after a shorl stay cairn 

New Berlin, Union Co., Penn. . where he remained 
ten months before locating permanently, in 1 - s 43- 
at Millheim. His wife died in [861, aged - |X '^ 
two years, and he passed away in 1876 at th< 
age ot sevent) seven, both being laid to 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



857 



the cemetery at Millheim. Of ten children, five 
lived to maturity: Anna M. (Mrs. Keen); C. F., 
an Evangelical minister, who died at York, Penn. , 
in July, 1888; Jonathan, a resident of Centre 
Hall; Benjamin O. , who died in Millheim; and 
Augustus O., a resident of Hughesville, Lycom- 
ing Co., Pennsylvania. 

Jacob Keen and his bride began housekeep- 
ing at the old homestead, and lived there until 
1882, when he removed to Millheim, retiring 
from business cares. His death occurred Novem- 
ber 11, 1890, and his remains were buried there. 
He was a lifelong Democrat, but no politician, 
although he took much interest in local affairs, 
and at one time served as. constable of the vil- 
lage of Millheim. In religious belief his sympa- 
thies were with the United Evangelical Church, 
to which his entire family belonged. He left a 
large estate, including the old homestead farm of 
more than 100 acres and some mountain land, as 
well as the comfortable home in Millheim, where 
his widow, a highly respected lady, still resides. 

There were thirteen children, whose names 
with dates of birth are here given: Sarah, 
October 28, 1844, now Mrs. Christopher Alexan- 
der; John D. , October 7, 1845, a farmer of Penn 
township, Centre county; Justina J., February 
28, 1847, now Mrs. A. F. Kramer; Rebecca, 
August 1 6, 1848, who died in infancy; E. D., 
July 26, 1849, a minister of the United Evan- 
gelical Church at Red Lion, Penn. ; Anna M. , 
January 14, 1852, Mrs. Zerby; Henry Franklin, 
March 30, 1853, residing near Curtin, Centre 
county; George W., May 13, 1855, a stock 
farmer of Lee county, 111.; William E. , March 7, 
1857, a resident of Millheim; Mary A., June 14, 
i860, who died in childhood; Rosa E., April 4, 
1862, wife of Rev. M. I. Jamison; and Katie E., 
May 30, 1866, and Ada O., January 17, 1869, 
both at home at Millheim. Mr. Zerby is a char- 
ter member of Providence Grange at Millheim. 
was its secretary some twelve years, and is its 
present master. John Snavely, his maternal 
grandfather, was a soldier in the Mexican war. 



BENJAMIN JONES. In a brief sketch of 
any living citizen it is difficult to do him 
exact and impartial justice, not so much from 
lack of space or words to set forth the familiar 
and passing events of his personal history as for 
want of the perfect and rounded conception of 
his whole life, which grows, develops and ripens, 
like fruit, to disclose its true and best flavor only 
when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact 
with the man so familiarizes us with his many 



virtues that we ordinarily overlook them, and 
commonly underestimate their possessor. With 
the business interests of Philipsburg, Centre 
county, Mr. Jones has been prominently identi- 
fied for many years, and has also done much 
to advance the welfare of the city while pro- 
moting his own interests. 

Our subject was born in Chester county, 
Penn., December 10, 1823, and is a son of Ben- 
jamin and Sarah (Waters) Jones, also natives of 
that county, where they remained until the spring 
of 1824, when they removed to Huntingdon 
county. In connection with his brother Samuel, 
the father operated a large farm which they had 
inherited, and which they later divided. He 
also engaged in hauling iron to Pittsburg, and 
while on one of these trips contracted a fever, 
from which he died September 21, 1828. He 
was a Whig in politics, and a prominent and in- 
fluential man of the community where he made 
his home. He was born November 28, 1781, a 
son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Jones, of Ches- 
ter county, who were of Welch extraction. They 
were farming people, and members of the So- 
sciety of Friends. 

The mother of our subject was born June 

19, 1786, and died November 23, 1872. Her 
father, Jacob Waters, was a soldier under Wash- 
ington during the Revolutionary war. From his 
old home in Chester county, Penn., he removed 
to Newark, Ohio, at an early day, where the 
parents of our subject visited him, riding the 
entire distance from Rockville, Chester county, 
on horseback. 

Mr. Jones, of this review, is the ninth in order 
of birth in a family of ten children, as follows: 
Ann, born June 26, 1806, married James Hunter, 
but both are now deceased; Samuel, born January 
23, 1808, married Betsy Matren, who died in 
1896, and his death occurred in 1894; Caleb, 
born May 28, 1809, married Catherine Matren, 
and both died in Minnesota; Hannah, born April 

20, 181 1, married John D. Bell, and they have 
also passed away; Mary A., born May 3, 181 3, 
is the deceased wife of John Laport, a retired 
farmer of Spruce Creek, Huntingdon Co., Penn. ; 
Sarah, born April 9, 181 5, died in infancy; Eliza- 
beth, born December 2, 18 17, also died in in- 
fancy; Jacob W., born November 30, 18 19, is a 
retired contractor of Tyrone, Penn. ; Sarah, born 
December 18, 1825, is the wife of W. O. Myers, 
a retired potter. 

After his father's death, and at the age of 
eight years, Benjamin Jones went to live with his 
sister Hannah, with whom he remained until he 
had attained his majority. When fourteen he 
began serving an apprenticeship to the carpenter's 



858 



\toliATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL HKiOItD. 



trade with his brother-in-law in Huntingdon 
county, and on leaving the home of his sistei 
went to Pittsburg, Penn., where he worked at 
that trade for a few months. Later he was 
again with his brother-in-law until forming a 
partnership with his brother, Jacob \\\, in the 
business of contracting and building. About the 
same time the city of Tyrone was being laid out, 
and there the brothers purchased a couple of lots 
and erected homes of their own in the fall of 1851, 
when only about three houses adorned the pres- 
ent site of that now nourishing city. 

Coming to Philipsburg in r86l, Mr. Jones be- 
came superintendent of the planing-mill of D. J. 
McGan, in which capacity he served furtive years, 
and then, in connection with Dr. Hoops and Mr. 
Munson, built the planing-mill operated under the 
firm name of Munson, Jones cc Co. A fewyi 
later be sold out his interest, bul continued to 
serve as superintendent for the firm of Munson & 
Hoops. Subsequently he was a member of the 
firm of Jones, Mullen & Co., but in (890 disposed 
of his share, and has engaged in th'e manufacture 
of shingles in Rush township, Centre county. He 
has also dealt and operated in coal quite exten- 
sively. He is a progressive, wide-awake business 
man, and his success has come as a just reward 
for honest toil. 

On January 5, [848, Mr. Jones was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret A. Rye. and the)' be- 
came the parents of five children: Oliver P., who 
is engaged in the coal business, and is also a 
stockholder in and cashier of the First National 
Bank of Philipsburg; Ella, wife of James Perks, 
a railroad conductor, residing in Philipsburg; Lot 
W., who is engaged in the planing-mill business 
in Philipsburg, as a member of the firm of Mur- 
ray, Jones & Co . Mary A., at home, and Dwight 
M . iding at home, who is now ,1 ■• boss " 

in the coal mines. Mrs. Jones was born in 
Centre county in [821, a daughter of Thomas 
and Sarah (Kitley) Rye, who lived upon a farm 
near Bellefonte, where they died when she was 
quite yi >ung I heii othei children Thon 
William, John and Isaac — all died in childh 

Mr. Jones has taken the third degree in the 
Masonic lodge of Philipsburg, and is an ardent 
Republican in politics. Surrounded at his home 
by a circle of friends who appreciate his true 
worth, and admired and esteemed b\ the citizens 
of the community. Mr. Jones will be honored for 
many generations as one of the most enterpri 
men of Philipsburg a man who acted well his 
part, and who has lived a worthy and honorable 
life. He and his family hold a high position in 
social circles, where true worth and ability are 
received as the passports into the best society. 



/"> < SHOWALTER. proprietor of the Phil- 
VJ ipsburg Steam Laundry, and of properl 
some extent in his section, is a man of marked 
business ability and enterprise. His versatility 
and resource have been successfully displayed in 
various occupations, and his recent entrance into 
the laundry business upon a large scale, and with 
improved modern appliances, is a distinct advan- 
to the city of Philipsburg, while promising 
to bring due rewards to himself. His landed 
interests have come to him by inheritance, but 
previous to his father's death he had made his 
own way in the world of busini 

The Showalter family is of German origin, 
and has been established in Pennsylvania for si 
eral generations. Our subject's grandfather, John 
Showalter, settled in Clearfield county early in 
the present century, coming from Lancaster 
county, Penn., and he died when this grandson 
was still a child. His wife, Elizabeth (Dorli 
was of Irish descent. 

The late Russel D. Showalter, the father of 
our subject, was born in Half Moon township, 
Centre county, in 1825, and lived to the age of 
sixty-seven years and three months. Until his 
retirement from active b irs pre- 

vious to his death, he was engaged in agriculture 
and lumbering, furnishing logs on contract. 
Thrifty and far-sighted, he made extensive pur- 
chases of real estate, and the wisdom of this pro- 
vision is seen in the fact that land which cost him 
$1,350, would bring at least $60,000 at the pres- 
ent time, and is constantly increasing in value, 
the coal deposits being very rich. K. I'. Sho- 
walter was a man of great influence, his upright 
character, no less than his abilities, giving his 
opinions weight with all who knew him. I'ntil 
the Civil war broke out he was a Democrat in 
politics, but the logic of events in those stirri 
times led him into the Republican fold, and later 
he 1" n ardenl Prohibitionist. From his 

youth up he was an active member of the M E. 

nli, serving in various official positions, ami 
allowing no extreme of wealth to keep him ti 
his place at the regular meetings. Storm or calm 
found him equally ready, and his house was at 
all times a hospitable home for the itinerant 
preachers of his Aa\ . His first wile, Lydia Aim 
1 rate), who was also a devout Methodist, w 
born in Clearfield county in (828, and died in 
1877. Her father, Joshua Tate, was an honoi 
resident of that county in his tune, and died \\" 
when between sixty and seventj years of age. 
On July 9, 1S7S, R. D. Showalter married f<" 
his second wife Mrs Acda C. Wilson, of S 
lona By the first marriage there was a family 
of eight children, three of whom died at an early 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



359 



age. Of the others: Jennie died at the age of 
fifteen; G. C. is the subject proper of this sketch; 
Emma T. married C. H. Davis, a jeweler of 
Philipsburg; Charles resides in Kansas City, Mo. ; 
and Norah married W. W. Junkins, of Erie, 
Pennsylvania. 

G. C. Showalter was born March i, 1854, 
and he spent his youth at his birthplace in De- 
catur township, Clearfield county, attending the 
district school and working upon the home farm. 
On attaining his majority he taught school for 
two terms. At the age of twenty-four he mar- 
ried Miss Maggie V. Sankey, a native of Centre 
county, born in 1855. Their only child, Nannie 
V., died in her fifteenth year. After marriage 
Mr. Showalter worked in a planing-mill for some 
time, and then followed agriculture for ten years. 
Later he removed to Philipsburg, and in 1895 he 
opened the steam laundry mentioned above, the 
first ever established there. He is executor of 
his father's estate, and owns half the surface of 
the land comprised in the inheritance. Two 
coal mines are now in operation on the property. 
The habits of industry, gained in years when he 
depended entirely on his own exertions, have 
not been altered by. his present wealth, and Mr. 
Showalter is active not only in business but in 
local affairs. In politics he is a Republican; so- 
cially he belongs to the Knights of Malta, and 
since 1877 ne nas been a member of the I. O. O. 
F., in which he is now past grand. In religion 
he abides by the faith of his honored parents, 
and is a member of the M. E. Church. 



D* 



). ROYER. The fertile farms of Brush Val- 
ley, Centre county, have attracted a superior 
class of agriculturists, men who bring to their 
work scientific knowledge, and whose progressive 
ideas are demonstrated in substantial improve- 
ments not to be excelled elsewhere. Among the 
most successful and progressive of these is the 
subject of this sketch, who resides near Re- 
bersburg. 

Mr. Royer is a grandson of Christopher Royer, 
who settled in Brush Valley in 1807, and a son 
of Jefferson Royer, a native of Miles township, 
Centre county, born August 28, 1808, near 
Rockville. Jefferson Royer became a successful 
farmer, having been reared to that occupation by 
his father, who owned a large amount of land, 
which he cultivated in addition to his work as a 
miller and distiller. The subscription schools of 
that day were far from good, and the one south 
of Rebersburg, at which Jefferson Royer attended 
as a boy, was no better than others of its class. 



One teacher named Parkinson had a peculiar and 
unpleasant little habit of calling his pupils 

"d d blockheads.'' A neighboring barn 

caught fire one day, and the scholars all ran out 
without asking permission. When they returned 
the teacher had disappeared, and he was never 
heard of afterward. 

Jefferson Royer grew to manhood at his fa- 
ther's home, much of his time being spent in 
driving a team and taking products to market. 
He and his brother Daniel formed a partnership 
in farming, and he- thus managed to save some 
money of his own. On November 20, 1834, he 
was married, in Brush Valley, to Hannah Gram- 
ley, a native of Miles township, Centre county, 
born July 17, 181 5, a daughter of George and 
Polly (Walburn) Gramley. He began house- 
keeping at the Royer homestead, but later bought 
a farm in Miles township which he improved and 
sold. He then rented a farm in Clinton county, 
and after a time purchased one there, but after- 
ward he bought a new tract of land, heavily tim- 
bered, near Zion, Centre county, and lived there 
fifteen years, improving the place in every way. 
In 1869 he moved to Brush Valley, where he had 
bought a farm the year before, and at this place he 
remained until his retirement from active business, 
in his sixty-fifth year, when he built a home in Re- 
bersburg in which to spend his declining years. 
He was fond of home, and, while he had a roving 
disposition, as shown by his frequent changes, he 
always wanted his family to accompany him. 
His wife died May 1 1, 1890, and he breathed his 
last November 26, 1895, both being interred at 
Rebersburg. He was five feet, ten inches in 
height, well built, and very hardy and robust, 
retaining his faculties fully up to his death, which 
occurred when he was aged eighty-seven years. 
In business he was successful, and his high char- 
acter won him the esteem of all classes. As a 
Whig and later as a Republican, he was a regu- 
lar voter and took keen interest in the success of 
his party. He served several terms as supervisor 
in Clinton county. He was also much interested 
in religious matters, and he and his wife were 
both members of the Evangelical Association, in 
which he held various offices, and was a class 
leader for thirty years. 

Jefferson Royer had five children, whose 
names with dates of birth are as follows: Mag- 
dalene, October 13, 1835, died in infancy; Jon- 
athan, October 16, 1836, resides near Zion, 
Centre county; J. M., February 3, 1830, who 
served in Company G, 148th P. V. I., during the 
Civil war, died at the age of forty-seven at 
St. Louis, Mo., where his home was; he was 
married. D. D., August 15, 1846, is mentioned 



3t lo 



COMMEMoUA TIVK BIOGltAPlIICA I. Ui:<ORD. 



more fully below; and Chest}- A., July 8, 1850, 
is now Mrs. Perry Geutzel, of Nittany Valley. 

D. D Royer was born in Clinton county, one 
mile east of Clintondale, and attended his first 
school in Clinton comity with Benjamin Winl 
as teacher. The schools of that time were in- 
ferior to those of the present, but such as thi y 
were Mr. Royer could not take full advantage of 
them. For two winters in succession he attended 
only twenty-three days in each. He was tin 
oldest at home much of the time, and clearing 
land and other work interfered with his educa- 
tion. His own experience makes him a warm 
friend of better schools, in which every child maj 
Find thorough instruction. 

Mr Royer was always at home except for a 
day now and then in harvest time when he could 
earn fifty cents foi .pending money, and after he 
came ot age he worked for his father for ten 
years. On June 21, [877, he was married to 
Miss Mary A. Roush, who was born in Gregg 
township. ((litre county, February 11, 185;, a 
daughter of Benjamin and Margaret 1 Hoy) Roush. 
Her father, who is a fanner ami shoemaker by 

upation, lives near Madisonburg, and is a lead- 
ing citizen of that locality. Three children were 
born oi ilus union: Edwin L., Kline H. and 
Anneata 11., who are all at home. At his mar- 
riage. Mr. Royer located on his father's farm, 
which he now owns. The farm is a valuable one, 
comprising s and including a tenant farm 

with Si 1 ml other improvements. 

In [892 tin- farm was divided and new buildings 
erected by Mr. Royer, which are among the mosl 

complete and dern farm structures in Centre 

countv. Mrs. Royer owns ,1 one-half interest in 
170 acres in Spring township. Centre comity. 

Mr. Royer takes great interest in the issues 
of the day, and in State and National affairs al- 
ways votes the Republican ticket. He is, how- 
ever, no otiii e seeker, having always had plenty 
of his own business to occupy his time. He at- 
tends and 1 ontributes to the Evangelical Associ- 
ation. He is a member of the Grange, and 1 an 
always be relied upon to assist in any beneficial 
movement in his locality. 



JOHN MATTERN (deceased), formerl) of 
Centre county. The Mattern family in 
America sprang from Peter Mattern 'formerly 
spelled Matthorn , who was a native of the Valley 
of the Rhine, born near tin Matterhorn, oneof the 
Swiss mountains, or Pennine Alps, Canton Valais. 
About the year 1750 Peter Mattern and his wife 
came to America and settled in the State of 
Maryland, where nine children were born to 



them. In 1779 three of the family — Jacob, 
David and George — moved into the Spruce Creek 
Valley now Huntingdon county), Penn. , where 
for 1 17 years the homestead has remained in the 

I 'ii of the descendants of the patriarch of 

the now numerous family. In the cemeterj of 
the old Lutheran Church at the Seven Stars, 
which is part of the old homestead, George Mat- 
tern and his wife lie buried, and around them 
main oi their posterity sleep their last sleep. 

fohn Mattern, who was the great-grandson of 
the emigrant, Peter (1), and the son of C.eorge 
and Catherine Hiskel), was born on the old 
farm of his lather in Franklin town-hip, Hunt- 
Ion county, March 26, 1704. In 1828 he lo- 
cated in Centre county, and eight years before, 
in November, 1820, was married to Mary, daugh- 
ter of John Cray and Catherine (Hartsook . oi 
Patton township. The Hartsook and Graj fam- 
ilies were the first settlers of the township, com- 
ing from Frederick county, Mil., to what was 
known as the Half Moon country. Mr. Mattern 
purchased from his father-in-law a tract of 300 
acres of land lying one mile south of the present 
village of Matternville, where he made his home 
for nearly fifty years, dying there September \0, 
1S77, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He 
was a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and a suc- 
cessful farmer. His good wife, whose birth oc- 
curred August 12, 1800, passed away at the old 
homestead, June 7, [888, in her eighty-eighth 
■r; she was an affectionate wife and mother, 
and her inanv deeds of kindness will long be re- 
membered and cherished by her many friends. 
Both led exemplar} lives, and were devout Chris- 
tian people. Their remains rest in the Gray 
graveyard in the western part of Patton town- 
ship. The children of this couple were: Cath- 
erine married Martin Shaunk, and is now a resi- 
dent of Huntingdon county, Penn.; Samuel is a 
resident of Half Moon township; Kli/abeth is the 
wife of Joseph Kreider; John B, died July 7, 
[896, in his sixty-sixth year; George; Jacob G . 
David and Miles. It is worthy of note that not 
one of the six sons mentioned has ever used to- 
bacco in any form; all have followed agricultural 
pursuits chiefly, and have dwelt in the same 
neighborhood from boyhood. They are capable 
business men and the most successful of farmers, 
at one time they possessed an aggregate of -\oi3 
acres of land, which was the result of years of 
toil, economy and judicious management. They 
are all upright and honorable men, and are among 
the best of Centre county's citizens. All adhere 
to the religious faith of their forefathers — that of 
the M. E. Church— and all are Republicans in 
politics. 



J 




•^&^&/d-0T?t/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



361 



George Mattern was born December 11, 
1832, and when about twenty-two years of age 
went to live with his older brother, Samuel, with 
whom he remained some two years and a half. 
On February 3, 1859, he was married and located 
on his present farm of nearly 400 acres. His 
wife was Lydia, daughter of David Shivery and 
Ellen (Moore) Shivery, pioneers of that part of 
Centre county, born in July, 1831. The children 
of George Mattern and wife were: Mary E., 
David B., John H. (deceased), Clara B. (de- 
ceased), and George S. Mr. Mattern has been 
afflicted with rheumatism for many years, since 
188 1 has not been able to walk at all, and for 
nine years past has been confined to his bed. 

Jacob G. Mattern was born on the home- 
stead farm February 5, 1835. He worked on 
the farm during the summer, and in the winters 
attended the neighborhood school at Stony Point. 
Subsequently it was his privilege to attend for a 
short time the old seminary at Warrior's Mark, 
in Huntingdon county, under the principalship of 
Ebenezer Smith. Later he was engaged in 
school teaching, having been examined for the 
profession by a Mr. Gibson, the first to hold the 
position of county superintendent of schools of 
Centre county. In 1863, in connection with his 
brother, John B. , he purchased the old Gray 
foundry at Matternville, and in 1867, in addition 
to carrying on the foundry business, they built a 
store-house and engaged in merchandising, This 
building was destroyed by fire, was immediately 
rebuilt, but again burned in 1873; the building 
was replaced and occupied until the death of John 
B., in 1896, Jacob having withdrawn, however, 
from the partnership, in 1879. Since the latter 
year Mr. Mattern has given his entire attention 
to farming. In 1867 he was married to Eleanor 
Wasson, daughter of John and Mary (Jack) Was- 
son, of College township. They have had no 
children of their own, but have reared several; 
one, named Gertrude, an adopted daughter, 
whom they took at the age of three years, mar- 
ried W. H. Smull, of Rebersburg, and died Sep- 
tember 1, 1889, leaving one child, Jacob Henry; 
they reared another by the name of Ruth, and 
one, Eleanor H., is still living; they are also now 
caring for Albert S. , whom they took from the 
Childrens' Home. Mr. Mattern is genial and 
whole-souled, being one of those jovial, sunny- 
dispositioned men, who will greet you with a word 
of good cheer, his face wearing a kindly expres- 
sion and smile for all. 

The Wassons were early settlers of Harris 
township. John Wasson, a carpenter by trade, 
came from Chester county, Penn., and settled in 
Boalsburg, in 18 10. He married a daughter of 



Michael Jack, in 1814. In 1825 he removed 
from Boalsburg to near where Lemont now is, 
where, in 1857, his death occurred; his wife died 
at the same place eight years later. They had 
seven children, of whom Mrs. Mattern was one, 
her birth occurring in April, 1834. Michael 
Jack came from Lancaster county, Penn., to the 
vicinity of Boalsburg about 1789, where he pur- 
chased land of Reuben Haines. He was a sol- 
dier of the Revolution. 

David Mattern was born March 6, 1838, 
and lived on the old home farm until not quite 
twenty-one years of age, when he went to live 
with his eldest brother, Samuel, with whom he 
remained some five years. He then returned 
home, and there remained until married, which 
event occurred April 16, 1867, his wife being 
Mary Way, daughter of John and Mary (Moore) 
Way; both the Moore and Way families were 
earl)- settlers of that locality. After his mar- 
riage he located on his present farm. Two chil- 
dren, Anna B. (married) and Mary M., were 
born to this union. The mother of these died 
December 30, 1869, and on October 10, 1872, 
Mr. Mattern married Anna Leitzell, a daughter 
of Samuel Leitzell, and their children are: 
Emma, Benera W., Miles F., Ozula and Sarah 
E. Mr. and Mrs. Mattern are members of the 
Gray's M. E. Church, in which the former is a 
class leader, and has been for a number of years. 
Mr. Mattern is one of the industrious and sub- 
stantial men of his township. 

Miles Mattern was born in 184 1, in the 
house in which he now resides. He, too, at- 
tended the old Stony Point school house, his 
first teacher being the present Squire Samuel T. 
Gray, of Patton township. With little excep- 
tion he has resided continuously where he now 
lives, engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits. 
In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah Leitzell, a daughter of Samuel and Mar- 
garet Leitzell, who were married here in Centre 
county in 1832. The Leitzells were from Ger- 
many, Mrs. Mattern being one of the third gen- 
eration in this country. She was born in Centre 
county in 1843. Her father came here from 
Snyder county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Mattern 
have no children of their own, but have fur- 
nished a home for and reared several, namely: 
Eva Leitzell, now married; John Clapper, Frank 
L. Cole, and Sadie Cross, the latter of whom, a 
girl of ten years, is now with them. 



C\URTIN P. STONEROD, the well-known and 
_J efficient passenger and freight agent of the 
Pennsylvania railroad at Milesburg, Centre coun- 



362 



MOHATIVE lihHlUM-IIlfM. RECORD, 



ty, was bom March 25, 1841, at Burning 
Huntingdon Co., Penn. His father, John M. 
Stonerod, is a native of Mifflin county, Penn., 
born in 1823, and is now serving his second term 
as postmaster of Birmingham. He has held a 
number of local offices in his community, being 
constable for a number of years and justice of 
the peace for about seventeen years. He is a 
son of J"hn and Mary Stonerod, whose births 
occurred at Lewistown, Mifflin county, where 
both died. By occupation the grandfather was 
a farmer, while the father of our subject worked 
at the carpenter's trade until 1885. The for- 
mer served as sheriff of his comity. 

At Birmingham, July [9, 1840, John M 
Stonerod was married to Rachel Parker, who 
was born at Stone Valley, Huntingdon county, 
July [3, 1S20, and died January 14, 1 S90, at 
Birmingham, after an illness of three days. She 
was attacked suddenly with "la grippe, " fol- 
lowed by pneumonia, which caused her death. 

les her husband -he left the following chil- 
dren to mourn her death: Curtin P., of this 
sketch; Mrs. Martha Strouble, of Dudley, Hunt- 

11 county; Theodore and Fielding, of Pitts- 
burg, Penn.; Mrs. Cecelia Parker, of Sharps- 
burg, Uleghen} Co., Penn.; Mrs. Elizabeth 
Sprangle, of Fostoria, Blair ( 0., Penn.; and 
David K., of Altoona, Penn., all prominent and 
highly respected in the localities where they 

their homes. Another child, Wesley, died 
at the age of four years. There are also thirty 
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 
1831 the mother joined the Methodist episcopal 
Church, hut later in life joined the Presbyterian 
Church, being a member in good standing of the 
same .it the time of her death. The father lias 
also been a consistent member of the Presbyte- 
rian Church since 1861, and in politics is a pro- 
nounced 1 )emocrat. 

The -ubject of this memoir remained under 
the parental roof until June, 1S5S, when he left 

h and assisted in the construction of time 

tressels for the Bellefonte \ Snow Shoe railroad, 
which were six hundred feet long and seventy 
feet high. For two years he then served as 

man on the railroad, hut in 1861, the Civil 
iving broken out, he enli ted, on thi 
call for troops, in Company 11, as drun mi 1 
Regiment, P. V. 1 The officers of the company 
were Capt. Mitchell, First-Lieut, fames A. 1 
er, and Second-I.ieut. Charles Hale. At the end 
of his three-months' service, our subject returned 
home and re-enlisted, September 17, [861, this 
time in Company G, 51st P. V. I., Ninth Army 
under (apt. A. B. Snyder, First-Lieut. 
W. H. Blair, and Second-Lieut. P. A. Gaulin, 



1 commissioned Brig, and Maj.-Gen.) 
John F. Hartranft. The last named was after- 
ward governor of Pennsylvania, but is now de- 
ceased. From drummer Mr. Stonerod was ap- 
point. <l -ergeant-major, of his regiment, alt.-r- 
ward was made second lieutenant and finally com- 
missioned captain of his company. On the field 
of battle he was brave and tearless, always found 
at his post of duty, and won the confidence of 
those under him as well as the respect and 
teem of his fellow officers. He was twice 
wounded, the first time at the battle ol Antie- 
tam, September 17, 1863, when making a charge 
on Antietam Bridge, known as Burnside Brid 
'Phis was only a deep flesh wound in the left side, 
the shot cutting off his sword belt. Concluding 
it was not a healthy place to stop, among shot 
and shell, he went on over the bridge in the 
charge with the regiment. On August 19, 1864, 
at the Weldon railroad, in front of Petersbu 
Va., he was wounded in the right thigh, which 
has shortened the limb two and one-hall inch 
and for seventy-one days he was confined in the 
Alexander Hospital. After almost four years of 
arduous and faithful service, he was mustered 
out January 1, [865, but was unable to work for 
a year after his return home. He participated 
in ever) battle fought by the 51st Pennsylvania 
Regiment up to August [9, 1864, at which time 
he was wounded and carried off the field. The 
following battles are engraved on the 51st Ri 
uieiit Battle Flags*: Roanoke Island, Newbern, 
Camden, Second Bull Run. Chantilly, South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, 
-on, Campbell Station, Siege of Rnoxville, 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Peti 
burg (Weldon Railroad, he was wounded in tins 
battli . Ream Station and Hatchers Run. He 
was under fire, and skirmishing, almost daily 
from the time Gen. (.rant crossed the Poton 
until wounded in August, [864. 

Nli. Mo nero. 1 then went into the oi 
of Venango county. Penn., when- he remained 
one year, an was appointed agent at Snow 

e for the Bellefonte & Snow Shoe railroad, 
which position he filled for the long period ol 
fourteen years. The road was then -..Id to the 

insylvania Railroad Company, and August 1. 

1, he was appointed agent to his present | 
sition at Milesburg. His long retention in the 
service of one COmpan) plainly indicate.-, his 
fidelity to duty and the confidence and trust the) 
repose in him, 

i)n November 25, 1807, Mr. Stonerod 

•These baltlr flagl 'three) are in charge of the Slutc archives al U>e 
StateCapiiol.it 11 Peon., in glass cases ; two of the 

riddled with bullets (a cannon ball passing through the Held of on 
tin in . lea* inn lliein in ribbons and rags, so much so th.it tba) in nrver 
be unfurled again. 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



363 



married to Miss Annie E. Dickson, and they now 
have five children: Boyd H., a telegraph oper- 
ator of Bradford county, Penn. ; Sarah B., at 
home; Stella M. and Gertrude, milliners, of New 
York; and Jane D., at home. Mrs. Stonerod 
was born at Bellefonte, August 9, 1844, and is a 
daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Lucas) Dickson, 
who were of Scotch-Irish extraction. The fa- 
ther was born in Lancaster county, Penn., but 
the mother was a native of Centre county, and 
and both died at Bellefonte, the former in 1846, 
and the latter in 1859, at the age of fifty-two 
years. By occupation the father was a black- 
smith. In their family were the following chil- 
dren: Philip, deceased; Silas, a blacksmith and 
farmer of Snow Shoe, Centre county; Catherine, 
wife of R. Mulholland, of Nebraska; Martha, 
wife of Joseph Clark, of Du Bois, Penn. ; Samuel, 
an undertaker of Snow Shoe; Sarah, deceased; 
Hezekiah, of Philipsburg, Penn. ; Amelia, widow 
of Levi Boes, of Driftwood, Penn.; Clarissa, wife 
of George Quigley, a farmer of Driftwood; and 
Annie E., wife of our subject. 

Mr. Stonerod never fails to cast his ballot for 
the principles of the Republican party, and takes 
a prominent part in public affairs, supporting all 
enterprises calculated to benefit the community. 
Socially, he holds membership in the Grand 
Army of the Republic and the Union Veteran 
League. For fourteen years he was chairman of 
the Republican Town Committee. 



TMOMAS M. WEAVER is an enterprising 
and progressive agriculturist who follows 
his chosen calling in Spring township, Centre 
county. He belongs to that class of citizens 
whose devotion to public and private duty makes 
them valued factors in any community. He was 
born November 5, 1848, in Centre county, the 
younger child of M. P. and Ellen (McClellan) 
Weaver. Their first child, Ann, born in 1846, 
died at the age of ten years and seven months. 

At the farmstead home Thomas M. Weaver 
was reared to manhood, and as soon as old 
enough began assisting his father in the cultiva- 
tion of the fields. His preliminary education was 
acquired in the district schools, which he at- 
tended until sixteen years of age. He then pur- 
sued a course in Dickinson Seminary, and after- 
ward engaged in teaching school for three years 
with excellent success. He is a man of broad 
general information; and extensive reading has 
made him thoroughly well informed on all cur- 
rent questions. 

Mr. Weaver has been twice married, his first 
union being with Esther Ellen Eckenroth (daughter 



of John and Elizabeth (Shatzer) Eckenroth), who 
died leaving four children: Walter L., Michael 
M. , Thomas M. and Nancy E. Mr. Weaver was 
afterward again married, his second union being 
with Miss Rebecca M. Runkle, daughter of Will- 
iam and Mary (Treaster) Runkle. By this union 
have been born two children: Lizzie A. and 
Nerr D. 

With the exception of the time spent in 
teaching, Mr. Weaver has always followed agri- 
cultural pursuits, and he thoroughly understands 
every branch of the business. His management 
is capable, and his keen sagacity and sound judg- 
ment enable him to so control his affairs as to 
win a comfortable competence. He owns in his 
home farm 1 1 5 acres of rich and fertile land, and 
in addition has 120 acres of mountain land. The 
former constitutes one of the desirable farm prop- 
erties in Centre county. It is improved with a 
fine dwelling, commodious and substantial, while 
well-built barns and outbuildings afford ample 
shelter for grain and stock. All the accessories 
of a model farm of the nineteenth century are 
here seen, and the neat appearance of the place 
indicates the careful supervision of the owner. 
Mr. Weaver gives his support to the Republican 
party, and stanchly advocates its principles asset 
forth in the platforms framed at its national con- 
ventions. In religious belief he is a Methodist, 
and his life is in harmony with his professions. 
He is a man of culture and intelligence and a 
worthy citizen, manifesting acommendable inter- 
est in all that pertains to the welfare of the com- 
munity. 



WILLIAM H. MILLER resides in Spring 
township, Centre county, and comes of a 
family whose history has been long and honora- 
bly interwoven with that of Pennsylvania. His 
paternal grandfather, a tanner by trade, removed 
from Berks county to Centre county, and for 
many years was a well-known citizen here. The 
father of our subject, Henry Miller, was born in 
18 1 7, and died in 188 1, at the age of sixty-four. 
He married Miss Catherine Meiss, and they had 
a family of five children, the subject of this 
sketch being the eldest; the second child died in 
infancy, and the others are Sarah J., John A. 
and Anna E. 

No event of special importance occurred dur- 
ing the boyhood and youth of our subject, who 
was reared on the home farm and early became 
familiar with its duties. He assisted in the 
labors of the fields through the summer months, 
and in the winter season attended the public 
schools, where he acquired a good practical Eng- 



36 1 



COMMEMOBA TIVE linn; HM'lllrM RECORD. 



lish education that has been supplemented by 
reading, experience and observation. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Ann Hoy, a daughter of John 
and Susan (Hoy) Hoy. Her father, who was 
born in 1.S04. departed this life in 1864 at the 
age of sixty years, and his wife, whose birth oc- 
curred in 181 1, was called to the home beyond 
in 1858. By trade he was a miller, and foil" 
that occupation for many years. fn early man- 
hood he came to Centre county, and resided 
in Jacksonville, Walker township. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Miller were born four children, only two ol 
whom are now living: Sarah E., the eldest, is 
the wife of Charles H. Garis, and has four chil- 
dren; Catherine E. is the wife of Charles I 
Wetzel, to whom were born twin girls, one of 
whom died in infancy; Margaret M. sustained in- 
juries in a railroad accident which resulted in her 
th when twenty-three years of age. She was 
on her way to Bellefonte to receive instructions 
preparator) to entering the Church and taking 
the communion, when struck by a passenger 
train. For three days she suffered most intensely, 
but bore her pain with heroic fortitude. \t 
length death came to her release, and on Novem- 
ber 15. 1893, her young life was ended. The 
fourth child of the family was a son, who thro 
>ut his short life was a i ripple, He passed awaj 
in his fifteenth year, and the loss ol these chil- 
dren has proved the greatesl affliction that has 
e\ercome to the parents, but they live in the 
certainty of a happy reunion beyond the gi 

Farming has been the life work of Mr. Miller, 
and his affairs are ably conducted, so that suc- 
cess has come to him in return for his diligence, 
close application and perseverance. He exer< 
his right of franchise in support of the Republic- 
an party, but lias neither sought nor desired po- 
litical preferment. He and his wife are members 
of the Reformed Church, and are most consist- 
ent Christian people, ever ready to defend the 
weak against the strong and aid the needy or dis- 
tressed. 



FRANCIS M ALEXANDER is one of the 
most prominent and influential citizens of 
Huston township, Centre county, residing on the 
Bald Eagle Valley road. He is the owner of 
much valuable property, which has been accumu- 
lated by his own thrift and industry, guide. 1 by 

ml judgment. His tastes have always in- 
clined him to agricultural pursuits, and he is 
recognized as one of the most progressive, skill- 
ful and energetic farmers of the community. 

A native of Centre county, our subject was 
born in Union township, July 21, [843, a son of 



Joseph and Ellen (Blair) Alexander, who were 
also born in that township, and there the father 
died in the fall of 1876, aged sixty-three years, 
soon after his return from the Centennial Expo- 
sition at Philadelphia. He was a son of Joseph 
Alexander. Throughout life he engaged in farm- 
ing and the manufacture of charcoal, and also 
aided in the construction of the Bald Eagle Val- 
ley railroad, which passes through our subject's 
farm. In politics he was a Democrat, and in 
religious belief a Methodist, to which Church 
his wife also belonged. She passed away while 
on a visit to our subject, July 14. 1894, at the 
age of seventy-six years. She was the mother 
of five children: Francis M.; Nancy J., wife of 
Wilbur T. Twitmeyer, a hardware merchant of 
Bellefonte, Penn. ; Katie, wife of John Stover, 
a farmer of Centre county; Julia, wife of Sam- 
uel limerick, a farmer of the same county; and 
Joseph B., also an agriculturist of Centre county. 

Francis M. Alexander pursued his studies in 
the schools of his native county, and remained 
up hi the home farm until thirty years of age. 
For sometime he was then employed at various 
occupations, including teaming and lumbering, 
until the spring of 1 873, when he located upon 
In-- present farm, a tra< t of 133 acres, which he 
rented for one year and then purchased. 

essful has he been in his business ventures 
that he has added to his property from time to 
time, until he is now the owner of about one 
thousand acres ,,f valuable and productive land 
in Centre county, being one of its most exten- 
sive land owners. 

In [868, Mr Alexander married Miss Hannah 
biding, and five children were born to them: 
Ella, now residing in Union township. Centre 
count} . Mary, wife of Walter Tallhelm, railroad 

nt at Julian, Centre county ; Reuben, a farmer 
of the same county; and two that died in infai 
On April 7. inder was again mar- 

ried, this time to Miss Josephine Richards, and 
tiny have three children: Kyle, born June 26. 
1892; Gladys Elmira, born February 14, 1895; 
and Carey, born August 12, li 

Mis. Alexander was born July 28, 1857. in 
Huston township, Centre county, was provided 
with excellent educational advantages, and for 
sixteen years successfully engaged in teaching, 
for one term each having charge of schools in ( 
and Audubon counties, Iowa. She attended the 
Centre County Normal School at Centre Hall. 
and is a lad) of cultured and refined tasl 
widely and favorably known. Reuben W. and 
Elmira Harrison) Richards, her parents, were 
natives of Centre county, where the father en- 
gaged in general farming until he died, April II, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



365 



1892, at the age of sixty-two years. He was a 
son of George and Tamar Richards, who spent 
their entire lives in the same county. The mother 
of Mrs. Alexander, who is still a resident of Hus- 
ton township, was born December 20, 1836, a 
daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Furey) Harrison, 
who spent their entire lives in Centre county, and 
were buried at Belleforte. Mrs. Richards, like 
her husband, is an earnest member of the United 
Brethren Church; in politics he was a stalwart 
Democrat. The seven children born of their 
union are as follows: Josephine is the wife of our 
subject; Nettie is the wife of Robert Radkey, of 
McKeesport, Penn. ; Zilla died at the age of five 
years; Julia is the wife of W. B. Parsons, of 
Unionville, Penn.; Roland is a farmer of Centre 
county; Morgan is on the old homestead with 
his mother; and Milton B. is a fireman on the 
Beach Creek railroad, residing at Clearfield, 
Pennsylvania. 

Being a strong temperance man, Mr. Alexan- 
der is an adherent to the principles of the Prohi- 
bition party, but cares nothing for the honors or 
emoluments of public office. Socially he is con- 
nected with the Grange at Unionville. He is an 
active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, of which he is trustee; she of the Bap- 
tist Church, and they are true and sincere Chris- 
tian people. They give a large portion of their 
time and liberally from their means to aid in the 
religious and moral elevation of the community. 
A generous hospitality is shown at his comfort- 
able home, and few men are more genial in social 
circles, or have a more happy faculty of making 
every one feel at their ease. 



JOHN J. ARNEY, of Centre Hall, Centre 
county, is an agriculturist of the progressive 
type, and his intelligence and enterprise make 
him a leader in local affairs. One instance of his 
foresight can be found in his work in founding a 
branch of the Patrons of Husbandry in his vicini- 
ty. He had read of the usefulness of the order, 
and desiring to secure its benefits for his com- 
munity he agitated the question of organization 
so effectively that soon afterward, February 12, 
1873, Progress Grange No. 96 was organized 
at Centre Hall. He was chosen to the post of 
master, his peculiar fitness for the place being 
no less a factor in the choice than the recognition 
of his efforts in behalf of the society. His inter- 
est in the order has never flagged, and nothing 
that he could do to add to its usefulness or pres- 
tige has been left undone. In other lines of 
effort he has been equally energetic, and he has 
been prominent in various religious, social and 



business movements which have brought benefit 
to the locality. Quiet and unassuming, a super- 
ficial observer might not at first realize the power 
of his personality, but these qualities cover a re- 
serve force which give irresistible influence to 
his words. 

Mr. Arney's ancestors were probably German, 
but no definite record exists on the subject. The 
name as first known in America was spelled 
Erney, and our subject's grandfather, John 
Erney, was a blacksmith in Berks county, Penn., 
and owned a body of land in Upper Tulpelocken 
township, which is still known as Arney's tract. 
He died there about 1824, leaving three sons and 
three daughters, who received little benefit from 
his possessions. 

Jacob Arney, the father of our subject, was. 
born at the old home in 1808, and was left at an 
early age to make his own way in the world with 
but scanty preparation in the way of education. 
The subscription schools of his day and locality 
were too expensive for any but the wealthy, and 
at that they were none of the best. In the spring 
of 1824, while still in his "teens," he accom- 
panied his brother George to Centre county, and 
sought for any employment that his years would 
permit him to undertake. His first work was grub- 
bing a tract of land near Centre Hill, his pay be- 
ing the privilege of taking off the first three 
crops, and later he grubbed another farm for a 
certain amount per acre. He managed to buy a 
farm of 112 acres in Gregg township, Centre 
county, and August 8, 1838, he married Miss 
Rachel Meyers, a member of a well-known fam- 
ily whose history appears elsewhere. She was 
born in Benner township, Centre county, August 
9, 1 81 8, a daughter of Adam and Sarah Meyers, 
and owing to the poverty of her parents was reared 
from the age of fourteen by Adam Bartges, who 
resided near Penn Hall, Pennsylvania. 

The young couple began housekeeping on 
their farm, the rude log buildings with thatched 
roofs furnishing a truer home than many a palace 
wall has enclosed. In 1853 Jacob Arney bought 
175 acres of land in Potter township, Centre 
county, near the Gregg township line and lying 
on the Brush Valley road. There he resided 
until 1867, when he removed to a farm adjoining 
Centre Hall on the east and on the Brush Valley 
road. The buildings were poor, but he replaced 
them with modern structures, including a fine 
brick residence. 

Jacob Arney was of medium height and 
square-shouldered, but had no superfluous flesh. 
Industry was a notable trait, but he had also the 
business sagacity to turn his efforts to good ac- 
count financially, and while neighboring farmers. 









' VEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



accepted such returns for their crops as they could 

Imiii local traders, he found good markets by 

ding his prod ly. At onetime he was 

antile business at Centre Hill as 
nbei "l tin- firm of Arney & Ross. Strictl} 
honest in his dealings, he won success while 
taining the entire re , dates. His 

investments were mainly in real estate, and he 
owned about 400 acres of farming land, with 
isiderable town property. Politically he up- 
held Democratic doctrines at all times, and he 
held various offices, including those of supervisor, 
tor and assistant assessor. He was 
very domestic in his habits, seldom leaving ho 
except on busim 1 visit a relative, and he 
regularly attended the Reformed Church, in 
which he and his wife were leading members. 
For many years he served the society as deacon, 
and at the tunc of his death was an elder. He 

I trim old age at the home near Centre II ill 
on February 10, 1886, and the faithful partner of 
his joys and sorrows did not long survive him, her 
death occurring April 18, 1891. The remains of 
both now rest in the 1 at Centre Hall. 

< >i 1 1 subject was the eldest of eleven children. 
The second son, Benjamin H., occupies the old 
homestead at Centre Hall; Sarah A. married 
Henry Dasher, of Kalamazoo, Mich.; William [., 
.1 Presbyterian minister, resides at Port Alleghany, 
Penn . Rebecca S. maun. I Moses Richard, of 
Centre Hall; Lydia is the wife of C. C. Peck, of 
Rosette, Lincoln Co., Kans. ; Mary married 
fames Herring, of Altoona, Perm.; George F. is 
a physician at Altoona; Laura A. married fohn 
I Lee, of Centre Hall; Charles M. is a resident 
of the same town; and Elizabeth is the wife of 
fohn Mullen, ol Renova, Pennsylvania. 

We will now return to the subject proper of 
this memoir, who was born at the Gregg town- 
ship homestead February 10, 1839. His edui a- 
tion was begun at the Musser school house in the 
same locality, winch was afterward marked off 

the "Independent District, " and " Old John 
Price' was his tirst teacher. As the eldest son, 
Mr Arney found many home duties, his work 
there often 1 1 1 1 .-rfer 1 ng with his attendanci 

looI. Ft he 

was kept at home during the winters to assist in 
his father's <clovei mill, four of his best school 

is being thus lost. When twenty years old 
he attended a select school in his native town- 
ship taught by H. Y. Stitzer, and later he studied 
for a short time at Pine 1 Academy, and in 

this way be prepared himseli for teaching. His 
first term as teacher was spent at Lhapel school 
house in Haines township. Centre county, in the 
winter of 1859-60, and he taught the next three 



winters successfully, two in Potter township and 
one in Centre Hall. 

On October 15, 1S64, Mr. Arney was mar- 
ried in George's Valley, Gregg township, to Miss 
Sarah J. Sweetwood, a native of Potter town- 
ship. Centre county, born March 12, 1836. Her 
father, the late John Sweetwood, was born in 
Bi ;ks county, Penn., September 10, 1800, and 
became a leading farmer of Potter township, 
where he died July m, 1887. He married M 
Elizabeth Alexander, a native of the same town- 
ship, born January 1. 1S09, a daughter of Jar 
Alexander. She died May 30, 1841, when Mrs 
Arney. who was her youngest daughter and fifth 
child, was but five years old, and as time passed 
the little girl assumed the duties of the household 
to the detriment of her education. After his 
marriage Mr, Arney located upon a rented farm 
in Potter township with the intention of follow- 
ing teaching in addition to his agricultural work. 
but the plan proved impracticable. After three 
years as .1 tenant on the land of strangers, he in 
nted his father's farm in Potter township, 
where he remained until the spring of 1889. lb 
then removed to his present farm adjoining Cen- 
tre Hall on the west, formerly known as tin 

istian Hoffer farm. He bought the portion 
improved by the homestead buildings, and 
r 3 5 acres of excellent land, making one of the 
besl farms in the vicinity. His original purch 
consisted of 171 acres, of which a portion 
held in partnership, and was sold after a tin 
going to make the Centre Hall picnic grounds 
and an addition to the town, known as "Hoffer 
street," and containing a number of building 
lots. His only son, Isaac M. Arney, now takes 
much of the responsibility of the farm work. 

Mr. Arnej is an influential supporter of the 
Democratic party, but is too intelligent and, w 
may add, too honest to sacrifice his own convii 
tions as to the issues at stake to mere partisan 
prejudice, and at local elections he votes for th 
"best man." He has held office in I 

trict, and his best efforts have been given 
educational advancement, his own privations 
that regard having emphasized the value • 
schools, open to all. Socially, he is a member 
of the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall, and he and 
his wife are both members of the Reforn 

irch, in which he has held the office 
deacon. 



JOHN W. EBY, proprietor of a feed 
coal business at Zion, Centre county, is 
energetic, progressive man who has achii 
success through his own undertakings. 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



367 



John Eby, paternal grandfather of our subject, 
married May Greybill, a native of Lebanon coun- 
ty, and children as follows were born to thera: 
Samuel (father of our subject); Michael, Henry, 
Moses and Elizabeth (all four residents of Wood- 
ward, Centre county) and Mary (Mrs. Yearick). 
The maternal grandparents of our subject were 
George and Mary (Finley) Vonada, the former a 
native of Centre county, the latter of Union coun- 
ty, Penn. Their children are David and John, 
who are residents of Hublersburg; Jacob, of 
Mackeyville, Clinton Co., Penn.; Eve, who is 
living with her sister, Mrs. Samuel Eby; and 
Amelia, wife of John A. Swartz, of Hublersburg. 

Samuel Eby, father of our subject, was born 
July 22, 1824, in Lebanon county, Penn., and 
being the eldest in his father's family remained 
at home assisting in their support, during a few 
winter months attending the common schools. 
In politics he was a Democrat, and he was a 
member of the National Guard. In December, 
1 866, he married Mary Vonada, who was born 
February 10, 1830, a daughter of George and 
Mary (Hinley) Vonada, the former of whom was 
a farmer, a Democrat in politics, and a Lu- 
theran in religious faith. In March, 1868, Mr. 
and Mrs. Samuel Eby settled on a farm in Walker 
township, where he died October 6; 1882, and 
he was buried in Zion cemetery; his widow has 
since made her home in Zion. 

John W. Eby, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was their only child. He was reared on 
the homestead farm, and acquired his education 
in the public schools. On July 17, 1887, he 
married Miss Jennie Sharer, a daughter of David 
Sharer, a prosperous farmer of Spring township, 
Centre county, born in Lancaster county, Penn., 
and who married Jemima Foster, a daughter of 
Joseph Foster, a successful farmer of Union 
county, where Mrs. Sharer was born. Both 
came to Centre county in childhood, and were 
married there. David Sharer, Samuel Sharer and 
Jennie Sharer (both deceased) belonged to a fam- 
ily of which the following are also members: 
Mrs. Elizabeth Mallory and Henry, who are liv- 
ing in the West; Mrs. H. J. Garbrick, of Zion; 
and Elmira, wife of George Gingrich, of Centre 
Hall. In the Foster family were Mrs. Belle Jor- 
dan; Mrs. J. Hirsch, of Forest Hill, Union coun- 
ty, Penn.; Mrs. Nelson Biddle, of Union county; 
and Andrew and Thomas, both of whom served 
in the Civil war, the last named losing his life in 
battle. 

David Sharer, the father of Mrs. Eby, died 
December 9, 1894, and the mother on November 
11, 1896. Both were buried in Zion cemetery. 
They had a family of four children: (1) Foster, 



now a resident of Spring township, Union coun- 
ty, married Pearly Stover, and has two children 
— David M. and Minnie. (2) Mary is the wife 
of Elmer Swartz, a farmer residing near Pleasant 
Gap, Centre county, by whom she had six chil- 
dren — Delia M. , Edith, Gertrude, Harry, Blaine 
and Roy. (3) Zada B. is the wife of William 
T. Royer, of Bellefonte, Penn., a printer, and 
they have five children — Pearl, Lena, Carl, Grace 
and Paul. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eby became the parents of four 
children, two of whom died in infancy; the others 
are: William C. (born December 25, 1887) and 
Mary Edna (born February 1, 1891). 

Mr. Eby was engaged in farming for a num- 
ber of years, successfully following that pursuit 
until 1896, when he came to Zion and established 
his present business, dealing in meal, feed and 
coal. He receives from the public a liberal pat- 
ronage, which he well merits, for his energy, per- 
severance and honorable dealing justly entitle 
him to the success which he may achieve. He 
also owns two farms, one in Walker township, 
Centre county, comprising 120 acres of well-im- 
proved land, the other, of 130 acres, being sit- 
uated* near Centre Hall, in Potter township. It 
is a splendid property, and he also has valuable 
real estate in Zion. He is a most progressive 
and energetic man, and ranks among the leading 
business citizens of the community. In politics 
he is a Democrat. Socially, he belongs to the 
Grange, and to the Knights of the Golden Circle. 
Mrs. Eby is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
All who know them esteem them highly for their 
sterling worth, and they have surrounded them- 
selves with many friends. 



MATHANIEL BOWERSOX. The history of 
this gentleman, now a prosperous agricult- 
urist of Miles township, Centre county, shows 
what may be accomplished by a man of intelli- 
gence, pluck and perseverance, especially when 
he has the assistance of an equally clever and in- 
dustrious wife. Mr. Bowersox was born August 
25, 1835, in Centre township, Snyder Co., Penn., 
a son of Frederick and Hannah (Long) Bowersox, 
both of whom lived and died at their farm in that 
locality. 

As the eldest of a family of eleven children — 
seven sons and four daughters — Mr. Bowersox 
was plentifully supplied with work during his 
boyhood, his educational opportunities being 
sadly interfered with by his home duties. He 
attended the first free school opened in his native 
township, and by making the most of his time 
managed to lay the foundation for a fair practical 



368 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



education, which, under the circumstances, re- 
flects great credit upon him. He remained at 
home until 1X50, when he went to Centre county 
to work as a farm hand, his wages being sent 
home during his minority. Though the amount 
thus obtained was small, it was a great help to 
his parents, and Mr. Bowersox cheerfully saved 
his earnings in order to send it. He worked at 
this employment ten years, live in Harris town- 
ship, Centre county, near Boalsburg, and during 
this time had but two employers. 

On December 20, i860, Mr. Bowersox was 
married, in Centre county, to Miss Catherine J. 
Peck, a native of Upper Sweet Arrow township, 
Dauphin Co., Fenn., born September 6, 1843. 
Her parents, Simon and Mary Singer) I'eck, 
came to Centre county in 1S45, locating Deal 
Wolfs store, where her father followed farming 
and also worked as a carpenter and mechanic. 
Mrs. Bowersox was the tifth child and third 
daughter in a family ol six boys and five girls, 
and her education was that afforded by the local 
schools. When but fifteen years old she went to 
work as a domestic, receiving fifty cents per week 
at one place where there were nine cows to milk. 
At the time she met her future husband both were 
1 mployed near Boalsburg, at the home of Joseph 
Mayer. In the eyes of many persons the outlook 
would have been discouraging, but they were 
strong in their mutual affection and the conscious- 
ness of health. Mr. Bowersox had saved about 
$200, but it was out on interest, and for two 
years he worked for his father at fifty cents per 
day, in the meantime learning the cooper's trade. 

On his return to Centre county he entered 
the employ of J. K. Hosterman, of Miles town- 
ship, and later learned the carpenter's trade with 
his father-in-law. During the winter season he 
usually worked at hewing timber, and by dint of 
close economy he managed to purchase, in the 
fall of 1864, a tract of land containing fifty-two 
acres, at a cost of $975, from John F. Beck. It 
was in a most unpromising condition, "all stones 
and brush,' but he and his wife both went to 
work with a will to clear it up. The first year 
he raised only nine bushels oi wheat, and his 
stock consisted of one cow, a few chickens and a 
"three-legged horsi During the day, Mr. 

Bowersox would work for neighboring farmers, 
and on returning home he would continue his la- 
bors there far into the night, and in time, by the 
unremitting efforts of his wife and himself, the 
farm was cleared and the debt incurred at its 
purchase was paid off. It was five \ ars I "fore 
they had a carpet in their house, but they now 
have a fine competence, and have improved the 
place with modern buildings and surrounded 



themselves with the comforts which were denied 
them in their early wedded life. At different 
times, Mr. Bowersox has added to the original 
purchase until he now owns 130 acres, includ 

timber land. In addition to his other work 
he has operated a tread-power machine, and 
horse, "Barney.' has "tramped it" since 18 

Mr. Bowersox realizes the helpfulness of his 
estimable wife, and takes manly pride in acknowl- 
edging its value. She is a woman of intell. 
fond oi reading, and is no less noted for her 
kindly heart. Their home is a hospitable one. 
and their family is one of which any parent 
might be proud. They have had children as fol- 
lows: Mary A., now Mrs. Harvey Bierly, of Re- 
serve, Kans. , who has one son — Clyde E. ; Emma 
F. , who married Charles Bressler, of Brush Val- 
ley, and has five children; Cora V. and Katie N 
(twins), who died in infancy; Ida V., now Mrs 
\Y. F. Fair, of Rebersburg; Floyd E., a black- 
smith at Spring Mills; Allen F. and William S.. 
fanners at Reserve, Kans.; Clement M., of Nit - 
tany Junction; and Tammie E., an intelligent 
young lady, now at home. 

Mr and Mrs. Bowersox are members of the 
Evangelical Association at Wolfs Store, and he 
has held various offices, serving as trustee, stew- 
ard, class-Jeader and treasurer. The latter office 
he has held continuously since the church was 
built. He is a Democrat, but takes a broad and 
liberal view of public questions, and in local 
affairs votes for the "best man." Official posi- 
tion has no charm for him, but his keen interest 
in educational progress has been shown by his 
service as school director in District No. J. 



SAMUEL GRAMLY will have a lasting place 
in the history of this region as one of the 
pioneer educators of Brush Valley. Although he 
has made a success of other and more lucrativi 
lines of effort, his influence has perhaps been 
most helpfully and directly brought to bear u] 
the community through his long service in early 

is as a teacher in the country schools of that 
time. Kind-hearted, genial, wise with the ripe 
experience of his well-spent life, he is for many 
a chosen adviser in perplexity and trouble. 

The early history of the Grainlv family 
been made the subject of careful research, bn 
is found impossible to trace it farther back than 
the time ol Francis Gxamly, the grandfathei 
the gentleman whose name opens this ski b 
\boai the middle of the last century a number 1 
people bearing the name of (.randy came 
America from Germany, and it is supposed that 
Francis Gramly was among them, that be 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



369 



tied in Pennsylvania and married here. It is 
certain that he came into Brush Valley in 1793, 
from Northampton county, Penn., with his wife, 
Margaret (Spangler), and from them all of the 
name in Brush Valley are descended. Francis 
Gramly carried with him a sack full of hard 
money when he rode into Brush Valley on 
horseback, and he became the owner of an im- 
mense tract of land in that " Garden of Centre 
County," where he operated a sawmill while 
clearing and improving the property. Several of 
his sons, all of whom remained at home, received 
at his death valuable estates. He died in the 
early "thirties," aged about seventy years, 
and he and his wife, who attained the age of 
eighty-six, were buried at Rebersburg. They 
were Lutherans in religion. Their children 
were: Adam, a maker of windmills; John, who 
lived in Brush Valley; Christian and George, who 
were farmers on the old tract; Francis, Jr., who 
lived in Sugar Valley, Clinton count)'; Philip, 
who is mentioned more fully below; Daniel, who 
met his death in boyhood while carrying break- 
fast to his father ami brothers working in the 
clearing in the woods; Jacob, a machinist and 
operator of a gristmill, fulling-mill and carding- 
machine in Brush Valley; Margaret Mrs. John 
Walker), of Brush Valley, and Susanna, the 
wife of William Krape, of Gregg township. All 
are now deceased. 

Philip Gramly, our subject's father, was born 
in 1798 in the lower end of Brush Valley, and 
was reared as a pioneer farmer's boy, his work 
necessarily consisting largely of clearing. At 
eighteen he began to learn the blacksmith's trade 
in Haines township, Centre county, and later he 
opened a shop of his own in Rebersburg. About 
1820 he was married in Brush Valley to Miss 
Barbara Poorman, a native of Lehigh county, 
Penn., born in February, 1800. Her father, 
Daniel Poorman, a blacksmith, was an early set- 
tler in that Valley. Philip Gramly lived at 
Rebersburg until April, 1832, when he moved to 
a 200-acre tract of land which he had purchased 
in Sugar Valley, Green township, Clinton county. 
It was in its primitive condition, with not one 
stick cut, and there he built a log house for a 
residence and a shop for his work. He and his 
wife toiled energetically at the work of clearing 
and improving the land, and in five years' time 
had one hundred acres in cultivation; but Mrs. 
Gramly so injured her health by her labors in 
burning off the brush that she never recovered. 
After five years there they returned to Brush 
Valley and occupied the Francis Gramly home- 
stead, about two miles from Rebersburg, and, 
later, Philip Gramly purchased the place, and 

24 



while cultivating it carried on also a blacksmith 
shop and sawmill. In his day axes and other 
edge tools had to be made by smiths, and he be- 
came an expert in that line. He was an indus- 
trious man, and gave his entire attention to his 
own affairs, taking no interest in politics farther 
than to vote the Democratic ticket regularly. He 
gave liberally to religious movements, however, 
and was a prominent member of the Lutheran 
Church. His success in his varied enterprises 
enabled him to accumulate a handsome compe- 
tence, and he left a large estate at his death, 
which occurred September 14, 1869. His first 
wife (our subject's mother) died in February, 
1845, and the remains of both now rest at Re- 
bersburg. His second wife was Miss Phoebe 
Dubs, of New Berlin, Union county. There 
were eight children by the first union; Regina, 
who died at the age of sixteen; Catherine (Mrs. 
Henrv Wolfe), who died at Wolfs Store, in Brush 
Valley; Samuel, our subject; Susannah, now 
Mrs. John K. Hosterman, of Brush Valley; 
Reuben, a resident of Rebersburg; Mary A., now 
Mrs. Reuben Kreamer, of Rebersburg; and Dan- 
iel Franklin and Francis Simon (twins), who 
died at the age of tour years and thirteen years, 
respectively. By the second marriage there was 
one daughter, Barbara J., now Mrs. J. H. Cha- 
tam, of Wayne township, Clinton county. 

Samuel Gramly's birth occurred March 4, 
1827, and until he attained his majoriu his 
time was mainly spent in clearing land, that 
work being deemed of prime importance and 
schooling a secondary matter. He attended the 
local school for a few months one winter before 
he was ten years old, and learned rapidly, but 
his desire to continue was not often gratified 
later. He delighted in mathematics, solving ex- 
amples which none of his schoolmates could un- 
derstand. He excelled in penmanship also, and 
even now his writing is beautifully done. The 
changes which have brought educational privi- 
leges within reach of all in the present day meet 
with Mr. Gramly's entire approval, and he has 
done all in his power to further them. In the 
summer of 1848 he taught a subscription school, 
and then attended Mifflinburg Academy for eight- 
een weeks, preparing for better work in his 
chosen profession. His next school was in his 
home district, where many of his former mates 
were pupils. The first blackboard ever placed in 
a school in Miles township, Centre county, was 
secured through his efforts for the benefit of his 
scholars. In the spring of 1849 Mr. Gramly 
spent another term of ten weeks at the academy 
in Mifflinburg, and during the winter term of 
1849-50 he taught in the home school. From 



370 



OOMMEMORA TIVB BIOGBAPMCAL RECORD. 



this time on he taught regularly till the spring of 

!, when he renin farm of his fathi 

and while cultivating that in summer continued 
his former work in winter till the spring of 1870. 
[n the meantime he mastered sun j private 

study, and when competent found plenty of work 
to do in that line. He bought the farm upon 
which he lived, and in 1875 purchased another 
home with a small piece of land in Rockville, 

inty, where lie resided until 18 
when he removed to his present home in Rebers- 
burg. He still owns the two properties near that 
town, and is accounted one of the substantial 
men of the locality. For twenty- live years he 
iresented the Centre Hall Mutual Insur- 
ance Co. at that place. 

( >n August 7, 1849, Mr. Gramly was married 
in Aaronsburg, to Miss Sarah J. Smull, a native 
of Miles township, Centre county, born March 
15, 1832, and a daughter of Henrv Smull. Seven 
children were born of this union, namely: Isa- 
bella and Tiras J. died in infancy; Prof. Cephas 
L. is mentioned elsewhere; Titus M. is in the 
creariiery business at Spring Mills; Naomi J. 
married Charles Heckman, of Clinton county. 
Clement II. is a farmer at the old homestead in 
Miles township, Centre county; Ada E. married 
William T. Hubler, and resides at the old home- 
stead. Mr. Gramly has spent money liberally to 
educate his children, who have shown their ap- 
preciation by making good use of their opportuni- 
ties. The mother of this family died May 
[4, 1880, and was buried at Rebersburg. Mr 
Gramly has since married a second wife, Mrs. 
Catherine A. Ocker, daughter of Daniel Spang- 
ler, of Union county, and widow of the late Will- 
iam ( )cker, of Snyder county. 

In his political views Mr. Gramly is a pro- 
nounced Republican, although he was a demo- 
crat until Lincoln's first term. In 1870 he was 
chosen county commissioner of Centre count\ . 
and served nearly three years; in 1869 he was 
elected justice of the peace, which office he has 
held for fifteen years, despite the fact that his 
township is the most strongly Democratic of any 
in the county. Marly in life he united with the 
Lutheran Church, for fort) years was secretary 
of the society, and at present he is an elder. He 
has always been active in the Sunday-school, in 
which he held the office of superintendent thirty- 
four years. 



■fwTILLIAM PEALER. IVnn's Valley can 
JuM. justly lay claim to the title of the " Gar- 
den Spot of Centre county ;"which is indeed freely 
accorded her by any one who has viewed the 



charming ry dotted with beautiful homes 

and productive farms. With the same consist- 
ency that locality can claim among her merchants 
some of the best business men in thecounty, and 
to substantiate this claim, we introduce a bio- 
graphical sketch of a man who, beginning his 
1> 1 ismess career as a poor though honest and am- 
bitious youth, his win] for himself full right to 
this classification. 

William Pealer, of Spring Mills, was born 
near Hublersburg, Penn., April 24, 1844, the son 
of Daniel and Elizabeth (Dunkle) l'ealer. His 
father was a native of Northampton county, 
Penn., and being the son of poor parents, his 
schooling was very limited — what instruction he 
had being all in German. At the age of eighteen 
he went to Nittany Valley, and worked as a farm 
hand, having never learned a trade. He was 
married in early manhood, in Centre county, his 
wife being a native of Walker township, and 
daughter of Henry Dunkle, a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and one of the leading citizens of that lo- 
cality. They lived for some time on rented 
property, but after a few years Mr. Pealer v 
able to purchase a home and a few acres of lain). 
with a sawmill, which he carried on in connec- 
tion with his little farm. In 1 856 he sold this pi 
and bought a tract of eighty acres of land in it~ 
primitive condition with not even a log cabin on 
it. This he cleared and improved, erecting a 
dwelling house and other buildings, and he lived 
there until after the death of his wife, when for 
a few years he resided in Lock Haven. His 
wife died at the age of fifty-six, but he was in his 
seventy-third year when he was called from earth. 
They now sleep in Snydertown cemetery. Both 
were devout Christians, Mr. Pealer being a Luth- 
eran and his wife belonging to the Reforn 
Church. He was always prominent in religious 
work, and. held various offices in the Church. In 
politics he was a Democrat, but while he had 
I for his party he was no office seeker. 
He served as school director in his township, 
however, his interest in education making him 
an earnest supporter of the schools. He was a 
hard-working man, and although he started poor, 
and lived an honest life, he gained a compe- 
tence. ( >ur subject is the second in the family 
of three children — Henry the eldest, is a car- 
penter and contractor at Kockford, III. ; Mary, 
the youngest of the trio, is now the widow 
Dennis Darner, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

The subject of this sketch first attended scho I 
at the "Stone School House'' near Hublersburg, 
his first teacher being Allen Bartholomew; later 
he pin sued his studies at the Snydertown scb 
but in those times the sessions lasted only a few 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



371 



months each year, and the instruction was greatly 
inferior to that in schools of similar grades at this 
day. He worked at home while attending school ; 
but when he was twelve years old the removal of 
the family to the new farm in the woods brought 
extra work and seemingly ended his chances for 
study. His desire for a better education was not 
to be thwarted, for he worked at lumbering in 
the woods for some time, and with the hard- 
earned money thus gained he paid his expenses 
at more advanced schools. 

His fellow workmen used to laugh at him for 
spending his earnings on schooling, and often 
suggested that a horse and buggy would do him 
more good. But the clever boy knew better, 
and kept steadily to his purpose. He attended 
a select school at Jacksonville, and later the 
academy at Pine Grove, preparing himself for 
teaching, which he followed successfully at War- 
rior's Mark, Huntingdon county, Penn., one term; 
Milesburg, Penn., one term; and Eagleville, 
Penn., two terms, having charge of the grammar 
school in the latter place. While the occupation 
was congenial, it had its disadvantages, and he 
began to look out for a profession that furnished 
employment twelve months in the year, and 
where better wages and greater chances for ad- 
vancement could be found. On September 22, 
1868, he entered the general store of Jared B. 
Fisher, at Penn Hall, Penn., as a clerk, and re- 
mained three and one-half years. He then took 
a similar position with R. H. Duncan, at Spring 
Mills (a general merchant), but soon after re- 
turned to his former employer at increased wages, 
taking a more responsible position, that of book- 
keeper and general superintendent of the entire 
business. This position he held ten years, when 
he resigned in order to go into business for him- 
self. Having by his courteous treatment and 
obliging manner won a host of friends, he speed- 
ily attracted a large and profitable trade. In 
1882, he associated himself with J. D. Long, un- 
der the firm name of Pealer & Long, and carried 
on a general mercantile business at Spring Mills, 
but after one year the partnership was dissolved. 
In 1884 he began business at his present stand 
(then a rented building), and has ever since con- 
ducted one of the largest and leading mercantile 
houses of Penn's Valley, his stock being extensive 
and well-selected. His thorough knowledge of 
his business, his close attention to detail, his 
sound judgment in planning and energy in execu- 
tion have gained him an enviable reputation in 
financial circles, and his advice is frequently 
sought in important movements. Honest in 
every way, there is no transaction of his in which 
the slightest tinge of dishonesty or unfairness can 



be found. A handsome fortune has rewarded his 
efforts. He owns eighty-two acres of excellent 
farming land in Gregg township, and also the old 
homestead of his parents in Nittany Valley, as 
well as his store building at Spring Mills, and his 
pleasant residence in the same place. He owns 
stock in and is a director of the Millheim Tele- 
phone Company, the Lewisburg & Tyrone rail- 
way, and in a Building and Loan Association; he 
also loans money on security. As a further safe- 
guard against disaster he carries $5,000 life insur- 
ance, paid up. 

Mr. Pealer was married in Aaronsburg, in 
1872, to Miss Jane E. Leitzel, a native of Gregg 
township, Centre county, and daughter of Philip 
Leitzel, a well-known citizen. They have no 
children. In local affairs, Mr. Pealer is a loyal 
friend to progress. He is a devout member of 
the Lutheran Church, contributing liberally, and 
he has held various offices in the Church and 
Sabbath-school. As a stanch Democrat Mr. 
Pealer has always been active in the interests of 
his party, but he is not a politician. He has 
filled creditably such township offices as auditor 
and assessor, and has served as school director 
in his district. Owing to popularity he was ap- 
pointed to fill the unexpired term of a former Re- 
publican postmaster at Spring Mills, and this 
service under a Republican administration was 
followed by an appointment as a Democrat to the 
same position during Cleveland's first term. On 
May 20, 1893, he was again appointed, and is 
now serving with characteristic ability and faith- 
fulness. 



0\EORGE H. LEYMAN needs no special in- 
_ f troduction to the readers of this volume. 
No man in Centre county has been more promi- 
nently identified with the agricultural and polit- 
ical history of the community, or has taken a 
more active part in its upbuilding and progress. 
He is one of the extensive and energetic farmers 
of the county, his own place being pleasantly lo- 
cated in Boggs township. 

A native of Centre county, Mr. Leyman was 
born June 22, 1843, at Mt. Eagle, Howard town- 
ship, and the birth of his father, John Leyman, 
occurred in the same county in 181 1. For many 
years the latter engaged in cabinet-making and 
carpentering in Mt. Eagle, and also extensively 
followed contracting, framing the Bald Eagle 
Navigation Company's canal. He took quite a 
prominent part in public affairs, served in several 
township offices, and was an ardent Democrat in 
politics. At Salona, Clinton Co., Penn., he was 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy McGee, born 



872 



COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in Ireland in 1813, a daughter "1 Thomas and 
Ellen 1 Kilpati it ' | Mi G also boi n in 

that country, whence, in [822, they came to the 
New World, locating in Ohio, where the father's 
red. Later the mother removed to 
Clinton county, Penn., v 

Ha and in 1854 shi The 

paternal grandp of our subject, Micl 

and Rachel (Neal) Leyman, were natives of l'hil- 

Iphia and Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn., 

pectively. A they beca 

idents ol ( entn county, where they spent their 

aining daj - The grandfather was a cab 
makei b) occupation, and as a Revolutioi 

aliantly fought with a small 
the battle "I Brandywim 

Our subject is the third in order of birth in 
the family ol ten sons and one daughter, the 
others being Robert, now I; Franklin, 

who is n '>il business at Titusville, 

n. ; Henry, who died in infancy; Michael M., 
at. Penn. ; Mary, wifi 
ol Lebanon, Penn.; Thomas, who died in 1 : 
William, a merchant ■ •! Bradford City, Penn.; 
[ames 1 1 . an engii Austin, Penn. ; and 

is in the oil 1 111 Indi 

: died in < >ctobi r, 1 887, a faithful 
1 ol the Methodist Church; the father 
■ d awaj I ehi ii.H y 1 <i. 1 
Sin e H. 

man has been dependent upon his own 
son' il on 

his bus 

d. lie then purchased the " I 

which he ran until 1 861 , w hen the 
He then went to th 
11, \ enai 

turning t" 
nty from la He then 

d hi-- present beautiful homi : 170 

es, to the culth ation and im] t ol 

whii his tin' 

tion. I >wns three other gi is in 

I • nty, and is a most skillful and thor- 

h agricultui 1 

In 1866 Mr. Leyman was married to Miss 
Annie Graham, who died in 
twenty-four daughter, I 

now the will' of fobn C arson, of [ohnsonburg, 
Penn. On Jul) 4. 1869, in 1 attaraugus county, 
N. Y. , Mr. Leymai Miss An 

,i. who w as bi 'in fune 27, 1 84; 
1 ille, N. Y . ix children born 

his union but one survi\ e 
Deo and Emily M. 

both deceased, and the others died in infancy. 
Mrs the daughter ol Daniel and l 



ily (Bowan) Meacham, natives of Cattaraugus 
nty, N. Y., where the father, who was a gen- 
eral fanner and dairyman, was accidentally killed 
1>\ a threshing machine in 1876. His wid 
who still resides on the old homestead farm in 
rk Mate, was born March 30, 1825, and 
is the mother of ten children, as follows: Louisa, 
wife of C. C.reene, of New York; Recinna, wife 
H. Hopkins, of the America; 

Lewis 1)., of New York; Janet, wife of 1 >. Milks, 
of New York; fosia A., wife ol L. | I the 

same Mate; Altha, wife of F. Chamberlain 
York; and three that died in infancy. 
Politii ally, Mr. Le) man upportei 

of Democratic princi] 

; he popular chairman 
tral committee of his party, in wl 
taki He is 

a p I and influential citizen, 1 heerfully 

giving In-- suppi Tt to I hi 
public development, and with hardly an 
ception he has 1 nected with every inter- 

that has prom neral \\ : His 

name is a synonym for honorabli leal- 

ing, dways mentioned a- one of the 

in\ aluable citizens ol nty. 



J (MIX GOWLAND, id Manu- 

at Phi ntre 

in- of the leading foundrymen as 
well as an active and influential polil ; ker. 

lie is ;i native of Engla id ire many ol 

minent citizens; but as he was but two years 
old when he crossed the ocean the (hums of the 
mo'' Intry are but light. Certainly t. 

ts no more loyal American than h 
proved by h i\ ice in the | 

durii 

born at Middlesbon 
Yorl shi) 47. and ind- 

William Gowland, a railroad contra' 
who constructed the first railway in England, the 
line extending from Darlington t" Stockton, 
lost his life through an ex| 
thew Gowland, our subject's father, was I 
May 12, 1825 at Dai n, in th 

'in'', England, and became a machinist 
He married M 
native of Stockt' m, Yi 11 kshii 
tember 1 . 1 82 1. I one to America in 

1S49, ai 'i South 

I ' bruary 8, 1 851 », the) came to \\ uT 
■ :. Penn., from there to Philipsburg to 
Matthew Gorland establishing '"In 

and machine shop there, and carrying on b 
sfully until his death, which 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



373 



red July 10, 1889. He was a leading mem- 
ber of the Episcopal Church, and in his political 
views was a Republican. Mrs. Jane Gowland is 
still living and, notwithstanding her advanced 
age, is in excellent health. Of rive children, our 
subject is the eldest. (2) Jane Anne, wife of 
Thornton G. Dunkle, resides in Ninth street, 
Philipsburg, Penn. ; (3) Francis D., born at 
Williamsport, April 28, 1S55, is foreman in the 
Gowland Manufacturing Company's shop; (4) 
George A., born May 29, i860, died September 
9, 1885; (5) Fred, born December 18, 1861, is 
engaged in the plumbing and steam-fitting busi- 
ness at Philipsburg. 

John Gowland attended the schools of Will- 
iamsport during boyhood, and learned the ma- 
chinist's trade there. As a youth of seventeen 
he shouldered a musket during the dark ages of 
the Civil war, enlisting February 8, 1864, in 
Company G, 8th P. V. C. , which was consoli- 
dated at Lynchburg, Va., June 24, 1865, with 
Company M, 16th P. V. C, and mustered out 
of service at Richmond, August 11, 1865. Mr. 
Gowland saw some hard fighting, taking part in 
the battle of the Wilderness and in the final 
campaign which ended with Lee's surrender. 
For a time after his return he worked at his 
trade in the West Branch Iron Works at Will- 
iamsport, and February 8, 1869, he went to 
Philipsburg to go into business with his father. 
Since the latter's death the foundry and machine 
shop have been conducted under the present linn 
name. 

On December 23, 1869, Mr. Gowland was 
married at Fairport, Monroe Co., N. Y. , to Miss 
Alice A. La Ransieur, a native of Clyde, N. Y. , 
born January 12, 1850. They have two chil- 
dren: (1) Matthew Francis, born December 4, 
1870, a machinist in his father's shop, married 
Miss Bessie Ratcliffe, and has two children- 
John and Alice M. ; (2) Alice Jane, born Febru- 
ary 24, 1878, is at home. Mrs. Gowland is a 
Presbyterian in religious faith, but our subject is 
an Episcopalian. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and his advice is esteemed in the party coun- 
cils. On May 15, 1884, he was appointed to 
the office of postmaster at Philipsburg, by Presi- 
dent Arthur, and served until June 30, 1888. 
For one year he held the office of burgess of the 
city, and since that has been a member of the 
city council. He is also president of the board 
of health of Philipsburg. Five years ago he be- 
came identified with the Ancient and Illustrious 
Order of the Knights of Malta of the Continent 
of America, with headquarters at Glasgow, Scot- 
land. At present he is Deputy Grand Com- 
mander, and he was a delegate to the Supreme 



Grand Commandery which convened at Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Octo- 
ber, 1896. He is also a member of the G. A. R., 
John W. Gerry Post No. 90, of Philipsburg, and 
served as quartermaster two years, and also as 
commander of the Post two years. In the Knights 
of Malta he is at present Grand Generalissimo of 
the order in Pennsylvania, and was one of the 
supreme representatives of the order to Boston 
in October, 1897. 



H 



1 P. SANKEY. It would be difficult to find 
in Potter township a man who has more 
friends than this gentleman, who has spent his 
entire life here, and has' so lived as to win the 
high regard of all. In an old log-house, which 
was weatherboarded and painted red, and which 
stood on his present farm, he was born June 19, 
1834. Different branches of the family claimed 
descent from French, English and Scotch ances- 
try, and probably there flows in the veins of the 
progeny the blood of all these races. Thomas 
Sankey, the great-grandfather of our subject, 
was the first to locate on the farm which the lat- 
ter now owns. He died in 1797, and his will, 
which is dated August 17, 1794, and was recorded 
at Lewistown, Penn. , is now in the possession of 
H. P. Sankey. 

Jeremiah Sankey (grandfather of our sub- 
ject), and his brother Thomas, purchased the 
old family homestead, on which their father had 
located, buying the same in 1802 from the exec- 
utors of the estate of Gen. James Potter. The 
grandfather started out in life a poor man, but 
after a few years purchased his brother's interest 
in the farm, and later became an extensive and 
successful agriculturist. He married Margaret 
Neil, and they now rest in Centre Hill cemetery, 
the grandfather dying when about sixty years 
of age. 

James Sankey, the eldest son of the family, 
was born in Potter township, Centre county, in 
1 798. He was married in his native township 
to Rebecca Pennington, who was born in Potter 
township, in 1802, a daughter of Henry and 
Margaret Pennington. They began their do- 
mestic life in the Nittany Valley, near Salona, 
where James Sankey and his father purchased a 
farm. About six years later he removed to Pot- 
ter township to occupy the old homestead, which 
was left vacant by his father's death, and there 
he remained until he, too, was called to the 
home beyond, June 10, 1868. His wife died 
December 20, 1887, and they were buried in 
Sprucetown cemetery. In politics he was a 
Democrat until the organization of the Know- 



874 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL BE( <>HD. 






Nothing party. When the Republican party 
sprang into existence he joined its ranks and con- 
tinned as one of its supporters through his re- 
maining days. During the war he was a loyal 
and stanch Unionist. I ears prior to 

his death he was an invalid. In religious belief 
he was a Methodist, took a very active part in 
the local work of that denomination, and held a 
number of official positions in the Church. 

The children of fames Sankey were as fol- 
lows: Mary A., who died in childhood; an infant 
daughter, who died unnamed; Sarah C. , who 
married Adam Stahl, and died at Potters Mills; 
Rebecca, who bei ame the wife of John Wolf, and 
died in Potter township; Nancy [., deceased; 
James W., who served in Company G, 49th 
1' V. I., and is now in Humbolt county, Iowa; 
II P., of this review; Jeremiah A., who served 
in Compaq I, [48th P. V. I., and died at City 
Point, Perm. ; Robert A., who served for three 
months in an emergency company during the 
( ivil war, and is now an attorney of Wichita, 
Kans ; Isaac P., who died at the age of nineteen 
years; Mary M., wife of Leonard Rhone, of Pot- 
tei township; and John E . who died in infancy. 
The history of the Sankey family cannot fail 
to prove of interest to many of our readers, for 
its representatives have been connected with the 

his 1 inty for re than a century). 

II. P. Sankey has likewise been a prominent res- 
ident "i the community, and is looked upon s 
leader in questions that concern the public wel- 
fare. He began his education m an old school 
house, long since destroyed, in Potters Mills, his 
first teacher being John Gilliland. After leaving 
the common he spent .1 year in stud) in 

Mount View Academy, at Potters Mills, after 
which he began teaching in Potter township, 
h.i\ ing 1 harge 1 1! .1 four-monl » >1. Subse- 

quently he attended s< hool m W'illiamsport , and 
throughout his life he has added to his knowl- 
edge by extensive reading, 1 arryinghi n hes 
far into the fields '.I literature. He is a man 
oi scholarly tastes, ol retentive memory, >tn 

mentality and br I general information. He 

remained at home until his enlistment in the 
I in.. n army, April 10, r86i. Hardly had the 
thunder of Fort Sumter's guns ceased ere he 
offered his service to his country, and throughout 
the war he was a valiant defender of tl ion's 

honor. He met the enemy on one battlefield, 
was taken prisoner, and confined in Confederate 
military prisons for one year; histermoi service 
1 soldier was fourteen months. Returning to 
his home, he was married, October 10, 1 S65, in 
Potter township, to Elizabeth E, Rhone, who 
was horn in Potter township. October 12, 1N41. 



a daughter of Jacob and Sarah 1 Kerstetter) 
Rhone. On April 1, 1 .X66, they moved to their 
their present home, and the following children 
have come to bless their union: Edith M., a 
graduate of Lutherville Seminary; James A . 
who operates the home farm; Mabel S., a teacher; 
and Marcellus A., a student in the Lock Haven 
Normal School. The family occupy a high po- 
sition in social circles, and one of the charms of 
their home is its free-hearted hospitality. 

For four years Mr. Sankey has been unable 
to attend to the duties of the farm owing to ill 
health, resulting from hardships which he en- 
dured as a prisoner of war. but he gives to the 
farm his careful supervision, and its business in- 

-ts are ably managed. In politics he is a 
Republican with Prohibition proclivities, and is 
well informed on the issues ol the daw He I 
held various offices in Chin 1 h .md Sunday-si hool, 
and he and his family are prominent in Church 
work. Few men in Potter township are more 
widely known than Mr. Sankey. and he com- 
mands the highest respect of all. He is a man 
ol the >trictest integrity, benevolent and kindly, 
and his life has been ever upright and true. 



JAMES C. CONDO, a blacksmith and w; 
and carnage dealer, of Penn Hall. Centre coun- 
ty, is a representative of one of theold families 
ol Penn's Valley. He was born in Gregg town- 
ship. Centre county, April 23, 1851, the see 
s.n and third child of Daniel and Sarah (Lutz) 
Condo. His grandfather, Daniel Condo, was a 
blacksmith by trade, but in the latter part of his 
life followed farming. He held membership 111 
the Lutheran Church, and in politics was a stanch 
Whig. He died of typhoid fever in Penn Hall. His 
children were: Jacob, a blacksmith, of Illiii 
I nine, who died in ( entre Hall; Daniel; Eli 
who was killed in the army; John who died in 
Calil Emanuel, who started to return fi 

the gold fields, and was never heard from again 

ph, who died in Penn I [all; Susan, 
Philip Musser; Polly, deceased wife of R 
Kreamer; Rebec Da [Swartz; Lydia, 

wife of George Musser. of Illinois; Sarah, widow 
ol Christian Musser. of Ohio; and Mrs. R 
Pricker, ol Boalsburg, Centre county. 

tiel Condo, the father of our subject, was 
born in Gregg township, April 29, 1822, attend 
the common schools and learned the blacksmitl 
trade. He was married in September, 1843, '" 
Rebecca Shreffrer, born November 1;. 
I hev had two children: One died in in! 
and Jared P., bom February 4, [844, servi 
in the Union army, and is now a blacksmith and 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



375 



weaver of Spring Mills. The mother died April 
20, 1 846, and the father on March 4, 1847, married 
Sarah Lutz, who was born in Haines township, 
Centre county, March 22, 1826, a daughter of 
Jacob and Catharine (Stover) Lutz. Mr. and 
Mrs. Condo became the parents of the following 
named children: Cyrus, of California, was born 
April 10, 1848; Harriet C. , born January 2, 
1850, is the wife of Amos Koch, of Ferguson 
township, Centre county; James C. ; Susan M., 
born January 5, 1854, died in September, 1869; 
John P., born August 11, 1855, is ex-sheriff of 
Centre county; Lot, a blacksmith of Potters 
Mills, was born September 10, 1857; Jonas was 
born January 6, i860; Daniel H., born July 18, 
1862, died October 6, 1869; Sarah R., born 
January 26, 1867, died October 29, 1869; Mary 
L., born January 19, 1869, is now the wife of J. 
\V. Rouch, of Penn township; and Adeline, born 
in September, 1871, died in January, 1872. 

The father of this family followed blacksmith- 
ing in Penn Hall and Spring Mills. In 1847 he 
located in George's Valley, and during the Civil 
war he served in the Union army nearly three 
years. He followed blacksmithing until the day 
before his death, which was occasioned by heart 
disease and occurred February 1 1, 1871. Hebe- 
longed to the Lutheran Church, and in politics 
was a Whig and Republican. His wife has been a 
member of the Reformed Church since the age 
of eighteen years. For five years after her hus- 
band's death she lived in George's Valley, and has 
since made her home among her children. 

James C. Condo, whose name introduces this 
sketch, began his education under the direction 
of Frederick Jamison, and after completing his 
elementary studies in the district schools became 
a student in Penn Hall Academy. He remained 
at home until 1862, when his father and half- 
brother went to the army, and he started out in 
life for himself, although only eleven years of 
age. He worked as an errand and stable boy 
around a hotel in Penn Hall, and in the winter 
of 1863-64 was employed by George Dale, near 
Lemont. While thus engaged a horse fell on the 
lad's left leg, breaking the bone in two places, 
and he was disabled for almost a year in conse- 
quence. When he had recovered he began 
learning the blacksmith's trade in his father's 
shop, but before he had completed his appren- 
j ticeship his father died. He then went to Haines 
I township, Centre county, and entered the employ 
of Squire Hosterman, who also died a few 
months later. Mr. Condo afterward went to 
Woodward, where he worked a few months for 
Mr. Miller, and then entered the employ of 
Daniel Geary, of Penn township. Subsequently 



he purchased his employer's shop, and for ten 
years engaged in blacksmithing there. He was 
very energetic, and the excellent quality of his 
work secured him a liberal patronage. When 
the old Condo homestead was for sale he pur- 
chased that property, thus providing a home for 
his mother and the younger children of the 
family. In March, 1S79, he purchased the prop- 
erty of J. B. Fisher, of Penn Hall, and has since 
retained his residence and smithy there. 

In November, 1875, in Aaronsburg, Mr. 
Condo married Miss Jennie Wolf, of Penn town- 
ship, daughter of William and Catharine (Kramer) 
Wolf, and a native of Miles township, Centre 
county. Five children bless their union: Carrie 
M., Clara L., Ella V., Charles F. and Sarah C, 
and the family circle yet remains unbroken. Mr. 
Condo votes with the Democratic party on State 
and National elections, but at local elections, 
where no issue is involved, he pays no regard to 
party ties. He has served as clerk of his town- 
ship several terms. Socially, he belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity of Centre Hall, and in religious 
faith he is identified with the Reformed Church. 
His life has been successful, and he may well be 
proud of his achievements, for his prosperity is 
the just reward of his own labors. 



JW. HARTER, a substantial and valued cit- 
izen of Rebersburg, Centre county, is a na- 
tive of the county, having been born in Gregg 
township, April 5, 1855, and is a worthy repre- 
sentative of an honored pioneer family of the 
county, which is of German origin. His great- 
grandfather, Andrew Harter, who lived one mile 
south of Aaronsburg, was a farmer by occupation 
and a large landowner. In religious belief he was 
a Lutheran and in politics he was a Democrat. 
His death occurred in 1844, while his wife, who 
bore the maiden name of Julia Moyer, died a few 
years previously, and both were interred in the 
Aaronsburg cemetery. In their family were John, 
Jacob, Mrs. Julia Moyer, George, Andrew and 
William, all now deceased. 

John Harter, the grandfather of our subject, 
was born on a farm south of Aaronsburg, and in 
that village was educated. He married Barbara 
Musser, a daughter of Philip Musser, a farmer 
living near the cemetery at Millheim, Centre 
county, and they became the parents of six chil- 
dren; Sarah, Katie and Mollie, who all died when 
young; Annie, who died of diphtheria, at the age 
of twenty years; Mrs. Rebecca McCool, who is 
living at Spring Mills, Centre county; and Sam- 
uel, the father of our subject. For twenty-one 
years the grandfather operated a rented farm be- 



876 



OOMMEMORA II VH BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



loiifiintc to James Duncan, but the last ele 
years of his life weri upon a farm of 133 

acres near Spring Mills, which he purchased ami 

itly improved. He was entirely a self-made 
man, whose sue hie t<> his own 

1 work hastened his death, 
whii : ilitically In- was iden- 

:d with 1. D icratic party, and in religious 
belief hi r of the Penn's 

Creek Lutheran Church, in which he was an 
officeholder. His faithful wife survived him only 
about sr 

The birth of Samuel Harter, the father of our 

1 |, 1 832, tv." m 
and >t "t Millheim, and in the 

scho Hickman's cemetery he began his 

ication, which he completed in the Beaver 

k, to which he had to 
walk a of two miles. At the age of 

twenty-om h was unit irriage with Miss 

I .ydia Ann I LUghter of William 
Catharini (Ha terman) Grove, who lived upon 
the farm where Mr. Harternow makes his home. 
Five children were born of this union, nam 
|ohn W., of th Alice, d d wife of 
Philip Auman, \ ring Mil | ired 
Howard who married Louise Breon, 
and died <>t typhoid fever in 1 ra, who 
married Minnie ,. and h pon .1 fai m 

athei innie R. . \\ ife <>f Calvin 

Finkle, alsi living near Mr. Hai 

r until his father's death. 
Samuel Harl farm, and a 

t $51 ' per acre. Subse- 
quently he bought 1 , upon which he now 
resides, and in addition also ow timber- 
land. He i 'tin 1 >emo- 
cratie parts, and has been called upon to till 
ral ffii 1 ir and trust, including 

tile 

schi A sincere and 1 hristian, 

In- is a prominent memi Church 

in < ■ ■ illey. 

'-■■■ nship fur- 
nished our subject his educational privileges, and 
his first teacher was F. F. Jamison, He 1" 
his bu by clerking in the gen 

store ol Shook Brothers, at Farmers Mills, for $96 
per year and board, and there he remained for 
over a i then spent a short lime on his 

father's 1. 11111, alter which hi for a 

year and a half in the general store "f T. I. 

II m 11, ill Logan Mills, Clinton i . Penn. Re- 
turning to 1 r county, bi d in 
clerking for the same length <>f time foi I iedler 
& K'unkle. and after a short time spent at home 
he accepted a position in the general store of 



Whitmer & Co. , at Spring Mills. Subsequently 

he made a trip to the West, visiting portions of 
Ohio, Illinois, Iowa and Michigan, and shortly 
after his return home, in the fall of 1883, came 
to Rebersburg, where he entered the employ of 
C. C. Loose as clerk. In February. [886, he 
purcha >ed the stock of Ins employer, and con- 
ducted the store alone until February. 1888, when 
Mr. Loose bought back a half interest. ( >wing 
to ill health Mr. Harter was compelled to give 
up 11 ; id in 1 I ol his 

interest in the store, since which lime he has 
principally devoted his attention to the lumber 
and stock business. On April 1, iS'M. he had 
Ins store room and residence destroyed by tire, 
but the same year I the best 

homes in Rebersburg, and the yeai tallowing 
completed the best business block in Brush Val- 
ley, which is also located in Rebersburg. He is 
wide-awake business man of 
known reliability, and his success is but tin- just 
reward of his untiring labor. On April 1 : 
he a .ness in Re- 

bersburg, under the firm name of Harter, M 
11s & Co. 

On June 7, 1887, Mr, Harter was marri 
Mi- - bit A. Wolfe, a daughter of John and Sarah 
(Kreamer) \\ id they now have one' child. 

— Ethel W., born July The parents 

are both consistent members of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he is serving as deacon and 
sistant superintendent of the Sabbath-scho 
He is a chartei Rebersburg I 

No. 1031, I. O. 0. F., and is at 
cate of Democratic principles, on which ticket 
he wasi 1. Like his ancestors, he 

is held in the highest regard by all who have the 
pleasure of Ins acquaintance, and as on 
highly respected and citizens of the coun- 

ty, we take' pleasure in presenting; th 
his life to our readers, knowing that it will In 
<1 with interest by his many friends. 



C SUMNER MUSSER, M. I» . ol Aai 
bin ne counts, 

physicians of 1'' tin's \ all \ . and in the thoi 
if his preparation for the profession fai 
ranks the practitioners usually found in a 
town. To an extended (■ Study in differ- 

ed nt institutions in this country there has 
added the advantage of observation in the h 

1 urope, thus developing nati 
which bad already shown themselves in an 
choice of this arduous profession. 

Dr. Musser was bom at Millheim, 
county, November 10. 1856, and is a descendant 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



377 



of one of the pioneer families of Pennsylvania, 
his ancestors having come from Germany during 
the Colonial period to settle in Linn township, 
Northampton county. The first of this branch 
of the family to locate in Penn's Valley were 
Philip Musser (the great-grandfather of our sub- 
ject) and a brother, Sebastian, to whom numer- 
ous descendants trace their lineage. According 
to the best authority, in the year 1789 Philip 
Musser located upon a farm in Gregg township, 
Centre county, where he remained until his 
death, July 19, 1804. He left eight children- 
live daughters and three sons — the names of the 
latter being: Philip, Jr., David and John. 

Philip Musser, Jr., the grandfather of our 
subject, was the eldest child, and, like his fa- 
ther, became a tiller of the soil, locating in Gregg 
township, Centre county, two miles east of 
Spring Mills, where he died in 1834. He was 
twice married, the first time to a Miss Kreamer, 
daughter of Daniel Kreamer, the founder of the 
old family of that name in Penn's Valley. She 
bore three children, one son, Samuel, and two 
daughters. His second wife, to whom he was 
married in November, 1827, was Mrs. Catherine 
Stover, a widow, daughter of Joseph Reichard, 
who had settled near Millheim. Among the 
children of this union were Philip T. , who is 
mentioned below; and Rachel, who married 
John Lord, and died November 6, 1863, without 
issue. 

Dr. Philip T. Musser, our subject's father, 
was the eldest son of his parents, and as he was 
only six years old when his father died, he, dur- 
ing his boyhood, made his home with his half- 
brother, Samuel. Reared upon a farm, his early 
education was limited to the subscription schools 
of the day, and it was not until 1847 that he began 
to attend school at Mifflinburg, where he spent 
two years. Having been thrown upon his own 
resources, he had a hard battle to fight, but he 
made his way manfully to the goal of his ambi- 
tion. His acute and active intellect enabled 
him to secure a good elementary education, 
notwithstanding his disadvantages, and then, 
under an excellent preceptor, Dr. Robert Van- 
Valzah, of Millheim, he in 1850 began to qualify 
himself for the laborious and exacting duties of 
the medical profession, and in 1853 he was grad- 
uated from Jefferson Medical College, at Phila- 
delphia. Until 1 86 1 he practiced with his pre- 
ceptor, and in 1866 he located in Aaronsburg, 
where he built up an extensive practice, which 
continued until his death, December 31, 1889. 
While he stood high in his profession, he was no 
less prominent as a citizen. An ardent Abolition- 
ist, he became a steadfast supporter of the Re- 



publican party, but he never sought political 
office for himself. During the war his influence 
was felt upon the loyal side, and it was not 
through a lack of patriotism that he did not go 
to the front in person, but although he volun- 
teered his services as a surgeon, and was com- 
missioned by Gov. Curtin, he was finally rejected 
on account of his frail physique. 

On November 30, 1854, Dr. Philip T. Musser 
was married, in Millheim, to Miss Mary J. Mum- 
bauer, who was born in Penn township, Centre 
county, January 2, 1832, the only child of Peter 
and Mary (Krumrine) Mumbauer, who both died 
at Aaronsburg and were buried there. Her fa- 
ther came from Bucks county. Penn., to this sec- 
tion in early life, and became an extensive farmer 
and a representative citizen. Mrs. Musser is still 
living at the family residence at Aaronsburg, a 
comfortable home, and is one of the most highly 
respected residents of that place. Three children 
also survive, to whom were given every educa- 
tional advantage which could be obtained, the fa- 
ther thinking no sacrifice too great which would 
secure for them the opportunities which he had 
vainly desired for himself. His efforts in their 
behalf were not wasted, and all occupy honorable 
and useful positions in society. The eldest, Ella, 
was graduated from the female seminary at Lew- 
isburg, Penn. ; she married Rev. A. J. Irey, a 
Baptist minister of Warren, Penn. The young- 
est of the trio, Harvey, is a graduate of Franklin 
and Marshall College, and of the law department 
of Michigan University; he is now a practic- 
ing attorney at Akron, Ohio. 

Dr. Musser was the second child and first son 
of his parents. His education was begun in Mill- 
heim, one of his early teachers being Israel Mus- 
ser. When a lad of ten he accompanied the 
family to Aaronsburg, where he grew to man- 
hood, and the rudimentary education received in 
the common schools of that town was supple- 
mented with a course in the Aaronsburg Academy, 
an excellent institution. He also attended Penn 
Hall Academy, also a popular school. In the 
fall of 1873, he attended Dickinson Seminary, at 
Williamsport, Penn., for two years, and in the 
fall of 1875 he entered Franklin and Marshall 
College, at Lancaster, Penn., and was graduated 
in 1878. In the fall of the same year he began 
his professional studies in the Jefferson Medical 
College, at Philadelphia, and in 1880 received 
his degree of M. D. from that school. Under 
the firm name of P. T. Musser & Son he began 
his practice with his father at Aaronsburg, and 
their partnership lasted until the latter's death. 
In 1882 our subject took a post-graduate course 
at Jefferson Medical College, and in 1884 availed 



:;t~ 



OOMUEMOBA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BBCOBD. 



himself of the opportunity for further study in 

advanced lines at the Philadelphia Polyclinic. 

will be inferred, Dr. Musser is an untiring 

student of his chosen science. In May. 1885, he 
sailed from New York <>n the Red Star liner 
•• Westerland," and on landing at Antwerp he 
proceeded to Vienna, where he spent a year in 
the "Vienna il Hospital " and the Poly- 

clinic. Before his return to the United States 
he visited, as a tourist, other parts of Europe, in- 
cluding 1 I, serin;.; the leading cities ami 
most noted scenery. The voyage home was 
taken on the " Germanic," of the White Star 
line. 

Dr. Musser's progressive spirit is recognized 
among his professional brethren, and he is a wel- 
come member of various societies the Centre 
County Medical Society; the Pennsylvania M 
ical Society; the \\ , 1 I '.1 1, 1 '.]. lical So iety . 
the Northwestern Medical - of Philadel- 

phia; the American Medical Association; and the 
American Academy of Medicine. He was a mem- 
ber of thi' Ninth International Medical Congress, 
which convened in Washington in [887, and of 
the Pan-American Medical Congress in 1893. 
He also belongs to the American Academy of 

ial and Political Science, the headquarters of 
which are at Philadelphia, and at present he is 
one of the consulting staff ol the Philipsburg 
I [1 ispital, a State Institutional Philipsburg, Penn., 
and now (J. S. Examining Surgeon for Pensions 
at Bellefonte, Penn. Socially he is a member 
of the Masonic Lodgi tie Hall, of theC 

manderyal Bellefonte, and of the well-known 
college fraternity. Phi Kappa Psi. So far he has 
not donned the I l\ mental y< ike. 

The Doctor is no politician, but he takes keen 
interest in the success of the Republican princi- 
ple-., and has represented his township at conven- 
tions ami in the central committee of his county, 
win, is sought and heeded 111 ever) 

: gency. 



J\('< >B WAGNER Amon- the reliable 
energetic and successful agriculturists of Pot- 
ter township, Centre county, is the gentle- 
man whose name introduces this sketch. He 
was born m the same township, April >> >. 1- 
a son of Jabob Wagner, sr., whose birth oc- 
curred mar Sunbury, Penn.. August 17, 1803. 
On coming to Centre county the family first 
located in Penn township, where its members 
operated rented land, as they were in rather lim- 
ited circumstances, but I , and dili- 
gem e they became quite well-to-do. 1 
time the grandfather, John Wagner, and his son 



Jacob engaged in farming together in Potter 
township, but la,ter the former removed to Har- 
ris township, where he died at an advanced age. 
There also occurred the death of his wife, who 
bore the maiden name of Catharine Kunsman, and 
both were buried at Boalsburg. They were faithful 
members of the Reformed Church, and in ; 

tics the grandfather was a stalwart Dei rat 

In their family were four children; Henrj 
minister of the Reformed Church, who died in 
Lebanon county, Penn.; Jacob; Elizabeth, who 
married Frederick Krumrine, and died in Fei 
son township, Centre counts-; and John, ol I '■ 
fonte. 

The early advantages of Jacob Wagner, 
were very meagre, and his education was of a 
practical kind and almost wholly self-acquired 
On accompanying his parents to Centre county, 
he was still single, and in Perm's Vallej 
married, January .';, 1834, t ■ Miss Anna Hoster- 
man, who was born in Haines township, C< 
county, June 17, 1808, a daughter of John Hos- 
terman, a farmer by occupation. They had five 
children, namely: Mary E., born December 
[834, died February 23, 1835; John IP. born 

,1, [835, died July 10, 1890, was 
tanner of Potter township, where bis family still 
reside; fac ib is next in order of birth; Catha- 
rine A , bom February [8, 1840, married Sac 

k, ami died in Potter township, September 
20, [865; and Sarah C, born January 14. \t 
is the wife of David I f Centre Hall. ( 

tre county. 

11 after his marriage (about 1835 or 1 
the father came to Potter township, where hi 
gaged in farming with his father f< >r .<■ ime tune, and 
then purchased the entire farm, to which he sub- 
sequently added the Jam farm of seventy- 
five making in all a valuable tract of 
260 acres. Although he went heavily in debt 
imount, he w ry industriou 
in, and si 'on had his farm clear, 
all incumbrance. Upon that place he contin- 
ued to reside until 1859, when he remo\ ed to the 
farm now owned and operated by our sub; 
and repaired ami 1 d all the buildinf 

re his wife died October ;, 1866, and 
buried in Tusseyville. He afterward married 
Mrs. Henry Bittner, whose maiden name ■■ 
Rachel Bingerman, and who did February 

also buried in Tusseyville. In 
the sain 1 air subject now 

the father died very suddenly May 31. i" 
He was an upright, honorable man, free Iron 
ostentation or hypocrisy, and held the office 
deacon in the Reformed Church, to which both 
parents belonged. His political support v 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



379 



ever given the Democratic party, and at one time 
he efficiently served as supervisor of his town- 
ship. 

As a boy, Mr. Wagner, tKe subject proper of 
this review, attended the Tusseysink school, and 
obtained only a district-school education, but he 
made the most of his opportunities, and has be- 
come a well-informed man. He early began to 
assist in the work of the farm, and continued to 
give his father the benefit of his labors until his 
marriage, November 18, 1858, to Miss Susan K. 
Geiss, who was born in Berks county, Penn., 
June 20, 1 841, a daughter of David B. and Sarah 
(Kerlin) Geiss, farming people of Potter town- 
ship. Four children blessed their union: David 
G., born December 17, 1859, is a farmer of 
Will county, 111.; Ida J., born July 11, 1861, 
is the wife of A. E. Kerlin, of Centre Hall, 
Penn. ; William J., born March 16, 1864, is a 
minister of the Lutheran Church, residing in 
Cambria county, Penn. ; and Mary C, born April 
4, 1866, is living in Illinois. 

After his marriage Mr. Wagner located on 
the old homestead, which his father had vacated 
shortly before, and lived there until the spring of 
1867, when the property was divided, and he took 
the northern end of the place. His wife died 
there November 2, 1868, and was buried in the 
Tusseyville cemetery. He then sold his farming 
implements and household goods, and spent one 
summer in Will county, 111., after which he re- 
turned to Pennsylvania. Mr. Wagner was again 
married, August 4, 1870, this time to Miss Cath- 
arine A. Spangler, who was born in Potter town- 
ship, Centre county, October 20, 1841, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Rebecca (Wagner) Spangler. 
Her first teacher was Jane Taylor, who conducted 
the Pine Grove school, where much of her edu- 

! cation was obtained. To Mr. and Mrs. Wagner 
were born five children, namely: James B., born 
February 27, 1872, is engaged as a telegraph 
operator at Linden Hall, Penn.; John K. , born 
March 3, 1874, died August 6, 1890; Susan B., 
born June 4, 1876, died August 13, 1890; E. 
Clayton, born November 21, 1879, and Samuel 
S., born January 31, 1885, are both at home. 
During the winter following his second mar- 

1 riage Mr. Wagner lived in the old stone house on the 

I old homestead farm, and then removed to the place 
where his first wife had died. There he con- 
tinued to reside until the spring of [891, when 
he removed to his present farm in Potter town- 
ship, which he is now successfully managing. 
His landed possessions aggregate 270 acres, di- 
vided into three farms. They are well-improved 

1 and under a high state of cultivation, being in 
keeping with the enterprise and progressive spirit 



of the owner, who justly ranks among the best 
farmers of the community. For years he has 
been an elder and active worker in the Reformed 
Church, while his wife holds membership with 
the United Evangelical Church. Their hospit- 
able home is ever open for the entertainment of 
their many friends, and they receive the respect 
and esteem of all who have the pleasure of their 
acquaintance. Socially Mr. Wagner is a mem- 
ber of the Grange, while politically he is a Dem- 
ocrat, and has been elected school director in his 
township. 



ISAIAH BECK. Among the influential mem- 
bers of the agricultural community of Centre 
county, and one of its most prosperous and prom- 
inent citizens, is the gentleman whose name here 
appears, and who is familiarly known as "Col. 
Beck." He is a well read, accomplished gentle- 
man, one who has made a close study of the 
leading questions and issues of the day, and is 
well informed on all topics of general interest. 

Of German descent, Mr. Beck was born in 
Half Moon, Centre county, April 27, 1843, and 
is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cryder) Beck, 
natives of Huntingdon county, Penn., their births 
having occurred near Warrior's Mark. About 
1800 they came to Centre county, where both 
died, the father in 1883, the mother in the year 
following, and their remains were interred in the 
Lutheran cemetery of Half Moon township. In 
their family were seven children. 

On December 24, 1865, Isaiah Beck was mar- 
ried to Miss Emeline, daughter of Jacob Musser, 
a prominent farmer of Harris township, Centre 
county, and seven children bless their union, as 
follows: (1) Harry E., born December 27, 1866, 
was educated in the schools of Lock Haven and 
Westchester, Penn., the State Normal, and is 
also a graduate of the Pittsburg Business College; 
he now holds the position of bookkeeper for a 
coal company at Osceola, Clearfield Co., 
Penn., where he makes his home; he married 
Minnie Wood, of Coalport, and has two chil- 
dren. (2) Barbara E., born September 12, 1868, 
became the wife of Harry Ebbs, and died June 
12, 1895, leaving two children — Helen and Ma- 
bel. (3) Irene S., born March 18, 1871, is the 
wife of Wilton Dunlap, a Lutheran minister liv- 
ing in Indiana, by whom she has one son. (4) 
John C, born April 11, 1874, married Bessie 
Whippo, and has one son; they live at Osceola 
Mills, Clearfield county. (5) Anna E., born 
November 1, 1875. (6) Malan B. , born Decem- 
ber 28, 1877, and (7) Clyde O. , born May 26, 
1880, are all still at home. 






I OMMBMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Beck 
enlisted durii ivil war in the 22nd Penn- 

sylvania Cavalry, and on the expiration of his 
term of service re-enlisted in the 98th P. V. I. 
When hostilities hai I he returned hi 

with an honorable war record, and has since de- 
voted his time and attention to agricultural pur- 
suits. His tine farm of 160 acres is under a high 
state 1 if cultivation and improved with excellent 
buildings, which stand as monuments to his thrift 
and industr) ,4 he has been a valued 

and prominent m a Luth- 

eran in 1 belief, and in politics supports 

the men ami measures of the Republican party. 
He is a leading and active member of society. 
hon ' respected by the entire community, 

who look upon him as one of their most wide- 
awake farmers and model citizen 



FRANK. T. WALLACE. To a student of 
human nature there is nothing of 

mine into the life of a self- 
made man, and to analyze the principles by 
which he has been governed, the methods he 
pun know whal means he has employed 

for advancement, and to stud}- the plans wl 
him promin nabling him 

highway of life many who have had 
a more' advanta start. Our subject has 

worked his own way upward from a humble be- 
ginning until he is at the head of on 
the important in ttral City, P 
township, Centre county -proprietor of a I 
brick in iv. 

Mr. Wallace w at Toluca, Me 

Ma\ i of Louis and Maria 

Wallace, nativi tin and To- 

luca lively. In the latter place they met 

and married, and there spent their remaining 
days, the father dying in [846, at the agi 
forty- Ir He was a drover and weaver by 

.•on, and both were devout members 

1- In their family were tour 
children: Rosa, Philip. Donaciano and Frank T. 
The paternal grandparents 

both natives of Spain, while the maternal grand- 
parents were born in Mexii E mish extrac- 
tion. 

At the age of thirteen war- Frank T. Wallace 
started out to fight life's battles alone. He came 
to the United Mates, and from [848 until 1850 
l in farming at Penn's Valley, Penn. He 
then served an apprenticeship to the brick-mak- 
ing 3 in the same place, and at the end of 

two years went to the western part of the State, 
where he was thus d some three y< 



Returning to Centre county, he located at Belle- 
fonte, where he contracted in the manufactui 
brick until 1861, in which year he laid aside | 
sonal interes id for three years in Com- 

pany F, Second Penn. Cav., under Capt. P. B 
Wilson, of Bellefonte. ment was or| 

Harrisburg, Penn.. and sent to Wash 
ton. I'. C, where our subject remained until 
honorably discharged December He 

i . in the same company and 
it. and remained in the service until ; 
tilities had ceased He was wounded in the 
head and face, which caused confinement in the 
hospital for two weeks, and the his left 

On August i' he 

was taken prisoner, and was incarcerated in 
Libby prison until September, when he • 

Salisbury, X. C. Three times he made his 
escape, once by digging a tunnel seventy 
Ion-, hut was twice- recaptured. Finally, 
ruarv [I, I J 1 ning his 

. ami re] 
villi ; 

home and v. n a thirty-live .lav- furlough, 

bul ard disci 

At Bellefonte, Peine, February 2, 1858,03 
Re Linn, a Presbyt Mr 

Wallace w Lucy C. CI 

who was hon, I 'it re county. 

March 2 I, and thirteen children w 

to them: William 1'.. Tyrone, a railroad n 
Robert P . Frank and Louis, allot Central ( 
Mary, William C. Pletcher, ol t hart 

n : Margaret, wife of Edward Williams 
1 lag 1 -town. Md. ; Cora J. and 
Ethel, ■ Lock Hai 

Penn. ; and Hariv R., Anna Belle, I ' i and 

Winfield P.. all at home. 

On his return from the war, Mr. Wallace 
uned the manufacture of brick at Willow 
Paul. Bellefonte, hut soon afterward establis 
his present plat ity, wh< 1 

doing a large and prosperous business. H 
sighted, but upright and i 
ble in all his dealing.-, and ha- gained the 
fidence and .•-teem ol all with whom he comes in 

ntact, either in business or in a social wav 
politics he is a pronounced Republican, whili 
ternally he is connected with tin (.rami Am 
the Republic, tl 1:. and the L'nion 

ex-Prisoners of War. An l hristian, he 

is a worthy member ..1 the Presbyterian Church. 
In all the relation- of life, whether public >>r pri- 
vate, he ha- been true to every trust reposed in 
him, ami his loyalty to his adopted countrv 
been manifested in days of peace as well 
following the old flag on Southern battle fii 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3S1 



HIRAM 
dealers of 



DURST, one of the leading stock- 
Gregg township, Centre county, 
was born July 10, 1842, at his father's home, a 
mile west of Earlytown, in Potter township, a 
son of George L. and Catharine (Moyer) Durst. 
He began his education in the Fairfield school, 
and during his early boyhood accompanied his 
parents on their removal from his birthplace to 
another farm in Potter township, whereon he was 
reared to manhood; he then continued his educa- 
tion in the Plumb Grove school. He has always 
been a stanch advocate of good schools, and has 
done all in his power to promote educational 
interests. On the home farm he was trained to 
habits of industry and economy, and his father, 
who was one of the leading agriculturists, taught 
him excellent fanning methods. He remained 
at home until his marriage. 

On January 1, 1864, in Hartley township, 
Union Co., Penn., Mr. Durst wedded Miss 
Amelia Schnure, a native of that county, and a 
daughter of Christian and Lydia (Kiester) Schnure. 
After a short married life the wife died and was 
buried at Centre Hall. Not long after his mar- 
riage, Mr. Durst and his brother Philip began the 
operation of the old homestead farm, and in 1868 
the farm which he now owns and operates, com- 
prising 103 acres, was set off from the remainder 
of his father's large property. This tract was 
entirely unimproved save for new buildings which 
had just been completed, and were ready for his 
occupancy. He was again married, December 
26, 1867, in Potter township, Centre county, the 
lady of his choice. being Miss Sarah Bible, who 
s born in Potter township about 1842, and is 
a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bitner) 
Bible. During her infancy her parents removed 
to Nittany Valley, where she obtained her educa- 
tion . She was one of a family of three daugh- 
ter and one son, and was the eldest to reach 
adult age. When a young lady she was sent to 
a select school at Potters Mills, and afterward 
secured a certificate, but her health would not 
permit her to engage in teaching. Her father 
followed farming throughout his life, and died at 
I the age of eighty-four years. His wife passed 
j away at the age of seventy-six, and both were 
buried in Centre Hall cemetery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Durst are the parents of the 
I following children: (1) William B., born No- 
vember 5, 1869, died October 20, 1887 (he was 
a bright young man, and received good educa- 
tional privileges); (2) Katie E., born April 11, 
1S74, has engaged in teaching from the age of 
eighteen years; (3) Anna Lizzie, born June 4, 
1S80, is attending school in Spring Mills. 

Mr. Durst now gives his entire time and atten- 



tion to his farm, and has placed his land under a 
high state of cultivation, its neat and thrifty ap- 
pearance well indicating his careful supervision. 
He is also extensively engaged in raising stock, 
and has some fine thorough-bred Shorthorn cat- 
tle, as well as a good grade of hogs. His life has 
been one of industry and activity, and his resolute 
purpose and tireless energy are the important 
factors in his success. As a citizen he is true to 
all the duties that devolve upon him. His polit- 
ical support is given the Democratic party; in 
religious belief his wife is identified with the Re- 
formed Church. 



OHN J. MUSSER. The representatives of 
fhe farming interests of Centre county ac- 
knowledge this gentleman as one of the most 
progressive and energetic agriculturists of Spring 
township. He is a man of more than ordinary 

iness capacity, intelligent and well-informed, 
and has identified himself with all enterprise? 
which have for their object the advancement of 
the community. 

Our subject was born in Brush Valley, Penn., 
March 31, 1829, a son of John and Susan (Fied- 
ler) Musser, who were natives of Penn's Valley, 
Centre county. The latter was a daughter of 
Jacob Fiedler, a farmer by occupation, who was 
born in Pennsylvania of German lineage. The 
paternal grandfather of our subject, Philip Mus- 
ser, was a farmer of Penn's Valley. In his fam- 
ily were nine children: Philip (now deceased 1, 
who married, and reared a family; David, who 
died on the old homestead in Centre county: 
Catharine, wife of Michael Musser; Barbara, wife 
of John Harter; Sarah, wife of George Schwartz; 
Pollie, who married George Elgin, and died in 
Stephenson county, 111. ; Elizabeth, who married 
John Housman, and died in Ohio; Mary, de- 
ceased; and John, the father of our subject. 

The last named was reared upon a farm at 
Spring Mills, Centre county, and followed the 
carpenter's trade until 1830, when he located 
upon his maternal grandfather's farm, a mile 
above Coburn, Centre county, and engaged in its 
operation. He was born in 1794, and departed 
this life at the age of eighty-seven years and six 
months. Ten children constituted his family, 
namely: Philip, now a resident of Stephenson 
county, 111. ; Catharine, wife of Jo Keller, of 
Iowa; Mollie, wife of George Breen, of Lena, 
111. ; Rebecca, wife of W. Kerlin; John J., of this 
review; Mrs. Susan Wetzel, of Spring township, 
Centre county; Samuel, who was quartermaster 
in the 148th P. V. I. during the Rebellion, and 
is now a resident of Scranton, Penn.; Michael, 



88: 



' OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



who was a member of Anderson's Cavalry in the 
same war, and is now living in Aaronsburg, 
Centre county; Israel, who belonged to Company 
1 ), [48th P. V. I., and died in the service; and 
Mary, wife of William Schuch, a Luthei 
minister. 

Mr. Musser, whose name introduces this 
sketch, secured a good education in the public 
schools of Centre county, attending school where 
now is located the city of B te. In 1857 

In was joined in wedlock with Miss Nancy Jane 
Baird, a native of this section of the State, who 
died at the age of forty-two years. Three chil- 
dren were born to them: Frank \\ '.. who mar- 
in < I Minnie Rhinesmith (now deceased 1. by whom 
he had one child — John Baird; Eva, wife of Dr. 
Kirk, by whom she has three children — Harold, 
Norman and Lois; and Carrie, wife of Daniel 
Rhinesmith, of Clearfield, Penn., by whom she 
has two children — Mary and Nannie. For his 
second wife, Mr. Musser wedded Sarah J. Miller, 
they have one daughter, Katie S.. living at 
home. 

Mr. Musser nevei left the parental roof, but 
as soon as he had obtained sufficient capital pur- 
chased most of the old homestead farm in Spring 
township, where he still resides, having 103 acres 
of valuable and productive land near the city of 
Bellefonte. Its neat and thrifty appearance 
plainly shows its careful supervision, and the 
cultivated taste and ample means of the owner. 
On casting his first Presidential vote, Mr. Musser 
supported Henry Clay, and continued to affiliate 
with the Whig party until its dissolution, since 
which time he has been an ardent Republican. 
He is a Presbyterian in religious belief, and a 
member of the Grange. Public-spirited and en- 
terprising, he aids all worthy enterprises tending 
to promote the welfare of the community, and is 
assuredly deserving of a place among the promi- 
nent citizens of Spring township. 



JOHN K. HOSTERMAN. A problem which 
has perplexed every soul conscious of its re- 
sponsibilities on the earthly plane is the find- 
ing of a right aim in life, a work to which one 
may safely and with entire contentment devote 
one's energies; and it is not strange that amid 
the disappointing and annoying complications of 
modern life there .ire those who regard the sim- 
ple routine of a farmer's calling as furnishing, for 
them at least, a satisfactory answer. Like Count 
Tolstoi, they hold that whatever may be said of 
the value of the work of the poet, the lawyer, 
the physician, they can at least be absolutely 
sure that in raising grain and fruits to feed the 



hungry they are meeting, and meeting wisel) 
vital need of humanity. It is doubtless for the 
best that each should choose his work according 
to his inclinations, but it is quite in accordance 
with reason that we should find among our agri 
cultural communities some of the best types of 
manhood and womanhood, whose lives and speech 
and manners reveal, in their straightforward ad- 
hesion to first principles, a grasp of realil 
which is not always found in more artificial 
modes of life. 

The many friends of Mr and Mrs John K 
II sterman, of Miles township, Centre county 
will be gratified to find in this brief history a 1 
manent record of their useful life. Mr. Ho^; 
man is a member of a pioneer family of Miles 
township, Centre county, where he was born De- 
cember 26, 1826. His father, George Hoster- 
man, a native of Haines township, was a tanner 
by trade, and at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred when he was aged thirty-three years, he 
was residing at Millheim. His wife, Catherine 
Kramer, was born in Berks county, Penn., and 
was brought to Miles township, Centre countv 
by her father, Daniel Kramer, who at one tim< 
resided in Kramerville. Our subject was 
eldest of four children; Sarah died in childh< 
before her father's death; Amanda married Sam- 
uel Wolfe, and died at Tylersville; William, oni • 
a merchant at Madisonburg and Rebersburg. 
died at St. Louis. The mother married a sec- 
ond husband, Henry Snuill, of Brush Valley; she 
died in Rockville when more than seventy-five 
years of age, and was buried in Rebersburg. Bj 
her second marriage she was the mother of si\ 
children. 

Mr. Hosterman was but a boy of eight years 
when his father died, and soon after this event 
he went to Brush Valley to live with relatiu 
spending a short time at the home of John Ki 
er, and then going to an uncle, David Wolfe, 
near Wolfs Stoic He attended the schools of 
his time, which were decidedly inferior to th 
of the present day, and was reared as a fanner 
boy, his work being chiefly clearing land. After 
several years with Mr. Wolfe he began to learn 
the tanner's trade under Jeremiah Haines, but 
the work did not agree with him, and he returned 
to the farm. 

In 1S4X, Mr. Hosterman was married in 
Brush Vallej to Miss Margaret Brungart, daugh- 
ter of George Brungart. She bore one child, 
but it died in infancy, and she passed to the un- 
seen life in less than a year. Later Mr. Hosier 
man married his present wife, Susanna Grainley. 
who was born Ma) 15, [828, in Kebershi. 
daughter of Philip and Barbara (PoormanJ Grain- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



3S3 



lev. Eleven children were born of this union- 
Olevia, February i, 1850, is now Mrs. Uriah 
Spangler, of Harvey, Kans. ; William A., February 
23, 1853, died August 29, 1859; George W., 
February 22, 1855, took the degreee of D. D. S., 
and is now practicing dentistry at Centre Hall; 
Emma J., February 3, 1858, married Washing- 
ton Shaffer, of Brush Valley; Annie V., April 17, 
i860, died October 28, 1864; Mary A., July 27, 
1862, died November 4, 1864; Edwin G., May 
9, 1865, is a farmer of Brush Valley; Ida M., 
April 14, 1867, died March 25, 1870; Ella A., 
May 12, 1868, is now Mrs. Wallace Kreider, of 
Brush Valley; Lizzie V., March 22, 1871, is at 
home; and Thomas C. , April 4, 1873, is a den- 
tist at Rebersburg. Mr. Hosterman has educat- 
ed his sons well, and is in favor of better schools 
for all. From 1852 until 1886 he rented a farm 
from his uncle, David Wolf^, which he bought 
at the latter's death. He lived on the place un- 
til April, 1893, when he purchased his present 
comfortable home at Wolfs Store, and removed 
there. Even at his advanced age he can often 
be seen at work on his farm, the habits of in- 
dustry, strengthened by more than sixty years of 
active work at his business, being difficult to lay 
aside. 

Mr. Hosterman is well known, and by his 
courteous manners has made many friends. His 
methods of doing business have always been 
such as to secure for him a reputation for the 
strictest integrity. He is a Democrat in politics, 
but while taking keen interest in the success of 
his party he is not a politician. He has 
served as judge of elections, and for twenty-one 
years was overseer of the poor. He belongs to 
the Reformed Church, while his estimable wife 
is a Lutheran in faith. Both are descended 
from prominent and highly respected families of 
Centre county, and both do credit to their an- 
cestry. Kind-hearted and hospitable, their home 
is a most pleasant place, and the serene influence 
of their lives has done good which cannot be 
measured by earthly standard. 



JOHN M. HARNISH is one of the enterpris- 
ing and prominent business men of Boggs 
township, Centre county, located at Snow 
Shoe Junction, where he is successfully engaged 
in general farming, merchandising and in the 
millwright business, and is also serving as post- 
master. He was born December 31, 1 831, in 
Bald Eagle Valley, in the same township, and has 
since been actively identified with its interests, 
and is recognized as one of the progressive and 
representative citizens of the community. 



Martin Harnish (father of our subject), whose 
birth occurred in Maryland, was a molder by 
trade, following the same during his younger 
years, but later in life engaging in agricultural 
pursuits. In Centre county he was united in 
marriage with Catherine Parson, a native of that 
county, and to them were born twelve children, 
namely: Antis, a resident of Lock Haven, Clin- 
ton Co., Penn.; Andrew, of Illinois; Margery, 
deceased; JohnM., of this sketch; Julia A., wife 
of George T. Michaels, of Lock Haven; Jacob, 
of Snow Shoe township, Centre county; Will- 
iam, of the same county; Allen, who was killed 
in the Civil war in the seven days' fight at Rich- 
mond; Catherine, wife of J. C. Showers, of 
Bellefonte, Penn.; and three that died in infancy. 
The father died April 6, 1855, at the age of fifty- 
four years, the mother in November, 1872, at 
the age of sixty-two years. Both were consist- 
ent members of the Methodist Church, and in 
politics he was a Whig. 

Our subject obtained his education in the 
public schools of his native county, and at the 
age of fifteen years began to earn his own liveli- 
hood by working at odd jobs. Five years later 
he entered upon an apprenticeship to a mill- 
wright, a trade he soon mastered. He continued 
under the parental roof until he had attained his 
twenty-fifth year. On April 7, 1859, he married 
Miss Elizabeth A. Gowar, and they have become 
he parents of eighteen children — nine sons and 
nine daughters — as follows: Clara E., wife of 
Joseph Iddings, a farmer of Boggs township; 
Catherine, wife of William U. Becker, transfer 
agent on the railroad at Harrisburg, Penn.; John 
T. , a carpenter of Cincinnati, Ohio; Milton and 
Minnie (twins), now deceased; James G., who 
died in 1886; Martha A., Martin, Elizabeth, 
Silas E. and Minerva, all at home; Rosalie, de- 
ceased; Mira B., Marcella and Charles B., at 
home; the others died in infancy. 

Mrs. Harnish was born in Morgantown, W. 
Va. , October 23, 1840, a daughter of James and 
Elizabeth (Boyd) Gowar, natives of Baltimore, 
Md. , and Glamorganshire, Wales, respectively. 
They were married in Ellicott City, Md., where 
they remained for one year and then removed to 
West Virginia, locating at the iron works seven 
miles from Morgantown, where the mother died 
in July, 1 84 1, at the age of thirty-four years. In 
1845 the father removed to Bellefonte, Penn., 
but six years later returned to Morgantown, where 
the following seven years were passed. He then 
went to Pittsburg, where his death occurred Oc- 
tober 23,1 869. By trade he was an iron worker. 
He was twice married, his second union being 
with Mrs. Phcebe McVicker, widow of Britton 



384 



COMMEMORA TIVB IlIOGHAPUK Al. REOOBD. 



McVicker. She had no children by either hus- 
band. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Har- 
ivere James and th i Tampelton Go- 

war, who spent t h e i r entire lives in Glamorgan- 
shire, W ind the maternal grandparents 
were William and Elizabeth Boyd, natives of 
Ireland and Germany respectively. The last 
named died 

During the dark days of the Rebellion, Mr. 
Harnish, in [861, enlisted in Company F, 56th 
P. V. I. After serv ing for -en- 

mained in the service lor three y< 
and six months, or until hostilities had ceas 
when he was honorably d I. For gallant 

and faithful ink 

aptain, which position h filling when 

Washingti >n, D. C. The regi- 
ment was disba Iphia. On Jul}' 
1 , 1 863, at the i 

1 he righl arm. < )n being mi mt, 

Pittsburg, I 1 several 

months was in the employ of the Ke) 

lie 1 the 

Lverson & Pi ime ' 

city, but in to his present home at 

Sni cw Shi ie [unctii >n, ■•■ h 

fulh pris- 

lligent, hon started out in 

life poor, but has become one of the leading 

iwnship, prompt and 
liable in all his dealings, and lias gained the con- 
fidei with whom he has 

itact. His political supp \ er 

party. 



WS. GLENN, M D., a leading physician 
at S inty, a gradu- 

ate 1 .1 of Mi rep- 

aid highly 1 
family ol that county, ol which 
ha\ >sin professii mal life. \\ 

I Iphraim and I 
l'eth Mi nn. 

John Glenn (thi our subject), 

who was ol Irish descent, was for man) 
sua griculturist neai l'i [ills, 

ty. born in iship, in 

the san e count) .1 . \. 1 800; he died in 

that town-hip jami 
sixty-seven y H wife, I i 

was a native oi I , rguson township, horn March 
21, 1 801 . was married Feb] u u y 1 8, 1 
died April i-i, 1895, aged ninety-foui years. 
ir children wei e 1 '.'\ id, horn D r 6, 

I, died Ma) 10, i 862, in hospital .it Paducah, 
Ky., from wounds n itts- 



burg Landing, on April 1 having served in 

the -ist Missouri regiment, commanded by ( 

ire. Mary C. married William McCauley; 
he was killed in the war, and his widow now 

I [untingdon, Penn. ; Ephraim is di 
Eliza is the wife ol F. E. Meek, and n 
\]toMn;i, Penn.; Nanc) is the wife of M. 1". 
Burket, ol Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Mai the 

wifi irmick, and resides at Dan- 

ville, Iowa; John W. died in 1835; Sarah 

lenl 1 Alt ' a. ; Susannah |. ■• 

Robert Meek, andisa resident of Altoona, Penn.; 
Hi nri tl 1 is the wife of P. W. Burket, and 1: 
at Stormstown, Penn.; and Thomas S., who 

short tune in the i lome ( luard 
the Civil war, di t 868. 

Iiraim Glenn was born atPim Mills 

ust 14. 1827 an<l spent his life in Centre 

jricultural pursuits, enjoying 
1 of all who knew him. 
Christian, being a member of the M< 
Church all his life, 1 3 known to utter an 

oath, every day 
I Ie pass unseen lifi 

He married Elizabeth Meek, daughter ol Rheub 
., a nal i ; rn in 1 8 

who shim. They had six children: (1 

W. S., iui tib whi 1 w 

uated from Dickinson Seminary, then from \\ 
rsity at Middletown, Conn., and I 
tool 1 HI >.■ m th 

Tlu minister ol the M 

Church, and is now located at Gettysbui 
1 >, I master mechanic in the Joho- 

- 
! at the >) Th 

is a graduati and 

1 11st it ut . 
Ohio, and is now practici al Kixt 

■! is in the hardw 
at Si 

Dr W. S. Glenn n April 4. 1 

Ins youth w I with his fathei 

farm. ■ His father, desiring betl mal , 

facilities for him than the schools of the 
borl d supply, had him pursue si 

at the ! 
■ Is in the county. After this our subjo 
for 

niiii:. i I licine un 

Dr. Kirk, of Bellefonte, and tl 
M I In 

raduating in 1 883. No 1 
i 
prai icated al 

where he has built up an extensi I 

t the practice at th 



II 





^<% 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



385 



him, while the people of the village and the sur- 
rounding country place full confidence in his skill. 
He is an able preceptor, and of five students 
of whom he has taken in charge, all are now in 
successful practice. Dr. Glenn married Miss 
Mary Henderson (daughter of Robert Henderson), 
a native of Clearfield county, born in 1862, and 
six children have blessed their union: Olin, 
Harold, Bessie, Grover, Willie and Anna. 

In politics the Doctor is a Democrat, and he 
is actively interested in the various social, relig- 
ious and philanthropical movements of his local- 
ity. He is a member of the M. E. Church, the 
P. O. S. of A., the I. O. O. F. and is also con- 
nected with the National State and Local Medi- 
cal Societies of the Eclectic School of Medicine. 
He takes a great interest in educational affairs 
and has been a member of the school board for 
the past two years. 



HENRY MARK. In these days of change 
and restlessness it is unusual to find a fam- 
ily occupying the same farm for a century, but the 
subject of this sketch, a prosperous agriculturist 
of Gregg township, Centre county, enjoys this 
distinction, as he resides upon an estate which 
was first opened in the primeval forest by his 
grandfather, and has ever since been held by de- 
scendants. 

The family is of Swiss origin, and the first of 
the American line was Killian Mark, who crossed 
the ocean in 1735, and settled in what is now 
Lebanon county, Penn., then a part of Lan- 
caster county. He had a large family, and his 
eldest child, Conrad, was the first to locate within 
the present borders of Centre county, but the 
panic which resulted in the " Great Runaway" in 
1778 caused him to leave and make his home else- 
where, and none of his descendants are to be 
found in the county. Another son, Jacob, came 
about 1 800 to Centre county, where he passed the 
rest of his days, and where many of his descend- 
ants now live. Rudolph, another son, located 
permanently in Haines township, Centre county, 
where he reared a large family of daughters, of 
whom one married a Mr. Weaver and left a nu- 
merous family. 

The progenitor of the Centre county branch 
of the Mark family was another son of Killian 
Mark, David, our subject's grandfather, who was 
born in Lebanon county (then Lancaster), in 
1766, and was married there to Miss Gertrude 
Kupp. He removed to Centre county in 1800, 
settling in Gregg township upon the present 
homestead, which he cleared and improved. At 
one time he owned more than 230 acres, but later 

25 



he sold all but 108 acres, and finally reduced his 
holdings to seventy-five acres. He was a large 
man, active both mentally and physically, and 
had remarkable ability as a mechanic, which 
was, however, never developed by training. He 
engaged in different trades and seemed equally 
successful in all, though he probably did more 
work in blacksmithing and shoemaking than in 
any other lines. After removing to his new home 
he espoused the doctrines of the Democratic 
party, which he continued to hold during the 
rest of his life. He was an active member of 
the Evangelical Church at Millheim, founded in 
1806, and was one of the first four members of 
the class connected with the society. He died 
April 14, 1844, and was buried in Heckman 
Cemetery beside his wife, who passed away in 
1826. They had ten children, of whom our sub- 
ject's father was the youngest; George and Eliza- 
beth did not survive their childhood; John died in 
Snyder county; Elizabeth (2) married Philip 
Swartz, and died in Snyder county; David, Jr., 
died in Sugar Valley in 1874; Catherine married 
George Heckman, and died in Gregg township. 
Centre county; Rebecca (Mrs. Henry Jacoby) 
died in Clinton county; Mary married (first) 
John Kern, and (second) Michael Gephart, and 
died in Millheim; and Lydia (Mrs. Jacob Hen- 
ney) died at Cedarville, Illinois. 

George Mark, the father of our subject, was 
born at the homestead August 17, 18 10, and 
passed through the usual experience of the sons 
of pioneer farmers with limited means, his early 
education being confined to the subscription 
schools of that day. He was fond of sports, 
especially fishing, and was a robust man, his 
health being excellent until a few years prior to 
his death, which occurred December 17, 1880, at 
the homestead where his entire life was spent. 
Among other improvements which he made upon 
the estate was a commodius barn, built in 1847. 
A man of domestic tastes, the old home was al- 
ways dear to him and being the youngest son he 
remained in charge of it during his father's de- 
clining years, and after the latter's death he set- 
tled the claims of the other heirs in order to re- 
tain it. He was an earnest and thoughtful student 
of the Bible, and while not a member of any 
Church he helped liberally in religious work 
and contributed to the building of the churches 
in his neighborhood. His convictions were 
formed through his own investigations, but while 
he held them firmly he never argued, not caring 
either to convert or condemn any one who dif- 
fered from him in the belief. 

On February 17, 1838, Mr. Mark was mar- 
ried in Gregg township, Centre county, to Miss 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REi ORD. 



Margaret Rager, a daughter of Simon Rager. 
She was born in Dauphin county, Penn., Sep- 

ber ii, 1S06, and came to Centre county 
with a brother. In stature she was small, but 
shi d much artistic taste and sound 

judgment, and having been in business as a mil- 
liner and dressmaker at Philadelphia and Har- 
risburg, previous to her removal t<> this section, 
she continued those occupations at Aaronsburg 
until her marriage. She died October 21, 1851, 
leaving one son, oursubject, and her re mains now 
rest in Heckman Cemetery. She was a devout 
and consistent member of the Evangelical 
Church. The father was married a second time, 
this wile being Miss Mary Keen; they had no 
children. She survived her husband about two 
years, her death taking place at Millheim in 
August, 1882. 

The subject of our sketch was born May 13, 
1840, and has always hail his home at the old 
farm, to which as the sole heir he succeeded at 
his father's death. During boyhood he attended 
the neighboring schools regularly in winter, his 
firs: ' ! being Dr. William Stemm. Stud) 

was a pleasure to him, mathematics being espe- 
cially easy, and his progress was rapid in all 
lines. He never cared to teach, and remained 
at home, gradually assuming the management of 
the plai 1 

On January 15, 1863, he was married in 
Aaronsburg to Miss Amanda Heckman, who was 
burn in Gregg township. Centre county, April 
20, 1X42. Her father, Frederick Heckman, was 

1 Peter Heckman, who settled in that 

township in 1797, and her mother was Elizabeth 
Miller, the daughter of Christopher Miller, who 

\ ed in the Revolutionary army for seven 

us. Mrs. Mark was the eleventh child and 
youngest daughter in a family of thirteen chil- 
dren, and as a young girl used to assist her par- 
ents in the outdoor work of their farm, as was 
then customar) . She was given good educati 
advantages for that time and locality, as she at- 
tended the schools of Penn Hall afl plet- 

the course offered in the schools of the Heck- 
man district. Ten children blessed this union: 
1 ) F. W. ami 1 2 ) Margaret E. tw ins), 

born September 21, [863, thi former being now 
the principal of the public schools at North East. 
Penn. He married, and has one child — F. \Y 
ward Margaret E. married William Fiedler, 
and resides in Grei hip. Centre county, 

(3) A son born March 14, 1865, dad in infancy, 
unnamed. (4) Ida M., born April 6, [866, 
ried Harry W. Weaver, ol Gregg township. 
William H., born January 4. 1871, married Miss 
Vianna Styers, in February, 1895, and resides in 



Coburn, Penn. (6) Sarah E.. born May 4, 1872, 
I May 28, 1880. (7) Harvey 11., born Janu- 
ary 10, 1874, is now a farmer at the homestead. 

Andrew E . born April 26, 1880, (9) Al. 
1 , April 1, 1SS2, and fio) Loeda. November 
26, 1888, are at home. 

Mr. Mark and his wife are prominent mem- 
bers of the United Evangelical Church, and 
he has held every office in the society. At 
present he is class leader and assistant superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school. As a citizen he 
stands high in the esteem of the community, lb 
is a man of progressive ideas, his farm, which 
contains 145 acres of good land, showing excel- 
lenl management. All of the buildings, except 
the barn, were built by him. In business trans- 
actions he is honest and upright, and his com- 
fortable fortune is not tainted by the menioi 
any unscrupulous act. He has always been fond 
of reading, the information thus gained covering 
a wide range, and including the varied issui - 
the day. 



GEORGE W. GLACE, one of the representa- 
tive farmers and self-made men of Pottei 
township, Centre county, began life for himself 
at an early age without means, and by the exer- 
cise of his resolute will and persevering industry 
has succeeded in obtaining a comfortable com- 
petency. His straightforward methods of doing 
business, and his value as a member of the com- 
munity, have gained him a wick' cir< le "I friends 
ami acquaintances, who have watched his career 
with interest, and are not slow to acknowledge 
that he is deserving of all the good that has fallen 
to him. 

Mr. Glace was born September }, 1850, in 
Snyder county, Penn., a son of Abel and Eliza- 
beth (Michael) Glace, fanning people of that 
county. When three years ol age the father 
died, leaving to the care of the mother thi 
lowing children: John W., now a resident of 
Cataract, Clearfield Co., Penn.; Rebecca J-; 
Samuel, of Oriental, Juniata Co.. Penn. . < i 

nd Sarah, wife of Charles Stroup, of Cou- 
Penn. The father's death occuri 
Mahantango, this Mate. Later the mothd 
wedded William Kane, by whom she ha 
daughter, Mary, wife of Charles Baumgarti 
1 le.ulield county. Mrs. Kane departed this life 
in that county at the age of seventy-one ) 
The limited education which our subject 

btained in the public schools of 
Snyder county, but at the age of eleven years be 
left the farm and began earning his own livelihood 
by driving a mule team on the tow-path. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



387 



sixteen he left his native county, being then able 
to do a man's work, and obtained employment in 
the lumber woods of Clearfield and adjoining 
counties. For fifteen years he continued to fol- 
low the lumber business, during which time he 
worked in all its various branches. On attaining 
his majority he married Miss Anna Confer, who 
wasborninPottersdale, Clearfield county, in 1855, 
and was a daughter of John Confer, a farmer by 
occupation. They went to housekeeping in the 
place of her birth, where they made their home 
while he was at work in the woods. In 1884 he 
erected a hotel at Cataract, Clearfield county, 
known as the " Cataract House," which was the 
first hotel in the town, and which he successfully 
conducted until the spring of 1896, when he came 
to Potter township. Here he purchased the John 
Sankeyfarm, a tract of seventy-five acres, which 
he is now operating with skill and ability. 

Mr. Glace has been called upon to mourn the 
loss of his faithful wife, who died December 29, 
1895, and was laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery 
in Clearfield county. Eight children were born 
to them, namely: Tacy E., now the wife of 
James Good, of Clearfield county; and John M., 
Maude M., Lulu B., George W. , Alice P., Bessie 
J. and Ceylon W., all with their father. Mr. 
Glace has encountered many obstacles all 
through the highway of life, but has overcome 
them and steadily pushed his way forward until 
he now has a comfortable home and fine farm. 
Politically he is a Democrat, and while a resident 
of Clearfield county served his fellow citizens in 
the capacity of supervisor and tax collector. 



H' 



gentleman has been spent in Boggs township, 
Centre county, and his name is inseparably con- 
nected with the agricultural and commercial in- 
terests of this region. His thorough American 
spirit and his great energy have enabled him to 
mount from a lowly position to one of affluence. 
One of his leading characteristics in business af- 
fairs is his fine sense of order and complete 
system, and the habit of giving careful attention 
to details, without which success in any under- 
taking is never an assured fact. 

Mr. Heaton was born September I, 1830, one 
mile northwest of his present home in Boggs 
township, a son of Michael and Mary (Walker) 
Heaton. The father was also a native of Boggs 
township, born March 10, 1800, in Bald Eagle 
Valley, while the mother's birth occurred in Mif- 
flin county, Penn., July 7, 1808. Their mar- 
riage was celebrated in the latter county, but 



they began their domestic life in Boggs township, 
where they continued to make their home until 
called from this life, the father dying March 7, 
1877, and the mother in February, 1892. By 
occupation he was a farmer and contractor in 
lumber, and he efficiently served as supervisor of 
Boggs township. Both were faithful members 
of the Baptist Church, with which they united 
March 24, 1850, and in politics he was first a 
Democrat, but after the war joined the ranks of 
the Republican party. 

The paternal grandparents of our subject, 
Enoch and Eve (Fetzer) Heaton, were natives 
of England and Germany respectively. At the 
age of seven years the former accompanied his 
parents to the New World, becoming a resident 
of Bucks county, Penn., where he remained until 
1798, when he came to Spring township, Centre 
county, but later removed to Boggs township. 
There he passed his remaining days. By occu- 
pation he was a hunter and laborer. The ma- 
ternal grandparents were also of foreign birth. 
They were Jacob and Margaret (McElwaine) 
Walker, the former born in Germany, and the 
latter in Scotland. At an early day they removed 
from Bucks county to Centre county, Penn., 
where the grandfather engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. 

Henry Heaton is the second in order of birth 
in the family of thirteen children — six sons and 
seven daughters — of whom are mentioned: Jane 
C. , widow of M. G. Williams, and a resident of 
Liberty township, Centre county; Henry; An- 
drew, deceased; Mary, who wedded James W. 
Harrison, of England, but both are now de- 
ceased; Michael, a farmer of Boggs township; 
John, deceased; James, a farmer of Milesburg, 
Penn. ; Mrs. Sarah M. Poorman, of Centre 
county; David W., a farmer of Huston township, 
in the same county, Hannah, wife of F. Robb, 
an agriculturist of Liberty township; Isabella, 
wife of William Robb, a merchant of Curtin 
township, Centre county; and Matilda, who died 
when quite young. 

Until he was twenty-four years of age Mr. 
Heaton, the subject proper of this sketch, re- 
mained upon the home farm, assisting in its cul- 
tivation, and acquiring a limited education in the 
schools of the neighborhood. For three years 
he then worked in the lumber woods, and for the 
following year was employed upon a farm, dur- 
ing which time he saved enough money to pay 
his tuition at Bellefonte Academy for one year. 
On leaving school he then traveled for a short 
time. On May 24, 1861, he was married to Miss 
Sarah E. Shroyer, who was born in Spring town- 
ship, Centre county, March 10, 1833, a daughter 



:;.s> 



WOIIA TIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of Adam and Catherine (Rarrick) Snroyer, the 
former a native oi Penn's Valley, Penn., and tin- 
latter of New Berlin, Union Co., Penn., where 
their marriage was celebrated. From New Ber- 
lin they removed to Milesburg, where they spent 
then ning days, the father dying April 9, 

1 s 5 1 , .iikI the mother mii February 22, 1880. He 
followed the 01 n of farming through- 

out life. In their famil) were the following chil- 
dren: Mary, wife of Jacob Schope, ol Miles- 
burg; Sarah E., wife of our subject; Emanuel, 
who died in [894; William and James, who both 
'died in the army. George, d ■!: Adam A., a 

railroad man, of Milesburg; and Fllen, wit 
[ohn Schwartz, a farmer ol Boggs township. Six 
children grai nion of Mr and Mrs. Heaton. 

namely: Mar} ( . who died when small; Alice 
M., wife of O. J. Stover, a hotel man of Eagle- 
ville, Centre county; Lucy B., wife of George N. 
Neff, an agriculturist of Centre county; |. Frank 
and George S., who are still on the home farm; 
and Lida J., wife of John K. Eckley, of Jackson- 
ville, Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Sarah E. Heaton never was a stout or 
robust woman, bul has always been possessed 
of good courage, and in her younger days must 
have had no small amount of muscular strength, 
as the following incident in her life will sen 
prove. When she and her husband first settled 
"ii tin ir farm, deer and other wild animals were 
plentiful in the mountains, and one day a large 
dog chased a fine deer down to near the old 
Me. Mrs. Heaton seeing the animals ap- 
proaching, ran down in the direction the} Were 
coming, by which time the dog had caught the 
• leer, and she then leaped over the fence, suc- 
ceeded in getting hold of the deer and keeping 
its head under the fence stake for some consid- 
erable time until her aunt reluctantly brought 
her a knife, with which she (Mrs. Heaton 1 cut 
the animal's throat. The two ladies then suc- 
ceeded in dragging the deer into the field, and 
Mr Heaton returning home shortly after, he 
dressed the venison. This was truly a heroic 
a< t on the part of Mrs. Heaton, one that elicited 
much comment at that time, and is to this da} 
the sub]'' t ol no litl le mirth. 

I pon In- m Mi Heaton located upon 

his present farm in Boggs town-hip, which was 
then in its primitive condition, but he at once be- 
gan its improvement and cultivation, which he 
continued until August, [862, when he enlisted 
in Company F, [48th P. V. I., under Capt. Mai- 
tin Dolen and ten. |ames A. B He was 
brave and fearless on the held of battle, and 
with his regiment participated in the following 
lent Potomac, Chancellorsville. Ac- 



quia (reek, Manassas Cap, Spottsylvania. D 
Bottom, Rapidan, Fredericksburg, fourteen d 
battle of the Wilderness, Gettysburg, South 
iviely Run and Peach Orchard. On March 
31, [865, just nine days before the surrender ol 
Gen. Lee. he was wounded by a minie ball in 
the left arm, which the surgeons said would h 
to be amputated; but the head physician would 
not allow this as he was ill at the time with ty- 
phoid fever. From the ;th of April until the 
3 1 st of September he was confined in Douglas 
Hospital at Washington, D. C. On October 1, 
186;, Mr. Heaton returned home and began teach- 
ing while his arm was still in a sling, following 
that profession for two terms. Owing to ill health 
he resigned, and for four years worked at the 
carpenter's trade, but on the expiration of that 
period he resumed farming, which he has since 
continued with most gratifying result- He also 
conducts a general store at his place on the Marsh 
creek road, in Boggs township, and is a most 
reliable and wide-awake business man. 

Mr. Heaton uniformly votes the Democratic 
ticket, and is a stanch advocate of free silver. 
Being an influential, public-spirited citizen, he 
takes a prominent part in public affairs, and has 
most acceptably served as overseer of the poor 
and supervisor ol his township. Socially, he is 
connected with the Grange, the t. O O. F . and 
the G. A. R., while both himself and wife have 
been consistent members of the Haptist Church 
for over forty years. At the present time winter 
of 1897 8), he is engaged in erecting a Baptist 
church building, which is approaching comple- 
tion, and will cost altogether about $1,200. On 
March 24, 1S50, he was immersed by Ke\ D 
\\ Hunter, which faithful minister labored for 
six years at Milesburg, where he began his first 
charge. The first candidates he led into the Bap- 
tismal water- was Mr. Heaton's sister, Jane 1 
Williams, and his 1 Mr. Heaton's) paternal grand- 
mother, who was in her seventieth year at the 
time, that was m December, 1 S49, then on March 
24. following year, Mr Heaton's father and him- 
self were immersed. In 1889 Rev. I) W. Hut 

to Milesburg ami baptized two of 

Mr, Heaton's daughters (now Mrs. Neff and M 
Eckley, respectively , from which time on Mi 
Hunter advised them to build a house of worship, 
and Mr. I baton then generously commenced tbi 

d Work as above related i, which has I- 
slowly but steadily progressing as his 
would permit, and when completed it i> his in- 
tention to -rant the deed of the church building 
to the Centn 'ion. 

The hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs Heaton 
is ever open for the reception of their m 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



389 



friends, and the family hold a high position in 
the social circles of the community, where they 
are so widelv and favorably known. 



WILLIAM HESS. Among the substantial 
and enterprising business men of Philips- 
burg, whose names are spattered through the 
pages of this volume, none are more worthy of 
mention than the gentleman whose name intro- 
duces this biographical notice. He is one of the 
leading grocery merchants of that city. A native 
of Centre county, he was born in Haines town- 
ship, February 27, 1S31, a son of Michael and 
Margaret (Musser) Hess, who spent their entire 
lives there. Only two children were born to 
them, the other being Harriet, now the widow of 
Jonathan Stover, a machinist by trade. 

When our subject was only three months old 
his father died, and his mother afterward mar- 
ried the latter 's brother, Samuel Hess. They 
became the parents of six children: Jonathan, a 
retired merchant of Williamsport, Penn. : Lydia, 
widow of Samuel Stover; Sarah, deceased; Mary. 
wife of Frederick Bostorf, a retired farmer of 
Pine Grove, Centre county; and Samuel, de- 
ceased. The father of these children served 
as county commissioner of Centre countv in 
185 1-2-3; he died in 1892, at the advanced age 
of ninety-three years. The mother died in 1855, 
at the age of fifty-seven. 

Michael Hess, the paternal grandfather of our 
subject, was a native of Germany, and during 
the Revolutionary war came to the New World 
with Count Raushambau in 1786, and aided the 
Colonies in their struggle for independence. After 
peace had been declared he located in Snyder 
county, where he operated a flouring-mill and 
engaged in farming. He became quite wealthy, 
but later sold his property to an Eastern man, 
who paid him in Continental money, which in a 
short time was worthless. In this way he lost 
almost everything. Subsequently he came to 
Centre county, and purchased the farm on which 
our subject's birth occurred, and where he spent 
his remaining days. He married a Miss Crider. 

Upon the home farm, William Hess remained 
until sixteen years of age, when he started out to 
seek his own livelihood, first working in a tannery 
in Centre county for three and one-half years. 
During the following two years he was similarly 
employed in Lewisburg, Penn. .and then worked in 
the lumber woods until 1873, when he returned 
to Philipsburg, and was employed in a tannery 
for two years. Subsequently he began contract- 
ing and dealing in lumber, which business he car- 
ried on until 1881, when he embarked in the 



manufacture of brick. Four years later he es- 
tablished his present store, which he has since 
successfully conducted, receiving a liberal share 
of public patronage. 

Mr. Hess was married in Snyder county, 
Penn., in March, 1854, to Miss Sarah Eisenhauer, 
and they became the parents of three children: 
Charles C. , born January 26, 1856, married Kate 
Miller, by whom he has seven children; he is a 
gardener and florist of Philipsburg. W. Frank, 
born August 31, 1870, married Annie Swaggart, 
and has one son, William H. ; Frank is now serv- 
ing as manager in his father's store, and is chair- 
man of the Democratic club of Philipsburg, and 
county auditor. Ida M., born May 19, 1861, is 
the wife of C. J. Rothrock; a carpenter of Phil- 
ipsburg, by whom she has a daughter, Ida M. 

Mrs. Hess was born February 28, 1832, in 
what was then Union county, but is now Sny- 
der county, Penn., and is a daughter of Abra- 
ham and Eva (Bollander) Eisenhauer, natives of 
Berks and Union counties, Penn., respectively. 
The father became an extensive farmer of the 
latter county, where both spent their remaining 
days. They were faithful members of the Ger- 
man Reformed Church, and in politics he was a 
Whig. He died March 24, 1 S 7 5 , at the age of 
eighty-one years, and his wife passed away in 
September, 1840, at the age of forty-three. His 
father, Martin Eisenhauer, was born in this 
country, and was a soldier in the Continental 
army during the Revolutionary war. By trade 
he was a blacksmith, but spent his last years in 
retirement, dying at the ripe old age of eighty- 
one years. 

Mrs. Hess is one of a family of ten children, in 
order of birth as follows: Eliza, deceased wife of 
Henry Rearick, a farmer, by whom she had six chil- 
dren; Harry, a retired farmer of Union county, who 
first married Hettie Agler, by whom he had 
eleven children, and by his second marriage, 
with Symira Baker, had one child; Catherine, 
wife of Jacob Walter, a farmer of Michigan; Am- 
elia, deceased wife of George Ott; Philip, who 
died in childhood; Mary, widow of Reuben Ag- 
ler, of Beavertovvn, Penn. ; Barbara, deceased 
wife of William Engle, also deceased; Sarah, 
wife of our subject; Lucinda, wife of Samuel 
Bowen, of Snyder county; and Robert, who mar- 
ried Elmira Nearhoof, and died upon his farm 
in Michigan. 

In 1895, Mrs. Hess met with a severe acci- 
dent, slipping on the ice in front of her home; 
she has since had to use crutches, but the doctor 
thinks she will fully recover; otherwise both she 
and her husband enjoy excellent health. They 
are worthy and devoted members of the Method- 



890 



COMMBMORA T1YI-: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ist Episcopal Church, am] have the respect and 
esteem of all who know them. Politically, Mr. 
Hess is a firm supporter of the Democratic party, 
and advocates the free coinage of silver. His 
business career and his private life are alike 
above reproach, and his history is that of a man 
who has faithfully performed all duties and been 
true to the trust reposed in him. 



'ENKY A.SNYDER. Similar to a founda- 
JTA tion stone which holds its place under an 
important structure, the subject of this sketch 
occupies an immovable position among the solid 
and reliable business men of Eagle ville, Centre 
county, where he is a successful dealer in drugs, 
stationery and tobacco. He was born in Beaver 
county, Penn., November 28, 1833, and comes 
of good old Revolutionary stock, his paternal 
great-grandfather having served in that struggle. 
His grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Kaup) 
Snyder, were natives of Snyder county, this 

te, as were also his parents, Wilhelm and Mar- 
garet (Marshall) Snyder, but it was then a part 
of Northumberland county. While a resident of 
the same county, the maternal grandfather, John 
Marshall, was drowned in the Susquehanna river 
when on his way to market; his wife departed 
this life in Libert)' township, Centre county. 

The parents of our subject spent the last 
years of their life in Eagleville, the father dying 
January 18, 1895, aged eighty-six years, and the 
mothei in [866. Both held membership in the 
Baptist Church, and in politics he v rong 

Republican, on which ticket he was elected to 
several offices of honor and trust. Bj occupa- 
tion he was a sawyei 

Henry A. Snyder is the second in order of 
birth in the family of seven children, thi 

ng as follows: Mary, wife of Richard Berry- 
hill, a coach maker and merchant oi Beach 
Creek, Centre county; Sarah E., a resident of 
Eagleville; Margaret, wife oi Roland Smith, a 
farmer of the Stair of Washington; William H., 
who will be more fully spoken of farther on; 
I i" in 1 A . who is engaged in clerking in State 
College, Centre county; and Lydia E., deceased 
wife of Daniel W. Glossner, a carpenter of 

leville. There were also two other children 
who died in infam 

Until he was twenty-two years of age, Mr. 
Snyder, the subject of this review, still made his 
hi'ine with his parents, and in the meantime at- 
10I and assisti'd in the labors ol the 
farm. At the age of nineteen be began teaching, 
which profession he successfully followed for 
three years, and then began his business career 



as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Beach 
Creek, where he remained for seven years. He 
then served as agent for the Bald Eagle Valley 
railroad at that place and Eagleville for six years, 
after which he < 1 in clerking and working 

in the lumber woods until 1889, when he estab- 
lisned his present business in Eagleville, where 
he has made his home since 1866. Eor some 
time he was the only telegraph operator between 
Lock Haven and Bellefonte, Penn., serving in 
that capacity before the railroad was constructed. 
The business interests of his village are well rep- 
resented by him, and he deserves a leading place 
ong the progressive and prominent merchants 
of Centre county. 

Mr. Snyder was married at Beach Creek, in 
May, [862, to Miss Susan E. Linn, who was 
born at that place in 1840, a daughter of Joseph 
and Elizabeth ("James) Linn, residents of ( In 
county, Penn., where the former died, but wl 
the latter is still living. He was a farmer by oc- 
cupation, a Democrat in politics, and a ('insist- 
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
to which Mrs. Linn also belongs. Four children 
blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Snyder. 
namely: Cora B., at home; Maud E., wife of 
Charles Foster, a railroad mail agent residing m 
State College-; Harry B., a bookkeeper for a 
lumber firm in New York City; and Mabel <i 
at home. An enterprising, wide-awake, business 
man, Mr. Snyder endeavors to keep abreast with 
the tunes, is well posted on current event.- and 
issues, and gives his support to worths' enl 
prises which have for their object the welfare of 
tin community. Socially he 1- a promini 
member of the odd Fellows Lodge and the Grand 
Army Post, No. 302, both of Eagleville, while 
politically he is an ardent supporter of Kepubh 
principles. 

William H. Snyder, the brother of our sub- 
was born m Snyder county, Februarj 
1843, and remained at home until I 860, when he 
began work for ('■ W I uffer, 1 hiel engineer I 
the Pennsylvania railroad, with whom he 
m. lined until [881, when th.it gentleman retifl 
Mr. Snyder then served as division engineer with 
the Beach Creek railroad lor tin- 
a year and a half engaged in contracting on the 
Clearfield & Mahoning railroad. At different 
times he has also been with other railroad com- 
panies. During the battle of Gettysburg he« 
engaged in surveying a railroad to be constructed 
to that place for the purpose of carrying ammu- 
nition and troops, and was obliged to work ni; 
and day. On January I, t882, he was in. uri- 
111 Eagleville, to Miss I. aura E. Spray, and tl; 
have three children: William B., Helen V. an I 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



391 



John M. Like his brother, he is an ardent sup- 
porter of the Republican party; socially he is a 
member of the Order of Elks and of the F. & 
A. M. 



E\ZEKIEL CONFAIR, a prominent lumber 
'/ dealer and agriculturist residing on the Can- 
ada road, in Boggs township, Centre county, is a 
man of marked influence in that locality. He is 
connected either by descent or marriage with a 
number of well-known families of this section, 
and is himself a native of Howard township, 
Centre county, having been born there June 30, 

1839. 

On the paternal side the first ancestor to set- 
tle in this locality was his grandfather, Philip 
Confair, a native of Germany who came at an 
early day with his wife, Elizabeth, who was born 
in Ireland, passing their last years in Centre 
county. Their son, Philip, Jr., was born there, 
and became by occupation an agriculturist in 
Howard township, engaging also quite extensively 
in tar burning. He was active in local affairs as 
a Democrat, and was a leading member of the 
Disciple Church, as was also his wife, Margaret 
Wants, a native of Centre county, and a daugh- 
ter of John and Margaret Wants. She died De- 
cember 30, 1888, aged seventy-four, and on De- 
cember 2, 1890, at the advanced age of ninety 
years, he followed her to the unseen world. To 
this estimable couple fourteen children wereborn: 
Samuel (deceasd), who married and had one 
child; Mary (deceased), who married George B. 
Lucas, of Howard township, Centre county; 
Michael, a farmer in Howard township; Philip, 
a farmer in Curtin township, Centre county; 
Henry, a farmer and lumberman in Clearfield 
county; Philinda, widow of Henry Handless, 
and a resident of Clearfield county; Ezekiel, our 
subject; Margaret, who died when fifteen months 
old; Lavina (deceased), formerly the wife of 
John Mann, of Clinton county; Emeline (de- 
ceased), who married Henry Antis, of Centre 
county; Franklin, a farmer in Howard township, 
Centre county; Nicholas, now residing at the 
old homestead; and Elizabeth, wife of William 
Unguard, of Watsontown, Northumberland coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania. 

Ezekiel Confair's early life was spent at the 
old homestead, and the public schools of the lo- 
cality furnished the foundation of a good practi- 
cal education. On December 8, 1859, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Charity A. Packer, 
and soon after established his home upon a 
rented farm in the same township, belonging to 
Hiram Baker. Three years later he rented a 



farm in that township from Gov. Packer, and 
after four years there he moved to Boggs town- 
ship, where, after occupying and renting prop- 
erty for five years, he purchased (in 1873) his 
present estate, a fine farm of 158 acres. In 
July, 1865, he was drafted, but paid $300 to the 
government for a substitute. Socially, he is a 
leading member of the Grange at Milesburg, and 
in religious faith, since the age of thirteen he has 
been connected with the U. B. Church, with 
which his wife united when sixteen years old. 
In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. 

Mr. and Mrs. Confair have had thirteen chil- 
dren, whose names with dates of birth are as fol- 
lows: John R. , August 20, i860, died September 
12, same year; Martha J., May 4, 1862, married 
Robert B. Lucas, a farmer and lumberman of 
Boggs township, Centre county; William H., 
December 26, 1863, died September 12, 1864; 
Ira, January 1, 1865, is engaged in the lumber 
business in Boggs township; George W. , July 
22, 1866, is a farmer in the same locality; James 
T. , October 13, 1868, is a farmer in Curtin 
township, Centre county; Jerome A., August 21, 
1 87 1, is engaged in lumbering in Curtin town- 
ship; Jessie P., December 12, 1873, is at home; 
a daughter, April 11, 1875, died unnamed; 
Emma L. , June 4, 1876, married John Watson, 
a farmer of Boggs township, Centre county; 
Irvin M. L., September 17, 1S77, Nancy E., 
June 15, 1879, and Edward N., January 9, 1882, 
are at home. 

Mrs. Confair was born in Howard township, 
Centre county, a daughter of Jesse P. Packer, a 
native of Germany. The first ancestor of the 
Packer family of whom we have record was Aaron 
Packer, Mrs. Confair's great-grandfather, who 
married Mary Phipps, a native of the Province of 
Maine, and a sister of Sir William Phipps, who 
figured prominently in the history of Massachu- 
setts, and was Governor of that State in the lat- 
ter part of the seventeenth century. He followed 
the sea for some time, and was knighted by King 
James on account of his search for sunken treas- 
ure. Having gone to London and obtained an 
. audience of the King, he told him of vast wealth 
lying beneath certain waters. The King listened 
attentively, and approving the plan outlined for 
the recovery of the prize, he appointed Sir Will- 
iam Phipps captain of the " Rose Algier," a vessel 
carrying eighteen guns and ninety-five men. Thus 
equipped, Sir William sailed from England on his 
quest. The estate of the Phipps family in Eng- 
land is now in litigation, and Mrs. Confair, as 
one of the heirs, is entitled to a large fortune. 
Jesse Packer, Mrs. Confair's grandfather, was a 
native of Germany, and his wife, Catherine Will- 






392 



COMMEMOHA TITE BI0GBAPHI0A1 RECORD. 



iams, was born in Ireland. Jesse Packer was a 
leading man ol his day iii this section, and fol- 
lowed the calling of civil engineer. 

. the father of Mrs. Confair, 
was born in Chester county, l'enn., and was 
there married to Sarah Swisher, who was born in 
thi Fatherland and accompanied her parents, 
| i ph and Elizabeth (Linnes Swisher, to this 
intry, where they remained, their last days 
bein^ spent in Centre county. Jesse P. Packer 
became prominent among the agriculturists of 
Howard township. Centre county, where he died 
September 9, 1874, at the- age of seventy-five. 
His wife passed away December 2, 1884, aged 
seventy-seven years. Ten children were born to 
them, theii names and dates of birth being as fol- 
lows: Michael, Jul}-, (823, Joseph, November 
25, [826, a fanner. Nancy, August II, 1828, wife 
of James 1*. Haines, a lumberman, and John, 
August 16, 1 83 1. a farmer by occupation, all re- 
side in Howard township, t ■ • 1 1 1 re county; Cath- 
erine. August 29, 1 S 3 4 . married James Packer, 
of Curtin township; Rowland, June 27, 1837, 
was drowned at the age of fourteen; Charity A., 
August 10, [840, married Mr. Confair; Jane, July 
1 S43 . resides at Howard, and Susan 'I"., 
August 8, 1846, married Ira Packer, a farmer in 
Mrl ,eod ci iunty, Minnesota, 



Mtl HAEL M. FISHBURN. Among the 
progressive and industrious farmers of Ben- 

ner township. Centre county, the subject of this 
sketch occii| ominent and honorable posi- 

tion. A son of Jacob and Mary Ann M<> 
Fish burn, In- was horn in Dauphin county, Penn. , 
in [827, and in [832 was brought to Centre 
counts-, with whose interests he has >iiice been 
it died. lie is the second in order of birth in 
a family of five children, the others being Henrj 

J. . Jacob, Anna \l. and William H. 

Philip Fishburn, the grandfather ol Michael 
M , was a native "i Pennsylvania. Heserved in 
the Revolutionary war, was a farmer of Dauphin 
counts, where his death occurred about the year 
18411. I lis son Jacob, our subject's father, was 
born mi Dauphin county, and at his death, in 
[889, had a farm of some 197 acres of land in 
Centre county. On coming to the latter coun- 
ty in [832, he settled near where Michael M. 
now resides. He was a man of honor and in- 
tegrity and a good citizen; a member of the Lu- 
theran Church, and, in politics, first a Whig, 
then a Democrat. His wife died in 1883. 
Michael M. Fishburn had but meagre educa- 
tional advantages. He remained with his father 
until twenty-seven years of age, then went with 



an uncle, Felix Burkholder, who resided in Penn's 
Valley, with whom he learned the trade of a 
miller, remaining one and a half years, and re- 
ceiving for his services sixty-five dollars. He 
then returned home, and in connection with his 
brother worked the home farm for two years. 
He next moved to Jacksonville, in Walker town- 
ship, and for three years rented a farm there and 
followed agriculture as an occupation. After 
the expiration of this time he went to College 
township, and for twelve years resided on a farm 
o| [25 acres which he rented of Major Reynolds, 
and during that period he b< ;hteen acres 

of the farm on which he now resides, since which 
he has added to it forty acres, making fifty-eight 
acres in all. 

In 1857, Mr. Fishburn was man led to Cath- 
erine Rossman, who was born in Potter town- 
ship, Penn's Valley, March 11, 1833, a daughter 
of Jonathan R. and Rebecca (Fie) Rossman, the 
former of whom, born in 1815, died in 1866, and 
the latter, born in 1810, died in 1X82, the | 
ents of eleven children, namely: Catherine, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, May. Susan, Henry, John, 
Margaret, Michael, Calvin, and one that died in 
infancy. Our subject and his wife have had no 
children. He has been a lifelong Democrat, and 
takes an interest in political affairs. He is a 
member of the German Reformed Church, and 
his upright moral character and sterling worth 
have won him the confidence and high regard of 
all who know him. 



OWARD M. STUART. Anion;,' the lead- 
-ITA ing and influential agriculturists of Huston 
township, Centre county, who thoroughly under- 

j stand their business, and pursue the a\ 
of their lives in a methodical and workmanlike 

1 manner, is the subject of this biography, whose 
farm is in the Bald Eagle Valley on the Bald 
I lagle plank road. He was born September 
[854, in that same township, one mile from his 
present home, and continued under the parental 
roof until after the death of his parenC, when he 
assumed charge of the farm, and has since suc- 
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits 

John W. Stuart, father of our subject, w 
native of Blair county, Penn., and a son of Will- 
iam and Hannah Stuart, who spent their entire 
lives in that county. On reaching manhood he 
married Patience Williams, who was born in 
Centre county, a daughter of George and Han- 
nah Williams. Her parents were also nativi 
Centre county, and lived upon the present farm 
of our subject, which has been in the Willi. 1 
family for years. By occupation John W S 




MICHAEL M. FISHBURN. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



893 



was a farmer and carpenter, but was principally 
engaged in the latter pursuit. On coming to 
Centre county in 1846 he located in Huston 
township, and for five years engaged in merchan- 
dising. Here his death occurred October 3, 
1893, when he was aged eighty-five years, six 
months and four days, and his wife passed away 
September 1, 1894, at the age of eighty-three 
years, three months and six days. They were 
both earnest and consistent members of the 
Baptist Church, and in politics he was a Repub- 
lican. Of their four children, John died when 
young, and Alice and Junietta died in infancy, 
our subject, therefore, being the only one living. 

On October 12, 1874, Howard M. Stuart, our 
subject, was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Mc- 
Donald, and they have seven children, whose 
names and dates of births are as follows: Annie 
P., January 25, 1876; Alda B., February 20, 
1879; Allie J., Octobers, 1881 ; Hannah, June 19, 
1884; Bardens, June 19, 1889; John W., August 
1, 1893; and Harry, August 6, 1895. All are 
still with their parents, though Annie P. is now 
the wife of J. R. Williams, a school teacher, by 
whom she has one son, Theodore, born Septem- 
ber 1, 1894. 

Mrs. Stuart was born in Huston township, 
Centre county, August 12, 1859, and is a daugh- 
ter of Alexander and Sarah (Records) McDonald, 
also natives of Centre county, the former born 
in 1 83 1, and the latter in 1829, in Huston town- 
ship, where they still reside. The father was a 
member of the Union army during the Civil war, 
and was wounded in battle. Throughout his 
business career he has followed farming and lum- 
bering. His parents John and Elizabeth (Ir.vin) 
McDonald, were natives of Clearfield county, 
Penn., but spent their last days upon a farm in 
Centre county. The maternal grandfather of 
Mrs. Stuart was William Records. To Alexan- 
der and Sarah McDonald were born eight chil- 
dren, namely: Joseph, now a farmer of Clear- 
field county; Abner, a farmer of Huston town- 
ship, Centre county; Elizabeth J., the honored 
wife of our subject; Alexander, a railroad engin- 
eer residing at Blairville, Westmoreland Co., 
Penn.; Emma, at home; Mary, wife of a Mr. 
Lane, a farmer of Iowa; Nora, wife of Calvin 
Hall, a carpenter of Clearfield county; and one 
who died in infancy. 

Mr. Stuart exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the Repub- 
lican party, and has served his fellow citizens in 
the capacity of supervisor and overseer of the 
poor as well as school director. He was first 
appointed to fill an unexpired term as overseer, 
and so acceptably did he discharge the duties of 



that office that he has twice been re-elected, and 
is the present incumbent. He holds member- 
ship in the Grange of Unionville, Penn., and 
both himself and wife are members of the Bap- 
tist Church. They are representative and valued 
citizens of the community in which their entire 
lives have been passed, and none are held in 
higher regard. 



w 



ALTER O'BRYAN is one of the most 
active and energetic agriculturists of Col- 
lege township, Centre county. His grandfather, 
Daniel O'Bryan, a native of Ireland, came to the 
United States when in his "teens," and kept an 
inn — a sort of half-way house — at Pine Grove, 
between Bellefonte and Huntingdon, Penn. 
There he died in 1880, at a ripe old age. In 
his family were three children: Nancy, who be- 
came the wife of Walter Graham, a stage owner, 
and died in Bellefonte in 1883; James, the father 
of our subject; and Martha, wife of William 
Butz, of California. 

James O'Bryan was born at Pine Grove in 
1 814. He received very ordinary educational 
advantages, but became a well-informed man, 
and engaged in teaching in early life. In 1840 
he opened a hotel in Pine Grove, where he died 
in 1868, of typhoid fever. In 1838 he married 
Miss Sarah Wingard, and they became the parents 
of eight children: Mrs. Mary Wingart, who for 
some time lived in Michigan, but is now a resi- 
dent of Huntingdon, Penn. ; George, who was 
born in 1838, and is engaged in merchandising in 
Adrian, Mich.; Daniel, who was born in 1840, 
and died during his service in the Union army; 
Walter, the subject of this review; James, who 
was born in 1844, and is a cabinetmaker of 
Bellefonte; Sarah, who was born in 1846, and 
died in Pine Grove in 1887; Joseph, who was 
born in 1848, and is a contractor of Detroit; 
and Nancy, who was born in 1851, and is now 
Mrs. Glasgow, living near Anderson, Mifflin Co., 
Pennsylvania. 

The early home of our subject was near Yel- 
low Springs, Blair Co., Penn., where he died 
May 29, 1842. In the schools of Pine Grove he 
received a very meagre education, his first teacher 
being Mrs. Margaret Patton, and at the age of 
fifteen he began learning the miller's trade, which 
he followed for eight years in Pennsylvania Fur- 
nace. Subsequently he worked at lumbering in 
Clearfield county, this State, for two years, and 
then started on a prospecting tour through the 
Northwest, returning home April 14, 1867. 

On October 4, of the same year, Mr. 
O'Bryan was united in marriage with Miss Char- 



394 



COMMEMOHA TIVK /!/<», IIM'IW M. Uh'DRD. 



lotte Lytle, a daughter of Picrcel and Lydia 
(Johnsonbau^h Lytle, who resided near Pine 
Grove. Three children graced this union: 
James Piercel, born May i, 1869, is at home; 
Gertrude, born July 21, 1873, is the wife of 
1 1' uner Decker, a fanner living near Bellefonte; 
and George, born September 29, 1878, is a stu- 
dent at the State College. After his marriage, 
Mr. O'Bryan purchased his present farm in Col- 
lege township of ninety-five acres, pleasantly 
situated on Whitehall road one-half mile south 
of State College. He has converted the place 
into one of the best farms of the locality, placing 
the fields under a high state of cultivation and 
making many excellent improvements. 

In his political views Mr O'Bryan isa Demo- 
crat but takes no active part in politics aside from 
voting. Socially he was formerly a member of 
the Knights of Pythias lodge at Bellefonte, and 
now holds membership in Oak Hall Grange No. 
169; in religious belief he is a worthy mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He has con- 
formed his conduct to the old maxim that honest\ 
is the best polity, and to-day no one is held in 
higher esteem in College township than Walter 
van. 



SOLOMON D. TICE, one of the self-made 
J men and leading farmers of Howard town- 
ship. Centre county, commenced life with a cash 
capital of ten cents. He now represents a \ 
valuable property, all of which he has accumu- 
lated through his own perseverance and indus- 
try, guided by sound judgment and resistless will 
power. 

In Miami counts. Ohio, Mr. Tire was born 
October 9, 1848, a son of George and Susannah 
(Dohner) lice, who were natives of Lebanon 
county, Perm., but were married in Miami coun- 
ty. Ohio, where they continued to make their 
home throughout th under of their lives. 

During his younger years the father followed the 
carpenter's trade, hut later gave his attention to 
farming. Both were members of the River 
Brethren in Christ Church, and in politics he 
was identified with the Republican party, on 
which ticket he was elected to several township 
offices of honor and trust. He died Jul) i~\ 
1SS7, at the age of eighty-five years, and the 
mother of our subject died in 1854, at the age of 
forty- two. After her death he had wedded 
Sarah Myers, and when she, too, was called iwaj 
he married Mary Musselman. His parents, 
George and Elizabeth Tice, were natives of 
Sw it/erland, and on coming to the United States 
located upon a farm in Lebanon county, Penn., 



where they spent their remaining days. The 
maternal grandparents of our subject. Rev. Chris- 
tian and Mary iLong) Dohner. were natives of 
Lebanon county, but at an early date emigrated 
to Ohio, where the grandfather served as a min- 
ister of the River Brethren Church. 

■ht children were born to the parents of 
our subject: Jonah, a railroad contractor resid- 
ing in Ohio; Noah (deceased); Mary, deceased 
wife of Samuel Crider, a farmer of Lebanon 
county; Solomon D. , the subject of this sketch; 
Levi (deceased); Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Martin 
Heisey, a farmer and minister of the Dunkard 
Brethren Church of Lebanon county; and Fli 
and Aaron, both deceased. 

Solomon D. Tice early became familiar with 
agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and 
in the public schools of the neighborhood ac- 
quired ins education. On attaining his majority 
he started out in the world for himself, and has 
since been dependent upon his own resources. 
Although he had no capital, he was the posse- 
of a good name, and began his farming opera- 
tions on rented land in Lebanon county, which 
he stocked and cultivated for five years. For 
the same length of time he also lived upon a farm 
in Clinton county, after which he came to How- 
ard and worked in a gristmill for a year. He 
th.-ii removed to his present farm in Howard 
township; but at the end of four years returned 
to the village, where for five years he served as 
pike manager of the Bald Eagle, Nittany, Brush 
& Penn's Valley Pike Road Co. .since that time, 
however, he has made his home upon his present 
farm, which is under a high state of cultivation 
and well-improved with good buildings. For the 
past twelve years he has also served as pike 
manager, which position he has faithfully and 
capably tilled. 

( )n December 1. 1870, Mr. Tice was married 
to Miss Emma B. Long, and to them have been 
born six children: Elizabeth W. and Cyrus M 
(an engineer), at home; William A., who mar- 
ried Maggie M. Fisher, a farmer of Howard town- 
ship. Centre county; Ira E. , who is attending 
the Central State Normal School at Lock Ha\ 
Ellery \\ . , at home; and Florence, who died in 
childhood. 

Mrs. Tice was born in Nittany Valley, Clin- 
ton Co., Penn., October 31, 185?. and is 
daughter of Conrad and Hannah (Kaufman) 
Long, natives of Lancaster and Centre count 
Penn., respectively. They were married in < 
tre county, where the father died March 
1896. He was born August 23, 1822, in hi- 
younger days followed boating, and later became 
an extensive grain dealer, farmer and miller, but 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPniCAL RECORD. 



395 



spent the last seven years of his life in retire- 
ment. He also served as a minister of the River 
Brethren Church. His faithful wife, who was 
born November 27, 1825, still survives him, and 
is a resident of Howard, Centre county. 

Mr. Tice uniformly votes the Republican 
ticket, and in religious faith is a consistent mem- 
ber of the River Brethren in Christ Church. To 
such men of progressive and liberal ideas, gener- 
ous and benevolent in spirit, is Centre county in- 
debted for its great prosperity. 



JACOB REED, a prominent retired agricult- 
urist, residing in Aaronsburg, ranks among 
the leading owners of farm lands in this sec- 
tion. In these days of selfish monopoly in land 
it is to his credit that his extensive holdings are 
all made productive instead of being allowed to 
lie uncultivated for purely speculative gains. As 
a shrewd manager and a deservedly successful 
one, Mr. Reed has found his profits in ways 
which promote the general good. 

Mr. Reed is a native of Centre county, born 
August 2, 1832, in Haines township, on the same 
farm land and in the same house where his father, 
Daniel Reed, was born and reared. Oursubject's 
grandfather, Benjamin Reed, a carpenter, came 
from Berks county, Penn., at an early day, and 
as a pioneer farmer secured a tract of excellent 
land for a permanent home, where five sons and 
three. daughters were trained to lives of useful- 
ness. 

Daniel Reed, who was born in 1802, and was 
among the youngest of the family, became one of 
the substantial citizens of the locality, owning two 
farms in Penn township, two in Haines township, 
and one in Sugar Valley. He was more than six 
feet in height, an industrious worker, and ex- 
celled in the management of his enterprises. In 
religious faith he was a Lutheran, and in politics 
a Democrat. He was married in Berks county, 
Penn., to Miss Elizabeth Tobias, by whom he 
had six children, of whom, two only lived to 
adult age; Jacob; and Rebecca, who married 
Noah Stover, and died in Penn township, Centre 
county. The father passed away in 1872, his 
remains being laid to rest at Wolf's school house, 
and the mother lived to be more than ninety years 
old, breathing her last September 28, 1886. 

Jacob Reed enjoyed the usual educational ad- 
vantages of a country boy of his day, and the 
contrast between his early opportunities and 
those afforded by our present school system is 
marked. Realizing the advantage of free educa- 
tion to the community as well as to the individ- 
ual, he endorses all efforts for the improvement 



of our facilities in that direction. Being the only 
boy, the work of the farm devolved upon him, as 
his father became too feeble to carry on his busi- 
ness, and he always resided at the old homestead 
until 1886, when he moved to Aaronsburg, and in 
his turn surrendered the active work of his estates 
to other hands. He has four farms, 541 acres in 
all, and still looks closely after their manage- 
ment, doing the " head work" for them all to a 
great extent. 

In 1866 Mr. Reed was married in Haines 
township, Centre county, to Miss Lydia Winkel- 
blech, a native of that township, born June 17, 
1843, a daughter of Adam Winkelblech, a well- 
known farmer, and his wife, Sarah (Fisher). 
Two children bless this union: Sarah E. , Mrs. 
George M. Homan, of Haines township, Centre 
county; and Amanda R., Mrs. A. Stover, of 
Aaronsburg. \V hile Mr. Reed has gained a rep- 
utation as an able financier, he has not been so 
closely devoted to business as to neglect public 
affairs. He is not desirous of official position, 
but has always been an ardent supporter of the 
principles of the Democratic party. He and 
his wife are leading members of the Lutheran 
Church. 



E^LIAS HANCOCK, a general farmer, and the 
'I present efficient superintendent of the Sab- 
bath-school of Wallace Run, Centre county, now 
makes his home at that place, where he is suc- 
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and also 
in teaching. He was born in Elk county, Penn., 
March 6, 1841, but for many years he has been 
one of the prominent and representative citizens 
of Centre county. 

James R. and Sarah (Taylor) Hancock, par- 
ents of our subject, and natives of Bedford and 
Juniata counties, Penn., respectively, were mar- 
ried in Elk county, where they continued to re- 
side until 1866, when they removed to Boggs 
township, Centre county. Here the mother, who 
was born March 9, 1806, died in 1867, and the 
father, who was born June 11, 1802, died in 
1876. He was a cooper by trade, following the 
same in Bedford county, but in Elk county he 
engaged in farming, and on coming to Centre 
county lived retired. In early life he was a 
Whig in politics, later a Republican, and for 
many years served as supervisor of Fox town- 
ship, Elk county. 

Our subject is one of a family of eleven chil- 
dren, namely: William T., born August 4, 
1824, died when young; Mary, born April 12, 
1826, married Jacob Taylor, but both are now 
deceased; Sarah, born April 9, 1828, is the de- 






ini/i// MoiiATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ceased wife of George Taylor, of Central City, 
Perm.; James, born August 19, 1830, Josiah, 
born October 20, 1832, George W., born March 
9, 1835, and Elizabeth, born July jo, 1836, are 
all deceased; Joel, born June 1, 1839, is a farmer 
of Nebraska; Elias and Eliza (twins) were born 
March 6, [841, and the latter is now the wife of 
James R. Green, of Elk county; and Benjamin 
F. , born October 6, 1843, is deceased. 

Until sevetneen years of age, Prof. Hancock 
assisted in the labors of the farm, but at that 
time met with a painful accideut. While en- 
gaged in chopping down a tree with two others, 
he slipped and fell, his hand going under the axe, 
which his brother-in-law was just bringing down, 
his right hand being severed at the wrist, and 
for three months he was confined to his bed. 
On his recovery he began teaching in Elk coun- 
ty, which profession he there followed some 
eight terms. In the meantime, however, he 
attended the State Normal College at New 
York for one term. He has since engaged in 
teaching in the schools of Centre counts', where 
in the spring of [896 he finished his fortieth term. 
For three terms he did net follow the profession, 
his time bein^; spent as si hool director, collector 
and treasurer of the school board. He has 
proved a most competent ami able instructor, 
and holds high rank among the leading educators 
of the county. 

On April 7, [870, Mr. Hancock was married 
to Mis- M.u\ E. Taylor, by whom he has two 
children: Edward R., who was born April 4, 
187 1, and is now engaged in teaching in Hoggs 
township; and Sarah B., born August 20, 1878, 
at home. Mrs. Hancock was born July 6, [843, 
at Farmers Mills, Centre county, of which coun- 
ty her parents, Thomas |. and Sarah ( Human 1 
Taylor, were also natives, and there the mother 
died February [4, r86l, at the age of thirty- 
nine years; the father, who was bom August 2, 
iSjo, now makes Ins home at Unionville, l'enn. 
For se\' us during early life he also en- 

gaged in teaching, later followed clerking, book- 
keeping and photographing; then conducted a 
hotel at I nionville; but is now engaged inweav- 
ing carpets. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church, in politics is a Democrat, and has held 
a number of local offices of honor and trust. His 
parents, George and Mary (Dunlap) Taylor, 
spent their entire lives in Centre county. 

Mrs. Hancock is the eldest in the family, the 
others being as follows: Sarah E., wife of 
Charles McGlocklin, superintendent of coal mines 
in Clearfield county, Perm.; Martha J., wife of 
Prof. H. Meyer, who was for a time superintend- 
ent of the schools of Centre county, and now re- 



sides at Rebersburg, Penn. : Susan C , who died 
at the age of five years; orge W., who is 

engaged in clerking in Bedford county, Penn. 
The father of these children was twice married, 
his second union being with Susan Swyers, by 
whom he has one daughter, Clara B., wile of T. 
F. Leathers, a government employee in the print- 
ing department at Washington, D. ('. 

Prof. Hancock casts his ballot in support of 
the men and measures of the Republican party. 
and has most acceptably filled the offices of sup- 
ervisor, assessor, assistant assessor, and clerk of 
his township, holding the last position at the 
present time. Promptness and fidelity mark the 
discharge of all duties entrusted to his care, 
and he has proved a most popular official. He 
holds membership in the Presbyterian Church but 
attends the United Brethren Church, to which 
his children belong, while his wife is a member 
of the Baptist Church. They are earnest, con- 
sistent Christian people, and the son is contem- 
plating entering the ministry. They hold a high 
position in the social circles of the community, 
have the confidence and respect of all who ki 
them, and hosts of warm friends. 



WILLIAM A. TOBIAS, one of the most 
prominent citizens of Millheim, Centre 
county, is a self-made man in the fullest sense of 
the word. Not only has he won a financial suc- 
cess through his own efforts, but his excellent 
practical education has been gained mainly from 
private stud} . 

Mr. Tobias is a native of Bloomsburg, Co- 
lumbia Co., Penn., and is a son of Rev. D S 
Tobias, a minister of the German Reformed 
Church, whose talents and devotion to the cause 
of religion made him prominent in his day. 
Reared in a rural community in Berks county, 
Penn., where he was born March 3, 1804, Rev 
Mr. Tobias had but limited educational advan- 

es in his youth, and his preparation for his 
chosen calling was obtained with unusual sacri- 
fice and effort. His studies in theology « 
directed by Rev. C. J. Hermann, and in all lines 
his instruction was in the German language, in 
which all his preaching was done. His first ser- 
mon, delivered November 23, 1823, at "the 
Swam]). " in Lancaster county, Penn., was found- 
ed upon the first five verses of the 103d Psaltn 
I ■'■! a time he served as a local preacher in dif- 
ferent parts of Berks county, and his first settled 
■ barge was at Bloomsburg, Columbia county, in 
1824. About 185 1 he moved to Rebersburg. 
Centre county, where he died October 29, 1864, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



397 



in his sixty-first year. He was a small man, 
weighing about a hundred pounds, and was never 
robust physically, yet his mental powers were of 
an unusually high order. He lived comfortably, 
but never accumulated much property. In the 
course of his active service in the ministry he 
preached 4, 500 regular sermons, officiated at 750 
funerals, 657 confirmations and 576 marriages. 
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

On February 9, 1824, Rev. Tobias was mar- 
ried in Berks county to Miss Elizabeth Fisher, a 
native of that county, born July 3, 1802. She sur- 
vived him many years, living for more than twen- 
ty-five years in the home of our subject, where 
she breathed her last October 13, 1891, in her 
ninetieth year. The mortal remains of this 
worthy couple now rest in the cemetery at 
Aaronsburg, Centre Co., Penn. Their children 
were ten in number, the names with dates of 
birth being as follows: Methusalem, February 
16, 1825, died in infancy; John F., January 28, 
1827, was a physician at Sedalia, Mo., where he 
died; Silisa S., August 9, 1828, is the widow of 
P. E. Bomboy, of Espy, Columbia Co., Penn.; 
Calvin J. R., September 29, 1830, is a railway 
engineer residing in Keene, N. H. ; William A., 
January 10, 1833, is mentioned more fully be- 
low; Andrew J., February 13, 1835, resides in 
Almedia, Columbia county; Amelia, September 
24, 1837, married John H. Auman, of Mill- 
heim; Snyder D., August 1, 1840, died at Mill- 
heim, January 30, 1894; Elizabeth A., June 
19, 1845, married Henry Miller, of Millheim; 
and Lewis C. , July 17, 1848, resides in the same 
town. 

Mr. Tobias, our subject, first attended the 
public schools of Bloomsburg, which were by no 
means equal to those of the present. His un- 
fortunate deprivation of suitable opportunities 
for an education has deeply impressed upon him 
the need of better schools in which all children 
may find thorough instruction. By diligent use 
of such means as lay within reach, he prepared 
for teaching, and in 1858 he took charge of a 
school in Haines township, Centre county, known 
as " Fowler's School," at $20 per month, not in- 
cluding board. This school was very small in 
numbers, the average being about five. While 
there he began to chew tobacco to put in the 
time, which hung heavily. He had already 
learned the harness maker's trade under Alexan- 
der Best, at Danville, Penn., but after serving a 
portion of his term of apprenticeship he became 
so proficient that he began work as a journey- 
man. In the early part of 1861, he was local 
editor, foreman, pressman, devil and carrier, of 
the Benvick Gazette, a weekly paper published 



by A. B. Tate, at Berwick, Columbia Co., Penn- 
sylvania. 

On October 21, 1861, Mr. Tobias enlisted at 
Bloomsburg, in Company D, 84th P. V. I., with 
Capt. Alexander G. Frick. His first battle was 
at Hancock, Md., and his second at Winchester, 
Va. He was in Banks' retreat from Winchester 
to Williamsport, Md., and after that event he 
came home for a short time. Soon after rejoin- 
ing the regiment at Washington, D. C. , he was 
taken ill and sent to the hospital at Washington, 
D. C, from there to York, Penn., and Octo- 
ber 23, 1862, he was discharged at Baltimore, 
Md., on a surgeon's certificate of disability. He 
returned to Centre county, and for thirteen years 
was engaged in teaching during the winter sea- 
sons, chiefly the schools of Rebersburg, three 
terms, and those of Clinton county, also three 
terms, his vacations being devoted to other work. 
His last term of school was in Boggs township, 
Centre county, winter of 1874, where he received 
$45 per month. In the fall of 1875 he was 
elected County Recorder of Deeds of Centre 
county for three years, and re-elected in 1878. 
Before his term expired he was appointed by 
the president judge of the court, C. A. Mayer, 
to make a new index for miscellaneous papers 
and deeds and mortgages of Centre county, 
which occupied his time for a year, two clerks 
helping him. In 1876 he moved to Beliefonte 
in order to discharge conveniently the duties of 
the office of County Recorder of Deeds. In 1882 
he came to Millheim, where he has since resided. 
In 1894, in company with W. H. Culverson, he 
established a small general store at Paddy's 
Mountain, Mifflin county, but sold out at the end 
of a year to his partner. Prior to this he had 
charge of a bankrupt stock of goods at Millheim. 
He has also to some extent dealt in real estate, 
and at the present time he is connected with the 
Building & Loan Association, of Millheim. 

Mr. Tobias has always taken an active inter- 
est in politics, is one of the leading Democrats 
in his section, and was a delegate to County 
Convention several times. At present he is serv- 
ing as president of the city council of Millheim. 
He has a wide acquaintance, and is deservedly 
popular, with all classes. His kindliness of heart 
is shown in his care of his parents and for others 
of the family who have been less fortunatethan he 
in worldly matters. One brother, Snyder D., an 
invalid for many years, found a home with him also 
during his last days, and passed away there. 
Our subject's intellect is acute and active, and 
he is gifted as a writer, finding much enjoyment 
in corresponding for various papers. Frater- 
nally, he belongs to W. W. Bierly Post No. 298, 






I OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



<. A. EL, at Millheim, and to Centre Lodge No. 
153, I. O. O. F., at Belief on te; was initiated at 
Lock Haven, Penn., in Great Island i No. 

I O.O. I ; .. iii [863, and transferred to Cen- \ 
tre Lod{ 153, Bellefonte, in 1876; he was 

formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias and 
the Order of Red Men, but as neither had a lod 
in the county he withdrew after a time. In 

he made an application for pension under 
the Act of June 27. was examined and rejected. 
On August 4, [897, he was again examined, and 
on November 16, 1S97. his pension was granted, 
$10 per month and 55 months and 25 days back 
pay. Mr. Tobias has never married 



JEROME A ( ONFER is engaged in general 
farming on the Marsh Creek road, in Hoggs 
township, Centre county, and is one of that 
honorable class of self-made men who owe their 
success in life to their own efforts. His energy, 
perseverance and capable management have been 
the essential factors in his prosperity, and the 
record of his career furnishes an example which 
might profitably be followed by many others. A 
native of Centre county, he was born August 31, 
1S40, a son of Richard and Margaret T. (Packer) 
Confer, who wen- also natives of Centre comity. 
The father was a miller by trade, and followed 
that pursuit throughout his entire life. His 
political support was given the Democracy. He 
died in 1846, at the early age of thirty-two years, 
and his wife who still survives him, is now li, 
in Jefferson county, Penn., where she located in 
1856. She was born November 4, 1823. They 
had four -mis. namely: Jason who is living in 
Jefferson county; William, of Potter county, 
this State; Jerome A : and John, of Centre 

No event of special importance marked the 
boyhood days of [erome A. Confer, who re- 
mained with his mother until twenty years of 
when he was married and began working in 

lumber woods. H nployed until 

1N75. when he turned his attention to farming 
and located at his present home. For .1 year he 
rented and then purchased his farm, which com- 
prises [84 a good land, the greater part 
of it being under a high state of cultivation and 
yielding to the owner a golden tribul turn 
for the care and cultivation >ws upon it. 
In the midst of the well-tilled Gelds stands a 
handsome residence, while good barns and out- 
buildings have been provided for the care of 
grain and stock. 

On September 20, t86o. Mr. Confer was 
united in marriage with Margaret Elizabeth 



Walker, who was born in Boggs township, on 
May 5, 1844, a daughter of James and Rachel 
(Heaton) Walker, also natives of Centre county. 
I 1 many years the father was engaged in the 
lumber business in Snow Shoe township, but 
his last years v oted to farming. He 

a member of the Baptist Church, and in pol- 
itics was a Democrat. He died January 8, 1 • 
at the age of seventy-seven; his wife, who was 
born February 16, 1S1S, is still living. They 
were parents of ten children, as follows: Mary 
J. is the deceased wife of P. Slacker, of Miles- 
burg, Penn.: James W. is also deceased: Mrs. 
Confer; John is deceased; Isaiah, twin brother of 
John, is a resident of Centre county; Edward H. 
and Miles are also residents of that county; I 
lor is in McKean county, Penn.; Eliza is the wife 
I 1 rank Strickland, of Jefferson county. Penn.: 
and Harvey is deceased. The grandparents of 
Mrs. Confer were Jacob and Margaret Walker, 
natives of Centre county and Germany, resj 
ively; both died in this county. The maternal 
grandparents. Enoch and Eve Heaton, were for 
residents of Centre county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Confer have a family of twelve 
children: Rachel M., born February 10, 181 
is the wife of frvin Butler, of Boggs township; 
Susan M., born May 9, 1863, is now deceased; 
Mary E., born August 8, 1865, is the wife of 
Wilson Heaton, of Milesburg; Anna, born Ma) 
22, 1867. died in infancy; Richard S., born Au- 
gust 19, 1868, is living in Milesburg, Penn.. 
fames E., of Milesburg, was born Septembers, 
1870; Alma, born May 22, 1873. is deceased; 
Lydia M.. born May 5, 1874, is also deceased; 
Clara M.. born June 20, 1876. has also passed 
away; Nelson A. was born April 20, 1878; Fthel 
I was born August 12, i88o; Gertrude E. was 
born May 20, 1885; and Fannie M. was born 
August 28, 1887. 

Mr. Confer is a man of great energy, of strong 
determination and resolute purpose, and carries 
forward to successful completion whatever li 
undertakes. All that he possesses he has 
cured through his own efforts, and his prosperiU 
is certainly well merited. 



CI 1. MALLORY. the efficient manager of the 
Kreamervil mery, ranks among 

self-made men oi Miles township, Centre county, 
who from humble circumstances has worked his 
way upward. He has had very little tinr 
spend in idleness, and when not busy with his 
hands has added to his store of knowledge, 
thus kept well posted on current events. 

Mr. Mallory comes of New England and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



399 



Scotch-Irish extraction, and was born in Miles 
township, January 21, 1855, a son of James B. 
and Elizabeth (Reed) Mallory. His paternal 
grandfather, Isaac Mallory, was a Yankee from 
Connecticut, who during pioneer days came to 
Centre county. While en route for the West, he 
and his family stopped at Milesburg, where was 
born the father of our subject, and in the mean- 
time the grandfather sought employment in the 
numerous iron works of this section. 

His parents being poor, James B. Mallory was 
bound out to Mr. Sheets, a blacksmith of Sugar 
Valley, when quite young, and after learning the 
trade established a shop of his own in Rebers- 
burg, where he carried on business until his death, 
dying at the age of eighty years. He married 
Elizabeth Reed, who was born in Williamsport, 
Penn., and whose father was a splendid speci- 
men of physical manhood, six feet, six inches in 
height, and was a "stiff" Presbyterian. Mrs. 
Mallory was also about eighty years of age at the 
time of her death, and they now sleep side by 
side in the Rebersburg cemetery. They held 
membership in the Evangelical Church, and, 
politically, Mr. Mallory was identified with the 
Democratic party. Although he started out in 
life a poor boy, he succeeded in acquiring a com- 
fortable home and competence. 

Our subject is sixth in order of birth in the 
family of seven children, the others being as fol- 
lows: Jeremiah was a blacksmith of Rebersburg, 
where he died from the effects of a hammer ac- 
cidentally striking his knee; W. J., formerly a 
school teacher, is now a silver and copper mine 
owner of Arizona; Jane is the wife of Henry 
Shool, of Rebersburg; Ellen, the wife of Charles 
F. Dubbs, an operator on the Chicago, Rock 
Island & Pacific railroad, died in March, 1883; 
Belle is the wife of J. W. Cole, of Loganton, 
Penn.; Catharine married Frank Snyder, who 
was killed by a falling tree, and she later wedded 
Daniel Stabley. 

On reaching a sufficient age, Mr. Mallory, the 
subject of this review, entered the schools of 
Rebersburg, his first teacher being R. M. Magee, 
and after attending the common schools for some 
time was a student in the New Berlin Seminary 
(now the Central Pennsylvania College). Previ- 
ously he had also pursued his studies in the County 
Normal at Rebersburg, and as he learned well 
and rapidly was able to begin teaching at the age 
of sixteen. His first school was on Pine creek, 
in Haines township, Centre county, and was an 
exceedingly hard one, where his predecessor had 
signally failed; but he was so successful that he 
at once established his reputation as a teacher, 
although so young. He had many scholars older 



than himself, and physically much his superior; but 
under his able direction the school became one 
of the most orderly in the township. For four- 
teen years he successfully followed the teacher's 
profession, and during his course in the New 
Berlin Seminary paid his tuition by teaching 
some of the lower classes. After an attack of 
pneumonia, his physician advised him to aban- 
don the profession, and going to Antesfort, Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., he served under a skilled 
creamery manufacturer. He then located at 
Spring Mills, where he took charge of the cream- 
ery which hesuccessfullyconducted for two years, 
after which as an employee of R. G. Eisenhart, 
of Horseheads, N. Y. , he built the creamery at 
Kreamerville, which he now operates. 

On January 11, 1880, in Brush Valley, Mr. 
Mallory was married to Miss Minnie Loose, who 
was born in Millheim, Centre county, Septem- 
ber 18, 1 86 1, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza- 
beth (Brickley) Loose. Five children bless their 
union, their names and dates of birth being as 
follows: Lottie, January 11, 1881; Charles B., 
March 16, 1882; Stanley O., November 3, 1883; 
Pearl M., December 27, 1885; and Bessie E., 
September 12, 1887. The family circle still re- 
mains unbroken by the hand of death. 

Mr. Mallory casts his ballot in support of 
Democratic principles, has held township offices, 
and at one time was the candidate of his party 
for county recorder. Being a temperance man, 
he strongly sympathizes with the Prohibition 
movement, and gives his earnest support to all 
worthy enterprises which have for their object 
the good of the community. As members of the 
Evangelical Church, he and his estimable wife 
give much attention to religious work, are earnest 
and sincere Christians, and he has served as class 
leader and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. 
In 1896 he erected a comfortable residence in 
Rebersburg, and he also has a pleasant home in 
Kreamerville, where the family now reside. 



S\ W. SMITH is a general farmer, pursuing 
_) his pleasant and profitable occupation in 
Potter township, Centre county, of which county 
he is a native son, his birth having occurred near 
Centre Hall, February 21, 1863. His father, 
Dr. Peter Smith, was born in Blackhole Valley, 
Lycoming Co., Penn., April 29, 1825, and, as 
his parents were farming people of rather limited 
means, his early educational privileges were lim- 
ited. Desiring to make the practice of medicine 
his life work, he was obliged to borrow the 
money with which to prosecute his studies, and 



loo 



i DM ME MORA Tl VE BlOORAI'IIh 'AL RECORD. 



in January, 1848, he graduated medical 

college of Geneva, New York. 

Dr. Smith began the practice of his chosen 
profession in Hublersburg, Centre county, where 
lie was unknown, and was therefore dependent 
upon his skill and ability for success; but he soon 
succeeded in obtaining a large patronage. There 
he married Mary Kopp, the wedding ceremon) 

ig performed by Rev. Fisher, a Reformed 
Church minister. She was born in Limestone 
township, Union Co., Penn., March 15, 1S22, 
and came to Centre county with her parents, 
George and Elizabeth Kopp, who later removed 
to Sandusky county, Ohio; but she remained in 
( entre county, where she was working as a do- 
mestic at the time of her marriage. 

On leaving Hublersburg; Dr. Smith went to 
Centre Hall, and 111 the spring of 1871 removed 
to the George Hoffer farm, which he had pur- 
chased the previous fall. He was living there 
.it the time of his death, October 4, 1877, and 
was buried in the cemetery of Centre Hall. He 
was a successful practitioner, and many would 
have made more money from the same volume 
of business, but he was never given to exorbitant 
charges, and often made no charge at all. He 
never refused to make a visit because the patient 
was poor and he knew that he would receive 
nothing for it, but went as readily as if his fees 
ware sure. At his death he left his family in 
comfortable circumstances, and the priceless 
heritage of an untarnished name. The Doctor 
was well posted on current issues and questions, 
was a supporter ol the Democratic party, on 
which ticket he was a candidate for the Legisla- 
ture at one time, and socially he was connected 
with the I. O. O. F. and the Grange, being a 
charter member of the latter organization. He 
was also an officer in the Lutheran Church, with 
which he held membership. 

The following children came to the marriage 
of Dr. and Mrs. Smith: Sarah A., born October 
8, 1850, died in infancy; Susan A., born April 
19, 1852, married A. Q. Stover, and died in 
Clifford, Mich., in Oi 1893; Alice O, born 

January 26, 1854, died June 29, [855; John J. 
W., born May 24. 1 S 5 5 , died in childhood; Sa- 
loma M . . horn October 20, 1856, died October 
7, 1868; William B., born April 21, 1858, died 
December 25, 1883; Mary M.. horn March 24, 
1 861 , died July 21, 1865; and S. W . our sub- 
ject. In [872 the family removed to Centn 
Hall, but in 1890 they returned to the h< 
farm, where our subject is living. His mother 
resided with him until March 6, 1897, when she 
died after a short illness. She was laid to rest 
by the side of her husband. 



In the public schools of Centre county Mr. 
Smith was educated, his first teacher being Col. 
J. L. Spangler, and on laying aside his text- 
books, at the age of eighteen, he began learning 
the printer's trade in the office of the Centre Re- 
porter, of Centre Hall. There he remained un- 
til September, 1886, when he became associate 
editor of the Centre County Times, of the same 

e, and was the mainstay of the office, doing 
the greater part of the editorial and mechanical 
work from the very start. After tw<> wars con- 
nection with this paper he went to Hellefonte, 
where for nearly a year he worked on the Key- 
stone Gazette, and then was with the Democrat 
and Sentinel, of Lewistown, Penn., in the ca- 
pacity of local editor. Failing health compelled 
him to abandon the business, and in [888 he re- 
turned to the home farm in Potter township, 
which he has since successfully operated, and 
half of which he now owns. 

On November 12, 1885, in Spun- Hills, 
Penn., Mr. Smith was married to Miss Jennie 
L. Kuhn, of Boalsburg, who was born in Spring 
township. Centre county, September 24. [866, 
a daughter of William H. and Margaret ( Kelphi 
Kuhn, the latter now residing at Jersey Sb 
Penn. Mr. Smith has always given his political 
support to the Democratic party; fraternally he 
is a member of the Grange. Although a young 
man, he is classed among the most progressive 
and enterprising farmers of Potter township, is 
straightforward and reliable, and is well posted 
on various topics. He and his estimable wife are 
faithful members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he has served as deacon, and for fift 
years has been a teacher in the Sunday-school. 



SAMUEL BRUGGER. There are no rules 
for building characters; there is no rule for 
achieving success. The man who can rise from 
the ranks to a position of eminence is he who 
can see and utilize the opportunities that surround 
his path. The essential conditions of life are 
ever the same, the surroundings of individuals 
differ but slightly; and. when one man passes 
.mother on the highwa) to reach the goal of 
prosperity before others who perhaps started out 
before him, it is because he has the power to 
advantages which probably encompass the wholi 
human race. To-day among the most prominent 
business men of central Pennsylvania stands Mi 
Brugger, whose work as a civil engineer 1 
wide radius of territory. 

Johann Rudolph Brugger (grandfather of OUI 
subject), a son of Samuel Brugger, was born in 
October, 1772, in the District of Brugg, Cair 



. 




&foiv<pt£ d//y°t 



'uay&y 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



401 



Aargau, Switzerland, and after his marriage with 
Catherine Wildi located at Veltheim, in the same 
canton, where he engaged in linen weaving. In 
1817, with his family, consisting of wife and six 
children, he started for the New World; but dur- 
ing the three-months' voyage one of his three 
sons died and was buried in the ocean. On land- 
ing at Philadelphia, Grandfather Brugger went 
up the Susquehanna river to McKee's Half Falls, 
and located at Grubb's Church, five miles from 
the river, where he made his home for several 
years. He then removed to what was then 
Union county, but is now Snyder county, Penn., 
locating a few miles from the mouth of Mohan- 
tongo creek, where his death occurred at the age 
of eighty-two years. 

Gabriel Brugger (the father of our subject) 
was born in Veltheim, Switzerland, June 1, 1804, 
and was thirteen years old when he came with 
the family to this country. He wedded Cath- 
erine Arnold, who was born in Chapman town- 
ship, Union county, Penn., May 19, 1805, and 
was a daughter of George Arnold. Ten chil- 
dren were born of this union: Saloma, now the 
widow of Nathan Forrey, of Sandusky county, 
Ohio; Rudolph, a farmer of the same county; 
Samuel, the subject of this review; Gabriel, also 
a farmer of Sandusky county, Ohio; Benjamin, a 
farmer of Murfreesboro.Tenn. ; George, deceased; 
Jonathan, a carpenter of Berrysburg, Penn.; 
Mary A. , deceased wife of Joseph Vogt, of Clyde, 
Ohio; William, deceased; and Mary E., wife of 
Silas Malich, of Wayne, Neb. After his mar- 
riage the father of our subject removed to the 
old Stone Valley church, in Lower Mahanoy 
township, Northumberland county, Penn., where 
he resided until October, 1839, when he went to 
Perry township, Union county, Penn. (now Sny- 
der county), and located upon a small farm near 
Mt. Pleasant Mills. 

The birth of our subject occurred near the 
old Stone Valley Church in Northumberland 
county, August 26, 1830. His early education 
was rather limited, he at first attending a Ger- 
man school for a part of a year in his native 
county, where the public-school system had not 
yet been adopted. During the last two years he 
attended school there, he learned to read English, 
but did not understand what he read. After the 
removal of the family to Union county, he at- 
tended the public schools for three months, the 
length of the winter term. By the law then ex- 
isting the citizens of the district could take a vote 
every three years, and reject or adopt the pub- 
lic-school system, and for several years afterward 
there were no public schools. 

At the age of ten years, Mr. Brugger started 

26 



out to fight life's battle, at first working for his 
board and clothes with an uncle, Jonathan Gel- 
nett, of Juniata county, Penn., where he re- 
mained three years and one-half. Returning 
home, he was a student in a private school for 
two months during the winter for a couple of 
years, taking up reading, arithmetic and a little 
penmanship. In the fall of 1846 he taught a 
two-months' term of school in Greenwood town- 
ship, Juniata county, and so successful was he in 
this venture that he followed the profession for 
several years, alternately teaching and attending 
school. In 1849 he pursued his studies for one 
session in the Dickinson Seminary, at Williams- 
port, Penn., under Rev. Thomas Bowman, now 
a retired bishop of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. In the year previous his father had 
given him his time, and he left home with his 
small stock of clothing and school books in a 
trunk, going to Boalsburg, Centre county, where 
he clerked in the general store of George Jack 
for $5 per month for three months. He next 
cooked for a party of lumbermen in Clearfield 
county, Penn., for his board. In the winter of 
1848-49 he taught school at Grahamton, in that 
county, but in the following spring he returned 
home. 

After attending the seminary at Williamsport 
foroneterm, Mr. Brugger's funds were exhausted, 
and he engaged in teaching for a time at Mt. 
Pleasant Mills, Union county, and near Union- 
ville, in Centre county. In the summer of 1851 
he traveled on foot through Pennsylvania. Mich- 
igan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio, and back 
again to his old home. He then taught school 
until 1853, when for five months he attended 
Joshua Hoope's school for boys at Westchester, 
Penn. He then entered the railroad service, 
with which he has since been mainly connected, 
first going to Unionville, where he was chainman 
on the Bald Eagle Valley railroad. During the 
summer of 1854 he was rodman on the Tangas- 
cootak railroad, later taught school at Union- 
ville, and in April, 1855, he went to Minnesota, 
for a time being employed as assistant city en- 
gineer on the streets of St. Paul. In the fall of 
the same year he was engineer in charge of the 
survey of the Minnesota & Northwestern railroad 
from St. Paul to Cannon river, the first railroad 
projected in the territory. 

On February 14, 1856, Mr. Brugger was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret Peters, who was born at 
Unionville, Penn., February 29, 1836, and is a 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Iddings) Peters, 
also natives of Centre county. Her paternal 
grandparents, Lawrence and Elsie (McGinnis) 
Peters, were born in Lancaster county, Penn. , 



102 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and were among the earl)' settlers of Centre 
inty, where they spent their remaining days 
upon a (arm. Joseph and Margaret (Henry) 
hidings, tin- maternal grandparents, were natives 
of Chester county, Penn., and were also pioneer 
farming people of Centre county. The brothers 
and sisters oi Mrs. I Snigger are as follows: John 
died in the Union service during the Civil war; 
| — ph died from the effects of his army serv- 
i< i , Mary A. is the wife of Daniel Schuman, of 
Missouri; and Sarah F. is the wife of Daniel 
Hall, a blacksmith, of Unionville, Penn. Six 
children blessed the union of our subject and his 
wife: Walter M., a carpenter by trade, but now 
mi tlii- road; Nora I., wife of William F. Becker, 
stationer} agent at Harrisburg, Penn.; Caroline 
A., wife of John C. Rumberger, agent for the 
Central railroad of Pennsylvania at Salona, Clin- 
ton county, Penn.; Joseph, a farmer of Union 
town-hip, Centre county; and John P. and Eliz- 
abeth C. , at home. 

After Ins marriage, Mr. Brugger erected his 
pleasant home at Unionville, Centre county, 
where he has since resided. From October, 
[856, until November, 1864, he was cot 
with the construction of the Bald Eagle Valley 
railroad; was next with the Sterling Mountain 
railroad at New York; 111 1 S66 located about fifty 
miles of the Winslow Colliery & Clarion Rivei 
rpad; and in 1867 helped to construct the West- 
ern Maryland railroad. In the following January 
he went to New York as principal assistant en- 
gineer on the Boston, Hartford & Erie railroad, 
with which he was connected until 1870, when 
on account of lack of funds work was abandoned. 
Returning to the Western Maryland road, he was 

Km engineer for three and one-half years, or 
until its completion, when he returned home. 
For several years he was then with tin; Pennsyl- 
vania iV Western railroad, and subsequently foi 
three years was with the Susquehanna & South- 
western, now called the Beach Creek railroad, 
which extends between Jersey Shore and Ma- 
haffey, Penn. Since 1882 he has located the 
Dickerson Run & Red Stone railroad between 
Dawson and Uniontown, Penn.; the Kettle 
I reek railroad, between Westport and Trout 
Run. Clinton county; a part of the Southern 
Central between Sunbury and Harrisburg ; Chest 
Creek, between Patton and West Dover, Penn.; 
Clearfield, Conemaugh & Western railroad, be- 
tween Clearfield and Johnstown. Penn. ; and at 
present is their civil engineer. The Clearfield & 
Mahoning railroad, betweeii»Clearfield and Du- 
Penn. , was located by him in 1892. 

As a civil engineer, Mr. Brugger has few 
equals in this section of the State, and that his 



work has been eminently satisfactory is shown by 
his long retention with important railroad com- 
panies. A great student, he owns one of the 
most elegant libraries in Centre county; is a man 
of broad general information, and well-informed 
on the leading topics of the day. He is one of 
the most prominent and influential citizens of the 
community, honored and respected by all, and 
the confidence which he receives is justly merit- 
ed. For the past twenty-two years he has been 
a consistent member of the Methodist Epicopal 
Church, of which he is steward and trustee. 
He casts his ballot in behalf of Democratic prin- 
ciples, but cares nothing for political office, 
though in 1S80 he was elected county surveyor. 
During all the time he has been engaged in his 
profession he made his home on his farm at 
Unionville, consisting of about 160 acres of land, 
100 of which have been improved. Besides this 
he owns a piece of land in the Alleghany Mount- 
ains, which he is clearing and converting into a 
fruit farm. 



NDREW KORMAN, one of the most sub- 
stantial, thorough and painstaking agricult- 
urists of Gregg township. Centre count)', 1 
native of Pennsylvania, born in Huntingdon 
county, in March, [845. When a mere child he 
was brought to Centre county by his parents, 
George and Christina (Rover) Korman, where 
the father followed farming throughout the 
mainder of his life. He was called to his final 
rest at the age of seventy years, and was buried 
in the Union cemeter) in Gregg township. lb 
was a highly respected and valued member of the 
imunity, where he had hosts of warm friends. 
Hi. widow now makes her home with a daughter 
in Gregg township. This worthy couple w 
the parents of eight children, in order ol birth BS 
follows: Aaron, deceased; Catharine, wife of B. 
Yearick, of Potter township, Centre county; 
drew; Mary, wife of Washington Garvick, of 
Centre county; M wife of Jesse I. one. 

Gregg township; Ellen, wife of Samuel Long, of 

the same township; Alfred, deceased; and Louisa, 
wife of John D. Honer, of Creston, Pennsylvania 
The education of Andrew Korman was prin- 
cipalis' obtained in the schools of Spring Mill-, 
but his opportunities were much poorer than 
those afforded the children of the present day, 
and, feeling the lack of a good education, he 1 
become a firm friend of our common-school s\ 
tern. Upon the home farm he was reared, an 1 
under his father's able instruction acquired an 
excellent knowledge of that business, remaining 
with him until his marriage, when he was twenty- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



403 



five years old, to Miss Julia A. Tibbens, who 
was born in Brush Valley, Gregg township, No- 
vember 19, 1 85 1. She is the oldest child of 
Michael and Anna M. (Ziegler) Tibbens, farming 
people, in whose family were nine children — two 
sons and seven daughters. Mrs. Korman was 
provided with a good education, to which she 
has added greatly by reading in later years. By 
her marriage she has become the mother of five 
children: Oliver T., of Gregg township; Agnes 
D., wife of R. B. Gentzel, of the same township; 
Anna M., at home; Irvin W., who died at the 
age of nine years; and Harry A., at home. 

After his marriage, Mr. Korman located upon 
his father-in law's farm, in Gregg township, along 
the pike west of Spring Mills, where he remained 
until 1883, when he purchased the Rev. P. Fisher 
farm in the same township — a tract of 148 acres 
— and paid $6, 158 for it. He has greatly im- 
proved the farm and placed it under a high state 
of cultivation. In 1888 he built his present com- 
fortable residence, which is one of the best in 
the township Being a skillful and progressive 
farmer, the fields are made to yield abundant 
harvests and the entire appearance of the place 
indicates a thrifty and prosperous owner. 

Politically, Mr. Korman follows in the foot- 
steps of his father, supporting the men and meas- 
ures of the Democratic party as a general rule, 
but endeavors to vote for the man best qualified 
to fill the office, regardless of party affiliations. 
His excellent wife, who is a member of the Re- 
formed Church, has been a most faithful help- 
meet to him, and to her no little credit is due 
ifor the success that he has achieved in life. 
Their family all belongs to the Reformed Church, 
and is one upon which they can look with pride, 
all holding honorable positions in society, and 
the name of Korman certainly deserves an hon- 
ored place in the records of Centre county. 



JB. ARD. One of the prominent represent- 
atives of the commercial and industrial 
interests of Centre county is the gentleman 
whose name introduces this brief notice, the 
well-known merchant miller of Pine Grove Mills. 
He belongs to one of the leading and influential 
families of Central Pennsylvania. His paternal 
grandfather, Dr. Joseph B. Ard, was for many 
years an eminent physician of Mifflin county, 
making his home in Lewistown, but finally re- 
tired from active life, and spent his remaining 
days in Philadelphia, where his death occurred 
February 27, 1861. He was born September 18, 
'784, and was of Scotch extraction, his ances- 



tors coming to this country prior to the Revolu- 
tionary war. 

George Ard, the father of our subject, was 
born in Lewistown, Penn., May 14, 18 14, and 
on attaining to man's estate was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Emeline Harvey, a daughter of 
Nathan Harvey, of Mill Hall, Clinton Co., Penn. 
She died when our subject was but six years of 
age, but her husband long survived her, passing 
away in 1892. He was laid to rest in the ceme- 
tery at Lewistown. In their family were four 
children, namely: (1) Eliza R. married Francis 
Shoemaker, of Philadelphia, where they made 
their home for about thirty-five years. There 
she died some twenty years ago, leaving three 
children — Ellen A., wife of Duncan L. Buzly, 
an attorney at law of Philadelphia; George A., 
who died in 1883, at the age of twenty-two 
years; and Francis, an importer of drugs. (2) 
J. B., subject of this sketch, is next in order of 
birth. (3) Dr. Wilson P., a practicing physician 
of Woodward, Centre county, married Amanda 
Body, of Berks county, Penn. , and has four chil- 
dren. (4) Ellen R, , twin sister of the Doctor, 
became the wife of Robert A. Lovett, and died 
in 1878, in Florida, whither she had gone for 



her health, being troubled with pulmonary dis- 
ease. Her remains were interred at Lewistown. 
For a number of years she and her husband had 
lived in Paris, France, where he was engaged in 
the banking business. When last heard from he 
was in the West. 

Being left without a mother's tender care at 
an early age, J. B. Ard and his brother, Wilson 
P. were placed by their father in school at McVey- 
town, on the Juniata river, near Lewistown, Penn., 
where they remained some five years, and were 
subsequently students in the Pine Grove Mills 
Academy for the same length of time, there com- 
pleting their literary educations. On leaving the 
school room our subject entered a store as clerk, 
where he was employed for two years, and then 
held a similar position in the dry-goods estab- 
lishment of Cooper & Conard, of Philadelphia. 
In 1864 he took a course in Pollock's Mercantile 
College. Returning to Pine Grove Mills, Mr. 
Ard, in 1868, established himself in mercantile 
business, which he successfully carried on until 
1 87 1, when he disposed of his business, and has 
since given his attention to merchant milling. 

In 1885, Mr, Ard was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary C. Lytle, a daughter of Piersol and 
Lydia Lytle, of Ferguson township, Centre 
county. Two children were born to them, one 
of whom died in infancy; the other, a bright lit- 
tle boy, was born August 16, 1893. In politics, 
Mr. Ard is a stalwart Democrat, and in religious 



404 



COMMEMORATIVE Blur, U.WIIHWI. RECORD. 



belief is inclined toward the Presbyterian doc- 
trine, to which his wife adheres. They occupj 
a most elegant home, tastefully and luxuriantly 
furnished, and here their many friends are sure 
to receive a hearty welcome. 



Is\AC S. FRAIN. The spirit of self-help is 
the only true worth in tin- individual. It is 
this which enables man to rise above his sur- 
roundings, overcome obstacles and work his way- 
upward to prominence. The space between 
what a man is and his ideal is his opportunity, 
and he who utilizes every advantage, by which 
he may rise to the level of his ideal, must ulti- 
mately win success. Such has been the life 
record of Mr. Frain, who by his own efforts has 
risen to a position of affluence, and to-day stands 
among; the most substantial and highly-respected 
farmers of Centre county. He is the proprietor 
of the Fair View stock farm, in Marion town- 
ship, and is one of the best known citizens of 
his locality. 

Mr. Frain was born in Berks county, Penn., 
February 3, 1834, a son of Henry and Catherine 
(Shoemaker) Frain, also of Berks county. The 
tatter was a daughter of Jacob Shoemaker, of 
that county, who served in the Revolutionary 
war, and after its close his father and all his 
brothers and sisters removed to Waterloo, On- 
tario, Canada, where several of his descendants 
still reside, 1 1 in farming and stock raising. 

Jacob Shoemaker and his family remained in 
Berks county. In 1840 Henry Frain removed 
with his family from Berks to Union county, 
where his wife died in July, 1852, at the age of 
forty-four years. He then went to live with our 
subject and another son, remaining with them 
until his death in September, 1874, when he was 

1 seventy-seven years, his birth having oc- 
curred August 17, 1797. 

Henry and Catherine Frain were the parents 
of the following named: Isaac, subject of this 
sketch; Henry, who is engaged in the hotel 
business in Kansas City, Mo.; George, a car- 
penter of Altoona, Penn. ; John, of Kansas, who 
servi 'I m the 56th P. Y. I , and had the fingers 
of his left hand shot off; Samuel, proprietor of 
a grocery in Harrisburg, Perm., who served in 
the 149th P. Y. I. and was wounded in the ankle; 
Charles, who was a member of the same regi- 
t, and was wounded in the arm (he is now a 
farmer of Salina, Kans. 1; Frank, of W'illiams- 

1. Penn., who served as a member of the fust 

dry regiment from this State, and lost his 
right arm in the war. 

Until seven! rs of age, Isaac S. Frain 



remained under the parental roof, during which 
time he attended the public schools, and assisted 
his father in the cultivation of the farm. He 
then served a two-years' apprenticeship at the 
carpenter's trade under Jacob Hazel, after which 
he worked as a journeyman one year. On April 
1, 1855, he embarked in business on his own ac- 
count as a contractor and builder, and success- 
fully followed that pursuit until April 1, 1865, 
when, with the capital he had acquired through 
his own labors, he purchased his present farm. 
The buildings were then dilapidated, and much 
of the land was at that time uncultivated; but 
with characteristic energy he began the work of 
improvement, and to-day has one of the finest 
farms in Centre county, supplied with excellent 
buildings and all the accessories and conveniences 
found upon a model farm in this latter part of 
the nineteenth century. In addition to the culti- 
vation of the fields, he has extensively and suc- 
cessfully engaged in the raising of thoroughbred 
stock, making a specialty of Percheron and 
French coach horses. In his stables are found a 
Percheron horse, •'Royal" (registered as No. 
15,862), a French coach horse, "Bison" (N 
190), and another French coach horse, " Ignor' 
(No. 752) Mr. Frain was president of the first 
French horse company of Centre county, and to 
no man is due in a ;ie;iter degree the result of 
raising the high standard of horses bred in thi> 
locality 

On February 5, [855, Mr. Frain was joined 
in wedlock with Mary A. Ziegler, who died Y 
1, 1884. They had nine children, three of whom 
died in infancy; William A. died at the age of 
five months and five days; Davis /.. is a farmer 
of Marion township, Centre county ; John H. 
graduate of the college at New Berlin, wen' 
Kansas March 4, 18X;, engaged in school teach 
ing in that State for some years, went to Pueblo. 
Colo., in the spring of 1891, and remained until 
his death, November 1, 1894; Cephas W 
with his father: Mary K. is the wife ol Prof 
1". W. Mark, principal of the High School at 
Northeast. Penn.; Clara E. is the wife of A N 
W01 1. of Mill Hall, Penn . 1 Frank 

duate of the Potts Shorthand and Commer- 
cial College. Williamsport, Penn., and of thi 
Rochester Business University, I 
York. 

In June, [886, Mr, Frain was again man 
second union being with Mrs. Sarah I 
(Wallis) Moore, widow ol David A. M 
nierly a native of Blair county, Penn., who d 
in August, 1875, al the age of thirty-twi 
Mrs Irani was born in Cumberland <ro\\\> 
daughter of Joseph and Mai 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



405 



(Campbell) Wallis, natives of Dauphin and Cum- 
berland counties, respectively. Her paternal 
grandparents were John L. and Mary (Cook) 
Wallis, of Lycoming, Penn., the former of 
whom was the first white child born in Muncy 
Valley, Lycoming county. Her maternal grand- 
parents were John and Mary (McKnight) Camp- 
bell. Mrs. Frain's father was a school teacher 
in early life, but spent his later years upon a 
farm, and for some time before his death he was 
blind. His children were: Sarah E. , wife of our 
subject; John L. and Mary A., who died in in- 
fancy; and William N. , a minister of the United 
Evangelical Church of Williamsport. 

Mr. Frain has not confined his attention 
alone to one enterprise or to one class of inter- 
ests, but has devoted his energies to the further- 
ance of many business and public concerns. He 
is associated with the Centre County Mutual Fire 
Insurance Co., of the Patrons of Husbandry, 
which was organized in 1886, was made presi- 
dent'on its organization, served in that capacity 
eight years, and was re-elected president of said 
company in 1893, and serves in that capacity at 
the present time. It started with a guaranty of 
$50,000, and now has two million dollars in 
outstanding risks. The business has been man- 
aged at an expense of only $1.41 per thousand 
on the actual insurance. For eight years Mr. 
Frain was master of the Centre County Pomona 
Grange No. 13, retiring from that office in 1895, 
after serving eight years in all. He belongs to 
Marion Grange No. 223, Patrons of Husbandry; 
to Howard or Lick Run Lodge No. 312, I. O. 
O. F. ; and to the United Evangelical Church. 
In his political adherencyhe is a Democrat. He 
now lives practically retired, enjoying a well- 
earned rest. 



S\TANLEY K. WATSON. Among the more 
.„'); 'prominent farmers of Boggs township is the 
subject of this biography, whose name stands 
high on the military records of the Civil war, as 
well as in the annals of Centre county. By per- 
severance and industry he has gained a foothold 
in the world, being a self-made man, and is one 
of the honored and highly respected citizens of 
the community. His home is pleasantly located 
in Boggs township on the Marsh Creek road, just 
four miles south of where his birth occurred De- 
cember 14, 1 841. 

His parents, Thomas and Annie (Mackey) 
Watson, were natives of Ireland and Pennsyl- 
vania, respectively, and were married in Centre 
county, where they spent their remaining days, 
the father dying December 14, 1856, at the age 



of seventy-seven years, and the mother on Feb- 
ruary 28, 1879, at the age of eighty-one years. 
In their family were the following children: 
Hannah, born November 21, 18 16, is the de- 
ceased wife of Thomas McMullen; Joseph, born 
January 29, 18 18, and George, born July 22, 
1 8 19, are both deceased; Jane, born April 1, 
1 82 1, is living in Boggs township; Margarie, 
born September 28, 1823, is the widow of Will- 
iam Stanley, of Boggs township; Green, born 
February 4, 1824, was killed by some lumber 
falling on him; Nancy, born October 23, 1824, 
is deceased; Julian, born September 24, 1827, 
married Henry Pownall, but both are now de- 
ceased; Margaret, born August 1, 1829, is the 
wife of Perry Akins, of Boggs township; Eliza- 
beth, born August 3, 1831, David, born April 
2 9. '833. Sarah, born January 10, 1835, Ed- 
ward, born April ri, 1837, and Lucinda, born 
November 9, 1839, are all deceased; and Stanley 
K. completes the family. The father was twice 
married, and by the first union had five children, 
all now deceased, namely: James, born July 
23, 1804; Abraham, born May 23, 1807; John, 
born August 31, 1809; Thomas, born September 
14, 1 S 12 ; and Mary, who was born January 25, 
1 8 14, and became the wife of Joseph Akley. In 
early life the father engaged in the manufacture 
of charcoal, and later followed farming. He 
took an active part in political affairs, always 
supporting the Democratic party, and acceptably 
served in several local offices, including that of 
school director. Religiously he was a member 
of the Messiah Church. 

At the age of sixteen, on the death of his 
father, Stanley K. Watson left home, and for two 
years worked in a sawmill, after which he was in 
the lumber woods until 1863. Filled with 
patriotic ardor, in that year he enlisted in Com- 
pany E, 184th P. V. I., and remained in the 
service until honorably discharged March 21, 
1865, on account of disability. While under 
Capt. John McCabe, at the battle of Cold Har- 
bor, in front of Richmond, June 3, 1864, he re- 
ceived a gunshot wound, which incapacitated his 
right arm; he also received a slight wound in the 
hip at North Ann River, Va. He was first sent 
to Lincoln Hospital at Washington, D. C. , but 
was afterward transferred to White Hall Hos- 
pital in Bucks county, Penn., where he remained 
until receiving his discharge. 

For one year after his return home, Mr. Wat- 
son engaged in no occupation, but spent the time 
in trying to regain his usual health. He then fol- 
lowed lumbering on Brush creek until 1881, when 
he purchased his present home, to the cultivation 
and improvement of which he has since devoted 



-H m; 



COMMEMORATIVE BlOGHM'lU'Al. HECOItD. 



his time and attention with most gratifying re- 
sults. Although he has the use of but one arm, 
he is an energetic, industrious man and a most 
skillful farmer. The government grants him a 
pension of $36 per month. 

On October 21, 1866, Mr. Watson was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary E. Poorman, who 
was born May 1, 1S42, and they have three chil- 
dren: Laura A., born March 26, 1868, is the wife 
of William S. Walker, a puddler of Milesburg; 
John T. , born March 3, 1869, married Emma 
Confer, by whom he has one son, Clyde M., and 
they reside with our subject; and Ellen J'., born 
September 13, 1870, is the wife of James E. Con- 
fer, a farmer of Boggs township. Politically, 
Mr. Watson adheres to the Republican party, 
and he has faithfully served as road supervisor, 
school director for six years, and is now serving 
his third year as township auditor. A conscien- 
tious, earnest Christian, he is a consistent mem- 
ber of the Messiah Church at Marsh Creek, of 
which he is deacon and trustee, while, socially, 
he is connected with George L. Porter Post No. 
26 r, G. A. K., of Milesburg, of which he is the 
popular commander. In all the relations of life 
he has been found true and faithful to every duty, 
and as loyal to his country in days of peace as 
when following the stars and stripes to victory on 
Southern battlefields. 



JH. DEIBLER. Probably there is no other 
town in Centre county or, indeed, in any 
county, wherethe leading mercantile establish- 
ments are conducted by men so young in years 
as are those of Millheim, and foremost among 
this class of business men is the subject of this 
sketch, who controls the largest trade in general 
merchandise of any one in the place. Born 
March 25, 1865, his career may be said to be 
only at its beginning, yet he has already achieved 
a success such as most merchants gain by the 
work of a lifetime. 

Mr. Deibler is a native of Berrysburg, Dau- 
phin Co., Penn., a son of John W. and Hen- 
rietta (Ubdegrave) Deibler, who are still living 
in that town, though advanced in years. Both 
were born in Schuylkill county, Penn. John W. 
Deibler began life as a poor man, and for some 
time was a huckster and farmer, but he has ac- 
cumulated a handsome competence, and his old 
age is spent in comfort. Through going bail for 
others he has lost considerable money, but for- 
tunately he has not suffered seriously. He is 
highly respected, and is one of the leading Re- 
publicans of his locality. Of his family of six 
sons and five daughters, all are living. 



The subject of our sketch began his educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native town, 
supplementing this instruction with a course at 
Berrysburg Seminary, an excellent institution 
from which a number of people have graduated 
who later became eminent in various callings. 
Mr. Deibler seems to have had a clear perception 
of his peculiar fitness for a mercantile career, as 
he began to prepare for it at an early age by 
taking employment as a clerk for Cornelius Swab, 
a general merchant at Berrysburg, at a salary of 
$9 per month, board not included. After six 
months in that place, he obtained a situation in 
the general store of J. B. Enders, where he re- 
mained three years. 

In 1883, Mr. Deibler went to Millheim to 
clerk for J. W. Snook, and during the eight years 
spent in that store, five different firms were in 
possession. As a clerk he formed an extens 
acquaintance, and when he engaged in business 
for himself in 1 891, he speedily established a fine 
custom. Courtesy, attention to business, and 
fair dealing with all, characterize his conduct, 
and his business has rapidly grown to be one of 
the most profitable in Penn's Valley. In addi- 
tion to his mercantile business, Mr. Deibler is 
interested in several building and loan associa- 
tions. As the architect of his own fortune, he 
has certainly made a phenomenal success which 
promises even better things for the future. On 
March 17, 1891, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Maggie H. Miller, a native of Centre Hall, 
a daughter of John H. Miller, now a leading res- 
ident of Williamsport. Mrs. Deibler is a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, and is prominent in 
the best social circles of the locality. 

In politics Mr. Deibler is a Republican, stead- 
fast in the faith, and a regular voter, but he takes 
no share in partisan work, believing that either 
it or his business would be neglected if both u 
attempted. However devoted he may be to his 
private affairs, he is much too public-spirited to 
suppress his keen interest in all progressive move- 
ments, and he is a generous and prompt he'; 
of any measure which promotes the common 
good. 



ORLANDO WESTON, an active and ener- 
getic farmer residing at Mt. Pleasant, I 
lor township, Centre county, is a native of Penn- 
sylvania, born July 20, 1854, in Hunting 
county, at what is known as the Cross Roads. 
and is a son of Elijah and Ellen (Gill West 
natives of Huntingdon and Centre counties, re- 
spectively. They were married in the former 
county, where they remained until 1858, when 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



407 



they removed to Sandy Ridge, Centre county, 
but in 1862 returned to Huntingdon county, 
where the mother died two years later, at the 
age of forty-six. In early life the father followed 
the tanner's trade, operating a tannery at Osce- 
ola, Penn. , until the panic of 1875, since which 
time he has engaged in carpentering at that place. 
He has been a prominent member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church since 1866, and class leader 
for many years. 

Our subject is the eldest in the family of five 
children, his sisters being as follows: Anna, 
wife of Samuel Winters, a farmer of Michigan; 
Emma, wife of Charles Baker, a farmer and 
lumberman of Clearfield county, Penn. ; Mary, 
deceased wife of James Edward, a carpenter of 
Osceola; and Elizabeth, who died at the age of 
twenty-two years. After the death of his first 
wife, Elijah Weston married Miss Nancy Merry- 
man, and to them were born the following chil- 
dren: Clara, wife of Levi Richie, a farmer of 
Bedford county, Penn. ; William and Elijah, de- 
ceased; Fannie, at home; and Naomah, wife of 
William Crane, who is assisting her father in the 
butchering business at Osceola. The paternal 
grandparents of our subject, Elijah and Polly 
(Merryman) Weston, were natives of Huntingdon 
and Centre counties respectively. The former 
was of English extraction, and was a well-read 
and intelligent farmer. The maternal grand- 
father, William Gill, was of Scotch descent, and 
died at Bellefonte, Penn., at the advanced age 
of nearly one hundred years. 

At the age of twenty-two years, Orlando 
Weston started out in life for himself, but he had 
previously worked with his father both at farm- 
ing and tanning, assisting in the operation of the 
tannery at Osceola. Later he was employed by 
others in that business, being connected with 
steam tanneries at Osceola, Philipsburg, Clear- 
field and Curwensville until 1883, when he em- 
barked in farming upon his present place, which 
he now has under a high state of cultivation and 
well improved. In the fall of 1880 he married 
Miss Maggie Nearhoof, who died the following 
year at the age of twenty-two, leaving one daugh- 
ter, Maggie, now residing with her grandmother 
in Tyrone, Penn. Mr. Weston was again mar- 
ried May 3, 1885, this time to Miss Maggie Mer- 
ryman, and to them have been born three chil- 
dren: Anna M., Sherman B. and Verna E. 

Mrs. Weston was born in Taylor township, 
Centre county, February 27, 1863, and is a 
daughter of Thomas and Anna (Miller) Merry- 
man, who spent their entire lives upon a farm in 
the same county, where the former died in 1889 
at the age of sixty-six, and the latter in 1891 at 



the same age. They held membership in the 
United Brethren Church, and in politics the fa- 
ther was a Republican. He was honored by his 
fellow citizens with several local offices. His 
family consisted of six children: Nancy, wife of 
Henry Melcher, a farmer and lumberman of Cen- 
tre county; Mollie, who lives with her sisters; 
Emma, wife of W. S. Weston, a farmer of Tay- 
lor township; Laura; wife of Pius Richards, also 
a farmer of Taylor township; William, a railroad 
fireman residing at Tyrone, Penn. ; and Maggie, 
wife of our subject. 

Mr. Weston is a firm supporter of the Repub- 
lican party, and his worth and ability have re- 
ceived due acknowledgment from the hands of 
his fellow citizens, who have called upon him at 
different times to serve the people in several 
township offices, the duties of which he has 
promptly and faithfully discharged. He has been 
an active member of the United Brethren Church 
since locating in Taylor township, and is one of 
the highly respected citizens of the community. 



PHILIP DURST is the owner of one of the 
best and most highly productive farms of 
Potter township, Centre county, to which he has 
given his close attention with results which can 
hardly fail to be satisfactory to himself, and 
where his labors have met with success. The 
highly cultivated fields and neat and thrifty ap- 
pearance of the place denote the supervision of a 
careful, painstaking and progressive business man 
of sound judgment. 

Mr. Durst was born on March 28, 1840, a son 
of George and Catharine (Meyer) Durst. In the 
Fairfield school he began his education under 
the direction of James Davis, and when quite 
young he was brought by his parents to his pres- 
ent farm, after which he attended the Plum 
Grove school. At the age of nine years he was 
able to handle a plow, and has since devoted his 
time and attention principally to agricultural pur- 
suits. His father being one of the best managers 
and successful farmers of the community, our 
subject, under his able direction, has also be- 
come one of the most skillful and thorough agri- 
culturists and business men of Potter township. 
He uses the most advanced methods and ma- 
chinery in the operation of his land, which has 
been an important factor in his success. Until 
his marriage he assisted in the labors of the home 
farm with the exception of one summer, when he 
worked as a farm hand for Henry Dale, of Har- 
ris township, Centre county. 

On February 28, 1864, Mr. Durst was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah Schnure, who was born in 



tos 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Hartley township, Union Co., Penn., in May, 
1S42, and is one of the ten children — five sons 
and five daughters — of Christian and Lydia 
(Kiester) Schnure. One brother, John Schnure, 
was a Union soldier during the Civil war, and 
died in Libby prison. Her parents died in Union 
county, Penn., the father at the age of eighty- 
two years, and the mother at the age of sixty- 
nine. They started out in life in limited circum- 
stances, but through their own industrious efforts 
became prosperous and wejl-to-do citizens, own- 
ing two good farms. They were held in the 
highest esteem by all who knew them. Like 
her husband, Mrs. Durst received only a com- 
mon-school education. Eight children grace 
their union, namely: John II., born June 11, 
1866, is at home; Francis M.. born November 
14, in infancy; Christian, born May 

[6, 1871, is living in Illinois; [da M., born Sep- 
tember 30, [872, is the wife of Milton Snyder, 
of Centre Hall, Centre county; Minnie M., born 
May 25, 1S74, is the wife of George W. Condo, 
of Centre Hall; and Charlie W., born February 
28, [878, Verna L., born February 24, 1SS4, 
and Mary B. , born June [2, 1886, are all at 
home. 

After Ins marriage, Mr. Durst located upon 
the home farm, which he and his brother, Hiram, 
operated together until [868, and after ren' 
it f ral years our subject purchased the 

same in 1 < s 79- He has made many valuable im- 
provements upon the place, including the erec- 
tion i buildings, and, like his father before 
him . energetic farmer of progress- 
ive id In his undertakings In- has been uni- 
formly successful, so that bi \ numbered 

reliable and substantial fan; 
of Potter township. Thi D nocratic party has 

■ found in him an earnest supporter, and both 
himself and wife are faithfuj members of the Re- 
formed Church, in which he has served as dea- 
con. They hold a high place in the esteem and 
confidence of their fellow-citizens, and none are 
more worthy of representation in a work of this 
character than Mr and Mrs. Philip Durst. 



W 11. 1. AM V. GRAY, of the firm of Gray & 
Guelich, the well-known carriage manu- 
facturers of Philipsburg, Centre county, is one of 
the most highly esteemed citizens of the county, 
being not only an able and successful man of 
business, but an active worker in all the lines of 
effort tending to the welfare of the community, 
He was born July 30, 1833, in Northumberland 
counts, Penn.. a son of George and Susan 
(Keffer) Gray, and his ancestral history is of 



especial interest as in the maternal line he rep- 
resents the fifth generation of the famous pioneer, 
Morris Lawrence, who was the first permanent 
white settler of this section of whom we have 
authentic record. Morns Lawrence wasanativeof 
Alsace, France (now in Germany), born May 5, 
1682, and in 17 10 made his home at the site of 
the present town of Milton, in Northumberland 
county- At that time there was not a white 
man within ten miles of his primitive abode, and 
the solitude of the forest avenues was broken 
only by the passing of the Indians, while the 
swiftly gliding canoe darted over the surface of the 
quiet Susquehanna river. There Mr. Lawrence 
passed a long and peaceful life, passing away 
June 14, ij[)2. at the advanced age of one hun- 
dred and nine years. His daughter. Mrs. Marie 
Eve Keffer, died in 1S15, aged ninety-seven 

is, five months and twenty-four days, and her 
husband, Martin Keffer, died in 1S15, aged nine- 
ty-eight years, ten months and twenty-one days. 
At the time of Mrs. Keffer's death her twelve 
children were- all living, and she had 138 great- 
great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great- 
grandchildren. Morris Lawrence had a brother, 
a Catholic priest, who remained in France, and 
left a large estate which the heirs have not been 
able to secure. The Lawrences of Minersville, 
Penn., among whom are Frank and Jacob Law- 
rence, the operators of the Lawrence colliery at 
Mahanoy Plane, Penn., are of this family. 

On the paternal side Mr. Cray belongs to an 
old and highly respected family of German ori- 
gin. His father, who was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, and a tobacconist by trade, was eighty- 
three years old at the time of his death, which 
occurred in Pittsburg, Penn. Bj Ins mart 
with Susan Keffer, ' rei irge Gray had fourchild; 
John A., formerly of Decatur, 111., now deceased; 
James L., and Jane C. (twins), the former of 
Wooster, Ohio, the latter married to a Mr. Bock- 
heister, of Philadelphia, Penn., but now deceased; 
and William Y., the subject of this sketch. The 
mother of these dying, the father married a 
McClure, and by this union there were seven 
children: George, Mattie, Lydia, Emma, Tillie, 
Hattie and Edith. 

William V. Gray spent his youth in Milton. 
Northumberland county, attending the district 
schools and learning the carriage makers' trade. 
\iter prospecting for a suitable location, 
tied at Salona, Penn., and worked at his trade 
for eleven years, and then he went to Clearfield 
for eleven months, finally establishing himself in 
Philipsburg. where in 1880 he opened his pres- 
ent shop. His careful workmanship and admir- 
able business methods have given him the leader- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



409 



ship in his chosen line of work, his custom being 
extensive. For about eleven years his son-in- 
law, C. H. Guelich, has been a partner in the 
business. 

In 1853 Mr. Gray was married to Miss Mary 
J. Lunger, a native of New Jersey, born in 1834. 
They have four children living: (1) Anna (Mrs. 
C. H. Guelich) has one son — Paul L. ; (2) Jos- 
ephine (wife of W. S. Jones, of New Castle) has 
one child — Ruth G. ; (3) Sarah (wife of E. F. 
Townsend, of Philipsburg) has four children — 
Helen M., Warren G., Harry A. and William 
McKinley; (4) Cora married John H. Apgar, of 
Clearfield, Penn. , and has one son — William 
A. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have had four children 
who did not long bless their home with their 
presence: Lucy died at the age of three years; 
Amelia also passed away, at the age of twelve; 
James lived to the age of eighteen; and Harry 
M. was taken from his bereaved parents Febru- 
ary 9, 1885, under peculiarly painful circum- 
stances. He was out hunting with some com- 
panions, when a gun carried by one of the boys 
was accidentally discharged, and the bullet 
passed through young Gray's body. A neighbor 
who was passing in a vehicle was quickly sum- 
moned by the boys, but death had already set 
his seal upon the frame which but a few moments 
before had been full of vigor and energy, and be- 
fore the sad group could reach the home in Phil- 
ipsburg, life was extinct. The grief of the 
stricken family touched all hearts, and the sym- 
pathy of the community has seldom been so 
deeply stirred. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members 
of the Baptist Church, he for forty-seven years, 
and he has been a deacon therein for seventeen 
years. 

Mr. Gray is a Republican in politics, and has 
always shown a genuine interest in local progress, 
and has taken an active part in any movements 
for the public good. Fraternally he is a member 
of the Masonic order, and for years past he has 
held a high rank, having devoted much time to 
the work which has been to him the pleasantest 
occupation of his life. An interesting and pro- 
tractedcorrespondence with M. Etienne Stephanos, 
Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Greece, 
was only interrupted by the latter's death, of 
which Mr. Gray was especially notified by Madam 
Stephanos, the widow of the deceased. The fol- 
lowing record will be of interest as showing Mr. 
Gray's progress in the order. He is a member of 
Milton Lodge No. 256, where he was entered 
April 18, 1864, passed May 16, 1864, raised July 
18, 1864, installed junior warden, December 26, 
1868, senior warden, December 20, 1869, wor- 
shipful master, December 27, 1872. In Clear- 



field Chapter No. 228, Clearfield, Penn., he 
was marked January 17, 1887, received Feb- 
ruary 21, 1887, exalted March 21, 1887. He 
is a Knight Templar also, and was first con- 
nected with Mountain Commandery No. 10, 
Altoona, and knighted March 30, 1888, but 
withdrew to become a charter member of Mo- 
shannon Commandery, K. T., No. 74, Philips- 
burg, Penn., of which he has been installed as 
prelate. He has been a welcome visitor of Mo- 
shannon Lodge No. 391, for twenty years. De- 
sides the correspondence above mentioned, he 
has had extensive intercourse by letters with 
many other leading Freemasons all over the 
world, and without doubt has the largest collec- 
tion of photographs of prominent and foreign 
Masons, of any one in the State. Mrs. Gray, 
also, has quite an assortment of mementoes 
and souvenirs sent her by many of her hus- 
band's friends in various parts of the world. 
The most valuable are those from the Island of- 
Malta; Athens, Greece; Madras, India; Buda- 
Pesth, Hungary; Sophia, Bulgaria; London, Eng- 
land; Kingston, Jamaica; Havana, Cuba; and 
Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands. 

Mr. Gray was a soldier in the Union army, 
served until the close of the war, and was mus- 
tered out at Clarksburg, W. Va. He is a mem- 
ber of John W. Geary Post No. 90, G. A. R. , 
of Philipsburg, of which he has been chaplain 
since 1891. 



WILLIAM H. TEMPLE, a representative 
and valued citizen of Snow Shoe, Cen- 
tre county, has for many years been connected 
with the railroad service in this section of the 
State, and is now engineer on the Tyrone division 
of the Pennsylvania railroad, running between 
Bellefonte and Snow Shoe. 

Mr. Temple is a native of Petersburg, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Penn., born December 25, 1842, 
and a son of James and Margaret (Long) Tem- 
ple, natives of Chester and Centre counties, 
Penn. , respectively. For a number of years the 
father served as a patent-right agent. In 1855 
he removed to Bellefonte, where his home was 
at the time of the accident in which he lost his 
life; in 1874, while returning from Philadelphia, 
he was in a wreck on the Pennsylvania railroad 
in which he was killed, at the age of fifty-seven 
years. His wife, the mother of our subject, was 
born in 1822, and was the first white child born 
in Snow Shoe, where her parents, John and 
Margaret Long, had located at a very early day, 
and were the owners of much of the present site 
of that village. Our subject is the eldest of five 



410 



COMMEMORATIVE DlOGRM'llHM. RECORD. 



children, the others being: Mary J. .wife of 
Robert Thompson, a railroad engineer residing 
in Bellefonte; John R. , also a railroad engineer, 
making his home in Florence, S. C. ; Ellen, 
deceased; and Sallie, wife of William Reasoner, 
a watchman on the Pennsylvania railroad, living 
in I'.ellefonte. 

At the age of fifteen years William H. Temple 
became connected with the railroad service, as 
brakeman on the Bellefonte & Snow shoe rail- 
road, and coupled the first cars to an engine at 
Bellefonte, or in fact, in Centre county, the cars 
and engine being built at Philadelphia, Penn., 
and sent to Bellefonte on canal boats. After 
serving for a time as brakeman, he was promoted 
to conductor, was later made fireman, and since 
June 13, 1863, he has been a locomotive engin- 
eer. On June II, 1S78, he was in a terrible 
wreck on the Snow Shoe railroad, his engine 
with lour cars going through a trestle seventy- 
two feet high. He had three of the ribs in his 
right side broken, but on the 8th of the following 
July he was able to again take charge of his en- 
gine. He is a most cautious and careful engin- 
eer, knowing that in his hands are entrusted 
many lives and much property, and his service 
has ever proved satisfactory to the company by 
whom he is employed. Mr. Temple has had 
many narrow escapes in railroad accidents; at 
one time his engine jumped the track, went down 
an embankment and turned over. At another 
time his engine ran off an open switch and turned 
over, he jumping and sustaining a broken shoul- 
der. At still another time, on the main track 
near Bellefonte, his engine collided with the day 
express. He has been a member of the Brother- 
hood of Locomotive Engineers some twenty 
years. 

In [864 Mr. Temple enlisted in Company B, 
210th P. V. I., under Capt. John Nye, and par- 
ticipated in a number of hotly contested battles. 
While in front of Richmond, March 31, 1865, 
he was wounded in the left leg, which caused his 
confinement in Columbian Hospital at Washing- 
ton, D. C. , for six months. He had served as 
color guard, a most perilous position, but was 
always found at his post of duty. On June 
14, 1865, he was honorably discharged and re- 
turned home. 

Mr. Temple was married in Snow Shoe, May 
10, 1871, to Mrs. Victoria Lucas, and they have 
six children, all at home, namely: John S., born 
March 17, 1873, died of typhoid fever December 
12, 1897; Elizabeth Bella, born May 8, 1874; 
married October 29, 1897, to Leo J. Hopton; 
Harry, born November 27, 1876; Edward \\'., 
born January 6, 18S0; Mary L., born October 6, 



1 881; and Charles R., born December 30, 1886. 
The older sons now conduct a livery stable at 
Snow Shoe, of which Harry is manager, and also 
runs a bus line between that place and Clarence. 

Mrs. Temple was born September 2, 1847, in 
Schuylkill county, Penn., a daughter of James 
and Mary L. (Hirsch) Walker, who were natives 
of Tamaqua, in the same county, and at an early 
day came to Centre county, where the father 
died. The mother, who is still living, now makes 
her home in Brisbin, Clearfield Co., Penn. Shi 
is a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret 1 Smith 
Hirsch, who came to America from France in 
1826, and located at Tamaqua, where her father 
followed huxtering. The paternal grandparents 
of Mrs. Temple, John and Hester (Wenchum) 
Walker, were natives of England, and also 
crossed the Atlantic in 1826, locating at Tama- 
qua, where the grandfather was a coal operator 
until his death. Mrs. Temple is the eldest in a 
family of nine children, who in order of birth 
were as follows: Henrietta, wife of Jerry Nolan. 
a railroad engineer of Bellefonte; Emma, wife of 
Jacob Rapp. who is also an engineer residing at 
that place; Edward, a merchant of Brisbin, Penn., 
Martha, wife of Robert Forsyth, a coal mine 
prospector living in Houtsdale, Penn. ; George, 
who is engaged in clerking in Brisbin; Daniel, a 
merchant tailor of Trenton, N. f. ; Seneca, a 
railroad fireman living in Bellefonte; and John, a 
merchant tailor of Trenton, New Jerse) 

Politically Mr. Temple is a firm adherent ol 
the Republican party, and an active supporter of 
its principles, while socially he has been fur 
twenty-seven years a member of the I. O. O. 1 
at Bellefonte, and has filled many offices therein. 
Religiously he belongs to the Presbyterian Church, 
of which he has been a trustee for the past I 
years. He is a broad-minded, enterprising citi- 
zen, winning the confidence of all with whom he 
comes in contact, and has the happy faculty ol 
easily making and retaining friends. The liir-t 
husband of Mrs. Temple was Samuel Lucas, who 
was a conductor on the Snow Shoe railroad, and 
died June 10, 1869. By that marriage she had 
one son, James S., born May 24, 1868, and ■ 
now resides with Mr. Temple. 



TE ROYER, one of the most extensive 
land owners of Miles township, Centre 
county, is a veteran soldier whose gallant - 
in the war of the Rebellion won him 1 
honor. Born September 17, 1840, he was in the 
full flush of manhood when, on August 25, 1862, 
he offered himself in his country's cause as a pri- 
vate in Company A, 148th P. V. I., which wai 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



411 



recruited at Rebersburg. His first battle was at 
Chancellorsville, and he took part in the engage- 
ments at Mine Run, Gettysburg, Bristol Station, 
Auburn Mills, and all others of his regiment until, 
during the fierce charge made by the 148th at 
Spottsylvania Court House, he was disabled for 
such work as the members of that famous regi- 
ment were usually assigned to. The thumb and 
third finger of his right hand were shot away, but 
as soon as his wounds were healed Mr. Royer 
joined the Convalescent Corps, 51st Company, 
and remained on duty until mustered out with 
the rank of corporal August 25, 1865, when he 
returned to Brush Valley. 

The Royer family were among the early set- 
tlers of Berks county, Penn., but have long been 
identified with Brush Valley, Christopher Royer, 
our subject's grandfather, having settled there in 
1807. He was born June 19, 1768, and died 
October 16, 1849. The mill north of Rockville 
was built by him, and he owned a large tract of 
land in that vicinity. In addition to his farm 
work he carried on a distillery. His children 
were Daniel, Henry, Amos, Jefferson, Joel, Cath- 
arine; Elizabeth, Sarah and Barbara. 

Henry Royer, our subject's father, was born 
in Snyder county (then Union county), near Mid- 
dleburg, and was next to the youngest of the 
sons. He was a boy in his "teens" when his 
father came to Brush Valley, and his schooling 
was such as the times afforded, but his good sense 
and judgment made up in a large measure for 
lack of training. He was married in Brush Val- 
ley, when a young man, to Susan Wolfe, daugh- 
ter of George Wolfe, and a native of Haines 
township, Centre county. He then located near 
Rockville on one of his father's farms, and fol- 
lowed agriculture during his active life, acquiring 
a fair competence, although he only lived to the 
age of forty-one years. He died in Sugar Val- 
ley, and his wife, who passed away before him at 
the age of thirty-eight, died in Brush Valley, 
both being buried at Rebersburg. He was a 
Whig, later a Republican, and was a stanch sup- 
porter of the principles of the party. In relig- 
ious work he was active as a member of the Re- 
formed Church, and he always showed hearty 
sympathy with any worthy improvement. 

He had nine children, namely: Joseph, who 
died at Howard, Centre county, was a prominent 
merchant and grain dealer; T. E. is mentioned 
more fully below; Frank, a lumberman, resides 
at Loganton, Penn; Henry G. is a resident of 
Johnstown, Penn. G. Scott, of Easton, is a rail- 
road conductor; Annie married David Guswite, of 
Greene township, Clinton Co., Penn.; Abigail 
married Thomas Brungart, of Sugar Valley; 



Rachel is now Mrs. Andrew Ocker, of Madison- 
burg, and Isabella married J. D. Johnston, of 
Easton. 

T. E. Royer was born September 17, 1840, 
the family then living near Rebersburg. His first 
school was at Tylersville, where his parents lived 
for awhile, and a Mr. Divens was his first teacher. 
Great improvement in educational facilities has 
been made since that time, and no one can be 
more heartily in favor of this progress than Mr. 
Royer. He certainly deserves credit for his 
effective use of his opportunities, his studies be- 
ing pursued until he was himself qualified to 
teach. After he had completed the course offered 
in the country schools, he studied higher branches 
at Rebersburg under Prof. Magee and Samuel 
Gramley, and when a young man he taught 
school in Sugar Valley, but the occupation did 
not agree with him and he decided to find other 
employment. As he was but a child when his 
father died, he made his home with Col. Henry 
Royer, near Rebersburg, and there became fa- 
miliar with farm work, and he also learned the 
carpenter's trade under Jacob Frederick, of 
Aaronsburg. 

In 1868 Mr. Royer married Miss Emma 
Haines, a native of Brush Valley, and a daugh- 
ter of Jeremiah and Susan (Brungart) Haines. 
Two children bless this union: Susan M. , now 
the wife of John Long, of Red Oak, Iowa; and 
Harry H., at home. Mr. Royer has a comfort- 
able home, and believes in taking what pleasure 
life may afford, but his present prosperity was 
not gained without hard work and shrewd man- 
agement. After his marriage he located in the 
east end of Brush Valley on his father-in-law's 
farm. Later he removed to Sugar Valley, and 
rented a farm for three years, and then returned 
to Brush Valley. The first land he ever owned 
was eighteen acres at his present home, and by 
subsequent additions he has acquired about forty- 
eight acres, of which has been made a fine prop- 
erty. At two different times Mr. Royer has been 
engaged in mercantile business in Rebersburg, 
four and one-half years in all, and he formerly 
worked a little at his trade. He has been very 
successful in business. He has 563 acres of land 
in Brush Valley, and is one of the largest land 
owners in his township. He owns a home in 
Rebersburg, also several acres of land there, and 
has a partnership interest in over 235 acres of 
timber land. While he does no manual labor, 
the oversight of his property requires much time 
and attention. 

Previous to his enlistment, Mr. Royer's sym- 
pathies were with the Democrats owing to the 
influence of those around him, as he lived in a 



Ill' 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Democratic community; but after his first fij^ht 
as a soldier, he became a Republican, and has 
ever since been a steadfast adherent of that 
part}'. He is influential in local affairs, and has 
been school director and supervisor, although he 
lives in a strong Democratic locality and is no 
office seeker. He is noted for his sound judg- 
ment and common sense, strongly resembling his 
father in these respects as he does in outward 
appearance. He and his wife are prominent 
members of the Lutheran Church, in which he is 
an elder. He is a liberal contributor to that 
cause, as well as to any other which seems to 
him worthy. At the organization of W. W. 
Bierly Post, G. A. R. , at Millbeim, he was a 
charter member, and has been commander of that 
post. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. Lodge 
No 1031, at Rebersburg. 



Pennsylvania-Dutch family, and as a citizen has 
the esteem and respect of all with whom he 
comes in contact. 



DAVID RHINESMITH is an active and ener- 
lic [arm township, Centre 

county, the owner of a good farm of sixty-two 
aero. By the manner in which he carries on 
his business, he evidences that he thoroughly 
understands the vocation in which he is e 
and that success is attending his efforts toward 
acquiring a competency Neatness and order 
prevail upon his place, which is managed, with 
regard to its cultivation, in a manner that refli 
great credit upon the owner 

Mr. Rbinesmith was born in Perry county, 
Penn., in 1832, and is mie of the twelve child 
born to John and Elizabeth (Lamest) Rhine- 
smith, the others being Mary A.. John. Henry, 
Samuel, Maria, George, Kliza, and four who 
died in infancy. In the county of his nativity 
our subject was reared and educated, but in 
1856 he lelt home, and has since been a resilient 
of Centre ci mnty, when- he has alw iwed 

farming. He w d in marriage with Mary 

Jane Mothersbaugh, who was also one of a fam- 
ily of twelve children. In politics her father 
was a Republican, and in religious belief a I 
versalist, while her mother was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, hive children grace the 
union of our subject and his wife, namely: Dan- 
iel M., Elizabeth E., In- V., Minnie H. and 
William S. 

In politics Mr. Khmesmith affiliates with the 
Republican party, deeming that organization the 
most progressive and best suited to the genius of 
the American people. Fraternally he is a mem- 
ber of the Grange, and in religious faith he holds 
membership in the Reformed Church. He is a 
worthy representative of an old and honored 



JA("< )B KLRSTETER, one of the best known 
agriculturists of Penn township, Centre 
county, might almost be said to have estab- 
lished a standard of success in his calling through 
his successful management of his large farm 
Although he has lately retired from active work 
and made his home in the pleasant little town .it 
Coburn, he has by no means lost the prestige 
which his shrewd application of the principles of 
modern science to the business of farming 
for him. 

Mr. Kersteter is a native of Penn township, 
born May 2, 1S3S, and was the second son and 
child of John and Anna (Musser) Kerstetei A 
a 1"'. lined an education in the subscrip- 

tion schools of the neighborhood, but after the 
age of fourteen he attended but little. Realizing 
to the full the value of a thorough pre] 
tion f<>r life's duties, he t;i\es his hear! 
in. ni to the later improvements m our 1 4 
tional system. At fourteen he !■■ 
the millwright's trade under Thomas Strayhorn, 
of Hartleton, Union Co., Penn., strving an ap- 
prenticeship ot three -limine: -. and receiving 
ing the first year only $5 per month. The hrst 
mill that he worked upon was tin wn as 

the Pine (reek mill. After becoming a full - 
I workman, he followed the business tour 
teen years, most of the time as a master mill- 
wright, and was employed at various points 111 
Centre county and the region adjacent. 

In November. 1861, Mr. Kersteter was mar- 
ried in Aaronsburg, by Rev. Mr Welker, t 
Harriet Fiedler, who was born in Penn township. 
( entre county, August ;, 1840, the daughter of 
Henry and Susan (Stover Fiedlei Some 
aftei his marriage Mr. Kersteter turned his at- 
tention to agriculture, settling upon the farm 
called the -old Jacob Fiedler farm," which he- 
still owns. In iNSj he built a comfortable home 
in Coburn, and March 20, 1894, he took up his 
residence there, turning over the active work 0! 
his estate to other hands. He owns 265 aci 
land aside from his place in Coburn, and is one 
of the substantial citizens of the locality. 

In political affiliations, Mr Kersteter has al- 
ways been a Democrat, and his advice carru s 
much weight in the local councils of the party. 
He has served ably in various township office-, 
such as assessor, auditor, supervisor, overseer of 
the poor, school director and tax collector. He 
is also a member of the Grange, and he and his 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



413 



wife are both actively interested in the work of 
the Lutheran Church, to which they are liberal 
contributors. They have one son, James W. , 
born August i, 1864, who is now engaged in ag- 
riculture. He married Miss Annie Alexander, of 
Penn township, Centre county, a daughter of 
Christ Alexander, and they have three children — 
Bertha, Marion and Alfred. 



JC P. ZERBY, a wide-awake and progressive 
jP^. farmer of Penn township, Centre county, 
is descended from one of its earliest families. 
His paternal grandfather, Philip Zerby, located 
in what is now Penn township, Centre county, 
about the beginning of the present century. He 
was born in Blue Mountain Hollow, Schuylkill 
Co., Penn., a son of Jonathan Zerby, and in 
the county of his nativity married Barbara Lin- 
gle. A short time afterward they made what was 
then a long and tedious journey to Centre coun- 
ty, and located upon a farm between Millheim 
and Coburn, in Penn township, where they made 
their home a few years, and then removed to 
Gregg township. By trade Philip Zerby was a 
linen weaver, but principally supported his family 
by day labor. He was an honest, hard-working 
man, and a stanch supporter of the Democratic 
party. His death occurred in Gregg township, 
when he was fifty-five years of age. 

To Philip and Barbara (Lingle) Zerby, were 
born the following children: John, born Sep- 
tember 27,1 804, was blind for some years prior to 
his death, which occurred in Snow Shoe, Centre 
county; Johan Philip, born March 27, 1806, died 
near Pottsville, Penn. , while seeking treatment for 
threatened blindness; David, born November 1, 
1807, was blind for thirty-five years, and died in 
Gregg township; Jacob, born November 10, 1809, 
died near the Loop, in Potter township, Centre 
county, after being blind for nearly twenty-five 
years; Adam, the father of our subject, was next 
in order of birth; Michael, born May 7, 18 14, 
died in Stephenson county, 111. ; Henry, born Octo- 
ber 23, 181 5, died in the same county; Catherine, 
born October 27, 1817, and died in 1896, mar- 
ried Abram Hoover, also now deceased; and An- 
drew, born March 1, i82r, is living in the same 
township. The mother of these children died 
March 9, 1821, and was laid to rest in Gregg 
township. For his second wife, Philip Zerby 
wedded Hannah Sunday, a native of George's Val- 
ley, and a daughter of Adam and Hannah Eliza- 
beth (Minich) Sunday. Eight children blessed 
this union: Elizabeth, born May 16, 1822, mar- 
ried Charles Ripka, and died in Gregg township; 



Mary, born April 26, 1824, married Henry Gar- 
ver, and died in Potter township, Centre county; 
Susannah and Sarah (twins) were born August 
26, 1826 (Susannah is now the widow of George 
Wirt, late of Penn township, and Sarah is the 
widow of Peter Auman, late of Gregg township); 
Joseph, born November 4, 1830, died in Gregg 
township; William is a resident of that town- 
ship; Hannah is the wife of Peter Confer, of 
Millheim; and Amelia died at the age of twenty- 
one years. 

The birth of Adam Zerby occurred in Gregg 
township, August 19, 181 1, and as his parents 
were in limited circumstances he was given no 
educational advantages. When a young man he 
learned the weaver's trade, which he followed in 
connection with farming, and also operated a 
sawmill for many years. In 1847 he removed to 
Penn township, on Penn creek, where he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land, going in debt for the 
same, but fortunately his sons were of much as- 
sistance to him, and he soon had a comfortable 
home. Upon that farm his death occurred when 
he was nearly seventy years of age. He was a 
quiet, unassuming man, six feet, three inches in 
height, who enjoyed excellent health up to the 
time of his last illness. His remains were in- 
terred in Paradise cemetery by the side of the 
mother of our subject, who died at the age of 
fifty-seven years. He was a firm supporter of 
Democratic principles, but cared nothing for pub- 
lic office, and was a faithful member of the Evan- 
gelical Church. 

In early life Adam Zerby married Susanna 
Suavely, by whom he had the following children: 
Henry, a resident of Haines township, Centre 
county; A. P., subject of this review; Reuben, 
who died in Penn township; David L. , teller in 
the Millheim Bank; Sarah, widow of F. F. Jami- 
son, of Gregg township; and Julia A., who mar- 
ried Daniel Geary, and died in Penn township. 
After the death of his first wife, Adam Zerby 
wedded Mrs. Catherine Confer, nee Heckman, 
widow of Joseph Confer. She is still living in 
Stephenson county, Illinois. 

A. P. Zerby was born April 21, 1845, and was 
an infant when brought by his parents to the 
farm which he now owns, and where he has since 
resided. His first literary training was under 
the instruction of John Strayhorn, and his entire 
education was obtained in the district schools, 
which were much inferior to those of the present 
day. He strongly endorses the changes that 
have since been made in educational institutions, 
and has served as an efficient member of the 
school board in his district. At the age of eight- 
een he left the schoolroom, and worked forsome. 



II 1 



riiMMHMORATlVE BIOUUM'UK A I. RECORD. 



time in a mill and in the lumber woods, being 
thus employed until twenty-seven years of age. 

In February, 1S72, in Haines township. Cen- 
tre county, Mr. Zerby was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Daup, the oldest of the seven children born 
to Joseph and Catherine (Decker) Daup, the 
former a blacksmith by trade. Five children 
have been born of this union: Susan O., at home; 
Joseph A., who died at the age of five years; 
William D. and Emory P., school teachers, re- 
siding at home; and Nina A.,. also at home. 

After his marriage Mr. Zerby began house- 
keeping upon the old home farm, comprising 
sixty-five acres of rich and arable land, where he 
still resides, and which he has under high cult 
For nearly a half of a century it has been his 
hi Mm . .1 ml after the death of his father he bought 
it at a public sale. Although he went in debt 
for much of the amount, it is now free. In con- 
nection with his farming operations, he also 

rates a sawmill, which he has equipped with 

modern machinery. No man in Penn township 

is more industrious, energetic and enterprising, 

i all that he now possesses has been obtained 

mgh his own unaided exertions. He has 

always supported the men and measures of the 

Democratic party, and has been called upon to 

i.il official positions, including those 

auditor, overseer of the poor, judge of elec- 
tion, school director and a 1 ■• With the 
United Evangelical Church Mr. and Mrs. Zerbj 
hold membership, and they enjo) a prominent 
position among the best and most highly re- 
spected citizens of the community. 



JOHN WETZEL occupies a position in the 
fronl tank among the leading agriculturists 
oi Spring township, Centre county, where he 
owns and operates a good farm of sixty acres, 
which he has placed under a high state of culti- 
vation and improved with excellent buildings. 
For many years he has made his home in Centre 
county, but was born in Snyder county, Penn., 
January 2, 1S27, a son of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Ertly) Wetzel. His grandfather, Henry Wet- 
zel, at an early day removed from Lebanon 
county to what is now Snyder county, and there 
died at a ripe old age. By trade he was a 
weaver, but throughout the greatei part of his life 
followed the occupation of farming. He served 
as a soldier during the " whiskey rebellion. " In 
his family were four children: Jacob, Mrs. \\ 
ner, Henry, and one that died in infancy, 

The father of our subject was also a native of 
Snyder county, and there passed away at tin 
■ of eighty-three years, while his wife, who was 



born in the same county, died at the age of sev- 
enty-seven. He was a mechanic, engaged in the 
manufacture of gun barrels and grain sickles, 
and he was a consistent member of the Reformed 
Church. In his family were the following chil- 
dren who grew to manhood and womanhood: 
Aaron, who makes his home in Delaware ; John, 
subject of this sketch; Frank, a resident of Sil- 
verton, Colo.; Henry, of Snyder county; Samuel, 
of Missouri; Miles, of Steelton, Penn.; and 
Sarah, wife of Boyer Kartz, of Snyder county, 
Pennsylvania. 

In the public schools of the county of his na- 
tivity John Wet, -el -ecured a good education, and 
on leaving the school room learned the carpen- 
ter's trade with Jacob Gildron, of Turburtville, 
Northumberland county. At the age of twenty- 
two he came to nte, and has since made 
his home in Centre county with the exception of 
about four years and one-half. In 1S52 he re- 
moved to Snow- Shoe, where the following three 
years were passed, and then emigrated to Cedar- 
ville, Stephenson Co.. 111.; in the fall of 18 
however, he returned to Centre county. Until 
[876 he was a resident of Bellefonte. where he 
followed contracting and building, but in that 
year removed to his present farm in Spring town- 
ship. 

On March 25, 1852, Mr. Wet/el was married 
to Miss Susan Musser. whose birth occurred Jan- 
uary 27, 1831. To them have been born thirteen 
children, in the order of birth as follows: 1 I 
Frank and (2) his twin brother, born Noveml 
13. [852, the latter dying in infancy; the former 

luated from Franklin Marshall College, was 
ordained in the Reformed Church, and is now 
preaching in Stoystown, .Somerset Co., Penn. 
He married Ellen Yearick, and has seven chil- 
dren — John A., Walter N., Beulah, Grace, Veda, 
George and Harvey. (3) Samuel D., born Oc- 
tober 12, 1854, was educated in the public 
schools of Bellefonte, and learned the carpenter's 
trade which he now follows; he makes his home 
with his parents, and is a free-silver Demoi 
in politics. (4) John Henry, born Maj 1.1, 1S56, 

luated from a law school, and for some time 
engaged in practice in Nebraska; he is now an 
attorney and civil engineer at Bellefonte; he mar- 
ried Susan S. Yearick, and has five children — 

I, Nevin, Lucile, Ruth and Sarah. 15 Allen, 
born September 18, 1 S 5 7 , died Mayo, 1- 
Oscar, born March 6, 1859, graduated from the 
Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, and 
is now employed in the lumber office of Mr. 
Crider, in Bellefonte; he married Emma Beck 
ami has one child — Ethel. (7) Mary E., born 
September 24, i860, the wife of Jared Harj 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



415 



a groceryman of Bellefonte, and they have one 
child— John Wetzel. (8) Clyde, born July I, 
1862, is engaged in the butcher business in Nel- 
son, Neb.; he married Maggie Bush, by whom 
he has one child — Nova. (9) Harvey Musser, 
born February 23, 1864, graduated in civil en- 
gineering at the Lehigh University, and is now 
in the employ of a New York company surveying 
for a railroad in San Domingo, West Indies; he 
married Emma Himmelwrite, and has two chil- 
dren — Helen and Mildred. (10) Charles E., 
born February 17, 1866, married Kate Miller, by 
whom he has one child — Mary; he is a carpenter 
of Bellefonte. (11) Louis C. , born August 24, 
1869, is in the bicycle business in Bellefonte, and 
owns a machine shop in the same town; he was 
married June 9, 1897, to Miss Ida Gerberich, of 
Bellefonte. (12) William, born May 13, 1871, 
works upon the home farm and at the butcher 
business in Bellefonte, alternately, 
a twin brother of William, died in 
Mrs. Wetzel was reared and 
what is now the thriving city of Bellefonte. Both 
she and her husband are still well preserved both 
physically and mentally, and are worthy mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church. These estimable 
people have well performed their part in uphold- 
ing the intellectual, social and moral status of 
the community, and have gained the respect and 
confidence of the entire people. Politically, Mr. 
Wetzel is a Democrat, as are also all of his sons. 
The children as well as the parents are all mem- 
bers of the Reformed Church. 



(13) Walter, 
June, 1871. 
educated in 



BiERTEL POULSEN. Among the repre- 
) sentative and prominent business men of 
Howard borough, Centre county, is numbered 
the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch 
— a member of the well-known firm of B. Poul- 
sen & Co., who own and operate a sawmill and 
are engaged in the manufacture of handles, 
spokes, etc., at Centre Hall. A business man of 
known reliability, he has the confidence and re- 
spect of all with whom he comes in contact. 

Mr. Poulsen was born January 25, 1857, in 
Ravehede, near Aalborg, Denmark, a son of 
Poul Christian and Maren (Bertelsdatter) Neil- 
sen, who were also natives of that country, 
where they still reside. During his active busi- 
ness career the father engaged in farming and 
speculating, but is now living a retired life. In 
religious belief he is a Lutheran. He is a son of 
Neils Poulsen and Maren Larsdatter, who spent 
their entire lives in Denmark. The maternal 
grandparents of our subject were Bertel Chris- 
tensen and Anna Poulsdatter. Six children were 



born to Poul C. Neilsen and his estimable wife — 
three sons and three daughters, namely: Amalia, 
now the wife of Jens Peter Jensen, a stonemason 
and farmer of the northern part of Denmark; 
Neils, who owns and operates a planing, handle 
and spoke mill at Round Hill, Va. ; Christine, 
wife of Neils Peter Neilsen, a merchant of Den- 
mark; Bertel, subject of this sketch; Marie, wife 
of Christian Jeppesen, a school teacher of west- 
ern Denmark; and Lars, who is in partnership 
with his brother at Round Hill, Virginia. 

During the boyhood and youth of Bertel 
Poulsen he attended the schools of his native 
land until fourteen years of age, and assisted in 
the work of the home farm for two years longer, 
when he began learning the carpenter's trade. 
At the age of nineteen he emigrated to the New 
World, first locating at Irvine, Warren Co., 
Penn., where for three years he was engaged in 
the manufacture of handles and spokes, and then 
returned to the land of his nativity. During the 
eight months he remained there he attended 
high school, knowing how essential to a suc- 
cessful business career is a good education. On 
again coming to America, in the following spring, 
Mr. Poulsen took up his residence in Titusville, 
Penn., where, through the summer, he was em- 
ployed in a cabinet factory, and the next year 
worked for K. G. Shutt at the carpenter's trade 
in Irvine. Subsequently he came to Howard, 
Centre county, where he erected a plant tor the 
manufacture of handles and spokes, and success- 
fully engaged in that business there until the fall 
of 1896, when he removed to Centre Hall and 
established a similar manufactory. He is an en- 
terprising, wide-awake business man, thoroughly 
abreast with the times, and his straightforward 
course commends him to the confidence of all. 

In Howard, August 20, 1884, Mr. Poulsen 
married Miss Lena K. Reber, and they have 
three children: Victor H., born May 26, 1885; 
Clara K., born February 24, 1887; and Myra R., 
born July 27, 1890. Mrs. Poulsen was born in 
Howard township, Centre county, October 23, 
1862, and is a daughter of Theodore L. and Re- 
becca E. (Kunes) Reber, also natives of Centre 
county, the former born in Howard in 1836, and 
the latter in Eagleville. She died in July, 1863; 
the father is now a resident of Santa Fe, N. M., 
where he is engaged in the manufacture of soda 
water. In 1867 he left Centre county, where he 
had followed the occupation of farming, carpen- 
tering and boating, and also engaged in the meat 
business in Milesburg. By his first marriage he 
had three children, one of whom died in infancy, 
the others being James O. , who died when young; 
and Lena K., wife of our subject. After the 



416 



ro.V.VE.VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



death of their mother, Mr. Reber wedded Re- 
becca J. Rogers, a native of Bellefonte, Perm., 
and a daughter of William Rogers. His parents 
were Samuel and Mary A. (Askey) Reber, who 
spent their entire lives in Centre county, where 
the father followed tailoring and farming. The 
maternal grandparents of Mrs. Poulsen, John and 
Nancy (Gardner) Kunes, were also natives of 
Centre county, where they made their home upon 
a farm. 

Mr. Poulsen is a keen, practical man, well 
gifted with mental and physical vigor. In poli- 
tics he casts his vote for the candidates of the 
Republican party, and, although he does not take 
an active part in public life, he conscientiously 
performs his duties as a good citizen. 



WILLIAM ELLIS IRWIN, a well-known 
progressive business man of Philipsburg, 
Centre county, prominently identified with insur- 
ance interests, was born February 23, 1834, in 

irfield count\\ where his family have long held 
a noted place. Until the age of fifteen Mr. Irwin 
attended the academy in Clearfield borough, and 
then, finding employment at a sawmill, he began 
the serious work of gaining a livelihood. After a 
time be entered the Howard Iron Works, in Cen- 
tre county, where his uncle was iron master, 
spending ten years in the employ of that firm. 

The Civil war breaking out, Mr. Irwin re- 
sponded to his country's need, on September 13, 
1862, enlisting in Company L, 5th P. V. C, aft- 
erward reorganized as Company E. His regi- 
ment was, after three months' drilling at Carlisle 
Barracks in Pennsylvania, assigned to the Army 
of the Cumberland, later to the Army of the 
i nnessee, and Mr. Irwin took part in a number 
of important battles, including those of Antietam 
and Murfreesboro, or Stone River. He spent 
one year in the field, and was then detailed in the 
quartermaster's department, with which he was 
connected until May 1, 1866. While at Nashville, 
Tenn., in 1864, he voted for Abraham Lincoln. 

On his return home Mr. Irwin engaged in a 
general mercantile business at Philipsburg, which 
he gave up in 1875 to enter the lumber trade. 
His connection with the (ire insurance dates bark 
to 1887, and at present he represents various 
well-established companies in fire, life, plate 
glass, and accident. He is a charter member of 
the Steam Heat Co., of the Electric Light Co., 
and of the " Philipsburg Water Co. " — in I 
is interested in all enterprises calculated to benefit 
ity and community at lai 

As a citizen his intelligence and genial man- 
have won him mans sincere friends. He 



takes great interest in school affairs, and has 
been a director for many years. It is said that 
some one lately told Gov. Hastings that William 
E. Irwin, and another in the counts, "ought to 
receive a life pension for their activity on the 
school board." His political allegiance was from 
the first given to the Republican party, and he is 
still an unwavering supporter of its principles. 
Socially, he has been a Freemason since 
affiliated with Moshannon Lodge No. 391, of 
Philipsburg, has filled all the chairs as a Master 
Mason, and was secretary of the lodge sixteen 
years. 

On June 15, 1869, Mr. Irwin married Mis- 
Susannah H. Tussey, a native of Canoe Valley, 
Huntingdon Co., Penn., and they have three 
children: 1 1 Frank F. married Miss Cora Min- 
niam Row, and has one child — William Ellis 
Row Irwin; (2) Dorothy Harnisb is the wife of 
C. B. Holly, and has one child — Harold Irwin 
Holly; and 13) H. Ruth is at home. 

As has been said, Mr. Irwin is a descendant 
of a pioneer family of Clearfield county. His 
great-grandfather, John Irwin, Sr. , came from 
Ireland in 1774, accompanying his widowed 
mother and two brothers, Matthew and Nathan- 
iel, all three of whom located in Washington 
county, Penn., after a short residence in Pitts- 
burg. John Irwin, Sr., settled in Centre county, 
and although he was by trade a shoemaker he 
followed agriculture until his death, which oc- 
curred April 29, 1829. He was married in Ches- 
ter county, Penn.. to Miss Sarah Iddings, and 
had four children: William, who died in Centre 
county; John, Jr., mentioned below; Isabella, 
who died at the age of sixty, and Sarah, who 
died in 1865. 

John Irwin, Jr., our subject's grandfather, 
came to Centre county as a young man, from his 
early home in Chester county, and there located 
and improved a farm; he also manufactured 
shoes at Bellefonte for a time. He was married 
in Centre county to Mary Fisher, daughter ol 
William Fisher, a gentleman of large propert) 
and gnat influence in that section, probably of 
English birth. Nine children were born of tin- 
union, as follows: Hannah, who married Will- 
iam Way; Ellis, who married Hannah Id 
fohn, who married Anna Linn; Sarah, who mai 
ried Thomas Brooks; William F.. who inarm ; 
Susan Antes; Malissa, w ho married Lewis Hager- 
man; James, who married Matilda Trumbell. 
Martha A., who married James C. Williams 
Mars 1 . who married Augustus Rvman. 

Ellis Irwin, the eldest son of John and V 
(Fisher) Irwin, and father of the subject of thi- 
born in Bald Eagle Valle) . I 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



417 



Co., Perm., near Bellefonte, June 17, 1805, and 
is still living in good health, with the exception 
of an affection of the lower limbs which followed 
an attack of " La Grippe " a few years ago. He 
was educated at Bellefonte Academy, and spent 
much of his time in his youth working upon the 
homestead and in the shoe factory. For four 
years he carried the United States mail through 
the mountains on horseback. On January 10, 
1827, he married Hannah Iddings, a lady of 
great intelligence and worth, and a daughter of 
John and Ann (Carroll) Iddings. On her moth- 
er's side she was related to Charles Carroll, one 
of the signers of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. Eight children were born of this union: 
(1) Lewis died in 1882; (2) John F. is a druggist 
in Clearfield; (3) Mary and (4) Henrietta are at 
home; (5) William E. is our subject; (6) Joseph 
R. is a druggist at Curwensville; (7) Malissa died 
of heart trouble December 11, 1862, aged twen- 
ty-seven years; and (8) James died January 3, 
1853, of scarlet fever, aged eleven years. In 
February, 1881, after a wedded life of more than 
fifty years, Mrs. Ellis Irwin passed to the other 
world, leaving many mourners outside the fam- 
ily circle, upon whom the loss fell the heaviest. 
The early ancestors of the Irwin family were 
Quakers, and subsequent generations have held 
tenaciously to the same beautiful and inspiring 
faith. Ellis Irwin has always been an adherent 
of the Society, and among the reforms advocated 
most zealously by him was that of the abolition 
of slavery, upon which the Quakers spoke out 
boldly when others were as yet silent. In po- 
litical affiliations he was first a Whig, later a 
Republican, and he gave every possible aid to 
the Union cause during the Civil war, sending 
three sons to the field of battle, all of whom re- 
turned safely. In financial lines he has been an 
able and successful worker. Soon after his mar- 
riage he began farming on his own account, and 
in 1829 moved to Clearfield county, buying a 
farm at Grampian Hills (now in Penn township), 
and four years later engaged in the hotel busi- 
ness at Curwensville, remaining three years. In 
1835 he was appointed to the office uf prothono- 
tary, register, recorder, and clerk of the courts 
in Clearfield, to fill a vacancy, and at the end of 
\ the term was elected for a full term of three 
! years. In 1838 he engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness in Clearfield. In 1840 he was appointed 
postmaster there; in 1843 he was elected sheriff 
for a term of three years, and in these as in 
other positions of public trust he served with 
ability and faithfulness. In 1850 he purchased 
a large tract of land in Goshen township, Clear- 
field county, to which he added until he owned 
27 



at one time some three thousand acres. This 
estate he has developed, with energy and judg- 
ment, with mills, farms and other improvements, 
and the population of the locality is now so 
large that a post office, known as Lick Run 
Mills, was established there mainly through his 
influence. Since 1872 he has been postmaster 
at Lick Run Mills. 



IS, CLARK MUSSER, who holds a leading 
Jl&L place among the enterprising and promi- 
nent business men of Millheim, was born there 
April 22, 1848. His father, J. G. Musser, was 
born in Gregg township, Centre county, Decem- 
ber 12, 1820, a son of Philip B. and Elizabeth 
(Ilgen) Musser, and in the subscription schools 
held near his home acquired his education, which 
was principally in the German language. On 
December 8, 1842, at Millheim, he wedded Miss 
Julia Hubler, who was born August 15, 1817, a 
daughter of Adam Hubler, who was for years 
identified with the milling interests of the county 
as owner of the Hubler mill, and was killed by 
falling from a barn that occupied the present site 
of the residence of Mrs. D. A. Musser. 

A short time after his marriage the father of 
our subject removed to the hotel now conducted 
by W. S. Musser, having purchased the same 
from Jacob Widener, and was its host for some 
years. Prior to thishe had engaged in mercantile 
pursuits in connection with his brother, W. L. 
Musser. He was a great hunter and fisher, in 
which sports he found his greatest pleasure, and 
in politics he was a stanch Democrat. His 
death occurred January 12, 1892, that of his 
wife on February 26, 1884, and the remains of 
both were interred in the Millheim cemetery. 
The family of this worthy couple numbered 
the following children: Ralph M. is a miller of 
Williamsport, Penn.; Clarence died May 1, 1846; 
Emma C. is the wife of J. H. Swartz, of Renovo, 
Penn. ; A. Clark is next in order of birth; Charles 
died February 1, 1852; Mary died February 10, 
1854; James B. is a resident of California; and 
Anna died April 28, 1861. 

In the public schools of Millheim the subject 
proper of this review received his literary educa- 
tion, his first teacher being George M. Swartz. He 
continued under the parental roof until he had at- 
tained his majority, aiding in the support of the 
family, till, in April, 1869, he entered the shop 
of B. O. Deininger to learn the trade of mar- 
ble cutter. At the end of two years and a 
half, however, he went to Lock Haven, Penn. r 
where he worked for five months, and after his re- 
turn to Millheim in the spring of 1872, he pur- 



U8 



COMMKMORA T1YK ISKni RAl'lIICAL RKt ORD. 



chased a third interest in the establishment of Mr. 
Deininger. Three years later he secured a half 
interest, and in 1885 became sole owner; but after 
conducting the business for a short time he sold 
a half interest to \Y. K. Alexander, and the firm 
has since been Musser & Alexander. Their work 
is first-class in every particular, and, by courte- 
ous treatment and fair and honorable dealing, 
they have succeeded in building up a large and 
lucrative business. 

On July 5, 1874, Mr. Musser was married to 
Miss Margaret C. Kister, of Aaronsburg, Centre 
county, who was born in that village March 15, 
1 S41 . a 1 laughter of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Mil- 
ler) Kister. Twelve children have graced their 
union: Bertha E., a printer of Millheim; Lulu 
C, at home; Norman Lester; Thomas B. and 
Frederick W. , both deceased; John F. ; Grover 
G. ; Lizzie (deceased); Orvis; Paul; May and 
Claude 1. 

Jeremiah Kister, the father of Mrs. Musser, 
war born in Greene township, Clinton Co., 
Penn., October 7, 1825, a son of Lawrence Kis- 
ter. During the Civil war he became a member of 
Company F, 12th P. V. C, and in battle was 
hut in the face. After lingering two weeks, 
he died in the hospital at Chester, Penn., in 
August, 1S64, and was there buried. He was 
.1 shoemaker and plasterer by trade, a Democrat 
in politics, and a consistent member of the Re- 
formed Church. He left a widow and six chil- 
dren, of whom, Mrs. Musser and her twin sister, 
Susan, were the second and third in order of 
birth. The other four were sons. The mother, 
who was a native of Aaronsburg, Centre county, 
and a daughter of Benjamin Miller, died in July. 
1889, at the home of her son, B. F. Kister, of 
Millheim. 

Mr. Musser began his domestic life in Mill- 
heim, where he has since made his home, and 
is numbered among its most progressive and 
wide-awake business men, of undoubted integrity 
and honor. His political support is ever given 
the Democratic party, and he has been called 
upon to fill several official positions of honor and 
trust, including those of assessor, tax collector, 
chief burgess and councilman, and was a mem- 
ber of the school board for some years. With 
the Lutheran Church both he and his excellent 
wife hold membership. 



Mil. TON J. HENDERSON holds a good po- 
sition among the agriculturists of Taylor 
township, Centre county, where he 1 1 in 

general farming, and from which he derives an- 
nually a comfortable income. He was born 



February 7, 1858, on the farm where he still re- 
sides — the old Henderson homestead on the 
Fowler road, which has been occupied by four 
generations of the family. 

David and Mary (McMamagh) Henderson, 
parents of our subject, were also natives of Tay- 
lor township, the father born on the old home- 
stead October 13, 1819, where he continued to 
extensively engage in farming throughout life. 
He was drafted for the Civil war, but was re- 
leased on account of being a few days too old. 
His death, which occurred December 23, 1886. 
was caused by falling in a threshing machine. 
He was a conscientious, earnest Christian, for 
forty-two years holding membership with the 
United Brethren Church, to which his estimable 
wife also belonged. She was born May 21, 1 82 1 , 
and departed this life September 7, 188J8. 

Our subject is one of a family of nine chil- 
dren, namely: Robert, a lumberman of Clear- 
field county, Penn.; Eve, wife of John L. Spit- 
ler, a miner of Sandy Ridge, Centre county; 
Mary, wife of John Orwick, a farmer of Taylor 
township; Malinda, deceased wife of John Beck- 
with, a merchant and farmer of Hannah Furnace. 
Penn.; Samuel, a resident of Madera, Clear- 
field county; William, section foreman on the 
Colorado railroad; Anna, wife of John McCrawf- 
ton, of Clearfield county; Milton J. ; and John, 
who resides with our subject and is a parti 
business. 

Robert and Mary (Jackson) Henderson, the 
maternal grandparents, were also natives of Tay- 
lor township. The grandfather was born on the 
old homestead, where he engaged in farming and 
where he died. The maternal grandparents ol 
our subject were Stephen H. and Eve (Frantz) 
McMunagle, the former of Irish and the latter ol 
Dutch descent. 

Milton J. Henderson spent his boyhood and 
youth after the manner of most farmers' sons, 
becoming familiar with plowing, sowing and 
reaping, and amid the quiet scenes of country 
life grew up with a healthy constitution and a 
brain. He is indebted to the public schools for 
his elementary education, and by reading and 
observation has become a well-informed 
He remained at home until after attaining his 
majority, when he removed to Clearfield county, 
and for two years was engaged in lumbi 
Returning to Taylor township, Centre county, 

rated a farm for his brother Robi 
two years, but during the following three years 
he was again engaged in lumbering in Clear! 1 

unty. He next purchased a small farm in 
I \ lor township, which he cultivated some tl 

irs, and subsequently operated a rented tract 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



419 



in Huntington county, Indiana, for two years. 
In connection with his brother John, he then 
purchased the old Henderson homestead, to the 
cultivation and improvement of which they have 
since devoted their time. 

On attaining to man's estate, Mr. Henderson 
was united in marriage with Miss Emma Weaver, 
who died in November, 1878, at the age of twen- 
ty-four years, leaving one son, Elmer, still at 
home. She was a daughter of David and Har- 
riet (Feaster) Weaver, the former now a resi- 
dent of Tyrone, Penn., and the latter deceased. 
On December 23, 1882, Mr. Henderson was 
again married, this time to Mrs. Elizabeth 
{Dougherty) Parks, widow of Charles W. Parks, 
by whom she had one daughter, Mary A., now 
the wife of James Goss, a farmer residing near 
Hannah Furnace, Centre county. Mrs. Goss 
has one son, William O. Mrs. Henderson was 
born in Huntingdon county, Penn., August 8, 
1854, adaughter of John and Hannah (Hamilton) 
Dougherty, both now deceased, the former dy- 
ing in July, 1851;, and the latter on March 15, 
1891, at the age of sixty-seven years. In their 
family were the following children: Ann, wife of 
Simon Hencebanger, an undertaker of Clear- 
field county; Caroline, wife of Frank Pettitt, an 
extensive farmer of California; Susan, widow of 
Patrick Haulton, of Philipsburg, Penn. ; James, of 
Clearfield county ; George, deceased ;Maggie, wife 
of Elias Miles, a railroad man of Tipton, Penn. ; 
and Elizabeth, wife of our subject. The father 
of this family was a farmer of Huntingdon, Hunt- 
ingdon county. 

Mr. Henderson is a firm believer in the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, which he always 
supports by his ballot; socially he is connected 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and, 
religiously, both himelf and wife are esteemed 
members of the United Brethren Church. They 
are respected and valued members of the com- 
munity, and possess the entire confidence and re- 
gard of their neighbors. 



D' 



iANIEL F. POORMAN. residing on Wal- 
lace run, is one of the enterprising, indus- 
trious farmers of Boggs township, Centre county, 
where he also owns and operates a stone quarry. 
He was born on Marsh creek, in the same town- 
ship, January 12, 1848, and his parents, John 
and Catherine (Fetzer) Poorman, spent their en- 
tire lives in Centre county. His paternal grand- 
parents, John and Elizabeth B. (Harper) Poor- 
man, were also natives of that county, born at 
Brush Valley, while his maternal grandparents, 
Michael and Mary (Homier) Fetzer, were natives 



of Germany and New Jersey, respectively, com- 
ing to the county at an early day. During his 
younger years the father of our subject engaged 
in lumbering, later turned his attention exclusive- 
ly to agricultural pursuits, becoming an extensive 
farmer. In politics he supported the Democ- 
racy, and religiously was a member of Messiah 
Church. He died November 25, 1893, at the age 
of seventy-eight years, and his wife passed away 
in 1884, at the age of seventy. 

Nine children graced their union, as follows: 
Maria is the deceased wife of Jacob Yarnal, a 
farmer of Boggs township; Jane is the wife of 
Morgan M. Lucas, a farmer of the same 
township; Mary is the wife of Stanley Wat- 
son, also a farmer of Boggs township; Will- 
iam is an agriculturist of Central City, Cen- 
tre county; Daniel F. is the subject of this 
sketch; Edward is a merchant of Boggs township; 
Arminta is the wife of Joseph Williams, and en- 
gineer of Williamsport, Penn. ; Alice is the wife 
of William Fetzer, of Marsh Creek, Boggs town- 
ship; and Fleming is a farmer of the same town- 
ship. 

Until 1 88 1, Daniel F. Poorman remained 
under the parental roof, from the time of his 
marriage operating the old homestead farm on 
shares, and then purchasing his present farm. 
Upon his place he has a valuable stone quarry, 
which he began to operate in 1888. He is a wide- 
awake, progressive business man, straight-for- 
ward and honorable in all dealings, and gained 
the confidence and esteem of all with whom he 
comes in contact. In manner he is pleasant and 
genial, easily winning friends, and has the happy 
faculty of retaining them. He is a stalwart 
Democrat in politics, but cares nothing for the 
honors or emoluments of public office, preferring 
to give his undivided attention to his business in- 
terests, in which he is meeting with good success. 
He is a public-spirited citizen, and all worthy 
enterprises find in him a friend and supporter. 
On January 21, 1872, he married Miss Nettie 
Walker, and to them have been born five chil- 
dren: Willis N., a farmer of Boggs township; 
Eva M., at home; Toner, who was scalded to 
death at the age of two years; Claude, at home; 
and one who died in infancy. 

Jacob and Margerie (Lucas) Walker, the par- 
ents of Mrs. Poorman, were natives of Mifflin 
and Centre counties, Penn., respectively. They 
were married in the latter county, where the 
father died September 8, 1884, at the age of 
seventy-five years; the mother, who was born 
March 4, 18 18, still resides on the old homestead 
in Boggs township. Both were earnest mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church, and in pol- 



420 



COMMEMORATIVE BUm HA i'lWAI. RBOOBD. 



itics he was a Republican. Throughout life he 
followed general farming. Nine children were 
born of their union, namely Matilda, wife of 
Philip Resides, a farmer of Boggs township; 
William and David, who both laid down their 
lives on the altar of their country during the 
Civil war; Maria, deceased wife of David Snider, 
of Northumberland county, Penn. ; Jane, de- 
ceased wife of William Confer; Milligan, who is 
residing on the family homestead in Boggs town- 
ship; Rankin, deceased; Nettie, the honored wife 
of our subject; and Mary B., wife of Cyrus Lu- 
cas, of Boggs township. William and David 
Taylor enlisted in Company A, 149th Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers, in the spring of 1861, and 
William was corporal of the company. In the 
the spring of 1862 he was shot while on picket 
duty, being the first man that was killed from 
Centre county. His remains were sent home 
and buried in the cemetery at Milesburg. David 
fought in all the battles except the last one, be- 
ing taken sick and sent to Lincoln Hospital, 
where he died, and he was buried at the same 
place. 

William Lucas, the maternal grandfather of 
Mrs. Poorman, died at Snow Shoe, Centre 
county. The grandmother's name was Maryan 
Johnson. 



ELIAS MILLER. To grow old gracefully, to 
'/ keep the youthful spirit, and adding the 

ripening and enriching influences of years of ex- 
perience and useful effort, is a rare distinction. 
Although now "eighty-three years young," the 
honored pioneer whose name opens this biogra- 
phy shows few traces of the flight of time, weak- 
ened eyesight being the only serious sign of im- 
paired vigor. This is the more remarkable be- 
cause his life has been more than ordinarily rilled 
with hardships and labors, as the following in- 
teresting account will show. 

Mr. Miller was born June 10, 1814, in Moore 
township, Northampton county, Penn., on Blue 
Mountain. His father, David Miller, was a na- 
tive of the same county, born October 3, 1786, 
and as a boy was bound out to a hotel keeper 
near Bethlehem, Penn. When he came of age 
he learned tin- tailor's trade, which he followed 
for. so me years. IK- married Miss Barbara Reich- 
ner, who was born in Moore township, North- 
ampton count)-, May 26, 1791, and as his chil- 
dren crew to mature age he determined to seek a 
home where land could be procured more easily 

.1 bettei starl secured for them. In 1832 he 
moved to Boalsburg, Centre county, a one-horse 
and a two-horse wagon serving to bring the fam- 



ily and the household goods. He continued 
his trade while looking about for the desired 
opening into agricultural work, his lack of capital 
making the search a difficult one. Finally he 
rented a farm near Rock Springs, Centre county, 
and five years later took another near Pennsyl- 
vania Furnace. He prospered, and after a time 
purchased 100 acres of timbered land in the 
"Barrens," and building a log house started in 
true pioneer fashion to clear a farm. As old age 
came on he sold this tract and bought twenty- 
five acres from a farm then owned by our sub- 
ject, and putting up a good log house and stable 
he and his estimable wife lived there some years. 
Elias Miller, however, removed to Miles town- 
ship, and wishing to have his parents near him. 
purchased a small but comfortable home near 
Madisonburg, in which they passed their remain- 
ing years, the father's death occurring May 18. 
[866, and the mother's on February 8. 1875 
Their remains were first laid to rest in the Lu- 
theran cemetery, but later Elias Miller had them 
transferred to the German Reformed Cemetery, 
both parents having been devout followers of 
that faith. 

David Miller was a man of small build. In 
early life he enjoyed excellent health, but he be- 
came crippled in the left leg through a crooked- 
ness caused by white swelling. This disadvan- 
tage did not prevent him from working and try- 
ing to realize his hopes of a competence for him- 
self and his family. Of eleven children only two 
are now living. (1) Charles was drowned in 
Huntingdon county; (2) Elias is the subject 
proper of this sketch; 13) Thomas was drowned 
in Lehigh county, while employed as a lock 
tender on the canal between Mauch Chunk and 
Eastoii; 14) Hettie married (first 1 Samuel Bloom, 
who died in Ferguson township, Centre count) 
and (second) she wedded Henry Garner; 
[ulia A. married William Davis, and died in 
Ferguson township, Centre county; (6) Gideon 
died young; 171 Mary Ann, widow of Daniel 
Diebler, lives in Shamokin, Penn.; 71 Reuben, 

Sarah, and two others died in childhood. 

The schools of the earl) days in this section 
afforded but meagre opportunities for an ambi- 
tious boy, and Mr. Miller's help was needed at 
home too much to admit of any extended CO 
of study. He was a willing worker, strong for 
his age, and has chopped many hundreds of c< 

ol w I. At thirteen he was hired out with 

understanding that he should have two months 
schooling each year; but this bargain was not 
observed, as his employer kept him at work all 
the time. He was eighteen at the time ol the 
removal to Centre county, and he remained 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



421 



home working for his parents until he was twenty- 
three years old lacking three months. In the 
meantime he had made numerous journeys on 
foot to Northampton county, 175 miles each way, 
to visit an early friend, Miss Cecelia Marsh, 
daughter of John and Polly (Deemer) Marsh, 
who lived upon a farm in Moore township near 
Mr. Miller's birthplace. The young lady was 
about his own age, and a native of the same 
township, born September 24, 1S14. In the fall 
of 1836 Mr. Miller started on foot to claim his 
bride. His clothes were poor, and he had in his 
pocket less than $2. 50, half of which had been 
secured by working at fifty cents per day at husk- 
ing corn, and the rest had been saved, a few cents 
at a time, from chance earnings. 

There was a young man in Northampton 
county who wished to go to Centre county with 
the young couple and board with them while 
working in the woods for Mr. Miller, and through 
an advance of $20, to be repaid in board, Mr. 
Miller was greatly assisted at this critical period 
in his fortunes. After his marriage Mr. Miller 
walked back to his home to make arrangements 
for bringing his bride, and early in December, 
1836, he returned for her with a covered wagon. 
A heavy snow fell, and the roads becoming almost 
impassable with drifts, the trip, which should 
have been made in nine days, occupied six weeks. 
For a part of the way the wagon was transformed 
into a sled, and when the snow melted, the 
wheels, which had been strapped to the load, 
were again put in place, and thus the journey 
was finished. By this time Mr. Miller's funds 
were exhausted, but youth, health, and a definite 
purpose in life seemed a guarantee of success, 
and so they proved. He rented a small house 
in Ferguson township, Centre county, and began 
chopping wood in " The Barrens " for the Penn- 
sylvania Furnace, managing to save a portion of 
his earnings. He built a small house on land 
owned by the company, and later leased a tract 
of timber land from them for twelve years. In 
eleven years he cleared 300 acres, the company 
putting up buildings for him. Before the lease 
expired he bought 115 acres of land, incurring a 
debt of nearly $4,000. This was the first home 
of his own, and six years were spent there. Dur- 
ing that time he bought 209 acres from the com- 
pany, and cleared nearly 100 acres of it, building 
a plain but good house. In 1855 ne bought the 
"Old Musser farm" of 130 acres in Brush Val- 
ley, and in the following spring settled there, re- 
maining eight years, when he went to Madison- 
burg and bought the hotel where he now resides. 
It cost him $3,000, and he has made many im- 
provements from time to time. For several years 



he rented the hotel, but for the greater part of 
the time he has conducted it himself. He bought 
other property in the town, upon which he erected 
new buildings, and now owns two places there 
and fifty acres of mountain land. At one time 
he owned three farms in Brush Valley, but this 
land has either been sold or given to his sons. 

In looking back over the years in which his 
present handsome competence has been gained, 
Mr. Miller can have the supreme satisfaction of 
knowing that all has been accomplished without 
taking advantage of any man. Never penurious, 
never extravagant, generous whenever a worthy 
cause appealed to his sympathies, his life has 
been one to emulate and admire. His integrity 
is so well established that in his more active days, 
when making large purchases of land, men of 
capital have come to him and offered to loan 
him whatever he might need. The shrewdest 
and most conservative money lenders have thus 
shown their confidence in him. 

The faithful helpmeet of his early struggles 
passed from earth April 9, 1886, and her remains 
were interred in the Reformed Church Cemetery. 
Mr. Miller subsequently married Miss Amanda 
Grimes, a native of Miles township, Centre 
county, and a daughter of Anthony Grimes. 
There were three children by the first marriage: 
Harvey and Benjamin F. , farmers of Brush Val- 
ley, now residing in Madisonburg, and Gideon, 
who died November 3, 1863. One daughter by 
the second marriage, Ancenetta, born April 5, 
1887, is at home. Mr. Miller is a stanch Demo- 
crat, as was his father before him, but he has 
never been an office seeker. He takes an active 
interest in religious movements, and for many 
years has been a leading member of the Reformed 
Church. 



T^HOMAS E. VONADA, whose entire life has 
been passed in Centre county, now makes 
his home in Haines township, one-half mile 
northeast of Woodward. The first of the family 
in this country came here a long time ago, and 
at first settled under a large hemlock tree in 
what is now Haines township, later by hard labor 
clearing land, and raising stock. The old fam- 
ily was a very good-natured class of people, hon- 
est and honorable in all their dealings, and pros- 
pered well. 

Henry Vonada, father of our subject, was 
born near that place, and acquired his education 
in the Vonada school. At an early age, how- 
ever, he left school, and began work upon the 
home farm, operating that place for several years. 
On starting out in life for himself he had 270 



422 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGHM-HKAL RECORD. 



acres, to which he added from time to time until 
at his death, in 1887, he had about 660 acres of 
land, which he left to his children. He was an 
industrious, energetic man, devoting his entire 
time and attention to the cultivation and im- 
provement of his farm, whereon he erected a 

ifortable residence and substantial outbuild- 
ings. Politically he was an earnest Democrat, 
and religiously was a consistent member of the 
Reformed Church, to which his wife also be- 
longed. 

In 1X52 Henry Vonada wedded Miss Mary 
Rishel, and they became the parents of five chil- 
dren, namely: Louisa C, born in 1853, is the 
wife of E. |. Vonada, living near Coburn, Cen- 
tre county; F. Pierce, born in 1855, is an engin- 
eer of Coburn; Andrew J., born in 1857, married 
Maggie Rote, and is proprietor of a planing-mill 
in Coburn; Thomas E. is next in order of birth; 
and Susan, bornin I 862, is the wife of Emanuel 
Eungard, a farmer of Penn's Cave, Centre 
county. 

II las E. Vonada, our subject, was born on 

the old homestead in Haines township, Septem- 
ber 1, 1859, and during his boyhood he attended 
the Vonada school, while late] he was a student 
in the schools of Woodward until twenty-one 

rs of age. He operated the home farm on 
shares for about five years, and then worked at 
general labor near Woodward for a few years, 
after which be purchased seven acres of land on 
which he still resides, and some timber land. 

On November 23, 1891, Mr. Vonada married 
Almeda, the J daughter of Philip 

and Mary 1 Undergobler) Vonada, and they have 
two children 1 May, born June 14. [8 

and Tammie R., horn March (8, 1S95. Mr. 
Vonada takes an active interest in the success of 
the Democratic party, which he always supports 
bj his ballot, and is recognized as one of the 
representative and influential citizens of the com- 
munity, with whose interests he has ever been 
prominently identified. 



JACOB M. KEPLER. There are few men 
more worth j of representation in a work of 
this kind than the subject of this biography, 
who is passing the latei years of his life on a 
comfortable homestead in Ferguson township, 
ire county, the land of which he commenci d 
operating in 1892. Hi- has been a long and 
busy career, rich with experience, and in which 
he has established himself in the esteem and I 
fidence of all who know him. 

Mr. Kepler was born in Ferguson township, 
March 9, 1833, a son of Jacob and Katharine 



Musser) Kepler, both of whom were natives of 
Centre county, and of German extraction. In 
their family were five children, who in order of 
birth were as follows: (11 Mrs. E. K. Shadman, 
of Conneaut, Ohio, who is still living, and who 
raised a large family. (2) George M., a resident 
of t'orry, Penn., is married and has two chil- 
dren — one son and one daughter. (3) Jacob 
M., subject of this sketch. (41 John M., of 
Shippensville, Clarion Co., Penn., who died in 
the summer of 1897, was married and reared a 
family; his wife is also dead. (5) Mary became 
the wife of Corthlow, of Clarion county, but died 
several years ago. 

The primary education of our subject was ob- 
tained in the common schools, and this he sup- 
plemented with an academic course in the Pine 
Grove Mills and Potters Mills schools. When a 
young man he successfully engaged in teaching 
during the winter seasons, while the summer 
months were spent in farm labor. In 1839 he 
embarked in the hotel business at Philipsbui 
Centre county, which he continued until 1871, 
when he went to Petroleum Center, Venango 
Co., Penn., where for some time he was suco 
fully engaged in the oil business. Removing to 
im , he associated himself with N 
S Foreman, of that place, in th r trade, 

and was also connected with the Salmon (reek 
Lumber and Mining Company, serving as their 
superintendent for seven sears. In i8So, Mr 
Kepler founded the Forest National Democrat, 
the first Democratic newspaper in Forest county. 
and continued in the capacity of editor and pro- 
prietor until [892, when he suspended its opera- 
tion on account of ill health. Leaving Tionesta, 
he removed to his large and fertile farm in 
Ferguson township, ( entre county, where he has 

■ been active!} ind successfully engaged in 
ultural pursuits. 

In [863, Mr. Kepler was united in man 
with Mary Jane Hutton, and to them were b 
four children, two of whom are still livii 
namely: Nellie, wife of James D. Davis. 
keeper of Tionesta, Forest Co., Penn.,bywhi 

has one child; and John \Y\, who w 
August 26, [873, a printer by trade, who 

id with his father in the agricultural bus 
and who was also associate editor of the 
National Democrat for tour years; he compli ' 
his education at Chamberlain Institute, at Ran- 
dolph, New York, and is still under the | 
roof. 

Mr. Kepl.r has never cared for official 
tinction, but has! always taken an active part in 
promoting the interests of the Democratic party, 
which he supports by his ballot, and has sen 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



423 



as chairman of the County Democratic Central 
Committee. He has ever cheerfully given his 
support to those enterprises that tend to public 
development and, with hardly an exception, he 
has been connected with every interest that has 
promoted general welfare. His name is a syno- 
nym for honorable business dealing; he is always 
mentioned as one of the invaluable citizens of 
this section of the State, and on the rolls of 
Centre county's most honored men his name 
should be found among the foremost. 



T\ W. HOSTERMAN, of Coburn, who has 
won a high reputation among the agricult- 
urists of Penn township, Centre county, for his 
able management of his fine farm, is still more 
widely known as a forceful and effective speaker 
upon religious topics, having been for years a 
local preacher of the Evangelical Church. Al- 
though he has not had the advantages of col- 
legiate training, a mind well stored through 
private study and the diligent use of such in- 
struction as fell to him in his youth, makes him 
more than ordinarily well informed. 

Mr. Hosterman was born in Haines town- 
ship, Centre county, April 15, 1845, upon a 
farm which had originally belonged to his grand- 
father, Jacob Hosterman, a prosperous agri- 
culturist, who had two sons and three daughters. 
At his death he left the estate by will to his only 
surviving son, Thomas, then eighteen years old. 
Thomas Hosterman, our subject's father, ac- 
cepted at this early age the responsibilities thus 
devolving upon him, and conducted the farm 
throughout his active life. He was married in 
Haines township to Miss Hannah Yearick, and 
took his bride to the old home. Not long after- 
ward he provided for his mother's comfort by 
building a good house for her in the same yard, 
where she spent the remainder of her life, dying 
when between seventy and eighty years of age. 
In like manner he arranged in his own later years 
for the quiet which the old crave, building a new 
home on one end of the farm when he retired 
from active business. There he died at the age 
of sixty-three, his wife having passed away four 
years before, aged fifty-five. 

Thomas Hosterman had only a district-school 
education, and for that he had to walk three 
miles daily; but he possessed a remarkable intel- 
lect, and as a public speaker on religion or poli- 
tics wielded wide influence in his day. As a 
debater he was unusually successful, and men 
who had enjoyed superior educational advantages 
feared to meet him in open discussion. An ar- 
dent Abolitionist, he turned from the Democratic 



party to the Whig, and later to the Republican 
party. He was an active member of the Evan- 
gelical Church, in which he was an exhorter, and 
his estimable wife was also a devout adherent. 

Their children were Brumille, who died in 
youth; Paulina, who married Samuel Moyer, and 
died in Haines township, Centre county; Eman- 
uel, who died at the age of fourteen; Amelia 
(Mrs. Jeremiah Vonada), who died at Wood- 
ward, Penn.; Thomas W., our subject; Charles 
W., a resident of Woodward; Clara, now Mrs. 
James Weaver, of Fiedler, Penn.; Lizzie (Mrs. 
William Wolf), of Fiedler; Hannah M., who died 
in early womanhood; and Anna (Mrs. Howard 
Musser), of Woodward. 

The subject of this biography attended the 
local schools of his day, one of his first teachers 
holding the sessions in an upper room of his fa- 
ther's spring house. His schooling, such as it 
was, ended at eighteen, when he began to devote 
his attention seriously to farming on the old 
homestead. In September, 1866, when but nine- 
teen years old, he was married in his native 
township to Miss Rachel Vonada, who was born 
in the Nittany Valley, March 15, 1844, the 
daughter of Philip and Mary (Harback) Vonada. 
After this happy event Mr. Hosterman settled at 
the homestead to work for his father. Later he 
rented the place, and two years before his fa- 
ther's death he made arrangements to purchase 
it. When the estate was settled he became the 
sole owner, and continued to reside there until 
1886, when he moved to his present residence in 
Coburn. A sad affliction befell him in that year, 
a chestnut burr destroying the sight of his right 
eye. The homestead, which contains 180 acres, 
still receives his superintendence, but except for 
that he has now retired from active care. He 
has built two houses in Coburn, each of which 
has a store room on the lower floor. In May, 
1889, he was appointed postmaster of the village, 
and reappointed' in August, 1897. He is a 
stanch Republican, taking great interest in the 
success of the party, and is regarded as a leader 
in his section. 

For more than forty years, Mr. Hosterman 
has been a member of the Evangelical Church, 
to which Mrs. Hosterman also belongs, and his 
labors for the cause have been manifold, as local 
preacher, exhorter, class leader, trustee and 
steward and in the work of the Sunday-school. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman have reared a large 
and interesting family, of which any parent might 
be proud. There were sixteen in all, three of 
whom have been removed by death: Phcebe died 
at Coburn, Penn., May 2, 1897, at the age of 
thirty-three years; Ida married Thomas Motz, of 






424 



COM.VHMOKA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL ItKCOUD. 



Woodward, Perm. ; Warren is a farmer in Haines 
township, Centre county; Annie M. married 
Clayton Bower, of the same township; Edith 
married N. B. Shaffer, of Zion, Centre county; 
Luther is a farmer of Haines township; G< 
married John Waite, of Rebersburg, Perm. ; Will - 
is a farmer of Haines township; Tome, 
Thomas A. and Nathan are at home; Hannah 
died in infancy; Lizzie, Mabel and Hertha are at 
home; and an infant son still-born in 1SS7. 



WJ. THOMPSON, of I'-.tters Mills, ranks 
among the most prominent businessmen 
of Centre county, with whose commercial and 
industrial interests he has been identified for 
many years. He is now the senior member of 
the well-known firm of Thompson & Smith, deal- 
ers in general merchandise at Potters Mills, car- 
rying a large ami well-selected stock. In busi- 
ness circles he occupies a prominent place, and 
to-day is the oldest active merchant in Penn's 
Vali 

Mr Thompson was born in Milroy, Penn., 
.September o. 1834, and is a son of William and 
Margaret (McFarlane) Thompson, both natives 
oi Mifflin county. Penn., the form. n of 

Moses Thompson, and the latter a daughter of 
Col. James McFarlane. The father was a farmer 
by m, and was a man of considerable 

means. He was three times married, the mother 
of our subject being his second wife, and to th 
were born five children. Both parents died in 
Mifflin county, the father at the age of eighty- 
four years, and the mothei at forty-seven. His 
family numbered nine children in all, of whom 
our subject was next to the youngest. 

In Milroy, Mr. Thompson, of tins review, 
was reared and obtained his elementary educa- 
tion .it ins boyhood home, and at the age of 
eighteen years was sent to Tuscarora Academy, 
where he pursue. 1 Ins studies one season, at the 
end of which time th 1 was destroyed by 

fire. The following winter he attended school at 
Perrysville, Penn., for one term, there complet- 
ing his literary education. In 1S54 he came to 
Centre I'urnace, Centre county, and secured a 
po ition as clerk in the company's store at that 
place, this being his first experience in the mer- 
cantile business. After n\e years in that employ 
he came to Potters Mills, where his father had 
purchased property, and in connection with his 
brother, James M., established his present busi- 
ness under the linn name of W. J. Thompson & 
Brother. This partnership continued until the 
death oi the latter during the " seventies," when 
our subject became sole owner. In 1877 the 



store was destroyed by fire, but with his charac- 
teristic energy, Mr. Thompson at once resumed 
operations, erecting his present substantial brick 
block, where he has since successfully conducted 
business. In addition to his mercantile pursuits. 
he has also been extensively interested in the 
lumber business, ami still ownsconsiderable land, 
from which he has cut the timber. 

Since the organization of the Republican 
party, Mr. Thompson has been one of its stanch- 
est supporters, and on that ticket was elected 
justice of the peace (in which office he served 
some fifteen years), although his party was 
greatly in the minority, which fact illustrates his 
popularity and the confidence and trust reposed 
in him by his fellow citizens. He acceptably 
served in that office for ten years. While 11 
member of any religious organization, hi 
his support to the Presbyterian Church, to which 
he has ever been a liberal contributor. 

Mr. Thompson is a charter member of the 
Grand Army Post No. 282, of Centre Hall, 
having been a faithful soldier in the Union arm) 
during the Civil war. In October. 1861, he en 
listed in an independent company, which later 
became a part of the Fifteenth Pennsylvania 
Cavalry, and was made body-guard to Gen 
Anderson. The regiment was sent to Camp 
Louisville, Ky., where it remained during the 
winter of [861, being ordered, in the latter part 
of February, 1862, to Nashville. It participa 
in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and in main 
other engagements, after which it was with Gen 
Buel. In the spring of 1863, Mr. Thompson 
was honorably discharged, and is now the only 
surviving member of his company in Centre 
county. Since 1893 he has been afflicted with 
paralysis. No man in Potter township is more 
deserving the high regard and esteem in which 
he is universally held than our subject, who 
kind-hearted, generous and genial, with always 
a pleasant word for all. 



DH. ROTE. It is a matter of just prid. 
our self-made men that they have made 
their own way in life from poverty to a compe- 
tence, having started upon their various car- 
eers with no capital except health of mind 
ami body and a strong will. The subject "f 
this sketch, though handicapped by a lifel 
physical disability, has attained to a place among 
the business men of Aaronsburg which would do 
credit to any man. When four years old he nut 
with an affliction which left him crippled for life, 
while lack of means, coupled with an honorable 
ambition, compelled him to take up against all 





*/ 




c-t-*^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



425 



odds the struggle for a livelihood which so many 
have found too difficult under our present in- 
dustrial system. 

Mr. Rote is a native of Aaronsburg, born 
March 21, 1842, and is a descendant of one of 
the pioneer families of Union county, Penn., his 
great-grandfather, George Rote, having been 
among the first settlers at Miffiinburg. Peter 
Rote, the grandfather, and Simon Rote, the 
father of our subject, were born there, but the 
latter went to Penn's Valley in early manhood, 
and learned the blacksmith's trade at Woodward. 
He married Susan Diehl, a native of Union 
county, Penn., and a daughter of Abraham 
Diehl, whose later years were spent in Union 
county. 

After learning his trade, Simon Rote located 
in Aaronsburg, where he followed it successfully 
throughout his active life. He died there April 
1, 1884, aged sixty-seven years, and just forty- 
five years to a day, when he moved into 
his home, he was carried from it a corpse, 
and laid to rest in the cemetery near town. 
He was an industrious man, self-made, and 
built his home by his work at the anvil. As 
a member of the Reformed Church he was active 
in religious work, and in politics his influence 
was felt first as a Whig and later as a Republic- 
an, different township offices being filled by 
him creditably. His widow, now in her eighty- 
fourth year, still lives in the old homestead 
which his care provided for her. They had eight 
children — four sons and four daughters, of whom 
but four reached adult age. Of these, our sub- 
ject was the eldest; John, now a resident of 
Axemann, Penn., was a soldier in Company D, 
148th P. V. I., during the Civil war. Sarah 
married F. P. Fisher, and died in Dakota, 111. 
Thomas resides in Orangeville, Illinois. 

Owing to Mr. Rote's physical ailments he did 
not attend school regularly during boyhood, but 
under the loving guidance of his mother, a woman 
of ordinary education but very energetic, he 
learned rapidly at home, being prepared at the 
age of fifteen to take a position as teacher. 
After continuing this work for about two years, 
he began an apprenticeship, in i860, with J. B. 
Edmunds, a watchmaker at Aaronsburg. His 
employer enlisted in the army, however, before 
the term was completed, and was killed in the 
battle of the Wilderness. Consequently, Mr. 
Rote changed his plans, and in 1862 began to 
learn the art of type-setting in the office of the 
t entre Reporter, which was then printed in 
Aaronsburg. For some time he worked as a 
journeyman in different places, but the rough 
class of associates which this trade brought him 



caused him to abandon it finally, and in 1868 he 
resumed the work of teaching. 

This proving more congenial, he continued it 
until the spring of 1883, when he opened a jew- 
eler's shop in Aaronsburg, which he has con- 
ducted successfully since, doing a large amount 
of repair work. His industry seems untiring, 
and when his fine native ability is considered, one 
cannot but believe that with even ordinary op- 
portunities he would have carved out for himself 
a remarkable career. Gifted with unusual me- 
chanical skill, he is able to duplicate anything, 
tools and materials being the only requisites. 
His brave and successful struggle with an adverse 
fate has won him the esteem and admiration of 
all who know him and given him a host of warm 
friends. In politics he is a Republican, and 
from 1884 to 1894 he served as justice of the 
peace. 

In 1869, he was married in Aaronsburg to 
Miss Susan Cronmiller, a native of that town, 
and a daughter of Thomas Cronmiller, a well- 
known citizen. They have an adopted daughter, 
Mamie. Mrs. Rote is an active member of the 
Reformed Church, and has taken a generous in- 
terest in many lines of philanthropic work. 



HP 



ENRY A. BRUMGARD is a retired farmer, 
one whose well-spent life and activity in 
business have brought to him a competence 
that now enables him to lay aside business cares. 
He was born June 9, 1843, > n Clinton county, 
and' is the eldest child of Martin and Sarah 
(Wholford) Brumgard. He is descended from 
one of the old Pennsylvania families, and on 
both sides is of German descent. Several of his 
ancestors took an active part in the war of 1812. 
His grandfather, Jacob Brumgard, removed from 
New York to Pennsylvania, at a very early day. 

The father of our subject was born and reared 
in Brush Valley, Centre county, and throughout 
his life followed the occupation of farming. In 
the spring of 1845 he removed from Clinton 
county to Centre county, where he passed the 
rest of his days, dying November 16, 1893. He 
was laid to rest by the side of his wife, who had 
departed this life June 18, 1885. She was a 
daughter of George Wholford, of Brush Valley. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brumgard had three children, the 
daughters being Catherine R., wife of D. T. 
Johnson, a prosperous farmer of Ferguson town- 
ship, Centre county, and Alice, wife of George 
Garbrick, a farmer of Spring township, Centre 
county, by whom she has two children, Sarah 
and Clarence. 

In the common schools Henry A. Brumgard 



126 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGUAUIIKAL RECOUP. 



acquired his education, while on the old home- 
stead he received ample training at farm labor, 
and learned many valuable lessons of industry 
and economy, On June 14, [866, he married 
Miss Mary A. Human, who was born July 26, 
1843, a daughter of John Homan, who resided in 
Ferguson township, Centre county. He died 
very suddenly of heart disease, on the 2nd of No- 
vember, 1893, and his wife passed away March 
22, 1894, their remains being interred in Pine 
Hall cemetery, Ferguson township. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brumgard have three children: John Cal- 
vin, who was born April 2, 1S71, and died at the 
age of three years; Sarah A., wife of Newton J. 
Hockman, a farmer of Walker township, by 
whom she has three sons — Austin F., born Sep- 
tember 7, 1S90, Clyde E., born June I, 1893, 
and Fern, born May 28, [896; and Hannah G., 
who was born December 25, 1 S74. is still at 
home with her parents. 

Mr. Brumgard is the owner of some valuable 
real estate, including a farm of one hundred acres 
pleasantly situated one mile from Zion. He also 
owns a fine residence in the town, ten acres of 
land adjoining the corporation limits, and a 
twenty-acre timber tract near the town. He also 
has a third interesl in .1 valuable tract of me land 

1 State < All his property has been 

acquired through his own efforts, and his under- 
takings have been crowned with the success that 
follow scon- ffort, well directed energy and 

determined purpose. He is now living retired in 
the well-earned enjoyment of the fruits of his 
former toil. 1 fe ha extensitelj 

over the country, having visited many of the 
wi -tern States, and is an intelligent, public-spir- 
ited and progressive man, honorable in all the re- 
lations of life and extending to his many friends 
the cordial hospitality of his hop. I [1 formerly 
held membership with the Grange; he and his 
wife are members of the Lutheran Church. In 
politics he is a Democrat, and held the office of 
r one year in Walker township. 



GRANT HOOVER. Although the subji 
this sketch is one of the younger business 
men of Bellefonte, Centre' comity, he has already 
won a high reputation for ability. In his chosen 

lines of insurance and real-estate business In- 
takes a leading place, and he is well and favi 

bly known throughout the northern part of the 
Mate. 

The Hoover family were among the earl\ 
tiers of Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, and our 
subject's grandfather, George Hoover, was born 
and reared there, becoming a farmer by occupa- 



tion, and continuing that occupation until his 
death in August, 1870, when he was aged sixty- 
nine years. The grandmother of our subject, 
Mrs. Esther Ann Hoover, who was born in 18 to, 
is still alive and active, residing at Port Matilda, 
Centre county. Ten children were born to this 
estimable couple: Sarah Ann, who married S. 
Ludwig, and lives in Kansas; Harvey, our sub- 
ject's father; Henry W, deceased, September 
L3. I S97, who was a lumberman of Bald Eagle 
Furnace, Blair Co.. Penn. ; Mary J., widow of 
L. Parker, of Kansas, residing in Penfield, Clear- 
field Co., Penn.; Martha, wife of George R. 
Eastman, of Curwensville, Penn.; John C, a 
wealthy resident of Julia Ann Furnace, Centre 
county; George W. , president of Hoover, Hughes 
& Co., a well-known lumber firm of Philipsburg, 
Penn.; Jackson, a farmer, who died in 1875; 
Clarissa, who married A. W. Resse, of Port Ma- 
tilda; and Philena, who died at an early age. 

Harvey Hoover, the father of our subject, 
was born in 1833, and received his education in 
the schools of Union township, Centre county. 
In early manhood he d in lumbering, but 

for some years he has followed agricultural pur- 
suits. He married Miss Mary Catlow, a grand- 
niece of Sir Robert Peel, and of this union nine 
children were born: Laura, who married J 
1 '.tiley, of Penfield, ( learfield county; Richard 
C, who lives in Bellefonte; Grant, our subji 
Sherman, who is at home; Sallie ('., who mar- 
ried Harry Esterline; the others, J. Clydi 

her in the public schools), George, Martha 
and Mary, reside with their parents. 

Granl Hoover was born August 6, 1805, m 
Laid Eagle Valley, * entre county, and was there 
reared to farm life, working for an uncle during 
boyhood while attending school. At sixteen he 
engaged in the lumber business, which he fol- 
lowed until [892, conducting two or three mills 
in Mi Kean county, in connection with conti 
work. After selling out his interest in this b 
ness to his partner, he went to Buffalo, and spent 
a short time as a traveling salesman in the lum- 
ber trade, but since hi> return to Centre county 
he has engaged in the real-estate business, and 
in an insurant e agency, taking life, tire, and acci- 
dent risks. Mr. Hoover is highly esteemed wher- 

1 he is known. He is an active and influ 
tial Republican, and was lately a candid 
the office of prothonotary, but withdrew in fa 
of Abraham B. Miller, a veteran of our Civil war. 
On January 2, 1890, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Edith B. Moore, a native of Mileshurg 
Penn., born August 5, 1870, but their happifl 
was brief, the young bride passing to the unseen 
life October 18, 1890. 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



427 



Mr. Hoover's mother was a daughter of the 
late Richard Catlow, nephew of Sir Robert Peel, 
and a learned and eloquent preacher in the U. 
B. Church. He inherited a fortune from the 
family estates in England, but preferred to reside 
in this country. For some time his home was in 
Clearfield county, but later he removed to a farm 
in Bald Eagle Valley, where for many years he 
followed the peaceful calling of agriculture. His 
death occurred in Unionville at the age of eighty- 
two years. His children were: David, who lives 
in fowa; Mary (Mrs. Hoover); Sarah, widow of 
Philip Teats; Martha, deceased, who married 
Orange Hart, of Iowa; and William, who died 
in his youth. 



A 



ARON W. HAFER, D. D. S., a leading 
dentist of Bellefonte, Centre county, is one 
of the self-made men of his section, who in 
making their own path to success reflect credit 
upon human nature, and furnish encouragement 
to all others to make use of their best powers, 
and -'put foundations under their air castles." 

The ancestors of the Hafer family, in both 
paternal and maternal lines, were pioneers in this 
State. Moses Hafer, our subject's father, was 
born in 1812, of a well-known Pennsylvania- 
Dutch family, and as a young man settled in 
Centre county, where he met and married Miss 
Catherine Gramly, a native of Miles township, 
born in 1813. Her family had been prominent 
in Centre county from the earliest times, her 
grandfather having been born there; he was a 
business man of Miles township, carried on the 
milling business, operating a sawmill, gristmill 
and a woolen-factory. Moses Hafer followed the 
fuller's trade, and met with his death through an 
accident with an overshot wheel in 1852; the 
mother survived him until 1895. They had five 
children: (1) Elizabeth (Mrs. Foster Tate), of 
Coleville, Penn. ; (2) Mary E., the widow of J. 
Kuhn, of Ridgely, Md. ; (3) Louise (deceased), 
who married W. H. Poorman; (4) Aaron W., our 
subject; and (5) John W. , a retired contractor 
and builder, who resides at Coleville, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Mr. Hafer, our subject, was born in Miles 
township, Centre county, July 29, 1845, an d his 
youth was spent there, the common schools 
affording him the usual educational opportunities. 
Later he attended the Normal School at Rebers- 
burg, and then began teaching, the next five 
winters being given to that work, while in sum- 
mers he would resume his student life. He 
taught his last term of school in 1868 near Belle- 
fonte, and during that time he began his prelimi- 



nary reading for his profession, under the direc- 
tion of Dr. H. H. Rotherick, of that city. For 
three months his evenings and Saturdays were 
devoted to study, then he served a regular ap- 
prenticeship of four months, and with this prep- 
aration he started out in practice on his own 
account at Osceola, Penn. He remained there 
eight years, enjoying a fine practice; but wishing 
to attend a dental college he disposed of his busi- 
ness. Circumstances conspired to defeat his 
plans, however, and he concluded to establish an 
office at Rebersburg, where he met with success. 
In 1883 he again made arrangements for taking 
a course of lectures, and in 1884 he was gradu- 
ated from the Pennsylvania Dental College at 
Philadelphia with the degree of D. D. S. The 
following year he spent in practice at Millheim, 
Penn's Valley, Centre county, but since that time 
he has been located at Bellefonte, where his skill 
and ability won him quick recognition as a prac- 
titioner. 

first wife, who in her maiden- 
Martha J. Beck, who was born 
in Indiana county, Penn., was 
four bright and talented daugh- 
Mary E., Alpha G. and Florence 
Hafer, D. D. S., was the 
from the high school at 



Dr. Hafer's 
hood was Miss 
June 12, 1845, 
the mother of 
ters: Laura K., 
Jane. Miss Laura K 
first lady graduated 
Bellefonte to enter State College, where she pur- 
sued the study of the higher branches for one 
year. She then entered Pennsylvania State Den- 
tal College, and received her diploma just ten 
years after her father's graduation from that in- 
stitution. She was one of the first three-year 
dental students, and a remarkable fact is that she 
had graduated in the High School, spent one year 
at the State College, and completed a three-years' 
course at ,the Dental College, graduating at the 
latter when but twenty-one. On June 20, 1894, 
Dr. Hafer married his second wife, Miss Laura 
May Hess, a native of Penn's Valley, born Feb- 
ruary 16, 1867. One son, William Talmage, has 
blessed this union. As a public-spirited citizen, 
the Doctor takes keen interest in all that concerns 
the community. He is a Republican in politics, 
and in religion is a Methodist. 



/GEORGE D. HOOVER, who, in connection 
XgS with his brother, William E., is engaged in 
general farming and the manufacture of shingles 
in Union township, Centre county, was born May 
12, 1852, on a part of the farm where he now 
resides, and is a son of Jacob and Rachel (Fisher) 
Hoover, also natives of Union township. His 
paternal grandparents, John and Mary (Ashen- 



128 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGltAI'llKM. RECORD. 



felder) Hoover, came to that township in 1796, 
where the grandfather engaged in farming 
throughout the remainder of his life. He was 
a son of William and Sallie (Packer) Hoover. 
The maternal grandparents of our subject, Will- 
iam and Rachel (Meridotb) Fisher, farming peo- 
ple, were natives of Chester and York counties, 
Penn., respectively, and came to Centre county 
in 1800, locating in Union township when it was 
part of Mifflin county. They were members of 
the Society of Friends. 

Jacob Hoover was bom ( )ctober 11, 1808, 
and died March 24, 1880; his wife was born Feb- 
ruary 20, 1814, and died March 31, 1894. The 
following children blessed their union: Mary, 
born [anuary 26, 1841, died March {3, 1843; 
William E., born January 11. 1844. is in busi- 
ness with our subject; Edwin and Irwin (twins), 
born April 26, [846, died May 14. 1846, and 
] une [8, [846, respectively; Arlander and 
Amanda 1 twins), born February IO, 1848, died 
October 2, 1853, and March 17, 1870, respect- 
ively. George 1). is next in order of birth; and 
John B., born February 14, 1855, duel March 
28, 1 

Upon theii present farm, George 1). Hoover 
and his brother, William E., passed their boy- 
hood ami youth in much the usual manner of 
11 lads, aiding in the work of the fields, and 
attending iols of the neighborhood during 

the winter season. The) remained at home ami 
cared lor their parents until after their deaths, 
when they came. into possession of the place, 
which the) have under a high state of cultivation 
and well improved. Besides their fanning oper- 
ations they also embarked in the manufacture of 
shingles in 1893, erecting a plant for the purpose, 
and have carried on the enterprise with good suc- 
cess. On July 30, 187S, George D. Hoover was 
united in marriage with Maria F. Peters, and 
they have seven children, whose names and dates 
of birth are 'as follows: Harry T. , March 1 ;, 
[879; Lulu M., June 22, 1881; Christy B., Au- 
gust 17, [884; Clara E., November 10, 1886; 
Rachel, Februar) 14, 1888; Hannah E., June 
18, 1890; and Charles W. . February 19, 1893. 

Mrs. Maria Hoover was born February [6, 
1S55. on Dicks run. Cnton township, Centre 
county, and is a daughter of L. and 

Emily (Record) Peters, who were married May 
16, 1854, and spent their entire lives in Centre 
county. The other children born to them are as 
follows: Hannah, born June 13, 1 s 5 7 , died Oc- 
tober 15, 1877; Daniel, born February 2, 1859, 
is railroad foreman at Heckley, Penn. ; Jacob, 
born March 31, 1861, is a farmer of Iowa; Julia, 
born February 5, 1863, died February 9, follow- 



ing; Orvis, born April 10, 1864, is a farmer of 
Centre county; Albina, born August 7, 1867, is 
the wife of Perry C. Moran, a railroad man re- 
siding at Unionville, Centre county; and Emily, 
born November — , 18 — , is the wife of Jacob 
Meese, a decorator of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. 

George L. Peters, the father of Mrs. Hoover, 
was born July 10, 1812, a son of Lawrence and 
Elsie Peters, farming people of Centre county, 
where they spent their entire lives. During his 
younger years he engaged in the butchering busi- 
ness, but later he followed farming. His death 
occurred August 3, 1891. He was three times 
married, his first wife in her maidenhood being 
Mary Williams. To them were born the follow 
ing children: Tabitha. wife of Benjamin Hrisbon, 
oi Lemont, Penn.; Elsie, deceased wife of Will- 
iam Kenner, a farmer of Union township, Cen- 
tre county; Harriet, deceased wife of Calvin 
Peters, also a farmer of Union township; Law- 
rence, a resident of Iowa; William, of Union- 
ville, Penn. ; and George, deceased. The mother 
mI Mrs. Hoover was the second wife of Geo 
L. Peters, and for his third wife he wedded 
1 At tierine Glenn. 

The mothei of Mrs. Hooveruas born in 1820. 
and on the 1 7- 1 1 1 of February, [848, she was 
united in marriage to Andrew Brown, who was 
bo in fuly [9, 1825, and died September 1 , 1853 
She later became the wife of George L. Peters. 
and died in 1870. 

On February 11. 1 879, William I HOOVER, 
brother of our subject, was wedded to Harriet E 
Carter, and they have two children. John C. and 
Newell A , both at home. Mrs. Hoover 
bom February 9, 1855. in Lewistown, Mifflin 
Co., Penn., a daughter of John and Maria 
(Straight) Carter, natives of Centre county, 
Penn.. and New Jersey, respectively. In their 
family were six children: Harriet E. , wife of Mr 
Hoover; Daniel, Sarah C. and David, all de- 
ceased; and two who died in infancy . The father 
departed this life in Nittany Valley, Penn., in the 
spring of 1861, at the age of fifty-five yei 
Latei the mother became the wife of Ge 
Carson, a collier, by whom she had two children: 
Martha ami Mary, deceased. Mr. and Mr- 
Carson are now living retired at Milesburg. 
is a consistent member of the Methodist Epia 
pal Church. 

The lloo\er brothers are " free silver " Dem- 
ocrats in politics, and are deeply interested in 
success of their party. They are enterprisi 
wide-awake business men, skillful and thorough 
farmers, and are highly esteemed and respe^ 
members of the society that surrounds them. 
joying the confidence and regard of all. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



429 



E ELIJAH I. WALKER, a well-known lumber- 
|// man and proprietor of a sawmill located on 
the Marsh Creek road, in Boggs township, Cen- 
tre county, was born April 15, 1843, on a farm 
adjoining the one on which he now resides. His 
father, Adam Walker, was also a native of Cen- 
tre county, a farmer by occupation, and a son of 
Andrew and Margaret Walker, who were born in 
Germany, and were the first settlers of Boggs 
township, locating there in 1796. The grandfa- 
ther cleared and improved a farm, on which he 
and his wife spent their remaining days. 

Adam Walker, the father of our subject, on 
reaching man's estate was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret Walker, a cousin, who was 
born in Mifflin county, Penn., and was a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Margaret Walker, natives of 
Germany and Virginia, respectively. They also 
became early settlers of Centre county, where 
they continued to live until called from this life. 
The parents of our subject began their domestic 
life upon a farm in the same county, and reared 
their family, comprising the following children: 
Martha, deceased; Catherine, wife of Andrew 
Walker, a farmer of Boggs township; Jacob, a 
farmer of the same township; Margaret, who 
wedded Thomas Fey, but both are now deceased; 
Michael, who was a member of Company A, 45th 
P. V. I., during the Civil war, and died in the 
service; Andy, a contractor of Jeannette, Penn.; 
Adam, a farmer of Tyrone, Penn.; Elijah I. and 
Elisha H. (twins), the latter of whom is a real- 
estate and insurance agent of Woodland, Penn. ; 
Eve J., wife of Ben Hummel, of Wallaceton, 
Penn.; James and Martha, deceased; and one 
that died in infancy. The father died in 1881, 
at the age of seventy-four years, and the mother 
in 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. Both 
were lifelong members of the United Brethren 
Church. 

Until he was twenty-three years of age, Eli- 
jah I. Walker remained upon the home farm, 
assisting in its operation during the summer sea- 
son, and attended the district schools in the win- 
ter months in his early boyhood. He is, how- 
ever, mostly self-educated, paying for his own 
tuition at Otterbein University, Ashtabula, Ohio, 
for one year. After leaving school in 1S64, he 
returned home and enlisted in Company K, 82nd 
Penn. V. I., under Capt. J F. Reen. He par- 
ticipated in a number of important engagements, 
including those of Sailors Creek and Petersburg, 
and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. 
He was never wounded, and at Philadelphia re- 
ceived an honorable discharge when the war was 
over. On arriving home he embarked in the 
lumber business, which he iias since continued. 



He erected his present comfortable residence in 
1867. 

On the 15th of January, same year, Mr. 
Walker was united in marriage with Miss Aman- 
da Ackley, who was born in Centre county, Oc- 
tober 4, 1847, a daughter of John and Nancy 
Ackley, natives of Buffalo Run, in the same coun- 
ty, where they spent their entire lives engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. Six children graced 
this union, namely: Harry E., who is engaged 
in the sawmill business at Spruce Creek, Hunt- 
ingdon Co., Penn., and Clarence, Stella, Wil- 
burn, Chester and Charles, who are still with 
their father. The wife and mother departed 
this life September 1 S, i88,S, and November 4, 
[895, Mr. Walker was again married, the lady 
of his choice being Mary M. Leister, and to them 
has been born a daughter, Esther L. 

Politically, Mr. Walker is independent, vot- 
ing for the man whom he considers best quali- 
fied to fill the position. Formerly he was a Re- 
publican, twice being the nominee of that party 
for the Legislature, but was defeated owing to the 
county having a large Democratic majority. He 
is an intelligent, enterprising man, well informed 
on the leading questions and issues of the day, 
and is fully abreast with the times in every par- 
ticular. His success in life is due entirely to in- 
dustry, perseverance and good management, and 
he holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow- 
citizens. 



w 



ANIEL ROUSH, a well-known and honored 
citizen of Madisonburg, is the oldest shoe- 
maker actively engaged at his trade in Brush 
Valley, Centre county. He was born February 
1, 1824, at Freeburg, in what was then Union 
county, but is now Snyder county, Penn., and is 
a son of Frederick and Dorothy (Nagal) Roush. 
His education was such as the district schools of 
the locality afforded. At the early age of ten 
years he began learning the shoemaker's trade 
with his father, and after he had attained his six- 
teenth year gave his entire time and attention to 
that business. 

During his boyhood, Mr. Roush accompanied 
his parents to Miles township, where he continued 
to work with his father until twenty-one years of 
age, and then established a shop of his own in 
Madisonburg, where he has since successfully 
carried on business, with the exception of two 
months spent in Bellefonte. He owns an excel- 
lent home in Madisonburg, and also twelve acres 
near the village, for which he paid $125 per 
acre, and twenty-seven acres of mountain land. 
He has made his own way in the world, having 



180 



( OMMEMORATIVB BIOOHM'IIKM. RECORD. 



started oul in life for himself empty-handed, but 
by industry, pei rid economy has se- 

cured a comfortable competence, which is assur- 
edly justly merited. 

In May, 1845, 111 Madisonburg, Mr. Roush 

Ided Miss Mary Wise, a native of Brush Val- 
ley, an>l a daughter ol Frederick Wise, a black- 
smith by trade, and to them w hi three 
children: Anna and Louisa, who died when 
young; and Elizabeth, now the widow of [acob 
Killer, of Bellefonte. The moth 1 of these did 
and was buried in Madisonburg, and in that vil- 
lage, August [6, [864, Mr. Roush was again 
married, this second union being with Miss Ma 
linda Bickle, who was born in Madisonburg, Maj 
31, 1836, a daughtei ol Simon and Hannah 
Bickle. With the Reformed Church they hold 
membership, and enjoy the confidence and 1 
regard of all who know them. During his leisure 
hours, Mr. Roush has done much reading, and is 
therefore well informed on leading questions and 
issues of tin' day as well as on general topii 

ust. He has always given Ins politic, d sup- 
port to the men and measures of the Democratic 

ty, and for two rved as overseer of 

the poor. 



SA.Ml i:i. I Kill.. The history ol tins gen- 
1 tleman, who is one of the leading farmers "I 
'township, Centre county, is a forcible 
illustration of the exercise ol perseven 
and resolution under the pressure of financial 
difficulties as well ; ,s amid the sunshine ol 1 11 
peril) Mis ample possessions comprise 460 
acres, and his li I with its appurtenan 

forms one ol the most attrai tive h atures of the 

landscape. 

Mr. Ertel was born December 27, [837, near 

I'e'in Hall, in the township which is still his 
home, and comes "I .1 family that has Ion- been 
identified with the inti ol Centre county, his 

grandfather being a residenl ol Brush Valley at 
an early day, whi 1 in farming 

There the father, Philip Ertel, was born in No- 
vembei , 1 nd at Varonsburg he learned the 

tanner's trade, winch In- followed for many \ 
in Gregg township iu connection with his farm- 
ing op,! in- tannery was located on his 

farm, and there In- did an ve business. 

lie was a strong and mlmst man who started out 
in life empty-handed; but by p. .md 

industi \ 1 ij the substl 

the community, where he was widely and l.i . 
ably known. His political support was also 
given the men and measures of the Den 
party, and in religious belief he was a Lutheran. 



Philip Ertel was joined in wedlock with Cath- 
arine Bartges, who v 1 in November, 1; 
a daughter of William Bartges. Six children 
blessed their union: David, who dud in Green 
Briar, Penn township, Centre county. Daniel, a 
resident of Marshall county, Iowa; Elizabeth, 
wife of A. (",. Burrell, 'l Gregg township; Sam- 
uel, of this sketch; Adam, of Gregg township; 
and Caroline, wil< > •) George Gentzel, "1 the 
■ tow nship. "I i died to her 
final rest in 1846, and the father in June, 1S75. 
II remains were interred in Green Grove ceme- 
tery, while the mother was buried in the Heck- 
maii rj 

Samuel Ertel b«gan bis education in the 
Cross Roads under the instruction of John 

Mayer, and I built the tires in the 

school In. use for thi l1 teachers (or $1.50 

pei wintei He saved the wages thus earned 
until he had $9, with which sum he purchased 
his first watch a ion, 

Upon the home farm be was reared to manhood, 
and continued undei the parental roof until lu> 
marriage, in Aaronsburg, May 1, 1 S59. to V 
Mar) A. Minich, the ceremony being performed 
by Ke\ Joseph Welker. She was born in Penn 
township, November 16, 1S35, a daughter of 
Daniel and Lydia [nie Kuhns) Munch, and re- 
ceived very limited school privileges, her parents 
bein From ol fifteen \ ears until 

her marriagi mployed as , ( domestic 

By laa in. u iagi she has bi 1 ome the mother of 
two children Vmanda C, born Deci mber J5. 

[859, is the wile 1 if John \V. Cobble, of Ce.itL 

Vallej , ( entre county; and Ida ('., born S 
ti mbi 1 19, t868, is • le wife ol Seward < Beck 

er. of Ah 1. Pen syl\ .una. 

Mr. Ertel took bii bride to the home farm in 
Gregg township, which h tted until 1881, 

and then removed to his present place, known 
as the "Hettinger farm," in G 

he bad pun based the 
previous. During the twenty-two years hi 
lived upon h rm be bad often worked 

g into the night, md, saving Ins money, * 
to buy hi-- own firm without going into debt j 
nv of the amount. ft comprises \~- 

out, which he has transformed into 
richly cultivated nd in addition to tin- 

be owns "ilu 1 trai 

us inn ring labor, em 

uring Ins ci unfortabl< 
tune he has b iisted by his 

who has indi 1 a trm uati to Inn. 

and they nov I p ad their declining 

;-i and enjoy the fruits 
of their former toil. They are active and con- 



.1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



431 



sistent members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he has served as both deacon and elder 
for a number of years. Fraternally he affiliates 
with the Grange, No. 158, at Spring Mills, and 
in politics is an ardent Democrat. 



LW. WALKER is one of the most reliable 
' and skillful carpenters of Ferguson township, 
Centre county. He is a native of the county, 
born December 26, 1853, and there he attended 
school during his boyhood and youth, acquiring 
an excellent education which well fits him for the 
practical duties of life. Learning the carpenter's 
trade, he has since followed that vocation with 
good success. 

Andrew Walker, father of our subject, was of 
Irish descent, his grandfather coming from the 
Emerald Isle to the New World. In early life 
he followed the blacksmith's trade, but subse- 
quently turned his attention to farming, engaging 
in the same. He married Katharine Stine, a lady 
of German origin, who is still living at the home 
near Fairbrook, Centre county. In their family 
were seven children, namely: Mary, wifeof Joseph 
Hettinger, a farmer of Boalsburg, Centre county, 
by whom she has three children; M. E., wife of 
Henry Myers, a farmer of Virginia, Clarion 
county, by whom she has seven children; A. S., 
a resident of Stormstown, Centre county, who 
married a Miss Battus, who died in 1892, leaving 
six children; I. G., who married Catharine 
Smith; L. W. , of this review; Miles W., ex- 
sheriff of Centre county, and a resident of Belle- 
fonte, who married Katie Powers, and has five 
children; and C. C. , who is living with his mother 
in Ferguson township. 

As a stanch adherent of the Democratic 
party, L. W. Walker takes an active interest in 
political affairs. He is an intelligent, industrious 
and upright citizen, whose sterling worth is rec- 
ognized by his many friends and acquaintances. 
In religious belief he is a Methodist. 



w 



'ILLIAM LOVE is the owner of one of 
the beautiful homes and fine farms of 
Benner township, Centre county. He is num- 
bered among the native sons of the Emerald Isle, 
his birth having occurred in County Donegal, Ire- 
land, September 11, 1825. His parents, John 
and Margaret (Fleming) Love, were also natives 
of that country, and were Presbyterians in relig- 
ious faith. The father died in his eighty-second 
year, the mother in the eighty-third year of her 
age. 

During his boyhood, about the year 1835, 



William Love came to America, finally settling 
in Centre county, Penn., in 1850, and for forty- 
six years has resided continuously within its bor- 
ders, one of the leading representatives of its 
agricultural interests. He now owns forty-four 
acres of highly-improved land, and also 240 
acres of mountain land, besides a house and 
three acres in Spring township. His business 
affairs are managed with great energy, directed 
by sound judgment, and in the conduct of his 
agricultural interests he has gained a comfortable 
competence. His home is one of the fine resi- 
dences of Benner township, and its tasty sur- 
roundings make it one of the most attractive and 
desirable country seats in this part of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Mr. Love was married to Sarah Daily, and 
children as follows were born to them: Margaret, 
Catherine, Mary J., Thomas, William, John and 
David. The motherof these diedin 1864, and June 
10, 1866, Mr. Love married Mrs. John K. Rankin, 
widow of a Union soldier who died in the Civil 
war. She is a daughter of Abram and Sarah 
(Campbell) Myers, and was born in 1835, in Bed- 
ford county, Penn. , whence she came to Centre 
county during her childhood. By the second 
marriage Mr. Love has no children. The family 
is held in high esteem in the county, and the sev- 
eral members of the household have many warm 
friends. In his political views, Mr. Love is a 
Republican, and stanchly advocates the princi- 
ples of that party, while by his ballot he sup- 
ports its men and measures. Public-spirited and 
progressive, he is deeply interested in all that 
pertains to the advancement of the community, 
and withholds his support from no worthy enter- 
prise. In his dealings his integrity is beyond 
question, and the sterling worth of his character 
has won him high regard. 



C* C. SHUEY, a wide-awake business man of 
_JI Bellefonte, Centre county, is not only a pru- 
dent and successful manager of his own interests, 
but a loyal and active sympathizer in the general 
advancement of the community. He was born 
February 1, 1857, on a farm in the southwest- 
ern part of Centry county, and is a descendant 
of a German family long resident in this State. 
Peter Shuey, grandfather of our subject, was 
a native of Schuylkill county, but in manhood 
made his home at Centre Furnace, Centre coun- 
ty, where he was employed at the furnace. He 
died there at the age of seventy-two, and his 
wife, whose maiden name was Etters, passed 
away in her sixty-sixth year. This estimable 
couple reared a large family of children: (1) Ben- 






482 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



jamin, who died recently at his home in Iowa; 
(2) Barbara, widow of Jeremiah Mayes, of Fill- 
more, Buffalo Run Valley; (3) John, a resident 
of Dalton, Muskegon Co., Mich.; (4) Jonathan, 
who lives near State College, Centre county; (5) 
Jacob, our subject's father; (6) Lavina, widow 
of John Wasson, residing near Lemont; and (7) 
Catharine, who married Cornelius Houtz, and re- 
sides at Lemont. 

Jacob Shuey, who is an industrious and suc- 
cessful agriculturist, was born in Harris town- 
ship, Centre county, September 6, 1830. He 
was married there in 1852 to Miss Sarah Srohim, 
a native of Haines township, Centre county, born 
November 4, 1830. She, too, is of German de- 
scent, and her father, who resided in Penn's 
Valley, died when she was a child, leaving three 
sons and two daughters, viz. : Charles, now in 
Iowa; Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Ray), now de- 
ceased; John, who resides near Zion, Centre 
county; Sarah (Mrs. Shuey); and Christ, a resi- 
dent of Grace Hill, Washington Co., Iowa. 
For si >me time after his marriage Jacob Shuey 
lived near Centre Furnace, and later he located 
upon a farm at Buffalo Run, but for thirty-four 
years past he has made his home in the Nittany 
Valley. He is a leading member of the Evan- 
gelical Church, and is highly esteemed among 
his associates. Of his seven children four died 
at an early age. The others are: (1) Ellen 
(Mrs. William Johnstonbrough), of Marion town- 
ship, Centre county, in the Nittany Valley; (2) 
Peter, night watchman for the Berwin-White 
Coal Mining Co., at Anita, Jefferson county, 
Penn. ; and (3) C. C, the subject of this sketch. 

C. C. Shuey remained at his father's farm 
until the age of twenty, his education being ac- 
quired in the country schools. He learned the 
carpenter's trade near Lemont, and for about six 
years followed that calling in summer, spending 
the winter seasons in logging. Deciding upon a 
mercantile career, he became a clerk for C. U. 
Hoffer & Co., and remained with them three 
years. With this practical experience he felt 
justified in venturing into the business arena on 
his own account, and January 1 2, 1 886, he opened 
a grocery store in partnership with Mr. Erhard. 
The partnership lasted three and one-half years, 
when Mr. Shuey purchased Mr. Erhard's inter- 
est, and he has since conducted the business 
alone, enjoying a fine trade. On November 29, 
[883, he married Miss Mary Herkimer, who died 
soon afterward, and on September 7, 1886, he 
wedded Miss Rebecca Mulholland, a native of 
1 'xllefonte. They have four interesting children : 
Bernice, Rachel, Anna and Sarah. Mr. and 
Mrs. Shuey are prominently identified with the 



M. E. Church. Mr. Shuey is much interested in 
reform work, and is an ardent temperance man, 
voting the Prohibition ticket. Fraternally he is 
a member of the order of Heptasophs. 



JACOB M. N EI DIG, one of the prosperous 
agriculturists of Penn's Valley, is the owner 

of a fine farm of 140 acres in Haines township. 
Centre county, near the village of Woodward. 

Solomon Neidigh, great-grandfather of our 
subject, came from Berks county, and purchased 
the place, which was then in Haines township, 
Northumberland county. The deed in the pos- 
session of our subject is dated April 30, 1791, 
and the property has been in the family 
since. Solomon Neidigh was born August 17, 
1744, died January 28, 1797, and was buried on 
the estate. Marie Elizabeth, his wife, was born 
March 2, 1745, and died September 7, 1821. 
They had several children, among whom was a 
son John Neidigh (our subject's grandfather), 
born September 9, 1776, in Berks county, Penn., 
and died March 4, 1838, who came into the 
ownership of the farm by will, and being a pro- 
gressive man, and well supplied with the means 
to improve it, built the present substantial brick 
residence, between 181 5 and 1820. The barn 
dates back to 1834. Catherine, his wife, was 
born August 8, 1780. and died December 25, 
1 84 1. The remains of both were interred upon 
the farm. Of their thirteen children — nine 
daughters and four sons — one son died in infancy, 
the others being as follows: Catharine; Solo- 
mon, born June 8, 1S01; John, born July 20, 
1802; daughter, born May 3, 1804; daughter, 
born July 7, 1805; daughter, born August 16, 
1806; daughter, born December 16, 1807; David 
(third son, and father of our subject) is men- 
tioned farther on; Ellen, Sophie, Annie and Leah; 
and a son, born March 25, 1820. 

David Neidig, the father of our subject, 
born in 1809, and died April 1, 1863. He was 
one of the leading men of that locality in his day. 
a shrewd and successful manager, and although his 
early education was limited, he acquired practi- 
cal knowledge upon a wide range of subjects. II 
settled his father's estate, and while farming v. 
his principal occupation he engaged in lumber 
and other enterprises, conducting a sawmill for 
many years. While he gave due attention, as a 
private citizen, to political questions, attending 
elections regularly, he never sought offi : or 
joined in partisan work beyond the deposit 0! 
Democratic ticket in the ballot box at e\ery law 
ful opportunity. He was a captain in themili 
and was a leading worker in religious affairs, con- 





c± 



ej/^ /y^ f 7\JUmL 



93 



L 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



433 



tributing liberally to St. Paul's Church (Reform- 
ed), of which he was a member. His wife, Bar- 
bara, was a daughter of Jacob Moyer, a well- 
known citizen of Snyder county. She was born 
in 1 8 14, and passed away in 1886, her remains 
being laid to rest beside those of her husband in 
St. Paul's Cemetery. She was a devout Chris- 
tian, of the Lutheran faith. There was a large 
family of children, of whom six lived to adult age, 
our subject (sketch of whom follows) being eldest; 
(2) Mary Ann, born January 13, 1841, married 
Michael Hess, of Haines township. (3) Susan, 
born March 22, 1842 (now Mrs. Samuel Kramer), 
also resides in that locality. (4) John, born 
February II, 1845, sold his share in the farm to 
his brother Daniel, and being a single man lives 
most of the time with his sisters. (5) Daniel M., 
born July 6, 1847, married Lydia Ellen Krumer- 
ine, and has two children — one son and one 
daughter; he is now a retired farmer, and lives 
at State College. (6) Augustus David, born May 
5, 1853, is a farmer in Wisconsin. 

Jacob M. Neidig (our subject) was born March 
30, 1839, and was reared at the old homestead, 
his educational advantages being confined to an 
attendance at the subscription schools of that 
day. His first school was in the home of his 
father, and his first teacher was a Mr. Hoy. In 
those times labor-saving machinery had not been 
introduced to any great extent, and wheat was 
threshed during the winter season by the tramp- 
ing of horses. As may be supposed, there was 
plenty of work for our subject to do, and when 
the "chores" on the farm failed the sawmill 
could be relied upon to keep him employed, es- 
pecially in the spring of the year. However 
irksome this continuous round of work may have 
been at the time, the habits of industry and 
knowledge of detail thus gained were of great 
service to him in after life, and the old home- 
stead, with its carefully-kept buildings, shows 
the good results of his labors. He has not only 
repaired the old structures, but has added new 
ones from time to time. The farm contains 140 
acres of excellent land, and Mr. Neidig also 
owns some mountain lands. Lumbering has en- 
gaged his attention at times, and his success in 
his undertakings has given him a high reputation 
among the progressive business men and farmers 
of Penn's Valley. 

On May 30, 1880, Mr. Neidig was married 
in Aaronsburgto Miss Catherine Rishel, a native 
of Gregg township, Centre county, and the elder 
of the two daughters born to David and Mary 
M. Rishel. Mr. Neidig and his wife are leading 
members of the Lutheran Church, in which he 
has held the offices of deacon and elder. Lib- 

28 



eral in his donations to every worthy cause, quiet 
and peaceable in his mode of life, Mr. Neidig is 
one of the best of citizens. He is steadfast sup- 
porter of the doctrines of the Democratic party, 
and votes regularly, but has never entered the 
political arena for any office whatever. 



F^RANK B. STOVER. The life of this well- 
known citizen of Bellefonte, Centre county, 
has been marked by unusual enterprise and en- 
ergy, and the success which has attended his 
efforts is but their due reward. Although he is a 
native of Union county, where he was born, 
December 7, 1836, his family has been identified 
with Centre county for three generations. His 
paternal grandfather, Jacob E. Stover, was born 
at Williamsport, Md., on the Potomac river, 
and, losing his parents while yet a boy, began 
his business career at great disadvantages. He 
learned the tanner's trade in Maryland, and when 
a young man settled in Haines township, Centre 
county, where numerous relatives had already 
located. There he built a tannery, which he con- 
ducted for many years. He had the following 
children: Samuel H., Isaac, William H., George 
Hubler, Michael, John H., and Catherine, who 
married a Mr. Kaup. Three of the sons served 
with distinction in the Union army during the 
Civil war. George Hubler Stover, who died in 
the year 1897, gained the rank of major; 
Michael was connected with the quartermaster's 
department, while John H. became a colonel, 
and after the war he was a resident of Mor- 
gan count)', Mo., and represented that district 
in Congress. 

Samuel H. Stover, our subject's father, was 
born at Aaronsburg, Penn. , in 18 12. He was 
married in Centre county to a lady of Dutch 
descent, by name Catherine Dingers, whose father 
was a farmer in Lebanon county, Penn., where 
she was born in 18 13. For about three years 
after their marriage they made their home in 
Hartleton, Union county. They then returned 
to Centre county, and located at Boalsburg, Har- 
ris township, for three years, after which they 
made their home in Bayleyville until 1865, at 
which time they again moved to Boalsburg, and 
lived there some eighteen years, or until their 
death in 1883, the father dying in March, the 
mother in May. They were Lutherans in relig- 
ious faith, and the father was a stanch adherent 
of the Republican party. Of their thirteen chil- 
dren eight lived to maturity: (1) Matilda mar- 
ried Jonathan Musser, and resides in Altoona, 
Blair county; (2) Frank B. is mentioned more 
fully below; (3) Johanna married George Kaup, 



434 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of Centre county; (4) Catherine is the wife of 
Jonathan Hess, of the same county; (5) Mary G. 
married Dr. J. K. Krider, and now lives in Ohio; 

Ellen is the wife of Henry Gingrich, of Cen- 
tre county; 71 Sadie and (8) Nannie, who are 
n^t married, reside in Bellefonte. 

As the only son of his parents, Mr. Stover 
found his help much in demand upon the farm 
during his early years, but he was given good 
educational advantages, supplementing his course 
in the district school by an attendance at Pine 
Grove Academy and Central Academy in Juniata 
county, Penn. After leaving school he worked 
for some time upon the farm and in his father's 
hotel at Rock Springs, and then entered business 
life on his own account as a clerk in a dry-goods 
store, where one of his transactions was the sale 
of six yards of calico to a lady for a dress. Later 
he clerked in a hardware store in Bellefonte, and 
in 1881 he engaged in the meat business, which 
he has ever since followed, enjoying a large cus- 
tom. As a business man he holds a high place, 
and he also exerts much influence in local af- 
fairs and in the Republican organization. He 
belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and is a leading 
member "I the Lutheran Church, and, in fact, is 
interested as a good citizen in all the varied 
movements of his locality. 

In 1 86 1 Mr. Stover was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary M. Musser, a native of Pine 
Grove Mills, Centre county, born in 1838, daugh- 
ter 'if William and Catherine Musser, the former 



Mr. 



of whom died in 1870, the latter in 18S5. 
ami Mrs. Stover have four children — two sons, 
Samuel and Alvin H., in business with their fa- 
ther, and both living in Bellefonte, and two 
daughters, Lula C, at home, and Lottie E., who 
was married September 15, 1896, to H. E. 
Stover, and now resides in Hagerstown, Md. 
Samuel, the elder son, was born at Rock Springs, 
Centre county, in January, 18C3. Alvin 11., the 
tiger son, was born in April, 1865, at Locust 
Grove, Centre county, and was married in 
ust, 1SS7, to Miss Ida Kishell, daughter of 
fohn Rishell, Centre county, and they have three 
children: Prank K., Helen S. and Harold M. 



GEORGE B. SIMLER, Jr., who is success- 
billy engaged in the express business, holds 
a leading place among the enterprising and 
prominenl men of Philipsburg, Centre county. 
materially aiding in the development and prog- 
municipality. There he was born 
December 13, 1857, a son of George B. and 
Amanda (Carpenter) Simler, well known and 
and highly respected citizens of Philipsburg. 



Until twenty-two years- of age our subject 
worked for his father at the express business, and 
then purchased of him a horse and wagon and 
began operations on his own account. Prom 

1878 until 1880 he served as baggage agent at 
Philipsburg for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany. At present he uses two double teams in 
his business, and so successful has he been that 
he is now the owner of several pieces of real es- 
tate, besides his own good residence property. In 

1879 he was married to Miss Henrietta Lewis, and 
they have eight children, whose names and dates 
of birth are as follows: Amanda C, March 20, 
1880; Arthur C, September 8, 1881; Hester J. 
September 9, 1883; John L., April 2. 1885 
Mi ry L. , January 14, 1887; George L. , Novem- 
ber 27, 1892; Donald, August 21, 1894; and 
Margaret, November 3, 1896. 

Mrs. Simler was born in Johnstown, Penn., 
August 13, 1858, and is a daughter of John and 
Mary (Thomas) Lewis, natives of Tredegar. 
Wales, where they were married. With one 
child, they crossed the Atlantic to America in 
1S48, and located at Brandy Bend, Penn., 
whence they removed to Johnstown, and still 
later to Houtzdale, Clearfield Co., Penn., where 
the father died February 3, 1893, at the age 
seventy-nine years. The mother died the day be- 
fore the Johnstown flood, at the age of sixty-eight 
They were consistent members of the Welch 
Baptist Church, and had the esteem and confi- 
dence of all who knew them. By occupation the 
father was a coal operator, and in politics he was 
a Republican. In the family of Mr. and M 
Lewis were eight children, namely: William, 
who was smothered to death in a coke pit in 
Johnstown; Mary A., wife of John Hopwood, a 
cabinet maker of Waynesboro, Franklin Co., 
Penn.; Elizabeth, wife of Michael Erhart, 
Philipsburg; Margaret, wife of Alfred Mallory, a 
machinist of Altoona, Penn. ; Letitia, wife 
|. M. Kolles, a carpenter of Clearfield, Penh 
I Uion T., a blacksmith of Hastings, Penn ; 
Henrietta, wife of our subject; and Emma, wifi 
Peter Camoran, superintendent of coal mines in 
Wi-stmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Simler has taken a prominent par- 
public affairs, and has been called upon to sei 

ifhcial positions of honor and trust. He is 
now tilling the office of school director, and dur- 
ing the years 1893, 1894 and 1895, was an influ- 
ential member of the city council. In February, 
[897, he was elected burgess of Philipsburg. 
is an ardent Republican in politics, and fra - 
nally is a member of the Red Warrior Tribe, 
Royal Arcanum, of Philipsburg. In the estin 
tion of his fellow citizens he is one of the repic- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



435 



sentative men of the community, and he enjoys 
the confidence and highest regard of all with 
whom he comes in contact either in business or 
social life. 



JOHN F. GARTHOFF, one of the leading 
and able educators of Penn township, Centre 
county, was born June 5, 1863, nearBanner- 
ville, Snyder Co., Penn. His father, John H. 
Garthoff, was a native of Westphalia, Prussia, 
born December 29, 1822, and was a son of John 
H. Garthoff, a tanner by trade. In the family 
of three children the father was the only son and 
the only one to come to America, where he ar- 
rived after a stormy voyage. In New York he 
learned the tanner's trade, which he afterward 
followed in Philadelphia, Lewisburg, and in 
Adamsburg, Penn., where he first met the lady 
that afterward became his wife. 

In the spring of 1 8 5 1 , in Union county, Penn. , 
John H. Garthoff was married to Miss Caroline 
Robenold, who was born in Lehigh county, 
Perm., January 23, 1829, a daughter of Solomon 
and Mary (Ocker) Robenold. Her father was 
born May 5, 1798, in Northampton count)', this 
State, a son of Michael Robenold, and through- 
out life followed the occupations of shoemaking 
and farming. When Mrs. Garthoff was eight 
years old her father removed with his family to 
Union county, where his wife spent the remainder 
of her life upon a farm which he had there pur- 
chased, dying at the age of fifty-five years. A 
few years later he removed to Nittany Valley, 
Centre county, where he made his home with his 
daughter, Mrs. Vonada, until he, too, was called 
to his final rest at the ripe old age of eighty 
years. He was interred in the cemetery of Zion, 
Centre county, while his wife was buried at Lau- 
relton, Union county. Both held membership in 
the Lutheran Church, and he was a Democrat in 
politics. In their family were the following chil- 
dren: Lucy, wife of Adam Vonada, of Zion; 
Jonathan, a tanner and farmer, who died in Mis- 
souri; Caroline, the mother of our subject; Will- 
iam, a farmer, who died in Orangeville, 111. ; Sa- 
rah, wife of George Kauffman, of Zion, Centre 
county; David, who died from sickness con- 
tracted while in the army; Solomon, who was a 
member of an Illinois regiment, and also died in 
the army; and Christia Ann, wife of Daniel Rov- 
er, of Valley Falls, Kansas. 

The parents of our subject began their do- 
mestic life in Bannerville, Penn., where the fa- 
ther died May 6, 1865, and was there laid to rest. 
He left a widow, and five children, as follows: 
Joseph S., a farmer of Dewar, Iowa; William, 



who died at the age of eight years; Mary, wife of 
John Lint, of Dixon, 111.; James D., a lumber- 
man of Mt. Eagle, Centre county; Catharine A., 
a resident of Bellefonte, Penn.; and John F. , of 
this review. Although Mrs. Garthoff was left a 
home, the support of her children fell upon her, 
and a year or so after her husband's death she 
came to Zion, Centre county, where she bought a 
small home and reared her family. Since 1887, 
she has found a pleasant home with our subject in 
Coburn. She is a highly respected lady, be- 
loved by all who know her, and a Lutheran in 
religious belief; her husband was a member of 
the Reformed Church, and a Democrat in poli- 
tics. 

Mr. Garthoff, the subject proper of this re- 
view, was a child when brought by his widowed 
mother to Centre county, and in the common 
schools he acquired his primary education, his 
first teacher being William P. Dasher. He sup- 
plemented the knowledge there acquired by two 
terms' attendance at a select school in Rebers- 
burg, and by reading and study has become a 
well informed man. He remained with his 
mother until his marriage, preparing himself for 
the teacher's profession, and when twenty years 
of age he taught the Logan school at Hecla, Pa. 
On August 23, 1885, in Rebersburg, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Maggie M. Walker, 
who was born in Miles township, Centre county, 
August 29, 1859, one of a family of seven chil- 
dren — three sons and four daughters — of Will- 
liam and Mary M. (Smull) Walker, now residents 
of Rebersburg. By occupation the father is a 
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Garthoff have one child, 
Mary A., born March 23, 1886. 

In 1886 our subject bought his present home 
in Coburn, and since the following year has 
there resided. From the time he conducted his 
first school he has successfully engaged in teach- 
ing, and his vacations have been spent at other 
work, such as clerking. Financially as well as 
professionally, he has met with well-deserved suc- 
cess, and is now interested in the Central Building 
& Loan Association of Lincoln, Neb., and the 
Empire Savings, Building & Loan Association of 
Syracuse, N. Y. He formerly belonged to the 
Knights of the Golden Eagle of Millheim. Al- 
ways a stanch Democrat in politics, he was 
elected on that ticket justice of the peace, when 
not yet twenty-four years old, and when he had 
been a resident of Penn township for only a few 
months. So acceptably has he filled the office 
that he is still the incumbent, and has also served 
for several terms as township clerk. He is one 
of the representative citizens of the community, 
and enjoys the respect and esteem of all. He 



430 



COMMEMORA TIYK IUOdHAVUICAL liKCORD. 



and his excellent wife are members of the Luth- 
eran Church, of Coburn, of which he is at pres- 
ent serving as trustee, and superintendent of 
the Sunday-school, connected with said Church. 



GEORGE GREEN FINK. Centre county 
has many well-to-do and successful farmers, 
men who have accumulated what they have of 
this world's goods through individual effort, and 
among this class the name of the subject of this 
notice is entitled to a place. He is residing on 
tin- Elevens run road, in Huston township, 
where he is industriously engaged in the prose- 
cution of his noble calling, and is meeting with 
far more than ordinary success. 

Mr. Fink was born May 9, 1863, in Ferguson 
township, Clearfield Co., Penn. His father, 
George W. Fink, was born in Centre county, 
May [6, 1837, a son of Jacob and Hannah Fink, 
who were natives of Indiana county, Penn., and 
at an early day came to Centre county, locating 
near the Martha Furnace, but later went to 
Clearfield county, where the grandfather died at 
the age of ninety-four years. In early life he 
was a blower in a furnace, but later followed the 
carpenter's trade. In 1855, in Ferguson town- 
ship, Clearfield count), George W. Fink mar- 
ried Mary I. Miles, who was born in that county 
September 18, 1834, a daughter of John and 
Betsy (Williams 1 Miles, who were natives of 
Centre county, but spent their last days upon a 
farm in Clearfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Fink 
have spent their entire married life in the latter 
county, where he was for many years a lumber- 
man; he died February 28, 1897; he was a most 
exemplary man, having never uttered an oath or 
used tobacco or liquor in any form, and he en- 
joyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew 
him. His faithful wife, who is still enjoying ex- 
cellent health, is a consistent member of the 
Methodist Church. 

Our subject is one of a family of ten children, 
namely: Elizabeth, who was burned to death at 
the age of four years; Lela A., who died March 
15, 1874, at the age of fifteen years; Elmer E., 
a merchant of Clearfield, Penn.; George G. ; 
Ulysses S., who died at the age of two years; 
William McC. . a school teaclni of New Millport, 
Penn.; Emma, who married George W. Bratton, 
telegraph operator at Woodland. Penn., and 
died July 16, 1890, at the age of twenty-two 
years; Emeline, twin sister of Emma, who 1 
in infancy; Minerva V., wife of Harvey Strong, 
.1 butcher ol Ansonville, Clearfield county; and 
Ella L. , at home. 

At tin age o| fourteen years, George G. Fink 



left home, and began working for an uncle, but 
gave his salary to his parents until he became of 
age. He was permitted to attend the public 
schools during the winter season, and for one 
term was a student in the Normal School at New- 
Washington, Clearfield county. On leaving his 
uncle, at the age of twenty-three, he entered a 
mercantile store at New Millport, where he was 
employed as clerk for a few months, and subse- 
quently worked in the lumber woods and at 
teaming. In the fall of 1889 he located on the 
farm of |. Q. Miles, which he operated on shares 
for four years, working at farm labor dining the 
summer months, while in the winter he cut logs 
upon land which he had purchased in the spring 
of 1889. So successful was he, that March 24, 
1890, he was able to purchase his present farm, 
a valuable tract of 196 acres, and he now, along 
with his wife and her sister, also owns an adjoin- 
ing place of 228 acres. He has made a specialty 
of stock raising, in which he has been remark- 
ably successful, having upon his place a high 
grade of Jersey cattle and Yorkshire and Poland- 
China hogs. 

On November 13, 1887, Mr. Fink was mar- 
ried to Miss Selina Williams, and they have an 
interesting family of five children: Telford N., 
born February 21, 1889; Clair V. , born October 
20, 1890; Iva P., born July 19, 1892; and Joseph 
L. and George L. (twins), born April 26, [895. 

Mrs. Fink was born in Huston township, Cen- 
tre county, January 14, 1862, and is a daughter 
of Joseph F. and Hannah (Records) Williams, 
who spent their entire lives in Centre county. 
The father was an extensive land owner, having 
about one thousand acres in the county, and 
besides farming also engaged in the mercantile 
and lumber business. He was a prominent and 
influential citizen, and was called upon to sen 
in several official positions, including that of 
justice of the peace. His political support w 
given the Republican party, and in religious faith 
he and his wife were active members of the Bap- 
tist Church. He was born June 19, 1813, and 
died February 18, 1885, and she passed away 
July 20, 1869, at the age of fift) years. Eight 
children were born to them: Thaddeus S . wh 
was a graduate of a business college at Philadel- 
phia, and died in Centre county soon after hi* 
return from the Civil war; Catherine, wife of 
David Henderson, a farmer of Huston township 
Susan A., wife of W. A. Hartsock, a farmei 
Centre county; Abigail, who died at the ag< 
five years; Lois, who died at the age of tw 
Jasper A., a farmer oi Blair county, Penn. ; New- 
ton, a school teacher by profession, who died at 

age of thirty-two; and Selina, the wife of out 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



437 



subject. Her paternal grandparents, Jessie and 
Susanna (Thalenburg) Williams, were natives of 
Scotland, but at an early day became prominent 
citizens of Centre county, where the grandfather 
carried on agricultural pursuits and was an ex- 
tensive land owner. 

Politically, Mr. Fink is a pronounced Repub- 
lican; socially he is a member of the Grange, No. 
395, of Unionville, and in religious belief he and 
his estimable wife are members of the Bald Eagle 
Baptist Church. They hold an enviable position 
in social circles, and are widely and favorably 
known throughout the county. In 1891, he was 
elected school director, which office he accepta- 
bly filled for three years, and in the spring of 1 894 
he was elected township supervisor. On the ex- 
piration of his term he resigned, but was again 
elected in February, 1896, to both positions. On 
November 3, 1896, he was elected county auditor 
of Centre county. His prominent characteristics 
have been manifested in the success that he has 
achieved in his business career — determination, 
self-reliance and undaunted perseverance — and 
his name deserves an honored place among the 
representative and progressive citizens of Centre 
count)-. 



JOHN THOMAS MANN, proprietor of a con- 
fectionery and tobacco store, is one of the 
leading and energetic young business men of 
Eagleville, Centre county. He is a native of 
Pennsylvania, born August 27, 1863, in Clinton 
county, whence, in 1881, he came to Centre 
county with his parents, Nicholas and Hannah 
(Rohn) Mann, also natives of that State. They 
located in Eagleville, where the father was chiefly 
engaged in lumbering throughout the remainder of 
his life. He was born February 25, 1825, and 
departed this life July 29, 1896; his wife passed 
away January 27, 1894, at the age of fifty-seven 
years. Both were worthy members of the Dis- 
ciple Church, and enjoyed the love and esteem 
of all who knew them. In politics the father 
was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party. 
To this worthy couple were born the follow- 
ing children: Alfred and Samuel, who died in 
infancy; Eliza, deceased wife of John W. Creak, 
a hotel proprietor of Williamsport, Penn. ; 
George W. , a lumberman of Eagleville, who 
married Maggie Thiel, and had four children, 
one now deceased; William and Robert (twins), 
who are lumbermen of Eagleville; Jacob, who 
left for parts unknown in 1889, and has never 
been heard of since; John Thomas, subject of 
this sketch; Ellen and Edward, both residents 
of Eagleville; Cora, who died at the age of 



eighteen years; Sadie, also of Eagleville; and 
Anna, born May 7, 1872, who was married April 
3, 1892, to C. H. Long, and has one child. The 
paternal grandparents, Thomas and Nancy Mann, 
were farming people of Clinton county, Penn., 
where their deaths occurred. 

During his younger years, Mr. Mann, the sub- 
ject proper of this review, was employed in the 
lumber woods, but at the age of twenty he suf- 
fered a severe attack of typhoid fever, which left 
him in a crippled condition, so that he now has to 
use crutches. In 1890 he embarked in his pres- 
ent business, and by fair and honorable dealing 
has secured a liberal share of the public patron- 
age. His genial, pleasant manner has gained 
him a host of warm friends, and has won for 
him the regard of all with whom social or busi- 
ness relations have brought him in contact. He 
takes an active interest in political affairs, and 
uses his right of franchise in support of the men 
and measures of the Republican party. 



JE. ROYER, a prosperous agriculturist of 
Miles township, Centre county, was born 
November 4, 1863, in Franklin township, 
Snyder Co., Penn., a son of Aaron C. and Mary 
B. (Hertz) Royer, and a descendant of Christo- 
pher Royer, who came to this country from Ger- 
many in 1748. 

Aaron C. Royer, father of our subject, was 
a native of the same county, born in 1828 on the 
old Royer homestead and in the Royer settle- 
ment. His father, John Royer, was a farmer by 
occupation, died when Aaron was but eight years 
of age, and the latter then lived with a maternal 
uncle in Union county, Penn., where he learned 
the tanner's trade and secured a limited educa- 
tion. After a trip to the West he returned to his 
native county, and operated the old homestead 
farm, where his death occurred October 26, 1864, 
and he was laid to rest in the Hassinger Church 
cemetery. Though he took no active part in 
politics, he always supported the Republican 
party; in religious belief he held membership in 
the Reformed Church. 

On February 28, 1856, in Union county, 
Aaron C. Royer was married to Mary B. Hertz, 
who was born in Kelly township, that county, 
December 3, 1836, and is a daughter of John and 
Mary (Keim) Hertz, farming people, in whose 
family were ten children, seven of whom reached 
adult age. Three children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Royer: Eve A., now the wife of Byron Ed- 
munds, of Cleveland, Ohio; Ellen V., wife of 
John S. Kauffman, of Snyder county, Penn. ; 
and J. E., the subject of this sketch. After the 



4:s- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



death of the father, the mother remained upon 
the farm, and later married Moses Specht, a 
merchant and hotel keeper of Beavertovvn, Penn. , 
since deceased. She now finds a pleasant home 
with our subject. Religiously, she is a Luth- 
eran. 

During his boyhood and youth, J. E. Royer 
attended the Hassinger school of Franklin town- 
ship, Snyder county, and on completing his edu- 
cation went to western Ohio, working for a time 
in Hardin and Hancock counties as a day laborer 
on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago rail- 
road. For eight years he was variously em- 
ployed in different States in the West, and then 
returned to his old home in Snyder county, where, 
on February 10, 1886, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Alice Hingman, who was born in that 
county November 16, 1862, a daughter of Fred- 
erick and Mary (Smith) Hingman, farming people 
of Beavertown. Mr. and Mrs. Royer have three 
children: James S., born September 4, 1889; 
Mary B., born September I. 1892; and Helen L., 
born July 9, 1896. 

After his marriage, Mr. Royer rented a house 
and lot near Beavertown for a year, while he 
worked at general labor and looked up a loca- 
tion. On February 22, 1887, became to Miles 
township, Centre counts, where in the fall of 
1SS5 he had purchased the old Smull homestead, 
consisting of 107 acres. He has remodeled the 
house and made many valuable and useful im- 
provements upon the farm, which is now under 
a high state of cultivation. In connection with 
tins property he also owns a tract of timber land. 
He is numbered among the most energetic and 
prosperous young fanners of the community, 
and. while .1 resident of the township but a few 
years, has already made for himself a prominent 
place among the better class of citizens. He is 
systematic in his methods of farming, and the 
neat and thrifty appearance of his place testify 
to his industry and capable management. In 
politics he is a steadfast Democrat, and as a man 

1 citizen contributes his full share toward en- 
hancing the intellectual and moral welfare of the 
Community. Both he and his excellent wife are 

members in good standing of the Reformed 
Church. 



the State, and is a cousin of Judge Austin O. 
Furst, attorney at law, of Bellefonte. 

William I. Furst, the father of our subject, 
was born in Clinton county, Penn.. June 28, 
1 8 14, and on reaching manhood married Mary 
Ann Gray, who was born in Patton township, 
Centre county, April 26, 1822, and died March 
24, 1896. His death occurred December6, 1883, 
and they now rest side by side in the Gray ceme- 
tery. Of the five children born to them, Fannie 
and P. Purdue died in childhood. Mary B. is 
the wife of John B. Way, a farmer of Williams- 
burg, Blair Co., Perm., by whom she has three 
children — Lulu, at this writing aged ten years; 
Nora, aged eight; and Bud, aged four; our 
subject is next in order of birth, and Lizzie I 
who resides on the old homestead with her 
brother, completes the family. 

In the schools of Stony Point, Centre county, 
Mr. Furst, the subject of this review, acquired a 
good practical education, and since laying aside 
his text-books has engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits, operating the old homestead farm, of which 
he is part owner. The neat and thrifty appear- 
ance of the place indicates the supervision of a 
painstaking and skillful farmer, who thoroughly 
understands his chosen calling. On January 29. 
[884, he was married to Miss Eva M. Penning- 
ton, of Patton township, daughter "t Thomas 
Pennington, and they have five interesting chil- 
dren, as follows: Clarence E., at this wril 
aged nine years; Carl M., aged seven; Ethel M 
aged six; Mary E., aged four; and Russell I 

I .1 year and a half. 

Mr. Furst uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the men and measures of the Republican 
party, in the success of which he takes a deep 
interest. He is an intelligent, wide-awake farm- 
er, held in the highest esteem by his fellow cit- 
izens. In religious belief he is a Methodist. 



WILLIAM G. FURST, whose farm is pleas- 
antly 1 a Patton township, near 
falo Kun, Ci litre county, was born thereon 
May 10, 1864, and comes of an old and highb 
i msvlvanian family, which was foun 
in America during the early days of the Republic. 
He has many relatives in the eastern portioi 



Gl ' IRG1 DAVID GLOSNER, a leading 
fanner and cattle dealer of Marion 1 
ship. Centre county, is a native of that county, 
his birth having occurred in Curtin township, 
March 5, [864. Hi-- father, Sampson G 

the name was spelled by his ancestors), 
born in Pine Creek. Clinton Co.. Penn.. 
Christian and Mai leal 1 Glossner, who 

were horn, reared and married in Germany, 
at an early day crossed the Atlantic and located 
in Clinton county, whence they came to Cen 
counts-. Men- the grandfather carried on fai 
ing throughout the remainder of his life II 
other children were Henry, who died in How 

itre county; Margaret, widow of l 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



439 



Singer, of Curtin township, Centre county; and 
Jacob, a laborer of Eagleville, in the same 
county. 

By occupation Sampson Glossner was a 
farmer and carpenter. In October, i860, he 
married Miss Mary Wensel, who was born No- 
vember 29, 1842, in Germany, of which country 
her parents, John and Margaret (Felder) Wensel, 
were also natives. In 1844 they came to Amer- 
ica accompanied by his father, John Wensel, 
Sr. , and located upon a farm in Centre county, 
where they spent their remaining days, John 
Wensel, Jr., dying in 1895, at the ripe old age 
of eighty-four years. Only two children were born 
to and Mr. Mrs. Glossner, the sister of our sub- 
ject being Margaret A., wife of Peter Robb, Jr., 
a farmer of Romola, Curtin township, Centre 
county. The father died in the fall of 1867, at 
the early age of twenty-seven years; the mother 
is still making her home in Curtin township. 

George D. Glosner continued to assist in the 
operation of the home farm until he had attained 
his majority, and then started out in life for him- 
self as an agriculturist. On January 10, 1879, 
at his present home, he married Miss Emma M. 
Hoy, who was born upon that farm April 19, 
1864. They have four children, whose names 
and dates of birth are as follows: Edna M., 
January 25, 1890; Beulah M. , April 11, 1891; 
Doyle E., July 14, 1892; and Inez M. , Decem- 
ber 2, 1893. The parents of Mrs. Glosner, 
George S. and Catherine A. (Yearick) Hoy, were 
both natives of Brush Valley, Centre county, 
where they were married November 27, 1851. 
For a short time they remained there, and then 
came to Marion township, where the father died 
December n, 1889. He was born February 7, 
1827, his wife on May 10, 1832, a daughter of 
John and Saloma (Riechel) Yearick; she now re- 
sides with our subject and his wife. 

Mrs. Glosner is the youngest of eight chil- 
dren, namely: Tabitha A., born June 30, 1853, 
is the wife of I. W. Gates, a farmer of Clearfield 
county, Penn. ; Samuel C, born February 7, 
1S55, is a farmer of Hublersburg, Centre coun- 
ty; Angeline G., born February 28, 1856, is the 
wife of H. D. Vonada, also a farmer of Hublers- 
burg; Semanda J., born September 7, 1857, is 
the wife of P. C. Gates, a carpenter of Clearfield 
county; Malissa C, born November 10, 1858, is 
the wife of A. A. McClintic, an undertaker of 
Coalport, Clearfield county; Henry F., born 
February 9, i860, died June 12, 1874; and Su- 
sannah M., born December 29, 1861, is the wife 
of E. L. McClintic, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. 

For two years after his marriage, Mr. Glosner 
lived upon a farm which he owned in Curtin 



township, and then removed to the old Hoy 
homestead, where he still resides. He is a thor- 
ough and skillful farmer, and as a cattle dealer 
has met with excellent success, so that he is now 
numbered among the substantial and well-to-do 
citizens of Marion township. Religiously, he is 
a member of the Reformed Church; politically, 
he is identified with the Republican party, and 
he is at present creditably serving as auditor and 
school director in his township. 



C\HARLES B. NEFF, an intelligent and en- 
') ergetic young agriculturist of Potter town- 
ship, Centre county, is unusually successful as a 
manager, his fine farm near Centre Hall being 
conducted in a model manner. 

Mr. Neff was born in Potter township, Sep- 
tember 20, 1867, and belongs to one of the lead- 
ing families of that locality. Major John Neff, 
his grandfather, a native of Lebanon county, 
Penn., born February 20, 1 79 1 , settled in Centre 
county in early manhood, and for some years 
followed the blacksmith's trade at Potters Mills. 
Later he purchased a large tract of land in the 
township on the Brush Valley road near the Har- 
ris township line, and engaged in agriculture, bnt 
continued to work somewhat at his trade in a 
shop which he built at the farm. As old age 
drew on he retired from active business and re- 
moved to Centre Hall, where he died April 4, 
1870. He was a prominent citizen, one of the 
wealthy land owners of that locality, and his suc- 
cess was more notable from having been gained 
through his own exertions. In the Lutheran 
Church, of which he was a member, he took an 
active part, while in politics he was one of the 
leading Democrats of Centre county, and at one 
time was a candidate for the Legislature. 

Major Neff was married in Potter township, 
Centre county, to Miss Catherine Durst, who 
was born October 19, 1794, and died October 
17, 1868. Her parents, Peter and Elizabeth 
(Herring) Durst, were well-known residents, and 
her father, who was an extensive farmer, wielded 
much influence in local affairs. In later life he 
removed to Centre Hall, and was identified with 
the development of the town. At the time of 
the introduction of the water works there he was 
a member of the company in charge of the en- 
terprise. 

To Major John Neff and his wife the follow- 
ing children were born: Eliza (Mrs. Christian 
Dale), who died in Harris township, Centre 
county; Josiah, a farmer near Centre Hill, now 
deceased; Isabella (Mrs. Joseph Bittner), who 
died at Centre Hall; Peter D., at one time a 



440 



' ' I \[ ME MORA TIVE BIOGRAPUK M. RECORD. 



physician at Centre Hall, now deceased; John, a 
resident of Centre Hall; Lafayette, our subject's 
father; George W. ( deceased), who was by occu- 
pation a miller and later a farmer in California; 
Catherine i Mrs. Joseph Crotzer), who died in 
Potter township, Centre county; Maria (Mrs. 
John Whittaker), who died in Petersburg, Penn. ; 
Susan, who died at an early age; Daniel, who 
was killed in boyhood, while corning down Nit- 
tany Mountain, by a runaway horse that had 
been used to haul a heavy load up the mountain 
from Centre Hall; Barbara 'Mrs. John Bittner), 
of Potter township, Centre county; Isaac P., a 
Lutheran minister at Milroy, Penn. ; Evaline, 
who married [acob drove, and now resides in 
Kansas; \\ illiatn, a resident of Missouri; Luther, 
who met a soldier's death in the second battle of 
Hull Run, and was buried on the field; and 
Sarah, widow of John Sankey, of Centre Hall. 

The late Lafayette Neff, our subject's father, 
was born at the old home in Potter township, De- 
cember i 5, 1X26, and was reared as a farmer! 
receiving such education as the local schools of 
that time afforded, the free system not being in- 
troduced until he was quite a lad. On Decem- 
ber 26, 1854, In- was married, by Rev. P. S. 
Fisher, to Miss Mary A. Ruble, who was born in 
Potter township, April 7, 1836, the daughter of 
Peter and Mar-ant ■ Miese) Ruble. Lafayette 

' located at the homestead, but later bo: 
part of the old homestead, where he made his 
home until March 1, 1883, and then purchased 
the Peter Durst farm, where he passed away, 
April 23, 1 So;. His wife breathed her last Feb- 
ruary [2, [894, and the remains of both were in- 
terred at the Centre Hill cemetery. He was a 
man of -,p. ( re build, a hard worker, and always 
active, nothwithstanding a lameness caused by a 
horse falling upon his left limb. As a farmer he 
was sui cessful, securing a handsome competence 
by his able management, and 260 acres of land 
in excellent condition were left at hisdeath. Pub- 
lie affairs received intelligent attention from him, 
and he was deeply interested in the Grange 
movement; also in the Democratic party, in 
which latter he was a prominent worker, holding 
various township offices. At one time he was a 
Lutheran in religion, but he afterward united with 
the Reformed Church. 

Our subject was the youngest of four children, 
the others being: James B., born March 18, 
1857, is a merchant in Denver, Colo.; William 
R. and Calvin R. it whim, bom March 19, i860, 
both reside in Pennsylvania, the former in Potter 
township. Centre county, and the latter in Mifflin- 
burg, where he is principal of the Mifflinburg 
high school. Charles B., was born September 



20, 1867, in Potter township. Centre county, and 
was twelve years old when his parents removed 
to the farm which he now conducts so admirably. 
He and his brother, Calvin R., now own it in 
I partnership, but as the latter is absent much of 
the time the responsible management falls upon 
our subject. He also prepared for the profession 
of teaching, his education being begun at the 
Pine Stump school, with Ferguson Potter as his 
first teacher. Twice he made arrangements to 
take charge of a school, but other duties inter- 
fering, he has always remained at home, where 
there is no lack of work to employ his energies. 
As a citizen he is progressive and public-spirited, 
but beyond giving his influence and his vote to 
the Democratic ticket he is not active in politics. 
On September 26, 1895, Mr. Neff was mar- 
ried, in Potter township, to Miss Maggie Mover, 
who was born near Tusseyville, Penn., May 26. 
1874. the third child and daughter of Henry and 
Elmira Braman) Mover. She has four sisters 
and one brother. Mrs. Neff is prominent in re- 
ligious and social circles, and is a member of the 
Reformed Church. 



THOMAS BARNES. Among the self-made 
men of Centre county are many citizens of 
foreign birth who have become conspicuous in 
business and financial circles for their ability. 
integrity and enterprise, and the story of 
who began with empty pockets, and has made his 
way to prosperity and wide influence, is a helpful 
inspiring study. Thomas Barnes, who is no 
wealthy coal operator of Philipsburg, Centre 
county, and president of the Moshannon National 
Bank at that place, was born May 1 ;, 1843, in 
Lancashire, England, where his ancestors h 
had their homes for many generations. 

James Barnes, grandfather of our subject, 
was a farmer there, and, although his life 1 
passed without exciting incident, it embodied in 

lomestic phases a beautiful romance, so si 
ilar to certain portions of the widely-read noi 
" fohn Halifax, Gentleman," as to make a most 
striking coincidence. Like the hero and hen 
of that work, James Barnes and his wife Wi 
born on the same day of the same month, but tin 
grandmother a year later than the grandfather. 
They were married on their common birthday, 
and died on another anniversary of their birth 
They were never separated for even the space of 
twenty-four hours, and so closely were they 
united by love and sympathy that one could 
scarcely suffer a pain that did not affect thi 
other. They were seventy-five and seventy-four 



, 




THOHAS BARNES. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



441 



years old, respectively, when the last illness fell 
upon them. When the final summons came the 
wife expired first, and as the children attempted 
to remove the corpse from its place by his side 
the dying husband motioned to them to leave it, 
and eighteen minutes later he, too, breathed his 
last. 

This devoted couple left a numerous family. 
Their son John, our subject's father, who spent 
his life in Lancashire, followed agricultural pur- 
suits. He and his wife (whose maiden name was 
Jennie Hayes), had twelve children, viz.: James 
(deceased), Hannah (now Mrs. Edward Riley), 
Samuel, Lawrence, John, Henry, Isabella (now 
Mrs. James' Eastwood), Thomas (our subject), 
Alice Ann, Jane (now Mrs. George E. Smith), 
William, and Rachel (the last named being 
deceased). Of these, only three — Henry, John 
and Thomas — came to America, the others re- 
maining in their native land. 

Thomas Barnes crossed the ocean at the age 
of twenty-one to test his fortunes in the New 
World. His sole inheritance was comprised in 
his sound mental and physical health and his all- 
conquering energy. He located near Philipsburg, 
and having but a few dollars at hand he promptly 
began at the first work that he could find, which 
happened to be coal mining. This occupation 
he followed until 1872, when he secured a con- 
tract for clearing away drift, and later he and his 
brother John began operating the Cuba mine. 
Their next venture was with the Derby mines and 
Lancashire mines No. 1 and No. 2, and since 
that period the two brothers have carried on 
many profitable mining enterprises in that vicin- 
ity and in Cambria county. At the present time 
Mr. Barnes is a partner in the Baltic mines and 
others, and is recognized as a man of great sagac- 
ity and one of the leading operators of his local- 
ity. As is well known, coal mining includes many 
incidental details, and Mr. Barnes and his brother 
conduct stores and supply places, and in every 
way meet the demands of the business. In May, 
1897, the Moshannon National Bank was organ- 
ized at Philipsburg, Mr. Barnes being appointed 
its president. 

In 1864 Mr. Barnes married Miss Anna Ash- 
croft, also a native of Lancashire, England, and 
seven children were born of their union: Jane, 
Margaret, Ruth, John, Rachel, Anna and Esther. 
Of these, Jane married J. Johnson, who is now 
conducting our subject's store in Philipsburg, and 
they have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. Barnes is 
prominent in local affairs, is a vestryman in the 
Episcopal Church, takes great interest in school 
matters, and is liberal in his donations. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican. He has been deservedly 



successful in his undertakings, and now owns a 
fine home on Centre street, Philipsburg, besides 
an elegant block, a hotel, and a gristmill. 



WILLIAM W. BOOB, one of the most re- 
liable, progressive and capable business 
men of Centre Hall, Centre county, was born 
June 15, 1868, in Mifflinburg, Penn., and is the 
eldest child of R. B. and Sarah (Shearer) Boob. 
When two years old he was brought by his par- 
ents to Aaronsburg, Centre county, where he 
was educated, his first teacher being Julia Wolf, 
and at the age of twelve he left the school room 
and began assisting his father in the blacksmith 
shop, where he soon learned the trade, and dur- 
ing the six years he remained there became an 
expert workman. 

In Aaronsburg, August 6, 1886, Mr. Boob 
was united in marriage with Miss Cora B. Reif- 
snyder, of Millheim, Centre county, a daughter 
of Urush Reifsnyder, and have one child, Grace 
L. , born in August, 1887. For a time after his 
marriage, Mr. Boob worked in a blacksmith shop 
in Boalsburg, Centre county, for Mr. Webber, 
later was in the employ of Samuel Foust, of 
Spring Bank, and while living in Millheim worked 
as a blacksmith in the foundry at Centre Hall. 
Subsequently he established a shop of his own in 
Coburn, which he conducted for two and one- 
half years, and then removed to Centre Hall, 
where he purchased the carriage business of J. 
W. Haney, and also the millinery establishment 
of Mrs. Haney, which his wife now conducts. 

After one year spent in carriage making, he 
converted his shop into a factory for the manu- 
facture of buggy and wagon wheels, and now 
does almost an exclusive wholesale business, sell- 
ing his wheels throughout the Eastern States, in 
Norway, Belgium, Germany, Java, Jamaica, Aus- 
tralia, and India. He gives employment to a 
number of hands, and has succeeded in building 
up one of the most important and prosperous in- 
dustries in the county. Although still quite young 
in years, he is possessed of more than ordinary 
business sagacity, is enterprising and industrious, 
which qualities have been the important factors 
in his success, and his business, which is still in 
its infancy, is growing rapidly through his tire- 
less efforts. His familiarity with its every detail, 
and the close attention he gives it, insures its 
success, and in the near future he will undoubt- 
edly be one of the most prosperous and well-to-do 
citizens of the community. By his own unaided 
efforts he has worked his way steadily upward 
from a humble position to one of affluence, and 
deserves to be numbered among the representa- 



442 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tive and prominent business men of Centre coun- 
ty'. Politically he has always been identified 
with the Democratic party. Taking a deep inter- 
est in the cause of education, he is at present an 
efficient member of the school board. Mr. Boob 
has an office in New York City, No. 1 1 Broad- 
way, for his export trade exclusively. 



F 



RANK HAINES, a popular young photogra- 
pher of Philipsburg, Centre county, shows a 
happy combination of artistic taste and business 
ability which promises well for his future. He 
is a native of Philipsburg, born January 2, 1869, 
and he is descended from an old and highly re- 
spected Quaker family of New Jersey, his ances- 
tors having come from England at a very early 
period, to escape the religious persecutions of 
their day. 

Daniel Haines, our subject's grandfather, 
lived and died in New Jersey, and, like his ances- 
tors, was a steadfast adherent of the Friends 
Society. Joseph Haines, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Morristown, N. J., February 
26, 1841, and in early manhood came to Penn- 
sylvania, locating in Bellefonte, where he learned 
the photographer's trade. In 1 S65 he established 
himself in business in Philipsburg, where he met 
with the success which his fine abilities deserved. 
He was I crat in politics, and in religion he 
followed the faith of his forefathers. Hisdeath, 
which occurred August 29, [887, cut short a life 
which seemed to be entering upon the rewards of 
his earlier labors. He was married in Bellefonte 
to Miss Prudence Stone, a native of England, 
who came to America with her pai I the 

five years and grew to womanhood at 

efonte, where her father, Martin Stone, was 
in his 1 is a prosperous tit. He 

was born in < iermany, but went fc 1 England when 
about eight years old, and in early n I en- 

ed in mercantile business, owning two stores 
in London, which he sold before coming to the 
United Mate- Mrs. Haines is still living at 
Philipsburg with her four children, of whom our 

ject is the eldest; (2) Orrin is the cit) elec- 
trician; home; and (4) Harry is 
attending school. 

Frank Haines received his education in the 
public schools of Philipsburg, and at the same 
time became proficient in th iphy 

through assisting his father as need required. 
This early and constant association with the 
business, familiarizing him with every detail, en- 
abled him to take full charge after his father's 
death, and continue it with undiminished suc- 
cess during the past nine years. In the social 



life of his native city he takes an active part, and 
is a valued worker in various organizations. 
Since 1888 he has been a member of Reliance 
Fire Company No. 1, of which he has been pres- 
ident, having been elected in September, 1896. 
He also belongs to the Knights of Malta, the 
Improved Order of Red Men, the American 
Photographers Association, and the Order of 
Mechanics, in which he is a past officer. Polit- 
ically he is a Democrat. 



JACOB R. SIMLER, of Philipsburg, Centre 
county, is a native of that city, born May 4, 
1 87 1, and a son of George B. and Amanda 
(Carpenter) Simler, who have for many years 
been prominently identified with its in teres 
He acquired a common-school education, and re- 
mained under the parental roof until his marriage 
at the age of twenty-two years. 

On November 22, 1893, Mr. Simler was mar- 
ried to Miss Sallie B. Beamer, and they have an 
interesting little daughter, Evelyn, born April II . 
1896. The mother was born in Clearfield, Clear- 
field Co., Penn., October 13, 1S74, a daugl 
of Owen A. and Lucetta (Elder) Beamer, natives 
of Centre county, the former born February 
1853, and the latter on July 5. 1853. Thej n 
reside in Latrobe, Westmoreland Co., Penn., 
where the father is serving as clerk in a hof 
Their family consisted of eight children: Will- 
iam H., who died in childhood; Sallie B., wHeof 
our subject; Clara A . at home; Orlando, « 

I in childhood; Eva, who is residing with Mi 
Simler and attending school; and Charles. Lai 
and Oscar, all three at home. The paternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Simler. Jacob A. and I 
becca (Fister Beamer, were of German exti 
tion, and the grandfather was a forgeman 
occupation. Jacob A. Beamer served in Com- 
pany C, 208th Regiment P. V. I.. Army of the 

• 

At the age of en years, Mr. Sii 

began working for his brother, George B. , in 
express business, andwasthusen 

He belongs to the Order of Red Men 
Philipsburg, is a stalwart Republican in polil 
and is a member of the Episcopal Church. He 
is a prominent and energetic young man. ol 
upright moral character, and possesses the t 
spirit of progress and enterprise which characl 
izes the American people. In April, 1 
commenced the business of selling oil to the c 
sumers ol Philipsburg, and is working up a 1 
trade, having already on his list some two bun- 
customers. 

1 or several years, Mr. Simler has displ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



443 



a remarkable talent for hunting. In connection 
with his brother William N., he has carried on 
the business of taxidermist for his own use, and 
they have elegant collections of mounted birds 
and animals. Since 1889 they have made a busi- 
ness of taxidermy in every branch of the art. 
The collections referred to contain the following 
specimens: Blue-wing teal duck, barred owl, 
Virginia rail bird, sandpiper, snipe, plover, wood- 
cock, meadow lark, Virginia warbler, Kentucky 
warbler, blue swallow, brown thrush, flocker 
screech owl, duck hawk, chimney swallow, nuv- 
vin, brown creeper, snow owl, pheasant (two 
days old, and an old one), falks sparrow, flying 
squirrel, humming bird, hoot owl, brown screech 
owl, pigeon hawk, loon, butter duck, bullfinch, 
Baltimore oriole, cedar bird, golden bird, night 
hawk, sparrow hawk, teal duck, red bird, black 
head warbler, chicken hawk, Indian hen, red- 
headed woodpecker, black-headed woodpecker, 
great squaw duck, Indigo bird, red-eye verrio, 
red-headed bee bird, winter rew, green hern, 
partridge, great bittern, chippie, snowbird, sap 
sucker, pine finch, chickadee, great squaw duck, 
kingfisher, bluebird, martin, red-winged black- 
bird, bluejay, squirrel hawk, jack snipe, white- 
headed sparrow, skylark, pallerope, water thrush, 
killdeer, yellow breasted woodpecker, small bee 
bird, robin, least bittern, chewink, goslin, bona- 
parte seagull, butcher bird, shore lark, cuckoo, 
sparrow hawk, crown kinglet, blackburn warb- 
ler, chestnut warbler, Virginia warbler, horned 
grieb, black cot, Jersey red bird, Kennedy rail 
bird, snow bunting, American cot, blue heron, 
Tom Lee, Church Will widow, whippoorwill, 
black-headed tern, red-tail hawk, white spar- 
row, and herring gull. These lovely specimens 
the brothers have in glass cases in their par- 
lors, where they may be admired by the many 
friends of the family. 

William N. Simler, a skilled and expert taxid- 
ermist, also makes a business of mounting ani- 
mals and birds, and tanning furs for rugs, etc. 
He was married December 30, 1884, to Miss 
Elizabeth G. Osslare, a native of Brookfield, 
Penn., and a daughter of Bernard and Malinda 
(Verbeck) Osslare, in whose family were ten chil- 
dren. 



MALCOLM LAURIE, an enterprising and 
deservedly successful young business man of 
Bellefonte, was born January 19, 1871, in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

As his name suggests, his ancestors trod the 
heather hills of " Auld Scotia," and he possesses 
in a marked degree the shrewd practical mind 



which is characteristic of the Scotch race. His 
father, the late John Laurie, was born in Scot- 
land in 1834, coming to America when a young 
man, and was married in San Francisco, Cal., to 
Miss Mary Connor, now deceased. He was a 
traveling salesman for some time. Before the 
war he was engaged in the cotton trade in the 
South, but left that occupation in i860 and went 
to California. In 1868 he made his home in 
Bridgeton, N. J., and became interested in the 
Cohansey Glass Company in that city. While 
in that business he made two trips through South 
America. To John and Mary Laurie six chil- 
dren were born: William, now residing at Colo- 
rado Springs, Colo. ; Miss Mary Laurie, who lives 
in Glasgow, Scotland; Helen, the wife of Blythe 
Wilke, of Glasgow, Scotland; and J. Malcolm, 
of this sketch. Annie and Jennie died in infancy. 
The first years of our subject's life were 
spent in New Jersey, but as his parents died dur- 
ing his boyhood he was taken into the home of 
an uncle in Bellefonte, Rev. William Laurie, 
D. D., a well-known Presbyterian clergyman. 
His education was continued at the Bellefonte 
Academy, and on completing his course there he 
worked for four years as a bookkeeper in Belle- 
fonte. In 1893 he established the Bellefonte 
Steam Laundry, of which he has made a decided 
success, and in 1895 he erected a building spe- 
cially designed for his business, the formal open- 
ing taking place July 18 of that year. Mr. 
Laurie is not married, and is prominent socially 
as a member of the Bellefonte Club. He also 
belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and his high 
character has won the esteem and friendship of a 
large circle of acquaintances. 



JOHN Q. MILES, treasurer of Centre county, 
is one of the most popular officials at the 
county seat, and illustrates the best type 
of American citizenship in both public and private 
life. 

Mr. Miles was born March 17, 1843, in Clear- 
field county, a son of John and Elizabeth (Wil- 
son) Miles, and has always been identified with 
this section. The schools near his early home 
afforded him a practical education, and in 1861, 
while yet a mere boy, he gave proof of his cour- 
age and patriotism by enlisting from Clearfield 
county in Company I, 84th P. V. I. His gal- 
lant conduct at the front won him a reputation 
as a brave fighter, but after nine months of serv- 
ice a fever, brought on by exposure and hard- 
ships, so weakened his system that he was dis- 
charged for disability. In May, 1862, he located 
in Centre county, where in 1865 he married 



lit 



COM.VKM<>i;.l TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL REOCBD. 



Lydia A. Richards, a native of that county, 
and three children: Lizzie, Maggie and John, 
brighten their home. John Q. Miles' election in 
[893 to the office of county treasurer caused him 
to remove to Bellefonte, but previously he had 
his residence at Martha Furnace in Bald Eagle 
Valley. Witty and genial, Mr. Miles has the 
happy faculty of making friends, whom his ster- 
ling qualities of character bind to him with the 
lasting tie of respectable esteem. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 

The ancestors of our subject were earh 
tiers in the City of Brotherlj Love, where Gen. 
Samuel Miles, his great-grandfather, of Revo- 
lutionary fame, resided, and of which city he was 
mayor. John Miles, our subject's grandfather, 
was born there He became prominent in the 
iron industry, and at onetime was interested in 
the development of Centre county. Our sub- 
ject's father. John Miles (2) was born in the ar- 
senal at Philadelphia. With an uncle he came 
to Centre country, and built and operated Cen- 
tre Furnace and the McCoy Iron Works. Miles- 
burg was named in their honor, and at that time, 
as in the present, the family name was a synonym 

for business ability and enterprise c bined with 

public spirit. 



WLEXANDEF FAMILY. This family, 
.A\. whirl) has been prominent in central 
Pennsylvania from an early day, is of Scotch 

[in. The earliest member, of which there is 
record, was Thomas Alexander, who was promi- 
nent in Lanark, Scotland, about 1710. I lis son 
John, who was born in Scotland in I 700, married 
Mai-. net Glasson, daughter of Donald Glasson, 
of tin city of Glasgow, Scotland, and migrated 
to County Armagh, Ireland, a few years later. 
In 1 7 }6 he came to America, and besides his 
three sons — Hugh, James and John— and bis 
daughters — Rachel and Margaret there came 
with him his two nephews Hugh and James — 
and his niece, who had married a Mr. Polk in 

ind. Then fust settlement was made in Not- 

liani. Chester Co., Penn., on the east side of 
Octorara creek, near the Maryland line. After 
residing there a few years the little colony di- 
vided and dispersed. The nephews, Hugh and 
James, with Mr. and Mrs. Polk, went to Meck- 
lenburg, N. C, while John, with his son of the 
same name, r< I in Pennsylvania and 

settled, first, near Carlisle, and, later, nearCham- 
bersburg. 

fames Alexander, second son of John and 
Margaret (Glasson) Alexander, was born in 
County Armagh, Ireland, in 1826, and came 



with his parents to America in 1836. He re- 
moved with his father to Cumberland county, 
Penn., and there married Rosa Reed, who died 
in 1792. James Alexander was a man of re- 
markable energy and enterprise, and having 
ried Rosa Reed, near Chambersburg, Penn., the 
associations of the locality led him to deter- 
mine to explore the new territory adjacent, and 
if possible found a new colony. In carrying out 
this project in 1755, he traveled about a hundred 

north through the wilderness, and his at- 
11 being arrested by the beauty of thi 
ley, he located there and took out a warrant for 
one thousand acres of land across the middle of 
the Valley and reaching from Jack s Mountain to 
Stone Mountain. He returned home f< 
family, and took back with him to help found the 
new settlement a friend who also had his family. 
They carried all their effects on horseback. J 
Alexander settled at the spring which forms the 
source of Spring run. and a short distance awaj 
at another spring stood the house of the 1 
Chief "Logan the renowned head of the 
Mingo tribe, who lived long on friendly terms 
with his white neighbor. One day soon after 
1 - Alexander settled at his new home, 

"Logan ' went to the hou^e, and, having | 
the confidence of his neighbor's little son, carried 
him to his cabin; the father was absent, and the 
terrified tnothei dared not resist; but aftei 
eral hours of terrible anxiety she determined to 

her child at any hazard. Her relief can 
be imagined when she met the friendly chii 
rying her boy, who was wearing a beautiful pair 
of beaded moccasins, which he had made for his 
little friend. This story has often appeared in 
print concerning a little daughter of William 
Brown, but ''Logan " was doubtless in the habit 
of showing his friendship in this was 

fames Alexander was active 111 Church wi 
and assisted in establishing the first l'n 

1 h in the Valley 1 fe took part in the 
Revi il 1 war. and was in the commi 

department of Washington's army at \ 

during the memorable winter of 17" 
For these services he received sixteen hundred 
acres of land, which he located in Cle 
counts. He died in 1791, and was bun 
the buck Presbyterian church at West Kis 
quillas. Eleven children were born to | 
Alexander and Kosa Reed, the names with 
of birth being as follows: Jane, born in 
Robert, born in October, 1766; Elizabeth. 
in 1768; John, in 1769; James, in 1771: H 
in November, 1772; Joseph, in 17 — . Ra 
in 1780; William, in 1782; Rosanna, in 
and Reed, in 17 — . 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



445 



Of the above, Robert Alexander was the next 
in the line of ancestry which we are now tracing. 

! Upon the death of his father he settled upon , 
that part of the Kishacoquillas land which he 
named " Stone Mountain." He became a pros- 

j perous farmer and respected citizen, and was a 

I man of incorruptible integrity, sound judgment, 
and most remarkable powers of memory. So un- 
usual was the development of the faculty that after 

i hearing a sermon he could repeat it almost ver- 
batim. This trait has been inherited by many of 

! his descendants. He was justice of the peace 
for forty-five years, but so kind, just and peacea- 

jble was he that in all that time only two cases 

;came to the point of a trial before him, and both 
of these were finally settled without costs. In 

i 1 823 he was sent to the Legislature by the larg- 
est Democratic majority ever given in his district, 

iyet no persuasion could induce him to become a 
candidate for re-election. He married Elizabeth 
McClure (born March 8, 1768, died in 1832), 
and had the following children : Elizabeth, 

James, Mary, Robert, McClay, Nancy, Robert, 

'William, and Cyrus and Silas (twins). 

Of the above, James Alexander was born 
January 17, 1793, and died December 18, 1850. 
On November 27, 1821, he married Ann Lewis, 

: | who was born April 22, 1799, and died in 18 — -. 
Their children were: Robert, born October 9, 

j' 1 822, died January 20, 1847; Elizabeth, born 
June 9, 1824, married James Alexander in 1848, 

, and lives in Kansas; Celia Ann, born March 3, 

'1826, married Owen Copelin, of Milroy, Penn. ; 
James Read, born April 7, 1828, married May 
Wolfe; Euphemia, born April 21, 1830, died 
May 8, 1835; Louisa J., born July 7, 1832, mar- 
ried Daniel Leyden; Samuel, born August 15, 

1 1834, died November 29, 1861, as assistant sur- 
geon of the 2nd Pennsylvania Cavalry, being 
killed in battle; Cyrus T. is mentioned more 

[fully below; Mary Jane, born December 18, 

,11838, died May 26, 1841; Alice Annette, born 

jljuly 29, 1844, died December 6, 1847. 

Hon. Cyrus T. Alexander was born Sep- 
tember 10, 1836, in Mifflin county, Penn., and 

i| was educated at Dickinson Seminary, graduating 
jin 1853. In August, 1859, he was admitted to 
'the Bar of Centre county, and locating at Belle- 
fonte, began a successful professional career. 
[For eleven years he was in partnership with Hon. 
|J. H. Orvis (since a judge of the 25th District), 
and afterward Mr. Alexander became the senior 
member of the well-known firm of Alexander & 
Bovver. Mr. Alexander was pre-eminent among 
his professional brethren for his ability in dealing 
with the vexatious problems arising in connec- 
tion with overlapping surveys under the land 



grants in this State. Always a close student, a 
remarkable memory made his researches in any 
chosen branch a permanent possession. He was 
an ardent Democrat, and in 1861 and 1862 he 
became part owner of the Democratic Watchman, 
which he edited during that time in addition to 
his other duties. His abilities gave him promi- 
nence in political circles also, and in 1864-65 he 
was elected on the Democratic ticket to repre- 
sent Centre county in the State Legislature. In 
November, 1878, he was elected to the State 
Senate, and served four years with distinction. 
As a business man he displayed the same remark- 
able energy and sagacity which brought him suc- 
cess in other lines, and in 1868 he and his 
brother, J. R. Alexander, purchased about 200 
acres of land lying north from Buffalo Run creek 
to the gap between Milesburg and Bellefonte. 
Here they developed the finest limekilns in the 
State, which they continued, in connection with 
a coal business, under the firm name of J. R. & 
C. T. Alexander. In 1880 they opened the first 
implement and seed store ever established at 
Bellefonte, and conducted it until January 1, 
1885, when they leased the plant to McCalmont 
& Co., and withdrew. About the same time C. 
T. Alexander contracted a severe cold which set- 
tled in his throat, and this, in spite of the best 
medical treatment, resulted in his death. He 
left a widow and two children — Roberta T. , now 
Mrs. H. S. Yarrington, and J. W., a leading at- 
torney of Bellefonte, of whom further mention 
is made below. Mrs. Yarrington was born Sep- 
tember 15, 1859, and was carefully educated, 
being a graduate of Wilson College, at Cham- 
bersburg, Penn. Her husband, the late H. S. 
Yarrington, was for thirty years previous to his 
death the treasurer of the Richmond & Freder- 
icksburg and the Potomac, Richmond & Danville 
railroads. She has three children: Cyrus A., 
Louise, and Greyson. 

Mrs. Cyrus T. Alexander, who still resides in 
Bellefonte, was formerly Miss Margaret Potter. 
She was born near Boalsburg, Penn., May 8, 
1837, and was married to Mr. Alexander in Oc- 
tober, 1858. Her grandfather, Fergus Potter, 
an early settler. in Penn's Valley, came from Ire- 
land about 17 — , and spent his remaining years 
there. He left a large family, among whom was 
a son Samuel, Mrs. Alexander's father, who be- 
came a prominent citizen of Bellefonte, where 
for many years he was engaged in business as a 
tanner. He died in Centre county at the age of 
eighty-six; his wife is also deceased. They had 
five sons — William, John, James, Samuel and 
George — and four daughters — Jane (who mar- 
ried Abram V. Miller), Susan (deceased), Mar- 



«. 



146 



cummi:m(ii:a tive bioqraphu a i. BBt 'OBJ). 



garet (now Mrs. Alexander), and Sarah (who 
married Donald Mc Bride, and resides in Law- 
rence, Kansa 

J. W. Alexander, of Bellefonte, whose an- 
cestry we have thus traced, is a worthy repre- 
sentative of this honored family. He was born 
August 24, 1864, and had his early home upon a 
farm in Spring township. Centre county, on the 
outskirts of Hellefonte. After attending the 
public schools of that borough for some time, he 
entered Bellefonte Academy and was in att< 
ance there three years. In 18S0, on the six- 
teenth anniversary of his birth, he was enrolled 
in the freshman class of Pennsylvania State Col- 
lege, and in [884 he completed the scierititic 
course, graduating with the degree of B. S. 
( twing to ill health he did not begin his profes- 
sional studies immediately, but after his father's 
death he prepared for the Bar under the direction 
of Judge John G. Love, and March 4, 1890, was 
admitted to the Bar. He inherited his father's 
law library, a large and valuable collection, and 
has already won a name as an accurate student. 
As he is somewhat retiring in disposition, he in- 
clines to those branches of professional work 
where good memory, deep research and sound 
logic are of more account than rhetorical ability, 
Inn he has nevertheless made a success of court- 
room business, making pleas which have been 
highly complimented for their strength and effect- 
iveness. He has always practiced alone, and 
does a general law business. 

In the social world Mr. Alexander holds a 
high position. Genial and companionable, he 
has a host of lriends, and he is identified with 
several fraternal orders. He has been an active 
member of the K. G. E. since its organization in 
Bellefonte, and was instrumental in organizing 
the Bellefonte Conclave of the Independent Order 
of Heptasophs. On July 10, 1894, he joined 
Company B, ;th Penn. X. G., entering as a pri- 
vate, and has been promoted until he now holds 
the rank oi second sergeant. He is thoroughly 
versed in militarj tactics, having graduated as a 

tain of a military company at State Coll* 



C\ WEAVER, deputy sheriff of Centre 
nty, and a prominent resident of the pic- 
turesque city of Bellefonte, has been for some 
years an influential factor in political affairs in 
his county. His family, which is of German ex- 
traction, is well-known there, his grandfather, 
George Weaver, having come from southern 
Pennsylvania mans to make his home 

upon a farm in Haines township, where he and 



his wife. Sallie (Harper), reared a family of three 
sons: Noah, who died at Woodward in 1894, was 
a farmer and at one time oil operator; Henry A 
is mentioned more fully below; Adam shot him- 
self by accident while hunting foxes. 

Henry A. Weaver, our subject's father, 
born at the old home in Haines township in 1825. 
He served three years in the war for the Union, 
as a private in Company 1), 148th P. V. I. By 
occupation he was a farmer; .in religious faith he 
leading member of the Reformed Church; 
and he took much interest in political questions, 
voting with the Democratic party. By his first 
wife, Kosetta . also a native of Haines 

township, he had four children, of whom our 
subject was the eldest; Anna married Oliver 
Wolf; Katie married C. C. Bell, and George G. 
is a farmer in Haines township. The mother of 
this little family was called from earth in 1864, 
and the father subsequently married Effie Gram- 
ley, a native of Miles township, Centre county. 
Two children were born of this union: M 
S. and T. l 

C. A. Weaver, our subject, was born February 
13, 1S53, and his education was secured in part at 
the schools near the old homestead, in part at those 
of Miles township, Centre comity. Shortly after 
the death of his mother, the necessity for mak- 
ing his own way in the world became apparent, 
and when twelve years old he began working for 
his board and clothes in Brush Valley, where he 
remained two years. He then spent some time 
working for fanners ami at driving teams, and 
for one year was a clerk in Wolfe's store. Re- 
turning to Haines township, he clerked for B. F. 
Philips, at Aaronsburg, for a year, and then for 
the same length of time he drove a meat wagon, 
but the next two years he passed in th< 
region in Schuylkill county, working in a whole- 
sale Hour and leed store. He then went to Penn 
Hall, and remained there six years as clerk for 
Major Fisher, his next employment being in a. 
store at Shamokin, Northumberland county. De- 
siring to go into business for himself, he returned 
t" Varonsburg and engaged in huckstering, con- 
tinuing thereat three years, later becoming 
ested in the bottling business and the mat 
ure of soft drinks. After three years of si. 
ful effort in these lines he sold out, and ha 
since been in political life. For three years he 
had held the office of assessor, and in 1S93 he 
was a candidate for the office of register, b 

ted. On June 9, 1896, In 
nomination for county treasurer. His intei 
public affairs extends beyond politii 
ever, and he is always ready to forward aBJ 
measure for local improvement. He i> 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



447 



member of the Reformed Church, while, socially, 
he is identified with the Order of the Golden 
Eagle. 

In 1 89 1 Mr. Weaver married Miss Mabel Ed- 
munds, a native of Haines township, born in 
1872, and their home is brightened by a daugh- 
ter, Edna Lucretia. 



JOHN SPANGLER. The lives of honored 
ancestry and of Revolutionary heroes fur- 
nished man\' valuable lessons both of en- 
couragement and inspiration; but one need not 
look to the past, for ofttimes in the lives of those 
around us is shown what can be accomplished by 
diligence, perseverance and putting to practical 
use the opportunities which come to all. Mr. 
Spangler is one in whose career may be traced 
these qualities, and who, as a result, occupies a 
place among the leading and substantial citizens 
of Centre county. 

Our subject was born in what was then Un- 
ion, but is now Snyder, county, Penn., March 
18, 1828, and is a representative of one of the 
old families of Lebanon county, Penn., where 
his grandfather, Christian Spangler, was born 
and reared. He had a family of four sons — 
John; Christian, who enlisted for service in the 
war of 1812, and died at Sunbury, Penn., while 
rii route to the field of battle; Daniel and Jona- 
than. The sons all reached adult age and had 
families, as did several daughters, two of whom 
went to Ohio in an early day. 

Jacob Spangler, father of our subject, was the 
second child of the family, and was born about 
1783, in Union county, two miles below Centre- 
ville. He learned the weaver's trade, and in 
what is now Snyder county wedded Miss Mary 
Schroyer. From the home farm he obtained a 
horse, and began the operation of a hill farm 
near New Berlin. Subsequently he purchased 
the homestead property of his father-in-law, and 
there his wife died at the age of forty years, and 
he at the age of sixty-seven years. He made 
farming his life work, and became the possessor 
of a valuable property and considerable money, 
I which would have amounted to a much larger 
'■sum had he not lost considerable through going 
security for others. In politics he was a Demo- 
crat. He held several offices in the Lutheran 
j Church, to which he belonged, and was a man 
I whose well-directed business efforts brought him 
success, 
gard. 

The children of Jacob and Mary Spangler 
were nine in number, namely: Catharine, who 
married John Kessler, and died in New Berlin, 



while his honorable life won his high re- 



Penn. ; Elizabeth, who wedded John Seebold, 
and died near New Berlin; Nancy, who became 
the wife of Joseph Seebold, and died near New 
Berlin; Susanna, who married Michael Miller, 
and died near New Berlin; Elias, who resides 
near that town; Jacob, who died near the same 
town in the spring of 1896; John; William, of 
Millerstown, Penn. ; George, who is living near 
New Berlin; Samuel, of Milroy, Penn. ; and Lewis, 
who died in New Berlin in 1895. 

John Spangler could attend school but irregu- 
larly during his boyhood, for his services were 
required on the home farm until eighteen years 
of age. He then began learning the blacksmith's 
trade under the direction of John Kessler, who 
owned a smithy three miles below Middleburg, in 
Snyder county. His apprenticeship covered 
three years, and during the first two years he re- 
ceived no wages, but was allowed four weeks 
during harvest time when he might earn money 
in the fields. During the third year he was given 
$10 per month in the summer and $11 in the 
winter. He saved almost every cent of his earn- 
ings, and thus on the expiration of a year was 
enabled to engage in business on his own account 
in Adamsburg, Snyder county, where for fourteen 
years he followed his trade. On April 1, 1862, 
he came to Centre Hill, where he rented a black- 
smith shop and also kept a tavern. 

After two years he came to Centre Hall, where 
from 1864 until 1867 he had charge of a hotel. 
He then purchased a hotel property for $7,000, 
and a month later sold it for $8,100. In the 
spring of 1867 he removed to Millheim, and pur- 
chased the " Kreamer Hotel," but after one sum- 
mer he sold and removed to Bellefonte, where 
he leased the " Garman Hotel" and purchased 
the furniture; but possession was not given, and 
in consequence he never conducted business there. 
From the spring of 1868 until 1878 he carried 
on the "Centre Hall Hotel," and was then 
elected sheriff of the county, entering upon the 
discharge of his duties on the first Monday in 
January, 1879. After an incumbency of three 
years he returned to Centre Hall, where for sev- 
eral years he engaged in stock dealing, buying 
cattle in the West and selling in Centre county. 
Later he purchased a butcher shop, which, in 
connection with his son Reuben, he operated for 
four years. His next investment made him the 
owner of ninety-six acres of land in The Loop, 
and he has since been interested in agricultural 
pursuits. 

On April 25, 1848, in Snyder county, Mr. 
Spangler was married to Miss Susanna (Barger) 
who was born August 2, 1828, in Snyder county, 
a daughter of Abraham (a shoemaker) and Cath- 



L 



448 



COMMEMORATIVE BKXIRAPIWAI. UECORD. 



arine (Boyer) Barger, whowere the parents of four 
children: Simon, now of Kansas; Levi, who died 
in Mifflin county, Penn. ; Barbara, whobecame the 
wife of Henry Mitchell, and died in Snyder coun- 
ty; and Susanna i.Mrs. Spangler). Our subject 
and his wife have four children; Hon. J. L. . a 
man of prominence; Howard J., editor of the 
Parsons Constitution, of Parsons, W. Va. ; Annie, 
widow of H. D. Van Pelt, of Centre Hall; and 
Reuben B., manager for a coal company in Cam- 
bria county, Pennsylvania. 

In his political adherency, Mr. Spangler is a 
stalwart Democrat, and does all in his power to 
promote the growth and insure the success of his 
party. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has served as trustee and 
deacon, and he formerly held membership in the 
Odd Fellow and Masonic fraternities. He has a 
pleasant home, and has reared a family of which 
he has just reason to be proud. Realizing the 
disadvantage caused by limited school privileges 
he has given his children excellent educational 
opportunities, and the family ranks high in the 
community. Mr. Spangler's acquaintance is ex- 
tensive, and bis friends accord him the esteem 
which is ever given to true worth. 



CHARLES THEODORE FRYBERGER, a 
leading and influential resident of Philips- 
burg, Centre county, is well worthy of promi- 
Di nt mention in the pages of this work, as a 
more eventful history than his would be difficult 
tn find, for in both war and peace he seems to 
have the faculty of being in the midst of the most 
important happenings. 

("apt. Fryberger was born January 15, 1844, 
at " Near Mackelavy s Forge," on the Schuylkill 
river in Schuylkill county, Penn., and was named 
after Charles Theodore Knuskie, of Berks county, 
Penn. He is of German descent, his paternal 
grandparents having come from Germany to 
America early in the present century. Their son 
John, father of our subject, was born in Schuyl- 
kill county, Penn., in 1809, and not long after- 
ward they consigned him to the care of some 
maiden aunts, and set out on a return voyage 
to the Fatherland, but wire never heard from 

in. John Fryberger married Sarah Moyer, 
who was born in Berks county, Penn., June [3, 
1S17, a descendant of an old and highly re- 
spected Pennsylvania-Dutch family, and she now 
resides at Milesburg, P( nn. Of her nine chil- 
dren, the eldest, Reuben by name, died when 1 
years old; John died in infancy; Amanda married 
Adam Grim, and lives in Jasper county, Mo.; 
Mary is the only deceased sister, and was the 



wife of Emanuel Shuey ; the subject of this sketch 
comes next in order of birth; Anna married Jo- 
seph Garbrick; Fliza wedded Dr. Fisher, of 
Zion, Penn. ; Sadie married George W. Camp- 
bell, of Milesburg; and Mahlon C. died at the 
age of thirty-two years. 

On April 1. 1S45. John and Sarah 1. Moyer > 
Fryberger moved to Reber's Mill, on the- 
Union canal, six miles northwest of Reading, 
Penn., and April 2, 1850, the family, then con- 
sisting of father, mother, our subject, and three 
daughters, went to Farmers Mills (''Fishers 
Mill"), in Pennsylvania, one and one-half miles 
from "The Penn Cave," in Centre county. On 
April t, 1852, the family again moved, this 
time to the brick gristmill belonging to James 
Gordon, within a half mile from Hecla Fur- 
'nace (and now known as Hecla Park, on 
the line of the Central Railroad of Pennsyl- 
vania). About the year 1855 the family re- 
moved to Sugar Valley, Clinton Co., Penn , 
where for three years they lived at or near 
Tylersville, in 1858 returning to Centre county, 
and making their home at what is known as the 
old McKinney Mill, belonging to the Hecla Fur- 
nace Co. (destroyed by fire in 1866). 

We now come to the outbreak of the war of 
the Rebellion, at which time the subject of this 
sketch springs into prominence, having previous- 
ly been employed at milling, and such out-door 
work as the management of the, then, Hecla Iron 
Co. saw tit to have him do. Having to work 
hard in order to provide for the family the fa- 
ther having been disabled by an accident in the 
machinery at the mill), also being constantly put 
to work that should have been given to stronger 
men, he tired of the yoke and decided to volun- 
teer into the Union army, under the lead ol Di 
James P. Gregg and of Austin Curtin, with Evan 
R. Goodfellow and others — all uniting to sound 
the war slogan. At Harrisburg a company «■■- 
formed September 14, i860, with Austin Curtin. 
captain; Dr. James P. Gregg, first lieutenant; 
Evan K. Goodfellow. second lieutenant, with 
Charles T. Fryberger as one of the privates of 
Company I >, 45th Regiment, P. V. Infy.. which 
served during the entire struggle. Promotions 
came rapidly to Private Fryberger, he bein| 
vanced successively to corporal, sergeant, order- 
ly-sergeant, first lieutenant, and, lastly, captain 
of the company. For a time his regiment wai 
attached to Sherman's forces in South l 
ami then served under Grant in the West, later 
being assigned to the Anns of the Potomac, and 
taking part in the campaign which ended in I 

nder. Capt. Fryberger participated in some 
of the most important battles of the war. inclml- 






L 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



449 



ing the engagements at South Mountain, Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue 
Springs, Lenore Station, Campbell's Station, the 
siege of Knoxville (where for four days his rations 
were limited to one ear of corn a day), the bat- 
tles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, 
Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, the siege of 
Petersburg, and the sanguinary conflict at the 
Weldon railroad. At the close of the war he 
gave up army life, having received an honorable 
discharge by general order from the War Depart- 
ment, and in 1865 retired to civil life, in good 
health, having escaped everything that could in- 
jure him in any way, save an attack of chills and 
fever while serving in East Tennessee in the win- 
ter of 1S64. 

Two days after his discharge our subject ar- 
rived at Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn., where 
the family were then residing, and commenced 
clerking for John W. Cook & Co., dealers in dry 
goods, etc. On April 1, 1866, he commenced in 
the cigar and tobacco trade at Bellefonte, for his 
own account, retiring from same in 1870, and 
forming the firm of Fryberger & Grim, general 
merchants, fn 1873 an additional firm (Fryber- 
ger & Moran) was started in the general grocery 
business. Both these stores were in Bellefonte, 
and both proved profitable ventures. The sud- 
den death of Mr. Moran, of the one firm, and 
the withdrawal of Mr. Grim (who removed to 
Missouri) from the other, brought about the first 
reverses and second serious trouble in Capt. 
Fryberger's life (for in the meantime he had lost 
his first wife, as will be related in due course); 
so, disposing of both stores in Bellefonte, he as- 
sociated himself with the extensive lumber firm 
of Hoover, Hughes & Co., of Philipsburg, Penn., 
at which time a general store was started in con- 
nection with their lumber and planing-mill busi- 
ness. For eight years after this Capt. Fryberger 
managed the various stores connected with the 
mills, his interest therein being one-fourth of the 
profits. At the same time he was chief of the 
office force forthe lumber and mill company; also 
assistant manager of the various sawmills, as 
well as confidential assistant to G. W. Hoover. 
On February 15, 1884, Capt. Fryberger formed 
a partnership with L. G. Kessler, under the firm 
style of Kessler & Fryberger, proprietors of a 
general store in Philipsburg, Penn., which con- 
tinued until February 15, 1888, when the firm 
dissolved, Capt. Fryberger retiring. 

fn the meantime, from 1884 to 1888, our sub- 
ject also held a one-third interest in the firm of 
Fryberger & Co., of Tipton, Blair Co., Penn., 
and of Fryberger, Aurand & Co. ,of frvona, Clear- 
field Co., Penn. In 1887, in company with John 
29 



Butterworth and John Fenton, he opened up the 
land on Kentuck Hill, in Decatur township, 
Clearfield Co., Penn., and they formed the com- 
pany known as the Kentuck Coal Co., which did 
a successful business until the death of Mr. But- 
terworth, when the interests of both partners 
were secured, and the business was continued un- 
der the same firm name. On November 1 1, 1889,. 
Capt. Fryberger's present grain, flour and feed 
business was established on North Front street, 
where a general wholesale and retail trade has 
since been successfully conducted in connection 
with the coal firm, and is still increasing. In 
1893 the heirs of the J. F. Steiner estate selected 
our subject to act as agent for the entire estate, 
and he was in part instrumental in effecting a 
lease to remove the coal underlying the lands of 
the estate; by his personal effort about 300 acres 
of the surface of the Centre county side of the 
estate's land was placed on the market and sold 
to various parties. 

Capt. C. T. Fryberger has been twice mar- 
ried, first time on January 23, 1869, to Mary J. 
Brackbill, of Bellefonte, and one son, John Ed- 
gar, was born to them February 7, 1870, who is 
now a clerk in the First National Bank, of Phil- 
ipsburg. On April 25, 1875, the mother died, 
and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Bellefonte. 
On April 22, 1879, at " Hill Side," the home of 
the bride, our subject wedded Miss Ida V. Stein- 
er, of Clearfield county, by whom he had seven 
children: Alton (deceased), Mahlon S., Eliza- 
beth S., Mary S., William S., Philip S., and 
Dorothy S. 

Socially, our subject was, in 1873, eminent 
commander of Constance Commandery No. ^^, 
Knights Templar, at Bellefonte. In 1890 he was 
commander of John W. Geary Post No. 90, G. 
A. R. ; in 1 891 was president of Mountain Lodge 
No. 144, Order of Tonti; in 1892 was regent of 
Centre Council No. 803, Royal Arcanum; in 1888 
was elected trustee of the Grand Army Post No. 
90, and has since been continuously re-elected to 
that incumbency, holding it at the present time. 
In 1892 he was appointed aid-de-camp to A. G. 
Weissert, commander-in-chief of theGrand Army 
of the Republic of the United States of America, 
with rank of colonel. Politically, Capt. Fryber- 
ger is a Republican, and his popularity, both 
within and without the party, has been frequently 
practically demonstrated. In 1888 he was on 
the Republican ticket for Assemblyman to the 
Pennsylvania Legislature, facing a Democratic 
majority of 1,100, and was defeated by but 21 
votes, reducing the formidable majority practic- 
ally to a minimum. 

The Captain is a leading member of Trinity 



l.-.'i 



i •n.VMKMOllA Tl VK Jtlm; HAJ'j/li .1 /. RE( <>11D. 



M. E. Church at Philipsburg; for five years, from 
1876 to 1881, he was secretary of the board of 
stewards of the Church, and in 1889 he was ap- 
pointed one of the eight trustees, which office he 
has held continuously ever since. 

To give a detailed account of all the pleasure 
trips that have tilled Capt. Fryberger's leisure 
time would till a book in itself, so we can but 
simp to the more important among them: 

In [876, in company with his wife, [da, he visited 
tbi ( entennial Exhibition at Philadelphia; in 

8 they were present at the Juniata Valley 
Camp M of the M. E. Church: in 1879 

they visited Philadelphia on the occasion of the 
reception accorded Gen. Grant on his return 
from his trip around the world; the same year 
enjoyed a three-months' sojourn at Pen 
field, Clearfield Co., Penn. , on Bennett's branch 
of the Susquehanna river. In [884, along with 
John, Mahlon, Elizabeth, Mary and William, 
( apt, and Mrs. Frybergi 1 passed a week visiting 
the historic battlefield at Gettysburg. In 1890 
Capt. and Mrs. Fryberger paid Boston a visit, 
"taking in" Hunker Hill, Boston Common, 
Cape Cod, Plymouth and Plymouth Rock, where 
the Pilgrims from Holland landed in [616. Re- 
turning homeward via New York, they visited 

lit s tomb; the Hudson river; the Brooklyn 
bridge across East river; Wall street; Trinity 
Church; Castle Garden, the Bartholdi "Stal 
ol Liberty," which they ascended until the giddy 
height caused our subject to beat a retreat, whilst 
his wife, though ot the "weaker sex," continued 
the ascent 1 ;s of any danger, imaginary 

or real. In 1891 they were present at the Pitts- 
burg Industrial Fair, at the same time visiting 
uncle S. II. Keller at Williamsburg, Penn. In 
1892 they found themselves at Washington, D. 
C. , with headquarters opposite the White House, 
and during then week's stay there they calli 
the Soldiers' Home, Smithsonian Institute, Ar- 
lington National Cemetery and the War Depart- 
ment; attended a reception held at the White 
House, and Mrs. John A. Logan's reception at 
the Capitol. They also visited the Treasury 
Building. \\ ishington's tomb at Mt. Vernon, 
the Confederate Monument at Alexandria, '. 
the Alexandria Episcopal Church, at Alexandria, 
Y.i., and sat in the pews 0C( and 

Pi i Gi >rge \\ ashington and < ien Robert I 
Lee, respectively. While in the Senate Chamber 
of the United Stati il in th( iccu- 

pii d by the two Pennsylvania - Hon 

Donald ( )ameron and I [on. M itthev - 

In 1 pt. and Mrs, Fr) 1 1 the 

" Wi ii I 1 r" at Chi thi 1 ity 

wa ever saw, " says the Captain), spending 



week viewing, among other objects and places of 
interest. Lincoln Park, Lake Michigan, and had 
a sail on the ' ' Wbaleback, " the only vessel of th 
kind in the world for passenger service exclu- 
ly; the Masonic Temple; Haymarket Square 
(where the Anarchists threw the bomb s 
years ago, killing several policemen 1; the Audi- 
torium; the Stockyards; " Libby Prison," which 
originally stood in Richmond. Va., &c, cS:c. In 

14 they attended the National Encampmen 
the Grand Arm} ol the Republic, held at Pitts- 
burg, Penn., one of the most pleasing and 1 nter- 
t. lining reunions ever held by that body, and they 
also visited Hiland and Schenley Parks; 
Wilkinsburg, Penn.; the heights above the city 
ol Pittsburg; the Monongahela; and the Car- 
tie Library, together with all the attractions 
it the citj of Allegheny. On August 22, 1897, 
they visited the Falls of Niagara, the "Bison 
City " (Buffalo), and all the attractions of th 

it and grand places. During their week s 
sojourn in and about Buffalo, the President of 
the United States, Maj. William McKinlej 
.1 1 the old soldiers of the war of the Rebel- 
u. who were there in force as an organizal 
of the G. A. R. During this trip Capt. and Mrs 
Fryberger visited the oil fields of Pennsylvania. 
and beheld all the wonders of that marvelouslv 
thrilling, oily, greasy section of this fair land. 

Thus the life of Charles Theodore Frylx 
bears testimony in language not to be misund 
stood, to what it is possible tor man, with wil 
heart and hand-- to accomplish; how, from I 
bottom rung of the ladder, upward, to workout 
for himself an honorable competency, a solid 
reputation and a good name. 



JolIN KERSTETER (deceased) in his 
time was a highly esteemed resident of Penn 
township, Centre county, where he was 1 
November 13, 1 S 1 5 . His family were among 
the early settlers of Lyken's Valley, Northum- 
berland Co., Penn.. and his lather, Leonard K I 

r, was born there February 17, [783. " ' 
ing been married in that county to Miss Elizabeth 
Schrecengost, he came about the year 1800 to this 
section, locating in what is now Haines township, 
Centre count v. A few years later his 1 

nard Kersteter, Sr., the grandfather 1 
subject, came to Centre county, but he after" 
moved to Stark cotfnty, where he died. 

Leonard Kersteter, Jr., followed the 
penter's trade for many years, but finally en. 
m farming, in which he was quite successful. He 

was very tall, and ill his \ iger days w 

markably powerful, but hi:- long years of to 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



451 



hausted his strength, and he died May 12, 1869, 
literally worn out. In political faith he was a 
Democrat, and in his active years he attended 
the Lutheran Church regularly, he and his esti- 
mable wife both being members. He was born 
October 30, 178 1 , and died January 9, 1857, his 
remains being laid to rest at Aaronsburg. They 
had children as follows: Leonard, a carpenter, 
died in Haines township, Centre county; Susan 
(Mrs. David Neese) died in Penn township, Cen- 
tre county; Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Moore) 
died in Ashland county, Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. 
George Braucht) died in Penn township; Lydia 
and Sarah (twins), born January 28, 1811, are 
both living in Centre county, the former being 
the widow of John Young, of Woodward, and 
the latter the widow of Jacob Rhone, of Potter 
township; John is mentioned more fully below; 
Jacob died at Coburn, Penn., at the age of 
twenty-one; Daniel resides at Loganton, Penn. ; 
Samuel is a resident of Wayne county, Ohio; 
Mollie married John Nugert, and died in Penn 
township, Centre county; and Polly (Mrs. Jacob 
Stover) died in Haines township. 

The free-school system had not yet been es- 
tablished when our subject was of an age to 
avail himself of its privileges, and he found but 
meagre opportunities for an education in the 
schools of his locality. He was reared to farm 
work, but at nineteen began to learn the shoe- 
maker's trade with George Eisenhuth, of Mill- 
heim. The business proving uncongenial, he en- 
gaged in carpentering, in which he became pro- 
ficient under the instruction of his brother Leon- 
ard. On March 30, 1835, Mr. Kersteter was 
married in Haines township, by Rev. Mr. Asely, 
a Lutheran minister, to Miss Annie Musser, a 
native of the township, born May 7, 181 3. Her 
father, Jacob Musser, was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and his family comprised eight children: 
Michael, Andrew, Mollie, Rebecca, Annie, Philip, 
John and Lydia. 

For two years after his marriage, Mr. Ker- 
steter lived with his father on the homestead 
just west of Coburn, but in 1837 he moved to his 
late farm in the same vicinity. On June 17, 
1 89 1, his pleasant home was bereft of the be- 
loved wife and mother, a devout Christian lady 
and a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. 
Eight children survive out of a family of nine: 
Michael resides in Pleasant Gap, Penn. ; Jacob 
lives at Coburn; Rebecca married John Brant, 
of Penn township; Harriet is the wife of Daniel 
Hosterman. of Penn township; William died in 
that township; Emanuel is a farmer there; John, a 
skilled mechanic, is a carpenter and contractor at 
Millheim; and Daniel resides in Penn township. 



Mr. Kersteter did much hard work in his day, 
and was a well-preserved man. He possessed a 
handsome competence, secured by strictly honest 
methods, and his life may well be held up as an 
example to the youth of to-day. Several years 
ago he retired from active work, his declining 
years being thus made free from care. In poli- 
tics he was a Democrat, first, last and all the 
time, having voted that ticket at every Presiden- 
tial election from Van Buren down. He served 
as supervisor, overseer of the poor and school 
director in his township, doing efficient and sat- 
isfactory service in every case. In religious work 
he was prominent as a member and official of 
the Lutheran Church, with which he united be- 
fore he was twenty years old. Mr. Kersteter 
died November 29, 1896. 



LUTHER GUISWITE, one of the most pro- 
j gressive and public-spirited citizens of Co- 
burn, Centre county, has done much to promote 
the welfare and upbuilding of the community, 
giving his support to all worthy enterprises cal- 
culated in any way to advance its interests. A 
native son of the county, he was born in Haines 
township April 22, 1 857, a son of John and Susan 
(Wolfe) Guiswite, who spent their entire lives in 
that township. In their family were four chil- 
dren: George, Rebecca, Elvina and Luther. Of 
these, the first named is now deceased; Rebecca 
is the wife of Nathaniel Buchtel, of Union county, 
Penn. ; and Elvina is the wife of Daniel Brum- 
gard, of Loganton, Penn. Reared to agricult- 
ural pursuits, the father followed farming 
throughout life in connection with the lumber 
business, and succeeded in accumulating consid- 
erable capital; but misfortune overtook him, and 
he lost heavily. 

Upon the home farm in -Haines township, 
Luther Guiswite grew to manhood, and in the 
district schools of the neighborhood he obtained 
his education. In 1880 he began lumbering, 
which business, in connection with the operation 
of a sawmill, he followed until 1893. During his 
career as a lumberman he was an extensive oper- 
ator, often making considerable money, while at 
other times he lost large amounts. In 1893 he 
embarked in the grain and produce business, buy- 
ing out M. G. Decker, of Coburn, and in con- 
nection with this he has also dealt in lumber and 
bark. On December 17, 1S95, a disastrous fire 
destroyed his entire plant, but with characteristic 
energy he soon overcame his loss, and is now at 
the head of a profitable business. His newly 
erected elevator is by far the most commodious 
in Penn's Valley, and he also has one of the best 






COMHEMniiA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UECOUH. 



equipped creameries in Centre county. In buy- 
in, bark, lumber, produce and also milk 
mery, he disperses thousands of dol- 
lars among the farmers of the entire eastern por- 
itre count), and thus material])' pro- 
motes the interests of that section. The volume 
of business done by Mr. Guiswite is probably 
without I in a village of the size of Coburn 

in i entral Pennsylvania, and he certainly deserves 
a prominent place among the leading and repre- 
sentative citizens of the county. 

In 1885, Mr. Guiswite married Miss Mary 
Gramley, of Miles township, Centre count)-, a 
daughter of Reuben ' y, a farmer by occu- 

1 li hild has been born of their union, 
named Grace E. Mr. and Mrs. Guiswite are 
consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and 

ir circle of friends is only limited by their 
circle of acquaintances. An ardent Republican 
in politics, he takes a deep and commendable 
interest in the success of his party, but cares 
nothing for public office, preferring to give his 
entire time and attention to his extensive busi- 
ness interests. 



G DORSEY GREEN, of Patton township. 
Centre county, has descended from a fam- 
ily prominent in civil and military affairs of the 
Commonwealth. 

In i;\j\ 2 Col. Samuel Miles and Col. John 
Patton, two officers of the Revolutionary war, 
erected Centre furnace, in what is now Boggs 
township, Centre county, which, with a store at 
that point, was in operation under the name of 
Miles. Patton & Miles as early as May J, 1792 — 
the first blast furnace erected in the count). 
Col. Patton died in 1S02, and Col. Miles, who 

- a resident of Montgomery county, and whose 

interests were represented by his sons, Joseph 

^ and John. :-; of Centre county, died in 

III- furn wis blown out in 1809, and 

i idle until about 1823, when Joseph Gn 
Sr., and Joseph Miles started it again. Col. 
Miles had, in 17*12, purchased large tract 
land on Spring and Bald I agle creeks, and he, 
with his sons, laid out Milesburg and established 
the Milesburg lion Works in i~<j~, which, for a 
time, were carried on in connection with the 
Centre furnace. After Joseph Green, Sr., came 
in 1 82 5, the firm name was Joseph Miles & Co. 
John Miles died in [S2<^j. In [832 Joseph Miles 
sold his interest to Gen. James Irvin, and until 
1 8 }6 James Irvin & Co. conducted the bi 
Joseph Green, Sr., then retired, and was suc- 
ceeded by Gen. Huston. 

In the Revolutionary war Gen. Miles was 



colonel of one of the rifle battalions, and was 
taken prisoner at Long Island in 177''. He was 
quently judge of the Court of Errors and 
Appeals, and mayor of Philadelphia. Joseph 
Green, Sr., his nephew, was a carpenter, and 
came from Chester county with Joseph and John 
Miles to assist in building the Iron works, and. 
as stated above, later became a partner. He 
built and lived in a house that stood upon a lot 
occupied in 1SS2 by Harry Levi's residence; the 
kitchen, constructed of stone, was then still stand- 
ing. In [836 he moved to Milesburg, and be- 
came the first postmaster at that place. His 
wife, Hannah (Griffith), was also from Chester 
county, Penn., and their children were: Capt. 
William (... ol the U. S. A. (died in 1815 at 
Lexington, Ky.); Gen. Samuel Miles; Esther, 
married to Joseph Butler; Joseph; Eliza, mar- 
ried to H. L. McMinn; and Hannah, married to 
John Irvin, Jr. 

Of this family. Gen. Samuel Miles Green 
the father of <. Dorsey Green. The General 
was born at the iron works near Milesburg, 
April 13, 1797. He read law with Hon. John 
Blanchard, and was admitted to the Bar in 1821, 
contemporary with the late Hon. A. S. Wilson 
and John G. Miles. Shortly afterward li 
appointed deputy attorney-general for Clearfield 
count)', and subsequently removed to Meadville, 
Penn., where he remained five years, during 
which time he was employed bj the attorney- 
general in the prosecution of some important 
criminal cases, in which he acquitted In 
with great credit. He retired from the Bar in 
unc tin- manager of the Centre County 
Iron Works, and in 1836 he removed to Barre 
Forge, on the Little Juniata, in Hunth 
county, when- he was extensively 1 in the 

manufacture of iron until 1874, when he returned 
to his native count), and passed the ever 
his life on a farm on Buffalo run, with his 
G. Dorsey. dying December 21, 1878, in the 
1 ighty-fourth year ol Ins age. He was a 

, with a h 
ami manner. Carrying the weight "f 

almost an additional sp.m to the yeai - 
allotted life, he stood as erect as a boy of twenty, 
and retained to 1 remarkable degree the 1 
th and vigor of early life, worth) his I 
lutionary . While a resident of Hunt- 

n count)- he was commissioned a brii; 
general of militia by Gov. Porter. Gen. ' 
was t mi) genial and kind-hearted gentlei 
beloved b) all. In politics he was original!) a 
Whig, later a Republican. 

lb married Rachel E.. daughter of Gn 
berry and I li/abeth (Bartholomew) Dors. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



453 



Philadelphia. Rachel E. Dorsey was born at 
Barre Forge, and there died. The children of 
the General and his wife were: G. Dorsey, 
Hannah E. and Joseph A. Greenberry Dorsey 
and Edward Bartholomew (the father of Eliza- 
beth) erected Barre forge on the Little Juniata in 
1790. 

G. Dorsey Green was born at Centre Furnace, 
March 13, 1832. He attended the academy at 
Lewisburg, and subsequently entered college at 
Lawrenceville, N. J. from which institution he 
was graduated at the age of eighteen years. He 
afterward was in the employ of his father and 
Gen. frvin, the latter's associate in business at 
Barre fron Works, first as clerk, then as store- 
keeper, and later as manager. In 1856 he be- 
came proprietor of the works, and until 1874 was 
most extensively and successfully engaged in the 
manufacture of iron. From his works went out 
the blooms from which the wire was made that 
was used in the construction of the suspension 
bridge across the river at Niagara Falls; also the 
iron work in the bridge across the Allegheny river 
at Pittsburg came from the Barre works. The 
works made money rapidly; but the proprietor 
was heavily caught in the failure of Jay Cooke, 
after which he sold the plant and retired to a 
beautiful farm of about 400 acres of land on 
Buffalo run, near Bellefonte, where he has since 
made his home and followed farming. 

Mr. Green in his active business life, and in 
his earlier career, had opportunities not afforded 
to many young men. In i860 it was his privilege 
to attend the National Republican Convention at 
Chicago, at which President Lincoln was nom- 
inated. His brother was a delegate to that con- 
vention, and he accompanied him. He was an 
aide on the staff of Gov. Packer, which entitled 
him to the rank of colonel, a title, however, he 
was too modest to assume. In politics he is a 
Republican. He is identified with the Presbyte- 
rian Church, and for years was superintendent of 
the Sabbath-school. He is one of the highly es- 
teemed citizens in the community in which he re- 
sides, and one of the substantial men of Centre 
county. 

Mr. Green was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Gregg, a daughter of Matthew Gregg, of 
Centre county, and their children are: Ella 
Gregg, now the wife of W. E. Gray, a lawyer of 
Bellefonte; Samuel Miles, in the employ of a 
railroad company in California; Elizabeth Dor- 
sey, unmarried; Allen McGregor, a resident of 
California; and George Dorsey, now attending 
medical lectures at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania (he graduated from the State College in 
1896, taking the class honors). 



AMES LINGLE. As a representative of the 
intelligent and hardy pioneers who opened 
up Boggs township, Centre county, for set- 
tlement, and have since taken a conspicuous part 
in developing it, we are pleased to place in this 
volume the life history of the gentleman whose 
name introduces this sketch, one of the leading 
dairymen and farmers of the township, as well as 
one of the most prominent citizens. 

Mr. Lingle was born November 9, 1825, on a 
farm that was then in Centre county (but is now 
a part of Clinton county), Penn., a son of Paul 
and Mary (Spoon) Lingle, natives of Dauphin 
county, Penn. , of German descent. They were 
married in Dauphin county, and in 1802 moved 
to Kishacoquillas Valley, this State, where they 
remained until 1823, which year witnessed their 
arrival in Bald Eagle Valley, now in Clinton 
county. In 1838 they went to Holmes county, 
Ohio, where six months were passed, after which 
they returned to Centre county, spending the fol- 
lowing three years at Beach Creek. They then 
removed to what was known as the Brown 
farm, in the same county, near Blanchard, 
then called Eagleville, where the father's death 
occurred February 1, 1856. He was born Janu- 
ary 25, 1775; his wife was born March 31, 1781, 
and died October 14, 1863. In their family 
were the following children: Mary, born June 
26, i8(SO, became the wife of Samuel McNitt 
(now deceased), and she died in 1862; John, born 
November 16, 1801, is also deceased; Catherine, 
born August 28, 1803, died November 16, 1804; 
Simon, born December 22, 1805, died September 
28, 1883; Thomas, born October 21, 1807, is 
deceased; Jane, born July's, 1809, married John 
Baker, and is now deceased; Joseph, born March 
2, 181 1, died August 25, 1892; David, born De- 
cember 18, 1 81 2, makes his home in Nebraska; 
Elizabeth, born January 26, 1815, is the wife of 
A. Packer, of Michigan; William, born March 8, 
1817, is deceased; Ann M., born March 4, 18 19, 
was the wife of W. Williams, of Clinton county, 
Penn., and died September 17, 1897; Alexander, 
born February 28, 1821, is a resident of ^Dauphin 
county, Penn.; George, born April 6, 1823, lives 
at Beach Creek, Clinton county; and James, of 
this review, completes the family. By trade the 
father was a carpenter, which he followed until 
1823, the year of his moving to Bald Eagle Val- 
ley, where he passed the rest of his days. He 
was a stalwart Democrat, and was called upon to 
serve in several local offices. In religious faith, 
he held membership in the Christian Church. 

Until twenty-two years of age, James Lingle 
remained under the parental roof, and during two 
autumns worked at the carpenter's trade. The 



454 



niMMHMOKATIVE BlonllM'UUM. UF.foRD. 



summer seasons he spent as a captain of a canal 
boat for about twelve years, when he purchased 
a boat of his own, which he operated the follow- 
ing five years. One year was then spent on his 
present farm, at the end of which time he sold 
out and went to Tazewell county, 111., where he 
engaged in farming for three years. Since that 
time, however, he has continuously lived upon 
his present valuable farm, a tract of 104 acres, 
which he has placed under a high state of culti- 
\ation and improved with many substantial mod- 
ern buildings. In 1875 he also embarked in the 
dairy business, which has proved a profitable 
venture, and to-day he is regarded as one of the 
reliable and well-to-do citizens of Boggs town- 
ship. His dairy is one of the neatest and tidiest 
in the county, and his entire farm is the reflex of 
a careful and judicious manager. 

On February 17, 1 S 5 S . Mr. Lingle was united 
in marriage with Miss Marcella Malone, who was 
born November 3, 1839, on the homestead where 
she still resides, a daughter of Frederick and 
Eliza (Borlen) Malone. Nine children blessed 
this union, namely: Lycurgus, born March 12, 
1859, is a farmer of Penn's Valley, Penn. ; Ed- 
ward P., born February i8, 1861, a telegraph 
operator, is married, and is living with our sub- 
ject; MaryS., born October 12, 1863, is the wife 
of Thomas Boggs, a merchant of Milesburg, 
( entre county; Harry M., born April 16, 1866, 
is living in Kansas City, Mo.; Charles B., born 
in Tazewell county, 111., March 8, 1869, is at 
home; John, born April 20, 1S72, is a druggist in 
Philadelphia; Elizabeth A., born December 27, 
[874, is the wife of Frank Wetsler, of Central 
City, Penn. ; ami Florence, born February 28, 
1S7S, and James B., born March 20, 1881, are 
both at hon 

Mr. Lingle is a progressive, public-spirited 
citizen, giving freely to all enterprises having for 
their object the advancement and welfare of the 
nmunity, with whose interests he is identified; 
and while he has never aspired to public office 
he has filled the several positions to which he 
has been elected, with great credit to himself 
and to the satisfaction of his constituents. II 
a worthy member of the Disciple Church, and in 
politics is ui ardent Democrat. He has watched 
with interest the growth and development of 
Centre county, and holds the esteem and respect 
of the entire community. 

Thomas Lingle, grandfather of our subject, 
was a general farmer, and owned a farm whereon 
1 1.111 isburg, Penn., now stands. His son Paul 
(our subject's father) drove his five-horse team 
from Harrisburg to Philadelphia, hauling his 
grain and other farm products to market. 



Q\Y. EMIGH, M. L>., a successful physician 
of Philipsburg, Centre county, is a self- 
made man whose history affords a striking illus- 
tration of the possibilities which lie before one 
in whom mental ability is combined with high 
purpose and resolute will. 

Dr. Fmigh is a descendant of a pioneer fam- 
ily of Clearfield county, and the sturdy qualities 
of the race has been shown there in three pre- 
vious generations. His great-grandfather. Chris- 
tian Emigh, came from Germany when a young 
man, and settled upon a tract of land at the 
stream since known as Emigh's run. it having 
been named in his honor. He was a farmer In- 
occupation and, so far as can now be ascertained, 
spent his life there. His son and namesake, 
Christian Emigh 2), who was born at Emigh's 
Run, possessed decided mechanical genius, and 
following his inclination he learned the carpen- 
ter's trade early in life. The demand for such 
labor was not constant in that vicinity, hov 
and although he was kept busy dining the sum- 
mer months his winters were spent in chopping 
wood and such employment as he could find 
around the furnaces. For some time after his 
marriage he resided at Julia Ann Furnace, 
tre county, but later he settled in Philipsburg, 
where he became known as a most skillful me- 
chanic. His declining years were passed upon 
his farm in Clearfield county, about three and 
one-half miles from Philipsburg. and his remains 
now rest in the cemetery at that town. 

Jonathan Emigh, the father of our sub 
was born at Julia Ann Furnace, and was a mere 
child when his father removed to Philip- 
where he grew to manhood, in the meantime 
inning the carpenter's trade. He was of a liter- 
ary turn of mind and very studious and many 
a night was spent in reading while lying on Ins 
back in order to catch the light emitted I; 
burning pine fagot, as he could not afford cai 
and lus days were necessarily devoted I 
ing his father. At seventeen he was qualil 
teach a country school, and entered upon 
work with such earnestness and zeal thai 
tablished a reputation as one of the besf 
structors in his section. In mathematics h 

by his ability. Those were the 
days "1 the primitive log school houses, and his 
small pay was left clear through the 1 
" boai ding round. " 

While teaching at Fairview he obsei 
unusual beauty ol one of his pupils, a bright, 
healthy girl with a cheery disposition, and 
termined to make her his wife. The atti 
was mutual, and in due time Miss Mary 1 I 
became Mrs. Fmigh. A home was made upon 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



455 



a tract of wild land in Clearfield county, and 
Mr. Emigh's time was thenceforth devoted to 
clearing and cultivating land in addition to teach- 
ing. During the Civil war he was drafted into 
the Federal service, and although he was then 
in the "forties" he was found to be physically 
sound. His regiment was assigned to the Ninth 
Corps of the Army of the Potomac, and during 
his short term he had some severe experiences 
which he would relate in after years. On one 
occasion he and a few other Union soldiers were 
surrounded in a swamp, and the Rebels kept up 
a constant firing at them all night long. The 
rain poured down in torrents, and the adjacent 
river overflowed and flooded the swamp. There 
they were, their bodies submerged in water, and 
their heads were with difficulty kept in a safe 
shelter behind stumps or trees from the bullets 
that flew thick and fast above them. Their pain- 
ful efforts availed them nothing in the end, for 
when morning came they were obliged to sur- 
render to their captors. This was near the close 
of the war, and fortunately they were detained 
only a few days in prison. 

On his return from the army Mr. Emigh re- 
sumed his former occupations. His abilities 
made him influential among his acquaintances, 
and for many years he served as justice of the 
peace. He was also school director for a long 
time, and even taught school in the same dis- 
trict while holding that position. This was clearly 
against the law, but the community wanted 
his services, and technicalities were waived. 
His widow resides at the old homestead, which 
Dr. Emigh purchased that he might surround 
her with every material comfort which could 
brighten the evening of her life. The following 
children lived to adult age: (i) Hiram died at 
twenty-two years; (2) Priscilla (deceased) mar- 
ried James Hummel; (3) Lucretia (deceased) 
was the wife of William Quick; (4) G. W. is 
mentioned more fully below; (5) Jonathan re- 
sides in Graham township, Clearfield county; 
(6) Henry lives at the old homestead; (7) Ann 
married George Pierce, and resides upon a part 
of the old farm; (8) Frank is attending medical 
college in Baltimore, Md. ; (9) Florence married 
Thomas Reynolds, and resides at the old home; 
(10) Andrew Jackson died in 1873. 

Dr. Emigh was born at the family home- 
stead, March 10, 1857, and as a farmer's son he 
early learned the necessity and value of labor. 
The constant and outdoor employment gave him 
healthful physical development, much of his 
time being spent in wielding the axe and hauling 
logs with an ox-team. He attended the local 
school and a normal school in the same county, 



but as his parents were unable to give him a col- 
legiate education his later progress was made 
through private study. Once fitted for teaching 
he felt that he had found the stepping stone to 
success, and so rapidly did he advance in that 
honorable calling that at the time he left it for 
the medical profession he was principal of the 
public schools of Houtzdale, Clearfield county. 
He began to read medicine under the instruction 
of Dr. M. Gard Whittlier, of Clearfield, one of 
the most expert surgeons in this section, and aft- 
er a course in the medical department of the 
University of New York, he was graduated in 
1884 with the degree of M. D. Locating at 
Woodland, Clearfield county, he built up an ex- 
tensive and lucrative practice. He married Miss 
Eleanor Howe, daughter of Robert Howe, a 
a well-known resident of Philipsburg. She is a 
lady of unusual mental force and fine culture, 
and prior to her marriage was a successful 
teacher. Like the Doctor she has developed 
her intellectual gifts through the discipline of 
private study. They have one son, George Wal- 
ton. 

On February 21, 1893, Dr. Emigh removed 
with his family to Philipsburg, and then, going 
to New York City, he pursued a post-graduate 
course at his Alma Mater. Since his return to 
Philipsburg he has continued his professional 
work with marked success, his popularity in- 
creasing as his acquaintance widens. Alert and 
vigorous mentally, and an earnest student, he 
keeps well abreast of the advances in medical 
science, while his fine physique supports well the 
strain of professional duties. As a citizen he is 
held in high esteem for his sterling integrity. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F. , and the Ma- 
sonic order, and in politics is an outspoken ad- 
herent of the Democratic party. 



WT. BAIR. If all journalists allowed a 
keen sense of honor, and a due regard for 
the public welfare, to dictate the contents of 
their columns; if evil were not . emphasized, and 
the records of the various classes of "degener- 
ates" were not constantly spread before the 
world to impress the minds of the morbid and the 
vicious, can we doubt that crime would speedily 
grow less? It is refreshing to find in the scholarly 
editor of the Philipsburg Daily Journal, a man 
whose conscience is recognized as a guide even 
in the "sanctum sanctorum," and who would pre- 
fer to lose a subscriber, if necessary, rather than 
to lower the moral tone of his bright, clean, and 
progressive paper. 

Perhaps Mr. Bair derives his sturdy inde- 



l.V, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pendence in the cause of right from the ances- 
who through past centuries breathed the 
the pure air of Alpine heights in their home in 
Switzerland. Coming to this country in Colon- 
ial times, the less remote members of his line be- 
came prominent among the pioneers of Lancaster 
county, Penn., and his grandfather, Abraham 
Bair, a native of that county bore the title of 
>quir< which then meant much), for many 
years. He passed a long life in agricultural pur- 
suits, being more than eighty years of age when 
he passed to the unseen world. 

D. H. I i subject's father, was born in 

in Lancaster county in [828, :m«l was engaged in, 
and identified with, mercantile business for many 
irs, and is now living in Philipsburg. He has 
always taken keen interest in public affairs, and 
in politics is a Democrat. His wife, Catherine 
Long, was born in 1832, and is also living. Mm 
belongs to nne of the old Pennsylvania-Dutch 
families, her ancestors having been among the 
first settlers in Germany Valley, Huntingdon 

nty. Thej were Dunkards in religious faith. 
Her father. Judge John Long, associate judge of 
Huntingdon county, was a prominent merchant 
and land holder, owning 1 farms in that 

county. He died at the age of eighty-two years. 
Our subject was one of a familj of six children, 
of whom, four lived to mature age, viz.: J. 
1 rank, Webstei I.. William I... and Harry H., 
all now engaged in different departments of the 
Philipsburg J our mil. 

W. T. Bair was horn in Huntingdon county, 
June 26, [859, and received his early education 
in the public schools at Mount Union. He had 
a clear perception as to his proper vocation, and 
lost no time in preparing for it by learning the 
printer's trade. In the fall of I S74 he established 
the Mount Union Herald, which he afterward 
sold. He then purchased the Mount Union 
Times, but two years later went to Philipsburg 
to take charge of the Journal, then a weekly 
paper. In July, 1SS1, after two years as man- 
ager, he became its proprietor and has evi 
continued to give it his close attention as editor. 
Under his care it ha red; on November 1, 

1888, he added a daily edition, and the result 
has justified his confidence in its growing popu- 
larity. It is independent in politics, and Mr. 
Bair's determination to exclude all news of prize 
fights or other demoralizing matter has made of it 
a paper that may safely be placed in any home. 
In [881 Mr. Hair was married in Shirleysburg, 
Penn., to Miss Annie M. Elliott, who was born 
in Franklin county, Penn., and was reared bv an 
aunt. Four children bless this union: Viola, 
Edna. I tin 1, and Joyce. 



Progressive and liberal in his views, Mr. Bair 
is interested in all phases of our common life 
Since 1885 he has been a Prohibitionist in politics, 
and he has always been active in various religious 
and philanthropical movements. He is a lead- 
ing member of the M. E. Church, and for years 
has served as- secretary of the board of trustees, 
while he is a prominent worker in the Epworth 
League, and is now president of the Altoona 
District League, also recording secretary of the 
Central Pennsylvania League. 



GEORGE G. HASTINGS. Histor) si 
that the most prosperous nations of the 
world have had large agricultural interests to up- 
hold their commercial and other business rela- 
tions, and it is conceded that the stability and 
ss of this country is largely due to the 
farming class. Among the leading agriculturists 
"I ( entre county is numbered Mr. Hastings, wl. 
is now successfully operating a rich and valuable 
tract of land in Benner township, near Belle - 
fonte. 

Thomas Hastings, grandfather of Ge 
washy occupation a surveyor, and came to Belle- 
fonte in the early settlement of the place where he 
resided. He took up large tracts of land in Centre 
county. His children were: Daniel and Mary, 
the latter of whom never married. Daniel was 
born on Cedar creek in Haines township. Centre 
county, June 2. 1794; on April 16, [846.be 
iied Mrs. Mary A. Hartsock, who was born in 
Half Moon township, Centre county, October 14. 
1814, a daughter of George and Sarah (Flegel 
Gray, and granddaughter of Peter < i 
came from Frederick, Md., to the Half 
country in 1788, and their children were: 1 
and George G. The former was a member of 
the 53rd P. V. I. during the Civil war, and is 
a merchant at Beech Creek, Clinton county. 
Pennsylvania. 

George G. Hastings was born April 11.1 
in Centre county, Penn., and spent the da 
his boyhood and youth in the county of his na- 
tivity. He is indebted to the public- 
system for the educational privileges which he 
enjoys. Throughout the greater part of his 
ness career he has followed agricultural pui 
but in 1869 he embarked in the lumber I 
and for four years carried on operations along that 
line. In the spring of 187.} he commenced 
inj4 in Benner township on land belonging to the 
estate, and three years later he bought his pi 
farm, then comprising one hundred acre 
which he has since added f 1 < mi time to time until 
he has now 260 acres of good land. On the farm 




&<>.&. /6a^tzL 




& 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



457 



are substantial buildings, and his improvements 
are all modern. In farming methods he is pro- 
gressive, and his labors have resulted in the 
acquirement of a comfortable competence. In 
1 87 1 Mr. Hastings was married to Miss Loretta 
Rogers, and to them have been born children as 
follows: Mary Agnes, April 1, 1872, at Beech 
Creek, married Edward P. Gray February 9, 
1897, and they reside on the old homestead in 
Patton township; Enoch T., November 12, 1873, 
in Benner township; George Gray, June 2, 1875, 
dn Benner township; Harriet Belle, January 8. 
1877; Sarah Loretta, September 27, 1878; Henry 
B., May 17, 1880; Anna Elizabeth, May 17, 1882; 
Eliza O., August 9, 1886; and Nellie Jennette, 
August 8, 1888. Mrs. Loretta Hastings was born 
at Beech Creek on December 9, 1846, a daugh- 
ter of T. A. S. and Agnes Ann ( Miller) Rogers. 
The latter was a native of Lancaster county, 
Penn., born in 18 19, and died in July, 1883, at 
Beech Creek, in Clinton county. He was by 
trade a blacksmith. Agnes Miller was a native 
of Mifflin county, Penn., born in 18 14, and died 
in August, 1882, at Beech Creek. Their chil- 
dren were: Clarinda, Loretta, Henry B., John 
Thomas, Robert \\ '. , Susan E., and one that 
died in infancy. 



H 



Y. STITZER. An early struggle with ad- 
verse circumstances is quite commonly held 
to be an advantage to an aspirant for success in 
life; but sometimes, when one sees a gallant effort 
made against heavy odds, the thought arises that 
the energy and concentrated will which inspired 
it, might, under happier conditions, have been 
applied to other issues, seemingly more impor- 
tant. But if the development of character is the 
main work of our sojourn upon earth, if "the 
deed in the doing reaches its aim," then the years 
spent in overcoming such hindrances are really as 
rich in fruit as any which win the approving no- 
tice of the public. 

The history of the subject of this sketch, a 
well-known attorney of Bellefonte, Centre county, 
possesses the interest which invariably attaches 
to the life of a self-made man. His paternal 
ancestors were early settlers in Pennsylvania, and 
hi> grandfather, John Stitzer, a native of this 
State, was for many years the proprietor of the 
principal hotel in Mifflinburg. William Stitzer, 
our subject's father, was born in that city May 
J 3. 181 1, and was married there September 13, 
!833i to Miss Judith Yearick, a native of the 
same place, born November 23, 181 1. After his 
marriage he moved to Millheim, Centre county, 
and followed the hatter's trade for some time, 



but fortune did not smile upon his efforts, and 
later he became a day laborer at various places 
in Centre county. His death occurred in Belle- 
fonte, September 17, 1873, at the home of our 
subject. He was an Old-line Whig in politics 
in his early years, but after the change in party 
lines which followed the agitation of the slavery 
question, he became an Independent, with ten- 
dencies toward the Republican party. He and 
his estimable wife were members of the Evan- 
gelical Church. She survived him many years, 
breathing her last October 24, 1891. They had 
seven children, whose names with dates of birth 
are as follows: John, April 16, 1834, is a saddler 
at Mifflinburg; Lydia, born June 17, 1835, at 
Millheim, married William J. Bollinger (now of 
Salt Lake City), and died in 1871 at Illinois; H. 
Y. , our subject, is the next in the order of birth; 
William D., October 31, 1838, died January 13, 
1840; William W. , December, 1840, is a farm- 
er in Gregg township, Centre county; Sarah, 
December 15, 1842, married John Zerbv, of Pot- 
ter township, Centre county; Amelia, August 21, 
1844. resides with our subject. 

H. Y. Stitzer was born February 25, 1837, 
at Millheim. He had no settled home during 
his childhood owing to his father's frequent 
changes of location, and at an early age he was 
apprenticed to a merchant tailor in Mifflinburg, 
learning that trade. Despite the difficulties in 
the way of securing an education, his naturally 
bright and active mind had enabled him to make 
fair progress, and inspired by a determination to 
seek a more congenial field of labor than his trade 
promised to be, he attended the academy at 
Mifflinburg for one summer, and in the following 
winter, when about twenty-one, he began teach- 
ing school in Snyder county. In 1861, after 
several years of successful work in this calling, 
he was made principal of the High School at 
Bellefonte, which position he held but a short 
time when he was admitted to the Bar, having 
previously studied law under the direction of 
Judge Hoy, of Bellefonte, and established him- 
self in practice. During the battle of Gettys- 
burg he was one of the Emergency men called 
out by the Governor, and served for eight weeks 
in Capt. Boal's company. In 1866 he was 
elected district attorney and served ably for two 
terms, but on retiring from office in 1872, he 
purchased the Livingston Book Store, which he 
continued until 1895. Since disposing of that he 
has resumed his practice with gratifying success. 
He was deputy sheriff under Richard Conley. 

On December 25, 1867, Mr. Stitzer was mar- 
ried to Miss Hannah M. Hess, a native of Boals- 
burg, born in February, 1837. They have no 



■».> 



COMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



children of their own, but took two, a girl and a 
boy, into their home, whom they reared and ed- 
ucated; the girl, Mini E, Shaffer, is DOW the wife 
of H. A McKee; the boy, Randolph P. Nighten- 
gale, a son of Dr. Nightengale, of Doylestown, 
Penn., died when nearly twenty years of age. In 
his younger days Mr. Stitzer took an active part 
in politics, and has served as chairman of the 
Democratic Central Committee of the counts 
Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran 
Church; they take great interest in Church work. 
and in the Sabbath-school, of which Mr. Stitzer 
was for many years the superintendent. 



J WES1 1 Y GEPHART, general superintend- 
ent of the Central Railroad of Pennsylvania, 
and for a decade one of the foremost lawyers 
at the Centre County Bar, is the son of John P. 
and Mary M (Swartz) Gephart, the former an 
honored citizen of Belled inte, a notice of whom, 
with that of his ancestors, appears elsewhere m 
this volume. 

|. Wesley Gephart was born at Millheim, May 
25, 1853. The foundation for his education was 
laid in his native town, and in the schools of 
Bellefonte; he was prepared for college at the 
Bellefonte Academy, and was graduated from 
Princeton in 1874. He read law in the office 
and under the direction of Gen. fames A. Beaver, 
of Bellefonte, since Governor of Pennsylvania, 
and now one of the judges of the Superior Court 
of the Commonwealth. Young Gephart was ad- 
mitted to the Bar December 13, 1876, and, at 
the time, the press thus noticed the event: "Our 
youngfriend, Mr. J. YV. Gephart, was admitted to 
practice law in the several courts of Centre coun- 
ty, on Wednesday last. Mr. Gephart's admission 
is the first that has occurred under the new rule 
of the (.nit appoint permanent board of 

miners, who are guided by a certain set of 
rules in the examination of applicants. Mr. 
Gephart is said to have given complete satisfac- 
tion to the board, who complimented him highly, 
lie is a very diligent young man, of much natural 
ability, and his reading has been quit ive. 

He has a logical mind, and a retentive memory, 
and his future promises brilliant things. We 
congratulate him." Less than two years after- 
ward the press again remarked that: "Mr. Gep- 
hart, though young, is an exceedingly fine speaker, 
giv< > promise of becoming a brilliant orati 
After his admission to the Bar. Mr G( | 
became.) partner of his preceptor. Gen. Beaver, 
which partnership continued until in November, 
1893. when he retired in order to give his entire 



time to the Valentine Iron Company, with which 
he was connected from January I, 1891, to No- 
vember 1, 1895, and the newCentral Railroad of 
Pennsylvania, of which he had been made the 
general superintendent. Ten years after his ad- 
mission to the Bar the press said: "The distin- 
guished law firm of Beaver & Gephart has added 
a new man to its membership in the person of 
John M. Dale, one of its former students. I'p 
to 1873 the firm was McAllister & Beaver, and 
was continued under that name until January 7, 
1877, when ]. W. Gephart, son of Hon. J. P. 
Gephart, was taken into partnership. Just t* a 
years later the firm became as above stated. 
The new member of the firm is a graduate of the 
State College, and about a year ago was admitted 
as a practitioner to the several courts of Clinton 
and Centre counties. Since then he has spent 
the major portion of his time in the office of 
Beaver & Gephart, with whom he read law. He 
is a young man of excellent qualities, and is well 
prepared for the profession upon which he so 
conspicuously entered. Both sides are to be 
congratulated — the firm in securing so able a 
young man, and the new member in becoming 
associated with so popular a firm. Mr. Gephart, 
a graduate from Princeton, made a right record 
during the first ten years." This firm en 
an extensive practice, and owing to the 
member's absence much of the time in his rela- 
tions to the public affairs of the Commonwealth, 
a great deal of work fell upon the junior mem- 
bers, who, however, always proved then 
equal to the task. Mr. < rephart has ever had the 
reputation of a close student, and is an indefati- 
gable worker, and whatever he has taken hold oJ 
moved. Through the inspiration that his v 
energy, and ability gave to one of the languishing 
industries of Bellefonte, it lie. 
he is the president of the 1 ompany. He is a suc- 
cessful man. He stood deservedly high at the 
Bar. both as a counselor and as an advocate. 
He is an eloquent and forcible speaker. He has 
always been found on the side of right 
questions, and in all movements tending to the 
elevation of mankind. His influence ha- 
felt in the cause of temperance, and for years he 
has been an active workei in the Presbyl 
Church, and the superintendent of its Sab 
school. Being a man of letters, and p 
the qualities of a leader, capable and willn 
adorns citizenship. 

In iSSS Mr. Gephart supported Harrisoi 
President. He had been educated a Hen 
Commenting on a letter he had written ex) 
ing his views on the tariff question, and in justifi- 
cation of his intention of voting with the Repub- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



459- 



licans, the press said: "Never was so power- 
ful a political bomb thrown into the Democratic 
camp of Centre county, as the able letter written 
by J. W. Gephart, Esq., and published in last 
week's issue of the Gazette. Everybody has 
read the letter — Protectionists, irrespective of 
politics, heartily endorse it, and Cleveland Free- 
trade Democrats are unable to refute or explain 
any part of it. They are simply dumbfounded, 
and know not where to look for relief. No one 
ventures to express the least doubt about Mr. 
Gephart's Democracy, for everybody knows that 
he has always stood by the Democrats through 
thick and thin. No one can raise the cry of dis- 
gruntled politician, for Mr. Gephart has never 
sought any office either large or small. No one 
can say aught against his professional or business 
qualifications, for he stands far above reproach 
in any capacity or department you choose to 
take him. So then Mr. Gephart cannot be at- 
tacked personally, politically or professionally. 
What are the Freetraders going to do about it ? 
Inquiries have been received by mail, telegraph 
and personally for copies of the Gazette, contain- 
ing the letter. A large number of extra copies 
of this week's issue were run off, and yet they 
were all gone before night of Friday last. A 
large addition of Gazette supplements containing 
the Gephart letter is now in print." 

In October, 1879, Mr. Gephart was married 
to Miss Ella Hayes, and the Watchman remarked 
on the occasion: "He is, beside being a lawyer 
and a capable one, an accomplished printer, hav- 
ing learned his trade in the Watchman office, 
and to a great extent secured his college educa- 
tion by working at the business in Princeton, N. 
J. His bride is the accomplished Miss Ella 
Hayes (daughter of W. W. Hayes, Esq., for- 
merly of this place, but now of Washington, D. 
C 1, who almost since herchildhood has been an 
inmate of the family of W. P. Wilson, deceased, 
on High street, a modest, excellent girl, with a 
fair share of personal attractions, who will make 
'Wes' a faithful, good and loving wife. The 
marriage took place in the church, being solem- 
nized by Rev. Mr. Laurie, in the presence of a 
dense congregation of people. The bridal pair 
were attended by six ushers, and as they ad- 
vanced up the aisle they were greeted by looks 
of eager anticipation and delight — so susceptible 
are the multitude to the charms of a nuptial cere- 
mony. Excellent music was rendered, and the 
floral decorations of the church were admirable. 
After the performance of the marriage rite the 
happy pair returned to the residence of Mr. Wil- 
son, where they viewed the handsome gifts pre- 
sented to them, among which were $140 silver 



service as a compliment from the members of 
the Bar, and $150 in pure gold." 

The children of this marriage are: Wallace, 
Wilson and Elizabeth. Mrs. Mary M. Gephart, 
the mother of our subject, was the granddaugh- 
ter of George Swartz (I), who built one of the 
first sawmills on Elk creek in Penn township. 
He was a leading member of the Evangelical 
Church, and of his eleven children, George was 
the father of Mrs. Gephart. The latter's death 
occurred on December 14, 1874. "She was a 
quiet, unpretentious, good woman, with a heart 
overflowing with kindness and sympathy toward 
every one, and with a hand always ready to as- 
sist and comfort in every time of distress. As a 
neighbor none could be better, and the families 
who lived near her all bear testimony to the ex- 
ceeding loveliness of her character. Her nature 
was all womanly, tender, charitable, forbearing 
and sympathetic. She won the love and the es- 
teem of all with whom she was thrown in con- 
tact. It was her own family, however, where 
her worth was best known and appreciated, and 
there will her loss be most grievously felt. It was 
her hand that managed, her eye that saw, her 
heart that felt for each member of that little cir- 
cle. The father, the son and the daughter all 
drew their comfort from her. For them the 
fires were bright, the room cheerful, the table 
invitingly spread. For them there was peace 
and quietness and domesticity in every depart- 
ment, and no happier family ever assembled 
around the hearthstone. She was the wife and 
mother in the fullest- sense of those significant 
and tender words, and in her intercourse with her 
family she was careful to order her walk and con- 
versation in accordance with the injunction of the 
law of her God and Master. She had been a 
member of the M. E. Church from her child- 
hood." 



G\EORGE REIBER is prominently identified 
_T with the agricultural interests of Potter 
township, Centre county. He has achieved suc- 
cess by his own unaided exertions, and is, in 
fact, a self-made man, starting out in life with 
nothing but youth in his favor, and his endow- 
ments of fine health, a vigorous muscle and a 
clear, cool brain. After all, a man possessing 
these need fear nothing; with a determination to 
succeed, success is his almost from the start, al- 
though it may be that years of patient waiting 
and hard toil are necessary before his endeavors 
are crowned with the full measure of success. 

At Sinking Springs, Berks Co., Penn., Mr. 
Reiber was born February 15, 1830, a son of 



■Mi 



COMMEMOHATIYK BJOQ UM'llU AL RECORD. 



Jacob and Mary (Flisher) Reiber, who, with their 
four children, came to Centre county, in 1836, 
locating near Tusseyville. They ilrove the en- 
tire distance from Rtitler, Penn., whither they 
had removed from Berks county; but being dis- 
satisfied with the locality, they came to Centre 
county, where the father first rented land and 
worked at his trade of blacksmithing. Later he 
bought a farm of Potter Brothers, with whom he 
had deposited $1,000, which amount was ap- 
plied on his place just before the failure of that 
well-known linn. There he continued to reside 
until his death, which occurred when he was 
over sixty years old. His wife was about the 
same age when she, too, was called to her final 
rest, and they now sleep side by side in the Tus- 
seyville cemetery. They were earnest and con- 
sistent members of the Lutheran Church, in which 
the father had held office, and in politics he was 
a Democrat. Their family consisted of four 
children: Elizabeth, now Mrs. Adam Stemm, 
of Berrien county, Mich.; George; John, a tin- 
ner of St. Jo., Mich.; and William, a retired 
physician of Berrien Springs, in the same State. 

Until the free schools were established the 
educational privileges of our subject were limited, 
but in the common schools he obtained a fair 
literary training, his firsl teacher being James 
Powley. At the age of thirteen, however, he 
laid aside Ins text books and learned the black- 
smith's trade in his father's shop, where he contin- 
ued to work until the age of twenty-four years. 
lb was then married in Potter township to Miss 
Esther Mayer, a native of that township, and a 
daughter of Jacob and Julia A. (Trion) Mayer. 
B3 trade her father was a tanner, and for many 
years followed thai business near Colyer. Mr. 
and Mrs. Reiber have a son, William, born in 
Potter township, Decemhbr 25, 1854. He was 
1 in the district schools, and has always 
remained at home. Being very handy with all 
sorts of tools, he does all kinds of repairing of 
watches, 1 locks and jewelry, and in 189O he built 
an excellent home and workshop near Colyei 
In 1879 he was married in Potter township, to 
Miss Mary E., daughter of Conrad Decker, and 
they have three children— William A., Clara and 
Blanche — all at home. 

Alter his marriage, Mr. Reiber, the subject 
of this sketch, rented a house near his father-in- 
law's tannery, where he worked for some time, 
and later owned an interest in the business, which 
he continued to follow for about sixteen years, 
when he sold out to Mr. Mayer. In 1874 he 
bought from the Peter McMinn estate his present 
farm of 112 acres, at $60 per acre, but the 
buildings were all poor, and those now standing 



on the place have been erected by our subject. 
His first real estate consisted of a half interest in 
the Red Mill property in Potter township. In 
1894 he also purchased the old Slack homestead 
of 100 acres. 

In politics, Mr. Reiber is a strong Democrat, 
which party his son also supports. In religious 
belief he is a Lutheran, has been a liberal con- 
tributor to the Church, and has served as deacon, 
and in other official positions. By hard work 
and unrelenting toil he has accumulated a very 
comfortable competence, and his success is all 
th( more creditable, knowing that he has been 
handicapped by the lack of a good education. 
lbs reputation for integrity, fair and honorable 
dealing and justice in all things has gained him 
the confidence and good will of all who kn. a 
him. His faithful wife died in [anuary, 
and was laid to rest in the Tusseyville cemetery. 



BENJAMIN F. BECK. The fine farm 

ng to our subject in Walker township, 
( entre county, is conspicuous for the 
which it has been improved and cultivated, and 
is evidently the homestead of one ol the most en- 
terprising men of the community. The build- 
ire of a neat and substantial character, the 
are well tilled, and in fact the whole place 
betokens the thrift and energy of .1 progri 
farmer. He was born October 20, 1841, in 
Walker township, only a few rods from his pri s- 
ent residence, which is pleasantly situated in 
Snydertown, and his parents, Henry and Ann 
Eliza (Furst) Reck, were also natives of 1 
county. His paternal grandfather, John Beck, 
was born in Northampton county, Penn., but 
shortly after his marriage with Miss Si 
came to Centre county, where his descendants 
still live 

To the parents of our subject were bom six 
children- -three sons and three daughters — name- 
ly: 1 1 Lydia married Adam Decker, a promi- 
nent fanner of Walker township, living 
Snydertown, and they reared a family of nine 
children, some of whom are now married and 
have families of their own; she departed this life 
in 1890, and was buried in the Hublersburgceme- 
(2) Benjamin F. is the next in order of 
birth. (3) Amanda J. is the wife of Frederick 
Schenck, a farmer of Bald Eagle Valley, Centre 
county, and they have two children. (41 ' 
lotte E. is the wife of William Decker, a leading 
farmer of Walker township, residing near Hub- 
lersburg, and they have two children a son and 
daughter. (5) Martin L. , a wealthy fanner, 
making his home near Snydertown, Walkertown- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



461 



ship, married Agnes A. Beck, daughter of Joseph 
Beck, of Shelby county, 111. (6) William H., 
a blacksmith by trade, married Clara Singer, 
daughter of Conrad Singer, of Centre county, 
and they have one daughter. 

In the common schools of his native county, 
Mr. Beck, the subject proper of this sketch, ob- 
tained his education, and he remained upon the 
home farm, assisting in its care and cultivation 
until his marriage to Miss Henrietta Eggers, a 
daughter of Louis Gustavus Eggers, who was 
born in Germany, whence when a lad of ten 
years he came to the New World. He became 
a Lutheran minister, his first charge being the 
church at Snydertown, Centre county, and he 
died in 1883, at Palmyra, this State, in the cem- 
etery of which place he was laid to rest. Mrs. 
Beck, an excellent lady, was born May 25, 1840. 
By her marriage to our subject she has three 
children: Lydia J., born October 29, 1870; 
Emma J., born February 23, 1876; and Louis 
H., born April 12, 1878. The family is an in- 
telligent and cultured one, and the young ladies 
are beautiful and accomplished, holding a prom- 
inent position in the social circles of the com- 
munity. 

Coming of an old Democratic family, Mr. 
Beck has always given his allegiance to that 
party, believing that through it can be secured 
the best form of government. With his family 
he holds membership in the Lutheran Church. 
As a man he is looked upon by the community 
as one whom they can trust, "who breaks no 
promise, serves no private end; who gains no 
office, but who has lost no friend." 



ISRAEL CORL, a stalwart and sturdy repre- 
_ sentative of the noble yeomanry who make 
up the agricultural population of Centre county, 

lis a resident of Ferguson township. He is a 
native of the county, born in Haines township, 

■ in 1835, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Vo- 
nada) Corl, who were -natives of Chester and 
Centre counties, Penn., respectively. From 
Chester county, the father removed to Union 
county, and when still a young man came to Cen- 
tre county. For twenty years he followed the 
blacksmith's trade, but the remainder of his life 
was passed in farming. 

In the public schools Israel Corl acquired a 
fair education, and upon the home farm became 
familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist. In March, i860, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Harriet McBath, a daugh- 
ter of William and Lucinda (Coble) McBath, of 
Centre county. Of the ten children who were 



born of this union the first died in infancy; Will- 
iam R. died at the age of nine months; George 
E., a resident of Struble Station, Centre coun- 
ty, married Anna Lytle, and has four children; 
Elizabeth is the wife of Scott Meese, of State 
College, Centre county; John C. , a resident of 
State College, married Emma Corn; Elmer S. 
is married, and lives in Ferguson township; Ben- 
jamin F. wedded Mary Yarnell, a daughter of 
H. B. Yarnell; and Susie V., Charles W., Mabel 
E. and Annie are still at home. 

On the death of his father, Mr. Corl came 
into possession of his present farm, but he has 
made his home thereon since 1 861 . It is a tract 
of thirty-eight acres of rich and arable land, 
which he has placed under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, and improved with a comfortable residence 
and neat and substantial outbuildings. It is con- 
veniently located within a mile of State College. 
Mr. Corl is a charter member of Washington 
Grange No. 157, and holds membership in the 
Reformed Church. He takes quite an active in- 
terest in political affairs, voting with and sup- 
porting the principles of the Democratic party, 
although not desirous of surrendering the quiet 
of home life for the perplexities and turmoil of 
political office. He is also an advocate of free 
silver, and is ranked as a man of ability and en- 
terprise, on account of which he holds a good 
position among the people of Ferguson town- 
ship. 



S\ MITCHELL BECHDEL, a retired farmer 
j) residing in Eagleville, Centre county, is 

worthy of the highest respect, and enjoys the es- 
teem of the entire community, in which he la- 
bors to bring about every enterprise that is cal- 
culated to elevate mankind and advance the 
welfare of the county. Here he has always 
made his home, having been born in Liberty- 
township, December 7, 1849, and he is a worthy 
representative of one of its honored pioneer 
families. 

John and Sarah E. (De Long) Bechdel, par- 
ents of our subject, were also natives of Liberty 
township, Centre county, the former born Sep- 
tember 6, 1806, the latter on July 17, 18 14, and 
there they continued to make their home until 
called to the world beyond. The father died in 
1870 at the age of sixty- four years, while the 
mother was seventy-three years of age at the 
time of her death. By occupation he was a 
farmer, and he was called upon to serve in sev- 
eral local offices, including those of tax collector 
and supervisor. He used his right of franchise 
in support of the Republican party, and faithfully 



462 



COMMEMORATIVE B10GHAP1IKM. UECORD. 



performed every duty of citizenship. In the 
1 >i>riple Church he and his estimable wife ! 
membership, and by all who knew them were 
held in the highest regard for their sterling-worth 
and many excellent traits of character. On Oc- 
tober 23, 1836, they were married, and their 
union was blessed with children as follows: 
David, born August 12, 1837, died on the 28th 
of the same month; Susannah H., born August 
25, [838. is the wife of Joseph Wagner, a lum- 
berman, of Eagleville; Frances S. , born July 17, 
1840, is the wife of William Kunes, of Eagle- 
ville; Margaret J., burn December 2, 1 84 1 , is 
the wife of Samuel Spangler, of the same place; 
Sarah E., born May 1. 1X43, is the wife of Dan- 
iel Kunes, a fanner of Liberty township; Mary 
A., born November 21, 1844, is the deceased 
wife of Joseph l'letcher, a lumberman of Eagle- 
ville; Lydia E. , born April 1, 1846, died July 
[3, 1851; John A., born February 21, 1848, died 
in 1889; and S. Mitchell, our subject, completes 
the family. 

In 1 87 1, in connection with his brother John, 
Mi. Bechdel, the subject proper of this sketch, 
purchased tin- interests of the other heirs in the 
old homestead farm, which they operated to- 
ner until John's death, when our subject came 
to Eagleville, and has since made his home with 
his brothe; in-law, Joseph l'letcher. He is one 
of the honored and valued citizens of the com- 
munity, with whose interests he has ever been 
actively identified. 

John Bechdel married Miss Susan H. Wag- 

! the) became the parents of ten children: 

John I., now ,i resident of Du Bois, Penn.; David 

M., who occupies a position as cook in I 

villi 1 F. , who died at the age of nine 

is; Franklin M.. who died in infancy; Mary 

B at home. Almeda, wife of Silas Weaver, a 

armaker of Du Boi . James, a cook, wh 

■ home; Harvey, of Eagleville, who mar- 
ried Ann tl hi >me; and |'>seph, 
who died at tl 



E 



LIAS E. SMITH, who materially - in 

maintaining the reputation of Centrecounty 
as a first-class farmii n, is can 1 his 

I ' nu township < >u I 
ruuiv 22, 184,8, he was born in Limestone town- 
ship 1 P Joseph W. 
and Mar) | Vrmagast) Smith, who were nal 

Union county, Penn., but were married in 
Clarion county. The hi it h of the father oci urred 
in 1821 and when a young man he went to the 
latter county, when- he followed his trade of 
shoemaking until [861, when he removed to 



Stephenson county, 111. There he operated 
rented land for ten years, and then migrated to 
Butler count)'. Neb., Where he " homesteader! " 
160 acres of raw land, on which he died at the 
age of fifty-two years; his wife died at the age 
of forty-six, and both were buried in Nebraska. 
He took quite an active interest in politics, al- 
ways supporting the principles of the Democratic 
party by his ballot, and was called upon to fill a 
number of township offices. 

To the parents of our subject were born the 
following children: Catharine E. , now the wife 
of Jacob Balliet, of Butler county. Neb. ; Elias 
E., of this sketch; Jacob P., who died in child- 
hood; Rachel, wife of William Woods, of S 
county, Neb.; George W., John C. and D. J., 
all of Butler county, that State; Mary, living in 
Polk county. Neb.; Mrs. Margaret Ruth, of But- 
ler county; Daniel, a farmer in the West; 
erick, of Butler county; a daughter that died in 
infancy; and Sarah, wife of Edward Maize, of 
Butler county, Nebraska. 

At the age of seven years our subject went to 
live with a neighboring farmer, where he re- 
mained for eight years, or until his parents re- 
moved to Stephenson county, 111., when I 
companied them. Up to this time he had at- 
tended school in Clarion count), and as he 
learned rapidly, acquired a fair education. In 
Illinois he began working by the month, receiv- 
ing for the first year $20 per month, and t 
five subsequent years, $25 per month, Ii 
nection with general farming he opera! 
thresher for his employer, and later purcha 
outfit and engaged in threshing on his ow 
count until the removal of the family to Ne- 
braska. Alter eleven months spent in that 
he returned to Illinois, where he remained until 
the fall of 1873. Coming to Centi 
Penn., Mr. Smith visited the widow of his 1 

nth, of Penn township, who had re- 
cently died, and as she had no children of her 
own, was persuaded to t> main and look after her 
farm. Two years later she became quite help- 
less, and for almost six years required coi 

tion. At her death our subject came into 
m of the property. 

In Penn township, Centre count)-, June 
Mr. .smith was married to Miss M 
daughtei ol I ind Ann,. 1 Ki 101 

and who is a native of that township I 
now havi d farm ol fifty acres in 

1 ither trai tci 

township. Centre count). She is .1 n 
hie woman, and a sincere member ol the I 
Evai Mr. Smith m 

interest in the sue H hi 1 '■ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



463 



party with which he has always voted, and on 
completing his present term will have served for 
ten years as justice of the peace in his township. 
He is industrious, energetic and progressive in 
his nature, and is highly esteemed and respected 
by all who know him. 



JOSEPH H. DAVIDSON. Among the in- 
fluential and wealthy citizens and progress- 
ive farmers of Union township, Centre 
county, the subject of this sketch occupies an 
honorable position. His beautiful farm of 140 
acres, which he purchased in 1881, is located on 
the Bellefonte road, in Bald Eagle Valley, and 
is one of the most highly productive and desira- 
ble places in the locality. 

Our subject was born at Buffalo Run, Centre 
county, June II, 1842, and is a son of Alexan- 
der and Sarah (Hicks) Davidson, also natives of 
Centre county, where they spent their entire 
lives, and the father engaged in farming. He 
died in March, 1873, at the age of seventy-six 
years, and the mother passed away in 1857. 
Both were worthy members of the Advent 
Church, and in politics he was a Republican. 
Eight children blessed their union: Martha, 
wife of W. Irwin, a farmer of Union township; 
Mary, who died in infancy; Hannah, widow of 
Harris Way, of Union township; Eliza, wife of 
William Taylor, of Centre county; Joseph H., of 
this review; James, a leading agriculturist of 
Centre county; Amanda, wife of Reuben T. 
Comly, of Union township; and one who died in 
infancy. After the death of his first wife, the 
father wedded Mrs. Mary (Walker) Watson, and 
to them were born three children: Michael, a 
butcher of Philipsburg, Penn. ; Grant, a farmer of 
Centre county; and Ida, wife of William Brower, 
a farmer of Union township. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject, Joseph Davidson, 
throughout life engaged in farming in Centre 
county, where he died at a ripe old age. 

Mr. Davidson, the subject of this sketch, re- 
mained upon the home farm until his father's 
second marriage, when at the age of sixteen 
years he started out in the world to seek his own 
livelihood. He had previously acquired a fair 
education in the public schools of the county, 
and became familiar with agricultural pursuits, 
under his father's able direction. On leaving 
home he worked on different farms during the 
summer months, while his winters were spent in 
attending school. Subsequently he operated 
rented land until 1881, when he purchased the 
interest of the other heirs in the old homestead, 
and has since resided there, giving his time and 



attention to its cultivation and improvement with 
most gratifying results. 

In February, 1S61, Mr. Davidson wedded 
Miss Lucy A. Hoover, who was born February 
5, 1844, on the farm where she now resides, and 
is a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Orvill) 
Hoover, who spent their entire lives in Centre 
county. Her parents were both consistent mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
her father gave his political support to the Re- 
publican party. He died in 1863, at the age of 
forty-five years, and his wife departed this life in 
1 88 1, at the age of fifty-seven. In their family 
were the following children: Mary E., now of 
Altoona, Penn., widow of Col. John H. Stover, 
a lawyer by profession; Lucy A., wife of our sub- 
ject; Helen, wife of Rev. R. H. Colburn, a Meth- 
odist Episcopal minister of Williamsport, Penn. ; 
Willis, a merchant of Altoona; Adeline, wife of 
Harris Stover, an attorney of Altoona; and Ar- 
nold P., manager of the Northern Pacific rail- 
road office at St. Paul, Minn. The paternal 
grandfather of Mrs Davidson, John Hoover, was 
a large land owner of Centre county, where his 
death occurred. 

Ten children graced the union of our subject 
and his estimable wife: James, a farmer of 
Centre county; Blanche, wife of William Flick, 
a farmer of Unionville, Penn. ; Ella, who died 
when young; and Bertha L. , Sarah R., Ina, 
Mary L., Willis P., Adeline A. and Helen C, 
with their parents. The children have all been 
provided with excellent educational advantages, 
several of them attending college, and the family 
is one of the most intellectual and prominent in 
the community. Socially, Mr. Davidson is a 
member of the Grange at Unionville, and po- 
litically is a Free-silver Democrat. He has most 
acceptably served as school director three years 
and road supervisor for two terms. His genial, 
social manner has gained him a host of friends, 
and his sterling worth and strict integrity com- 
mend him to the confidence and respect of all. 
He is one of the most energetic, enterprising and 
successful agriculturists of Union township, and 
has a high reputation in business circles as a 
man of sound judgment and excellent business 
qualifications. 

ISAAC THOMAS. Prominent among the pros-, 
perous and progressive residents of the charm- 
ing city of Bellefonte, Centre county, is the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He is, moreover, a native of 
the place, having been born there April 17, 1837, 
and throughout his life has been identified with 
its interests. 

William A. Thomas, his father, was the 



164 



COM.VE.VOK A TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL liECOHD. 



youngest son of the fourth Richard Thomas, hav- 
ing descended from Richard Thomas, of Whit- 
ford Garden, Flintshire, North Wales, who in 
1 66 1 purchased a grant or location of five thou- 
sand acres in ( lintbn Valley, came to America 
in William Penn's first migration, and came to the 
present site of Philadelphia, with an only son, 
Richard, and died there in 1683. Richard, the 
son, being only eleven years of age, and the es- 
tate passing into trustees, the grant was ne\< r 
all located; however, one portion, some 600 
acres, embraced a part of what is now the county 
seat — WestChester. The son returned to Wales, 
where he married Grace Atherton, an English 
maiden, and in a short time again came to Amer- 
ica and settled (in 1 7 It) in the Great Valley on 
one of his places called Calamornshirk, in West 
Whiteland township, where he died in 1744. 
He left several children, and among them a son 
Richard, who married Pimbe Ashbridge, one of 
whose sons was Richard, the fourth in line. He 
was born in 1744, and married Thomazine Down- 
ing, of Downingtown; they were the parents of 
William A. The latter was born in Che 
county in 1795. In 181 7 he came to Centre 
count)-, and became identified with the several 
Valentine Brothers who were operating iron works 
here, having in 1815, in connection with Jacob 
Thomas, elder brother of William A., established 
the business here. Mr. Thomas remained act- 
ively connected with the iron industry of Belle- 
fotite and vicinity, and throughout his life, which 
closed December 4, 1866, ''he was closely 
identified with the Mill Hall Iron Works, with the 
Howard Iron Works and with Willow Bank at 
Bellefonte. He was variously connected with 
the business interests of Centre county, a< lively 
concerned in advancing its material prosperity 
bj public improvements — turnpikes, canals, rail- 
roads — and in the development of the bituminous 
coal region. As a business man, he had no su- 
perior in ability and enterprise in central Penn- 
sylvania, and has left the impress of his ability 
in the training he gave some of our most distin- 
guished business men." 

In August, 1817, William A, Thomas was 
married to Elizabeth Miller, who was born in 
1703. ami died June 16, 1879, and their childn 11 
win-: [acob V., who died iii [893, was a mer- 
chant and interested in the iron and ndus- 
tries; William A. was captain of Companj H, 
40th P. V. I., in the Civil war, was engaged in 
the iron business, and lost his life by accident. 
falling into a mine in i> ic is our subject, 

and is menti :d more fully below; Thoma 

died of typhoid fever when in her twenty-sec I 

year; Marion and Richard died young. 



The parents of these were devout members 
of the Society of Friends. Isaac Thomas re- 
ceived a good practical education in youth, at- 
tending the Westtown Quaker school and, later, 
the schools in Westchester and in Kennett 
Square. On completing his course of study he 
sought the necessary experience and training for 
business life, and for a time clerked in a hard- 
ware store. In early manhood he engaged in the 
glass business with Jacob V. Thomas, and con- 
tinued about two years. During the Civil war 
Mr. Thomas proved his patriotism by being one 
of the first to go to the defense of the Union. 
He enlisted in Company H. 2d P. V. I., and at 
the end of his term of three months he re- 
enlisted in the famous 49th P. V. I., and took 
part in the battle of Falling Waters. In hi~ 
political sympathies he is a Republican, and he is 
a member of the Society of Friends. Frater- 
nally he is connected with the I. O. O. F. En- 
campment at Bellefonte. 

In October, 1872, our subject and Miss Maria 
J. Reed, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn., 
were united in marriage, and to this union ei<,'ht 
children were born. Lidie is at home ; Thomazine 
died at an early age, of diphtheria; Debbie also 
passed away in childhood; and the others — Will, 
Isaac, Joseph, Arthur and Lulu — still reman 
brighten the home. 



PROF. GEORGE C, BUTZ, M. S, assistant 
professor of Horticulture at Pennsylvania 
State College, and horticulturist at the Experi- 
ment Station, is a young man of marked ability, 
already known as an expert in his branch of 
science. The trend of his genius may be attrib- 
uted to hereditary influences, as his father, the 
late Paul Butz, a native of Basel, Switzerland, 
was distinguished for his skill as a florist 
horticulturist as well as for fine artistic tast' 
landscape gardening. 

Paul Butz was born April 2;, 1S21. 
came to America at the age of thirty, locating 
New Castle, Penn., when his death occur! 
April 5, 1894. The extensive nurseries which 
he established there are still conducted bj 
sons. His trade in trees of all kinds, and in 
other departments of the nursery business. 
verj large, bulbs and plants from the gardi 
ing sent to all parts of the United Stat 
Canada. Many wealthy men of refill' 
availed themselves of his practical advice in 
arrangement of their grounds, the estate of (■ 
1 ■ 1 , at Youngstown.Ohio, being one among those 
which were beautified according to his de- 
The Professor's mother, whose maiden name •• 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



465 



Margaret Wiegand, was born in Wurtemburg, 
Germany, November 1 1, 1 831, and at the age of ten 
crossed the Atlantic with her parents, who set- 
tied at Allegheny, Perm. Her father, a cabinet 
maker by trade, was killed by accident soon 
after his arrival; her mother died in 1883 at the 
advanced age of eighty-three. Mrs. Butz is still 
living at the old home in New Castle. Of four- 
teen children, two died in infancy; the others 
are: William Tell, who succeeded his father in 
business, and with another brother now conducts 
the Croton Gardens at New Castle; John M., a 
trusted employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Co., stationed at Lawrence Junction, Ashtabula 
division; Caroline, who is at home; Emma and 
Mary A. (twins), both at home, the former being 
a successful teacher in the schools there; Frank 
P., now associated with his brother William in 
the nursery business; George C, the subject of 
this sketch; Maggie E., a graduate of New Castle 
High School, at present teaching in the primary 
department of the public schools of that town; 
Effie, a graduate of Edinburg Normal School, 
and a teacher in the New Castle schools; Albert 
E., who was graduated from Curry University at 
Pittsburg, and is now employed in that city as a 
mechanical draughtsman; Rosa S. , a high school 
graduate, now stenographer for the Mercantile 
Bank at Pittsburg; and Harry E., a student at 
Western University, Allegheny. 

Prof. George C. Butz was born February 1, 
1863, and was reared at the old home in New 
Castle, preparing for college, in the high school 
there. In 1880 he entered the sophomore class 
at State College, taking the general scientific 
course, and graduating in 1883. In 1884-85 he 
taught in the Preparatory Department, pursuing 
at the same time a post-graduate course in bot- 
any and zoology, and he then started upon an 
extensive tour for the purpose of studying the 
flora of the United States. A year was spent in 
Southern California, and during this time he did 
some excellent work in landscape gardening, 
with which he had been familiar from boyhood, 
laying out one estate of 1600 acres, and making 
artistic use of flowers, ornamental trees and 
shrubs, fruit trees, olives and other means of 
adornment, natural and artifical. On his return 
to Pennsylvania, in July, 1887, he accepted the 
position of horticulturist at the Experiment Sta- 
tion. In 1894 he was appointed assistant pro- 
fessor of horticulture in the Pennsylvania State 
College. In 1888 his Alma Mater conferred upon 
him the well-merited degree of Master of Science. 

In 1892 Prof. Butz was married to Miss 
Emma Robinson, a native of Centre county — 
born at Hecla Furnace, February 18, 1866. 

30 



They have two children, Gerald R. and Charles 
A. The Professor and his wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. 
As a citizen he takes generous interest in all the 
movements of the time, and in political faith is 
a Democrat. The town of State College was 
organized into a borough August 29, 1896, at 
which time our subject was elected a member of 
the council and president of the same. In the 
spring of 1897 he was re-elected to that position, 
although the town is strongly Republican. 



E 



\DWARD L. POWERS, of Bellefonte, is 
the proprietor of the oldest boot and shoe 
store in Centre county. It was established twen- 
ty-six years ago by his father, the late John 
Powers, in the days when every shop was a little 
factory, and although the conditions of the 
trade have changed greatly the business has been 
adapted to them. 

John Powers, whose death occurred May 30, 
1 S96, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland. An ex- 
ceptionally bright and able man, well-informed 
through his constant reading of the best litera- 
ture of the day, he was extremely popular among 
all classes, and was twice elected mayor of Belle- 
fonte, on the Democratic ticket. His energy 
and "nerve" in business brought him to the 
front in his line of work also, and he shipped his 
boots and shoes to all parts of the country, in- 
cluding California. Socially, he was a member 
of the I. O. O. F. After coming to this coun- 
try he met and married Miss Nancy Kearns, a 
Roman Catholic lady of Irish parentage, but 
born probably in America. Of their four chil- 
dren, the subject of this sketch was the first in 
order of birth. (2) Kate, the wife of ex-sheriff 
Walker, resides in Lamb street, Bellefonte; (3) 
Mary(deceased), married William Brockville, and 
(4) John served an apprenticeship of three years 
in the jewelry business, but concluded to follow 
the ancestral occupation, and is now the mana- 
ger of a shoe store at Lebanon, Pennsylvania. 

E. L. Powers, our subject, is a native of 
Bellefonte, born June 18, 1857, and has been a 
resident of the place all his life. His education 
was begun in the parochial schools, continued in 
the public schools and Bellefonte Academy, and 
he entered upon his business career with a goodly 
fund of practical knowledge, being especially ex- 
pert as a bookkeeper. In 1875 he became a 
partner in his father's business, having previously 
spent three years on the bench, learning the de- 
tails of the work. In 1886 he purchased his fa- 
ther's interest, and has since conducted the es- 
tablishment alone. Genial and polished in man- 



46<» 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOOliM'HKAl. IiECORD. 



ner, he is successful in dealing with the public, 
while his judicious yet enterprising management, 
has kept the business in a satisfactory state. 

In 1884 Mr. Powers wedded Miss Lizzie Key- 
ser, who was born in New York State in 1857, 
and passed her earls lite there. Two daughters, 
Ada and Pearl, brighten their home. The suc- 
ful prosecution of his business has demanded 
close attention, but Mr. Powers finds time to per- 
form the duties which good citizenship requires, 
and takes much interest in political questions as 
an anient believer in Democratic doctrines. He 
is a member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. 



DANIEL IKVIN JOHNSON, one of the most 
thorough and skillful farmers of Ferguson 
township, is a native of Centre county, born July 
[9, [838, m Walker township. His parents, 
Jonathan C. and Sarah (Coldron) Johnson, were 
natives of Union and Northumberland counties, 
Penn., respectively, the former being of Scotch 
and the latter of German lineage. It was some 
time in the "twenties" when they came to 
Centre county, where they first took up their 
residence upon the Curtin farm, about a mile be- 
low llellefonte, where they continued to make 
their home some ten years. Finally they re- 
moved to Walker township, where they spent 
the remainder of their lives. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject, Christopher Johnson, 
held a captain's commission in the Continental 
army under Gen. Washington, during the Revo- 
lutionary war, and in the early days was very 
friendly with the Indians, often feeding them. 

Our subject is the youngest in a family of 
nine children, in order of birth as follows: 1 1 1 
Josiah married, and reared a family, but his wife 
is now deceased; he has met with a terrible mis- 
fortune in the loss of his sight, being blind for 
the past ten years; he now lives in Walker town- 
ship with his son Claude. 121 William E., a 
carpenter of Des Moines, Iowa, is married and 
bas leared a family (3) Maria wedded Levi 
Dixon, but both are now deceased; they had two 
daughters. (4) Jonathan ('. is living with his 
family in Lock Haven, Penn., where he is en- 
gaged m carpentering. (5) Peter C. is married, 
and is engaged in the coal business in Milton, 
tin- state. (6) Sarah J. died when young, (7) 
Joel H., whose wife has been helpless from 
paralysis for the past five years, has a family of 
nine children. (8) Emily is the widow of Am- 
brose McMullen, and the mother of three chil- 
dren. (9) Daniel I. is our subject. 

In the usual manner of farmer boss, Daniel 
I. Johnson was reared and educated. During 



the Civil war he was drafted, but was exempt as 
he was the only support of his father. For the 
past seven years he has resided upon his present 
farm, a valuable tract of 323 acres in Ferguson 
township, a mile and a half west of State Col- 
lege. After renting for about three years he pur- 
chased the place in 1892. It evinces, both in 
its culture and in the good and substantial build- 
ings erected upon it, the diligence and thrift of 
the owner, and prosperity seems to await upon 
his steps. Being endowed with a remarkable 
amount of energetic spirit and good business 
tact, he has since coming here succeeded in 
achieving a fair amount of success. In 1865 he 
married Miss Catharine Rebecca Brumgard, and 
to them have been born six children, all son- 
and the family circle yet remains unbroken by 
the hand of death. They are as follows: Austin 
L., a resident of Axemann, Centre county, mar- 
ried a Miss Steele, and has four children; Cyrus 
M., a farmer of Ferguson township, wedded 
Marian Miller, and has two children; William 1 
of Ferguson township, wedded Mary Wilson, and 
has two children; and Joseph N. . Olin A. and 
Emery C. are still at home. 

Mr. Johnson is highly esteemed in the com- 
munity as an honorable, upright and trustworthy 
man, true to every trust reposed in him whether 
public or private. He uses his right of franchise 
in support of the men and measures of the Demo- 
cratic party, socially is connected with the Grange, 
and in religious belief is a Lutheran. He is a 
man of much force of character, strong individu- 
ality, and his pleasant, social manner has won 
for him a host of warm friends, whom he delights 
to entertain at his beautiful home. 



H 



WENRY F KESSINGER is one of the most 
energetic, enterprising and prosperous citi- 
zens of Liberty township, Centre county, 
on the plains of affluence did he start out on 
life's journey, but in the valley of limited cir- 
cumstances with the rough and rugged path Of 
ban! undertaking before him. He started on the 
ascent, worked his way steadily upward, climb- 
ing higher and higher until he stands on the 
mountain top of prosperity. 

Mr Kessmger was born at Queen's Run, * 
ton county, Penn., May 3, [856, a son of Jeffer- 
son and Fannie (Nestlerod) Kessinger, who w 
natives of Salona, Clinton county, and in tlut 
county their deaths occurred, the former being 
killed in a sawmill May 24, [856, when our sub- 
ject was only three weeks old, and the latter 
dying in 1857, at the age of twenty-eight ye 
In their family were three children: William I . 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



467 



a farmer and stone mason of Salona, Clinton 
county; Amanda, who died when quite young, of 
whooping cough; and Henry F., of this review. 
The paternal grandparents, Hunsecker Kessinger 
and wife, were pioneers of Clinton county, where 
they spent the remainder of their lives. Daniel 
and Margaret (Frey) Nestlerod, the maternal 
grandparents, were natives of Centre and Lan- 
caster counties, Penn., respectively. Grandfather 
Nestlerod died in Clinton county; his wife passed 
away on the farm where our subject now resides. 

After the death of his father, Henry F. Kes- 
singer was taken to the home of his maternal 
grandmother, with whom he resided until her 
death in 1882. During this time he worked for 
her until two years prior to her death, when he 
operated the farm on shares, and there continued 
to reside until 1883, when the place was sold, 
and he purchased his present valuable farm, 
which at that time was rented. Being a natural 
mechanic, he then turned his attention to the 
carpenter's and stone mason's trade, which he 
successfully followed for four years, although he 
had never served an apprenticeship to either. 
On the expiration of that period he removed to 
his farm, two years later erecting his handsome 
brick residence, and he has made many other 
valuable and useful improvements. In connec- 
tion with general farming he has also engaged in 
the baling and shipping of hay and straw, sell- 
ing sixty-four car loads during the past season; 
he also operates a steam cider press. 

On January 1, 1874, in Clinton county, Mr. 
Kessinger was married to Miss Annie Nestlerod, 
who was born in Centre county in i860, a 
daughter of Daniel and Frances (Schwartz) 
Nestlerod. To this worthy couple have been 
born five children: William F., who assists his 
father in his business; Maggie, wife of Charles 
Ruppert, who is also connected with our subject 
in business in Liberty township; Hugh C, at 
home; Frank, who died May 15, 1896; and 
Sadie E., at home. They also have an adopted 
son, Henry Kessinger, at this writing a lad of 
fourteen years, who has found a pleasant home 
with them since he was six months old. He is 
an industrious, energetic boy, and prefers to be 
called by the name of his foster parents. 

Mr. Kessinger is a prominent member of the 
Republican party, and takes a deep and com- 
mendable interest in public affairs, always sup- 
porting those measures which tend to benefit the 
community. He has grown wealthy, prosperous 
and an honored citizen by the exercise of integ- 
rity, industry and intelligence. Although at the 
time of his marriage his capital consisted of but 
$5. through honorable business methods, he has 



succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune, 
to-day being worth between $20,000 and $30,000. 
He is a courteous, pleasant gentleman, widely 
and favorably known throughout the community, 
and well deserves the high regard in which he is 
universally held. 



TjiJPILLIAM GROVE, Jr., is one of the reli- 
WW able and progressive farmers and repre- 
sentative men of Benner township, Centre 
county. Through his earnest, persistent labors 
his fine farm of 1 2 5 acres is in a high state of cult- 
ure and improved with excellent buildings, which 
stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. 

A native of Centre county, Mr. Grove was 
born in Gregg township, July 28, 1840, a son of 
John and Louisa (Klinesmith) Grove. The 
family has long been identified with the interests 
of this section of the State. The maternal 
grandfather of our subject was killed and scalped 
by the Indians, in the Penn's Valley massacre of 
1776. The father was born in Middleburg, Sny- 
der Co., Penn., of German lineage, and on com- 
ing to Centre county located in Harris township, 
where he followed farming throughout life. 

In 1 86 1 our subject wedded Miss Sarah Neese, 
a daughter of David and Sarah (Kerstetter) 
Neese, who are also of German descent. Her 
grandfather took up his residence in Penn's Val- 
ley in 1780. Seven children have been born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Grove, as follows: Emanuel H., 
who is married, and is living in College township, 
Centre county; Alice R. , wife of Jacob Mayer, of 
Spring township, Centre county ; Susan, wife of 
David Shearer, of Jefferson county, Penn.; Will- 
iam H., who is married and living in Penn town- 
ship, Centre county, on his grandfather's old 
homestead; John F. ; Emma V., wife of Warren 
Minnimire, of Bellefonte, Penn.; and Anna H., 
at home. 

In his political affiliation, Mr. Grove is an. in- 
flexible adherent to the doctrines and principles 
of the Democratic party, but has no aspirations 
for popular preferment. He is a public-spirited, 
enterprising man, and takes an active interest in 
everything which seems to promise benefit to the 
community. He enjoys the esteem and confi- 
dence of his neighbors, is a consistent member of 
the Lutheran Church, and, fraternally, is con- 
nected with the Grange. 



JR DAM H. VONADA, a prosperous agricult- 
J&L urist of Brush Valley, residing near Madi- 
sonburg, Centre county, is an industrious, pro- 
gressive citizen, whose success has been won by 



168 



GOMMEMORA TIVH BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



methods which have gained him the sincere re- 
spect of his community. 

The Vonada family is too well known in this 
section to need an introduction to our readers. 
The first of this branch of the family to leave 
the ancestral home in German}' was Philip Von- 
ada, our subject's great-grandfather, who settled 
in Union county at an early day. Henry Von- 
ada, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 
Berks county, Penn., and accompanied his par- 
ents to Union county, where he grew to man- 
hood. He was married in Centre county to Miss 
Catherine Wallerbyer, a native of Lebanon 
county, Perm., and settled in Penn's Valley. Cen- 
tre county, in the woods, with not even a log 
cabin to shelter them at first, their household 
goods being unloaded beneath a large tree. These 
truly primitive arrangements did not last long, 
however, and in due time the place was cleared 
and transformed into an excellent farm. These 
worthy pioneers reared a family of six children: 
John. David, Philip, Henry, Adam and Cathe- 
rine, none of whom are now living except Adam, 
the father of our subject. John died in Illinois; 
Catherine, who married John Hoss, died in Cen- 
tre county. 

Adam Vonada, now a highly esteemed resi- 
dent "i /inn, Centre county, was born in Haines 
township, that county, February 17, 1819, and 
in early manhood learned the tailor's trade, 
which he followed until his marriage in 1 844 to 
Miss Lucy Rabenolt. He then engaged in farm- 
ing, in which he was unusually successful, ac- 
quiring a goodly competence. He was a man of 
note in his community, and has alwavs been a 
stanch Democrat. With advancing years, the 
strain of his former labors has told upon his 
frame, rendering him quite feeble, but his estima- 
ble wife still enjoys good health, and is well pre- 
served for one of her years. Their children 
were: Mary C, wife of Emanuel Garlrick, a 
farmer of Centre county; the twins, Adam H., 
our subject, and Benjamin F., a farmer near 
Jacksonville, Penn. ; Harvey D., a farmer near 
Hublersburg, Penn, ; Philip, an attorney, now- 
deceased; and William, a farmer of Walker 
township, Centre count \ 

Our subject's ther was born in Lehigh 

counts, Penn., March 21, 1824. the daughter of 
Solomon and Mar) (Ocher) Rabenolt, and a 
grandaughtei of Michael Rabenolt, a farmer in 
the same county. Both parents were natives of 
Lehigh county, and they removed to this section 
some years after their marriage, the mother dying 
in Union county, and the fatherin Centre county. 
The) had eighl children: Mrs. Vonada, Jona- 
than. Willi am, David, Solomon, Sarah 1 who mar- 



ried George Kaufman, a farmer of Centre 
county), Caroline and Christian. Of these but 
three are living Mrs. Vonada, Caroline, widow 
of John Garthoff, residing in Coburn, Penn 
and Christian, who lives in Kansas. 

The subject of our sketch was born August 
30, 1850. in the Nittany Valley, at Zion, and r> - 
mained at the old home until he attained his ma- 
jority. He received a common-school education, 
and as the son of a busy farmer was plenti- 
fully supplied with work at all times, unless ill- 
ness excused him. On leaving home he found 
employment as a farm hand. On September 10, 
1875. he was married in Rebersburg, Penn., t'> 
Miss Sarah J. Roush, a native of Gregg township. 
Centre county, born September 3, 1852, and a 
daughter of Benjamin Roush. The first year of 
his married life was spent upon his father's farm, 
and he then removed to a farm in Sugar Valley, 
belonging to his father- in-law, where he remained 
until the spring of 1882. The next six years 
were spent in Gregg township. Centre count). 1 
a place which was formerly occupied by John 
Hoy, and in the spring of 18SS he settled upon 
his present farm near Madisonburg, then known 
as the old Smeltzer farm. He has made many 
improvements upon the estate, especially in the 
buildings, and in [892 he erected a new barn of 
modern style. 

Four children brighten his home: Anna M . 
Katy, Mabel M. and Ella. Another daughter. Ada, 
the fourth in order of birth, died in infancy It is 
a matter of great regret to Mr. Vonada that he did 
not have better educational opportunities, and he 
has alwavs been a strong advocate of better 
schools. While residing in Sugar Valley he 
forsometime as a school director. Politically his 
sympathies are with the Democratic party, but he 
is not such a narrow partisan as to surrender his 
individual judgment. At present he holds the office 
of overseer of the poor. He and his wii 
prominent members of the Reformed Church, in 
which he was deacon for nine years, and is m>w 
an elder. He is also a leading worker in the 
Grange, and was a charter member of M 

tie No. 360, at Madisonburg. 



PI IKK (OKI., one of the active and 1 
getic farmers of Ferguson township, ' 

r ity, is the subjei t ol tin- personal narrative 

Believing that "from labor, health, from health. 
contentment springs, " he has bent ever) ■ 
toward perfecting his agricultural projects 
has proved himself eminently one of the b< 
5 of the community. 
A native -I Centre county, Mr. fori was 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



469 



February 16, 1839, in Haines township, a son of 
Benjamin and Elizabeth (Vonada) Corl. The 
father was born in Chester county, Penn. , whence 
he removed to Union county, and later came to 
Centre county, where the mother was born. By 
trade he was a blacksmith, which occupation he 
followed for the first twenty years of his business 
career, and then he turned his attention to farm- 
ing. The family was founded in America during 
Colonial days, and ancestors of our subject 
served in the Revolution under Gen. Washing- 
ton. To Benjamin Corl and his wife were born 
eight children, namely: Catharine is the wife of 
Jacob L. Roup, a farmer of Ferguson township, 
by whom she has five children. Samuel, an ag- 
riculturist, wedded Maria Strouse, and has eight 
children. Benjamin first wedded Mary Neidigh, 
by whom he had five children, and after her 
death he married Catharine Roush. Israel, also 
a farmer by occupation, married Harriet McBath, 
and had ten children. Anna is the wife of Henry 
Bloom, of Ferguson township, by whom she has 
eight children. Peter is next in order of birth. 
Mary E. is the wife of Daniel Houser, living near 
Centre Hall, Centre county, and they have two 
children. William died in 1853, at the age of 
twenty-one years. 

The educational privileges of Peter Corl were 
such as the free schools of Pine Hall afforded. 
He was married May 28, 1863, to Miss Barbara 
Reish, daughter of Jacob Reish, of Union county, 
Penn. Ten children — seven sons and three 
daughters — have been born to them, as follows: 
W. K., a farmer by occupation, who married Et- 
tie Garner; Jacob C, of Centre county, who 
married Elsie Kreps; Samuel I. and Peter M., at 
home; Maria, who married a Mr. Kreps, by whom 
she has one child; Daniel O. ; Elizabeth E. ; Al- 
vin K. ; Cora M., and James M. 

During the Civil war Mr. Corl manifested his 
loyalty by enlisting in the Union service; but as 
his parents objected he remained at home. He 
belongs to a good old Democratic family, and the 
principles of that party he also supports. He is 
an earnest Christian, holding membership with 
the Reformed Church, and is a charter member 
of the Grange in Centre county. He takes a 
genuine interest in the enterprises set on foot for 
the progress and welfare of his adopted county, 
and does all in his power to secure their advance- 
ment. 



DAVID NEESE, a prosperous and highly re- 
spected agriculturist of Penn township, 
Centre county, residing near Penn Hall, is a de- 
scendant of a prominent pioneer family, one of 



the few which still retain in their own possession 
the lands entered by their ancestors over one 
hundred years ago. The first of the line to settle 
in Centre county was William Neese, the great- 
grandfather of our subject. He came from Ger- 
many before the Revolutionary war, and after a 
short residence in Snyder county located per- 
manently in Penn township. His son Peter, our 
subject's grandfather, served in Washington's 
forces during that struggle, although at the time 
he was but a boy in years. He married Chris- 
tina Hess, and had ten children, among whom 
was a son, David, the father of our subject. 

David Neese, Sr. , was born at the Neese 
homestead about 1799, and became a successful 
farmer and influential citizen. By his marriage 
with Miss Susan Kerstetter, a member of another 
pioneer family, he had twelve children: Eliza- 
beth, William, David, John (deceased), Jacob, 
Samuel, Benjamin (deceased), Harriet, Sarah, 
Rebecca, Emanuel, and Daniel, who died in 
childhood. 

David Neese, our subject, was born March 
28, 1828, in Penn township, Centre county, and 
was seven years old when his parents acquired 
the old homestead, a portion of which he now 
owns. The schools of that time and locality 
were not suited to the mental development of a 
clever boy, and he deserved much better oppor- 
tunities, but he did not even have a chance to 
improve fully those that he had, as in his time 
the lack of machinery made farm work last longer 
than now. When the harvest was finished at 
the homestead, which was a large estate, the fa- 
ther would permit his boys to work for other 
farmers and earn money for their own use, 
although the wages were very small. The trap- 
ping of foxes furnished another source of revenue 
for the boys, and Mr. Neese has caught a goodly 
number. His outdoor life made him a strong, 
robust youth, capable of much labor, and until 
the age of twenty-seven he assisted his father and 
lived at home. 

Then came his marriage to Miss Amelia 
Gentzel, who was born about 1841, on Penn 
creek, in Penn township, Centre county, the cer- 
emony being performed at Aaronsburg. She 
was a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Eppley) 
Gentzel, and was the eldest in a family of seven 
children — five sons and two daughters. At the 
time of his marriage Mr. Neese was practically 
without money, and for five years he worked as 
a farm hand at fifty cents a day. During this 
time his devoted wife, who has always been a 
most efficient helpmeet, often assisted him in the 
field, earning twenty-five cents a day, or in rak- 
ing and binding, in which she could do as much 



470 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



as any man, she would receive a man's wages, 
fifty cents per day. With such a spirit animat- 
ing both, they were bound to succeed. When 
they began farming on their own account they 
were obliged to rent, settling first on the old 
"Smith farm'' west of Millheim, then on a farm 
in Penn township, and later upon land in the Nit- 
tany Valley. 

In 1879 Mr. Neese came into possession of an 
unimproved portion of the old homestead, there 
being no buildings whatever. He put up suitable 
and convenient buildings and made other improve- 
ments of a substantial kind, and has since made 
his home there. The place contains nearly 125 
acres of choice land, and under his careful manage- 
ment it ranks among the best farms in the locality. 
Mr. and Mrs. Neese deserve great credit for their 
successful struggle in their early years. Mrs. 
Neese has been a constant helper indoors and 
"lit, and her husband acknowledges with manly 
pride the value of her efforts. With all her work 
she is to-day a well preserved woman, and her 
kindly heart has won the esteem of a large circle 
of friends. The children of this worthy couple 
are Clara C. (Mrs. John Witmer), who resides 
near Pine Grove, Penn. ; Sevilla (Mrs. Washing- 
ton Tharp), of Virginia; James H., of Nittany 
Valley; Ellen C. and Minnie S., who are at 
home; and Nettie A., who married Percival 
Tharp, a school teacher, who also conducts the 
home farm at present, as Mr. Neese has retired 
from the active management. 

Although he is no office seeker, Mr. Neese is 
influential in the local Democratic organization, 
and has served as supervisor. He has always 
been actively interested in the progress of the 
community, and he and Ins wife are leading mem- 
bers of the Evangelical Church. 



Gl 1 IRGE W. KELLEY, proprietor of an ex- 
1 cellent farm of 300 acres in Worth town- 
ship. Centre county, is numbered among the 
most substantial and enterprising agriculturists 
of the community. He located at his present 
place in 1853, and from the uncultivated soil has 
built up a valuable homestead, which will remain 
as a monument to his industry and energy for 
generations to come. He has been particularly 
wise in his investments, and possesses excellent 
business capacity, making the most of his oppor- 
tunities, and all through the changes of a busy 
life, and while laboring for his own interest, has 
in nowise set aside the interests and well-being 
of the community around him. 

Mr. Kelley was born October 10, 1 830, in Leb- 
anon county, Penn., where the birth of his par- 



ents, John and Elizabeth (Felty) Kelley, al 
curred. In 1835 they came to Centre county, 
where the father engaged in blacksmithing 
throughout his business career. He was an ar- 
dent Democrat in politics, and in religious belief 
was a Lutheran, dying in that faith in 1893, at 
the ripe old age of seventy-eight years. He was 
three times married, his first wife being the 
mother of our subject; she died in 1842. To 
them were born six children: Mary, deceased 
wife of Martin Houser, of Bellefonte, Penn. ; 
John, a retired tanner, of Greenville, Ohio; an- 
other daughter, the deceased wife of Samuel 
Burkes, also deceased; George; Jeremiah T., a 
farmer of Centre county; and Samuel, who died 
when young. For his second wife John Kelley 
wedded Sarah Hutton, who died one year after 

their marriage, and he then married 

Wirts, who died in 1871. Two sons were born 
of this union: William D., who is employed in 
the car shops of Altoona, Penn. ; and one inaine 
not given) who was killed in the army. 

During the first fourteen years of his life 
George W. Kelley lived upon the home (arm, and 
then served an apprenticeship to the carpenters 
trade, which he followed until twenty years of 
age. Not liking that employment he then se- 
cured a position on a farm, working for one man 
for four years and a half, after which he pur- 
chased one hundred acres of his present farm, .it 
that time still in its primitive condition. From 
time to time, as his resources would permit, he 
added to the original tract until he had 500 acres 
but has given two of his sons one hundred acres 
each. 

On January 20, 1853, Mr. Kelley wi 
Miss Lida Frant/., who was born in Bald ! 
Valley, Centre county, November 15, 1833, a 
daughter of Daniel and Mary (Woodring) Frantt. 
Eight children — five sons and three daughter- 
have been horn to them: Samuel, born Novem- 
ber 17, 1853, was drowned while logging in 
Clearfield county, in March, 1879; Mary, born 
August 16, 1856, is the wife of Alfred Dodgi 1 
lumberman of Worth township, Centre county. 
Benjamin, born January 20, 1861, is a farmer in 
the same township; Peter, born Soptember 17. 
1 Si. 2. is an agriculturist of Worth township 
ah ]., born October 1, 1864, is the wife o( 
Thomas Merriman, a farmer of Taylor township. 
Centre county; John, born August 30, 1869, is 
a farmer of Worth township, and Eveline v., 
born February 15, 1872, and Robert, born De- 
cember 23, 1877, are still with theirparentJ 

Daniel Frantz, the father of Mrs. Kelley 
born in Berks county, Penn.. September 13- 
1805, ar, d was a son °f Jacob and Christina 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



471 



(Walk) Frantz, who were born, reared and mar- 
ried in Berks county, but later became residents 
of Worth township, then called Half Moon town- 
ship, Centre county. The mother of Mrs. Kelley 
was born January 3, 1810, in Dauphin county, 
Penn., where her parents, Samuel and Maria E. 
Woodring, were also born. When thirteen 
years of age she walked from there to Centre 
county, and her parents came a few months later. 
Here her father followed farming, but had pre- 
viously been engaged in the milling business. 

To Daniel Frantz and his wife were born 
twelve children, namely Nancy, now the widow 
of S. Cowher, a farmer of Centre county; Sam- 
uel, deceased; Lida, wife of our subject; Chris- 
tiana, widow of John Thomas, of Centre county; 
Jacob, an honored veteran of the Civil war, who 
operates the old homestead farm in Worth town- 
ship; Abraham, who was also a Union soldier, 
and is now a farmer of Blair county, Penn. ; 
Peter, who died at Philadelphia from the effects 
of wounds received in the service of his country; 
Hannah, who died when young; David, a farmer 
of Pine Grove, Penn. ; John, a farmer of Bald 
Eagle; Rachel, wife of Martin Funk, who was 
disabled while a member of the Union army, 
and is now a resident of Port Matilda, Centre 
county; and Belle, who has been twice married 
(her first husband was George Brindle, who was 
killed in a logging camp, and she afterward wed- 
ded William Shay, a coal miner and farmer of 
Blair county). The mother of these children 
departed this life May 13, 1886, and the father 
passed away November 26, 1895, at the advanced 
age of ninety years. 

In August, 1864, Mr. Kelley was drafted for 
service in the Union army, and became a mem- 
ber of Company I, 102nd P. V. I., First Brigade, 
Sixth Army Corps. He participated in a num- 
ber of battles and skirmishes, including the en- 
gagements of Winchester and Petersburg. Po- 
litically, he adheres to the Democratic party, and 
by his fellow citizens has been elected school di- 
rector, overseer of the poor, tax collector and 
constable, the duties of which he discharged in a 
prompt and most efficient manner. He is an in- 
telligent, keen-sighted man, of good financial 
ability, and his upright and honorable course 
commands the respect and confidence of all with 
whom he comes in contact either in business or 
social life. 



J 



ON AS STINE, Sr., is one of the representa- 
I] tive agriculturists of Patton township, Cen- 
tre county, whose residence is near the little 
village of Buffalo Run, and the home with its 



surroundings denotes the supervision of an intel- 
ligent farmer and capable business man, who at 
the same time has proved a useful member of 
society, and one deserving of the esteem and con- 
fidence of the people around him. 

Mr. Stine was born in Lancaster county, 
Penn., June 18, 181 8, and is a son of Jonas and 
Elizabeth (Gray) Stine, both also natives of the 
Keystone State. They died in Centre county, 
Penn., the father in August, 1862, and were 
laid to rest in Gray's cemetery. Our subject 
is the sixth in order of birth in their family 
of seven children, the others being as follows: 
John a cabinet-maker by trade, married Rachel 
Leary, and died in 1876. Hannah married 
Jesse Whippo, by whom she had eight chil- 
dren, and several years after his death she wedded 
John Hicks, who died in 1890. Leah, a resident 
of Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, is the 
widow of Michael Myers, who died in 1 887. Cath- 
arine married Joel Lauder, had eight children, 
and died in 1885. Samuel H. is a farmer in 
Patton township. Elizabeth died in girlhood. 
The family is of German origin. 

In the public schools of Patton township, 
Mr. Stine, the subject of this sketch, obtained a 
limited education. On March 12, 1841, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Myers, 
daughter of William Myers, of Patton township, 
and to them were born fourteen children, as fol- 
lows: (1) Amanda married a Mr. Sweitzer, and 
they had three children — Eva, wife of Frank 
Harris, of Patton township; Alice, wife of Miles 
Taylor, of the same township; and Susan, wife 
of George Kline, of Virginia; after the death of 
her first husband, Amanda married David Kline, 
of Huston township, Centre county; she receives 
a pension of $12 per month. (2) William, who 
is employed in a paper-mill in Johnsonburg, Elk 
Co., Penn., married Amelia Quigley, of Centre 
county, and to them were born six children, four 
of whom are still living. (3) Mary is the wife of 
David R. Thomas, a farmer of Patton township, 
by whom she has eight children. (4) George, 
who is employed in the Scotia mines of Centre 
county, married Mary McDivitt, and has six 
children; they make their home in Patton town- 
ship. (5) John was married, but his wife died 
February 18, 1896, leaving a twelve-year-old 
daughter. (6) Jonas, who is clerking in a store 
in Tyrone, Penn., married Annie Huffman, of 
Clearfield county, and has two children. (7) 
Catharine is the wife of William Sellers, a farmer 
of Patton township, by whom she has four chil- 
dren. (8) Susan is the wife of Harry Gates, a 
horse dealer of Elmira, N. Y., by whom she has 
three children. (9) Emma is the wife of Arthur 



472 



COMMEMORATIVE IlIoaRAPHI'M. RECORD. 



Thomas, of Matternville, Centre county, by 
whom she has a daughter twelve years of age. 
(10) Sarah is the wife of John Hoy, a merchant 
and also postmaster, express and ticket agent for 
tin Bellefonte Central Railroad Company; they 
have four children. The other four children of 
our subject died in childho 

Mr. Stine is a stanch supporter of the nun 
and measures of the Democratic party, and for 
years has served as chairman of the township 
central committee. Both himself and wife are 
sincere and earnest Christians, holding member- 
ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by 
a blameless life set a most excellent example be- 
fore the rising generation. 



JOHN P, i ONDO, ex-sheriff of Centre county, 
has made his way to popular favor by gen- 
uine worth and merit, his personal character 
inspiring and retaining the confidence and esteem 
of all who come within his influence. He is a 
born leader of men, and especially qualified for 
public life, i" which inclination and ability both 
point as a suitable sphere He has a good edu- 

ion, which with his refinement attract to him 
the best class of people, while his geniality makes 
all sorts and all conditions of men at ease in his 
nee. 

Our subject was born at Spring Mills. Centre 
county, August m, 1853. and his parents. Daniel 
and Sarah (Lutz) Condo, were both natives of 
Penn's Valley, the father born February 11, 1821, 
and the motherin 1835. Daniel Condo followed 
the blacksmith's trade during his life, and he was 
one of the nation's gallant defenders in the Civil 
war, serving three years with marked courage 
and devotion He died February 11, 1871, and 
the widowed mother now resides with her daugh- 
ter Sarah. Of their numerous family seven 
children live to maturity, our subject being the 
youngest. The others are: (l) Cyrus, who had 
been a resident of California since 1875, and died 
in May, 1897; (2) James C, now living at Penn 
Hall; (3) Harriet, the wife of Amos Koch, a 
farmer of Ferguson township, Centre county; 
(4) Lot C, a blacksmith at Potters Mills; (5) 
Jonathan, a merchant at State College; and (6) 
Mary, who married James Kouch, a blacksmith 
of Penn township. 

John P. Condo left home at the early age of 
nine years to do for himself, going to live with 
James G. Evans, a farmer, with whom he re- 
mained six years, receiving for his services his 
board and clothes. When fifteen years of age 
he began working out, on wages, for different 
farmers, being two years of this time with J. W, 



Evans, son of his former employer. He worked 
in this line until he was twenty, when he returned 
home; however, he had during all the time- 
assisted in the support of the family, there being 
three children younger than himself. On his 
turn home he went to a select school under Prof. 
Wolf. He next began clerking in a store at 
Logan Mills for Thomas L. Elgin, remaining 
occupied for two years. Following this he went 
to Lock Haven, and there clerked in a general 
store for J. W. Bridges. In 1S78 he became a 
traveling salesman for W. J. & I. Smith, grocers 
of Philadelphia, his territory being in central 
Pennsylvania. He remained with this firm until 
1894, when he was elected sheriff of Cento 
county. He ably and very satisfactorily filled 
this office until the expiration of his term of 
office, January 1, 1S97, and did not lose a pris- 
oner throughout his term. 

Mr. Condo has taken an active part in poli- 
ties from early manhood, beginning when only 
twenty -three years of age. He was an advisor 
in party affairs, often being a delegate to con- 
ventions. In 1877 he was a delegate to the State 
Convention. For three years after his marn 
he made his home in Clinton county, and while 
there was offered the nomination in that county 
for the office of register of wills and recorder of 
deeds, which he declined. His next place of : 
idence was at Penn Hall, then at Spring Mills, 
where he resided until elected sheriff. Since 
retiring from the sheriffalty he has made his home 
at Millheim, where he is engaged in the mercan- 
tile business. 

Mr. Condo's wife, formerly Miss Lucilla Mil- 
ler, who is referred to in the sketch of John S 
Miller, of Sugar Valley, Clinton county, is a 
native of Clinton county, Penn., born Septemh< r 
21, 1 86 1. Two children — Lizzie May and Harry 
K. — make the home merry. Mr. Condo is a 
member of the Evangelical Church; socially he 
is identified with the Masonic order, being a 
member of Old Fort Lodge No. 527 at C'entr. 
Hall, and of the Royal Arcanum at Bellefont? 



SAMUEL GARNER. The splendid farm 
) owned by this gentleman in College town- 
ship, Centre county, is a standing monument to 
his industry, perseverance and good management 
He comes under the category of "self-made 
men, having been dependent upon his own re- 
sources from an early age, and has sua 
only by the exercise of his steady, plodding labor 
At the present time, however, he is one of the 
prominent representatives of the agricultural in- 
terests of College township. 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



473 



Marks Garner, his paternal grandfather, died 
in Centre county, leaving four children: Daniel, 
who died when a young man; Joseph, a farmer, 
who died in 1881, in Crawford county, Penn., 
where his family are still living; Jacob, who was 
a farmer of Mercer county, this State, where he 
•died in 1 891 , leaving a family; and Samuel. 
The last named, the father of our subject, was 
born and reared in York county, Penn., where 
he was married, about 1828, to Anna Sellers, 
also a native of that county. They became the 
parents of ten children, namely: William, a 
blacksmith by trade, who married Sarah Bloom, 
of near Pine Hall, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of 
John Ludwig, who owns a factory in Ebensburg, 
Cambria Co., Penn.; Maria, who wedded Jacob 
Hoots, and died in 1872; Daniel (deceased), who 
married Sarah Houtz, and lived near Branch, in 
College township, Centre county; Samuel, of 
this review; Susan, deceased wife of Henry 
Sampson, a miller, living near Humes Mills, 
Spring township, Centre county; Nancy, who 
married Henry Sampson after the death of her 
sister; Margaret, wife of George Williams, a 
plasterer of Lemont, Centre county; John, of 
State College, who married Sarah Stover, now 
deceased, and is in the employ of the college di- 
rectors; and Henrietta, wife of a Mr. Coughler, 
a carpenter in Kansas. In 1833, the father came 
to College township, Centre county, where for 
forty years he lived upon rented farms in the 
vicinity of Branch cemetery, and there died in 
1873, just a week prior to his son Daniel's death. 
His wife departed this life at the same place in 
1872. 

The gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch was born in Boalsburg, Harris township, 
Centre county, October 19, 1837, and attended 
school at Shingletown until about sixteen years 
of age, when he left the school room in order to 
aid his father in the work of the farm, remaining 
with him until twenty-four. He and his brother 
Daniel then undertook the management of the 
farm, taking care of their parents, and paying off 
an indebtedness of more than $1,500. So suc- 
cessful were they that they concluded to purchase 
a tract of 140 acres near State College, at a cost 
of $9,800, or $70 per acre, but in less than a 
year the brother died, leaving our subject with 
the entire debt and accumulating interest to pay. 
He not only has discharged the same, but has 
made many valuable and useful improvements 
upon the place, including an excellent barn 
erected at a cost of $1,400, and deserves great 
credit for the success he has achieved, as both 
land and farm products have since greatly 
depreciated in value. 



On September 18, i860, Mr. Garner was 
joined in wedlock to Miss Julia Aumerman, a 
daughter of John Aumerman, a farmer of Pleas- 
ant Gap, Centre county, and they have had a 
family of ten children, as follows: Anna, wife of 
Fred Krumrine, living near State College; Ida 
M., wife of Samuel Sankey, a joiner of Philips- 
burg, Centre county; Blanche, who died of 
pneumonia, at the age of twenty; Ella, who died 
of the same disease at the age of twenty-four; 
Elizabeth, wife of William Rosier, a civil engin- 
eer, of Spiras Point, Md. ; William, a graduate 
of the State College; John, a farmer living near 
State College, who married Margaret Wise; Net- 
tie, who is attending the State College; Mildred, 
at home; and Emma, who died in infancy. 

For the past twenty-three years Mr. Garner 
has been a worthy member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, of which he has been trustee 
for several years, and was a member of the build- 
ing committee at the time of the construction of 
the house of worship in State College, donating 
$200 toward the same and $100 toward the 
parsonage. He is very charitable and liberal, 
aiding in all worthy enterprises for the good of 
the community, and the poor and needy ever find 
in him a friend. His sterling worth is recognized 
by all with whom he comes in contact, and he is 
therefore held in the highest regard. Politically 
he is identified with the Democratic party. 



AUSTIN GRAMLY, the popular proprietor 
of the " Rebersburg Hotel" at Rebersburg, 
and a veterinary surgeon, is one of Brush 
Valley's well-known and highly respected citi- 
zens, and belongs to a family that have long been 
prominently identified with the interests of Centre 
county. His grandfather, John Gramly, was 
born December 22, 1783, a son of Francis and 
Barbara (Spangler) Gramly, and on reaching 
manhood married Catharine Royer, by whom he 
had ten children — eight sons and two daughters. 
The grandmother was a native of Snyder county, 
Penn., where their marriage was celebrated. 

Joseph Gramly, the father of our subject, was 
born July 22, 1 8 1 1 , on the old homestead near Re- 
bersburg, where he was reared, and was educated 
in the schools of the neighborhood. On February 
20, 1834, he married Miss Esther Schmeltzer, 
who was born in Kelley township. Union Co. , 
Penn., July 21, 1815, the eldest of the eight 
children — four sons and four daughters — of 
George and Catharine (Beckley) Gramly. Her 
paternal grandparents, Conrad and Hannah (Gin- 
ter) Gramly, natives of Germany, paid their pas- 
sage across the water by work after their arrival 



474 



COMMEMORATIVE BI0GRAP1WW. RECORD. 



in the United States, it being customary at that 
time to hire out to the vessel owners, who would 
sell their services to the farmers or to any others 
that would buy them. Her grandfather passed 
the later years of his life in Brush Valley, near 
Madisonburg. He became quite wealthy, his 
money being in gold and silver, which he kept in 
the cellar in a barrel supposed to have contained 
vinegar. Calling his children together, five in 
number, he divided his capital among them. 
There were two sons, George and Jacob. The 
former, who was a farmer by occupation, lived 
to be over seventy years of age, and was twice 
married, but all of his children were of the first 
wife. 

After his marriage, Joseph Gramly took 
his bride to the Gramly home, west of Re- 
bersburg, where he engaged in farming for 
several years. They became the parents of the 
following children: Margaret H., born April 5, 
1835, married David Kahl, and died in Freeport, 
111., August 24, 1872; Benjamin F., born No- 
vember 14, 1836, lives in Kane county, 111.; 
Catharine A., born July 7, 1838, died^in infancy; 
Sylvester, born October 8, 1839, died in Miles 
township, Centre county, June 17, 1868; Mary 
L. , born June 12, 1841, is the wife of Reuben 
Samuel, living near Rebersburg; James J., born 
January 23, 1843, is an ex-treasurer of Centre 
county, and makes his home in Rebersburg; Geste 
A., born March 14, 1845, married Simon Smull, 
and after his death wedded Jesse Wirt, of Aarons- 
burg, Centre county; George S., born April 10, 
1846, is a farmer of Nittany Valley; Charles H., 
burn September 20, 1847, is a Methodist minis- 
ter of Kansas; J. Austin is next in order of birth; 
Andrew J., born May 24, 185 1, is an Evangeli- 
cal minister of Inland, Ohio; John C, born Feb- 
ruary 8, I853, died in July 18, 1855; the next 
son died in infancy; William Byron, born March 
12. 1855, died October 25, 1857; Emma J., born 
October 23, 1857, died April 20, 1877; and a 
son, born February 4, 1861, died in infancy. 

After the removal of the parents to Rebers- 
burg in May, [875, the father lived retired until 
his death, March 9, 1884, and was buried at that 
place. His widow still lives in the comfortable 
home left her. For over fifty years they had 
traveled life's journey together, sharing its joys 
and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and had 
the esteem and confidence of all who knew them. 
In politics, Mr. Gramly was a Democrat, and held 
a number of local offices to the satisfaction of all 
concerned. He was well posted on the Scrip- 
tures, being a constant reader of the Bible, had 
the strictest regard for truth and honor, was tem- 
perate in all things, and was an active member 



of the Evangelical Church, with which he was 
officially connected. 

J. A. Gramly, our subject, whose name in- 
troduces this review, was born in Miles town 
ship, Centre county. May 10, 1848, and in the 
schools of the neighborhood began his educa- 
tion, his first teacher being Samuel Gramly. H> 
completed his literary course in the Rebersburg 
Academy. L'pon the home farm he remained 
until thirteen years of age, when he started to 
learn the blacksmith's trade with Simon Smull, 
of Madisonburg, receiving only his board in 
compensation for his services, but after one year 
he gave this up and later worked at the wagon - 
maker's trade with Joseph Weber, of Rebers- 
burg. At the age of twenty he rented his father's 
farm, and after operating it for two years, h> 
sold off his stock and obtained employment as a 
carpenter. A natural mechanic, he has been 
able to work at almost any trade, including those 
of a stone mason and saddler. 

Before he had attained his majority, Mr. 
Gramly wedded Miss Abbie Weber, a daughter 
of Joseph and Rebecca (Heckman) Weber, 
and by this union a family of ten children were 
born, namely: William, who at present is em- 
ployed in a mill at Spring Mills, Centre county; 
Vernie, wife of Floyd Bowersox, of Spring Mills; 
Charles, at home; Edward, a teacner of Rebers- 
burg; Esther, at home; Herbert, who died at 
the age of two years; Oliver, Pines and Emma. 
all at home; and a son, who died in infancy. 
The wife and mother, who was a consistent 
member of the Evangelical Church, departed 
this life in December, 1887, and was buried at 
Rebersburg. Later Mr. Gramly married Mi-s 
Annie Blint, a native of Loganton. Perm., and 
a daughter of Jacob Blint. 

The first land which our subject owned was 
seventy-five acres known as the old Kleckner 
farm, which he improved and subsequently sold, 
but never lived thereon. Later he purchased 
fifty acres of the old home farm, and erected 
all the buildings thereon. There he re 
until the fall of 1S95 when he came to Rebers- 
burg to take charge of the " Rebersburg 11 
which he has since successfully conducted 
When a boy he became interested in the 
belonging to his father, and under Dr Hilbish, 
who recognized his talent for veterinary sui 
he began the study of that science. During the 
twenty-five years he has practiced that profession, 
he has been very successful in his treatment of 
stock, and his practice covers a radius of twenty- 
five miles. Of a most generous, kindly nature, 
he often makes no charges when he knows that 
his patron is in limited circumstances. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



475 



Politically, Mr. Gramly has always been 
identified with the Democratic party, and has 
creditably served as school director of District 
No. 4, six years, assessor, three years, and is at 
present overseer of the poor, which office was 
entirely unsolicited by him. He is a charter 
member of Rebersburg Lodge No. 1031, I. O. 
0. F. His strict integrity and his honorable, 
upright life, have gained him hosts of warm 
friends, as well as the confidence of all with 
whom he has come in contact, and at one time 
was called upon to act as guardian for fourteen 
children. 



WILLIAM MILLER is one of the prosper- 
ous and intelligent farmers of Taylor 
township, Centre county, residing on the Mount- 
ain road. He was born September 28, 1831, 
at Yellow Springs, Huntingdon Co., Penn., a son 
of Charles and Ann (Bird) Miller, the former a 
native of Centre county, and the latter of Sinking 
Valley, Huntingdon (now Blair) county, Penn- 
sylvania. 

By occupation the father was an iron worker, 
and on his return to Centre county in 1840, he 
located at Hannah Furnace, where he died in 
1852, at the age of forty-five years. He was an 
Old-line Whig in politics, and was a member of 
the United Brethren Church, to which his faith- 
ful wife also belonged. She passed away in 1850, 
aged forty-five years. In their family were the 
following children: William, of this sketch; Mar- 
garet, a resident of Bellefonte, Penn.; John, 
who is operating a sawmill in Clearfield county, 
Penn.; Mary A., of Philipsburg, Penn.; George 
W. , who was killed at the battle of Spottsylvania 
during the Civil war; Jane, a resident of Belle- 
fonte; and two who died in infancy. The pater- 
nal grandfather of our subject died in Philadel- 
phia, of yellow fever, while on a visit to his 
daughter. 

William Miller remained at home until it was 
broken up by the death of his parents. At the 
eariy age of nine years he began work at the 
Hannah Furnace, where he was employed until 
he had reached his twenty-first year, and later 
was connected with different iron works until 
i860, when he located upon his present farm, 
and has since devoted his time and attention to 
agricultural pursuits with excellent success. In 
January, 1851, he married Miss Susan Caraher, 
and to them eight children have been born, 
namely: Clara, wife of Lewis Sheets, a lumber- 
man of Janesville, Penn. ; Daniel, a farmer of 
Osceola, Penn., who married Annie Miller, a rel- 
ative; Wesley (deceased); Annie, wife of D. S. 



Fleming, of Du Bois, Penn.; Frances, wife of 
George Copenhaver, a farmer of Osceola; George 
W., railroad freight agent at Houtzdale, Penn., 
who married Laura McMunagle; Harry, a pho- 
tographer, of Tyrone, Penn., and Bertha, at 
home. 

Mrs. Miller was born March 19, 1832, in 
Sinking Valley, Huntingdon Co., Penn., and is a 
daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Waite) Cara- 
her, natives of York county and Huntingdon 
county, respectively. They were married in the 
latter county, where they remained until 1848, 
when they came to Centre county, locating at 
Hannah Furnace, where the mother died in 1850, 
at the age of fifty-three years. A year later the 
father removed to the farm on which our subject 
now resides, and there continued to make his 
home. He died, however, in Blair county, while 
on a visit to a daughter. He followed black- 
smithing in early life, but later lived retired, en- 
joying a well-earned rest. The following chil- 
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Caraher: Sam- 
uel (deceased); Margaret, widow of David Brat- 
ton, a blacksmith and later a farmer; Eva E., 
Michael and Abraham, all three deceased; 
Alfred, ablacksmith, of Houtzdale, Penn. ; Susan, 
wife of our subject; Mary, wife of William Clark, 
of Houtzdale; Catherine, widow of Jacob Rider, 
of Guthrie county, Iowa; Henrietta, widow of 
John Cline, of Bellefonte, Penn., and one who 
died in infancy. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller remember when 
their homes seemed to be on the frontier, and 
game and other wild animals were very plentiful. 
One day, while in the timber looking for her 
cows, she was approached by three wolves, which 
she at first took to be her dogs, and on realizing 
what the animals were was very much frightened, 
but succeeded in driving them away. In April, 
1892, Mr. Miller met with a misfortune in the 
loss of his home, which was destroyed by fire. 
Not only did he lose his nine-room house, but 
the family records and most of the furniture and 
personal effects were also consumed. He has 
since erected his present comfortable and com- 
modious dwelling, about twenty feet from the 
former site, whose exterior surroundings denote 
thrift and comfort, while the interior domestic 
economy and arrangements show the intelligence, 
culture and refinement of the owners. 

Politically, Mr. Miller is identified with the 
Republican party, has served as school director 
for four years, supervisor ten years, overseer of 
the poor one year, and collector twelve years. 
Public-spirited and enterprising, he gives his sup- 
port to all worthy objects tending to promote the 
welfare of the community, and was instrumental 



176 



( OMMBMOBA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in building the plank road running from Union- 
ville to Tyrone. He is widely and favorably 
known, and enjoys the confidence and respect of 
all with whom he has come in contact. 



JASPER N BROOKS. I S. storekeeper and 
ganger at Pleasant Gap, Centre county, is 
one of the native sons of that locality, and 
has spent his entire life there. He is both wideb- 
and favorably known, and the acquaintances of 
Ins boyhood are now numbered among his stanch- 
est friends a fact which indicates a well-spent 
life. He was born in Spring township, May 26, 
1845, a son (jf Richardson and Jane E. (Ralston) 
Brooks, highly respected citizens of the locality. 
The former was born in Centre county, and his 
father was a native of Chester county, Penn 
Throughout his life Richardson Brooks followed 
the occupation of farming, and in 1894 he passed 
from earth. His wife was born in Lancaster 
county, Penn., and her father was a native of 
England. 

Mi. and Mrs. K. Brooks had a famil\ oi ten 
children, the subject of this review being the 

second ii ler of birth. The others are (1 

fames R., who married Sarah Evey, by whom 
be had four children; after her death he wedded 
Sarah Caldwell, by whom he also had four chil- 
dren; his home is in Spring township, Centre 
county. (3) Elmira is the wife of Henry Twit- 
myer, of Pleasant Cap (4) Rebecca is the wife 
of Dr. John Bilger, who is engaged in the prac- 
tice of veterinary surgery; they have six chil- 
dren. (5) William S. resides in Pleasant Gap; 
he married Mary Gross, and they have seven 
children. (6) Li Hie I), is the wife of John Show- 
ers. (7) Samuel is engaged in school teaching. 

Annie is the wife of Coke Bell, of Bellefonte, 
Penn. (9) Lemuel married Annie Bell, and is 
employed as a traveling salesman, (io) Fanny 
died in infancy. 

[asper N. Brooks obtained his education in 
the public schools of Spring township, and has 
always lived in that locality. He belongs to one 
of the old families of the county, and for fifty- 
one years he has been identified with its inter- 
ests. In his early life he learned the carpenter's 
trade, and for a number of years followed that 
vocation, many evidences of his handiwork and 
skill being seen in his section of the county. 
Recently he has established a planing-mill and 
carpenter shop in Pleasant Gap, and in his busi- 
ness efforts is meeting with good success, having 
now a liberal patronage. He is also serving as 
U. S. storekeeper and gauger. 

In 1872 Mr. Brooks was married to Miss 



Sarah Watson, and they have three children 
Anna, Paul P.'and Helen. In his political ad- 
herency Mr. Brooks is a Democrat, giving his sup- 
port to the men and measures of that party. In 
religious belief he is an Adventist, and all whi 
know him regard him as a worthy citizen and 
straightforward business man, well meriting th. 
respect in which he is held. 



LC. RERICK, a worthy representative of th. 
ricultural interests of Benner township. 
1 Centre county, was born August 16, 1845, and i- 
a son of Daniel and Polly (Neff) Rerick, both 
now deceased, the former dying of heart dis- 
when in his sixty-eighth year. The mother. 
whose birth occurred October 28. 1806, wa 
called to her final rest October 24, [885. B> 
trade the father was a shoemaker, but for thi 
last twenty years of his life he followed agricult- 
ural pursuits. 

Our subject is the sixth in order of birth in a 
family of seven children, the others being as fol- 
lows; Israel and Elizabeth both died in infanc) 
John, born February 28, [835, married Kat< Mi 
( lintock, and died March 20, 1865. in Bennei 
township, Centre county, where his entire life 
had been passed. Sarah J. is tin wile of Will- 
iam A. Thompson, of Brookville, Penn. Mar\ 
A. resides with our subject. William died at the 
age of six years, nine months and ten days. The 
paternal grandfather made his home in Union 
county, Penn. L. C, our subject, remained be- 
neath the parental roof during his youth, and 
drew his excellent education from the schools of 
the locality. Having always been studiously in 
clined and fond of reading, he has added mater- 
ially, through the course of a busy life, a large 
amount of useful information to his stock of 
knowledge. For fourteen years during the winter 
season he successfully engaged in teaching school, 
and still holds a teacher's certificate issued by 
Prof. J. P. Kickersham, once State superintend- 
ent of schools. Early in life he was made ac- 
quainted with the theory and practice of agri- 
culture, and is now one of the most thor&ugh 
and skillful farmers of Benner township. He is 
also interested in a steam thresher. 

On October 23, 1869, Mr. Rerick married 
Miss Lizzie D. Eckley, and to them have been 
born seven children: Newton J. ; Aggie B. ; Lloyd 
M., who is a member of Company B, Pennsyl- 
vania State Guards; William B. ; Harry I).; Ed- 
gar D. and Lillie T. Mr. Rerick is an earn. ! 
supporter of the principles of the Democracy 
which he always supports by his ballot, and is 
now serving as assessor of Benner township 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



All 



Socially he holds membership in the Grange, and 
in religious belief is a Lutheran. He is highly 
respected and honored by a wide circle of ac- 
quaintances, and is one of the representative 
men of Centre county. 



F\ 0. HOSTERMAN, of the firm of Hoster- 
man & Stover, leading hardware merchants 
of Millheim, Centre county, is but a recent ac- 
quisition to the goodly array of progressive busi- 
ness men in that thriving town, but his ability, 
enterprise and upright methods have already es- 
tablished for him an enviable reputation. Al- 
though he is still a young man comparatively, 
his popularity is established on a firm basis — 
that of his own well-tested merit. 

Mr. Hosterman was born March 5, 1859, in 
Haines township, Centre county, where his an- 
cestors were early settlers. His father, Jacob 
Hosterman, a son of John Hosterman, was born 
July 13, 1 8 14, and was reared to manhood in 
Haines township, near Fiedler post office. His 
early education was mainly obtained in the Ger- 
man schools of the day, but his native talents en- 
abled him to gain an honorable place in life by 
almost unaided effort. For twenty-five years he 
was justice of the peace, and he was known as 
" Squire " Hosterman throughout that section. 
He was a large man, well built and very robust, 
and did much hard work in his day, gaining a 
comfortable competence. While he was never 
a politician, he gave his hearty support as a citi- 
zen to the Democratic ticket on all occasions. 
He was married in Haines township, to Miss 
Anna Bower, a native of the township, born Au- 
gust 3, 1 8 16, the daughter of Adam and Elizabeth 
(Ocks) Bower. 

Soon after marriage Squire Hosterman locat- 
ed near Fiedler P. O., upon a farm which he 
owned there, and to which he devoted most of 
his time. As he was a blacksmith by trade, he 
established a shop on the place and continued 
the business many years. His wife, a most es- 
timable woman, was a Lutheran in faith, but he 
belonged to the Reformed Church, and was an 
active worker, attending regularly and holding 
various offices. He died May 28, 1871, and Mrs. 
Hosterman afterward made her home with her 
son Robert until her death, which occurred 
February 12, 1879. The mortal remains of 
both now rest in St. Paul's cemetery. Their 
children were Susan, now Mrs. W. K. Stover, of 
Haines township; Charles, who died in Nittany 
Valley, leaving a family; Robert P., a farmer of 
Hainestownship; Mary, who died at an early age: 
A. Jackson, who died at Aaronsburg leaving a 



family; James M., who died in infancy; and Fred- 
erick O., our subject. 

When F. O. Hosterman began his studies, 
the schools of this section were by no means on 
a par with those of to-day, and the remembrance 
of his limited opportunities makes him, though 
childless himself, a stanch friend of improvement 
in this line for the benefit of coming generations. 
At thirteen, being large and strong for his age, 
he began working as a farm hand for an uncle, 
D. O. Bowers, in Union county, receiving $7 a 
month. He remained there but a short time, 
however, and returning to Haines township he 
made his home with a brother, his father being 
dead. He enjoyed the advantages of one season 
in school at Aaronsburg before his days as a stu- 
dent were ended. In 1880 he went to the vicin- 
ity of Bellevue, Ohio, and spent the summer as 
a farm hand, returning to Pennsylvania in the 
fall. Shortly afterward he became a clerk in 
the store of Fiedler & Runkle, at Fiedler, Cen- 
tre county, and his three and a half years there 
gave him his first practical knowledge of mercan- 
tile business. Later he purchased the store from 
Mr. Fiedler, giving his note for the entire amount, 
as his available capital was needed to buy stock. 
This transaction is noteworthy as indicating the 
confidence which his former employer reposed in 
him. Mr. Hosterman conducted the business 
successfully for eight years, and having been in- 
strumental in securing a post office at Fiedler he 
was placed in charge, and served six years as 
postmaster in addition to his other business. In 
the spring of 1893 he disposed of his interests, 
which were then in a flourishing condition, and 
moved to Millheim, but did not engage in any 
enterprise until the fall of 1894, when he bought 
the hardware business of J. C. Smith. In this 
he has made a great success, as has been said, 
and the business is now the most extensive of 
the kind in Penn's Valley. 

On December 28, 1884, Mr. Hosterman was 
married, in his native township, to Miss Susan 
Stover, daughter of Noah and Rachel (Shirk) 
Stover, prominent residents of that locality. 
Mrs. Hosterman was the second child and daugh- 
ter in a family of six — four daughters and two 
sons. In 1895, Mr. Hosterman built one of the 
finest homes in Millheim — where fine homes are 
no rarity — and the beauty of its location, com- 
bined with architectural effect, make it an ideally 
attractive spot. Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman have 
had one daughter, Maud, who died in infancy. 

One important factor in Mr. Hosterman's 
success is his unfailing courtesy and willingness 
to oblige others. As a citizen he is no less pro- 
gressive and enterprising than in his private af- 



17> 



' -OMMKMOUA TI VK MOCHA Villi .1 /. UF.l DUD. 



fairs, and that this is appreciated by his fellow- 
citizens is seen by his election to his present seat 
in the city council after a shorter residence in 
the place than any other member who ever 
served therein. He is a steadfast Democrat, but 
the life of a regular politician has for him no 
charms. 



JSPIGELMYER is unquestionably one of the 
most influential and wide-awake business 
men, whose lives have become an essential 
part of the commercial and industrial history of 
Centre county. Tireless energy, keen percep- 
tion, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and 
cuting the ri^ht thing at the right time, joined 
to every-day common sense, guided by resistless 
will power, are the chief characteristics of the 
man. He is not only one of the most enterprising 
merchants of Nfillbeim, but also conducts the 
leading livery stable in the place, and is exten- 
sively engaged in the coal and sawmill business, 
thus giving employment to many men, and ad- 
vancing the interests of the community. 

Mr. Spigelmyer was born July 23, 1853, in 
Hartleton, Union Co., Penn., and is a worth) 
n presentative of one of the old families of that 
place. His father, Shem Spigelmyer, was there 
horn, and was a son of Daniel Spigelmyer, a 
prominent merchant and farmer of that locality. 
Shem Spigelmyer wedded Mary J. Lashell, and 
to them were born seven children who are yet 
living, and four now deceased. Those who still 
survive are (',. R. , a merchant of Bellefonte, 
Centre county; Mary, widow of James Haas, of 
Mifflinburg, Penn.; Shem, also a merchant of 
Bellefonte. J , of this -ketch; Hannah J., wife of 
James Chambers, of Mifflinburg; Charles D., of 
Williamsport, Penn. ; and Lydia L., wife of James 
Aurand, of Milroy, Penn. The father was for 
many years successfully engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, but is now living a retired life at the 
ol seventy four, a highly respected and valued 
citizen of the community where he makes his 
home. He was practically thrown upon bis own 

resources when a y< g man, and through his 

own efforts amassed a comfortable competence. 
He faithfully performs every duty of citizenship, 
and at the polls uniformly votes the Republii 
ticket. For years he has been a worthy mem- 
ber of the Presbyti nan Church, to which his es- 
timable wife also belonged. She departed this 
life in Mifflinburg when over sixty years of 
and there her remains were interred. She was 
of Scotch descent, while her husband was of 
German 01 igin. 

During his boyhood our subject attended the 



public schools of his native place, and later wa< 
a student in the seminary at New Berlin, Penn 
When old enough to see above the counter h< 
began assisting his father in the store, out of 
school hours, and thus early acquired a good 
practical knowledge of business methods. Be- 
fore attaining his majority he became a member 
of the firm of Spigelmyer & Sons, who were then 
conducting stores in Hartleton and Woodward. 
Centre county. At the age of twenty-one he 
was married, in Mifflinburg, to Miss Mar) ( 
Vurand, a native of Lewisburg, Penn., and a 
daughter of John Aurand, a farmer by occupa- 
tion She received the benefit of more than or- 
dinary education, being a student in advanced 
institutions of learning. By her marriage she 
has become the mother of one daughter. Cam. 
M . an accomplished young lady. 

On dissolving his business connection with 
his father and brothers, Mr. Spigelmyer first 
tablished a store in Centre Hall, Penn., but aft 
one year removed to Rebersburg, Centre count\ . 
and in 1880 established his present general store 
in Millheini. which he has since successfully con- 
ducted. In connection with his various busini 
enterprises he also owns three good residences 
and three store buildings. He is one of the 
most progressive, public -spirited and enter- 
prising citizens of Millheim, doing all in hi> 
power to further the interests of the place, and 
promote the general welfare. In manner 
is pleasant and genial, in disposition kindly, and 
the high regard in which he is universally held is 
well deserved. He is a stalwart Republican in 
politics, and though the town has a strong Dem- 
ocratic majority, he was elected chief burgess, a 
fact which plainly indicates his popularity and 
the confidence and trust reposed in him. Soci- 
ally he is a member of the Knights of the Golden 
Eagle No. 353, of Millheim, and his estimal 
wife is a member of the Evangelical Church. 



SIDNEY W. BAIRFOOT, who in his lifetime 
w.is one of the prominent and represent 
citizens of Centre Hall, Centre county. | 
away 011 the 26th of October, iSSS, after a life 
of industry, and rich in those rare possessions 
which only a high character can give, lb 
labored with all the strength of a great nature 
and all the earnestness of a true heart for the 
bettering of the world about him, and when he 
was called to the rest and reward of the l 
world his best monument was found in the love 
and respect of the community in which al 
ins entiri life had been passed. 

In Milroy, Penn., Mr. Bairfoot was 1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



479 



Tuly 10, 1854, and he first came to Centre county 
when he was seven years of age, going with his 
mother to the home of ex-County Treasurer D. 
C. Keller, of Potter township, where she was em- 
ployed as a seamstress. When she was ready to 
leave, such an attachment had sprung up between 
Mr. Keller and the child that she concluded to 
allow him to remain for a time; but each day 
tightened the bands of friendship and the in- 
tended temporary stay became permanent. 
Being an excellent boy, he fortunately had a 
home with one of the best families of Potter 
township, where his traits of character were ap- 
preciated, and he was treated as one of the 
family. In the schools of Centre Hall he 
obtained a good practical education. 

When a young man, Mr. Bairfoot began his 
business career as a clerk in a general store in 
Lewistown, Penn., where he remained for eight- 
een months, and subsequently for several years 
served as manager of a store for his uncle in 
Chicago, 111. During that time, however, he 
contracted malaria, which necessitated his re- 
turning "home", as he called it. Mr. Keller 
beingengaged in the buying and selling of stock in 
Centre Hall, he became familiar with the business, 
which he followed after that gentleman's election 
to the office of treasurer of Centre county, and 
for some time was his partner in business. He 
was the trusted confidant of Mr. Keller, and in 
no instance was that confidence ever abused. In 
all the relations of life he was upright and hon- 
orable, and thus had the respect and esteem of all 
with whom he came in contact. On July 14, 
1886, in Centre Hall, he wedded Miss Flora O. 
Neff, who was born February 2, 1855, the only 
child of Dr. P. D. and Sarah C. (Motz) Neff. 
Herbirth occurred in Aaronsburg, Centre county, 
but since the age of three years she has made her 
home in Centre Hall. When twelve she entered 
the Moravian Academy at Bethlehem, Penn., 
where she graduated July I, 1873. 

Dr. Neff, one of the most successful practi- 
tioners and business men of Centre county, was 
born in 18 17, and was the son of Major John 
Neff, who was prominent in the early history of 
Penn's Valley. The latter was born in 1790, 
and died April 4, 1870, in Centre Hall. In 1858 
the Doctor left Aaronsburg and located in 
Centre Hall, where he soon built up an excellent 
practice and accumulated a handsome property. 
He continued the prosecution of his profession 
up to his death, which occurred April 7, 1880, 
at the bedside of a patient in Potter township. 
His loving wife survived him until April 7, 1887, 
and both now rest in the cemetery of Centre 
Hall. She belonged to the well-known Motz 



family of Woodward, Penn., a daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Fisher) Motz. The Doctor and 
his wife were held in the highest regard through- 
out the community, with whose interests they 
had long and prominently been identified. His 
father being a farmer, the Doctor passed his 
early life on a farm, but he was always a great 
student, and his daughter has often heard him 
speak of his studying at nights and working hard 
to secure his education. He was a graduate of 
Jefferson Medical College. In politics he was a 
Democrat, but not active or obtrusive in the 
work of the party. 

Early in the year 1886, Mr. Bairfoot pur- 
chased a stationery store in Bellefonte, which he 
conducted in partnership with Oscar Wetzel for 
a time, and then became sole owner, but failing 
health necessitated his selling out, which he did 
in May, 1888. He then removed to the old 
homestead of Dr. Neff in Centre Hall, where his 
death occurred. Politically he was a Democrat, 
but never aspired to public office. As a young 
man he was steady and reliable, which traits 
characterized his entire career. He was quiet 
and unassuming, a man of few words, but a great 
reader and excellent penman. When a boy, in 
Lewistown, Penn., he committed to memory a 
certain amount of the catechism, and far excelled 
the other competitors who were striving for the 
prize — a dictionary — which he presented to the 
Sabbath-school where he won it. He was a 
great Bible student, followed closely its teach- 
ings, and was a faithful member of the Lutheran 
Church. His name will be cherished for many 
generations, as that of a man who acted well his 
part and lived a worthy and honorable life. Mrs. 
Bairfoot, who still survives her husband, occu- 
pies the old homestead of her parents, and is 
surrounded by many warm friends and acquaint- 
ances, who have for her the highest regard. 



JOHN ANDREW HUNTER, B. S. and M. 
E., instructor in mechanical engineering at 
Pennsylvania State College, is rapidly win- 
ning distinction as an able and successful educa- 
tor. To judge of his future by his past, we may 
well believe that his steady purpose will carry 
him forward to increased effectiveness and wider 
influence. 

Mr. Hunter is a native of Half Moon Valley, 
Centre county, having first seen the light at 
Stormstown, May 15, 1868. His father, John A. 
Hunter, Sr. , a native of Pine Grove, has been 
for many years a prominent agriculturist at 
Stormstown, and he and his wife, Elizabeth El- 



1-n 



(OMMHMOUA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



der, are among the most highly esteemed resi- 
dents of that vicinity. 

Prof. Hunter enjoyed in boyhood the benefits 
of wholesome country life, and in 1884 he left 
the old farm to enter the preparatory department 
of State College. In 1890 he completed the 
course in mechanical engineering, graduating with 
the degree ot 1! S. In the same year he began 
his professional career as an instructor in Me- 
chanic Arts at Macon, da., and soon after was 
appointed principal of Parson's Technological 
School at Savannah, Ga., where he remained un- 
til 1893. He then returned to his Alma Mater 
for a post-graduate course in mechanical and 
electrical engineering, gaining the degree of M. 
E. In 1894 he assumed the duties of his present 
position, for which his abilities and training have 
admirably fitted him. 

Prof. Hunter is a member of the Scientific 
Association of State College, and, while thor- 
oughly devoted to his chosen line of study, he 
takes an intelligent interest in all questions of the 
time. In his political views he is a Democrat. 
So far Prof. Hunter has not joined the ranks of 
the happy benedicts. 



WILLIAM II DENLINGER, of the well- 
known firm of Denlinger Bros., whole- 
sale jobbers in oil, with offices in Pittsburg and 
Philipsburg, is a citizen whose history and char- 
acter are especially deserving ol portrayal in a 
volume which aims to preserve the records of 
leading men An able, energetic business man, 
he is actively interested in many important enter- 
prises, while at the same time his public spirit is 
manifested in his hearty co-operation in the varied 
phases of local progress — social, political, and 
philanthropic. 

Our subject is a native of the Keystone State, 
born November 13, 1*53. and is descended from 
an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family, his ancesl 
having located in Lancaster county at a ver) 
early period. His grandfather, Christian Den- 
linger, left that locality with two brothers, Mar- 
tin and Henry, to make their homes in Blair 
county, Penn. The descendants ol the brothers 
are now located mainly at different points in the 
West. Christian Denlinger settled near Holli- 
daysburg, and married Miss Jane Holliday, a 
member of the honored pioneer family f"r whom 
that city was named. 

Our subject's father, Christian Denlingei 
was born in Blair county, in 1823. He had one 
brother, William, now a resident of Michigan, 
and formerly a prominent journalist of Weston. 
Penn A half-sister, Lli/abeth, married John 



Jones, of Westmoreland county, Penn., and died 
in 1865. Christian Denlinger (21 followed the 
carpenter's trade in early life, and later was for 
many years an official in the Allegheny County 
Work House. He was married in Pittsburg to 
Miss Fannie Shidle, a native of that city, born 
m 1825, who died in April, 1S65. his own death 
occurring in June, 1891. The Shidle family - 
of Maryland stock, and James Shidle, grand- 
father of our subject, left his home in Baltimore 
to locate in Pittsburg, walking the entire distance 
on the old National turnpike. He was born in 
1800, and died in 1879. His wife's maiden name 
was Elmira Crosby, and they had six children: 
Geter, John, Henry, James, George, and Fannie 
( Mrs. Denlinger). To Christian and Fannie Den- 
linger four children were born: Jennie, who died 
in infancy; Elmira C, wife of John Van Bus- 
kirk, of Pittsburg; William H., subject of this 
sketch; and James S., who was born January 2, 
1856, and was reared in Pittsburg. He married 
Miss Alice Goff, and has four children: Fanni. 
William Holliday, Christian and Charlotte. 

William H. Denlinger received his education 
in Pittsburg, but as a boy he spent seven years 
in Minnesota, his parents having gone there 
temporarily. His unusual ability attracted at- 
tention before he had outlived his "teens, 
and he was appointed to the office of deputy 
gauger of Pittsburg, in which capacity he set 
for nine years. In 1879 he and his brother 
James S., formed the firm of Denlinger Bi 
with the main house at No. 804 Duquesneway. 
Pittsburg. In order to accommodate their rapid 1) 
developing trade, they opened the branch office 
at Philipsburg in 1883, with W. H. Denlinger in 
charge. By his characteristic energy and tact he 
has greatly increased the scope of the busun 
and at the same time he has identified himself 
thoroughly with the interests of the locality 
which he has chosen for a home. Few nun, 
perhaps none, are more active and influential in 
the various public and semi-public moveiw 
there, certainly no other man of his years can 
compare with him in this regard. He is pri 
dent of the Board of Trade; president of the 
Citizens Building & Loan Association; was pi 
dent id the Borough Council in 1896; a dire, 
in the Welivar Manufacturing Company. »M 
lent of the furniture factors 

Mrs. Denlinger is a member of the Catholic 
Church, while Mr. Denlinger, though no mein- 

of any religious persuasion, is a liberal' 
tributor to all. Socially, he and his ace 
plished wife are an acquisition to Philips 

is married June 4, 1889, to Miss N.mn M 
' I I aughlin, a native of Clearfield, born \ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



481 



i 5, i S65. Her father, James McLaughlin, was 
formerly treasurer of Clearfield county. Two 
sons, William H., Jr., and James McLaughlin 
Denlinger have blessed this union. Mr. Den- 
linger is an active worker in the Masonic order, 
and is a past master of Moshannon Lodge No. 
391; past high priest of Clearfield Chapter No. 
228; and post E. C. commander of Moshannon 
Commandery No. 74. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, but takes no active interest therein except 
for his friends. 

Christian Denlinger, our subject's father, 
served three years in the war of the Rebellion, 
as corporal in the Second Minnesota Battery of 
Artillery, was never wounded, but was taken 
prisoner near Shelbyville, Tenn., confined in 
Libby Prison a short time, and exchanged in the 
spring of 1864. At that time he was sick, and 
his son, our subject, went to Annapolis to visit 
him, and there entered the service of Dr. Van- 
degrift, surgeon-in-charge, as orderly, and served 
till the close of the war. 



PERRY H. STOVER, senior member of the 
well-known firm of Stover & Whitmyer, 
lumber merchants of Coburn, Centre county, is 
an able business man and a public-spirited citizen 
whose genial disposition and high character have 
attracted to him a host of friends. 

As he is descended from two leading families, a 
review of his ancestral history will be of interest. 
His great-grandfather, George Stover, had but 
two children, Jacob and John, of whom the 
former went to California during the ' ' gold fever" 
of 1849, and while at sea on his way home a few 
years later, had a sunstroke, from the effects of 
which he died at La Crosse, Wis. John Stover, 
the grandfather of our subject, was killed in early 
manhood while blasting rock in the construction 
of the first railroad from Millheim to Brush Val- 
ley, which lay along Elk creek, but on the oppo- 
site side from the present road. His wife, Mary 
(Yeagley), died from colic, neither of them having 
attained the age of twenty-one. Both were 
buried at Aaronsburg, where they resided when 
their only child, George W., was born, February 
17, 1826. 

The late George W. Stover, the father of our 
subject, was reared by his maternal grandmother, 
Anna Maria Yeagley, wife of John Yeagley, in 
what was then Haines (now Penn) township, 
Centre county. After a course in the district 
schools he studied higher branches at Mifrlintown 
and Mifflinburg, and, thus prepared, began the 
work of teaching, in which he continued success- 
fully for three or four years. In 1842 he began 

31 



to learn the miller's trade at Pine Creek Mills, 
and after acquiring a knowledge of the work re- 
mained there for a time as an employee. Later he 
engaged in mercantile business at Nittany Hall. In 
1 848 Mr. Stover was married in Haines township, 
by Rev. Mr. Reese, a Lutheran minister, to Miss 
Malinda A. Kreider, who was born September 
13, 1829, in Lebanon, Penn., where her grand- 
father, Jacob Kreider, was a well-known citizen 
in his day. He and his wife, Catherine (Smith), 
reared a family of five children — two sons and 
three daughters — Philip, Mrs. Stover's father, 
being the eldest. The other son, Jacob, died in 
1 S 1 1 . 

Philip Kreider married Leah Bowman, and in 
April, 1834, removed with his family to the pres- 
ent site of Centre Hall, traveling in a wagon, 
the journey from Lebanon county requiring three 
days. He and Christian Hoffer, who with his 
family made the trip at the same time, purchased 
what was then known as the James Lyons farm, 
and divided it, Mr. Kreider taking the lower por- 
tion where Centre Hall now stands. Four 
years later he moved to Linden Hall, and after 
one year there located in what is now Penn 
township, Centre county. He was a carpenter 
in his younger days, later becoming a merchant 
and hotel keeper, his thrifty and industrious life 
enabling him to secure a comfortable competence. 
He and his wife were devout members of the Re- 
formed Church, and were highly esteemed in the 
community. The wife died April 4, 1836, the 
husband on January 7, 1842, and the remains of 
both were laid to rest at Aaronsburg. Their 
children were Malinda A. (Mrs. Stover); Will- 
iam S., who died in 1855 in Penn township. 
Centre county; Rosanna. who died in infancy; 
John P., who died in Miles township, Centre 
county, at the age of forty-four; George B. and 
Reuben H., who died in infancy; Jacob B., a 
physician at Bucyrus, Ohio, and Mary C, now 
Mrs. Daniel Weaver, of Miles township, Centre 
county. 

Our subject's parents began housekeeping at 
Nittany Hall, and remained until June, 1849, 
when they settled upon the farm now occupied 
by Mrs. Stover. It had belonged to her father, 
and the claims of the other heirs were purchased 
in order to acquire it. There was only a log 
cabin upon the place, once used as a distillery, 
but they made their home there until the pres- 
ent comfortable residence could be built. The 
first purchase was five acres, and later eighty 
acres adjoining were secured to make the farm 
as it is to-day. Before leaving Nittany Valley, 
Mr. Stover had bought tracts of timber land, 
which he afterward developed profitably. In 



182 



CO UMBMQRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the spring of 1859 he engaged in the distillery 
business in a small way, continuing more than 
twenty-five year.--, and this and other enterprises 
so t-i I his time that the care of the farm 

was left to the otlur members of the family or 
to hired help. During the last rive years of his 
life he suffered from paralysis. His death oc- 
curred Ma) 2, [889, and he was buried at Aa- 
ronsburg. 

more than forty-five years he was a promi- 
nent member of the Reformed Church, serving 
■ Urn as deacon, and being always ready to con- 
tribute toward the advancement of the work. 
He helped to build three churches of this denom- 
ination, his liberality in this direction being one 
phase ot a lifelong interest in all the movements 
which would promote the public welfare. He 
was a Democrat, although the family had in the 
mam belonged to other parties. His interest in 
public affairs was keen, and he served in various 
township offices — auditor, school director, asses- 
sor and |ii>ti(e of the peace — and he was a warm 
friend of improvement in the schools of his dis- 
trict, At his death he left his property to his 
widow, a woman of kindly heart and noble char- 

1. who was of great assistance to him in his 
career. She is well preserved, and although she 
has met with accidents at various times which 
have caused seven bone fractures, she has un- 
usual vitality and is very active for one of her 
Her memory is remarkable, especially of 
dates, her reminiscences of early life being very in- 
teresting, and her natural abilities are of a high 
order. Sine, 1844 she has been a constant 
member of the Reformed Church. Our subject 
was the tirst child in a family of five, the others 
being Mary E., born October 29, i S 53, mar- 
ried Thomas B. Mot/, of Penn township, Centre 
county; John C, born May 27, 1855, died Octo- 
1m 1 20, [893, leaving a widow; Oscar J., born 
July, 25, i860, lived only two years; Kinder H., 
born July 12, 1873, is a telegraph operator 

Pens II Stover was born at Nittany Flail, 
1 en iber 4, 1S4S, and was but a 

child when his parent- removed to the present 
homestead. He attended the local schools. 
which were much inferior to those of the present 
daw and then pursued his studies further at Re- 
bersburg under Supt, Magee, and at Aaronsburg 
with Prof. Gotwalt. His parents being well- 
to-do, and basing a high estimate of the value ol 
a good education, gave to all their children much 
better opportunities than fell to the lot of most 
young people of their time. On leaving school, 
Mi. Stover taught successfully for three years in 
Penn township, Centre county, and Long Swamp, 
Berks Co., Penn. All his spare time, either as 



student or teacher, was spent at home, his father 's 
numerous and varied enterprises affording an 
abundance of work for him as the eldest son. 
Later he gave his entire attention to these inb r- 
ests, residing with his parents until October. 
1877, and his services were of no small value. 

In 1X75, Mr. Stover was married in Mil - 
township, Centre county, to Miss Eliza J. Wolf, 
who was born August 1, 1851, the daughter of 
Henry Wolf, a leading farmer of Brush Valley. 
In the fall of 1877. Mr. Stover and his young 
wife removed to Coburn, where he opened 
the "Coburn Hotel, "a well-known hostelry built 
by his father. He remained there lour years 
and a half, conducting also a livery business. In 
the meantime he became associated with his 
father in a grain business, which, w ith the coal 
business connected with it, came into his hands 
in 1880. As sole owner he continued until Feh- 
ruary, 1884, when he sold out to Smith & ( 
In 1887 he entered the employ of William Whit- 
mer iV Sons, lumber dealers, and occupied a re- 
sponsible position with them until 1894, when 
the present partnership was formed. 

Mr. Stover is a member of the Refot 
Church, and his wife is a Lutheran. Thej 
no children. Their home in Coburn is a pleasant 
one, and at the time it was built by Mr. E 
it was considered one of the best in that section 
Politically he is a Democrat, but his keen intei if 
in the success of- his party is quite impersonal as 
he is not anxious for office. He has served one 
term as justice of the peace, however. Frater- 
nally he belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at 
Millheim, and is a charter member of the Patri- 
otic Order Sons of America at Coburn. 



J SWIRES, one of Philipsburg's leading citi- 
zens and most successful business men 
plays in his career the characteristic Amer 

lergy, and clear-sighted judgment 
As merchant and coal operator, he conducts his 
extensive interest with dispatch, while in the 
various other lines of work in which he ; 
oiislv gained knowledge of the world and 
oped his business tact, he was equally efficient. 
Mr. Swires is a native of Cambria count). 
Penn., born March 26, 1854, and of German 
parentage. His father, Anthony Sw I 
born in the Fatherland, and came to Penn-sl- 
vania as a young man, engaging in the luinher 
business, and conducting a saw null on hi- 
account. During the greater part of his 
business career he lived in Cambria county, hut 
at the time of his death (in 1864 or '65) In- 
dence was in Blair counts. He was married in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



483 



Pennsylvania to Miss Mary Dunmyer, a native of 
Germany, who survived him, her death occurring 
in 1893. She married a second husband, John 
Beck. By her first marriage she had four chil- 
dren, of whom our subject was the eldest; (2) 
Mary (Mrs. Anthony Beck) resides in Altoona; 
{3) John is a railway conductor, and resides at 
Bellwood, and (4) Joseph is a resident of Al- 
toona. There were two children by the second 
union: Annie, now Mrs. Boehm, and Amanda, 
who lives at Altoona. 

Until the age of seventeen Mr. Swires made 
his home in Cambria and Blair counties, with 
three years in Clearfield county, but, on attain- 
ing that stage of life when ambition prompts a 
youth to prepare for the serious tasks of gaining 
a livelihood, he went to Philipsburg, and learned 
the blacksmith's trade with Joseph Jones. He 
followed this trade until 1885, when he became 
interested in the livery business, which he sold 
three years later to engage in a mercantile part- 
nership under the firm name of Swires & Baker. 
After a year he began operating in the coal fields, 
and is now conducting the work at the Montana 
mines in addition to his general mercantile busi- 
ness with the Swires Store Company. 

Mr. Swires has a pleasant home in Philips- 
burg, where he was married in 1888 to Miss Ber- 
tha Hunter, a native of Clearfield county, born 
in 1858. They have four children; Eva, Joseph, 
Jesse, and Ralph. Notwithstanding the fact 
that Mr. Swires has won his success by his de- 
votion to business, he has always been able to find 
time to forward public interests as opportunity 
has arisen. He is chairman of the Second Ward 
Democratic Committee, and is an active member 
of the Altoona Fire Company, having been its 
president since its organization. 



JABEZ C. P. JONES, the present popular 
mayor of Milesburg, and proprietor of a res- 
taurant at that place, is classed among the 
enterprising and wide-awake business men of 
Centre county. He is ever ready to assist in 
any movement tending to advance the interests 
of the community in which he resides, and is 
highly respected by his fellow-citizens. 

A native of Centre county, Mr. Jones was 
born in Bald Eagle Valley, July 12, 1833. His 
parents, David and Sarah E. (Carter) Jones, 
were natives of Vermont and Connecticut, re- 
spectively, were married in the former State, 
and in 1806 came in a sleigh to Centre county, 
Penn., where they spent their remaining days, 
the father dying in February, 1854, at the age of 
sixty-eight years, and the mother in September, 



1883, at the advanced age of ninety-three years. 
They were the parents of seven children, as fol- 
lows: Hannah, who married John Glenn, but 
both are now deceased; Chauncey, Silvey and 
Harvey, all three deceased; Henry, a resident of 
Clinton county, Penn.; Sarah J., deceased; and 
Jabez C. P., of this review. By occupation the 
father was a general farmer, was a Whig in poli- 
tics, and for ten years served as justice of the 
peace of Union township, Centre county. He 
was a devout member of the Methodist Church, 
in which he was class leader for twenty-one 
years. His father, Jabez Jones, was born in 
New Hampshire of Welch extraction, while his 
(Jabez's) wife's father was a native of the Green 
Mountain State. Neither ever lived in Centre 
county. 

In the usual manner of farmer boys our sub- 
ject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, 
and at the age of seventeen entered upon an ap- 
prenticeship to the cabinet maker's trade, which 
he followed until i860. For one year thereafter 
he was engaged in a mercantile establishment. 
The Civil war having broken out, he enlisted, in 
1 86 1, in Company B, 148th P. V. I., but he 
was taken ill, and after seven months and fifteen 
days spent in the service, he was honorably dis- 
charged and returned home. For four years he 
then engaged in clerking, after which he was em- 
ployed as a huckster and peddler for some years. 
Subsequently he followed contracting and gen- 
eral carpenter work two years, and then opened 
his present restaurant at Milesburg, which he has 
since successfully conducted. 

In March, 1854, Mr. Jones was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Parsons, a native of Milesburg, 
who died March 25, 1 87 1 . To them were born 
nine children — three sons and six daughters — five 
of whom died in infancy. Those living are Mary, 
wife of Thomas Dougherty, of Oakpond, Penn. ; 
James T. , of Clinton county, this State; David, 
of Bellefonte, Centre county; and Silvey, of 
Pittsburg. On July 23, 1873, Mr. Jones was 
again married, his second union being with Mrs. 
Bella Murray, and they have eight children, all 
at home, namely: Erma E., Grace T. , Lester 
V., Bella V., Fenetta J., Edna R. , Clara V. and 
Iva J. Mrs. Jones was born at Milesburg, March 
15, 1843, and is a daughter of Thomas M. and 
Euretta (Roberts) Hall, in whose family were the 
following children: James, deceased; Mary, wife 
of Col. James F. Weaver; Mrs. Ellen Swires, a 
widow; Benjamin, a resident of Chicago; Clara, 
who married A. T. Boggs, of Milesburg, but is 
now deceased; Henry and George, both deceased; 
Dr. William, who is living in Milesburg; Bella, 
wife of our subject; and Joseph, a resident of 



484 



COM 1/ EMORATIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Missouri. The father of these children con- 
ducted a hotel at Milesburg, was a prominent 
Democratic politician, and served as sheriff of 
Centre count} 

Mr. | < iiu-s has been called upon to fill several 
official positions of honor and trust in his local- 
it}, the duties of which he has discharged in a 
most capable manner. He has served as coun- 
cilman, assessor, and school director for twenty- 
two years, being secretary of the board for six- 
teen years and president two years of that time. 
He has also been a member of the board of 
health, and auditor of the town for eleven years. 
In January, 1895, be was appointed burgess, 
which responsible office he is now acceptably 
filling, On account of the injurious effects of 
his army service, he now receives a pension of 
$30 per month. He is an ardent Republican in 
politics, and fraternally is a member of the Grand 
Army Post of Milesburg, of which he was com- 
mands for one year. 



©1 < >RGE WIR 1', who in his lifetime was one 
of the representative and leading citizens of 
Penn township. Centre county, began his ca- 
reer at the foot of the ladder without other re- 
sources than his own indomitable vvill and steady, 
plodding industry, and worked Ins way upward 
until he became possessed of a handsome 1 
petence. 

Mr Wirt was born in Dauphin count}, Penn., 
in Jul}', 1826, a son of Solomon and Mary Noll) 
Wirt, who brought their family to Centre county, 
when our subject wa n years old. A 

tanner by occupation, the father located upon 
Penn creek, in Penn township, where be oper- 

1 rented land, but later purchased a tract in 
Haines township, where he spent his remaining 
years. He died, however, in Dauphin county, 
in 1867, while on a visit, but his bod\ was 
brought back and interred in the cemetery at 
Aaronsburg, where lus wife, who died at the 
oi eight} loin years, was also laid to rest. They 
were consistent members of the Evangelical 
Church, and held in the highest regard by all who 
knew them. Although the father began Hi 

i man, by dint of bard work he succeeded in 

■ uiin- well-to-do 

Our subject was the eldest m a laim 
eighl children, the others being as follows: 

is, a resident of Brush Valley, Centre county; 
Josiab. oi Aaronsburg; William, of Sugar Val 
Mary A., widow of William Guismite, and a 1 
ident of Woodward, Centre count}'; Amanda, 
wife 1 'I Frank Weaver, of Varonsbui g; 
wifi ol William Bear, of Kcbersbure,, Centre 



counts and Caroline, wife of Emanuel Swartz 
<>f I '.rush Valley. 

George Wirt was reared in the usual manner 
of farmer boys, and in the German school 1 
his home received a fair education. In Novem- 
ber, 1848, by Rev. Sebastian Mussel, Mr. Wirt 
was married to Miss Susannah Zerley, who was 
born in Gregg township, Centre county. An 
20, 1826, a daughter of Philip and Hannah S 
day) Zerley. Her twin sister, Mrs Sarah An 
man, is also still living. To Mr. and Mrs Wirt 
were bom five children: Sarah, who married 
[ohn Breon, of Millheim, and has one child; 
Emma, wife of Al Keen, of Penn township, bj 
whom she has nme children; Mary, widow 
William (.nines, of Penn township, b\ whim 
she had three children; and Henry and Catharine, 
who died in childhood. 

Mr. Wirt began his domestic life upon th.- 
old Wilson farm in Haines township, which h. 
rented for twelve years, and for the lony pt 
of twenty-one years lived on the farm of Philip 
Gephart, near Millheim. In March. 1882, he 
purchased from his brother William a farm 1 
sisting of eighty acres of fine land. In his eo 
deavors to secure a home he was ably assisted h\ 
his faithful wife, who indeed proved a helpn 
to him, and is one of the best house-keepers' to 
be found anywhere. f"hey were widely and fa- 
vorably known throughout this section of the 
county, with whose interests they wen- identified 
for so man}' years. The political support of 
Mr. Wirt was given the principles and candid 
of the Democratic party, with which his fathei 
was also identified. That he was a thorough 
skillful farmer was evidenced by the Ion 
which he operated the two rented farms, wl 
his successors have signally failed. In Au§ 
1896, Mr. Wirt laid aside the cares of life, and 
passed to the realms of rest and peace 



KT SMITH, a prominent resident I 
Splint; Mills, Centre county, now 1 
from active business, is a self-made man wh 
present prosperity shows unusual ability as 
financier, the foundation of his success hai 
been laid by his savings as a mechanic, He 
man of few words, and in manner is quiet and 
unassuming; but while devoting himself e* 
ly to bis own business he has always wi 
degree of respect from his fellow citizens which 
!■■ who seek popular favor fail to secui 
Mr. Smith was born February 5, 1 84 1 
Haim township. Centre count}, neai 
P 0., where Ins parents. Charles and El 
< Schnure) Smith, owned a farm. 1 1< 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



485 



youngest of a family of five children — three sons 
and two daughters — and was reared after the 
usual custom in that time and locality, assisting 
in the "chores" at home, and securing such in- 
struction as he could in the schools of the neigh- 
borhood. His first teacher was J. G. Meyer, 
who conducted a subscription school in the St. 
Paul district. At that time the present system 
of free schools had not been introduced there, 
but a few years later the change was made, his 
first teacher under the new order being Jake 
Lukenbach. The opportunities afforded were 
much inferior to those of the present time, and 
Mr. Smith feeling his own deprivation is a firm 
friend to the policy of securing for every child in 
the commonwealth a chance to receive a thor- 
ough education. 

At eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's 
trade with Squire Rinehart, and after one year 
engaged in work as a journeyman. Having a 
laudable desire to see something of the world, he 
spent some years in traveling about, working at 
his trade in various places from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, and visiting the main points of inter- 
est in this country. In 1873, weary of roving, 
and with a mind well stored with the practical 
information thus gained, he returned to Centre 
county and located at Bellefonte, entering the 
employ of W. V. Hughes, as an ordinary work- 
man. By the end of a year he had shown such 
marked ability in all lines of work, that he was 
made foreman, and this responsible position he 
held some thirteen years, overseeing the con- 
struction of many important buildings from foun- 
dation to roof. He then undertook, on his own 
account, the contract for the Reformed church 
building at Aaronsburg, and after the successful 
completion of that work he went to Cali- 
fornia, and spent two years visiting friends 
and doing some work as occasion offered. On 
his return in 1889, he resumed his old position 
with Mr. Hughes and superintended the con- 
struction of two buildings at Johnstown, Penn. — 
the Library and the Cambria Iron Company's 
store — replacing those destroyed by the flood. 
In the fall of 1891 he gave up his position 
and in the latter part of 1892 he purchased from 
the Barcroft estate some valuable property, at 
Spring Mills, comprising a hotel, which he sold in 
1896, two residences, and two store buildings. 
These he placed in thorough repair, and since 
February, 1893, ne has made his home at Spring 
Mills, his elegant and luxuriously furnished resi- 
dence being a delightful spot in which to pass his 
well-earned leisure. He was married at Belle- 
fonte, in 1890, to Miss Emma Heckman, of Penn 
Hall, daughter of John F. and Fietta (Fisher) 



Heckman. Two children have blessed this union: 
Rosa, born in January, 1891, and Ruth, born 
May 1, 1896. Mr. Smith and his wife are lead- 
ing members of the Reformed Church, and he 
has held office as deacon and elder therein. He 
also belongs to the I. O. O. F. of Bellefonte. 

Mr. Smith has worked hard and made a 
thrifty disposition of his earnings, and has neither 
been extravagant nor practiced undue self-denial 
in order to accumulate his fortune. In his polit- 
ical views he is a Republican, and his first vote 
in a Presidential campaign was cast, in 1864, for 
Abraham Lincoln. He is a regular voter, and 
takes much interest in the success of his party, 
but has never been an office seeker. 



B. HARTSWICK. This gentleman, who 
spent his early manhood in active business, 
and mainly in agricultural pursuits, is now living 
retired on a fine farm in Ferguson township, 
Centre county, where he has made his home 
since 1868. It is a most beautiful place, pleas- 
antly situated within a half mile of State College, 
and plainly indicates the thrift and enterprise of 
the owner. A man of great energy and more 
than ordinary business capacity, his success in 
life has been largely due to his own efforts, and 
the sound judgment by which he has taken good 
advantage of his own resources. 

Mr. Hartswick was born in Harris township, 
Centre county, and is a son of Christian and Mary 
(Miller) Hartswick, also natives of Centre county, 
where they were married January 2, 1830. By 
trade the father was a blacksmith. His father, 
who was a native of Holland, crossed the Atlan- 
tic to the New World in 1792, landing at Phila- 
delphia, while his wife (who was a Miss Boozer) 
was born in Switzerland. Our subject was third 
in order of birth in their family of eight children, 
the others being as follows: (1) Dr. John G. was 
successfully engaged in the practice of medicine 
for forty years in Clearfield, Penn. , and for two 
years in Hublersburg, Centre county ; he died in 
March, 1896, leaving a widow and one son and 
one daughter. (2) Margaret is the widow of 
Henry Evey, who was killed at the battle of 
Spottsylvania during the Civil war, and left seven 
children. (4) Adam M. married Sarah Mothers- 
baugh, of Altoona, Penn. (5) Christian died in 
1853, in his seventeenth year. (6) Elizabeth 
died in May, 1841, at the age of six years. (7) 
May J. died in Clearfield, Penn., in 1891. (8) 
William H., born in 1841, died the same year. 

In the free schools of Centre county, H. B. 
Hartswick acquired his literary education, and in 
1852 he began teaching before there was a super- 



486 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOG HAfll I'M. RECORD. 



intendent of schools in Pennsylvania. For a 
time he followed that profession, but throughout 
the greater part of his business career he engaged 

in fanning with g 1 success. On March 20, 

1S61, he married Miss Margaret Neidigh, and to 
them were born seven children (three of whom 
survive): (i) Anna M. died in infancy. 
Clara E. died August I, 1890, when in her twenty- 
fifth year; she would have graduated the follow- 
ing year from the State College of Pennsylvania. 
|. Milton, born November 4. 1868, married 
Helen McCalmont, and has three children; he 
was educated in the State College, and is a 
teacher by profession, making his home in Fer- 
guson township. 14) Naomi died in infancy. (5) 
Newton Neidigh, born August 10, 1872, married 
Elizabeth Thomas, and lives in Ferguson town- 
ship; he also was educated in the State College, 
and is now successfully engaged in teaching. (6) 
Adam H.. born February 16, 18 — , married 
Annie dinger. (7) Christian W., born January 
29, 1879, died July 26, 1884. 

Mr. Hartswick is not an active politician, but 
quietly votes, as his sentiments and beliefs dic- 
tate, with the Republican party. A conscientious, 
Christian gentleman, he is a faithful member of 
the Reformed Church. Intelligent, affable and 
courteous, he is a true type of an American citi- 
i, and his circle of friends throughout the 
community is only limited by his circle of ac- 
quaintances. 



JAM] S HENDERSON. Among the active 
and energetic agriculturists of Centre county, 
there is probably no more prominent figure 
than this gentleman, who owns and operates a 
good farm in Benner township. On starting out 
in life for himself he engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, which he continued to follow for twentj 

is, but since 1871 he has turned his attention 
to farming, in which he has met with a fair de- 
gree of success. 

Mr Henderson is a son of Hugh and Mar- 
garet (Gamble) Henderson, the former of whom 
was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland. In 
their family were six children: Thomas, who died 
in Clearfield county, Penn., in 1893; Robert, a 
retired fanner of College township. Centre coun- 
ty; one whose name is not given, a farmer, who 
died in Clearfield county; Samuel, a retired 
farmer of Blair county, Penn.; James, of this 
sketch; and Margaret, who is living in Clearfield 
ci mnty. 

On reaching manhood, James Henderson was 
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Math 
who was born in County Tyrone. Ireland, and in 



1S47, with her parents, came to America, locat- 
ing in Clearfield county, Penn. Of this union 
six children were born, as follows: (i ) Robert M . 
a resident of Benner township. Centre county, 
married Rachel Hinton, and has two children. 
(Ji Sophronia married C. L. Knox, and in 1884 
removed to Minnesota, where the husband died, 
after which she returned to Centre county in 

I 1891, and now makes her home in Bellefonte. 

; she has five children. 31 B. K.. also a resident 

1 of Bellefonte, was married in 1895 to Jennie 
Taylor. (4) Mabel E. and (5 < alvin L. are 
next in order of birth. (6) Emma L. , a most 

\ accomplished lady, is still with her parents 

Mr. Henderson is practically a self-made man. 
having commenced life with no capital except 
strong arms, an iron constitution, and an ei 
of purpose that was bound to win. His fine farn 
is a standing monument to his industry, pi 
verance and good management, coupled with 
economy and a praiseworthy frugality. He is a 
stalwart Democrat in politics, and a consistent 
and active member of the Presbyterian Church. 



BAYID ATHERTON, a member of the well- 
known firm of Jackman & Atherton, Philips- 
burg, Centre count\ . is widely known in busin 
circles as a man of undoubted integrity, conduct- 
ing his interests with ability and strict regard to 
details. He is a worthy representative of a 
prominent English family, and was born in Liver- 
pool, England, February 1 1. [858, a son of Will- 
iam and Sophia (Bessett Atherton, who spent 
their entire lives in that country. The father 
was a quiet, unassuming man, a coal operator by 
occupation, and a member of the Wesleyan 
Church, to which his wife also belonged. H 
died in 1S75, at the age of sixty-six years, and 
she passed away two years previously at the age 
of sixty-two. 

Ten children wen born to this worthy couple. 
namely: Robert, who is now living a retired life 
in Liverpool; Thomas, who 1- engaged in 
butchering business in Leigh, Lancashire,! 
land; Abraham, a lead-pipe manufactui 
Prescott, England; Hannah, wife of James 1 
ex-police superintendent of Lancashire; James 
B., a manufacturer of insulating electric wire in 
Prescott, England, owning one of the lar- 
plants in the country, worth a million doll 
Sarah, wife of James Kerfoot, who is inten 
in a grist mill in Leigh. England; Jacob, wh 
with his brother |ames in business; Job, wh 
connected with coal mining in England, and died 
in 1893, at the age of twenty-six years; and D 
vid. of this review. Our subject, who is the only 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



487 



one of the family living in this country, has 
twenty-six nieces and twenty-eight nephews. 

Until sixteen years of age David Atherton at- 
tended school, thus acquiring a good practical 
education. He then began his business career as 
a bricklayer, and for eight years successfully 
engaged in contracting along that line in his na- 
tive land, making his home with his parents un- 
til twenty years of age. In 1881 he crossed the 
Atlantic to America, and for a year and a half 
was a resident of Wellsville, Ohio, where he 
contracted in brick laying. Coming to Philips- 
burg, he was for several years engaged in the 
same business here, and erected all of the State 
College buildings in Centre county with the ex- 
ception of the old stone one. He also put up a 
National Bank building in Huntingdon county, 
Penn. For the past three years, however, he 
has been connected with the coal interests of 
Centre county in partnership with E. R. Jack- 
man, owning and operating the Colorado mine 
No. 3, located on Beach road, Cambria Co., 
Penn., which covers 420 acres. It has a capac- 
ity of 100,000 tons per year of the best bitumi- 
nous coal. Mr. Atherton is also sole owner of 
the Juniata Coal mine, located on the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad in Cambria county, which covers 
106 acres and has a capacity of 60,000 tons an- 
nually. He has met with a well-deserved suc- 
cess in his business venture, is straightforward 
and reliable in all transactions, and from the pub- 
lic receives a liberal patronage, for his honorable 
dealing and courteous treatment commend him 
to the confidence of all. 

In Philipsburg, May 16, 1888, Mr. Atherton 
was united in marriage with Miss Emma L. 
Goldman. They are consistent and earnest mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics 
he is a Republican. He is a leader in musical 
circles, taking a prominent part in promoting 
that art throughout the county. He comes of a 
family which is noted for its musical talent, its 
members being naturally good instrumental and 
vocal musicians. In disposition he is genial, in 
manner courteous and affable, and those who 
know him recognize the true worth of his char- 
acter, and therefore entertain for him the high- 
est regard. 



H 



A. MOORE, the well-known druggist and 
postmaster at Howard, Centre county, is a 
native of the county, having been born at Pleas- 
ant Gap, March 15, 1854, a son of Agnew and 
Mary (Furey) Moore, who were born, reared 
and married in Centre county. 

There the parents continued to remain until 



1878, when they removed to Missoula, Mont., 
where the father engaged in contracting and 
building until his death, December 28, 1892, 
when he was aged sixty-four years. He was one 
of the prominent and influential citizens of the 
place, a leader in the ranks of the Democracy, 
and serving as alderman at the time of his death. 
He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to which his wife also belongs. She 
was born March 13, 1836, and is still a resident 
of Missoula. Her parents, William P. and 
Rachel (Williams) Furey, spent their entire lives 
in Centre county. Her father was called upon 
to serve in several official positions, being county 
commissioner nine years, commissioner's clerk 
six years, and justice of the peace at the time of 
his death, which occurred in Bellefonte. The 
paternal grandparents of our subject, Thomas 
and Mary (Riddle) Moore, were natives of Scot- 
land and County Down, Ireland, respectively. 
At an early day they came to America, and they 
were married in Centre county, Penn., where 
they spent the remainder of their lives. For a 
number of years the grandfather served as man- 
ager of the Hickley ore mines in the county, and 
also engaged in farming. 

Our subject is the eldest in a family of eleven 
children, the others being: Rachel J., wife of 
Abraham Weber, a merchant of Howard, Penn. ; 
Mary R., who is with her mother; Clara, wife of 
John Bloilean, of Missoula, Mont.; William, who 
died at the age of twenty-two years; Thomas, a 
jeweler of Bellefonte, Penn.; Emma, at home; 
Ralph, second assistant bookkeeper for the 
Northern Pacific railroad at Missoula; and three 
who died in infancy. Until he was eighteen 
years of age, Howard A. remained under the pa- 
rental roof, attending school, and assisting his 
father at carpentering during the summer months. 
After leaving home he served an apprenticeship 
under Dr. C. H. Else, a druggist, of Milesburg, 
Penn., with whom he remained for three years. 
He then established his present store in Howard, 
and has since carried on a large and profitable 
drug business. 

On June 24, 1876, Mr. Moore married Miss 
Laura Ryman, and they have three children: 
Claude C, a jeweler, of Bellefonte; and Mabel 
C. and Chester A., at home. Mrs. Moore was 
born in Milesburg, Centre county, March 27, 
1854, a daughter of Jacob and Ellen (Lucas) 
Ryman, who were also natives of that county. 
Her father was a well-known miller of Milesburg, 
where he died December 28, 1876, at the age of 
fifty-five years. Politically he gave his earnest 
support to the Republican party. His wife passed 
away January 4, 1894, at the ripe old age of sev- 



is- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



enty-eigbt years and six months. In their family 
were four children: Elizabeth, widow of D. H. 
Parsons, of Altoona, Penn . Augustus, who died 
at the age of forty-three years; Miles, a huxter; 
and Laura, wife of our subject. Her paternal 
grandparents were David and Llizabeth Ryman, 
who died in Milesburg, where the former had fol- 
lowed milling. Her maternal grandfather, Charles 
Lucas, was a native of Centre county. 

Mr. Moore has won for himself a place among 
the representative business men of Howard, and 
is also numbered among iding and influen- 

tial citizens, whose sterling worth and many ex- 
cellent traits of character have found just recog- 
nition. In i 876 he was elected town clerk, which 
office he tilled for one year; was a mem- 
ber of the school board nine years; council- 
man three years; and in May, 1885, was 
first appointed postmaster at Howard, which 

tion he I tilled to the satisfaction of 

all concerned, being reappointed in May, 1890, 
and again on September 21, 1893. He I 
proved a mosl popular and efficient officer, dis- 

ging his duties with the utmost fidelity. Fra- 
ternally lie holds membership in Lick Run Lodge 
No 311, I. O. O. F., of Howard; and Belief 
Lodge No. jos, l & \ \[. Politically he 
Democrat, fn manner he is genial and affable, 
and has the esteem of many friends and acquaint- 
ances. 



*HOMAS F. BRUNGART, one of the lead- 
ing agriculturists of Centre counts, residing 
near Wolfs Store, has evidently solved the 
problem of making farming pa) even in "hard 
times." A shrewd and systematic manager, he 
adapts his crops to the market, and when one 
article falls in price he takes pains to cultivate 

le other in which there is more profit, thus 

1 returns. He belongs to one of the 

old families of Miles township. Centre county, 

and was born upon the same farm upon which 

his father, Samuel Brungart, tirst saw the light. 

Martin Brungart, his great-grandfather, was 
one of the first settlers there, bringing with him 
his family, among whom was Jacob, the second 
son, who was born January [5, 1786, and died 
September 5, 1862. Jacob Brungart owned and 
cultivated the homestead which is now the prop- 
erty of our subject, his grandson, and was one 
of the successful tanners of his day. In 1813 
he was drafted; but being so situated that he 
could not enter the army without great sacrifice, 
he hired William P. Brady, of Aaronsburg, as a 
substitute, giving him $60 and a pair of shoes. 
Jacob Brungart had six sons — John, George, 



Frederick, Martin, Jacob and Samuel; and six 
daughters — Mary (Mrs. John Heckman), Susan 
(Mrs. John Weaver). Catherine iMb. Adam 
Bair). Margaret (Mis. Jacob Smeltzer), Regina 
(who married John Shaffer), and Sarah (wife of 
William Johnson). Of this family, those yet 
living are Frederick, and Sarah, the wife of Will 
iam Johnson. 

Samuel Brungart, our subject's father, bom 
April 21, 1S25, was among the younger children 
of this large family. Farm work was then as 
plentiful in winter as in summer, and conse- 
quently he attended school but little. He DOE 
sessed unusual mental ability, however, and an 
excellent memory enabled him to make the most 
of such opportunities as came in his way, mak- 
ing him quite competent to transact business so 
greal that, although he had never been instructed 
in a trade, he could make the various kinds of 
tools required in farm work. This faculty was 
also displayed in the management of his farms. 
1 cess being SO uniform that his plans and 
methods were eagerly adopted by the progressiva 
farmers of the neighborhood. He was larger 
than the average man, and did much hard worl 
in his lifetime, gaining a success which, all things 
considered, was remarkable. Firm and steadfast 
in his ideas, he remained throughout life a stanch 
,md in religion he adhered to the 
Lutheran faith, contributing liberally to the 
Church and holding various offices therein. He 
married Harriet Walker, who was born in Brush 
Valley, February 20, 1 83 1 , a daughter of Daniel 
and Hannah (Erhart) Walker. The young couple 
began housekeeping in a small home in Brush 
Valley, near the present site of Walker's Mill, 
and from there removed to Madisonburg, where 
our subject's father rented land for four yean 
He wished to buy the old homestead out, but a- 
his father declined to sell it he rented it until his 
father's death, when, in the division of the estatt, 
Samuel Brungart secured the farm by paying 
about $4,000 to the other heirs. In 1868 he 
built a fine barn, 102 x 45, and he also remodeled 
the other buildings. He and his wife spent tin 
last days at the old homestead, the latter dying 
July 6, 1892, while his own death occurred I 1 
ruary 10, t893. Both were buried at St. Luk> - 
Evangelical Lutheran cemetery, in Miles town 
ship, Centre county, where our subject baa 
erected a handsome monument to mark their 
resting place. 

Thomas F. Brungart. our subject, was born 
March 12, 1849, and the Brungart School, near 
the old homestead, furnished him his first educa- 
tional privileges. As he was but a child wbei 
his parents removed to Madisonburg he had the 




^ 3v /^^^^^^zr 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



489 



advantage of attending the schools there until 
the return of the family to the eastern end of 
Brush Valley, where he completed his studies, 
with the exception of a portion of one winter at 
Rebersburg. As there was always plenty of 
work to be done at home he never "worked 
out," his father paying him wages after the age 
of twenty, and this arrangement was only inter- 
rupted by our subject's marriage and settlement 
in a home of his own. His wife, to whom he 
was united in Rebersburg, February 16, 1S81, 
was formerly Miss Emma Corman. She is a 
daughter of Henry and Rachel (Bair) Corman, 
and was born and reared in Brush Valley. Their 
first home was upon a farm rented by our sub- 
ject's brother-in-law, James Corman, but later 
Mr. Brungart rented the old Poorman farm, in 
Miles township, Centre county, where he re- 
mained about eleven years. In the spring of 
1893, the homestead having been left vacant by 
the death of his parents, he settled there. He 
has in that estate 268 acres, and in another farm 
near Wolfs Store, known as the old Wolf 
Homestead, he has 147 acres more. While Mr. 
Brungart does not do much manual labor, he 
oversees all the details of the work upon his farm, 
and the results of his careful management are 
seen on every side. 

Five children brighten his home: Mabel O., 
Samuel C, Celia V. , Tacie H. and Elda R. 
Mrs. Brungart is a member of the Reformed 
Church, but our subject is a Lutheran, and is an 
active worker in the Church, having held office 
as deacon and treasurer. He takes great interest 
in all movements for the advancement of the 
community, and is a prominent member of the 
Grange. In politics he has always been a Dem- 
ocrat, but notwithstanding his hearty support of 
the doctrines of his party he never has held 
office, preferring to devote his time to his own 
affairs. 



ICHAEL WOODRING, who after the 
labors of a long and busy life, is spending 
the evening of life in ease and retirement on his 
farm on the Philipsburg pike, in Worth township, 
Centre couny, is a native of Pennsylvania, his 

I birth occurring in Berks county, August 14, 1820. 

I There his parents, Abraham and Saloma (Sni- 
der) Woodring, were also born, reared, and mar- 
ried, later removed to Huntingdon county, and in 
1857 came to Centre county, locating in Worth 
township, where the mother died May 1, 1872, 
aged seventy-four years, nine months and twenty- 
seven days. Subsequently the father went to 
Cambria county, Penn., where his death occurred 



in 1886, at the advanced age of ninety years. 
He buried his family record in the casket with 
his wife. He was an extensive horse dealer and 
farmer, and in early life he was a member of the 
Lutheran Church, but later he became a devout 
Roman Catholic. His parents, Samuel and 
Maria (Yorick) Woodring, were natives of Berks 
county, where their marriage was celebrated, but 
in 1823 they became residents of Worth town- 
ship, Centre county. The former was of Ger- 
man extraction, and a farmer and miller by occu- 
pation. 

Our subject is second in order of birth of the 
children, the others being as follows: John, who 
died in Tyrone, Penn.; Samuel, born October 15, 
1823, died December 6, 1886, in Philipsburg; 
Polly, deceased wife of Rank Seek, also deceased; 
Betsey, wife of Anthony Gill, a farmer of Coal- 
port, Penn. ; Catherine, who died unmarried; and 
Beckie, deceased wife of Joseph Gill. 

Until he had attained his majority, Michael 
Woodring remained upon the home farm, and 
then started out empty-handed to make his own 
way in the world. After working by the month for 
two years, he and his brother John rented a farm 
at Huntingdon Furnace, Huntingdon Co., Penn., 
which they operated for fifteen years, and then 
dissolved partnership. For one year our subject 
then engaged in hauling ore, and in i860 came 
to Centre county and located upon his present 
farm, which was still in its primitive condition, 
covered with a heavy growth of timber, in which 
deer and other wild animals abounded. To the 
cultivation and improvement of the place he at 
once devoted his time and attention, and con- 
tinued his labors until he now has one of the most 
desirable farms in the locality. Politically, he 
affiilates with the Democratic party, and main- 
tains his principles in this regard with the same 
steadfastness which has characterized him in all 
the relations of life. He is a valued and honored 
citizen of the community, enjoying the confidence 
and esteem of all who know him. 

On September 30, 1845, Mr. Woodring was 
united in marriage with Miss Nancy Halderman, 
who was born in Centre county, in 1824, and is 
a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Wise) Halder- 
man, who spent their entire lives upon a farm in 
Centre county. They were members of the 
Lutheran Church, and in politics her father was 
a Democrat. Mrs. Woodring was one of their 
tamily of eleven children, namely: Catherine, 
deceased wife of John Stover, of Bellefonte, 
Penn. ; Jane, widow of John Woodring; Eliza- 
beth, deceased; Lavina, deceased wife of James 
Bailey, also deceased; Margaret, wife of Aaron 
Woodring, a farmer of Centre county; George, 



4SX) 



COMMKMoliA T1V1-: BIOGRAPHICAL liF.fitRD. 



who is a cabinet maker in Ohio; Jacob, who 
died in the army; Susan, who married Samuel 
Turner, and after his death wedded Samuel Stine, 
a farmer of Centre county; and Fannie, who 
married Samuel Woodring, but both are now 
deceased. 

To Michael Woodring and his estimable wife 
were born the following children: William, a 
farmer residing near Port Matilda, Centre county; 
George W., a lumberman of Virginia; Abraham, 
a lumberman of Port Matilda; General J., pro- 
prietor of a hotel at that place; John Q., who 
was killed in 1892 on the railroad while working 
at Altoona, Penn.; Mary and Ella, deceased; 
Harry E. , and Matilda, wife of W. W. Thomas, 
a farmer of Blair county, Pennsylvania. 

Harry E. Woodring, of this family, is one of 
the energetic and progressive young farmers of 
Worth township, and is engaged in operating the 
old borne farm with good success. There his 
birth occurred October 2, 1867, and in the usual 
manner of farmer boys he was reared to habits 
of industry. He married Miss Sadie Frantz, a 
native of Centre county, and they have a daugh- 
ter, Ruth L., born June 4, 1894. 

Abel and Nancy E. (Williams) Frantz, par- 
ents of Mrs. Harry Woodring, were natives of 
Centre and Blair counties, Perm., respectively. 
Their children were: Emeline; Mary E., wife of 
Lawrence Gill, a farmer of Cambria county, 
Penn.; Sarah (01 Sadie is next in order of birth ; 
Ephraim is farming in Worth township for his 

:le, John Frantz; Jennie lives in Port Matilda; 

and Bradie is a resident of Coalport, Clearfield 
county. The father of these, who was a farmer 
and huxter, was bom March 10, 1851, and died 
August 14, 1884. He was a son of Reuben and 
Katie (Woodring) Frantz, who spent their entire 
lives in Centre county, following farming. The 
mothei nt Mrs. Harry Woodring was born in 
1851, .1 daughtei ol ( aleb and Peggie (Edmon- 
son) Williams, farming people of Blair county. 
After the death ol her firsl husband she married 
James Payscole, ami they now reside in Taylor 
township, Centre county. Two children have 
been born to them, namely: Pearl and Khoda, 
both at home. 



ILLIAM COL^ IK in one who has risen 
( Hll from the ranks of the many to stand 
among the successful few. Among the promi- 
nent citizens of Centre county no one occupies a 
position of relative greater importance than Mr. 
Colyer, who has been the promob 1 1 it varied enter- 
prises that have resulted to the material benefit 
of the community. He has not only won pros- 



perity for himself, but his enterprise has been 
the means of providing labor to many who therebj 
have achieved success. His career is unparal- 
leled in Potter township. Reared without edu- 
cational advantages, ofttimes amid adverse sur- 
roundings, and without even careful business 
training in his youth, he has surmounted obsta- 
cles that would have utterly disheartened many, 
and to-day stands upon the high plane of pi 
perity. Such a life cannot fail to contain many 
valuable lessons, if others will but heed its 
teachings. 

William Colyer was born December 1 3, 1835, 
at what is known as The Loop in Potter town- 
ship, a son of Daniel and Mary (Humel) Colyer 
His father was born at The Loop, and the grand- 
father was a native of New England. He was 
a farmer in very limited means, and married a 
lady whose first name was Dolly. She was of 
German extraction, and lived to be ninety-six 
years of age 

The father of our subject was a hard work- 
ing man, yet lacked the executive ability neces- 
sary to a successful management of his affairs 
He never accumulated property, but lived in a 
rented home, and supported his family by work- 
ing at the stone mason's trade. His life, how- 
ever, was honorable, and he had the respen 
all. His political support was given the D( 
mocracy, and he and his wife were members 
the Reformed Church. He died at the age of 
fifty-six, his wife at the age of forty-seven, and 
they were buried in Luke Church cemetery 
Their children were as follows: John, who died 
at the age of sixteen years, William; Rachel, 
who married Jacob Neville, and died in Potter 
township; Sarah, who married John Miller, ami 
died in Potter township; Mary, wife ol Franklin 
Wright, of Potter township; and Susan. wif( 
William Burrell, of Pocahontas, low 

William Colyer, as the only surviving son in 
the familv, was his father's assistant, and to him 
ga\e the benefit of his services through the sum- 
mer months until he was nineteen years of B 
His educational pri\ ileges were extremely limil 
but he became familiar with the rudiment 
branches of learning in the district schools, which 
he sometimes attended in the winter. At 
early age, however, he began working, 
sometimes received only his clothes, and SOI 
times the meager sum of $3 per month, 
compensation for his services. At the 
fifteen he began learning the stone mason's ti 
with his father, and with him worked for several 

irs. Possessed of executive ability and 
ity, which his father lacked, he soon saw th it 
affairs were not properly managed, and 1 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



491 



quently laid plans to conduct the business along 
different lines. He suffered many hardships, 
and his possessions were few, his best suit of 
clothes often being the one in which he worked 

daily. 

When nineteen years of age, Mr. Colyer left 
his father and started out in life for himself. He 
rented a house and lot near what is now Colyer 
post office, and by hard work and economy was 
enabled to save some money. His first real es- 
tate consisted of a three-acre lot on which stood 
a small house, for which property he paid $560, 
going in debt for the same; but six years later 
the little home was destroyed by fire after he 
had spent that length of time in labor to pay for 
it. With a stout heart and resolute purpose, 
however, he continued his labor, and later pur- 
chased a sawmill property in Potter township. 
His acquaintances prophesied a failure, but that 
word he did not consider had a place in his vocab- 
ulary, for he re-constructed the mill and began 
the manufacture of lumber. In 1862 he was 
drafted for service in the army, but feeling that 
he could not leave his business he hired a substi- 
tute for $300. During the first year in which he 
engaged in the sawmill business he made $1,000. 
He continued to prosper, and as he secured capi- 
tal purchased timber land and extensively en- 
gaged in the lumber business. He built up and 
improved the little town of Colyer, which was 
named in his honor, and its growth and prosper- 
ity were due to the industries which he there es- 
tablished. He now owns three large sawmills 
and two stavemills, and manufactures more than 
one hundred thousand nail keg heads per month, 
together with thousands of shingles and much 
[general building material. His landed posses- 
sions aggregate more than fifteen hundred acres 
'of timber and farming land. In the spring of 1894 
he began the erection of the many substantial 
buildings which he owns in Centre Hall, and in 
March, 1896, he removed to the town, where 
'he had previously conducted business. He now 
owns grain warehouses, extensive coal sheds, 
and a large handle factory in Centre Hall, all of 
which he has erected, together with his own 
ihome and a good residence which he rents. He 
personally looks after his extensive lumber inter- 
ests, and in addition is largely engaged in coal 
ind grain dealing. 

Mr. Colyer married Frances Luse, of Gregg 
:ownship, daughter of George and Sally (Long) 
Luse. Their children are: Emma, widow of 
John Cooney, of Punxsutawney, Penn. ; Almira, 
wife of George Ishler, of Tusseyville, Penn. ; 
Anna, wife of James Spiker, of Patton, Centre 
:ounty; Ida, wife of Ambrose Lambert, of Will- 



iamsburg; Mamie, at home; Reuben W., a 
farmer of Potter township. Mr. Colyer's pres- 
ent wife was the widow of Daniel Gunder. She 
is a native of Dauphin county, Penn., and her 
maiden name was Stiffler. They have one son, 
William, at home. Mr. Colyer votes with the 
Democracy at State and National elections, and 
believes strongly in Democratic principles, but 
when no issue is involved supports the man whom 
he thinks best qualified for office. He is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows Society of Centre Hall. 
It was through his instrumentality that the post 
office was established at Colyer, and too much 
credit cannot be given him for his promotion of 
the material interests of the community. His 
life has been eminently successful, and it is the 
success which is the pride of America — that of a 
self-made man. 



OBERT ARMSTRONG. Industry, frugal- 
ity, and honesty make an excellent founda- 
tion for success in life, and the subject of this 
brief biography, a prosperous citizen of Belle- 
fonte, Centre county, has shown that he possesses 
in a high degree all of these desirable character- 
istics. Like many of the leading citizens of the 
county, he is of Irish stock, having been born in 
County Monaghan, Ireland, in July, 1839. 

John and Jane (Mullen) Armstrong, parents 
of our subject, were both natives of that locality 
and passed their lives there, the father being by 
occupation a farmer. Neither lived to an ad- 
vanced age. Of their three sons, our subject 
was the eldest. John and James, the younger 
members of the trio, are still living in Ireland, 
and are engaged in agricultural pursuits. As a 
boy our subject worked upon his father's farm, 
at the same time attending the schools of a neigh- 
boring town. His desire to come to America 
was not fulfilled until 1867, when he crossed the 
ocean and speedily found employment and es- 
tablished his home at Bellefonte. Faithful and 
diligent in the discharge of any work undertaken, 
he has won the confidence of all with whom he 
had any dealings. On June 1, 1877, he took 
charge of the gas works for the Bellefonte Steam 
Heat and Light Co., and every day for more 
than nineteen years he has been at his post of 
duty. A goodly share of prosperity has rewarded 
his well-directed efforts, and he owns some val- 
uable property. 

In 1 88 1, Mr. Armstrong married Miss Sarah 
Clark, also a native of Ireland, born in 1844, 
and their home is made bright by three children, 
John, Walter and Jennie. A typical Irishman, 
our subject's warm heart and alert mind bring 



192 



OOMMBMORA T1VK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



him into sympathy with all phases of progress 
in his adopted country. In religious faith he in- 
clines toward the Episcopal Church. 



n LFRED \\ \I.IKR, cashier of the Mill- 
.AA. heim Banking Company, at Millheim, Cen- 
tre count} - , has won a high position in the com- 
munity despite heavy odds. Born of poor, thoi 

pectable, parents, left fatherless at the age of 
ten years, without rich relatives or influential 
friends, and coming as a stranger to Centre 
county in his boyhood, he won the confidence 
and good will of all who met him by his upright 

iduct, his attention to his business, and his 
straightforward manner. Among those who 
were thus attracted to him was J. t Motz, one 
of the shrewdest business nun of Penn's Vail 
and the last person to repose confidence where 
he was not convinced of the existence of sterling 
worth and integrity. Judging only by what he 
had seen of Mr. Walter as a boy clerking in a 

re, he placed him. in 1872, as cashier in the 
bank organized then at Millheim by ]. C. Mol 
.\ ( .. No security was asked or offered, as he 
placed implicit faith in the integrity of his pro- 
. and the result has demonstrated the sound- 
ness of his •judgment. 

Mr. Walter was born at Middleburg, Snyder 
Co., Penn., February 3, 1S50, the son of Isaac 
and Lucinda (Reninger) Walter, both natives oi 
Snyder county. The father, who was a brick- 
layer and farmer by occupation, died in i860, 
and the mother in 1S67. Of five children our 
subject was the eldest; Emma J. married Mr. 
Hilbish, ol Bristol, Ind. ; Thomas died in Phila- 
delphia; Christian resides in Union county. Penn. , 
and Amelia married W M Miller, of Union 
county. 

The little family was scattered at the father's 
death, and thus it happened that, when only ten 
years old, Mr. Walter went to live with Chris- 
tian Walter, of Kreamer, Snyder county, upon 
whose farm he worked tor five years, attending 
the district school in the meantime. He then 
began clerking for Walter & Smith, merchants 
al Kreamer, receiving only his board and clothes 
After two years the linn dissolved partnership, 
and Mr. Walter went to Woodward, Centre 
county, to clerk for J. W Snook at $15 per 
month; when the business changed hands he still 
retained his situation, remaining three years in 
all. His salary there was the first money that he 
had ever earned, and his savings enabled him to 
take a course at the Eastman Business College, 
in Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On his return to Centre 
county, he went to Millheim to enter the store of 



J. W. Snook as a clerk; six months later, at the 
organization of the banking firm of J. C. Mot/ 
&Co., he became cashier of the institution, and 
has since continued in that capacity. In 
six years after its foundation, the firm was n 
organized under the name of the Millheim Hank 
ing Company, as at present known. 

Mi. Walter is a safe and trusty counselor in 
financial matters and in local affairs, and altl 
he is unostentatious in manner and retiring in dis- 
position, he wields an influence in the communitv 
that is difficult to measure. He is ever ready to 
encourage anj enterprise which will promote the 
;tS of his locality, and his substantial sup 
port is freely given when required. 

In May, 1877, Mr. Walter was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Junie A Musser, who was born 
in Millheim, August 5, 1S55, the daughter of D. 
A and Lydia A. (Shreffler) Musser. No children 
were born of this union. Mr. Walter and his 
wife are prominent socially, and he is a membei 
of the Masonic order. He is also a leading 
worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, flav- 
in;,' held the office of trustee for some time. 

In politics, Mr. Walter is a Randall Democrat. 
He does not endorse any Democratic platT 
every part. In this respect he shows the same 
conservatism which governs his business tra 
tions, and no issue is fully accepted until he thor- 
oughly understands it as a result of careful study 
and research. 



J A. REDELIN, M. D., a leading phys 
_ _L of Boalsburg, whose professional repul 
and social acquaintance extend beyond the bound> 
of Centre county, was born in Philadelphia, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1 S69, a son of Charles and Ella 
(Bishop) Redelin. The father was a natm 
Sweden, born in Tidhola, near Stockholm, and 
for twenty years was a sea captain. 

In 1865 he emigrated to the United St« 
and was employed in rigging vessels in Philadel- 
phia, when he met Miss Klla Bishop, who 
came his wife January 1. 1867. She wa- 
daughter of an Adams county 1 Penn. 1 farn 
In 1871 the parents removed to Mifflin com 
tins State, where the father became foreman of 
the Burnham Steel Works, but was killed b 
fall from some rigging, in 1S82. The famth 
cle included seven children, namely; I ' 
born in September, 1868, died in infancy; A \ 
is the second; J. S.. born in 1872, is a machinist 
in Mifflin county; Sarah M., born in 1874. I 
home; Anna, born in 1876, is also with her 
mother; Charles, born in 1878, died in infai 
and Gertrude, born in 1881, is at home. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



498 



The primary education of our subject was re- 
ceived in the public schools of Lewistown, Penn., 
and in the academy of that place he completed 
his literary course. In 1890 he entered Jefferson 
Medical College, at Philadelphia, from which in- 
stitution he was graduated in the class of 1893, 
but in the meantime had served as bookkeeper in 
the Burnham Steel Works during his vacations, 
and in that way earned the money with which to 
pay his expenses through college. He began 
practice in Burnham with Dr. McKim, but in 
1893 located in Boalsburg. Although he came 
into active competition with older physicians of 
large experience, he soon gained the public con- 
fidence, and has now a practice which might well 
be envied by many who have been much longer 
in business than he. He has been a close stu- 
dent of the profession, and his broad knowledge 
and devotion to the interests of his patients have 
won him a skill and gained him a reputation that 
is indeed enviable. 

Dr. Redelin was married January 12, 1892, 
to Miss Clara Kreig, fifth in the family of six 
children born to Joseph and Elizabeth Kreig, of 
Yeagertown, Mifflin county, where the father 
was engaged in the manufacture of axes. The 
Doctor and his wife have two interesting chil- 
dren: Albert N., born April 15, 1893; and Cath- 
erine A., born November 4, 1895. The family 
occupy a pleasant home on Main street, and hold 
a high position in the social circles of the com- 
munity. Politically, Dr. Redelin is an earnest 
Democrat, and is secretary of the Boalsburg 
school board. He is a prominent member of 
the Centre County Medical Society of Bellefonte. 
In religious faith he is also an active member of 
the Lutheran Church, in which he is now serving 
as class leader. 



>\AMUEL H. STINE, a well-known and highly 
respected agriculturist of Patton township, 
Centre county, was one of the brave "boys in 
'blue " who so gallantly went forth to aid their 
country in putting down the Rebellion. He was 
iborn July 22, [825, in Mifflin county, Penn., 
iwhence in 1830 he was brought to Centre coun- 
ty, by his parents, Jonas and Elizabeth (Gray) 
iStine, both also natives of the Keystone State. 
I To this worthy couple were born seven chil- 
dren, as follows: John; a cabinet maker by 
trade, married Rachel Leary, reared a family, 
'and died over twenty years ago. Hannah mar- 
ried Jesse Whippo, who died leaving a large 
family of children, and some years after his death 
she wedded John Hicks, who passed away about 
^o. Leah is the widow of Michael Myers, 



who died about nine or ten years ago leaving a 
family, and she now resides in Bald Eagle Val- 
ley, Centre county. Jonas, a farmer of Patton 
township, is married and has a family. Cathar- 
ine became the wife of Joel Lauder, and died in 
1885, leaving eight children. Samuel H. was 
next in order of birth. Elizabeth died in girl- 
hood. 

The education of Samuel H. Stine was such 
as the public schools of Patton township afforded, 
and he early became familiar with all kinds of 
farm labor, so that he is now a thorough and. 
skilled agriculturist. On attaining to man's 
estate he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel 
Myers, and they became the parents of thirteen 
children, six of whom died in childhood. The 
wife died in August, 1876, and in 1881 Mr. Stine 
wedded Mrs. Susanna Turner, widow of Samuel 
Turner. The children of our subject who are 
still living are: Elmira, wife of Scott Woods, of 
Philipsburg, Penn. ; Margaret E., wife of William 
Lytle, a farmer of Centre county; Harrison, who 
has lived in Philipsburg since 1888; LaFayette 
and Daniel, who are residents of the same place; 
William E., who is married, and is connected 
with the lumber interests of McKean county, 
Penn. ; and Bert, who enlisted in July, 1895, for 
three years in the United States standing army. 

On February 11, 1862, Mr. Stine laid aside 
personal considerations and joined Company H, 
56th P. V. I. He participated in many impor- 
tant engagements, including those of Gettysburg, 
Antietam, South Mountain and the second battle 
of Bull Run, and at the battle of Cold Harbor 
was wounded, June 2, 1864. When his term of 
enlistment had expired he was honorably dis- 
charged and mustered out February 18, 1865. 
He now receives a pension of $12 per month, 
and is the owner of a good home of fourteen 
acres in Patton township, near Paradise. He 
uniformly votes the straight Republican ticket, 
and in religious belief is a Methodist. No man 
takes a deeper interest or greater pride in the 
moral and material welfare of the community, or 
is held in higher esteem by his fellow citizens 
than Samuel H. Stine. 



F 



* W. KRUMRINE. This gentleman occu- 



pies no unimportant position among the 
leading citizens and farmers of Ferguson town- 
ship, Centre county. He was born September 
6, 1857, in the township where he still resides, 
and is a son of John W. and Rosetta (Musser) 
Krumrine, also natives of Centre county. In their 
family were six children, namely: Sarah, who 
married Calvin Myer, and died eighteen months 



494 



COMMKMtillA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UKfORD. 



later, leaving a daughter, May; Susan K., wife of 
D. H. Fye, a farmer of Ferguson township, by 
whom she has six children; F. \\\, of this re- 
view; Laura M., i resident of Johnstown, Penn. ; 
Lizzie, wife of Benjamin Roup, of Spruce Creek, 
Penn.; and Elsie, who is living with her mother 
at State College, Centre county. Our subject is 
descended from good old Revolutionary stock. 
his ancestors having aided the ( in their 

struggle for independence. 

Mr. Krumrine, whose name opens this sketch, 
is indebted to the public schools of Ferguson 
township for his educational privileges, and since 
laying aside Ins text books he has turned his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. He is the owner 
of a valuable farm of 106 acres, which he has 
placed under a high state of cultivation, and im- 
proved with good, substantial farm buildings. 

On September iS, 1879, he was married to 
Miss Anme Garner, and one child — John Frank- 
lin — graces this union. Politically, our subject 
is a Jefferson ian Democrat, strongly favoring the 
free coinage of gold and silver. He holds a 
prominent place among the intelligent farmers of 
the county, and his integrity, manliness and true 
Christian character have won for him the respect 
ol the entire community. Religiously, he is a 
faithful member of the German Reformed Church. 



WILLIAM J. MYERS, of Pine Grove Mills, 
Centre county, is a native of the county, 
born in Harris township, August [8, 1S46, a son 
of Joseph and Elizabeth (Weaver) Myers. The 
latter was a daughter of Jacob Weaver, of Lnion 
county, Pennsylvania. 

Our subject is one of a numerous family, the 
others in the order of birth being as follows: 1 1 1 
Amos was killed during the three-days' battle of 
Gettysburg, in July, 1863, and was buried on the 
battlefield, but nine days later was disinterred, 
and laid to rest in the cemetery of Boalsburg, 
Centre county. (2) John, who died in June. 
1884, was also buried at - Boalsburg. (3) Mary 
is living with our subject (4) Sarah C. married 
John Hummel, a hotel-keeper of Lilyville, Mif- 
flin Co., Penn., and died three years ago leasing 
seven children. (5) I). \\\, a butcher of Boals- 
burg, married Emma Stover, and has three chil- 
dren. (6) Wesley, also a butcher of the same 
place, married Lizzie Heintzelman, and has two 
children — John and Edward. (7) J. !•'.. a fan 
of Ferguson township, ( entre count}-, wedded 
Mary Lutz, and has three children. (8) John 
and (9) Calvin died in infancy. (10) Henry F., 
a coach maker of Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., 
Penn., married Laura Foster, by whom he had 



two children, and after her death he weddec 
Jennie Rishel. (il) The next child died in in- 
fancy. (12) Adaline is the widow of Willian 
Rline, a farmer of Benner township. Centre 
county, who died in [889; she has four children, 
and now makes her home in State College, Penn- 
sylvania. 

The elementary education of W. |. Myei 
was obtained in the schools of Singleton, Centre 
county, and this was supplemented by a course 
in the Boalsburg Academy, under Prof. Lescher, 
who afterward became a Lutheran minister. 
Learning the trade of a carriage maker, Mr 
Myers has since followed that occupation, am: 
the work which he turns out is first-class in every 
particular. He was married in April, 1874, t< 
Miss Jennie F. Knode, a daughter of Daniel P. 
Knode, of Alexandria, Huntingdon Co., Penn. 
Four children have been born of this union: H. 
C, born March 17, 1875, on September 29, 1896, 
entered the University of Pennsylvania, in Phil- 
adelphia, where he expects to take a four-years 
course in medicine; and D. E., Hattie P. and 
Franklin K., at home. 

For twenty-three years Mr. Myers has affili- 
ated with the fndependent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows; in religious faith he is identified with tht. 
Reformed Church. In politics he is a stalwart 
Democrat, and favors the free coinage of silver, 
believing that prosperity is doubtful with tht 
single standard. He is a man whom to know is 
to admire, amiable in disposition, courteous in 
manner, and honorable in his dealings with his 
fellow men. With these characteristics it is not 
strange that he enjoys the friendship of a large 
circle of acquaintances. 



WILLIAM NEESE. The Neese family ol 
Penn township, Centre county, is of oni 
oldest and best pioneer stock, and one of its most 
esteemed representatives in this day is th< 
tleman whose name introduces this sketch. The 
first American ancestor was William \ 
German by birth and a sailor by occupation, who 
to this State in Colonial times and settled 
first in Snyder county, in the locality which in- 
still known as "Neese Hollow," having 
named in tiis honor. Later he moved towh.it H 
now Centre county, and secured a large tract of 
land in Penn township, where he made his honw 
over a hundred years ago. 

Among his large family was a son Peter, our 
subject's grandfather, who as a boy voluni 
as a soldier during the Revolutionary war, »od 
served gallantly in the ranks. He was a man "1 
great muscular power, and until a few years 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



495 



fore his death enjoyed perfect health. As a 
farmer he was very successful, and he was the 
first to improve the portion of the original tract 
now occupied by our subject, and built the first 
building there, the log dwelling house remaining 
still as an interesting relic of the past. He died 
there, at the age of ninety-one years, his wife, 
Christina (Hess), surviving him some time. They 
had ten children — four sons and six daughters — 
but all did not live to maturity. 

David Neese, the eldest son, and the father 
of our subject, was born at the old home about 
1799, and was reared at the old home. He, too, 
was a successful farmer, and at one time owned 
about 250 acres of land. As a citizen he was 
highly respected, and he contributed generously 
to Church work and to other progressive move- 
ments. Politically, he was a Democrat, but, 
while he served in various township offices, he 
never became a politician as that word is gener- 
ally understood. He died in 1872, and his wife, 
Susan, who was a daughter of Valentine Ker- 
steter, survived him only two months, the re- 
mains of both being interred in Heckman ceme- 
tery. Twelve children blessed their union: Eliz- 
abeth, the widow of Henry Alexander, and who 
for more than forty years resided with our sub- 
ject, died in November, 1896; William is men- 
tioned more fully below; David is a farmer on a 
portion of the original homestead; John died at 
Spring Mills; Jacob is a blacksmith at Farmers 
Mills; Samuel resides with our subject; Benjamin 
died in Wisconsin; Harriet makes her home with 
our subject; Sarah married William Grove, Jr. , 
of Benner township, Centre county; Rebecca 
married Henry Moyer, of Gregg township,. Cen- 
tre county; Emanuel also resided in Gregg town- 
ship; and Daniel died in childhood. 

William Neese was born July 16, 1826, and 
since the age of seven years has resided on the 
old farm, which has now been in the hands of 
some member of his family for more than a cen- 
tury. As a farmer's son he was reared after the 
customs of the times, his education being ac- 
quired in the local schools, with his uncle, Jacob 
Neese, as his first teacher. A few years before 
I his father's death, Mr. Neese rented a part of the 
home farm, and later he purchased the interest of 
the other heirs, paying them in all over $6,000. 
Both parents dying about the same time, there 
were two payments falling due very close to- 
gether, causing Mr. Neese great inconvenience, 
but he was equal to the effort required. He now 
owns about 1 19 acres of fine land, representing a 
handsome competence, and is regarded as one of 
the substantial citizens of the township. He has 
never married. A nephew, W. H. Grove, son of 



William Grove, Jr., and Sarah (Neese), resides 
with him, and two of Mr. Neese's sisters and a 
brother also make their home there, as stated 
above. In the spring of 1895, Mr. Neese retired 
from active work, and enjoys in peace the fruits 
of his past years of labor. He has always shown 
a loyal interest in the advancement of the com- 
munity, contributing freely to religious and other 
movements. He is an intelligent observer of 
political affairs, and while he is a Democrat on 
national issues, he is not at all bigoted, voting 
independently when local interests only are in- 
volved. 

William Grove, the foster son of our subject, 
was born January 30, 1867, and his mother was a 
sister of William Neese. He was educaied in the 
common schools of Penn township, and came to 
live with his uncle when but two years of age; in 
fact was born on this farm, working for his uncle 
till he was twenty-eight years old, since when he 
has operated the farm. On February 5, 1895, 
he was married, and then he took charge of the 
farm. He married Tammie N. Corman, daughter 
of John Corman, and they had one child, Dor- 
sey Monroe, born January 27, 1897, died June 
24, 1897. In politics Mr. Grove is a Democrat; 
in religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran 
Church. 



JB. SPANGLER. Among the progressive, 
enterprising and energetic farmers of Centre 
county there are very few who are the peers 
of the subject of this biographical sketch. His en- 
tire life has here been passed, having been born 
April 4, 1847, in Potter township, where he still 
makes his home. His parents, Jacob and Cath- 
arine (Wagner) Spangler, are both now de- 
ceased, the former dying in 1874, and the latter 
in 1873. 

Our subject began his education in the Rock 
Grove school, John McMinn being among his first 
teachers. His advantages along this line were 
limited to the district schools of his boyhood, 
which were much inferior to those of the present 
day; but he learned well and rapidly, and is a 
well-informed man. His training at farm labor 
was not so meagre, and his first lessons in agri- 
culture were upon the place of his birth, where 
he continued to live with his parents until his fa- 
ther purchased the farm on which he now re- 
sides, and the family removed thereon. By the 
provisions of his father's will he was to have the 
use of the farm for a period of five years, which 
he took advantage of, and on the expiration of 
that time purchased it. It is a valuable tract of 
114 acres, which he has transformed into richly 



496 



' umkmoua Tl VB Hloiiii.xfllli Af. i;/:< 'OBD. 



cultivated fields, and placed thereon many use- 
ful improvements. 

In February, [88o, in Potter township, Mr. 
Spangler married Miss Euphemia Fortney, a 
daughter of John Fortney, and they have two 
children, namely; J. J., born in January, i<S8i; 
and Myra K. 

In his political affiliations. Mi. Spangler is a 
stanch Democrat, an adviser and counselor of his 
party in his section, and an earnest worker for its 
success. He has served in a number of local po- 
sitions, such as tax collector, supervisor, overseer 
of the poor and assessor, and has always dis- 
charged the duties of the office with promptness 
and fidelity. He is one of the most prosperous, 
energetic and industrious agriculturist- of his 
township, securing the best results from his work; 
is numbered among its better class of citizens, 
and enjoys the friendship of a large circle of 
acquaintances. His estimable wife holds mem- 
bership in the Lutheran Church. 



FJ. WEAVER has throughout his entire life 
been connected with the agricultural and 
commercial interests of Haines township. Centre 
county, being at the present time a successful 
Imtcher in the village of Aaronsburg. He was 
born in that township, August 29, 1837, the 
yungest son of Frederick and Catherine (Mark) 
Weaver, and his early education was such as the 
country schools of the locality afforded. His 
health being poor, he was unable to attend school 
much of the time during his boyhood. 

I 1 urn the home farm Mr. Weaver was re 
in the usual manner of farmer boys, assisting in 
the work when his health would permit, and then 
at the age of twenty-one he rented the old home- 
stead, which he successfully operated some thirty- 
years, the place yielding to him a golden tribute 
in return for the labor devoted to its cultivation. 
On the death of his father he purchased the farm, 
where he continued to make his home until his 
removal to Aaronsburg in 1886, since which time 
he has engaged in the butchering business with 
the exception ol the year 1895, when he rented 
In- shop. He is a wide-awake, progressive busi- 
ness man, and a well-deserved success has 
crowned his efforts. He was married, when 21 
years old, in Haibes township, to Miss Amanda 
West, a native of Millersburg, Dauphin Co., 
l'i mi., and a daughtei of Solomon West. Thn e 
daughters were Imni of this union: Olivia, wife 
Ulster, 1 .1 1 lames township ; [oanna, 
wife of Willis Musser, of Millheim county; 

and Mary K , twin sistei ''1 [oanna, and the wife 
1 il William Aiinian, of Millheim. 



In connection with his business in Aaronsl 
Mr. Weaver, still owns a valuable farm of 200 
acres in Haines township, and has one of the 
most beautiful homes 111 the village. He has al- 
ways been a stanch supporter of the principles of 
the Republican party, and has never missed an 
election since casting his first ballot after reach- 
ing the age of twenty-one. He has always cheer- 
fully given of his means for the promotion of tlv- 
welfare of the community, and is truly one of the 
representative and prominent citizens of Aaron- 
burg. 



CHARLES C. LOOSE. One of the chid 
benefits of biographical research is found in 
the examples thus brought to life of men who, by 
persistent and well-planned effort, have won sub- 
stantial success. The story of the life of 1 I 
Loose, now a prominent resident of Rebersburg, 
Centre count)', and one of the most prosperous 
business men of Brush Valley, is a case in point. 

He is a native of Millheim, Centre count) . 
and a son of Samuel Loose, a well-known car- 
penter and builder of Rebersburg, whose skillful 
work is shown in many important structures in 
this section, including the German Reformed 
church at Madisonburg. The grandfather of our 
subject was Abraham Loose, a cooper, who fol- 
lowed that trade for many years in Lebanon 
county, Penn., where he also owned and culti- 
vated a farm of thirty or forty acres. Later he 
sold this and rented a farm in Dauphin county, 
six miles from Harrisburg, but his last days were 
spent on a farm near Hogstown, Cumberland 
Penn., where he died at a ripe old age. His wife. 
Elizabeth Petry, died some years before him .it 
the same place. He was an industrious man, al- 
though he never accumulated much property 
He stood well in the community where he made 
his home, and was a consistent member of the 
German Reformed Church. In politics he ■ 
Democrat, Of his large family of children all 
lived to adult age, and all married. There were 
thirteen in number, as follows: Daniel, ; 
Dennis. Samuel and Joe (twins*, Hem)', I 
Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Susannah, - 
and Matilda. Two are still living— Denni 
Millheim, and Henry, at Elkhart, Indiana 

Samuel Loose was born in Lebanon count). 
August 1, 1819, and received but 1 
tion in his youth. The schools of his 
(ount) were all Cierman, and when hi 
Dauphin count)-, when thi instruction ■ 
in English, he had to 1 tin in all bran 

Among so many boys his help was not n 
the farm, and in April, 18 





! 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



497 



anon county to learn the carpenter's trade with 
his brother Daniel. In the spring of 1839 the 
latter moved to Aaronsburg, Centre county, 
where the young apprentice completed his term. 
He spent one summer at farm work in Cumber- 
land county, and then came back to Centre 
county, and followed his trade at Millheim until 
1847, when he removed to Morrow county, Ohio. 
Here he located upon a farm, and in addition to 
the work of the place carried on his trade suc- 
cessfully. In 1850 he returned to Millheim, and 
after some years he settled in Brush Valley, 
where he again engaged in farming in connection 
with his other business. With advancing years 
and increasing wealth he decided to make his 
home in Rebersburg, where he might the better 
enjoy the fruits of his years of toil. His sterling 
qualities of character won the respect of all who 
met him, and as a citizen he was influential in a 
quiet way. Although he was not a politician, he 
was a stanch Democrat. He died in October, 
1896. 

On January 2, 1845, Samuel Loose was mar- 
ried, in Millheim, to Miss Elizabeth Brickley, 
who was born January 18, 1821, in Union county, 
Penn. Her family is noted for intellectual abil- 
ity, several of her brothers being Evangelical 
ministers, and one a physician. Eight children 
were born of this marriage, their names with dates 
of birth being as follows: Sarah C, December 
11, 1845, married John Ocker, of Miles town- 
1 ship; Mary L. , July 22, 1848, died March 13, 
1849; Annie E., September 28, 185 1, is now 
. Mrs. Thomas Walker, of Miles township; Mag- 
i dalena, June 13, 1853, died January 14, 1857; 
Agnes, September 7, 1856, married Titus Gram- 
| ley, of Spring Mills; Charles C, April 14, 1858, 
is the next in the order of birth; Alice R. ; 
August 14, 1859, is the wife of Charles Gram- 
1 ley, of Kane county, 111.; and Ellen M., Septem- 
: ber 18, 1861, is now Mrs. Calvin Mallory, of 
J Miles township. The mother of this family, who 
was a devout Christian, and a member of the 
Evangelical Church, died February 6, 1889, and 
her remains now lie buried in Rebersburg ceme- 
; tery. Samuel Loose for his second wife married 
J Miss Lydia Bierly, of Miles township, who is yet 
'living. . 

I The early boyhood of our subject was spent 

\ in Millheim, where he attended school for a time, 

j his first teacher being Miss Lizzie Cook. After 

the removal of the family to Miles township, he 

attended the country schools near his father's 

farm, and in 1876 he attended the County Nor- 

School at Milesburg for a term, preparing 

In the fall of 1878 he took charge 

school at Madisonburg, where he taught 

32 



mal 

for teaching 

of 



two terms, and afterward he tauf nt one term in 
the Harter school, in Miles towns lip. 

On March 4, 1879, Mr. Loose was married 
in Millheim to Miss Ella Harter, a native of 
Miles township, and a daughter of Emanuel and 
Alvina (Bierly) Harter. He began housekeep- 
ing on his father's farm, which he rented from 
the spring of 1880 to the spring of 1884, when 
he moved to Rebersburg and engaged in mercan- 
tile business, remaining four years. With capital 
secured by the sale of his stock and goodwill he 
began the lumber business. His first purchase 
of timber land was in the mountain north of Re- 
bersburg, and his timber cut from it was sawed up 
at another man's mill. Later other tracts were 
bought, and Mr. Loose .engaged in milling on 
his account. Since then he has often had as 
many as three mills at work, two of his own and 
one leased, and he now operates extensively in 
Union and Centre counties, employing on the 
average thirty men the year round. In 1891 he 
built his present home, and his grounds, which 
were merely a vacant lot when he bought them, 
are now beautifully laid out and adorned. He 
owns two houses in Rebersburg and considerable 
farming land in Miles township. He also has 
135 acres of farming land near Rebersburg with 
250 acres of timber land in connection. 

As a Democrat, Mr. Loose has been active in 
local politics, and has held township offices at 
various times. Thoroughly progressive in his 
ideas, he is in sympathy with all movements 
which he thinks beneficial to the community. He 
has served several years as school director, and 
is now in his fifth year as secretary of the board. 
He is also one of the stockholders of the Mill- 
heim Electric Telephone Co., and president of 
the Rebersburg Water Co. This last organiza- 
tion was chartered in the fall of 1896, prior to 
which one-third of the town of Rebersburg was 
formed into a company and furnished water for 
themselves, while two-thirds of the town were 
without water. Mr. Loose was one of the eight 
men who applied for a charter, and after same 
had been granted was the chief one to effect a 
compromise between the two companies (not 
without much opposition, however), so to-day the 
entire town is consolidated into one company, 
satisfactory to all. 

Mr. and Mrs. Loose are prominent members 
of the United Evangelical Church, and at present 
he is superintendent of the Sunday-school, and 
trustee in the Church, to which he is one of the 
most liberal contributors. He is a charter mem- 
ber of Rebersburg Lodge No. 1031, I. O. O. F., 
a member of Bellefonte Encampment, I. O. O. 
F., and belongs to the Rebersburg Grange 



198 



OOMMBMORA 77 V i: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



— 

C\ A. KRAP •. . a representative and prominent 
t citizen of iregg township, Centre county, is 
successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and 
is a business man oi more than ordinary capac- 
ity, enterprising and energetic. He belongs to a 
Family that lias been long and prominently iden- 
tified with the interests of this section of the State, 
and has been an important factor in its advance- 
ment and upbuilding. It was founded in Centre 
and adjoining counties by four brothers — Jacob, 
ii. William and Abraham Krape — who came 
from Dauphin county, and located in Brush, 
Nittany and Penn's Valleys, and their descend- 
ants are now numerous throughout this region. 

One of these, William Krape, the grandfather 
of our subject, was horn in Dauphin county, 
about 1784, and, on coming to Centre county 
when a young man, located in Miles township. 
In Brush Valley he married Miss Susannah, 
daughter of Francis Gramley, after which he 
removed to Gregg township, and about 1827 
took up his residence upon the farm, in the same 
township where the father of our subject now 
resides, and there spent his remaining days, dy- 
ing in 1S60. His wife had passed away many 
years previously, and they now sleep side by side 
in the Union cemetery. In early life he worked 
at the weaver's trade in Spring Mills, but later 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, be- 
coming one of the most extensive farmers of 
Gregg township. Originally he was a Whig in 
politics, and later a Republican, while in religious 
faith both himself and family were active mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. To the grandpar- I 
ents were born the following children: Maria, 
who married John Royer, and died in George's 
Valley at an advanced age; George, the father of 
our subject; Peggy, who married John Emerick, 
and died in Potter township, Centre county; 
David, a resident of Haines township, Centre 
county; Betsey, wife of William Ziegler, of Farm- 
ville, Ya.; Christina, who married Peter Yearick, 
and died in Brush Yalle\ , Susannah, who mar- 
ried Aaron Weaver, and died in Aaronsburg, Cen- 
to counts. 

George Krape was born June 21, [816, in 
-township, where he acquired his education 
m the public schools. As a boy he was a natur- 
ral mechanic, displaying a fondness for tools and 
an aptness in their use. and in early life worked 
at various trades, while in later years he did 
much of his own work along those lines. He in- 
vented a corn planter, which proved quite succ. 
ful, and sold several of them. After reaching 
man's estate he was mostly employed upon the 
home farm, much of which he cleared At the 
of twenty-six years, he was married in 



lona, Clinton Co., Penn., to Mis> Annie Best, 
who was born near that city in 1825, and was a 
daughter of Peter Best, a farmer by occupation 
For one year after their marriage they lived upon 
a rented farm in Gregg township, and then lo- 
cated near Salona. Clinton county, where Mr. 
Krape purchased eighty acres of land from his 
father-in-law, and there made his home some 
fifteen years. In 1856, however, he returned t 
the old homestead in Gregg township, which he 
purchased a year or two after his father's death, 
and to which he has added thirteen acres, so 
that he now has a valuable and productive tract 
of 200 acres. 

Eleven children constituted the famil 
George and Annie 1 Best 1 Krape, namely: Man 
S., who died at the age of seven years; William 
B., a resident of Spring Mills, who was born J11K 
2, 1 .^44, and during the Civil war served for two 
years and seven months as a member of Com- 
pany D. 148th P. V. I. ; Jennie R. , wife of John 
Potter, of Milesburg, Centre county; Jame- 
carpenter of Seattle, Wash.; Samuel S,, of 
Spring Mills; Harriet, wife of Stephen H. Best, 
of Gregg township; Alfred P., of Centre Hall; 
Chesty, an accomplished musician, who is en- 
gaged in teaching instrumental music in I 
dena, Cal. ; C. A. and Howard G. (twins), the 
latter a music dealer of Rebersburg, Centre 
county; and Florence M.. wife of Prof. F 1 
Kearick, of Spring Mills. The mother of these 
children, who was a consistent member of the 
Reformed Church, died in July, 1 877, and was 
buried in the Union cemetery. 

Soon after the death of his wife, Mr. Krape 
laid aside active business, and erected a very 
commodious and substantial home upon his farm, 
where he is now living retired. On November 
16, 1880, he wedded Miss Catharine Decker, who 
was bom in Gregg township, November 11, 
1832, a daughter of Jacob and Lydia { Weiland) 
Decker. He has ever enjoyed perfect health, 
although throughout Ins active business life he 
toiled early and late in all sorts of weather. Hi8 
first vote was cast in support of the Whig , 
Later he became a Know-Nothing, and is now n 
stanch Republican. Taking an active intei 
the improvement of schools, he served .for ten' 
years as an efficient member of the school board, 
and has also served his fellow citizens in the 
capacity of supervisor for several term 
faithful member of the Reformed Church, he 
took an active part in Church work for years. 
and has always given his support to all worthy 
ts winch tend to promote the welfare of the 
community. His estimable wife is a Lutheran 
in religious belief 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



499 



C. A. Krape, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born near Spring Mills, Gregg town- 
ship, November 3, 1859, and received the greater 
part of his education in the schools of Penn Hall. 
At one time it was his intention to attend col- 
lege, but he later gave up the idea, and at the 
age of twenty taught for one term in Gregg 
township, after which he began learning telegra- 
phy in the railroad depot at Spring Mills, where 
he remained for fifteen months. Entering the 
store of G. R. Spigelmyer, of that place, he 
followed clerking for seven years, and subse- 
quently purchased the half interest in the Spring 
Mills Creamery belonging to R. G. Eisenhart, 
which in connection with T. M. Gramley he con- 
tinued for several years, meeting with excellent 
success in the undertaking. He next embarked 
in merchandising, owning the store now con- 
ducted by C. A. Mayer, and successfully carried 
on operations along that line until failing health 
compelled him to retire. He is now engaged in 
the cultivation of his fine farm of eighty-five 
acres in Gregg township, and also handles cream 
separators, of which he sells more than any 
other agent in Centre county. Besides his own 
comfortable home, he owns another good resi- 
dence and business block in Spring Mills. The 
success that he has achieved is due to his own 
untiring efforts, enterprise and good manage- 
ment, and he well deserves to be numbered 
among the leading and most capable business 
men of Gregg township. 

On December 31, 1885, in Gregg township, 
Mr. Krape was married to Miss Birdie R. Fetter- 
alf, a native of Spring Mills, and a daughter of 
Elias and Rachel Fetteralf. She is a faithful 
member of the Lutheran Church, while Mr. 
Krape is connected with the Reformed Church, 
to which he has been a liberal contributor, aiding 
greatly in the erection of the house of worship. 
He has served as deacon, and secretary of the 
Sunday-school, as well as chorister, his excellent 
tenor voice well fitting him for such service. He 
is one of the leading and most active members 
of the Republican party in his community, work- 
ing hard for its success, and has been elected 
auditor of Gregg township, overcoming a large 
Democratic majority, a fact which plainly indi- 
cates his popularity. Socially, he affiliates with 
the Grange. 



LAWRENCE C. HARMAN, M. D., a well- 
j known physician and surgeon of Philipsburg, 
Centre county, is no less noted for his ability in 
business and finance than for his skill in his pro- 
fession. He is president of the Mahoning Lum- 



ber Co., and has extensive real-estate holdings, 
including a fine brick residence in Philipsburg 
and a tract of 145 acres of land at Aughwick 
Mills, Huntingdon county, Penn., where he 
erected a beautiful villa about eight years ago. 
His professional interests are not sacrificed to 
any others, however, as his best energies are 
given to his practice. For three years he was 
assistant surgeon of Philipsburg hospital, and for 
almost four years he was surgeon-in-chief. 

Dr. Harman was born in Huntingdon county, 
October 7, i860, and is the son of Jackson and 
Mary (Slack) Harman. His father is a native of 
Mifflin county, Penn., was in early life engaged 
in the furniture business, and for eleven years 
was superintendent of the County Home in Hun- 
tingdon county. He is now living at the age of 
sixty-eight years, and takes charge of our sub- 
ject's lands, spending his winters in Philipsburg 
and his summers at the villa at Aughwick Mills. 
He is a stanch Republican in politics, and a 
prominent member of the M. E. Church. His 
wife was a daughter of Joab Slack, a leading 
resident of Salisbury, Penn., and a manufacturer 
of plows and other iron implements and utensils. 
Her mother died at the age of fifty, and her 
grandmother, whose maiden name was Crown- 
over, attained the age of ninety. The Crown- 
overs were prosperous millers and agriculturists 
of Huntingdon county. Jackson and Mary 
(Slack) Harman had seven children: (1) Clara, 
Mrs. J. B. Shipton, of Ennisville, Huntingdon 
county; (2) John A., a farmer at Manor Hill, Penn. ; 
(3) Oscar, who died in infancy; (4) Lawrence 
C., of this sketch; (5) Sadie (Mrs. George W. 
Miller), who died in June, 1895, leaving a son — 
Frank Lawrence Miller — 'who resides with our 
subject; (6) Annie M., and (7) Minnie, both of 
whom also make their home with our subject. 

The Doctor's youth was spent in his native 
county, where he attended the common schools. 
When prepared, he entered Stone Valley Acad- 
emy, and later studied at Dickinson Seminary, 
afterward teaching for one year. His medical 
studies were then begun under the direction of 
Hon. W. P. McKnight, of Shirleysburg, and con- 
tinued in Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia, where he was graduated in 1882. For a 
time he practiced with his preceptor, and he then 
located in Philipsburg. Here his professional 
abilities won speedy recognition. He is an active 
member of the State Medical Association, of the 
West Branch Medical Association, and of the 
County Medical Association. As a citizen he is 
deeply interested in the movements of the time, 
and he firmly believes in the doctrines of the Re- 
publican party. Socially he belongs to the 



500 



( 'OM \1 F.MORA Tl YE BIOQRAl'UU M. RECORD. 



Royal Arcanum. He is a director of theMoshan- 
National Bank, which was established May 
i J, 1897, he being one of the organizers, and is 
a director of the Citizens Building <.V Loan Co., 
sei \ ing hi> sea »nd term. Up to this time he has 
maintained a state of single blessedness. 



T*7I1.1. 1AM J. SINGER, an able and ener- 
W ^ctii lawyer "I Bellefonte, now serving 
his second term as district attorney, is deserving 
of especial mention in these records as one of 
Centre county's enterprising sons. Like many 
of tlic most successful citizens of this country, 
he is of German descent in both paternal and 
maternal lines. 

Conrad Singer, lather of our subject, was 
born near Wet/lar, in southwestern Prussia, in 
1837, and came to America with his widowed 
mother in 1S50. He was the eldest of four chil- 
dren, the others being: [2) Margaret, who mar- 
ried John Creger, of Centre county; (3) Eliza- 
beth, who married John Glassner (both are now 
deceased ; and 4) William, also deceased. This 
little band landed at Baltimore, Md., and a per- 
111. mi -ni home was soon found in Bald Eagle Val- 
ley, Centre county. Conrad Singer became a 
blacksmith, and carried on his trade at Romola 
for many years. His wife. Margaret Glassner, 
was born in Centre county in 1840, her father, 
Christian Glassner, having come from Germany, 
soon aftei his marriage, to settle in Curtin town- 
ship, lie had been in the military service in his 
native land, but fortunately his adopted country 
made ni call upon him for other than deeds of 
peace. He was a good citizen, a man of deep 
religious feeling, anda member of the Reformed 
Church. Our subject's mother, who resides in 
Nittanj \ alley, was the youngest of a family of 
four children, the others being: Henry (de- 
ceased) was a resident of Centre county; Samp- 
son (deceased) was by occupation a farmer and 
cabinet maker; Jacob is a laborer in Centre 
count\ . 

Of the m\ living children of Conrad and M.u 
garel Singer, our subject is the eldest; 21 Fran- 
ces married John Royhorm, of Clearfield; (3) 
Malinda is not married; ra is the wife "I 

William Beck, of Snydertown, Penn. ; 5 Mabel 
and 6) Benjamin an not married; one child di< .1 
in infant 

W f. Singer, our subject, was born April 21, 

■. in Curtin township, Centre county. Until 

the age ol fift'een he attended the public schools 

1 'I Romola, but his further progress requiring 

ter opportunities, hi |uently attended the 

lies at I toward and i M ills, pn | 



ing for the work of teaching, the usual stepping 
stone of ambitious legal aspirants who depend 
upon their own resources. He was just seven- 
teen when this hope was realized, and by teach- 
ing one term he secured funds for a siiinn 
study in the Normal School at Lock Haven, 
Penn. He taught school for four winters, and 
then entered the freshman class 111 State College, 
his studies there being supplemented with 
year under a private tutor, and a short time m 
the academy at Spring Mills. In April, (886, 
he went to Bellefonte and began to read law 
with Orvis, Bower & Orvis, and April 22, iNKq, 
he was admitted to the Bar. He remained with 
Ins preceptors until the fall of 1892, when he was 
elected on the Democratic ticket to his pre- 
office, which he has tilled satisfactorily since Jan 
uary 1, 1893, having been re-elected in Novem- 
ber, 181.15, for another term. 

On November 20, 1890. Mr. Singer mai 
Miss Edna Clark Trafford, who was born March 
9, 1868, in Huntingdon county, Penn. The} 
take great interest in various social and religion- 
movements, and are identified with the Reformed 
Church. Two sons, Edward L. and John Traf- 
ford, brighten their home. Mr. Singer has been 
a member of the Fifth Regiment Pennsylvania 
National Guard since 1885, having entered as a 
private. In 1S88 he was promoted from the 
ranks to the post of commissary sergeant ol the 
brigade. In May, 1892, he was appointed com- 
missary of the Second Brigade. His post is 00 
sinecure, and he had charge of the commissary of 
the brigade at Homestead and Punxsutawney. 



LYMAN T EDDY, the efficient and popular 
manager of the Mc< 0} & Linn Cold Blast 
( liarcoal Furnace, Rolling Mills and Chain 
Works, located at Milesburg, Centre county, 
there born |anuary 30, 1841, and is a sen 
Thomas H. and Sarah M. (Mosesi Eddy, nati 
of Connecticut, where they were married and 
inained until 1838, when they came to Cei 
county, locating near the Harvey Mam 
Factor} 

For about lour years the fathei was a hi 
and striker in the same, and then rem 
Milesburg, where, in connection with his broth 
in-law, Reuben l.oveland, he opened ai 

"I his own, conducting the same for thi 
years. On going to < linton county, tin S 
on the expiration of that time, he opei 
axe factor) under the firm name of Loveland 
Eddy until his death, which occurred in • 
when he was aged fifty-two years. H 
an active member ■>( the Methodi 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



501 



Church, a great Sunday-school worker, and be- 
ing an excellent vocalist took quite a prominent 
part in the singing at camp meetings. He was 
first a Whig in politics, later giving his support 
to the Republican party. After his death our 
subject took charge of his business interests for 
two years, and then leased his share of the fac- 
tory to Mr. Loveland for three years, who later 
purchased the same. 

The mother of our subject, who was born 
August 2, 1 8 1 8, died February 6, 1897; she, too, 
was an earnest member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. In her family were four children: 
Walter, who was scalded to death at the age of 
two years; Lyman T. , of this review; Nancy, 
wife of Samuel Watson, of Lamar; and Ira C, 
a bookkeeper, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

The educational privileges afforded Lyman 
T. Eddy were rather meagre, and as a farm hand 
he earned the money with which to pay his tui- 
tion at Dickinson Seminary, which he attended 
at intervals for six years. At the age of sixteen 
he was compelled to lay aside his text books, 
and in October, 1857, began teaching in the pub- 
lic schools of Lamar, his term there covering a 
period of seven months. For the two succeed- 
ing winters he taught at Hublersburg, Centre 
county, then again at Lamar, and the next winter 
at Flemington, Clinton county, while the follow- 
ing year he had charge of a school at Williams- 
port, Penn., from the 1st of September until the 
•1st of November. For thirty-eight months he 
followed that profession mostly during the winter 
season, before attaining his majority, while the 
summers were spent in farm work and in attend- 
ing the seminary at Williamsport. Mr. Eddy 
then entered the employ of the Washington Iron 
Works, at Lamar, where he remained some ten 
years, filling the positions of bookkeeper, sales- 
man and manager. On November 1, 1872, he ac- 
cepted his present responsible position, which he 
has so capably and acceptably rilled, as his long 
retention plainly indicates. 

On August 10, 1862, Mr. Eddy was married 
to Miss Margaret E. Walker, and to them have 
been born two children: Alma F., wife of Calvin 
Zimmerman, of Milesburg; and Clarence P., de- 
ceased when one year old. The mother's birth 
occurred in Clinton county, October 30, 1837, 
and she is a daughter of Philip and Judith (Moyer) 
Walker, of Centre county, where the father died. 
He was a prominent farmer, was called upon to 
fill several official positions of honor and trust, 
and was an active worker in the Evangelical 
Church. The mother, who was born in 1808, 
is still living on a farm at Clintonville, Penn. In 
their family were six children, namely: Margaret 



E., wife of our subject; Cyrus, who operates the 
old homestead farm in Clinton county; Nannie 
B., at home with her mother; Harry A., a 
merchant of Lock Haven, Penn. ; James, who was 
killed by the kick of a horse; and Abigail J., de- 
ceased. 

For almost a quarter of a century, Mr. Eddy 
has been prominently identified with the business 
and political interests of Milesburg, being elected 
to several important official positions, the duties 
of which he has always promptly and faithfully 
discharged. He has served as school director, 
councilman and auditor, filling the last named 
office at the present time. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with Bald Eagle Lodge No. 410, I. O. 
O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs. 

Like his honored parents, Mr. Eddy is also a 
prominent Church worker, belonging to the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Milesburg, in 
which he has served as steward, recording stew- 
ard, trustee, secretary of the board of trustees, 
president of the Epworth League, and class 
leader for seventeen years. For thirty years he 
has also been teacher in the Sunday-school, ten 
years of which time he served in that capacity 
in Lamar, and the past twenty years he has been 
superintendent of the Sunday-school at Miles- 
burg. He takes great delight in music, which 
he reads readily, is a vocalist of much ability, 
and has devoted his talent in this respect toward 
raising money for Church work. The poor and 
needy always find in him a warm friend, and no 
man in Milesburg is more universally beloved and 
respected than Lyman T. Eddy. 



OBERT NELSON LOYD. A unique in- 
terest attaches to everything which is asso- 
ciated even indirectly with the days when this 
section was a "waste, howling wilderness," and 
its thriving towns existed not even in the fertile 
imagination of the hardy pioneer who cleared the 
forest from the sites upon which they have since 
been established. 

The subject of this sketch, who was born No- 
vember 9, 1825, in Philipsburg, Centre county, 
at what is now known as Grant's Corner, is a son 
of Charles Loyd, an Englishman by birth, who 
went to that locality as a young man, with Dr. 
Plumb, and for some time conducted a boarding- 
house for Philips and Plumb. He was also the 
' ' boss farmer " for Mr. Philips, who was then en- 
gaged in clearing extensive tracts of land. Charles 
A. Loyd was married at Philipsburg to Miss Mary 
A. Nelson, and his death occurred a few years 
later, when he was aged thirty-one. Being a 
member of the State militia, he was buried with 



J 






:.i 12 



roMUKMOUATIVE HloiiUM'lI 1< A I UECOIW. 



military honors. Three children were born of 
this union, viz.: (i) Robert X. is our subject. 
(2) Sarah Ann married Joshua Carney, of Phil- 
ipsburg, and both died and were buried at that 
place. (3) Martha married William Washburn, 
and died at Philipsburg. Our subject's mother 
was born in Delaware about the year I 8oo, and 
died in 1875. In early womanhood she accom- 
panied her mother and stepfather, Mr. McClos- 
key, to Centre county. She was of old New 
England stock, her ancestors having come to 
America in early Colonial days. • After the death 
of her first husband, she married a Mr. McClos- 
key, whose mother taught the first school at 
Philipsburg, the sessions being held at night. 

As Mr. Loyd was a mere child when his fa- 
ther died, he was placed under the care of an 
uncle, William Parker, residing at Bellefonte, 
and he afterward kept the " Black Bear Hotel," 
four miles east of Philipsburg. In the spring of 
1 K40 he returned to Philipsburg, where he has 
since resided. In 1842 he learned the wagon- 
maker's trade, which he followed until 1859, 
when he engaged in the hotel business, building 
the "Loyd House." This he conducted for 
twenty years with gratifying success, and in the 
meantime he was interested also in the lumber 
business to some extent. Since retiring from the 
hotel he has given but little attention to business, 
looking well to his property. He was one of the 
six who organized the old Moshannon Bank in 
1881. He is interested in mining at Winburne, 
ind owns some real estate at N. Philipsburg. 

Mr. Loyd was married the first time, in 1849, 
to Miss Amanda J. White, a native of Philips- 
burg. They had two children : (1) Charles, who 
is married and resides at Vulcan, where he is en- 
gaged in mining, and (2) Martha, who was edu- 
cated at Tipton Seminary, in Blair county, Penn. 
She married E. W. Bradner, and has four 
children: Robert, John, Josephine and Carrie 
Russell. The mother of these died in 1852, and 
Mr. Loyd for his second wife married Miss Eliz- 
abeth Ayers, who 'lied leaving one daughter, 
Miriam, now the wife of George W. Morrison, of 
Jersey Shore, Penn.: they have three childp n 
Edwin Loyd, Louis and Frederick. 

After the death of his second wife, Mr. Loyd 
married Miss Mary Ann Stewart, by whom he 
had five children: 11 Ida M ., who married Will- 
iam E. Tyson, and has one son — Edwin Loyd; 

Lula Belle, who was educated at Bordentown, 
\ I , and is now at home; 1 ; Robert P., 4) 
William P. and 15) Harry A. Death again en- 
tered our subject's home, taking the mother of 
this little family; and Mr. Loyd formed a fourth 
matrimonial union, this time with Miss Margaret 



j Cross, his present wife. They have no children 
Mr. Loyd is an Episcopalian in religious faith: 
socially he has for many years been a member of 
the Masonic fraternity; politically he is a Repub- 
lican, and he has always taken great interest in 
public questions. lb- has been a councilman for 
several years, also served on the school board, 
and was supervisor several terms. In 1 
when the State was invaded, he responded to the 

I Governor's call for "emergency men," and 
served under Capt. Canoe and Lieut. Williams. 
of Bald Eagle. 



E 



•■MANUEL HARTER, a prominent and well- 



2jj to-do agriculturist of Miles township, 
tre county, is deserving of mention in this vol- 
ume not only for his own achievements, but be- 
cause of his being a member of a well-known 
pioneer family. 

Andrew Harter, his grandfather, was re 
on the banks of the Tulpehocken river, and 
shortly after marriage with Miss Sails Rupp set- 
tled (about 1790) in Haines township, Centra 
county, near Aaronsburg, upon a farm of 100 
acres which he had previously purchased. The 
journey was made in a covered wagon, and a 
shoemaker accompanied the party to its destina- 
tion Andrew Harter was a carpenter by trade, 
but most of his time was given to clearing and 
cultivating his land, which he took in a primitive 
state He built a cabin of hewed trees in one 
day, occupying it tin next, and in this humble 
abode blankets two years served as tin- only 
doors they had. Although he never became 
wealthy, he acquired a competence, and after 
twelve years the original cabin was replaced by 
a more commodious structure. In religion he 
was a Lutheran, and he helped to found the 
Aaronsburg Church. One noticeable trait 
his frankness of speech, even the minister I" 
subject to this outspoken critic on occasion. 
Honest and upright, his "word was as good 
his bond " in a business deal. His political O 
victions as a Democrat were maintained with 
characteristic firmness. During his later \ 
did no work at his trade except in improving 
own pj , iperty, but throughout his life he was often 
called upon to doctor horses, as he seemed 
have a talent for understanding and tr< 
their ailments. At the time of his death. whi< li 
occurred during the Civil war, he was in ' 
eighty-eighth year, yet every one of his teeth 
was in place ami perfectly sound. His wife had 
died many years before, and the remains of hot I 
were interred at Aaronsburg. They had nine 
children, of wh six lived to adult age; Johr 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



503 



died in Gregg township, Centre county; Jacob, 
in Nittany Valley; Andrew, in Penn township, 
Centre county; George is mentioned more fully 
below; William died in Haines township, Centre 
county; and Lydia (Mrs. Henry Swartz) . died 
near Pleasant Gap, Centre county. 

George Harter, the father of our subject, was 
born in Haines township, Centre county, in 
1805, and was reared to farm work. There 
were no free schools then, his early instruction 
being secured entirely in the German schools of 
the day. He was an excellent penman, and in 
later years became a prominent citizen of the 
locality, noted for his successful management of 
his farms, his estate being at his death estimated 
at $17,000. He was five feet, eight inches in 
height, and weighed 155 pounds, was strong and 
robust, and an industrious worker. Although he 
was never afraid to give voice to his opinion, he 
was not quarrelsome, and never sued or was 
sued in court. He was a Lutheran in early life, 
later becoming an active member of the U. B. 
Church, and he always took great interest in all 
that pertained to local improvement. In politics 
he was a Democrat. His first wife, Mary (Wolfe) 
(our subject's mother), was born in Haines town- 
ship, in 1808, a daughter of George Valentine 
and Sally (Wise) Wolfe. The young couple set- 
tled upon a rented farm in Haines township, 
Andrew Harter giving to this son, as to all the 
others, two horses, a wagon, a cow and two pigs. 
Nearly all of the boys prospered after being thus 
started in life, and George Harter was able, in 
1 84 1, to buy from Jefferson Royer a farm of 210 
acres near Rockville, Centre county. Later he 
sold this and purchased the old Haines farm, in 
Penn township, Centre county, where he lived 
until old age caused him to retire from active 
work. His last days were spent at Millheim, 
and there he died at the age of seventy-eight. 
His first wife passed away in Penn township, 
aged fifty-three years, and his remains rest beside 
hers at Millheim. His second wife, Mrs. Sally 
Droxel, a widow, survived him, and after his 
death returned to her early home at Annville, 
Lebanon Co., Penn., where she died. There 
were no children by the second union, but by the 
first there were twelve, namely: Polly, widow 
of George Royer, of Rebersburg; Lydia, who died 
in childhood; Emanuel, our subject; Absalom, a 
farmer of Haines township, Centre county; Susan 
(Mrs. Michael Fiedler), of Millheim; Sarah, who 
married Rev. Lewis Fleisher, a minister of the 
U. B. Church, and died in Lebanon county, 
Penn.; Daniel, a farmer of Brush Valley; Cath- 
erine, widow of William Neese, of Brush Valley; 
Reuben, of Penn township, Centre county; James, 



who died in childhood; Phoebe (Mrs. A. R. Alex- 
ander), of Penn township, Centre county; and 
George W. , of Millheim. 

Emanuel Harter was born on the old farm in 
Haines township, Centre county, July 31, 1831, 
and while he was a boy his parents removed to 
Brush Valley. As he was the eldest son and his 
help was needed at home, his school attendance 
was irregular, and he could not even take full 
advantage of such opportunities as the locality af- 
forded. His father was engaged for many years 
in hauling merchandise to and from Lewistown, 
Lewisburg, Lock Haven, Flemington and other 
points, and often hauled coal from Snow Shoe 
for the use of blacksmiths. Emanuel proved him- 
self so capable and trustworthy that at an eariy 
age he was placed in charge of a team, helping 
even to haul clover seed to Little York, a trip 
requiring fifteen days, and in all his work he 
never had a horse die or a wagon break down, or 
met with any serious accident of any kind. 
After the age of eighteen he did not go to school 
at all, but remained at home until he was about 
twenty-five years old, his labor being given to 
his father. He was a dutiful son, and there was 
never an impatient word passed between him and 
his parents. On January 19, 1856, he was mar- 
ried in Millheim to Miss Lavina Bierly, of Brush 
Valley, a native of Rebersburg, and a daughter 
of John aud Priscilla (Wolfe) Bierly. Mr. Har- 
ter rented the old Jacob Brungart farm in Brush 
Valley, and established himself there temporarily, 
his outfit being entirely second-hand and pur- 
chased niostly "on time." He also lived for a 
time upon rented farms in Penn township, Centre 
county, and in the Nittany Valley, Clinton coun- 
ty, but in 1868 he purchased 218 acres of land 
near Rebersburg, and has ever since resided 
there. He sold 102 acres immediately after its 
purchase to Samuel Loose, and for the portion 
retained, which was worth $9,000, he went in 
debt, having only about $7,000, which he had 
saved, to apply upon it. About 1875 he pur- 
chased an additional thirty acres from William 
Foster for $3,000, and this is now a part of his 
farm. At various times Mr. Harter has owned 
extensive tracts of mountain land, and still has 
some of it, although he has sold portions as oc- 
casion offered. His farm is well-improved, and 
a number of substantial buildings have been 
built by Mr. Harter, in addition to those upon 
the homestead. His home is well-furnished, the 
equipment including a fine piano, one of the few 
in Brush Valley. While both Mr. and Mrs. Har- 
ter have received property from their parents, 
their losses have been greater than the amount 
thus obtained, and their present prosperity is due 



504 



( OMMBMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to their own effort. They had three children: 
James C. died at the age of five years; Susan 
Ella married C. C. Loose, of Rebersburg; and 
Sally, an accomplished young lady, is at home. 
Mr. Harter's sympathies are with the Demo- 
cratic party in the main, but when the best men 
are on the other ticket be is sufficiently patriotic 
and independent to vote for them. He has been 
supervisor and o\ of the poor, and his pub- 

lic work has been marked by the same quiet 
votion to duty which has won his success in his 
private business. For nineteen years he was 
manager of the Bald Eagle, Nittany, Penn, and 
ih Valleys Turn Pike, this long term of suc- 
iful service reflecting redit upon him. 

II- is not connected with an) Church, but has 
lent more substantial assistance to various re- 
ligious movements than many who are members. 



TLLIAM M. ALLISON. The Scotch- 

V Irish race, with its mixture of the pi 
cal common sense of the "canny Scott" and 
the warm impulses of the impressionable Celt, 
has produced a large proportion of the men who 
have led and are leading in the \aried lines of 
effort upon which our modern civilization is 
based 

The Allison family, which is so prominently 
identified with the development of Penn's Valley, 
furnishes many notable examples of this class, 
and a luiet review of their history will enhance 
tin- interest in the sketch of our subject, who is, 
himself, a worth} representative. The first 
American ancestor, Archibald Allison, Sr., the 
great-grandfather of the gentleman w h. -.< name 

ns this sketch, was a native of Ireland, and 
was married there to Mar} Kennedy, who was 
born November i, 1730, in Scotland, Shire of 
Galloway, Parish of Kirkmaiden, the third 
daughter of fohn Kennedy. The} came to 
America with their family in 1773, landing on 
the 1 8th of June, and settled in this State. 
Archibald Allison, Sr. .died in Paxton township, 
in what is now Dauphin county, October6, 1783, 
and his widow passed away June 6, 1808, in 
Potter township. Centre county. 

Of their children, Matthew, who was born 
in 1750, was a young man at the time of the ar- 
rival of the family in this country, and the Revo- 
lutionary war breaking out soon afterward he 
served as a soldier on the side of freedom. 
Later he settled in the Nittany Valley, and be- 
came an influential pioneer citizen of Centre 
county, In ing one of its first commissioners. He 
died in Lamar township, February 9, 1828, at 
the age of seventy-eight, leaving a numerous 



family. By his first wife, Sarah Mahaffey, there 
were four children: Margaret (who married J< 
seph Johnston), William, Mary and Sarah. H 

nd wd,-, Catherine Lamb, had six children: 
Jane, Catherine, Samuel L., Eleanor, Archibald. 
Jr., and John. His third wife survived him with 
five children, all young: Jackson. Mary, Robert 
O, Fred'rick E. and an infant in arms. I 
\< ungest son of Archibald Allison, Sr. , w 
John Allison, the father >f Senator William B 
Allison, of Iowa 

Archibald Allison, Jr., the grandfather of our 
subject, was born in Ireland April 15, 1761, and 
young as he was at the time of the Revolution 
he took an active part in the defense of the front- 
ier during the troublous times which accompanied 
the struggle for independence. He was stout 
and heavily built, with a round, ruddy face and 
flaxen hair, and possessed great muscular pov 
together with a bold and courageous spirit. In 
politics he was a Federalist, and in religious 
faith he was a Presbyterian. After 
close of the Revolutionary war he sought 
home for himself in Penn's Valley, purchas 
from the Penns the eastern third of what > 
then known as the Manor of Succoth, north 
tin • Croat Spring Tract. The homestead which 
he founded is still in the possession of his 
scendants. On May 7, [789, he married I 
McCormick, third daughter of George and Mar- 

t McCormick. Her father was the first set- 
tler at Spring Mills, having bought land of Reuben 
Haines, and he built the first mill there. In 
17S7 he took up a tract of land south of tin 
creek, but owing to financial reverses this passed 
into the hands of James Cook, who sold it 
[ames Duncan. Archibald Allison, Jr., died M 
3, h845, and his widow passed away Jantian 
1S4S, at the age of eighty-four. They had nine 
children of whom eight ai Mil, their nai 

with dates of birth and death being as follows 
George, August 18, 1792 — September 28, 181 
William, April 5, 1794 — February 11. 
James. February 26, 1796 — September 1 8, 1 ft 
died at North Liberty, Adams county, 01 
Margaret, May 26, 1797 May 12, 1846, mar- 
ried William Kelly, son of Col. John Kelley, ami 
died in Union county; David, May 22, 1 
December 22, 1877, married Lucetta McKibh 
and his death occurred in Clinton county; Mary, 
May 11, 1801 — September 27, 1856, died in 
Adams county, Ohio; John November 22, 1803 
January23, 1844; Jane, September22, 1805, mar- 
ried Thomas Riley, and died in Kansas. 1 
youngest child, Eleanor, was born Februan 
181 1, married Dr. John Grossman, and died 111 
Adams county. Ohio, April 10, 1895. 



■ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



505 



William Allison, Esq., the father of our sub- 
ject, inherited the sterling traits of his ancestors, 
and at an early age entered upon his business ca- 
reer as clerk in a store at Harrisburg, where he 
remained six or seven years. In July, 1827, in 
company with James and John Potter, he opened 
a store at Browns Mills, now Reedville, Mifflin 
county. In 1829 the firm was dissolved, and 
Mr. Allison carried on the business alone for a 
few years, when he moved to his old home near 
Spring Mills. The death of his father in 1845 
left him and his brother James and David and 
James Potter executors of a large estate, with 
many powers and trusts to be executed, and these 
duties, together with the work of improving the 
farms, buildings, barns and sawmills brought a 
large amount of business upon his shoulders 
which he managed with great success. On June 
25, 1S47, he married Miss Sarah McNitt, daugh- 
ter of William R. and Esther (McCoy) McNitt. 
Her father was son a of Robert McNitt, one of 
the first settlers in Kishacoquillas Valley. In 
1847 occurred the failure of James and John Pot- 
ter, of whom Mr. Allison was a creditor to a con- 
siderable extent. He was preferred by them on 
account of old intimacy and business relations, 
and the judgment they gave him resulted in pro- 
tracted litigation, Mr. Allison sustaining his claim 
ultimately. Meanwhile having purchased the 
factory, hotel, and real estate at Potters Mills, he 
removed thither, occupying the old residence of 
James Potter. Here he managed his large inter- 
ests with his accustomed business skill, and, 
backed by large experience, as a result uninter- 
rupted prosperity marked his declining years. 
He was a man of great executive ability, laying 
his plans with much discretion, and following 
them up with vigor and determination. While 
always well-informed on current events, he was 
especially noted as a chronicler of the past. His 
wonderful memory coupled with opportunities de- 
rived from his father's great age and unusual 
fund of reminiscence, made him a veritable en- 
cyclopedia — a walking digest of the history of 
Penn's Valley. 

Mr. Allison was a stanch Republican in later 
years, and previously a Whig, but while he man- 
ifested great interest in the success of the prin- 
ciples which he espoused, he was not a politician. 
He was a loyal supporter of the government dur- 
ing the Rebellion, and his devotion was shown 
in many ways. Many regiments from the north- 
ern tier of counties passed over the pike on their 
way to the railroad at Lewistown, and in a sin- 
gle year he donated nearly a thousand dollars 
worth of provision and meals. Although he was 
confined to his home for a number of years pre- 



vious to his death by a paralytic stroke, yet he was 
always cheerful, and glad to see his friends. His 
remains now rest in the private cemetery of the 
Allisons near Spring Mills. His widow, who was 
a highly respected resident of Potters Mills, died 
December 18, 1896. Five children also survive: 
William M., the subject of this sketch; Esther 
E., born January 15, 1852, now the wife of 
Frank McCoy, of the firm of Linn & McCoy, 
iron-masters; Edward, born August 2, 1855, a 
farmer in Potter township; Lillie E., born Sep- 
tember 28, i860; and Archibald, born June 27, 
1863, now a plumber of Bellefonte. 

With this introduction we may now turn to 
the personal history of Hon. William M. Allison, 
who now holds an enviable position in this sec- 
tion as a substantial business man, and an 
honored and influential citizen. Illingworth, in 
his work, " A Passing Glance at Penn's Valley," 
says of him: "Associating himself with busi- 
ness enterprises, he developed the talent neces- 
sary to manage successfully a large estate, and 
to-day, besides his many interests, he is interested 
in a large tract of the finest farming land in the 
Valley." In disposition and manner he bears a 
marked resemblance to his father, and his career 
has added new luster to the family name. He 
was born November 4, 1850, in Gregg township, 
Centre county, about half a mile west of Spring 
Mills. His education was carefully provided for, 
his elementary instruction being obtained at Penn 
Hall, where unusually good opportunities for 
that time were to be found. Later he pursued 
his studies at Perrysville, Penn., and at State 
College. His first business venture was the 
management of the woolen factory at Potters 
Mills in partnership with his brothers, Edward 
and Archibald, and his ability and tact were dem- 
onstrated in its success. In 1887 he moved to 
Spring Mills, and, in connection with the firm 
of Allison Bros., purchased the gristmill prop- 
erty then belonging to the Barcroft estate. In 
the following year the mill was thoroughly re- 
paired and remodeled at an expense of $9,000. 
The John I. Noye rolls were introduced, and the 
Smith system inaugurated, the establishment being 
" up-to-date " in every respect. In addition to 
this enterprise Mr. Allison is interested in the 
coal business and in the marketing of farm prod- 
uce, his purchases in this line disbursing annu- 
ally many thousand of dollars in his locality. 
His own extensive farming interests require and 
receive his supervision, but despite his cares 
and his high position in the community he is easy 
of approach and friendly to every comer, even 
the smallest boy being certain of kindly and 
prompt attention to any errand. 



.-.or, 



COMMEMOUA 'FIVE Blmi UAPIIH AL RECORD. 



Mr Allison is fond of good horses, and his 
-tables have held some fine specimens. He be- 
lli -ves in making proper use of all the good things 
of life, and his elegant home near Spring Mills, 
one of the finest in Penn's Valley, is supplied with 
every possible convenience. Socially he is very 
popular, his intelligence and geniality making 
him a most pleasing companion. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic lodge at Centre Hall; also 
In -longs to the State Millers' Association, and in 
I 896 accompanied that body on an excursion to 
Duluth and other points on Lake Superior. 

On June 2. 1880, Mr. Allison was married to 
Miss Lurana 1!. Higman, daughter of John Hig- 
man, of Corning. Steuben Co., N. Y. She is a 
member of one of the well-known families of that 
section, and is highly accomplished, her educa- 
tion having been completed at the Ehnira Col- 
lege. Elmira, N. Y. Four children — Charles E., 
Mabel, William H. and Frank — brighten their 
home. Mrs. Allison was formerly a Baptist, but 
there being no church of that denomination at 
Spring Mills she united with the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Possessing in a high degree the public spirit 
which has always characterized his family, Mr. 
Allison has great influence in local affairs, and is 
one of the leading Republicans of Centre county. 
He has served creditably in several official posi- 
tions, and when a candidate he receives the sup- 
port of many political opponents, his popularity 
not being limited by party lines. His first office 
was as judge of elections at Potters Mills, a 
strongly Democratic locality. In 1887 and [888 
he represented Centre county in the State Legis- 
lature, being elected in the face of a normal Dem- 
ocratic majority of 1000, which speaks volumes 
for the confidence which his character and career 
had inspired among all classes. His defeat in 
the previous campaign for the same office was 
caused by members of his own party, who under- 
estimating his strength, sought to "trade him 
off" in the interests of another candidate. Not- 
withstanding this defection, he came within thir- 
teen votes of winning the place, which, taking 
all the circumstances into consideration, was a 
remarkable tc si ol strength. He is a generous 
supporter of all local movements which tend to 
promote progress, being especially interested in 
educational affairs, and is now serving a third 
term as member of the school board at Spring 
Mills. 



J DAM MAYER. The histories of some of 
L the self-made business men of this land 
show such marvelous changes from poverty to 



wealth, and such pluck and endurance in th« 
face of misfortune, that the reader is constrained 
to believe that prosperity can be attained by an\ 
one who patiently and diligently makes the best 
of his opportunities. Luck, some say, is a 
factor, but the subject of this sketch, now a 
prosperous business man of Philipsburg, did not 
trust to luck when he left his early home in < 
many at the age of twenty and landed at New 
York, and it was by determined and well-directed 
effort that he established a foothold in the busi- 
ness world, as the following biography will show. 

Mr. Mayer was born near the "storied 
Rhine," September 26, 1834, in the village of 
Geiselberg, county of Waldfischbach, Rhine- 
Bavaria, the son of Adam Mayer, and grandson 
of Peter Mayer, who died before our subject wa> 
born. Adam Mayer, who was a native of the 
same locality, was born in 1812, and died 111 
1893. By occupation he was a farmer and stone 
mason. He married Eva Fdinger, who was born 
in 1S16, and departed this life in 1872. In i8j 4 
he and his eldest son, the subject of this sketch, 
came to America, spending thirty days on the 
ocean. They had not money enough to pas 
their way from New York City to their destina- 
tion at Philipsburg, and consequently thej 
walked the entire distance amid the bleak and 
wintry scenes of the month of February. Thej 
found employment about eight miles from Philips 
burg, with Capt. Grove, a lumberman, and 
worked for him in the woods at cutting logs, for 
three years. A small farm was purchased in 
Clearfield county, and 111 1S56 the mother and 
other members of the family came over, and 
the interrupted home life was again enjoyed b) 
all. There were nine children besides our sub- 
ject: 12) Elizabeth, the widow of Jacob M 
resides in Kylertown, Clearfield counts . 
Catherine married Jacob Mesenbagh, and 1 
in LaSalle, III.; (4) Peter is a farmer at Kyler- 
; town; (5) Michael is a resident of Centre counts . 
(6) Henry died a soldier's death as a membei 
the famous Forty-ninth Regiment, 1' \ 1 
Jacob lives in Helena. Mont . (8) Philip is a 
fanner in this Mate, 9) Gottlieb went t" the 
West, and now resides in Wyoming; ( 10) John 
died at Kylertown, Pennsylvania. 

Before coming to this country Adam M 
had attended the schools of his native land, Bl 
ing good use of the opportunities they afforc 
and he had also learned the details of carpel 
ing and stonemasonry. He did not underst 
English at all, however, and as he had but 
cents in his pocket when he arrived at Philips- 
burg he took the first work that could be ob- 
tained. After working in the woods for some 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



o07 



time he secured more congenial and profitable 
employment as a carpenter and a stonemason, 
and for twenty-five years he followed those occu- 
pations, and at the same time conducted his farm 
of 125 acres in Clearfield county. He still owns 
this estate, but about fourteen years ago he moved 
to Philipsburg, where he bought a two-story 
building for business purposes, 155 x 25 feet 
with an "L" 25x40. For several years he was 
engaged in the flour and feed business, but after 
disposing of that he was not especially engaged 
in any line until 1891, when he took charge of 
his present furniture store. In this enterprise he 
has succeeded, as might be supposed from his 
past triumphs, and he carries a large and well- 
selected stock. Some years ago, after learning 
the methods employed in the lumber business, 
he made some profitable ventures in that line 
himself, buying and clearing land and rafting on 
the river. Land was cheap, and at one time 
he owned about eight hundred acres. He in- 
tended to give a farm to each of his children, 
but during the coal excitement it was found that 
his lands were very valuable for mining, and he 
sold them at a good price. 

In 1857, Mr. Mayer went to De Pere, Wis., 
and spent four years in a sawmill. While there 
he met Miss Christina Switzer, who was born in 
the town of Nurtingen, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, 
Germany, November 28, 1833. They were mar- 
ried in Milwaukee, Wis., November 17, 1859, 
and have had eleven children, of whom nine are 
living. The first was born in Wisconsin, and 
died in infancy at De Pere, five miles above 
Green Bay; at that time there were no railroads 
in that vicinity, and boats furnished the only 
convenient means of travel. (2) Mary married 
Andy Neubauer, a farmer of Clearfield county, 
and has six children — Jennie, Charlie, Effie, 
Harry, Perry, and Henry; of these, the eldest, 
Jennie, is married to August Johnson, who was 
born in Sweden, and is now a merchant at All- 
port, Clearfield Co., Penn. (3) Henry, who 
conducts his father's farm, married Miss Tillie 
Hoover, and has three children — Grover, and 
May and Duff (twins). (4) Ellen, the wife of 
John Stewart, of Clearfield, has two children — 
Statie and Christie. (5) Elizabeth, the wife of 
Herbert Caldwell, has two children — Gordon 
and Samuel. (6) Clara married John Williams, 
of Punxsutawney, Penn., and has two living chil- 
dren — Clara and Ruth, three others having died 
at an early age. (7) Adam, who resides in Punx- 
sutawney, married Ruth Neal, and had two chil- 
dren, neither of whom is now living. (8) Beckie 
married Louis Ernst, of Pittsburg, and has no 
children. (9) Barbara and (10) Herman are at 



home; and (11) Perry died at the age of eleven 
years, and seven months. 

Mr. Mayer and his family are prominent mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and he has always 
been interested in local progress. In politics he 
was formerly a Republican, but of late he has 
voted the Democratic ticket, and in 1896 he was 
an advocate of free silver at " sixteen to one." 
He is a director and stockholder in the New Mo- 
shannon National Bank (belonging to the Free- 
masons), which was organized in May, 1896. 

Mrs. Mayer is a daughter of Jacob and Mag- 
dalena (Aberly) Switzer, both natives of Ger- 
many, where they died, the father when 
Mrs. Mayer was but a child, the mother about 
1862. They had six children who reached ma- 
turity: George, Jacob, Wilhelm, Rebecca, Henry 
and Christena, none of whom came to America 
except the last named, who was twenty years old 
at the time of his emigration. 



OBERT HUDSON. No country has af- 
forded greater opportunities to the poor 
man thamAmerica; it is indeed the poor man's 
land. Here an industrious, frugal man has a 
chance to accumulate wealth. Many fail to do 
so, but the best lay by some of their earnings, 
and soon find themselves in the possession of a 
handsome property. Among them is the gentle- 
man whose name introduces this article, a lead- 
ing harness maker and saddler of Philipsburg. 

Mr. Hudson was born November 13, 1830, 
in the city which is still his home, a son of John 
and Hannah (Gattice) Hudson, natives of Stock- 
port, Lancashire, England, and Glasgow, Scot- 
land, respectively. They met and were married 
in Philipsburg, whither the father had come with 
Hardin Philips in 179-. He was a butcher by 
trade, and a consistent member of the Episco- 
pal Church. He was twice married, his first 
wife being a Miss Dale, by whom he had three 
children: Hannah, widow of Serines Howe, who 
served as sheriff of Clearfield county, Penn.; 
Mary A., deceased wife of William Henfield, 
who is now living at the Soldiers' Home in Erie, 
Penn. ; and Lloyd, who died when young. By 
his marriage with the mother of our subject 
he had three sons and one daughter, namely: 
John, who is living retired in Philipsburg; Robert; 
William, ex-street commissioner of Philipsburg; 
and Emma, who married Thomas Freeman, and 
after his death wedded a Mr. Clark, of Madison, 
Maine. 

Since the tender age of ten years, Robert 
Hudson has been dependent upon his own re- 
sources for a livelihood, first being employed by 



r« is 



OOMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Rev. Lord, an Episcopal clergyman, with whom 
he remained for one year. During the following 
two years he wa ed in farming, and then 

I" nt nine months in teaming. Subsequently he 
made his home with I >r. Hill for three years, 
during which time he was allowed to attend 
school. On leaving the Doctor, he served an ap- 
prenticeship of three years to the saddlery busi- 

- with [ames Alexander, but later was in the 
employ of Dr. 1 oster, ofPhilipsburg, for one year. 
After a short time spent in Pittsburg, Penn. , he 
returned to his native city, where he worked five 
years for [esse L. Test, a saddler and barn 
maker, when he purchased the business, becom- 
ing proprietor in [859. After successfully con- 
ducting the establishment for two years, the 
Civil war broke out, and prompted by a spirit of 
patriotism he laid aside personal interests and 
enlisted in Company 11. [48th P. V. I., under 
I apt. Furland, .1 ph) >i< ian oi Bellefonte. 1 le 
was never wounded, and when the war was over 
was honorably di d, fune 1 , 1 865. 

Returning to his home in Pbilipsburg, Mr. 
Hudson I business, and soon built up a 

large and profitable trade. Owing to ill health 
In- was obliged to lay aside active labor on |hne 
9, 1896, but after six weeks spent in Anson, 
Maine, he had s< gained his usual health as 

to be abl an open Ins store in Philipsburg. 

He is widel) known in business circles as a man 
ol undoubted integrity, conducting his interests 
with ability and a stint regard to details. He is 
a stalwart Republican in politics, and fraternally 
is a member of the I. O. O. 1". Lodge No. 206, 
of Philipsburg, of the < ,. \ K . and of the R. O. 
\ 1. As a citizen he deserves the high regard 
in which he is universally held, and in social 
circles he and his estimable wife hold an enviable 
p. isition. 

< >n the 24th of December, [868, at Philips- 
burg, Mr. Hudson was married by Rev. Foster, 
to Miss Susan Harpster, and seven children came 
to bless their union: Margaret M. (wife of N. N. 
Davis, a jeweler of Philipsburg . Laura, Charles 
R., Thornly B. and Stanley J., all at home, 
Lewis, deceased; ami Jesse L. T. , at home. 



JOHN (i. PLATT, of Philipsburg, Centre | 
county, is one of the most energetic and en- 
ter prising citizens of that thriving city, his 
extensive wholesale grocery business being con- 
ducted after metropolitan methods, and reflect- 
ing unusual judgment and skill. Although the 
business is owned by a stock company, he was i 
its chief promoter, and has been its manager and 
chief from the start, achieving a success which 1 



would have done credit to a much older head. 
Besides the store in Philipsburg, which is equal, 
in magnitude and business, to any large citv 
establishment, he has another at Du Hois, in 
Clearfield county, of equal proportions, and six 
salesmen are kept constantly on the road. I 
business is exclusively wholesale, and sta: 
second to none of the kind in the State 

Mr. Piatt was born May 7, 1863, at Ypsil- 
anti. Mich., and is a descendant of a family wh 
various members ha\ e held honorable positi 
in life wherever the) might be placed. His lie 
of descent is traced to one of two brothers . 
came from France at an early day to make their 
homes in America, one locating in New York City, 
and the other at the site o| the present citj 
Plattsburg, N. Y. From the latter v 
scended James Piatt, our subject's great-grand- 
father, who lived and died in Rensselaer count\ 
New York. Edwin A. Piatt, the grandfathi 1 
our subject, was born at Stephen town, Ri 
selaer county, N. Y., whence in 1833 hen 
to Michigan, where he passed his remaining yi 
in agricultural pursuits. His wife, ( aroline Par- 
also died in Michigan. Of their five chil- 
dren, Alfonso Piatt, our subject's father, was thi 
eldest: (2) Pardee, now a resident of Detroit, 
married Miss Fannie Alger, sistei oi Gen. K A 
Alger, formed) governor of Michigan, and 
many years past a prominent figure in national 
politics. (3) Henry D. is a farmer at the old 
homestead (bought in 1833), near Ypsilanti. 
Mich. 14 Susan married John Koreson. 
Lenota, who has not married, resides at Luding- 
ton, Mich. The Michigan branch of the family 
is highly connected, and Mrs. Don M. Dickenson, 
of Detroit, was a Miss Piatt, and full cousil 
our subject's lather. Mrs. Caroline (Pard 
Piatt, grandmother of our subject, was of Scotch 
descent, and related to an old family of Rensse- 
laer county, N. Y. She was a sister of A: 
Pardee, of Hazelton, Penn., a millionaire lumber 
and coal "king." The Pardee family, in com- 
pany with the Platts, moved to Michigan in [8 
settling near Ypsilanti. 

Alfonso Piatt was born November 10. < 
at the old home in Rensselaer county, N. Y , but 
accompanied his parents to the West when a 
child, and was reared there. Mercantile life at- 
tracted him, and after clerking in a store for 
some time, he engaged in business for hine 
at Ypsilanti, remaining until he was forty-tiw 
years old, when he moved to Hazelton, Penn., 
to take charge of a store for A. Pardee & I 
Later he spent six years in Virginia, but return- 
ing to Hazelton he resided there eight years be- 
fore finally locating in Philipsburg, where he is 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



509 



now living in retirement. He is a Republican in 
politics. His first wife was Miss Martha E. 
Tower, who died in 1865, aged thirty-two years; 
only two of their six children lived to maturity, 
John G. and Ario Pardee. His second wife was 
Harriet (Redner) Tower, and two children, Pearl 
and Harcy, were born to this union. 

J. G. Piatt was five years old when his father 
removed to this State, and he attended the first 
school in Hazelton. After a brief residence in 
Virginia, he spent some time in Michigan, and 
acquired a practical education in the State Nor- 
mal School at Ypsilanti. He then clerked in a 
wholesale grocery store in Detroit, for a time, 
and on his return to Hazelton he became book- 
keeper for J. F. Barber & Co., remaining with 
them several years. With his abilities thus devel- 
oped by experience, he went to Philipsburg in 
1888, and established his present mammoth es- 
tablishment, speedily winning a 
business circles. His offices are 
for business, and are thoroughly 
equipment. 

Mr. Piatt's wife, formerly Miss Alice Turn- 
bach, is a native of Black Creek township, Lu- 
zerne Co., Penn., born in January, 1863. One 
daughter, Lucile, brightens their home. The 
entire family are members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and active workers therein. Socially 
Mr. Piatt is a Freemason, and member of the 
Royal Arcanum. In his political predilections 
he is a Republican, and has efficiently served on 
the city council three years. 



high rank in 
well adapted 
up-to-date in 



F^RANK McFARLANE. Among the best cit- 
izens of the country, there are few that are 
the peers of the representatives of the Scotch- 
Irish race, who have taken so active and prom- 
inent a part in the development and upbuilding 
of theNew World. Their sturdy physical strength 
and inborn frugality, thrift and industry, are still 
characteristically developed in their representa- 
tives in America. The subject of this sketch, 
who is a well-known farmer of Harris township, 
is a magnificent specimen of this hardy race. 
He occupies an elegant brick residence one-half 
mile east of Boalsburg, surrounded by a beauti- 
ful lawn, and is on the site of the old Springfield 
mill, near the head waters of Spring creek. 

Our subject traces his ancestry back to James 
McFarlane, who made his home in Huntingdon 
county, near Lewistown, Penn., and on March 
14. 1782, wedded Mary Smith. Their family 
numbered ten children, as follows: Mary Eliza- 
beth, who was born May 16, 1783, and married 
John Thompson; Rosanna, born February 23, 



1786; Janet, who was born July 15, 1788, and 
became the maternal grandmother of our subject; 
James, who was born November 3, 1790, and be- 
came the paternal grandfather of our subject; 
Mary, born April 15, 1793; William, born Jan- 
uary 30, 1796; Margaret, born July 17, 1798; 
Robert, born December 9, 1800; Andrew, born 
February 20, 1803; and Nancy, born May 14, 
1805. 

James McFarlane, Jr., when a young man 
became a resident of Harris township, Centre 
county, his home being near Branch, where he 
owned and cleared atractof land. On March 30, 
1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Lilly 
Henry, whose death occurred May 21, 1828. He 
survived her many years, dying near Lemont, 
Centre county, October 8, 1869. Two children 
were born to them: William, the father of our 
subject; and Robert, who was born November 6, 
1826. The latter held a colonel's commission in 
the Civil war, was engaged in the hardware busi- 
ness in Bellefonte, but died in his store in Belle- 
fonte May 18, 1 891. 

The birth of William McFarlane, father of 
our subject, occurred at Branch, Harris town- 
ship, January 8, 1825, and in the common 
schools of that place and Shingletown he se- 
cured his early education, which was supple- 
mented with a course in the academies at Boals- 
burg and McAlistervilie, Penn. On leaving 
school at the age of twenty, he returned to his 
father's farm, which he operated for several 
years. He was married May 30, 1849, to Miss 
Margaret Kyle, who died February 21, 1869. 
Four children blessed their union: James, born 
May 3, 1852, died August 20, 1853; Joseph Iv, 
born January 30, 1854, is a farmer of Buffalo 
Run Valley, Centre county; Frank is next in or- 
der of birth; and Janet, born October 23, 1861, 
is living with our subject. For a year after his 
marriage, the father continued to reside at 
Branch, and then for five years made his home 
at Buffalo Run, Centre county, while for fourteen 
years subsequently he lived at Puddingtown, 
near Lemont, College township. In 1872 he 
purchased 195 acres near Boalsburg, on which he 
made many excellent improvements, and there 
died August 12, 1893, honored and respected by 
all who knew 1 him. 

At Buffalo Run, Centre county, Frank Mc- 
Farlane was born June 14, 1857, and in the 
common schools of Centre Furnace began his 
literary education. After taking a preparatory 
course in Boalsburg Academy, he entered the 
agricultural department of State College, but at 
the end of two years was obliged to give up 
study on account of his eyesight, which had been 



510 



CO VMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



affected by an attack of typhoid fever. He then 
became overseer of the estate near Boalsburg, 
which position he is still acceptably rilling, and 
with him resides his sister Janet. They are 
widely and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity, and enjoy the friendship of a large circle 
of acquaintances. He is a prominent and active 
member of t h<- Christian Endeavor Society, and 
an ardent Republican in politics, advocating the 
gold standard. He has two relics which he 
values very highly one, a gold-mounted sword 
presented to his uncle Robert by the men of the 
ij.Xth P. V. I., of which regiment he was colo- 
nel; the other relic is a cane of straight-grained 
hickory, whittled from an octagonal piece of 
wood by his great-greatuncle, William McFar- 
lane, a captain in the Continental army during 
the Revolutionary war. This was done while he 
was in prison in New York City, held as a British 
captive. The cane is forty-eight inches long, 
.mil bears the inscription: "Capt. William Mc- 
Farlane, prisoner one year, ten months and five 
days, New York, September 21, 1776." 



PILLIAM K. CRUST, well known through- 



out Benner township and vicinity, has 
-p.nt his entire life in Centre county. He is 
now the owner of a valuable farm of 150 acres, 
lo the cultivation and improvement of which he 
devotes his time and attention with most satis- 
factory results. The well-tilled fields and sub- 
stantial farm buildings stand as monuments to 
his thrift, industry and enterprise. 

Mr. ("rust was born in College township, and 
is a son of James an 1 Marj I >smer) Crust, both 
natives of England, During his youth the fa- 
ther crossed the Atlantic to America, while the 
mother was brought here when two years of a 
by her parents, who spent their last days in Ben- 
ner township, Centre county. In the family of 
Mr. and Mrs. Crust were the following children: 
M.11 \ Ann, widow of Samuel Saxon, who was 
killed in the Scotia mines; Sarah J., deceased 
wife of Georgi Singleton, who has again married 
since her death, and is now living in Canoe \ 
ley, Blair Co., Penn. ; Janus H., who died leav- 
ing a family, now residents ol Scotia, Centre 
count}-: Katharine, wife of Edward Marshall, of 
Patton township. Centre county; Emetine, wife 
of William I. ut/. of Benner township; I 
who died in infancy; Sophia, wife of John Reed, 
of Huntingdon counts, Penn.; R. H., who mar- 
ried [ennie Shope, and is living in Patton town 
ship; William E., of this sketch ; Adaline, wife of 
ph Shope, of Renin o, Clinton Co., Penn.; 



Amelia, wife of David Hoover, of Altoona, Penn. 
T. L. , a school teacher of Peru Station, Centn 
count\; Ira. who died at the age of two years 
ami Eva I... wife of Robert Coral. 

On reaching a sufficient age, William 1. 
Crust entered the public schools of College town 
ship, but completed his education in Spnn 
township, Centre county. He was reared t 
farm work, which he made his life occupatCn 
On February 5, 1880, he was united in marring 
with Mary Martin, and they became the parent 
of six children: Miles, who died November 2 
1 88 1 ; Mary A.; Edgar, who died in infancy 
the 15th of May, [883; Charles T. ; James I 
and Clarence W. Mr. Crust is an earm 
porter of the men and measures of the Republic 
an party, and in religious faith is a Methodist 
He enjoys the esteem and confidence of hi 
neighbors, and is regarded in all respects as a 
honest man ana a good citizen. 



JOHN B. WETZEL, a typical, self-mad 
man, is one of those, who, without extraoi 
dinary family or pecuniary advantages at th 
commencement of life, have battled eat 
and energetically, and by indomitable courag 
and integrity achieved both character and tor 
tune. By sheer force of will and untiring 
he has worked his way upward. He is now thi 
proprietor of the Empirelron Works, located ,1 
Howard, Centre county. 

Mr. Wetzel is a nativeof Centre county, ban 
in Hublersburg, March 1, 1863, and is a son 
Tobias B. and Mary (Mitchell) Wetzel, whi 
were natives of New Berlin, Union Co., Penn. 
where they were married and remained 
1855, which year witnessed their arrival 111 * 1 D 
tre county. They first located near Hublersburg 
whence, in 1865, they removed to Millheim. late 
tn Flemington, Clinton county, and are no\ 
dents of Lock Haven, Penn., where the fathe 
is engaged in farming and dairying. II 
public-spirited, energetic man, taking a 1 
nent part in public affairs, and has held & 
local offices. His political support is givi 
Republican party, and in religious belief I 
Lutheran. Four children constitute his family 
namely: Howard, a machinist of Lock II 
Curtm, a well driller ol the same place 
IV. of this sketch; and Emma, wife of 
Aullabaugh, who is connected with the W *> 
Hileman Furniture Co., of Lock Haven. 

Until [883 our subject remained with his pW 
cuts, attending school and aiding his father in 
the work ol the farm. He also served an ap- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



511 



prenticeship to the machinist's trade in the Nov- 
elty Iron Works of Lock Haven, and after leav- 
ing home went to Moshannon, Centre county, 
where in partnership with John McCartney he 
established the Empire Iron Works. At the end 
of two years he purchased his partner's interest, 
and continued the business alone for a year, 
when his plant was destroyed by fire. He then 
came to Howard and erected his present iron 
works, which he has since successfully operated, 
manufacturing plows, building engines, and do- 
ing general repair work of all kinds. He started 
out in life for himself with a cash capital of but 
$35, and from this small beginning has built up 
his present extensive business. 

On July 1, 1886, Mr. Wetzel was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary E. Bechdol, and to them 
have been born five children: David and Edward 
(twins), who died in infancy; Mamie L. , who also 
died in infancy; and Harry T. and William G., 
at home. Mrs. Wetzel was born at Marsh 
Creek, Centre county, March 15, 1855, an ^ is a 
daughter of David and Elizabeth (Thiel) Bechdol, 
natives of Eagleville, Centre county. The fa- 
ther was a farmer by occupation, and a mem- 
ber of the Disciple Church, while the mother 
held membership in the German Reformed 
Church. He died March 4, 1 891, at the age of 
seventy-eight years and twenty-six days, and 
she passed away March 13, 1867, at the age of 
thirty-seven years. In their family were seven 
children, as follows: Lida, who resides on the 
old homestead; Susan, wife of William Wentzel, 
a blacksmith of Flemington, Penn. ; Mary E., 
wife of our subject; Sarah, also residing on the 
old homestead; David, deceased; Emma and 
Jacob, residing with their sisters at the old home; 
and Edward, deceased. 

Although a young man, Mr. Wetzel has al- 
ready attained to a measure of prosperity that 
many a one who started out on life's journey be- 
fore him might envy. He has a wide reputation 
as a most capable workman and an upright, reli- 
able business man, progressive and energetic. 
He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but now 
holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he is an active worker. In 
politics he is identified with the Republican party, 
giving his influence and vote to secure the pas- 
sage of its measures and the election of its can- 
didates. 



G\EORGE B. UZZELL. The subject of this 
J history is one of the prominent citizens of 
, Clarence, Centre county, and the owner and pro- 
prietor of the leading hotel of the place. A 



native of Centre county, he was born in Snow 
Shoe, May 10, 1863, and is a son of John G. 
Uzzell, a Welchman by birth. In 1843, tne 
father accompanied his parents on their emigra- 
tion from Wales to the United States, being at 
that time ten years of age. They located at 
Karthaus, Clearfield Co., Penn., where the 
grandfather obtained employment at the furnace. 

In 1854 John G. Uzzell came to Centre coun- 
ty, and at first engaged in blacksmithing in Snow 
Shoe, where in 1862 he erected a hotel, which 
is still in use. He is now principally interested 
in agricultural pursuits, and upon a tract of 500 
acres in the Alleghany Mountains makes a 
specialty of raising deer, while the streams he 
has well stocked with fish. An enterprising, 
progressive man, he was one of the first to clear 
land in Snow Shoe township. He married 
Elizabeth Etters, born in Centre county, in 1838, 
and to them were born three sons: John, who 
died at the age of six years; George B., of this 
sketch; and James F., at home. George B. ob- 
tained a good practical education in the public 
schools of Centre county, and continued to assist 
his father in the work of the farm and in the 
hotel until 1893, when he purchased his present 
hotel in Clarence, and has since successfully con- 
ducted the same. The interests and comforts of 
his guests are the great objects that he is striving 
for, and no more genial and pleasant landlord 
can be found in a wide range of country. The 
house is well fitted up, is convenient and com- 
fortable, and the cuisine is unexceptionable. 

In May, 1886, at Snow Shoe, Mr. Uzzell was 
married to Miss Fannie Kramer, and five children 
were born to them: Bernice, who died of diph- 
theria, at the age of seven years; Elizabeth, who 
died at the age of two; Annie, who also died of 
diphtheria when two and one-half years old; 
James G., who is with his parents; and one who 
died unnamed. Mrs. Uzzell was born in Pine 
Glen, Centre county, June 24, 1866, a daughter 
of John H. and Rebecca J. (Fye) Kramer, na- 
tives of Penn's Valley, Centre county, the former 
born December 16, 1830, and the latter May 
27, 1 84 1. They were married in Burnside town- 
ship, same county, and became the parents of 
five children: Annie, wife of James Emerick, a 
hardware agent residing in Somerset county, 
Penn. ; Carrie, wife of Edward Davis, a mine 
foreman of Clearfield county, Penn.; Fannie; 
Harry, a blacksmith of Holt Mines, Centre 
county; and Theodore, a railroad fireman of 
Clearfield. For a short time after their marriage, 
Mr. and Mrs. Kramer made their home in Clear- 
field county, and then returned to Centre county, 
where they are now living retired. By trade the 



512 



< OMMEMORATWE BIOGRM'IW M. HKCORD. 



father is a carpenter. The maternal grandpar- 
ents of Mrs. rjzzell, John and Margaret (Bow 
Fye, were natives of Ireland. 

Mr. Uzzell takes an active interest in civic 
societies, and is a prominent member of the 
Golden Eagle, the American Mechanics and the 
Odd Fellows fraternities, while politically he is 
a stanch adherent to the principles formulated by 
the Democr. ty. He and his wife hold an 

enviable position in the social circles of the com- 
munity where they make their home, and h 
main warm friends throughout the county. 



of the vestry. He affiliates with the 1 ,\ A 

M., Lodge No. 391, at Philipsburg, and with 

the Royal Arcanum, Centre Council No. So;, 
etc. In politic > he is a Democrat. 



JALBER I WALK IN, postmaster at Philips- 
burg, Centre county, is a genial young 
gentleman whose efficiency in any line of effort 
undertaken bespeaks unusual ability and energj 
He was born in England, May [3, 1867, a son 
of John and Mary (Cook) Walton, both also na- 
mes of that country, who came to America 
wlnii our subject was about two years old, and 
located at Philipsburg, Penn. , before the develop- 
ment of the coal fields of this section was begun. 
In that work John Walton took an active part, 
becoming one of the leading prospectors, and 
he also developed and operated some valuable 
coal lands. He had been a contractor in Eng- 
land, and had gained a practical knowledge of 
coal mining there. He still owns an interest in 
: 1 i n properties, but has retired from active 
business, and with Ins estimable wife is enjoying 
a <|iiiet life at their home in Philipsburg. 

J. Albert Walton is the only child of his par- 
ents, and as he has lived in Philipsburg from 
childhood, he is thoroughly identified with the 
place. After completing a course of studv in 
the public schools there, he became a book- 
keeper in the office connected with his fatb 
mining business. At an early age he began to 
show a liking lor politics, and time has demon- 
strated his possession of decided ability in that 
line. In Jum he was commissioned post- 

master at Philipsburg, by President Cleveland; 
confirmed by the Senate, and re-commissioned 
by President McKinley in March, [897. He has 
since filled the office to the entire satisfaction "f 
all concerned. 

On July IS. [889, Mr. Walton was unit 
marriage with Miss Annie Laura Burchfield, 
daughter '>t William b Burchfield, ex-register 
of 1 f ( entn 1 ounty. Three children 

have blessed this union: Sue I. , John and 
William B. In musical and social life Mr. Wal- 
ton and his wife hold a leading pla< e. The fam- 
ily is connected with the I piscopal Church, and 
oui n secret. u\ 



WILLIAM T. HILLIBISH, of Bellefonte, 
Centre county, enjoys an exceptionally 
high reputation in business circles as a manager 
of large enterprises, and the same qualities which 
have won him this distinction, when applied to 
municipal affairs, have made him prominent in 
that line also, the people in their corporate ca- 
pacity recognizing in him one to whom they ma\ 
wisely delegate the power to carry their \vi- 
into practical effect. 

Mr. Hillibish is a native of Bellefonte, born 
May 20. 1858, and his father, the late Nicho 
Hillibish, who died at an advanced age, was for 
fifty years a prominent business man of that city, 
having gone there from his native place in Lan- 
caster county, Penn., early in life, to establish a 
hardware store and tin shop. His wife, whi 
maiden name was Johanna McKean, was born 
near Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn.. and died at 
the age of sixty-seven. They had nine childn 
Lydia T.. wife of Maj. Chessman, of Washing- 
ton, D. C, an employee in the Pension Depart 
inent; Maria L., who is nol married; James B 
who died some years ago; Franklin S.. of Can- 
ton, Ohio; Joseph I\., formerly a membi 1 
city council of Bradford, Penn., where he died in 
1893; George P. and Edward, who reside in 
Canton, Ohio; William T., our subject, and John 
\l of Canton. < )hio. 

The excellent advantages offered by 
schools of Bellefonte enabled Mr. Hillibish to 
acquire a good practical education, a course in 
the high school being followed by one in the 
academy of which he is a graduate. On lea\ 
school he learned the machinist's trade with W 
P. Duncan & Co., and later spent sevi ra 
with them as foreman. He was chief engineer 
at the nail works for three year-, and then loan- 
ing a partnership opened the Bellefonte Supply 
House; but he disposed ol his interest not It 
afterward, and went to Lorain, Ohio, to take 
charge of the shape mill in Johnson's 
work-. He returned to Bellefonte recently, a 
is now in the employ of the Jenkins L 
Coal Co., at Howard, as their sup lent. 

Mr. Hillibish is an ardent supporter ol 
doctrines ol the Republican party, and 

n intimated, the com, 1 .1 in hue 

all cli him a popular cand 

rally, tions ol trust In [88 

ted a member of the Bellefonte council fri 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



513 



the West ward, serving three years, and then 
after one year of absence was again returned, 
and still holds that office. He is also a candi- 
date for the post of city tax collector. Socially 
he is prominent as a member of the I. O. O. F. 
and the Encampment, and for twenty years he 
has been identified with the Logan Steam Fire & 
Engine Company. 



GV\EORGE NOLL. Among the leading and 
_Jf representative agriculturists of Boggs town- 
ship, Centre county, stalwart and sturdy tillers of 
the soil, there is none who stands a more promi- 
nent figure than the gentleman of whom this no- 
tice is written. Besides being engaged in gen- 
eral farming, he is the proprietor of what is 
known as the "Washington Dairy," which he es- 
tablished in 1 89 1, and has since conducted very 
profitably. Since 1872 he has resided upon his 
present farm of seventy acres, previous to which 
time he had rented land in Spring township, 
Centre county. 

Our subject was born in Spring township, 
October 25, 1841, and he is a son of Emanuel 
and Mary P. (Wegley) Noll, natives of Berks 
county, where their marriage was celebrated, 
after which they came to Centre county. The 
father had previously been a resident of the 
county, coming here with his parents, but in 
1828 he returned to Berks county. Here his 
death occurred in May, 1886, at the age of sev- 
enty-six years. By occupation he was a general 
farmer, and in his younger years was a member 
of the Reformed Church, to which his wife also 
belonged. She died in 1884, at the age of sixty- 
eight years. Her father, William Wegley, was 
also born in Berks county, of German descent, 
and was a colonel in the war of 1812. The 
paternal grandparents of our subject, George and 
Margaret (Lape) Noll, were natives of Berks 
county, whence in 1820 they came to Centre 
county, where the grandfather engaged in farm- 
ing until called from this life. 

George Noll, of this review, is the third in 
order of birth in a family of twelve children, the 
others being as follows: Hannah, deceased wife 
of Elias J. Markel, a wagon maker, of Hublers- 
burg, Penn. ; Liddie, deceased wife of James B. 
Grove, of Johnstown, Perm. ; Rebecca, wife of 
H. Walker, of Bellefonte, Centre county; John, 
of Marion county, Kans. ; Emanuel, of Belle- 
fonte; two who died in infancy; Mary, wife of J. 
Schwartz, who is living retired in Somerset coun- 
ty, Perm.; William T. , a stone mason, of Spring 

township; Henry L. , deceased; and James B., of 
33 



Milesburg, Centre county. In the public schools, 
George Noll obtained a rather limited education, 
and at the age of thirteen years started out to 
make his own way in the world, working as a farm 
hand for six years. Prompted by a spirit of 
patriotism, he, in 1 861, enlisted in Company F, 
Second Pennsylvania Cavalry, the company 
starting out with P. B. Wilson, of Bellefonte, 
as captain, and Thomas Snyder as first lieuten- 
ant. He was with this regiment in all the im- 
portant engagements in which it took part until 
February 22, 1863, when he was taken prisoner 
and incarcerated in Libby prison until the 11th 
of April, at which time he was paroled. He was 
never in hospital, and was honorably discharged 
August- 15, 1865. For a year and a half he 
served as corporal of his company. Arriving 
home at twelve o'clock at night, the next morn- 
ing found him at work upon a farm, and he has 
since devoted his time and attention to agricult- 
ural pursuits. 

On March 10, 1870, Mr. Noll was married to 
Miss Annie Garlrick, by whom he has four chil- 
dren: Urbah M., wife of G. H. Moore, of Eric, 
Penn., a conductor on the Pennsylvania & Erie 
railroad; and Emanuel L., James O. and George 
H., all three at home. Mrs. Noll was born Au- 
gust 3, 1S49, m Centre county, and is a daughter 
of George and Susannah (Yonada) Garlrick, na- 
tives of Union and Centre counties, respectively. 
Their deaths occurred in the latter county. Dur- 
ing his younger years the father followed carpen- 
tering, but after his marriage turned his attention 
to farming, and at his death owned some valu- 
able land. He was twice married, his first wife be- 
ing Anna Hoy, and to them were born srx childen: 
Catherine, wife of P. Shory, who operates the 
old Garlrick homestead in Centre county; Amos, 
of Coalville, Penn.; Rebecca J., wife of Martin 
Meese, of Michigan; Henry, deceased; Emeline, 
deceased wife of John Meese; and John, of Coal- 
ville, Penn. Mrs. Noll is one of the three chil- 
dren born of the second union, the others being 
Levi and George W-, both deceased. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Noll are faithful members 
of the Presbyterian Church, to which he has be- 
longed for twenty-three years, and for the past 
eighteen years has been an elder in the san 
Socially, he holds membership in the U. V. L. 
and of the P. O. H. R. His political support is 
given the Democratic party, but he cares nothing 
for official distinction, preferring to give his time 
and attention to his business interests. He is 
one of the prominent and representative citizens 
of Boggs township, widely and favorably known, 
and enjoys the confidence and respect of the en- 
tire community. 



514 



CO UMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



BENJAMIN ROUSH, ol Madisonburg, Centre 
county, is one of those wholesome, gen- 
ble individuals to whom old age brings 
piril and breadth of view which 
maki h, however beautiful and charming, 

tnd incomplete. Born July 10, [820, 
in Washington township, Snyder (now Union) 

nty, he has spent his entire life in the section 
t<> wh 1 li this volume is devoted. 

derick Roush, his father, was born in Sny- 
der county, and made his home there until 1832, 
when with his wife, Dorothy Nogle, and their lit- 
tle family, he moved to Brush Valley, Centre 

nty lie was a shoemaker by trade, and. 
after living lor a time in a rented house in an- 
other part of Miles township, lie settled in Mad- 

iburg, where he continued his business until 
a few years before his death, which occurred 
when he was sixty-two years old; his wife lived 
to be ninety-three years old, and both are buried 
at Madisonburg. The father was a man of in- 
fluence among his associates, and was elected on 
the Den ticket to various township offices. 

Although a hard worker, he never accumulated 
much, his earnings sufficing only to give the fam- 
ily a comfortable living. He was a good-sized 
man, and enjoyed excellent health previous to 
his last illness. In religious faith he and his 
wil' were Lutherans, and for many years he held 

e in the Church, as deacon and elder. Their 
children were: ti) Catherine, now Mrs. Abra- 
ham Snyder, of Nittany Valley; (2) Benjamin, 
our subject; (3) Daniel, of Madisonburg; 14! 
Mary, who married John Smith, and died at 
Reedsville, Penn. ; (5) Louisa (Mrs. Noah Mus- 

. who died in Half Moon Valley; (6 Eliza- 
beth, widow of John Rachua, of Greg- township, 
Centre county; (71 Susannah, widow of Israel 
Vonada, of the same township; and (8) Henry, 
who died in Stephenson county, Illinois. 

Benjamin Roush spent his early years in 
tin- vicinity of Freeburg, Snyder county, and 
received such educational ad\ as the 

hi of that locality then afforded. Under his 
father's instructions lie became familiar with the 
details of the shoema kei 's trade, which he fol- 
lowed until he was about twenty-five years old, 
saving from his wages $600. On March 13, 
1849, he was married in township, Centre 

c ty, to Miss Margaret Hoy, the only chil 

John and Margaret Hoy. As his wife and her 

ents desired the family life to continue un- 
broken, Mr. Roush gave up his trade and 
came a tanner on the Hoj hi d, remaining 

there until [880, when he moved to Madisonburg. 

He purchased a lai . 1 house opposite the 

"Miller Motel,' and made his home thereuntil 



after the death of his wife, which occurred Ma\ 
30, 1889, She was a lady of fine Christian 

ter, a devout member of the Reformed 
Church, and her death was deeply mourned by 
all who knew her. live children survive her 
John H. is a farmer in Gregg township, Centre 
county; Sarah J. married A. H. Vonada, of Miles 
township, Centre counts'; Mary A. married D 
D. Royer, of the same township; Jeremiah L. . 
a ministei of the Reformed Church, resides 
in Pennsburg, Montgomery Co., Penn.; Emma 
J. married Jacob Deitrich, of Miles township, 
Centre county, and for some years Mr. Roush has 

it their pleasant home near Madisonburg. 
His sons a 1 liters have without" exception 

taken honorable positions in life, and make a 
family of whom any parent would be proud. 
Few, if any, fathers in this section have con- 
tributed so liberally to start their children in life 
as has Mr. Roush, no less than $7,000 having 
been given to each as the time came to leave 
the home nest. Each has received a farm, and 
he has thus disposed of the five which he for- 
merly owned. He believes that help should b* 
given to the children while they an young and 
can benefit by it; and certainly the results jus- 
tit\ the theory. Fortunately he still has plenty 
to keep "the wolf from the dooi ls he is yet 
iated among the wealthy men of the county. 

Mr. Roush has been an industrious worker 
and shrewd manager, and well deserves his 
cess in life. His time has been given mainly to 
the care of the estates, but for three and one- 
hall years he conducted a mercantile busim 
Madisonburg, having been obliged at one time to 
secure certain bail money for which he was liable 
by buying a stock of goods. Politically, hi 
sti adfa ' I 1 mocrat, and his fellow citizens have 
called him to the service of the community at 

lit tunes as supervisor and school din 
He has always been .1 . heerful givei to religious 
movements, and especially to the Reformed 
Church, in which he is at present a trustee. He 
was one oi the building committee of two at the 
time the society built their church edit: 
Madisonburg, ami he gave liberally of both time 
and money to insure the success of the under- 
taking. 

fOHN A CONFER, undertaker and furniture 
is one of the leading and successful 
business men ol Milesburg, ( entre countj 
lb- is a 1 I Pennsylvania, having been born 

September 30, [859, in Porter township, Clint 
county, and is a son ol Solomon Confer, who 
was botn 111 Snidertown, Centre county, in N 
\ ember. 1 838. I lie father is also an undertaker. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



515 



and engaged in that business for twelve years at 
Unionville, Penn. , but since 1883 has made his 
home in Milesburg. At Aaronsburg, Centre 
county, Solomon Confer was united in marriage 
with Miss Mary J. Shields, a native of Clinton 
county, Penn., who died March 17, 1889, at the 
age of sixty-one years. Six children were born 
of this union, but with the exception of our sub- 
ject all died in infancy. The parents were both 
consistent member of the Evangelical Church, 
and in politics the .father is a Republican. 

Mr. Confer, of this review, remained at home 
with hig parents until his marriage, but began his 
business career at the age of fourteen, working 
for the first four years at the carpenter's trade 
with his father. He then engaged in clerking 
for the Washington Iron Co., of Clinton county, 
for two years, and subsequently helped to re- 
build a tannery at Lock Haven, Penn,, where he 
remained one year. He then returned to Lamar, 
Clinton county, but a few months later removed 
to Millheim, Centre county, where he engaged 
in farming for one year. During the winter he 
clerked in a store, and the following spring went 
to Hublersburg, Penn., where he worked in the 
mines for six months, at the end of which time 
he came to Milesburg, doing the carpenter work 
for the McCoy & Linn Iron Foundry for one year. 
In 1885 he embarked in the furniture business at 
Milesburg, in connection with his father, who 
was the undertaker, but on September 1 1, 1894, 
he purchased the latter's interest, and has since 
been alone. He began business on a small scale, 
but as his patronage steadily increased, he en- 
larged his facilities, and is now at the head of an 
extensive trade. In 1895 he removed from his 
old stand to a handsome new store building. 

On March 18, 1879, Mr. Confer was joined 
in wedlock with Miss Eva E. Clark, a daughter 
of Josiah and Naomi (Mann) Clark, and to them 
were born five children, all yet at home, namely: 
Mary J., Sarah E., Solomon, Clark and Marian. 
The mother of these died April 30, 1892, at the 
age of thirty-six years. Mr. Confer was again 
married, March 21, 1893, the lady of his choice 
being Miss Ida M. Loveland, by whom he has 
one son, Wilbur F. Mrs. Confer was born July 
11, 1861, in Clinton county, Penn., and is the 
only child of Wilbur F. and Hannah (Watson) 
Loveland, also natives of Clinton county, where 
the father is now living retired. In early life he 
engaged in the axe business. The mother died 
in 1865, a t the age of thirty-six years, and he 
later married Josephine Custard, who bore him 
two sons, Harry and Reuben. Both parents of 
Mrs. Confer were members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 



Politically, our subject adheres to the princi- 
ples of the Republican party, takes an active part 
in its work, and for the past eight years has 
served as chairman of the central committee. 
For four terms he has filled the office of overseer 
of the poor, and has also been auditor and school 
director in his township. Fraternally, he is con- 
nected with the Odd Fellows Society of Miles- 
burg, No. 410. He is a straightforward, reliable 
business man, and in his work is ably assisted by 
his wife, who is also a practical embalmer, hav- 
ing attended the Oriental School of Embalming, 
and becoming quite proficient in that art. Both 
are well known throughout the community, and 
have many warm friends. 



IfSAAC MILLER, a well-known and highly es- 
_L teemed citizen of Bellefonte, is a native son 
of Centre county, born in Spring township, 
August 23, 1839. His parents, Robert V. and 
Elizabeth (Lytle) Miller, were natives of Chester 
and Centre counties, Penn., respectively, the 
former born in 1795, and the latter in 1807. In 
Chester county, the paternal grandfather, Reuben 
Miller, who was of English descent, spent their 
entire life, while the maternal grandfather was 
born in Centre county, but passed his last days 
in Clearfield county. 

Robert V. Miller was a nephew of the Valen- 
tines of Bellefonte, in which place he made his 
home for some time, working in the iron mills 
until 1833, when he removed to a farm four 
miles east of the city, and operated the same un- 
til 1-858. In that year he became a resident of 
Pleasant Gap, where his death occurred in 1863; 
his wife departed this life in 1869. For five 
years before his death he was totally blind. He 
was a loyal, patriotic citizen, devoted to the in- 
terests of his country, and always supported the 
party whose principles he thought would best 
advance its interests, being at different times an 
Abolitionist, Know-Nothing and Republican. A 
conscientious, earnest Christian, he was a faith- 
ful member of the Society of Friends, and a just, 
upright man in all things. 

In Spring township Isaac Miller grew to man- 
hood, assisting his father in the work of the farm 
and learning to " read, write and cipher " in the 
district schools of the neighborhood. He re- 
mained upon the home farm until his marriage, 
January 17, 1865, to Miss Catherine Pennington, 
who was born in Penn's Valley, May 2, 1841. 
Four children have been born to this union: 
Elizabeth L. , wife of Ed P. Moore, of Tyrone, 
Penn., by whom she has one child — Catherine 
P.; Isaac P., who is clerking in a dry-goods 



516 



COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



house in Philadelphia; Annie, who was born in 
,. and died in [871 ; and Mordecai, at home. 
The wife and mother has served as toll-gate 
keeper since • >cti ibei . 1 ■• ■ 

F01 ifter his marriage, Mr. Miller 

w.is interested in the coal business, later owned 
and 1 a threshing machine, and ran a 

jon f"i the Valentine store, Belle- 
fonte. Il<- then became a puddler in an 
iron furnace, where he is still employed. In 
►5, during the Civil war, he was drafted for 
but hostilities had ceased before his com- 
pany was > ailed upon for duty. He is an ardent 
Republican in polities, and a worthy member of 
the '< nds. Enjoying the esteem, 

. onfidence and 1 i the whole community, 

Mr. Miller may well ed among the pi 

meiit and representath 1 • ■ mn- 

ty. He is a man "I the strictest integrity and 
honor, and assuredly merits the high regard in 
which he is universally held. 



DAVID FIEDLER. The subject of this 
sk I tin prominent and repre- 

>: mers oi Penn township. Centre 
county, and has made hi upon his present 

than t. .1 1 \ \ ears. 
! hi fii Ids are well tilled, thi lildings neat 

and substantial, and, in fact, the whole pi; 

of thrift and prosperit) , which 
bout the place of an industt 
and thorough agriculturist. 

A nativ 1 inty, Mr. Fi( llei 

1» .1 11 in ! 
nl I trine Neese) Fiedler. The 

who wa 
win his only child, was but six 

which he and his mother 
went tn live with her father, Pi who 

was n township, located on Penn 

k. Tie ! in the usual man- 

in 1 of farn I his early educa- 

tion in the subscription his firsl 

being Henry Raughhausei He completed lu-> 
liter Heckmai 1 ," but 

his I Inn- v. In 

Marj J \\ ise, w hi 
n m Haines township, Februarj 
dau| |ohn and Cath 

ed their un 
in iw the wifi iwn- 

ship, nty. 

P re v i o u s to hi 

ime upon his pi irm, 

then 

i his 



domestic life then. After the death of his 
tin- farm, for which he had 
reatly in debt, but by industry, p 
and economy he soon paid off the indebt 
edness. 

itically, Mr. Fiedler is an ardent Demo 
crat, and served his fellow citizens in the cap 
in of inspector of elections. r ol the pi 

supervisor and school director, the duties of 
which offices he discharged in a prompt and effi- 
cient manner. A man of unquestioned integi 
and honor, he has lived peacefully with li 

rs, having never been involved in a ! 
suit, and is held in the high regard by all . 
know him. He and his estimable- wife 

i and sincere Christians, faithful members 
thp Lutheran Church. 



Nil YEARICK, a prominent general 
chant, and postmaster of Jacksonville, w; 
bom in Marion township, l mnty, August 

25, 1S50, and is a worthy representativi 
family that has long been identified with th 
ricultural and commercial interests of the counn 
His father, Henry Yearick, was born in 1 
township, Centre county, January IO, l822, .1 
— 11 of John and Sarah Saloma (Rishel) Yearick, 

nt\ , where they 
entire lives, the former d) ing in 1 
si.\ty-se\ en years, and the latter in i d se\ - 

enty-seven. In their family werethe followin 
Mary, who wedded [ohn Zupler, bul 
are m I Rebecca, who mat 1 

I'd both an- deceased; William. .1 minis- 
ter of the Reformed Church, who was crippled 
through rheumatism, ami died at th 
b< th, who I 
1 fo) . but both are now 
the I - our sub S 11. th, who n 

Phil I in < Him. where her 

death I ; John, a 1 mei "I N 

Vallej . Clinton Co., Penn. ; Samui 
who was a local preacher "f the Evangi 
Church, but spent his 1; in retin 

: 111; Ad;" 
ship. ' 1 mnty; Catherine, w 

S. 1 1 and Julian. .1. 

; 
■ hildren, ind 1 W 

I 1 » nip! 
but v, 
county, where they m home u] 

of their lives. 1" h e n 
nal gi 1. Adam Rishel, 

count) . b 
tmi 1 : . nn. , w i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



517 



sively in land, but spent his last days in Clear- 
field county. 

Henry Yearick, the father of our subject, was 
for many years actively engaged in agricultural 
pursuits and merchandising, but is now enjoying 
a well-earned rest at his pleasant home in Jack- 
sonville, where he has lived retired since [886. 
Being very fond of reading, much of his time is 
devoted to that enjoyment. In 1845, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Catherine Leinbach, 
who was born in Northumberland county, Pemi., 
in October, 1826, and is a daughter of Samuel 
and Polly (Foreinger) Leinbach, natives of Berks 
and Lehigh counties, Penn., respectively. In 
1850 Mr. and Mrs. Yearick removed to Marion 
township, Centre county, where for several j 
they made their home upon a farm. Thej 
faithful members of the Reformed Church, and 
are held in the highest esteem and respect b 
who have the pleasure of their acquaintance. 

To Henry Yearick and wife were born chil- 
dren as follows: Samuel Alfred, a carpenter of 
Superior, Neb.; Sarah, wife of J. J. Hoy, a 
farmer of Marion township, Centre county; N. 
H., of this review; Mary, twin sister oi our sub- 
ject, and the wife of Hugh S. Shaffer, who is 
serving as postmaster of Madisonburg, Centre 
County; Laura, wife of James S. Martin, a farmer 
of Jacksonville; Cicero, a dentist of Detroit, 
Mich.; Ida, wife of J. W. Holmes, who operates 
a steam thresher and also engages in carpenter 
ing in Jacksonville; Charles E. and John \Y., 
both farmers of Marion township; and Tillie E. , 
wife of Edwin Peck, a merchant of Walker town- 
ship, Centre county. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
passed in attending the district schools and assist- 
ing in the labors of the home farm until nineteen 
years of age, when he began clerking for his fa- 
ther in a general mercantile store at Zion, Cen- 
tre county, where he remained for two years. 
They then formed a partnership in Bellefonte, 
and in 1876 they established a business at Jack- 
sonville, under the firm name of H. Yearick & 
Son. This connection continued until 1886, 
when they sold out to W. W. D. Yearick & 
Brother, but two years later our subject re-pur- 
chased the store, becoming sole owner, and has 
since successfully conducted the same. He car- 
ries a large and well-selected stock of general 
merchandise, and does an annual business of 
$7,000. For some time he also traveled on the 
road, and now, in connection with his mercantile 
pursuits, engages in farming. In January, 1872, 
in Zion, Centre county, he was married to Miss 
Jennie E. Rockey, a native of Mifflinburg, Union 
county, Penn., born May 2, 1851, and they have 



six children, whose names and dates of birth are 
as follows: John H., May 12, 1874; Charles N., 
December 31, 1876; Earl W., February 18, 1880; 
Alta A., January 24, 1889; Arthur F. , March 7, 
[891; and Nevin A., July 10, 1896. All are at 
home with their parents with the exception of 
John H., who is engaged in farming in Marion 
township. 

John L. and Amelia (Katherman) Rockey, 
the parents of Mrs. Yearick, were natives of 
Mifflinburg, Penn., where the father was exten- 
sively engaged in fanning until 1851, when he 
removed to Zion, Centre county. There he died 
January 7, 1X81, at the age of sixty-one years; 
the mother still resides at that place with her 
John I'. She was born June 3, 1820, a 
daughter of Frederick ami Christine (Stitzer) 
Katherman, who were natives of Union county, 
Penn., where the) died at an early age. The 
paternal grandparents of Mrs. \ George 

ami Elizabeth (Loher) Rockey, were also natives 
ol Union county, where indfather exten- 

iged in milling and became quite 

ithv. John I.. Rockej was twice married, 
his first wife in her maidenhood being Miss Mary 
A. Rule, of Union county, and to them was born 
a daughter, Mary A., the deceased wife of Sam- 
right, a lumber merchant of Lewis- 
burg, Penn. By his second union Mr. Rockey 
had seven children, namely: Sarah K., who died 
at the age of six years; [ane E., the wife of our 
subject; George II., an agriculturist of Zion; Re- 
becca A. ,the wife of Christian Dicker, also a farm- 
er of Zion; John P., a farmer of the same place; 
and William, a farmerof Boalsburg, Centrecoun- 
ty. The parents of these children were consistent 
members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics 
the father was a Democrat. He was a self-made 
man in the truest sense of the term, but by in- 
dustry and good management became quite 
wealthy. 

Mr. Yearick uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of Democratic principles, and takes a deep 
and commendable interest in public affairs, giv- 
ing his aid to all worthy enterprises which will 
advance the welfare of the community. He is 
one of the leading and influential citizens of 
Marion township, and enjoys the confidence and 
high regard of all with whom he comes in con- 
tact. In religious faith he holds membership 
with the Reformed Church. 



OHN LEECH COLE, the present postmas- 
ter of Zion, and a leading and energetic 
farmer of Walker township. Centre county, 
was born October 25, 1863, in Belleville, Mifflin 



518 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Co., Penn., a son of Edward T. , and Marg; 
E. (Leech) Cole, who have made their home m 
Centre county -nice the spring of 1868, and are 
now living retired upon a farm near Zion. The 
father's birth occurred May 5, 1832, in Mifflin 
county, where his parents, who were of English 
descent, were also born, but died in Huntingdon 
county. His great-grandfather died in the war 
of 1812. The mother of our subject is a native 
of Huntingdon county, born July 17. 1836. 

the parents were born ten children, in ol- 
der of birth as follows: Lawrence S., born Sep- 
tember 8, 1855, married Eva Mahin, a native ol 
Ohio, by whom he has one daughter; he is a mil- 
ler of Dayton, Ohio, where they make their 
home. William E., born October 31, 1857, 
married Emma West, by whom he has a daugh- 
ter, and is now living in Golden, Colo., where he 
is superintendent of an irrigating company, 
Anna I., born in 1859, is the wife of Azor C. 
Kountz, a carpenter of Dayton, Ohio. Leah A. 

died in childh i. John L. is the next in the 

order of birth. David S. is still with his parents. 
II innah L , born in 1868, is at home. Samuel 
Sugart, born April 23, 1870, married Cora Robb, 
.1 daughtei of Henry Robb, of Nittany, Centre 
county, by whom he has one child, and is a resi- 
dent of Walker township, where he is employed 
in the iron mines. Mary P. is the wife of Alfred 
Kohl), a school teacher of Nittany. James Wil- 
son, an engineer living in Dayton, Ohio, was 
born November 7, 1875, and was therefore four 
days too young to cast his ballot for W. J. Bryan, 
whom he would have supported, being a Demo- 
crat in politi 

The education ..I John L. Cole was such as 
the common schools of Centre county afforded, 
and upon th farm, under his father's able 

instruction, he became familiar with the duties 
of an agriculturist. On starting out in life for 
himself he decided to follow the vocation to which 
he had 1 and lias become a thorough 

and skillful tic and progressive. 

He has always given his political support to the 
Democratic party, and in religious belief 
Lutheran. ( >n November 1, [887, he w 
ried to Miss Ida B. Shaffer, daughter of John 
Shaffer, a farmer of Walker township. Centre 
county, and they have one' son, Nevin E., born 

■ I nary 1 Mr. and Mrs. C 

widely and favorably known throughout the com- 
munity, and ha\ if warm personal friends. 



HENRY J. LIMBERT, who is properly ranked 
as one of the self-made men of Centre coun- 
ty, began his can the foot of the ladder in 



life, without other resources than his own indom- 
itable will and steady, plodding industry. From 
a humble position he has risen to that of one ol 
the representative men of a more than ordinarily 
intelligent community. He was born August 10, 
four miles west of McKees Falls, in what is 
now Snyder county, Penn., but was then Union 
county. His parents were John and Catherine' 
(Wise Limbert, the former a son of Peter Lim- 
bert, a farmer by occupation, and the latter a 
daughter of 1 1. Wise, a carpenter. 

When a young man John Limbert came to 
Centre county, and being a carpenter by trade 
aided in the construction ol the 'Miller Hotel' 
in Madisonburg. While thus employed he fell 
from the roof to the cellar, and it was ti 
he was killed, but he finally recovered. At that 
place he was married in 1 833, and at on 
moved to Union county, where he worked at his 
trade until the early "fifties," when he returned 
to Madisonburg. There he followed carpenter- 
ing for a time and later worked at daj laboi 
He died at the ripe old age of seventy-eight 
years; his wife passed away when over 1 
five years of age, and they now sleep side b 
in the Madisonburg cemetery. Both were active 
and prominent members ol tin- Reformed Church, 
with which he was officially connected, and Ins 
political support was ever given the I> 

Henry J. Limbert is the oldest in the family 
of seven children, the others being Rel 
wife of Aaron Sniull, of Rockville, ( entre 
ty; John, a hotel keeper of Dauphin county, 
Penn.; Frederick, a retired fanner ol Aarons- 
burg, Centre county; Benjamin, a resident >! 

j town-hip. Centre county; Catharini 
of [acob Frank, of Madisonburg; an 
who makes his home in Lock Haven, Penn 
education of our subject was all acquired 1 
man schools, and at the age of thirtei 
obliged to la\ aside his bo,,ks ami earn his 
livelihood. He obtained employment with a 
farmei m u McKees Falls, Snyder county, where 
he received only his board and clothe- 1 
and, in addition, $311 the second, ai 
the third. Later he was with another man who 
him $60 per year, his tune th 
1 principally at work in th' 
fore he had attained his eighteenth 
le. uning tlitt carpenter's trade with 1. 
with whom he came to Madisonburg, 
he had n the business began work witl 

John B. Shaffer, serving as a journeyman until 

In connection with different partn 
then engaged in business for himsel! until 
when In resolved to try his fi >n 
was very successful in his undertaking until the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



519 



fall of 1876, often employing as many as fourteen 
hands, and in the summer of 1868 paying out as 
much as $2,500 for wages. In 1877 he em- 
barked in farming, which he continued until the 
spring of 1892, when he turned his attention to 
mercantile pursuits as a partner of Benjamin 
Koush, but four years later returned to his farm, 
where he is now living. 

In Rebersburg, Mr. Limbert was married 
March 20, 1856, to Miss Caroline Long, who was 
born in Berks county, Penn., January 12, 1835, 
a daughter of George and Polly (Deck) Long, 
and they have six children, as follows: Josiah 
A., a resident of Seneca county, Ohio; Harvey 
M., of Bellevue, Ohio; JohnD., of Madisonburg, 
Centre county; George E., a German Reformed 
minister of Grove City, Mercer Co., Penn. ; Will- 
iam H., a school teacher of Rebersburg; and Ann 
E., at home. 

In Madisonburg, Mr. and Mrs. Limbert began 
housekeeping in an old dwelling which he had pur- 
chased, together with four lots, having paid $60 
down, and going in debt for the remainder of the 
amount. He borrowed many pieces of the fur- 
niture, and was compelled to borrow the money 
to purchase the remainder of his scanty house- 
hold goods; but as time advanced and he pros- 
pered in business, he was able to build a sub- 
stantial and commodious residence in Madison- 
burg in i860, which was neatly and tastefully 
furnished. There the family made their home 
until their removal to the farm in the fall of 1875. 
This adjoins the village and comprises ninety-two 
acres, which he has converted from a wooded, 
stony tract into richly cultivated fields, taking 
from it as many as 3,000 loads of stone. How- 
ever, it is now one of the most desirable farms in 
the locality, and adjoining it he also owns sev- 
enty-five acres of timber land. The success that 
he has achieved in life seems almost marvelous, 
as from a humble position he has-worked his way 
upward until to-day he is one of the most pros- 
perous and substantial citizens of Miles town- 
ship. 

A man of the strictest integrity and honor, 
Mr. Limbert is able to look the whole world in 
the face with a clear conscience. He and his 
excellent wife are both prominent members of 
the Reformed Church, in which he has served as 
elder for several years. His political support is 
unwaveringly given the Democratic party. 



HENRY GRIMM, the well-known merchant 
, tailor of State College, Centre county, is a 
man of marked ability and enterprise, and al- 
though he has only been a resident of that place 



since 1892 his excellent qualities have won for 
him the high regard of all with whom he has been 
associated. 

Mr. Grimm is a native of Bavaria, and a de- 
scendant of an old and honored family, the 
patronymic having been known in Bavarian his- 
tory for more than nine hundred years. His 
grandfather, John Grimm, was a merchant in 
that country, and Henry Grimm, our subject's 
father, spent his entire life there, his death oc- 
curring in 1862. The mother is still living in 
Bavaria, and one of their three children, our 
subject, the youngest, is the only one to seek a 
home in the New World. (1) Charles is an offi- 
cial in the Bavarian government, and (2) Freder- 
ica married, and resides in her native land. 

Our subject was born March 4, 1857, and was 
but five years old when he lost his father. On 
arriving at a suitable age he learned the tailor's 
trade, and worked as a journeyman at his old 
home until 1883, when he came to America. 
Locating at Philadelphia, he continued to work 
at his trade as a journeyman, but in 1892 he re- 
moved to and settled at State College, where he 
went into business on his own account, as a mer- 
chant tailor, purchasing a shop which at present 
monopolizes the business of the vicinity in that 
particular line. As Mr. Grimm is an expert in 
high-class tailoring, keeping thoroughly up-to- 
date in style, and is, withal, moderate in his 
prices, he is likely to retain his leadership in his 
chosen calling. He has a fine residence at State 
College, purchased in 1892. 

His wife, formerly Miss Carrie Miller, was 
born thirty-four years ago at Philadelphia. Their 
home is made merry by the presence of four 
children — Harry, Liza, Lattaand Charles. Since 
choosing America as an abiding place, Mr. Grimm 
has made constant and thoughtful study of all 
questions which affect the public welfare, and he 
is active in the support of measures of which he 
approves, his influence being given politically to 
the Republican party. In religious faith he is a 
Lutheran, but there being no Church of that de- 
nomination at his present home, he attends the 
Presbyterian one. 



G\ENERAL JACKSON WOODRING, the gen- 
? ial and popular proprietor of the "Wood- 
ring Hotel," Port Matilda, Centre county, was 
born September 30, 1853, at Huntingdon Fur- 
nace, Huntingdon Co., Penn., a son of Michael 
and Nancy (Halderman) Woodring. He was 
twelve years of age when he accompanied his 
parents to Centre county, locating on the farm 
where his father still resides, and assisted in its 



521 1 



00 1/ VSMOBA Tl VB BIOGRAPHICAL UKiOHD. 



cultivation and improvement until 1871, when he 
ttil .nit to earn his own livelihood, working 
foi one year in a gristmill at Roopsburg. I. 
he entered the mill of Joseph Wilkerson, where 
he remained until 1874, when he returned h 
and assisted his father during the following sum- 
mer. Subsequently hi was employed in various 
mill a miller or millwright until 1 

when he began the operation of a mill, where he 
had previously been employed, conducting the 
same for two For five years he operated 

a flouring-mill lor his brother, ('■. W. Wood: 
in Martha I i then returi Port 

Matilda, where, alter o mill foi 

■tied his present hotel. It is conven- 
iently ai tnd well furnished, and in all its 
appointments, under its present able man 
nit nt, a first-class hotel, and is well patroni 
Mr. Woodring was married December 5, 
i . to Miss Bella J. Moore, and thej 

1 hildren: < ■ Margerie 

\ , . Edith I . and x - ei I thi last named died 
The oth< 1 I ill with their 

pai 1 ie V. is now organist ol 

Methodist I I Church of Port Matilda, 

with which the mothi ire all identi- 

fied. Mrs. Woodring was born at Roopsburg, 
Mas 5, 1 854, and is a daughter 
of Patrick and Margei ie (1 

Roopsburg and Unionville, Centre coun- 
ty, respectively. The fathei I in farming 
at the former place, where the mother died Nov- 

of thirty-foui \> 

and he 1 ved to M hei his 

last days were spent in retirement, dying in Feb- 
ruary, 1 

home "I his daughter, Maggie, wife of San 
Myers. I fe was a prominent and influential man, 

a 1 >i : 1 .it 111 and .1 member "I 

Methodist I hurch, to which his w ife 

alsi id He was bi irn on the 1 1I1 1 h 

stead farm, which his father, Hamilton Mo 
had (dr.md and improved. The latter was ana- 
tive ol Ireland, and on coming to America at an 
early day located at Roopsburg He became 
one of the leading and wealthy citizens of the 
communil y, honored and 1 d by all who knew 

him. To Patrick Moon and wife were born 
hildren, as follows: Alfred < ., general 
at for a sewing machinecompanyat Harrisburg, 
Penn.; Maggie, wife oi Samuel Myers, a mill- 
wright of Milesburg, Penn.; Charles H., a 1 
dent ot Hellrfonte, Penn. ; Thomas I'., oi New 
Washington, lVnn. ; Bella |.. wife of our subject; 
Anna, wife ol Peter Cowher, a d r, ol Ty- 

rone, Penn., and Clarence, who died in infancy. 
Politically, Mr. Woodring affiliates with the 



Democratic party, and has been called upon t 

11 a number of local offices, being ta 
lector three years, supervisor one year, and 
school director for the past three years. He has 
een prominently connected with the elec- 
tion hoard. Pleasant and genial in manner he has 
many warm friends, and all who know hit; 
for him the higl ml. 



FRANK 11. CLEMSON occupies the respon- 
sible position of manager of thi 
mines, and though yet a young man ranks ami 

the representatives of business inter- 

in his locality. His integrity is above questi 
while his devotion to the interests intra 
his care is provi rbial, and he has the respect and 
nee of all with whom he has been brought 
in contact. 

Mr. Clemson was born in Baileyvilli 
county, Penn., April 22, 1867, and is a 
Amos E. and Lydia 1 Rid mson, the lat 

of whom was a daughter of Michael Ri l< 1 

irg, Centre county. The father w 
near Milton. Northumberland Co., Penn., 
was a blacksmith by trade. The mother died in 
September, 1891, and w d in the Luther- 

an cemeterj at ( iatesburg Grandfathei Cli 
who was a man 

tive bride, who on the other hand w is 
came in an eai y to America, wh 

the oppo atives to the match would 

be of no avail, and they were here married. "I 

randparents of our subject insistent 

members of the Church of England, and wi 
buried in Pequay churchyard, in I. 
count \ 

The parents of our subject had a familj 
six children: [onathan, who died at the age 
twenty- . and was buried m the ('emit 

at Gatesburg, Penn.; Daniel M.. who wed 
Alice Gardner, by whom he has two sons. 1 
member of the board of managers of tin •■ 
gie Steel Co., limited, and make-- his hon 
Pittsburg; Ellen is unmarried: Emma is the w 
ol Nathan Dale, a farmer of Pleasant < 

aty, l'\ whom she has one child, a d aught 
Clarence C who is living in Williamsbuq I 
county, Penn., married Ida (dark, and had 
son and one daughter ( the son, Berwin, died 
1 (ctober, r8o,6, in his third year). 

uk H. Clemson, whose name introdu 
this review, has spent his entire life in l 
( ' Hints , being reared under the parental roi ' 
educated in the public schools. On April 
he married Eva Gray, by whom hi 
three children: Frederick Gray, Daniel R 




T^rzzsn^fc <7\&, x^c^^t^^^y 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



521 



and Sarah C. His wife is a daughter of G. W. 
Gray and a niece of Dr. E. J. Gray, president of 
Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Penn. , and 
is a cultured lady who presides with gracious hos- 
pitality over their pleasant home. 

In 1890, Mr. Clemson was appointed to his 
present position as superintendent of the Scotia 
ore mines, owned by the Carnegie Steel Co. , 
limited. This company purchased the land in 
1880 for $96,000, and the plant was erected at a 
cost of more than $100,000. Something of the 
volume of business done may be imagined from 
the fact that more than $40,000 is paid out an- 
nually for labor alone. The mines are situated 
in Patton township, and Mr. Clemson gives to 
their operation his personal supervision. While 
he demands good work from the men in his em- 
ploy, he is always considerate in his treatment 
of them, and extremely just in all things, so that 
he has their confidence and high regard. He 
fully merits the trust that is reposed in him, and 
no duty given to his care is ever slighted. 

In religious belief Mr. Clemson is a Presby- 
terian, while his wife belongs to the Methodist 
Church. Sinde 1890 he has been a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and he is a benevolent 
and charitable man, ever ready to extend a help- 
ing hand to the needy or distressed. In politics 
he is a Republican, and for the past five years 
has been chairman of the township committee, 
and done effective work for the party. In busi- 
ness he is most accommodating and courteous, 
and at all times is a genial, affable gentleman, 
whom to know is to respect. 



J|OHN GINGERY. Among those agricultur- 
ists of Centre county whose places manifest 

to the most casual observer the energy and 
ability of the owner in his chosen calling, is the 
subject of this personal history. His fine farm 
in Huston township is on the Beaver Mill road 
in Bald Eagle Valley. 

Mr. Gingery was born August 13, 1827, in 
what is now Mifflin county, but was then a part 
of Juniata county, Penn., and is a son of Joseph 
and Fannie (Stouffer) Gingery, who were na- 
tives of Lancaster county, Penn., but were mar- 
ried in Juniata county, where they remained 
until 1840, which year witnessed their arrival in 
Centre county, they locating at Houserville, in 
Spring township. Two years later they removed 
to a farm belonging to the Pennsylvania Furnace 
Co., where they remained for the same length of 
time, and then went to Half Moon township. 
There the father died in 1S71, at the age of 
sixty-six years, and the mother afterward went 



eleven 
Amos, 
town- 



to Port Matilda, where she passed away in 1874, 
at the age of sixty-eight. The father always 
followed agricultural pursuits, and by his fellow 
citizens was elected to several township offices, 
which he capably filled. Both were consistent 
members of the United Brethren Church. The 
mother was a daughter of Christian Stouffer, of 
Lancaster county. By the German emigrants 
who founded the Gingery family in the New 
World, the name was spelled Gingrich. 

Our subject is one of a family of 
children, in order of birth as follows: 
deceased; Samuel, a farmer of Huston 
ship; John, of this review; Betsy, deceased wife 
of George Gates, a farmer of Half Moon town- 
ship, Centre county; Sarah who makes her home 
with her brother RudcHph in Tyrone, Penn. ; 
Abel, deceased; Fannie, wife of Michael Rider, 
a farmer of Nebraska; Mary, deceased wife of 
Jerry M. Berley, also deceased; David, who is 
engaged in the dairy business in Missouri; Katie, 
who makes her home in Harrisburg, Penn. ; and 
Rudolph, in the coal business in Tyrone. 

Until eighteen years of age, John Gingery 
spent his boyhood and youth in a manner similar 
to most farmers' sons, aiding in the labors of the 
fields, and attending the public schools. He 
then worked in the lumber woods on the Susque- 
hanna river for a time, after which he returned 
to Huston township, where for seven years he 
was employed in a sawmill, and subsequently 
operated rented land until 1887, when he pur- 
chased his present farm. He was married Au- 
gust 31, 1856, to Miss Rachel R. Dillen. who was 
born in Huston township, June 21, 1836, and is 
a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fulton) Dil- 
len, natives of Centre county and Pittsburg, 
Penn., respectively. The father, who was a 
prominent farmer of that county, died in 1871, 
at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother 
was called to the world beyond in 1840, at the 
age of thirty-two. Four children blessed the 
union of Mr. and Mrs. Gingery, namely: Cur- 
tin, born January 17, 1858, married Minnie Mor- 
ris, and resides in Lock Haven, Penn. ; Ann, 
born August 27, 1861, is the wife of George 
Stevens, a farmer of Centre county; William, 
born April 20, 1864, died June 23, 1893; and 
David, born May 30, 1866, married Cella Bul- 
lock, and is a farmer of Huston township. 

Mr. Gingery is a man of sound common 
sense, just and honorable in his business transac- 
tions, very public spirited, and in every essen- 
tial a good citizen. He is a strong Prohibition- 
ist, and gives that party his hearty support, as 
he, in fact, warmly favors any movement that 
will elevate the moral status of the State. As 






COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL liECORD. 



a school director and supervisor, which office 
held for two years, he did ^ood service. He is 
a member oi the Baptist Church, as is also his 
ellent wife, who shares with him the respect 
of the entire neighborhood. 



T xTILEIAM S. MUSSER, the genial propri- 
m/mI etor of the " Hotel Musser " at Millheim, 

is an up-to-date, systematic manager, whose 
hostelry is regarded by the traveling public as 
second to none in Centre county for comfort, 
neatness and attractive cuisine. 

The Musser family is well known in Centre 
county, Sebastian Musser, great-grandfather of 
our subject, having located there at an early day. 
His only chiKl, Philip B. Musser, married Eliza- 
beth flgen, and reared a large family, among 
whom was a son, Major William L. Musser, our 
subject's father, a prominent merchant, land 
holder and hotel keeper in his day. He was 
born April 10, 1810, near Spring Mills, Gregg 
township, Centre county, and after attending the 
common schools of that village for some years he 
began business life as a clerk for a Mr. Petrikin. 

On August 13, 1835, Maj. William L. Mus- 
ser married Miss Elizabeth Hubler, one of the 
four children of George and Elizabeth (Kepler) 
Hubler, and by this union there were three 
daughters: Maggie, born September 29, 1837, t.\u>\ 
January 31, 1854; Elizabeth, born August 24, 
1840, now the widow of George Condo, formerly 
of Indianapolis, and for twenty-one years a rail- 

d employee; and Sarah [., born February 3, 
1X43, married to Samuel P. Resman, then a 
merchant and fanner a1 Millheim, and now a 
farmer in Nebraska. The mother of these chil- 
dren died at Millheim, March 28, 1845, °f l >- 
phoid fever, and August 4, 1840, the father 
married Mis -r. by whom he had 

two daughters (twins , born Junes, 1848 — Clara 
M., who died in infancy, and Emma, now the wife 
( apt. Heimbach, of the United States army, 
who is living in nt at Muncy, Lycoming 

Co.. Penn. tie was wounded in the Civil war. 
Mr. Musser had been commmissioned sheriff of 
Centre county under Gov. William F. Johnson, 
October 10, 1840, and had removed to Belle- 
foiite, where his second wife died September 20, 
1 S49, from typhoid fever. He was married (a 
third time January 24, 1850, to Miss Rebecca 
Stine, the second of the four children of Isaac 
and Elizabeth Zergar Stine, wealths- and prom- 
inent residents ol Lebanon county. Her eldest 
sister, Maria, now the widow of Henrj 
Weaver, lives in .Millheim. The third member 
of the family, Elizabeth, married Dr. Wagner, a 



1 of Lebanon, Penn.. and the youngest. 
1. is a car inspector al Bellefonte. 
I >nr subject is the eldest of the four 
children of this marriage, the others b 
George W., born September 4, [852, died in in- 
fancy; Alice R., born June 12, 1854, married J. 
W. loner, a resilient of Philadelphia; Agn 
born March 4, 1837, married John L. Noggle, of 
Philadelphia, who has been employed in the 
custom house for twenty-one years. The father 
of this family continued to reside in Bellefonte 
until the expiration of his term as sheriff, when 
he returned to Millheim, and for three years fol- 
lowed mercantile pursuits. He then engaged in 
the hotel business in a hostelry formerly occupied 
by Samuel Haupt. This was a licensed house 
and a central stopping place between Mifflinburg 
and the Old Fort in Potter township, Centre 
county. In 1877, after twenty-one years in the 
hotel, Mr. Musser retired from business owing 
to ill health, and spent his remaining d; 
quiet in a pleasant home built by his wife in Mid- 
dle l'enn street. Millheim He died Octo 
1889, of old age. He was a man of large build, 
well-proportioned and straight, full-faced and 
very active both physically and mentally. \- 
conversationalist he was unusually gifted, and at 
times he made political speeches of mon 
ordinary power. An ardent Democrat, he was 
always ready to defend his views, and was one 
of the leading politicians of the county. Al- 
ii he was not a Church member, he 
liberal contributor to religious movements and to 
relief work among the poor. His title "| "Ma- 
jor " was gained by service in the First Batl 
First Regiment Pennsylvania National Gl 
his commission dating September 25, 1845. IE- 
was fond of fishing and hunting, and w..- 
successful in these pursuits, reliable authority 
having credited him with having killed 106 
in bis lifetime. His love of family and horn 
kind husband and fl 
bject's no 'ther. who inherited wealth 
her parents, still resides in her luxurious hoi 
Millheim, and at seventy years of age is 111 1 
lent health, enjoying life's blessings heartily. 

William S. Musser was born at Bi 
December 3, 1850, during Ins father's 
sheriff. His parents removed to Millheim I 
Ins school daj and lie acquired his 

ii there mainly, although he attended A 
burg Academy for a time, studying undei 
Gutwalt and Prof. Hoy. When a boy of t< 

eled in the West with his parent- 
far as Iowa, where the}' spent one summer. 
He naturally became familiar with the hotel 
business as he grew to manhood, and at an 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



523 



age he became a partner in a tannery with his 
father. 

In 1875 Mr. Musser married Miss Annie C. 
Harter, daughter of Dr. W. S. Harter. One 
daughter was born of this union, Loda S., an 
accomplished young lady now attending school 
in Philadelphia. Her mother died in May, 1889, 
of inflammation of the bowels, after an illness of 
only three days. Afterward Mr. Musser married 
his present wife, Margaret, daughter of Joseph 
Kreamer, a well-known resident of Brush Valley. 
She is a woman of much talent, and was edu- 
cated in the Reading High School. Of three 
children, the first, Hyle, died in infancy; Ada R. 
and Margaret, both at home, are beautiful and 
interesting children. 

Previous to his first marriage, Mr. Musser, 
while out hunting, was accidentally shot in the 
shoulder, resulting in a permanent injury. On 
this account the tannery was sold, and he en- 
tered the hotel business, renting his father's es- 
tablishment. The place soon showed the effects 
of his progressive management. He built addi- 
tions to the dining room and kitchen, furnished 
the entire house in excellent style, with conven- 
iences far beyond what might be expected, in a 
town of the size of Millheim, and in fact trans- 
formed it from a country inn to a first-class hotel. 
"Billy," as he is called by a host of friends, is 
jovial and kind-hearted, and his genuine interest 
in the comfort and welfare of his guests makes 
the remembrance of a sojourn at his house a 
pleasing one. Mr. Musser is prominent in the 
local Democratic circles, but is not an office 
seeker. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. 
F. and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. 



T^HOMAS MERRYMAN. The stability or 
substantial progress of a county or State is 
due largely to its agriculturists, and of this class 
our subject is a worthy representative. He was 
born July 31, 1853, on his present homestead 
on the Fowler road in Taylor township, Centre 
county. 

Leonard Merryman, father of our subject, 
was born in the same county, March 2, 1812, a 
son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Hartline) Merryman, 
natives of England. On reaching manhood he 
wedded Miss Maria Arna, who was also born in 
Centre county, a daughter of John and Hester 
(Cox) Ama. They spent their last days upon the 
present farm of our subject, the father dying Fe- 
bruary 28, 1885, and the mother on April 19, 
1875, a t the age of fifty-eight years, three months 
and a few days. Both were earnest members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics 



he affiliated with the Republican party. By trade 
he was a blacksmith, but during the later years 
of his life carried on agricultural pursuits. He 
was one of the prominent and representative men 
of the community, widely and favorably known. 

Thomas Merryman is the youngest in a family 
of eight children, the others being as follows: 
Nancy, born September 19, 1838, is the wife of 
John McMunagle, a sketch of whom follows; 
John, born September 23, 1840, died January 
27, 1848; Elizabeth, born May 27, 1842, is the 
widow of George Calderwood, of Philipsburg, 
Penn. ; Esther, born March' 8, 1844, died April 
25, 1862; Elijah, born October 17, 1846, died 
September 15, 1850; Julian, born May 21, 1849, 
died September 9, 1850; and Josephine, born 
February 15, 185 1, makes her home with her 
brother Thomas. Our subject has spent his 
entire life upon his present farm, and in the 
public schools of the locality acquired a good 
practical education, which has well-fitted him 
for the responsible duties of life. He is a thor- 
ough and skillful farmer, industrious and en- 
ergetic, and the well-tilled fields and neat appear- 
ance of his place indicate the thrift and enterprise 
of the owner. 

On July 2, 1885, Mr. Merryman married 
Miss Sarah J. Kelly, and they have had six chil- 
dren, in the order of birth as follows: Harry, 
born April 6, 1886, died January 11, 1887; 
Gertrude, born December 16, 1887; George T. , 
born January 2, 1890; Cicero, born February 21, 
1892, died on the 11th of the following June; 
Lona, born September 23, 1893; and one, born in 
1896, died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Merryman 
casts his ballot in support of the men and meas- 
ures of the Republican party. As a business man 
he possesses excellent judgment, has been suc- 
cessful in his farming operations, and in all respects 
is accounted a useful and desirable member of so- 
ciety, and he is a representative and leading citizen 
of the community. His estimable wife belongs to 
the United Brethren Church, which he also at- 
tends, though not a member. 

John McMunagle, brother-in-law of Thomas 
Merryman, is a prosperous farmer of Taylor 
township. He was born in that township, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1834, one mile from where he now 
resides, and is a son of Stephen H. and Eve 
(Frantz) McMunagle, natives of Centre county. 
The father died June 30, 1875, aged eighty-one 
years, seven months and four days; the mother 
passed away in April, 1884, at the age of eighty- 
six years. They were members of the United 
Brethren Church; in politics he was first a Whig, 
later a Republican, and served as poor overseer, 
supervisor, and justice of the peace ten years. 



524 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRA /'///' .1 /. IIFJ'OIU). 



I hey were the parents of children as follows: 
\ln\ is the deceased wife of David Henderson, 
also deceastl David is also deceased; Henrv is 
a fanner in Kansas; Christina is the widow of 
I'm Melcher; Jacob lives in Altoona, Penn. ; 

v is the widow of Abraham Burns, and ! 
in Centre co farming the old home- 

d; Lair is the d( wife of David Hard- 

man, also deceased; Lavina is the wife of David 
i nire county; I was 

married . Vaughn, and after his 

Merryman, also now 
1 is a farmer in ('• Stephen 

i in infancy; John is tl of whom we now 

write; and Samuel died in infani 

At the age of twenty-tw fohn McMun- 

agle left the parental roof and purchased his 

ent farm in Taylor township, which at that 
time was a wilderni ning with wild ani- 

mals. On December t8, [856, he married Miss 
Nancy Merryman, and eight children, as follows, 

• born to them; Mary is the wife o 

Lewis, a railroad conductor at Alt 1a, Penn.; 

bert R. is a lumberman at I '"it Matilda, Penn.; 

M. married Miss Maude Clawson, a lumberman 
at I n. ; Stephi a died al e of 

two months; I is unmarried, and li 

with his parents; I mma is the wife of Samuel 
< '< iwher, .1 f m in niie county; and I ' 

1 a farmi unty, married En 

I wings. Mr. McMunagle in his political prel 
ence is a K> looked upon as 

e farmer citizens of 
his township and i unty. 



GEORGE II. SMULL. In endeavoring to 
/e in this volume due recognition to all the 

prominent families of the section, we have found 
the most inl and progressive spirits the 

;t helpful to the enterprise, and it is through 
the oi the subject of this 

sketch that nabled to present the foil 

rtg account oi the Smull family, which 
has been well-known in Brush Valley from pio- 
neer times. 

The first ''I tin line in America was - 
Smull, the great-grandfather of our subject. He 
was a native of Ireland, whence he came to this 
•country in the latter part of the eighteenth 1 
tury to locate m the eastern pan of Pennsylvania. 
Six of his children lived to adult age two daugh- 
ters and lour sons, the names of the latter bi 
Henry, Jacob, Peter and Jesse. The Smull 

ilj in Brush Valle) is descended from the first 
three sons, who were skilled masons, and all 



went at the same time to Rebersburg to build th. 
wall foi the Lutheran Reformed 1 hurch. "1 i 
remained in the Valley, and, living in German 
settlements, they and their children adopted th 
language and cu f their neighbors. Of th 

brothers, Jacob, in later years, did an extensi\ 
business in cutting tombstones for the Reb 
burg cemetery from native rock, and several 1 t 
these monuments are still st; Jacob died 

at his home below Aaronsburg, and was buried at 
Rebersburg. Peter removed in later life to S 
phenson county. 111., and died there. 

Henry Smull, our subje. ndfather, 

born in eastern Pennsyh mia, February 2, 1; 
and, con y in early manhi 

with no capital except his own abilities and sti 
physique, was ob work for man) 

a day I,. He sa\ ed his money, h 

and in time managed to buy a farm betw 
Kreamerville and Centre Mill. The ■ th 

place dev< >1' Iiis family a> 

tinued to work at his Politically he > 

. but aside from voting negularl] 
public affairs. II. 
longed to the I. nth. ran Church, and was 
stant at. i active worker, I 

ous offices. Hi nt in Rock- 

ville, Penn., in well-earned . his toil hav- 

ing gained him a comfortable competence, and 

ied February 2, [879, his burial 

■ Rebersburg ; 
pected among his as- tor his integrity, 

being known far and near as a "man 

wnrd." 

After his removal to Brush Valley 1! 
Smull married Miss Elizabeth Royer, b) whom 
he had the following children : Poll) Alis \\ 
iam Walker); John, now postmaster at Reb< 
burg; Harrison, a stonemason by trade, who 
died at Rebersburg; Abigail, the widow of Fran- 
cis Brownlee, of Freeport, 111.; Lovina, wife 
William Bierly, ol Rebersburg; Sarah, who mar- 
ried Samuel Gramlev, and died at Reb 
and |efferson, residing in Mackeyville, Penn. 
The mother of this family died in IS — . and 
remains were laid to rest in the family lot in 
Rebersburg cemetery. Henry Smull for b 
ond wife married Catherine Kreamer, who 
born near Kreamerville, October 22, 1806, a 
daughter of Jacob Kreamer, and died N 

I887, hei funeral being held at Rebersbi 
re were five children by this union: Aan 
a resident ol Rockville, Penn.; Reuben, our sub- 
ject's father; Simon, a blacksmith by trade, w 
died in Madisonburg; Hannah, now Mrs, I 
Fullmer, of Rebersburg; and Henry, oi Kream- 
erville. 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



525. 



Reuben Smull, the father of our subject, was 
born October 30, 1838, at the old home near 
Kreamerville. He first attended school at Re- 
bersburg, with John Burkett as his teacher, and 
he afterward pursued his studies as he could in 
the intervals of farm work. Short as the winter 
terms were, he could not attend full time, his 
help being required at home. At the age of 
fifteen he began to learn the mason's trade with 
his father, and two years later, having become 
proficient in all branches of the work, he formed 
a partnership with his brother Harrison, and fol- 
lowed the business for several years. 

In January, 1862, Reuben Smull was married 
in Brush Valley, at the home of the bride's par- 
ents, to Miss Louisa Gramley, who was born near 
Rebersburg, June 12, 1 841 , the daughter of Jos- 
eph and Esther (Schmeltzer) Gramley. The fol- 
lowing year they spent in Rebersburg, and in 
1863 they removed to a farm adjoining Kreamer- 
ville on the north, and then belonging to Joseph 
Kreamer. Mr. Smull rented this, and remained 
there until 1864, when he went to a farm near 
Rockville, and while engaged in agriculture did 
some work at his trade. In the spring of 1888 
he purchased the Joseph Kreamer estate, and re- 
turning to it has since resided there, giving his 
attention to farming exclusively. The place 
makes an attractive homestead, and under the 
able management of its owner is a profitable in- 
vestment. 

Reuben Smull is a man of no pretensions, 
minding his own business, and this, by the way, 
is a characteristic trait of his family, which has 
produced a number of substantial, successful, yet 
unassuming citizens. He upholds the principles 
ol the Democratic party on national issues, but 
where local questions only are involved, he de- 
clines to surrender his judgment blindly, and 
votes as he thinks the interests of the people de- 
mand. Official honors have no particular charms 
for him, but he has served as tax collector in 
Miles township. In religion he is a Lutheran, 
and he and his wife are both members of the 
Church. 

The subject of this sketch, who is the only 
son of his parents, was born at Rockville, June 
23, 1869. Inheriting the sterling qualities of his 
ancestry, he has the added advantage of good 
schooling, and the modern spirit of enterprise 
makes his talents practically available in lines in 
which former generations took no part. After 
completing the course of study in the local 
schools, he pursued other branches at Spring 
Mills and Selins Grove, Penn., and at Dakota, 
111- He was an apt student, learning rapidly, 
not only from books but also from observation. 



and several years spent in the West in his early 
"twenties" served to broaden his views of men 
and things in a practical way. 

On returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. Smull 
was associated for some years with the circula- 
tion department of the Keystone Gazette of Belle- 
fonte, his duties taking him to all parts of cen- 
tral Pennsylvania. In February, 1896, he 
became identified with the New York Life Insur- 
ance Co., as a subordinate agent, and his abilities 
quickly won the approval of the highest officials. 
His promotion followed not through any "in- 
fluence," but because the shrewd men at the 
head of the company needed just such tact, en- 
ergy and sound judgment as they saw revealed 
in his work. He is now the general agent for 
Centre, Clinton, Union and other counties, and 
exacting as are the requirements of the post, they 
are met promptly and satisfactorily. 

On July 4, 1 89 1, Mr. Smull was united in 
wedlock with Miss Daisy Blanche Stover, a na- 
tive of Rebersburg, born May 15, 1873. She is 
a member of one of the oldest and most re- 
spected families of Brush Valley, and is the eld- 
est of three children of Cornelius and Chestie 
Stover. She is an attractive, accomplished lady, 
and held in high esteen by all her many friends. 
Mr. Smull. built a pleasant residence in Rebers- 
burg, which he now rents, he and his wife pre- 
ferring to remain at their country home. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smull are members of the Lutheran 
Church, and are living supporters of its work. 
In fact Mr. Smull has already shown his public 
spirit in many ways, being always ready to en- 
courage any movement that might tend to prog- 
ress. At one time he was a Democrat in poli- 
tics, but of late he has endorsed the doctrines of 
the Republican party, and he is one of its advis- 
ers and counsellors in his locality. He is a di- 
rect descendant from John A. Smull, the author 
of Smull's "Legislator's Hand Book and Man- 
ual of Pennsylvania." 



BiENJAMIN CORL, a well-known, wide- 
.) awake farmer of Ferguson township, Centre 
county, was born December 3, 1830, in Union 
Penn., a son of Benjamin Corl, Sr. , 
birth occurred in Chester county, this 
During his youth the father had re- 
to Union county, and later came to 
Centre county, where he spent the remainder of 
his life. For twenty years he followed black- 
smithing, but later in life gave his exclusive at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. The mother of 
our subject, who bore the maiden name of Eliza- 
beth Vonada, was a native of Centre county. 



county, 
whose 
State, 
moved 






COM&EMOBA TIVE BI0OBArJIir.il. RECORD. 



In June, [863, Benjamin Corl, our subject, 
was married to Miss Mary Neidigh, who was 
called to her final 1 rried life of 

eighteen years Four children graced their un- 
ion, namely: Henry, born April 24, 1868, assists 
his father in the operation of the home farm; 
Amanda C, burn June 21, 1S72, is the wife of 
Milton Zeigler, a sawyer by trade, living in Luth- 
ersburg, Clearfield Co., Penn. ; Bella is the wife 
of Philip C.nnable, a farmer of Huntingdon 
county, i ind Alfred, born August 12, 1 879, 

is living in Half Moon, Centre county. In 18 
Mr. ( orl was again married, his second union 

ng with Mrs. Young, who has a son by 

d, named George I) Young, 

who was bom June 4, [881, and is still with his 

mother, Mr. and Mis Corl have a daughter, 

Mary F.. who was born August 27. 1S84. 

Mi. Corl is one o( the most enterprising, in- 
dustrious and energetic farmers of Ferguson 
township, where he owns a good farm, the neat 
and thrifty appearance of which plainly indicates 
the supervision ol a careful manager. He c 
his ballot in support of the men and measures of 
the Demon rty, but cares nothing for the 

honors or emoluments of public office. He is 
an earnest and consistent member of the Re- 
formed Church, .md, socially, affiliates with the 
Gran 1 He is held in the highest esteem and 
respect by his neighbors, and has the confidence 
and "I all with whom he comes in con- 

tact, whether in a business or a social way. 



PETER LAUCK, a leading and prosperous 
farmer of Ferguson township. Centre coun- 
ty, is .1 native of Pennsylvania, having been born 
in York county, November 26, 1825, and is of 
German and Scotch descent. His paternal grand- 
father was a Revolutionary hero, having fought 
under Gen. Washington. Our subject is the 
youngest of the five children born to Peter and 
Elizabeth (Lephart) Lauck, the others being as 
follows; [ohn, who reared his family in Illinois, 
and then- died; Catharine and Hannah, who 
spent their married lives in Ohio, where their 
deaths occurred; and 1 lizabeth, who died in 
Yoi 1. ci mnl ■. . Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Lauck is the owner oi a splendid farm in 
Ferguson township, but is now practically livin 
retire. I life, having laid aside thi 

ilities of a business career, and enjoying 
a well-earned rest. In 1 N40 he ca the 

county, ami since 1 S 3 1 has resided upon his 
present farm In early life he engaged in the 
manufacture ol windmills, but later gave his en- 
tire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, 



becoming a most prosperous and well-to- 
farmer. 

On February 8, [847, Mr Lauck w. 
Miss Sarah M. Crumrine, and their union has 
I with thirteen children: John II . 
who died in infancy; Rebecca, who tirst married 
William Heberling, and after his death wedded 
John Hicks; I). I ■"., who married Catharine Shoe- 
maker; Margaret B., who was born March 12 
[855; Anna C, wife of William Dutrow, b\ 
whom she has five children; William, who mar- 
ried Lillie McGivitt, and has four children; Sally. 
wife of William Dougherty; Adam F., who mar- 
ried Emma Gummo, and has three children; J. 
W., who dud April 6, 1880; Green, who was 
born January [6, 1863, and died September iS. 
[864; George B. McClellan, who was born March 
3, 1864, and died on the 16th of the following 
September; James, who died in infancy; an.l 
Alice C. , who was bom January 17, [871, an.l 
in childhood. 

Of a social, generous disposition, Mr Lauck 
has made many warm friends and acquaintan 
.luring his long residence in ( entre county, and 
has the confidence and respect of all with wl 
he has come in contacl either in business or social 
life. He is a typical American, progressive in 
his ideas and active and energetic in manner In 
politics he is an earnest Democrat, and an advo- 
cate of free silver. 



MAX SHELL. Among some of the a 
enterprising citizens of Centre county are 
those who were born in Germany, and who h 
brought to this fertile and productive country th 
thrift and economy of the Old World. Am 
these there is no figure that stands out m 
prominently in the history of Taylor township 
than Mr. Shell, whose tine farm is located ni 
Di\ Station on the old plank road. 

Mr. Shell was bom in Witzberick, Germ 
May 20, 1 825, a son ol John and Andonia ( Millet 
Shell, also natives of that country, wh 
mother died in [828, at the age of t h i 1 1 
There the fattier was again married, his 
union being with Rosilla Hoover, and in it 
with seven of the children, they emigi 
the United Mates, one son, Joseph, remain 
behind. In the following year, however, 
joined the family in America. By trade 
father was a nail maker, but spent his !,. 
in retirement at tin- home ..I Ins son, I\. :\ I 
Shell, at Altoona, Penn.. where he died in 18 
at 1I1. ghty-four years. In religious 

lief he was a t atholic. His second wife 
p u ted ilii- life in 1863, at the age of sixtj •■• 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



527 



By his first marriage John Shell had six chil- 
dren, in order of birth as follows: Joseph (de- 
ceased) was a machinist of Altoona, Penn. ; Caro- 
line is the deceased wife of Joe Sedar, who died 
in the West; Considine is a farmer of Blair coin. 
ty, Penn.; Max is the subject of this sketch; 
Andonia married Jake Snider, and after his death 
wedded Adam Clacy, but both are now deceased; 
and Rechina was also twice married; her first 
husband, a Mr. Pittner, was accidentally drowned, 
and she afterward wedded Mike Long, who is 
also deceased. Two sons were born of the sec- 
ond union of John Shell; George L., a railroad 
bridge builder of Tyrone, Penn. ; and Rev. John, 
a prominent priest of the Catholic Church, who 
died at Altoona. 

Max Shell was twenty-two years of age when 
he embarked with his parents on a sailing vessel 
bound for Baltimore, Md., where they arrived 
after a voyage of four weeks. He had been pro- 
vided with excellent school advantages in his na- 
tive land, and is an intelligent, well-read man. 
He was drafted for service in the German army, 
but being in delicate health was rejected. Dur- 
ing the Civil war in this country he was also 
drafted, but was again discharged, as at this time 
he was past the age for service. After reaching 
the shores of the New World, Mr. Shell went to 
Hollidaysburg, Blair Co., Penn., where for a 
short time he worked on a farm, and then for 
nine months was employed in an ore bank. 
Coining to Bald Eagle Furnace, Centre county, 
he was employed by the furnace company at sta- 
ble work for the long period of twenty years, 
after which he returned to Blair county, where 
for six years he worked on the railroad. He 
then purchased his present farm in Taylor town- 
ship, Centre county. This fine property, on 
which he has made some very valuable improve- 
ments, is the result of his own diligence, energy 
and good management, and stands to-dav a 
monument to the industry and thrift that he 
possesses. 

In October, 1 851, Mr. Shell, our subject, was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Jane Reed, and to 
them have been born five children: Jennie, now 
residing at Snow Shoe, Penn., is the widow of 
Martin Vail, who was superintendent of the Beach 
Creek railroad, and died, leaving seven children; 
Mary is the wife of William McNeallis, employed 
in the paper-mill of Tyrone, Penn. ; William, a 
railroad conductor, of Renovo, Penn., married 

Ella ; Joe, a railroad engineer of Tyrone, 

wedded Mary Flinn; and Agnes is the wife of 
James McNeallis (brother of her sister's husband), 
a flagman on the railroad at Tyrone. There are 
also twenty-two grandchildren. 



Mrs. Shell was born in Blair county, Penn., 
November 23, 1828, and is a daughter of Joseph 
and Jane W. (Logan) Reed, natives of Maryland 
and Ireland, respectively. When quite young 
her father ran away from home, going to Blair 
county, where he married a Miss Logan, then 
only sixteen years of age. He was crushed while 
working in an ore bank in that county, and died 
from the effects a few days later, when Mrs. Shell 
was quite small. In religious belief ne was a 
Presbyterian. His last words to his wife were: 
" Go to Maryland and attend to a fortune which 
has been left us;" but this has never been done, 
though it is supposed an estate was left to the 
Reed family. Mrs. Reed long survived her hus- 
band, dying at the home of her son Joseph, in 
Hollidaysburg, in 1892, at the ripe old age of 
seventy-eight years. She was the mother of the 
following children: William, who died in Ten- 
nessee; Mary, deceased; Dennis, who died at 
Bald Eagle Furnace, Centre county; John, an 
iron worker in the West; Joseph, a railroad en- 
gineer of Hollidaysburg; Jane, the estimable wife 
of our subject; and Catherine, who first wedded 
William McAteer, and after his death married 
James Hawkins, a machinist of Altoona. Her 
death was caused by the explosion of a coal-oil 
lamp. 

Mr. Shell is a devout member of the Catholic 
Church, in which faith he was reared, and both 
himself and wife are highly respected and es- 
teemed as valued members of the community. 
In politics he affiliates with the Democracy, 
deeming that in that party is the best guarantee 
for the perpetuation of our principles of free gov- 
ernment, and is an advocate of free silver. He 
is a very liberal and public-spirited man, and 
takes a foremost position in every movement or 
enterprise which promises to accrue to the bene- 
fit of the people in general. 



M 



ORGAN M. LUCAS. Everywhere in our 



their own way up from humble beginnings to 
leadership in the commerce, the great productive 
industries, the management of financial affairs, 
and in controlling the veins and arteries of the 
traffic and exchanges of the country. It is one 
of the glories of the nation that it is so. It 
should be the strongest incentive and encourage- 
ment to the youth of the country that it is so. 
Prominent among the self-made men of Centre 
county is the subject of this sketch, now residing 
on Wallace run in Boggs township. He is one 
of the leading business men of the community, 



528 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



extensively engaged in general farming, the man- 
ufacture of charcoal, and in the lumber busi- 
ness. 

Mr. Lucas was born October 10, 1835, m tne 
township which is still his home, and is a worth v 
representative of one of its pioneer families. In 
Centre county his parents, Charles and Eliza- 
beth (Shirk 1 Lucas, spent their entire lives, the 
former dying in 1875, at the age of seventy- 
eight years, and the latter in [865, al the age of 
1 years. In their family were four 
children: James M., a farmer of Boggs town- 
ship; Rebecca, wife of Jacob Brower, of Mil 
sota; Charles, a fanner of Boggs township, and 
Morgan M., of this review. 

The father was the first white man to cross 
the Alleghany Mountains to Snow Shoe, and was 
at that place when it was given its name. Several 
hunters were there stopping when a big snow 
storm came up, and they wen obliged to make 
snow shoes in oi et away. Thus the vil- 

lage derived its name. Mr. Lucas was with 
Perry when he wen his famous victory 
on Lake Erie. He had enlisted in the militia, 
but it was found that he could be of more service 
as a canpenter, and while he remained in the 
ed at that trade. On being 
his hi ime and resumed 
work as a millwright, which trade he had 
in early life. He became a large land owner, 
his property was operated by his sons. His 
last days he spent in retirement at the home of 
our subject, but he died when on a visit to his 
r, Jane, who al- un- 

ship. 

Morgan M. I his early life in lum- 

ind farming, the age oi nineteen 

irking at 
I profitable. * hi I >e- 
cember 25, married Mi>s Nancy |. I'oor- 

them h 1 born the following 

children: Adella, wife of D pp, a farmer 

of I 'in m township, nty; [ohn A., a 

farmer of B B., an agri- 

cull Union township; Adelin 

wife of Andy I ! >wn- 

ship 

farmi iwnship; Annie M., wifi 

Martin Brower, 1 Union township; 

Rebecca, wife of '1 i th, a farmei 

I • tow nship; and Ri 

still at home. Alt Mi I ■ 

1 a rented farm run, I '• 

township, fo 

William Marks, whi ned 

rs, and then 1 
and has recently bought another ti 



Besides general farming, however, he is also 
engaged in the manufacture of charcoal, and in 
the lumber business. 

Mr. Lucas is a straightforward, reliable busi- 
ness man, honored, respected and esteemed 
wherever known. He never acts except from 
honest motives, and, in all of his varied relations in 
business affairs and social life, he has maintained 
a character and standing that has impressed all 
with his sincere and manly purpose to do by 
others as he would have others do by him. In 
politics he is a Democrat, and has faithfully 
served in several township offices. An earnest 
Christian gentleman, he is a consistent member 
of the United Brethren Church, of which he is 
trustee. 



f ILLIAM 



R., JOHN C. F. and JAI 
[V F. MOT/, of Woodward, Centre county, 
are the three surviving sons and only children of 
the late John C. Motz and his wife, Maranda A. 
ird) Mot./, of whom mention is made else- 
where in this volume. 

William R., the eldest son, was born in \\ 
ward September I, 1S70, and received his ele- 
ducation in the local . and then 

after studying for some time at New Berlin and 
Williamsport entered State College in 1889 Hi 
left that institution during the Sophomore 
and took a course at the Eastman Busines 
lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He n 
\\ iodv ird, nd conducts the business 
ther's estate, which has never been divided. He 
is a leader in the social life of the Valley. 

John C. I'., the second son, horn April 
[872, was educated at Williamsport, at 
CoIIcl l u , and at the Eastman 

1 [e gi ^ .! sjoi id insight intobusim 
under ti 
one year before hi |ohn, individually, 

in Woodward, which the latti 
on under the na 
J. ( . F. Mot/. 

I th e y ou n ' 

1 874, compli ' 1 if stud) 

Mating in 1 
in electric ,1:. 1 [e 1- now in th 

Work-;. ! 
sylvania. 

The tin. e broth ill taking pi 

iiimty. in which the) 

lility, and 

business nun of tl initv. Their I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



529 



carefully instructed them in the details of his 
business, and although he suffered from rheuma- 
tism he remained at the helm until he con- 
sidered his sons properly fitted for the task of 
life. 

They are all Republicans in their political 
preferences, while in matters of religion they are 
identified with the Evangelical Association. 
None of them has as yet enlisted in the noble 
army of benedicts. 



DJ. MUSSER. The Musser family is one of 
the most prominent in Penn's Valley, and 
while its members are not all descended from the 
same pioneer settler, their ancestors seem to 
have all located at their first coming in what is 
now Gregg township, Centre count)'. 

Of the different branches, the subject of this 
sketch, a highly respected resident of Gregg 
township, is now the only male representative in 
his generation (the third) from Philip Musser, one 
of the original settlers who located at the present 
homestead in 1802. It was then known as the 
"Rev. James Martin farm," and in an old ceme- 
tery on the place there are still to be found 
tombstones which mark the graves of a number 
of pioneers. One bears the following inscription: 
" Here lies the body of Rev. James Martin, Pas- 
tor of the First Presbyterian congregation in 
Penn's Valley, who died June 20, 1795, aged 
about sixty-five." This is without doubt one 
of the earliest interments in the cemetery, 
which was abandoned long ago. When our sub- 
ject's grandfather took the estate it was but little 
changed from its primitive condition, and he 
cleared and improved it, some of the buildings 
which he erected being still in use, the barn dat- 
ing back to 1812. He was a Whig in politics, 
and a devout member of the Lutheran Church. 
Thrifty and industrious, a typical German farm- 
er, he acquired a goodly competence. He lived 
to be nearly eighty years old, and his wife, 
Elizabeth Oswalt, also attained an advanced age, 
but the mortal remains of both were long since 
laid to rest in the Heckman cemetery. Their 
children were: John, who died in Trumbull 
county, Ohio; Philip (2), the father of our subject; 
Daniel, who removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, 
and died there; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Durst), who 
died in Potter township, Centre county; Han- 
nah, who married Adam Shaffer, and died in 
Madisonburg, Centre county; Lydia (Mrs. Mi- 
chael Ream), who died in Gregg township, Cen- 
tre county; and Catherine (Mrs. Elias Wasser), 

who died in Kansas. At the time that Philip 
34 



Musser, Sr., came to Centre county, his brother 
Michael also located there. He had a large fam- 
ily, among whom were several daughters and two 
sons, Jonathan and George. 

Philip Musser (2), our subject's father, was 
born in Lehigh county, Penn.. in September, 
1790, and was a boy of twelve when his parents 
settled at the present homestead. As a pioneer 
farmer's son, his educational advantages were 
limited, and what instruction he had was given 
in German. He was a well-built man, weighing 
from 180 to 185 pounds, and was an active and 
successful businessman, conducting his farm, and 
also a sawmill, which was built by his father, and 
is still run by water power. He always took a 
prominent part in religious movements as a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, in which he held 
various offices, and he was also interested in poli- 
tics first as a Whig, and later as a Republican. Al- 
though firm in his convictions, he was never ag- 
gressive in proclaiming them, being a man of few 
words, and he was universally respected as an up- 
right citizen. He died in November, 1871, and 
his remains were interred in Heckman cemetery. 
He was married four times. By his first wife, a 
Miss Walburn, he had three children: Mary 
A. married John Oswalt, and died in Gregg 
township. Centre county; Elizabeth married 
Jacob Condo, and moved to Illinois, where 
her death occurred: and Rebecca, the widow 
of Charles Hennich, resides in Penn Hall. The 
second wife, our subject's mother, was formerly 
a Miss Rush, who first married a Mr. Peters, 
and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Musser 
was a widow. She died about 183 1. Her chil- 
dren were John, who died at two years of age; 
George, who died when fourteen; D. J., our sub- 
ject; and Hannah (Mrs. William Adamson), who 
died in Kansas. By the third wife, Polly Musser, 
widow of Daniel Condo, and the fourth. Susan 
Miller, widow of David Oswalt, there were no 
children. 

D. J. Musser was born at the old homestead, 
March 19, 1829, and as a boy attended the 
neighboring district schools, the instruction being 
mainly in German. The labor-saving devices of 
the present time were then unknown, and work 
was plenty even in the winter season, it being his 
duty to ride the horses while threshing out the 
grain in the old-fashioned way. His time was 
sometimes so taken up with his work that dur- 
ing one whole winter he was allowed to attend 
school only seven days. Hauling furnished con- 
tinued employment also, as coal was brought 
in wagons from Snow Shoe, and grain was taken 
to market at Lewistown, Mifflin county, over 
Seven Mountains, by the same means. He has 






' VEMOBA TIVB BIOGHM'lllcM. UKCORD. 



always lived at tin- homestead, and as he grew 
older he assumed the management of the estate, 
conducting the farm and the old mill. At the 
age of twenty he married Miss Catherine Rearick, 
who was born in Haines township. Centre coun- 
ty, in October, 1827, the daughter of William and 

( Friesc 1 Rearick. Twelve children blessed 

the union: Alice R. married John Swarm, of 
Centre Hall; John P. died at an early age; Mary 
A. is at home; Charles A. died in July, 1S96, at 
the age of forty-two. leaving a widow and one 
son, Wallace, who is of the fifth generation of 
this family to reside at the homestead; William 
H. is a farmer in Penn township, Centre county; 
Cornelius, a (armer, lives in Miles township, 
Centre county; Melancthon is an agriculturist of 
Potter township, Centre county; Luther resides 
in Gregg township; George lives at Rebersburi;; 
Calvin F. is employed in the freight office of the 
Reading R. R. Co. at Williamsport, Penn. ; 
Frank resides in Gregg township, Centre county; 
and Lucy is at home. 

Mr. Musser has an excellent farm, containing 
124 acres, and in 1883, when he retired from act- 
ive business, he built for himself a substantial res- 
idence on the farm some distance from the old 
home, which is occupied by one of his sons, who 
now manages the estate. He has always taken 
a deep interest in public affairs, though never an 
office seeker, and was first a Whig, then a Re- 
publii an, and since 1892 he has been a Prohi- 
bitionist, being strongly opposed to the liquor 
traffic. He- and his wife are leading members of 
tin Lutheran Church, and for many years he 
took an active put in the affairs, holding office 
as deacon and elder. Notwithstanding the fact 
that he has done much hard work in his life, he is 
well preserved for one of his age, and his mental 
faculties are unusually good, his memory being 
remarkable. 



ILI.IAM II MEYER, the leading mer- 
ut of Coburn, Centre count}-, is a rep- 
entative of a prominent and well known 
family of central Pennsylvania, who trace their 
ancestry back to a gentleman of German birth 
who came to the New World at an early day in 
its history. His fourth son. Christopher Meyer, 
was born in Muhlbach, Lancaster Co., Penn., in 
1744, from which place he removed to Camp- 
bell town, Lebanon county, this State, where he 
owned a large tract of land. There his death 
occurred August 2, 1801. He wedded Anna 
Maria Schaeffer, who was born in Heidelb 
township, Lancaster county, February 19, 1744, 



a daughter of All leffer, who came 

from Palatinate, Prussia, to the United States ir 
She died January 1, 1 s - 3 . In their fam- 
il\ were nine children, namely: Henry, John, 
Michael, Jacob, Christopher, George, Catharine, 
Christina and Mary. 

George Meyer was the first of the family to 
come to Haines township. Centre county. He 
was born in Campbelltown, March 25, [782, and 
m iS:; came to Centre county, buying a farm 
and millsite on Pine creek, where he erected a 
mill. He was a giant in strength, yet inferior 
to his brothers, Henry, John and Michael. He 
married Catharine Meyer, who was born Decem- 
ber 2, 1788, a daughter of John Jacob V 
and died March 13, 1S5S. He passed away 
January 1, 1854, and was buried with his wife at 
Aaronsburg, Centre county. Their family con- 
stituted the following children: George, born 
January 13, 1806, was the grandfather of our 
subject; John, a farmer by occupation, died in 
Penn's Valley, January 2S, [878; Catharine mar- 
ried Andrew Harter, and died in Penn's Valley, 
October 3, 1872; Henry died in Haines town- 
ship, Centre county, March 9, 1877; Mary wed- 
ded Andrew Stover, and lives in Penn's Valley; 
Philip died in Haines township. June- 25. 1876; 
and Jacob G., a resident of Aaronsburg, at 
one time represented his district in the State 
Legislature. 

The grandfather of our subject was reared 
upon a farm, and was married in Haines town- 
ship to Miss Lvdia Harter. who was there born 
May 16, 1807, a daughtei "I Andrew Harter, and 
they became the parents of six children: C. 
J. is the lather of our subject; Julia A., horn 
December 20, 1831, is the wife of John Wi 
of Penn township, Centre county; Maria 
[anuary 26, 1837, is the wife of Jacob Ketner. 
of Haines township. Samuel, born July 13. 
was a miller by trade, and died in Millheim, 
Centre county; Sarah, born April 12, 1 S42, is 
the widow of Daniel Miller, oi Haines township, 
ml Andrew, bom January 17, 1 S48, is a niilLr 
ol the same township. The father of these chil- 
dren taught two terms of school after his mar- 
riage. He began housekeeping upon a rented 
farm 111 Haines township, and to agricultural 
pursuits mainly devoted his attention until 
death at the age of forty-seven years. He 
never a robust man, and catching cold. 1; 
veloped into consumption, which caused his 
death, Politically he was a Democrat, and r 
ligiously he was a member of the German 

d Church. His wife survived him only 
about two and one-hall years. 

George J. Meyer, the father of our subject, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



531 



was born in Haines township, January 17, 1830, 
and acquired his education in the primitive 
schools of early times. At the age of eighteen 
he began learning the miller's trade with his un- 
cle, John Meyer, of Pine Creek, serving a two- 
years' apprenticeship, during which time he re- 
ceived $60 for his services. He then worked as 
a journeyman at the Pine Creek Mill for one 
year, and then returned and conducted it on his 
own account for the same length of time. Re- 
moving to Lewis township, Union county, Penn., 
he operated a rented mill there for a time, and 
later worked for the owner. On leaving his 
employ he conducted a rented mill in Haines 
township, Centre county, for eight years, after 
which he removed to Penn township, where his 
family resided, while he was at Oil City, Penn., 
a part of one summer. For a period of two 
years and a half he then engaged in farming, 
later operated a grist and saw mill at Pine Creek 
eleven years, and for nine years was in the mill- 
ing business at Linden Hall, Centre county. In 
the spring of 1889 he came to Coburn, where he 
was engaged in mercantile pursuits for a time, 
but later sold out to his son William, and is now 
living a retired life, making his home with his 
children. He is a highly respected and honored 
citizen, an earnest supporter of Democratic prin- 
ciples, and a faithful member of the Reformed 
Church. 

In Haines township, in June, in 1852, George 
J. Meyer was wedded to Miss Mary S. Arbogast, 
who was born in 1832, in Freeburg, Snyder Co., 
Penn. (then Union county), a daughter of Jacob 
Arbogast, a potter by trade. Six children bless 
this union: Emma J., wife of Nicodemus Lose, 
of Haines township; Agnes, wife of Daniel Kra- 
der, of Gregg township, Centre county; William 
H., whose name introduces this sketch; Austin 
E., a miller of Linden Hall; Thomas F. , a mer- 
chant of Coburn; and Temmie E. . wife of John 
H. Rishel, a merchant of Farmers Mills, Penn. 
The mother was called to her final rest March 
26, 1894, and her remains were interred in the 
cemetery of Aaronsburg. Like her husband, she 
was an earnest member of the Reformed Church. 

In Hartle township, Union county, William 
H. Meyer was born July 31, 1855, whence, 
when a child, he was brought by his parents to 
i Woodward, Centre county, of which county he 
has since been a resident. He was educated in 
its common schools, first attending school at 
Woodward, where his teacher was "Old Hill." 
At the age of fifteen he began learning the mill- 
er's trade with his father at Pine Creek, and 
later worked at that business in various places in 
Centre county, and also at York, Penn., for a 



time. In 1890 he embarked in merchandising 
at Coburn, first occupying a building opposite 
the depot, and later succeeded E. L. Auman in 
business at his present stand. He had never 
stood behind a counter previous to starting in 
business for himself, but seemed naturally adapt- 
ed to the pursuit, and has met with a we! 1 - 
deserved success, having now one of the leading 
general stores in Penn's Valley, and by far the 
most complete one in Coburn. 

At the age of nineteen Mr. Meyer was mar- 
ried in Bellefonte to Miss Hulda Lee, a native of 
Tusseyville, Penn., and a daughter of Robert 
Lee, a farmer. They have one child, Verna, 
born in November, 1875. The parents are both 
consistent members of the Reformed Church, 
while in politics Mr. Meyer is a stalwart Demo- 
crat, and fraternally is a member of Blanchard 
Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Eagleville, Penn. He is 
a prosperous, obliging merchant, one who has 
made his own way in the world, and deserves no 
little credit for the wonderful success he has 
achieved. As a business man he enjoys the con- 
fidence of a wide circle of patrons, and he and 
his wife hold an equally high position in social 
circles. 



JOHN CARVER, an intelligent and energetic 
farmer of Benner township, Centre county, 
is a native of the county, his birth having oc- 
curred in Bald Eagle Valley, in 1848. His par- 
ents, Joseph and Mary (Neiman) Carver, were 
also natives of that county, and highly respected 
and honored people. In their family were eleven 
children, in order of birth as follows: Sarah A. 
is the wife of John Stonebreaker, of Sandy Ridge, 
Centre county; Joseph enlisted in the 148th P. 
V. I., and was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. 
Maria wedded Gabriel Fike, who was also a 
Union soldier, and both are now deceased. 
Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Sharrow, of 
Johnstown, Penn., where they were living dur- 
ing the memorable flood at that place. Henry, 
who was also a brave defender of the Union, was 
taken prisoner in the battle of the Wilderness and 
died in Libby prison. Frederick, who was a member 
of a Pennsylvania regiment during the Rebellion, 
died in January, 1896. William died in boyhood 
in Bald Eagle. Mary Ann died in childhood. 
John is next in order of birth. Jacob is married 
and living in Snow Shoe, Penn. Barbara is the 
wife of Samuel Ginger, of Roopsburg, Centre 
county. 

In the public schools of Centre county, Mr. 
Carver, the subject of this review, secured agood 
practical education, and early became familiar 






532 



COMMEMollA T1VE lilor, HAl'IIIfAI. EEiDltD. 



with farm work in its various departments. Since 
1858 lie lias been a resident of Benner township, 
and for the past quarter of a century has made 
his home upon bis present farm, a tract of 
twenty-five acres of rich and arable land, which 
he has placed under a high state of cultivation 
It is chiefly owing to his own industry and good 
management that he is the possessor of this well- 
improved place. In politics he is a Democrat, 
and is in favor of any movement which is for the 
benefit of the community, or calculated to elevate 
the tone of society in general. By his neighbors 
he is classed among the leading agriculturists of 
Benner township. 



JOHN II. ROUSH, a prominent agriculturist, 
residing near Madisonburg, Centre count}', is 
one of the progressive, wide-awake men who 
naturally take the lead in any calling which they 
may undertake. He was born March 22, 1850, 
on the same farm which he now owns and occu- 
pies, and was the eldest child of Benjamin and 
Margaret (Hoy) Roush. The estate was formerly 
known as the "John Hoy homestead," and the 
Hoy famil) were from early times identified with 
that locality. The neighboring district school 
wascalli school, and there Mr. Roush re- 

ceived his education, one of his first teachers be- 
ing John Houtz. 

Farm life presents many advantages to a 
11. healthful work, relieved by pleasant out- 
dooi recreation, forming wholesome habits and 
developing and strengthening the physique. 
There was always plenty to do at home, and 
Mr. Roush's parents being well-to-do, he never 
" worked out " for other farmers. As he became 
familiar with the management of the farm he as- 
sumed much of the responsibility, and as a young 
man he I the qualities which have 

contributed to his later success. In January, 
[873, he was married at Rebersburg to Miss 
Margaret J. Shaffer, daughter of John and Fran- 
ces (Schmeltzer) Shaffer. She was a native of 
Sugar Valley, Clinton county, born in December, 
[850, but her early life was mainly spent in 
>h Valley. Alter his marriage Mr. Roush lo- 
d in Sugar Valley, renting the farm upon 
which Mrs Roush was born. He remained 
there until the spring "I 1876, when he 1 
tn a farm in Spring township, I entre county, 
near Axemann. In the spi ing of i I left 

this place to take his permanent resideno 

s;g township, at the old homestead, which he 
has greatly improved in various ways. Thi 
tat e ci m tains 18 ! I choice land, and is con- 

sidered one of the best farms in the locality. 



Mr. and Mrs. Roush have three daughl 
arrie E. married A. J. Hazel, of Madison- 
burg, and has two children; (2) Minnie E. and 
3 Frances E., are at home. The family holds 
a leading place in the social life of the com- 
munity. Mr. Roush is a member of the Re- 
formed Church, in which he has served as dea- 
con, and Mrs. Roush is a Lutheran in faith 
Politically he is a stanch and steadfast Democrat, 
and has much influence in the local organization. 
While living in Spring township he held office as 
school director and assistant assessor, and at 
present he is the director of the " Hoy district 
school," which he attended in boyhood. He is 
a member of the Grange, and of the I. O. O. F. 
Lodge No. 955, at Millheim, and is a charter 
member of Madison Castle No. 360, K. C I 
at Madisonburg. 



WILLIAM M. LUTZ. Prominent among 
the successful and enterprising farmc 
Centre county will be found the subject of this 
biographical sketch, whose home is situated in 
Benner township, and who is considered one of 
the most industrious and worthy citizens of that 
part of the county. He was born in Spring 
township, Centre county, in 1850, a son of John 
and Margaret (Martin) Lutz, the former of 
man descent and the latter of Irish parentage 
The father, who was a native of Schuylkill 
county, Penn. , died at the age of sixty-nine years 
and .even months. 

< >ur subject, who is one ol a family of tint 
children, obtained a good common-school educ- 
tion, and upon the home farm became familiar 
with the duties that fall to the lot of the agricult- 
urist. On attaining to man's estate he was 
I' lined in wedlock with Miss Emma Crust, a na- 
tive of England, who when five years old w tl 

lit to the New World by her parents, I 
and Mary (Osnier) Crust. The pleasant home 
circle < I Mr. and Mrs I. utz consists of four clul- 
namely: Charles E., Janus. Mary and 
Nettie. They also lust one, who died at tl 
of five months. 

Politically, Mr. Lutz affiliates with the D( 
cratic party, and is a strong and earnest 
cate of its principles. For the past five years he 
has held membership in the Grange. An ii 
trious, intelligent farmer, he is system. iti 

thods, and his fields are made to yield 
ful harvests. The improvements upon 
city are "I a substantial 

thing manifests the thrift and prosperity 
wide-awake farmer and capable busines 
He is a highh 1 a of the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



533 



nity, and an excellent specimen of the genial, 
hospitable people who are born and reared in 
Centre county. 



JTVEORGE WASHINGTON STEELE. The 

\jF subject of this notice is certainly entitled 
to be considered not only one of the enterprising 
farmers of Huston township, Centre county, but 
one of its respected and honored citizens, and a 
man of more than ordinary ability. He has al- 
ways turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, 
in which he has been very successful, and since 
his marriage has resided at his present home in 
Bald Eagle Valley. 

Mr. Steele is a native of Huston township, 
born February 20, 1853. His father, William 
Wilson Steele, was born in Mifflin county, Penn., 
November 19, 1824, and is a son of Martin and 
Mary (Moore) Steele, natives of Chester and 
Centre counties, Penn., respectively. The former 
was a son of Francis and Margaret (Steele) 
Steele, who were born in Ireland, and on coming 
to America at an early day located in Centre 
county, where they spent the remainder of their 
lives upon a farm. The paternal grandmother 
of our subject was a daughter of Robert and 

■ (Wilson) Moore, also natives of Ireland and 

early pioneers of Centre county. Martin Steele 
and wife were married in Centre county, and in 
1824 removed to Mifflin county, but in the fol- 
lowing year returned to their former home, 
where they passed away in 1844 and 1864 re- 
spectively. He was an iron ore miner, and 
served as supervisor of Patton township, Cen- 
tre county. In their family were the following 
children: Jane, wife of Hubert Glenn; Marga- 
ret, wife of David Aters; Robert, of Ohio; Vi- 
enna, wife of James Peoples; Hestrane, wife of 
Robert Moore; Mary E. , wife of Jacob Johnson- 
baugh; William W. ; and Martha, wife of George 
Mays. All are deceased with the exception of 
the father of our subject. 

In early life, William W. Steele engaged in 
lumbering during the winter season, while the 
summers were spent in farm work. In 1835 he 
located at Buffalo Run, but in 1853 removed to 
his present farm, to the cultivation and improve- 
ment of which he has since devoted his time and 
attention. He is a prominent member of the 
Republican party, and has served as constable, 
school director, and supervisor of his township. 
He was also elected justice of the peace, but de- 
clined to accept the office. On March 19, 1849, 
he married Elizabeth Mays, who was born in 
Huston township, May 10, 1826, a daughter of 
Samuel and Sarah (Decker) Mays, natives of 



Penn's Valley, Centre county, who spent their 
last days at the home of Mr. Steele, the former 
dying at the age of eighty and the latter at the 
age of eighty : five years. In their family were 
nine children: Catherine, widow of J. Saxton, 
of Kansas; Jane, deceased wife of James Mc- 
Clelland, also deceased; Sarah, deceased wife of 
Joe Sinker; Mary, widow of James Flick, of 
Forest county, Penn. ; Elizabeth, mother of our 
subject; George, who died in Forest county; 
Eberhart, a farmer of that county; Jesse, who 
died in Kansas; and Washington, a veterinary 
surgeon of Clarendon, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Steele, whose name introduces this 
sketch, is the second in order of birth in a family 
of children, the others being as follows; Sarah, 
wife of David Richards, a farmer and carpenter 
of Centre county; Robert, who died when young; 
William M., who also died when young; Jasper, 
a farmer of Huston township; and Warren, at 
home. Our subject obtained his literary educa- 
tion in the public schools, and became familiar 
with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, 
where he remained until his marriage, May 29, 
1 879, to Miss Nettie E. Mays. To them were 
born six children: Mattie is at. home; Gordon 
is deceased; William died in infancy; Elwood is 
at home; Elizabeth died at the age of seventeen 
months; and one died in infancy. 

In Clarendon, Forest Co. , Penn., Mrs. Steele 
was born January 29, 1859, a daughter of George 
I. and Martha C. (Steele) Mays, natives of Cen- 
tre county, where they remained until 1848, 
when they removed to Forest county. The fa- 
ther followed the occupation of farming and 
blacksmithing throughout life, dying in April,' 
1893, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife 
passed away in January, 1892, at the age of 
sixty-five years. In early life they belonged to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, but later joined 
the United Brethren. Their family constituted 
ten children: Ella, wife of Alex Chatley, a mill- 
wright of Forest county; Sarah, deceased wife of 
William Burkwalter, a lumberman; Josephine, 
wife of Joseph Showber, a farmer of Centre 
county; Jennie, who is now the wife of William 
Burkwalter; Nettie E., wife of our subject; Mag- 
gie, wife of Loren McGee, a carpenter; Priscilla, 
a resident of Forest county; Laura, who died at 
the age of nine years; Warren, of whom nothing 
is known; and Bertrand, of Forest county. The 
paternal grandparents of Mrs. Steele were Sam- 
uel and Sarah A. (Decker) Mays, who located in 
Centre county at an early day, and there their 
deaths occurred. The maternal grandparents, 
Martin and Mary (Moore) Steele, spent their en- 
tire lives in the same county. 



534 



OOMMBMORA TITS BIOGRAPHICAL IiECORD. 



Mr. Steele is a clear-headed, intelligent man, 
with sound common-sense views of life and its 
duties; he is active in well-doing, sober, indus- 
trious and of good business habits; in fart, pos- 
sessing in an eminent degree all the qualifications 
that go to make up a good citizen and honorable 
man. In politics he sides with the Republican 
party, and for three years was an efficient school 
director. 



J<)I1N C. WAGNER is extensively engaged 
in farming in Centre county, and makes his 
home in Central City. He is a representa- 
tive of one of the pioneer families of the locality, 
and is one of the native sons of the county 
wherein he now. resides. He was born in Belle- 
fonte, June 10, I S 5 7 , a son of John M. and Su- 
sanna (Hahn) Wagner, natives of Lebanon 
county and Centre county, Penn., respectively. 
Their family numbered ten children: William, 
who operates a gristmill in Boggs township, for- 
merly owned by the father; Franklin, deceased; 
Mary, wife of Frank B. Weaver, of State College, 
Penn.; Sarah, wife of John M. Keichline, of 
Bellefonte; Jennie, wife of Peter Keichline, of 
it*.-; johnC; Alice, wife of James Weaver, 
a farmer of Boggs township ; Carrie, wife of Louis 
Wallace, of Boggs township; Annie, deceased 
wife of James Williams, of Bellefonte; and Ella, 
who is living with her mother at the family home- 
stead. The father of this family was prominently 
connected with the business interests of Centre 
county, and largelj promoted its commercial ac- 
tivity. From 1S67 until 1869 he was engaged in 
merchandising in Milesburg, and throughout the 
iter part of his life owned and operated a 
(arm. In [875 he erected a gristmill in Central 
City, which he conducted until 1884, when he 
was joined in the business by his son, John C, 
under the firm name of John M. Wagner iV Son. 
This connection continued until the father's 
death, which occurred Ma) 5, [892, when he had 
reached the age of sixty-nine years. He achieved 
a hand h his own labors. 

His religious views were greatly in accord with 
the doctrine of the German Reformed Church, 
but he held liberal ideas. In politics he was a 
stanch Republican. His wife, who was born in 
1824, is still living <>n the old homestead. She 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a 
most estimable lady. 

John C. Wagner spent the first seven years 
of his life in the city of his nativity, and in the 
fall of 1 Sn.j accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval from Bellefonte to the farm in Boggs town- 
ship. He was there reared to manhood, and in 



the public schools of the neighborhood acquired 
his (duration. He continued at home until he ■ 
twenty-seven years of age, at which time re- 
joined his father in the gristmill business, being 
connected with that enterprise for eight yi 
when his father died, and he sold his interest in 
the mill. He then removed to his farm, which 
is a valuable and richly cultivated tract of land 
that he has placed under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. Among the excellent improvements upon 
it is a two-story brick residence, built in a modern 
style of architecture and tastefully and comfort- 
ably furnished. 

On October 8, 1884, Mr. Wagner was married 
to Miss Ella De Long, and they have an interest m„- 
family of three children: Mabel E. , |<>hn M. and 
Mu a E. They have a wide circle of warm friends 
who esteem them highly for their sterling worth. 
Mr. Wagner exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the Republican party, and was ap- 
pointed and served as township supervisor one 
term. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, 
of Bellefonte. His life record is that of a straight- 
forward business man, true to the duties ol ho 
and country, and of public and of private life. 



J A. DIETRK 11. The subject of this -4 
occupies a prominent position among thi 
terprising farmers and successful stock-raisers 
ol Miles township, Centre county, where he owns 
a fine farm of 102 acres, known as the old Grimm 
homestead, which he purchased in the spring of 
1889, and has made many valuable and useful 
improvements thereon. Having iced life 

with small means, his financial position is ample 
evidence of the manner in which he has em- 
ployed his time, and the good judgment of which 
he is the fortunate possessor. He has one of tin- 
best appointed homesteads in the township, and 
on account of his strii I integrity and high cl 
acter is numbered among its most valua 
■ns. 

Mi Dietrich was horn near Hublersburf 
N'ittanv Valley, Centre county. September 
1856, and is of Swiss extraction, his grandfatfa 
Martin Dietrich, being a native of Switzerland. 
He was an energetic, industrious man, who - 
ceede<l in securing a small home in Haines town- 
ship, Centre county, near the mountains north 
of Aaronsburg, and there engaged in gem 
farming and fruit growing, by which he 
comfortable living foi hi ind wife 1*1 

had two children: John, the father of our - 

t; and A 11 nil-, who married a Mr. Furrow, 
died in Tioga county, Pennsylvania. 

Being a naturally bright boy. John Dieti 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



535 



the father, secured a good practical education 
even though the schools of his time were poor, 
and in later years participated in many local de- 
bates, in which he took great enjoyment. As 
the little farm of his father did not furnish enough 
work for two, he left home at the age of thirteen 
years, and worked for others, giving his wages to 
his parents until he had attained his majority. 
Learning the plasterer's trade, he worked at it 
for some time in Big Sugar and Nittany Valleys. 
In the latter place he was married to Miss 
Sarah A. Dunkle, who was born on the old 
Dunkle homestead near Hublersburg, and was a 
daughter of a well-to-do farmer, from whom she 
inherited some property. By working at his 
trade, Mr. Dietrich was able to add to this until 
at the time of his death they had 144 acres of 
good land, now owned by their two sens, Lewis 

C. and Henry M. The father was an adherent 
of Democratic principles, and a member of the 
Reformed Church, to which his wife also be- 
longed. After a lingering illness he died in the 
fall of 1887, and she passed away in 1891, both 
when over sixty-seven years of age, and their re- 
mains were interred in the Hublersburg cemetery. 
In the Dietrich family were eight children, as 
follows: Lewis C. , a farmer in Nittany Valley; 
Elizabeth, wife of William Fulton, of the same 
place; John, a plasterer and painter of Belle- 
fonte, Centre county; Sarah A., who married 
John White, and died near Hecla, Penn. ; Henry 
M., who is living on the old homestead; J. A. and 

D. A. (twins), the former being our subject, and 
the latter the railroad agent at Hublersburg; and 
B. F., of Bellefonte. 

J. A. Dietrich began his education in the old 
" Eight Square school house" under the instruc- 
tion of Martha Gordon, and later pursued his 
studies with William Mallory, William Decker 
and Jasper Wolfe as teachers. Upon the home 
farm he was reared until sixteen years of age, 
when he began working for others, giving his 
parents his wages with the exception of what 
was needed for his clothes. He was employed 
by farmers in Brush Valley until nineteen years 
of age, when he began working in the woods for 
Ocker & Royer, and continued to follow the lum- 
ber business for over four years. 

In Madisonburg, Mr. Dietrich was married in 
July, 1882, to Miss Emma J. Roush, who was 
born in Gregg township, Centre county, in May, 
1859, and is the youngest child of Benjamin and 
Margaret (Hoy) Roush. Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich 
have two children, Alma M. and Mary E. The 
parents began their domestic life upon her fa- 
ther's farm, where they remained until their re- 
moval to their present place in the spring of 



1889. They are members in good standing of 
the Reformed Church, in which he is serving as 
deacon, of the Sunday-school of which he for 
several years was secretary. They are greatly 
esteemed in their community as representing the 
best type of its moral and social element. Po- 
litically, Mr. Dietrich is a Democrat; has served 
as overseer in the west precinct of Miles town- 
ship, and is at present a director of the Madison- 
burg schools. Socially, he affiliates with the 
Grange, and was at one time a member of 
the Knights of the Golden Eagle. 



FLEMING POORMAN. a leading and ener- 
getic agriculturist of Boggs township. Cen- 
tre county, was born February 14, 1858, on the 
farm where he now resides, a son of John and 
Catherine (Fetzer) Poorman, who were also na- 
tives of Centre county, where they spent their 
entire lives. 

In their family were nine children, as fol- 
lows: Maria, deceased wife of Jacob Yarnal, a 
farmer in Centre county; Jane, wife of Morgan 
M. Lucas, a farmer of the same county; Mary, 
wife of Stanley Watson, an agriculturist of 
Boggs township; William, of Central City, Penn. ; 
Daniel F. , a prominent farmer of Boggs town- 
ship; John E., a merchant of Boggs township; 
Arminta, wife of Joseph Williams, an engineer 
of Williamsport, Penn. ; Alice, wife of William 
Fetzer, a farmer of Boggs township; and Flem- 
ing, of this review. The father was a farmer by 
occupation, socially a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, in religious belief a Lu- 
theran, while politically he supported the Demo- 
cratic party, as did his father before him. The 
latter was a son of John and Elizabeth B. (Harper) 
Poorman, who were born at Brush Valley, Cen- 
tre county, where they were engaged in farming. 
The maternal grandparents of our subject, Mi- 
chael and Mary (Homier) Fetzer, were natives of 
Germany, and New Jersey respectively. At an 
early day they took up their residence in Centre 
county, where they both died. 

In the public schools Fleming Poorman ac- 
quired a good, practical education and at the age 
of fifteen years began his business career in the 
woods of Centre county, peeling bark during one 
season. In the following year he worked as a 
farm hand, and. then went to Bellefonte, where 
he served a two-years' apprenticeship as engineer 
at the pump station of the reservoir. For the 
following six months he ran an engine in Blair 
county, Penn., after which he removed to Ber- 
wick, Penn., where he learned the puddling 
trade, at which he was employed some seven 



586 



< CMMRMOUATIVK UK", IIM'IW M. RECORD. 



years Returning to the old homestead farm, he 
rented the same until 1895, when he purchased 
it, and to its cultivation gives his time and at- 
tention. 

Mr. Poorman was married April 27, 1882, to 
Miss Ida Lucas, by whom he. has five children: 
Maud, Malcolm, Charles, Clyde and Linn. Mrs, 
Poorman was born at Snow Shoe, Centre county, 
January 28, 1863, a daughter of William and 
Lynn (Askey) Lucas, who are also natives of 
that county. They now reside at Chester Hill, 
where the father is engaged in merchandising. 
He served as captain during the Civil war, and in 
politics is an ardent Republican. His wife holds 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and both .iii- highly respected and valued citizens 
of the community where they make their home. 
Hi- parents were David and Elizabeth (Green) 
Lucas, of Centre county, and her parents v 
David and Elizabeth (Whiteman) Askey, of 
Clearfield county, Penn. Mrs. Poorman is the 

st in the famil\ r of seven children, the others 
being Laura, now the wife of James Stott, of 
Philipsburg, Penn.; Harry, attending Westches- 
ter College; Effie, residing at Williamsport, Penn. ; 
John, an express messenger on the Beach ('reek 
railroad; .mil Gertrude and Cameron I)., who 
an- still with their parents, 

Fraternally, Mi. Poorman is a member of the 
Grange .it Milesburg, in polities is an earnest 
Den nil in religious faith attends the serv- 

oi tin- lug Church, He is meeting with a 
well -deserved success in his chosen calling, and 
his line, well-ordered farm, with its carefully cult- 
ured fields, its neat buildings and all their sur- 
roundings, denote the skillful management, in- 
dustry and well-directed labors of the owner. He 
is eminently worthy the trust and high regard in 
which he is held by his fellow-citizens. 



trade, and at one time operated a foundry in 
Bellefonte, Centre county; he died in Roopsburg. 
To them were born six children, of whom he w; ■ 
the youngest, the others being as follows: Ann 
C, now the wife of Mitchell Baker, of Norwalk, 
Warren Co., Iowa, by whom she has one child 
Jacob \\\, deceased; Mary V., wife of John 
Archie, of Roland, Centre county; Alice A . wii 
of Thomas P. Cowdrick. of Bellefonte, by whoi.i 
she has a son. Morris; and one who died in 
childhood. 

The elementary education of Edward M. Re 
lin, which was obtained in the free schools o| 
Bellefonte. was supplemented by a course in the 
Bellefonte Academy, where he completed his lit- 
erary training. He is a prepossessing yoai g 
man, upright and honorable in all his dealing-, 
and has the confidence and esteem of all with 
whom he has come in contact either in business 
or social life. Since attaining his majority he 
has given his allegiance to the Democratic part), 
and in religious belief is a Lutheran. 



EiDWARD M. RERUN is one of the prom- 
'/ inent and reliable young men of Benner 

township. Centre county, The business interests 
of the community are well represented by him, 
and whether in public or private life he is always 
a courteous, genial gentleman, well deserving the 
high regard in which he is held. His occupation 
is that of a miller, and he now has charge of the 
Roopsburg Mills, which he is managing with skill 
and ability. 

Mr. Reilin was born in the county which is 
still his home, October 31, 1864, and is a son of 
Daniel K. and Catharine (Poorman) Rerlin, the 
former a native of Berks county, Penn., and the 
latter also a Pennsylvanian by birth. The father, 
who was of Welsh descent, was a miller by 



JAMES E. Ml'SSKR. Among tin prominent 
and progressive young men, who regard I 
tre county as their home, and are tin 
their attention to agricultural pursuits, is Jam - 
E. Mussei. 1 -I Ferguson township. Altl 
young in years, still, having excellent business 
abilities, he has already placed himself in a posi- 
tion to be regarded as a successful and scientitic 
farmer. He has been chiefly interested in the 
cattle and sheep business, in which line success 
has been his portion. His political support is 
ever given to the Republican party, and in re- 
ligious belief he is a Lutheran. 

Mr. Musser was born April 27, 1868, an i 
-on ot William and Eliza A. (Ruble Mu-ser, the 
latter a daughter of Peter Ruble, of Tusseyville, 
Penn. The family is of German origin. To the 
parents of our subject were born eight chil 
as follows: Mazella, who died in infanc) 
A., wife of J. H. Ross, a merchant of Linden 
Hall, Centre county, by whom she has six chil- 
dren; Alvin C. I kkeeper for Booker & Elder. 

of Altoona), who married Ettie llartzell, and has 
two children: Anna M., a milliner of Pine 1 
Mills, Centre Co.; James E., of this sketch; 
Ella M . who died in childhood; J. William. I 
fanner, who removed to Illinois in the spriof 
[896; ami Alka E., a resident of Pine I 
Mills. About 1840 the parents came to Centre 
county, where their marriage was celebrate I 
for many years the father owned and op* 
the farm where a part of the family yet reside. 
During the Civil war he was drafted, but 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



537 



never called into service. The family has long 
been identified with the interests of Centre coun- 
ty, and is widely and favorably known. 



*\MW ^' HUBLER. Among the young men 
jcjC of Centre county who have selected agri- 
culture as their vocation in life, and judging from 
their present indications are bound to succeed in 
their chosen calling, is the subject of this bio- 
graphical notice, who is a resident of Miles town- 
ship, where he has thirty-five acres of excellent 
farming land. He was born in that township, 
July 17, 1869, a son of George M. and Margaret 
E. (Stover) Hubler. John George Hubler, the 
paternal grandfather, who was the founder of 
the family in Miles township, was born in 1785, 
and died August 2, 1857, at his home near Rock- 
ville, in Brush Valley, where he was one of the 
earliest settlers. He was twice married, his first 
wife being Miss Anna B. Musser, by whom he 
had three children: George M. ; J. P., who died 
in Miles township, in 1894; and Sadie E., wife 
•of Aaron Bartges, of Loganton, Pennsylvania. 

George M. Hubler was born in Haines town- 
ship, Centre county, along Pine creek, at what 
is known as Myer's Mill, which his father then 
owned, but subsequently they removed to near 
Rockville, Miles township. He assisted his fa- 
ther to some extent in the mill, but mainly gave 
his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1865, 
he was married, in Brush Valley, to Miss Mar- 
garet E. Stover, who was born in Rebersburg, 
December 17, 1845, a daughter of Elias and 
Harriet (Hippie) Stover. Her father, a son of 
Henry and Margaret (Guiswite) Stover, was born 
April 14, 1820, in Haines township, where he 
was reared, and in 1845 came to Brush Valley, 
making his home in Rebersburg, where he worked 
at his trade of carpentering, and still lives at that 
place. His wife, whose birth occurred in Mid- 
dleburg, Penn., December 4, 1822, was the 
daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Leib) Hip- 
pie. Her father, a carpenter by trade, died 
when she was quite young, and she was reared by 
a half sister. Her death occurred May 27, 1895. 
To Mr. and Mrs. .Stover were born three chil- 
dren: Margaret E., the mother of our subject; 
William F. , a tinner of Pittsburg, Penn., born 
June 28, 1850; and Sarah J., who was born April 
'7. 1855, and is now the wife of H. G. Krape, 
of Rebersburg. 

After his marriage, George M. Hubler located 
upon the home farm, and cared for his parents 
until they were called to their final rest, when 
he inherited the place, which he cleared from 
debt. He always turned his attention to agri- 



cultural pursuits, in which he was quite successful, 
leaving at the time of his death 100 acres of good 
farming land and 250 acres of timber land, and 
being fond of hunting, found his chief recreation 
in that sport. He was rather stout in appear- 
ance, and in height was five feet, ten inches. 
His political support was always given the Dem- 
ocratic party, and though never an office seeker, 
was chosen by his fellow citizens to serve as su- 
pervisor, tax-collector and constable. In early 
life he was a member of the Reformed Church, 
later becoming a Lutheran, and always contrib- 
uted liberally to all Church or religious work. 
His death occurred August 5, 1896, having sur- 
vived his wife for about a year, as she passed 
awav September 1, 1895, and both were laid to 
rest in the Union Cemetery of Rebersburg. 
They were the parents of three children: Frank 
A., a farmer of Miles township; W. T. , of this 
sketch; and Anna H., wife of T. J. Ocker, of 
Rebersburg. The parents were people of prom- 
inence in the community, and justly deserved the 
high regard in which they were universally held. 

Like most farmer lads, W. T. Hubler spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth, aiding in the 
labors of the farm and attending the local 
schools. On first starting to school in Rebers- 
burg his teacher was Libbie Royer. He contin- 
ued with his parents until April, 1893, when he 
located upon his present farm at Rockville, 
Miles township, which he now has under a high 
state of cultivation, and the neat and thrifty ap- 
pearance of the place testifies to his industry and 
enterprise. 

On October 19, 1891, in Rockville, Mr. Hub- 
ler was married by Rev. Rearick, a Lutheran 
minister, to Miss Ada E. Gramley, who was born 
near that place November 19, 1869, and is the 
youngest child of Samuel and Sarah J. (Small) 
Gramley. Two children came of this union: Har- 
ry G. , born June 15, 1893, an d Samuel L. The 
parents are both members of the Lutheran Church, 
and in his political views Mr. Hubler is an ar- 
dent Democrat. They hold an enviable position 
in the social circles of the community, and their 
friends throughout the county are many. 



S\AMUEL W. WAITE, a progressive, wide- 
_J awake business man of Rebersburg, Centre 
county, who has made his own way in the world 
from an early age, is a native of the county, his 
birth having occurred in Miles township July 4, 
1852. His father, John F. Wate (as the name 
was originally spelled), was born January 18, 
1825, in Huntingdon, Huntingdon county, Penn., 
a son of Samuel and Polly (Oswalt) Wate, also 



538 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



natives of Huntingdon counts. Samuel was one 
of five sons, whose father was a native of Ger- 
many, while his wife was a daughter of Adam 
Oswalt, who was of Scotch descent. The grand- 
father of our subject was a day laborer, driving a 
team fur different furnaces in central Pennsyl- 
vania for many years. In early life he made his 
home in Clinton count}', but later removed to 
Montour county, his death occurring in Danville, 
November 2, 1879. His wife survived him some 
years, and passed away in Milesburg, Centre 
county. Both were earnest members of the 
Lutheran Church, while in politics he was first a 
Whig and later a Republican. 

John F. Wat' was the eldest of the seven 
children of the family who grew to years of ma- 
turitv, the others being as follows: Bartholomew, 
born April 23, 1830, is a resident of Danville, 
Penn. ; Samuel, born February 28, 1832, lives in 
Jersey Shore, Penn. ; Alexander, born November 
13, 1834, lives in Danville, Penn.; William, born 
February 10, 1837, makes his home at Beach 
Creek, Penn. . Hlizabeth, born March 30, 1839, 
is the wife of Josiah Miller, of Nittany Valley, 
Centre county; and John H. McGill, born June 
1S. 1842, is a resident of Danville. The educa- 
tional privileges of John 1". W'ate were limited to 
one year's attendance at the common schools, as 
his parents were quite poor, and at an early day 
he started out to fight life's battle. At the age 
of sixteen he began weaving carpets, coverlets, 
table cloths, etc., under John II. March, of 
Salona, Centre county, with whom he remained 
until 1849, wlu-n he removed to Kramerville, 
Brush Valley, where he has since been employed 
at his trade or general labor. On State or Na- 
tional questions he votes with the Democratic 
party, but at local elections is not bound by party 
ties. Since 1849 fie has been a faithful member 
of tin- Evangelical Church, to which his wife also 
belou 

On I >er 2X, 1845, John F. W'ate mar- 

ried Mary M. Gramly, who was born in Brush 
Valley, Centre county, August 6, 1825, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Mary M. (Kline) Gramly. They 
have now traveled life's journey together for 
over half a century, sharing its joys and sorrows, 
its adversity ami prosperity, and in 1895 cele- 
brated their golden wedding. Ten children 
blessed their union, namely: Sarah E. , born 
December 16, 1846, died at the age of eighteen; 
Elmeda F. , born June 15, 1849, died when 
youn- ; Samuel W. is next in order of birth; 
Harvey I... horn 1 >e< ember 30, 1 85 3, died at the 
of two years; Mary C, born September 24, 
1856, is the wife of Charles L. Beck, of Brush 
Valley; Franklin, born January 4, 1859, is a res- 



ident of Rebersbur^; Emma 1 . born August 1, 

1, is the wife of William Bjreon, of Clint 
county, Penn.; Hester A., born November 
1863. died young; George B. Ma, bun Dei em- 
ber 17, 1866, is a resident of Brush Valley; and 
John W., born May 9, 1869, makes his home in 
Loganton, Pennsylvania. 

The advantages afforded our subject for se- 
curing an education were very meagre, ami at an 
early age he started out to earn his own liveli- 
hood, first working as a hostler for Dr. Hillbish. 
of Rebersburg, with whom he remained for four 
years. His first experience in mercantile pur- 
suits was in the employ of W. F. Bailey, of the 
same place, his wages being $3 per week. H< 
accompanied his employer on his removal 
Woodward, Centre county, and lat' les- 

burg, 111., where he remained for several years. 
but finally returned to Spring Mills, Penn.. clerk- 
ing, there for a time. Later he rented a farm 
near Sprucetown, Centre county, for a j 
and for the following six years operated rented 
land in Gregg township, in the same county 
Subsequently he lived for one year upon the farm 
of Abram Miller, at Pleasant Gap. In the spring 
of [892 Mr. Waite purchased a lot in Rebi 
burg, on which he erected a residence and si 
building, and the following spring began general 
merchandising, which he has since continued 
with excellent success, his courteous manner and 
fair dealing winning him a liberal share of public 
patronage. 

On August 22. [885, Mr. Waite married Miss 
Anna, daughter of G. W. Lonberger, a farmei 
of Pleasant (.ap, and their wedding ceremonj 
was performed at Spring Mills by Rev. st.un- 
baugh. Three children have been born to th 
Annie M., who died in 1894; and Mary P 
Paul L. at home Mrs. Waite is a coi 
member of the United Evangelical Church Mi 
Waite uses his right of franchise in support 
the principles of the Republican party. rh 
serves no little credit for the success he has mi 
in life, and is now one of the leading and pi 
nenl business men of the village, where during 
early life he served as a stable boy and hostler, 
a fact that shows what can be accomplished 
industry, perseverance and economy. 



MO.V JOHN P. GEPHART. Am 
,_L honored citizens of Bellefonte, 
county, is the subject of this brief biography, 
whose able service in various positions of public 
trust is too well known to need comment. 
less in his advocacy of the right as he sees it, he 
has won the confidence of all classes, but he has 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



539 



never hesitated to make enemies for the sake of 
a good cause, and his record speaks for itself of 
his devotion to the interests of his constituents. 

Mr. Gephart was born at Bellefonte, January 
9, 1827, and his family, which is of Dutch origin, 
has been identified with this State for several 
generations. His grandfather, John P. Gep- 
hart, a native of Bucks county, married a Miss 
Gephart, who, though of the same name, and 
born in the same county, was no relation. Some 
years after their marriage they moved, in 1809, 
to Union county, Penn., locating in Buffalo Val- 
ley, two miles west of Lewisburg. During the 
Black Hawk war our subject's grandmother 
patriotically furnished entertainment to the sol- 
diers en route. She died in 18 12, and the grand- 
father, who was a farmer and distiller by occu- 
pation, passed away in 18 16. They had several 
children, among whom was a son, Michael Gep- 
hart, born September 30, 1803, in Bucks coun- 
ty, Penn. He accompanied his parents to Union 
county; but in 1826 he located in Centre county, 
in what is now Penn township, then a part of 
Haines township. He owned a fine farm near 
Millheim, and was more than ordinarily success- 
ful. His wife, Elizabeth Emmert, who was born 
January 29, 1803, in Lebanon county, Penn., 
died at the homestead near Millheim May 7, 
1852; he survived her many years, his death oc- 
curring August 26, 1873. Only two of their 
children lived to mature age, and of these, the 
younger, Jacob, died in the fall of 1892. 

The subscription schools of Millheim, fur- 
nished rudely with slab benches with smooth 
side up, andofferinga no less primitive curriculum, 
furnished our subject an elementary education, 
to which observation and private study had 
added largely. From the age of fourteen until 
he was .thirty-one he worked upon the home farm, 
and then for seven years he was engaged in mer- 
cantile business at Millheim. His popularity had 
in the meantime led to his entrance into the polit- 
ical arena, and in 1863 he was elected clerk and 
register and recorder of the Orphans' Court. 
After serving two terms he entered the law office 
of Orvis & Alexander as clerk, and remained 
there until his election, May 30, 1870, to the 
office of justice of the peace for the South and 
Westwards of Bellefonte. In 1875 he was re- 
elected on the Democratic ticket, this time for 
the North ward, with a majority of forty-eight, 
overcoming the usual Republican majority of 
ninety. In 1878 he became chairman of the 
Democratic County Committee, and in the same 
year he was elected to the State Legislature, his 
re-election in 1880 marking the people's apprecia- 
tion of his efforts. While in that body he held 



positions on several important committees, in- 
cluding those on Appropriations and Schools, 
and he was active in securing the defeat of the 
Pillsbury Bill. 

Mr. Gephart owns the old farm in Penn 
township, comprising about 400 acres. As ad- 
ministrator he was under heavy bonds for the 
settlement of the estate, but he and his brother 
never divided it, sharing its proceeds in peace. 
On August 1, 1847, Mr. Gephart was united in 
matrimony with Miss May M. Swartz, who was 
born at Millheim, September 18, 1829. Three 
children blessed this union: (1) Sarah E., born 
June 14, 185 1, married L. T. Munson, and has 
one son, named for our subject. (2) J. Wesley, 
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. (3) May, 
born November 21, 1856, married J. W. Dix, of 
Dayton, Ohio. The mother of this family died 
December 14, 1874, and Mr. Gephart for his 
second wife married Miss Sarah E. Corshells, of 
Loganton, Clinton county, Pennsylvania. 







Mc- 
:rom 
The 



W. McENTIRE, M. D., of Howard, Centre 
county, where he is also engaged in the drug 
business, has descended on his mother's side 
from one of the first families to settle within the 
territory now comprising Centre county. 

Dr. McEntire is a son of Lawrence B. McEn- 
tire (now and for many years past a merchant 
and postmaster, and a respected citizen of Fill- 
more, Centre county) and Martha (Houser 
Entire. The McEntires were originally 
Ireland, and the Housers from Germany, 
first of the latter family to come to America was 
the great-great-grandfather of our subject. He 
came as a redemptioner, and was obliged to 
work an entire year for one of his more fortu- 
nate countrymen in order to pay his passage. 
Jacob Houser, son of this emigrant, came in 
1788 from Dauphin county, Penn., to Spring 
Creek, now the site of Houserville, having the 
year previously bought a large tract of land of 
Josiah Matlack, known as the Isaac Catherell 
Survey, December 5, 1774. He was prosperous 
and became a wealthy farmer. Of his eight 
children, Martin was the father of Mrs. Lawrence 
McEntire. 

Dr. McEntire, as is his mother, is a native of 
Houserville, having been born there in 1859. As 
he grew to manhood he clerked in his father's 
store at Fillmore, receiving his early education 
in the schools of the neighborhood. Later he 
was prepared for college at Penn Hall Academy, 
and at Centre Hall, then, late in the "seven- 
ties," entered Pennsylvania State College, where 
he pursued his studies for a year and a half. 



.-,1(1 



i 'OMMEMORA TIVE BIOUliA Villi A I. A'/.' 'OBD. 



After this he went to Washington, I). C, and 
studied medicine in the office, and under the di- 
rection, of Thomas B Hood, M. D. He at- 
tended lectures in the medical department of 
Howard University, in that city, and was gradu- 
ated in 1884. After his graduation he returned 
to Fillmore, Penn., and there began the practice 
(il medicine, remaining at that point one year. 
I 1 11 ii he went to Mill Hall, and followed 

lu> profession fur several years, thence going to 
Philadelphia, where in 1X91 he was graduated 
from (efferson Medical College While attend- 
ing lectures at this institution, he also was a 
student at thi ylvania School of Anatomy. 

Returning to Centre county, he located in prac- 
tice at Howard, where he has since remained. 
He is a member of the Clinton and Centre 
Countj Medical Society; also of West Branch 
Medical Society. Socially, he is a member of 
the Knights of the Golden Eagle; P. O. S. of A. : 
and of thr [unior Order American Mechanics. In 
politics he is a Democrat. The Doctor is well 
equipped for a successful career, and is aln 
in the midst of a busy practice. 

In 1886 1 >i McEntire was married to Miss 
I' mine A. Sellars, (laughter of Agnew ami 1 ath- 
erinc Kephart Sellars, highly respected farn 
of the vicinity of Fillmore. To this man 
was born, in 1887, a daughter named [osephine 
Catherine, 



J 



1 >11\ GHANER. Among thr worthy citi- 
zens that Germany has furnished to tin New 
World is numbered this gentleman. The 
best justification for our Republican form of gov- 
ernment lies in the fact that it gives to all equal 
opportunities that thr people of other lands may 
e here and seek to establish comfortable 
homes ami secure success through honorable deal- 
ing, unhampered bj thi repressing influences of 
te 01 class, being allowed to exercise to tin 
full their business abilities and their energies. 
I In \h Ghaner has done, and as a result he has 
acquired a o imfortable competence which 1 lasses 
him at ig the substantial citizens oi the com- 
munity in which he makes his home. 

John Ghanei was born January 24, [827, in 
Wurtemberg, Germany, and spent the days of 
Ins boyhood and youth in that land. He was 
of a family of four children, the others being 
Magdalene, who died in Germany; Regina and 
Jacob. Mr. Chaner, of this review, was drafted 
for service- in the German arms in [848, and for 
lour years his life was that ol a soldier. When 
iing man of twenty-five he resolved to seek 
a home in America with its better opportunities, 



more liberal advantages and livelier competition 
He took up his residence in Centre county, 
Penn.. where he has since made his home, and 
for a number of years thereafter followed thi 
stone mason's trade, which he had learned in 
the land of his nativity He was very industri- 
ous and energetic, and his close application, per- 
severance and economy at length enabled him 
to acquire the capital with which he pun I 
Ins present farm. He now gives his attention to 
agricultural pursuits, and has a well-developed 
the highly-cultivated fields yielding to him 
a golden tribute in return for the care and labor 
he bestows upon them. 

In the year 1853, Mr. Ghaner was unit' 
marriage with Miss Magdalene Behrer, who died in 

On July 21, 1864, he wedded Susai 
del, daughter of Peter Snyder, of Penn's Valli 
the seven children by the first union and four by 
the second, we have record as follows: Jao 

esiding in Scotia, Centre county; 
Wilson married Ella Meese, and is engaged in 
working with ore in Scotia; Mary, is the wile ol 
Reub« n < ronemiller, a mai Inuist of Scotia. 
Susan; William; David married in Michigan, 
and makes his home there. Mr. Ghanei 
member of the United Brethren Church, and of 
the Grange. His political support is given the 
Democracy but he has neither sought nor de- 
sired public office, preferring to give his attention 
to his business interests. Honorable in all his 
dealings, in business transactions his word is n 
good as his bond. 



PI IKK SMITH, who for upward of tw< 
years has been a resident ol near Centre 
Hill, Potter township, Centre county, is one of 
the substantial agriculturists of this section. 

Born December 27, 1837, in Northumberland 
county, Penn., Mr. Smith is the son of l'r 
Charles and Kebecca i Trion Smith, born, the 
former in August, [811, in Lycoming county, 
Penn., and the latter in Northumberland county, 
the daughter of Dr. Frederick Trion. Dr. Charles 
Smith was one of the early physicians of Potter 
township, his practice extending as far as V 
w.nd in Penn's Valley. He began life a 
boy. and the success he achieved was due to his 
own efforts. At one time he followed h: 
fession at Penn Hall and also in Snyder CO 
Later he removed to Nittany Valley, where In- 
still resides at an advanced age, making his 
in Lamar township. His wife passed away m 
1882, aged sixty-four years. She was a 
woman, ami she and lu-i husband were e\'( i 
in high esteem. To their marriage were 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



541 



four children, the subject of this sketch being the 
eldest. 

Peter Smith was but a child when his parents 
located in Potter township. He recalls that the 
first school he attended was held in an old build- 
ing which stood near Colyer, and his first teacher 
was Squire Hahn. When a child his health was 
poor, which prevented him from getting full 
benefit of the opportunities presented. He re- 
mained at home until in his twenty-ninth year, 
when he was married at Aaronsburg to Miss Julia 
Neese, born in Haines township, a daughter of 
Jacob Neese. He then located on his father's 
farm in Lamar township, Clinton county, where 
he remained until moving to Potter township, 
Centre county, March 2, 1876, where he has 
since resided and carried on agricultural pursuits 
on a farm that his father had owned many years. 
Our subject is fond of good horses, and has given 
considerable attention to this class of stock. He 
has owned some fine animals, and is a most ex- 
cellent judge of a horse. He is an enterprising 
and public-spirited citizen. To his marriage one 
son, Calvin F., was born, who is now a physician 
at Howard, Penn. The parents have given a 
home to two boys, one of whom lived with them 
ten years and the other eighteen. In their re- 
ligious belief the father is of the Evangelical and 
the mother of the Lutheran persuasion. In pol- 
itics he is a Democrat, but is in sympathy with 
the Prohibition party. Socially he is a mem- 
ber of the Grange. Mr. Smith has met with suc- 
cess in life. He is an exemplary citizen, and a 
prosperous farmer. 



M 



M. SWARTZ, a prosperous and honored 
citizen and well-known agriculturist of Penn 
township, Centre county, was born June 7, 1837, 
in that township, near Millheim. He is a wor- 
thy representative of one of its pioneer families, 
his grandfather, George Swartz, having located 
in Penn township in the latter part of the eight- 
eenth century, and built the first sawmill on Elk 
creek, which was erected on the site of the pres- 
ent mill of our subject. He also followed farm- 
ing in connection with its operation. He reared 
a large family, and died in Millheim. 

George Swartz, Jr., the father of our subject, 
was born on the family homestead in Penn town- 
ship, about 1798, and during his boyhood and 
youth aided his father in the work of the farm 
and mill. He also erected a clover mill, where 
the farmers hauled their clover to be hulled, and 
he often threshed 1600 bushels in one season. 
After his marriage he made his home at various 
places in Penn and Gregg townships, Brush Val- 



ley, and on the old homestead farm where he 
lived for several years, but finally built the pres- 
ent residence of our subject, where he died at 
the ripe old age of eighty-one years. His faith- 
ful wife passed away at the age of seventy-six, 
and they now sleep side by side in the Millheim 
cemetery. He was an ardent supporter of the 
Democratic party, and a member of the Evan- 
gelical Association. 

To this worthy couple were born eleven chil- 
dren, namely: Michael, a resident of Stephen- 
son county, 111. ; John, who is also living in that 
State; Philip, who died in Penn township; Cath- 
arine, widow of Joseph Luse, of Michigan ; 
George, who died in Punxsutawney, Penn. ; Molly, 
who married Philip Gephart, and died in Belle- 
fonte, Centre county; Daniel, who died in Lew- 
isburg, Penn.; Mary, who died in childhood; 
Samuel, a resident of Potter township, Centre 
county; David, who died in infancy; and H. M., 
of this sketch. 

Our subject obtained his early education in 
the schools of Millheim, and was for two terms a 
student in the Aaronsburg Academy. He was 
reared to farm work, but being of a mechanical 
turn of mind, he at the age of eighteen began 
learning the carpenter's trade under Joseph Luse, 
and also became a skilled millwright. On Sep- 
tember 7, 1862, in Aaronsburg, Mr. Swartz was 
married to Miss Susan Frank, who was born in 
Haines township, Centre county, February 11, 
1840, and is the second daughter and third child 
in the family of eight children whose parents are 
Michael and Annie (Homan) Frank. Five children 
graced their union: Sarah A., who married H. 
O. Bower, and died in Penn township, in 1895; 
Ella, wife of N. H. Fiedler, of Brush Valley, 
Centre county; Maggie, wife of Ammon Snook, 
of Penn township; W. H., residing at home, who 
married Lizzie M. Bierly, daughter of Joseph 
Bierly, of Madisonburg, Penn., and has one 
child — Carrie; and Katy, wife of Luther Seyler, 
of Nittany Valley, Centre county. 

After his marriage, Mr. Swartz located upon 
a rented farm near Millheim, but remained there 
only a short time, and then removed to what is 
known as Weavers Mills, above Millheim, where 
he made his home for eight years. Since 1872 
he has occupied his present residence, at first 
purchasing twenty acres of land, but now owns a 
valuable tract of seventy-two acres, which is un- 
der a high state of cultivation. He operated the 
old sawmill standing thereon until the great flood 
of 1889, when it was destroyed, but with charac- 
teristic energy he soon replaced it, and the new 
mill has been equipped with the latest improved 
machinery. 



542 



COMVEMOUA TIVK /!/(>>; HM-IIH .1 / liBCORD. 



Mr. Swartz casts his ballot in support of the 
men and measures of th I ratic party, and 

has held some offices, including that of school di- 
rector. A man of the strictest integrity and 
honor, his word is red as good as his 

bond, and he receives the respect and confidence 
of the entire community. For overacentur\ the 
Swartz family has been identified with the mill- 
ing interests of Penn township, and is justly en- 
titled to mention among the valued and repre- 
sentative citizens of Centre county 



Wll SMITH, an industrious and thorough 
farmer, who has a pleasant home in Penn 
township, Centre county, was born in that town- 
ship October 17, 1S40, a son of Capt. Henry and 
Annie 1 I'.ehl 1 Smith. 

The father of our subject was also a native 

• ntre county, and the youngest in a family of 
nine children — five sons and four daughters. 
During his youth he learned the blacksmith's 
trade, but as his strength was not sufficient to 

id such arduous labor he abandoned the, busi- 
ness and turned his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits. He owned and operated a small farm, in 
addition also working by the day in order to sup- 
port hU lamily. His title ol "Captain" was 
tained by serving as such in a militia company. 
At the polls he always east his ballot in support 
ot the Democratic party, in the success of which 
.he took a deep interest, and creditably filled the 
position of constable and other township offices. 
In 1 arly life he was a Lutheran, but later joined 
the Evangelical Church. He died at the age of 
eighty years, and his wife passed away when 
about in her seventieth \ 

Mi Smith, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was upon the home farm until 

twentj years of age, attending the public schools 
of the neighborhood, and becoming familiar with 
tin duties that fall to the lot oi the agriculturist. 
On leaving the parental rool he began learning 
the carpenter's trade under tl ; ion of Henry 

Bartley, a brother-in-law, but after one summei 
took ii)) shoemaking as he did not like the former 
occupation. He served a two-years' apprenl 
ship with a certain party, and was to hav< 
ceived $40 and some tools, but was given only a 
few clothes. For almost a yeai he worked at his 
trade in Sugar Valley, after which he returned to 
Penn township, and at his father's home carried 
on shoemaking lor a time, supporting Ins fathei 
for the rent ol the farm. Often he would work all 
day in the fields, while he would spend the [light 111 

work at the bench in order toget along. At the age 



of twenty-three years, he was married in Aaron-- 
burg, Centre county, to Miss Rebecca Frank, a 
daughter of Michael and Annie (Homan) Frank, 
and to them were born three children: Anni. . 
now the wife of l)a\id Stover, of Potter 
ship. Centre county; William E., a residi 
Millheim; and Herbert, at home. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Smith continued to live upon his fa- 
I .1 time, and then removed to Smith- 
town, where he rented a farm for five years, 
which he operated in com with work at 

ide. In the spring of r88o he remo\. 
his present place, known as the old Swartz home- 
stead, which he rented for three years and then 
purchased. It is a good farm of sixty-six acres, 
which yields a golden tribute in return for the care 
and labor expended upon it, and is one of the 
most desirable places in the locality. 

Politically Mr. Smith follows in the foot- 
of Ins father, alw a\ s voting the Democratic ticket, 
and has served his fellow citizens as overseer of 
the poor, supervisor and school director. He and 
his wife are earnest members of the United Evan- 
gelical Church, of which he has been tn 
for the past ten years. A man of unquestioned 
integrity, he has never intentionally defrauded 
any one, and has the confidence and esteem of 
all who come in contact with him in thi 
walks of life. His success is but the just reward 
of his own industry and good management, 
starting out 111 life for himself his capital consisted 
of naught save a pair of willing hands and .1 
determination to succeed. 



JOHN H. KFFSER, a well-known merchant 
of Snow Shoe. Centre county, where he suc- 
cessfully conduits a butcher shop, bakeryand 
grocery, also interested to some i x tint in fann- 
ing and mining, is a i of the county, horn in 
Haines township, [une 2, [842. 

II me Reeser, father of our subject, was 
born in Pennsylvania, and v I in an Fish 

family, as Ins parents died when he w 
young, and when a boy he 1 lUD- 

t\, where he died in 1884, at the agi 
four years. He married Rebecca Muss 
departed this life in 1878, aged fifty yeai I 
une the parents of seven children, nam 
Jacob, who was wounded .it the battle oi 
Wilderness, after which he was taken pria 
and died in a Rebel prison; John H., of th 
view, who was also drafted, but his father Ii 
a substitute for him; Elizabeth, deceased. 1 ' 
M. . who is th butchering busim • 

Mahaffey, Clearfield Co., Penn.; Susan, wit 



COMMEMORATIVE BWORAPHICAL RECORD. 



543 



Daniel Heckler, a farmer of Benner township. 
Centre county; Emeline, wife of Wilson S. Scholl, 
a carpenter of Bellefonte; and William, a farmer 
of Ohio. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads John H. 
Reeser was reared and educated, and remained 
under the parental roof until twenty-five years of 
age, when he rented the old homestead farm, 
which he operated for two years. Subsequently 
he removed to Spring township. Centre county, 
where he made his home until coming to Snow 
Shoe, in 1S95, at which time he purchased his 
present business from his brother. He is one of 
the most progressive, wide-awake and enterpris- 
ing business men of the place, and has already 
succeeded in building up an excellent trade which 
is constantly increasing. His political support is 
ever given the men and measures of the Repub- 
lican party. 

On February 4, 1867, in Bellefonte, Mr. 
Reeser was married to Miss Anna M. Musser, 
and to them have been born four children: 
Andrew M., Minnie K., Harry A. and Bessie K. 
Mrs. Reeser was born in Spring township, Centre 
county, May 12, 1842, a daughter of Andrew and 
Rachel (Hoobler) Musser, both of whom were 
natives of Penn's Valley, in the same county. In 
1842 they removed to a farm in Spring township, 
where they spent their remaining days, the fa- 
ther dying in 1869, at the age of fifty-three years, 
and the mother in 1874, at the age of sixty-five. 
They were earnest members of the Lutheran 
Church, and in politics the father was a Repub- 
lican. Ten children have graced the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. Musser, namely. Noll, who died 
in Centre county, in 1890; William and Michael, 
deceased in childhood; Samuel, agent for agri- 
cultural implements in Kansas City, Mo. ; 
Rosetta, living with our subject; John, in the 
agricultural implement business in Colfax, Iowa; 
Anna M., wife of our subject; Phoebe, wife of 
Landis Gerberick, who is now living retired in 
Lebanon, Penn. ; Ellen, wife of Silas Manspeak- 
er, a railroad engineer of Saxton, Penn. ; and 
James G., a seed agent at Fillmore, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Jacob and Elizabeth (Hagenberger) Musser, 
the paternal grandparents of Mrs. Reeser, were 
the maternal grandparents of our subject. Both 
were natives of Pennsylvania, the latter born in 
Centre county, where the grandfather located at 
an early day and there engaged in farming 
throughout life. His father, a native of Germany, 
came to America when a young man, and be- 
came a land owner in Pennsylvania. The ma- 
ternal grandparents of Mrs. Reeser were John 
and Christian (Johnsonbaugh) Hoobler, the former 



a native of Germany, and the latter of Centre 
county. The grandfather emigrated to the 
United States in early life, making his home in 
Centre county, but returned to Germany to ob- 
tain a fortune left him. Alter securing it he 
again started for the New World, and it is sup- 
posed he was murdered on" the vessel as nothing 
has since been heard of him. 



RS. MARTHA P. ODENKIRK, widow of 
George Odenkirk, is one of the highly re- 
spected and honored citizens of Centre Hall. 
She was born in 1830, in Mifflin county, Penn., 
one mile east of Milroy, and is a daughter of 
Leonard and Elizabeth (Allison) Lingle, who 
came to Potter township, Centre county, when 
Mrs. Odenkirk was but a child, and located near 
Centre Hall. In early life the father was a 
miller, but later turned his attention to farming, 
and became the owner of a comfortable home 
and two valuable farms. His wife, a native of 
Mifflin county, was a faithful member of the 
Presbyterian Church. The}' now sleep side by 
side in the cemetery at Centre Hill. 

Mrs. Odenkirk is the youngest and the only one 
now living in a family of ten children, of whom 
the others are as follows: William, who died 
unmarried in Mifflin county; Mary, who was also 
single, and died in Potter township, Centre coun- 
ty; James, who died in Centre Hall; John, who 
died in Potter township; Eliza, who died unmar- 
ried in Potter township; Matilda and Jane, who 
were also single at the time of their deaths, which 
occurred in Potter township; Sally, who married 
John Shannon, and died in the same township; 
and Thomas, who married Elizabeth Sinclair, 
and died in Potter township, leaving four chil- 
dren. 

Upon the home farm, Mrs. Odenkirk was 
reared, and in the district schools of the neigh- 
borhood obtained a good, practical education. 
She remained under the parental roof until her 
marriage, which was celebrated in Potter town- 
ship, April 7, 1863. Mr. Odenkirk was also a 
native of Mifflin county, born January 25, 1805, 
and in Armagh township, that county, he was 
married March 22, 1832, to Nancy Porter, a na- 
tive of Mifflin county. They had five children, 
namely: Mary J., born December 31, 1832, 
died September 15, 1842; Elizabeth, born No- 
vember 16, 1835, died October 6, 1842; Nahcy, 
born March 14, 1837, is now Mrs. William Ben- 
ner, of Potter township; John H., born July 6, 
1839, in connection with farming was proprietor 
of the " Old Fort Hotel " in Potter township for 



•Ml 



COMMKMOliA TlVfC BIOGRAPEU . I /. /.'/•.' <>UD. 



twenty years, and died November 6, 1893; and 
James P.. born January 14. 1S42, is now a resi- 
dent of New Mexico. The mother of these chil- 
dren departed this life June 9, 1861. Mr. Oden- 
kirk, who was one of the most reliable and sub- 
stantial citizens of his community, was tin- owner 
of a large estate surrounding and including the 
old fort in Potter township, all of which he ac- 
cumulated by industry, economy and good man- 

ment. He was widely known and 1 red 

throughout the county as a man of inflexible 
honor and stability of character, and had the re- 
spect and confidence of all with whom he came in 
contact. He was called to his final rest October 
4, 1877, and his remains were interred in the 
cemetery of Centre Hall. 

After her marriage, Mrs. Odenkirk and her 
husband lived in Centre Hall for a year or two, 
and then removed to her present comfortable 
home, where she has since continued to reside. 
She is a woman of good business ability and 
sound judgment, and has ably managed the prop- 
erty left her. With the Presbyterian Church of 
Centre Hall she holds membership. She merits 
and receives the highest respect and esteem of 
the whole community, and is much beloved by 
every one with whom she comes in contact for 
her gentle ways and genial manner. 



H 



has two children; Jacob died in 1874; Isaiah, of 
Jefferson county, Kans. , married Bella Thomas, 
of Pineville, Penn. ; Catharine is the wife of 
William Tibbins, of Virginia, by whom she has 
five children; our subject is next in order of birth: 
Mary E. is the wife of Gersham Piddle, ol Lev 
isburg, Union Co., Penn., by whom she has one 
child; (harks T. died in Perry, Kans., in 1878; 
Sarah J. is the wife of William Thomas, of Miles- 
burg, l>v whom she has four children; and Lew 
F. died in [88] . 

In 1879 Mr. Zimmerman wedded Miss Je 
Mai tin, and seven children bless their union, 
whose names and dates of birth are as follows 
Oscar Martin, 1880; Eva I . . August 10, 1882; 
Marian s. . September 10, 1884; Roy F., 1886; 
Paul Peritan, [888; Homer David. 1890; and 
Alta, 1893. Mr. Zimmerman is a Republican at 
all times, and uniformly supports the principles 
of his party, while, religiously, he is a com 
member of the Presbyterian Church. His life is 
exemplary in all respects, and he has ever sup- 
ported those interests which are calculated to up- 
lift and benefit humanity, while his own hiji 
moral worth is deserving of the highest com- 
mendation. 



■'.. ZIMMERMAN. Prominent among the 

more intelligent, active and enterprising cit- 
i ol Benner township, Centre county, is the 

ileinan whose name introduces this biography. 
His reputation for integrity and industry is second 
to none in the county, and, being a man ol rare 
intellectual attainments, his advice is often 
sought by the people of the community. His 
pleasant home is surrounded bj a fine farm of 
180 acres, which is well improved and highly 
cultivated 

Of German descent, Mr. Zimmerman was 
horn in Marion township. Centre county, in 1844. 
and is a son of Elias and Eve (Pontius) Zimmer- 
man, the former born in l8lO, the latter in 1.X12. 
When twenty-five years ol age the father came 
to Centre county, where for a time he worked at 
his trade of carpentering, but for the last thirty- 
four years of his life he engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. The mother departed this life in 1882, 
and was laid to rest in the cemetery of Miles- 
burg, Centre county. Then family consisted <>f 
ten children, namely: Lucy A. is the wifi 
David Harter, of Marion township, l>y whom she 
has three children; John P., who is living in Moi 
ris county, Kans.. married a Miss 1'h as, and 



\AT " l "LOSE, the well-known postn 
Wm at Oak Hall Station. Centre count] 
born in Mifflin county, Penn. , September 27, 1844, 
a son of [ohn and Rachel (Longwell) Close, also 
natives of that county. The paternal grand- 
father, Petei < lose, was born in Germany, 
whence, during the latter part of the eighteenth 
century, he came to Aunt i< .1 and took up hi> I 
dence in Mifflin count). Penn., where his death 
I occurred March 24, [838. His wife, who I 
the maiden name of Jane Orr, died March 
1864, at the age of eighty-six years. Six chil- 
dren constituted their family: John, Willi 
who die, I m infancy; Henry, who died in Mifflin 

unty, in 1894; Adam E., who died in thea 
county in 1893; Eliza J . . who married William 
Aitkens, a blacksmith, and died in [851 
William T.. a farmer of Mifflin counts, who 
in [892. 

In the common schools ol Siglerville, M 
county, John (lose obtained Ins education, 1" 
an early age he left school and learned the si 
maki le with Matthew Longwell, wha 

daughter, Rachel, he afterward married. Mr 

•well lived to the extreme old 
hundred 3 ears and ten months. After his 1 
riage, Mi (lose operated rented (arms 111 Ins 
native countj some twenty years, and th 
cated in Penn's Valley, near Spring Mills. I 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



545 



county, where he made his home for two years, 
while the following three years he passed near 
Callensburg, Clarion Co., Penn. He died, how- 
ever, in Mifflin county, of dropsy, December 24, 
1862. His wife, who was born March 4, 18 14, 
in that county, died of pneumonia, December 

30. 1873- 

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- 
dren: Eliza J., born September 27, 1833, is the 
widow of John D. Miller, a school teacher, for- 
merly of Pleasant Gap, Centre county, who died 
in 1892; Catherine E., born March 9, 1835, is 
the wife of Christian Lowry, of Rock Forge, 
Centre county; Mary H., born May 25, 1837, is 
the wife of William Benner, of Lemont, Centre 
county; Sarah M., born May 20, 1840, is the wife 
of Adam Thomas, a carpenter of State College; 
John A., twin brother of Sarah, died on his re- 

I turn from the war, June 20, 1S65; W.' H. is next 
in order of birth; a daughter, whose name is not 

j given, born January 7, 1847, is the wife of Fran- 
cis McBath; Frances M., born September 21, 

I 1849, became the wife of A. J. Hassinger, of Le- 

" mont, and died March 16, 1888. 

The first school which our subject attended 
was held in the Beatty school house, in Mifflin 
county, and was taught by John Swartzel. He 

< was ten years of age before beginning his educa- 
tion, and at the age of sixteen it was completed, 
since which time he has made his own way in 
the world. On coming to Centre county in 

1 1862, he rented land for a time, but December 
22, 1863, he laid aside personal interests and en- 
listed in Company H, 148th P. V. I., under Capt. 
George Baird, of Bellefonte. He participated in 
the battles of the Wilderness, Poor River, 
Spottsylvania Court House and Antietam. He 
received two wounds in the knee joint, which 

'makes the leg stiff, and one in the jaw which 
completely severed the bone, and knocked out 
several teeth. 

Mr. Close was married December 15, 1867, 
to Miss Sarah A. Benner, a granddaughter of Gen. 
Benner, who received his title in the Revolution- 
iry war. Four children bless their union: Eva, 
aorn October 6, 1868, is the wife of J. C. Car- 
nan, an implement agent at Oak Hall Station; 
fohn Henry, born March 15, 1871, is a lumber- 
pan by occupation; and Milo M., born Novem- 
ber 21, 1875, and Clifford E., born May 24, 
[1884 are at home. After his marriage, Mr. 
-lose operated rented land in Benner township, 
Centre county, until 1883, when failing health 
Compelled him to abandon it, and for two and 
one-half years he was ill. In 1887 he was ap- 
pointed postmaster at Oak Hall Station, which 

position he has since acceptably filled. Casting 
35* 



his first Presidential vote for George B. McClel- 
lan, he has ever been a stalwart Democrat in 
politics, is a member of Robert M. Foster Post 
No. 197, G. A. R. , and for twenty-three years 
has held membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He is widely and favorably known 
throughout Centre county, and is held in the 
highest regard by all with whom he has come in 
contact, either in business or social life. 



ISAAC GUSS, M. D., dentist and physician in 
the borough of Philipsburg, Centre county, 
Pennsylvania, where he resides. 



D^AVID A. DEITRICH, the well-known e.x- 
' press and ticket agent for the Pennsylvania 
Central railroad at Hublersburg, is a native of 
Centre county, his birth having occurred in 
Walker township, September 29, 1856. On the 
paternal side his ancestors came to this country 
from Switzerland, but hisfather, John H. Deitrich, 
was born in Aaronsburg, Centre county, and died 
there September 15, 1S85. The mother, who 
bore the maiden name of Sarah A. Dunkle, was 
of German origin. They were highly respected 
by all who knew them, and were laid to rest in 
the Hublersburg cemetery. 

To this worthy couple were born eight chil- 
dren: Elizabeth is the wife of William C. Ful- 
ton, a farmer and miner of Walker township. 
Centre county, and they have six children; Lewis 
C. , also an agriculturist of Walker township, 
married Ettie Markle, daughter of Joseph 
Markle, and they have five children; John, a 
plasterer living at Bellefonte, Centre county, 
married Minerva Hiller, who died in 1890, leav- 
ing two children; Sarah is the wife of John H. 
White,, a farmer and laborer, by whom she has 
five children; Henry M. , a farmer of Walker 
township, married Amanda Hubler, and has six 
children; Jacob A., an agriculturist of Miles 
township, Centre county, married Emma Roush, 
and has two children; David A., of this sketch, 
is the twin brother of Jacob A. ; and Benjamin 
F , who makes his home in Bellefonte, married 
Emma Dugan, and has two children. 

David A. Deitrich received an excellent edu- 
cation, attending the common schools until he 
had attained his majority, and completing his 
literary course in a select school in Spring Mills. 
For twelve years he then followed the profession 
of teaching through the winter months, proving 
a most able and competent instructor, while the 



546 



COMMEMORA Tl VS UHKiUM-llKAI. RECORD. 



summer season he passed in farming. For the 
past three years he has capably filled his present 
position, and not only have his labors been per- 
formed to the satisfaction of his employers, but 
he has also proved a most obliging and accom- 
modating agent, very popular with the traveling 
public. 

On March 26, [882, Mr. Deitrich married 
Miss Emma L. White, a daughter of John White, 
of Walker township, and the) have four children: 
I .mm M.. bom August 9, 1883 ; Lillie Annetta, 
born October 31, 1886; Ezra M., born March 22, 
1888, and died on the 28th of the same month; 
and David A., born September 9, 1892. Mr. 
Deitrich is a stalwart I 1 rat in politics, and 

in religious faith is a consistent member of thi 
Reformed Church. He is a well-< ale- 

man, of pleasing address, has made host 
friends, and enjoys in a marked degree the re- 
spect and confidence of the entire community. 



II B. YARNELL was bom in Centre county, 
J\L in [840, a son of H. B. and Mary McCle- 
lathan) Yarnell, who wen- also natives of Centre 
county, and of Irish descent, the maternal grand- 
nati\ es >f the Emerald Isle. 

1 the parents of our subject were born 
eleven children, the others being as follows: 1 1 
Mary became the wife of Squire George Jack, a 
merchant of Boalsburg, Centre county, who died 
in 1876, and her death occurred in November. 
1S90. (2) William, who made his home in Mis- 
souri, enlisted in the Union service, and was 
probably killed as he was never afterward heard 
from. (3) Ruth died in 1S70, and was buried in 
Mt. Pleasant cemet.i\ B iggs township, Centre 
county, where her parents were also interred. 
ji Thomas married; his wife died in February. 
1894, and he died in September. [892, leaving 
ten children. (5) Isaac, who was married and 
reared a family of twelve children, was tilled in 
a railroad accident in February, 1 8< 

tries died in infancy. (7) Jane is the wife of 
John Shuey, of Michigan. [8) Samuel died in 
infancy. (9) Nathan enlisted August 21, 1 
in Company C, [48th P. V. I., was a brave 
and gallant soldier, and was killed at the battle 
of Chancellorsville. where he was three times 
slightly wounded before receiving his death 
wound, (in Heber, who enlisted September 16, 

• in I ompany G, 148th 1'. V. I., is married 
and has a family. 

Hardly had the echoes from Fort Sumter's 
guns di J when >iect joined the 

Union army, enlisting April 14, [8fcu, in Com- 

, II. Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves 



IFSAAC SHAFER, one of the earliest men tc 
. engage in the business of lumbering on the 
west branch of the Susquehanna, a business whii b 
has been a I actor in the growth and wealth 

oi Clinton count}', is now, with his estimable wife, 
living retired at Lock Haven. Clinton count., 
where they are passing the evening of their lives 
in a comfortable home surrounded by a host ol 
friends. 

The Shafer family located in Centre count\ 
in the beginning of the present century. Philip 
Shafer, father of Isaac, was born in liirdsbor- 
ough. Chester Co., Penn., and in early manho I 
came to Centre- county, and here, and in Clint 1: 
county, passed the rest of his life; however, his 
death occurred in 187S, at some point in tli- 
ry probably in Arkansas, while on a trip 
to that section. His father was ft rmany. 

On March 8, [81 1, Philip Shafer married M rj 
Resides, who was born in Centre county, hei 
r being a native of Ireland. She died in 
Centre county, in 1824. Their children, win 
are now living, are: Reuben, born in 182 
resident of Flemmington, Penn., and 
our subject. Those deceased are: Eliza, John, 
, Reuben and Mary. 
Isaac Shafer was born January 12. 1 
near the borough of Bellefonte. Centre county. 
The schools of his neighborhood and In 
roundings were not such as to afford him an p- 
portunity toward an education. His lathi 
occupied in burning charcoal, and from tl 
of twelve years young Isaac had to assist him 111 
the work. He worked through the summers and 
until about the time snow began to fall, when he 
would attend a two-months' term at school; he 
attended about two of these schools, then 
the battle of lif< for himself. About this time, 
along in the thirties, the West Branch division of 
the Pennsylvania canal was being const 1 
and on this he worked two years. Next h 
to work for John Skinner, a neighboring I 
with whom he remained five years, receivi: 
his services fifty cents per day. He then 
to Farrandsville, Clinton county, and 
lumbering, a business with which he coir 
with little exception throughout life. He < 
off the timber from Lick run, and in l^ 
d the logs down the stream, the first 
of the kind ever performed there. Ri 
were, in the woods, with but limited adv.v 
and no means, our subject early becan 
pendent and self-reliant, and was, through his 
industrious habits and economy, enabled : 
ally, and yet surely, to move forward, and I 

that position and success in life reached 
only by a few. In politics he is a stanch Repub- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



547 



lican. He has never cared for public notoriety, 
and though elected to several minor offices he 
has paid a fine rather than serve. He, how- 
ever, in 1893, did accept an election to the office 
of county commissioner and served one term, 
and his acts in that body were always character- 
ized with that prudence and wisdom with which 
his whole business career abounded. An earnest 
Christian, and an upright business man, he has 
the respect of everybody. 

In 1846, Mr. Shafer was married to Miss 
Sarah Proctor, a daughter of Thomas Proctor, of 
Clinton county, and five children came to this 
marriage: Perry is in business in Jefferson 
county; Clara is deceased; Dollie is the wife of 
O. E. Aldrich, cashier of the bank at Johnson- 
burg, Penn. ; Katie is deceased; John is at John- 
sonburg, Penn. The mother of these died in Oc- 
tober, 1890. Our subject was again married, on 
March 20, 1892, this time to Fredericka Kinz- 
ing; both himself and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 



T\>AVID O. ETTERS, Superintendent of the 
! J^ City Schools of Bellefonte, Centre County, 
Pennsylvania. 



J 



OSEPH F. McGUIRE has demonstrated the 
true meaning of the word success as the full 
accomplishment of an honorable purpose. 
Energy, close application, perseverance and good 
management — these are the elements that have 
entered into his business career and crowned the 
efforts of prosperity. He now resides in Wayne 
township, Clinton county, where he is success- 
fully engaged in general farming and the raising 
of tobacco. 

Mr. McGuire was born near the "Half-Way 
House, "in Pine Creek township, Clinton county, 
January 18, 1845, and belongs to one of the old 
and honored families of that community. His 
grandfather, Joseph McGuire, was a native of 
one of the lower counties of Pennsylvania, and 
came to this section of theState at an early date, 
taking up his residence in Pine Creek township 
when it was still a part of Northumberland coun- 
ty. His home was near the well-known " Half- 
Way House " between Lock Haven and Jersey 
Shore, and there he owned 137 acres of land, 
which he greatly improved, building thereon one 
of the first brick dwellings in the township. He 
became the owner of the " Half-Way House," 
but rented it to other parties. In his family he 
reared Matthew Rogers, one of the oldest set- 
tlers in Pine Creek township, who made his home 



with Mr. McGuire for forty-five years. The 
grandfather of our subject, one of the valued and 
honored citizens of this community, died on his 
farm in Pine Creek township, in 1S78, and was 
buried at Jersey Shore. In politics, he was a 
Whig, and, in religious belief, a Presbyterian, to 
which Church his estimable wife also belonged. In 
their family were four children, namely: Ellen, 
deceased wife of James Ferguson; Mary A., 
widow of Woods Ferguson; Jane, wife of Ed- 
mund Love, and David, father of our subject. 

David McGuire received only a limited edu- 
cation in the subscription schools, and. as he was 
the only son, he spent his entire life on the old 
homestead with his father and mother, operating 
the farm until his death, which occurred March 
13, 1865, when quite young. He was a Repub- 
lican in politics, and widejy and favorably known. 
In Pine Creek township he had married Cather- 
ine Staver, who was of German descent. She is 
still living, and now makes her home in Jersey 
Shore. By her marriage she became the mother 
of five children, of whom our subject is the eld- 
est. (2) Margaret died unmarried, August 7, 
1894. (3) Jane is the wife of Thomas Bartholo- 
mew,- of Dunnstown, Clinton county, and had six 
children — Torrance, Nora, Nellie, Stella, Joseph 
and one who died in infancy. (4) Perry, a 
farmer in Wayne township, Clinton county, mar- 
ried Elizabeth Sour, of that township, and has 
one son, George S., born in 187S. (5) David R. 
died at the age of nine years. 

The subject of this sketch pursued his studies 
in the McGuire school house in Pine Creek town- 
ship, under the direction of Alexander Hamilton, 
and has made the most of his opportunities, be- 
coming a well-read man. He is a subscriber to 
several daily papers and magazines. After his 
father's death he remained on the old home- 
stead with his grandfather and mother, and at 
the age of twenty started out in life (or himseif. 
He first rented a part of the Brown farm, where 
he engaged in raising tobacco until 1879, when 
with his mother he removed to Pine Creek town- 
ship and bought sixty acres of land, on which he 
has made many improvements, including the 
erection of a barn. For four years he there car- 
ried on tobacco raising, and then sold the place 
and purchased fifty-eight acres in Wayne town- 
ship, where he followed farming for three years, 
and he has since rented the place. In 18S6 he 
removed to his present farm in the same county, 
and he is 'now devoting his time and attention to 
the raising of tobacco and in general farming with 
most satisfactory results. The Republican party 
finds in him a stanch supporter, and although he 
has never cared for office, he has acceptably 



548 



CO.VAtK.Voli A TIVE liKniUM'll V A I. RB( <>HD. 



served as tax collector of the township. He is a 
strong temperance man. and a useful and va! 
citizen. In the Methodist Episcopal Church he 
and bis wife hold membership, and they receive 
the merit and high regard of the entire commu- 
nity. His public and private life are above re- 
pp iach, for his career has ever been one character- 
ized by the utmost fidelity to duty. 

On February \<j. 1XS0, in Pine Creek town- 
ship, Mr. McGuire was married to Miss Mar- 
garet E. Emery, who was born there March 2, 
Her father, Jacob Emery, was born Au- 
gust 22, 1812, in Lycoming county, Penn., wi 
his father, Henry Emery, engaged in farim 
The former also made that occupation his life 
\\«>rk. and on coming to Pine Creek township. 
Clinton county, in 1S40, bought the Thomas 
farm of 180 acres, which he operated with good 
success until his death September 23, 1890. In 
connection with general farming he engaged in 
stock raising and the culture of tobacco. He, 
too, was a Republican in politics, and a faithful 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to 
which his wile and family also belonged. In Ly- 
coming county, he married Rebecca Martin, who 
was born at Larry's Creek, that county, in May, 
1817, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah Mar- 
tin, of English descent. She was one of a fam- 
ily of three children, and died September 6, 
[880. Mr. and Mrs Emery now sleep side by 
side in the Jersey Shi etery, In their fam- 

ily were nine children: Henry J., a resident of 
Pine Creek township; Sarah, wife of Frank Al- 
len; Mary, wife of Clayton Peppeman ; Martin A. 
and Margaret A., who died when young; Rebec- 
ca J., wife of James Shaw, son of Squire Shaw; 
George \V.. of Pine Creek township; Clara N. , 
wife ot Jacob Bannell, a railroad man of Ji 1 
Shore; and Margaret E., the honored wife o( 
subji 



HON. CHARM S A MAYER, of Lock Ha- 
ven, Clinton county, has now held 
thirty years the pos I President Judg< 

the Twenty-fifth Judicial District of Pennsjlva- 
I his ability, learning and high cl 

■ 
He h uit- 

able candidate foi the Bench of t! 

; this State, but his attachn ent 

for [] ii nds I most amiable- 

trait in his character — has led him to stea 

any movement toward securing ti 
ination. 

Jud : was horn December 15, i 

m York county, Penn., and his youth was spent 



mainly in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn.. 
his parents having located there during his boy- 
hood. He was educated in the academy at that 
place, then an institution of high reputation, 
under the able management of Prof. YV. Y 
Davis. After completing a course of study then 
he entered Franklin and Marshall 1 
located near Mercersburg, Franklin county, 
in 1S4S he was graduated. He then entered 
upon the study and continued ab 

two years, when he decided to change this pi 
fession for that of the law. In January. 1 
he went to Lock Haven to enter the offio 
White ec 1 'niggle as a student, devoting himself 
to his studies with great diligence. In 1 S 54 h 
was admitted to the Bar of Clinton county, and 
at once entered upon a lucrative practice as the 
successor of his preceptors. He was subsequent- 
ly elected District Attorney of Clinton countv. 
served two terms in that position to the eminent 
satisfaction of his constituents, and with credit 
to himself. 

In 186S he became a candidate for President 
Judge of the Twenty-fifth Judicial District, a 
posed of Centre. Clearfield and Clinton coun- 
His competitors were Hon. J. H. Orvi~. 
who was presented by Centre county, and ex- 
Judge George R. Barrett, presented by Clear- 
field county. After a tedious struggle, in which 
Judge Mayer was sustained by friends and sup- 

ters in all the counties, he was nominated and 
elected by a large majority over Hon. J. B. M 
Enally, then President Judge of the District, by 
appointment. In 1878 he was renominated by 
the concurrence of his party convention in all 
three of the counties, and re-elected over Chai 
S. McCormick. Esq., a member of the Clinton 
Countv Bar. who was announced as an It 
pendent candidate. In 1888 Judge Ma) 1 
again nominated and re-elected, and is thus see- 
ing his third term, and will be renominated 
both the Republican and Democratic parties of this 

1 ict for a fourth term. In 1883 the Ji 
cial District was changed from Clearfield, ' 
and Clinton counties to Cameron. Elk and Cl 

1, which counties have since compi 
Twenty-fifth Judicial District. A natural 

1 t. • the law. and an extraordinarily n 
memory, together with intelKitn.il qualitii - 
high gi I habit ol close study 1 il l< 

pr< iblen I In: fudge at the ! 

his profession. His decisions on the Bench 
marked by strict impartiality and integrity, 1 
a sti t dutj governs his conduct at 

times. 

On January 2. 1861, Judge Ma; 
united in marriage with Miss Helen McCormi 




^-. &, 2^-z£L^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



549 



daughter of Saul McCormick, of Lock Haven. 
She died February 16, 1893, leaving two daugh- 
ters: Mary B., wife of Col. James B. Coryall, 
of Williamsport, Penn., colonel of the Twelfth 
Pennsylvania Regiment, N. G., and Miss Helen 
E. Mayer, who is at home. Socially the family 
is prominent, and the Judge is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, belongs to the Chapter, and 
is a Knight Templar. In politics he is an un- 
swerving Democrat. 



CAPTAIN ROBERT S. BARKER, deputy 
' sheriff of Clinton County, Pennsylvania, re- 
sidence at Lockhaven. 



T^HOMAS M. WOLF. Among the reliable, 
substantial and prosperous farmers of Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county, there is prob- 
ably none who stands higher in the public esti- 
mation than the gentleman whose name introduces 
this article. On the farm where he still con- 
tinues to reside he was born November 4, 1852. 
His grandfather, Michael Wolf, was a native of 
Germany, and came to this country prior to 
the Revolutionary war, in which struggle he 
took a very active part. He located in Berks 
county, Penn.. where he reared bis family and 
continued to reside for some years, but spent 
his last days at the home of his son, Michael, 
in Clinton county. He was one of those hardy 
pioneers who were noted for their industry, in- 
tegrity and sterling worth. In politics he was a 
Democrat, and in religious belief he was a 
Lutheran. 

Michael Wolf, Jr., the father of our subject, 
was born, reared and educated in Berks county, 
receiving instruction in both German and Eng- 
lish. He continued under the parental roof 
until his marriage to Miss Catherine Miller, 
also a native of Berks county, and, with his 
bride and two brothers, he then removed to 
Brush Valley, Centre county, Penn., locating 
near Rebersburg, where he spent several years. 
He then came to Pine Creek township, Clinton 
county, where he purchased 300 acres of land, 
the greater part of which he cleared and im- 
proved with good, substantial buildings. In con- 
nection with the cultivation of his land he operated 
a gristmill in the same township, and was a very 
hard-working, energetic and progressive man. He 
cared for his aged parents during their declining 
days, was an active and prominent member of the 
Lutheran Church, and was a stanch Democrat 
m politics. On one occasion, while riding a 
horse to Jersey Shore, it fell upon him, injuring 



his arm in such a way as to render it useless to 
him during the remainder of his life. He died 
in 1 85 1 , on the old homestead in Pine Creek town- 
ship, where his wife also departed this life. In 
the family of this worthy couple were eleven 
children, namely: John, deceased; Elizabeth, 
deceased wife of John Hegarty; Michael, who 
died when a young man; George, deceased; 
Henry A., a resident of Tioga county, Penn.; 
Catherine, wife of John Stout, of Illinois; Sarah, 
deceased wife of Jacob Bonnel; Jacob, of Kan- 
sas; Susan, deceased wife of Thomas Bonnel; 
Thomas M. , the subject of this review; and 
William, deceased. 

Thomas M. Wolf was provided with only a 
common-school education, his farm training, how- 
ever, being not so meagre. At the age of four- 
teen he left home and began working among the 
neighboring farmers, but his wages were given to 
his parents until he attained his majority. He 
then obtained seventy-five acres of the old home- 
stead farm, on which he has made many excel- 
lent improvements, which add greatly to its value 
and attractive appearance, including the erection 
of a good residence, barns, sheds, etc. Since 
1 88 1 he has been interested in the cultivation of 
tobacco in connection with general farming, and 
in that undertaking he is also meeting with a 
well-deserved success. 

In 1847, in Pine Creek township, Mr. Wolf 
was married to Miss Esther Kline, a native of 
Berks county, and a daughter of Jacob Kline, a 
farmer of that county, who was of German de- 
scent. Eleven children blessed this union, in 
order of birth as follows: Catherine, now the 
wife of David Saladay, of Pine Creek township; 
Mary, wife of Peraville Snyder, a farmer of Col- 
orado; Louisa, wife of William Stevenson, of 
Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn.; William, at 
home; Jacob, a railroad man living at Jersey 
Shore Junction; Elizabeth, who died in child- 
hood; Ida, widow of James Kissel; Alice, wife of 
George Guff, of Pine Creek township; Minnie, 
who died in childhood; Edward, of Williamsport, 
Penn. ; and Thomas, who died when young. 

The Democratic party finds in Mr. Wolf an 
earnest advocate and a stalwart supporter, and 
he has been honored by his fellow-citizens with 
the offices of president of the school board and 
county commissioner of Clinton county, having 
been elected to the latter position in 1869 for a 
term of three years, during which time the court 
house was completed, two iron bridges built and 
many other improvements made in the county. 
He is regarded by all as one of the most public- 
spirited and representative men of Pine Creek 
township, and merits and receives the warmest 






COMMEMORA TIVB RIOORAPIIK'AL RECORD. 



confidence and esteem of the community. He 
is one of the active and leading members of 
the Lutheran Church, was a member of the 
building committee at the time of the rebuilding 
of the present house of worship in i 869, ami is 
now serving as trustee of the Church. 



PATRICK M< MAHON (deceased) was one of 
the honored ami highly respected citizens of 
Renovo, Clinton comity, where his death oc- 
curred in 1SS4. He was a native of County 
Clare, Ireland, where he spent the greater pari 
of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits, but in 
[860 he bade goodbye to friends and native land, 
and with his family came to America. He first 
located in Lock Haven, Penn., where be resided 
for a us, and then came to Renovo, mak- 

ing it his home until 1 ailed to his final rest. 

In Ireland Mi McMahon had wedded Miss 
Mary Crowley, a daughter of Michael and Brid- 
get (Chambers) Crowley, who spent their entire 
lives in that country. To our subject and his 
worth}- wife were born five daughters, who 
yet living, namely: Margaret, now the wife of 
Lewis Kramer, a resident of Australia; Mrs. 
Joseph Swartzfish, oi Renovo; Anna, wife of M. 
J. Dillen, oi 1, X. Y., and Mollie and Sue, 

who make their home with their mother in Re- 
There were also two sons: John, who 

1 in 1871, and Michael, who died in 1891. 
Mrs. McMahon and her daughters, Mollie and 

, occupy a comfortable home at Xo. 1 
Erie avenui I md socially they stand 

high, being numbet mg the most highly 

res] th place. In religious 

belief they olics, to which Church Mr. 

\1 Mahon also belonged. He was a kind and 
indulgent husband and father, and his memory 
will red inheritance to his children, and 

will also be cherished by a multitude of friends. 
Thi i oi continued and far- 

reaching usefulness, his duties were performed 
with the great and during a 1< mg 

his p integrity were without 

blemish. 



[ON. JAMES W FREDERICKS, of Lock 
Haven, who has been twice chosen to rep- 
ti in a unity in the St ; islature, 
is a man of commanding influence in this section, 
and his popularity is shown by the fact that he 
is the second Republican ever elected as a repre- 
sentative from his county. He bears an e.v 
lent record, and his career carries out the prom- 
of earlier years, when, as a mere boy, he did 



gallant service in the Civil war in defense of a 
righteous cause. 

He was born in Clinton county in 1843, a son 
of Benjamin H. and Margaret (Dunn) Fredericks, 
both of whom were also natives of Pennsylvania 
The father, who died in 1880, was engaged in 
farming and lumbering during the greater port!" n 
of his life, and although he was an intelligent 
and progressive citizen he took but little part in 
public affairs. The mother passed away in 189:, 
ng three children: James \\\, Miss Ella M 
and J. H. 

Major Fredericks was reared upon a farm un- 
til he reached the age of fifteen, his educational 
opportunities being limited to the rural schools 
<>f his time. The questions at issue between the 
Xorth and South interested him deeply, and. 
when the war broke out, he enlisted, altl 
he was but seventeen years old, in Company I». 
nth 1'. V. I., the first troops that went from 
the "West Branch." His regiment was an 
the first to enter the Shenandoah Valle) 
|nl\ 2, r86l, he took part in the battle of Fall- 
ing Waters, where he first experienced the un- 
mt sensation of seeing men killed or wound- 
ed by shot and shell. At the expiration of his 
term of nine months he returned homi 
raised a new company of 105 men, who were 
led in the 207th P. Y. I. For eleven 
months he served as captain, participatii 
several fierce engagements, including th 
tie of Dutch Gap, and a number in the vicin- 
ity of Petersburg. At Fort Steadman hi 
promoted to the rank of major, and hi 
important mentwasat Hatcher's Run. He 

remained in the army as Ion- is any 

fighting to be done, but fortunateh 
capture or serious wounds. When ho.~; 
ceased he came back home and engaged in 
ness, meeting with success from the star 
1 s s 5 he has conducted a hardwan 
stove business at Lock Haven. 

lb- work m support ol the Ri ] 

party was red some yi 

pointment in the United States re\ en 
as gauger and deputy revenue coiled 
position he held for eight years. In 1894b 
elected to the I . slature, ami so well did he 

( lintoh county b 

e that he was re elected in [896, I 
other term. lb' is now .1 member of tin 
mittees on Railroads and on Labor Ri I 

January 25, 1 : subject mat 

Miss Emily J. Walton, 1 I 

Walton, of Lycoming county, Penn. The W ■ 
ton family 1- one of the oldest in the Sti I 
now holds dei d by William Penn an 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



551 



son. Two children have blessed our subject's 
home: Benjamin W., a resident of Chicago, and 
Edith M. Maxwell, of Troy, Penn. Socially the 
family is prominent, and Mrs. Fredericks is an 
active member of the Presbyterian Church, while 
the Major is identified with several fraternal 
orders, including the F. & A. M., the P. O. S. 
of A. and the G. A. R. 



BH. FURST, of the firm of Furst Brothers, 
manufacturers of and dealers in all kinds of 
grain, flour, feed, plaster, salt and general mer- 
chandise, Cedar Springs, Pennsylvania. 



fATHEW ROGERS, one of the oldest and 
most honored citizens of Clinton county, 
has spent almost his entire life in Pine Creek 
township, where his birth occurred December 2, 
1 8 1 2, and is a son of Seth and Elizabeth ( Books) 
Rogers, the former a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, 
and a farmer by occupation. From the age of 
ten years he was reared by a Mr. McGuire, and 
was provided with fair school privileges and a 
good moral training, which well fitted him for 
life's responsible duties. 

Until he had attained the age of forty years, 
Mr. Rogers continued to make his home with Mr. 
McGuire, though in the meantime he often 
worked for neighboring farmers in Pine Creek 
township, and was also employed in the lumber 
woods, pealing bark, or in rafting or boating on 
the river. In 1S52 he purchased his present 
farm of fifty acres, upon which he has made all 
of the improvements, but at one time had the 
misfortune to lose his barns, sheds and other out- 
buildings by a flood, which damaged his property 
to the amount of $5,000; but with characteristic 
energy he at once rebuilt, and now has a well- 
improved and highly-cultivated farm which stands 
as a monument to his thrift and industry. He 
was the first in this section to raise tobacco, and 
he continued to actively engage in business until 
1896, when he was eighty-four years of age. At 
this writing he is living retired, enjoying a well- 
earned rest. 

Mr. Rogers was married in 1845, in Pine 
Creek township, to Miss Mary Staver, who was 
born in that township, in 182 1, a daughter of 
Frederick Staver, who was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. Three daughters blessed this union: 
Martha J. ; Mary E. ; and Margaret, wife of A. 
K. Hamilton. For the long period of thirty-five 
years the wife and mother was an invalid, but 
hnally, in 1894, death released her from her suf- 
ferings. The two older daughters tenderly cared 



for her, making great sacrifices in her behalf, and 
they now look after the business interests of their 
father, being ladies of good business ability and 
sound judgment. Wherever known they are 
held in high regard, and their friends are many. 
Politically, Mr. Rogers was first a Whig and 
is now a Republican, casting his first Presidential 
ballot in 1883, and his last in 1896 for Major 
McKinley. On election days he is always found 
at the polls, has taken a deep and commendable 
interest in political affairs, and now advocates 
sound money. For some eighty-five years he 
has been identified with the interests of Clinton 
county, and his has been a long and busy career. 
His life has ever been such as to commend him to 
the confidence of all with whom he came in con- 
tact, and he has the respect and esteem of old 
and young, rich and poor. 



LEWIS ARMSTRONG (deceased). Of the 
_j middle-aged business men of Clinton county, 
probably none developed so early in life, and at- 
tained so prominent a position among the busi- 
ness men of the State, as did Lewis Armstrong, 
who was born in 1859, in Sullivan county, Penn. 
Peter Armstrong, his father, also a native of 
Pennsylvania, was a manufacturer of paper, be- 
ing identified with mills at Philadelphia and else- 
where, haying his residence in Philadelphia. He 
married Miss Hannah Taylor, who, too, was born 
in the Keystone State. 

Lewis Armstrong, at the age of seven years, 
went to Philadelphia to live, and in the public 
schools of that city he received his school train- 
ing. When but fourteen he started out on the 
road traveling as a salesman for the mills with 
which his father was connected, and he was 
reared and trained in the paper business, and 
understood it thoroughly. His traveling experi- 
ence brought him early in touch with men prom- 
inent in the same business throughout the State 
and beyond State lines, and he became exten- 
sively known to and prominently identified with 
the manufacturers of paper throughout the East. 
He and his brother built the paper mills at Lock 
Haven, as well as other mills elsewhere, and he 
was associated with some of the leading business 
men of Philadelphia and New York City. At the 
time of his death he was vice-president of the 
New York and Pennsylvania Paper Co., and pres- 
ident of the Armstrong Real Estate Improve- 
ment Co. of Johnsonburg, Penn., where some of 
the mills of the company with which he was con- 
nected were located. He was ambitious, and 
hoped to control the paper mills of the country, 
but overworked himself, which resulted in his 






i OMMR VOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BEt <>1U>. 



th. He had left home on a business trip to 
New York when his death, coming suddenly, was 
caused by the bursting of a blood vessel at the 
base of the brain. Socially he was i mi mb 
the Manufa i lub, and ol the Manhattan 

Athletic Club, both ol New York. He led a 
most active and busy life, and his death was 
greatly deplored in business circles. 

In 1S7S Mr. Armsti married to Miss 

Ida M. Kelly (who was bom in Philadelphia, and 
was 1 I there), a daughter of Samuel J. 

and Mai Kelly. The marriage of our 

ject and wife was blessed with the following 
children: Grace, Calvin, Russell, Ervin Scott. 
and Dorothy; the sons are now preparing for 
college, and the daught nding a college 

in Virginia. Mrs. Armstrong, who is a woman 
of culture and refinement, is identified with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



HENRY S. BAKER, a prominent resident of 
Lock Haven, has been engaged in the hard- 
wire business there for many years, and his judi- 
cious management, fair dealing and unfailing 
courtesy have won foi him a substantial success. 

Mr Bal was born in November, [842, in 
Berks county, Penn., a son of Henry and Mar} 
(Shutter) Baker, who were both natives ol the 
Keystom Mate. The father was a weaver by 
trade in early life, but afterward engaged in farm- 
ing, and continued until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1S90. Our subject's mother passed to 
the unseen life in 1883, and of a large family ol 
children only live arc now livin. mi, wife 

of John Fitzgerald; Mary, wifeof William Mayer; 

ih, wife of Levi Reitnauer; Christine, who 
in, 11 1 I'd John Stires; and Henry S., of this 

tch. 

H. S. Baker was reared in Montgomerj coun- 
ty, Penn., havin taken there in his b 
bond. He attended the public schools until he 
reached the age of fourteen, when he began to 
!• am the tinner's trade, an apprenticeshi| 
three years giving him a complete knowledge of 
the business, .Settling at Lock Haven, 
working nearly I rneyman, he- 
established a business of Ins own, which he has 
successfully conducted evei sinci His stock has 
been gradually enlarged as his custom has grown 
in volume, until he probabl) ha line 
of hardware, stoves sehold utensils to be 
found in Clinton county. He is devoted to busi- 
ness, and has never given any time to politics, 
although he is a stanch Democrat and a firm op- 
ponent of monopolies. 

In 1861 Mr. Baker married Miss Mary E. 



Waggner, whose father, a resident at one t: 
of Mechanicsburg, Penn.. met a soldier's death 
during the Civil war, at the battle of Atlai 
Three children were born of this union, all now 
deceased. Mi ind his wife are lean 

members of Trinity Methodist Church at I. 
Haven, and at present he holds the office 
trustee He also belongs to numerous social or- 
ders, including the K. ('.. E., the K. ol I 
which he is a past chancellor), the I. O. 0. I 
Great Island Lodgi No. 320 (in which he 
past noble grand 1, and the Masonic fraternitv 
being a Knight Templar. 



EY. DR. R. \Y. PERKINS. "To make 
the world within his reach somewhat I 
better for his being, and gladder for his human 
speech " is an ambition which calls forth a mi 
noblest energies, and in the helpful life of 
well-known clergyman it has been brought tofull 
fruition. As pastor of the First Baptist Church 
of Lock Haven, Clinton county, he has intro- 
duced and maintained numerous movent 
which have already produced good results, 
which promise to wield still greater influence in 
the future. 

Dr. Perkin his zeal and enthu- 

from a long line ol - ancestors, d I 

back to the old Brandywine Baptist Church 
the battlefield of that name of the Kevolun 
and covering than two hundred years 1 

one branch of his maternal ancestors were 

iker origin, buying their land directly I: 
Penn. They becami Baptists before 1700— 
other branch was a Baptist family from W I 
who in 1755 settled in Chester county. The 1 
sons entered the Revolutionary army in tl 
company, holding, in ordi the four hi 

est commission^ company — one afterw 

became a Baptist minister. Their desi 
have been mostly well-to-do farmers or sch 
teachers, a number were lawyers, somejud 
the Courts, principals of academies and hie 
schools of learning, and college and univen 
professors and ministers of the Gospel. 

The family was a very lai 

patriots, but kept out of active politu ■ 
were nearly all Church members. A few 
1 'i I'd kuw was one of sixteen cousin 
Baptist ministry. Joseph Perkins, the fatl 
Dr. R. \V. Perkins, of a race of prospei 

of Revolutionary stock, lived and died on 
farm where he was born, following agricult 
an occupation, and giving in his useful yet 
existence an example worthy of the imital 
all men. He died in 1SS7. and his estun.. 







^^/L^^ 



L 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



553 



wife, Margaret T. Frame, who was also a native 
of the same county, died in 1884. Dr. Perkins 
is the eldest of four children; the others living are: 
Martha J. and Joseph \V., who reside at the old 
homestead near Elam, Delaware Co., Penn- 
sylvania. 

The Doctor's birth occurred March 12, 1847, 
and his elementary education was received in the 
public schools near his home. At the age of 
eighteen he completed his academic course and 
engaged in teaching, which he continued for 
about four years. He then entered Bucknell 
University, and in 1872 was graduated with the 
degree of A. B. In pursuance of a long-cher- 
ished wish to enter the ministry, he took a course 
in the Crozer Theological Seminary, and, after 
graduating in 1875, he remained there over a 
year, taking a post-graduate course in philosophy 
and theology. In the meantime he served as 
assistant to the pastor of the Upland Baptist 
Church, and on leaving the seminary was or- 
dained pastor (in 1877) of the Third Baptist 
Church at Camden, N. J., where he spent over 
ten years. He was very successful in his work, 
and, aside from his labors in behalf of denomi- 
national Church work and Union Sunday-school 
work, took an active part in the local charitable 
organizations and in temperance work, serving as 
president of the Camden County Temperance 
Society for several years. During this time he 
was also examiner of Sunday-school books for 
the American Baptist Publication Society. In 
1887 he took charge of the First Baptist Church 
at Lock Haven, and under his ministrations the 
spiritual life of the congregation has been quick- 
ened and the enrollment increased four-fold, the 
once crushing debts have all been paid off, the 
church edifice, a handsome and commodious 
structure, has been renovated, and everything is 
in a prosperous condition. Dr. Perkins is an 
earnest student, especially in theology, philoso- 
phy and history, his very large library containing 
a very fine collection of works on these subjects. 
Since locating at Lock Haven he has devoted 
some time to teaching languages, literature and 
philosophy in the State Normal School, and for 
one year he conducted a large Monday-evening 
union Bible-class in the Presbyterian Church. 
His sympathetic nature, his wide culture and his 
unfailing energy have made him a helpful factor 
in all charitable and evangelistic enterprises. He 
has given much study to hymnology, sacred mu- 
sic and congregational singing, and has been 
president of the Lock Haven Chorus since its 
organization. He began advocating a public 
hospital that culminated in the Lock Haven Hos- 
pital. Some years ago his alma mater conferred 



upon him the Doctorate. For several years he 
has been chairman of the Book Committee of the 
Lock Haven Library. 

In 1S93 Dr. Perkins was married to Miss 
Sallie E. Rhoads, widely known as a successful 
teacher in the Lock Haven High School. She be- 
longs to a well-known family, and her father, 
Joseph A. Rhoads, formerly a student at Buck- 
nell University in its first class, is a highly re- 
spected resident of Lock Haven. Her father's 
family were religious refugees from the Palatinate, 
early in the eighteenth century, settling in Berks 
county, Penn. Like the most of the Germans, 
they kept aloof from the governmental affairs 
until the struggle for freedom against George III, 
and then they entered the Revolutionary army. 
Mrs. Perkins' ancestors in three lines fought in 
the Revolution. One of her great-grandfathers 
was an officer of distinction. She is a charter 
member and historian of a successful chapter of 
the Daughters of the American Revolution. The 
families of Dr. and Mrs. Perkins were loyal dur- 
ing the Civil war, and rendered all the aid in 
their power to the government. Both Dr. and 
Mrs. Perkins took an active part in a flourishing 
Shakespeare Society, and in the University Ex- 
tension Society. While Dr. Perkins is a man of 
affairs whose advice is widely sought, still his 
greatest pleasure is in fulfilling the simple duties 
of the Gospel minister. 



First Baptist Church. — The records of the 
early history of the First Baptist Church of Lock 
Haven are very fragmentary. The Church was 
gathered under the auspices of Rev. George Hig- 
gins, then pastor of the Baptist Church in Jersey 
Shore, Lycoming county. It is very probable 
that it was organized in 1836, as the first item of 
Church record states that the first communion 
season of the Church was held December 15, 
1836. The formal public recognition occurred 
June, 1838. The services were conducted in a 
private house by Revs. George Higgins, Charles 
Tucker and G. M. Spratt, D. D. On December 
1, 1 84 1, a call was extended to Rev. J. F. Jones, 
who labored successfully for two years in enlarg- 
ing the membership. That able and distinguished 
minister, Rev. Charles Tucker, having succeeded 
to the pastorate of the Jersey Shore Church, 
began to supply this Church January 4, 1843, 
and continued to do so somewhat regularly 
for more than a year; upwards of thirty per- 
sons were added to the Church as the result 
of meetings held in the old court house in 
the spring of 1843. Mr. Tucker is spoken of as a 
man of marked ability and fine oratorical powers. 
On April 1, 1845, Rev. J. G. Miles became pastor 



55 I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOOHM-lil'Al. RECORD. 



of the Church; he was then young and commended 
himself to the community, and had a successful 
pastorate, and his goin^; awa\ was unfortunate 
for the Church, fur his labors had been abund- 
antly blessed and at the end of his pastorate the 
Church numbered 150 members. They should 
have gone forward and built, but timid coun- 
sels prevailed, some removals occurred, and 

n [851 to [860 the Church was without a 
pastor, and hail only an occasional sermon. It 
will take at least three generations to get over 
the crippling effect of that blunder. They had 
occasional suppli 1 lessors of the Un- 

iversity at Lewisburg, now Bucknell University, 
especially from the president, Dn | R. Loomis, 
.ui<l ('.. M. Spratt, D. D., secretary of tin- Penn- 
sylvania Baptist Education Society, but the 
( 1 1 inch dwindled almost to disorganization. In 
i860 Rev. A. J. Furman, a graduate from Buck- 
nell, was ordained pastor, and after two years of 
very successful labor m gathering the - 
Church, and baptizing thirty-three, resigned to 
become chaplain in thearmy. He was succeeded 
by the Rev. J. A. Kirkpatrick, who bought the 
present site of the Church, and added one hun- 
dred and thirty-four to the membership, but his 
pastorate was only two years; and from about 
the middle oi 1 So 1 un til April, 1 866, the Chui 
was supplied part of the time by the Mi 
Committee of the Northumberland tion; 

al that date Rev. J. G. Miles was again indm 
to take charge of the Church. He gave Ins at- 
tention to the erection of the present house of 

hip, winch was so far completed as to 
the Church to worship in the lecture room, for 
up to this time the Church had been hind: 
and cramped for want of a permanent place of 
worship. Mr. Miles labored hard and planned wise- 
ly, but resigned in 1868. ["he I hurch soon called 
Rev. A. B. Runyan, who beganin April, 1869, and 
' 15. 1 s — 1 . 1 ! ess- 

ful in putting the dome on th I .in 

reducing the debt, and 1 I to tak<- 

tation of the Church at Eagle- 
ville, now Blanchard, ( entre county. Then 
Re\ Gei rge W. Snydei became pastor, who 

ipleted the main audience room and dedicated 
the (.hurch in June. 1873; the Church pi 

■ 1 immodious structure. Mr Snj 
was a successful and judicious minister, but 
his health w as ci impletely bi 1 ion 

afterwaid died. Mr. Sn eded by 

Re\ ( I Barto, pastor f r< mi January 1 . [8 
I 1 I ■ 1 1 1 1 1 . 1 1 \ 1 . 1 875 ; and Re\ R. 1 mnlap, p 1 
October 17. 1875, until March 3, [877 1 1 
this time for n - the Church was again 

D. D if the First 



Baptist Church, Williamsport, tried to have 
somewhat regular supplies for the Church). In 
1882, Re\ F. H. Cooper, a graduate of Buck- 
nell, was ordained pastor, in June, and served 
until the spring of 1886. After another dis- 

anizing interregnum of eighteen months, 
the present pastor, Rev. l>r. R. W. Perkins, be- 
gan his labors, in November, 1887; the church 
edifice has been frescoed, many repairs and im- 
provements have been made, and thedebtshave 
been paid; an additional adjoining lot purchased, 
the membership largely and materially increased, 
and the Church is in a flourishing condition. 

The present officers (1898) are: John Mac- 
Nanl, Archibald Munro, Theodore Myers, Prof 
\\ J. Wolverton, Thomas Gummo, S. II. Laird, 
O. G. Munro. William Munro, II. E. Chamber- 
lain. I. 1 Loveland, R F. Bowers. President 
Board of Trustees, Archibald Munro; Church 
Clerk, Theodore Myers. Two young men, grad- 
uates of Bucknell University, sons of deacon- 
this Church, are esl I and able Bapti-t 

ministers— Rev. Henry C. Munro, son of 

Deacon Alexander Munro, and Rev. Willard 
C. MacNaul, son of Deacon John Ma s - 
Mr. MacNaul was a student at Yale Divi 
School, and was graduated at Divinity Scho 
the I in\ ei sity of Chicago 



The Lock Haven Hospital. — On June 
1896, Rev. Dr. Perkins wrote an article for tins 
Daily Democrat, and one of like import b>r 
Lock Haven Express, tircim; the necessity 

sibility of starting a hospital here and outlin- 
ing the general work of .1 hospital. The proj 
met with general favor, and the physicians. mi 
m- a few days later, gave the enterprise their 

rtiest endorsement and published in the | 
pers what had been done in surrounding I 
-tih' same class in general h"spital work. 
the possibility of Lock Haven doing thi 
The projeel was often the subject "I favoi 
private remark. The ministers and phj 
met at Dr. R. P.. Watson's office, July 22, 1 ■- 
I »i Perkins presided. An earnest and frank ■ 
eds, the possible resoun ! - 
pai ticipated in bj 1 Irs. Ball, 
Armstrong, Watson. 1! Shoemaker a 

Dumm, and the ministers Rev. | E. Wright, 
D . Revs i II. Black. L. Nichols, W II I 
ley, I l>- rr, II Arlt. and ( S Long 
1 the project feasible. \ 

in it 1 1' publii meel ings, I >rs. Perkins, Ai 

nd Ball, was appi linted I >n a< 1 

made meetings and revival meetings, it » 

ruary i". [897, before a general meeting* 
called by the committee in the Y. M. C. \ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



555 



rooms. Wilson Kistler, Esq., presided, and Dr. 
Perkins was secretary. Addresses highly com- 
mending the feasibility and necessity of the hos- 
pital were made by T. C. Hippie, Esq., H. T. 
Harvey, Esq,, Rev. J. Harper Black, Rev. Dr. 
Wright, Drs. Ball, Church, Hayes, Watson and 
Armstrong. By unanimous vote, standing com- 
mittees were appointed on charter and nomina- 
tion of officers: Rev. Dr. J. E. Wright, Rev. L. 
Nichols, T. M. Stevenson, Esq.; and on finance: 
David Salmon, J. F. McCormick, E. A. Monag- 
han, T. R. Mann, George Loder, Dr. H. E. Brady, 
C. H. Myers, Wilson Kistler, and the following 
ladies: Dr. R. B. Church, Miss Clara Kreamer, 
Mrs. L. A. Scott, Mrs. T. C. Hippie, Mrs. D. 
Salmon, Mrs. R. W. Perkins. The various com- 
mittees did a very great deal of earnest work, 
and the newspapers from time to time commend- 
ed the work. Miss Clara Kreamer was made 
secretary of the finance committee. At last a 
public meeting was called for May 27, at the 
court house, over which Wilson Kistler presided 
and S. M. McCormick, Esq., was secretary. Dr. 
Perkins gave a brief history of the movement. 
Dr. Wright offered the charter, which was adopt- 
ed, making provision for a general annual meet- 
ing, with general officers of president, vice-presi- 
dent, secretary and treasurer, with a board of 
managers of fifteen, who should have charge 
of the management of the hospital, and who 
should make an annual report to the mem- 
bers and subscribers. The following board of 
managers was elected: Drs. R. Armstrong, F. 
P. Ball, R. B. Watson, J. H. Hayes, W. H. 
Shoemaker, R. G. Furst, Rev. Dr. R. W. Per- 
kins, Rev. Lewis Nichols, Messrs. W. Kistler, 
J. A. Bickford, E. A. Monaghan, David Salmon, 
Joseph B. Furst, J. A. Marshall and F. L. Whit- 
aker. David Salmon, chairman of the finance 
committee, reported pledges and money amount- 
ing to $2,062.50. The meeting adjourned to 
meet June 10, in the Y. M. C. A., to perfect the 
organization, Dr. Perkins presiding, S. M. Mc- 
Cormick, Esq., secretary. The following officers 
were elected for the society: President, W. Kist- 
ler; vice-president, Charles Kreamer; secretary, 
W. A. Kinsloe; treasurer, T. R. Mann. The 
committee on place, Dr. Armstrong, chair- 
man, reported in favor of the Proctor-Myers 
Estate, on Water street. C. H. Myers then 
offered the property until the following spring 
rent free. The offer was accepted, and the 
place selected for the hospital. The committee 
on charter, Dr. J. E. Wright, Rev. L. Nichols 
and T. M. Stevenson, Esq., were instructed to 
take the necessary legal steps to secure the char- 



ter. 



The board of managers organized with: 



President, Dr. R. Armstrong; Secretary, Rev. L. 
Nichols; Executive Committee, Dr. F. P. Ball, 
Dr. R. B. Watson, Dr. R. W. Perkins, W. Kis- 
tler, E. A. Monaghan. Dr. R. B. Church was 
elected superintendent and matron, and the 
work of gathering supplies has slowly progressed, 
for the magnitude of the work has made the 
progress necessarily slow. Every one whose 
name is mentioned has given much time to the 
enterprise, and many, whose names are not men- 
tioned here, have given invaluable aid. The 
heaviest burdens have naturally fallen on the 
physicians who have labored with the self-sacri- 
ficing public spirit characteristic of that learned 
profession. 

The Ladies Aid Society, of the Lock Haven 
Hospital, was organized with Mrs. R. W. Per- 
kins, president; vice-presidents, Mrs. S. D. Ball, 
Mrs. Herman Simon, and Miss Puella Dorn- 
blazer; recording secretary, Mrs. William Keiner; 
corresponding secretary, Mrs. C. G. Furst; 
treasurer, Miss Eleanor Gearhart; executive 
committee, Mrs. David Salmon, Mrs. J. E. 
Wright, Mrs. T. C. Hippie, Mrs. D. M. Fred- 
ericks, and Miss Kate Monaghan. The hospital 
is doing a good work and is meeting with general 
favor. 

The Lock Haven Chorus. — The Lock Ha- 
ven Chorus owes its existence to the untiring 
zeal and musical talent of its accomplished di- 
rector, Mr. T. C. Hilton, one of Lock Haven's 
prosperous druggists. The Chorus was organ- 
ized in 1893 with Rev. Dr. R. W. Perkins, 
president; E. E. Adams, vice-president; S. D. 
Furst, Esq., secretary; S. M. McCormick, Esq., 
treasurer; T. C. Hilton, musical director; and 
Messrs. T. C. Hilton, James Snyder and W. J. 
Wolverton, executive committee. The Chorus 
is composed of the best people of the city, num- 
bering at various seasons from eighty to one 
hundred members. They have rendered Gaul's 
Holy City, Joan of Arc, Haydn's Creation, and 
many choice selections from the great masters. 
Their annual May Festival is a society event. 



The Lock Haven Library. — The Lock Ha- 
ven Library Company was chartered May 31, 
1866, and Was fully organized in July, 1868, with 
the following officers: President, Rev. G. W. 
Shinn; secretary, L. D. Squire; librarian. Dr. J. 
H. Barton; treasurer, John C. Zellars. The or- 
ganization owes it origin to that public benefactor, 
Philip M. Price, Esq., who provided in his will 
for the maintenance of a public library and read- 
ing room. The object of this society is to pro- 
vide choice reading at a trifling expense for all 






( 'OM VEMORA Tl I 'B UK"; It A PIIICA L REOOR /'. 



who choose to avail themselves of the opportun- 
ity thus afforded. Dr. J. H. Barton, for many 
i- librarian, did leal for the library. 

There are now over 5,000 volumes in the library, 
officers are: President, S. I). Ball, Esq. ; 
presidents, Hon. C. A. Mayer and Moore 
I redericks; secretary. T. C. Hilton; librarian and 
treasurer, Mrs. Elizabeth Karskaddon; directors, 
Rev. Dr. R. W. Perkins, H. T. Hall, Esq I 
M. Stevenson, Esq., Dr. F. P. Ball, and A. S. 
Grow. The rooms of the library in Mayer's 
Block, Water street, are open every day, Sun- 
days excepted. 



QEORGE \V. HIPPLE, a prominent manu- 
facturer of Clinton county, and senior mem- 
ber of the extensive lumber firm of Hippie iV 
Kintzing, doing business in the city of Lock 
Haven, is descended from one of the substantial 
families of this Commonwealth. He was born 
in Philadelphia, Penn., July ;, and is the 

eldest son of Henry and Catharine Graeff Hippie. 

The subject of our sketch removed from the 
Quaker City with his parents, when he was about 
one year old. His childhood and youth were 
passed at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., 
where he attended the public schools and the 
Jersey Shore High School, the latter being an in- 
corporated institution of considerable repute in 
its <iay for its thorough methods and high educa- 
tional standard. He completed the course at 
this High School when about nineteen years of 
I then entered upon tin study of the law 
in the office of Hon. |ames Gamble, of Jersey 

re, a leading lawyer of that section, and con- 
tinued the same upward of two years. He, how- 
1 ii"t entirely fancy the law, and discon- 
tinued his studies, having determined to learn 
and pursue the trade and vocation of his father, 
who was a well-known and successful builder 
and contractor. Having served a thorough 
prenticeship, Mr. Hippie soon became a partner 
with his father in contracting and building. His 
brother, Henry G., subsequently became a mem- 
ber of the firm, which was known as Henry Hip- 
pie & Sons. Their firm operated extensively, 
and their handiwork exists throughout this sec- 
tion as good evidence of their energy, skill and 
reliability. They also engaged considerably in 
lumbering with satisfactory succi 

In 1867 Mr. Hippie went to Michigan, where 
his wife's parents then resided, intending to lo- 
cate permanentl) .>t Saginaw, in that State. He 
purchased timber lands in that locality, erected 
a sawmill and engaged in the lumber-manufact- 
uring business, in connection with merchandising, 



for about three years. He did not. however, re- 
main there steadily, because of indifferent health. 
Having meanwhile purchas interest of Alli- 

son White in the planing-mill and sash and doer 
factory, then conducted by White, Hip, 
at the same place as that now operated by Hij • 
pie & Kintzing, he returned to Lock Haven in 
where he has ever since been in that busi- 
ness. 

The present firm of Hippie & Kinl 
extensively in the wholesale manufacturing 1 I 
doors, sash and house-building supplies, ha 
large trade in Philadelphia and other citie 
ranking high among dealers in their line. Their 
establishment is one of the reliable- and impor- 
tant industries of the West Branch Region, and 
gives steady employment to a large number ol 
men. 

Mr. Hippie was married December 2, 1 
at Jerse\ Shore, I Miss Helen A. Chapman, 
daughter of George W. Chapman, an extensive 
railroad contractor, and member of the firm of 
Dillon & Chapman, then of New York City. 
Mrs. Hippie was born June S, 1839, at Richmond, 
Mass., and died at Lock Haven, July 6, 
She possessed many kindly and Christian traits 
which endeared her to the people of the commu- 
nity in which she' lived. 

Our subject is an active and efficient member 
of the Trinity M. E. Church of Lock Haven, in 
which he has for many years held official posi- 
tion. He served twelve years continuous!} 
member of the City I >uncil ol Lock Haven, and 
was for a number of years president of that 
He has for a long time been one of the tr 
of the flourishing Central State Normal School 
of Lock Haven, and is at present vice 
of the board of trustees of that institution. 



JOELH HERB, a well-known citizen ol I. 
gan township, Clinton county, is numb 
among the self-made men 1 Valley, 

his accumulations being the result of his ow 
dustry, obtained bj self-denial and econom 
the exercise of a naturally good judgtm 
in regard to agricultural pursuits anil business 
matters. He was born near Reading, in I 
county, Penn., July 2, 1S17, and is 
son of John Herb, a native of Germany, w 
coming to this country located in Berks count\. 
where he followed the occupation of farming 
and spent his remaining da 

Abram Herb, the father of our sub 
was also born 111 Berks county, where he re<- 
a German education, and engaged in agricu 
pursuits throughout life, his farm beinu 






iz^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



557 



in Oley township, where his death occurred in 
1872. He was a pronounced Democrat in pol- 
itics, and was widely known and highly respected. 
He married Catharine Bachtel, also a native of 
Berks county, by whom he had thirteen children 
— Rachel, Hattie, Isaac, Mary, John H., Cath- 
arine, Abram, Hannah, David, Harriet, Daniel, 
John, and one whose name is unknown. The 
mother, who was a faithful member of the Re- 
formed Church, died while making her home 
with one of her children in Schuylkill county, 
Pennsylvania. 

The subject of this sketch received only a 
limited education in the German language, and 
was reared in his native county, working on the 
home farm until fourteen years of age, when he 
left the parental roof and started out to make his 
own way in the world empty-handed. He first 
worked among farmers, and his small wages 
were all given to his parents. Two years were 
spent in Schuylkill county, and at the age of 
twenty he went to Dauphin county, where he 
learned the miller's trade with Henry Reninger, 
remaining there for four years. Hearing that 
the business prospects were better in central 
Pennsylvania, Mr. Herb came to Clinton county 
in 1 84 1, and located in Sugar Valley, where he 
rented the Klickner Mills at Loganton and en- 
gaged in the manufacture of flour for nine years. 
The following two years were spent in the mill- 
ing business in Woodward, Centre county, and 
he was similarly employed in Greenbriar, Penn 
Valley, for the same length of time. Renting 
the Logan Mills in Logan township, Clinton 
county, he operated them quite successfully for 
four years, and in 1859 bought the Jacob Miller 
farm of ninety-seven acres in the same town- 
ship. He cleared and improved the place with 
good and substantial buildings, and devoted his 
energies to agricultural pursuits until 1887, when 
he rented the farm, and now lives retired, enjoy- 
ing the rest that he so well deserves. 

In Logan township, Mr. Herb married Miss 
Mary Brungart, a native of Sugar Valley, and to 
them were born five children: Harriet, wife of 
William O. Groninger, of Jasper county, Mo., 
by whom she has seventeen children; Joseph, 
who is now living retired in Booneville, Clinton 
Co. , Penn. ; Jefferson B. , a farmer of Green town- 
ship, same county; Calista, wife of Harvey 
Wise, of Woodward township, Clinton county; 
and John, of Madisonburg, Centre county. Mrs. 
Herb was called to her final rest January 21, 
i89i,and her remains were interred in the Sugar 
Valley cemetery. She was an earnest Christian 
woman and a faithful member of the Reformed 
Church, to which her husband also belongs. In 



his political affiliations Mr. Herb is a Democrat. 
On reaching Sugar Valley his cash capital con- 
sisted of twenty-five cents, and the old clothes 
that he wore constituted his other property; but 
by hard work, strict ceconomy, perseverance 
and honorable dealing, he succeeded in accumu- 
lating a comfortable competence, and is now able 
to lay aside business cares and enjoy the fruits of 
his former toil. He has won the respect and 
confidence of the entire community, and his 
friends are many. 



WILLIAM HUFF was for many years act- 
ively identified with the lumber and farm- 
ing interests of this section of the State, but is 
now living retired in Bald Eagle township, Clin- 
ton county. He is a man of keen discrimina- 
tion and sound judgment, and his executive abil- 
ity and excellent management gained for him 
a well-deserved success in his undertaking, so 
that he is to-day numbered among the prosper- 
ous and substantial citizens of his community. 

Mr. Huff was born March 10, 18 17, at Far- 
randsville. Clinton county, when it still formed 
a part of Lycoming county, and he is a son of 
James and Susan Huff. The father was a na- 
tive of that portion of Northumberland county 
which afterward became Lycoming county, and 
throughout the greater part of his business ca- 
reer followed the occupations of farming and 
lumbering. Both he and his estimable wife 
passed away in 1855, and, with the exception of 
our subject, their four children have also de- 
parted this life. 

The opportunities afforded our subject for 
obtaining a good education were very poor. The 
nearest school house was three miles from his 
home, and to reach it he was obliged to cross 
the river twice. The terms were also short, and 
the teachers but poorly equipped for their duties. 
Until he reached the age of twenty-five he 
worked for his father, who was a lumberman 
and farmer, and then followed those occupa- 
tions on his own account. Although he has re- 
sided in Clinton county for sixty-five years, the 
greater part of the time he has spent in the lum- 
ber woods of Clearfield county, where he has 
owned large tracts of timber land. He now has 
two valuable and well-improved farms, and one 
hundred acres of timber land in Bald Eagle and 
Beech Creek townships. As a business man he 
has been progressive, upright and honorable, 
and succeeded in winning the confidence and re- 
spect of all with whom he came in contact. 

On October 6, 1855, Mr. Huff was united in 
marriage with Miss Susan McCormick, a daughter 






COMMKMOHA TITS BIOGRAPHICAL UF.ioRD. 



of Joseph McCormick, who was widely and favor- 
ably known throughout Lycoming and Clinton 
counties during pioneer days. Two children 
blessed this union: Joseph H., a prominent 
farmer, of Bald Eagle township, and Anna I 
wife of Charles Salmon, a farmer of Beech Creek 
township, Clinton county. The wife and mol 
was called to her final rest in 1889. Although 
Mr. Huff has never been an aspirant for official 
honors, he has been called upon to serve in many 
local positions in his township He is a stanch 
supporter of the Democratic party, and is identi- 
fied with the Christian Church. At this writing 
he is nearing the eighty-first milestone on life's 
rney, but in spirit and interests seems yet in 
his prime. There is an old age that is a bi 
diction to all that comes in contact with it, that 
gives oul of its rich stores of learning and ex- 
perieni and grows stronger intellectually and 
spiritually as the years pass. Such is the life of 
Mr. Huff, an encouragement to his associ 
and an example well worthy of emulation to the 
young. 



E 



PHRAIM W BIGl >NY, late of Lock Haven, 
LL^ Clinton county, where he carried on a 

! and was also engaged in the ice business, 
had been identified with the business and social 
affairs of the place for thirty-five years, an hon- 
ored and esteemed citizen. 

Joseph Bigony. his father, was born in Mont- 
gomery county, Penn., and there was married 
to Rachel Wesley, also a native of Montgomery 
county. They passed the greater part of their 
lives in their native county as farming people, 
plain, substantial and good citizens. While a 

eral fanner Mi Bigony dealt largely in stock, 
and for years was a venue crier. Hi's death oc- 
curred in November, 1869, that of his wife in 
May. i- 

Ephraim W. Bigony was born March 9, 1828, 
in Berks county, Penn. His father had a lai 
family, and being a man of but limited mi 
was enabled to afford our subject only m< 
school privileges. In his boyhood the schools 
of the neighborhood were pay schools, and ki pi 
only three months in the year, the childrei 
the family going generally by turns. From four- 
teen to twent) one years of age Mr. Bigony 
served a seven-years' apprenticeship at the trade 
of manufacturing woolen goods, in the woolen- 
mills of Marlsboro, Montgomery county, Penn., 
but strange as it may seem, after the completion 
ol the long apprenticeship he never worked at 
the business. On leaving the woolen-mills, and 
from 1849 to 1853, he clerked in a dry-goods 



store at Reading, Penn. From this employmeni 

he engaged in the hotel business, and for a 
of fourteen years was a most popular and 
able landlord, having an extended acquan 
with the thousands of traveling men and tin 
tanners of that locality that stopped with bin 
during that 1 d. Some of the hotels hi 

were located at Troj (Penn. . Allentowr 
(Perm.), the "Fallon House," at Lock 1 1 
and the " Bush House," at Bellefonte. Follow 
ing this he became interested in the coal busi- 
ness in Bellefonte. Penn., with W. W. Rankir 
until 1877, when from his large experience ir 
and thorough knowledge of the hotel business, 
he was tendered and accepted the stew 
of the Central state Normal School at I. 
Haven. This position he filled very satisfacto- 
rily some six years. In 1 884 he managed a sum- 
mer resort at Ronceverte, W Va. , but ne\ei 
up his residence in the former city. H. 
then resumed the coal business, keepin. 
and feed, which he conducted until his death, 
November 17. [897. His life had been an active 
one, a business career characterized by inl 
and honor, and one which his posterity 1 
\ lew with pride. 

In January, 1853, Mr. Bigony was unit 
marriage with Mary B. Knause, a daughl 
Solomon Knause, of Allentown, Penn. ! 
marriage, were born: Alpheus Joseph, w 
engaged in the coal business at Lock 1! 
Charles Solomon, who is a resident of Sunbury, 
Penn.; and Ephraim Keck, who is at Lock Ha- 
ven. An adopted daughter is now Mrs E. E 
Stewart, whose husband is a business man of 
Reynoldsville, Penn. The mother of these, the 
youngest son, and the one next to him. are iden- 

I with the Episcopal Church. The I 
too, affiliated with that denomination. Thi 
est son is a Presbyterian. Socially, our s 
was identified with the F. & A M 



THOMAS B. REED, of the firm of Mus 
& Reed, of Lock Haven. Clinton a 
is a representative business man of this - 
of the State. The firm is known far and n 
one characterized by fair dealing, promp 
and for the care exercised in earning 
promises made to then patn ins. 

Samuel Reed, father of Thomas B 1 
was born in Lycoming county, Penn.. and u.i 
occupied in early life in agricultural pursuits 
the excitement and impetus given to what 
became Farrandsvillc. on the Susquehann 
miles above Lock Haven, when that vicinil 

opened up and coal and iron industries 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



559 



established, he located there, and in the latter 
part of the "thirties" became engaged in the 
hotel business, keeping one of the old-time tav- 
erns. At that period Farrandsville was a point 
of considerable importance and business. Some 
years later, early in the "forties," he located at 
Lock Haven, was there engaged in the hotel 
business for a time, and subsequently carried on 
farming. By his marriage with Mary Clenden- 
ning, a native of Lycoming county, he had chil- 
dren as follows: John R. , of Shamokin, Penn. ; 
Rebecca (Mrs. Samuel S. Seeley), of Jersey 
Shore; Mary (Mrs. L. Mussina), of Lock Haven, 
Penn.; Jane (unmarried), of Lock Haven; Daniel 
T. , of Lock Haven; Thomas B. (our subject); 
Samuel S., of Lock Haven, who was in the Civil 
war, served in Company C, 52nd P. V. I., and 
contracted a disability from which he never re- 
covered; and Lizzie (Mrs. Charles Worthmani, 
of Philadelphia. The father of these children 
died in 1862, and the mother in 1S65; both were 
estimable people. 

Our subject was born December 25, 1840, at 
Farrandsville, Penn., and received his education 
in the common schools of Lock Haven, in which 
city the greater part of his life has been passed. 
Until out of his 'teens he was occupied chiefly in 
performing farm work for others, and at the age 
of eighteen years he may be said to have become 
his own boss, as at that time he reaped the re- 
ward of his own labor. Later on he became engaged 
in tobacco growing and canal-boating. About 
the year 1870 he formed his present partnership 
with L. Mussina in Lock Haven, at first handling 
only coal, later adding ice, and they have the 
largest ice house on the river; still later they 
added grain and groceries. They have com- 
modious buildings. Mr. Reed has earned the rep- 
utation of being a conservative and careful busi- 
ness man. In politics he is a Republican, and is 
quite active in public affairs. He has served 
three terms in the city council, and two as water- 
commissioner, in both capacities with credit to 
himself and very acceptably to the public. In 
his religious views he leans toward the doctrine 
of the Baptist Church. Socially he is a member 
of the Lock Haven Business Men's Club. He is 
a typical and successful self-made man, a thor- 
oughly representative American. In addition to 
other property, he owns improved real estate 
both in and out of Lock Haven. He has never 
married. 



MT. KESSLER, a prominent business man 
._ and a successful general merchant of Pin 
Station, Clinton county, is a native of Pen-nsyl- 



vania, his birth having occurred in Allentown, 
Northumberland county, June 22, 1844. His 
father, Jacob Kessler, was born near Easton, 
in Northampton county, of German ancestry, 
and received a very limited education. He made 
farming his life occupation, following that pur- 
suit both in his native country and in Northum- 
berland county. Later he rented a farm in New 
Jersey, where he continued to live until 1865, 
when he came to Clinton county, Penn., and lo- 
cated on the Cook farm, in Porter township, 
renting that place for three years. Subsequently 
he rented another farm in the same township, 
and from there removed to Jersey Shore, Ly- 
coming county, where the following two years 
were passed in retirement from active labor. 
He next lived with his son John in Dewart, 
Northumberland county, and spent his last days 
in Watsontown, same county, where he died at 
the advanced age of ninety-one years and eight 
months. In politics he was first a Whig, later a 
Republican, and in religious belief was a Lu- 
theran, to which Church his wife also belonged. 
She bore the maiden name of Jane Marks, was 
of English descent, and died at Jersey Shore. 

In the family of this worthy couple were nine 
children, namely: Annie L. , deceased wife of 
Edward Sheckler, of Lehigh county, Penn. ; 
Maria, wife of Mr. Regellnee, of Berks county; 
Susanna, who died unmarried; Mary, deceased; 
William, a resident of North Carolina; George 
W. , who was a soldier in the Civil war; John 
M., who also fought in that war; H. T. , the 
subject of this sketch; and Alfred, of Jersey 
Shore. 

The opportunities afforded our subject for ob- 
taining an education were very meagre, as his 
parents were in very limited circumstances. At 
the age of fifteen he started out to fight life's bat- 
tles, at first working as a farm laborer at $4 per 
month. From his birthplace he went to Hunter- 
don county, N. J., where he was employed on a 
farm for two years, and in Belvidere, that State, 
spent the following two years, after which he 
came to Clinton county, Penn., and worked in 
the lumber woods for six years. He was next 
employed in a sawmill in Williamsport for two 
summers, and clerked in the store of John Greggs 
at Pine Station, for a time. Buying out his em- 
ployer, he conducted the store for a short time, 
and then sold it to its original owner, and re- 
turned to Williamsport, where he clerked in the 
store of M. Greggs. Returning to Pine Station 
in 1 88 1, he embarked in the general merchandis- 
ing, and by the courteous treatment of his cus- 
tomers, and fair and honorable dealing, he soon 
built up an excellent trade, which he still enjoys 



m i 



" VEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



II- also owns and operates a small farm, and 
has erected a good store building and residence 
Pine Station, the former at the cost of $1,000 
and the latter costing $1,800. 

[n Easton, Northampton county, Penn., Mr. 
Kessler enlisted, in [865, in Company E, 215th 
P. ' V. I, under Capt. W. Wallace, and sei 
for four months in the Anns of the Potomac, 
doing guard duty at Camp Dover, Fort Dela- 
ware and Fairfax Court House. When the war 
was over he was nw it at Fort Dennison 

and returned home; he now holds membership in 
Bitnei Post No. 112, G. A. R.. of Lock Haven. 
He is an uncompn Republican in pol- 

itics, and served as postmaster at Pine Sta- 
tion from 1 S90 to 1S94 An earnest Christian 

itleman, he is an active member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, has taught in the Sun- 
day-schools, and served as trustee of the Church. 
He to-day enjoys the reward of his painstaking 
and conscientious work. By his energy, prese- 
verance, and fine business ability, he has ac- 
quired a comfortable competence, and has also 
gained the confidence and respect of all with 
whom he has come in contact. 

On December 28, 1870, Mr. Kessler was 
married in Pine Station to Maggie A. Henry, 
who was bom in Wayne township, Clinton coun- 
ty. May 17, (845, an d as they have no children oi 
their own they have adopted a daughter, Grace 
M. Thomas Henry. Mrs. Kessler's father, was 
born in the same township, August 17. 1812, and 
was a son of Robert and Ann (Love) Henry. 
The grandfather, a farmer of Wayne township, 
was drowned while crossing the west branch of 
the Susquehanna, and his wife died in PineCrtek 
township, Clinton county. Thomas Henry ac- 
c]iiired his education in the common schools, and 
during his youth he learned the shoemaker ~ 

le, which he followed throughout his active 
business life. He also owned ami operated a 

11 farm of forty acres in Wayne township, 
but since [885 he has lived retired, and finds a 
pleasant home with our subject. Since 1S95 he 
has been blind. His political support has <\'i 
1 given to the men ami measures of the Re- 
publican party, ami in religion both he and his 
wife are devout members of the Methodist 1 . 
copal Church. In the community where tiny 
have so long made their home they have a 1 
oi warm friends, ami all who know them enter- 
tain for them the highest respect. 

On March 28, 1842, in Wayne township. Mr. 
Henry was united in marriage with Miss Eli 
beth Shaner, who was born in Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county. May 1;, 1 
ol Adam and Jane (Wisner) Shaner. Ten chil- 



dren have blessed this union, namely: M 
A., wife of- our subject; Sarah, wife of Benjamin 
Shirk, of Watsontown. Northumberland 
Penn.; Albert and Harvey, residents of Indian.;. 
Matilda, wife of Lewis Carson, of Williamsport; 
Flora, wife of William Quiggle, of the 
place; Cordia H.. wife of Walter Thompson, f 
Illinois; Dora, who died unmarried; and Alii e 
and Emily J., who died when young. 



Gl. MORLO( K, assistant cashier of the First 
Nan. nil Bank, Lock Haven, Clinton Coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania. 



CHARLES STEWART McC< >RMICK, a pi 
inent member of the Clinton County Bar, 
and an influential citizen of Lock Haven, where 
he has passed nearly forty years in the practice 
of law, is one of the representatives of a family 
which for upward of 125 years has been identi- 
fied with the history of the Commonwealth. 

The McCormick, McCormack, Mc< 
etc., family derive their surname from an ancient 
kingly source, meaning, literally, the son ol 
mac, and, etymologically, ' ' the son of a chariot. " 
Cormac ruled Ireland, as King, in the third 1 
tury, and whose interference was called for m 
continuous quarrels of the two rival tribe- 
the Scotch-Irish, a branch of the great Celtic 
family, that found their way into the North I 
Ireland, across the channel, from the we 
shores ol North Britain and established t 
selvi s at a very early period in what is now called 
Ulster. Cormac's palace at Tara, County M 
was the seat of this celebrated monarch. This 
was the magnificent royal residence of tin K 
of Ireland — especially of Cormac, with his retinue 
of I 50 brave champions and 1,050 soldiers, and 
his bards, druids and law-givers. It is related 
as a fragment ol Breton Law, that 1 • 
McCormack, a kinsman of King Cormac, ha> 
carried away, by force, the niece of another ch 
tam, tin lattei determined to take revengi 
the insult, hurried to Tara. where the 
was then a guest. He arrived alter sun 
Now there was a law prohibiting any person 
ing armed into the palace after sunset - 
went unarmed, and taking down Cormai 
from the place where it hung in the hall, he k 
1 allach McCormac on the spot, and draw 
back the spear with great force, the ferrol 
out the King's eye. Soon after the Km 
cated, in ice to a law or custom th 

hibited "in- exi - ■■ 1 reignty who-. 

was 1>1> 




£ 5. 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



561 



Cormac's Round Tower and chapel upon the 
Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary, are also as- 
sociated with the annalsiof this family, and are, 
perhaps, "the most interesting assemblage of 
architectural ruins in the British Isles." Part of 
these ruins consists of a beautiful stone-roofed 
church of what is called the Norman style, and 
familiarly known as Cormac's chapel. The in- 
terior of the cathedral is crowded with monu- 
ments of great antiquity. The tomb of Cormac 
is near the north porch to the entrance.to the 
chapel. This Cormac, King of Minister, was 
born in 831, and spent a large part of his time 
in a monastery. He was nearly seventy years 
old when he came to the throne, and was killed 
in battle A. D. 908. 

Londonderry, as a city, has been the scene 
of violence for ages, so much so that only the 
ancient walls remain, which are almost as per- 
fect as they were during the memorable siege of, 
1688-9, when it became the great stronghold of. 
the Protestants, who resisted effectually the ef- 
forts of James II., with his French allies, to sub- 
jugate them. The siege lasted one hundred and 
five days, during which 2,300 citizens suffered 
death from famine and violence. This victory, 
followed a year later by that of the battle of, 
Boyne, gave liberty, civil and religious, broad 
lands, and dominant sway to the Protestants as 
supporters of William and Mar)-. Ulsterland 
thenceforth became the permanent and peaceful 
possession mainly of the Scotch Presbyterians. 

Somehow a branch of the McCormac family 
sprang up in Scotland as if a twig from the par- 
ent trunk in some political convulsion had been 
torn and borne by favoring winds from the land of 
the Shamrock to the land of the Thistle. At 
any rate we find the names spelled exactly the 
same in both of these lands, yet. having distinctly 
different armorial bearings, all of Scotch origin. 
James McCormick, evidently a Scotch Presbyte- 
rian, was in the siege of Londonderry. His 
name appears as one of the signers of the ad- 
dress of the " Governor officers, clergy and other 
gentlemen in the City and Garrison of Lou 
derry, to William and Mary, July 29, 1689." 
He left sons: Hugh, Thomas and another, it is 
supposed, bearing his own name, James. From 
this Scotch-Irish ancestor {James McCormick), 
through his sons and daughters, have come m 
Americans who honor his name and memory in 
their different walks and vocations, and v 
lives have been a beneficence to the human rai 1 
According to history of the, McCormick family, 
from which the foregoing is extracted — James 
McCormick— the missing brother of Hugh and 

Thomas, all the sons of James of Londonderry. 
33* 



was probably the McCormick who came to this 
country about 1761, and whose son John, born 
in the North of Ireland in 1748, became the pro- 
genitor of the Clinton county family as follows: 
The great-grandfather of the well-known citizen 
of Lock Haven whose name introduces this 
sketch, immigrated to this country about the 
year 1761, leaving one of his sons, named John, 
behind him to be educated by his grandparents. 
John was then about thirteen years of age, hav- 
ing been born in 1748, and being of an enterpris- 
ing disposition, and having a natural longing to 
see his parents, brothers and sisters, he soon re- 
solved to follow them. After much anxiety and toil 
and many hardships he reached his parents in Ches- 
ter county, Penn. , and as he arrived in the evening 
he thought he would play a joke on his mother. 
Pretending to be a stranger, he asked her to give 
him a night's lodging, and she refused, telling' 
him that he must go to the tavern; but after he 
made himself known " the fattedxalf was killed," 
metaphorically speaking, and he was received 
with great rejoicing. In 1772, the year North- 
umberland county was organized, John McCor- 
mick removed to Loyalsock, Lycoming count}-, 
and in the following spring he went to Great 
Islam! where he built the house familiarly known 
as the "Sassafras Cabin." Subsequently he 
purchased a tract of land from Joseph Fleming 
known as the " point ", lying immediately west 
of the junction of the Susquehanna with the 
Bald Eagle. There he spent his remaining years, 
his death occurring when he had reached the 
ripe old age of ninety-six. Among the eventful 
scenes in which he participated was the "Big 
Runaway" in June, 1778. In due time he re- 
turned with the rest of the fugitives, and from 
this to its close his life was smooth and trandquil. 
He was an honored and useful member of the 
community, taking part in the various progressive 
movements of the time. The Great Island 
Presbyterian Church of Lock Haven, of which 
he was a member, has still in its possession a 
subscription paper showing the provision that 
was made for the support of the Gospel in the 
year 1788. The heading is as follows; "We 
trie subscribers do promise to deliver to the 
house of Robert Fleming or David Hannah the 
quantity of wheat, rye and corn that is annexed 
ach of our names, on or before the first day 
of February next. We do also constitute and 
appoint David Luck, William Reid, Sr. , and 
|ames Rogers to mak£ sale of said grain to the 
use of paying the Presbyterian ministers that 
come to preach the ensuing year. In witness 
whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 
first day of December, 1787. " Following this 



562 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



is a list of names, thirty-three in all, and oppo- 
site them the quantities of wheat, rye or corn 
which the subscribers agreed respectively to give. 
In this honorable list, along with the names al- 
ready mentioned, is that of John McCormick 
with a liberal contribution. John McCormick 
married Elizabeth Fleming, and they had the 
fellowing children: Alexander, Benjamin, John 
Fleming, David. Mollie, Elizabeth, Robert and 
Saul; all deceased. Elizabeth, the last survivor, 
died in 186S, Benjamin was drowned in early 
life and David and Saul were both leading elders 
in the Presbyterian Church at Lock Haven. 
Alexander bequeathed to the same Church $500, 
and the interest of it had been paid annually 
since April, 1850, as a small but welcome addi- 
tion to the pastor's salary. All of his children 
are deceased, but numerous grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren perpetuate his name and 
cherish his memory. 

Robert McCormick, our subject's father, 
passed his life in Clinton county, and was en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a man 
of quiet habits, and was held in high esteem by 
his associates. His death was caused by an ac- 
cident. As he was returning from a trip to a 
mill, where he had taken a load of wheat, his 
v gon was struck by an engint of the Philadel- 
phia & Erie railroad, and he was thrown vio- 
lently to the ground, fracturing hi> skull and 
of his thigh bones. He was carried to the resi- 
dence of his son, Charles, in Lock Haven, white 
he died on the following Sabbath morning, Oc- 
tober 20, 1867. The community felt the shock, 
and gave free vent to the expression of its sym- 
pathy. A valuable citizen, extensively con- 
nected and universally respected, had been 
stricken down with fearful suddenness. The 
stoutest hearts were touched, and eyes unused to 
weeping, wept. His charactei was bright and 
beautiful. While unswervingly upright, he was 
in an unusual degree kind and courteous. Hi 
was an eminently successful life, a continuous 
growth in all that tends to ripe manhood, faith- 
ful in the discharge of his duties, liberal tow 
public chariti incere friend; he lived in the 

fear of God, quietly and peaceably during the 
days that were given him. In 1 S2 1 he was hap- 
pily married to Mary, daughter of Col. John 
White, who possessed in an eminent degree the 
qualities of wife and motherhood. She died 
November 12, 1S78. To be able to trace ances- 
try to such a source is enough to thrill 
American heart with pride. It should be an un- 
failing stimulant to good citizenship in this, our 
new world. The motto on the coat of arms, 
" sine timore," is characteristic of the race. 



Robert and Mary (White) McCormick bad 
eight sons, of whom Charles Stewart is the sev- 
enth. Four of these sons still survive, viz.; (1) 
John is a physician in Kansas. (2) Robert W 
and (3) William H. reside in Lock Haven. 

Charles Stewart McCormick was born in 
November, 1836, at the old homestead near 
Lock Haven, and received his elementary educa- 
tion in the schools of that city. Later he at- 
tended Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport. 
Penn., for two years, then took a course in La- 
Fayette College at Eastern, Penn., and graduat- 
ing from that institution in 1858, he at once 
entered the office of C. G. Furst, of Lock Haven, 
as a law student, and since being admitted to 
practice in December, i860, he has been active- 
ly engaged in professional work. His 
attention to his business is a leading factor in his 
successful career, and in his nearly forty years of 
practice he has not absented himself from his 
office two weeks at any one time. He is widely 
known throughout central Pennsylvania, and 
stands high socially and professionally. In 1 
he was married to Susan Fleming, widow of T. 
M. Reesman and daughter of Algernon Sidn j 
Fleming. Four sons blessed this union: Alii 
White, born March 1, 1S64, graduated at L 
Fayette College in [885, read law with his fathei 
admitted to the Bar in 18S8. Charles 
Stewart, born May 4. r866, died November 7, 
1867. Sidney Fleming, born July 21, 
dealer in real-estate. Robert B., born July, 
1873, graduated in LaFayette College in 
read law with his father, was admitted to the 
Bar in 1896. All three reside in Lock Haven, 
and are members of the Presbyterian Church, of 
which their father is an elder. Politically 
Charles Stewart McCormick has been idei 
with the Democratic party for many yeai 
from district attorney he has held no | 
office, as he prefers to give bis entire ti 
profession. 

Elizabeth Fleming (wile of John McCorn 
he daughter of John Fleming, who de- 
led from the Earl of Wigtown; the lattei - 
descendants still prize and use his Coat of 
Mr Fleming was anions the early settlers of the 
West Branch Valley; an account of bis - 
ment and family is given farther on. The sur- 
name of the Fleming family, according t 
sentiments of the most approved historian 
intiquarians, was at first assumed from a 1 
of distinction, who in the days of King Da\ 
(1124 , a Fleming by nation, transplanted 
self into Scotland, and took the surname 

is, or Le Fleming, from the country of his 
origin. Robert Le Fleming, the direct and ii 




cS/afr^foT^r^^^c^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



563 



mediate ancestor. aL the earls of Wigtown, was 
one of the greaLbarons of Scotland, under King 
Edward I. of England (i 272-1 309). In Fur- 
ness Abbey, Lancashire, England, an ancient 
burial place of the Fleming family, may be seen 
the statue of an armed Knight with a fret upon 
his shield; hands elevated in a praying posture. 
Robert Le Fleming was succeeded by his son, 
Sir Malcolm Fleming, Lord of Fulwood, also in 
great favor with the King, who made him a large 
grant of land in Wigtownshire, and also Gover- 
nor of Dumbarton Castle and sheriff of the coun- 
ty. Sir Malcolm Fleming was succeeded by his 
son of the same name, who was a forwarder and 
assister of the right and title of David II., Bru- 
cian line. He succeeded his father as Governor 
of Dumbarton Castle. During the whole of the 
usurpation of Baliol, this castle was a place to 
which the royalists did freely and with great 
security resort. Here Sir Malcolm had the 
honor to shelter and protect, in that evil time, 
Robert, Lord High Steward of Scotland, after- 
ward King Robert II. (1371). His highness 
was graciously pleased in reward to Sir Mal- 
colm's signal loyalty and fidelity in his service, 
to create him Earl of Wigtown. On his death 
he left his estates and title to his grandson, 
Thomas Fleming, second Earl of Wigtown. Mal- 
colm Fleming, Earl of Wigtown, was in great 
favor with James V., by whom he was consti- 
tuted Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland. He 
was slain in the service of his country at the bat- 
tle of Pinky, September 10, 1545. He married 
Janet, daughter of King James IV., and by her 
had a son, James Fleming, who, being a noble- 
man of fine and polite parts, was by special 
favor of Mary, Queen of Scots, made her Lord 
High Chancellor. He accompanied Queen Mary 
to Scotland, and died in Paris, December 1, 
1558. He was Governor of Dumbarton Castle, 
and distinguished himself for his zeal and loyalty 
to his queen. 

The Flemings who became Lords of the Bar- 
ony of Slane, County Meath, Ireland, descended 
from Archibald Fleming, who went from Eng- 
land to Ireland, A. D. 1 1 73, with Gilbert de 
Clare, Earl of Pembroke, and took part in the 
Norman Invasion and Conquest of Ireland. The 
Lords Fleming, of Slane Castle, numbered suc- 
cessively, twenty-three. This branch of the 
family came also originally from Flanders, with 
William the Conqueror, whose wife is known 
in history as Matilda of Flanders. Sir Thomas 
Fleming, son of Earl of Wigtown, emigrated 
to Virginia, in 16 16. Many of the family fol- 
lowed him to the same colony, one of whom 
was Col. William Fleming, and another, the 



father of James Fleming, who was born in Iredell 
county, N. C, in 1762. He served in the Rev- 
olutionary war; afterward removed to Ohio, 
where he died in 1832. He was the great- 
grandfather of Hon. Josiah Mitchell Fleming, of 
Denver, Colo. Another descendant of these 
Wigtownshire Flemings was Col. John Fleming, 
who migrated from Virginia to Kentucky in 
1790. He was the grandfather of Hon. John 
Donaldson Fleming, late United States District 
Attorney for Colorado. 

A grandson of Sir Thomas Fleming, who 
came to Virginia in 1616, removed, in the latter 
part of the seventeenth century, to Chester 
county, Penn., and located upon lands what 
were known as the London Cross Roads. Here 
his son John married Susan Chatham, who was 
born in Dublin, Ireland, and came to this coun- 
try when quite an infant. About the year 1765 
Col. Chatham and his son-in-law, John Fleming, 
visited the West Branch Valley. The former 
purchased a body of lands on what is now Chat- 
ham's run, and from whom, it is said, the run 
derives its name. In 1773 John Fleming bought 
the tract of land, containing over 1,600 acres, in 
the warranty name of Dr. Francis Allison. 
There either was erected, or Colonel Chatham 
built a mill on Chatham's run, and there lived 
out the balance of his days. John Fleming built 
a house near where the southern abutment of the 
dam was afterward located, the hearthstones of 
the chimney of which were found by the work- 
men in making excavations for the abutment. 
In 1798 he was appointed associate judge of Ly- 
comingcounty by Governor Mifflin. Judge Fleming 
died in the house at the south end of the abut- 
ment in 1777, leaving to survive him six sons and 
three daughters. By a provision in his will the 
tract of land in the warranty name of Dr. Fran- 
cis Allison was in 1784 divided into nine shares 
or purparts, one of which was taken by each of the 
children. The Lot No. 1 extended from the conflu- 
ence of the Bald Eagle creek and the west branch 
of Susquehanna river to the eastern line of what 
is now the Fleming farm. The city of Lock Ha- 
ven is built on lots No. 4 and No. 5, and Flem- 
ington borough is also upon a part of this same 
land. John Fleming was called for his father, 
and occupied a portion of this land, east of the 
city, until the time of his death in 1863. He 
was one of the first associate judges of Clinton 
county, his term of office extending from De- 
cember, 1839, until February, 1845. His chil- 
dren and grandchildren who still survive have 
occupied the land down to the present time. 

Algernon S. Fleming, a son of John Fleming, 
who purchased the lands in 1773, was elected 



564 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sheriff of the county in 1S66, and died before the 
expiration of his term, leaving four sons and three 
daughters; one of these, Susan C. , who retains 
the ancient family name, is the wife of the person 
whose name opens this article. At the time of 
his death the preamble and resolutions by the 
Bar of Clinton county bearing testimony of his 
unblemished character, rare fidelity, truth and 
honor were spread upon the records of the court. 



IERT W. McCORMICK, who through a 
XX long life has been extensively and success- 
fully identified with the great lumber and agri- 
cultural interests of this section, is a representa- 
tive of one of the pioneer families of Clinton 
county — a family of prominence in its history. 
A sketch of the McCormick family, and of Robert 
McCormick, our subject's father, will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. 

Robert W. McCormick was born on the old 
homestead, near Luck Haven, Clinton county, 
April 15, 1830. He attended the public schools 
of the neighborhood and was for a time in school 
at Oswego, X. Y. He followed fanning exclu- 
sively as an occupation until 1864, when he 
came to Lock Haven, and was one of a company 
that built the bill sawmill near the junction of 
the R. & E. .V Bellefonte R. R., this being the 
first mill built to saw all kinds of timber in this 
section of the State. The company conducted 
this business four or five years when they sold 
out, and Mr. McCormick bought a mill called 
the Satterlee mill, which was one of the first built 
in that locality. Alt. 1 the death of his partner, 
Mr. Robert G. Cook, Mr. McCormick sold out 
his interest in the mill and purchased an 111U 
in the mills of N. Shaw & Co. After a time he 
sold his holdings in the concern, and bought the 
products of the N. \V. Frederick sawmills at 
Farrandsville, which coi 1 some 40,000,- 

000 feet of different ki amber. During 

all of these years, since 1 869, he has been more 
or I 1 in the square-timber busin 

handled in that period many million feet 
er. Mr. McCi irmick has also, all his life, 
been interested in i inite 

extensively. He now owns a very fine fan? 
some 130 acres located at the head of (> 
Island. He ha life, 

all of which has been passed in [ 
its vicinity. He sustains the 
by his Scotch ai ..rity was 

nd questi d whose reputation for 

citizenship was proverbial. He ha- suc- 

cessful man. 

On June 5, i860, our subject was marri 



Miss Emily W., daughter of Judge Flemii 
sketch of whom is given in the Robert McCor- 
mick biography Five children came of this union 
three of whom are living: John is a partner of hi- 
father in the lumber business; William is an at- 
torney at Pittsburg; Mary W. is at home. Th< 
parents are members of the Presbyterian Church 
In politics Mr. McCormick has been a lifelong 
K publican. 



kEN. JESSE MERRILL, of Lock Haver.. 
Clinton county, is the city's repre- 

sentative citizens, his ability as a lawyer, hi- 
haracter as a man, and. his gallant record 
as a soldier, affording an example th 
worthy of emulation. 

1 1 w is born March 2 
lin, Penn.. and is a member of an excellent fan - 
ily, his father, Hon. James Merrill 
a leading 1 Pennsylvan 

delegate to, the Constitutional ( 
1838. The 1 1 

Lewis, was a daughter of tl 
a well-known resident of Buffalo Valli 
county. 

n. Merrill attend 
New Berlin until he w 
he entere ! I arora Academj . in 
Juniat < 

then began the stud lw with his brother in 

New Berlin, i 

Penn., to enter the office ol Lawson & Bi 
with whoi ntil April. 1 

he was admitted to the . mbury, 

In the following 
veil, and I start his 

and his gentlemanly and ad 

the friendship and 
his pi 
strated. He is a m 

six feet in height, and. it 
there is bul 1 ■■ 

tairlii. . and tl 

lack 

i 
a April 
-th P. V. C, with 
On j 
ant, 

I 
tomb 

and in 1 '■ h 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



565 



quarters at Louisville, Ky. On May 9, 1S62, he 
was elected captain of his old company, but early 
in the same year he became chief signal officer 
in the Army of the Ohio, joining that army im- 
mediately after the battle of Pittsburg Landing. 
He participated in the campaign around Hunts- 
ville, Ala., and through Tennessee and Kentucky, 
being in the battle of Perryville.- When the 
Army of the Cumberland was re-organized he 
was made chief signal officer, and as such took 
part in several important engagements, including 
the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, and 
Missionary Ridge. Later he served in the Army 
of the Potomac as chief signal officer for the De- 
partment of Virginia and North Carolina, but 
during the summer of 1864 he was assigned to 
the Department of the South, where he served 
in the same capacity until October 3, 1865, the 
date of his discharge from the army under a 
special order of the War department. On the 
16th of the same month he was given a brevet as 
major, by the President of the United States, as 
a reward "for long, faithful, and meritorious 
service." In November, 1865, he resumed his 
practice at Lock Haven, but he has always felt 
a keen interest in military affairs, and on April 
24, 1 87 1, he was appointed by the governor of 
Pennsylvania as major-general of the Eleventh 
Division, National Guard of Pennsylvania. Dur- 
ing his term this division was called out to assist 
in quelling the riot at Williamsport. The Gen- 
eral is a member of the G. A. R., and of the 
Pennsylvania Commandery of the Loyal Legion. 
In politics he is a stanch Republican, but his 
only official position has been that of postmaster 
at Lock Haven, which he held one term. 

In 1866 he married Miss Julia J. McCleery, 
daughter of Dr. William McCleery, a leading 
physician of Milton, Penn. She died January 5, 
1893, her death causing sincere grief throughout 
the community, where all classes had felt the in- 
fluence of her kindly heart. Seldom is there 
found such a union of gentleness and sympathy 
with strong character and executive ability, and 
her effective memorial in the hearts of the people 
of Lock Haven. For man)' years the General 
has been identified with the Presbyterian Church, 
and for ten years he has held the office of pres- 
ident of the board of trustees. 



WILLIAM WEBSTER BARROWS (de- 
MlW ceased). For nearly a half century the 
name of William Webster Barrows was identi- 
fied with the history of Lock Haven, Clinton 
county. He was one of the pioneer lumbermen 
on the West branch of the Susquehanna river, 



and throughout a busy life was prominently 
identified with the lumbering interests of this 
section. 

Atwood and Mary (Webster) Barrows, his 
parents, were of prominent families of the State 
of Maine. The former was a man of distinction 
and prominence in the community in which he 
resided, and in the public affairs of the State. 
He was a member of the General Assembly of 
Maine, contemporaneous with Hon. James G. 
Blaine. He was born July 17, 1798, and died 
at Lock Haven, Penn., December 23, 1873; and 
his wife's birth and death, respectively, were 
September 7, 1799, and December iS, 1877. 

Our subject was a native of Maine, born at 
Hebron, November 14, 1S22. He received his 
education at Fryburg Academy, an institution in 
which the Hon. Daniel Webster in his young 
days was an instructor. In 1850, in company 
with Dudley Blanchard, Mr. Barrows located at 
Lock Haven and became one of the pioneer lum- 
bermen on the West branch of the Susquehanna 
river. It has been said that he was the first 
man of the locality to drive short logs, i.e., in 
length, for the mill, down that branch. In his 
old age he enjoyed recalling his early experien- 
ces in this line, and especially delighted in telling 
of the difficulties he had in making the people 
owning the lands understand that they did not 
own the logs left on the banks of the river when 
the water receded. Mr. Barrows led a very active 
and busy life, and succeeded in accumulating 
considerable means. He was a successful busi- 
ness man, a useful citizen, always interested in 
everything pertaining to the development of the 
county's resources and the growth of its seat of 
justice. 

On February 14, 1854, Mr. Barrows was 
married to Elizabeth, daughter of the late Will- 
iam White, of Lock Haven; she was born April 
14, 1829, at Clearfield, Penn. Their children 
are: Mary W. B. ; Ross B., who is engaged in 
the lumber business; Nancy, who is now in Paris 
studying art; and Mrs. John W. Peale, of New 
York City. All are identified with St. Paul's 
Episcopal Church, in which our subject was a 
vestryman. He died on June 19, 1893. 



JB. G. KINSLOE (deceased), who at the 
time of his death was one of the oldest print- 
ers, editors, and publishers in Pennsylvania, 
was born near Mexico, Mifflin (now Juniata) 
county,' this State, April 5, 1820. 

In the spring of 1827 his parents removed to 
Lewistown, the county seat, and on the evening 
of their arrival young Kinsloe made the acquaint- 






566 



' oMMEMORA TIVE B10GHAP11VM. RECORD. 



r, 



ance of Levi Reynolds, editor and proprietor of 
the Mifflin Eagle, ami was a daily visitor to the 
office, spending his leisure hours in acquiring a 
knowledge of the "art preservative" until in 
1834, when he became a journeyman printer, at 
$16 per month in the office of the Lewistown 
Gazette. During the administration of Joseph 
Rittner, Mr. Kinsloe served as clerk in the pro- 
thonotary's office under William Brothers. In 
1838, in company with his oldest brother, W. 
A Kinsloe, he published the Eagle, afterward 
called the Clintonian, in Lock Haven. At the 
close of the memorable campaign in 1840, the 
paper was suspended, when Robert McCormick 

1 the subject of this sketch soon after renewed 
it tinder the name of the Clinton County Whig. 
In [841 Mr. Kinsloe purchased an office in Mif- 
flintown, and removed it toThompsontown, where 
he became the publisher of the Juniata Free 
Press, at onetime edited by Hon. A. K. McClure, 
and a monthly journal called the Temperance 
nt. In 1842 he removed the office to Ship- 
pensburg, Penn , wherein connection with his 
brother he commenced the publication of the 
Cumberland Valley, also continuing the Temper- 
ance Agent at the same point. Afterward we 
find him in Philadelphia during the exciting times 
of the native American riots, and up to 1846 in 
the office of the daily Spirit <>f tin- '/'inns, as 
foreman and night clerk. 

During 1849-50 he was in the employ of L. 
Johnson & Co., the oldest type founders in Amer- 
ii 1, as general jobber, engaged in getting up 
their magnificent specimen book. In that estab- 
lishment he acquired much useful knowledge re- 
lating to the secret of fine printing. Soon after 
this he received a "call" to Knoxville, Tenn., 
where he removed in 1S51 and took charge of 
the Presbyterian Witness with Rev. A. Black- 
burn as editor. The Knoxville Register was put 
up for public sale in a few years after his removal 
to the place, ami he purchased it. Rev. A. 
Blackburn's interest was sold to W. A. Kinsloe, 

1 under the firm name of Kinsloe & Brother, 
the first power press was introduced into East 
Tennessee. In 1854 they purchased Brownlow's 
Knoxville Whig, retaining Mr. Brownlow as ed- 
itor. VV. A. Kinsloe remained in Philadelphia, 
while J. B. G. had the entire management 
control of the large establishment, to which he 
had added a first-class bindery and a monthly 
I journal, edited by Dr. Richard O. Curry. 

Soon after W. \ sold his one-half interest 
to Charles A. Rice, to whom J. B. G. also sold 
in 1859, and shortly after this W. G. Brownlow 
purchased it at sheriff's sale, and J. B. G. con- 
tinued with him as business manager until the 



Whig ceased to exist. When Tennessee w 
declared out of the Union — the last paper being 
printed and sent out after Brownlow had left the 
city, with the hope of stealing through the Rebel 
lines at Cumberland Gap, or some other point 
in the mountains — Mr. Kinsloe remained in 
Knoxville throughout the fearful struggle 
until six months after Burnside's army captured 
the place. This occurred about the middle of 
the afternoon, and as Kinsloe had purchased a 
job office of J. A. Sperry, just before the evacua- 
ti n 1 Knoxville by the Rebel forces, he issued 
a small daily the next morning, and continued 
Its publication until the return of Parson Brown- 
low, who at once resuscitated the Whig. 

Mr. Kinsloe then took a position in the cus- 
tom house, where he remained until April 14, 
1864, when he returned to Pennsylvania and pur- 
chased a one-half interest in the West Branch 
Bulletin, at Williamsport, of P. C. Van(. 
about the 1st of June, 1S64, and in May, 1868, 
he was elected city clerk of the select branch of 
city councils, of Williamsport, which position he 
filled acceptably for two years, and until that 
branch discontinued. In November, 18' 
Bulletin and LycomingGasettev/ere consolidated, 
and the Gazette and Bulletin Publishing Associa- 
tion organized, with J. B. G. Kinsloe as business 
manager and treasurer. On September 9, 1871, 
he disposed of his stock in the association, but 
remained in the office until February 28, 1874, 
performing whatever duties were required of him. 
In March following, he purchased the Clinton 
Republican, and at once made Lock Haven his 
home, being up to his death deeply interested in 
evi i\ thing connected with the city. In March, 
1882, the l-.veuiug Express, a daily newspaper, 
was established by Kinsloe Brothers, sons of J. 
B. G. Kinsloe, and issued from the office of the 
Clinton Republican. From the spring of 
the Clinton Republican and Evening Express 
were published by J. B. G. Kinsloe & Sons, and 
since the death of the senior partner they have 
been conducted by the two suns. Mr. Kinsloe 
died July 30, 1896, ag< ity-six years, three 

months and twenty-five days. 

He was a man of deep religious convictions. 
and failed not in doing his duty as a citizen and 
a Christian. He was, moreover, a useful and 
prominent citizen. He had been one of the 
trustees of the Central State Normal S 
since June 14, 1881, and always took a deep in- 
terest in the welfare and success of that institu- 
tion. For a number of years he gave annually 
a free scholarship to some deserving young man 
or woman, and to his generosity some of the 
Normal graduates are indebted for the higher 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



567 



education they received at the Normal. For 
many years he was one of the trustees of Trinity 
M. E. Church, and in 1875 ne was among the 
foremost in Sunday-school work. 

On July 3, 1851, J. B. G. Kinsloe was mar- 
ried to Kate Hefflefinger, and three children 
were born to them, two sons and one daughter, 
William A., Frank G., and Lucy E., now Mrs. 
Duncan E. Shaffer, of Frostburg, Md. Mr. 
Kinsloe was a man of active, energetic habits, 
faithful to all his trusts, and a true friend. His 
life's work is ended, and he has passed into the 
great beyond. Peaceful in death, he has laid 
down life's cares for a well-earned rest, but the 
influence for good which he leaves behind can 
■j never be measured. 



and Eliza Clark died 
Hall. Their children 
, John F., Wilbur H., 



JUDGE JAMES W. CLARK, the manager 
and one of the publishers of the Clinton 
Democrat, Lock Haven, is a native of Clin- 
ton county, born July 28, 1843, at Mill Hall. 

His parents were David and Eliza Clark, who 
were born, David, February 28, 1809, in Nit- 
tany Valley, and Eliza, December 8, 1809, in Bald 
Eagle township. David Clark died November 
12, 1879, at Mill Hall, 

j March 27, 1883, at Mill 

i-were: Joseph F., W. W. 

i; James W. and Sutton G. 

James W. Clark received his education in 
the public schools of Mill Hall. In 1857 he en- 
tered the office of the Clinton Democrat at Lock 
Haven, as an apprentice to the printer's trade. 
He remained in that office until in August, 1862, 
when he enlisted in Company C, 137th P. V. I., 

j commanded by Capt. Samuel H. Brown. The 
regiment formed a part of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, and it was first assigned to Gen. Han- 
cock's Brigade, Smith's Division, 6th Corps. 
The regiment was at South Mountain, and at the 
battle of Antietam; it was in pursuit of Stuart 
when that general made his cavalry raid into 
Pennsylvania. Next it maneuvered in the de- 
fenses of Washington; it performed duty about 
Fredericksburg under Gen. Burnside. Later, 
it was assigned to the Third Brigade, First Di- 
vision, First Army Corps, and was in the cam- 
paign under Gen. Hooker; it fought at Franklin 
and figured about Chancellorsville. Mr. Clark 
shared the fortunes of the command, and was 
mustered out with it June 1, 1863. He returned 
to Lock Haven, where he secured a clerkship in 
the post office under Postmaster A. M. Coe. In 
1 June, 1864, under the President Lincoln admin- 
istration, he was appointed mail-agent and as- 
signed to duty on the route from Lock Haven to 



Ridgway. He remained in the service several 
years, and then entered the office of the Clinton 
Democrat, at the time conducted by Whaley & 
Orth, and followed his trade until the summer of 
1876. At this time he received the nomination 
for the office of register of wills and recorder of 
deeds, to which he was elected that fall. He 
was re-elected to the same office in 1879, and 
again in 1882. On the expiration of his third 
term, in 1888, he opened a bookstore at Lock 
Haven, and continued in that business until in 
February, 1890. The following August he was 
nominated by his party for the office of associate 
judge of Clinton county. That fall he was 
elected to the office and served one term. At its 
close he became one of the publishers and the 
manager of the Clinton Democrat, a weekly 
newspaper, and the Lock Haven Democrat, an 
evening publication. He is a large stockholder 
in the Democratic News and Publishing Co., at 
Lock Haven. The career of Judge Clark has 
been an honorable one. As a public servant he 
was efficient, careful and just, and as a business 
man he is able and successful. He has ever 
been interested in seeing the affairs of his native 
country advanced, and is friendly to all move- 
ments having for their objects the building up and 
improvement of Lock Haven. He is a stanch 
Democrat. 

On June 19, 1881, Judge Clark was married 
to Barbara Brady, a daughter of Samuel and 
Margaret Brady, of Lamar township. 



JOSEPH H. HAYES, M. D., a representative 
citizen of Lock Haven, Clinton county, and 
one of the most prominent men of the medi- 
cal profession of his section, has descended from 
one of the early families to settle in the State. 

John Hayes, his great-great-great-grandfa- 
ther, came from Londonderry, Ireland in 1740. 
Robert Hayes, his great-great-grandfather, born 
in Chester county, removed to Northampton in 
1742; he was a lieutenant in the army in 1776. 
William Hayes, the Doctor's father, was born in 
Northumberland county, Penn., in 18 17, and in 
1 841 he was married to Sarah Reeder, a native 
of Northumberland county, Penn., born in 1823, 
a daughter of Henry and Betsey Reeder; their 
children now living are: Albert R. , Bruce, James 
B., Mary W. and Joseph H., our subject. The 
father of these died in 1861, and the mother in 
1896. The father for years was a merchant of 
McEwensville, Penn., a respected and esteemed 
citizen; he was a quiet and unassuming man, 
whose life was given to his family and to his own 
business affairs. 






568 



COMMEMi'UA 'LIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Our subject was born April 9, 1841. in N r 
thumberland county. He was graduated from 
Lafayette College. Easton, Penn., at the age of 
seventeen years, and then began the studj 
medicine under Dr. Armstrong, of Lock Haven 
In the spring of 1862 he was graduated from the 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. The 
same year he offered his services to his country, 
and was appointed assistant surgeon of the 88th 
P. V. I. In 1863 he was made surgeon of the 
90th P. V. I., and as such served until the cl 
of the war, early in 1S65, when the regiment was 
mustered out of the service. Dr. Hayes is - 
to have been the youngest surgeon of the Army 
of the Potomac; his army experiences were var- 
ied and hardships many, but the satisfaction of 
having performed his duty in so noble a cause is 
more than a recompense for the privations under- 
gone, a heritage that will be treasured by his 
children and children's children. At the close of 
the war the Doctor returned to Lock Haven and 
engaged in the practice of his profession, and has 
since been so occupied. He is a physician of 
ability, and has enjoyed a good practice. In 1 
he was united in marriage with Anna H. Mackey, 
a native of Lock Haven, Penn., a daughter "I 
Hon. L. A. Mackey, of Lock Haven. Two sons 
were born to the union: Mackey and W. Bruce. 
Mrs. Hayes, a woman of culture and refinement, 
is esteemed for her many virtues; she is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoys a large 
circle of friends and acquaintances. Dr. Ha 
in politics is a Republican. He is now the cor- 
oner of Clinton county; also is member of the 
pension board of examining surgeons. He is 
identified with the order of B. P. O. E., as are also 
his two sons. 



HON. WILSON CONRAD KRESS, of Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, is one of the best- 
known lawyers of the State. His success as a 
practitioner, his services in the War of the Re- 
bellion, and his general conduct as a man have 
innstrated his fitness for any office requiring 
ability and fidelity. Few men enjoy in as great 
a degree the respect and confidence of their fellow- 
mell. 

His paternal grandfather, Conrad Kress, was 
born in Germany, and when he was two years of 
age came with his parents to the Colony of 
Pennsylvania in the year 17G0. At the breaking 
out of the Revolutionary war he enlisted ami 
served with the patriots until peace was declared. 
Subsequently he married Mary Iddings, a daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Iddings, who had emigrated from 
Wiles to Chester county, Penn., many years 



before the Revolutionary war. The wife of 
Jonathan Iddings was a native of England, 
ami their daughter Mary was born in Chester 
county in 1 761 . Jonathan moved into Buffal > 
Valley mow Union county), Penn., befon tl 
Revolutionary war, and he and his five sons 
served in that war. In 1778, when Mary ■ 
sevi ears of age, she and her mother, with 

her sisters, were in what was called the "Big Run- 
away,'' when the inhabitants of central Pennsyl- 
vania were compelled, for fear of the Indians, t 
abandon their homes and go to the eastern 
counties of the State, there to remain until ti. 

i close of the war. 

Conrad and Mary Kress had four daughl 
and one son, George B., who married Eliza I 

I lop, of Penn's Valley, whose sweetness of dispo- 
sition, true piety and many virtues endeared her 
to all her acquaintances. Of this union the - 
ject of this sketch was born. July 14, 1836, in 
Lycoming township. Lycoming county, Penn 
His father was a farmer with a large family. 
was unable to give his children more than 
customary common-school education. This 
therefore, taught school in order to obtain fu 
for a course at Dickinson Seminary, at Willia 
port, Penn., where he was graduated in 1 
after which he continued to teach school an I 
study law at the same time. In June, [861, he 
established the Lock Haven Press, a K | 
newspaper, of which he was both publisher and 
editor. In August, 1S62. his newsp 
was interrupted by his entering the army, etili.-t - 
ing in the 137th P. V. I. He was elected hr-t 
lieutenant in Company E, of said regiment. In 
December of that year his printing office was de- 
stroyed in the great fire that devastated I 
Haven. In June, 1863, he was discharged 
his regiment by reason of expiration of term I 
service, and in the following month hi 
elected captain of Company K. 37th 1 
of Pennsylvania militia, and assigned to si 
in the Army of the Cumberland. When his 
regiment was mustered out, he received tli 
pointment of deputy provost marshal of his district, 
which position he held until the close of th« 
In October, ieT>4, while in Keating township, 
Clinton county, in the discharge of his din 
was shot by Isaac Gaines, Jr., a desertei 
the army. The ball entered his body on the 
right side, wounded both lungs, and was exti 
from the left side. The wound was \ 
and his life for a time was despaired of, but he 
astonished the surgeons and his friends I 
recovery. In May. 1864, a brothei 1 
Guyer, a member of the 6 2d P. V. I . was shut 
and killed at the battle f Spottsylvania Court 




Ur/c/kfaM 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



569 



House. Another brother, Mortimer Newton, 
served during the war in the First Regiment 
Pennsylvania Cavalry. 

After the war Col. Kress finished his law stud- 
ies, and was admitted to the Bar of Clinton county 
in May, 1866. He soon gained a large and lu- 
crative practice, which he has enjoyed ever since. 
In politics he has always been a Republican, and 
while not desiring political office, he has given 
considerable attention to the 'interests of his 
party. He has frequently represented his party 
in Republican State conventions, has often been 
a member of the State committee, and has served 
a number of times as chairman of the county 
committee. From 18S1 to 1884 he was a mem- 
ber of the city council from the First ward of the 
city of Lock Haven. In iSSS he was elected 
councilman at large under the Act of 1SS7, and 
served as president of select councii for more 
than a year, when the Act was declared uncon- 
stitutional. In 1S88 he was a member of the 
Electoral college, which cast its vote for Gen. 
Harrison for President. In 1S91 he was chosen 
as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. 
His interest in military affairs has always been 
active. He served at one time in the Pennsyl- 
vania militia as assistant adjutant-general, with 
the rank of lieutenant-colonel. While acting in 
this capacity his division was called into active 
service during the great Williamsport riots in 
1872, and the Colonel served two weeks in the 
field. In 1895 he was appointed State reporter, 
his duties being to report the decisions of the Su- 
preme Court of the State of Pennsylvania, and 
when the Superior Court of the State was organ- 
ized in 1896, he became, by virtue of his office, 
the reporter of that court also. 

In 1 869 he married Eliza J. Chatham, daugh- 
ter of Hon. James Chatham, who was a well- 
known citizen and a leading lawyer of Lock 
Haven. Mrs. Kress' mother was Henrietta De- 
Haas, who was a great-granddaughter of Brig. - 
Gen. John Philip De Haas, whose honorable 
services in the Revolutionary war are well known, 
and a granddaughter of Gen. De Haas' son, 
Major De Haas, who was also a gallant officer in 
the Revolutionary war. Major De Haas' wife 
was Ann Shippen, a daughter of Captain Ship- 
pen, who was killed in the battle of Princeton. 

Col. and Mrs. Kress have had seven children, 
five sons and two daughters. The youngest son 
died in infancy, and the others are still living. 
The family is identified with the Presbyterian 
Church, and is prominent in social life in Lock 
Haven. The Colonel belongs to various fraternal 
orders, including the F. & A. M. and the G. A. 
R-, in which he is a past commander of the 



John S. Bittner Post No. 122, Department of 
Pennsylvania. 

Although Col. Kress' labors have always been 
assiduous, yet he retains the remarkable consti- 
tution with which nature so generously provided 
him, while his energies continue unabated, and 
his working powers seem now to be only attain- 
ing their highest degree of efficiency. 



w ON. JOHN UPTON SHAFFER has gained 
J3L a distinguished position in journalistic and 
legislative circles, and ranks to-day among the 
public-spirited and representative men of the 
State, whose force of character have made them 
leaders of thought and action. A man of strong 
mentality, a close student of the signs of the 
times, he views with a broad outlook the needs 
of the people, and in the General Assembly and 
through the columns of the press has advocated 
the measures best calculated to advance the gen- 
eral welfare. His influence has been strongly 
felt, especially in behalf of educational interests, 
and Clinton county numbers no more valuable 
citizen than this gentleman. 

Mr. Shaffer, who is now the editor of the 
Rcnovo Record, was born in McConnellsburg, 
Penn., March 27, 1843, and at the age of five 
years was left by his parents at the home of an 
uncle for whom he was named, while they re- 
moved to the West. His uncle liberally educated 
him through private instruction, and in the pub- 
lic schools, and at the age of seventeen he was 
apprenticed to the printing business, serving a 
usual term of years. From the position of com- 
positor he was promoted to that of local editor 
in the Fulton Republican, and ably served in 
that capacity for a year, when he went to Pitts- 
burg and readily found employment on one of 
the leading dailies in that city. In February, 
1862, he returned to his native town, where he 
purchased a half interest in the Fulton Democrat, 
forming a partnership with Hon. Henry G. 
Smith, who afterward became an associate edi- 
tor of the Lancaster Daily Intelligencer, and a 
member of the State Constitutional Convention 
of 1873. 

Shortly after his return to McConnellsburg, 
Mr. Shaffer was united in marriage to Salinda, a 
daughter of William B. Shaffer, of the same 
county.' In 1S65 our subject sold his interest in 
the Fulton Democrat and accepted a position in 
the printing department of the New York World, 
being connected with that journal for nearly a 
year. Returning then to Pennsylvania, he pur- 
chased an interest in two Democratic papers in 
Hanover — one English and one German, but 






'"MM! MORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL REi 



time he disposed of his interest in both 

these, and went to Baltimore, where he obtained 

a p in the . . with which he 

lected for four years. 

On account of failing health, in the fall of 

' I led his pi ad again 

ansylvania, joining the staff of the 

Republican, published at Lock Haven, 

man. Ail ving in that 

for two years, his attention 

thi th of the new railroad town of 

Rei | of its 

to establish a weekly m 
p i] Accordingly, on Decern! :\ . 

the first issue of the Renovo Record was given to 
i '■ nture h ! a financial 

■ in.l the paper h 
tor in molding I al sentimenl nn- 

tv. It is a well 

ir in its treatment of th as ami 

• ■ • 

Mr. Shaffei h id not li >n I in Renovo 

sition of prominence 
m public affairs He served as clerk of the town 

until i I in the last year became the i 

nomin • itive to 

thi I tion he 

i the Republican candid ite, A. J. 
b lyler, b \|, >h 

■I it thi , Hon. 

I seph W. Merrey, who bad I the 

mtj in th I gislature in I >ur- 

rg.Mr Sh iffei introdm 

the Central Normal S< hool building at I 

Hav, ii. which had remain i unnni- 

The 1 in's 

hen bill 

D, which | | 

majoril pular in the lum- 

>k much 
int< ■ tlv to S ei 

nefiting icational ai trial 

inti 

tn ' I ker 

t the li 
mission of lunacy and chat mly 

I li mocratic i 

on that com a. In 1889 Mr. Shan" 

ien iminated by the Democracy of Clinton 
ty by an almost unanimous vote, an 
by a lai I ,,bor 

Reform tnd Pi lidates 

winter of that year, the Central N rmal 
1 : . Haven was burned I 



the ground, entailing a loss of over $100,000, 
upon which the State had only $10,000. Dur- 
the session of the Assembly Mr. Shaffer in- 
! nee. I an appropriation bill for $100,000 to 
replace the burned building. The committee on 
appropriations, was at first reluctant to make an 
appropriation, but after careful consideration 
■:ed to report the bill to the House for $85,- 
000, which subsequently passed both houses and 
became a law. During the same session several 
important bills in the interest of lumbermen and 
other industrial interests became laws. During 
his service Mr. Shaffer served on various impor- 
tant committees, including that of congres- 
sional and legislative apportionment, constitu- 
tional reform, retrenchment and reform, print- 
ing, mines and mining, and a number of special 
committees appointed by the speaker. During 
the session of 1891 he went to Harrisburg at the 
urgent solicitation of the officers of the Centr al 
Normal School at Lock Haven to assist the 
Clinton county member in getting through that 
body a further appropriation for that institution, 
and was largely instrumental in securing the 
passage of a bill giving $20,000 to the school. 
While performing effective service in the in- 
terest of the State at large, Mr. Shaffer has not 
been neglectful of his duty to the community in 
which he resides. He has been a very imp 01 
tant factor in local affairs, advancing the interest 
of Renovo by a liberal support of all public m< 
calculated for the general good. Eul 
would be superfluous in connection with the rec- 
ord of Mr. Shaffer. His career speaks for itself, 
lie finds his reward in the gratitude and es- 
n of the people who recognize his beneficent 
service\ and accord to him their warmest regard 
and confidence. 



HON JAMES < QUIGGLE, one of the 
most prominent representative citizens of 
Clinton county, is a native of same, born De- 
1851, at Lock Haven. He is a son 
of the late Hon. James \Y Quiggle and Cordelia 
Ma) ter of Judge C. A Mayer. She is 

still livii 

In 1 11 subject's parents removed to 

Philadelphia, andin is 59 he accompanied them to 
Antwerp, Belgium, his father being United St 
-ul at that port, where he sojourned for ah 

nd a half, and attended French and 
nan schools. In November, 1861, he re- 
turned to Philadelphia with his parents, where 
ne ' I school and commercial 

led for the law, and was 
student in the court 1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



571 



common pleas of Philadelphia, but after reading 
about a year he was obliged, owing to defective 
eyesight, to abandon his intentions to follow the 
profession. In October, 1871, before he was 
twenty years of age, he was tendered the office of 
United States consular agent at Cornwall, Can- 
ada, which he accepted, serving until March 10, 
1872, when he resigned. In 1873 he removed 
to his father's farm in Wayne township, Clinton 
county, where he has since resided (except while 
in Canada), engaged in agricultural and lumber- 
ing pursuits. In 1876 he was selected to fill an 
important position in the office of the chief secre- 
tary of the United States centennial commission 
at Philadelphia, which he held for five months. 
He has been treasurer and auditor of Wayne 
township, and in February, 1879, was unani- 
mously elected justice of the peace, and served 
until September 1, 1887, when he resigned to 
accept the United States consulship at Port 
Stanley and St. Thomas, Canada, to which he 
had been appointed by President Cleveland on 
August 31, 1887, which office he held until April 
19, 1890, when he was superceded for purely po- 
litical reasons by the Harrison administration, he 
having represented his country so acceptably as 
to call forth the commendation of the Depart- 
ment of State in a special dispatch, thanking 
him for the satisfactory and economical manner 
in which he conducted the business of his office. 
Before his return from Canada Mr. Quiggle 
was unanimously re-elected justice of the peace 
of Wayne township for five years from May, 
1890, but resigned December 1, 1890. In Au- 
gust, 1890, he was nominated by acclamation for 
member of the Assembly, by the Democratic 
convention of Clinton county, and was elected in 
November following over Capt. James W. Fred- 
ericks (Republican) by 546 majority. He served 
in the Legislature as a member of the commit- 
tees on Ways and Means, Federal Relations, 
Manufactures and Bureau of Statistics. In 1892 
he was again nominated for the Legislature, and 
elected without opposition by an overwhelming 
majority. In the session of 1 893 he served on the 
committees of Appropriations, Elections, Federal 
Relations, and Printing. On October 10, 1893, 
he resigned to accept the appointment of U. S. 
consul at Collingwood, Canada, and served till 
September 6, 1897, when he resigned. Mr. 
Quiggle has always been a consistent Democrat, 
and taken an active interest in politics. He has 
been a delegate to county conventions, and in 
1885 was a delegate to the Democratic State 
Convention, and for five years he was a member 
of the Democratic Standing Committee, serving 
as its secretary in 1884. 



On February 23, 1882, Mr. Quiggle was 
married to Miss Ella L. Quiggle, eldest daughter 
of Jacob Quiggle, of Pine Station, and three 
children were born to them: James W. , Jr., 
Edmund B., and one that died in infancy. Our 
subject owns a fine property of some 3,500 
acres, on which he has an excellent residence 
and other commodious buildings. 



H 



TON. S. WOODS CALDWELL, of Lock 



Haven, Clinton county, is one of the in- 
fluential men of his locality, his ability and pub- 
lic spirit being recognized by all classes. When 
a mere youth he spent three years in the Union 
army during the Civil war. In 1 880 and 1 88 1 he 
represented his county in the State Legislature, 
and for many years he has been active in the 
Democratic party. 

Mr. Caldwell was born May 18, 1845, in 
Montour county, Penn., and comes of good pio- 
neer ancestry. John Woods Caldwell, his father, 
was a prosperous farmer, of Irish blood, while 
his wife, Susanna (Fuhlmer), traced her descent 
Irom some of the early German settlers of the 
State. Mr. Caldwell spent his boyhood upon 
the old farm, attending the Limestoneville Acad- 
emy to complete his education. In 1861 he en- 
listed for three years in Company C, 14th P. V. 
I., and went to the front. In 1865 he formed a 
business partnership with his brother, James H. 
Caldwell, of Titusville, Penn., and for three 
years they operated in oil in western Pennsyl- 
vania. In.1871 he purchased the " Irvin House," 
maintaining it as the leading hotel in the city of 
Lock Haven. 

As our subject always took a deep interest in 
politics, he was naturally drawn into public life. 
In the winter of 1880 he received the Democratic 
nomination from Clinton county for the Legisla- 
ture. An exciting campaign followed, which re- 
sulted in his election by a majority of 751 votes 
over Gen. Jesse Merrill. In 1882 his name was pre- 
sented as the unanimous choice of the Democrats 
of Clinton county for the- State senatorship; but 
after protracted balloting and several adjourn- 
ments from place to place, Mr. Caldwell with- 
drew from the contest on account of an attempt 
to bribe his conferees. In August, 1890, he was 
elected county treasurer for a term of three years, 
which he filled satisfactorily, and in 1894 he be- 
came a candidate for the nomination to the State 
Senate from the Thirty-fourth District, composed 
of Clinton, Centre and Clearfield counties. For 
more than twenty years the Democratic party in 
that district had made its nominations for this 
office by a conference of nine delegates, three 






CORD. 



unty, the manner of rli 
it to their n 

the counties had an 
but in I 
rule whi< i nee that I 

ct confi ■ ntions 

should be apportioned ai 

irlield county 
quently 

put it into 
county sending nim 

Clintoi unty. bavin 
cided to maintain the rii 
sent but three, Mr. Caldwell beinj hoice, 

Id county presented the nai 
Matti - mty the name 

vin Meyer 1 1 

... 

Mi. S vhilethethn Clinton county 

illy anni mm i I 

ith nominatii 
by the Dauphin count) - i the two co 

n the 
I 
publican, Mr I i field county. 

In 

' ] 1'.. njamin Myers, 

a well-known citi. child 

1 this ii; \V. Tin- family is 

which 

well is 

the |"hn S. Bitti I , A. K. 



J I I'll MACKEV < ORSON, M D. Not 
ir by influence i 
n. but 

bility 
winning him . 

on th' . had 

nplished | 
■ 

Clinton county i- Di 

m 
I h idier ;, 1868, in 

Shrew hip, in tin- L\ - 

coming county, Penn 

who w . in tin- hip. April 4, 

1 8 ; r. ch an. estry I h 

hools in th. 
I lyhood h id afterward 

I 'In- Minus State Not m.ii - 
: it- tir^t graduates. On the old 1 
his birth occurred he spent In- entii 
owning and op the (arm of 300 acres, on 



which he made many valuable and useful improve- 
rs, including the re-erection of a good frame 
larns and other outbuildings. In 
connection "with general farming he was exten- 
di the stock business, buying and 
ttle, sheep, etc. He was a lover of 
tin. "I which he kept several for driving 

put 1 nd was regarded as an excellent judge 

of cattle He has also been interested in the 
real-est uess, owning several building lots 

in both Picture Rock, and Hughesville, Lyconi- 
nty, but is now living practically retired 
imily homestead in that count)', 
enjoying the ease and quiet which should always 
foil tig and useful career. He is an advo- 

cate .f the free coinage of silver and the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party, served as tax 
collector of his township for sixteen years, and 

-sessor, school director and t: 
urer. A Lutheran in religious belief, he has 
n active and prominent part in Church 
work, and has filled various Church offices, in- 
cluding that of elder. 

In Muncy township, Lycoming county, Jacob 
I Corson was united in marriage with Miss 
Emma J. Neece, who was born in that township 
in 1840, a daughter of Joseph Neece, a merchant 
' of Pennsville, Lycoming county. Six children 
were born of this un mely: Clara B., wife 

I 'r 11. M. Essick, the well-known owner of 
the Essick of Highland Lake, Penn.; 

Thomas N., who married Iola Taylor, by whom 
.hild, and now operates the old home 
(arm. Will S., who graduated from a comi 
cial college, and engaged in bookkeeping until his 
aving a wife, formerly Miss Sadie 
I Picture Rock, and a son and daughter; 
ph Mackey, of this sketch; Flora A., at 
Ernest, who died at the age of t 
and a half. 
During his early boyhood our subject pursued 
his public schools of his native 

-hip, for two years attended the Muncy Uni- 
ty, of Lycoming county, and after his grad- 
. red the Factoryville Acad- 
. where he also graduated at the end of a 
lb then spent one year at 
Union county, Penn. Hav- 
I j hood to become a 
began reading medicine un- 
his brother-in-law, Dr. Es- 
re Rock, where he spent two years, 
triculated at Jefferson Medical 
iduating from that noted 
insti j, with the degree of M. 

\ ear he was in partnership 
March, 1893, established 



with 1 lr. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



573 



an office at Charlton, Pine Creek township, Clin- 
ton county, succeeding the late Dr. A. S. Stokes, 
and has since built up a large and lucrative prac- 
tice. He is the only physician between Lock 
Haven and Jersey Shore, and his practice ex- 
tends over a large territory. 

On June 15, 1893, at Hughesville, Lycoming 
county, Dr. Corson was married to Miss Ella 
May Boak, who was born in that place, where 
her father, James K. Boak, is engaged in the 
manufacture of furniture. The Doctor and his 
wife now have two children: J. Alan, born July 
12, 1894, and James K., born August 2, 1896. 
The parents are both active workers in the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church and Sunday-school, and 
Mrs. Corson is also a member of the Epworth 
League. The Doctor is censor of the County 
Medical Society, and is also secretary of the West 
Branch Medical Society. Politically, he is what 
may be termed a gold Democrat, being greatly 
opposed to the free coinage of silver. Constant 
study and close application to the details of his 
profession have made him a leader in the medi- 
cal fraternity, and as a pleasant, affable gentle- 
man he occupies an enviable position in social 
circles. 



[ON. JOSEPH W. MERREY, a leading resi- 
dent of Beech Creek borough, Clinton 
county, has for many years held an influential 
position in the business and political life of this 
section, and has several times been called upon 
to fill offices of trust and responsibility. 

Mr. Merrey was born December 15, 1846, in 
England, a son of James.Merrey (merchant) and 
his wife Sarah (Staley), both of whom were also 
natives of England, where they passed their entire 
lives. They had seven children, as follows: 
Michael died in infancy; Emily married Thomas 
Philips (deceased), and, if living, is somewhere 
in the West; Clara died in England; Joseph W. 
is our subject; Charles R. is a clerk in England; 
Sarah died in that country; James T. resides in 
Beech Creek, Clinton county. 

Our subject received his education in the 
schools of his native land, and when twenty years 
old came to this country to seek his fortune, 
making his home in Pennsylvania. Within two 
months after his arrival he engaged in the busi- 
ness of brewing ale and beer at Flemington, Clin- 
ton county, and two years later he became 
interested in lumbering, merchandising, and 
hotel-keeping at Keating, in the same county. 
These enterprises he conducted successfully for 
twenty years, and in the meantime he invested in 
good farming land at different points, also in 



valuable mining property in Clearfield county, 
the management of these interests occupying 
much attention at times. He has also been 
associated with various brewing companies as 
manager, and at present he has charge of the 
Lock Haven branch of the business of the Hoster 
Brewing Company, of Columbus, Ohio. In 
politics he is a stanch Democrat, one plank in his 
platform being the principle of opposition to 
monopolies. He' is active in party work, and 
has served on the State central committee and 
on the County committee, over which he has 
several times presided as chairman. Among the 
local offices which he has held we mention those 
of justice of the peace, school director, treasurer, 
and president of the borough council. His 
abilities have also been displayed in a wider 
sphere, as he served in 1883 and 1884 as a repre- 
sentative from Clinton county to the State Leg- 
islature. While in that body he was chairman 
of the committee on Federal Relations, and a 
member of the committee on Ways and Means, 
and of the committee on Corporations. In 1888 
he was a delegate to the Democratic National 
Convention. 

In 1868 Mr. Merrey was married to Mrs. 
Eliza Bailey, ne'e Magnus, a daughter of George 
Magnus, of Lewistown, Penn. She died Feb- 
ruary 2, 1896, leaving two children: Josephine, 
who married Harry C. Clark, and Lillian, who 
is at home. By her marriage to Mr. Bailey Mrs. 
Merrey had two daughters: Ella and Sadie, 
Sadie being now the wife of F. T. Ouigley, of 
Keating, Penn. Mr. Merrey's family has always 
been identified with the Episcopal Church, of 
which he is still an adherent. Fraternally, he is 
a member of the B. P. O. E. of Lock Haven. 



WILLIAM FRANKLIN ELLIOT. For 
nearly twenty years the Novelty Iron 
Works, at Lock Haven, conducted by him whose 
name introduces this sketch, has been an indus- 
try that has contributed to the growth and pros- 
perity of that city and of Clinton county. 

The Elliot and Spangler families have been 
represented in the Commonwealth by their de- 
scendants since the years 1732 and 1727, respect- 
ively, and William Franklin Elliot has a com- 
plete genealogical record in the form of a family 
tree on both sides dating back to the year 11 50. 
The Elliots were from Scotland and the Spang- 
lers from Germany. William D. Elliot, the fa- 
ther of our subject, was born November 19, 1828, 
at York, Penn., and there passed his life, which 
was a very busy and active one. He was a 
manufacturer of plug tobacco. He took an active 






> OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



interest in public affairs, and was one of the 
I i minent men of York. He was mayor of that 
city, ind, duru. ivil war, was secretary of 

the Sanitar. i nission. His death occurred 

in 1S89. His widow, who is still living, a resi- 
dent of York, and whom he married in 1 

Margaret Spangler, born July 13, 1832, at 
Y rk, Penn., a daughter of Col. M. II Spangler. 
Of the children born to this marriage, the follow- 
ing ire living: William Franklin, our subject; 
1 rence M. . Frank S . an attorney of Philadel- 
phia; Thomas E., city clerk of York, lY'nn. ; 
ryE., wife of Alexander Cathcart, of Chicago; 
James. Walter. Luther, a resident of Chicago; 
: I 1. uisa. 
William Franklin Llliot was reared at York 
! there educated, attending the Collegiate and 
Politecbnic Institutes After leaving school he 
m apprentii eship at the machinist's trade, 
I on the completion of the latter he went to 
New York City, and wa years in 

the Delemeter Iron Work- At the close of I 
period (1879) he located in Lock Haven and 

bli hed hi pn 1 nt business, which I. 
developed into th tnd constantly growing in- 

du-trv "f to-day, giving employment to some 
ty men The plant, as originally built in 
I brick, thn h. 70 x 1 10, 

i. with a found r} t, and boiler-house 

30 ichinery being driven 1 

twenty-five-horsepowei Stead employ- 

ment was thi 11 given to twenty skilled workin 

y make twmills, 

make steam 1 everything in the line 

of mill machim eral machine work. 

t of Lo< k Haven's 

influential and prominent in its business 

\t tin- time he i~ a member 

■ I ' rnity, tbi 1 and 

tin Grand Ci >mmandery, Knights 

in mb< 1 P. O. E In pi ilitics 

Republican, dent of 

ncil 
On Jum Mr. 1 larried to 

Mis l beth 1 aw, and three childi 

thi ii hi im« . namely; Willi 
Brown, Marj ui riti nd Ub< rl Warn n 
mother "I these is I ter ol |acob Brown 

inent citi; en 1 if 
1 1 k Haven. Oui mem- 

• St Paul's Episcopal Chui 



HENRY I II \K\ EY, ol Lo« k II . 
of the leading mei 
( ounty Bar, I in successful 1 1 



re than thirty-three years. His professional 
work has included some of the most important 

iness that has arisen in the locality during 
that time; he is also identified prominently with 
extensive financial interests, and in various pro- 

ssive movements, political and non-political 
in his city. 

Mr. Harvey was born October 22, 1842, 111 
Clinton county, a son of George C. and grand- 
son of Isaac Harvey, who came to Clinton coun- 
ty in 1 81 2, and in 181 8 settled at Salona. Later 
he purchased a farm in Lamar township, Clin- 
ton county, where the remainder of his life was 
spent. George C. Harvey (father of Henry T. 1 
was a native of Berks county. Penn., but ac- 
companied his parents to Clinton county, and 
grew to manhood there. As a young man he 
engaged in milling and hat-manufacturing, but 
afterward studied medicine and practiced at Sa- 
lona until 1850. In the meantime, however, 
he became interested in the Salona Foundry, 
where a large business was done at that time in 
tin manufacture of plows and threshing ma- 
chines. He decided to give up his medical prac- 
and, in 1850, began to devote his entire at- 
tention to business. In 1854 he formed a part- 

hip with A. H. Best, Hon. L. A. Mackey, 
and William Fearon, and built the Lock Haven 
1 indr) and Mai bine shop, the first establish- 
ment of the kind in Lock Haven. Of this Dr. 
Harvey had the full management until 1870. 
when he retired from business. He was a man 
of much influence in political affairs as well as 
in financial circles, and for five years he served 
as associate jud;. uton county. His death 

occurred in Lock Haven on February 8, [886, at 
the advanced age of eighty years. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Roxanna S. Atwood, 
born in New Haven, Conn., in January, 
and died October 15. [885. 

Henrj I Harvej received his elementary ed- 
ucation in the public schools ol Salona and Lock 
Haven, and. in 1857, he entered the academy 
in Lock Haven, where for two years he continued 
In- studi I 1 ; Ri 1 rs In 1859 he be- 

in thi Agricultural College of Penn- 
sylvi 1 ntre county, and on graduating, in 

Hue a law student in the office of 
Orvi Lock Haven. In 1863. dur- 

the Civil war. his studies were interrupt! d b\ 
an enlistment in the 26th P. V. I. ; but his patri- 

thwarted by an attack 

typl : which so injured his health that he 

from the service. On returning 

his legal researches, and. in 

lu was admitted to practice, 

a nd at tied an office in Lock Haven, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



575 



where he has ever since been actively and suc- 
cessfully engaged in professional work. 

Notwithstanding the important nature of his 
legal practice, and his steadfast devotion to his 
work, Mr. Harvey has taken an active inter- 
est in political work and in various financial or- 
ganizations. He was instrumental in founding 
the Lock Haven Trust & Safe Deposit Company, 
and has been president of the institution ever 
since its organization in 1 89 1 . This ranks among 
the prosperous financial concerns of this section 
of the State, its assets being now more than 
five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Harvey 
shows a generous interest in educational affairs, 
and has been a trustee of the Pennsylvania State 
College and of the Central State Normal School 
for some years, having been identified with the 
latter institution ever since it was founded. In 
politics he is a stanch Republican, and, in 1876, 
he was a delegate to the National Convention of 
his party. His name has been mentioned in 
connection with several important offices, and 
he has received more than once the indorsement 
of Clinton county for the office of Congressman 
from his district. On April 18, 1872, he was 
married to Miss Sarah Pollock, of Philadelphia. 
Three children were born to this union, of whom 
one, James Pollock, died at the age of sixteen. 
The survivors, Sarah Hepburn and Henry T. , 
Jr., are at home. Mr. Harvey and his wife are 
both members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
for a number of years Mr. Harvey has served as 
trustee. 



IRA MILTON HARVEY, Lock Haven's popu- 
__ lar and efficient postmaster, is a man who ex- 
erts more than ordinary influence in his locality, 
and as one of the proprietors of the Clinton 
Democrat, he has done much to strengthen the 
Democratic party in this section. 

Mr. Harvey is a native of Clinton county, 
born November 4, 1854, at Cedar Springs. His 
parents, Nathan E. and Lydia (Erb) Harvey, 
who were both born in Pennsylvania, died during 
his childhood, the former in 1863, and the latter 
in 1857. Nathan E. Harvey was a farmer by 
occupation, and, with that sturdy patriotism 
which seems to characterize the tillers of the 
soil, enlisted at the beginning of the Civil war 
in Company E, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and 
met his death in an engagement with the enemy, 
near Nashville, Tenn. Our subject was the 
youngest of four children, the others being: 
Anna (Mrs. Joseph Sayler), Ella (Mrs. James 
Daley), and Lizzie (Mrs. James Edmiston). 

At the age of eleven years our subject, who 



had previously begun his education in a public 
school, was sent to the Soldiers' Orphans School 
at Orangeville, Penn., where he remained two 
years. He was then transferred to a similar in- 
stitution at McAlisterville, Penn., and on leaving 
that school, at the age of sixteen, he engaged in 
farm work for a year. In January, 1871, he be- 
gan to learn the printer's trade at Lock Haven 
in the office of the Clinton Democrat, and in No- 
vember, 1876, having acquired a thorough knowl- 
edge of the business, he went to Williamsport, 
Penn., where he was employed as a journeyman 
printer for a short time. Later he returned to 
Lock Haven, and in 1878 formed a partnership 
with H. Bixby, A. S. Grow and John Noble, and 
established the Daily Journal. This paper was 
discontinued in 1883, the material being sold, 
and Mr. Harvey, in partnership with John No- 
ble, purchased the job printing office, which they 
conducted until September, 1S85. Mr. Harvey, 
at that time, bought a one-third interest in the 
Clinton Democrat, the leading Democratic organ 
of the county, and for several years he had 
charge of the office. In 1893 ne was appointed 
postmaster of Lock Haven by President Cleve- 
land, and the duties of that position have since 
occupied his attention. While he is an ardent 
Democrat, he has not been an office-seeker, and 
aside frojm the post which he now fills so ad- 
mirably, he has only held one position, that of 
city auditor. He has always been strongly op- 
posed to monopolies, and his paper represents 
his views on this and other questions. In 1882 
he was married to Miss Sallie Coldwell, daugh- 
ter of John Coldwell, a native of Leeds, York- 
shire, England, who became in later life a 
prominent resident of Lock Haven. Four chil- 
dren have blessed this union: Frank J., Ira S., 
Benjamin C. and Edna C. The parents are not 
members of any religious denomination, but 
they attend the Disciple Church, and take an 
interest in its various lines of work. The father 
belongs to several fraternal orders, including the 
B. P. O. E. , and, by virtue of his father's gallant 
record as a defender of the Union, is a member 
of the Society of the Sons of Veterans. 



P ; HILIP PETER RITTMAN, who to-day is at 
tiie head of one of Lock Haven's important 
manufacturing plants as its manager and a mem- 
ber of the firm controlling it, is a self-made man, 
and one whose influence is far-reaching. 

John Michael Rittman, his father (who was a 
son of John and Sophia Agnes Stiokel), was born 
September 15, 1795, at Wittenberg, Germany, 
and on September 25, 1831, there married 



570 



VOBATJ} UPHICAL RECORD. 



Margaret Kothfuss, wh itive of the 

ter Fuss, 

fan Ject 

were born thr< viz.: 

I 

set. On coming to 

irents li < n a farm 

i Williai 'id tlicr. ; the 

i ttman dying in 

Mrs. Rittman in 1894, .■. hty- 

thn i that sturdy and fru- 

ndustry and 

rtably. 

Philip Peter Rittm n March 25, 

it Williamsport, Penn \ ■ : I ten 

:Ui by the family to Lock 

Haven. Here he attended a private school 

M >s Bi 

I at the old ac 

1 when our 

thrown 

n leavin ; ! lie 

nun I nd deci- 

into the furnishing business, in 

wh a store 

nd Church 
1 with this business, he e.-i 

ly i >ne in the 

in- 

! that in mpelled to seek 

! to his present coin- 

nue 

the firm carry- 

1 Furnitui ind 

>try in Lock Haven. 1 : 

»yl- 

in 
Mr. Ritt- 

1 1 However, h 

men in tl 

II 

lb icil, 

and sident ol md 

rongly Republi- 

Mr. Rittman w This is 

oi the man- 



agers of the Building ec Loan Association. He is 
a Knight Templar, F. and A. M. 

M '. 1 . 1876, Mr. Rittman was married 
to Toosie Keller, a daughter of Col. Reuben Kel- 
ler, of Lock Haven, and their children are: 
Harry, who is in charge of his father's furnish- 
and loan business; Joe is studying pharmacy; 
and Mary Margaret is at home. 



HON. WILLIAM DUNN (deceased 1 was born 
cember 1, 1S11, on Great Island, about 
one mile below the present city of Lock Haven, 
and died very suddenly in that city on Septem- 
ber 7. [877. 

William Dunn, his grandfather, was one of the 
earliest settlers in that portion of the Valley of 
the West branch of the Susquehanna. He pur- 
chased the Great Island, first, from the Indians, 
then from the State, and passed it by will to his 
sun. Washington Dunn, Esq., who was for 
many years one of the leading and most intelli T 
; and reputable citizens of his locality, and 
father of the subject of this sketch, to whom he 
transmitted a portion of his homestead, includ- 
ing his residence. 

the day of his death. Judge Dunn, as he 
frequently did, came to Lock Haven to transact 
some business and greet some of his many friends 
and associates. Just after partaking of a social 
supper, with d friends, he remarked to 

them that he felt chilly, and at once drew his 
chair near to the stove. In a moment or two 
he fell from the chair in a helpless state. Dr. 
Larimer quickly responded to the call fur medi- 
cal aid, and other physicians soon came to his 
i ittack proved to be a severe 

nd all efforts to produce a 
tem failed. In less than an 
hour all hope ol ng life was given up, as 

. idently occurred. His son, an only 
chil. tiding railroads in the W 

em Ter; vas at once telegraphed for, and 

reti. atend the funeral on the fol- 

family burying-place at 

Dun the north side of the river from 

md. 

in the time he was able to read, Judge 

of his father's exten 

i library, and not being at any 

ssity of or much disposed to 

1 a great part of his time 

iphy and poetry 

r in the county. When yet 

- unanimously presented by 

linton county for Congress, 

tin the nomination. Always an 







WILLIAM DUNN 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



577 



active politician, he was in a few years thereafter 
twice nominated and elected to the State Legis- 
lature from the district, then composed of the 
counties of Clinton and Lycoming, each time 
largely leading his party ticket in the popular vote. 
He was an industrious and faithful representative, 
and besides discharging his general duties to the 
entire satisfaction of his district, also accomplished 
all the local legislation desired at the time. In 
1862 he was again presented by the Democracy of 
Clinton county for Congress, but again failed to 
obtain the district nomination. In 1871 he was 
nominated by his party for the office of associate 
judge, and was elected by a creditable majority. 
After the expiration of his term he devoted him- 
self mainly to his farm. He had had an attack 
of paralysis a few years before his death, but it 
was thought had fully recovered from it. His 
worthy and respected father died of dropsy. 

In his religious views Judge Dunn may be 
described as a theoretical moralist. He was a 
kind man, and his temper was rarely if ever seri- 
ously disturbed. He was very charitable in 
sentiment and with his means, and none more 
seriously regretted his death than his poor neigh- 
bors. He was fond of social enjoyment and of the 
company of the intelligent, and we are no doubt 
safe in saying that he died without an enemy. His 
character for integrity and honor stands, as it 
always stood, unimpeached. He was public- 
spirited, and always gave a helping hand to all 
enterprises that promised to benefit the public. 
His acquaintance was very extensive, and there 
are few in his county who did not know him. 
He was of quiet, unassuming, and unobtrusive 
disposition, and never crowded himself into 
prominence. Few there are who will be more 
kindly and generally remembered after death. 

Of William Dunn, grandfather of our subject, 
the following has been written: "About the year 
1768 a party of surveyors visited the upper por- 
tion of the West Branch Valley for the purpose 
of running off Allison tract, and probably other 
tracts in the vicinity. They were accompanied 
by William Dunn, a native of York county, 
Penn., who acted in the capacity of hunter for 
the party, it being his business to furnish the 
company with wild game for food. Dunn car- 
ried splendid equipments, with rifle to correspond, 
which attracted the especial attention and ad- 
miration of an Indian chief, the owner of the 
Great Island. The chief's admiration for Dunn's 
accoutrements grew into a determination to pos- 
sess them, but the owner declined to part with 
them till the chief, being naturally more inclined 
to follow the war-path than the plow, offered to 
give his island for Dunn's rifle and trappings and 

37 A 



a keg of whiskey which the surveyors had with 
them. Dunn, having an eye to business, accept- 
ed the offer, and took possession of the Big 
Island, as it was generally called at that time. 
After having drank the whiskey the Indian, boy- 
like, wished to 'trade back,' but Dunn held fast 
to his purchase. It is no wonder the Indian re- 
gretted his bargain, and wished to again get pos- 
session of his island home, for it was one of the 
most delightful spots in the West Branch Valley, 
and had long been a favorite resort for the Red- 
men. There they had met in solemn council in 
times of war, and there they had rested beneath 
the tall elms when peace had prevailed. No 
wonder the Indians were loath to give up and 
depart forever from a place which had been held 
sacred by them from childhood, a place where 
their fathers had trod long years before, and 
where their children had sported in their inno- 
cent glee. Indeed, home, with its surroundings 
and associations, has its attractions for even a 
savage humanity." 

The island was owned by Mr. Dunn for many 
years, and at his death was divided among his 
heirs. The eastern end is still in the family, be- 
ing now owned by the Hon. William Dunn, 
grandson of the original settler. The remainder 
is owned by Henry and Robert McCormick, John 
Meyer's heirs and Richard Dorey. It is all un- 
der cultivation and is highly productive. 

William Dunn, the elder, took an active part 
in the war of the Revolution, being one of the 
Committee of Safety for Northumberland county, 
of which the Island was then a part. At the 
time of the • 'big runaway," in July, 1768, he 
was forced like his neighbors to leave his house 
and fly to a place of safety. He found his way 
to York, which place he had left a few years be- 
fore, and enlisted in the army. He participated 
in several battles, among others those of Ger- 
mantown and Trenton. After the latter the gov- 
erment pressed all teams into the service that 
were available. Mr. Dunn was surprised one 
day to see his own horses and wagon brought 
into camp, and immediately asked to take charge 
of them, which was granted, so he had the satis- 
faction of driving his own team if he was a 
soldier. 

In Dunstable township, in 1833, Judge Dunn 
was married to Elizabeth Barker, who was born 
in Nippenose Valley, Penn., April 18, 1812, 
daughter of the late John and Nancy (Ramsay) 
Barker, who were the grandparents of Capt. 
Barker, deputy sheriff of Lock Haven, Penn. 
She attended the primitive subscription schools 
of Jersey Shore, the school houses in those early 
days being constructed of logs and furnished with 






KMBJiOBATn RAPHICAL RECORD. 



slab while thi 

stricl ' four winter months each year, th. 

scholars having to pay tl 

and a half per quarter. Wh 

ith her 
I family, wl tl I ' : stable 

iship, ( In- 'in- 

William Dunn, om- 

menced hoi the old on, 

whi 

ro add to hei sorro 

r she I nly child 

Washington, born August July 14. 

;. in tin- prime "t life, 1 fine man in all re- 
irnamenl ty. This w 

terrible blow t.. tin- widowed, and now childl 

tliet ; Imii ,{'■ with 

Christian humility. Sin of her I 

i. Mi~ 1 >mm has after tl 

■ ie farm 
in general, stock fune flood of 

■ 

ia 1 
gh now eighty-l 

■ 
thread a needle without gl 
hardly impaired, and k as of j 

n facl n atl I luties with a 

! her \ 
She is a membi 

Bib 1 . and she attendi :-t Sabbath- 

held m Jei -< j S Mr- \\ atson be- 

perintendent, an.! Mr- Gamm< I, ol [ei 
I teacher Maj 
tn her numen >us friends by whom 
she i. and held in so high 



CHARLES \\ BE( K, a thi 
< -us agriculturist "I Lai iton 

family of that locality, whose men 

■\ the qualiti 
iking "I . ship 

Th 
definite account is John Bi 

who was hum in Northan 
county, Pi an . |anuarj 1. 178 j, ai 
■ in January 1, 1806, to M 
Snyder, a native of the same county, 
temper :;. 1783. Tl time 

I •••it Nazareth township, Northampton 
' J , hut later i i to Centre c 



located upon a farm near HublersburL;. John 
k became well known among the agricultur- 
ist section, and he lived several years 
the allotted limit of man's existence. 
away July 27. 1858, while his wife sur- 
vived him about four years, dying on October 
They had the following children : 
liel, born October 27, 1806, died Maj - 
74; John G., our subject's father, is men- 
tioned more fully farther on; Sarah, born 

■ inber 2. of the s 
, Mary, burn September 14, 1810, married 
Swartz, ami died July 2, 1865; Chat 
n May 1 resides in Porter township, 

iton county; Simon, born ' 1 
d March »; Catherine, born December 

1 November 9. 1881; Henry, born 
M, itch 24. 1817, died March 24. [884; Joseph, 

ary 24. 1820, resides in Illim 
Mai October 6, 1S21. died March 11. 

1S46; Elizabeth, born June 4, 1824, died July 
1 ;, S in, born November 23, 1 : 

ember 25, 1 884. 
fohn G. Heck, the father of ect, was 

Northampton county, near the present 
town ol Newburg. At the time of the removal 
tre county he was a well-grown lad, and a 
ater he returned to his native county. 
where he was married, in [831, to Miss Elizabeth 
Workheiser. She was born in that counts' Au- 
9, [81 1, the daughter of John Work- 
heiser, a wealthy farmer. Soon after his mar- 
fohn 1 . Beck went back to Centre county, 
and for a time he followed the mason 
there and elsewhere in this State. In iS;5he 
purchased the farm now occupied by our subject, 
a fine property lying along Fishing creek, and 
letlv known as the old Porter homestead. 
There he resided during the remainder of his life, 
much of his time being devoted to his trade. In 
hi> boyhood he was crippled by a fall on the ice 
which injured his left hip, but notwithstanding 
this handicap hi ged to do a great deal of 

hard work in his lifetime. In politics he w 

ilthough he never sought offi- 
wards, and for many years he was an act- 
ive member of the Lutheran Church, in which 

Me was a large man, 

while his wife was shorter than the average 

- quite slender in build. He died 

October 1 1 , ml her death occurred Sep- 

the remains of both being in- 

terv, in Porter township, 

Clinton county. Our subject was the youngest 

: children whose names with 

th are as follows: Sarah. March 1. 

1 Bartholemew, and died in 



I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



579 



Porter township, Clinton count}', April 13, 1877; 
Rebecca, July 21, 1S33, married Daniel Korkman, 
and died in Bellefonte February 10, 1877; 
George, September 27, 1834, is a commission 
merchant in Pittsburg, Penn. ; Jeremiah, June 
30, 1836, is a carpenter in Williamsport, Penn.; 
Daniel, December 31, 1837, is a farmer near 
Charlton, Penn.; Mary. October 20, 1839, mar- 
ried R. W. Porter, and died in Mackeyvilie, May 

10, 1S72; Leah, September 10, 1843, married 
R. \Y. Porter, and died January 1 I, 1892; Eliza, 
September 1, 1844, married F. E. Beck, and 
now resides in Williamsport, Penn. ; William F., 
October 14, 1846, is an accomplished musician, 
and at present is engaged in piano tuning at 
Lock Haven; Harriet, December 23, 1848, mar- 
ried Jacob Stably; John, May 7, 185 1, died May 

11. 1859; and Israel, November 20, 1852, is a 
fanner in Porter township, Clinton count}'. 

The subject of this sketch was born January 
14, 1855, in WfLlker township, Centre count}', 
one mile from Hublersburg, and was but an in- 
fant when his parents removed to the present 
homestead. His education was obtained in the 
schools of Mackeyvilie. his first teacher being a 
Mr. Seward. He assisted in the work of the 
farm during boyhood, and remained at home 
almost continuously until 1882, when he went 
west and spent some time in Illinois, Kansas, 
and Wisconsin as a farmhand and journeyman 
•carpenter. While staying in Freeport, 111., he 
took lessons in vocal music, and developed an ex- 
cellent basso voice, and later he and his brother 
William traveled through the West conducting 
singing-schools. At the end of a term of ten 
lessons they would give a concert, and in some 
towns they would hold musical conventions 
which aroused great interest. Since 1887 Mr. 
Beck has had charge of the homestead, manag- 
ing it first for his mother, and after her death he 
made an arrangement with the other heirs for 
renting the place. While he is not a politician, 
he takes much interest in public affairs, and a 
few years ago he left the Democratic party, 
transferring his allegiance to the Prohibition 
party. Socially, he is prominent as a member 
of the K. G. E. at Lamar, and his fine musical 
gifts are often called into service at public gath- 
erings. At present he is a member of the choir 
of the Methodist Church at Mackeyvilie. 

On March 9, 1887, Mr. Beck was married in 
Nittany Valley to Miss Mary Maurer, a native of 
Centre county, Penn., born June 25, 1859. One 
child blessed this union, Charles R., who died in 
infancy. Mrs. Beck is an intelligent and accom- 
plished woman, and for four years previous to 
her marriage she taught school, one term being 



spent in Iowa. Her father, the late Owen 
Maurer, a carpenter by occupation, died at the 
age of seventy-three years, and her mother, 
whose maiden same was Tena Tate, died at six- 
ty-eight. There were eight children: Robert 
T. , who served in the Civil war as a member of 
the 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed in 
Georgia; Ellery H., a merchant at Viola Center, 
Iowa; W. C. , of Nebraska; R. I., of Iowa; H. 
G., of Porter township, Clinton county; Emma, 
now Mrs. John McGovern, of Iowa; Barbara, 
who died at the age of twenty-one years, and 
Mrs. Beck. 



PROF. JAMES W. ELLIOTT, superintendent 
of the Renovo public schools, and one of the 
most able instructors in central Pennsylvania, was 
born in 1859, in Reedsville, Mifflin county, this 
State, a son of Rev. George and Laura (Wilson) 
Elliott, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, re- 
spectively. The father was born in a Scotch 
settlement in Ohio, and belonged to the "border 
Elliots" who came from England to America, 
while his wife, who is still living, was born of 
Irish and English parentage. She is a grand- 
daughter of Gen. James Potter, of Revolutionary 
fame. During the years of his manhood Rev. 
Elliott labored in the ministry of the Presbyterian 
Church, and after a long and useful life passed to 
his reward in the spring of 1895. 

Professor Elliott began his education in the 
schools of Freeport, 111., and later attended Mc- 
Ewensville Academy, this State. He next pur- 
sued his studies in the Pennsylvania State Col- 
lege, and since leaving that institution in 1SS0 
has successfully engaged in teaching, having at 
different times charge of the schools at Orbi- 
sonia, Penn., and Osceola Mills. He was also 
professor of Latin and Greek in the Doylestown 
Seminary, and was, later, superintendent of the 
public schools of Bangor, Penn. In 1S96 he 
came to Renovo, and has since had charge of the 
public schools at this place. He is a man of 
scholarly tastes, and has the happy faculty of 
imparting easily and readily to others the knowl- 
edge he has acquired. In his chosen calling he 
has therefore met with excellent success. 

In December, 1884, Prof. Elliott was united 
in marriage with Miss May, a daughter of John 
H. Vincent, an attorney of Northumberland, 
Penn., and to them has been born one child, 
Kathryn Vincent. The parents are members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and in social circles 
occupy an enviable position. Fraternally the 
Professor belongs to the Royal Arcanum, while 
politically he is a Republican. He has written 






I OMMBMORATITB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lis a number of able 
• nal articles, ami has frequently lectured 
acceptably before thi - County Instituti 

I 



WASHING 1 I >N DUNN. Whether tl 
meats - in life are innate attri- 

ol the individual, or 
quickened bv a process of circumstantial d 
opment. it is im| clearly determine. 

Yet tin- stud) tul life is none thi 

sting and profitable by :■ 
ence of this same uncertainty. The march of 
ivement and pn - : iccelerated day by 

day, and each sui 
maud of men a broader intelli ind a 

nt than did the preci 
Successful men in this age must be progn 
men, men bristling with activity, and the lessons 
of biography may be liing to an extent 

lly evident. the most success- 

ful men that Clinton county has produced was 
lington Dunn, whose name introduces this 
• h. 

Born on Gi H Clinton 

I on, . m i >ii of Judge William 

Dunn t was i chiefly iii the 

ils of that city. At the twenty he 

1 with • il engineering 

if Sidney 1 Hllon, who built the Phil 

phia ' i lilroad. After having thoroughly 

letails, Mr. Dunn. 
at the early age of twenty-five, built thefirsl 
enty-five miles of the Western & Maryland rail- 

• 5,000. Sub- 
went to Utah, and constructed the 
Mi mtana, known as 
tah & Northern After building 1 1 8 miles 
of that narrow 

with tlu- Rocky Mountain I the North- 

ern Pacific, built the i nil Lake 

■ 

. and then V . r k in 

the Cast ade Mi mnl lin . trib- 

' his mi igineer 

led the follow ii n of Ji lm 

Codman, win n " 1 .ippim ott s Mag- 

azine:" "Ci 

f r< -iii here, we pursi north- 

ward to Butte, Mont. I n< r the 

admiration of tl ering skill 

of Washington Dunn, who superintended the 
truction of the Utah & Northern, and who 
is now emp m the Northern Pacific. 

Much i 'f the I laid over the lava 

the most difficult formation engineers 



.end with, and the most expensive to grade. 

This is particularly noticeabie in the Beaver 

-n, where the crossing is made through the 

main range of the Rocky Mountains. There 

lid seem to have been scarcely room 
enough for the rushing stream, most inappropri- 
ately named I >ry Creek." 

July M- '^> s 3. while on his way from 

tland, Oregon, to Missoula, Mont., and at 
some point west of the latter place, on the line 
of the Northern Pacific, Mr. Dunn was taken ill 
of heart disease, it is supposed, and after a brief 
illness expired in the sleeping car. Mrs. Dunn at 
once started westward to bring his body back to 
ild home for interment; but as the railroads 
were not complete in that Western country, the 

ains had to be conveyed seventy miles by 

; m, and it was four weeks after his death be- 
fore they were finally interred in Highland cem- 
ry, Lock Haven. Rev. J. Max Lantz, of 
Trinity M. E. Church, officiated at the funeral, 
which was largely attended, and the once busy 
man, cut off in the heyday of his manhood, now 
sleeps his last sleep. 

Mr. Dunn's sudden taking away caused deep 
sorrow among his many friends and acquaint- 
ances, besides creating a great loss to Western 
railmad interests. He was a man of indomitable 
en< : xcellent organizer and manager of 

railroad labor, and one of the active agents in 
bringing in the great public works which are 

ilutionizing the material and social life of the 

people. In many respects he was an extraordi- 

man, and his views on other subjects be- 

s those of railroads were eminently practiced. 
11 was greater than a theorist; he was a master. 
And not alone for the important part he took in 
public works, but for the prominent and worthy 
features of his life and character, is he deserving 
than passing notice. His disposition 
was truly kind and gentle. His relation- with 
his sub-contractors and subordinates were char- 

rized by such fairness, magnanimity and 
kindness as to win an extraordinary share of confi- 
dence and esteem, and each one, in his death, 
felt the loss of a friend. Endowed by nature 
with a sound judgment and an accurate . discrim- 
inating mind, he (eared not that laborious atten- 
tion details of business so necessary to 
achieve success, and this essential quality was 
-ense of moral right which 
the employment of only those 

ins that would beai the most rigid examina- 

by a fairness of intention that neither sought 

se. His charity was great, 

and the practical interest he took in the struggle of 

commencement in life will be 



I 




WASHINGTON DUNN 



i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



581 



well remembered by many a one whom he quietly 
and unostentatiously assisted. To his estimable 
family his sudden departure from their midst 
could not be measured by words; but the gloom 
of their bereavement has been followed by the 
sweet memories of a well-spent and spotless life 
in his useful and worthy achievements. 

On September 25, 1870, Mr. Dunn was mar- 
ried to Miss Louise Ann Fisk, of Lock Haven, 
and to them were born three sons and one 
daughter, who are still living: William Arthur, 
now a civil engineer on the Pennsylvania rail- 
road; Charles, who is engaged in business in 
Boston; Clarence; and Ada. Socially, the fam- 
ily is one of the most prominent in Lock Haven, 
and their home is noted for its warm-hearted 
hospitality. 



P. DARRAH, editor and proprietor of 
The Evening News, of Renovo, Clinton 
county, was born October 6, 1872, in Pittsburg, 
Penn. His parents moving to Renovo when he 
was quite young, he obtained his rudimentary 
education in the schools of that town. In 1886 
he became a student at St. Vincent's College, 
Latrobe, Westmoreland county, where he pur- 
sued a classical and commercial course, gradu- 
ating in 1 89 1 with the degree of M. A. After 
completing his college courses, he entered upon 
his course as a bookkeeper, but finding the duties 
of a commercial life incongenial to his tastes, he 
entered upon journalism. His first newspaper 
work was done at Renovo, upon the paper which 
he now conducts, and later he filled responsible 
positions on the staffs of journals in the cities of 
western Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio. In 
1896 he returned to Renovo, and in December, of 
that year obtained possession of The Evening 
News, the only daily paper published in Clinton 
county outside of the county seat. His able 
management of The News redounds to Mr. Dar- 
rah's credit as a newspaper publisher, and his 
tact and energy as an editor have given Renovo 
a clean, fearless journal, which has become in- 
despensable in this community. 



|EV. JOHN O. ADAMS, who is now prac- 
JLJL tically living retired in the village of Dunns- 
town, Woodward township, Clinton county, was 
born January 24, 1826, in Loganton, Sugar Val- 
ley, the same county, and has devoted the greater 
part of his life to the work of the ministry. 

His grandfather, William Adams, was a native 
of Massachusetts, and of English descent. He 
grew to manhood in that State when the country 



was still under British rule, and on the outbreak 
of the Revolutionary war enlisted in the Conti- 
nental army under Washington, valiantly fighting 
for liberty until independence was achieved and 
the colonies were recognized as free States. On 
leaving his native State he removed to one of the 
southern counties of New York, where he en- 
gaged in farming for some time, and then came to 
Stroudsburg, Monroe Co., Penn., where he con- 
tinued to follow that occupation throughout his 
remaining years. He was a well-educated man, 
and took a just pride in the fact that he had 
aided in establishing this most glorious republic 
of ours. He married a Miss Everett, of Scotch 
descent, who also died at Stroudsburg, and to 
them were born six children: William, Benja- 
min, Joseph, Jesse, John and Margaret. 

William T. Adams, our subject's father, was 
born in Monroe county, in 1794, and, as there 
were no public schools in that locality during his 
boyhood, his education was limited to the 
knowledge he could acquire through his own 
unaided efforts. He spent much time in the 
reading and study of the Bible. Until eighteen 
years of age he assisted his father in the cultiva- 
tion of the home farm, and then learned the mill- 
wright's trade, which he followed in his native 
county for twelve years. In 1824 he located in 
Sugar Valley, Clinton county (then a part of 
Centre county), where he assisted in building the 
first gristmill, and continued to follow his chosen 
occupation in Clinton, Centre, Lycoming, 
Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, Penn. , 
until he had secured a comfortable competence 
which enabled* him to lay aside business cares in 
1864. He then removed to Berrysburg, Dauphin 
county, where he lived retired at the home of 
our subject until called to the world beyond in 
1874, and now sleeps the sleep of the just in the 
silent graveyard at Berrysburg. He was a faith- 
ful member of the United Brethren Church, to 
which his wife also belonged, and was an ardent 
Republican in politics. 

In Sugar Valley William T. Adams had wed- 
ded Miss Mary Miller, whose birth occurred in 
Lebanon county, in 1802, and of the nine chil- 
dren born to them our subject is the oldest. He 
was followed by Angelina, now the widow of 
William Sharer, of Lock Haven; Jesse, of Will- 
iamsport, Penn. ; Martha, wife of B. F. Roden- 
baugh, of Muncy, Lycoming county; Charles, 
who died from the effect of wounds received at 
the second battle of Bull Run during his service 
in the Civil war; George; Thomas, who was 
killed at the battle of Petersburg; Rebecca, wife 
of Daniel Pottiger, of Renovo, Penn. ; and Har- 
riet, wife of Jonathan Overholtzer, of Iowa. The 






VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



m.'ther survived her husband for son dy- 

ing at the li subject in Dunnstown in 

and her remains were interred t: 
The only education which our subject re- 
ceived w.is obtained by three months' atti 
during the winti n at the public 

and h< ! to walk A two 

miles to the school house. His summi 

! to farm labor ii .alley, where he 

tinued I : until sixteen y 

With his lather lie then leai millwright's 

trade, which he foil tie. 

Union, Dauphin and other 

nties in the sumi >n, while the winter 

nths were devoted I 

his own 
mind, and lia\ in ne a 

mil ted much atten- 

t theol<.i; , \ . At the 
twenty-two he 1 to pn the 

United Brethn Ni 1 1 .land, 

Lancastei I I Ins tir-t charge was 

in the H circuit, Lykens Valley, Dauphin 

inty, whi ttended to the spiritual w 

of the | pie for three . uring which time 

hi built a church at Lykenstown, .mother at 
Cr< lathird lis Valley. From 

una 
mission and located at Linglestown, Middle 1 

townsh inty, where i 

on* nd built a fine brick 

church. The next I in Lan- 

n, , whei 
rship and made other ii ents in the 

church pn ; there' he moved ti i 

High Spire, Dauphin county, where he made his 

which tin 

it his trade. In 

wh followin l in 

tion with farming he also serve 

preacher. 

Mr. Ad made his home in Dunns- 

tov. ■', and ha I in market 

ling, owning and i >pi ratii ill farm. In 

■ I by t: 

il I, causin k>, and he then 

moved to hi where he contii 

to follow gardening 1 1 

iching the ■, but has 

local minister, and has 1 the 

Unit* d 1 Irethren Church 1 
torical power, h hing has 

ive, and he has been thi l bringin 

lis to Christ. Since the the 

Republican party he has t its eari 

ad> nd. heir. : nee Wi U 



he is a prominent member of the Good Templars, 
and also is identified with the Knights of Pythias 
fraternity and the Order of Odd Fellows, hold- 
ing membership in the lodge at Berrysburg, in 
which he has filled all the chairs. No man in 
Clinton county is more highly respected, or is 
more deserving the high r< gard in which he is 
uniformly held than Rev. John Q. 'Adams. 

In 1S50. at Berrysburg, Mr. Adams was 
united in marriage with Miss Hannah Forney, a 
native of that place, and a daughter md 

Margaret 1 Rumberger) Forney, the former born in 
Mifflin township, Dauphin county, in 1 7 S s , and 
the latter in Northumberland county, Penn., in 

;. The father received a good German t 
cation in his native county, and made farming his 
life occupat ning and operating several 

farm- in Dauphin count}', at different tin 
three of which were in Mifflin township. He be- 
came finite well-to-do, was widely and favorably 
known, was 1 Republican in politics and a mem- 
ber of tl il Church, to which his fam- 
ily also belonged. He died in Mifflin township, 

iphin county, in 1873, and his wife in 1 
In their family were the following children: 
Catharine, wife of William Mettz, of Dauphin 
county; Susanna, wife of Adam Zortman, of 
Northumberland county; Mary, wife of Ge> 

it-, of Northumberland county; Hannah, wife 

ur subject; and Daniel, who died at the 
.teen y< 

en children blessed the union of Mr 
Mrs. Adams, namely: 1 William O., born. 
March 15, [854, in Linglestown, Dauphin coun- 
ty, began his education in the public schools of 
that county, and later attended the Berrysburg 
nd Lebanon Valley College. He is 
□ in the car shops at Roanoke, Va. 
He married Sarah Rodenbaugh, and has four 
children- Dottie, Alice, Lillian and Daisy. 

ph M . born April 23, [856, died in March, 
rth E., bom in High Spire, 
inty, December 27, r86i, attended 
the Berrysburg public schools, and graduated at 
the Seminary of that place and also at the busi- 
llege in Lock Haven. He has taught 
100I, but is now a traveling in for a 

lumber Lock Haven. He married 

Lock Haven, Penn. (4 U 
S. Cram, born November [9, 1 S65, in Berrys- 
burg, where he pursued his studies in the public 

d in teaching in 

Dunnstown and Beach Creeks, Clinton county. 

rapher, of New York City. 

Lillian M Berrysburg, was edu- 

cated in the public schools of Clinton county and 
in the Central State Normal School, where she 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



583 



graduated in the spring of 1897. For eight years 
she was successfully engaged in teaching, six in 
Castanea and two in Lockport. She possesses 
an excellent voice, and is now a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church choir. (6) Mary H. , 
born in Berrysburg, was a student in the public 
schools of Clinton county, and the high school 
of Lock Haven. She was married in the latter 
place in 1893 to Mackey C. Fargus, of Dunns- 
town, and now has a son, Grant E., born in 
1 895. (7) Edith E., also born in Berrysburg, 
and a student in the public schools of Clinton 
county and the high school of Lock Haven, 
graduated in 1895 at the Central State Normal 
School, and has taught for one year in Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county. She also sings 
in the Methodist Church choir. As will be seen, 
the children have all been provided with excel- 
lent educations, are now filling important posi- 
tions in life, and occupy a prominent place in so- 
cial circles. 



WH. DORNBLASER, a leading agricult- 
urist of Porter township, Clinton county, 
is a worthy representative of one of the old 
Colonial familes. 

Mr. Dornblaser is of the fifth generation in 
direct descent from Gotlieb Dornblaser, who 
came from Germany before the Revolutionary 
war and located in Northampton county, Penn. 
This honored pioneer had a son, Paul, who had 
a son, John (our subject's grandfather), who set- 
tled in Nittany Valley at an early date. 

Gideon Dornblaser (the father of our subject) 
was born July 21, 181 7, and was but a boy when 
his parents removed to this section. He learned 
the carpenter's trade with Matthew Riddle, near 
Pleasant Gap, Centre county, but his youth was 
mainly spent upon his father's farm, his educa- 
tion being limited to an attendance at the schools 
of that locality. In early manhood he was mar- 
ried near Nittany Hall to Miss Catherine Miller, 
who was born January 7, 1824, the daughter of 
John and Eve Miller. After his marriage he set- 
tled at the old homestead with his father, and, 
except for making improvements upon the farm, 
he did not work at his trade. In time he pur- 
chased the farm where he continued to reside 
until his death, which occurred September 24, 
1866, his life being doubtless shortened by a 
severe attack of typhoid fever in 1855. He was 
of ordinary build, weighing 148 pounds usually, 
and until weakened by the fever he was a most 
industrious worker. In the management of his 
farm he was very successful, and with the assist- 
ance of his wife's economy he gained a hand- 



some competence, being regarded as one of the 
substantial men of the neighborhood. He was 
prominent in local politics as a member of the 
Democratic party, and after serving creditably in 
various township offices he was elected, in 1S60, 
count)' commissioner. While he held firm 
opinions, he was not inclined to argue, and could 
always keep his temper in a discussion. In re- 
ligious work he was active,, being a leading mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which 
he held offices almost constantly. Although his 
sympathies were readily awakened in behalf of 
any movement which promised benefit for the 
community, his home and family constituted his 
chief interest. On November 28, 1861, his be- 
loved wife passed to the other world, and their 
remains now rest in the cemetery at Snydertown. 
Our subject was the eldest of eight children, the 
others being: John M., born May 2, 1846, is a 
merchant at Valley Falls, Kans. ; Benjamin F. , 
born June 4, 1848, died in 1855; Mary E., born 
August 25, 1849, is now Mrs. Jacob P. Krope, 
of Porter, Penn.; Sarah O, born February 3, 
1852. married W. J. Burrell; Miss Emma J., 
born July 24, 1855, resides at Lamar; Clara E. , 
born August 12, 1859, died May 28, i860; and 
Annuel G., born May 10, 1861, is a Lutheran 
minister at Columbus, Ohio. 

W. H. Dornblaser was born June 30, 1844, 
at the present homestead, and his education was 
obtained in the Washington school, at what is 
now known as Lamar, his first teacher being 
Jane Watson. As the eldest son there was al- 
ways plenty of work for him at home, but his 
parents desired him to make the most of his op- 
portunities and sent him to school as much as 
possible. He has resided at the homestead all 
his life, and after his father's death he bought a 
half interest in the estate, in which he and his 
sister, Miss Emma, are now equal owners. The 
management of the place devolves entirely upon 
him, however, and he is recognized as an enter- 
prising and successful farmer. 

On November 13, 1866, he was married to 
Miss Sarah J. Beck, a daughter of Charles Beck, 
who is mentioned more fully farther on. Four 
children have blessed this union, all of whom 
are living: (1) Arthur S., born August 20, 1867, 
was educated at the Lock Haven Normal 
School, Susquehanna University, Selins Grove, 
and the Boston School of Music. At present he 
resides at Hagerstown, Md. He married Miss 
Betty Isminger, of Funkstown, Md.. and has one 
child, Madge. (21 Catherine E., born Septem- 
ber 1, 1869, an attractive young lady now at 
home, studied at the Lock Haven Normal School 
and later was graduated from the Seminary at 






I OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



rstown, Md [3 Dora B., born March 4, 
and (4 Edith I 
are at home. Mr. D 1 and his » 

prominent me the Luthei h, in 

which he holds tli n, and hi 

he A. O. U. \\ -I. Ha n; I 
( , I ... and tl Po- 

litical!) hi l, and I 

■ 

Chari 1 I '.1 th t ither of Mrs 1 ' 

, D imber i| 

nthsand 
le his home with <>ur sub- 
• and most highly 
■ : that locality. He was 
M 2, in Walker township, Centre 

county, ti t John and Elizabeth 

i came imily which has long 

well-known in I the Mate. 

For n Iture, 

in which he was ver) 11 wife, 

Elizabeth Smith, who rn April 20, 181 1, 

Dunnsl ty, died N 

bei 1 leeply lamented b) a 

■ he youngi st. H ■ :11< fonti . 

and Elizabeth is now the wife "I G W Smith, 

of til- 



CHARLES ( < >RSS st mem- 

bers "I the legal fraternity in tlu> section, 

Haven for 
hi thirtj ility and 

ning have won w ide recogniti 
Mi ,j the 

1 < )n the paternal 
hi 1- ol the sixth gi , t line, 

ettledin D 
in 1690, and died ii i 

beth Catlin, and the) h Dur- 

k of Deerfii Id, in 1703 | I 
1 then the w idow ol the , 

killed, and 

irty 
h and In 

Jan bi 'in at Di 1 rfield in 1 

f wealth and mi' I i 

iti >l huntei and ti id during the French 

and Indian w.u 1 His O >ur- 

and public spiril 
old age approached, for he ; 
vati unk. 1 Hill, although 

he was at that time eight) I 1 1. 

■ii.l Thankful Munn, and their -"ii Ash 



I -grandfather, was born 111 
Mass., in 1737, and became a suc- 
sful farmer there, his tine old homestead bi 
still in the possession of one of his descendants 
1 1 married Submit Chapin, and their 
Asher I our subject's grandfather, 

was born in Greenfield in 1774, and died in [814, 
his life having been spent in agricultural pursuits. 
He married Lucy Grennell, of Greenfield, and 
de In- home at that place. Our subjects fa- 
ther. Rev. * Chapin Corss, was born at 
Id, May 22, 1803. and received an ex- 
cellent education, graduating from Amherst Col- 
and the Theological Seminary at Princeton, 
N. J. ! the ministr) of the Presbyterian 
he continued to preach the Gospel for 
many yi I his life being spent in Penn- 
sylvania, where he located in 1835, residing at 
Km hen in Athens, and finally in Smith- 
held. He attained the venerable age of ninety- 
thn his death occurring in His 
wife, Ann Hoyt, was born in 181 7, in Kiii-- 
I'enn., and died August 7. 1 S 5 1 . She was 
a descendant of Simon Hoyt, who settled at 
. Mass., in 1630. Her immediate ances- 
tors were residents ol Danbury, Conn. , her great- 
grandfather, (apt. Comfort Hoyt, and grandfa- 
ther, Daniel Hoyt, having been prominent citi- 
Her father, Ziba Hoyt, was born in Dan- 
bur}, but removed to Kingston in the latter part 
of the eighteenth century. 

1 harles Corss was born July 20, 1837, at the 

old home at Kingston, and as his parents fully 

reciated the value of a good education, he 

given every advantagi within their reach. 

During boyh i he pursued his studies at home 

under his fathei nice, and was thus pre- 

l to enter th imore year at Lafayi 

I ton, 1 Vim . where he was gradu- 

as the valedictorian of his class. 

In 1 ived his Master's degn the 

• institution, and was chosen to deliver an 

oration. For two years he held the position of 

tnt"i in and in the meantime began 

study of law with Judge Henry D. Maxwell, 

ol Easton. In iS6ohe was admitted to the Bar, 

n the fall of the same year he located at 

hi has 1 ntinued in success- 

•'>> I' e. In politics he is a stanch 

Republican, but he has never sought 01 I 

In [862, Mi was married to his first 

w 'fe. Mi Ann Kennedy, oi Belvidere, N. 

J • who dii I April 7, 1880. On June 5, 1889, 
ima Pollock, daughter of ex- 
Philadelphia, Penn. Three 
cml "i to the first marriage, namely: 





-r~2^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



585 



Mrs. J. F. McCormick, of Lock Haven; James 
Kennedy, born April 14, 1S69, and Sarah Ann, 
who was born in 1S80 and died in the same year. 
One son, Charles Pollock, born in 1892, has 
blessed the second union. James Kennedy Corss, 
who is a young man of marked ability, was grad- 
uated from Amherst College and the University 
of Pennsylvania, and is now practicing medicine 
at Newport News, Va. On April 24, 1895, he 
was married to Miss Susan E. Seay, of Cumber- 
land, Maryland. 

Socially, our subject and family are promi- 
nent, but he has not joined any secret society 
since his college days, when he was a member of 
the Delta Kappa Epsilon, a Greek letter society. 
In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and since 
1869 he has been a ruling elder in the Church. 



EV. JOHN ELIOT WRIGHT, D. D. , the 
beloved pastor of the Great Island Pres- 
byterian Church, at Lock Haven, Clinton coun- 
ty, has a remarkable ancestry, being descended 
in both paternal and maternal lines from several 
generations of clergymen. The Wright family 
originated in the North of Ireland, but it has 
been identified with the New World for more 
than two hundred years. 

Hon. John Wright, the great-grandfather of 
our subject, was a resident of Westmoreland 
county, Penn., and Rev. John Wright (grandfa- 
ther of Rev. John Eliot Wright) was a promi- 
nent minister at Lancaster, Ohio, in early days. 
Rev. Edward W. Wright, D. D., our subject's 
father, was born and reared at Lancaster, and 
when a young man entered the Presbyterian 
ministry, locating in Indiana, where he spent the 
greater portion of his life. He died in 1866, and 
his wife, whose maiden name was Henrietta 
Swift, passed away in 1895. She was born in 
Pittsburg. Penn., the daughter of Rev. Elisha P. 
Swift, D. D., of Allegheny. Penn., and a grand- 
daughter of Rev. Seth Swift, of Williamstown, 
Mass., whose wife was a direct descendant of 
John Eliot, the "Apostle to the Indian." The 
Swifts and the Eliots are of English extraction, 
but both families have been in America for about 
two centuries. Rev. Edward Wright and his 
wife had a large family of children, of whom the 
following are living: Williamson S., of Portland, 
Ore.; John E., our subject; Jeannette E. , Ed- 
ward E., and Mrs. Lucy H. Gerwig, all of Pitts- 
burg; and E. P. Swift Wright, of New York. 

Dr. John Eliot Wright was born December 
17, 1842, in Lafayette, Ind., and, having deter- 
mined upon his vocation at an early age, he ap- 
plied himself diligently to study, and in 1S62 



was graduated from Jefferson College, at Can- 
onsburg, Penn. In 1864 he was licensed by the 
Logansport (Ind.) Presbytery, and in 1865 he 
completed his course at the Theological Semi- 
nary, Princeton, N. J. On December 27, 1866, 
his ordination took place at Allegheny, Penn., 
and for two years he remained there as a co- 
pastor with Rev. L. L. Conrad in the Second 
Presbyterian Church. In 186S he accepted a 
call to the Church at Greenville, Penn., and from 
1874 to 1878 he was pastor of the First Presby- 
terian Church at Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. 
On leaving that place he took charge of a Church 
at Madison, Wis., remaining until 1882. He 
then spent some time as pastor of the Jefferson 
Park Church, at Chicago, but later removed to 
Philadelphia and on April 25, 18S3, was installed 
as pastor of the Market Square Church, at Ger- 
mantown. In the fall of 1892, feeling the need 
of complete relief from care, he resigned, and 
after resting for a few months, he assumed his 
present charge, arriving in December, 1893, and 
was installed in October, 1894. His work there 
and elsewhere has been rewarded with abundant 
success, and he is held in high esteem wherever 
he is known. At present he is a member of the 
board of trustees of the General Assembly of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

In 1869 Dr. Wright was married to Miss 
Ellen M. Kerr, daughter of Rev. John and Annie 
(Bakewell) Kerr, of Pittsburg, and three children 
brighten their home: "Mary Swift, Gifford King, 
and Naomi. 



HON. J. HARRIS McKINNEY, one of the 
__ distinguished citizens of Clinton county, 
now serving as associate judge, and a leading 
representative of the agricultural interests, has 
back of him an ancestry honorable and eminent. 
He is a representative of the Scotch-Irish ele- 
ment that forms so important a factor in our 
American citizenship. The name was originally 
spelled McKinnie, and the family was founded in 
America by the great-grandfather, Henry Mc- 
Kinney, who was born in Scotland or the north- 
ern part of Ireland, and came to this country in 
1720, settling in Dauphin county, Penn., where 
he followed farming. He was married and had 
several children, including Henry, James, John 
and Mathew. When young men James and 
Mathew removed to Mercer county, Penn. The 
great-grandfather died in Dauphin county, and 
is supposed to have been buried in the historic 
graveyard surrounding Deny Church, in which 
Church he was a consistent member and faithful 
worker. 

His son, John McKinney, was born on the 



S 



- 



C0MM1 VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



banks ol Swatara river, Dauphin county, and 

making farn 
his n irried in his 

inty to I nd they bei ame the 

! in 

rchyard. 

Th were ]• ibn, who 

! in N< irthumber- 
land county, Penn.; James Harris, father of the 

I ihn Inn I >un- 

iunty; Mathew, . 

ship, L) ty; and 

William, wh tree 

in Northumberland county. The grandfather re- 

North- 

umberland county, in t78o, travelin im, 

mi wliu h id in Turbut 

tow nsh his remains 

■■ ith thosi other meml 

of the family rry churchyard. He sen 

in 1 tauphin a >unty, 
which was known .1- thi ng (Inn 

ins with 
the In- 
randfather, with 
! the Warrioi Run Church, in Northum- 

\ Inch tli 
I hurch. Hi I unflinching 

munity. 
ney, father ol the [ud 

phii on his 

father's farm ai 

which h |y at ho 

When mm 1 joined the army 

I did dul \ Y.. with 

Warrior Run Kill. \ Hi his 

warded in 1 
nment. 
• •in to N 

: in farming for 
to N'ittanj \ 

inty, on 
which he 1 
dui t h e n 

wnship, 1 

I basing the Myi 

II ■'■' '" 111.I he built 

thl : 

more than | . burning the brick u] 

own land. He also built a barn, ind n 
in. .-Hi impi , develo] 

' " ■ fat - in the township. I fe 

in- land under a high stal 

• 
■ 



|ames Harris McKinney was married January 
1. [818, in Northumberland county, to Ruth L. 
11, who was born in Northumberland 
ity. April 11, 1799, a daughter of Andrew 
id, a farmer of Northumberland county, 
scotch-Irish descent. They had nine children: 
|ohn, deceased; Esther G., deceased wife of 
Robert M. Russell, of Dew art. Northumberland 
■ ty; Nancy, who died in young womanhood; 
Andrew C, a miller of Pine Creek township; 
William L. , who died at the age of twenty-two 
t ne. who died in Nittany Valley; David 
F., a physician and now a resident of Frederick 
City, Md., and a surgeon of the 87th Regiment 
during the Wai of the Rebellion, married Mary, 
only daughter of William E. Trego, of Baltimore, 
Md. ; J. Harris, the Judge; and Priscilla. widow 
of Oliver P. Montgomery, of Watsontown, Nor- 
thumberland county. The father of this family 
>i domestic taste.-, who did all in his 
power to promote the happiness and welfare of 
his family. Realizing the value of education he 
his children excellent advantages in this di- 
rection. He was a stanch part}' man who voted 
the Whig ticket in early life and afterward the 
Republican. He and his family were consistent 
s of the Presbyterian Church. He died 
at the old homestead March 14, 1S79. His 
wife, who had been to him a faithful companion 
helpmeet on life's journey for more than 
fifty years, died Julys, l88o, and both v 
buried at Jersey Shore. His well -spent life won 
him the pect of all with whom he 

came in contact, and his ability led to his selec- 
tion forvarious local offices, in which he served 
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- 
stituents. 

Judge J. Harris McKinney acquired his pri- 
lucation in the district schools of his na- 
hip, and afterward attended the high 
I Jersey Shore, where he was graduated. 
He then returned to the farm where he has since 
II tred for his parents in their old 
and after his father's death took charge of 
the hom 1 which he has made some 

nt improvements. He is one of the ex- 
tensive tobacco growers in this section of the 
nty, and has built excellent tobacco sheds. 
I as one <>f the most progressive 
farmers in this section of the count)', and the 
the place well indicates his 
: vision. 
On August 12, 1S74, in Watsontown, North- 
umberland county, Judge McKinney was married 
to F vho was born in that county, 

! Robert and Sarah (Caldwell) Mc- 
11 r father was a farmer of Northumber- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



587 



land county, and was of Scotch-Irish extraction. 
Mrs. McKinney was one of five children, and by 
her marriage became the mother of three chil- 
dren: Sarah McKee and Ruth Ferguson are 
twins, the former of whom is a graduate of the 
high school in Jersey Shore, taking first honors 
in the class of '95, and is pursuing her musical 
education, while the latter died in infancy; and 
Hester Graham is a student in the high school 
of Jersey Shore. The mother died May 29, 
1886, and the Judge was again married Novem- 
ber 21, 1888, his second union being with Miss 
Ella Leib, of Wellsboro, Tioga Co., Penn., a 
daughter of George Leib, a merchant of that 
county. Her death occurred September 5, 1895. 
Both of his wives were members of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

Judge McKinney has been prominent in po- 
litical affairs as a leader of the Republican forces 
of his township and county. He was elected 
township auditor for six terms, and in 1S95 was 
elected associate judge of Clinton county by a 
good majority, his personal popularity and his 
sterling worth winning him many votes of the 
Democracy. In the discharge of his duties he is 
prompt, reliable and true to the trust reposed in 
him. He is an active advocate of the cause of 
temperance, is a consistent member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, in which he has served as elder 
and steward, and in the Sunday-school he has 
acted as teacher. He is a self-made man, and 
has not only advanced along financial lines, but 
has developed his scholarly tastes by extensive 
reading, and is to-day a well-informed man on 
the political and general issues which claim the 
public attention. To his family he is an indul- 
gent father, and with him friendship is inviolable. 
He receives and merits the highest regard, and is 
well deserving of mention among the honored 
citizens of Clinton county. 



JUDGE JAMES W. CRAWFORD. Men of 
marked ability and strong individuality leave 
their impress upon the world in such indeli- 
ble characters that time is powerless to obliter- 
ate their memory or sweep it from the minds of 
men. Their commendable acts live long after 
they have passed from the scene of their earthly 
career. 

Judge Crawford is one of the strong charac- 
ters who have become an integral part of the 
business life of Clinton county, and by the exer- 
cise of his powers has not only advanced his in- 
dividual prosperity, but has contributed to the 
welfare of the county. He has filled public po- 
sitions of honor and trust in a most creditable 



manner, and has won the utmost regard of all 
with whom he has come in contact. He is now 
one of the leading agriculturists of Chapman 
township, was born October 15, 1832, near 
Chatham Run, in Pine Creek township, Clinton 
county, while his father, James Allison Crawford, 
was a native of Wayne township, the same 
county, a son of Robert Crawford and a brother 
of the late Judge George Crawford, an old settler 
of- Pine Creek township. The father obtained 
only such an education as the subscription schools 
of his daj' afforded, and was reared on the home 
farm in Wayne township. When a young man 
he removed to the present site of Charleston, 
Pine Creek township, where he purchased a 
small tannery and engaged in its operation until 
1 S37, when he bought the Duncan farm in that 
township, improving and cultivating the same 
for ten years. In 1S47 he removed with his 
family to Lock Haven and embarked in mer- 
chandising, which business he successfully carried 
on until 1855, when he sold out and returned to 
his farm in Pine Creek township. In 1862 he 
rented the place and again moved to Lock Haven, 
where he engaged in lumbering a short time 
and lived retired until his death, which occurred 
in that city, August 12, 1884, his remains being 
interred in Highland cemetery. He and his 
family were consistent members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church, and in politics he was a stalwart 
Democrat, but no politician in the sense of office- 
seeking. 

In Pine Creek township, James Allison 
Crawford was married to Miss Tabitha White, 
who was born in that township, a daughter of 
James and Elizabeth (Whitesall) White, the 
former of English descent. Eight children were 
born of this union, namely: Robert, who died 
in 1878; Elizabeth, widow of R. R. Bridgens, 
of Lock Haven; James W. ; Charlotte, who died 
in childhood; Emma, wife of Alexander McDon- 
ald, of New York City; George, who resides on 
the old homestead; Thomas E., a contractor, of 
Lock Haven; and Isabella, wife of S. Peck, of 
West Virginia. The mother died in Lock Ha- 
ven in 1890, and was also buried in Highland 
cemetery. 

Judge Crawford began his education in an old 
log schoolhouse supplied with plank benches and 
other primitive furniture, having for his teachers 
Alexander Hamilton and a Mr. Walters. After 
the removal of the family to Lock Haven, he 
continued his studies in the public schools dur- 
ing the winter, while during the summer months 
he worked in his father's store, and in his em- 
ploy also spent one year in the lumber business 
in Clearfield county. In 1S50 he came to North 






VORATH BAPHWAL RECORD. 



(then known as \ Womanstown) 

worked in the genera of his 

father ami Michael • and also 1 

of his father, re- 
maining in their for four years, during 
which time he mana some •■ 
1 1 < then purchased his father's interest in the 
for $1,300, and, in partnership with Mr. 
Quigl n business until in [861 with 
I le then turned his attentii m to 
the lumber business, buying timber and 1 
ing in the manufacture of lumber and shipping it 
to different points, and in this enterprise he was 
connected with Gammel, White & 1 
era] years, I le is still intei 

nt farm in Chapman township is 
I ol 117 acres which he pun hased in 
On ti ted a a imfortable 

where he continues making his ! 
surrounded by all the comforts and many of the 
luxui life, which ha. tained 

through Ins own individual effort, sound judg- 
ment, ai ability. 

In 1 s ; 4 , .it North Bend, Mr. Crawford was 
married to Miss Frances A. Q a native of 

that 1 Michael Quig 

prominent merchant, lumberman and farmer, who 
f German and Irish descent. Tothemwere 
Emma, \\ i Samuel W. 

at home; Lottie McD., wife 
ink Ransdorf, and [ames, Ann 
I whom died in childhood. The 

family of prominem the center of 

■I friend quaintances, Be- 

in ardent 1 t, Mr. Crawford was 

i. that ticket, in 1 
Clinton county, and so satisfactorily did 
the term of five years that in 1890 he 

u.is again the nominee "I his party, and v. 

I by the Republican party, which made 
ainst him, ti gain, thus 

beiiu without oppi ; which in- 

sularity and t ! 
trusl in him by hi Foi 

he served r in Chap- 

man township, and at the same tii 
as auditor, but after the law « 

from holding the two 1 once, 

signed the latter. Ik 
Hav< nI ,, F. & .\. M. ; Lock I 

P. B. O. E., and with his fam- 
il\ 1- a member of the Presbyterian Church. His 
een well -pent, marked bj integrity in 
business relations and fidelity to ever) duty, 
public or private. His sterling worth has gained 
him the uniform regard of all. and Clinton 1 
I to number him among her 1 



ALVA S. GROW, the efficient and popular 
-ter and recorder of Clinton county, 
with residence at Lock Haven, is a native of 
the county, born July 28, 1856. at Mill Hall. 

Mathias Grow, father of our subject, was a 

lier in the Civil war, having enlisted in Com- 
pany C, 1 ;, _ th P. Y. I., and died in December, 

j, in Findlay Hospital, Washington, District 
of Columbia. 

Alva S. Crow received his education in the 

iiers' Orphan Schools of the State, for a time 
ne at McAlisterville, Juniata county. 
In October, [872, he entered the office of the 
Clinton Democrat, where he passed three years, 
learning the printing trade and assisting the edi- 
tor, Hon. J. C. C. Whaley, with the local de- 
partment of the paper. In October. 1 S 7 7 , Mr. 
Grow became a member of the Journal Associa- 
npany with Ira M. Harvey, John T. 
Noble and H. Byxbe, in which he continued un- 
til the spring of [878, when he went to Belle- 
fonte, becoming local editor of the Bellefonte Re- 
publican. In February, 1879, he was elected 

stant burgess on the same ticket with (now) 
D. H. Hastings, who was elected chief 
burgess, and he remained at Bellefonte until July 
1, 1879, when he returned to Lock Haven and 
purchased the Journal newspaper establishment. 
Mr. Crow enjoys the distinction of being the 
first person to introduce printing by steam in 
Clinton county, and at the same time was the 
owner of the most rapid press in the county, 

n to the present time. In December, 1883, 
the Journal fixtures were sold to a New York 
party, and for a time our subject engaged in 
newspaper work in Philadelphia. In the spi 
of 1884 he became a member of the firm of 
Georv- T. Bisel & Co., publishers and booksell- 
if Philadelphia, remaining with the firm un- 
til May, 1889, when, selling out his interest 
tlun in. he returned to Lock Haven, and at once 

red tin office of Charles M. O'Connor, as 
general manager of that gentleman's extensive 
busim 

In August. [891, Mr. (.row received the nom- 
ination of the Republican party for register 
recorder of Clinton county, and at the Novem- 
f that year was elected by a major- 
ity ol 582, In 1894 he was re-elected, and was 
thus serving his second term, when, in October. 

7, he wa ted State bank examiner by 

Gov. Hastings, and at once assumed the duties 
of I' He has been actively identi- 

fied with the efforts to establish new enterprises 
'» Lock and in every matter pertaining 

e of the county he has given much 
time. Mr. Crow is a trustee of the Central 




/VL. & *&r&u>s 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



589 



Normal School, a director of the Lock Haven 
Library, a member of the executive committee 
of the Board of Trade, and president of the Lock 
Haven Business-Men's Club. 

In September, 1883, our subject was married 
to Elizabeth W. Cummings, a most estimable 
Christian woman, who died in December, 1895, 
leaving to survive her a son. 



DANIEL QUIGGLE, Esq., who has been for 
__ ' twenty years past a justice of the peace in 
and for Wayne township, Clinton county, is one 
of the oldest citizens of that locality, and is held 
in the highest esteem by all who know him. One 
remarkable fact in connection with his long pub- 
lic service is that no appeal has ever been taken 
from his court, and this speaks volumes for the 
impartiality and wisdom which have so com- 
pletely won the confidence of the people. 

Squire Quiggle was born August 27, 1818, at 
the old family homestead on the banks of the 
Susquehanna river, in the same township in 
which he now resides. He was the eldest child 
of George Quiggle and his second wife, Cather- 
ine (Strayer) Quiggle, who are more fully men- 
tioned elsewhere. The family has been identi- 
fied with the locality from an early day, and our 
subject's brothers, Jacob, Robert C, Thomas, 
and Richard (now deceased), all settled in the 
vicinity. The Squire was educated in the sub- 
scription schools of his boyhood days,' the house 
being built of logs and furnished with plank 
benches and slab desks. His attendance was 
limited to three months in winter, as his father 
needed his help at home in clearing and grub- 
bing the timber land which he had purchased for 
a homestead, and in the other work of the farm. 
Until he reached the age of twenty-six the 
Squire remained at home; but in 1844 he was 
married in Wayne township to Miss Delilah 
Matter, and on assuming this new responsibility 
he engaged in work on his own account, secur- 
ing employment on the canal, which was then 
being constructed. Two summers were spent in 
this way, the winters being devoted to lum- 
bering in the woods, and then he removed to 
Pine Creek township, Clinton county, where 
he conducted for five years the hotel known 
as the "Half-way House." The year following 
was passed at Jersey Shore, but in 1856 he re- 
turned to his native township and settled upon 
the farm where he now resides. He is an excel- 
lent manager, and his property has greatly im- 
proved under his care, a comfortable residence 
with barn and other outbuildings having been 
built by him. During all this time he was more 



or less interested in buying and selling grain and 
lumber, and for forty-six years he was a pilot on 
the Susquehanna river, being employed at vari- 
ous times in taking "arks" and rafts from Lock 
Haven to Marietta and Columbia, Penn. In 
1892 he retired from active business, but not- 
withstanding his many years of toil he is still 
hale and hearty, few young men possessing his 
strength. 

Politically, the Squire is a Democrat of the 
deepest dye, having voted the party ticket since 
Van Buren's candidacy. In 1878 he was elected 
justice of the peace, and has served continuously 
since that date, settling many disputes satisfac- 
torily. During this time he has solemnized two 
marriages. At different periods he has been 
called to fill other offices, and he has served as 
judge of election, township assessor, and tax col- 
lector, holding the latter position three years. 

Our subject and his estimable wife have had 
five children, all of whom lived to adult age: (1) 
Catherine married Joseph Shuler, of Lykens, 
Penn., and they have two children — Michael and 
Maude. (2) Daniel A., a mechanic at McKees- 
port, Penn., married Miss Anne Hahndice, and 
has had five children — Louise, Martha, Grace, 
Dora, and Edna. (3) Michael S. , an employee 
of the National Pipe Line, married Miss Carrie 
Probs, of Woodward township, Clinton county, 
who died in Wayne township, leaving no chil- 
dren. (4) Robert T. , a resident of Beech Creek, 
Penn., married Miss Elizabeth Wilson, and has 
had eight children — Stewart, Jane, James, John, 
Scott, Guy, Tissie, and one whose name is not 
given, who died at an early age. (5) Binnie, 
who died in 1887, was the wife of R. Overdorf, 
of Nippenose Valley. Squire Quiggle and his 
family are Methodists in religious faith, and for 
many years he has been a leading member of the 
Church and a teacher in the Sunday-school. 

Mrs. Quiggle, with whom our subject has 
now spent more than a half century of happy 
wedded life, was born February 10, 1S24, in 
Lykens Valley, Dauphin county, Penn. Her 
grandfather, John Matter, a native of Germany, 
located there at an early date, purchasing land 
for a homestead where he and his wife, whose 
name is not now recalled, passed their remaining 
years. They were members of the Lutheran 
Church, and reared their family in that faith. 
George Matter, Mrs. Quiggle's father, was born 
at the old home in Lykens Valley, and was edu- 
cated in both English and German in the schools 
of the locality, being especially well-read in the 
latter language. Although he was a cooper by 
trade he followed farming throughout his life, 
and in 1838 he removed from his native place to 






( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



'. Iley. Clinton county, where he resided 

He tip n settled in Si i Valley, 

Huntingdon county, Penn., making a perm 
; , and his death occurred there in 

Politically he was alw lys a Dem icrat, and, like 
rents, he remain Iherent of 

thi Luthei n Church 1 1 ! 'i Ly- 

They 

who died in Lykens 

y; |onathan, a merchant at Lykens; May, 

township, 
Hunt mntj . I hus- 

band, |ames Helli ! in the Civil war; 

and. Delilah, the v Mrs I 

inly (our '.\ hen shi 

i Linton county. SI. d a good 

i and 
m that lanf nd she - I nglish 

l h tudy oi the Bible 
and she has n ad thi entire volume thi 

tament thirty-two 
Although m • from rheuma- 

has always been an active worker, be- 
ing 'I has the repu- 

township. 



RICHARD ARMS! RONG, M. D., ol Lock 
nd( '1 from 
promim i w hi ise hist' u 

interesting. In the belt of country in the south- 
ern part "f Scotland near the border of England 
and now embraced in the counties "l Dumfries 
and Roxburgh, once dwi I re- 

;>h lowland families, an: 
whom were the i lans Johnston, Elliot, Doug] 

well, ( hrisholm and Am ind ol these 

the clan Ai hich the subject of this 

worthy the 

t noted, most numerous, and most powerful. 

I onard M. Morrison in his "Rambles in 

of the h lily in an 

interesting style, and we will borrow liberally 

;ion of countn 
the "D( 
in Scotland it wa I to the claims of England. 

It was often overrun by the am 

dom, and - itimes stripped and despoiled 1a 

both, and by thi ndi- 

tionsand the I n which they 

were plait d b\ the lawl ge, they 

wen- forced t" resort to ■ xpedientsnot justifia 
in a more enlighten sting to 

• the origin and antiquity ol the name Arm- 
strong, as it was without doubt conferred upon 
le individual physical strength or ti i 

p in perpetual remembrance some act 



•tion and bravery. This supposition is sus- 
tained b) the tradition that a Scottish King 

ing his horse killed under him in battle was 
immediately remounted by Fairbairn, his armor- 
bearer, who took the king by the thigh and set 
him on his saddle. For this timely assistance the 
king rewarded him with lands on the border and 
pellation of Armstrong, assigning 
him for a crest a mailed hand or arm, in the left 
hand a leg or foot in armor, couped at thi 
all proper This crest is borne at the present 
branches of the family. It was 
borne in the county of Cumberland. England, in 
[235, and at Berwick on Tweed in 1335. The 
an ancient one, and is found spelled in 
forty-four different ways. Letters of safe' con- 
ducl i anted to William Armstrong in 1 

and 1363. It is not till [376 that any of the 
name can be identified as belonging to Liddens- 
dale, in the " Debatable Country," but they may 
have been there many years before. Soon after 
1376 Alexander and David Armstrong are men- 
tinned in the family record: Robert Armsti 
and Margaret Temple, his wife, being in posses- 
portion ol a m.inorinThorpe, England, 
m [377 

Mangetton castle was an important seat of 
the Armstrongs and the residence of Thomas 
Armstrong, the chief of one of its branches, and 

her of Johnnie Armstrong, of Gilmockie. 
The original deed of the family having been lost 

I, the towns and lands were re-grant 
by Francis, Earl of Bothwell, to Launcelot Arm- 
strong on October 9, 1586, and remained in pos- 
;ion of his descendants till about 1730. It 
stood on the southwest bank of the Liddel river, 
about twenty miles northeast of Carlisle, Ei 
land, and its ruins can still be seen. Another 
important seat of the family was at the " Hol- 

- " in Cannobie. on the bank of or near the 
river Hsk. Here dwelt Johnnie Armstroi 

lied " < lilmockie," a celebrated bor- 
der Chieftain who caused both the English and 
the Scottish people considerable trouble. He was 
treai j taken prisoner with many of his 

iners in 1530, by King James V. of Scotland, 
and he and thirty-five of his men were hanged at 
■no is still a familiar one upon 
the border and in the border poetry. Many of 
the Arm repose in the old cemetery of 

Castleton, and' monument we find the 

name of the Rev. Robert Armstrong, who died 
April 16, 1732, enty-two. He \\ ,. s the 

father ol Dr. John Armstrong, a somewhat noted 
physician and p< ndon, whose writings can 

ound in the Linen Hall Library in 1 

tnd. There are also stones erected to the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



591 



memory of Rev. William Armstrong and to 
Robert Armstrong, " shepherd," thus denoting 
his occupation, as is common in the old burial 
places. The " Willhelm Cross" was erected in 
memory of some Armstrong as early as 1350. 

The Clan Armstrong in its palmiest days 
(about 1528) numbered with its adherents up- 
wards of three thousand horsemen, and the dis- 
ruption of the clan came about 1530. The race 
is not numerous in the locality in which it origi- 
nated; yet many members of it are found in Eng- 
land; great numbers in Ireland, and not a few in 
the United States and the British provinces. It 
is safe to say that every person of the name 
Armstrong, who rightfully bears that name, is 
descended from the powerful clan on the border 
of the " Debatable Country." Among the man}' 
prominent men of the name on this side of the 
blue sea, may be mentioned George W. Arm- 
strong, Esq., of Brookline, Mass., and Gen. S. 
C. Armstrong, president of Hampton Institute, 
Virginia. Another member of the clan who de- 
serves especial mention is Rev. Richard Arm- 
strong, our subject's uncle, for whom he was 
named. For many years he was a missionary in 
the Sandwich Isles, and did much good among 
the natives of that far-off land. 

The branch of the family to which our sub- 
ject belongs became identified with Pennsyl- 
vania at a very early day. James Armstrong, 
the grandfather of our subject, was a resident of 
the State, and James Armstrong (2), our sub- 
ject's father, passed his life within its borders, 
following surveying and teaching. He was a 
quiet, unassuming citizen, but he was held in 
high esteem by all who knew him. He died in 
1 87 1 , and his wife, Mary Reader, who was also a 
native of Pennsylvania, died in 1870. The}' had 
five children (three sons and two daughters), 
and of those three are now living: Dr. Arm- 
strong, who is the eldest of the survivors, is men- 
tioned more fully below; George B., residing in 
Troy, Penn. ; and Mary E. is the wife of Frank 
Morgan, of Troy, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Richard Armstrong, of this review, was 
born June 15, 1832, at McEwensville, Northum- 
berland Co., Penn., and received his literary ed- 
ucation in the academy at that place. From an 
early age he had a clear perception as to his 
proper vocation, and at sixteen he began the 
study of medicine in the office of Dr. R. H. Wat- 
son, of McEwensville. In 1850 he entered Jef- 
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he 
was graduated in 1854, and at once engaged in 
practice there, in partnership with his preceptor. 
In 1856 he removed to Lock Haven, and has 
since been continuously engaged in practice there, 



his forty-one years of earnest professional work 
making him the senior practitioner of that lo- 
cality. His skill and ability are widely recog- 
nized, and he takes a prominent part in various 
professional organizations, being a member of 
the Clinton County Medical Society, and a per- 
manent member of the State Medical Society, 
and of the American Medical Association. He 
was elected one of the vice-presidents of State 
Medical Society at its meeting in Philadelphia 
May, 1894, and at present he is one of the vice- 
presidents of the Alumni of Jefferson Medical 
College, Philadelphia. He has also served on 
the Board of Pension Examiners, and his advice 
and influence are valued in lines outside of his 
profession, as he has been a trustee of the State 
Normal School at Lock Haven ever since it was 
founded. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, 
and has served for many years as an elder in the 
Church at Lock Haven. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, but has held himself aloof from the 
partisan strife and from the scramble for official 
honors. 

On November 3, 1857, he married Miss 
Mary Fenton Kintzing, daughter of Tench Kintz- 
ing, Sr., and a member of an old Philadelphia 
family. She passed away May 24, 1894, leav- 
ing four children: Carrie K., wife of F. J. 
Duffner, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; Miss M. 
Gertrude, who is at home; William N., a med- 
ical student, and Miss Mary E., now at home. 



JOHN DORNBLASER, a venerable octogen- 
arian and retired agriculturist residing at 
Lock Haven, Clinton county, bears the 
name of a family that through generations have 
played an honorable part in the history of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Gotlieb Dornblaser, his great-grandfather, 
came to this country before the Revolutionary 
war, and located in Lower Nazareth township, 
Northampton county. He had two sons and 
three daughters, namely: Paul died in North- 
ampton county; John died in Ohio; Mrs. Stein- 
inger died near Bath, Penn. ; Mrs. John Fogle 
lived near Foglesville, Penn.; and Mrs. Shaffer 
died in Ohio. Of these, Paul (the grandfather of 
our subject) had nine children, seven living to 
old age. Two died in infancy. The seven were: 
Joseph, Thomas, Mary, Benjamin, Jacob, John, 
and George. Of these, John Dornblaser (the 
father of our subject) was born January 14, 
1787, in Lower Nazareth township, Northamp- 
ton county, and on March 22, 1812, in the same 
county, was married to Catherine Lawall, born 
July 16, 1788, a daughter of William H. and 









VMEMORA TI7B BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



abeth (Naulin Lawall, and their children 

ry 21, 1 lui 

: n July 21, 181 

ust 
14, 

■ Willia 
nship; Benjamin, b 
went ti i llln. var of the I 

lion, lived at Joliet, later in Shelby county, and 

I I ' 
the- md 

D the war of 1812 he 

iny from his sect! 
■ >l the Mate that went to oppose the advance 
the British on Philadelphia 5 iquently I 

>in in the Mate militia. He 
■ irmer in 1 
lived until in April. [831, when he came to that 
Nittany Valley, which is n<»w Porter 

his 
1 from the Watson heirs. He became 
the leading men ol the 1 vas always 

to the fi the welfare 

of the peo] 

nty conn He was active in Church 

is, and his influi t. His 

death occur the homestead, < >ctober 17, 

.', and that 1 il hi ice, 

both arc buried in Snydertown 

inty. They were mem- 

ical Lutheran Church. In 

Mi 1 1 i nblaser 1 »i mocrat. 

|ohn 1 lornbl • in De- 

N t-areth township, 

thampton count} 1 fe w 1 m, 

and ith In- 1 the lands m Porter 

1 which t ; ted The journey 

ide in a white n drawn by 

they were six 'lays on the road. 

Though onlj I the time, Mr. Dornbla 

the trip. The coun- 
tr\ here was then new, and the ■ 

rd manj ad\ 11 

wed [arming until 1879, when he came to 

tive life. In 

; ried ti 1 Mar} M Barthi ilomew, 

a native of Clinton county, born October 17. 

itherine 
t Barthi Their - 

ben, Sarah and Emanuel dii d in infa 
W. is a fanner "l I '.nship. Henry is a 

Lutheran ministi ngfield, Oh C. 

died in childhood; and Harrii I I now Mrs. J. 
H. Line ton, Penn. Our subject. 

r his marriage and until he came to Lock 
11 ■ ■ :.. resided on what is known as the 

rin He has at this tin all 



tract of land in the borough of Flemington, w hich 
he farms. He is remarkably well-preserved for 
a man of his years, retaining his mental faculties 
almost unimpaired. He has been an active 

en, industrious and economical, and now is 

fortably situated, and lives in ease and hap- 
-urrounded by a family of which he is 
justly proud. He has served as county auditor, 
ducting the affairs of the office in a most 
business-like manner. He is identified with the 
Lutheran Church, to which he has been a liberal 
contributor. In politics he is a Democrat. 

Referring again to the Lawall family. Will- 
iam H., the maternal grandfather of our subject, 

of German extraction, and resided on the 
Easton and Bethlehem road in Northampton 
nty. He kept a tavern at Farmersville in 
that county. He was one of several children. 
among whom were: Michael; one that married 
J.din Brown and resided at Stroudsburg, Penn.; 
one that married Christian Brown and resided at 
Nazareth, Penn. ; one that married John Snyder 
and resided in Walker township, Centre county; 
and one that married a Mr. Boyer and lived near 
Farmersville. The children of William Lawall and 

. Elizabeth Naulin, were: Daniel W., Will- 
iam. Pi ' Michael, George, Mrs. Erdman, Mrs. 
Glour-e, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Towmend, Mrs. Roth- 
rock, Mrs. Suable, and Mrs. John Dornblaser. 



WILSON KISTLER. For nearly thirty 
is Mr. Kistler has been prominent ly 
identified with the business and social interests 
t Lock Haven, Clinton count}-. At the head of one 
e city's greatest industries for so many years 
and a long period of service as one of the direct- 
of the First National Bank, he has gained a 
reputation as a financier and safe business man 
enjoyed by tew. 

phen Kistler. his father, was born Octo- 
ber 5 1, 1S14, at Kistlers Valley. Lehigh Co., 
Penn. He was a tinner by trade, and followed 
that business as an occupation throughout his 
On arriving at manhood he married Esther 
Mosser, win., too, was a native of Pennsylvania, 
bom at Mosserville, Lehigh county. May .24. 
1816. Their children were: Rufus, of Mt. Jew- 
ett, Penn.; Milo, of Tannersville, Penn.; Mich- 
ael !».. ol Morgantown, N. C. ; Wilson, our 
subject; and two — a daughter and a son — who 
died after arriving at womanhood and manhood. 
The father of these, who was a conservative 
ness man of practical ideas, and possessed of 
good common sense, died in 1880. his estimable 
i 'receded him three years, dying in 
7; she wa nan of many good traits of 







'?Td^^ c^wl^r^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



59B 



character, and her death was keenly felt by 
many friends and acquaintances. 

Wilson Kistler was born October 12, 1S45, 
at Lehighton, Penn.', his father removing to 
Tannersville, Penn., in 1850, where he received 
his education in the common schools of that 
place, and at the Allentown Seminary. In 1863, 
when General Lee was threatening an invasion 
of Pennsylvania, though but a lad, young Kistler 
offered his services to the government and joined 
the energency men called out by the government, 
and performed several months' service in the 
southern part of the State as a member of Com- 
pany H, 27th Regiment, under Col. Frick. On 
returning to his home, then at Tannersville, 
Penn., he began working in his father's tannery, 
and remained there employed until in 1871 when 
he came to Lock Haven. His brother, Charles 
E., now deceased (one of the two deceased chil- 
dren of the family referred to), had preceded him 
here one year, and established the West Branch 
Tannery, which has since been developed into 
so great an industry. On coming to Lock Haven 
he joined his brother in the enterprise to the ad- 
vancement of which he has ever since given his 
best efforts; as a result we see now a plant of 
considerable magnitude, and one to which the 
city points with pride, as it gives steady employ- 
ment the year round to some one hundred hands 
and keeps in circulation many dollars. The ca- 
pacity of the tannery is nearly one hundred thou- 
sand hides peryear. The partnership of the two 
brothers continued until the death of Charles E. , 
March 22, 1880, since which time Wilson has 
carried on operations alone. Besides the tan- 
nery in question Mr. Kistler is interested in tan- 
neries at St. Mary's, Johnsonburg, Mt. Jewett, 
Penn., and at Morgantown, N. C. He is also 
interested in the commission business of Kistler, 
Lesh & Co., of Boston, Mass. Mr. Kistler is a 
broad-gauged business man, and a successful one. 
He is a stockholder in the First National Bank 
of Lock Haven, of which he is vice-president. 
Since 1872 he has been identified with the Demo- 
cratic party, following the gold wing of that party 
in 1896. He has been absorbed too deeply in 
business to enter politics to any great extent, 
never having aspired to political preferment. He 
has acceptably served his fellow-citizens as a 
member of the city council for six years. He is 
a member of the F. & A. M. and of the Lock 
Haven Club. 

On May 28, 1867, Mr. Kistler was united in 
marriage with Henrietta Stauffer, a native of 
Tannersville, born March 24, 1848; she was the 
daughter of Jacob S. and Anna Stauffer, natives 
of Pennsylvania. To our subject and his wife 

38* 



have come the following children: M. Gertrude, 
the wife of B. W. Frederick, of Chicago, 111. ; 
and Sedgwick, who is still living at home. The 
parents of these are identified with the Presby- 
terian Church of Lock Haven. 



FREDERICK BRUNGART, Sr., the oldest 
living male representative of one of the 
most honored and highly-respected families of 
Nittany Valley, was born December 11, 18 17, 
in Miles township, Brush Valley, Centre Co., 
Penn., a son of Jacob and Margaret (Gephart) 
Brungart. The family is a numerous one in both 
Brush and Nittany Valleys, and was founded here 
in 1798 by Martin Brungart, who came from the 
vicinity of Hanover, York Co., Penn., and pur- 
chased the interest of a Mr. Kreamer in a tract 
of land in the east end of Brush Valley, where 
he located permanently. He and his wife died 
there, and were buried in the old cemetery at Re- 
bersburg. 

In the family of this worthy couple was Jacob 
Brungart, our subject's father, who was born 
January 15, 17S6, and died September 5, 1862. 
When but a boy he went with his parents to 
Brush Valley, where he was reared and married 
to a Miss Weaver, by whom he had three chil- 
dren: Polly, Susan and John. For his second 
wife he chose Margaret Gephart, and to them 
were born the following children : Martin ; George ; 
Jacob; Frederick; Samuel: Catharine, wife of 
Adam Bear; Margaret, wife of Jacob Smeltzer; 
Regina, wife of John Shaffer; and Sarah, wife of 
William Johnson. The daughters by the first 
wife — Mary (or Polly) married John Heckman; 
and Susan married John Weaver. The father 
was one of the most successful, thrifty and highly 
esteemed farmers of Brush Valley, owning sev- 
eral fine farms, three of which were in Nittany 
Valley, Clinton county, and these he gave to his 
sons, John, George and Frederick, who in that 
order came to this locality. 

The subject of this sketch conned his lessons 
in the Brungart school in the east end of Brush 
Valley, which was conducted on the subscription 
plan, and James McGhee was one of his first 
teachers. He early became familiar with all the 
duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, 
and often in boyhood took loads of grain to 
market for his father, going as far as Lewisburg. 
When a young man he used to come to Nittany 
Valley to assist his brothers who had previously 
located here, and in the spring of 1842 he took 
up his residence upon his present farm in Lamar 
township, Clinton county, living in the same 
house which has since been greatly remodeled 






VORATIVS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



that tim< 
hall d to its furthi ■ nt and 

cultivat ii I 

the 

lity. 

[2, in S ley, Mr. 

d to M I 
h, who « n Bi ush 

Petei ■••tli 

(Miller Redabach ind 

She 

i i i William I... 

in the 

I I niel H ! i I in 

iiltiir.il pursuits, and has spent h life 

1 !■ D t in poli- 

ind 

72, 

he \\;i> married, in i 

Mar) J Bii rly, wh< . ril, i 841 , a 

.liter of Melchoir and ( atharim irt) 

1 in her 
f.ttl Ij who ■ rity, 

the othi 

ni L. I 

ier 14, 
1 iec- 

! in clerking in 1 1 
I , Pel Marx [., 1 

A |. 

in 

I 

ln> r the D he 

111- 
H faithful mem 

1 

igh 

-till well md 

fi 

nty, wh rid 

■ er. 



PI. I ER B SMITH, ex-sheriff of Clii I 
ty, passed 1 

Hotel," .1 hostelrj 1 
Haven m ily 

wh in what is now Clinton county a hun- 

dred 

VI. im Smith, hiN fathei 



; ranch Valley, in what is now Wood- 
iwnship, Clinton county, his parents hav- 
fi >m Dauphin county, this State, as 
1800. and located on the "Muncytown 
On this original farm Adam Smith passed 
the . of his lifi I le was a man of 

sition, genial and whole-souled, which 
attracted to him many friends and gave him great 
ilarity. He was possessed of good business 
lifications, and was a useful man in the com- 
munity. He was a progressive man, and v 

by the people of his section by an elec- 
to the board of county commissioners. 
i| which he discharged acceptably. His 
th occurred in 1876, when a enty-six 

His wife, Hannah 1 
in Northampton county, was the daughtei 

ihe died in January, 1 d sixty- 

is. Of their children now living Pel 
B., bject, is the eldest; the others are: 

ge JohnW., of Lock Haven, Clinton county; 
rt F„ of 1 I Kinky 1). , of Mill 

Hall 1 ^ceased are: Elizabeth Packer 

and A B. Smith. 

Pi ter B, Smith was born November 5, 1 
1 'ii the hi ime farm, and was there reared amid ag- 
Itural pursuits. In the days of his youth that 
quite primitive, the old school-house 
that he attended was one built of logs, having a 
puncheon lloor and slab seats; his teachers were 
men of little learning, and his opportunities for 
iving an education were necessarily limited. 
At the .«■. he left the farm 

went to Elk county and engaged in lumbering. 
He was there six years, and in [850 he returned 
to Wo dward township, Clinton county, and was 
there occupied in farming until 1869, when he 
pted a position as jailer under his brother, 
then sheriff of the county. He tilled this posi- 
- . then engaged in the livery busi- 
: Lock Haven, and in 1 88 1 he was elected 
' the ci unity. He served one term — three 
1 efficient officer. On the expir- 
rm of office, he engaged in the ho- 
tel i r since successfully con- 

duct, d the "Eagle Hotel," of which property he 
is the owner. A- a good citizen and business 
mat respect and esteem of his 

His life has been an upright and 

, Mr. Smith was married 
to I i Heir, of Lycoming county, Penn , 

wh Novembei 1, in Germany, 

and 1 hildren Lorn to the union four sur- 

: A. D.. Robert N., Clara C .Mrs. 
ili .Mrs. William M .- 
naf1, Penn. Those deceased are: 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



595 



Mary, Elizabeth. The mother of these died in 
1884, and in 1S87 our subject was married to 
Amy P. Salmon, of Lock Haven. In politics 
Mr. Smith is a Democrat. Aside from his career 
as sheriff he has served in some local offices. He 
is a Knight Templar, F. & A. M. 



JOSEPH EDWARD TIBBINS, M. D., who 
loyally served his country in the Civil war, 
is now successfully engaged in the practice 
of medicine in Beech Creek, and is a man of 
broad humanitarian principles whose deep interest 
in his profession and in his fellowmen has made 
him very successful in his chosen calling. 

Born November 18, 1847, in Centre county, 
in Nittany Valley, Dr. Tibbins is a son of 
Samuel and Elizabeth (Garbrick) Tibbins, both 
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and 
spent their entire lives in this State. The father 
carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his 
active business career, and was called to his final 
rest in 1897 after passing the eightieth mile- 
stone on life's journey. His estimable wife died 
in 1S79. Their children are William; Henry J. ; 
Angeline, wife of John Noll; Joseph E. ; Jemima, 
wife of Edward Godun; Elizabeth, wife of Potter 
Tate; Alice, widow of Jacob Showers; and Sam- 
uel I. 

Dr. Tibbins acquired his primary education 
in the common schools, and supplemented it by 
study in a seminar}', and in the Centre County 
Normal. He remained on the home farm until 
seventeen years of age, and then donned the blue 
in defense of his country, in the Civil war, enlist- 
ing in Company I, 98th P. V. I. He was in 
•active service for three and a half months, and 
upon receiving his discharge returned to his home 
where he again entered school. In a short time, 
however, he turned his attention to teaching, 
and followed that profession for five terms. 
During this time he was reading medicine under 
the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph Holloway and 
Dr. Dorsworth. In 1875 he was graduated in 
the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, 
and at once came to Beech Creek, where he 
opened an office. He is now established in a 
lucrative practice, and in his professional work 
has been very successful. From the faithful 
performance of each day's duty, he finds strength 
and inspiration for the labors of the next and his 
ability has given him high rank among his pro- 
fessional brethren. Since 1893 he has served as 
a member of the board of pension examiners of 
Clinton county. 

In 1868 Dr. Tibbins was married to Emma 
R. Hoy, of Centre county, who died in January, 



1872, leaving one son. Dr. George Hoy Tibbins, 
now a practitioner of Wyoming county, Penn. 
In June, 1873, the Doctor was again married, his 
second union being with Emma J. McDowell, a na- 
tive of Centre county, by whom he has one son, 
Perry McDowell Tibbins, who is now pursuing a 
classical course in Dickinson Seminary, Williams- 
port, Penn. The Doctor in his political views is a 
Democrat, and in religious faith, Mrs. Tibbins is a 
Presbyterian. Possessed of many excellencies of 
character, they have the warm regard of all with 
whom they have been brought in contact, and 
enjoy the hospitality of the best homes in this 
localitv. 



SAMUEL E. WALKER. If the title of the 
most successful business man and farmer of 
Nittany Valley could be consistently bestowed 
upon any one now residing in that beautiful re- 
gion, the subject of this sketch could well claim 
the honor. 

Mr. Walker is the owner of four large valuable 
farms in Lamar township, Clinton county, rep- 
resenting an outlay of more than $45,000, and, 
although he now contents himself with a general 
oversight, he was for many years an active 
worker in the practical details of their manage- 
ment. Dame Fortune has smiled upon him, 
and in addition to his extensive real-estate hold- 
ings mentioned, as well as valuable real estate 
in the State of Nebraska, he has money invested 
in mortgages and various enterprises. He is the 
holder of considerable stock in the Lock Haven 
Trust & Safe Deposit Company's Bank, of which 
he is a charter member, and for several years 
served as one of its directors. He is also a stock- 
holder in the First National Bank of Lock Haven. 
He is a stockholder in the Salona Creamery 
Company, and for several years held the office 
of treasurer of the same. His chief interests, 
however, have been agricultural, and he is a 
prominent member of the Lamar Grange. 

Mr. Walker was born November 5, 1832, in 
Miles township, Centre Co., Penn., at the old 
Walker homestead, one of the noted land-marks 
in the early days of Brush Valley. He was the 
eldest son and second child of Daniel and Han- 
nah (Erhart) Walker, who are mentioned more 
fully elsewhere, and was taught at an early age 
to make himself useful upon the farm and in his 
father's grist and saw mill. He first attended the 
Brungart school in his district, but owing to the 
need of his help at home, his studies were pur- 
sued irregularly. Later he attended the Aarons- 
burg Academy, of which Ilgen Surrell was at that 
time at the head, and before he reached the age 






Willi- A I. RB( ORD. 



teach, 'i 

tive 
winters, hi- I th< Heck- 

illey, wl 

th 1 i thn - winters 
wn disti 

Mis 
sun the farm, ai i at- 

taining his i id him at the i 

r month lui ing thi 

A i st before 
manently, he went to Illii 
summer, but wis lud< d that tl 

ind in the spring 
i he foi - rship with a brother-in- 

law, Reuben Snook, and mo 1 inty 

• 

i >n December 27, i860, he was married to 
Mi la E. Bri daughti 

and Elizabeth (Wohlfort) Brungarl 
township, Clintoncounty.pl e agricultur- 

ol that 

nd. which he rented 
her. and on April 2, 
theplace, tl first farming land that he 

r owned. It 1 which he 

pai ■ -till in his possession. 

In the sprin - Mr Walker mi Sal- 

id in thi ttled at his 

■ s 

pot. Mr. Walk shrewd busii 

man, hi^ involving tl - of 

doll by 

strict honesty, and he is held in the high 

itly the 
vanl 1, and h liil- 

In his 
tion "ii 
: with a knowledge of the real worth 
dollar, are indis] 

ing man whethei in 

. children, five lived 

11 Mate 
•mil Scl of G. M. 

wnship, 

' 
: 1. ill. Ruth, • 

; |este 1 . born I 

' !• I ' . h"rn N 

1 le married 
nnie B. Rute, and the) h.r. hild, 

I Clement, 

Haven Stal il in 

but he is now in chat . I his 



father's farms; he is married to Miss Lola Eni- 

erick. (5) Charles Edward, born April 3, 1869, 

course of study at the Lock Haven 

State Normal School, graduating therefrom in 

1 . also later at the Williamsport Commercial 
College, and is at present taking a special course 
in the Normal University at Ada, Ohio. He is 

mng man of excellent qualities, energetic and 
industrious. He taught school successfully for 
eight years, at the last two, being principal of the 

10I in his home district. (6 W. Harrison, 
born August 30, 1874, a sketch of whom appears 
elsewhere, is an attorney at law in Bellefonte, 
Centre Co.. Pennsylvania. 

The mother of this family, who was born 
August 28, 1S41, died July 6, 1886, and isburied 
in the Cedar Hill cemetery near Salona. 
was it member of the Lutheran Church; 

an affectionate wife, a good and kind mother, 
and was highly esteemed and beloved by ail who 
kmw her for her many good qualities. Mr. 
Walker has since married Miss Mary C. Best, of 
Lamar township, Clinton county, who was the 
daughter of John Best, a well-known citizen 
Porter township, Clinton county 

Politically, Mr. Walker is a stanch Democrat, 
and while he seems quite indifferent to political 
and official honors, he has served as township as- 
sessor and auditor several times, and for three 
years. 1 '</>, fi c held the office of audi- 

tor of Clinton count)-, tilling the same most ac- 
ceptably. He is a member of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has been a deacon and 
elder, and at present is serving as trustee and 

-urer. For many years he has contributed 
liberally of his time and means to the support of 
1 use. 



FRANKLIN MOORE ROSS (deceased) 
in in Cape May county, N. J.. February 
son of John Ross, who was a son of 
Thomas and Mary (Hand) Ross. John Ross was 
born December J 1 , 1781, and died Octobej 

- mother was Sarah Moore 
Hand, born March 27, 1805. daughter of Jona- 
than Hand and wife, Sarah (Mo,, re). 

ndmi ither of Franklin 
Moot , was one of the thirteen maidens 

who strewed the path of Gen. Washington with 

I his reception at Trenf 
N. J., April 21, 1 In a history of the First 

; in Mount Vernon to New 
I Iphia Times o\ April 28, 18 
publish iris, and give 

iumphal arch, taken from an old 
print, with a description of the scene. At the 




77^<*^^1 APC. J^-rt^, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



597 



bridge over the Assumpink, on the spot where 
Washington had captured the Hessian mercenar- 
ies in 1776, a triumphal arch had been erected 
decorated with evergreen wreaths and emblems, 
celebrating his victory at Trenton. Upon the 
arch was the motto: "The Hero Who Defended 
the Mothers Will Protect the Daughters." At 
one side of the Arch stood six little girls dressed 
in white and carrying baskets of flowers, and 
on the other side were thirteen maidens, repre- 
senting the thirteen States. Then" follows a list 
of these "young ladies, the belles of Trenton" 
— quoting from the Times — among whose names 
is that of Sarah Moore. It was the duty of 
these maidens to strew the Hero's path with 
flowers, while the six little girls chanted the lines 
of an ode, written for the occasion. 

The subject of this sketch, Franklin Moore 
Ross, went from his home to Philadelphia, when 
he was a boy. He was thrown upon his own re- 
sources, and being of strong will and good cour- 
age, he took care of himself until he became a 
man, forming those careful and prudent business 
habits that were so characteristic of him in after 
life. In 1865 he came to Clinton county, to take 
charge of the interests of a lumber company, 
doing business at Rosecrans, in the Sugar Valley 
Mountains. He finally purchased the sawmill 
and property, and carried on the business, a few 
years later coming to Lock Haven, where he con- 
tinued to reside, enlarging his business from time 
to time until he became one of the extensive 
lumber and mill men of this section. He had 
the city's interest at heart, and labored to see it 
improve and advance, and was an important 
factor in business circles. He became president 
and general manager of the Lock Haven Gas 
and Electric Light Co. He was a director of the 
Lock Haven Trust and Safe Deposit Co. ;" also a 
director of the Steam Heating Co., and trustee 
of the Lock Haven Club. He took a great in- 
terest in secret societies and benevolent institu- 
tions, and was prominent in these at home and 
well-known throughout the State. He was a 
member of the Order of Elks, and an influential 
Mason, being connected with the following- 
named bodies: Lafayette Lodge No. 199, F. & 
A. M., Lafayette' Chapter No. 163, R. A. M., 
Hospitaller Commandery No. 46, K. T., of Lock 
Haven, Caldwell Consistory, 32d degree, Blooms- 
burg, Penn. ; Lu Lu Temple, A. O. N. M. S., 
Philadelphia, and was Past Master of Lodge No! 
199, Past High Priest of Chapter No. 163, and 
Past Commander of Commandery No. 46. In 
politics he was a stanch Republican, but no office 
seeker, though often urged by his friends to al- 
low his name to appear for preference. 



Mr. Ross was very energetic and prompt' in 
all matters of business, and kind and generous 
to those in need. He was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and while living in the 
Sugar Valley Mountains gave liberally toward the 
erection of a church in a neighborhood that was 
without a place of worship. It was built upon 
the top of the mountain, and was used by differ- 
ent denominations for a number cf years. Dur- 
ing his active life in Clinton county and Lock 
Haven, of more than thirty years, probably none 
of his fellow-citizens were more kindly disposed 
toward humanity at large. 

On February 10, 18S0, our subject was mar- 
ried to R. Annie Halenbake, of Lock Haven, 
daughter of G. W. Halenbake, of Bald Eagle 
Valley. Mr. Ross died January 3, 1897. 



GILES WINNE HALENBAKE (deceased). 
The ancestors of Mr. Halenbake came from 
Holland, and were among the early settlers of 
Albany. The first record of the family in this 
country is that of the baptism of one of the name 
in 1684, recorded in the Dutch Church. There is 
also a will made on the 9th of September, 1685, 
by Caspar Halenbake, disposing of some prop- 
erty in Albany to the heirs. Another will, dated 
1754, leaves an estate with a great number of 
negroes, the inhabitants of the Province of New 
York being permitted to own slaves at that time. 
Hendrick Halenbake, after whom a street in 
Albany was named in olden times, was born in 
1692, and was the head of the house of the third 
generation. He was apparently a man of con- 
siderable estate, as devised by his will made in 
1764, in the reign of his Majesty 'George III. In 
the quaint language of the time, some of this 
land is described, as "abutting to ye South of 
ye creek commonly called Beaver kil " 1 after- 
ward Buttermilk creek), and to the north "with 
ye hills and ye plain lying in the common." This 
Hendrick was heir-at-law ("Eare-at-law "), and 
married ("marryd")at 27years of age ("adge"). 
Some of the descendants disputed his possession, 
but one of the contestants being an " antient " 
man did not " chuse " to proceed against them. 
There was until June, i860, an old graveyard, 
an ancient landmark in Albany, where were 
buried these sturdy Dutch settlers and their pos- 
terity. One of the boundaries of this "Burial 
place " was designated by a cannon which re- 
mained in the ground for many years; probably a 
relic of the French and Indian war, or, later, of 
the Revolutionary war. This land was set apart 
by Hendrick Halenbake as a burial ground for 
his family, about the middle of the last century. 






VORATIVR BIOGRAPBICAL RECORD. 



It was finally sold, and thii pur- 

chased in the Rural cemetery, whither th< dead 
.nil a monumenl heir 

A street was opened through this 
ce in the midst ol the city, and the 
throngs littli ■' a 

■ 
1 [alenbake, the ' 1 lendrick, 

: !i in i 744, Henrj 1 [alenbake, 
nardus, was born in the fathi 

the subject ol this sketch. 

( tiles W Halenbak rn in 1 

lucatii 'ii 
went td Philadelphia where he I t .1 

men. fi 
metime in the " thirtii nds- 

ville, Penn., as secretary and cashier for the i 

ny. At that time th 
;t very few houses in the future tow 
Lock H •••11. and thi ; from there 

I [1 iw ard '■■■ 1- fullj I 'hi- way through 

nfested with animal 
! highway robbers, and the fi 1 g it 

wire but thi with log-cabins oi 

tiers.'' While al ■ Run he 1 niein- 

nal'l, Halenbake & I 
any that sent their pri iduce 
rn mark' ts, by 1 vn the 

Mi II ilenbake was om 
thi 
the country from the 

iina and 
other Stati fn tl lai who 

knew him intimately: 11 .•. is 01 !>ea- 

pths of a social 
will and maintained ind kept bright his 

uity; and this 
through the ferment of the trying times, that 
alw >mpany the establisl I a new 

I ement Aftei a few years the iirm cl< 
tin ir bu with their families 

Bald 1 agle \ alle} . « hi re they pui md 

and divided it into four adjoining farms. II 
he huilt an . which is still standing, and 

i d the his 

ks, and ng his farm inti i I 

r in the n st Lock Haven Bank, also 
or m the Bi iy 1 fe alw 

nded a helping hand to the i r and 

and especially to any ambitious mind struggling 

I t that mind v 

a challenge to his own, t 
[earning to any one gi | in the dark. 

for the light ol knowledge. In re th 

instance he taught Latin, algebra and geometry 
gratuitously to pei ho had no « 

tainingthe knowledge of such bi In this 



way he made his life useful to others. He was a 
1 >• mocrat, but not an active politician. In I 

William Bigler appointed him as one of the 
commissioners to represent the State of Pennsyl- 
vania at the " Exhibition of the Industry of all 
Nations" at New York. During the Civil 
hew nch Union man, and used all of his 

infiu r the cause, and died March 27, 1 

( in January 15, 1843, Mr. Halenbake mar- 
ried I ram 1 - |ohnson, who was of English par- 
entage, havibg been born in England in 1 
He is survived by his wife, and two daughters: 
Mr-, [oseph B 1 urst, of Flemingl >n, Penn., and 
Mrs. Franklin M. Ross, of Lock Haven, Penn- 
sylvania. 



PROF. W. A. SNYDER, of Salona, the 
cient superintendent of public schools of Clin- 
ton county, was, at the time of his first election 
in 1893, the youngest man ever chosen to that 
nd he is now serving a second term 
with increased prestige. As he was born 
reared in the Nittany Valley, his popularitv is 
based upon sterling merit, which could stand 
the test of long acquaintance. 

The Snyder family is well-known in this Si 

its progenitor having come from Holland in' the 

early part ol the eighteenth century to locate in 

iy. Among his children was a son, 

Christopher, our subject's great-grandfather, who 

removed from what is now Snyder county ithen 

Union count) to the 11st end of the Nittany 

Valley, and purchased th nt homestead in 

Lamar township, Clinton counts-, where he died 

v years later. The land was in a primitive 

idition in the main, ami the improvements 

which have made it one of the best farms in that 

lit)' are due to the efforts of this old pioneer 

and his des , the title having remain* 1 

in the family from his day. He had seven chil- 

Harmon, who located in Clarion counts, 

in., and died there leaving a Iannis: John, 

our subject's grandfather; Benjamin; lam 

Hannah; Rachel; and Sarah. Of these, only 

Harmon and John lived to adult age. 

John Snyder, the grandfather of our subject, 
1 7 S S in svhat is nosv Snyder 
county, and accompanied his parents to the 
Clinton county homestead, svhich in time came 
into his 1 m. He resided there until 1S33, 

when he pui mother farm in the east end 

"I ti nd removed to it, renting the old 

w farm svas at the time im- 
proved but little, and he gave much time to pre- 
tanent home. In his later 
ad dsvelling house up 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



599 



place in which his last days were spent in retire- 
ment, his death occurring July 4, 1S70, when he 
had reached the advanced age of eighty-three. 
For some years previous to his death he was 
afflicted with a cataract in his eye, and although 
operations gave him temporary relief he was 
nearly blind for years. 'While he was of ordi- 
nary build, he was a most energetic worker, and 
he acquired a handsome competence. He was 
an excellent citizen, a good Christian, and a 
member of the New Mennonite Church. Po- 
litically, he was first a Democrat and later a 
Whig, but he never took much interest in public 
affairs, and toward the close of his life, becom- 
ing disgusted with the work of the politicians, he 
seldom attended an election. In early manhood 
he married Miss Nancy Neff, daughter of John 
Neff, a prominent farmer of Centre county. She 
died May 6, 1865, in her seventy-fourth 3 ear, 
and the remains of both rest in a private ceme- 
tery on the farm where their last years were 
spent, and which is now owned and occupied by 
their son, Elias. They had the following chil- 
dren: Elizabeth, who married Christian Sheats, 
and died in Lamar township, Clinton county; 
Catherine, who married a Mr. Knights, and also 
died in Lamar township; Nancy, wife of Jacob 
Long, of Livingston county, N. Y. ; Susan, wife 
of H. M. Bean, of the same county; Leah (widow 
of William Sheats), of Lamar township, Clinton 
county; John, our subject's father; Lucinda 
(widow of Levi Zimmerman), of Jewell county, 
Kans. ; Fannie, who married Henry Neff, and 
died in Lamar township, Clinton county; Hannah 
(widow of E. A. Hancy), of Oregon; Elias, a 
farmer at the second home; and Charlotte 
(widow of Samuel P. Burrell), of Lock Haven, 
Pennsylvania. 

John Snyder (2), our subject's father, who is 
now a highly esteemed resident of Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county, was born- at the original 
homestead November 5, 1824, and was educated 
in the schools of that time and locality. The 
furnishings of the school room were of the rud- 
est sort, wooden benches running around the 
walls being the only seats, and the apparatus 
was equally primitive, quill pens being used for 
writing. The methods of discipline were also 
far from the best modern standards, and during 
his first term of school Mr. Snyder, on being 
asked by the teacher,, his uncle Benjamin, 
whether he would obey the rules, failed to un- 
derstand the question as he could not speak En- 
glish. He made an unlucky guess as to the 
teacher's meaning, and replied " No", for which 
he was rewarded with a sound whipping. He 
was reared to agricultural work, and always re- 



mained at home except for one winter, that of 
1S46-47, which he spent in St. Louis working 
as a deck hand on the steamer "Lehigh". 
The journey west was made by water from Hol- 
lidaysburg, Penn., following the Pennsylvania 
canal and the rivers, and the experience gained 
during his absence entirely cured the young man 
of his taste for wandering. On April 1, 1847, 
he returned home where he was employed by 
the month for a time, and in 1848 he rented the 
place, and from that date paid his board when 
at home. On December 11, 1851, he was mar- 
ried in Lock Haven to Miss Jane C. McGuire, 
who was born in 1S30 in Union county, near the 
city of Lewisburg. When she was about eight 
years old, her parents, George and Jane (Stew- 
art) McGuire, removed to Lamar township, 
Clinton county, where she grew to womanhood. 
After his marriage Mr. Snyder continued to re- 
side at the homestead, where he has made many 
improvements; in 1S65 he built a barn on modern 
plans, and in 1871, the present comfortable res- 
idence was erected. The estate contains 
135 acres of excellent land, and is kept in 
a high state of cultivation, Mr. Snyder, not- 
withstanding his advanced age, giving personal 
attention to the management. He is a man of 
much more than ordinary intelligence, and, de- 
spite his limited educational opportunities in 
youth, he has gathered a goodly store of practical 
information. In politics he inclines to the Dem- 
ocratic faith, but he is not active in party work. 
He and his wife are both prominent members of 
the River Brethren Church, and they have 
always taken keen interest in all phases of relig- 
ious enterprise. Their children have received 
good educations, and several of them have be- 
come known as successful teachers. Nancy E., 
who was once a teacher, is now the wife of J. P. 
Anthony, of Lock Haven; Henry M. is a farmer 
in Porter township, Clinton county; Miss Ida re- 
sides with her parents; Clara E. died at the age 
of sixteen; William A. will be mentioned more 
fully below; Miss Lottie is a teacher, and resides 
at home; Elmer N. is a cutter in the tailoring 
department of the Indian School maintained by 
the United States Government at Carlisle, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Prof. Snyder was b'orn April 10, 1863, at the 
old homestead, and is of the fourth gem ration of 
the family to reside upon the place. His educa- 
tion was begun in the district schools of the 
locality, his first teacher being Daniel Herr, who 
taught thirty-seven consecutive terms in that 
township. Before our subject had reached the 
age of fifteen, he had completed the course of 
study offered in the local schools, and he then 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RE* 



I ■ ' ner 

! work 
he b ig in Dun wnship, i 

iring the next winter hi 

:. that hi 

ty, interrupted only 1 

in v wnship ,|tx ' 1 ""' 

in farm 

rk, with which he became familiar under his 

| ;it j. n, and until 1893 he made his 

home with 1 he 

laughter 

I mar 

tow l linton 1 

In May, 1893, he was ele I 
perintendent - in his county, and 

tion in if ' tne a f'i 

it in the cause ol 

is higl shed, ha\ 

Iphia for some tii 
her mar Sev- 

inty. She is 

1 
i] »the Pi ' 

.. and Margerj C, b 

ill publ 

tioi I 

I, but in 

vnship or count) »de- 

lan." 



Bi »BER l ( Ql [GGL1 ' M ility 

ht he 
tak. graphy." 

ill ma k' • 
nine of lasting inti i) that 

the I 

r, Philip ' 
h will re. 

which the thoughtful will 
I unit) tl larked 

n in bus 
th 
of then enterpri 

iketch, .1 promim 
township, Clinton count) 1 



at Fine Station, where he owns valuable prop- 
erty He was born in that township August 22, 
Ison of Philip Quiggle, just referred 
to that locality from York, Penn.. 
rly date, and purchased 160 acres of land 
tead, his labors as a hunter, fisher- 
man farmer and lumberman bringing a comfort- 
able livelihood for the time. With the assistance 
- sons he cleared his land and built a com- 
house, which was considered quite a 
lence by his less fortunate or less ambi- 
,s. He and his wife, whose name 
Hester, died at this home, and their remains 
Je's cemeterv. in Waym hip, 

cllll , v . They were of German descent. 

?g le, oursubject's father, was born 
in, rk county, Penn. , where he attended 

tion schools in boyhood, receiving a fair 
k now ledi ' ,h and German. He ac- 

he family to Clinton county, and en- 
1 m the same occupations as his father, and, 
3 employed for many years as a pilot 
Susquehanna river. He s "ear the 

home of his parents, purchasing 160 acres of tim- 
ber land, which he cleared and improved, build- 
a log house. Politically, he was always a 
at, but he did not take an active part 
in public affairs. He was twice married. 
first wife being Hester Swartz, a native of York 
ntv. who was the mother of four children: 
William, John, and Elizabeth Mrs. John 
Fisher), none of whom are now living. His sec- 
wile, Catherine (Strayer), was of Gen 
scent, but her family had resided in York county. 
everal generations. She wa 
ipril 7, 1 7"4- the daughter ol Henry 
tyer, who afterward removed to Wayne town- 
linton county, and continued his business 
iving. There were- nine chil- 
this union: Daniel, a farmer in Wayne 
iship; Isaac (deceasi d I fai b, 1 1 sid< 1 
Wi ship; rhomas, a farmer in the - 

E rah, a widow of Nathan Simcox; Rich- 
rtC, our subject; Maria, who 
married Washington Henninger, of New York 
nd Matilda, wife of D. A. Cochran, the 
Gamble House." at Jc; 
Sho The father died in 1845. and the 

t her survived him many years, her death oc- 
curring in [ i 

Mi iject) may be said to be 

- the schools of his section v 

rly times, and his attendance 

was lii 1 account of the need of his help 

ther's death he went into 

partnership with his brother Jacob in farming 

and lui ntinued for nearly half a 







/£ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



601 



century, working together in perfect harmony 
and keeping a common treasury upon which 
either could draw when he wanted money. Not- 
withstanding the extent of their business and the 
large sums constantly passing through their hands, 
they never felt the need of making a contract, 
and at their settlement, in 1892, they divided 
the property equally. They still own many 
acres of timber land in partnership, and for many 
years they had an extensive tract' devoted to the 
raising of tobacco. Our subject now has eighty 
acres of good farming land, and is one of the 
chief tobacco growers of the locality. For forty- 
two years he was a pilot on the Susquehanna, 
running "arks" and rafts down to Marietta, 
Penn., and, in addition to his own lumber opera- 
tions, he has filled many contracts for carrying 
lumber to market for others. In all his under- 
takings he has been successful, being equal, seem- 
ingly, to any task, and since 1894 he and his son 
have conducted a profitable mercantile business 
at Pine Station. He owns a fine residence there, 
built after designs prepared by himself, and his 
tobacco sheds and barns also were designed by 
him, and were built with his own hands. He also 
owns several dwelling houses in the town. De- 
spite all his hard work he is remarkably vigorous, 
never knowing sickness, and he can now do as 
much in a day as most men who are a score of 
years younger. In politics he is a sound Demo- 
crat, and for twenty-five years he was township 
assessor, for three years tax-collector, and for 
some time he was school director, acting as presi- 
dent of the board during a part of the period. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he holds the office of trustee, 
and for many years he has been superintendent 
of the Sunday-school. Socially, he is identified 
with the Masonic order, being a member of La- 
bell Valley Blue Lodge, No. 232, F. & A. M., at 
Jersey Shore; Lafayette Chapter, No. 163, F. & 
A. M., at Lock Haven; Baldwin Commandery, 
No. 22, of Williamsport; and the Order of the 
Mystic Shrine, at Philadelphia. 

On June 17, 1856, our subject was married, 
at Jersey Shore, to Miss Margaret A. Clark, by 
whom he has had the following children: (1) 
Ida A., born January 4, 1858, was crushed to 
death, in 1867, by some floating ice in the West 
branch. (2) Clark W., born April 13, i860, 
was killed, June 2, 1882, on the P. & E. R. R., 
a train striking a team which he was driving. 
He was a bright young man, taking much of the 
responsibility of his father's business, in which 
he was a partner at the time of his death, and he 
was prominent socially as a member of Blue 
Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., at Jersey Shore. He 



married Miss Jennie Ferguson. (3) Clarissa, 
born January 9, 1S62, married Dr. B. M. Yost, 
of Lycoming county, and they have two children 
— Edith M. and Robert Ouiggle. (4) Carson R. , 
born June 11, 1864, is now in partnership with 
his father, and is considered a promising business 
man. He was educated in the local schools and 
in the Williamsport Commercial College, where 
he was graduated in 1893. Like his father, he 
is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of several 
fraternal societies, including the B. P. O. E. , 
No. 182; Lock Haven Lodge No. 232, F. & A. 
M., at Jersey Shore; Lafayette Chapter No. 163, 
F. & A. M., at Lock Haven; Hospitaller Com- 
mandery No. 46, K. T. , and Lulu Temple at 
Philadelphia, Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is 
not married. On February 22, 1894, he was ap- 
pointed postmaster at Pine Station, and resigned 
July 3. 1897. (5) Letitia May, born May 6, 
1866, married Allen D. Russell, who is men- 
tioned more fully below. She is well educated, 
as all of our subject's children are, and at present 
she is postmaster at Pine Station. (6) Kate A., 
born May 6, 1868, married Charles H. Rich, 
and has had two children — Edna D., born April 
3, 1887. and Mary M. L., born April 30, 1891. 
Mrs. Rich is an accomplished musician, and she 
is one of the most popular and efficient teachers 
of the art in her locality. She is also well-known 
a composer, having written the "Autumn 



:iS 



Waltz," and the " Hyacinthe March," which she 
published in 1895, and named in honor of her 
favorite flower; both pieces are copyrighted, and 
have gained recognition among musicians. (7) 
Harvey S., born February 28, 1877, died from 
diphtheria June 16, 1882. 

Mrs. Margaret A. Ouiggle, who has been an 
able helpmeet to her husband, was born April 
18, 1S35, in the Nippenose Valley, Lycoming 
county, where her ancestors settled many years 
ago, on their arrival from Ireland. William 
Clark (deceased), the father of Mrs. Quiggle.was 
a native of the Valley, and owned a fine farm of 
200 acres there which he operated until his sons 
were old enough to take charge of it. He then 
engaged in the hotel business in the same locality, 
but after a few years he returned to his farm to 
spend his declining years, his death occurring in 
1875. He was a good citizen, a firm adherent of 
the Republican party, and he was held in high es- 
teem by all who knew him. His first wife, Agnes 
Gretner, a native of the Nippenose Valley, died 
in 1846, and he afterward married Clarissa Stew- 
art, of the same locality, who died in 1880, leav- 
ing no children. By the first marriage there were 
seven children: Maria (deceased), formerly the 
wife of John Cochran; Priscilla, wife of John 






00MM1 VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



mnty; I >a\ id A 
merchant in the Nip] 
Amelia, wil rmer in 

line 

"I'h 
in-, i i April 25, 1 I 

1 six childrei 
David hi.! An- His 

th' ■ 

■ 
April j, ther wh tch 

■ 

lucation in the 
:ul for a time 

twenty- 
take a 1 

held 
winning thi and the conn- 

en >- 
moted to th the Si ind- 

t P 

IV- 
hlS 'lilt: 

His death, 

1 throughout the community, 

11 identified \\ ith the 
ind 
an 

1, .ui.l hi 

h his widow, 

ited by I I 

Mr Russell v ssful 

I land in central 
nt his me 

his habit 
dail vj r . 



BOBERT M STEV1 NSi IN 
I tlie ti" 1 . manu- 

fabi Chatham Run, I 

born July 2 

worthj • 1 tin- highl) -1 

ternal | Joh/i an. I Fann) 1 Brown 



m, t Irish and Scotch nativity respect- 
ively, lived in County Tyrone, Ireland, where 
the former followed the occupation of farming 
throughout his entire life, dying there in 1825 in 
the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which 
he was a consistent member. In his family 
were six children: George, John, William, Alex- 
ander. David, Sarah, an.) Elizabeth (wife of 
[an In 1S40 the mother brought her 

family to the New World and located in Jersey 
e, Penn., where she departed this life in 
remains being interred at that place. 
She was a most estimable woman, highly re- 
spected by all who knew her. 

.ander Stevenson, our subject's father, 

born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1S15, 

lined as in educaton as the public- 

ols of that day in his native land afforded, 

the carpenter's trade at Barnscort 

Castle which he helped to build. On attaining 

his majority he bade good-bye to the Emerald 

Isle, and with the hope of making a fortun 

to America with the rest of the family, At Lon- 

donderry, Ireland, they boarded a sailing vessel, 

ami came near being lost on two occasions as the 

captain was intoxicated, but finally, after a \ 

>ix weeks, reached Philadelphia in saf< 

t time spent in that city they took 

the train fur Harrisbuig, and by canal packet 

to their destination — Jersey Shore, 

Penn., which was then a mere hamlet. Mr. 

11 built a house for the family, his 

brother-in-law, James Moore, doing the mason 

work, and it was often remarked that Stevenson 

& Moore could bmld the town. He remained in 

Jersey Shore until 1859, when he purchased a 

t of 1,000 acres of timberland in Clinton 

.t\. "ii which was erected a sawmill, and he 

d in tl of lumber for the 

lie then sold his property and returned 

locating on the West branch of the 

[uehanna, in Pine Creek township, where he 

winked at his trade' until 1SG7, when he pur- 

tially-improved farm of seventy acres. 

I ' further development and cultivation he 

Ins energies until 1890, and upon the 

place erected a good residence, barns and other 

outbuildings. On account of failing health he 

-t three years of his life in retirement 

1. and die,! in 1893, being buried 

at Woolrich. As an architect and builder he 

tion of the first Methodist 

hurch building at that place, and 

minently identified with the building in- 

u for many years. He was 

inch adherent of the Democratic party, and 

lithful member ot the Methodist Episco- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



60S 



pal Church, in which he held the office of trustee, 
class-leader and steward. By all who knew him 
he was held in high regard, and he was a kind 
and affectionate husband and father. 

At Jersey Shore, Alexander Stevenson mar- 
ried Sarah Miller, who was born in Linden, Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., of English ancestry, and 
they became the parents of five children: 
George, a lumberman and farmer, of Arkansas; 
Robert M. ; John, an accountant and agricultur- 
ist, of Sherman, Texas; Mary Frances, wife of 
Charles Cameron, of Dunstable township, Clin- 
ton county; and William, partner of our subject, 
in the manufacture of woolen fabrics, and also a 
member of the lumber firm of Kreamer & Stev- 
enson, of Lock Haven. The mother of these 
children died in 1856, in Jersey Shore, where 
her remains are interred, and Mr. Stevenson 
was again married, at Jersey Shore, this time to 
Miss Mary A. Moore, a native of County Tyrone, 
Ireland, and a daughter of James Moore, a 
farmer by occupation. Eight children blessed 
this union: Sarah, wife of O. H. Johnson, of 
Woolrich; Lizzie, at home; Alexander, who died 
in childhood; Rebecca, wife of D. B. Dunkel; 
Aimer E. and Josephine are residents of Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county; Mattie B. 
makes her home with William H., in Lock Ha- 
ven; and Lydia E., who died in childhood. Mrs. 
Stevenson, who was a devout member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, died on the old 
homestead in Pine Creek township, in 1889. 
One of her sons, Aimer E., born April 6, 1862, 
attended the public schools of Woolrich, and 
worked at home until 1887, when he entered the 
employ of the lumber firm of Rreamer & Steven- 
son. He is now successfully engaged in the 
manufacture of shingles at Chatham Run, is a 
Democrat in politics, and a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Robert M. Stevenson, whose name intro- 
duces this sketch, obtained his education in the 
public schools of Jersey Shore, and worked at 
the carpenter's trade with his father until twen- 
ty-four years of age, when he obtained a posi- 
tion in the Rich Woolen Mills at Woolrich, be- 
ing for seventeen years connected with the spin- 
ning department. He managed to save some 
money which he then invested in the Farley 
farm of 108 acres, near Woolrich, and upon that 
place he engaged in general farming and tobacco 
growing, with fair success for eight years. Sell- 
ing his place in 1894, ne an ^ his brother William 
H. bought the old Rich Mills at Chatham Run, 
Dunstable township, put in new machinery at a 
cost of $4,000, and are now successfully en- 
gaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, mak- 



ing a specialty of double woolen-socks and 
heavy woolen-shirts, known as the Alaskan 
brand. Our subject also operates a small farm 
of forty acres, on which he has made many im- 
provements, and runs a cider press. He is a 
wide-awake, enterprising business man of pro- 
gressive ideas, and the success that he has 
achieved in life is due entirely to his own indi- 
vidual efforts, good management and sound 
judgment. 

In 1868, at Woolrich, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Acirema Crider, who was born in 
Dunstable township, of German extraction, and 
is a daughter of Philip Crider, an agriculturist. 
Twelve children were born to them, namely: 
Torrence R. , a shingle manufacturer of Cambria 
county, Penn. ; Charles, a traveling salesman for 
his father, married Lizzie Shultz, and has two 
children — Helen and Robert; Annie H., who died 
in 189^; Mary M., Jane C, Alice L. , Nora E., 
Sarah E., John R., William E. and Leila F., all 
at home ; and one who died in infancy. The daugh- 
ters aid their father in the work of the factory, 
are active and prominent members of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church (to which the parents also 
belong). In social circles the family occupies an 
enviable position. 

Politically. Mr. Stevenson is not bound by 
party ties. At the age of nineteen he had a strong 
desire to enter the Union army, but was opposed 
by his parents. However, he ran away from 
home in March, 1864, crossed the West branch 
and took the train for Williamsport, where he 
enlisted in Company D, First Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry, under Captain McDonald and Colonel Tay- 
lor, of Mifflin county, Penn. On missing him, 
his father followed him to Williamsport, but find- 
ing that he was already in soldier's uniform, he 
allowed him to remain, and our subject partici- 
pated in all the engagements of his regiment 
from the battle of the Wilderness up to the time of 
Lee's surrender. After participating in the 
Grand Review at Washington, D. C. , he was 
mustered out July 10, 1865, and returned home 
with an honorable war record, of which he may 
be justly proud. 



C CHARLES SMITH, M. D., one of the exten- 
di/ sive land-owners of Clinton county, and a 
retired physician, was born August 26, 1S14, in 
Lycoming county, Penn., a son of John and 
Saloma (Treon) Smith. 

His father was from Pottstown, Penn., and 
became a farmer in Black Hole Valley, Lycom- 
ing county. He was an industrious, energetic 
man, but possessed a kindly nature which led 



601 



-o/.'.ir/i EAPHICAL RECORD. 



hin ecurity for his li 

casions, and in this waj h lerable. 

In politics he was a Dei and, in i 

faith, a Lutheran Hi died al I 

buried in Snydertown, i 
tn His wil 

. and was laid 

n ["hej had five children, all of whom 

I adult age, nami Ij I I kiel, 

wh Her- 

Muncy; 1 ame the wife of 

I - k, and died in Mun who 

living in that plain-; and a practicing 

physician, who died at < entre Hall. 

I h ( bai les Smil h nd edui 

in Black Hole Valley, his a 

At th en- 

fterward 

: m. 1 le was in 

th, and his physician, Dr. Thomas 

\Y 

ig with that gentlemen, 

I with Dr. 1 I his 

father-in-law. He began practice about 1837 in 

Mahanoy, Northumberland in., 

\x went to • ' Th< ntre 

liits. where he rema d for nil 

. ing them e to Penn Hall, w contin- 

1 for .1 numbi I li alsi 1 spent four 

ent home in P vnship, which is situated 

I ik< Hei fortable 

ind in 1 895 built ellent barn. 

I [1 1 ntinui '1 in 

tnl. havi \- his 

i he made judicious 
investments in I : new ow 

' lition t I timber 

land. 

1 >r Smith w as mai 1 I twenty- 

n Northumberland county, 
Rebi I o • • 1 rn in that county, in 

1 'i Frederick Ti m 
: tithful helpn nion to 

husband. i hen 

the) 1" -.in hou . , but si d him in 

all 1 .. and not .1 little ol his 

was due to her capable management, 
a consistent member of tin- Lutheran Church, 
and died in that faith in February, 1882, hi 1 

interred at Penn Hall. She was the 
ther of the following named children: 1' 
rmer of Pi itter township, ( entn 

n Calvin F., a practicing physician of In- 
lis, Ind., who I: ter, [ulia; 



ma, at I ' >hn, of Lamar, Penn., who 

has three children — Katie K., Elnora B., and 
M. ; Charles W., formerly a dentist, 
but now a farmer residing near Howard, Cen- 
tre ci unity, his children being — James N., Mina, 
Willard, and Cora. 

Dr. Smith holds membership in the Lutheran 
Church, and exi bis r 1 •_; h t of franchise 

support I thi Democracy, but has never been an 
offie His life has been a worthy one. 

marked by fidelity to duty in all its relations 
rhough he started out in very limited circum- 
stances, he has steadily worked his way upward, 
all obstacles by industry, persever- 
ance and ft 1. md prosperity has rewarded 
him. 



J\i OB QU1GGLE, a prominent agriculturist 
I tobacco grower of Wayne township, 
t linton county, is the owner of a fine farm 

nergetic and judici 
management insures good returns notwithstand- 
riard times" so commonly heard 
in the past few years. Although his business in- 

ise attention, he has al- 
ways shown much public spirit, and has sei 
in various official positions, including that of 
nty conn r, his ability and fidelity to 

duty winning the approbation of the people. 
Hi- ligrated from Germany in an 

The name was formerly spelled 
fley," the German mode of spelling being 
"Quickie." Our subject derives his remarkable 
mental and physical rom the German stock 

which has furnished - 1 many able citizens to this 
ntry. Philip Quiggle (or Quiggley . thegrand- 
father of our subject, was born and reared in 
York county, Penn., where also he spent some 
■ his manhood. He married, and had 
ral children, but his wife's name is not km iwn. 
in life Philip Quiggle decided to make anew 
itral Pennsylvania," then a wilderm 
and removed with his family to what is now 
Wayne township, Clinton county, the territory 
1 that time a part ol Northumberland 
He took up ,1 homestead of 160 acres 
of timber land, which he proceeded to clear and 
impi ! that was considered 

quit r those times. A com- 

fortable livii I by fishing, hunting 

and the river, while the proceeds from 

the clearing of the homestead also proved a 
rhi 1 mains of this well-known 
pioi - 1 ! his wife in Ouig- 

in Wayne township, Clinton 
nty 







crQ^e^V 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



605 



George Quiggle, our subject's father, was born 
September 8, 1785, in York county, Penn., and 
received a fair education in the subscription 
schools of that day, learning to read and write 
both English and German. After coming to 
Clinton county with the family he followed the 
same occupation as his father, much of his time 
being spent in running "arks" and rafts on the 
Susquehanna river from Lock Haven to Marietta 
and Columbia, Penn., carrying grain or lumber 
on the downward trips and bringing back mer- 
chandise. He purchased 160 acres of land in 
Wayne township, Clinton county, where he made 
his permanent home, building a log house and 
improving the place as his time and means per- 
mitted. In politics he was a Democrat, but 
while he gave loyal support to his party at all 
times he never sought official honors. His death 
occurred January 25, 1843, and he was buried in 
the family plot in Ouiggle's cemetery. In early 
manhood he was married in Wayne township, 
Clinton county (then a part of Lycoming county), 
to Miss Hester Swartz, a native of York county, 
who died a few years later, leaving four children: 
George, William, John, and Elizabeth (Mrs. John 
Fisher), all of whom are now deceased. The 
father of these was again married, this time to 
Miss Catherine Strayer, a lady of German descent, 
who was born in York county, April 7, 1794, the 
daughter of Henry Strayer, also a native of York 
county, and in later life a farmer and weaver of 
Wayne township, Clinton county. By this mar- 
riage there were nine children: Daniel, a farmer 
in Wayne township; Isaac, who died at an early 
age; Jacob, our subject; Thomas, a farmer of 
Wayne township; Sarah, widow of Nathan Sim- 
cox;* Richard, who died in Wayne township; 
Robert C. , a farmer of Wayne township; Maria, 
wife of Washington Henninger, of New York 
State; and Matilda, who married D. A. Cochran, 
the proprietor of the " Gamble House," at Jer- 
sey Shore, Penn. The mother of this family 
lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years, 
and her last days were passed at the home of her 
son, Robert C, her death occurring July 1, 1878. 
A marble monument in Ouiggle's cemetery testi- 
fies to the affectionate regard of the children for 
their honored parents. 

The subject of this sketch was born October 
17, 1822, at the old homestead, and throughout 
his life he has resided there. He had but limited 
educational opportunities, and as there were no 
school houses in his locality during his boyhood 
he attended classes in the log homes of the 
neighbors, Jesse Price being his first teacher. At 
that time the teachers were paid by subscription, 
and were boarded by the different families in 



turn. As a boy Mr. Quiggle formed habits of 
industry, and has since done much hard work. 
For forty years he piloted " arks " and rafts on 
the Susquehanna to Columbia and Marietta with 
cargoes of lumber and grain, and for ten years he 
was a captain on the Pennsylvania canal, the 
" Melissa," of Jersey Shore, being his first boat. 
During these years he also engaged extensively 
in lumbering, and with the help of his sons 
cleared 160 acres of land, upon which he made 
many improvements, and for some time had his 
residence. In 1857 he bought the Gallagher 
farm of 160 acres, where he has since made his 
home. In managing his farm he has shown 
much discretion, choosing crops that would bring 
him a profit, and he was among the first in his 
county to attempt to raise tobacco. This enter- 
prise has proved very successful, and he now 
ranks among the largest producers of the crop in 
his locality. Notwithstanding his hard work in 
the past, Mr. Quiggle is still strong and vigorous, 
quite free from illness, and he can keep up with 
any young man in the township during a day's 
labor in the wheat field. 

Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and, in 
1864, he was elected county commissioner by a 
good majority for a term of three years. He 
served with such satisfaction to the people that 
a renomination was tendered him, but he declined. 
For several years he was a school director in his 
township, serving as president of the board dur- 
ing a portion of the time, and he has also been 
assessor, tax collector, and supervisor, the du- 
ties of each position being discharged creditably. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to which he has always contributed 
liberally, and he also belongs to the I. O. O. F., 
Lodge No. 101, at Jersey Shore. 

In the fall of 1849 he married Miss Eliza Hil- 
born, and eight children have blessed the union. 
(1) Ida died in infancy. (2) Crawford J., de- 
ceased, lived to adult age. (3) Harry L., born 
in i860, in Wayne township, Clinton county, re- 
ceived a public-school education there, and now 
has charge of the homestead in partnership with 
his brother Jacob. He is also engaged in the 
manufacture of cigars, and is one of the success- 
ful business men of the locality. Like all the 
members of the family, he is a Democrat in poli- 
tics, and at present he holds the office of school 
director. In religious faith he is a Methodist. 
On April 8, 1883, he was married to Miss Emma 
Ferguson, of Pine Creek township, Clinton coun- 
ty, a daughter of Matthew Ferguson, and they 
have had three children — Bessie (deceased), 
Eckley B. and Chester L. (living). (4) Jacob Vail 
and (5) one unnamed (twins) were born April 8, 






VMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i. the latter ..I whi< h.weighii Is at 

birth, died in infancy; Jacob V. weighed only a 
ii. 1 and a half, but hi 

Ath. and md healthy man. 

U. rtner with his brother in (arming and 

ir manufacturing, af- 

i th( Den cratii org ini the 

township, having served two tern 

H Methodist Church, and is 

lent of th I, in 

which he has been a teacher for ars. 

ratified with I & A. M., 

ig t o B 1 u e 1 

I • . No. 

om- 
! II iven. H 

.1 in the public 
-it Wayne township, an. I is now the wife 
ited States consul at 
I • --nil. \ and St. Th I ida, 

under the fii d admin , and at 

I, ( )ntai la, under the second. 

Th' had three children — James \\ '. , Ed- 

mund l> . and one that died in infant 
lie M pursu I udy in the 1 

and man i < i W. Smith, ol Baltimore, 
M.l . a shi| i dard Oil Co. They 

ha'. I., L. , and 

Lillian I Minnie L. was edu- 

and is now the wife 

! Smith, a banker and real-. iler 

in ' rk < itv. They have three childn i 

1 1 rd 1 nd Frances M. I . 

W Smith and W. F. Smith, just mentioned, are 

. and dii of John Quincy 

Ml heen a true help- 
meet to her husband during their long married 
life, was 1" >rn in Northumbei tin., 
th. Vbel Hilborn nd laughter 

Samuel Hill. I n. ..f Scotch-Il lit. 

Abel Hilborn w.^ a native of Roaring (■ 
\ lie] . V irthumberlan M Peni .when he 

■ i portion .•( his lil ■- ing 

al burnin occupation Hi had a 

• 

i consistent 
mber i il tin Baptist Church f..r man] 
He to eei teresl i the 

time, and was a lirm adherent of the Republican 
party. His death I ille, 

I tin., in 1863, and Ins wife, wh 
nan I lienor Vail, 1 1 home : 1 

dying there in 1 881 1, the 
remains of both being interred m Quiggle's cem- 
She was horn in Kingston, < mtario, Can- 
the daughter of Lewis Vail, whowasals 



.dian by birth, and was of English descent. 
lienor Hilborn had ten children, as 
Charlotte (deceased was the wife of 
Jacob Mover; Lewis, Hiram and Jesse are all 
deceased; Calvin resides near Chicago. 111.; 
\lb. rt Wetherald, of Frank- 
lin. Ind. ; Eliza is the wife of our subject. Mary 
with Mrs. Quiggle; Catherine is the wife 
': of Jonas Mincer, of Lock Haven. Clinton county; 
and Abel is a res I Frankton, Indiana. 



SAMUEL L. HEARD, justice of the peace, 
and a well-known milli lona, Clinton 

county, was born January 29, 1856. 

John P. and Mary J. C. McGhee) Heard, 
his parents, were born, the father, April 
1816, in the east end of Nittany Valley, Lamar 
township, Clinton county, and the mother, May z, 
1826, at Salona. The parents of John P. Heard 
were Robert and Annie (Hazlett) Heard, the 
former of Scotch-Irish extraction, whose family 
were early pioneers of Nittany Valley. Robert 
lb ard, a farmer by occupation, was born April 

[788, and died February 28, 1843, while his 
wife was burn December 13, 17SS, and died De- 
cember 16, 1841. Her parents were John and 
Margaret Hazlett, the former ..f whom was born 
in 1742. and .lied August 26, 1830. and the lat- 
ter, born in 1753, dud February 13, 1834. Thej 
wen- buried at Salona. The paternal grand- 
parents of ct also sleep in the Method- 
ist cemetery at that place. In their family were 
five children: Delinda, who became the wife of 
Peter Best, of Cedarville. Stephenson Co., 111.; 
John P., lather of our subject; William, who 
.Ind 111 Freeport, 111.; Robert, who died in Keo- 
kuk. I., w.i .and Margaret, who died when a voting 

In Nittany Valley, John P. Heard was reared 
t.i manhood, living with his parents in Lamar 
and Porter townships, Clinton county. He at- 
led the public schools of his day and learned 
very rapidly. He also took private lessons of a 
Mr. Berkley, petent instructor. When 

iung man he learned the carpenter's trade 
with Samuel B. 1 - dona, and continued 

1" « until ill health prevented it. 

ht man] if school, was an ex- 

cellent teacher, and among his pupils was the 

rd became his wife. 
Many ol th t Lamar township 

ittended his - 

P. Heard was married 

whose father, John 

McG rn August 1. 1780, in Trunamul- 

leii. Ireland, in which country his father, Thomas 



I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



607 



McGhee 

life. The family 



followed farming and spent his entire 



was a prominent and intelli- 



gent one, and the son received a good education 
in his native land. When a young man he 
crossed the Atlantic and took up his residence in 
Penn's Valley, Penn. He began learning the 
millwright's trade, but did not long devote his 
attention to it. He taught school for many 
years, and in the possession of his family is an 
old agreement which shows the plan of hiring 
teachers in his day, and is as follows: " Articles 
of agreement made and concluded this Decem- 
ber 1 8, 1802, between John McGhee, schoolmas- 
ter, of the first part, and the subscribers of the 
other part, both parties being of the township 
of Haines, Centre Co., Penn., witnesseth and 
saith, That said McGhee on his part doth prom- 
ise to teach an English school and to teach all 
such children as are committed to his care, read- 
ing, writing and arithmetic, so far as his skill 
and their abilities will admit, for the term of one 
year, reserving to himself every other Saturday 
and two weeks in harvest. And we, the sub- 
scribers, do on our part promise to find him a 
sufficient schoolhouse with every accommodation 
necessary; to find him a stove in the winter sea- 
son with plenty of firewood; and we likewise 
promise to pay him for the aforesaid term of one 
year the sum of forty pounds, one-half at the ex- 
piration of the first six months, and the remain- 
der at the expiration of one year; we likewise 
promise to find him on sufficient board during 
said term. In witness whereof we the subscrib- 
ers interchangeably set our hands and number of 
scholars." 

On November 13, 1806, John McGhee was 
married in what is now Porter township, Clinton 
county, to Miss Mary T. McKibben, who was 
born in Franklin county, Penn., December 8, 
1786, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Grimes) 
McKibben, who removed from that county to 
Porter township, then a part of Centre county, 
in the spring of 1787. During the Revolutionary 
war Mr. McKibben went with a team to Balti- 
more for goods, being there at the time Corn- 
wallis was in that city. Both Mr. McKibben and 
his wife were buried in Jacksonville cemetery. 
Mr. and Mrs. McGhee began housekeeping in 
Brush Valley, but in the spring of 1819 came to 
Salona, where he engaged in merchandising for 
a number of years, and where he built the old 
stone mill. He also built a stone mill in Clin- 
tondale, and both were operated by hired millers. 
At one time he made a trip to Philadelphia, and 
on his return two noted desperadoes, Lewis and 
Connelly, waited in a tree to waylay him ; but 
coming home by another route his life was spared. 



He died in Salona, March 11, 1S31, and his wife 
passed away September 20, 185S. In their 
family were six children, namely: Thomas, 
born September 25, 1810, died in Lock Haven; 
Joseph, born March 5, 1814, died in childhood; 
John C, born April 27, 18 18, died in Lock 
Haven; Sarah, born August 3, 1824, married 
Thomas Pollock, and died in Salona; Mary J. C. 
is the mother of our subject; and Isabella M., 
born November 15, 1829, is the wife of David 
Griffith, of Kansas. 

At the time of his marriage, John P. Heard 
and his brother William were engaged in the 
foundry business in Greencastle, Franklin Co., 
Penn., but shortly afterward he returned to Sa- 
lona, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits 
for a number of years. In 1855 he removed to 
the home where his last years were passed, dy- 
ing there June 7, 1893, and his remains were in- 
terred in the Cedar Hill cemetery. He took an 
active interest in political affairs, first as a Whig, 
and later as a Republican; for twenty years he 
served as justice of the peace, and for a long 
period was also a school director. He was rec- 
ognized as one of the most valued and useful 
citizens of his community, and scrupulously per- 
formed every duty which devolved upon him, 
whether public or private. For a third of a cen- 
tury he was a faithful member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, took an active part in its 
work, and held many Church offices. His widow 
still resides on the old homestead, and she, too, 
is a consistent member of the Methodist Church. 

In the family of this worthy couple were 
seven children, namely: Horace McG., born 
October 28, 1846, is a dairyman of Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county; Lorren H., born October 
5, 1848, died at the age of seventeen years; 
Mary V., born August 7, 1 8 50, lives with her 
mother; Robert T. , born August 9, 1852, is a 
carriage-trimmer; Samuel L. , our subject, is next 
in order of birth; Anna M., born October 19, 
1858, is the wife of Edward McDowell, of Irvona, 
Clearfield Co., Penn.; and John E., born March 
4, 1 86 1, died in infancy. 

Samuel L. Heard attended the public schools 
of Salona, beginning his education under the 
instruction of Lydia Wilson. He early became 
familiar with milling, and in 1876 went to 
Chatham Run, where he worked in the gristmill 
of Joseph Farley for some time. On his return 
to Salona he took charge of the old stone mill 
erected by his maternal grandfather in 1819, and 
operated it until 1878, when he went to Chanute, 
Kans., where he was engaged in farming a short 
time. The next year he again took charge of the 
mill in Salona, and remained here until the 






( OMME VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



when he wi nt to Minneapolis, 
Minnesota Shortlj 
in the Assini intry, in Bril 

the construi I 

then buildii ly he retui 

Mini ' ' s 

now North D "1- 

sylvania 

ind 
in t : the 

-mill in ^ h he nov 

t )n Februarj .. Mi Hi ard was united 

in marriage to Miss Ida Krapi 

a daughter oi Robert Ki to them has 

|ohn R Republican 

ticket. Mr. i I 

and is 
ibly lillm He is a stanch 

ind does all in his power 
its interests and insure its succi 

Balona, in promi- 

ing citizen, whi to all 

neral wi 
His the 

Mi ' ; hnrch. 



1j*H< )M ^S iiding in Wayne 

g the highly- 
mn- 
in. I has been id vith its agricultural 

wild and unim- 
-n. In the work ol developn 
in ai live part, and lias aided in open- 
Ltion is 1 
tithfull) . 
nship, and I 

nunity hi 
the old 
Mr 

the f- Mirth chili e. Wa; 

township at that time w 

inty. In gh- 

■ 
during the wint ths, while tl 

pent at work upon the linn. 
There hi ade 

many valuable and useful improvement 
the place, building .1 fin 

which ai ^OOO. B rm- 

Mi forty-fh 

on the west branch of the Susquehanna, 
running from Lock Haven to Columbia, Mari 

with ■■ .m- 



\orked in the lumber regions with 
his brothers, Jacob and Robert C. . but sii 

I his entire time to agricultural 
pursuits. He li interested in the raising 

60, and in all his undertak- 
ings has met with a fair degree of success, being 
now numbered among the prosperous and sub- 
stantial citizens ol Wayne township. 

In 1S50, in Pine Creek township, Clinton 
county, Mr. Quiggle was married to Miss Fannie 
Willhelm, a native of Jersey Shore, Penn., and 
r of William Willhelm. To them were 
born t\\" children: Fannie, now the wife of 
rles Ingram, of Renovo. Clinton county; 
and Richard, who married Emma Hager, by 
whom he had two children, Clarence and Fiona, 
and died in 1893, at the age of forty years. 
This wife of our subject, who was a faithful 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died 
in Wayne township, in 1 S 5 3 , and was buried in 
the » 'niggle cemetery- Our subject was again 
married, in 1855, his second union being with 
Catharine Willhelm (sister of his first wife), by 
whom he had six children: < 1 1 Tucker, a farmer 
ol Wayne township, who married Arvilla Young, 
of that township, and has one son, Walter. (2 
Ettie married Jerry Chubb, who died leaving two 
children, Torrence and Willard. She is now the 
wife of John Corson. (3) Willard, a railroad 
man, living in Williamsport, married Mag 

1, and has three children, LeRoy. Beu- 
lah and John. 4 Enola is the wife of John 

■r. a furniture manufacturer and under- 
taker ol Rei linton county, and has three 
cliil ' rid Dorothy. 1 5) Carrie 
is the wife of William Shurr. of Wayne town- 

1 Arvilla is the wife of William Airgood, 
• ■ wberry, Lycoming ( . Penn., and 1 
child. Thomas. The mother of this family died 
in 1878, and wa nterred in the <Hiiggle 

For his third wife Mr. Quiggle chose Miss 
thaA Corson, who was born March 24, 1S45. 
and their mam.' celebrated in Salladas- 

burg, I unty, in 1 S79. Her grand- 

father, Thoi .1 native of Chest. 1 

I French descent. Through- 
ntire life he followed agricultural pur- 
111 his native county, where his death oc- 
curred II. was a Whig in politics, and a mem- 
I 1 1 tends. He was twice 
wife being a Miss Pipps, and 
the father of twelve children, among whom 
1 1 ' )uiggle's father. 1 I 
n Chester county, where he 
followed the occupation of farming until after his 
■ when : to a farm near Lin- 




THOMAS OUIGGLE 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



609 



den, in Lycoming county. He there owned 200 
acres of land, which he improved with good 
buildings, and continued to cultivate until called 
to his final rest in 1870, at the age of eighty-one. 
He was a hard working, energetic man, and was 
widely and favorably known. In Chester county 
he married Rachel Harvey, a native of Berks 
county, Penn., and a daughter of William Har- 
vey, a hatter by trade, who was of English de- 
scent, and died in Williamsport, Penn. Mrs. 
Corson was a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, and a most estimable lad}'. She 
was the mother of twelve children, namely: 
Thomas and William, both farmers of Lycoming 
county; Mary, deceased wife of Samuel Everett; 
Emma, deceased wife of Robert McWilliams, of 
Harrisburg, Penn. ; Rebecca, deceased wife of 
Charles Mosely, of Muncy, Penn.; Sarah J., 
widow of Joseph McLain, of Johnsonburg, Penn. ; 
John, a lumberman of Newberry, Lycoming 
county; Elizabeth, widow of Charles Swain, of 
Lewistown, Penn.; Rachel, who died unmarried; 
Charles, who resides on the old homestead in 
Lycoming county; Martha, who first married 
Charles Blackwell (who died in 1875), and is now 
the wife of our subject; and Edmund, a farmer 
of Level Corners, Lycoming county. 

Socially Mr. Quiggle affiliates with the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and religiously is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
He has been an unwavering supporter of the 
Democratic party since casting his first vote for 
James K. Polk, and at the last election, in the 
fall of 1896, voted for William J. Bryan and the 
free coinage of silver. For the past twelve years 
he has served as school director, but has never 
cared for political distinction, preferring to de- 
vote his entire time to his business interests. He 
is one of the representative and prominent citi- 
zens of Wayne township, and certainly deserves 
honorable mention in a work of this character. 



C\APT. JAMES S. HALL, deceased, was one 
1 of the men who valiantly fought for the 
preservation of the Union during the dark days 
of the Civil war, and was later an honored and 
valued citizen of Renovo. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania, his birth occurring September 1 , 
1828, in Bald Eagle Valley, Centre county, a son 
of T. M. and Uretta (Roberts) Hall, who spent 
their entire lives in that county. The Captain's 
primary education was obtained in the schools of 
Bellefonte, and he subsequently attended the 
Meadville College for some years, after which 
he successfully engaged in teaching in the public 

schools for a number of years. He also served 
39* 



as deputy sheriff under his father from 1846 to 
'1849, in his native county. 

In 1S50, in company with E. B. Lipton, also 
of Milesburg, Centre county, Mr. Hall went to 
California, expecting to make his fortune in the 
gold mines. The venture, however, did not 
prove very successful, and later he was appointed 
and served as deputy sheriff of Nappa county, 
that State. Failing health at length caused him 
to return home in 1854, and the same year he 
wedded Miss Mary A. Iddings, daughter of 
Joseph and Margaret (Henry) Iddings, also na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. Her father, a farmer 
by occupation, died in 1865, and her mother 
passed away in 1884, at the advanced age of 
ninety-one years. In their family were ten chil- 
dren, four of whom are yet living: William, a 
resident of Centre county; Mrs. Ann Moore, of 
Grampian, Clearfield Co., Penn.; Mrs. Lydia 
H. Root, of Blair county, Penn.; and Mrs. Hall. 
To James S. Hall and his wife were born ten 
children, of whom four sons and One daughter 
are now deceased. Those living are: Alice L., 
wife of John McDonald, of Driftwood, Penn. ; 
Edgar H., of Salisbury, N. C. ; and Wilburetta, 
Mary and Cornelia, all at home. . 

After his return to Pennsylvania our subject 
taught school and engaged in clerking until the 
outbreak of the Civil war. In 1S61 he assisted 
Capt. Kiernan in recruiting Company D, 53d P. 
V. I., of which company he was commissioned 
lieutenant, and some time after entering the serv- 
ice was detailed for duty in the Signal Corps. At 
that period the department was in its infancy, and 
he rendered his superior officers valuable service 
in raising it to a high state of perfection, which, 
later on, proved invaluable to the army. At 
Fredericksburg he was with Gen. Burnside, and 
when Gen. Hooker succeeded to the command he 
was retained, and continued at headquarters. 
After the battle of Chancellorsville, when the 
army moved northward, he accompanied it to 
Gettysburg, and was sent to Little Round Top. 
On the memorable 2d of July, when Gen. Long- 
street was forming his column to assault that 
stronghold, which is universally conceded to have 
been the key to the position occupied by the 
Union army, he gave timely notice to Gen. 
Meade of the contemplated movement. Gen. 
Warren, chief of the staff, hastened to Round 
Top to ascertain the situation. Seizing the Cap- 
tain's field glass he hastily glanced in the direc- 
tion of the Confederate lines, but failed to note, 
from some cause, the forming column. Unusual 
as it was for Gen. Warren to be impatient, he 
censured the Captain for being unnecessarily 
alarmed. The controversy continued for consid- 



610 



VORATTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



erable time, Captain Hall insisting that he 
correct in his opinii uliar ac- 

tivity and I i he had noted and sign 

was the precursor of an assault. 
A little later it became apparent Warren 

that u was onlj too true. Aids were immedi- 
ately di I with the utmost haste, and tr 
wen li a double-quick, and arrived 
just in timi I and hurl back 1 

■mi, led by the Louis I 

1 Round Top would have b 
the Union Army. The timely warning of 
tin signal i ifficer was all t d it. 

A fi l ! treet vis- 

tin pui . viewing the 

I '■>" i line wl 

it confront* I R und Ti ip. Hi n fen ed to the 
ten winch h red at that point, 

marking: " It is 
all '. . and I hold no ill feeling toward the 

sault "ii RoundTop," but 
ne little 

d v 1 on the summit and vigorously 

il flag, Until'. 
his premeditated assault. " That officer was Capl 
S, I [all, ami his timely warning doubl 
i 'I that Capt. Hall 

rvewiththe Army of the Potomac 
until the South laid down it- arms, and peace was 

R< turning Capt. Hall lo- 

ad when the Philadelphia & 
tablished its shops there, he was 
t i. mi, which 
ptably filled until failing health caused his 
i the la - of 

in invalid and was unabli 
rk, hut linn- his sufferings without a mur- 
ium Hi 

M.l, and died a Christian soldier, with 

' H< this life March 

. and bis death was widely and deeply 

timed, for his friends were man} 1 i m early 

life he stent member of 

the Method 

■n\ horn Ted membi i Masonii 

1 ind Armj 
estimal a ho still survives him, contin 

to make her borne in Ri i 
ular and highlj n lady, ! lei) 

and kindly 
words. 



native of what is now the county of Clinton, b irn 
;t 2 i . [820, in B le township. 

i ks, hisfather, was born in 1769, 

■ to that portion of 
county which was then a part of Centre, 
at Mill Hall, where he and a brother-in- 
law built the stone gristmill that yet stands there. 
purchased a farm on the banks 
ie creek, and there passed the rest of 
d as a farmer. He was a \ 
active man. energetic and thrifty, yet retiring — 
a quiet, una- itizen whose life was given 

to I tei 1 lis 1 iw n affairs. He died in M 

1S4;, a respected pioneer of the Conn ilth. 

11:- estimable wife, who was born in 1774 in 
1 hestei county, Penn., survived him seven years, 
dying in 1S30. Their children were: Gi 
\V. dud near Peoria, 111., in his eighty-third 
r; Benjamin H. died at Lock Haven, the re- 
Milt ol a fall from a wagon, in his seventy-first 
year; John died at the age of thirty-five years; 
11 1 11 died in Lock Haven, aged sixty-four 
3; Henrietta died when eighty-threi 

1 to be sixty-tour years old; 
1 G. W.Smith, and resides 
at Peoria, 111., in the eighty-third year of her age; 
and Newton \Y. is our subject. 

■■ton \\ cks had but limited edu- 



cational advanta 



I'lie li 1] house, w ith 



NEWTON \\ FREDERK KJ rthy 

f Lock 1 ind an extensive 

fai ■ business man of Clinl 



its pun slab seats and desks, was the 

" tempi rning, " in which the boys and girls 

of his day were taught. He was reared on a 
farm, an ; hat occupation as a means of 

livelihood until in 1855, when he embarked in 

lumber and tire-brick business, and he 
ever since been chiefly identified with these lines 
of business. Winn a young man he was pos- 
I business ideas, and. by exercising 
care and judgment, together with close appl; 
tion to his business, he has accumulated a coin- 
a success of life. He owns 
ral nice farms and residence property; also 
ii k works of Fredericks, Munroe 
irrandsville. Although Mr. Freder- 
icks, at this writing, is in the seventy-seventh year 
of his a remarkably well-pn and 

ell as he did at the 
fiftj He personally superintends the 
running 1 1 looks after his various 

business intei 

1" ' subject was married to Miss Mary 

A itsi :.. . daughter of George Watson, of 

Northumberland county, and three sons and one 

ih, who died in infancy, were 

union, the sons being: George Wat- 

mington, Penn.; 

Worth, a partner of his father in busi- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Gil 



iness at Farrandsville, Clinton county; John 
Thomas, one of the leading attorneys of the 
Williamsport Bar. Mrs. Fredericks, the mother 
of these, died in 1855, and Mr. Fredericks was 
again married, this time in October, 1857, to 
Charlotte W. (Crawford) Guyer, daughter of 
George Crawford, of Pine Creek township, Clin- 
ton county, and two daughters — Mary C., wife 
of Edgar P. Geary, an attorney at Lock Haven, 
and Rosetta D., wife of George W. Howard, of 
Latrobe, Westmoreland county, Penn., were 
born to them, both of whom are living. The 
mother of these died on May 31, 1894. Our 
subject is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
as are all of his children, and also as were his 
wises. In politics he is a Democrat, but he is 
conservative in his views. He has never aspired 
to any office. He has ever been found on the 
side of right in all moral questions affecting the 
good of the community, in which he has so long 
resided, and of which he has been so important 
a factor. For many years he has been a director 
in the First National Bank at Lock Haven. 



JOHN W. HARRIS, an efficient alderman 
from the Third ward, and who for morethan 
a decade was the popular postmaster of Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, his place of residence, 
was born at Williamsport, Penn., February 25, 

1833. 

William and Sarah (Grafius) Harris, his 
parents, were natives of this State, and their 
lives were here passed. William Harris was 
born April 9, 1797, in Maryland, and in early 
life was engaged as a mercantile clerk at Will- 
iamsport, Penn., and later he carried on a boot 
and shoe store. He was elected sheriff of Ly- 
coming county when quite a young man, and 
died July 31, 1835, while serving in that capacity. 
His estimable wife, who was born December 31, 
1807, at Williamsport, lived to a ripe old age, 
dying December 16, 1883, aged seventy-six 
years. She was a woman of lovely character, 
and drew about her hosts of friends. Of the 
four children born to William Harris and wife, 
the following three are living: Mrs. Dr. Rhodes, 
of Williamsport, Penn. ; Mrs. Charles Stewart, 
of Williamsport, Penn., and John, our subject; 
the one deceased is Jacob G., who died in No- 
vember, 1887. 

Alderman Harris in youth attended the com- 
mon schools of that day, also the select schools 
then in vogue. After leaving school he learned 
the tanner's and currier's trade, although he did 
not follow it long as an occupation. Some time 
after completing his trade he went to the Mo- 



nongahela river at a point above Brownsville, 
Penn., where he superintended the job of build- 
ing dams for steamboat navigation, and was there 
employed in this line of work for two years. In 
the spring of 1856 he returned to his native 
town, Williamsport, and became engaged in the 
mercantile business as a clerk, continuing until 
1859. In September of that year he came to 
Lock Haven and engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in partnership with his brother, J. G. Har- 
ris. This business was conducted until 1869, 
when John W. Harris was appointed postmaster 
of Lock Haven by President Grant. He very 
creditably to himself, and most satisfactorily to 
the public, served in this position throughout 
President Grant's two terms, and through the 
Hayes administration, being succeeded to the 
office in 188 1. In 1884 he was appointed by 
Gov. Pattison as alderman of the Third ward, 
and in 1885 was elected to that office; he was re- 
elected in 1890, and in 1895, and is still serving. 
On February 13, 1862, Mr. Harris was mar- 
ried to Mary D. White, born December 15, 
1840, in Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, 
Penn. , a daughter of Andrew White, of Clinton 
county, and two sons were born to their union: 
Andrew W. and Charles S. The former is 
ticket agent of the Beech Creek railroad at 
Castanea. Penn., and Charles is the agent of the 
Adams Express Company, at Renovo, Penn. 
Alderman Harris and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. Socially he is identified 
with the F. & A. M. ; is also a member of the 
G. A. R. In politics he is Republican and has 
been an active worker in the party for many 
years; he has served on various State and other 
important committees. Mr. Harris has served 
as the treasurer of the borough of Lock Haven, 
and during the war of the Rebellion, for a period, 
he was one of the emergency men called out by 
the governor when General Lee invaded the 
State. He is one of Lock Haven's enterprising 
and progressive citizens and most capable busi- 
ness men. 



'AMES A. BICKFORD, the present efficient 
manager of the Queens Run Fire-Brick Com- 
pany, at Lock Haven, Clinton county, is a 
native of the State of Maine, born July 27, 1S45, 
at Bangor. 

Samuel M. and Caroline A. (Higgins) Bick- 
ford, his parents, were both natives of Maine. 
They were married in 1840, and their children 
are: Edith H. (Mrs. W. T. VanDyke), Frank 
E. , Charles F., William M. (deceased), and 
James A. (our subject). The father of these 



612 



( OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RB( ORD. 



with family, until in ine, and 

th.it year located il I . ck 1 1 ■•• n, Penn., wl 
the . lived the their li\ 

highly-] the fa- 

ther dying in [888, and tl 
Rear ! in a lumber Mate Mr. Bickford early 
turned his attention to that business and : 
it t! ut his lifetime. I i - the Bick- 

kburn and S M Bii kl o.'s 

II known to the 
n; they i ten 

million ment to 

Jam- - A Bi( kford d in a lumbering 

district, and had but limit rl uni- 

attending the common district scl I of the 

nly two ■ ir three months 
in the ye ir. 1 1 until 1 887 he was 

upied in that line of busii In that year 

the Queens Run pany was organ- 

d and im I, and "I this company Mr. 

! was ma nan- 

T, which positions he has since held. This in- 
• 1 ust r\ is quite an important factor in the busi- 
itei ' I I I i en, giving employment 

ne hundred and thirty hands. Mr. Bii kford 
1 etarj , ti and manager of the 

Clinton Mining Company, another of the promi- 
nent industries ol Lock Haven. In the conduct 
of 1 '.11 busim 

and capacity He I the enterprising and 

I 'lmt'. n county. In politii s 
he 1- .1 Republican though not a politician in the 
trm of the word. He as a 

■ il. 
In i ject was married to Miss Sarah 

M. Brunei . wh( 1 was born May 21 1, 1 851 1, at 
Mi in., ami to the marriage were born: 

la M. . Mrs. William F M . 

L. Fay, M | J. 

Max. all Ir. ' fohn B. and Paul A. (twii 

itnied with the M E. ( hun h .it I 01 k II. 1. 
The fathi 1 !>er of th 



WILLI VM IGGL1 1 .v. men have 

financial 
litions than fell to tl I Ins well-known 

and enterpri rthy 

■ ion. 

Mi 

In- r, Philip • 

nl ■ Pi nn., having been among thi 1 arly 

■ I what is now \\ lyne township, Clinton 

Penn 1 our subj nd- 



father, made his home in the same locality and 

reared a numerous family among whom were Ja- 
R l>ertC, Thomas, and Richard, all respected 
lents of Wayne township. Richard Quig 
born at the old homestead in 1829, and was 
educated in the local schools, which were con- 
ducted on the subscription plan. He grew to 
manhood at the farm, and then after spending 
- as a pilot on the Susquehanna river, 
he became a section foreman on the Pennsyl- 
vania railroad, a position he rilled satisfactorily 
for some time. One night while on the roadbe- 
twe I I uid Jersey Shore, he was at- 

tacked by robbers and left insensible on the* 
track in such a posture that a passing freight 
train cut off one of his legs. The railroad com- 
pany paid only his doctor bill, and as he was in- 
capacitated for active manual labor, he located 
1 farm in Pine Creek township, Clinton coun- 
ty, and in connection with its management he 
operated the " Quiggle Ferry". 

AtPineStation,ClintonCo.,Penn. , Mr. Quiggle 
married to Miss Elizabeth Adams, a lady of 
German descent, who was born at Muncy, Penn., 
in 1829, a daughter of Daniel Adams. .1 prosper- 
ous farmer. She died in Wayne township, 
Clinton county, Decembei [6, [896, her husband 
passing away December 21, 1895. Politically 
he was a stanch Democrat, and he and his wife 
were both consisl mbers ol the Methodist 

Church. They had the following children: 
Mary, wife ol John Riggle, of Braymer, Mo.; 
Di morest V., wife ol John Gillen, of Pittsburg, 
Penn.; Josephine, wife of William J. Weaver, of 
Reynoldsville, Penn.; William C, our subject; 
Linus G., a t< legrapher at Warren, Ohio; Flor- 
A , wife ol Robert Martin, of Newberry, 
ih B., wife of Jesse W. Phillips, of 
irlton, Penn. ; Rebeca comes next in order of 
birth; Margaret and Clinton H., both of whom 
dud in childh 

d ijecl of our sketch was born March 

t.(. 1858, in Wayne township, Clinton county, 

where 1. d the public schools for a time, 

although hi is mainly indebted to his own efforts 

1. private study enabling him to 

ition on the topics of 

day. When his father lost his limb, the 

n to help in the support of the 

1 ing em] at on the railroad at 

i twelve hours. After spending 

tlin vork he went to Big Ra] 

■'■■ when employed for a time in the 

lumberb 1 turning home he rented 

m Robert C. Cook, of Pine 

iship, Clinton county, and for two 

pick and shovel for the 



J 





■ Q. <f^L; 



-H- 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



613 



National Transit Co. (Standard Oil Co.), receiv- 
ing $1.75 per day. Later he was employed for 
two years in unloading coal for the same com- 
pany (at $50 per month), and in eight years he 
walked the pipe line something over 29,000 
miles (receiving $60 per month), in the Cumber- 
land Valley, Adams county, Penn. He also 
worked for them as foreman. In 1895 he was 
appointed engineer of their pumping engines at 
Pine Station, and, as he had become a proficient 
in telegraphy in the meantime, he was also made 
the operator and engineer at that point, his sal- 
ary for this being at present $85 per month. His 
faithful performance of every duty has won him 
the entire confidence of his employers and the 
esteem of the public. In 1886 he built a neat 
dwelling-house in the town at a cost of $1,000. 
He is regarded as one of the substantial men of 
the locality. 

On June 15, 1885, William C. Quiggle was 
married in Pine Creek township to Miss Mary E. 
Martin, a native of the township, where her fa- 
ther, the late Alexander Martin, and her uncle, 
Joseph Martin, were well-known as citizens. 
Three children have blessed this union — Walter , 
Gregg, born in 1888; Beulah May, born in 1890; 
and Joseph Boyd, born in 1893. Socially, Mr. 
Quiggle belongs to La Belle Valley Lodge No. 
232, F. & A. M., at Jersey Shore, Penn.; in his 
religious views he is an active worker in the Meth- 
odist Church at Pine Station, being a teacher in 
the Sabbath-school. He believes in the princi- 
ples of sound money, and of late has voted the 
Republican ticket, though formerly a Democrat. 
Any movement which promises to benefit the 
community is certain to receive his sympathy and 
support, and he is especially devoted to the 
cause of temperance. Mr. Quiggle is also an in- 
ventor, having invented a lamp burner, in which 
the wick can be adjusted from either side of the 
lamp, which he has placed with a firm in Massa- 
chusetts on a royalty, which nets him a snug in- 
come. 



JOHN EARON, now living retired in Lock 
Haven, is a man whose sound common 
sense and vigorous, able management of his 
affairs have been important factors in his suc- 
cess, and, with his undoubted integrity of char- 
acter, have given him an honorable position 
among his fellow-men. His entire life has been 
passed in Clinton county, his birth occurring in 
Coldbrook township, May 15, 1824. 

His father, Christian Earon, was born in 
Germany, March 3, 1781, and for four years in 
early life he was a sailor on the high seas, dur- 



ing which time he sailed all over the world. In 
that capacity he came to the United States when 
about twenty-five years of age, and after landing 
in' New York decided to remain in this country, 
where for some time he was employed as a ped- 
dler. While traveling through central Pennsyl- 
vania, he met and married Miss Mary Catharine 
Smith, who was born June 23, 1792, a daughter 
of Adam Smith. After his marriage Mr. Earon 
located on the river above Lock Haven, where 
he engaged in farming until his death, which oc- 
curred September 29, 1868, when he was over 
eighty-seven years of age. His wife died Jan- 
uary 8, 1858, at the age of sixty-five, and both 
were buried near Flemington in Clinton county. 
He was at one time a Republican, but during 
the greater part of his life supported the Democ- 
racy, and served his fellow-citizens as overseer 
of the poor. He was horiored and respected by 
all who knew him. In his family were the fol- 
lowing children who reached adult age: Jacob, 
a resident of Sugar Valley Mountain; Christian, 
who for several years lived in the same place, 
but now makes his home with his children; John, 
of this review; Adam, of Pine Creek township, 
Clinton county; and Henry S., who died in Cold- 
brook township, Clinton county. 

The education of our subject was obtained 
under great difficulties, but, if his opportunities 
had been equal to his ability to learn, he would 
have become one of the best informed men in 
this section of the State. He attended the sub- 
scription school, but to reach the school house 
he was obliged to cross the West branch of 
the Susquehanna river, which at times could not 
be crossed. While attending school during the 
winter, the remainder of the year was spent in 
assisting his father in the cultivation of the home 
farm until eighteen years of age, when he began 
work in the woods, at first driving a team. 
For a quarter of a century he continued to en- 
gage in lumbering, and endured such hardships 
as only a man of a remarkably strong constitu- 
tion could stand. He became familiar with all 
branches of the lumber business, and was one 
of the best judges as to the amount of lumber 
in a raft. 

On December 9, 1 849, Mr. Earon was mar- 
ried to Miss Eve Catharine Myers, who was born 
in Baden, Germany, December 31, 1828, but 
when only a year old was brought to America 
by her parents. Christian and Eve Catharine 
(Ziegler) Myers, who located in the German set- 
tlement in Clinton county. Her school privi- 
leges were limited to two months' attendance at 
the public schools. Mr. Earon began house- 
keeping on a farm of 150 acres which he had 



814 



•■' VBMORA TIVB BIOQRAPHIOAL RECORD. 



pn Jit at a sheriff's sale for $600. 

The improvi -ice cons 

an ,nt - 

while their household -ted 

e in 
it in 
life. During tl 

was .it work in th< . his wife was 

to ! <'k- 

I children and attending 
rk. She proved a most faithful 
et to Iht husband in those ear!) 

ns. When their means 
■ 

Mi itinued the cultivati im- 

ent of the farm until the spring of 1 
when he sold hi and imj I re- 

lish his j 
n, William M , in business there. On the 

broke up h vitb 

k township, 
Clinton county, with him until the 

Lock 
Haven tl >w make their home sur- 

nd many of the 
I by 
nest toil, my. 

I Mr. and Mrs J ihi 1 the fol- 

low stian M\ 

mnty 1 Sarah C, 
wife ol Ad; hip; 

Mrs. \V. H.Wrei 

wife 

■hip; 

iship; Aman la M., who 
died in [. . wife ol W. H Sal- 

wnship; Mrs. 

n; William M.. 
I in that 

W. II. I mi. 

The family I to habits ol industr) 

thrift, tl the 

har 
and useful p 

In Jul) pail in- h 

subject fell 

1 which he h d. His 

litic.il support has alwa | 

il town- 
ship offices 1 tnd trust, being t 

time he 
held membership in vife 

!■ 'I with the Laurel Run M 

Although they I 

,h their 



own unaided efforts, they take far greater satis- 
faction in the fact that they have reared a family 
vhich they can be justly proud, its members 
being numbered pi perous and most 

highly-respected citizens of Clinton counts 



KIMBALL D. BATCHELER, a lumber 
aler, manufacturer, and proprietor ol the 
Kimball D. Batcheler Planing-mills at Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, was born here, April 15, 
1855 of Jesse H. and Lucinda E 

His parents were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania. The greater part of their lives have been 
passed in or about Lock Haven. Jesse H. 
Batcheler is now a foreman for his son in his 
planing-mills. and at the age of seventy yea: 
quite active. His father, Cephus Batchele-r, 
lived to be ninety-three years old; and our sub- 
ject rial grandfather Davis is yet living, 
at tl ! ninety-four years. Jesse Batcheler 
: wife ha. 11 and four daughters living, 
namely: Kimball D. (our subject 1, Annie O. 
Mrs . Mary J. Mrs. K. E. 
Kifti, Sarah H. Mr- I A. Thome), and Lizzie 
unmarried). 

Kimball I) Batcheler attended the public 
sch(' ■'- ol Lock Haven until he was fifteen years 
He then entered the employ of Gossler 
\\ho operated a planing-mill and were 
lumber 1 1 Lock Haven, with which com- 

pany he was employed some eighteen years, un- 
til 1 ■ M the age of twenty-six years he 
drop] 1 a time and took a business 
study at the Eastman Business Col- 
N. Y. On his return to 
Lock Haven ntered the planing-mill and 
kept the books of the company. In the spring 

ss for himself, founding 

his present business. The mills are quite exten- 

si\e and Mr. Batcheler does a large business, 

ha\ |e trade in sash, do 

blinds ami all kinds ol work turned out at afirst- 

II. The business is on a solid footing, 

and is 1 'eloped into one of considerable 

inder the careful and judicious man- 

lur subject, who is a far-sighted and 

an. Mr. Batcheler is a 

( Chapter and Command- 

1 & A. M. Hi 1- Past Master in Blue 

High Priest in the Chapter. He 

ler of the Commandery; also 

is a me: th e R ova ] Arcanum. In poli- 

blican. He is a self-made man, 

rseverance and in- 

his way to a most creditable 

: - ocial circles. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



615 



On February 19, 18S4, Mr. Batcheler was 
married to Hattie B. Marsh, a daughter of 
Samuel Marsh, of Lock Haven. The marriage is 
without issue. Both Mr. and Mrs. Batcheler are 
identified with the M. E. Church. 



i)OBERT A. SHAW, Esq., one of the most 
\ successful agriculturists and prominent citi- 



zens of Pine Creek township, Clinton county 
was born October 25, 1S31, in Wayne township, 
the same county, when it formed a part of Ly- 
coming county. 

The Shaw family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, 
and possesses the chief characteristics so common 
to that people — thrift, industry, enterprise and en- 
ergy — making them useful and valued citizens of 
any community where they may chance to re- 
side. Robert Shaw, our subject's grandfather, 
was a farmer by occupation, and at one time 
owned a farm in the vicinity of Bald Eagle, Penn. 
He reared his family in Lycoming county, but 
spent his last days in Venango county, Penn. 
Robert M. Shaw, the father of our subject, was 
born November 8, 1798, on Centre Plains, Ly- 
coming (now Clinton) county, and received only 
a common-school education; but being a man of 
sound judgment and a close observer, he gained 
a good practical knowledge of men and events. 
He, too, was an agriculturist, and when a young 
man began life for himself upon a farm in Wayne 
township, and then removed to Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, buying the Squire Hamil- 
ton farm of 115 acres, upon which he made very 
extensive improvements, including the erection 
of a good brick residence and a substantial barn. 
He also planted an orchard, and took great pride 
in his farming and stock-raising, being accounted 
one of the most practical farmers and reliable 
business men of his community. He was first a 
Whig and later a Republican in politics, and 
took quite an active part in political affairs. 

On March 25, 1823, near Charlton, was cel- 
ebrated the marriage of Mr. Shaw and Miss Fan- 
ny Crawford, who was born at Chatham Run, 
Clinton county, August 21, 1799, a daughter of 
Robert Crawford, a tanner by occupation, who 
was of Scotch-Irish descent. The children born 
to them are as follows: Hugh, born January 9, 
1824, died suddenly in Pine Creek township, 
July 3, 1890; Elizabeth, born June 3, 1827, was 
married October 1, 1867, to William King, of 
Illinois, and died May 6, 1868; Robert A. , of this 
sketch, is next in order of birth; Martha, born 
February 22, 1S36, is the wife of Jacob Bubb, of 
Jersey Shore, Penn.; George C, born August 
15. 1838, on the homestead. The father died 



January 30, 1878, on the home farm, where the 
mother also passed away, and the remains of 
both were interred at Jersey Shore. In religious 
belief they were Presbyterians. 

Robert A. Shaw pursued his studies in the 
public schools of Pine Creek township, under the 
direction of Squire Joseph Walters, Alexander 
Hamilton, Mr. Ross and Mr. Parker, who taught 
in an old log school house, known as the Duncan 
school. His youthful days were spent upon the 
home farm, assisting in the labor of the fields, 
and becoming thoroughly familiar with all the 
duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. 
At the age of twenty-three he began operating 
the farm on shares, being thus employed for 
three years, and then he removed to the Martin 
farm near Jersey Shore, in Lycoming county. In 
1865 he located upon his present farm, which he 
purchased from Henry Kissell, and on which he 
has made extensive improvements. He bought 
the Ramm farm of eighty-eight acres in 1871, 
and has also made many useful and valuable im- 
provements upon that place. His present com- 
fortable residence was erected in 1868 at a cost 
of $3,500, and in its construction he did much 
of the work, making every door in the house, 
which would do credit to a skilled workman. In 
i860 he began raising tobacco, being one of the 
first in the community to engage in that industry, 
and in the enterprise he has met with excellent 
success. His present fine barn was erected in 
1876 at a cost of $3,000, and all the improve- 
ments stand as monuments to the thrift and in- 
dustry of the owner, who is recognized as one of 
the most systematic and thorough farmers of 
Pine Creek township. 

Rev. J. G. Pearce, a Methodist Episcopal 
minister, performed a marriage ceremony at Lock 
Haven, November 10, 1853, which united the 
destinies of Mr. Shaw and Miss Margaret J. Dunn, 
who was born June 9, 1S31, at Liberty, Dunsta- 
ble township, Clinton county, a daughter of Will- 
iam and Sarah (Poorman) Dunn, the former a 
merchant of Liberty and a cousin of Judge Will- 
iam Dunn. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are the parents 
of five children: fi) James G. , born August 25, 
1854, is a farmer of Pine Creek township. He 
married Rebecca Jane Emory, and has five chil- 
dren. (2) Ida B., born in September, 1S56, in 
Lycoming county, is the wife of M. B. Rich, a 
member of the firm of John Rich & Bros., at 
Woolrich, Clinton county, and has seven chil- 
dren — Jennie, Robert, Katie, John, Anabel, 
Gracie and Margaret. (3) William D., born at 
Charlton, March 27, 1858, is a merchant of 
Wellsboro, Penn. He wedded Mary Lamb, a 
niece of Judge Williams, and they have one 



616 



VMEMORA T1VK liloiiltM'IllcM 11EC0RD. 



bter, Margery. (4) Elizabeth C, born in 

is th( « it'- -I 1 >r. C. B. S( l:roeder, 

of I. a, Penn (5 Annie M began her 

• n in the ; Is near her home, 

t thi i lemy, 

I th I ' . 

nary; lab iebe] Institute 

of \\ D. C. SI idy of 

scholarly tastes, and lias for nine ccess- 

full) 

Our subject is an earnest advocate of the 

prim the Republican party, and on that 

- 5, was tirst elei I >l the 

Pii Creek townshi] lie has 

t creditably and rilled, his 

by the higher 

For fill .1 efficiently as 

I director, an.] lias also been auditor and 

I ctor in his township. In [874 he was 

county commiss n the 

but as the partj was in the 

rity he m Mr. Shaw's influence 

at and alwaj pathy, his 

ng will long be re- 
! when he h ! awaj . and h< is 

the leading and 1 
1 )linton county. 



H'. WILLIAM II. MAYER, th. 
t th.- city ..I L.'.k Haven, gh 
ninistrati econom 

ited management that a man of fair judg- 
t brings to the conduct <.f his own afl 
Mi born M irch 1;. [83 ;. in Mer- 

I iklin Co., Penn., and sarly 

I" rsburg, Penn. From th. , M j| a _ 

"lu'a an.) secured employment in a i 

I 
that business. In 1855 he 

cjtj Lock H nn., which he condi 

til! the latter part ..f th. 

enlx'e.l in the 37th P. V. I., with the rank of 

ser and in M 

he was appointed bj Pn sidenl ! 

nited State- navy, wh 

he 1 eld until th. I,,. 

ills, Wis., an ! b 
.n.I lumber busin ain- 

irs, In 1876 he 1 
H ". Penn., and 1 
cantile business, which busin 
lb has always taken a lively intei I 

m.l although h. ■ mi i, 1 1 mocrat, 

the city i< largely Republican, In- popular- 



ity 1 I the test uf several elections. His 

nd judgment and impartiality make him an 

excellent mayor, and has won the support of all 

classes. Socially Mr. Mayer is prominent, and 

he is identified with the G. A. K , the B. P. O. 

the K. of P. and the I. O. O. F. He is also 

interested in a number of business enterprises of 

a corporate nature, and is vice-president of the 

k Haven Traction Railway Co. 



PERRY WILSON McDOWELL, a venerable 
and highly esteemed resident of Lamar 
township, Clinton county, has been identified 
with the agricultural interests of this section for 
re than half a century, and notwithstanding 
these lo of toil, care and responsibility, 

he finds himself toward the beginning of his 
t\ -first year robust and heart}-. Always jo- 
vial and merry, he is a good companion, and his 
ity is unfailing. It is said that he never 
cts a friend or an enemy — though it is difficult 
ve that he has any of the latter class. 
ng and old prize his acquaintance, and the 
children, always the keenest judges of character, 
delight in his kindly greetings. 

Mr. McDowell was born September 8, 1M7. 
in the Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin county, 
Penn., where his ancestors were pioneers. John 
McDowell, his grandfather, who was of Scotch- 
Irish stock, came from the North of Ireland 
il 1755, and for some time resided in the 
vicinity of Carlisle, Penn. During his residence 
there he p. aid a visit to his native land, and soon 
after his return he removed to the Kishacoquillas 
Valley and bought a claim of 600 acres of land 
itifully situated about three miles from the 
f Belleville. The former owners, 
two nun named Torringtine, had abandoned the 
1 their fear of the Indians, and 
had escaped from the supposed danger bj way of 
the old trail across Jack's Mountain at McVey- 
town. As a token bywhich Mi McDowell could 
tify his purchase, they told him that in the 
cabin which they had built near a spring on 
the place, he would find buried an axe, a mat- 
tock, • ud a bottle of whiskey, which articles as 
found there. John McDowell made 
tantial improvi ments upon the tract, and the 

iidence -till 

a farmhouse, being kept in excellent 

it owners. John McDowell 

ts an exampleof the hardy, fear- 

I the foundations for the civili- 

I ay. In 1 770, or earlier, he married 

Mis- Elizabeth Reed, of reek, Hunt- 

mnty, near the present town of Peters- 





' «^r ^/a//^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



617 



burg. Both were devout members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. Mr. McDowell died in 1809 
at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife in 
18 1 2 at sixty-five, their remains being interred 
in a small burial plat near the old farm house. 
Another member of the McDowell family who 
■came to America was Robert, a brother of John, 
but we have no record of him after the latter's 
removal from Carlisle. 

John McDowell left a large estate which was 
divided among his children, but as most of them 
seem to have inherited his love of travel there 
are few of his descendants now living in the 
Valley. Of his thirteen children all but two 
reached adult age: (1) Polly was scalded to 
-death when quite small. (2) Robert (deceased) 
was a resident of Belleville, Mifflin county, Penn. 
He had four sons — William, who died at Belle- 
ville, unmarried; John; Robert, Jr.; and James, 
who married and settled in Fayette county, Penn. 
(3) William, our subject's father, is mentioned 
more fully below. (4) James, who served in 
the war of 181 2, resided at Long Hollow, near 
the present site of Newton Hamilton, Penn. Of 
his ten children, Robert and William settled in 
Altoona, Penn., James and Carson in Illinois, 
Jonathan and Walker remained near Newton 
Hamilton, Joseph disappeared during the late 
war, Mrs. Mary Brilhart located in Philadelphia, 
and Mrs. Belle Norton in Illinois. (5) John 
died in Kishacoquillas Valley, unmarried. (6) 
Samuel, who resided near the site of Altoona, 
was twice married and had four children by 
each union. By the first there were Isaac, 
Eliza, Lydia, and another who was killed; and 
by the second there were Brown, Samuel, Sarah, 
and Jennie. Samuel and Isaac removed to 
Iowa, but the rest of the family remained in or 
near Altoona. (7) Joseph lived and died in 
Mercer county, Penn., and had one daughter 
who married and probably settled in Ohio. (8) 
Jonathan resided in Clearfield county, Penn., 
and had the following children — Eliza, Samuel, 
Charles, Elizabeth, Bertha, and anotherdaughter 
who settled in Clearfield, James, and George, 
both of whom located in Clarion, Penn. (9) 
Elizabeth married Samuel McGlathery, who 
owned and settled upon a part of the land now 
occupied by the city of Altoona. Of their chil- 
dren, Samuel, who resided at Altoona, left seven 
or eight children: Allen lived in or near Altoona, 
where most of his children also settled; John went 
to Virginia, where he died leaving several children; 
Elizabeth Reed, Mrs. Haggerty, resided near 
Altoona, and the two daughters and one son who 
survived her probably located in the same vicin- 
ity; Isabel married George Merriam. (10) Jean 



married Henry B. Taylor and resided in the 
Kishacoquillas Valley, as did her two daughters, 
Elizabeth Reed, who married Dr. Mitchell, and 
Mary Williamson, wife of Robert Taylor. (11) 
Nancy never married. (12) Sallie died in early 
womanhood, unmarried. (13) Polly (2) died in 
childhood. 

William McDowell, our subject's father, 
spent his early years at the old homestead and 
later removed to the eastern end of the same 
Valley, where his last days were passed, his death 
occurring in 1851 at the age of seventy-five. In 
1809 he was married to Ann Alexander, daughter 
of Maj. Thomas Alexander, of Revolutionary 
fame, and seven children were born to the union; 
(1) Samuel Alexander settled in Centre county, 
Penn.. where he died at over seventy years of 
age. He married Sarah Eichy, of Union coun- 
ty, Penn., and had one son, William, who in- 
herited the farm near Jacksonville, married and 
had six children. (2) John Reed taught school 
in early manhood, and later conducted the 
" Valley House " at Lewistown for several years, 
but his remaining years were spent in farming. 
He was active in political affairs, and held office 
as deputy sheriff for some time, and in 1841 was 
elected prothonotary of Mifflin county, which po- 
sition he filled acceptably two terms. He died in 
1 86 1, aged about forty-seven, and his wife, Mar- 
garet Jacobs, passed away April 19, 1887, at the 
age of sixty-eight. They had the following chil- 
dren — Margaret J., Mrs. Samuel McNitt, resid- 
ing near Milroy; James, a resident of York 
county, Penn. , who married first Helen Camp- 
bell, and, after her death, her sister Dora; Wildey, 
a resident of York county, who married Louisa 
Bacher; William Howard, who is mentioned 
more fully below; Annie, Mrs. S. F. Fry, of York 
county; and John, who died in childhood. (3) 
Thomas Jackson died at the age of nineteen. (4) 
Perry Wilson is the subject proper of this sketch. 
(5) William Elliott was a successful farmer in the 
eastern end of the Kishacoquillas Valley, where 
he died in 18S2. He was married late in life to 
Louisa McGuire, of Luzerne county, Penn., who 
survived him. They had two children — Minnie, 
who died when a few months old, and a son, 
Milton Spear, who was graduated from the Penn- 
sylvania State College, Centre county, and after 
spending some time there as a professor was em- 
ployed as a chemist at the tannery in Ridgway, 
Penn. (6) Sarah Ann married Thomas Brown, 
now deceased, and had one daughter, Mrs. J. M. 
Bunnell, who resided two miles east of Milroy. 
(8) Eliza Jane married William Kennedy, of 
Kishacoquillas Valley, and after his death, John 
Stroup, of Adams county, Ohio, a farmer by oc- 



618 



■! VBMOBA Tl VB B10QRAPHH '.I /. BSCORD. 



cupation. By the first marriage she had two 

■ hildren fames, who is married and n 

Adams county, Ohio, and Willa, who died in 

girlhood. By the second marri lia<l one 

[ohn, who inherited his father's farm. 

William Howard McDowell, the first son of 

[obn Reed and M McDowell, 

- born in Lewistown, Augu (.3, and 

whi ice panied his parents 

the farm near Milroy, wh to man- 

hood. After his father's death he removed with 
hi- m ith i to \ nty, Penn., and in 1 

I from that county in < ( ■ . 9th 

ivalry. Hi took part in a num- 

. and was with 

Sherman's arm) "ii the march to Atlanta, being 

signed to Kilpatrick's division. In Septeml 

ition, !)'■ was 
. lured by guerrillas, with two of hi 

the latter escaped but Mr. 

Mcl >i iwell, it the mercy of 

hi- After suffering imprisonment in 

he was finally taken to Anderson- 

ville, whi . lied in March, 1 1 

Perrj Wilson McDowell was educated in a 
which was held in a log building 
furnished in the old-l ed way, with I 

und the wall. As farmers had little or no 
help from machine^ in th 

irk at all ind Mr. 

few weeks each win- 
I lli~ practical training in 

iltural wi not neglected, however, 

1 willing, ambitious boy with great 

ngth for one of his age, he was ol much as- 

the farm, being able to plow when he 

'her 

with th n g_ 

(rum the six years he has 1 

Med with varying degrees the 

1 e as tn In 

ly manhood he spenl summers work- 

i, but he made his 
ne with his parents until [839 when he w 
1" ' ill farm mar Milroy I the first 

land that hi 1 [is first work w 

when hi out thirl Id, for [ohn 

■.in- as wages four dollars per month 
one season; bul tb< really first money he earned 

n silver fiftj 
for "following acradler" along with another 

On June 7. 1S42, Mr. McDowell was mar- 

: in Milroy, 1'. nn., to Mis: ( tthi 1 

itive of Mifflin county, horn April ;, [819. 

Hei . John and Man miry, well- 

of that county, had fifteen chil- 



dren, of whom nine daughters and two sons lived 
to adult age. Mr. McDowell and his bride be- 
gan their married life on the little farm near Mil- 
in the spring of 1S52, but later in the same 

1 he purchased a farm in Marion township, 
Centre county; then finding it too far from the 
neai >ol for his children, he removed to 

Milroy, near a school, and there remained some 
two years. He then bought a farm in Lamar 
township, Clinton county, and remained there 
until 1857, when he disposed of it and settled 
upon the Centre county farm. In [871 he lo- 
cated at Howard, Centre county, where he spent 
and during half that period he was 
occupied in running a gristmill. In 1 S79 he 
lit in- present farm near Mackeyville, a tine 

te, formerly known as the Brady farm. 11 
now- owns two other well-improved farms in 
Marion township, Centre county, and is regarded 
as one of the substantial citizens of that section. 

In 1892 our subject and his wife celebrated 
their golden wedding, the happy event drawing 

thei I '■■■ itions of their descendants. 

Mrs. McDowell died November 5, 1S97, a 

and seven months, after a 
married life of fifty-five years; her's was the first 
death in the family. She had not been in good 
health of late years, having suffered a paralytic 
stroke in June, 1885, from the effects of which 
she never re 1. She was a devout mem- 

ber of tl i \ terian Church, and was held in 

high esteem by a large circle of friends. The 
children ol this worthy couple wan trained in 
early life to habits of usefulness, and their , 
ents always appreciated the value of their assist- 
ance, Mr. McDowell having distributed am 
them about $5,000 to give each a good start in 
life. A brief record of their children is as fol- 
lows: (1) Anna M. , born March 20. 1S43, mar- 
ried J, W. Blair, of Belle Centre, Ohio, and has 

child, Anna C. 121 Sarah E., born Janu- 
- married James Allison, of Porter 
township, Clinton county, and four years later 
they moved to Seman, Ohi". they have three 
children Kate C, David Mr D., and Nettie A , 
the eldest of whom is now the wife of Dr. Mont- . 
Himtsville, Ohio, and her two chil- 
li subject the patriarchal honors 1 

(3) N. Margaret, born May 
married Capt. S. H. Bennison, of 
Marion township, Centre county, and they have 
had eleven children — Perry Mc, Jane, Robert 
H., Mary C, John, Bertha C, Guy, Emma, 
Nellie E., D 1 Helen C, all yet living ex- 

cept John. 141 Emma J., born March 17, 1S54, 
married Dr. J E. Tibbins, of Beech Creek, 
Penn., and they have one son — Perry McD. (5) 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



61& 



Henry T. , born October 28, 1S57, married Miss 
Mary B. Kline, and located in Marion township, 
Centre county; they have had three sons: Will- 
ard K. , living; and Perry W. and Eugene B., 
deceased. 

Our subject has been a lifelong Democrat, 
his first vote having been cast for David R. 
Porter for governor. No change of policy or 
principle on the part of the leaders of the party 
has ever shaken his allegiance, and he has held 
many a heated argument- with those who were 
less inclined to stand by the old organization at 
all hazards. Although he has not especially 
cared for official place, he has been chosen to 
various township offices, including that of justice 
of the peace. He is proud of the fact that he 
has followed farming fifty-eight years; is a man 
of much energy, and has a bright mind, has been 
a great reader, and is well-informed on all sub- 
jects, his advice and counsel being frequently 



sought. 



BENJAMIN F. BROWN. For upward of 
- half a century the name of Brown has been 
prominently identified with the business interests 
of Lock Haven and Clinton county. The gen- 
tleman, whose name introduces this sketch, is of 
the second generation of the name to have suc- 
cessful careers in mercantile lines here. 

Jacob Brown, his father, whose death on 
March 13, 1896, closed a long busy, life, remov- 
ing from the community a prominent business 
man, a good citizen, and one of the pioneer 
merchants of this section, was born March 20, 
1820, in Wurtemberg, Germany. At the age of 
seventeen years he came to America. He found 
his way to Lycoming county, Penn., and secured 
work at Trout Run. A year later he went to 
Ralston, then passed several months at Far- 
randsville, Clinton county. His next move was 
to come to i^ock Haven, where he served two 
years in learning the carpenter's trade. After 
this he went to Muncy Creek, Lycoming county, 
and there remained two years engaged in farm- 
ing and lumbering. The following three years 
he worked at his trade in Philadelphia, and at 
the expiration of this time he returned to Lock 
Haven, and here formed a partnership with his 
brother George Brown, who was then in the 
mercantile business. In 1852 George Brown 
withdrew from the firm, selling his interest to 
James Fearon. The business was carried on 
under the firm name of Jacob Brown & Co. 
Shortly afterward Mr. Fearon's death caused a 
change in the firm, his widow selling her interest 
in the business to Mr. Brown. Later W. H. 
Mayer, subsequently mayor of Lock Haven, se- 



cured an interest, and the business was conducted 
under the name of Brown & Mayer. At that 
time the store was on Water street, opposite the 
"Fallon House." In 1857 Mr. Brown sold out 
to his partner, and one year later started a gen- 
eral store in a building which he erected for him- 
self on Main street. In 1869 he confined his 
business to a general grocery which he conduct- 
ed alone until 1S74, at which time he admitted 
B. F. Brown (his son) and Peter Berger to a 
partnership, the firm becoming Jacob Brown & 
Co. Some time afterward Mr. Berger retired 
from the firm, since which time the business has 
been carried on under the name of Jacob Brown 
& Son, the widow succeeding her husband in the 
business. Jacob Brown was a thrifty German, 
honest, industrious, and a good manager. These 
essentials coupled with his business tact made 
him a successful business man. On his death 
one of the Lock Haven papers said: "By his 
death a prominent business man is removed from 
Lock Haven. He was a man of integrity, square 
in his business transactions, congenial with com- 
panions, and possessed a happy disposition." 
His progressive ideas and public spirit were 
shown in his long service in the city council and 
the school board, and in various other official 
positions. He was a member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and the Masons had charge of the 
funeral. At the outbreak of the Civil war he 
was made captain of the "Steuben Rifles," a 
local military company. 

In 184S, in the city of Philadelphia, Jacob 
Brown was married to Margaret Heid, who was 
a native of Germany. To the marriage were 
born Caroline (Mrs. A. T. Elliott). Benjamin F. 
(our subject), Elizabeth (Mrs. W. F. Elliot), 
James (deceased), and George W. (deceased). 

Benjamin F. Brown, who to-day is one of the 
best and most favorably known of the business 
men of Lock Haven, where he was born August 
29, 1851, received his education in the schools 
of that city, supplementing his course there by 
one year of study in a school at Westchester, 
Penn., and by a business course at Williamsport, 
Penn. At the age of fifteen he entered his fa- 
ther's store, and he has been connected with the 
establishment ever since, having become a part- 
ner at an early age. As his father's health de- 
clined, more and more responsibility rested upon 
the son, and he may be said to have been the 
head of the enterprise for twenty years past. 
One factor in his success is his careful selection 
of his goods, of which he carries a large stock, 
thus meeting the demands of the best class of 
custom. The firm carries a large stock, and 
there are employed some half dozen clerks in the 






UOBATIV HAPHIOAL RECORD, 



The building in which 
the busim v, be- 

in size 20 x 100 fi and a 

ment. Mr. Brown's well-provi city 

lued advisoi in other important 
■ 1 1 1 s . and he is nowa director in thi I 
1 1 .i\ en Trust & panj 

While not ra.lir.il in his political views, our 

subject affiliates with the Democratic parts Hi 

>ught "tt'n ial h we\ er, pre- 

/e his time to h:> private busim 

illy be 1 nal 

ncluding the B P. O I ind the F. & 

A M 



Bi >BER I MANN. I -quarters 

1 century the name "I Maim has stood 
if all that there is in the man- 
pf the best brand, m st widely known, 
and exti nsi\ in the country. 

Rob< it Mann, the gi ntleman whose skill and 
^ht built up the great business in this li ne- 
at Mill Hall, Clinton county, now the 

Mann " family, and 

nly mali ration, 

■ Rutland township. n Co., 

N Y., born near Watertown, June [3, [824. 

Mann, the foundi 1 ol thi family in 

America, was born in Count) Derry, Inland, 

A j > r 1 1 10, 1750, and was 1 lad ol eight 

le to An 
I England, where Thomas grew up, 

and with his wife, Thankful, wh xn in 

January 7. 1737, migral 
nty, N Y., wh 

upation of blacksmith- 
•n life he 1 1 New 

an.] dad at \\ iinty. in 

Among tlu-ir children that In 
William, the lath. 
n John w.is a lawyer, and died 111 New 
City; 1 .1 farmer, ami died in 

New York, and Nathan was 
smith and m and di 

in New Y..[k. '!,,■ chil 

daughti 1 
William Mann. Sr.. v. iS, 

1 : Braintree, M : was hm a lad 01, 

bis parents moving to Montgon inty, where 

1 fe leai n< d the 
blacksmith's trade with bis father. After his 
In- started in bus I on a 

small thes In 1829 

I Belief on te, Penn., where two ol his 

William and Harvey, had pi 1 |i d him 
and v. I [ n the 111. unit. 

This journey to Pennsylvania the fathei 



with a two-horse covered wagon. On the ar- 
rival of the family at Bellefonte the father built 
i began the manufacture of forks, 
hoes, rakes, etc. In about 1801, in Montgomery 
nty, New York, he married Miss Rachel 
Gillette, who was there born, May 30, 1782, be- 
ing a daughter of Stephen and Ruth (Case) Gil- 
lette, the former a native of near Hartford, 
Conn., born in 1753. and the latter of the same 
ility, born in 1763. William Mann. Sr.. dud 
at Boiling Springs, Centre county, February 19, 
wife passed away years previo 
(7 in Philadelphia, her remains being in- 
terred in that city. William. Sr. , was buried 
: I lefonte, in the beautiful cemetery on the 
hill under the shadows of the towering pine 
trees, which seemingly have been left as senti- 
nels stai r the graves of the many 
disti 1 dead of that renowned mountain 
town. The children born to this couple were: 
William Mann, Jr., born October 18, 1802. 
and died June II, 1 S 5 5 , near Lewistown, Penn. 
Harvey Mann, born July 2, 1804, and died 
., at Boiling Springs, Penn. (Will- 
was thi ■ of the family in the axe 
business in I vania, and with his brother 
Harvej started a factory in Bellefonte in 1825, 
and later at the Boiling Springs, two miles from 
Sb phen G. died in Tennessee, 
whither he had gone in search of a better cli- 
mate for his health. He was also an axe nianu- 
; Willis, born February y, 1815, 
died February 18, 1879, and at the time of his 
d in Mifflin county, although his 
death occurred in Clearfield county. He, too, 
was an axe manufacturer, and the pioneer of the 
l.uinU in that business in Clinton county. (One 
James Hayi pil of the Manns in the axe 
business in Bellefonte, Centre county, went to 
Clinton county and there established himself 
near Mackeyville in the axe business, but in time 
it. This business was revived by 
Willis Mann). (5) Maria died September 

. unmarried, near Lewistown, Penn. (6) 
Harri> left Mifflin county when twenty-one years 
of age, and was ni id from afterward. 

rt is our subject. The father of these, 
William Mann, Sr. , was a man of strong con- 
victions, but kind-hearted and true. While in- 
dustrious and a thorough workman, he was not a 
money-getter. He was a in 1 high sense 

of honor, and had great antipathy for all forms 
ind untruthfulness. He was 
"iet! in whatever he did and most thor- 

d left as a legacy to his children a gi 
nd thorough schooling in his trade, which 
le them riches and renown throughout the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



621 



country. He took great care of his health, and 
as a result sickness was almost unknown to him 
until extreme old age. 

Returning; to Robert Mann (to whom it was 
left to carry forward and to augment the busi- 
ness established in Pennsylvania by his older 
brothers'), who was only a lad at the time of his 
parents' removal from New York to Bellefonte, 
as they came en route via Williamsport, Mill 
Hall and on into Nittany Valley, it did not dawn 
upon the mind of their youngest son that they 
were passing the site of his future great achieve- 
ments, when he was to rescue the declining 
fortunes of the village of Mill Hall with its iron 
works collapsing into ruin, and rehabilitate it with 
a new industry that in less than a half century 
would make it a busy commercial center, with 
Robert Mann at the head of one of the leading 
axe manufacturing industries in the United 
States; and less than sixty years later finds the 
gentleman whose business sagacity and foresight 
developed this great industry retired with ample 
means to live as his refined tastes desire. He 
now is passing the evening of life in an elegant 
home that overlooks the picturesque mountains 
and valleys and streams of Nittany Valley — a 
home, too, that overlooks the factory where his 
sons are managing even to greater success the 
business of their forefathers. 

Robert Mann recalls with great pleasure his 
childhood days at Bellefonte, where he received 
his first schooling; these were halcyon days, full 
of enjoyment — swimming, skating and coasting 
on those steep hills, and, in company with older 
boys, hunting squirrels, trapping rabbits, and, 
not the least interesting, listening to stories such 
as "Jack, the Giant Killer," as he sometimes 
sat on the platform of the old pump that stood 
in the diamond square. When he was twelve 
years of age his father finally settled on a small 
farm near where Unionville, Centre county, has 
since been built; here Robert took his first les- 
sons as a practical worker in iron. He remem- 
bers an occasion when his father was sitting on 
the vice bench with a neighbor while he (Robert) 
was forging a piece of iron; and, no doubt stimu- 
lated by the spectator, he heard his father say 
"there is a boy who will make a good work- 
man." Of course this was very gratifying 
to him, for he had no higher ambition. During 
the four years that Robert resided there he at- 
tended school three or four months each winter, 
and in summer worked principally on the land. 
His father, though then a man of some sixty 
years, worked with his sons Harris and Robert. 
He rarely scolded them, and he was indul- 
gent as far as his limited means would permit. 



They were allowed plenty of time for hunting 
and fishing, of which they were very fond. The 
father's favorite books were "Scott's life of Na- 
poleon Bonaparte," "Blair's Sermons," and 
"Seneca's Morals." Robert read these books 
with interest, particularly the former. After 
dinner during the summer season his father usu- 
ally lay upon his back, always preferring the 
hard floor, and read until he fell asleep. Rob- 
ert's fondness for reading grew with his years, 
and was only limited by the very few books he 
had access to. They had a school book called 
the "National Reader," which was read and re- 
read many times over by the brothers, and the 
pieces they most admired were such as had ac- 
quired a vvide celebrity in the world, such as 
"Gray's Elegy, "and writings of Addison, Mil- 
ton, Pope and Akenside. 

William Mann, Jr., twenty-two years older 
than his brother, Robert, having finally settled 
.near Lewistown, Mifflin county, and established 
an axe factory there that was destined to be- 
come famous, after, say,, some five years' suc- 
cessful operation, visited his parents and the 
family near Unionville, and prevailed on his 
father to move near his place, he believing that 
there would be a better opening for Harris and 
Robert than there in the secluded place where 
they then resided. In the year 1840 the change 
was therefore made. William Mann, Sr. , and 
family moved into the stone house at the en- 
trance of the narrows below the axe factory, and 
here, practically in the employ of his brother, 
William, Robert Mann spent seven years of his 
life, principally in the forging department, in the 
manufacture of .tools and axes, but a liberal pro- 
portion of this time was devoted to a subordinate 
care in the management, and also traveling on busi- 
ness over various parts of the State on horseback 
and in other ways in vogue half a century ago. 
Finally, Robert Mann, seeing that there was no 
favorable opening with his brother, William, for 
bettering his condition, as the latter had sons 
rapidly growing up, accepted an offer from his 
brother, Willis, at Mackeyville, Clinton county, 
to take a position in a new store which he was 
starting in connection with his axe business. 
Robert, therefore, bid adieu to Mifflin county, 
having little or nothing to carry out of it but his 
experience, which proved to be valuable in the 
years to come. Robert stayed with his brother, 
Willis, about two years, principally in the store, 
during which time he discovered that his broth- 
er's affairs were in bad shape, and that his failure 
was sure to come in the near future. While 
this condition of his brother's affairs filled him 
with sorrow and regret, it also inspired him with 






( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



■ nination to start in business (or himself; 
tli. i arly in Januarj . 1849, hi arti- 

cle nt and co-partnership with Mr. 

i Mill H 

the 
old - fter this. 1 ibert Mann 

..hi, tin 
twentj tter twenty years of age, 

April i.-t they commenced h 

iril) in '•'•• Thus the busin 

I simul- 
>ly in the venture of life. And here it 

i) in the 

linton a couple who I tributed 

h to the industry of tl pie, 

1 period of til 

1 led life 

Mrs Robert 
Mann, was born in Dauphin county, Penn., and 
when .1 small lad was thrown on his own re- 

the milling 

5, which he I rs. Hi 

pui ville, Clinton county, 

which i and thru- built a mill. 1 1 is 

wife, Christina, the mother ol all his children, 

ith husband 
il the Evangelical 
ned for 
md worship 

M mo- 

( hristina R Mr. Reesman 

was md 
He was nun 
tim I died in 1 I is buried with his 

ille. 
The new firm of Robert Mann & 

it August 1 n. The 

lowly, but steadily, until the 
Prior I 
1, ho we\ 

itly 
enlarging tl 

57 Mi. Met -run Mi Mann then pur- 

i In- property, and in > 
further enlarged, .md again in 1876 he further 
e, until from tli. small beginning 
day. it • 
that in ■ 
The w 
-1 until they wi by 

tire ..11 September 11, 1877 PI ins re- 

building of 1 

' by April. 1878, the new w..rk>. with in- 

ition. In 1- 
Mi Mann built a new factory, ete in its 

appointments, below Mill Hall, at which exclus- 



ively ••double-bit" axes have ever since been 
i ur years before the absorption of the 
business by the American Axe & Tool Co , Mr. 
Mann 1 is exclusive control to his three 

3, Thomas K.. at the lower factory, with an 
output in 1 890 of 400 ■ • di mble-bit " axes per da v. 
men, and Alfred C. and 
William H., at the upper factory, with an output 
of 800 singl per day, and employing too 

men. At that period the Mann family were the 
mo- manufacturers of axes in the 

world, making at their various factories 2,800 
per day, or 840,000 per year, their trade and 
reputation extending around the globe. The 
t success of the ••Mann Axe" is due to the 
ittention given t" the one business, and to 
the constant care they have ever exercised in 
keeping their goods up to the highest point of 
excellence. In 1890 these factories were ab- 
sorbed by the American Axe & Tool Co., and 
the business at this point is now being managed 
by the sons of Robert Mann. For some years 
havi lanufactured here all of the "double- 

bit' axes made by the above company, with a 
capacity of 1,200 "double-bit" axes per day, em- 
ploying 1 81 1 men. 

I illowing are the children of Robert and 
Christina Mann: Frances M. Garth, whose hus- 
band. Abbott B., is a merchant of Mill Hall, and 
paymaster and shipper of the American Axe .V 
Tool Co., was born at Mill Hall, October 19, 
1849; Harris I . born March 8. 1851, died Sep- 
tember 15. 1862, of diphtheria; JohnW., born 
iruary 22, 1853, died September 2, 1862, of 
diphtheria; Thomas K.. born February 19, 1 

ashier ol irado & North-western Kail- 

way Co.. and manaj irge smithing works 

in Boulder, Colo. ; Alfred C, born March 7. 1857, 
is the superintendent of the American Axe & 
I Mill Hall; Joseph K. , born February 
, is president of the Mann Edge Tool 
Con ' Lewistown, Penn. ; Carrie E., born 

April 26, 1861, died September, 1802, of diph- 
ria; William H.. born August 2. 1S63, is a 
at of Mill Hall. Penn.; Mary M.. born 
May 20, 181 December 28. 1865; and 

Robert. Jr., born Oct ber [6, 1866, is vice-pres- 
ent 1 f the Mann Edge Tool Co., 
Lewistown, Penn. The mother of these died 
id was buried at Cedar Hill 
1 y. Sh< in of many virtues, 

an affectionate wife, and a kind and indulgent 
her. and her death was keenly felt in the 
nunity in which she had so long lived. Mr. 
Mann, although starting in life very humbly and 
with litt - by his untiring industry 

tact not only built up a great indus- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



623 



try, become wealthy and made for himself a 
name and position in the business world, but he 
has by reading and study become a man of edu- 
cation and culture, and one coming in contact 
with him would judge him a college-bred gen- 
tleman. He is unassuming, genial and social, 
yet with it all carries dignity. He is a success- 
ful man. In politics he is a Republican, well- 
posted on the history of parties and on the issues 
of the day. He takes a deep interest in politics 
although he has never been active in a party 
sense. With his force and business ability, had 
he early in life received a more liberal education, 
he certainly would have forged his way to the 
front in public affairs, if he had so desired to do. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

The following notice of Harvey Mann, for 
forty years the distinguished head of the axe fac- 
tory of Boiling Springs, near Bellefonte, is taken 
from the private narrative of his brother Robert: 
" My brother Harvey was a man of good mind 
and scrupulously honorable in his dealings; as 
long as he devoted his attention strictly to his 
axe business he was very successful, though 
greatly hampered by his poor waterpower. He 
claimed to be the inventor of the process of 
drawing axe-bits under a trip-hammer, a practice 
that soon became universal. His greatest in- 
vention was the overlaid steel which has come to 
be extensively used, and which during his life- 
time yielded him a handsome royalty; but it was 
at the sacrifice of his reputation as a manufact- 
urer, for his mind was so engrossed by his inven- 
tion that his axe business suffered, and at the 
time of his death was on the decline when it 
came into the hands of his only surviving son 
Harvey, a noble young man, whose sudden death 
a few years after by a railroad accident near 
Steubenville, Ohio, was the last and the hardest 
of the heart-crushing bereavements that his now 
childless and widowed mother had to endure. It 
was pitiable to see her hopeless sorrow, yet she 
endured and survived it. Her nephew, J. Fearon 
Mann, my b.rother William's third son, leased 
her axe factory — her greatest business care — and 
was otherwise much comfort and help to her. 
She built a small church near her house, and 
lived for many years in her desolated home with 
ample means, with which she did much good. 
She died in the seventy-fourth year of her age, 
and the family of Harvey Mann became extinct." 

[Mill Hall, Penn., September, 1S97.] 



J; NDREW C. KISSELL (deceased). Prom- 
_ JL inent among the representative citizens of 
Woodward township, who have witnessed the 



marvelous development of Clinton county during 
the past half century, and who, by honest toil 
and industry, succeeded in acquiring a com- 
petence, which enabled them to spend the even- 
ing of life in quiet and refinement, was the 
gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. 
His entire life was passed in the county, his 
birth occurring October 22, 1823, in Pine Creek 
township, then a part of Lycoming county, and for 
many years he was actively identified with its ag- 
ricultural and industrial interests. His paternal 
grandfather, a native of Germany, became a pio- 
neer farmer of that township. 

Henry Kissell, our subject's father, was born 
February 15, 1798, in Pine Creek township, and 
there grew to manhood, acquiring his education 
in its subscription schools. Throughout his act- 
ive business life he followed the carpenter's 
trade, making his home on a small farm of thirty 
acres in Pine Creek township, where his death 
occurred January 22, 1S65, and he was laid to 
rest in a cemetery in Porter township, Lycoming 
count}'. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, was highly respected by all 
who knew him, and was a Democrat in politics. 

In early manhood Henry Kissell was married 
to Catharine Bowers, who was born March 6, 
1796, and by whom he had five children: Jacob, 
who died in Illinois; Andrew C. , of this sketch; 
Margaret, deceased wife of C. Eckard; Martha, 
widow of Frederick Rayhorne; and Jane, de- 
ceased wife of John Shiley. The wife and 
mother, who was also a consistent member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, died in Pine 
Creek township, March 1, 1837, and for his sec- 
ond wife Mr. Kissell chose Jane Morrison. 
Twelve children were born to 'this union, of 
whom four died in infancy; the others are as fol- 
lows: Catharine, wife of R. B. Staver, of Will- 
iamsport, Penn.; Mary; Barbara; Elizabeth, 
wife of William Porter, of Lock Haven; Hettie, 
wife of Andrew Myers, of Williamsport; Rebec- 
ca, widow of William Layman, of Williamsport; 
Morrison, of Williamsport; and Martin. Mrs. 
Kissell died August 25, 1886. 

During his boyhood and youth Andrew C. 
Kissell attended the public schools of his native 
township for three months during the winter, 
and spent his summers at work upon the home 
farm. At the age of twenty-one he began learn- 
ing the tanner's trade, working for four years for 
Mr. Walters, who at that time owned a tannery 
in Pine Creek township. Subsequently our sub- 
ject conducted the " Half Way House " in that 
township for a year and a half, and then rented 
and operated the McKinney tannery in the same 
township for a year, after which he went to Nit- 






• VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



illey, Clinl rented a 

tannery and O] 
wit i Returning to his native 

■ 

In 

■ 

in 1 l ek township, intil 

■ i . when he - ; me 

I ward township. Here he purchased a 

1 farm ol Mr. Bickford, 

and until i ■' Farming, to- 

nce 
live. I retired l ill health, having never 

fully recovered from 

On the 4th of July. [848, in Pine Creek town- 

: ah Ann 

nlap, whose hirth occurred in that township, 

Jui: I ler father. i >unlap, was 

rn m Philadelphia, November 12. 1799, of 

F rench ind when a young man 

Muncy, Lycoming Co., Penn., where 
he • ni farming e time, and • 

Sarah G llinger, who was horn 
then- N 2, and died at the home 

i fuly 17. [883. From Miincy Mr. 
Dunlap removed t< 1 farm in Fine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, where he followed the oc- 
t fanning until his death, which 
irred in Septen He and his w 

n the Pine Ci 

the Lutheran 
and he • to the 

Whig party. In their family were the follow 

Sam- 
uel, of Nip '• ibeth, dece 
wife of Joel K 

Portei township, Lycoming coun- 
| 1 

wifi f John 1 reek township; 

•my. wife 1 'i Henry Myers, ol thi 
ship. 
Mr and Mi • the 

rn April 
i the wife ol I i 

Haven; Arabella, born Api - ime 

|ames Hi m Run. and 

died M ilia J., 

2 2. the wil 

ighter was born and 
Millard F . l>"rn « li tober 14, 

! 
th mi Run, irm; 

. born April 2, 1858, died I 11, 

I illie M . born S died 

a tanner, horn 



has three children; and three other children of 
our ; m infancy. 

Politically Mr. Kissell was a firm supporter 

Mican party. He cast his first 

iry Clay, and was proud that he was 

able to take his place side by side with the great 

majority ol the American people who voted for 

McKinley and sound money at the 
election, and hoped to be able to support the 
same party in 1 900. His fellow-citizens recog- 
nizing his worth and ability called him to pub- 
lic office, although he never cared for political 
distinction. On his party ticket he was elect- 
ed by a larg rity a commissioner of Clin- 
ton county in the fall of 1890. His term was a 
trying one for the commissioners, as it was just 
after the great tlood of 1889, when much dam 
was done to bridges and other property, and 
while faithfully discharging the arduous duti< 
the.i Mr. Kissell contracted the cold which 
laid the foundation of his subsequent ill health. 
He served as tax collector and assessor, was 
school director in Pine Creek township for sev- 
eral terms, justice of the peace for fifteen years, 
postmaster at Chatham Run for four years, and 
judge of elections, all of which offices he filled to 
the satisfaction of the general public and with 
credit to himself. 

I 1 twelve years Mr. Kissell was a member 
t Washington Camp, P. O. S. of A., at Chat- 
ham Run, and with his wife and family held 
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
I 1 years he taught in the Sunday-school 

ni Creek township, and also served as su- 
ntendent. He was well-posted on theUible, 
1 a daj passed that he did not read in the 
I'.ook, and he was a strong temperance 
man. never tasting intoxicants of any kind. For 
almost fifty years Mr. and Mrs. Kissell trav< 
life's journey together, and although they hail 
met with sorrows, they were contented and h 
py m ea h other's love, and had the respect and 
1 who knew them. They reared a 
lily of children, who highly honpred and re- 
r old age, and are all earnest 
Christians. The husband and father passed 
1 .-. .a his home in Dunns- 
eventy-four years. The funeral 

inducted by Rev. George M. 
in the home church The inter- 
; "> was m isburg in one of the ..Li- 

the county. 



RICH 1 \MILV 
ily h ialf a 

y idem 



of Clinton county. Thi 

century been prom- 
with the industrial and 





^#&&<c 








&Uvt- /Z'tJi? 





t 




J- W. RICH 



JOHH B. RICH 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



625 



mercial interests of Clinton county, and the name 
is a synonym for honorable and "straightforward 
dealing. One of their leading characteristics in 
business affairs is their fine sense of order and 
complete system, and the habit of giving careful 
attention to details without which success in any 
undertaking is never an assured fact. 

The family was founded in this country by 
John Rich, who was born in Wiltshire, England, 
October 16, 17S6, a son of John Rich, a wool- 
carder by occupation, and a native of the same 
county, who spent his last days with his son John 
in Clinton county, Penn. In his native land the 
son received a very limited education, and under 
his father's able direction he became a wool- 
carder. Having a strong desire to try his fortune 
in the New World, he, in 181 1, at the age of 
twenty-five years, sailed from Liverpool, accom- 
panied by his father, landing at Philadelphia. 
In Germantown, Penn., he found employment 
as a carder in a woolen-factory, where he re- 
mained for several years, and then came to Mill 
Hall, Clinton county, and here rented a small 
woolen-factory from Nathaniel Harvey, which he 
operated some seven years. Removing to Pine 
Creek township, he was engaged in the same 
business at Plum Run, Dunstable township, 
Clinton county. He purchased the "Mansion 
farm," owned by John Fleming, and in partner- 
ship with Daniel McCormick erected a woulen- 
mill. He also had an interest in a woolen-mill 
at Cooperstown, Venango Co., Penn., the busi- 
ness being carried on under style of Rich, Booth 
& Hillier. For several years these men also 
operated the factory at Chatham Run, which, 
later, John Rich rented to John Hillier for some 
years. Finally, however, Mr. Rich purchased 
his partner's interest at Plum Run, and moved 
the machinery from the Plum Run mill (in 1S43) 
to Factoryville (now Woolrichj, Clinton county, 
and built a fine brick factory, the first of the 
kind in central Pennsylvania, burning the brick 
upon his farm. He also erected a second house 
at that place, and in the midst of the wilderness 
established quite a thriving little settlement, 
where employment was furnished to a number of 
people. He built four good log dwellings, and 
took an active and prominent part in the growth 
and development of the village. Until his'death, 
which occurred in 1S70, he successfully operated 
the mill, along with his son, John Fleming Rich, 
who was the inventor of the patented lumber- 
man flannel known as "Rich's patent." He be- 
came one of the leading and influential citizens 
of the community, and was called upon to serve 
in several public positions of honor and trust, 
being one of the commissioners of Clinton county 

40* J 



for several years, and also county auditor. He 
was a strong party man, always upholding the 
principles of the Whig party until its dissolution, 
when he became an ardent Republican. In relig- 
ious belief he was a Methodist, and was a liberal 
contributor to all Church work. Wherever 
known he was held in high regard, and was noted 
for his kindness and generosity. 

John Rich was married to Miss McCloskey, a 
native of Dunnsburg, Clinton county, a daughter 
of Isaac McCloskey, a farmer by occupation. To 
them were born twelve children, namely: Re- 
becca, widow of George McCormick; Rachel, 
wife of Charles Roch, of Horseheads, N. Y. ; 
Airy, wife of J. W. Crawford, of Dunstable 
township, Clinton county; Mary, deceased wife 
of John Caldwell, of Horseheads, N. Y. ; John 
Fleming, Stiles and Thomas, all three deceased; 
Jane, deceased wife of Hon. Alexander McDill, 
of Wisconsin; Charles B., deceased; Joseph, who 
was killed in a railroad accident in 1876; and 
Elizabeth, deceased wife of ex-Sheriff Van Bus- 
kirk. The mother of these children died at 
Chatham Run, in 1S76, and was laid to rest by 
the side of her husband in the cemetery at that 
place. 

Of this family John Fleming Rich was born 
October 11, 1826, and in the subscription schools 
of Pine Creek township, Clinton county, he ob- 
tained his primary education, which was supple- 
mented with an attendance of several terms at 
Allegheny College. In early boyhood he began 
work in his father's woolen-factory, and soon 
mastered all branches of the business. In 1868 
he and his brother, Charles B., were admitted 
to the firm, and the business was conducted under 
the style of John Rich & Sons, later J. F. & C. 
B. Rich. After the death of C. B. Rich, the 
sons of J. F. Rich (John and M. B.) became in- 
terested in the business and made many improve- 
ments in the factory, putting in new machinery 
at a cost of $5,000. Erecting a fine brick store 
building at a cost of $2,500, they became the 
first merchants of Woolrich. To John Fleming 
Rich is due in a great degree the prosper- 
ity and development of that thriving village. 
There he made his home, having erected an ele- 
gant residence at a cost of $3,000, and, in con- 
nection with his other business interests, he also 
superintends the management of his fine farm of 
300 acres. He was a man of scholarly tastes 
and broad general information, and at the age of 
fifty years mastered the Greek, Latin and Ger- 
man languages, later in life taking the study of 
Hebrew. In the pressure of his business cares 
he never forgot the holier duties of life, was a 
close Bible student, and for a number of years 






( OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RE( ORD. 



. ed as local preacher in the Met: pis- 

>al community at Woolrich. Politically he 
Randall Democrat .t\ aud- 

itor, school director, ami in other local positi 
and took a i lable interest in all matters 

pertainii: h Church and St 

On January ir Jersey Shore, Ly- 

:., John I ming Ri< h 
ma: < Mil. who v. 

at Bloi k House, th.it county, March 2* 
a daughter of Michael and Sarah \\ Ohl, 

tin: forn rid the lattei lish 

1 ler father was a miller by occi . 
Nine children were born t" Mr and Mr?. Rich, 
namely: Rachel 1 1 rah I. twins 

i' . i ■ . th of whom died in infancy; 

Lvdia I. . born July i. 1851, became the wit. 
[ohn St of Texas, and is now d 

John B. and M mentioned farther 

B , born January J, 1857, died inch 
Stiles I is mentioned farther on; Charles 
11., born 1 ' n an, 

farmer, civil ei and inventor, living in 

inty; and William Fleming, 
mi ntioned farther on. The father of this family 
iwaj March 17. ["he mother, w 

'ithful m ' the Methodist 

il Church at Woolrich. 

John Rich 

family ju->t mentioned, was born in Woolrich, 

March 19, t8« in the pub- 

i that pi." e, later attended Dickinson 

ninary, Williamsport, Penn., and was a grad- 

n Busin ! igh- 

N. V. In [877 he and his broth' 1 

B. were admitted to a partnership in 

tin 11 father's bu the 

lather the name wa to J hn Rich & 

|ohn Rich w -client business 

man. always upright Me in all trans- 

I had the confidence and respei I 
all who knew him. On July 16 
united in m.irri . widow 

oi ("lark Qu killed 111 a rail: 

accident). She is a native -1 P k town- 

ship, 1 Hint m 1 iunt} . ind a daughter of Mat 

township. By her 

md man 
children: John Woods, born in September, 18 
and Stiles Fleming, born in August, [8 14. I 
husband and lather di< : mber 27, 1 .- 

irned by all who knew him. Hi ■• is un- 
erving in his support of the Republican party, 
and for thirty yean was an eai 1 
member of the Methodist I |>iscopal Chui 
v\ ,1- 1 me ■ d its most act and libi 

supporters, and for man) y< ed as super- 



intendent of the Sunday-school, president of the 
Epworth League, steward and trustee. 

Michael P> Rn 11. now the senior member 
of the firm of fohn Rich <S: Bros., was born April 
30, 1855, in Woolrich, where he acquired his 

nentary education, and during the years 1 

Dickinson Seminary, at Will- 
iamsport. being a pupil of Dr. Spotsw land 

Dr. I. [.Gray. On laying aside his text books he 
into business with his father and brother, 
and has since been a member of the tirm. which 
still continues operations under the firm nan 
John Rich ec Bros. He is now a managing part- 
ner of the woolen-mill and of a general store at 
Woolrich, where he has a comfortable and pleas- 
ant residence, erected at a 1 - 3,000. On 
the Republican ticket he was elected school 

'•tor of Pine < t iwnship and >m- 

missioner, most creditably serving in the latter 
office from 1880 until 18S5. He, too, is a faith- 
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
has served as class-leader, exhorter, Sunday- 
school superintendent and teacher, and his sup- 
port and influence are always found on the side 
of right and order. He was married in Pine 
k township, in 1880, to Miss Ida B. Shaw, a 
native of that township, and a daughter of R. A. 
Shaw, justice of the peace, and to them have 

n born seven children: Jennie 1' . Robert 
1 k Ltii I... John B., Anna B., Grace E., and 
Margaret M. 

W. Fi eming Rich, the junior member of the 
firm of John Rich & P>ros., was born in Wool- 
rich, February jj. 1862, and. after attending the 
schools of Pine Creek township for some time, 
he became a student in the Central State Nor- 
mal School at Lock Haven, where he graduated 
with the class of • 1882. Like his brothers, he 
early became familiar with every detail of the 
busi nnected with the woolen-factory, and 

in 1889 he purchased the interest of his father 
in the mill, with which he has since been con- 
nected. In Woolrich he has a pleasant home 
o, is president of the Patriotic Order 
America, at that place, has been a 
and superintendent of the Sunday-school 
' d with the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in which he holds membership, and is identified 
with the Republican party. In Pine Creek town- 
was married, in 1888. to Miss Mary 
1 native of Lock Haven, and a daugh- 
ter "i David Stevenson. She died the follow 

r, and in [891 Mr. Rich was wedded, in 
Dunstable township, Clinton county, to Miss 
Clai ird, who was born in that township. 

where her father, John Q. Baird, is engaged in 
farming and tobacco growing. Three children 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



627 



have graced this union: Ruth E., Mary H. and 
Lydia F. 

The Rich Brothers are justly numbered 
among the most progressive, enterprising and 
reliable business men of Clinton county. In 
their factory they give employment to about 
forty hands, and during the panic of 1893 they 
continued business uninterruptedly, so that the 
people of Woolrich did not feel the effects of the 
hard times. The man who establishes on a firm 
basis and conducts a large and paying enterprise 
does more for a community than he who gives 
large sums of money for its embellishment, for 
the former furnishes means of livelihood to many 
and promotes commercial activity, which is es- 
sential to the welfare of an}' community. In 
this way the Rich family have materially ad- 
vanced the interests of Woolrich, and deserve an 
honored place among Clinton county's prominent 
and representative citizens. 

Stiles Edward Rich, the third son of John 
Fleming and Catherine A. Rich, was born in 
Woolrich, December 3, 1859, attended the 
schools of his boyhood home, the Normal at 
Lock Haven, Dickinson Seminary at Williams- 
port, and graduated from the Eastman Business 
College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He then se- 
cured a position as clerk for W. W. Barrows, 
general merchants and lumber dealers at Cam- 
eron, Penn., remaining with them some three 
years. Returning to Woolrich at the end of 
that time, he was bookkeeper for John Rich & 
Sons several years, finally, in 1893, g°' n g to 
Harriman, Tenn., where he commenced a dry- 
goods and boot and shoe business for his own 
account, and has made a success of his enter- 
prise. 

In 1883 Stiles Edward Rich married Miss 
Minnie H. Hesser, daughter of Rev. W. C. and 
Helen Hesser, the former of whom is a M. E. 
minister of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, 
at the present time stationed at Hughesville, 
Penn. Two children have blessed this union: 
William H. and Ross B. In polities Mr. Rich 
was originally a Republican, but is now a strong 
Prohibitionist; in religious belief he is a member 
of the M. E. Church and a steward in the same. 



MICHAEL BLANCHE (deceased) was one 
of the leading business men and highly- 
respected citizens of Renovo. He was widely 
known and honored, and in his death the com- 
munity, whose interests he had so much ad- 
vanced by his enterprise, has lost a valuable 
citizen. His integrity of character and never- 



failing courtesy made him beloved by all who 
had the honor of his acquaintance. 

Mr. Blanche was a son of Patrick Blanche, 
and was born in 1841, in Ireland, where his par- 
ents spent their entire lives. Until he had at- 
tained his majority he remained on the Emerald 
Isle, but in 1862 he determined to try his for- 
tune in the New World where he believed better 
opportunities were afforded ambitious young 
men. Accordingly he sailed for America, and 
for some years made his home in New York. 
From 1864 until 1867 he was on a man-of-war, 
and visited the West Indies and several coun- 
tries in South America. While in the service he 
received injuries from which he never recovered. 
On leaving New York City, Mr. Blanche came 
to Renovo, Penn., where for some time he was 
in the employ of the Philadelphia & Erie rail- 
road, but in 1S85 erected the "Central House " 
on Erie avenue between Ninth and Tenth streets, 
successfully conducting the same until called to 
his final rest. In 1889 he remodeled the place, 
making a good three-story structure containing 
ten bed rooms and first-class accommodations 
for twenty guests. It is one of the best equipped 
hotels of its size in. Clinton county, and Mr. 
Blanche proved a most popular landlord. 

On July 24, 1864, in New York City, Mr. 
Blanche was married to Miss Bridget McGovern, 
and to them were born nine children, but only 
four daughters are now living, namely: Mary, 
Anna, Margaret and Jennie, who are still resid- 
ing together in Renovo, and comprise one of the 
most highly-respected and popular families of 
the place. The mother was called to her final 
rest on September 3, 1891, and the father de- 
parted this life May 3, 1894. Although of for- 
eign birth his duties of citizenship were performed 
with a loyalty equal to that of any native son of 
America, and when the nation was imperiled by 
the hydra-headed monster, Rebellion, he went in 
defense of the Union and protected the cause of 
his adopted country. Later he became an 
honored member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic. 



EV. CHARLES D. RUSSELL, pastor of 
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Loganton, Clinton county, was born September 
16, 1873, in Ashland, Schuylkill Co., Penn., in 
which place his parents are still residing. 

His father, Charles F. Russell, was born in 
Fountain Springs, same county, and although he 
was provided with very limited school privileges, 
he, by reading and observation, has become a 
well-informed man. During early manhood he 






( OMXEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the painter's trade, which he i 
numbi 'th in Fountain Spi 

and Ashland, but is now filling the important and 
responsible position r of 

the General Security - ifety Funds. H< 

ry ol tli i Light Companj 

land, and ol the Ashland Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance ny, and the 
most reliable and honorable bus; n of the 
pla litics he , ublican, 
and in i - a Lutheran, and t 
quite an active and prominent part in all Church 
work, li leacon in the ( hurch, 
superintendent and teacher in the Sunday-sch 
iternally, he is identified with the Masonic 
i I i Schuylkill county, he 
united in marriage to Mi Deitzler, a na- 

that place, and to them were born 
children: Lulu, at home; Charles D., ol this 
ti h; William, who died in childhood; Hai 

nd Mamie and Karl, who are at- 
ling schi h 

In the public and high - native 

! began his literary edu- 
cation, and later nit. red the Susquehanna Uni- 
t Selins Grove, where he pursued both a 

luating with 

honors in 1893. In the spring of 1896 he v 

call Valli j pastorate, and has 

sin> St Mark's Church of Logan- 

■ the congregations at Booneville, 

Tylers\ ille, I Hill and Bui In his 

ibor he has worked faithfully and 

well, and in the pulpit hi ially gifted, his 

! well-trained, and his man- 

I I 

ii their appeals to follow 

the teachingsof the Master. He is popular with 

all 1 nade many warm friends out- 

In May, I Lock Haven, Clinton coun- 

ty, Rev. Russell was man Jennie 

I 

I -known 

and highly-] 



JAMES I SMITH, 1 lif. t of 

Clinton county, where his occupation 
n that of a lumberman irn June 

■ nsliip 

His fatl ph M01 1 is Smith, 1 Phil 

tnd 

lit-; 

B Ci ek country to 

in the lunib 

' thousan timber lands in 



primith 2 he built a mill on the 

k at the mouth of Monument run, about 
m the Bald Eagle. About the 
time this mill was built Beech creek was cleared 
so that sawed lumber could be rafted out of it. 
One of the tirst bills of lumber sawed by Mr. 
Smith was timber for the Harrisburg bridge. 
This timber was three by twelve inches, thirty- 
two, thirty-four and thirty-six feet long, and was 
rafted at the mill. Having had no business ex- 

ience, Mr. Smith did not make a success of 
the enterprise, and he sold the timber lands be- 
fore they became valuable. He was engaged in 
the lumber i however, more or less, until 

j when he abandoned it, and passed 
the lis life on a farm he had cleared up 

near the borough of Beech Creek. In 1850, on 
the formation of Beech Creek township out of a 
part of Bald Eagle, he was chosen as one of the 
auditors for the new township. He subsequently 
served as a justice of the peace. His wife, ]en- 
nette David, whom he married in [832, was a 
natr B ech Creek, Clinton Co., Penn., b 

in 1 Si 3. 

I this marriage were born fourteen children, 

. en of whom are now living, namely: Rowland, 

sident of th Si ol Washington; Mary, 

the wife of Col. Henry Bollinger, of Lebanon, 

S. Dak.; Charles P., of Beech Creek, Penn.; 

Sidn lette, widow ol S. B. Darrah. "1 the 

te of Washington; Temple C. , of Beech Creek; 

(an. ur subject; Joseph Morris, of Kane, 

1.; William A., of Montana; Emily, the wife 

i rank Trump, ol Renovo, Penn.; Alice, tin- 
wife of John Miller, of Beech Creek, Penn.; and 
Martha V., of Renovo. The father of these dii I 
October 11, 1870, and the mother. February 5, 

• 

Jam- I Smith was reared on a farm, and 
received only such an education as could be ob- 
tained in the schools ol the vicinity. His father's 
family w e, and the boys were put to work 

early in life. He remained on the farm until the 
rs, at which time the death 
of his father cau hange to be made, and 

the mother with her family left the farm and 
the borough of Beech Creek to reside. 
Oui l had worked in the woods a ;;reat 

i in sawmill- n,l when twenty- 

eight hi aced in charge of a log-drive 

the Lehigh rivei ~ after this was made he 
ichool again, so he went to 
Pittsburg where he took a business course in the 
City B • ( >n bis return the 

followin) r he was employed in coum 

luml wmill of that locality. Following 

this he soon became I in the -lumber bu 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



629 



ness, and from that time to the present he has 
been more or less engaged in the lumber business, 
in which he has been successful. He is one of 
the substantial citizens of Lock Haven, where he 
is prominent and influential in business circles 
and in public affairs. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and has been an active worker in the party 
for years. He was three times nominated for 
the office of register of wills and recorder of 
deeds, to which offices he was twice elected 
(elected in 1885 and re-elected in 188S), failing 
the third time owing to the third-term issue. He 
was a capable and an accommodating officer. 
He is a member of the F. and A. M. 

On August 2, 1876, Mr. Smith was married 
to Miss Bella E. Weaver, a daughter of George 
B. Weaver, now deceased, formerly a prominent 
citizen of Bellefonte. To this marriage came 
five children: Claude Morris, who is now a clerk 
in the office, at Lock Haven, of the New York Pulp 
and Paper Mills Company; Adda W. , who is a 
student in the Central Normal School; Ruth; 
Ralph; and Isabel. The mother of these was 
born December 21, 185 1, at Bellefonte, Penn. 
She and her husband are identified with the M. E. 
Church. They have a nice home on Bellefonte 
avenue, Lock Haven. 



LUKE BINDER (deceased) was for a quarter 
of a century prominently identified with the 
business interests of Renovo, Clinton county, 
and was one of its leading and representative citi- 
zens. His birth occurred in Germany, March 
13, 1844, but during early childhood he was 
brought to America by his parents, who spent 
their remaining days in Cambria county, Penn. 
The father, Lutzeon Binder, was a shoemaker 
by trade, and continued to follow that occupa- 
tion until his death. 

Our subject attended the district schools of 
Cambria county during his boyhood and youth, 
and later was a student in St. Vincent's College 
at Latrobe, Penn. With his father he learned 
the shoemaker trade, but at the age of eighteen 
he left home and went to Altoona, Penn. , where 
he found employment in a brewery. During 
the seven years he remained in that city he 
thoroughly mastered the business in all its vari- 
ous departments, and on coming to Renovo, in 
1872, he purchased the Brewery's Run Brewery, 
which he successfully conducted until life's la- 
bors were ended, May 3, 1897. Genial and so- 
cial in disposition, he made friends easily, and it 
is safe to say that in the circle of his acquaint- 
ances no man had more friends. He was a pro- 
gressive, public-spirited citizen who took a deep 



and commendable interest in the welfare of his 
town and the county, and did all in his power to 
insure their prosperity and advancement. As a 
business man he was honorable, straightforward 
and reliable in all transactions, and as a citizen 
he well deserved the high regard in which he 
was uniformly held. 

In 1 87 1, Mr. Binder was married to Miss 
Mary Endris, the ceremony being performed at 
Altoona by Father Schell. She is a daughter of 
Anton Endris, a native of Germany, who became 
a resident of the United States. He had two 
other daughters, Mrs. Christian Schilling, and 
Mrs. Agenie Sheminger, both living in Altoona. 
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Binder, 
namely: Edward L., Frank, Louisa, Mary, 
John, Luke, and Anna. The mother and chil- 
dren are members of the Catholic Church, to 
which Mr. Binder also belonged. The family is 
one of prominence, and their many friends are 
always sure of a hearty welcome at their hospit- 
able home. On the death of the father theeld- 
.est son, Edward L. , who was born October 7, 
1 872, has carried on the business in his own name. 
The capacity of the brewery is about 1,000 bar- 
rels per year. The brewery is to be improved 
in the spring of 1898, in the way of increased 
capacity, and by the addition of large bottling 
works. It will have a capacity of 10,000 bar- 
rels per year. The elder Mr. Binder left a fine 
hotel property. He was president of the Reno- 
vo Electric Light Heat Power Company. He 
was a stockholder in the First National Bank of 
Renovo. 



C CHARLES LYON FULLMER, M. D., is a 
'/ worthy representative of the medical pro- 
fession in Renovo, Clinton county, and one of 
the valued citizens of the town. He was born, 
in 1859, in Montoursville, Lycoming county, 
Penn., and his parents, Joseph and Catherine 
(Ebner) Fullmer, were also natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, where their entire lives were passed. The 
father was a coal dealer, following that industry 
as a means of livelihood throughout his business 
career. His pilgrimage on earth was ended in 
1878, and his wife passed away in 1891. In their 
family were two sons, the Doctor's brother being 
J. R. Fullmer. 

Dr. Fullmer spent his boyhood days in the 
usual manner of lads of that period, the duties of 
the school room and the pleasures of the play- 
ground occupying most of his time. He received 
his primary and academic education in Montours- 
ville, attending the Montoursville Normal, and 
was subsequently graduated with the class of 






' 0MMEMORAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in l 1 Seminary, Williamsport. 

I • .iltcr leavin ■■■ he engaged in 

teaching school, but this was only a means to an 
for it was his desire to enter the 

lical profi nd he matriculated in the 

Jefferson Mi Philadelphia, where 

he •• ! liately after- 

bi n estab- 

lished in .1 large and lucr,iti\e practice, standing 
among the !■ 

cality. In addition ti > a lai 
•ice he h I for the past fifteen 

tn at R Pennsyl- 

vania Raili He 1 to the 

iety and tin Si 
Mi ! I in this '.'. | s fully 

abreast with the ment that is continually 

le in medical circles. 
In [883 Dr Fullmer was married to Miss 

I John T. Reed, at 
it "I Lycoming 
ity. They have 1, J I Iryan Fullm 

Mrs 1 ullmer is a me the Methi idist E] - 

illy the Docl 
with the Ma ternity. In j>< >1 itics he has 

n identified with thi irty 

Tominenl mi and in 1 

1 Linton county, in 1 
1 and he h 

member of the city council, dis- 
all public duties with tl ked 

fidelity that chai - his pi d work 



Ai 1 '.I M HEIMBAI II. M. D. The 
world has little misanthi 

The universal truth of brotherhood is widely - 
1 that he serves G 
fellowmen Th 

ttention than thi 
1. and the ,,),,, 

through wmen gives his time and 

ntion to the < hum. in sufl 1 »] 

1 1' imbach, a homeopathii phys 
is r. 

sion in Clinton o mnty. 
The Doctor was born Febi uarj ;, in 

Berks county, Penn 1 Williai 

line Gehry) Heimbach, who havespent then 

Pennsylvania, at pn idling in 

Allentown, where they located in 
many years the father was 1 m 

farming and <t<>< k dealing, but I <-ti. 

calK ide busin 

well In the famih lit chil- 



dren, namely: Celia; O. Frank; Dr. A. Eugene; 
P. Harwin; Elrnira, wife of C. J. Gehman; Dr. 
James H., of Kane, Penn.; Evana, wife of Will- 
Wieand; and Charles. 

Dr. Heimbach acquired his early education 
in the public schools of his native county, which 
was ted by oni attendance at a 

school m Philadelphia, and he was later a stu- 
dent in the Keystone Mate Normal at Kutztown, 
from which institution he was graduated in 1882, 
at the age of nineteen years After successfully 
in teaching for about five years he be- 

the study "t medicine under Dr. A. J. Rii 
of Lebanon, Penn., ami subsequently 
Hahnemann Medical College, of Philadelphia, 
whi : completing a thre 

course of study, he graduated in 1890. For nine 
months he engaged in practice in Allentown, but 
lary 17. 1891, he opened an office in 
Renovo, where his skill and ability soon won 1 
Ognition, so that he now enjoys a large and lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1892 Dr. Heimbach was married to Miss 
Emma V, Blank, of Allentown, and they now 
have a son, Allen IUank. The family occupies 
an elegant residence which the Doctor erected at 
a cost of $6,000, which is supplied with all mod- 
ern conveniences. It is one of the best homes 
in R md there hospitality reigns supreme. 

The Doctor holds membership in the Refon 

rch, while his wife is a Lutheran in religious 
belief. Socially, he is connected with the Pa- 
triotic Sons of America, and, politically, is iden- 

I with the Republican party. Although he 
started out in life for himself empty-handed, he 
has, through his own el' • d an enviable 

reputation physician and surgeon, and has 

also been financially successful. He has that 
love for his profession without which there is no 
success, and by constant study keeps thoroughly 
ted on all discoveries and improvements in 
his chosen calling As a progressive physician 
and an agreeable, pleasant gentleman, he cer- 
tain! es the high regard in which he is un- 
iformly h 



Pli RCE M. DORNBLASER, a thrifty and 
!ul agriculturist of Porter township, 
Clinton county, is a member of a leading family 
of that locality, and in his own life maintains the 
mdard of citizenship that character- 

ime identified at an early date 

with Northampl nty, Penn., and in 1831 

'"" andparents, [ohn and Catherine 

rnblaser. left their old home in Low. r 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



631 



Nazareth township to remove to Clinton county, 
where their remaining years were spent. 

Peter Dornblaser, our subject's father, was 
born February 21, 1813, in Lower Nazareth 
township, Northampton county, and was 
reared to farm work as a boy, being able to do 
a man's share in the harvest field when but fif- 
teen years old. He has always been a most in- 
dustrious man, and hard work seems to have 
agreed with him as he is still living at an advanced 
age, and is enjoying in well-deserved leisure the 
rewards of past labors. His education was ob- 
tained in the subscription schools of his time, 
and at the age of sixteen he began to learn the 
cabinet maker's trade, serving an apprentice- 
ship of two and one-half years. He afterward 
worked for some time in the same shop as a 
journeyman, but in the fall of 1831 he followed 
his parents to Clinton county, their removal hav- 
ing taken place in the spring. He walked the 
entire distance, and on his arrival began to work 
at his trade, the first winter being spent in Belle- 
fonte at "journey work." In 1S3S he was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Shaffer, who was born in 
Brush Valley, near Madisonburg, the daughter 
of Michael and Margaret (Walburn) Shaffer. Dur- 
ing the first year after their marriage he made 
his home with his parents, and then locat- 
ed upon the farm where he yet resides. His 
brother John was at that time in partnership 
with him, and the place contained two hun- 
dred acres; but, later, the brother also mar- 
ried, and the farm was divided, Peter taking the 
eastern portion. All the buildings now on the 
place have been erected by him, and he has 
shown himself an excellent manager. Although 
the regular farm work has occupied his time 
chiefly, he has done some work at his trade, and 
he built a shop on the farm for that purpose. 
He is a man of the strictest integrity, willing to 
make any sacrifices in order to pay a debt, and 
he is held in high esteem by all who know him. 
In manner he is modest and unassuming, and he 
is very fond of his home. Much of his spare 
time has always been devoted to reading, and 
now, at the age of eighty-five, he peruses the 
newspapers daily. He has been a subscriber to 
The Lutheran Observer ever since its foundation, 
and as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church he has taken an active part in religious 
work, holding various offices in the Church. His 
contributions have been generous, but he is one 
who never lets his left hand know what his right 
hand may do for charity. Politically he affiliates 
with the Democratic party, but he is not blindly 
subservient to the leaders, and on occasion he 
votes independently, choosing the "best man." 



Although he has never been eager for political 
honors for himself, he has served creditably in 
different local offices. In March, 1894, his be- 
loved wife passed to the unseen world, her 
remains being interred in the cemetery at Sny- 
dertown. 

This couple had children as follows; Cath- 
erine married John Hatcher, and died in Kansas; 
Thomas, a veteran of the Civil war, is now a 
Lutheran minister in Illinois; Amanda is the 
wife of Ephraim Townsend, of Valley Falls, 
Kans. ; Luther died in Kansas; Albert died in the 
fifth year of his age; Puella is a prominent 
worker in temperance and philanthropic lines; 
Pierce M. is our subject; and Mabel married Dr. 
f. M. Dunn, and died at Mackeyville. This 
family is one of which any parent might well be 
proud, and Miss Puella Dornblaser's work de- 
serves especial mention. Her education was 
begun in the district schools near her home, and 
later she took a course in Susquehanna Univer- 
sity. For some time she was successfully en- 
gaged in teaching, and at present she is the State 
lecturer and organizer for the W. C. T. U. and 
one of the State superintendents of the same so- 
ciety, in which she also represents the mission- 
ary department of the State. For eight years 
she was a vice-president in the State W. C. T. U., 
and her earnest and efficient work in these vari- 
ous positions has won her a wide reputation. 
Her gifts as a speaker are notable, and she is a 
valued worker in religious and educational meet- 
ings. For ten years she was president of the 
Synodical Society of the English Lutheran 
Church, embracing seven counties and one hun- 
dred Churches. Ever since the organization of 
the Eagle's Mere Chautauqua Society she has 
been closely associated with its work, and dur- 
ing the meeting of 1897 she had charge of the 
devotional services, and assisted in the publica- 
tion of their daily paper. 

The subject of this sketch was born April 24, 
1854, at the present homestead, where he was 
reared, plenty of "chores" falling to his lot in 
youth, as is usual with the son of a busy farmer. 
During boyhood he attended the Clinton school, 
which was held in a brick building, and among 
his teachers were T. J. Smull, Joseph Hays 
and James Walker. He was an apt student, be- 
ing the first in that school to take up the study 
of United States history. In early manhood he 
engaged in the threshing business, which he has 
continued ever since in connection with the culti- 
vation of his farm. This is a tract of sixty acres, 
which he rented from his father for a time, but 
purchased in 1886. He is an energetic manager, 
thoroughly up-to-date in his methods, and de- 






VMEMORA TTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



serves the success whici to him. 

an intelligent citizen he takes an interest in the 

pub the day, and at one thru 

acti\ 

(in . . he was mai 

ma S. Royer, who was born March i 
in I township, Clinton county, and 

edui ated in the pul ity. 

where her parents, Philip and Isabella Harper) 
iminent i Five children 

have blessed this union: M ibel E , born March 
! rrj I. . April I 5, 1 889; Minnie A., 
April 1 Delia M., 

Ruth F., December 7, [894. Mr. Dornbla 

! his wife are both acth - of the 

Lutheran Church, in which Mr Dornblaser lias 

■ u and ti id Mrs 

I >• 11 nb line musical 

nst in S 5unday- 

In poln icrat, but he 

is not an ol ilthough he has been a 

and w that ofl 

tryol the township school board. 



GK. HECKMAN, the 

most distinguished and honored citizen 
mnty, was 1>i >rn S 
l 
;>. then Logan, where he now r< 

gin. 

< itive 

intj . Penn., win-re he spent his l 
tys in thi ing, but aft- 

i his ' 
in'sVall inty, wh 

pring Mills, whicl 
nd improve until called to 
world beyond. Hi 
in that ■ onntj I fe was a J 

in 1 I with si wn- 

shi] which he tablj filled. 

In his family w ht children 

John. George, 1 |acob, Michael, 

Kmsell, and one daughtei who married in the 
VV« 

John 1 li 1 1. in. hi. father, was born 

red in Penn s \ alii j nty, and 

I a fair German n. and v. 

abli '.,. After attaining to man'ses- 

he ' ame to what is now Sugai \ I lin- 

nty, but at that tini. was still a 
here he pui 
Kleckner a farm of 200 a >t of the borough 

of Logan ton, which he cleared and impi 



making it his home for over half a century. 

His death occurred upon the farm in 1870, and 

his remains were interred in the Sugar Valley 

ry. Like his father he was a stanch sup- 

! the 1 'emocracy, and was an active and 

minent member of the Lutheran Church, in 

which he served as elder, and to which he was a 

liberal contributor. 

In early manhood John Heckman married 

th Kleckner, a native of Mifflinburg, 

Penn., and a daughter of John Kli 

ner, a prominent farmer first of Centre county 

and later of Clinton county. Nine children 

this union: Sarah, who wedded John 

Wilt, but both are now deceased; John, deceased; 

passed away; Elizabeth, 
who married John Ruhl, of Miles township, 
1 in., but both are now deceas 

I wife of John Wi 
111. ; Mary A., wife of Jefferson Hart- 
' ; in; Peter, deceased; Daniel K 

this sketch; and Rebecca, widow ol John B. 

1 township, Clinton county. 1 
mother of these children died on the home farm, 
was buried in Sugar Valley cemetery. The 
father afterward married Catharine Barnet, wid- 
ow 1 Karsteter, and to them were 1 
e children — Fretta, wife of William Lan 
of Washing! vnship, Snyder Co., Penn.; 
Supera, widow of John Herlacker; and Iswa. of 
linton county. The second 
1 en the home farm, and was buried 
in Logan! 

To a limited extent Gen. Heckman attei 
the subscript ol his boyhood, which 

ight in little log school houses by v 
inferior teachers, bul fond of reading and 

study he has become a well-informed man. and 
be ]>r< iperly classed among the self-educated. 
t childhood he became familiar with 
all the duties which fall to the lot of the agricult- 
urist, and has made farming his life occupation. 
He never left the old hon which he oper- 

m with his lather until twenty- 
e when the I d to an 

ning fai him in charge of the 

place. It is now one of the most highly improved 
and desirabli Green township, theGen- 

d both the house and bam at 
I has placed the land under 
a higl cultivat 

In 1849, in l 1 ntre county. 

Miss Elizabeth 

Kline, a native of that township, and iter 

ol ' ''in. IK 1 she died in 1870, 

and « ganton cemeter} She 

pur children: Dennis, who was 








k^*£ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



633 



for some years an invalid, and died in 1873. 
John K., who married Delia Cole, and is engaged 
in farming in Green township, Clinton county. 
Regina, wife of R. W. A. Jamison, treasurer of 
Clinton county, now living in Lock Haven; she 
has two children — Helen Inez, and Daniel Rich- 
ard Heckman. Minerva, wife of Howard Smith, 
of Loganton; she has two children — Lizzie, liv- 
ing, and one that died in infancy. In 1874, in 
Buffalo Valley, Union county, the General was 
was again married, this time to Hannah Slear, 
who was born in Hartley township, that county, 
December 4, 1836, a daughter of George and 
Elizabeth Slear, the former of whom was a 
farmer in Berks county, Perm., born March 17, 
1793, and died March 1, 1875. He had the fol- 
lowing children: Daniel (deceased), Esther, 
(Mrs. Shively), Peter (deceased), Margaret (Mrs. 
Long, deceased), Charles (deceased), George 
(living), William (deceased), Mary C. (Mrs. S. 
Miller), Elizabeth (Mrs. George Himmelreich), 
James (living), and Hannah (Mrs. Heckman). 
The parents of this family were both members 
of the Lutheran Church, of which he was an 
elder; the mother died in 1872. Mr. Slear was 
a Democrat, and served in the war of 18 12. 

By his friend, the late Gov. Curtin, our sub- 
ject was commissioned brigadier-general of the 
State Militia, but his term of service had expired 
before the Civil war broke out. As a patriotic 
and loyal citizen, he had a strong desire to en- 
list in his country's service, but having an in- 
valid wife and son at home, it was hard to de- 
cide which course to pursue. His wife was will- 
ing for him to make the sacrifice for his coun- 
try's sake, but his friends in the Valley, learning 
that he was about to raise a company, prevailed 
upon him to remain at home as his children were 
all young and needed a father's care. Desiring 
to be of some assistance, however, he hired a 
substitute for $800, although he was never 
drafted. 

In connection with general farming Gen. 
Heckman has taken considerable interest in the 
raising of fine-bred horses, and has owned some 
beautiful animals. He is president and a stock- 
holder and director of the Sugar Valley Fire 
Insurance Co., of which he was one of the first 
promoters, and in 1861, in connection with 
Joseph Snook and Philip Woolford (both now 
deceased), he organized the company and ob- 
tained its charter. He is now the oldest director, 
and since 1875 has served as president, being 
continuously re-elected without a dissenting vote. 
As a friend he has but few equals, and he has 
lost over $6,000 in going bail and security for 
parties whom he wished to assist. His political 



support has always been given the Democratic 
party; religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran 
Church; socially, he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., 
at Lock Haven. He served with the State mili- 
tia, in all, some fifteen years, commencing as a 
private in the Ringgold Artillery, organized at 
Loganton about 1846, and was made a general 
from a private by a vote of the company, receiv- 
ing only one dissenting vote. No better, more 
patriotic or popular citizen can be found in cen- 
tral Pennsylvania, and he justly merits the high 
regard in which he is uniformly held. 



LEWIS W. DORNBLASER. Among the 
substantial agriculturists of Nittany Valley, 
" the garden of Clinton county," is the subject 
of this biography, whose fine farm near Clinton- 
dale gives evidence of scientific management. He 
is a member of a well-known family, which has 
been identified with that locality for many years, 
and the high standard of citizenship established 
by his ancestors is maintained by him in all the 
relations of life, private and public. 

Mr. Dornblaser was born June 15, 1848, the 
third son and child of John and Mary M. (Bar- 
tholomew) Dornblaser. He was reared at the 
old homestead on Fishing creek, in Porter town- 
ship, Clinton county, and in his youth attended 
the "Clinton school," which stood upon that 
farm. His first teacher was Joseph F. Hays, 
and among the others 'who contributed to his 
education were Archibald Attice, Andrew Keller 
and T. J. Smull. The methods of instruction, 
like the school apparatus, were somewhat crude, 
and, as he could only attend during four or five 
months each winter, Mr. Dornblaser had but 
limited opportunities for advancement; and this 
realization of his own deprivations has made him 
an ardent friend of better schools for the youth 
of to-day. He remained at home until his mar- 
riage, and, after attaining his majority, worked 
for his father by the year. On December 31, 
1878, he was married in Mackeyville to Miss Mar- 
garet F. Porter, who was born July 26, 1854, a 
short distance southwest of that town, on the old 
homestead of her parents, James H. and Eliza- 
beth (Reeseman) Porter. As Mr. Dornblaser's 
father had vacated the farm on Fishing creek, 
the young couple located there, and for a num- 
ber of years rented the place. In March, 1891, 
they removed to the present homestead, which 
Mr. Dornblaser purchased in December, 1890, 
from Daniel S. Royer, it being a portion of the 
old "Royer estate." It contains 113 acres of 
excellent land, and is considered one of the best 



084 



( VMEMORA riVK BJOGBAPEH AL RECORD. 



farms of its si/e in th< having been brought 

nt. 
Mr and Mrs. Dornblaser have two attrai 
daughters M. Elizabeth, who has been attend- 
ing school in I n, and Anna M. , both at 
h<. me. The family is identified with the St. 
Lutheran Church of Nittany Valley, in 
which Mr. D er has held the office of dea- 

elder and treasurer. 

ha\ ! the latl tion for many years. 

All phases of re mand his hearty 

sympathy and aid, and he is a faithful teacher in 

the Sabbath-school. In fact, hi fails to 

an) movement which promises to 

benefit the community, and his influence is rec- 

! as an nt in the cause of 

In politii ' inch Democrat ; 

he i ml, and has held 

the offices of school director and township audi- 

Socially hi ted with the Patrons 

Iry, Nittany G No. 554, at La- 



JOHN D< >KM AN i ir of this 

\ condui Ion- 

many wh" 1 
nary limit of m md 

still le and hearty. The sub this 

a well-known resident of Clint 
Clint nt :n January 21, ] 825, in 

ounty, about halt a mile from Hartleton, 
re life has been -pent among the hills 
inia. Much hard work ' 
fallen to hi nt prosperity being 

the result of his own well-directed efforts, bul 

!th and is now enjoying the 
frin ! 

Mr 1 ' 5 of good pioneer stock; 

father, 1 n, was a native of Union 

nty, and remained there throughout his life, 

following th iccessfully in his 

His industry brought a 
but he never accumulated 
much property, mily to sup- 

In early Whig, and later 

me a Republican, while in religious faith 
he \- , out Lutheran. I le died at the 

nd his wife, Catherine 
Kemmer, also attained an advanced age. 

tains i>f both now rest in the 

Laurelton, Penn. They had fourteen children, 

whom the following lived to maturity: G 

dud in Kansas; Lew is, .1 resident 1 1 Penn's 

Valley, Centre county; Mary, who married John 

died in Milroy, Penn. ; Sarah, 



now Mrs. Jonathan Strayhorn, of Kansas; John, 
our subject; Katy, now Mrs. J. Boop, of Union 

oty; David, a resident of Hartley township, 
Union county; Jacob, who met a soldier's death 
while serving in the Civil war; Samuel, who re- 
sides in Union county; and Daniel, a resident 
ol Walker township, Centre county. 

John Dorman's educational opportunities were 
limited, the free-school system being introduced 
too late to do him much good. He remained at 
home until he reached the age of nineteen, when 
he began to learn the shoemaker's trade with 
Christian Gann, the only recompense that he re- 
ceived during his apprenticeship being his every- 
day clothes. At twenty-two he hired out to 
[ames Hays, a farmer on Cedar run, in Porter 
1 ip, Clinton county, for a summer's work, 
and later, acting under the advice of Mr. Hays, 
he established a shoeshop in the same locality, 
the enterprise proving successful from the start. 
His work in the shop was relieved in the harvest 
season by outdoor labor for different fanners, 
and in time he managed by close economy to buy 
a quarter of an acre of land with a house, in 
which he took one room for a shop. In [848 he 
married Miss Sarah A. Best, who was born Jan- 
uary 3, 1825, in Northampton county, Penn., 
and was reared in Clinton county, her parents, 
John and Leah (Link' Lest, settling there during 
her childhood. Mr. Dorman had but little cap- 
ital at the time of his marriage, and he resided 
at his first humble home until February 12. 1S67, 
when he took possession of his present farm, 
which was improved in primitive fashion with a 

house and barn. Under his management it 
has taken on an entirely different appearance, all 
the buildings on the place having been erected by 
him. In his business dealings he has shown 
much shrewdness and caution, his success coming 
from a gradual accumulation rather than from 
speculation; he ranks among the substantial men 
of his locality. 

On November 12, 1892, the wife of our sub- 
sed to the unseen world, her remains be- 
ing interred in Mt. Bethel cemetery. She was a 
consistent member of the Reformed Church, and 
held in high esteem by all who knew her. Of 
their live children, the eldest, Samuel F., resides 
at Zion, Penn.; Mary J., who married J. Piper, 
died in Colorado leasing five children; Rebecca 
\ . formerly the wife of George Kaup, died in 
Walker township, Centre county; Milton B. and 
Leah A. are at home. 

Our subject, in politics, is a stanch Republic- 
an, and he has held various township offices. II- 
belongs to the K I Church, in which he has 

1 and elder, and his sympathies 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



635 



are always readily enlisted in any religious enter- 
prise. Socially, the family is prominent, and his 
home is a center of hospitality and good cheer. 



AMES MURPHY, merchant, was born Jan- 
uary 28, 1842, in Ireland. His parents were 
Daniel and Mary (McMahon) Murphy, both 
of unmixed and worthy Irish extraction. He 
came to this country in r854, and settled with his 
family in Lock Haven, Penn., where his educa- 
tion was acquired under T. R. Rogers, and though 
debarred from pushing his studies in the thorough 
and complete manner he desired, he nevertheless 
succeeded in obtaining a useful and practical 
education. In December, 1856, he entered the 
general mercantile establishment of the Wright 
Brothers, of Lock Haven, and continued to act 
in their employ until 1861. At that date the 
original firm was succeeded by Simon Scott & 
Sons, with whom he remained until May, 1S65. 
A branch store was then opened at Renovo, and 
being extended an interest therein, he took charge 
of the business at that point, under the name of 
Wells, Murphy & Co., it being the leading mer- 
cantile house in Renovo. At that time Renovo 
had a population of 1,600. Two years later our 
subject purchased the interest of Mr. Wells, and 
from 1867 to 1877, continued the business under 
the style of Murphy & Co. He then bought the 
interest of Messrs. Scott & Sons, and has since 
been alone in the business. He is now president 
of the First National Bank, and occupies a prom- 
inent position in commercial circles. He has 
always manifested a deep interest in the welfare 
and progress of Renovo, and has supported 
those means calculated to prove of public good. 
He was married to Miss Catherine Keefe in 1864. 



TfENRY ZIEGLER, a well-known lumber- 
L man and agriculturist of Porter township, 
Clinton county, now residing at Abdera, seems to 
have discovered the long-sought Fountain of 
Youth, as notwithstanding the fact that he is 
entering upon his eighth decade, he is hale and 
hearty, and gives attention to business with his 
accustomed success. 

Mr. Ziegler was born February 9, 1826, in 
Potter township. Centre county, and belongs 
to a family which has been identified with this 
section for many years. Peter Ziegler, our sub- 
ject's grandfather, came from Maryland about 
1806 and located first at Millheim, in Penn's 
Valley, but in 1S07 removed to Earlytown, 
where he conducted a hotel during the war of 



1812. In 181 7 he engaged in agriculture, rent- 
ing the Swancy farm in Marion township, Centre 
count)', for three years, and a farm at Fleming- 
ton, now (1898) McDowell farm, where he died 
(1820) two weeks after taking possession of a 
place belonging to a Mr. Bressler. His remains 
were interred in the cemetery on the hill at Lock 
Haven. He was twice married, and by his first 
wife had the following children: Elizabeth, who 
married John Keet, and died in Huntingdon 
county, Penn. ; Jacob, who was for some time a 
blacksmith at Potter's Bank, but later removed 
to Venango county, Penn., where he died; Peter, 
a blacksmith at Centre Hall, now deceased; 
George, who located first in Venango county, 
and then went to Iowa, where he died; and 
Michael, who is mentioned more fully farther on. 
By the second marriage there were six children: 
Catherine, a mute, who lived to adult age, but is 
now deceased; John, who died in Marion town- 
ship, Centre county; Susan, deceased, formerly 
the wife of George Hoy, of Centre county; Dan- 
iel, who died in Brush Valley, Centre county; 
Keziah, who married John Garwick, and died in 
Marion township, Centre county; and Julia, who 
married James Hair, and died in Clinton county. 
Michael Ziegler, our subject's father, was 
born January 12, 1800, in Maryland, but the 
greater part of his life was spent in this State. 
He was married (first) in Penn's Valley, near 
Centre Hall, to Miss Mary Murray, daughter of 
Levi Murray, and for some time made his home 
upon a rented farm in that locality. Afterward 
he bought a farm in Brush Valley, above Madi- 
sonburg, which he cultivated for many years. In 
1854 he retired from active work, and in the fol- 
lowing year he removed to Spring Mills, but his 
last days-were passed in Aaronsburg, his death 
occurring there at the age of seventy-three. He 
was buried in a cemetery on the pike below 
Spring Mills, in Penn township, Centre county. 
Politically he was a stanch Democrat, and for 
years he was a member of the Reformed Church. 
He was a large man, a hard worker, and excel- 
lent manager, and although he began as a young 
man at forty-five cents a day with a grubbing hoe, 
he left an estate valued at $60,000. During 
their residence at Spring Mills his wife died at 
the age of seventy-three years, and he afterward 
married a Mrs. Thomas Weaver (a widow), of 
Aaronsburg, whose maiden name was Moyer. 
Michael Ziegler had seven children, all by his 
first marriage: Levi died in infancy; Elizabeth 
married David Krape, and died in Haines town- 
ship, Centre county; Henry, our subject, is men- 
tioned farther on;" William settled in Virginia; 
Peter went to Indiana; John died in Centre 






■ VOBATl) RAPSJCAL RECORD. 



inty; and Mary, who married [saai Train, 

1 in Marion township, Centre county. 

Il.nf. . nainly in 

Miles township, ( unty. where he at- 

ded a schi m '1 "I the > >ld-fashioned quill 

being the only kind used in the writing 

he showed decided me- 
chanical genius, working readily at carpentering 

i wagon-making, l>ut he was nol 
to any trade. He remained at home until lie 
twent) -thi' :. the last tw 

in grubbing, at which he managed to 
a little i In 1851 he took ch 

the farm which he now owns, his father hav- 
purchased it tin- 5 For tl 

bis brother William, but later our subi 
conduct' 'I the place alone, and he continued to 
iduct the farm until [882, when 1 

■ nt hi ime m Ab j 1 hat time he 

the lumber busi- 
ginning by building a sawmill in [88] on 
the farm, but alter operating it I 

the mountains 1 
for threi 
In 1886 he I a mill in Sugar Valley, 

ing a l.i- I mill 

ind his work is carried on chiefly in 
the wintei ! He 1 ■ ■■. ns ] icres ol farm- 

ing land, and 200 acres of mountain land; li is 

in abundant 
il world]} 
At the ag< of f . was 

married to Miss Mar) A. Anderson, who was born 
in 1830 in Lebanon county. Penn., the daughter 
n. Five children have ble 
» th J., now Mrs. William 
D< \-iu-s. Mrs. S. Hoy, ol Marion 

township, Centre county; Mich.' , t of 

the -an township; J er in Pi 

township, Clinton county; and Franklin P 

mi. The famil) 
with th( 1 h. in which 

Mr. Z'u nve 

1. havui- ,jn- 

lent of th.' Sund I • ically hi 

with tin- 1 1 
his own thinking, an pendently when- 

: ' ellent mem- 

Mr Zieglerto recall with distinct: 
the events ol ln> long 

with him proves both interesting and in- 
tive. 



Jl.NKV II VAN DYKE di It is 

ii important duty to honor and perpel 
ls possible, the memory of an eminent cit- 



•. ho by his blameless and honorable 
life ished career reflected credit upon 

the entire community. Mr. Van Dyke was for 
main- years prominently identified with the busi- 
Lock Haven, and was also num- 
: leading and most influential cit- 
izens. 

A nativi insylvania, he was born 

23, 1832, 111 Lycoming county, and re- 
mained upon his father's farm until seventeen 
rs of age, when he embarked in the tanning 
business, which he successfully followed for three 
year- He then went to western New York, 
where In assisted in the construction of a rail- 
road from Youngstown to Niagai 1 1 ills, and 
: in the construction of another road from the 
latti to Lewiston, after which he spent 

in clerking in Canada. At the end of 
that time he was called home to assist in the di- 
vision of his father's farm, on which he remained 
ir, and then sold his land and came to 
Lock Haven, where as a contractor he built a 
portion of the Philadelphia ec Erie railroad. On 
ompletion hi 1 in lumb 'ii Beech 

creek for a year, and then in connection with his 
her. L. J. Van Dyke, he took a contract to 
complete the Bald Eagle Valley railroad, which 
ipied three years. They then built a section 
of the Snow Shoe road, and were subsequently 
ployed in the construction of the Lewisburg & 
Spruce* n ek railroad, taking and completing seven 
rent contracts. Mr. Van Dyke then opened 
a hardware store at Lock Haven, which he sue- 
fully conducted up to the time of his death. 
■ ted considerable time and attention 
e transactions, and was the owner of 
some ol the finest farms in Clinton county, as 
well as much valuable city property in Lock Ha- 
ven. He was an upright, honorable business 
man of undoubted integrity and sterling worth, 
trouble in winning the confidence and 
high regard of all with whom he came in contact, 
in either business or_social life. 

On Januan 1;. [863, Mr. Van Dyke was 
Hannah M., daughter of Alex- 
ander an .t 1m Mi 1 lowell 1 McCoy, of Cen- 
ounty, Penn., where the father successfully 
in fanning throughout life. Mrs. Van- 
Dyke is the only surviving member of their fam- 
ily. SI pted daughter, who is now 
Etsweiler, of Philadelphia. 
I ht rs she has been a sincere and 
faithful member of tl \ terian Church, and 
1 by all who know her. 
Henr) II. Van Dyke was called to his final 
February 14, [895, at the age of sixty-three 
years, and widely and deeply 




HHU 



Ct^^_ 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



637 



mourned, for his friends were many. He was an 
honored and prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity, and as a Republican took active and 
leading part in political affairs, being called upon 
to serve as councilman, school director and in 
other local positions of honor and trust. He was 
serving as president of the Lock Haven Business 
Men's Club at the time of his death, and he took 
an active interest in everything calculated to ad- 
vance the public welfare. It is but just and 
merited praise to say of him that as a business 
man he ranked among the ablest; as a citizen he 
was honorable, prompt and true to every en- 
gagement; and as a man he held the honor and 
esteem of all classes of people. He was char- 
itable and benevolent, a friend to the poor and 
needy. Truly such a life is worth having been 
lived, and such lives deserve permanent record 
on the pages of their country's history, that oth- 
ers, seeing their good works, may follow in their 
footsteps. 



NDREW COCHRAN McKINNEY 
is a worthy representative of a prominent 
family of Scotch-Irish origin, who at one time 
spelled the name McKinnie. His great-grandfa- 
ther (First generation), Henry McKinney, is 
thought to have been born in Scotland. In 1720 
he crossed the Atlantic and took up his residence 
on the banks of the Swatara river, in Derry 
township, Dauphin Co., Penn., where he engaged 
in farming and spent his remaining days. He 
was married in that community, and became the 
father of several children, among whom were 
(Second generation): Henry; James; John and 
Mathew. Henry, James and Mathew became 
residents of Mercer county, Penn. The parents 
of these children are both supposed to have been 
buried in the old historic graveyard, near the 
Derry church, of Dauphin county, of which they 
were consistent members. 

II. John McKinney, our subject's grandfa- 
ther, was born on the banks of the Swatara 
river, in Dauphin county, Penn., and spent his 
early life in that county, where he married Jane 
Laird, whose sister wedded James Harris, a rel- 
ative of John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, 
Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. McKinney were born 
sixteen children, but eleven of the number died 
and were buried at the Derry church, in Dau- 
phin county. The others were as follows: (Third 
generation) John, also an elder in the Warrior 
Run Church, where he was laid to rest, married 
Nancy Wallace, and died in Turbut township, 
Northumberland Co., Penn.; (Third generation) 
James Harris, the father of our subject; Cathar- 



ine, wife of John Imes, of Dunstable township, 
Clinton county; Matthew, who died in Watson 
township, Lycoming county; and William, who 
was killed by a falling tree in Turbut township, 
Northumberland county. In 1795 the grandfa- 
ther with his wife and the above named five chil- 
dren left their old home in Dauphin county, and 
by team removed to Turbut township, Northum- 
berland county, where he purchased a tract of 
land, and converted the same into a good farm, 
making it his home until his death. His remains 
were interred at Warrior Run, that township. 
He was a devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and was for many years an elder in the 
Derry Church (as was also his father Henry be- 
fore him), which was known as the fighting 
Church, as it was necessary for the members to 
carry their guns when attending service for fear 
of an Indian attack. Gov. John Penn, then gov- 
ernor of the Province of Pennsylvania, was a 
member of the same congregation. Mr. McKin- 
ney was a man of the strictest integrity and 
honor, was widely and favorably known, and 
with several others founded the New Derry 
Church, and, later, the Church at Warrior Run, 
Northumberland county. His widow, at the 
age of ninety-four, died at the home of her son 
Mathew, in Watson township, Lycoming county, 
about the year 1840, and was laid beside her hus- 
band at Warrior Run. 

III. James Harris McKinney, was also born 
on the banks of the Swatara river, in Dauphin 
county, June 11, 1793, and at the age of two 
years moved with his parents to Turbut township, 
Northumberland county. Although his school 
privileges were meager, he made the most of his 
opportunities, became quite well-read, and was 
a good Bible student. At the age of nineteen he 
enlisted in the United States army, under Captain 
Gaston, for the war of 18 12, and was on duty at 
Black Rock, N. Y., with the old Warrior Run 
Rifle Company. He faithfully served his coun- 
try, and was later rewarded by a small pension 
from the government. After his marriage, on 
January 1, 18 18, he engaged in farming for sev- 
eral years, near Turbutville, but in 1830 came 
to Nittany Valley, Clinton county, purchasing a 
farm, now the property of Mrs. Nathan Mowery, 
on which he spent seven years. On selling out 
he came to Pine Creek township, and bought the 
Myers farm, two miles from Jersey Shore, and 
ten miles from Lock Haven. This comprised 
200 acres of valuable land, and upon it he erect- 
ed an elegant brick residence, one of the finest 
in the township. Besides burning his own brick, 
he burned enough for four other residences, owned 
by different parties, in the same locality. He 






CO HUE MORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



built a barn and other outbuildings, and made it 

one >>f the most desirable and attractive farms in 

locality. He took great prid< in bis sfc 

I owned some fine horses, but would rather 

k ten miles than care for a hi irse to carry him. 

Several times, while living in Nittany Valley, he 

Northumberland county, 
xty miles : ly going and one return- 

Particularly fond ol his home, he was a 
kind and affectionate husband and induhj 

ivided his children with excellent 
school advantages Originally he was a Whig 
in politics, and lat< dent Repub- 

n. while in religious belief he was a Presby- 
i! 1 Ij all who knew him he w as held in the 
ln_ pei t and esteem, and his circli 

friends and acquaintam tensive. 

He was called upon to serve in all of the town- 
ship "ft faithful i 
trusl din him. whether public or private. 
111. ( >n |anuary i. 1818, in Northumberland 
inty, James Harris McKinney wa d to 
Mi>s Ruth I.. I n lur mother's maiden 
me was Esther Grayham, of Carlisle, Cum- 
berland county), who was born in that county, 
April 11, 1799, daughtei oi Andrew Ferguson, 
who was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a farmer; 
manuf I flour and woolen t:oods 
his mills on Chatham run. Nine children 
reborn to tins union, namely: (Fourth gen- 
eration) John (deceased . i .. decea 

rt M. Ru I Dewart, North- 

umberland count} ; and their children are -Ed- 
mund, 1 and Mi 1 Vim 5 , who died 
in the twenty-sixth year ol I Andrew 1 
of tins review; William L., who died at the 
of twenty-t\ I ed in Nittany Valley; 
I ' ! I Mollj . 1- the only child of 
W. I i' 0, il Baltimore, Maryland), wh 
physician an in of the 87th Pennsylvania 
nt during the ■. • at K bi lli< n, - iw a res- 
ident ol I 1 ity, Md. ; J. Han iate 
judge of Clinton county, is also an elder in the 

al |ersi j Sh 
tin- four generations is repri sented by an elder in 
the ( bun h of 1 hi ii ind Priscilla, widow 

"I ' rth- 

umberland county, who,,- children are — Jan 
William and Jem 

I ourth generation): Andrew C. McKinney, 
whose name inti horn in 

Turbut tow nship, Northumb iuntj . 1 

\ 9, 1824, and was five years old when 
ight bj In- i : tow nship, Clin- 

ton thi mnty. \\ hen tweh 

'pained his parents on then 
moval to Pine Creek township, where 



tended pay school taught by Esquire Walters, 
and also a night-school taught by Nchemiah 

3, and gresv to manhood upon the farm now 
owned by his brother, Judge McKinney. He 
assisted in the operation of the place until 
twenty-three years of age, when he began learn- 
ing the tanner's trade with his old school teacher. 
Squire Walters, remaining with him for three 
In 1850, in Burnside township, Clear- 
field county, he built and operated a small tan- 
n. tv for three years, but desiring to engage in 
the manufacturing business on a more extensive 
scale, he went to Lock Haven, where in part- 
nership with a Mr. Hiram Gray, in 1856. he 
erected a flouring-mill and bread, cracker and 
candy factory, and later started the first planing- 
mill and door, sash and blind factory in the 
county, admitting to a one-third partnership, in 

1. in the operation of the flouring-mill and 
planing-mill, his wife's half-brother, Hon. Allison 
White, and a Mr. H. Hippie, a one-fourth in 
the planing-mill. This partnership was only 
fairly started (fifteen days), when in 1861 both 
the mills and the factory were destroyed by 
tire at a loss of over $30,000 to our subject, 
nearly the entire loss falling on him. 

Although all was lost except his debts and 
reputation or credit, Mr. McKinney was not dis- 

raged, but with indomitable energy began life 
anew, building a bread and cracker bakery and 
buying out the interest of Mr. Gray. He con- 
ducted the business with good success until l8< 
but in the meantime had settled or assumed the 
debts of the firm of Gray <S: McKinney, and as- 
sisted his late partner to embark in the lumber 
business, and as he failed after a few years in 
business, he lost a large amount. In 1863 Mr. 
McKinney purchased a tract of 1,100 acres of 
timber land in Keating township, Clinton county, 
and was for years engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, cutting square timber and in rafts running 
it to Marietta and other markets down the Sus- 
quehanna; but in the great rlood of 1865 he lost 
about $9,000 worth of timber. With character- 
istic energy, however, he continued operations, 
cutting his timber until [873, when he built a 

brick block, 125 feet front by 60 feet de. 
known as the McKinney block, a part of which 
was a market. This was erected at a 

of $20,000, but in this enterprise he was op- 
1 by members of the city council who were 
stockholders in another market, and passed ordi- 
nani ■ his building, and the 

block was finally sold at a great sacrifice. 

In 1879 Mr. McKinney and his family re- 

to Chatham Kun, Pine Creek township, 

where he took charge of the grist and saw mills 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



639 



formerly owned by George Crawford, his father- 
in-law (originally built and owned by his grand- 
father, Andrew Ferguson), and has there con- 
tinued to engage in the milling business up to 
the present time, having fitted out the plant with 
new machinery, rollers, etc. Both mills are run 
by water-power. During the flood of 1889 the 
sawmill was torn from its foundation and de- 
stroyed. The damage to mills, crops on hand 
and growing, and house and barn, which were 
carried away, could not well be estimated. In 
connection with his milling interests, Mr. McKin- 
ney owns and operates a farm of forty-five acres 
cleared and 100 in heavy timber, on which he is 
engaged in raising wheat and tobacco. His has 
been a remarkable career (five times while living 
in Lock Haven he was roused in the night to find 
his property on fire), full of adversity as well as 
prosperity, but he has steadily overcome all ob- 
stacles in his path, and is justly regarded as one 
of the most persevering, progressive and reliable 
business men of Pine Creek township. His hon- 
esty and integrity are above question, and he 
commands the respect and esteem of all who 
know him. He was at one time a member of 
both the Odd Fellows Society and the Masonic 
Order, but at present is connected with no secret 
organization. He has always been identified 
with the Republican party until the election of 
1896, when he and his four sons supported the 
Democratic ticket, believing that the free coin- 
age of silver would be for the best interests of 
the wealth-producing people. 

On the old Crawford homestead in Pine 
Creek township, where they are now residing, on 
December 9, 1856, was consummated the marriage 
of Mr. McKinney and Miss Elizabeth White 
Crawford. She was born in that township, Feb- 
ruary 26, 1833, a daughter of George Crawford. 
Seven children blessed this union, as follows: 
(1) (Fifth generation) Virginia Ruth, born Feb- 
ruary 23, 1858, died March 17, 1859. (2) Eliza- 
beth C, born February 4, i860, is the wife of 
Millard F. Kissel, of Dunnstown, Woodward 
township, Clinton county, and has three children 
— (Sixth generation) J. Harris, Clarence and 
Charles. (3) James Harris, born October 7, 
1861, died September 1, 1863. (4) George C. , 
born March 25, 1865, was educated in the Lock 
Haven High School, and is a miller by occupa- 
tion, operating the Chatham Run Mill. He mar- 
ried Cora Betts, only daughter of William and 
Matilda (Candy) Betts. (5) John G., born Au- 
gust 2, 1867, also attended the Lock Haven High 
School, and later pursued a course in the East- 
man Business College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 
where he graduated in 1S88. He is now a book- 



keeper or transfer clerk at Grand Junction, Colo. , 
for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Co. He 
married Florence Robinson, of Salt Lake City, 
Utah, and has one daughter — Ruth V. (6) 
Mary (Mamie), born November 26, 1869, was 
educated in the schools at Chatham Run, and is 
with her parents. (7) Robert R. , born Septem- 
ber 15, 1872, in Lock Haven, pursued his studies 
at Chatham Run, and is now with his parents en- 
gaged in farming and in operating their sawmill. 
(8) William, born February 1, 1875, was edu- 
cated at Chatham Run, and is still with his par- 
ents. 

The Crawford family, to which Mrs. McKin- 
ney belongs, is also of Scotch-Irish descent. Her 
great-grandfather, James Crawford, was born in 
Ireland, and on coming to this country settled in 
what was then Wayne township, Northumber- 
land Co., Penn., but is now a part of Clinton 
county. There he followed the occupation of 
shoemaking, and spent his remaining days. In 
his family were several children, including Robert 
Crawford, grandfather of Mrs. McKinney. He 
became a resident of Pine Creek township, where 
he engaged in the tanning business throughout 
his active business life. He married Elizabeth 
Cjuiggle, of Wayne township, who was also of 
Scotch-Irish descent, and they became the par- 
ents of six children: James A.; Ann, wife of 
Levi Packer; Fanny, wife of Robert Shaw, and 
mother of Squire Shaw, of Pine Creek township; 
Nancy, wife of Hugh White; Eliza, wife of 
Thomas Condon; and George, the father of Mrs. 
McKinney. The parents of these children both 
died in Pine Creek township, and their remains 
were interred at Jersey Shore. Both were earnest 
and consistent members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and the fatherwas a stalwart Democrat in 
politics. 

George Crawford, one of the most prominent 
and influential citizens of Clinton county, was 
born November 7, 1794, in Wayne township, 
attended the common schools to a limited extent, 
but was almost wholly self-educated. His early 
life was spent as a boatsman (a book of original 
entries, in possession of A. C. McKinney, shows 
he kept a country store as early as October 10, 
181 5, carried on his commerce by river boats) on 
the river, plying between Jersey Shore and 
Columbia and Marietta, carrying lumber and 
grain to market and returning with goods for this 
region. In 1834 he was superintendent of the 
Pennsylvania canal on the West branch division 
of the Susquehanna. He then lived and kept 
store in Pine Creek township, where he pur- 
chased the farm of 130 acres, on which George 
Crist now resides. There he erected a fine brick 



640 



I OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



dence and made man) im- 

. but in 1848 removed to the Chatham 

Run mills, which hi d until 1874, when 

he! all business cares. His fellow citi- 

wi rth and ability chose him 
I gislature 
in [831, 1832 and 1833, and he filled that 
spoi 1 n with 1 himself and to 

the ral public. B) the 

i he was ap] judge under 

tin titul i his colleag 

Hi n. Thomas Burnside and II in. John Fleming. 
II. .■ - later elected t,> i I term 

5, and was then associated with Hon. 
W. Woodward and Hon. John Fleming. 
He the Clinton County 

until 1 843, and most faith- 
fully performed all duties which devolved upon 
him, whether public or private. 1 1 w is isti 
I '. nd was an ai ti\ 1 and 

iit member of the Presbyterian Church, 
in which he sen 

On J. ulnars 2, Mr. ( rawford was mar- 

I, b> Rev. J. II Grier, to Mr-. Elizabeth 
White, widow of James White, who was b 
Decembei n the White Island, and 

died at the old homestead in Pine Creek town- 
ship, M The children born to 
- worthy couple are as follows: 1 Char- 
lotte W . born December 4, 1822, married N. 
W F Lock Haven, ami died in 
14; i:i Robert A . bom May 1;, 1^25, died 

rn July 27, 
I at the |. fferson Colli 
l'eim., whi 'k the d 

I'e A. . and was I tnty 

■■ .; until [852. Subsequently 

f the Kan f armer and Daily 
tt. Kans., and died at Grand 
Jui He was the foum 

of 1 tt. Kan- Junction, Col,,. 

William II.. bin January 10, 1 ikes 

- : ' ■ Lycomi nn. ; 

John \\ March 11, is a 

hatham Run, Penn. . and has a 
m 1 rrand Jun< tion, i ■ ibeth, born 

Februarj our 

sub; Mary J rn June 14, the 

widow t 1 harli B Rich, ol Wo,, Inch. Penn. 
She and h> 1 si n. C. B., lughter, M 

Josephine, now ' [unction, Colo- 



AUG1 STf S N. .sTI.\ 1 \>i«N is ., prom- 
inent hardware merchant at 't the 
ling business men ,,f Renovo. It is not diffi- 
cult ■ ire what manner of man is Mr. 



11. In a republican country where 
merit must win. we can tell much of his life. 
Wealth may secure a start but it cannot main- 
in 1 position where brains and executive 
ability are required. He did not have wealth to 
aid him in beginning his business career. His 
reliance has been placed in the more substantial 
qualities of perseverance, untiring enterprise, res- 
olute purpose and commendable zeal, and withal 
his actions have been guided by an honesty of 
purpose that none have questioned. 

Our subject was born in Jersey Shore, Ly- 
ing county, Penn., June 14, 1S40, the eldest 
son of Joseph S. and Margaret Stevenson, repre- 
sentatives of the earliest pioneer families of that 
itv. The father was quite prominently con- 
nected with the agricultural and business interests 
of the Wesl Branch Valley. The son was pro- 
vided with a liberal education, attending both 
the public and private schools of his native city. 
At an early age he entered his father's mercantile 
iblishment, where he remained for several 
years gaining a general knowledge of the business, 
and in the latter part of the year 1S62 he was 
appointed baggage master on the old Catawissa 
railroad, his run being between Williamsport and 
Tamaqua. During this period the Civil war was 
raging, and he, like many loyal spirits, resigned 
his position to enter the Union army, becoming 
a in fohn E. Wynkoop's Cavalry 

R( giment, which was assigned to duty along the 
1', iti imac 1 e. 

After serving his term of enlistment, Mr. 

enson was honorably discharged and entered 

a hardware store at Milton, Penn., where he 

served as salesman for nearly two years and 

I a thorough knowledge of the busin 
In the spring ,,1 [868 the construction of the low 

de division ol tin- Allegheny Valley railn 
between Driftwood and Red Bank was com- 
menced, and Col. G. A. Worth, of Elmira, X. 
Y., became contractor for the building of section 
Mix Run, Cameron Co., Penn., where he 
established his headquarters. He gave employ- 
ment to several hundred men and employed Mr. 
\ master and bookkeeper, which 
position he acceptably filled from March, \l 
to November, 1869, when the section was coin- 
In Janu ,. Mr. Stevenson was married 
Miss Margaret Campbell, of Milton, Penn., 
3 born one child, Margaret, July 
4. 1S70, who died in ( I, 1S71. The fol- 
lowing year the lather became general manager 
Martin & Worth's large supply store in La\v- 
sonham, Clarion county, which did a business of 
than $100,000 annually, under the able 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



641 



supervision of our subject. Before the term of 
his contract had expired at that place, there had 
been established another supply store at Penfield, 
where the railroad made its headquarters, and 
Mr. Stevenson was transferred to that point, 
where he remained until the road was nearly 
completed. In May, 1873, he came to Renovo 
and leased a small store building, where he em- 
barked in the hardware business on his own ac- 
count. At that time the stores of the place were 
all general mercantile establishments, but from 
the beginning he prospered in his new undertak- 
ing, and it soon became necessary to seek larger 
quarters. In November, 1874, he leased a new 
store building, 24 x 50 feet, on Erie avenue below 
.Sixth street, which he completely stocked with 
a general line of hardware, cutlery, paints, oils, 
glass, etc., and three years later purchased the 
property. In the spring of 18S8 he built a fine 
two-story brick addition, making the building 
24 x 90 feet. He now has one of the finest and best- 
arranged hardware stores between Harrisburg 
and Erie, and by fair and honorable dealing has 
built up a large and constantly increasing trade. 
Since becoming a resident 'of Renovo Mr. 
Stevenson has taken quite an active and promi- 
nent part in public affairs, and has been elected 
to the city council, of which body he was chosen 
president for the last year of his term. He is a 
recognized leader in the local Republican organi- 
zation, and in 1896 was prominently spoken of 
for associate judge of Clinton county. He is 
now a member of the State Central Committee 
from Clinton county. He is an honored mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, with which he has 
been connected since residing in Penfield in 1873, 
when he joined Clearfield Lodge No. 314, F. & 
A. M. In 1S82 he became a member of Renovo 
Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M. ; the following year 
he became connected with La Fayette Chapter 
No. 163, R. A. M., and Hospitaller Commandery 
No. 4C, R. T., of Lock Haven; in 1S84 he was 
made a member of Philadelphia Consistory, S. 
P. R. S. ; and three years later became identified 
with Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. K. M. S. He is 
also a charter member of Bucktail Post No. 142, 
G. A. R., which was organized at Renovo, Sep- 
tember 24, 1879, and for the first five years he 
served as quartermaster. He also took an active 
interest in bringing into the organization many 
of the old soldiers of the Civil war. Mr. Steven- 
son has made good use of his opportunities, 
and has prospered in his business undertakings. 
Courteous, genial, well-informed, alert and en- 
terprising, he stands to-day one of the leading 
representative men of Clinton county — a man 
who is a power in his community. 

41* 



JAMES W. BRIDGENS, who has now been 
actively engaged in mercantile business in 
Lock Haven for more than thirty-five years, is 
one of the most valued citizens of that progress- 
ive and wide-awake community, his influence 
being given to the support of every movement 
that seems calculated to advance the interests of 
the locality. 

Mr. Bridgens was born September 28, 1838, 
at North Bend, Clinton county, the son of Rob- 
ert and Lois (Summerson) Bridgens, who both 
were natives of that county. His father was en- 
gaged in farming and lumbering as a business, 
and took a prominent part in political affairs, hav- 
ing been one of the first commissioners of Clin- 
ton county. His death occurred in 1882, and 
our subject's mother passed away in 1893. This 
worthy couple had seven children: John B. (de- 
ceased), Nancy E. (Mrs. John Cjuiggle), Malissa 
M. (Mrs. D. M. May), Sarah A. (Mrs. G. G. 
Reese), Thomas J., Robert R. , and James W. 
(our subject.) Reared as a farmer boy, James 
W. Bridgens had only the educational advantages 
afforded by the local schools, where the terms 
were short, and the methods of teaching much 
inferior to those of to-day. At the age of twen- 
ty-four he left home and settled at Lock Haven, 
engaging in the dry-goods and grocery business, 
which he has continued successfully ever since. 
He is now the oldest merchant in his line in the 
city, and for the last ten years his son, James F. 
Bridgens, has been associated with him under 
the firm name of J. W. Bridgens & Son, and 
they rank among the solid business men of the 
county. 

In 1867, our subject was 'married to Miss 
Mary E. Fearon, daughter of James Fearon, a 
well-known resident of Clinton county. Four 
children have blessed this union: James F., 
Edward W., Carrie M. and Elizabeth L. The 
family is identified with the Presbyterian Church, 
of which Mrs. Bridgens, the eldest daughter, and 
the youngest son are active members. 

Politically, Mr. Bridgens is a Democrat, and 
has always been a firm opponent of monopolies. 
While he does not aspire to official honors of any- 
kind, he has done good service to the cause of 
education as a trustee of the Central State Nor- 
mal School, and as a director of the local schools, 
having held the latter position for more than 
twelve years. 



JACOB BECHTEL. No man in Clinton coun- 
ty is probably more worthy of representation 
in a work of this kind than the gentleman 
whose name opens this sketch. For over half a 



64: 



- OMMEMORATn GRAPHICAL RECORD. 



;ury he ! i identified w ult- 

ur.il interesl », makii upon his 

farm in Lamar township since April, He 

has given i onsiderabli attention to the stud 
fruit-culture, ami the knowledge thus acquired 
has been pul to th< 

the most successful fruit-growers in 
nty. 
Boi n Dei embi i mty, 
along Fishing creek, in Porter township, near 
the Lamar township line, Mr. Betchel is a son of 
[ohn B( ti hel, whose bin * >. near 
tsville, in Schuylkill I n. The grand- 
father, Abraham Bechtel, was > in 
Schuylkill county, about 1781, of German an- 
ted with "i f the wealthy 

and prominent families of tin- Fatherland. Tin' 
grandfather had several It. I long whom 

wen 1 who died in E ley, Pi mi. ; 

muel ami 1 >aniel. lomon, 

and a sister whi thewifeof Jacob Ri 

(both Solomon and Mrs. Roats are living). In 
[812 Abraham Bechtel local dar Run 

in Portei township, Clinton county, but two 
Fishing Cr« ek, where he 
; inued 1 nion county, 

Penn., in 1854 He was a general mechanic, 
and in early lifi 1 in shoemaking during 

the winter season, while in summer he followed 
In, r, threshing and other work 

which he could lim! Liter he followed 

farming mall scale, ami also conduct 

sawmill on Fishing creek ('>r a number of yi 
lie married Catharine Contner, by whom he had 
two children: Hannah, who married |ohn Hull, 
ami died in Centre county, 1 | 1, fa- 

ther of oursubject. The grand fathi 

in Union ci iunty, anil in 
3 than a \ear his wife also passed away, the 
a^; interred in Union county. 
John Bechtel was born March 14. 1 
w.i ily a boy when brought 

Ins parents to Clint ,v to 

manhood. His mother spun the Rax and v 
the cloth ha thi nd while 

I |i >l 1 1 1 Wl i|e lliil 

He married Miss Catharine Best, wl born 

in Columbia county, Penn., in 17117. a daughter 
nf Jacob Best, and thi y bei ame tin- | 
two children: Eliza, now the w William 

raylor, of Mifflinburg, Penn. ; and [acob, nf this 

The mothei died in 1880, ami thi 
thi ,it tin- hmi, 

subject, ami both were buried at 1 Mill. 

They had lived in Nittany Valley, Clinton coun- 
ty, until 1854, when tin > removed t • > Union 
ating mar Forest I fill, where tin- 



Later the father, hav- 
:i his thigh ami helpless, made 

with our subject until he, too, departed 
this hie. 11 I for the Demo- 

but la! ined the Whig 

party, ami on its dissolut a Repub- 

lican. His memory was tine, his knowledge of 
ptures th 1, ami he was a faithful 

member of the Methodist Church. 

In a primith hool-house Jacob Bechtel 

began his education, and one winter attended 
school in Aaronsburg, Center Co.. Penn. Being 
an only son, In- remained upon the home farm. 

1 which he now was purcha 

by his father from Henry Yeager in 1S39, and 
after his removal to Union county, in 1S54. our 
subject remained upon the place. In connection 
with its cultivation he also embarked in the saw- 
mill business, in and since that time has 
w months each year to lumbering. 

I [is In in ipi ises 1 20 acres of rich ami arable 

land, ami he also has 5 20 acres of timberland, so 
that he is now one of the most prosperous and 
substantial citizens of his community. He has 
now laid aside the more arduous duties of the 
farm, but continues its management ami k< ■ 
thiir. I air. 

1 Bainbridge, in Lam I 1 unt) . Penn., 

on 1 1 r j.;. 1853, Jacob Bechtel was uni- 

with Miss Catharine Reese, who 

was born in August, 1S37, a daughter of Rev. 

Charles I a Lutheran minister, and they 

the parents of the following childi 
Olivia K., wife of John Fortney, of Lamar town- 
ship, Cli unty; Mrs. Reuben McClintock, 
of Mill Hall, Penn.; Bertie, widow Of Albert Eli, 
Haven; and Charles. inter of 
[ohnstown, Penn. Thewife and mo sed 
unseen world June iS, 1889, and was 
I 1 tery. 
Mr. Bechtel uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port nf the men ami ! of the Republii 
party, hut h 1 ared for tin- honors or 
,.f publii 1 1 aterna'ly, he is a 
idler of the Grange, and, religiously, i> identi- 
fied with tin- Lutheran Church, [nmanyresp 
his life has been an exemplary one. He is an 
intelligent man, with sound, common sensi views 

nd its duties; : ill well doing, 

■lions and of good business habits. 

in fact. thi qualifications that go 

t.' make up a n and an honorable man. 



BRAHAM L. BITNER. The subject of 
this 11. ertainly entitled to be con- 

red not "lib the enterprising fain 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



043 



oi Bald Eagle township, Clinton countv, but one 
of its respected and honored citizens, and a man 
of more than ordinary ability. He was born 
November, 1 1, 1833, in Liberty township. Centre 
Co., Penn., a son of John and Susan (Orner) 
Bitner, and a grandson of John Bitner, Sr. 

The father, a native of Centre county, was a 
stonemason by trade, and followed that pursuit 
in early life, but later purchased a farm in Beech 
Creek township, Clinton county, and devoted his 
remaining days to agricultural pursuits. He was 
in very limited circumstances at the time of his 
marriage, having to borrow money enough to 
pay all necessary expenses at that time, but being 
industrious, energetic and persevering, he secured 
for his family a good home. He developed a 
good farm at the foot of the Alleghany Mount- 
ains, and there spent his last years, dying at the 
age of fifty-eight years, nine months and twenty- 
three days. His wife departed this life at the 
age of seventy-eight years, six months and twen- 
ty-eight days, and was laid by his side i» Eagle- 
ville cemetery. Both were earnest and consist- 
ent members of the Church of Christ, and in 
politics the father was a Democrat. 

In the family of this worthy couple were 
eleven children, who reached years of maturity, 
married and reared families of their own. They 
were as follows: Christopher, a resident of 
Beech Creek township, Clinton county; Emaline 
widow of Fulton Miller, of the same township- 
John, a retired farmer of Eaglevflle; Margaret,' 
widow of George Kessinger, of Minnesota; Eliz- 
abeth, wife of Wayne Gardner, of Howard, 
Penn.; Abraham B., of this review; Sarah, now 
Mrs. Adam Myers, of Chatham Run, Penn. ■ 
Nathan M., of Centre county; Julia A., who 
wedded (first) Matthias Grove, and is no'w the 
widow of David Stephenson, of Lock Haven- 
Alvina, wife of David Simons, of Lock Haven; 
and Hezekiah, of Holmes county, Ohio. 

The education which our subject received was 
such as the country schools of his day afforded, 

heatfirstattendingtheBrownschoolinBaldEagle 
township, where the furniture was of the most 
primitive character and where the pupils wrote 
with quill pens. He remained upon the home 
farm until his marriage, which important event 
in his life was celebrated at Beech Creek, March 
IS. 1856, Miss Martha J. Trexler becoming his 
wife. She was born in Williamsport, Penn 
September 2, 1839, and is the second child and 
eldest daughter in a family of seven children- 
two sons and five daughters— whose parents were 
William and Elmira (White) Trexler. The father 
followed the occupation of shoemaking in Beech 
Creek. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. 



Abraham B. Bitner are as follows: William F. , 
who died in infancy; Irvin T., a cigarmaker of 
Altoona, Penn. ; C. McClellan, a cigarmaker of 
Du Bois; Ernest D., a farmer of Bald Eagle 
township, Clinton county; Delia, wife of Harry 
Best, of Lock Haven; Ira M. , who died at the 
age of five years; Fullmer E., at home; Tillie, 
who died in infancy; and Blair and GroverC.! 
both at home. 

When married, Mr. Bitner's cash capital 
consisted of only $50, which he had saved from 
teaming and trapping. He trapped many foxes, 
which were quite numerous in this section at that 
time. For one-fourth of the products he oper- 
ated his father's farm for one year, it being 
stocked by his father, and then worked for one 
season in a sawmill on Beech creek, but with that 
exception his life has been devoted to agricult- 
ural pursuits, carrying on operations in Beech 
Creek, Pine Creek and Lamar townships, Clinton 
county, and Liberty township, Centre county. 
In the spring of 1886 he removed to his present 
farm in Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, 
where he had lived once before, and now has his 
land under a high state of cultivation. He 
heartily endorses the principles of the Democratic 
party, and has served his fellow-citizens very 
acceptably in the capacity of school director. 
Both he and his wife are faithful members of the 
Church of Christ, in which he is serving as elder, 
and wherever known they are held in high regard.' 
A man of the strictest integrity and honor, his 
word is considered as good as his bond, and he 
is liberal and generous almost to a fault. At 
this writing he is serving as judge of election 
in Bald Eagle township. 



JOHN SPRINGER, one of the best-known citi- 
zens of Gallaher township, Clinton county, is 
a man whose successful struggle with adverse 
circumstances shows what can be accomplished 
by industry and economy, especially if he is aided 
in his efforts to secure a home and competence 
by a sensible wife. 

Born at the "Block House," in Lycoming 
county, Penn., December 15, 1S33, Mr. Springer 
is the only child of Samuel and Christina (Fost) 
Springer, the former a native of Pennsylvania 
and the latter of Germany. The father, a farmer 
by occupation, lived mostly in Lycoming and 
Tioga counties. The mother was twice married, 
her second husband being Thomas Gottschall, of 
Gallaher township, Clinton county, by whom she 
had five children, namely: Mary, wife of Samuel 
Swartz; Elizabeth, who died unmarried; Cath- 
arine, wife of Michael Biser: Rebecoa, deceased 



644 



\t XEMORA TIYB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wi|, . England; and Lucy, who died 

in childhood. Both Mr and Mrs. Gottschall 
died in Rose Valley, Lyi mnty. She was 

i xcellent woman and a hard work 
John Sprinj ication was limited • 

few months' atti odance at the country schools. 
With his stepfather he worked at lumbering and 
shingle-making until twenty-seven years 
starting out m life for himself in i860. His first 
venture was in buying fifty acres of timber land. 
which h 1 and converted into highly cul- 

tiv.i' ! waving grain. He also pur- 

chased another tract of the ind now 

has one of the finest farms inGallaher township, 
it being improved with an elegant residence and 
good barns and outbuildings, the cost of which 
ait $3,000. In his work he has been ably 
assisted by his estimable wife, who has ind 
proved a faithful helpmeet to him. 

1 In April in Gallaher township, 

Clinton county, Mr. Springer was married to 
Mi>- Christina Beisser, who was born in Witten- 
lermany, December 27, 1830, a daughter 
k l'.eisser, who -pent his entire life in 
the Fatherland. She was educated in her native 
land, and wh< n 1 young girl crossed the Atlantic 
in the " William Tell," which landed her safely 
at New York. Alt. 1 spending a short time in 
that city she \ the home of her uncle, 

Cb rles Bei ■ 1 , ii o mnty, Penn., with 

whom she remained until giving her hand in 
marria: subject. She is well-known all 

ount} for her excellent cooking, and 
she is one ol the best housekeepers to be found 
in the locality. 

□ 1" 'in nine children: 

< 1 Geoi M . born 1: lied in infancy. 

bon, July 5, i860, married Ella 

, and h II irvey C, 

Ma : I Mar) I. He is a carpenter and 

living in VVilliamsport, Penn , 
Demoi rat m i' I the 

Mi thodist I Church, M., 

born Mai len Harber, and 

has two children Roy and Lawrence, lb 
lows farming inGallaher township, Clinton coun- 
ty. (4 Nam j . born ( > \, died when 
ten Samuel, born February 21, 
1 865, died in infant 1 . ]. . born Oc- 

lied February 1 8, 
Jacob, born June 1 ;. 

Gallaher township, married I- ttschall; 

and has one daughl 

ust 10, : Reuben, born February 

;•■ both at hon 

is allegi 
•.. and has faithfully served his fellow- 



citizens in the capacity of tax collector, school 
director, overseer of the poor, supervisor and 
assessor. He has ever been found true to 
v trust reposed in him. whether public or 
private, and has discharged his duties in a 
-t commendable and satisfactory manner. 
He has accumulated a handsome property, and 
his life illustrates what can be accomplished 
through industry, perseverance, good manage- 
ment, and a determination to succeed. 



JACOB VONADA, a well-known and high- 
ly-respected agriculturist now living in Porter 
township. Clinton county, near the Lamar 
township line, was born February 20, 1S36, in 
Hartle) township, Union Co., Penn., but when 
only a few months old was taken by his parents, 
rge and Mary (Heinly) Yonada, to Perm's 
Valley, Centre county, locating near Woodward. 
Later they removed to Nittany Valley, the same 
county, where both died, the father at the age 
of seventy-two, ami the mother at the age of 
eighty-two, and the remains of both were in- 
terred in Hublersburg cemetery. They were Lu- 
therans in religious belief, and in politics Mr 
Yonada was a Democrat. Throughout his en- 
tire life he followed the occupation of farming. 
In the family were eight children — four sons and 
lour daughters — of whom three sons and tin 
daughters are yet living. 

Dunn- his boyhood and youth Jacob 
Vonada attended the district schools of Penn's 
Valley, which at that time were not noted for 
their efficiency. He began his education in the 
Harper school, under the direction of Jacob T. 
Mi yer. In early life he also learned the black- 
smith's trade at " St. Paul's Church,'' in Hail 
township, Centre county, under Squire Jacob 
Hosterman, but, not liking that occupation, he 
devoted most of his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits. Upon the farm where he was reared he 
t forty years of his lil 

On December 2. 1866, in Penn's Valley, Mr. 
Vonada was married to Miss Rebecca Stover, 
who was born February 27, 1838, near !' 

k, Haines township, Centre county, the 
dai. Andrew and Sarah (Frank) Stovei 

They became the parents of two children: Ed^ar 
1 '• . who is married and has one child, and is en- 
d in farming on his father's and uncle J. 
11 Lamar township, Clinton coun- 
ty; and Ida, wh I Lt the age of tlire. 
Afti ur subject continued t 

! homestead in Haines township, 
nty, as Ins father had removed I 
Hublersburg in Nittany Valley, and 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



645 



there the son remained until April 4, 1876, when 
his father purchased a tract of ucji acres in La- 
mar township, Clinton county, known as the Best 
farm. After the death of his mother John and 
Jacob Vonada purchased the Best farm, where 
Jacob resided till the spring of 1897, when he 
removed to his present residence in Porter town- 
ship. He has ever been a hard-working, ener- 
getic, progressive farmer, and in his labors has 
been ably assisted by his estimable wife, who has 
indeed proved a true helpmeet to him. His up- 
right, honorable life has commended him to the 
confidence and esteem of all with whom he has 
come in contact, and his friends in his adopted 
county are many. Through his own efforts he 
has secured a comfortable competence, and he is 
to-day numbered among the prosperous citizens 
of the community. He has always been unwav- 
ering in his support of the Democratic party, and 
he has served as deacon and elder in the Luther- 
an Church, with which he is connected. 



THEW JOHNSON, a lumberman now resid- 
ing in Hyner, Chapman township, Clinton 
county, has been an important factor in business 
circles, and his popularity is well-deserved. He 
is public spirited, and thoroughly interested in 
whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual 
and material welfare of his community. 

Mr. Johnson was born March 17, 1822, in 
Lycoming county (now Noyes township, Clinton 
county), a son of John Johnson, whose birth oc- 
curred in Yorkshire, England, in 1797. In 1800, 
when only three years old, he was brought by 
his parents to America in a sailing vessel, land- 
ing at Philadelphia, whence they came to Wayne 
township, Clinton county, which was at that 
time a part of Lycoming county, and located 
near Pine Station. There John Johnson attended 
school, where he learned to read and write, which 
was considered a sufficient education for ordinary 
use in those days. Learning the miller's trade, 
he came to Chapman township when a young 
man, and rented a small gristmill on Hyner run, 
which he operated for twenty-two years. Sub- 
sequently he bought a farm of 100 acres now in 
Grugan township, and followed agricultural pur- 
suits up to the time of his death, which occurred 
in 1876, his remains being interred in Hyner 
cemetery. In early life he was a Whig, and 
later supported the Republican party, while re- 
ligiously he and his family held membership in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they were 
held in high regard by all who knew them. 

John Johnson was married to Miss Mary 
Shaffer, by whom he had six children, namely: 



Margaret (deceased), Thew (our subject), Shaffer 
F. (a banker of Lock Haven), Angeline (now de- 
ceased), Isabella (living), and John W. (who op- 
erates the old homestead in Grugan township). 
The mother died upon that place, and was laid 
to rest by the side of her husband. 

Mr. Johnson, whose name introduces this 
sketch, pursued his studies in an old log school 
house in what is now Chapman township, sup- 
plied with the rudest of furniture, and spent the 
first thirty-eight years of his life under the pa- 
rental roof, working on the farm during the sum- 
mer season and in the woods through the winter 
months. In partnership with his brother Shaf- 
fer he engaged in the lumber business, and rafted 
their products down the west branch of the Sus- 
quehanna to Marietta. In i860 he located in 
Hyner, where he now owns a home. For a num- 
ber of years he and his brother continued busi- 
ness together, and he is now connected with F. 
S. Johnson, W. C. Weaver and Joseph Power. 
They own about 6,000 acres of timberland in 
Clinton county, and in 1894 erected a sawmill on 
Hyner run, which three years later was destroy- 
ed by fire, but they are still interested in the 
lumber business. 

In i860, at Hyner, our subject was married 
to Miss Mary Southerland, who was born in Lib- 
erty, Dunstable township, Lycoming county, in 
1820. The only child born of this union died in 
infancy. 

Mr. Johnson cast his first Presidential vote 
for the Whig candidate, and is a Republican and 
for sound money. He has served as auditor of 
Chapman township, but has never cared for of- 
ficial honors, preferring to devote his time and 
attention to his business interests. His life has 
been one of toil, beginning work in early boy- 
hood (as soon as he could handle an axe), and he 
is now suffering from the effects of exposure on 
the mountains. Due success has not been de- 
nied him, and he is classed among the substan- 
tial citizens of his community. He takes delight 
in travel, and has visited many portions of this 
country in search of lands. In many respects 
his life has been an exemplary one. 



CHARLES H. RICH. Central Pennsylvania 
' boasts of quite a number of men of inventive 
genius, men who have done much, by reason of 
superior ability in that line, to advance the in- 
terests of this region; but none are held in higher 
regard or deserve greater recognition than the 
subject of this sketch, now a prominent lumber- 
man, farmer and civil engineer, of Woolrich, Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county. He was born 



646 



• OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in that place December Jl, i860, a son of John 
F. and Catherine A. (< 'hi Rich, and is a brother 
of the gentlemen who 1 the well-known 

firm "f John Rich & Brothel □ manufact- 

urers, of Woolrich. 

During his boyhood and \"Uth our sul 
learned all the branches of woolen manufact 
but since completing his collegiate course has 
given ii" attention to that line of business. At 
Chatham Run, Pine Creek township, he began 
his education in the public schools, later attended 
a select school taught by T. W. Twitmire, and 
in Philadelphia, 

where he pursued a business and law course, 
graduating from that institution in 1SS0. He 
then took a course in higher mathematics and 
civil engineering, in Alleghei _■'. at Mi 

ville, Penn., and in [882 entered Jefferson Medi- 
cal ing to make the practice of 
medicine his life work, but liged to lay 
li his 1 — ks at th ii on account 
ol failinf ht. 

Ri turning to bis borne in Woolrich, Mr. Rich 
! in civil engineering and surveying, which 
be still continued to follow in connection with 
bis other business. In 1889 he opened a lumber 
yard al Woolrich, being the first and only lum- 
bei mi t that place; he also owns and 

I farm of 1 So acres, 
"ii which he is successfull) 1 in general 

farming and tobacco growinf lace 

tenant houses, three 
tol [20x24 feet, barns and other 

' >uildings, but in 1894 he had the misfortune 
hisshedsand barns, which wei 
b} -5.000. With character: 

I nilt. and is now 

ful and profitable business. His com- 
fortable home in Woolrich was 

Besides his other business 
inti ! ickholder in a local oil- 

well company. 

ing mm b Mr. Rich 

invented anumb ful articles, chief 

■.Inch 1- the para-n smitting 

bismuth disk, whii b was the 

,1 Bell telephone, but unfortunati 
he 1 with him an individual who 

cated his our subjecl 
lati 1 f it to the Bell Teli ; 

pan} for an immense sum, of which Mr. Rich 
ed a cent II Iso invented and 
patented the vacuum oiler tube, and a nut and 
: > for a carriage spindle, and .1 carriagi whip 
ind an automatic gate fixture, wl 
patented in 1890, a rotary engim n accel- 

.1 bicycle, besides many 



other inventions of great value to the public; but 
of all these he has made a side issue, it being a 
great pleasure to spend his leisure time in that 
way. 

At Fine Station, in 1SX4, Mr. Rich was mar- 
ried to Miss Katie A. Ouiggle, a native of Wayne 
township, Clinton county, and a daughter of 
Robert Quiggle. Two children have graced this 
union: Edna Dunn and Mary L. Politically, 
Mr. Rich has always been identified with the 
Republican party, ever taking an active part in 
its principles, and, although he has never been 
an office-seeker, he has served as auditor of his 
township, and has faithfully performed e\ 
duty of citizenship, being appointed a member of 
the Congressional conference that met at Belle- 
fonte, that put Gen. John Patton in nomination; 
also to place Hon. A. C. Hopkins in nomination, 
later Hon. Fred. C. Lenard for Congress. Having 
a good command of language, Mr. Rich is an excel- 
lent debater, and takes an active part in all the 
local debates. A Methodist in religious bel 
he has served as trustee of his Church and as a 
teacher in the Sunday-school, and he takes a 
leading and influential part in all enterprises cal- 
culated to promote the moral and material wel- 
fare of his native county. Socially he holds 
membership in the Royal Arcanum of Lock Ha- 
ven, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
of which he is president, of Woolrich. His strict 
integrity and honorable dealing in business com- 
mend him to the confidence of all; his pleasant 
manner wins him friends, and he is one of the 
popular and honored citizens of Clinton county. 

Stiles E. Rich, a brother of our subject, re- 
ceived his elementary education in the common 
schools of Chatham Run, and later pursued a 
business course at the Eastman Business College, 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Where he graduated in 
1880), also attending Dickinson Seminary, Will- 
iamsport, Penn., and State Central Normal 
School. He then served as bookkeeper and 
assistant in his brothers' woolen mills, at Wool- 
rich, until [893, when he removed to Harriman, 
Tenn., where he is now successfully engaged in 
merchan He is a Republican in politics, 

onsistent member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, and a strong temperance man. 
lb was married to Miss Minnie H. Hesser, of 
Bloomsburg, Penn., a daughter of Rev. W. 1 
" - Methodist Episcopal minister, and 

they have two sons: William H. and Ross B 



AM M, JOHNSON, one of the most 
minent and respected residents of 
Clinton county, was born October 3, 



N, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



647 



1825, in Delaware county, N. Y., a son of Mar- 
tin Johnson, who was born in the same county 
in 1800. The grandfather, Solomon Johnson, 
was a native of the same State, and one of thir- 
teen children, all of whose names begin with the 
letter "S." The grandfather was a lumber man- 
ufacturer in Delaware county, where he operated 
three sawmills, and was one of the prominent 
farmers, owning 150 acres of land. He was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was 
a Jacksonian Democrat in his political views, and 
a man of sterling worth, who spent his entire life 
in Delaware county. He was twice married. 

Martin Johnson, a son by the first marriage, 
received his education in the subscription schools, 
and throughout his life followed lumbering and 
farming. He owned 300 and cleared off 1,000 
acres of timber lands, on a part of which the 
town of Sidney, N. Y., now stands, including the 
old family residence. He engaged in the lumber 
business on an extensive scale, operating three 
mills, and was ranked among the leading and 
substantial citizens of the county. Retiring from 
active work, he removed to Tioga county, Penn., 
and later made his home with his son, Nelson E. 
Johnson, in Lycoming county, where he died in 
1 86 1. He was very active in Democratic circles, 
but never sought office, and he was a faithful 
member of the Baptist Church. 

Martin Johnson was married in Franklin 
township, Delaware county, N. Y., to Mary A. 
Patton, also born in that township, a daughter 
of John Patton, a native of Scotland, and a sol- 
dier of the Revolutionary war, who died at the 
age of one hundred and three years. Mrs. John- 
son, who was a very devoted wife and mother, 
died in Jackson, Penn., where her remains were 
interred. In the family were eight children: Al- 
bert died in Tioga county; Horace, Elizabeth and 
Mary, all three deceased, Horace dying in child- 
hood; William M.; Anna M. ; Mrs. Jane Warner, 
of Wisconsin; and Nelson E. , a well-known mill- 
wright of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

Our subject attended the public schools of his 
native county through the winter months, in the 
summers working on the farm, in the lumber 
woods and in the mill. Desirous of improving 
himself mentally, he spent all his leisure time in 
study, and is now a well-informed man. He 
worked at home until twenty years of age, at lum- 
bering and farming, and then in connection with 
his brother Albert, and an uncle, established a 
lumbering business at Southport, N. Y. , and also 
operated the Wells Mills at that point, which 
they conducted for a year with fair success. As 
he had not then attained his majority, he paid 
his father $200 for his time. After this our sub- 



ject spent one year at the carpenter's trade, build- 
ing the first church at the State line. He then 
removed to Tioga county, where he spent nine 
years as a millwright carpenter in saw or grist 
mills. He also passed some time in Clinton and 
Lycoming counties, and was afterward engaged 
for five years in general merchandising at Law- 
renceville, Tioga county. He then removed to 
Mill Hall, Clinton county, where he began the 
manufacture of windmills, rakes, etc., and in that 
enterprise was very successful. It was the first 
factory of the kind at Mill Hall, and he turned 
out thousands of windmills. He also conducted 
a store a part of the time during his six-years' 
stay at that place. In 1863 he secured a position 
as traveling salesman for the manufacturing firm 
of J. S. Marsh & Co., of Lewisburg, his territory 
covering five counties in Pennsylvania. Later 
he was given the general agency, and traveled all 
through the central and western States. He 
spent twenty-three years with that firm, winning 
for himself the confidence and respect of both his 
employers and the public. He sold over $125,- 
000 of manufactured goods each year for eight- 
een years as general salesman. In 1870, while 
traveling, he purchased the Peter Smith farm in 
Woodward township, Clinton county, compris- 
ing 126 acres, and on his retirement in 1885 he 
located on the farm, where the next eight years 
were passed in the quiet pursuits of rural 
life. In 1895 he built for himself a commodious 
and beautiful residence in Lockport, at a cost of 
$4, 500, and is now living there surrounded by all 
the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, and 
enjoying the friendship and regard of all who 
know him. 

In 1853, in Clinton county, Mr. Johnson was 
married to Anna M. Stewart, who was born in 
Lycoming county, a daughter of Charles Stewart, 
a prominent citizen of that section of the State. 
Six children grace this union: (1) Charles D. 
operates the home farm in Woodward township, 
married Carrie Probst, of that township, and had 
six children — Nettie I., Alma, Edward, Leroy, 
Carrie and Charles. (2) Ida D. is an accom- 
plished young lady at home. (3) William, a 
machinist of Philadelphia, married a Miss Galliher, 
and has two children — Elmer and Howard E. 
(4) Annie was the wife of Preston Albertson, 
and is now deceased. (5) Nellie died when 
twenty-two years old, and (6) Orville died in in- 
fancy. 

Mr. Johnson has served as school director 
and tax collector in his township, and is a stal- 
wart Republican, unwavering in his support of 
the men and measures of the party. He belongs 
to the Presbyterian Church, and has served as 






VMBMOBA TIVB BIOOBAPBICAl BECOBD. 



erintendent ami teacher in the Sunday-school. 
member of the I. O. O 1 
and the Sons oi Temperance, an lest 

worker in tli ranee. His success 

in life is attributable to his own efforts, and his 
bus ird is without a blemish. Helabo 

earnestly to advance the inti hiscompany 

during his 1 nd had their 

unqualified confidence. His nami 
with honorable dealing, and his worth is attested 
bv all who know him. 



D KAUFMAN, a well-known agriculturist and 
prominent citizen ol Porter township, Clin- 
county, has made his special field of indus- 
try a success, and is highly-esteemed and 

ted l>\ those who know him bi 
Born Mav 16, i 32 1, in Miles township. Brush 
Centre Co., Penn., Mr. Kaufman is a 
son of Nicholas and Llizabeth (Willman ) Kauf- 
man. The paternal grandfather also bore the 
name of Nicholas. The father- birth occurred 
April 30, 1777. in Berks county, Penn., where he 
itinued to reside until after his marriage. His 
d( in Nittany Valley, and his wife 

-ed away in Brush Valley, leaving two chil- 
ler of our subject being Hannah, now 
the wid ' >nrad Long, and a resident of 

Howard. Penn By occupation the father was 
always a farmer, and in political sentiment he 
in ardent Democrat. 
[> Kaufman, ol this sketch, passed the days 
of his boyhood and youth in bis native Valley, 
in much the usual manner of farmer lads, assist- 
his father in the labor of the fields, and. 
wh< it home, at- 

tending the pub tl eighborhi 

One ol his first teachers was Solomon Mo. 

named under the parental 
: until his marriage, at thi : twenty-i 

Miss Rebec* a Bi -> , th< j being ; 

formed in Hublersburg, Centre count) 
a native of Lehigh county, Penn., an 
■ [ohn and I 
tin 1 ■ ttive ol the honored and 

i families of Nittany Valley. Mr. 
I Mrs Kaufman have three children: Will 
11 r of Centre 1 md Leah E. and 

John I . bi ith at hon 

After his marriage Mr. Kaufman continue 
le on the old homestead farm in Brush Val- 
ley, Centre county, which he his 

father for some time, and then 1 

ime county, where he was empli 
at days work lb ira, and worked 



for different parties until coming to Nittany Val- 
ley in [866, when he purchased his present farm 
of sixty-two acres, in Porter township. Clinton 
t\ He is an excellent farmer, and a thor- 
hly reliable business man, gaining the confi- 
dence and respect of all with whom he comes in 
contact. For a time before coming to Nittany 
Valley he made his home in Sugar Valley. In 
early life Mr. Kaufman used his right of fran- 
chise in support of the Democratic party; but 
since the war he has been a pronounced Repub- 
lican, and has done all in his power to advance 
his party's interests. He and his estimable wife 
are members of the Mt. Bethel Reformed Church, 
and wherever known they are held in high 
regard. 



JAMES T TAYLOR, a wealthy retired agri- 
culturist of Lamar township, Clinton county, 
can look back with satisfaction upon a well- 
spent life as he passes down ' ' the western slope. " 
Surrounded by the comforts which his early toil 
has procured, his position is an enviable one, yet 
he doubtless finds his chief pleasure in the affec- 
tion which brightens his home, and in the 
thought of the sons and daughters who are, in 
their turn, filling honorable and useful places in 
life. 

The Taylor family belongs to that sturdy 
and energetic race known as the Scotch-Irish. 
Matthew Taylor, our subject's grandfather, came 
at an early date from Scotland to make his home 
near Reedsville, Mifflin county, Penn., where he 
purchased a large farm, still called the '*old 
Taylor homestead." Our subject's father. Henry 
Taylor, was born at this homestead, and became 
one of the leading agriculturists of that locality, 
owning and operating about 400 acres of land. 
He was a large man, and possessed great strength 

vitality, attaining the advanced age of eighty- 
three years. In politics he was first a Whig, and 
later a Republican, but never sought or held 
office, and he was actively identified with the 
Presbyterian Church for many years, his consist- 
ent conduct in daily life being a witness to the 
sincerity of his faith. His wife, whose maiden 
name was Priscilla Turbet, was the daughter of a 
farmer in Juniata county, Penn. ; she died at the 

1 if sixty-four, and the remains of both were 
buried in the cemetery at the old stone church 
on the hill near Reedsville. Their children were: 
ried Samuel Laird, and died at 
Pen 1 it Royal), Juniata county; 

Anna, v : Junes Kyle, of Mifflin county; 

Henry, I farmer, residing at Reedsville; 

James T. , ect; Priscilla, who married 






r 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



649 



William Thompson, and died near State College, 
Centre county; and Matthew, a farmer of Mifflin 
county. All were noted among their associates 
for their intelligence and high character, and 
were held in great esteem. 

The subject of our' sketch was born March 
27, 1827, at the old homestead near Reedsville, 
and his education was mainly acquired in the 
subscription schools of that locality. He studied 
for one term at an academy in Academia, Juniata 
county, taught by Prof. Wilson. As the son of 
a busy farmer, he was given every opportunity to 
become familiar with the details of agricultural 
work, and while he was still at home his father 
encouraged him to invest his small savings in 
stock, so that he not only gained valuable experi- 
ence in such deals, but was enabled to secure a 
little capital before starting out into the world 
for himself. In 1855 he left home and came to 
Clinton county, and purchased the old Fearon 
farm in Lamar township, the price being $11,000 
for 183 acres. Mr. Taylor was obliged to go in 
debt for a portion of this sum, but as he was 
young and strong he had no fears as to the result, 
his energy and courage promising success. He 
prospered from the start, secured a good equip- 
ment and a fine lot of stock. Not longer after 
his removal to Clinton county he met Miss Nancy 
J. Hughes, to whom he was married at Williams- 
port, Penn., on September 16, 1856. She proved 
to be a most wise and economical helper, and 
her work and good management have been fac- 
tors in the success which has crowned Mr. Tay- 
lor's efforts. He cleared the debt from his first 
farm, and then, having accumulated some surplus 
cash, he bought the Jacob Best farm in the same 
township, in partnership with his brother Henry. 
In April, 1 864, he removed to that place, which he 
continued to cultivate until October, 1895, when 
he thought it time to retire from active business 
cares. Since that date he has resided near the 
depot at Salona, in a comfortable and tasteful 
home, which was built according to his own ideas. 
He has at present two fine farms, but his first 
purchase, the old Fearon place, was sold some 
time ago, the money being distributed among his 
children. Mr. Taylor has never been a believer 
in undue self-denial, his family always enjoying 
the best advantages obtainable by a man of his 
means, and his home being supplied with every 
comfort. His reputation for honesty has never 
been questioned, and his generosity, a leading 
trait, has never been found wanting. In fact, he 
has at times lost considerable sums through en- 
dorsing or going bail for friends. 

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have had the following 
children: (1) The first born, a boy, died at the 



age of eight months. (2) Henry Turbet, born 
March 3, 1858, married Miss Virginia Eldred, of 
Muncy, Penn. , and they have two sons — Harry 
and Ralph. (3) Turbet, who resides at Larned, 
Pawnee Co., Kans. , is the secretary of the Key- 
stone Security Co., of that place, and also over- 
sees some large land holdings for Eastern capital- 
ists. (4) Elizabeth C. , born September 4, 
1859, married A. C. Mann, of Mill Hall, and they 
have four children — Harry T., James R. , Mar- 
guerite A. and Fred P. (5) Anna P., born July 
27, 1862, married Joseph R. Mann, of Lewis- 
town, Penn.. and they have five children — Har- 
vey B., Edith, Joseph, Jr., Thomas and Anna. 
(6) William C, born April 4, 1868, graduated 
from Bloomsburg Normal School, and taught for 
a time in Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, 
and at Mackeyville, but he is now a farmer in 
Lamar township. He married Miss Kate Strunk, 
and they have three children — Joseph, Pauline 
and Dorothy. (7) John J., born January 18, 
1870, was educated at the Bloomsburg Normal 
School. He married Miss Kate Smale, and they 
have one son, Harry M. The family holds a 
prominent place socially, and Mr. and Mrs. Tay- 
lor are leading members of the Presbyterian 
Church, in which he has filled various offices. In 
politics he was first a Whig and later a Repub- 
lican, and his sons are all stanch supporters of 
the latter party. While Mr. Taylor has always 
taken keen interest in the success of his ticket, 
he has never been an aspirant for political place 
or honors. 

Mrs. Taylor was born March 28, 1838, in 
Mifflin county, Penn., the daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Conley) Hughes. ' When she was but 
ten years old her father removed to Jacksonville, 
Centre Co., Penn., and later he settled at 
Mackeyville, Clinton county. He was a man of 
small stature, but was very industrious, and 
throughout his life he followed the blacksmith's 
trade successfully, his strict honesty winning the 
respect of all who knew him. He died at the 
age of sixty- three and his wife at sixty-nine, their 
remains being buried in the cemetery at Jackson- 
ville. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in re- 
ligious faith he was a Presbyterian. Of his chil- 
dren, the eldest, James, who was a soldier in the 
Civil war, died near Buffalo Run, in Centre coun- 
ty, at the age of forty-four; John went west, and 
died in Missouri; Richard made his home in Vir- 
ginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, and died there; 
William, a veteran of the Civil war, died in July, 
1894, in Centre county; Mary married William 
Elder (now deceased), and at this time makes 
her home with her children; Nancy J. (Mrs. Tay- 
lor) was the sixth in order of birth; Elizabeth 



I •,.-,(! 



VMBM0RAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



married George Rish, and resides near Centre 
Hall; Isabella died at the age of twenty-four 

rs. 



JOSEPH JENNINGS KINTNER, of Renovo, 
is one of the young members of the Clinton 
Counts Bar, but his prominence is b\ 

sured by his years, on the contrary he 
has won a reputation of which many an older 
practitioner might well envy. 

! r several generations the Kintner family 

have lived in this commonwealth. Benjamin 

Kintner and wife, wl Elizabeth Winnii 

his grandparents, were born in Monroe county. 

Th farming people, and in about i 

moved to Wyoming county. Their children were 

follows: Moses S., Jacob C, James M . 

William H. (decease.! i. Mary, Easton, Sarah, 

and Elijah, all residents of Wyoming county e.\- 

[ames, who resides .it Wansocket, S. 

I>.ik. Of these the late Col. Jacob C. Kintner, 

the father of him whose name opens this review, 

was born July n. 1838, in Wyoming county, 

Penn He became a merchant by occupation, 

and as such held a creditable position in the 

business circles of I nmunity in which he 

resided. He was a patriot, and during the Civil 

war served Ins country four years and seven 

nths. l: enlisted as a sergeant in G 

II 'd P. V, I. He was soon thereafter 

transferred to the Signal Corps, and later, for 

meritorious service, was promoted to the rank of 

. tain. He participated in the battle of Antie- 

tam; was at Fredericksb thesec- 

1 battle of Bull Run, and in the many other 

engagements in which In ind participated. 

He was a prominent Republican, and for four 

IS mi the stafl "f Gov. Hoyt, and was 

intei< sted in the Nal tuard for a time I [i 

al- I as revenue collector for Ins district 

some time Hi- was one of the most promi- 

: ;t an. I influi nl of his community. 

II'- departed this life March 21 . and his 

wife passed away Ocf at Will 

barre. Penn ng a famil) of f>>tir children: 

Charles B., a 1 I Buffalo, N. Y. ; Mary 

C. and Joseph J (twins ind Ruth C, wh 

now attending Wilson College, Cbambersburg, 

mi. The mother t.t these was a daughtei 
Paul B. and Elizabeth (Tutl ! was 

an • England, coming to this country when 

nineteen years ■■( ag 

The Jennings family was one of note in the 
iiitrv. The children of Paul B. and 
I li abetb Jennings «.re Joseph, William N., 
Mi- i; W. Studevent), and Marj A 



Mrs. Elizabeth (Tuttle) Jennings, grandmother 
of Joseph Jennings Kintner, was born August 
10, 1796, in Luzerne county, near the battle- 
field of Wyoming. 

Joseph Jennings Kintner, of this review, was 
born in 1870 in Mehoopany, Wyoming Co., 

ii. He obtained his primary education in 
the Towanda schools, later attending the Wyo- 
ming Seminary at Kingston, and subsequently 
Pennsylvania State College, at State College, 
Penn. After leaving school he went to Bloom- 
field, Perry Co., Penn., and was appointed dep- 
uty in the register and recorder's office. While 
serving in that capacity he studied law under the 
direction of Hon. C. H. Smiley at that place for 
about four years, and was then admitted to the 
In August, 1S95, he located at Renovo, 
where he ha- uccessfully engaged in both 

the life and fire insurance business, representing 
some of the leading and most reliable companies 
in the United States. Socially Mr. Kintner is 
identified with the B. O. P. E., while politically 
he affiliates with the Republican party. He 
takes quite an active and prominent part in po- 
litical affairs, and when twenty-one years of age 

in speaking all over his county in the inter- 

of his party and its candidates. During the 
campaign of the following year he was employed 
by the State central committee, and he has also 
served as a delegate to the county conventions 
since coming to Renovo. He is not an official 
aspirant, preferring to give his time to his pro- 

ional duties and other business affairs. He 
is one of the most promising young attorneys of 
Clinton county, and no doubt a brilliant future 
awaits him. He is self-made, leaving home at 
the early age of fourteen years, since which time 
he has made his own way in the world. 



JOHN YEARICK. Among the leading farm- 
ers of Clinton county, the record of whose 
lives tills an important place in this volume, 
it gives us pleasure to commemorate the name 
of this gentleman, now a prosperous citizen of 
r township. 
Mr. Yearick was born in October, 1826, in 
Gregg township, Centre Co., Penn., a son of 
John and Mary Kishel 1 Yearick, who spent many 
years of their lives upon the farm where our sub- 
ject now . both dying there at about the 
age of seventy-three, the mother having survived 
her husband a few years. Their remains were 
interred at the cemetery in Madisonburg. In the 
Reformed Church they held membership, and in 
politics the father was identified with the Demo- 
cratic party. Although he never served a regular 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



651 



apprenticeship, he thoroughly mastered the car- 
penter's trade, at which he worked for some 
time, but later devoted his entire time and atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with 
excellent success. He was a large man, and a 
very industrious, energetic and progressive one. 

Our subject is third in order of birth in the 
family of children, as follows: William, who died 
in Hublersburg, Penn. ; Jacob and Henry, both 
residents of Jacksonville, Centre county; Samuel, 
who died in Brush Valley, Centre county; Adam, 
of Jacksonville; Mary, who wedded John Zubler, 
and died in Centre county; Rebecca, who mar- 
ried Jacob Royer, and died in Brush Valley; 
Elizabeth, who became the wife of Elias Hoy, 
and died in Centre county; Sarah, who married 
Samuel Phillips, and died near Akron, Ohio; 
Katy A., widow of George Hoy, living near Jack- 
sonville; and Julia A., who married John Spayd, 
and died in Centre county. 

The education of John Yearick, Jr., was 
mostly acquired in the German schools, he only 
attending an English school for one winter. The 
schoolhouses were primitive structures very com- 
mon at that early day, and the writing was all 
done with quill pens. Our subject was able to 
attend school for only a few months during the 
year, as his services were needed at home, and 
while his father was engaged in carpentering and 
building, he was employed in hauling lumber dur- 
ing the winter season at the expense of his edu- 
cation. His boyhood was passed upon the home 
farm, and when a young man he engaged in the 
manufacture of harvesting cradles, at which he 
was several times employed in Ohio, walking 
from his home to Summit county, that State. 

At the age of twenty-six Mr. Yearick was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary E. Shaffer, who was born in 
1829, in Miles township, Brush Valley, Centre 
county, a daughter of Adam Shaffer and wife. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Yearick were born the follow- 
ing children: Lydia E., now Mrs. Harvey Helt- 
man, of Porter township, Clinton county; Emma 
M., Mrs. Charles Sheaver, of Centre Hall, Penn. ; 
ElvinaC. , Mrs. William Springer, of Williams- 
port, Penn.; Abbie J., Mrs. Charles F. Allabach, 
of Farransville, Penn.; Ida R. , at home; A. 
Frank, a carpenter of Bellevue, Ohio; Adam N., 
who died in infancy; William H., of Bellevue, 
Ohio; John B., a farmer of Porter township, 
Clinton county; and Lewis H. and Samuel J., 
both carpenters of Bellevue, Ohio. 

Among the several farms which Mr. Yearick's 
father owned was the one in Porter township 
where our subject began his domestic life, and 
where he has since continued to reside. Being 
a natural mechanic, in addition to his farming 



operations he has manufactured furniture, sleds, 
sleighs, etc., especially for his own use, and he 
can make almost anything from wood that he 
sees. He has made many improvements upon 
his place which add to its value and attractive 
appearance, and he has an excellent peach or- 
chard. Politically he has always been an ad- 
herent of the Democratic party, and he has 
served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of super- 
visor and school director in a most creditable 
manner. Fraternally he affiliates with the 
Grange, and religiously he and his wife are 
faithful members of the Reformed Church. They 
are widely and favorably known throughout this 
section of the State, and at their hospitable home 
their many friends are always sure of a hearty 
welcome. 



C; H. BRESSLER, editor and proprietor of 
' The Mill Hall Times, in Clinton county, 
was born, July 20, 1865, in Flemington, Clinton 
Co., Penn. He is a son -of the late J. J. Bress- 
ler, and grandson of Hon. George Bressler (de- 
ceased). Our subject was educated in the pub- 
lic schools at Flemington, and worked at va- 
rious odd jobs, assisting in the support of his 
widowed mother, until February 16, 1885, when 
he entered the office of The Clinton Democrat as 
an apprentice. On October 18, 1888, he took 
unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mar- 
garet Troxel, residing with his mother for about 
two years thereafter. For twelve years he ac- 
ceptably filled different positions in the office of 
the Democrat until April 4, 1897, when he sev- 
ered his connection with the establishment and 
purchased the above-named paper and tripled 
the circulation during the first six months. Al- 
though employed in the office of the Democratic 
organ of the county, Mr. Bressler has always 
been an active, stalwart Republican, and is fear- 
lessly publishing such a paper. He was convert- 
ed and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in October, 1892, and is an active member of 
the same, at present a class-leader and the as- 
sistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. 



m NDREW V. GROUP, the second son in 
jtfL the family of Peter Group, was born 
February 18, 1S46, and received his early edu- 
cation in the public schools of Clinton county. 
After obtaining agood common-school education to 
serve as a foundation, he studied theology, and was 
early ordained a minister of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, but later became a minister of the 
Presbyterian Church. Faithful in the discharge 






OOMMBMORA TlYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of all his duties, he lived as nearly as he could 
the Christ life, practicing that charity, so broad 
in its conception, that the weeds and poisons of 
tin human heart die away in the Klad sunshine 
of brotherly love. In 1874, he moved to Phila- 
delphia, and there continued his work. His 
diligence in his studies led him to over-estimate 
his strength, and in June, 1S79, worn out by an 
attack of brain fever, he passed to the un> 
■ Id. 

On Octobei I, Andrew V. Group was 

united in marriage to Miss Martha Jane Sallada, 
a daughter of John and Rebecca Sallada. Their 
marriage was graced with six children, namely: 
John Stuart; Zula M. ; Andrew V., Jr.; Grace 
G. ; M irj Edith and Annie E., all yet living ex- 
cept Mary Edith, who died at the age of six 
At the time of the father's death, the 
eldest child, John Stuart, was but six year-; 
old, the youngest, Annie E., only two month-, 
but the brave mother determined that the little 
family should not becon and moved 

back to her old home in Nippenose Valley. 
Here sh< remained for two and one half years, 
but realizing that her children would have su- 
ducational facilities in the city, she re- 
turned to Philadelphia, and there maintained a 
home until the five children had all received the 

ular public school education. At the time 
when school days were past, and the children 

it to provide the home, the mother, on Jan- 
uary 23, [8 ng her task done, folded her 
hands and passed to her eternal rest in the 
: the Master she had served so well. 
The memorj ol her noble, self-sacrificing life, 
still lives in the minds and hearts of her loved 
md the fruits of her Christian influence is 
shown in the characters of her children — a 1 
iiil; monument to the virtues of true womanhood. 

John Sti \ki Group, the eldest in the al 
mentioned family, was born July 10, 1870, in 
Nippenose Valley, but has passed the greater 

1 of his life in Philadelphia. His education 

obtained in the Quaker City, which is, as 

his home. For eight years past he has been 

in the employ ol the Boothbj II pany of 

Philadelphia, Penn., beginning as receiving clerk, 

and was gradually promoted from one position to 

another until he now holds one close to the 

Though but twenty-eight years of age, 

Mr. Group has accomplished what few nun of 

r< than twice his years seldom succeed in 
doing. He has already carved out for himself 
an ample competence, and is now closing up his 
investments in Philadelphia preparatory to re- 
turning to his early home in Clinton Co., Penn. 
He owns his beautiful home in Philadelphia, be- 



sides property in Delaware county, Penn. ; he is 
also the possessor of two farms in the Nippenose 
Valley, one of 215 acres, once owned by his 
grandfather, John Sallada, and one of fifty-two 
acres, previously owned by William B. \Vels- 
hans. These two farms are known as the Valley 
View Farms, and are under a high state of cul- 
tivation. Since purchasing this land, Mr. Group 
has added much in the way of modern improve- 
ments, spending over six thousand dollars in re- 
pairs, and in the erection of buildings. Plans 
are now ready for a handsome fifteen-room res- 
idence, 67 x 82 feet, to be erected for the future 
home of the family. 

On October 17, 1893, John Stuart Group 
was married to Miss Mabel N. Whipple, and of 
this union two children have been born: John 
Stuart Wells, and Edith May. Mrs. Group 
comes of an old family, prominent in public af- 
fairs for generations; her great-great-uncle, Will- 
iam Whipple, was one of the signers of the Dec- 
laration of Independence. Mr. Group is a man 
of independent thought and action. Manly, 
straight-forward and self-reliant, his success is 
but the outcome of his own labor and keen fore- 
sight. With a love for wealth only for such 
pleasure as it brings to himself and others. Mr. 
ip gives freely in the aid of the less fortunate, 
and contributes liberally to the needs of the Pres- 
bvterian Church. 



WILLIAM H. STEVENSON, a prominent 
wholesale lumberman of Lock Haven, 
Clinton county, and the general manager of the 
nsive lumber firm of Kreamer, Stevenson Ov. 
Co., whose mills are located at Flinton, Cam- 
bria county, is a native of Pennsylvania, born at 
Jersey Shore, S< 1 27, 1856. 

John and Fannie (Brown) Stevenson, his 
grandparents, were natives of County Tyrone, 
Ireland, Scotch-Irish farming people, the for- 
mer born in Ireland, the latter in Glasgow, 
Scotland. John Stevenson died there in 1825 
in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of 
which he was a consistent member. The chil- 
dren of this couple were: George, John. Will- 
nder, David, Sarah, and Elizabeth, 
the latter the wife of James Moore. In 1840 
the mother brought her children to the United 
locating at Jersey Shore. Penn., where 
she died in 1S47, and was there buried. She 
was a most estimable woman, highly respected 
by her many friends and acquaintances. One of 
these sons, Alexander Stevenson, the father of 
our subject, was born in County Tyrone, Ire- 



' 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



653 



a good common- 



land, in 1S15. He received 
school education, and at Castlederg, Barnscort, 
he learned the carpenter's trade and assisted in 
the building of that castle. On coming to this 
country with the rest of the family he left Lon- 
donderry, Ireland, in a sailing vessel, which 
came nearly being lost on two occasions owing 
to the intoxication of the captain; however, after 
a voyage of six weeks they reached Philadelphia 
in safety. From that city the family went to 
Harrisburg, thence by canal in packet boat to 
Jersey Shore, Penn., the point of destination. 
That point then was a mere hamlet. There 
Alexander built a house for the family, the ma- 
son work of which was done by James Moore, his 
brother-in-law. It was often remarked that 
Stevenson and Moore could build a town. In 
1859 Alexander Stevenson purchased a tract of 
one thousand acres of timber land in Clinton 
county, on which was erected a sawmill, and he 
was engaged in the manufacture of lumber for 
some five years. Then, selling his property, he 
moved to Charlton, on the West Branch of Sus- 
quehanna river, in Pine Creek township, and 
there followed his trade until 1867, when he 
moved to the present site of Woolrich, and there 
purchased a partly-improved farm of some sev- 
enty acres. To its further development and cul- 
tivation he devoted his energies until 1890, and 
upon the place erected a good residence and 
other buildings. Owing to failing health he 
passed the last three years of his life in retire- 
ment from active labor, dying in 1893, aged sev- 
enty-eight years. He was buried at Woolrich. 
As an architect and builder he superintended the 
erection of the First Methodist Episcopal Church 
edifice at Woolrich. Politically he was a stanch 
Democrat; he was a consistent member of the 
M. E. Church, in which he held the office of 
trustee, class-leader and steward. He was held 
in high regard by all who knew him. He was a 
kind father and an affectionate husband. 

His wife, to whom he was married at Jersey 
Shore, was Sarah Miller, who was born in Lin- 
den, Lycoming Co., Penn., of English ancestry, 
and bore him the following children: George, a 
resident of the State of Arkansas, is engaged in 
the lumber business and farming; Robert M., a 
resident of Chatham Run, is the senior member 
of the firm of Stevenson Brothers, manufacturers 
of woolen goods; John F. , an accountant and 
agriculturist, resides at Sherman, Texas; Mary 
Frances is the wife of Charles Cameron, of near 
Woolrich, Clinton county; and William H. The 
mother of these died when William H. was one 
and one-half years old, and, subsequently, the 
father was again married, this time to Miss Mary 



A. Moore, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, 
and a daughter of James Moore, a farmer, and 
to the marriage eight children were born, name- 
ly: Sarah is the wife of O. H. Johnson, of 
Woolrich; Lizzie is at home; Alexander died in 
childhood; Rebecca is the wife of D. B. Dunkel; 
Aimer E. and Josephine are residents of Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county; Mattie B. makes 
her home with W. H. at Lock Haven; and Lydia 
E. died in childhood. Mrs. Stevenson, who was 
a devout member of the M. E. Church, died on 
the homestead in Pine Creek township in 1S89. 
William H. Stevenson as a lad attended the 
schools at Woolrich, and later he was sent to the 
Central State Normal School at Lock Haven. 
He was finally sent to the famous Dickinson 
Seminary at Williamsport, Penn., and was grad- 
uated from that institution in 1883. In the 
oratorical contest of that year, in which there 
were five States represented, on that occasion 
young Stevenson carried away the first prize. 
After his graduation he taught three terms of 
school in his home town of Woolrich, one term 
in Nittany, and one at Lock Haven. He read 
law for some six months, intending to make the 
profession his life work, but he Changed his mind 
and decided upon a business career, and at once 
engaged in the lumbering business with Charles 
Kreamer, and from that time to this the two have 
been associated in business together. As the 
years passed these men kept pace with the times, 
and, being progressive and enterprising, their 
business grew, until to-day the firm of Kreamer, 
Stevenson & Co. is a great factor in the com- 
mercial affairs of their locality. They employ 
many men, and keep a great deal of money in cir- 
culation. The out-put of their mills is large and 
their product goes all over the country, giving 
the firm a large business acquaintance. The gen- 
eral manager is young and active, and possesses 
that tact and energy which has made his business 
move. He has proven himself a capable busi- 
ness man, and his efforts have not been un-re- 
warded as he is a man of means. He has the 
confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens 
among whom he has moved since boyhood. He 
is a man of education and letters, and is a valuable 
citizen in the community. He is a member of 
the school board, to which office he was elected 
in the spring of 1896. His tastes, however, are 
not those which make office seeking desirable. 
Politically he was an independent Democrat till 
the Presidential election in 1896, when he voted 
for William McKinley for President; he like thou- 
sands of other independent voters could not ac- 
cept the free-silver theory embraced in the Dem- 
ocratic platform. He is identified with theBusi- 



<•..-, I 



COMMBMORA TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ness Men's t. lub of Lock Haven, and is a mem- 
ber of the Royal Arcanum. 

On January i-\ [884, Mr. Stevenson was 
married t . the second daughter 

of Charles and Vesta L. Kreamer, of Lock Ha- 
ven, bom June 1. 1862, at Queens Run. Clinton 
county, and to the marriage has come: Mabel 
harles Kreamer, Galen Eaton and George 
Bond. The parents of these are members of the 
M I.. Church. Mrs Stevenson is a woman of 
ition and culture, and is deeply interested in 
lucation and training of her family. She is 
Bed with several organizations in Church 
work, and devotes a gi I of her time look- 

ing after the poor and needy in her community. 



WILLIAM YOUTZ, master carpent* 
the division of thi Philadelphia & 

I : railroad, was burn, in 1839, in Mt. Gretna, 
Li banon Co . Penn. His lather, Jacob Youtz, 
- born in America, but the grandfather was a 
lany. The fathi I the ad- 

irs, having long sur- 
vived his wife. Four of their children are still 
living: James, Mrs K 31 I 1st, Joseph and 
William." 

Our subject acquired his education in the dis- 
trict schools, and worked upon a farm and at a 
furnace until -■ ! age, when he 

was apprenticed to r, sei ving a four- 

term. < >n the expiration of that period 
was employed on the construction of Clark's 
I erry bridgi the S ia, and after- 

•I went to Harrisburg, where he worked on 
the weighlock. I 

in building canal | Harrisburg, 

Marietta and Lewis) June 1, i86t,he 

wenttoAni Md.,withCol. fohn L. Piper, 

and entered thi I nited Stal 

eminent. After building some docks at Annap- 
olis and a new rad line to Annapolis Junction, 
Mr. Youtz •■•• ■ 1 Washington, D. ('.. as 

stanl fo truction ol the 

long-bridge, and upon the completion 'if that 
work aided in building many bri 1 the use 

the Armj ol the Potomac, often working under 
the heai n< mj In 

ord \V W. Wright, at 

Wh n . to build a that 

I it The bridge was to be 900 feel long and 

: high, and although Mr *> I to 

1 his n into tl; rto 

be used in its construction, he had it up in four 
and one-half daj - Hebuill r Look- 

k, after which his party was organ 
the First Division Construe) ps II- 



n eighty head of oxen and thirty mule teams 

aul the provisions and tools of the division 82 
miles to Dalton, where a bridge was to be built 
2,300 feet long and 95 feet high. Mr. Wentz, 
the engineer in charge, asked how long it would 
take to complete the bridge, and when Mr. Youtz 
replied fifteen days, he told him he was crazy to 
think of such a thing under three months. Nev- 
ertheless the work was completed in thirteen and 
one-half days. He built many other bridges, in- 
cluding one at Resaca, at Etowa and Allatoona, 
where the division camped three weeks and cut 
timber enough to build all the bridges from there 
to the sea. In five days they built a bridge 1,000 
■ long and 100 feet high, across the Chatta- 
hoochie. This is but one of many instances in 
which Mr. Youtz executed rapid and efficient 
work in this line. He had to rebuild the bridge 
at Resaca five or six times, and on more than 
one occasion the rapidity with which he con- 
structed bridges, thus allowing the army to pro- 
ceed on its way. was undoubtedly the means of 
winning a number of battles. 

Shortly after the war Mr. Youtz formed a 
partnership in the planing-mill business in Mar- 
tinsburg, Va., but not liking this he resun 
budge building and constructed about six small 
iron bridges on the Northern Central railway be- 
tween Harrisburg and Sunbury for the Keystone 

Ige Company. On September 15, 1867, he 
entered the service of the Philadelphia & Erie 
railroad, and was placed in charge of the main- 
tenance of way shop at Renovo. Later he was 
promoted to master carpenter of the road, and by 

nsion had charge < >f the line from Erie to Sun- 
bury, acting in that capacity until the position 
of division-master carpenter was created. He aft- 
erward built a large number of bridges on contract 

the Western New York & Pennsylvania, Erie 
S Pennsylvania Company in Elk county. Clar- 

River railroad, the Howard railroad and the 
Narrow-Gauge railroad, and in 1884 built the new 
iron '.000 feet long across the Potomac 

.it Washington, I). C. He resigned his position 
with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company March 
1. 1884, but re-entered its service October 1, 
master r of the Middle Divis- 

ion. Philadelphia & Erie railroad. Since then 
his fine abilities as a mechanic, his good judg- 
ment of men. Ins bravery and his capacity to en- 
dure exposure have enabled him to perform some 
very important work, e.jual to that which he did 
during the war. In the repair of the lines east 
hi I Erie after the great flood disas- 
ter- of 1 in his efforts to 1 
store commu and. with the other mas- 
ter 1 ~m thi Pennsylvania system, is en- 



, ^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



655 



titled to great credit for accomplishing it in such 
a short space of time. Their work was done un- 
der the most adverse circumstances, wide, deep 
and angry streams and forbidding washouts con- 
fronted them, tracks destroyed, and material to 
be had only under the greatest difficulty, yet on 
they went with an ardor and loyalty unsurpassed 
until success crowned their efforts. In the many 
emergencies since Mr. Youtz has maintained his 
high and deserved reputation. 

In July, 1869, our subject was united in mar- 
riage with M. E. Crouse, of Renovo, Penn., and 
they now have six children: Charles, William 
Harry, George, Walter, and Cyril. Mr. Youtz 
and his family are members of the Catholic 
Church. While the effect of his services and his 
labors is immeasurable Mr. Youtz deserves the 
commendation that is ever accorded to genuine 
worth, to the faithful and fearless performance 
of duty under trying circumstances. Ever true 
to the trust reposed in him, he carried on his work 
amid the fire of Civil war and in the face of a 
more intangible but none the less to be dreaded 
foe— a flood. He is respected by all who know 
him and, the company numbers him among its 
most efficient employees. 



I AMES H. ROTHROCK, the senior member 
i of the firm of Rothrock Brothers, dealers in 
general groceries, flour, feed, etc., at Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, was born in Centre 
county, July 19, 1864. 

These brothers have descended from a family, 
members of which have been identified with the 
history of the State through several generations. 
The name of Rothrock is closely connected with 
the early history of York, York county. The 
following is copied from records of the Moravian 
Church, of that city, which were secured during 
the Revolutionary period: 

Philip Rothrock was born near Worms, in Germany 
December 8, 1718. He emigrated to America, and settled 
} ^ '" 17SS - M^ch 22, 1740, he was married to Cath- 
erine M. Kuntz, who also was of German birth. They had 
fourteen children In the York Moravian Congregational 
Diary or the year 1775, Pastor Neister has made, fn German 
the following records: "July31.-With the people in genera 
we have thus far been in peace. However, urgent requests 
arm S , en Vl t0 ? Ur f Pe0P K le L° a " end the drilling fn the S 
atTha, It T 1 ' re , hren m t0Wn have ' however . ar ^-ed 

a tend SSfl. ™ a f ' ^% Can "° lun ^r be compelled to 
attend drills. A few of the voung men have yielded and 
smW ,r' Ben J amin . Rothrock, son of Philip Lthroc'kjn 
wpnt ff i 16 remo , nstra V ons °f both his father and brothers 
whvV du ™g, th e night with a company of Virginia trooos 
which marched through this place." (This was the rifle 
company commanded by Capt. Daniel Morgan, later he 
distinguished General Morgan.) 
1776. 
July 17, Jacob Rothrock has also escaped being draft- 



ed, but Ernest Schlosser, the three sons of Brother Roth- 
rock, will have to march off in the next few days " 

"On the 28 of September, 76, Mr. Philip Rothrock re- 
turned from a visit to his sons in camp near New York " 

"On October 12, 1776, Mr. Philip Rothrock's son, Benia- 
mfn, who, since the beginning of 1776, had been detained a 
prisoner of war, returned home." 

"March 29 Bro. Philip Rothrock gave me information 
with regard to several political occurrences and the discov- 
ery ot a plot against this town by the Tories." "April 4 I 
visited Bro. John Rothrock, who I found sick, so his father 
daily attends to the printing of Continental bills." 
its; 

"February 5 I received a letter from Jacob Rothrock 
together with a uewspaper from Baltimore, containing intel- 
ligence that peace was concluded, and the independence of 
the United States of North America had been acknowledged 
for which we praised God." ' 

These and many other records of the early 
history of York county show the connection of 
this family with the development of our county. 
Among the children of John Rothrock, spoken of 
above as printing Continental bills, was George, 
born May 24, 1781, married and removed to 
Bellefonte, Penn. His youngest child was Dr. 
H. H. Rothrock, father of the brothers first 
spoken of in the foregoing. He was born Sep- 
tember 1, 1833, near Bellefonte, on what was 
known as ' ' Mountain Home. " He was educated 
for the profession of dentistry, and followed it 
throughout the greater part of his life, retiring 
from active practice some years ago. He was a 
resident of Bellefonte for many years, and was a 
most useful man and citizen. A glance at the 
history of that community will reveal the name 
of Rothrock connected with a number of its insti- 
tutions which have been of benefit to the public 
in general. He was a member of the school 
board at Bellefonte along in the seventies, at 
the time of the election of the present governor, 
Daniel H. Hastings, as principal of the schools 
of the borough. He is now a resident of Lock 
Haven. 

On September 4, 1861, Dr. H. H. Rothrock 
was married to Lydia Ann Canan, who, too, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, born September 9, 
1843, at Stormstown. Their children were: Anna 
Virginia, James Herbert, Clifford Thompson, 
Marian Amanda, Ernest Hart, William Canan 
and Harold Alton. The mother of these died 
on January 25, 1892. She had led an exem- 
plary Christian life, and was beloved by many. 
James H. Rothrock received his education in 
the schools of Centre county, principally at 
Bellefonte. He was a pupil" under Principal 
Hastings. At the age of fifteen years he began 
clerking in the store of A. W. Reese at Port 
Matilda, Penn., with whom he remained two 
years. He then worked for two years at dentist- 
ry under the instruction of his father. Follow- 
ing which for two years he taught school in 



,■:,,; 



VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



< .utre and Clinton counties. In 1890 he and 
; ,th( r, < I R ithi bed their 

present business at No. 48 Bellefonte avenue, 
Lock Haven. Th n with small capital, 

but by careful man 

to business both I d business 

the) have built up a large trade. Their 
ized by honor and in- 
tegrity . and rd they have pr 
business and been : »ful. Their establish- 
ment is a tirst-cl.i n which a $5,ooo-stock 
ds is carried. They are out of debt, have 

1 1 thousand dollars 
cm interest — a period. 

Our subject is a meml erol the Episcopal Church, 
the vestrymen ol the Church at 
! Havei In politics be has been a Repub- 

lican, but now has strong Prohibition proclivities. 
K T in degree in the Masonic order, 
ol the Blue Lodge; he is also a 
if the K. of P. and of the K. of M. On 
September 8, [897, he was married at New York 
City to Miss Lliza Jane Heltman, ol Mackeyville, 
Pennsylvania. 



ROB! KT S. SMITH, one of the most pros- 
• tntial agriculturist, of Clin- 
inty, is now living retired at his pleasant 
home in Pine Creek township, surrounded by 
that earnest labor has brought him. 
The story <>f the founders of this nation and of 
• onary forefathers is interesting, not 
only from a historic standpoint, but also as a 
source of inspiration and en 
■ ■th ', d not look to the past . the 

presi fit furnishes many examples worthy of em- 
ulation in the men who have risen through their 
own efforts to positions of prominence and im- 
rtance in professional, political and busim 
ro this 1 is belongs Mr. Smith. 
He was born Septeml 
township, Lyci iming ( >., Penn 
Thomas and Elizabeth • nith. K 

• Smith, the grandfather, 

nid a native ol Berks county. Penn., 
where be w farm and educated 

in the public s< hools. On attaining his major- 

ived 'Ait. ily by th 

King to L3 eating ii I 

Corners, Piatt township, where he bought a 
farm of 130 acres, on which hi 
the necessary buildings 1 the cultivation and 
• mi nt of his farm he devoted his atten- 
throughout the remainder ol In- lif< 
1 few years during the sprii he ran 



river boats on the West branch, and "arks" on 
the Susquehanna from Jersey Shore to Marietta, 
carrying grain, lumber and other products to 
market. In Lycoming county, he married Cath- 
arine Clark, a native of that county, and to 
them were born the following children: George, 
wlii 1 in farming in Ohio until his death; 

fohn, a blacksmith of Lycoming county, where 
his death occurred; Thomas, the father of our 
subject; Abram. a farmer of Lycoming countv, 
now deceased; Robert, who operated the old 
homestead; Isaac, who died on his farm in Ohio; 
William, a farmer and hotel keeper, who died in 
Lycoming county; Elizabeth, who married Will- 
iam Crownover, and died in Lycoming county; 
Annie, wife of William Bennett, of Level Cor- 
ners, Lycoming county; and Catharine, wife of 
Robert Quigley, of the same county. The per- 
ents of these children both died on the old 
homestead at an advanced age, and were laid 
to rest in Pine Creek cemetery, Lycoming coun- 
ty. They were members of the Presbyterian 
Church; the grandfather was a strong supporter 
of the Whig party, and was an industrious, en- 
ergetic and highly respected citizen. 

Thomas Smith, father of our subject, was 
born at Level Corners December i, 1795, and in 
the subscription schools of the locality obtained 
a limited education, which was supplemented by 

' stud] and close observation in later years. 
He remained upon the home farm until his mar- 
riage m [820, and then for three years rented the 
Alam King place, where he and his bride began 
life in very limited circumstances, but they pos- 
sessed stout hearts and willing hands, and pros- 

ty at length crowned their efforts. Having 

da small sum of money, Mr. Smith invested 
the same in a tract of 200 acres in Porter town- 
ship, Lycoming county, of which only fifty acres 
had been cleared, while the rest was still covered 
with timber. Year after year saw more land 
placed under cultivation until the place was con- 
verted into one of the best farms of the town- 
ship, it being also improved with good and sub- 
stantial buildings. He did not long enjoy his 

home, however, as he was called from this 
ember 15, 1831, at the early age of thirty- 
six years, and he was laid by the side of his par- 
ents in Pine Creek cemetery, where a marble 

ument marks his last resting place. He « 
onian Democrat in politics, was 
the leading and influential men of his party 
in his community, and acceptably ser 

1 11 ector, assessor and tax collector 
in Porter township. Both he and his wife were 

est and faithful members of the Presbyterian 
Church, and their sterling worth and many 




^r/t^^J)^,™^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



657 



excellencies of character gained them many 
friends. 

On March 16, 1820, at Jersey Shore, Thomas 
Smith was married to Elizabeth Gambel, who 
was born near that place April 14, 1S03, a 
daughter of James Gambel, who was of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and was a farmer of Piatt town- 
ship. Lycoming county. She died in 18G6 at the 
home of Andrew McKinney, her son-in-law, of 
Pine Creek township, Clinton county. In the 
family were four children, as follows: | 1 1 James 
G., born Jul}' 1, 1822, married Susan Webb, 
January 9, 1845, a daughter of Richard Webb, 
and four children were born to them — Richard 
deceased, Rebecca J., Elizabeth and James. 
James G. was a farmer of Lycoming county, 
and died in Jersey Shore May 20, 1852. His 
political support was given the Democracy. (2) 
Mary, born February 20, 1825, married Robert 
Stewart, of Lock Haven, Penn., and died at 
Fort Scott, Kans. , November 24, r 8S5, leaving 
nine children. (3) Catharine, born October 30, 
1826, married Andrew McKinney, of Frederick 
City, Md., and died in August, 18S4, leaving 
four children. (4) Robert S. completes the 
family. 

The subject of this sketch was only two 
years and a half old when his father died, and 
in consequence he grew up without a father's 
loving and protecting care. In an old log school 
house he began his literary education, Alexan- 
der Hamilton and a Mr. Ross being among his 
first teachers, and he also pursued his studies 
under the direction of Dr. A. McMurray and his 
cousin, Rev. Jacob McMurray. He was able 
to attend school for only about three months 
out of the year, but he made the most of his ad- 
vantages, and being a keen observer and great 
reader he has become a well-informed man, 
especially on the leading questions of the day. 
Until seventeen years of age he remained at 
home with his mother, but in 1845 went to 
Jersey Shore, where he served a three-years' 
apprenticeship to the carpenter's and joiner's 
trade, and then worked as a journeyman for 
two years. In 1850 he purchased eighty acres 
of the old homestead, where the following 
twenty years were passed, caring for his mother 
in her declining years. He replaced the old log 
house by a fine brick residence, built barns and 
made other necessary improvements, the cost of 
which amounted to over $5,000. In 1870, how- 
ever, he sold the place to the son of Judge 
Ferguson, and purchased the Duncan farm of 
one hundred acres in Pine Creek township, Clin- 
ton county, where in 1884 he erected the finest 
brick house in the township, at a cost of $4,000. 

42* 



He also erected a barn and other buildings at a 
cost of $3,000. In 1890 he also bought the 
Goller farm of ninety-seven acres in the same 
township, and upon that place built a barn val- 
ued at $2,000 and tobacco sheds at a cost of 
$1,500. He is one of the most extensive tobacco 
growers in the township, devoting twelve acres 
each year to the cultivation of that product. 
Always a thrifty, industrious and progressive 
agriculturist, he met with a well-deserved suc- 
cess in his undertakings, and is now enabled to 
lay aside business cares and enjoy the fruits of 
his former toil. 

On February 4', 1862, in Porter township, 
Lycoming county, Mr. Smith was married to 
Miss Nancy McQ. McKinney, who was born Oc- 
tober 11, 1836, in Turbut township, Northumber- 
land Co., Penn., a daughter of Matthew and 
Elizabeth (Ferguson) McKinney, the former a 
farmer of Northumberland and Lycoming coun- 
ties, and an uncle of Judge J. H. McKinney, of 
Pine Creek township. Three children graced 
this union, namely: Matthew M. , born December 
23, 1862, died of diphtheria in February, 1863. 
1 _■ 1 John A. G., born September 5, 1864, ob- 
tained his education in the public schools of Pine 
Creek township and the Jersey Shore Academy, 
and now operates the home farm. He was mar- 
ried February 2S, 1894, to Anna M. Harris, a 
native of Pine Creek township, and a daughter 
of James and Amanda (Bonnell) Harris. They 
became the parents of one child — Helen Virginia, 
who was born October 5, 1895, an d died August 
6, 1896. The son is a Democrat in politics, and 
is a wide-awake, progressive business-man. (3) 
Graham McK., born April 24, 1871, was educated 
in the same schools as his brother, and made 
farming his occupation. On February 20, 1895, 
he married Carrie Jones, a daughter of John 
Jones, of Pine Creek township; he died De- 
cember 19, 1896, leaving many friends as well 
as his immediate family to mourn his loss. 

As a Democrat, our subject has ever taken a 
commendable interest in public affairs, but has 
never been a politician in the sense of office seek- 
ing, though he has most efficiently served as 
overseer of the poor in his township. As a hus- 
band and father he is a model worthy of all im- 
itation, and he is unassuming in his manner, 
sincere in his friendships, steadfast and unswerv- 
ing in his loyalty to the right. Throughout his 
career of continued and far-reaching usefulness, 
his duties have been performed with the greatest 
care, and during a long life his personal honor 
and integrity are without blemish. Both he and 
his estimable wife are faithful members of the 
Presbyterian Church of Jersey Shore. 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOOIiAPniCAL RECORD. 



M WILLIAMSON PORTER. On reaching 
man's allotted years — threescore and ten — 

how few men there are that can with the subject 
of this ty, practically speaking, that that 

span oi years has been passed within one hundred 
and fifty rods of the place of his birth. 

Mr. Porter is now living retired at Mackey- 
ville, Clinton county, i the leisure and 

n forts of a well-deserved rest after a long life 
of activity and toil. He has descended from a 
patriotic ancestry. His grandfather, Samuel 
1 rter, figured conspicuously in the Continental 
army during the Revolutionary war. Born in 
N rth Ireland in 174''. when of age (1771) he 
came to America. He resided in ( h< ster coun- 
ty, Penn., and in October. 1770. the date <»f his 
enlistment in the army in Capt Hawkins Boone's 
npany <'f the 12th Pennsylvania Regiment, of 
which William Cooke u..^ colonel, was living in 
Buffalo Valley (now I'nion county). In Jul 
1777, he was detached with Capt. Boone and 
1 rifleman to Col. Daniel Morgan's rifle 
nd, and was in several engagements | 
ng Burgoyne's capture, and at his surrender 
In 177S the [2th and other regiments were 
merged Into the 3rd, commanded by Col. Craig, 
but Mr. Porter, continuing with the rifle com- 
1. participated under Maj. James Parr in 
Sullivan's campaign against the Indians in 1799. 
Alter taking part in twenty-two engagements, 
ping without a wound, he was discharj 
\"lt c.f tli.' Pennsylvania Line ti 
service, with the followiti ficate: " Thi 

to > ertify that tl imuel P01 !ier, 

ha\ 1 in the jrd regiment of Pennsylvania 

during the trim of his is now dis- 

charged from tic of the United Mates of 

1 ica. 
1 i a Trenton this 2 1st of |anuar\ , A 1 1 

An i ik'Ny Wayne, B, G 
Thi - married in ( hest< r county 

• Futha, who was born at 

About 1790 the) with oth 
pushed their way up Fishing creek in a canoe, 
and bought I squatter a tract <.( 300 acres 

of excel], nt bottom land, for which thi 
thirty dollars. The improvements on thi | 
> primitive type The ho 
1I1 wi re constructed of i- !L >d with 1 

:n the beautiful 
Nittan) Valley. The childi 

re: Jarrn died adult 

1 at Lock Haven; Polly reached . 
tut. md died at S unmarri 

Ann also reached mature' age, never man 
and died at Salona. In their religious vi 

lily were Presbyterians. The father 



was a stanch Democrat. His death occurred 
at the old homestead on January 10, 1825. 
and his wife's some years previously. His 
remains rest in the old cemetery in Lock 
Haven, Clinton county. Of their children, 
James Porter, born in Chester county, April 1, 

;, married Miss Margaret Williamson, who 
was born in the Cumberland Valley, Penn., Feb- 
ruary 15, 1788. The)- began their married life 
near Mackeyville, going to housekeeping in a log 
cabin in Lamar township. For a time the hus- 
band followed teaming, hauling iron to Pittsburg 
and store goods back, the trip requiring four 
weeks. Farming, however, was his chief occu- 
pation. He was a great hunter and enjoyed the 
sport. He had a farm of 400 acres which he 
cleared with the aid of his sons, and man.u 
successfully, and he operated a sawmill on Fish- 
ing creek. He killed bear and deer, which were 
plentiful at that time, and pheasants in their 
season were so numerous that one of the sons 
says he had often seen him shoot them through 
the raised window. His death occurred Novem- 
ber 15. 1852, while on a hunting expedition in 
the Cooper settlement, Clearfield county, amo 
the Alleghany Mountains, dying suddenly after 
eating a hearty breakfast. His remains were in- 
terred in the cemetery at Salona. His widow 
survived until 1861, dying near Mackeyville, 
March 16. She was well educated, a great 

ler, and a woman of more than ordinal) in- 
telligence. They were plain but good people. 
industrious, and made the kindest of neighbors 
and best of citizens. He, while reared in the 
byterian Church, later in life became a Meth- 
odist. He was a large and powerfully built 
man, just such as was needed in the opening up 
of a new country. Their children were: Martha, 
married Samuel Bridgens, and died at Salona: 
Samuel was a canal boatman, and died in Flem- 
ington; Harriet married Willis Mann, and died 

feagertown, Mifflin county; Barbara J. mar- 
ried Joseph Reeseman, and died in Wisconsin; 
Adolphus died in boyhood; Elizabeth also died 
whei >ung; James H. is a farmer in 

Nittany Valley; Margaret is the widow of Hon. 
J. G. Eldred, of Mackeyville; William T. resides 

»gle county. III.; R. Williamson is our sub- 
ject; and Nancy, who died in Mackeyville. The 

therof these was the daughter of Moses Will- 
iamson and Barbara Walters, the former of 

tch-Irish and the latter of German lineage. 
s Williamson was a merchant. He moved 
from the Cumberland Valley to Lewistown, Miff- 
lin count)-, where he carried on business, and 
branch store in the Kishacoquil- 
las Valley, conveying his goods to the latter point 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



059 



in a keel-bottomed boat. He was a man of good 
and large heart, and ruined himself in business 
by extending too great a credit. He failed in 
business, and with the little that was left after 
settling up his affairs he bought at a tax sale 800 
acres of land, paying for it ten cents per acre. 
This land was located on Fishing creek in what 
is now Porter township, Clinton county, and on 
a portion of this tract he resided and died here, 
and was buried at Jacksonville, Centre county. 
While living at Lewistown he represented his 
district in two sessions of the Legislature. He 
and his brother, Thomas Williamson, of Carlisle, 
surveyed and took up a large tract of land in La- 
mar and Porter townships. His children were: 
Margaret, Joseph, Thomas, Mary A., Harriet, 
Nancy, and Robert. 

R. Williamson Porter was born March 14, 
1828, on the homestead farm in the vicinity of 
Mackeyville. With the exception of one winter, 
his school days were passed in the little log 
school house that stood on the opposite side of 
the road from the site of the present house in 
the homestead neighborhood (the exception be- 
ing in a house on his father's farm). He now 
vividly recalls in his mind's vision the scenes of 
those days of the long-ago, and is startled when 
he thinks of how few are left of the many who 
came and went from that house. In those days 
the quill pen was used, and it was no small part 
of the teacher's work to keep them in order. Mr. 
Porter was reared on the farm and lived in the 
days of the sickle, the scythe, and the cradle — 
when to live on a farm meant work. His 
father was a good manager and always found 
work to keep the boys busy. Our subject re- 
mained at home for several years after he be- 
came of age. For two years after the death of 
his father, R. Williamson and his brother, William 
T., farmed the homestead. Subsequently the 
former with the widowed mother left the farm, 
moving to Mackeyville and into the house in 
which our subject now resides and owns. The 
mother, however, finally returned to the farm 
where she died. From the time our subject 
moved to the village up to some two years ago 
he worked at various occupations. By his in- 
dustrious habits, good management and the 
practice of economy he has become well-to-do, 
retiring from the activities of life with a com- 
petence. He has been married three times. His 
first wife was Mary Beck, who bore him one child 
— Mary, that died in infancy. His second wife 
was Miss Elizabeth Gummo, who died without 
issue. For his third wife he married Leah Beck 
(sister of the first wife). The third Mrs. Porter 
also died without issue. Mr. Porter is a citizen 



of unquestioned integrity, and commands the 
the highest respect and esteem of his fellow- 
citizens, unassuming in manner and of a most 
social turn. He has been a useful citizen in the 
community. He is a member of the Method- 
ist Church, is treasurer and steward of his home 
Church. For a number of years he has served 
without pay as the sexton. He gave much of 
his time and contributed liberally toward the 
building of the church edifice there at Mackey- 
ville, giving at one time $650. He was one of 
the building committee, and during the time the 
edifice was being built and paid for, he did what 
he considers about the hardest work of his life, yet 
it was a labor of love as his Church relations have 
ever been close and dear to his heart. Mr. Por- 
ter is identified with the I. O. O. F., being a 
member of the Great Island Lodge No. 320, at 
Lock Haven. Politically he is a Democrat. 
Residing among the mountains for so many years 
and travelling over them so often, Mr. Porter is 
most familiar with all localities, knowing every 
nook and corner. He at one time while hunting 
at night shot and killed a deer at a lick without 
seeing the animal, and when it was too dark to 
see his gun. He did this by locating the deer 
through the sound made by it when taking the 
gravel into its mouth. 



ACOB SCOTT, one of the substantial and 
; prosperous business men of Lock Haven, 
Clinton county, was born April 10, 1840, at 
Hazleton, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. 

Simon Scott, his father, was a native of Ger- 
many, born May 2, 181 5, at Rodelheim, near 
Frankfort-on-the-Main. He came to America 
when only a lad of fifteen years. He set out in 
life with a fixed purpose to become independent, 
and for years worked at whatever his hands found 
to do. For a time he was a peddler. Later he 
located at Pottsville, Penn., where he began fol- 
lowing mercantile pursuits, on a small scale at 
first, which business he increased as his means 
and the trade justified. He remained there sev- 
enteen or eighteen years, and prospered. From 
Pottsville he moved to Pine Creek, Clinton coun- 
ty, where he was a merchant until he came to 
Lock Haven. He here carried on a general 
store, and some years later was also engaged in 
operating a tannery. He was an energetic and 
industrious man of good business ability, and met 
with success. He was enterprising and progress- 
ive, and, as a citizen, he was a valuable man to 
Lock Haven. His death occurred on October 6, 
1892. His wife, whom he married April 20, 183S, 
was Julia Ann Horn, born in 1820, at Hazleton, 



661 1 



VORATn GRAPHICAL RECORD. 



\w i and Lewis. 

are livii 

Jao Scott Lock 

Haven and Penn., and 

pleting hi- ■ he followed in the i< 

df Ins (ath- rking in the mercantile busi- 

-. in which he is still I. He h 

ciated in business with him his brother, Lewis 

the tinii being Sc tt Bi 
Th' tin, and 

largely in i This firm is one ->f the 

soli i Haven ; it does a I 

the men being conservative 
and careful. J 5 tt is the first vie 

. 1 laven Tru I iny. 1 1 

a finam shown in th-' manner 

in which he has managed his own airs. 

He is a man nd influence. In politics 

he is a Den 

( in May I- 1 nr subject was marrii 

linnet, daughti i ol Samuel and Mary Smith, of 

children ha. 
- this ma: Mary J. I Mrs ' ■ ■ 

Mrs J. E I >rofbaugh i, and 
Miriam Mrs J. II Fursl . The motherof tl 

t New York, born Maj i ;. 1 842, it 
Dansville; nan 

• I w inning maimers that 
friends. 



1 1 I I AM F SPERRING. a typical self- 
l\L of the 1 I ative 

I 1 k Haven, Clinton coun- 
ty, is the popular bookkeeper an 1 ol the 

ity 

Mr. Sperrii t Pennsylvania, 

m Clinl ty, a son of 

1 1- m\ and Jan. th of 1 ng- 

lisli nativity, coming to the United States with 

theii 1 family 

Farrai I linton ■ mi. 

1 1- m\ E n at Ta nd, 

June 2 - ' , 1823, and 

then in 1 at 

Im 1 ! . near Bolton, Lancashire, England, 

, on the li< Lit • ■ Dewart 
Clinton, ' and landed in New '1 1 - , 

[831 ■. then six \ 

Henry £ 
in the lumbering and coal b 
ville and Whetham, 1 ly in th 

I ck Haven, li\ ing there in retii 
ten II- t! m the . 

twenty 

died 1; H 



very active man and patriotic citizen, and while 

sident of Lock Haven he served in the city 

ncil, on the school board, and in other local 

tions. His widow is still living at the ad- 

vani f seventy-four years, and in the en- 

1 health. Five of this honored 

1 a also survix- \ : Mrs. J. 

i,l t Clinton county; A. B., living near 

Mill Hall; Ruth A., at home; William F., our 

1 Mrs. W. T. Turner, of Keating 

Summit. 

William F. Si g received his education 

at the Lock Haven public schools, subsequently 
takii -mess course under Prof. S. N. ( hris- 

t ] Haven, Mr. Sperring being his hr>t 

hl.it-. On : subject 

accepted a position as bookk A. Pardee 

& Son, lumbermen, with whom he remained 
eleven years, in April. [888, coming to bis pi 

bookkeeper ami cashier of the 
Holloway Bottling Company. Beginning life's 
struggles at the early age of sixteen years, he has 
by application and energy advanced rapidly by 
In- own effi II 

In March. [886 William F. Sperring was 
married to R Margaret Brut -man. dauf 

in A. Brutzman, of Lock Haven, and one 
child. Ada Elizabeth, brightens their hom< Mrs. 
Sperring is a member of the English Lutheran 
I hun h Socially Mr. Sperring is affiliated with 
the B. P. O. E.; in politics he is a Democrat, 
-polies; he is a member of the 
sch- I, - il which he is treasun 



A 



N. HECKMAN, a wealth) retired agricult- 
PS*. urist residing at Lamar, Clinton county, 
ne of the county's most valued citizens, and 

belongs to ;i family which has been for main 
lentified with the best interests of this 
m. 
John Hickman, the grandfather of oui sub- 
was a prosperous farmer in Penn's Valley 
in the early days, but his last years were spent 
11 a farm in Sugar Valley, in Green township, 
nt} His son John (2), the latii- 1 
March 9, 1810, in Penn's 
Vail panied his patents to their 

where he grew to manhood. On 
July 12, if I to Miss Anna 

Maria Brungart, wh rn August 16, 1 81 1, 

the and Susanna Brungart. 

Alter hi ubject's father continued 

in a small house in 

the . and later he had charge of 

the ■ but finally purchased the 

1. He had a good start in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



661 



life, receiving $500 from his father at the time of 
marriage, and by his successful management he 
accumulated a handsome propety. In 1863 he 
bought the "Arnold Custard" farm in the Nit- 
tany Valley, and in the spring of 1873 removed 
to that locality, retiring from active business. 
He afterward purchased the John Watson farm 
of 1 13 acres for $14,799.68. He was an indus- 
trious man, full of resolution, and invariably ful- 
filled his promises. At the same time he enjoyed 
life, taking pleasure when it came rightfully, and 
he lived to see his eighty-second year, his death oc- 
curring in Porter township, Clinton county. In 
politics he was first a Whig and later a Demo- 
crat, but beyond voting regularly he paid little at- 
tention to public affairs. For many years he was a 
leading member of the Evangelical Lutheran 
Church in his locality, in which he held various 
offices, and to which he gave liberally. His es- 
timable wife died at the age of seventy-five years, 
and the remains of both were interred in St. 
Paul's cemetery in Porter township, Clinton 
county. Of their nine children, the first, a son, 
died in infancy unnamed. Harriet, born Sep- 
tember 30, 1836, died May 6, 1837. A son and 
daughter (twins), born March 20, 1838, died in 
infancy. Thomas, born February 3, 1840, died 
September 8, 1843. Saul, born August 18, 
1842, died September 8, 1843. A. N., our sub- 
ject, was the next in order of birth. Eve, born 
March 12, 1847, is now Mrs. D. S. Royer, of 
Springfield, Ohio. Harvey B,, born September 
29, 1850, died October 14, 1868. 

The subject of our sketch was born Septem- 
ber 2, 1844, in Logan township, Clinton county, 
and was reared at the old homestead. In the 
winter of 1850-51 he began to attend school in a 
house which stood upon his father's farm, Will- 
iam McGhee being his first teacher. A primer, 
spelling book and the New Testament were the 
only text books, but as his father placed a high 
estimate upon an education, he was regular in at- 
tendance and made the best of his opportunities. 
In early manhood he married Miss Catherine A. 
Sankey, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Kratzer) 
Sankey, well-known residents of Sugar Valley. 
After this event he continued to reside with his 
father at the Logan township homestead until 
1 87 1, when he removed to the "Arnold Custard 
farm " in Nittany Valley, and later he purchased 
the place at $100 per acre. He was very suc- 
cessful in his business, and has never been in- 
volved in litigation, his kindly disposition enabling 
him to live in peace with all men. In the spring 
of 1888 he retired from active business, and in 
1 89 1 he left the farm and located at Lamar, 
where he had built a comfortable home. 



Mr. and Mrs. Heckman have had five sons, 
of whom three are living: (i) Charles A., a 
farmer in Porter township, Clinton county, mar- 
ried Miss Naomi J. Gramley, and has two chil- 
dren — Grace and Florence. (2) William E. 
died of scarlet fever at the age of fourteen. (3) 
John E., a farmer in Porter township, married 
Miss Emma Bartges, and has one daughter, 
Ruth. (4) Luther died at the age of eleven 
from scarlet fever, and was buried in the same 
grave with his brother William. (5) Samuel 
H., a clerk at Lock Haven, married Miss Jennie 
Kreamer, of Center Hall, and has one child, 
Catherine. 

For many years Mr. Heckman has been an 
active member of the Lutheran Church, and since 
1872 he has been continuously in office with the 
exception of one year. He served as elder for 
twelve years, and for some time was superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school. He and his sons are 
all stanch Republicans, and he has held various 
township offices while others have been declined, 
as he has little inclination for public affairs. 
Educational matters command especial interest, 
however, and at one time he served as school 
director for six years in succession. Socially, he 
is identified with the well-known order of the 
Patrons of Husbandry. 



LW. SHULER. Prominent among the rep- 
resentative farmers of Porter township, 
Clinton county, and one of its worthy citizens, 
is the gentleman whose name introduces this 
article. He is entirely a self-made man in the 
truest sense of the word, having been the ar- 
chitect of his own fortunes, and he has secured a 
comfortable competence, aided only by his 
strong arms, indomitable energy and laudable 
ambition. 

Mr. Shuler was born on February 24, 1825, 
in Porter township, a son of William and Eliza- 
beth (Walkay) Shuler. The mother died in that 
township in 1858, and later the father was again 
married. In 1854 he removed to Cedarville, 111., 
but spent his last days in Iowa, where his death 
occurred in 1876. During early life he worked 
at the cooper's trade, but was later a millwright 
for many years. 

Our subject, with the exception of five years, 
has spent his entire life in Porter township, liv- 
ing in Wayne county, Ohio, from the age of 
thirteen to eighteen. During his boyhood and 
youth he aided his father in his work, and started 
out in life for himself empty-handed. In 1847 
he and his father together purchased fifty acres 
of land in Porter township, which has since been 






OOMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RBOORD. 



his home and which he placed under a high state 
of cultivation, and improved with good and sub- 
stantial buildings. When his father removed to 
the West be purchased his interest, and has 
made of the place an excellent and valuable 
farm; has since added to it by purchase ioo 
acres, having now i 50 acres. 

L. W. chiller was married at the age of 
twenty-seven years, the lady of his choice bi 
Miss Catharine Smith, also a native of Porter 
township, and a daughter of Peter Smith. They 

ime the parents of three daughters, namely: 

hi E., wife of Noah Suavely, of Porter town- 
ship; Mary E., who died at the age of twenty- 
one - n.ih A . wife "I John 1 >sman, of 1 
ter township. The wife and mother, who was a 
tunable lady, was called to her linal rest 
September J, and her remains were in- 
terred in the terj al Mackeyville. The 
father is unwavering in his support of the men 
and measures of the Republican party, and he 
is a faithful and at member of the United 

ngelical Church, in the work of which he 
takes a;. ninent part. He has also 

held various Church offices, and no citizen in 
Nittany Valley is held in higher r< p< t He has 
lost over $1,000 in going security for friends, but 
his own honesty and integrity are above ques- 
tion, his word being considered as good as his 
bond. 



J 1 'UN BERRY, om >i Loganton's oldest and 
highly-i I citizens, was born near that 

Valley, then a part of Centre 
county, but now Clinton county, March S, 1 
I Scotch-Irish descent. 
Jan grandfather, was a native 

M 5., where he received a good edu- 
tion, and when a young man came to Penn- 
pending some time in !.• bam m coun- 
ty. He then removed to Brush Valley, Centre 
unty, whei irehased a farm and built 

: house in Rebersburg. He conducted as' 
th( ielling out went 

Franktown, then a pari ol Huntingdon coun- 
ty, where he spent the remainder of his life, and 
where his remain- were interred. In Lebanon 
county he had wedded Mary Krichbaimi, who 

man ancestry, and the) 
■ me the parents. ol the following clnl.ii 

l . 1 1- nry, \\ illiam K , and 
Catharine, wife of John Bierly, of I '.rush Valley. 
All of the sons followed fanning, and made their 
hoim m ( >hio with the exception of the father of 
subject, andj ihn I ntof [ohnstown, 

ni. The grandmother dud m Brush Valley 
at the horn. i| her children. Both she 



and her husband were members of the Reformed 
Church, and in politics, he was an Old-line Whig. 

William K. Berry, father of our subject, was 
born in 1803, in Brush Valley, and in the public 
schools obtained a good education in both En- 
glish and German, it being the intention of his 
parents at one time to educate him for the min- 
istry. In early life he learned the trades of shoe- 
making and stonecutting, and for some time fol- 
lowed the former during the winter season and 
the latter in the summer months. Subsequently 
he came to Sugar Valley and bought a farm of 
103 acres near Loganton, in Green township, now 
owned by Conrad Bowersox. He made all the im- 
provements upon the place, including the erection 
of a good residence, barns and outbuildings, and 
made it his home until called from this life. His 
remains were interred in the Loganton cemetery 
near the Evangelical Church, of which he was a 
most active and consistent member. By his first 
vote he supported the Whig party, later became a 
strong Abolitionist, and on the organization of 
the Republican party joined its ranks. He served 
as overseer of the poor in Green township, and 
also as school director, auditor and tax collector. 
He was temperate in all his habits, was well 
liked and respected by all who knew him. In 
Brush Valley, Centre county, he was married to 
Miss Esther Friedley, who was born near Carlisle, 
in Cumberland county, Penn. Her father, Lud- 
wig Friedley, was a member of Washington's 
body guard for six years during the Revolutionary 
war. She died on the home farm, and was laid 
to rest by the side of her husband. In their fam- 
ilj were eleven children: Sophia, widow of 
Peter Karstetter; James, who died in Loganton; 
William 1 deceased 1; John, of this sketch ; Thomas, 
a farmer of Arkansas; Priscilla, deceased wife of 
Jonathan Confer, of Green township, Clinton 
county; Euilla, who died in Jewell county, Kans. ; 

ih, who died unmarried; Delila, who died 
in infancy; Catharine, wife of J. Frank, of 
□ township; and Lewis F. , who died in 
I 

During his childhood and youth John Berry 

nded the public schools of Salona,- Nittany 
Valley and Loganton, and started out in life for 
himself as a farm hand, working in that way 
until eig 1 ars of age, when he spent one 

1 in learning the stonecutter's and mason's 
trade with his lather. The next year he worked 
for John Struck, and continued to follow that 
trade for twenty years, during which time he cut 
the first n building the railroad bridge 

at Muncy, Northumberland Co., Penn. He was 
n the lumber woods during the 
winter season when work at his trade was scarce. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



663 



On March 1 1, 1847, at Tusseyville, in Georges 
Valley, Centre county, Mr. Berry was married to 
Miss Catharine Morris, who was born February 
10, 1827, the oldest daughter of Daniel R. and 
Abigail (Mowery) Morris, and they have now 
traveled life's journey together for over fifty 
years, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity 
and prosperity. Six children came to brighten 
the home by their presence, namely: Sebilla J., 
wife of Harvey Smith, of Johnsonburg, Penn.; 
Elmira, wife of Jared Karstetter, of Oregon; 
Dora, wife of Samuel Goodman, of Loganton, 
Penn.; W. Scott and E. O., who died when 
young; and J. Curtin, an engineer living in Lo- 
ganton. 

During the Civil war our subject manifested 
his patriotism by enlisting, August 24, 1864, in 
the United States service. He was appointed a 
recruiting officer, and from Clinton, Centre and 
Luzerne counties he formed a company, which 
was mustered in as Company G, 210th P. V. I., 
of which he was commissioned second lieutenant, 
serving under Capt. Wilson P. Palmer and Col. 
YV. T. Sargant, in the Army of the Potomac, 
Fifth Corps, Second Division, Third Brigade. 
He participated in the battles in front of Peters- 
burg, Hatcher's Run, Dabney Mills, Stone Creek, 
Five Forks, Gravel Run, Weldon Railroad Raid, 
and also took part in the Grand Review at 
Washington, D. C. Being taken ill, he was for 
four weeks confined in the Fourth Ward City 
Point hospital, and when the war was over was 
mustered out with the rank of first lieutenant. 

In 1 87 3 Mr. Berry became a resident of Lo- 
ganton, where he has since made his home, and 
until 18S2 he continued to follow lumbering, but 
is now retired, though he is still quite strong and 
enjoys excellent health. He is a member of the 
United Evangelical Church, and in politics is a 
stanch Republican. He was appointed postmaster 
under President Lincoln, and served for four years 
under Grant. He also filled the same office for 
four years in Loganton under President Harrison, 
and has been overseer of the poor, constable five 
terms, and supervisor three terms. He proved 
a popular and capable official, and discharged 
the duties with credit to himself and to the satis- 
faction of all concerned. 



JACOB A. BITNER, one of the most pro- 
gressive, thorough and systematic agricult- 
urists of Lamar township, Clinton county, 
was born November 28, 1S37, in the same town- 
ship, a son of Christian Bitner, whose birth 
occurred in 1803 near Eagleville, in Centre coun- 
ty, Penn. The paternal grandfather, when a 



boy, removed with his parents from Lancaster 
county, Penn., to Liberty township, Centre 
county, becoming one of its honored pioneers 
and leading farmers. His death occurred near 
Eagleville. In his family were sixteen children, 
and his wife by her first marriage was the mother 
of another child. 

Christian Bitner, the second son of his par- 
ents, was reared as a farmer boy. Although 
small, he was a great worker, and in his younger 
years devoted much time to the occupations of 
threshing and chopping wood. At one time he 
and another gentleman contested for a wager of 
$10, and between sunrise and sunset Mr. Bitner 
chopped eleven cords of wood, while his adver- 
sary chopped nine. This contest attracted uni- 
versal attention throughout this section of the 
State at that time. 

In Wayne township, Clinton county, Chris- 
tian Bitner was married to Miss Nancy A. Dice, 
who was born in that township, in 1803, a 
daughter of George Dice, a weaver by trade. 
She, too, learned that occupation, and from the 
flax which our subject often gathered, would 
weave the cloth for the clothes of her family. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bitner began their domestic life 
upon a farm owned by a Mr. Miller, the first 
sheriff of Clinton county, and from that place 
removed to Bald Eagle Valley, Beech Creek 
township, Clinton county. After renting there 
for some time, the father located in Nittany Val- 
ley, where he became one of the first successful 
corn raisers of the Valley. The first land that 
he ever owned is the farm now occupied by our 
subject, but when the family removed to the 
place in 1842 but one field had been cleared, it 
being the present orchard, which the parents 
planted. In imitating them our subject planted 
an apple seed in a tea cup, and as it sprouted, it 
was later set out in the orchard, and is to-day an 
excellent tree, of the variety known as the golden 
pippin. Although the father had but fifty cents 
at the time of his marriage, he succeeded in ac- 
cumulating a good property through his own in- 
dustry, good management and perseverance. 
His political support was always given the Dem- 
ocratic party, and he faithfully served his fellow 
citizens in the capacity of supervisor of his town- 
ship. For many years he was a deacon in the 
Christian Church, of which he was a prominent 
and active member, and to which his estimable 
wife also belonged. They are both now de- 
ceased, the father dying at the age of sixty- 
seven, and the mother at the age of eighty- six, 
and their remains were interred in the Disciple 
cemetery at Salona. 

The children born to this worthy couple were 






I OMMl MtiKATIVF BIOOBAPBICAL RECORD. 



I 1 'r. Eli Parry, and 
■ I ck Haven; George D. was a medical 
student at the time of hi being accident- 

ally drowned a short distance below Columbia, 
in Lancaster county; John is a farmer of Dunns- 
burg; Mary S. died in girlhood; Jacob A is our 
subjei t; Harriet C is the wife of Henry Wass 
<>f Toronto, Woodson Co., Kans.; and two died 
in infancy. 

In the Salem - under the direction of 

Wesle) Ferree \ Bitner began his lil 

ary education, but his privileges along that line 
were very limited, as he was never able to at- 
tend a full term, and the schools of that day were 
verj po i During his boyhood he would ride 
the horses used in threshing on the barn floor, 
and perform other labors about the farm. At 
tin- age ot twenty-one he taught a four-months' 
school in Sugar Valley, but he continued to make 
his norm with his parents, never leaving the old 
homestead, where he still continues to reside. 
1 r several years after his marriage he rei 
the place, and subsequently purchased the inter- 
• of the other heirs. In [878 he built a good 
barn, and five years later erected his pleasant 
residence lb has also added to the original 
tract until he now has 1 12 acres. 

On December 7, in Clinton count\. 

our subject was married to Miss Nancy E. Hall, 
wh( rn October 22, 1S44. in Beech Creek 

township, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Mc- 
Closkey) Hall, in whose family were eight chil- 
dren : - and five daughters. Mrs. Bit- 
is the oldest, and acquired her education in 
thi By her marriage she has 
• me the mother of seven children, whose 

nan illows: Samuel c. , Marj I 

ih J . Meda M. graduated at the Lock Ha. 
Normal School in the class of 1895, and is now 
Uma K. graduated at the 
same institution m 1 ■ .-. | 1 ph d ed in infancy; 
and [essii I All of the children are still at 
lion 

Mr Bitner is an earnest supporter of Di 
cratic principles, and has been honored with a 
number of local offices, being county auditor 
tei in. ind in Lamar town- 

ship for thirteen consecuth declininj 

1 1 he Christian 

Church, is justly regarded as one of the valued 
and useful citizens of his community, as he gives 
a liberal support to all worthy enterprises f< >r the 
public g I he certainly deserves honorable 

mention m a record of Clinton county's promi- 
nent and representative His family is 
one of the most highly respected in the Valley, 
upying an enviable position in social circles. 



AHIBALD MUNRO, of the firm of 
1 redericks, Munro & Co., of Lock Haven, 
anufacturers of an excellent quality of 
fire brick at Farrandsville, Clinton county, was 
born March 4, 1S34. at Cape Breton, Nova 
Scotia, and is of Scotch descent. 

Alexander Munro, his father, was born in 
the Citj ol Glasgow, Scotland, October 9, 1805. 
He was a practical miner and foreman of a 
mine in his native country, and, in 182 1, he 
was brought to Nova Scotia by an English 
company to operate mines. He remained there 
seven years, and, in 1838, came to America and 
to the town of Farrandsville, Clinton county, 
which was then a point of considerable impor- 
tance owing to the bituminous coal mines that 
were being operated there, and to the iron in- 
dustries. Here he was employed in mining for 
the Lycoming Coal Company, until in 1840, 
when they ceased operations. At this time Mr. 
Munro n his family to Queens Run, and 

there regained until in 1847, at which time the 
Farrandsville Coal Company began operations, 
and then returned to that point. He under- 
stood mining thoroughly and was a good fore- 
man, a good handler of men. His wife, who 
also was a native of Scotland, born at Glasgow, 
was Jeanette Dick, and their children: Alexan- 
der Neal, of Tioga county, Penn.; John C. (de- 
ceased); Annie, Archibald, our subject; Rev.. 
Henry C, of Montour county; Jeanette (de- 
ceased); Euphemia (deceased); William 1 de- 
ceased); and Robert (deceased). The parents 
of these died, the father in 1872, and the mother 
in 1879. 

Archibald Munro received only a district- 
school education excepting one year's attendance 
in the high school of Lock Haven. In 1847 he 
entered the store of the Farrandsville Coal Com- 
pany as a clerk, and remained in their empl 
until they gave up the business in i860. He 
then became the timekeeper and paymaster of 
the Eagleton Coal & [ron Company, which em- 
ployed 150 men. Eagleton was then a li\ 
and bustling little place, the mines were profit- 
able, and things thereabout wore a business air. 
Young Munro remained in the employ of the 
company until the mines were closed in 1865. 
At about this time the Rock Cabil mines were 
ied by the McHenry Coal Company, and 
Mr. Munro became their manager, and remained 
with the company until 1869. He then re- 
tun. ;ile, and, in 1873, the pres- 
ent fire brick works of Fredericks, Munro & Co., 
at that point, wa 1 by Mr. Eredericks 
and himself, which from that time to this has 
been successfully operated. It is now a great 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



665 



industry, and the manner in which it has been 
conducted, reflects credit to its promoters and 
management. This firm gives employment to 
1 50 men the greater part of the year. They 
carry on a general store in connection with their 
business at Farrandsville, a point some six miles 
west of Lock Haven. They are successful busi- 
ness men. In 1888 Mr. Munro built a beauti- 
ful home at Lock Haven which would be a 
credit to a more pretentious city, where he has 
since resided. 

On May 19, 1859, our subject was married to 
Miss Anna Owen, a daughter of Silas Owen, of 
Luzerne county, Penn., and the following chil- 
dren have come to bless their home: Mary (Mrs. 
Leisenring), Jennie (Mrs. Oscar Wolever), Ada 
C. (Mrs. Rev. Edward Blint), Gertrude, Grace, 
Oscar G. , Sallie (deceased), and Archie. The 
parents of these are identified with the Baptist 
Church, in which Mr. Munroe is a deacon and 
trustee; also treasurer of the Church. In politics 
he is a Republican. He has never sought public 
office, although he has been elected to some of 
the minor offices of the city, among them that 
of school director and postmaster at Farrands- 
ville, having held the latter office since appointed 
by President Arthur, thus giving evidence of his 
worth as an official, and of his great popularity 
with the Democrats and Republicans. Mrs. 
Munro was born at Kingston, Luzerne Co., 
Pennsylvania. 



HpUSTON WEIDLER, the well-known and 
I popular proprietor of the Rauchtown Roller 

Mills, in Crawford township, Nippenose Valley, 
Clinton county, was born September 19, 1846, in 
Mifflin township, Lycoming Co. , Penn., a son of 
Christian Weidler, whose birth occurred in 
Wurtemburg, Germany, on Christmas Day, 1818. 
The grandfather, Frederick Weidler, also a 
native of Germany, was a gunsmith by trade, 
and also worked as a piano-maker in that coun- 
try. In 1829 he bade adieu to the Fatherland, 
and with his family took passage on a sailing ves- 
sel bound for the United States. On landing at 
Philadelphia he went direct to Lycoming county 
and located near Williamsport, where he at first 
followed his trade, but later devoted his time and 
attention for several years to farming. Having 
a strong desire to see more of the great Repub- 
lic in which he had cast his lot, he traveled quite 
extensively over the middle and western States, 
but returned to Lycoming county, Penn., and 
spent his last days with his family in Mifflin town- 
ship, where his remains were interred. He was 
an industrious, energetic man, who had the re- 



spect and esteem of all who knew him. In his 
family were six children, as follows: Christian; 
John, who died in Kansas; Barbara, wife of John 
Chromer, of Pottsville, Penn. ; Daniel, of Mifflin 
township, Lycoming county; George (deceased); 
and one child who died in France. 

Christian Weidler received a fair German ed- 
ucation in his native land, and was eleven years 
of age on the emigration of the family to the 
New World. He made his home near Williams- 
port for some time, and with Obadiah Ellis, of 
Williamsport, Penn., learned the trade of a mill- 
wright, which he followed for about twenty years. 
In 1854 he came to Crawford township, Clinton 
county, and located on a farm of 230 acres in the 
west end of Nippenose Valley, which was covered 
with a heavy growth of timber, and was known 
as the Stuck farm. He cleared much of the land 
and made many excellent improvements there- 
on, including a fine residence, good barns, and 
an orchard. He continued its operation until 
1 89 1, when he retired from active business life, 
and has since made his home in Rauchtown, 
where he has a comfortable residence, and is sur- 
rounded by all the comforts and many of the lux- 
uries of life, all of which has been obtained 
through his own industry, enterprise and good 
management. In 1879 he bought the Rauch- 
town Mills, which our subject is now operating. 

In Mifflin township, Lycoming county, Chris- 
tian Weidler was married to Miss Julia Ann Sal- 
lada, who was born in that county in 1824, a 
daughter of Jacob Sallada, the founder of Sallad- 
asburg, Lycoming county, and a millwright by 
occupation. To Mr. and Mrs. Weidler were 
born eight children, as follows: Houston is our 
subject; Oliver operates the old homestead farm; 
Adaline is the deceased wife of Henry Sweely, of 
Williamsport, Lycoming county; Sevilla, Mary 
E. and Michael W. all died when young; Anna 
C. is the deceased wife of Clarence Arnot, of 
Chicago, 111. ; and Wilks C. is a cooper, of Will- 
iamsport, Penn. The wife and mother was 
called to her final rest in 1892, and was buried 
in the Lutheran churchyard in Limestone town- 
ship, Lycoming county. In early life the father 
was a Democrat, but is now a stalwart supporter 
of Republican principles, and has served as 
school director in his township. Thoroughness 
and persistency characterized his entire business 
career, and they have been supplemented by 
careful attention- to details, and by honorable 
straightforward effort that has gained him a most 
excellent and enviable reputation. 

In the winter months during his boyhood and 
youth, Houston Weidler attended the schools of 
Mifflin township, Lycoming county, and Crawford 



r,,w, 



VMBMOBA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RBCOBD. 



township, Clinton county, and remained with 
his parents until he had attained the age of 
twenty-seven. He then learned the millwright's 
and miller's trades, at which he worked during 
the fall and winter seasons, while the spring and 
summer months wen I to the stonemason's 

trade. With John Smith he had learned milling, 
and after becoming thoroughly familiar with the 
business he rented the Raucbtown Mills from his 
father in 1879. He has since successfully oper- 
; the same, but in the meantime served as 
engineer in a sawmill for five years on account 
is health. In 4890 his father put into the 
Rau< htown Mills a full set of rollers, at a cost of 
$2,000, and has made other valuable improve- 
rs m the plant 1. He also built a good resi- 
e in the town in 1876 at a cost of $1,000. 
Houston Weidler was married in Williams- 
Penn., in 1S74, to Miss Pauline Hayes. 
born in New Jersey, of Holland extraction, and 
they have become the parents of five children: 
tii exemplary young man, who at the 
of fifteen 1 neei and is now 

employed in Tioga county, Penn. ; Carrie L 
milliner, is al I ink L., a miller, resides 

with his parents; Annie F. is at home; and 
Norris died in childh 1 

Our sub ne term as justice of the 

■I Crawford township. Clinton county, 
and was the same office, but refus 

[ualify. He filled the position of school 1 
director two terms, and constable of his town- 
ship 1 me t< rm. but has never cared for the hot) 
of public office. His politic it is always 

Democratic party. II faithful 

iber of the Lutheran Church, is temperate 
in all his ha : his honorable, upright life 

commands the respect and confidence of all with 
whom hi - in contact, either in business or 

social lif nal and moral inter- 

i b) him, and anythi 
that tends to uplift and benefit humanity 
his heatt 



CHARLES II. NOWELL, a leading farmer 
d tobacco grower of Woodward township, 

Clinton county, beloi in old and bom 

Massai husi tts family ol English descent. 

In 16301m: well and his brother John 

braved the dangers of an ocean voyage at that 

v day and took up their residence in the V 
sachusetts Bay Colony, where the forme: 
as secretary under Gov. John Winthrop. Hi 
preacher for the colony. One of his 
imuel Nowell, was a member of the first 
- that graduated at Harvard Coll. 



the father of Capt. Peter Nowell, who was born 
in Salem, Mass., in 1670, and was an officer un- 
der the British crown. In 1698 he was sent to 
Maine to settle the difficulties between the In- 
dians and white settlers, and while there pur- 
chased a tract of land, or took it up frofh the 

' rnment, where the town of York. York 
county, now stands. There he afterward made 
his home and devoted his time to farming. He 
was married there or in Salem, Mass., and be- 
came the father of eight children, whose names 
and dates of birth are as follows: Peter, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1698; Sarah, June 29, 1700; Mary, 
July 10, 1702; John, March 18, 1705; Ebenezer 
Kb- ii . November 12, 1709; Abram, February 
28, [712; Paul, 1714; and Silas, 1 7 1 7 . Some of 
the children died in childhood, and the parents 
both passed away while living in York county, 
Maine, and were buried there. 

Of this family. Ebenezer Nowell spent his en- 
tire life on the old homestead in York county, 
Maine, and followed the occupations of farming 
lumbering. He married a Miss Hamilton, 
who was born in the same county of Scotch an- 
cestry, and among their several children was 
Jonathan Nowell, who was born in York county, 
in 174''. and, like his ancestors, followed lum- 
bering and farming throughout life. In his native 
county, he raised a company, of which he was 
missioned captain, during the Revolutionary 
war, and was later promoted to the rank of 
major for gallant service in that terrible struggle, 
in which hundreds of men laid down their lives 
their country from British oppression. 
He gave his political support to the party of 
which Jefferson was at the head, and he and his 
family all belonged to the Congregational Church. 
In York county he married Elizabeth, daughter 
of the well-known Capt. John Frost, of Revolu- 
tionary fame, and in their family were the fol- 
lowing children: Ebner, the grandfather of our 
subject; George; Jonathan; Henry; Mrs. Col. 
Hobb; Mrs. Hiram Hayes; Mrs. James Johnson; 
and Mrs Reuben Neal. The father died in 
North Berwick, Maine, in 1821, the mother in 
[830, and their remains were interred in the 
cein that place. 

mer Nowell was born in 1707. in York. 
York Co., Maine, and accompanied his parents 
on their to North Berwick, in the same 

inty, where he also followed the occupation of 
farming and lumbering, and continued to make 
his home until his death, in i860. He was 
classed among the well-to-do citizens of the 
county. a number of years lived retired 

from active labor. In North Berwick he married 
Rachel Grant, a native t that place, whose 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



667 



father was also born in York county, and followed 
agricultural pursuits. The children born to them 
were as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Dr. C. Traf- 
ton; Mary, wife of William Shaw; Tabitha, wife 
of Ebner Littlefield; Sophia, who died unmar- 
ried; Lucretia, who also died single;' Joshua, 
father of our subject; and Sybil, wife of Dr.' 
Hatch. The family held membership in the 
Baptist Church, and the father was one of the 
most prominent and influential men of the Dem- 
ocratic party in his community. 

Joshua Nowell was born in 1806, in North 
Berwick, Me., where he spent his entire life, fol- 
lowing the occupations to which he had been 
reared. His literary education was rather limited, 
but he became a thorough and skillful agricult- 
urist, and owned a fine farm of 200 acres which 
he placed under a high state of cultivation and 
improved with good and substantial buildings. 
He was also a stanch Democrat in politics, and 
was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church, 
to which his wife and family also belonged. In 
his native place he was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah Hammond, who was also born there, 
a daughter of John Hammond. Eleven children 
were born to them, namely: Ebner, still a resi- 
dent of Maine: Sybil, who died unmarried; Au- 
gusta, wife of Joseph B. Frost, both now de- 
ceased; John, who is living on the old home- 
stead; Charles H., of this review; George, of New 
Hampshire; William, of Colorado; Elizabeth, 
wife of Stephen Harvey; Amelia, wife of William 
Reed; Joshua, of Melrose, Mass.; and Sarah, 
who died in infancy. The mother died in De- 
cember, 1879, and the father in December of the 
following year, and both were laid to rest in the 
cemetery at North Berwick. 

For only about two or three months during 
the winter season was Charles H. Nowell, of this 
sketch, able to attend the public schools of his 
native county during his boyhood, and at an early 
age his school days were over. He assisted in 
the work of the farm during the summer season, 
and when not in school during the winter, he 
drove an ox-team in the woods, hauling lumber. 
At the age of twenty he left home and started 
out in the world to make his own living, his 
capital consisting of only a pair of willing hands 
and a determination to succeed. Bidding fare- 
well to his parents he came to Pennsylvania, and 
was first employed in cutting timber in Clearfield 
county during the winter, while in the summer he 
worked in a sawmill at Chatham Run, Clinton 
county, being thus employed until 1865, when 
he went to Minnesota, and spent a year and a half 
as foreman in the lumber regions for Senator 
Washburn. 



In 1867 Mr. Nowell returned to Pennsylvania, 
and in Lycoming county purchased a farm of 230 
acres, which he operated for two years and then 
sold. In 1869 he removed to Dunnstown, Clin- 
ton county, where he spent eleven years engaged 
in the manufacture of lumber, running a sawmill 
and selling the product at different markets. In 
the meantime he bought fifty acres of land in 
Woodward township, and began raising tobacco 
and doing general farming. To this place he re- 
moved his family in 1886, and to the original 
purchase added eighty acres known as the Major 
McClosky farm, on which he built a good barn 
and made other substantial improvements which 
add to its value and attractive appearance. For 
the past twenty years he has made a specialty of 
the raising of tobacco, and has met with excellent 
success in his undertakings. 

On April 5, 1865, at Lock Haven, Mr. Now- 
ell was married to Miss Matilda Shobert, who 
was born November 8, 1845, in Watson town- 
ship, Lycoming Co., Penn., a daughter of Josiah 
and Mary (Reigle) Shobert. The Shobert fam- 
ily was founded in America by Frederick Sho- 
bert, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, who 
in 1765 came to America and located in New 
Jersey. When the Revolutionary war broke 
out he cast his fortunes with the Colonies, 
joining Washington's army about 1777, and 
when hostilities ceased he returned to his 
farm. His son Simon (Mrs. Nowell's grand- 
father) removed from New Jersey to Luzerne 
county, Penn., in 1805, and followed the occu- 
pation of hotel-keeping. Josiah Shobert was 
educated in both English and German, and was 
a well-informed man. In 1840, with his wife 
and one child, he removed from Luzerne county 
to Watson township, Lycoming county, where 
he purchased a farm of 100 acres, and continued 
to operate the same until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1887. His widow still resides on that 
place. On his removal to Lycoming county, he 
was accompanied by his two younger brothers, 
Frederic and Napoleon, who during the gold ex- 
citement went to California. They have been 
very successful, and at present are located on 
large farms in Oregon. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Nowell were born five chil- 
dren, as follows: (1) James A., born February 7, 
1866, in Minneapolis, Minn., was educated in 
the public schools of Clinton county, the high 
school of Lock Haven, and La Fayette College, 
where he graduated in 1888. For a time he then 
engaged in teaching in Mankato and St. Paul, 
Minn., and was later political reporter for the 
St. Paul Daily Globe. In the meantime he 
studied law, and *vas admitted to the Bar of that 



668 



" VEMORA TIVS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



te, where he en. I news- 

paper work until 1893, when he was appointed 

by President Cleveland as chief clerk in one of 
the auditor's offices in Washington, D. C. He 
is now president and manager f«»r a Baltimore 
firm at Minneapolis and St. Paul, and is a stanch 
supporter of the Democratic party. He married 
Mi-s Nannie St rough. (2) Minnie, born Febru- 
ary 17, 1868/ died in January. 1871. (3 Maj 
A . born October 21, 1869, attended the high 
school of Lock Haven and the Central State 
Normal, graduating from the latter institution in 

3, after which she successfully engaged in 

bing for nine years, in the home school, and 
in Pine Creek township, in Clearfield county, 
and in Lebanon county. Penn. In August, [894, 
she t hand in marriage to John K. Wat- 

son, of Clearfield county, and now has two chil- 
dren — George and May A, (4) Nellie, born June 

1873, was also educated in the public schools 
of Woodward township, Clinton county, the high 
school of Lock Haven, and the Central State 

rmal School of the latter place, and has now 
successfully taught school for seven years — three 
in the home school in Clinton county and four in 
Elk county, where she had charge of one school 
four terms. (5) Graci I., born November 12, 

2, has attended the public schools and also 

high school of Lock Haven. 

In June, 1863, Charles H. Nowell enlisted at 
I k k Haven in the emergency service, becoming 
a membei of Company A, 58th P. V. I., under 
Capt. S. Brown and Col. Horn. He was sworn 
into tin- United States .it Reading, was 

on guard duty at that place and Greencastle for 
six weeks, and was mustered out at Reading, 

his family hold mem- 

- Ii i I > in the Methodist Episcopal Church of 
Dunnstown, Woodward township, and hold an 
enviable position in social circles, where intelli- 
nce and worth are received as passports. 
1' ilitically, he is a free-silver Democrat, and has 
bi en called upon to serve as school director 
1 president of the board one term), overseer of the 
poor and supervisor one term. While posses 
the qualities of a successful business man and a 
irable social companion, perhaps Mr Nowell's 
Ij marked chara< teristic 1- his un- 
swerving fidelity to duty, His devotion to the 
mal interests of the country is only excelled 
by the patriotism which never loses sight of the 
highest duties of citizenship. 



WILLIAM GUMMO, a valued and esteemed 
iculturist of Bald Eagle township, Clin- 
county, owns a fine, well-improved farm, be- 



sides other land. The buildings upon the home 
place are of a neat and substantial character, and 
betoken thrift and prosperity. He was born De- 
cember 23, 1841, near his present home in Bald 
e township, and is a worthy representative 
of one of the prominent and highly-respected 
families of the county. 

|ohn and Jane (Rounsaval) Gummo, grand- 
parents of our subject, in 1832 left their old home 
in Cornwall, England, and came to the United 
States, accompanied by their children — William, 
James, Edward, Thomas, Elizabeth, Jane and 
Maria — taking up their residence at Farrands- 
ville, Clinton Co., Penn. In his native land the 
grandfather had been employed in the smelting 
works, but in this country he turned his attention 
to agricultural pursuits, buying a farm in Bald 
Eagle township, where he lived for some years. 
He died at Queens Run when in his seventy-third 
year. 

Richard Gummo, our subject's father, was 
born in 1S04, the eldest in the family. While 
still a resident of England he married Miss Ag- 
nes Nancarrow; he did not accompany his par- 
ents on their immigration to America, but re- 
mained in his native land until 1S41. when he 
crossed the Atlantic, and also took up his resi- 
dence on a farm in Bald Eagle township, Clinton 
county. At that time he had never seen a tree 
chopped down, and was entirely unfamiliar with 
agricultural pursuits; but he was industrious, en- 
tic and persevering, and soon mastered the 
occupation of farming. In early life he enjoj 
excellent health, being a robust young man, and 
succeeded in clearing many acres of land. His 
first plow he carried home two miles on his shoul- 
der, and he was obliged to endure many of the 
hardships and trials incident to pioneer life, as 
he found this region still in its primitive condi- 
tion. Although he began life here empty-handed, 
he met with success in his undertakings and be- 
came the owner of two valuable farms. He died 
in Paid Eagle township at the ripe old age of 
eighty-five, his wife when seventy-eight, and 
both were laid to rest in the Brown cemetery. 
In religious belief they were Methodists, in poli- 
tics the father was a Republican, and although 
he never was an office-seeker, he faithfully served 
as supervisor of his township. His upright and 
honorable course demanded the respect and es- 
11 of all who knew him. In his family were 
seven children, namely: William, the subject of 
tin- sketch; Edward, a prominent farmer of Bald 
le township; George, Eliza, Richard and 
Elizabeth A., who all died in 1*5 5; and Matilda, 
a resident of Flemington, Pennsylvania. 

Our subject received such education as the 





ClWl. 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cm 



country schools of his day afforded, and it was 
begun in a primitive log school house sixteen feet 
square, furnished with slab seats, his first teacher 
being Ellen Rogers. Being the eldest son, his 
services were often required at home, much to 
the detriment of his school training. He con- 
tinued to assist in the work of the farm until his 
marriage, which took place in October, 1864, 
Miss Sarepta Sollars, a native of Luzerne coun- 
ty, Penn., becoming his wife. Her father, Peter 
Sollars, was a farmer by occupation. Nine chil- 
dren blessed this union, six of whom are living: 
Anna A., who is engaged in teaching; Mary C. , 
now the wife of William Glossner, of Beech 
Creek township, Clinton county; Richard E., of 
Porter township, in the same county; Etta M., 
at home; Myron E., a farmer of Bald Eagle 
township; and James W. , at home. Those de- 
ceased are: Effa died when eighteen months 
old; Alma I., when two years old, and one in 
infancy. 

After his marriage Mr. Gummo located on 
his father's farm in a log house, which was built 
expressly for our subject's occupancy, and is still 
standing. In January, 1875, he removed to 
his present comfortable home, which stands on 
land purchased from the George Kessinger es- 
tate. He has become quite well-to-do, owning 
205 acres of fine farming land in Bald Eagle 
township, 150 acres of mountain land, and a 
farm of ninety-five acres in Porter township, 
Clinton county. He is thrifty, progressive and 
energetic — characteristics which cannot fail to 
win success. 

As a Republican Mr. Gummo has taken a 
prominent and influential part in political affairs, 
and has been honored with several official posi- 
tions of trust, being school director about twenty 
years; tax collector, eighteen years; overseer of 
the poor, fourteen years; township treasurer and 
treasurer of the school board, several years; and 
also supervisor of his township. It is needless 
to say that his duties were always performed in 
a most satisfactory and able manner. Although 
not a member of the Laurel Run Methodist Epis- 
copal Church, he was one of the building com- 
mittee in 1894, contributing liberally of his own 
means toward the erection of the house of wor- 
ship. He has since served as trustee, and is also 
secretary of the Sunday-school. His career has 
been ever such as to warrant the trust and con- 
fidence of the business world, for he has con- 
ducted all transactions on the strictest principles 
of honor and integrity. His devotion to the 
public good is unquestioned, and arises from 
a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellow- 
men. 



THOMAS J. SMULL, a prominent merchant 
of Mackeyville, Clinton county, is a man 
who commands in a remarkable degree the es- 
teem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. His 
popularity is based upon an appreciation of his 
sterling qualities of character, even his political 
opponents being stanch personal friends. As 
one evidence of this we may mention the fact 
that he has held the position of postmaster in his 
town for more than thirty years through all 
changes of administration, but other incidents 
are not wanting as will be seen in the follow- 
ing history. 

Mr. Smull was born May 24, 1834, in Rebers- 
burg, the youngest child of Henry Smull and his 
first wife, Elizabeth Royer, who are mentioned 
more fully elsewhere. When our subject was 
but a few days old his mother died, and he was 
taken to the home of his grandfather, Christo- 
pher Royer, in the vicinity of Rebersburg. He 
attended school in the latter town, Mr. Mulford 
and Mr. Burkett being among his first teachers, 
and although the instruction was decidedly in- 
ferior in many respects to that given in the com- 
mon schools of to-day, he managed to secure the 
rudiments of a practical education, and a good 
knowledge of the German language, English not 
being spoken. He remained in that locality un- 
til he was about fifteen years old, when, his 
grandfather having died, he went to the Nittany 
Valley to reside with a cousin, Samuel Royer. 
There he found the English language in common 
use, and for some time this was a handicap to 
him in his studies, but after six years' attendance 
(four months in each year) at the Clinton school 
he was qualified to teach. While in this school 
he made a yarn ball which he sold to a play- 
mate, now the Rev. Dr. Dornblaser, and in 
later years, believing that he had driven too hard 
a bargain, he returned the money with compound 
interest to the date of payment amount- 
ing to more than two dollars. The transaction 
illustrates well the strict integrity which has 
characterized his business life. After leaving 
school he taught successfully for eleven terms, 
including a term in the " Clinton school," one in 
Mill Hall, and four in Madisonburg, Centre coun- 
ty. In 1S57 he spent a few months near Valley 
Falls, Kans., and in 1S59 he went to Illinois, 
where he remained a year, during which he 
taught one term of school in Stephenson county. 
Before returning home in June, i860, he spent 
some time in Ohio and in Philadelphia, where 
he visited an uncle. He had been reared as a 
farmer boy, but, having a desire to enter mer- 
cantile life, he secured a position as a clerk with 
Joseph H. Long in a store in Lamar township. 



.•,7. 1 



( OMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPHH AL RECORD. 



Clinton county, on the pike, near the Porter 
townsbip line. While there he gained a prac- 
insight into the business, and in the spring 
of t866 he formed a partnership km \vn as Heck, 
Smull & Co., and engaged in mercantile business 
at Hamburg (now Mackeyvill in., continu- 

ing one yeai Another firm, which had started 
at ti i tired before the end of the 

r, and our subject, with F. E. Hays as a 
partner, secured the store and carried on busi- 

there until 1870, when Mr. Smull beca- 
the sole owner. He met with success, and in 

1 built a new store house to accommoda 
In- increasing trade, but in 1889 this was de- 
iod which carried away every- 
thing, causing a loss of $6,ooo. His safe was 
not found f<>r more than two years, when it was 
imbedded in the debris a short dis- 
tance below Mackeyville One week before the 
Mi Smull had drawn his check to pay 
1 lot of flour, canceling his only indebted- 
si but his satisfactiun was ol brief dura- 
week later he was practically pen- 
Hi — n learned the value of a "good 
name," his reputation as a straightforward, 
honest business man bringing its own reward, 
that Mr. Smull, who has been an 
ardent Republic since the organization ol 

the party, was m the h hi ilding heated 

ms on the topics of the day with Mr. 
Perry W. McDowell, an equally anient Demo- 
crat. These tilt'- were always friendly, a I 
which speaks volumes fi >r the good sense of both 
the gi ntlemen, and Mr. McDowell had no sooner 
learned ol Mi Smull's misfortune than he det 
mined tn show his appreciation of the hitter's 
worth b) offering him sufficient ground for a 
building I In land was at the opposite 
end of 1 hi Mr. Smull's formi >n, 

and Mr. McDowell had refused numi 1 ipo- 

sitions from others who wished to buy it 
business purp [1 Mr. Smull erected a 

new ston and resident •• upon the site mentioned, 
ami lie has -nice condui I business th 

He was obliged to make " a ni in life," 

but In- credit wa I las had no ti 

ble in sustaining an honorable place in busii 
circles. Always 1 i\ ial, he like- to 1 
joke, and can relish a joke from others, and no 
man in Nittanj Valley has mor< or better friends 
than • ' |efl Smull. " 

On February [3, 1873, Mr. Smull was mar- 
ried tn Miss I Ian iel I is born No- 
ber 4, [842, in Hublersburg, Penn., the 
daughter ol P< ter Transue, a well-known fanner, 
and his wife, Eli ibeth 1 Best . both of whom 
were natives of Northampton county, Penn. 



Then last years were spent in Clinton county, 
and their remains now rest in the cemetery at 
Mt. Bethel. Mrs. Smull was the fourth daugh- 
and fifth child in a family of eight chil- 
dren, three sons and five daughters. Four 
children have brightened our subject's home, 
two of whom died in infancy. (1) Lilly E., 
born July 22, 1S74. lived only eighteen months. 
(2 Thomas J., Jr.. born September 22, 1875. 
5sful teacher, having begun that occu- 
pation before he was seventeen years old ; he 
was married March 28, 1894, to Miss Mary 
Benntson, daughter of Capt. S. H. Bennison, a 
leading citizen of Centre county, and grand- 
daughter nf P. W. McDowell, and they now re- 
side in Mackeyville. (3) James L. , born June 
7, 1879, is also a licensed teacher, and at pres- 
ent resides at home. (4) Martin D., born Au- 

I 24. [871, died at the age of ten months. 
As Mr. Smull values education highly, he has 
endeavored to give his sons good opportunities, 
and they do credit to his efforts. He has ah' 

n a leader in his community, being ready 
to forward any progressive movement, and for 
six years he served as school director. He was 
influential in securing the post office at Mack 
ville, and the citizens evidently consider him the 
only suitable person to take charge of it. Dur- 
ing the Civil war he was a member of the 28th 
iiient. Pennsylvania Militia, and for six 
weeks u i in "emergency service." 

The family is identified with the Methodist 
ich. of which Mrs. Smull is an active mem- 
ber, lb 1- a member of the G. A. R. 

Our subject has made many original printed 
speeches, seldom quoting from other speakers, 
and was always sufficiently humorous to do as 
the poet sanl: "Made many laugh that never 

:hed before, and those that laughed, laughed 

:ore. " I lis own produ I dotes 

used, frequently with considerable effect, 

bj younger speakers in the central part of 

Pennsylvania. 



WILLIAM J BURRELL. There is prob- 
ably no beti' i type of farmer in Nittany 
Valley, nor a more exemplary citizen in Clinton 
ity than William J. Burrell, who represents 
imily that . t tied in this section of 

Pennsylvania, and played well their part through 
Liie, and busy In 

n December 20, 1844, on the farm where 
1"' now .11,1 winch he owns, Mr. Burrell 

is the son of Samuel and Lydia (Ilgen) Burrell, 
the Burrells being ol I rench extraction Samuel 
Burrell was born about 1S0; in Northumberland 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



671 



county, Penn. He was one of two sons who 
were left orphans in early boyhood. Samuel was 
bound out, and at the age of twelve years came 
to Centre county in company with his brother 
John Burrell and wife. For some time both 
brothers followed the mason's trade, and in com- 
pany with George Ilgen they purchased a tract of 
timber land on Egg Hill, where John Burrell 
cleared a farm and built a home for himself. 
Samuel Burrell on coming to Centre county 
brought with him, tied in a handkerchief, all of 
his effects. After learning his trade with his 
brother, he worked at it for years and assisted 
in building many of the barn walls in that re- 
gion. He helped to build the old stone mill 
yet standing at Clintondale, Clinton county. 
He was married near Aaronsburg, Centre county, 
and resided for some years near Penn Hall where 
he owned a small farm of forty acres. His wife, 
who was the daughter of a pioneer preacher, 
whose name was a household word in many of 
the homes of the early residents of Central Penn- 
sylvania — Rev. Ilgen — was born near Aaronsburg 
in Penn's Valley in about the year 1810. 

The children of Samuel Burrell and wife 
were: John I. became a very prominent Lu- 
theran minister, died while serving a charge in 
Brooklyn, N. Y. , and is buried in Greenwood 
cemetery in that city; Samuel P. (deceased) was 
a farmer of Lamar township, Clinton county; 
Mary L. is the widow of J. Kleckner, and re- 
sides at Sugar Valley, Clinton county; Anna L. 
was the wife of Rev. E. Studebaker, and died in 
Huntingdon county, Penn. ; Margaret R. died 
after reaching maturity, unmarried; Leah E. be- 
came the wife of Rev. Burke, and died at Balti- 
more, Md. ; Lydia was married to Prof. W. W. 
Herr, and died at Salona, Clinton county; Will- 
iam J. is our subject; James L. A. was a 
physician, and died at Williamsport, Penn.; 
Laura J. is Mrs. George Bufnngton, of Lycom- 
ing county; Charles W. , after graduating at 
Pennsylvania College, went to Los Angeles, Cal., 
where he now resides. The father of these be- 
gan life as a poor boy, but he was industrious 
and economical, and, with the aid of his good 
wife, became well-to-do. They had their early- 
struggles. The young husband followed his 
trade during the summer seasons, and with the 
assistance of an old German who was in the em- 
ploy of the family, the wife and children put out 
and cultivated the crops After a residence of 
some years in Centre county, Mr. Burrell and 
his brother-in-law — George Ilgen — bought in 
partnership 300 acres of land in Nittany Valley, 
Clinton county, from a Dr. Ard (a part of this 
land is the present farm on which our subject re- 



sides). After a few years Mr. Burrell purchased 
the interest of his partner. The greater part of 
the land was then in its primitive condition. The 
house stood on the south side of the road and the 
barn on the site of the present road. The first 
few years on the farm were rather discouraging 
ones, the land was stony and not very productive, 
but these parents toiled on and on, each succeed- 
ing year bringing new hope, as the crops in- 
creased. Time passed on, and with it came im- 
provements, the old barn and house were replaced 
by new ones, and the appearance of things gen- 
erally underwent a transformation. These build- 
ings are yet standing; the old barn-wall, built by 
the father himself, and though sixty years have 
passed it is as substantial and "plumb" as when 
his hands laid it up. This farm, mainly cleared 
and improved by the father, became one of the 
best and most productive farms in Nittany Valley, 
and on a part of it he passed to his final rest May 
12, 1883. His wife preceded him many y'ears, 
she dying October 18, 1862. Both rest in Cedar 
Hill cemetery, Lamar township. They led ex- 
emplary lives, reared their children so that they 
occupied honorable and useful stations in life, 
and all (parents included) bore the respect and 
esteem of their neighbors and acquaintances. 
The parents, as stated, were industrious and be- 
came well-to-do; nay more than this, they were 
good managers and became rich, the father leav- 
ing an estate of some $60,000. The father in 
politics was a Democrat. In the days of slavery 
he was a pronounced Abolitionist, being bitter in 
his denunciation of slavery. He had no inclina- 
tion to hold office, but on the other hand under 
no circumstance would he accept it. He was a 
most useful citizen, was a member of the Lu- 
theran Church, and led a life in keeping with his 
profession. He was a kind husband and an in- 
dulgent parent, and in his passing away a good 
man and a most successful one left this world. 

William J. Burrell was reared and remained 
an agriculturist. He attended the schools of the 
district in which he lived, his first teacher being 
James Rogers. Mr. Burrell has great regard for 
those old district schools of his boyhood, and 
great respect for the teachers of that day. It 
was often the case that out of those rude build- 
ings, where discipline was not slack, came boys 
that startled the world — set the pace for college- 
bred men to follow. From such schools and 
surroundings came boys of practical ideas, and, 
turned loose in the world, were prepared to cope 
with it. Young Burrell, along in 1863-64 and 
'65, attended Missionary Institute (now Susque- 
hanna University), at Selins Grove, in Snyder 
county. He later taught school some at Hyner, 



672 



MORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Clinton county, but, not liking it. soon aban- 
doned i d to hum phar- 
macy in the dn - I Mr Archie Sempl 

n aftei 
and clerked 

videre, N. [., b nt was in- 

- health, and he returned to the h 
(arm and t< 11 has -mce 

ii and devoted his energies toward 

cation, 

in all scientific and 

improved mi i to 

farmer in getting 
-ults in ti. I his work. < m 

■i purchased other inter- 
ii tin farm, and h ned it. He 

arm of 17 and some 300 acres 

..f timber land. with md impn 

nt.-.. indii farmer that 

H utial men <>f the 

inty, ambitii -tate 

■ ■I Ins health to reach his aim. He has a lai 
[uaintam e, and 

Politically he is an Independent, voting 

1 ami mi ' he time seem to 

his judgi itry or the com- 

nitj 1 taring th ment he was 

ititied and in sympathy with it. During the 

:id administi ition hi ppointed post- 

masti 1 .a R ilv. hav- 

■ i k nf tin :> by nth 

II had ind 

auditor of the tow nsl 

On Septembei 26, 1876, in Lamar township, 
Mr. Burrell was man 1 C. Di irnbla 

la daughter of 

1 1 thi> mai 

John I. isnowatten : lanna University 

Pi mi d Mabel 

1 ■• member 



J 1 dlN W < IR< H 1'. an .1" 
Rauchti iwn 

Ian man 

whose well him ah 

envy, I . 1 nner in 

which ;! In his 

he has followed tin ind 

with a never-failing en. ited his 

int. 1 that tin- obsl 

path ha . ■ 

ved. 
Mi ices- 

ti\ I 1 . . was ': 



in York county, Penn., reared to manhood on a 
farm, and throughout his life carried on agricult- 
ural pursuits; he also en ting be- 
tween Baltimore, Philadelphia and Pittsburg be- 

the days of railroads and canals. He owned 
a farm in that part of York count) which was 
made into Adams county, and died on the old 
ad near the historic battle ground of Get- 
tysburg, September 12, 1 S44, at the same hour 
in which occurred the birth of our subject. His 
remains were interred in the Lutheran cemetery 
at Gettysburg. In politics he was a stani h Ji f- 
fersonian Democrat. He married a Miss Brame, 
who now rests by his side. They were the par- 
ents of eight children. 

Peter Group, the father of our subject, was 
bor, in February. 1S07, in Adams county, received 

od education in English and German, and in 
his early life followed farming and freighting for 
his father. When a young man he came to cent- 
ral Pennsylvania and worked on the Pennsylvania 
canal in the capacity of a blacksmith, which 
trade he had learned in his native county, doing 
the blacksmith work on the Lock Haven dam; at 
that time he lived in Lock Haven. Later he 
removed to Nippenose Valley, and settled in that 
part of Lycoming county which is now Crawford 

isliip. Clinton county, where he made some 
improvements on his land, afterward buying ad- 
ditional land adjoining his first purchase. Here 
he spent his remaining days, dying in 1877, his 

ains being interred in the Lutheran cemetery 
in Nippenose Valley. He was a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, was a Jeffersonian 
Democrat in earl} 1 life, later became a war Di 
ocrat, and afterward joined the ranks of the Ke- 
publican party. He served as township su| 
visor, was school director, overseer of the poor, 
and collector of taxes. He was a man of firm 

mictions, as true t ibal promise as t 

written one, faithful to every trust reposed in 
him. He held friendship inviolable, and was re- 
s' all who knew him. 
At Lock Haven, Peter Group was married to 
ii Straub, who was born in 1810, in Mil- 
Pi-iiii.. ,1 daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth 
Miaul), the former a carpenter and mill- 
wright of Lock Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Group 
had four children: ( I ) John W. is our subj. 

Andrew \\, who was educated in the public 

scho lit school in Clinton county, aftei 

which Ik- studied the. logy, d to tin 

ministry of the Meth dist Episcopal Church, 

minister of the Presbyterian 

rch, and .lied in Philadelphia, in iS; 
Tillman H., wh hool in Clinton 

county. farmer in Oklahoma. [4) Emma 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



673 



is the wife of William T. Welshans, of Rauch- 
town, Clinton county. The mother of this fam- 
ily who was a consistent member of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, died at the home of our 
subject, who took care of both his parents during 
their old age. 

John W. Group was born in Crawford town- 
ship, Nippenose Valley, Clinton county, Septem- 
ber 12, 1844, on a farm where his early life was 
passed. He attended the public schools up to 
the age of seventeen years during the winter 
months, and throughout the remainder of the 
year assisted in the labors of the farm. He 
studied hard to obtain an education, and taught 
school for seven years during the winter months 
while working on the farm in the summer. Am- 
bitious to achieve mental advancement he saved 
enough money from his teaching to enable him to 
spend two years at Dickinson Seminary, Will- 
iamsport. fn 1871-72 he was a law student in 
Ann Arbor University, Mich., and was graduated 
in the latter year. Returning then to Lock Ha- 
ven, he studied law with Seymour D. Ball, in 
1874, was admitted to practice in the courts of 
Pennsylvania, and, later, in the United States 
courts. His success was marked and immediate, 
his superior ability, indomitable energy and 
laudable ambition winning him distinctive pre- 
ferment in his chosen calling. In 1894 he began 
his farming operations, and is accounted one of 
the most practical and progressive farmers in 
Nippenose Valley. He owns a farm of 170 
acres, on which he built a fine residence and barn 
at a jcost of more than $8,000. He makes a 
specialty of the breeding of fine Jersey stock, and 
has thirty-five head of blooded cattle. He takes 
a deep interest in all that advances the welfare 
of the agriculturist, and improvements mark his 
labors. In addition to the home farm he owns 
1,000 acres in other parts of the State, including 
coal and mineral lands. Besides his farm inter- 
ests he is interested in milling, having, in 1896, 
erected a steam feedmill near his house and barn, 
with a capacity of fifty bushels per hour. 

In 1 89 1, in Camden, N. J., Mr. Group was 
married to MissJestia May Gebhart, a native of the 
Nippenose Valley, and a daughter of George Geb- 
hart. They had two children: Charles George 
Gordon, and one that died in infancy. In his 
political preferences Mr. Group is a gold Demo- 
crat; socially he is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. His prominent characteristics were man- 
ifest when he provided for his own education — 
determination, self-reliance and undaunted per- 
severance—showing that the student would make 
a capable man of affairs in the business world. 

He is popular, and is the center of a large circle 
43 



of friends and acquaintances who honor and es- 
teem him for his manly virtues and sterling 
worth. 



one of the leading 



G\EORGE W. HERR is 
_i and influential citizens of Salona, who has 
taken an active part in promoting the substantial 
improvement and material development of Clin- 
ton county. As a miller and farmer he was for 
many years actively identified with its agricult- 
ural and industrial interests, but is now devoting 
his energies to merchandising, having in the 
spring of 1896 purchased the store of O. H. 
West, in Salona, which he is now successfully 
conducting under the firm style of G. W. Herr& 
Son. 

Our subject was born July 18, 1848, a short 
distance east of Salona, in Lamar township, and 
is a representative of an old and highly-respect- 
ed family of Clinton county, it being founded at 
Mill Hall about 181 5. His grandfather, Daniel 
Herr, was born August 10, 1777, and was the 
great-grandson of Hans Herr, a native of Switz- 
erland, who founded the family in this country 
during the early part of the 1 8th century. In 
181 5 the grandfather's family left Lancaster 
county, Penn., and came to Mill Hall, Clinton 
county, but he remained behind to settle up some 
business, and later died while en route to Mill 
Hall, his remains being buried at Columbia, 
Penn. His widow, who bore the maiden name 
of Rebecca Bressler, and was born February 16, 
1778, was left with what could be called a com- 
fortable competence, which was invested by her 
brother in a manufacturing business at Mill Hall, 
but the enterprise proved unprofitable. She died 
September 18, 1873. In her family were three 
children: George, the father of our subject; 
Mrs. Dr. Parry, who spent her entire life in Lan- 
caster county; and Mrs. Shoff, now deceased. 

George Herr, Sr. , was born February 24, 
1805, in Lancaster county, and acquired his 
education in the schools of Mill Hall, in 
which place he also clerked for his uncle, 
George Bressler, a merchant, during his young- 
er years. He was first married in Nittany 
Valley, in 1834, to Miss Charlotte Miller, by 
whom he had three children as follows: Emma, 
born March 12, 1835, is now the widow of Eli 
Hyatt and a resident of Salona; Henry, born Jan- 
uary 29, 1837, was a tanner and lumberman by 
occupation, and died in Salona; and Daniel, born 
January 7, 1840, is a dairyman, at Quincy, 111. 
For his second wife, George Herr, Sr., married 
Miss Catharine Wilson, who was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1S09, in Lamar township, east of Salona, 



-.71 



VMBMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and was a daughter of Samuel and Catharine 
i Bressler Wilson. Four children blessed this 
union, of whom our subject is the oldest. Re- 
becca, born December i er home 
in Salona. Sarah and Charlotte (twins) were 
born March irmer is ii' iw the 
wife of W. H. Cadogan, of Quincy, 111., while 
the latter died at the age of fourteen. 

About [834 the father located in Nittany 
Valley, where soon afterward he purchased a 
farm which is still in the family, and he turned 
ntion to agricultural pursuits. He was a 
man of rather spare build, never wi 
1 , ip mnds. 1I<- started out in life practically 
empty-handed, but became one of the successful 
farmers of tl y, and for several years pre- 

vious to his death lived retired from active la- 
in his farming opera: was system- 
atic and methodical, and as a citizen deserved 
the high regard in which he was uniformly held. 
He was the leading members oi the Meth- 
odist Church, to which he was a liberal contrib- 
utor, and of which 1: I as trustee formany 
In politics he was tirst a Whig and later 
a Republican, and although he took an active in- 
terest in political affairs, he never cared for of- 
ficial h lli> death occurred January 16, 

4. ami his wife passed away Januarj 13, 
17, an. I 1: in the Salona 

cemetery. 

In the Salem si bool, under the instruction of 
Sally A. Herr, the subject of this sketch b< 
his education, and the knowledge I in 

the .hstrict schools was later su] 

;rse in Dickr miliary at Williamsport, 

which I .1 at tic ; eighteen. Al- 

though he was naturally bright and able to learn 
rapidly, he was not ambitious and .lid not make 
the most "f his advantage, n irrow in 

liter years, as he fully appreciates the value of 
n. and he has provided Ins chil- 
dren with good a.lvanta g that line. He 
was reared a- .1 farmei boj although his parents 
removed to Salona when he was thirl 

. and when his school days w hi be- 

learning the miller's trade at tic- old si 
mill in that place under the direction ol Joseph 
I trley, who gave him $6 per month for his -. 
ices, i: pleted his trade, however, in the 

old Liggett mill abovi Eagleville, in Centre 
county, an.l for twelve years followed that occu- 

on, having charge of the old stone mill in 
loiia l,,r ten years of that time. I me time 

he 1 his mother's farm, but in the spring 

of 1894 took up his resilience in his present home 
■ml for two j ears w.i- again engaged 
in the milling business. Since that time, how- 



ever, he and his sons have successfully engaged 
in merchandising. 

On February 2. 1871, Mr. Herr was united 
in marriage to Miss Anna Fredericks, who was 
born January 23, 1848. in Qhillisquaque town- 
ship, Northumberland Co., Penn., a daughter 
of John and Rachel (Walter) Fredeiicks. She 
was reared in her native county, where she suc- 
cessfully engaged in teaching previous to her 
marriage. She has become the mother of two 
children: 1 1 Wilso.i F. , now engaged in busi- 
ness with his father, was born Ma\ 29, [873, and 
graduated at the Lock Haven Central State Nor- 
mal School in 1891. He is a stanch Republican 
in politics, and is a member of Olympic Council, 
Royal Arcanum, at Lock Haven. He married 
Anna F. Heard, and has two children — Leigh and 
Paul. (2) Jessica F. was a member of the 
graduating class of the Lock Haven Central State 

mal School in 1893, and resides at home. 

Although an ardent Republican in politics, at 
local elections our subject supports the men 
whom he considers best qualified for the office re- 
gardless of party ties. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
ber of the Grange; the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, at Salona; and Olympic Council, Royal 
Arcanum, at Lock Haven; while religiously he 
and his wife are both members of the Methodist 
Church, of which he is one of the trustees. In 
the formation of the Salona Creamery Company 
Mr. Herr took an active part, and has been 
prominently identified with every enterprise cal- 
culated to prove of public benefit, so that hi 
justly regarded as one of the foremost citizens 
as well as substantial and reliable business men 
of Salon 



J' >SEPH R. KENDIG, an honored veteran of 
the Civil war, and a trusted and faithful em- 
ployee of the Pennsylvania Railroad Coin- 
pan), has for several years been general manager 
of the store of that company at Renovo. Clinton 
county, having previously served a number of 
year.- as maintenance of way clerk, and for the 
1 nine years was chief clerk to superin- 
tendent of the middle division of the Philadel- 
phia & Erie division of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
ny. 
Mr. Kendig was born in Cumberland county, 
Penn., in 1839, a son of Jacob and Susan Reif- 
sny.ler) Kendig, who spent their entire lives in 
nsylvania. The father, in 1845. moved from 
Cun I county. Penn., to Franklin county, 

sane locating in Orrstown, then a thriv- 

ing village, where he followed the occupation of 
blacksmithing, ami 1 ! in the manufactur- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



675 



ing business. His death occurred in 1891, hav- 
ing long survived the mother of our subject, who 
died in 1841, leaving three children by his first 
wife, who are yet living: Henry B., a resident 
of Altoona; Joseph R. ;and Elizabeth, of Renovo. 

The common schools afforded our subject his 
educational privileges. He was reared upon the 
home farm until eighteen years of age, when he 
began school teaching, a profession he success- 
fully followed for five years. On the breaking 
out of the Civil war, he, with his brothers, Abra- 
ham R. and William H., enlisted in the service 
of the United States Government for three years 
or during the war, the brothers becoming mem- 
bers of Company B and he of Company H, 107th 
P. V. I. He was engaged in skirmish at Thor- 
oughfare Gap, Va. , in the second battle of Bull 
Run, and in the battle of Fredericksburg, De- 
cember 13, 1862, where he was wounded by a 
minie ball passing through his right hip. From 
the consequence of his wound he was given an 
honorable discharge April 23, 1863. On recov- 
ering his health Mr. Kendig, on January 11, 
1865, entered the service of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Company at Renovo, with which he 
has since been connected, holding different posi- 
tions, and since 1889 has had continuous charge 
of their store here. He has faithfully served his 
employers, as is quite evident by his long re- 
tention in their service. 

Mr. Kendig was married to Miss Rebecca 
Brown, daughter of John and Catharine (Grimes) 
Brown, of Newville, Cumberland Co., Penn., 
and they have become the parents of nine chil- 
dren, as follows: Roscoe B., Thomas A. (de- 
ceased), Wilfred M., Florence, Clara L. (de- 
ceased), Joseph R. , F. Louis, Julian H. and 
Dorothy. Both parents hold membership in the 
New Jerusalem Church (Swedenborgian), while, 
socially, Mr. Kendig belongs to the Grand Army 
of the Republic, and, politically, affiliates with 
the Republican party. He has never been an 
aspirant for official honors, but has held some 
school offices. He stands to-day in his mature 
years a strong man, strong in the consciousness 
of well-spent years, strong to plan and perform, 
strong in his credit and good name. His has 
been a pure, honorable and useful life, actuated 
by unselfish motives, prompted by patriotism and 
guided by truth and justice. 



TJUC 



'The art of growing old 
MIL gracefully" is well exemplified in the per- 
sonality of this venerable and honored citizen of 
Lamar, Clinton county, who, despite the fact 
that he has now advanced nearly a score of years 



beyond the Scriptural limit of man's life, is still 
hale and hearty. His step is firm and steady, 
and his faculties in full use, his eyesight enabling 
him to read as well as ever, although as a pre- 
cautionary measure he procured a pair of specta- 
cles about two years ago. 

Mr. White was born September 12, 18 10, in 
Pine Creek township, Clinton (then Lycoming) 
county, and is of our best Colonial stock. 
Hon. Hugh White, his grandfather, was a native 
of Dauphin county, Penn., both of Scotch-Irish 
descent, and was a colonel in the Revolutionary 
army. Later he served in the State Legislature 
as a representative from Lycoming county, where 
his last years were spent upon a farm. The es- 
tate is now within the limits of Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, and the burial place of the 
old pioneer is known as Pine Creek cemetery. 
He also owned a large tract of land in Bald 
Eagle Valley, where his sons, William and Hugh, 
located; but others of the family remained in the 
vicinity of the old homestead, and all of them 
settled within the State. His first wife was a 
Miss Allison, and his second a Mrs. Wetzel, a 
widow. By the first marriage there were seven 
children: William, our subject's father; John, 
who was subject to fits, and during one fell out 
of a canoe and was drowned; Chesney, who died 
unmarried; Allison, who was killed while horse- 
back riding, being thrown against a tree; Hugh, 
who died in Bald Eagle Valley, leaving a family; 
James, who died in Pine Creek township, Clin- 
ton county; and Nancy, wife of John F. McCor- 
mick, of Lock Haven, in which city her death 
occurred a few years ago. Four children were 
born of the second marriage: Isabella, who 
married (first) Robert Bailey, (second) James 
Allen, and now resides in Jersey Shore; and 
George, John and Henry, all of whom died in 
Williamsport, Pennsylvania. 

William White, the father of our subject, was 
born November 26, 1774, and was married April 
5, 1803, in what is now Pine Creek township, 
Clinton county, to Miss Hannah Jackson, who 
was just six days older than he. In February, 
181 1, he removed to Bald Eagle township, Clin- 
ton (then Centre) county (then a new section), 
and engaged in farming. He held a prominent 
place among the pioneers of that locality, and 
for some years served as justice of the peace. 
In politics he was a Whig, and in religious faith 
was an ardent Presbyterian, being an elder in the 
Church. Financially he met with success, and 
at his death he left a goodly inheritance to his 
children. He died on December 31, 1831, and 
his wife passed away about June 15, 1833, their 
remains being interred in.theold cemetery on the 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



hill above Lock Haven. Of their children, the 
eldest. Margaret, born January 16, 1804. mar- 
ried John Stout, and died at Lamar; Caroline, 
born December 21, [805, marri ■ W'or- 

rick, and died at Mackeyville, Penn. ; Jackson, 
born July 17, 1807, died in childhood in Bald 
Eagle Valley; Agnes, born November \j, 1S0S, 
also died in childhood; Hugh (our subject) is 

utioned more fully below; Miss Lucinda, burn 
January 10, 1813, died at Lamar, at the age of 

bty-two years; the seventh child, a son. died 
in infancy; William A., born September 23, 
1816, became a successful merchant of Clinton- 
dale, and died at the age of seventy- four, leaving 
a large estate. 

Our subject was but an infant when his par- 
ent- removed to the Bald Eagle Valley, and his 
educational opportunities were restricted .to tin- 
subscription schools of that day and locality. 
All the apparatus was of a primitive sort, quill 
pens being used for writing, and the methods of 
bing no less old-fashioned. However, he 
made the most of his time at school and, having 
prepared to teach, he in early manhood took 
charge of a school for five months. As the son 
of a pioneer farmer he became thoroughly fa- 
miliar with agricultural work, and at the age of 
twenty-four he left home to learn the tanner's 
trade with a cousin. Robert Hamilton, in Lycom- 
ing county, about a mile above Newberry. Five 

rs Mi White spent in that business, and then, 
in the fall of [839, he went to Lock Haven, 
which had just begun to attract the notice of set- 
tlers, and opened a Three years later 
he sold out, but not long afterward he establish- 
ed another in the same town, and this he con- 
ducted successfully for hve years, his trade in- 
g with ti th of the city. In the 
fall "f 1849 he reni"\. 1 to Nittany Valley and 
■ iblished a -tore on the pike mar "Custard 

vern, " where he remained until 1863. Since 
that date he has be< dent of Lamar, and 

until r88o he - I in the mercantile 

business there, while acting also as postmaster. 
Hi- dealings were always 1 autious and conserva- 
tive, steady gains being prefi rable in his opinion 
i" reckli with a view to unusual 

profits, and hi- integrity has won for him the 

■ii of all who knew him. < >n dis| 1 his 

80, he retired from business with a 
handsome comp which I 

entirely by his own well-directed effort- For a 
numbei Lucinda White, 

kept house for him; she died Decembei \ 1 
II- is the only member of the family now li> 
and his strength and vigor give prom iny 

1 s of life for him. 



Although Mr. White is not a member of any 
religious denomination, he has contributed lib- 
erallv to the Presbyterian Church, which he at- 

ds, and is in sympathy with ever)' effort which 
tends to progress. He has taken an intelligent 
interest in the questions of the time, and has been 
an active and influential worker in local politics, 
tirst as a Whig and later as a Republican, never 
missing a Presidential election since arriving at 
his majority, and assisting the party at all emer- 
gencies as the occasion demanded. For three 

rs he served as county auditor. For some 
thirty years he was postmaster and acting post- 
master at Lamar. 



EMORY BEARDSLEY WATERS, an un- 
/ dertaker and embalmer of Lock Haven, 

Clinton county, who is skilled in his line, is a 
young man of education and intelligence, and is 
descended from one of the pioneer families of 
Warren county, this state. 

His grandparents, Albert Starling and Mary 
Jane (Coxwell Waters, were residents of War- 
ren county, Penn. Starling W. Waters, a son 
of this couple, and the father of the subject of 
this sketch, is one of the prominent citizens of 
Warren, born in the county of the same name. 
He was married to Mary Rosamond Hall, a na- 
tive of Warren county, Penn., and a daughter 
of Orris Hall, who located in that county while 
yet the Indians were there, being one of the first 
settlers of that locality. He at one time owned 
much of the land on which the present town of 
Warren stands, and donated the ground on 
which four of the churches of the place are built. 
The children of Starling W. Waters and wife 
are: Wilson Hall, Myron, and Emory Beards- 
ley, our subject. 

Starling W. Waters has thus far passed his 
life in the county of his nativity, where he has 
been very active in business affairs, and whi 
too, he has served the public for years creditably 
to himself and to the satisfaction of his constit- 
uents. He was for three terms the prothonotary 
of the county, and is at present the postmaster 
ol Warren. He has been prominent in the coun- 
cils of the Republican party many years. He is 
a large oil produi 

Emory Beardsley Waters was born in War- 
ren. July 20, 1871. He attended the public 
wn, and was graduated from the 
high school in 1885. After his graduation he 
red the undertaking establishment of P. 
Greenland & Sons, and of these gentlemen 
the business. Desiring to become thor- 
oughly equipped in a knowledge of the best 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



677 



methods in vogue in this line, in New York City, 
he went thither and entered an embalming school 
from which he was graduated in 1890. He has 
ever since given the subject his undivided atten- 
tion, and is now very proficient in the business. 
His undertaking rooms in Lock Haven are well 
regulated, and present a neat and inviting appear- 
ance. Socially, he is identified with the F. &A. 
M., and with the Royal Arcanum. In politics 
he is a Republican. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

On October 14, 1897, Mr. Waters was mar- 
ried to Grace May Fisher, of Lock Haven, a 
daughter of an old English family who came 
from England to Lock Haven when it was a small 
place. The parents were engaged in the bakery 
business until their deaths. 



DAVID R. WERTS. Among the business 
men whose enterprise and activity in trade 
circles have made them prominent citizens of 
Renovo is this gentleman who is now success- 
fully engaged in dealing in coal, wood and ice. 

Mr. Werts was born in 1858, at Westport, 
Clinton county, a son of Samuel and Nancy 
(Pfouts) Werts, both of whom are also natives of 
Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer and 
lumberman, following those pursuits throughout 
his entire life. He took quite a prominent part 
in local affairs, and often filled public positions 
of honor and trust. On November 12, 1892, he 
was called to his final rest, but his estimable 
wife is still living. Her father, Simeon Pfouts, 
was the first settler on Kettle creek, in this sec- 
tion of the West branch district, coming to the 
county when it was a wilderness. Samuel and 
Nancy Werts had a family of two daughters — 
Viola and Eva (both dead) — and six sons — W. C. , 
Simeon P., Daniel B., John F. , Samuel M. and 
David R. , all living. 

David R. Werts acquired his early education 
in the district schools, and, subsequently, for 
three years attended the Lancaster schools. He 
was reared under the parental roof, and early 
became familiar with all the duties that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist; but his tastes lay in 
another direction, and on attaining his majority 
he came to Renovo where he was employed in 
the car shops for a year and a half. He then 
embarked in business on his own account, estab- 
lishing a woodyard. His capital was at first 
small, but he gradually extended his operations 
and began dealing in coal and ice as well as 
wood. He is now a leader in his line of trade, 
enjoying a large patronage, from which he de- 
rives a good income. He is known as one of 



the most famous hunters of his age in this sec- 
tion of the country, having killed 200 deer and 
thirteen bear and numerous other game. 

In 1880 Mr. Werts was united in marriage with 
Miss Ada Stewart, a daughter of J. F. and Jane 
(Fair) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania. The 
following children grace this union: Nannie M. , 
Samuel B., Alfred, K. P., Winifred, and Ray- 
mond. The parents are consistent members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, socially, 
Mr. Werts is connected with the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle and the Maccabees. In politics 
he is a Republican, and has served as high con- 
stable and police commissioner of Renovo, dis- 
charging his duties in a most satisfactory man- 
ner. He has the essential qualifications of the 
successful business man, and his indefatigable 
labor, his sound judgment and well-directed ef- 
forts have brought to him the prosperity which 
he now enjoys. In manner he is pleasant and 
genial, and the circle of his friends is constantly 
widening. 



If, H. BROWN, a well-known farmer of La- 
jPflk mar township, is a worthy representative 
of one of the oldest and most prominent pioneer 
families of Clinton county, and its members have 
been actively identified with the growth and 
prosperity of this region. 

Samuel Brown, his paternal grandfather, 
was born March 21, 1770, of Scotch-Irish ances- 
try, and was the first of the family to locate 
upon the present farm of the latter, which has 
now been in the possession of the family for 
over a century. He found the land still in its 
primitive condition, but at once commenced to 
clear and improve it, erecting thereon a good 
stone residence in 1800. Throughout his entire 
life he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
On February 18, 1799, he was married to Miss 
Ann Fearon, who was born January 14, 1771, 
and died November 20, 1831, while his death oc- 
curred May 24, 1842, and both are laid to rest 
in the Cedar Hill cemetery. In religious belief, 
they were Presbyterians, and in politics the hus- 
band was a Whig. In their family were the fol- 
lowing children: Sarah F., born January 4, 
1800, married Alexander Jackson, and died in 
Lamar township, Clinton county, June 18, 1861; 
William F. , born May 26, 1S01, emigrated to 
Stephenson county, 111., where he engaged in 
farming until his death; Joseph, born May 19, 
1803, was a merchant for some years at Cedar 
Springs, but died at Weaverville, Northampton 
Co., Penn. ; James, born August 3, 1805, also 
became a farmer of Stephenson county, 111., and 



678 



- OMMBMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and <Jie< I at Freeport, that State; Thomas, the 
father of A. H., is next in order of birth; Sam- 
uel, born October 2}, was an agriculturist, and 
died at Clintondale, Clinton county, September 
30, 1873; and Robert B., born .September 17, 
1S11, was a retired farmer at the time of his 
death, which occurred in Altoona, Penn., Sep- 
tember 12, i.- 
Thomas Brown was born October 13, 1807, 
in the old stone house on our subjects farm, and, 
with thi i '"II ol nine years, he there spent 

his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
The subscription schools afforded him his edu- 
cational advantages, and he made the most of 
his opportunites. On May 23, 1843, in Belle- 
fonte, Penn., he was married by Rev. Linn to 
Miss Eleanor J. Hays, who was born May 24, 1819, 
in 1 (aid Eagle Valle) .one mile above Marsh creek, a 
daughter ol William and Mary (Hays) Hays. 
Sin- was reared in her native Valley. 

William Hays (Mrs Brown's father) was born 
in Coimty Tyrone, Ireland, in 1778, and came to 
the United Mates, when young, with his parents. 
His lather, William Hays, Sr., was buried in 
11 ■■, emetery, in Beech Creek, Clinton county. 
< in attaining to man's estate the son was married 
Bi ech < reek, to Mary Hays, who was born 
there May K>, 17SS, a daughter of Lieut. Jai 
Hays, whose parents, John and Jane Hays, came 
to the New World from Wesl Donegal, Ireland, 
in 1 73-. The Lieutenant won his title while 

ring 111 the French and Indian war in 
Colonel Bouquet, and in return for his services 
he received a tract of land at the month 1 >t 1 leech 
ek, in Clinton county, where he located and 
his family. Mrs Brown's father, who 
always followed the occupation of farming, dud 
January 30, [838, and his wife passed away 
Sepl to, 1827, the remains of both being 

interred in l Springs cemetery. In their 

family were six children, namely: Sarah B. , now 
the widow (if Robert Pearon, and a resident of 
Lock Haven; William N., who is living in New 
I Westmoreland Co., Penn.; Mrs 

Brown; Emeline, widow ol Alexander Sloan, and 
a resident ol Lock Haven; Elizabeth, widow of 
John P, Martin, and a resident ol [ersey Sh 
and Mary A., who w.-dded Aaron Schofield, now 
deceased, and makes her home near Geuda 
Springs, Kansas. 

Thomas and Eleanor Brown were born 
six children: Mary A . who died in childhood; 
William N\, also dei Sarah ]., wife of 

Samuel Hays, of Pine Creek, Lycoming Co., 
I mi .. and the mother of four children — Thomas 
B . Matthew Mc . Eli tnor J. and Alfred W . A. 
II. whose name introduces this sketch; and Tillie 



E. and Anna E., both at home. The father of 
this family died August 3, 1884, and was buried 
in Cedar Hill cemetery. His first vote was cast 
for Andrew Jackson, the Democratic candidate 
for President, but after that he supported the 
Whig party, and later became an ardent Repub- 
lican, but was never an office-seeker, preferring 
to devote his entire time and attention to his 
business interests. Upright and honorable in all 
the relations of life, he gained the confidence and 
respect of all with whom he came in contact, 
and those who knew him best were numbered 
among his stanchest friends, a fact which plainly 
indicates a good life. He was a consistent mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, to which his es- 
timable wife also belongs. She is still living 
with her children on the old homestead, and at 
heradvanced age is exceedingly well preserved, and 
possesses a remarkable memory, which seems a 
characteristic of her family. 



SAMUEL MORTIMER, an enterprising citizen 
and prominent agriculturist of Beech Creek 
township, Clinton county, Penn., was born in 
England in 1833, a son of William and Susanna 
(Wakely) Mortimer, also natives of England, 
where they passed their entire lives. 

The son had but meager educational advan- 
tages in his native land, as his parents were in 
no better than moderate circumstances, and early 
in life he learned the trade of a weaver, at which 
he worked in England until he was twenty years 
old. At that time (about 1853) he came to the 
New World, taking up his first residence here in 
New York State, whence after some ten months 
he came to Clinton county, locating in Ginger 
township, where he worked for two years; then 
moved to Lock Haven, and there lived till 1857, 

year of his coming to Beech Creek township. 
From 1872 to [884 (twelve years in all) he was 
engaged in farming in Kansas, returning to Clin- 
ton county in the latter year. In 1885 he pur- 
chased his present farm of 100 acres, on which 
he has neat, substantial and commodious build- 
ings. 

In 1858 our subject was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret Lynn, daughter of James 
Lynn, of Clinton county, and five children have 
this union, all yet living: Joseph, Susanna 
(wife of John Zurbee), Tacie Edith (widow of 
John Pi Samuel, and Cora (wife of Oliver 

Bitner). The mother of these died in Decem- 
ber, 18S7, and in December. 1889, Mr. Mortimer 
wedded Miss Sarah Catherine Sproul, of Centre 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer are members 
of the M 1. Church; in politics Mr. Mortimer is 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



679 



a Republican, and, while no aspirant for office, 
has served efficiently as supervisor. Socially he 
enjoys the esteem and respect of all as a kind 
husband, an indulgent parent and a trustworthy 
citizen. 



M DAM DICKEY, a leading farmer and fruit- 
./tL. grower of Bald Eagle township, Clinton 
county, was born in that township, December 2, 
1849, a son of Robert L. and Magdalena (Ress- 
ner) Dickey. 

Robert L. Dickey was a native of Stone Val- 
ley, Huntingdon Co., Penn. , but during boyhood 
was brought by his father to Mill Hall, Clinton 
county, where he made his home for several 
years while employed as a collier and in cutting 
cord wood. Later he removed to a small farm 
near that village, where he made for his family a 
comfortable home. He was a hard-working, en- 
ergetic man, and a highly-respected citizen of the 
community. During the dark days of the Civil 
war, he enlisted in Company B, 11th P. V. I., 
under Col. Coulter, faithfully aided in the de- 
fense of the Union for eighteen months, and was 
twice wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, 
one wound causing, in later years, the loss of the 
sight of his right eye. Originally, in politics he 
was a Whig, and on its organization became a 
stanch supporter of the Republican party. 

At Mill Hall, Penn., Robert L. Dickey was 
married to Magdalena Ressner, a native of Leb- 
anon county, Penn., whose mother died when 
she was only seven years old. They became the 
parents of four children, namely: Sarah A., 
wife of Thomas J. Fox; William T.,who when last 
heard from was in California ; Adam, of this sketch ; 
and Henry A., a farmer of Bald Eagle town- 
ship, Clinton county. The father died at the age 
of forty-five, the mother at seventy-nine, and 
the remains of both were interred in the Brown 
cemetery. 

Adam Dickey began his education in the 
Brown school under the direction of Fern Brown, 
but his privileges along that line were very 
meager, as during early boyhood he began work- 
ing away from home for his board. At the age 
of fifteen he found employment in the lumber 
woods, where he continued to work for several 
years. On April 25, 1875, he was married to 
Miss Sarah C. Earon, who was born September 
21, 1850, in Beech Creek township, Clinton 
county, a daughter of John and Eve (Myers) 
Earon, farming people. She obtained a good, 
common-school education, and successfully en- 
gaged in teaching in her native township, the 
same county. Seven children blessed the union 



of Mr. and Mrs. Dickey: Anna M., born March 
4, 1876; John W., February 10, 1878; Robert 
L., May 2, 1880; Adam C, October 12, 1882; 
Henry E. and Charles W. , who died in infancy; 
and Eleanor P., born May 27, 1896. 

Previous to his marriage our subject support- 
ed his mother for several years, and therefore had 
saved but little. He continued to reside upon a 
rented farm in Beech Creek township, where he 
located in 1873, making it his home until his re- 
moval to his present farm in Bald Eagle town- 
ship, Clinton county, in March, 1880. He pur- 
chased the place of John Keener, but had to go 
heavily in debt for the same, and may properly 
be numbered with the self-made men of the com- 
munity, who have attained a good home and 
comfortable competence by the exercise of good 
business ability, industry and sound judgment. 

In his labors to build up a homestead, Adam 
Dickey has also kept in view the good of his com- 
munity, and is one of the first men approached 
in the inauguration of an enterprise tending to 
the building up of the township and the welfare 
of its people. A stanch Republican in politics, 
he keeps well posted in regard to current events, 
and is a liberal contributor to both educational 
and religious matters. He has served as school 
director twelve years, overseer of the poor eight 
years, supervisor two years, and township treas- 
urer three years, discharging the various duties 
of those positions in a most creditable and satis- 
factory manner. Both he and his estimable wife 
are identified with the Methodist Church, and he 
has served as trustee of the Church and superin- 
tendent of the Sabbath-school. She has been an 
important factor in his success, and they merit 
and receive the respect and esteem of all who 
know them. 



S\AMUEL BRUNGARD. The name Brun- 
^J gard is almost a synonym for that of a good 
farmer and excellent citizen, for those who bear 
the name are invariably thorough and skillful 
agriculturists and thrifty and enterprising busi- 
ness men, who have made for themselves com- 
fortable homes. Our subject is no exception to 
the rule as he is to-day one of the leading and 
prominent farmers of Lamar township, Ciinton 
county. By a different branch of the family the 
name is spelled Brungart. 

Samuel Brungard was born February 10, 1844, 
on a farm in Lamar township, in the eastern 
part of Nittany Valley, where his father first 
located on coming to Clinton county. He was 
George Brungard, a native of Brush Valley, 
Miles township, Centre Co., Penn., born July 






( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



24, 1 Sid, and a son of Jacob and Margaret 
phart) Brungard. He was reared as a farm- 
er boy, and in his native Valley was married, 
February 14. 1 Elizabeth Wohlford, the 

ceremony being performed by Rev. Peter S 
1 -her. Mrs. Brungard was born July 19, 1815, 
a daughter "1 John and Catharine Wohlford. 
The parents of our subject began their domestic 
life upon a farm in Nittany Valley, where the 
father owned considerable land, divided into two 
farm- His first home in Lamar township 
an old log house, but in later years it was re- 
place • I re pretentious dwelling, and g 
barns and other outbuildings were also erected. 
He died upon that place March 10. 1865, and 
his wife, after surviving him many years, passed 
away August 26, [885, and they now sleep side 
by side in Cedar Hill cemetery. He was official- 
ly connected with the Lutheran Church, and 
was 1 Democrat in politics, but took little inter- 
est in political affairs, although he faithfully 
lined all duties of citizenship. 
To George and Elizabeth Brungard were born 
the following children: John, born April 3, 
1839, was a member ofth. Seventh Pennsylvania 
dry during the Civil war, and after that 
Struggle went to Kansas, where he died Januarv 
3, 1875; Sarah, born March 29, 1840. is the wife 
M Miller, of Madisonbur-. Centre Co., 
a.; Amanda K . bom August 28, 1S41, mar- 
ried S. E. Walker, and in Lamar township, 
Clinton county, was gored to death by a bull, 
Jul} . Mary J., bom November 19, 1842, 
1- the wife ol George S Gramley, of Lamar 
township; Samuel is next in order of birth; Henry 
J., born May 15, 1845, is a fanner of Lamar 
township; Catharine, born July 2. 1 the 
wit. 1 < yrus Erhart, of Rebersburg, Penn. ; 
rge I'... born July 9, 1850, and Jacob, born 
Septembei 26, [852, are both agriculturist 

township; Margaret, born March 14, 18; 
is living in Indianapolis, fnd.; Luther, bom 
March 1. 1856, makes his home in Salona Penn.; 
and K isii \ . bom September 18, 1858, is the 
wife of John Mayberry Herr, of Indianapolis, In- 
diana 

During his boyhood and youth the subject of 
this sketch atti nded the publii 5, which 

were much inferior to those ol the present day, 
and among his earls' teachers w< re fames Rog 
and Judge Austin Furst. Rean ' 

be was able to handle the plow at the age 
of ten years, and he has since devoted his . 1 
Kies to agricultural pursuits. After renting In- 
present farm of Ins mother 1 he pur- 
chased the plai e, which comprises 100 acres of 
rich and arable land, which he has placed un 



1 cultivation, and he also has a similar amount 
niber land. His present barn was erected 
in 1871, and in 1889 he built his comfortable and 
commodious residence. 

On December 31, 1868, Mr. Brungard was 
married to Miss Mary J. Wolf, who was born 
October 31, 1844, in Brush Valley, Centre coun- 
ty, a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Minich) 
Wolf. She is one of a family of six children, 
one son and five daughters, was reared in her na- 
tive Valley, and when a young lady accompanied 
her parents on their removal to Nittany Valley. 
Bj h'-r marriage, to our subject she has become 
the mother of five children, whose names and 
dates of birth are as follows: George E. , No- 
vember 12. 1S60; Anna S. , December 10, 1S70; 
Daniel O., March 22, 1S73; Ella M., December 
3, [878; and Rebecca E., August 3. 1880. The 
oldest son is now a farmer of Lamar township, 
and the others are all at home. Although not 
strictly partisan, the father of these usually sup- 
is the Democratic party by his ballot, and he 
has served as supervisor longer than any two 
men in his township, being the present incum- 
bent. This fact plainly indicates his popularity 
and the high regard in which he is uniformly- 
held. He is an active and prominent member of 
the Lutheran Church, and has served as deacon 
and trustee. 



GEORGE S. GOOD, a man of large business 
interests, and of prominence in the business 
circles of central Pennsylvania, and a resident of 
I. k Haven, Clinton county, was born April 10, 
1845, near Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsyl- 
vania. 

George and Mary (Smith) Good, his parents, 
were natives of Northampton county, this State, 
and were there married. George Good (the 
father) passed his younger life as an agricultur- 
ist, but later he engaged in milling, carrying on 
a merchant-mill within the limits of the city of 
Williamsport, Penn., being there so occupied at 
the time of his death in November, 1871. He 
- a reputable business man, a man of unques- 
tioned integrity, and held the esteem of the com- 
munity. His estimable wife, who was a daugh- 
ter of Abram Smith, of Northampton county, 
died in October, 1886. They left nine children 
surviving them, namely: John is operating the 
mill at the homestead; Abraham is also engaged 
in large milling operations, residing in Williams- 
port, Penn. ; Lli/abeth is the wife of Jonas Trex- 
ler, and • Shamokin Dam, just opposite 

Sunbury, Penn.; Margaret is the wife of Jesse 
Snyder, of Williamsport, Penn.; Emma is the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



681 



wife of Charles F. Datesman; Jennie is the widow 
of Daniel Smith; George S. is our subject; Hattie 
M. is the wife of John R. Ault; and Laura is 
Mrs. Johnson, who resides at Williamspbrt, Penn- 
sylvania. 

George S. Good received his school training 
at the famous Dickinson Seminary, at Williams- 
port, Penh. ; his education, however, was broken 
in upon in 1862, when seventeen years of age, 
by his entering the United States service. His 
country's flag had been fired upon, and too great 
was the patriotism of young Good to longer with- 
stand her call to arms, and he accepted the ap- 
pointment to a second lieutenancy in Company 
I, 84th P. V. I. He shared the fate of that 
command for nearly three years, and left a record 
which his posterity will cherish and in which they 
can justly take pride. At the battle of Chancel- 
lorsville, Va. , May 1 to 4, 1863, he received (on 
Sunday) a gunshot wound, taking effect in the 
right hand, and was taken prisoner by the enemy 
and confined in Libby prison at Richmond, Va. , 
for three weeks. He was again made a prisoner 
of war November 25 (Thanksgiving Day), 1863, 
at the battle of Mine Run, Va., while in com- 
mand of the skirmish line, and was for six months 
confined in Libby prison. He was one of the 
109 prisoners that escaped in May, 1864, through 
the famous tunnel, and at the time was one of 
the youngest men in the prison. Unfortunately 
he did not long enjoy his freedom, as he was 
re-captured on the following day near the Chick- 
ahominy river, and confied in a cell or pen 11x12 
feet in size, in the same prison, and for a week 
his only diet consisted of a short allowance of 
cornbread and water. Through political influ- 
ence he with some others was soon liberated, 
and that same May (1864) Lieut. Good was put 
on court martial duty in Washington, D. C, and 
there remained until in November, 1864, when 
his regiment was consolidated and he was mus- 
tered out as first lieutenant. He participated in 
the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville 
and Mine Run. He returned to Lock Haven 
and engaged in the grocery, business and his occu- 
pation has since chiefly been in mercantile lines. 
Since 1876 he has carried on, in connection with 
his other business, general contracting, doing 
considerable railroad work. He has constructed 
upwards of 500 miles of railroad, 122 miles of 
which were in the Indian Territory, a part of the 
Choctaw, Oklahoma & Gulf railroad. He is 
now chiefly engaged in the manufacture of vitri- 
fied brick and sewerpipes, making some three car- 
loads per day. The works are now located in 
Patton, Cambria Co., Penn., where the clay and 
coal used are mined by him. He holds large 



railroad and mercantile interests, and is one of 
the substantial men of Clinton county. At this 
time he has a contract for building 165 miles of 
railroad from El Paso, Texas, to White Oaks, 
Mexico, and forty miles of railroad in the State 
of Missouri (from Bolivar to Osceola). He has 
continually in his employ some 800 men. 

In November, 1867, Mr. Good was united in 
marriage with Miss Kate Baker, a daughter of 
George Baker, a prominent business man of 
Milton, Penn., and their children are: . Sallie 
B., Mary W., Blanche B., Harry F., Ralph, and 
George S., Jr. The family are identified with 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Good figures 
conspicuously in a number of orders, clubs, etc. 
He is a member of the G. A. R. ; of the I. O. O. 
F. ; of the Lock Haven Business Club; of the 
Hecla Park Club, and of the Young Men's Repub- 
lican Club, of Williamsport. He is prominent in 
politics, though he has had no political aspira- 
tions. 



HENRY M. SCHWENK, now living retired 
in Green township, is justly numbered 

among the honored and highly respected citi- 
zens of Sugar Valley, Clinton county, and was 
for many years prominently identified with its 
business interests as a farmer and lumberman. 
He has an honorable record of a conscientious 
man, who by his upright life has won the 
confidence of all with whom he has come in 
contact. 

The name was originally spelled Schwenck, 
and the family was founded in this country by 
two brothers who came from Germany about 
1685, and took up their residence in Montgom- 
ery county, Penn., where they followed farming. 
The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
born near Norristown, in that county, where he 
was reared and educated, and continued to make 
his home throughout life. He successfully fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming and tanning, 
and also owned and operated saw and oil mills, 
becoming one of the most prosperous as well 
as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of 
the county. For seven years he valiantly aided 
the colonies in their struggle for independence 
as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and was 
in many of the important battles. In politics 
he was a Whig, and in religious belief both he 
and his wife were Lutherans, belonging to the 
old-school Lutheran Church. He had married 
Fanny Bower, also a native of Montgomery 
county, and to them were born eight children: 
John, George, Samuel, Abram, Jacob, Elizabeth, 
Catharine and Mary, or Molly. 






I OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RKri.iRD. 



George Schwenk, our subject's father, 
born in Montgomery county, in 1 7-^4. and re- 
ceived a fair German and English education. 
\yith his father he learned the tanner's trade, 
and for tei rated the tannery. On 

selling out he n to the northern part of 

Mi ntgomery county in 1815, where he purchased 
a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits for 
seven years. A< the man who bought the tan- 
was unable to meet his payments. Mr. 

wenk could not obtain the money to finish 
paying for his farm, which was finally sold by 
the sheriff, and he only saved about $100 dol- 
lars—the result of S' irs hard labor. With 
teristic energy he and his worthy wife 
new, purchasing 100 acres of land at 
.1 place known as The Leap, in Montgomery 
county, which he worked hard to clear and im- 
prove I here he spent the last twenty-one 

rs of bis life, dying in [843 honored and re- 

Cted b\ all who knew him. He manifested 

his loyalty by faithful service in the war of [812, 

and throughout life was a consistent member ol 

the Lutheran Church, while his wife, who so 

I by him in his hour of trial, held 

mbership in the Reformed Church. He sup- 
ported Andrew Jackson for the Presidency, and 

tinued to vote with the Democratic party un- 
til 1 S i< .. when he cast his ballot for William H. 
Harrison, the Whig candidate. 

George Schwenk married Mi>s Catherine 
Moyer, a native of Monl ounty, and they 

th( pan nts children: [ulia, de- 

wife of John Boyer; Abr: sed . 

Benjamin, who died in Ulster county, N. V. ; 
tharine, wife of Abram Zii muel, .1 1 

D Fe 

Henry M . our subject. 

1 Ii nry M, Schwenk was born ! 

iO, in Mont-, mery county, and received only 

lerman education, not being able to speak 

;lish until after his marriage. 1 fe remaii 
at home aiding his lather 111 the arduous task of 
aring and improving a new farm until seven- 
teen years when he began learning the 
miller's trade, which he successfully followed 
about eighteen years in Montgomery, Lehigh 
and I.11. unties. In 1 s 3 5 he brought his 
family to Clinton county, and in Sugar Valley, 
Logan township, bought a tract of 
mountain land, which hi tion 
with lumbering I lb then pur- 
chased the Major Wolford farm in Green town- 
ship, and to its cultivation and improvement 

ited his time and attention until laying a 
all business care> in 1897, when he sold his place 
to his son Harvey, who now operates it. 



In Luzerne county, Penn., Mr. Schwenk was 
married to Miss Margaret McXeal, who was born 
in Salem, that county, in 1820, and is a grand- 
daughter of James McXeal, a native of Scotland, 
who came to this country when a young man 
I settled in Luzerne count}-, where lie engaged 
in surveying and farming throughout his remain- 
ing years. There he was married, and reared his 
family of seven children, namely: John, Samuel, 
William. Amy, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. 
John McXeal, Mrs. Schwenk's father, was born 
in Salem, Luzerne county, in 1780, and obtained 
an excellent education in the schools of Phila- 
delphia. In early life he followed the cabinet- 
maker's trade, but afterward devoted his time to 
farming and lumbering, always making his home 
in his native count}', where he died in 1 S 5 4 . He 
was married at Salem to Miss Rachel Shi; 
and to them were born eleven children: Eliza- 

i, wife of Samuel Jones; Amos; Margaret, 
wife of our subject; Hannah, wife of Theodore 
Haas; Mary, wife of Benjamin Budd, of Wiscon- 
sin; William Wallace; and five who are now de- 
ceased — Andrew, James, Eariah, John ami Will- 
iam. The parents were both faithful members 
of the Society of Friends, and were widely and 
favorably known throughout their native county, 
where the}' spent their entire lives. 

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Henry M. Schwenk, as follows: Emily, who 
died when young; William Wallace, who was a 

lier of the Union army during the Civil war, 
and located in the West; Samuel Sharron, a 
shingle manufacturer and farmer, who married 
Sophia Brown and has five children; Clayton, 
deceased; Benjamin, a lumber manufacturer of 
Green township, Clinton county, who married 

ma Bargess and has four children; Edgar A . 
of Green township, who married Susan Shryer; 
Harvey, late a merchant, now operating the old 
homestead, who married Maggie Barner and has 

11 children; Charles, who married Elsie 
Barner and lives in the State of Washington; 
and Frank, who was killed in a sawmill at the 
f ten years. 

Mrs. Schwenk, a well-educated and refined 
ight her husband the English language 
r marriage, and has always proved a true 
helpmeet to him. aiding him in all his undertak- 
b) her encouragement and sympathy. They 
began their 1 life in limited circumstances, 

and were forced to pay $3 per bushel for wheat 
and $35 for a hog, but being industrious, enter- 
prising and energetic they acquired a comfort- 
mpetence which now enables them to 

nd their declining years in ease and retire- 

nt. They are prominent members of the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



683 



German Baptist Church of Green township, to 
which one of their children also belongs, and 
their sterling worth and many excellencies of 
character have gained for them many friends. 
On attaining his majority Mr. Schwenk cast his 
first Presidential vote for William H. Harrison, 
and at the last election in the fall of 1896 sup- 
ported Major McKinley, being at the present 
time an ardent Republican. Socially, when a 
young man, he affiliated with the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows, but withdrew from the order 
in 1848. 



'OSEPH MARTIN, a well-known agriculturist 
j and honored veteran of the Civil war, resid- 
ing in Pine Creek township, was born in 
Middletown, Dauphin Co., Penn., November 7, 
1838, of German ancestry. 

His grandfather, John Martin, was a native 
of Lancaster county, this State, where he was 
reared, but when a young man removed to Dau- 
phin count}', there purchasing a farm of 100 
acres, between Harrisburg and Middletown, 
where he followed farming, and also conducted 
the well-known hostelry known as " Black Bear 
Tavern." During the Revolutionary war he 
served in the Continental army in 1775 and 1776, 
and in politics was a Whig. He was married in 
Lancaster county, Penn., his wife's Christian 
name being Elizabeth, who also was a native of 
that county; both passed away at "Black Bear 
Tavern," in Dauphin county. In their family 
were three children, namely: Joseph, father of 
our subject; Abram, a minister of the Winebren- 
nerian Church, who also followed farming, and 
died in Dauphin county; and John, an agricult- 
urist of the same county. 

Joseph Martin, Sr. , began his earthly career 
at "Black Bear Tavern," and in the county of 
his birth was educated, learning to speak Ger- 
man and read and write English. He remained 
at home working upon the farm until he had 
reached the age of twenty-one, when he went to 
Middletown, Dauphin county, where, during the 
dull seasons, when other work was not obtain- 
able, he picked up a knowledge of the cooper's 
trade, and engaged in the manufacture of tubs, 
barrels, etc. Hearing that land was cheap in 
central Pennsylvania, and desiring to have a 
farm of his own, he in 1840 came to Clinton 
county and located on a tract of timber land in 
Pine Creek township. After clearing a small 
tract, he erected a house and barn thereon, and 
in the winter months continued to engage in the 
manufacture of barrels, as he found there was a 
demand for the same at the mills in this section 



of the State, while he spent the summer months 
in clearing, improving and cultivating his farm 
with the help of his family, and had the pleasure 
of seeing waving fields of grain replace the wild 
and primitive forests he found on his arrival 
here. 

At " Black Bear Tavern " Joseph Martin, 
Sr. , was married to Miss Rebecca Shiley, a na- 
tive of Dauphin county, and a daughter of John 
Shiley, a farmer of that county. Twelve chil- 
dren were born to them, namely: Alexander 
died in Pine Creek township, Clinton county, at 
the age of fifty-seven years; Sarah is the wife of 
Irvin Hammer, of Ontario, Canada; Mary died 
in Pine Creek township at the age of twelve 
years; Rebecca died unmarried in the same 
township; Joseph is the subject of this sketch; 
Christiana A. M. is the wife of Daniel Ricker, of 
Wayne township, Clinton county; Louise is the 
wife of John M. Scout, of Indiana; Sebina is the 
deceased wife of Henry Chambers, of New York 
State; Catharine is the wife of James Scout, of 
Pine Creek township; Amelia died at the age of 
thirteen years; Elizabeth is a resident of Jersey 
Shore, and Ida died at the age of eight. The 
father died on his farm in December, i860, the 
mother at the home of our subject, December 
14, 1888, and their remains were interred in the 
graveyard attached to the Lutheran Church in 
Pine Creek township. They were members of 
that Church, and were widely and favorably 
known. The father was first a Whig and later 
an ardent Republican in politics. 

The subject of this sketch was only two years 
old when brought by his parents to Clinton 
county, and in the public schools of Pine Creek 
township he acquired his education, Joseph Ma- 
son and a Mr. Garman being among his teachers. 
As soon as old enough he began to assist in the 
arduous task of clearing and developing the wild 
land, and although he worked for neighboring 
farmers at times, he remained upon the old 
homestead after the death of his father, caring 
for his mother and looking after her interests. 
During the Civil war in 1863 he manifested his 
patriotism by enlisting at Williamsport, Penn., 
in Company E, 143d P. V. I., under Capt. L. 
M. Blair and Col. E. L. Daney, and was mus- 
tered into the United States service at Harris- 
burg, where the regiment was assigned to the 
Fifth Army Corps. On going to the front, he 
participated in the engagements at Thorough- 
fare Gap, Va., the Wilderness, North Ann River, 
Bethseda Church, and Cold Harbor, where he 
received a rifle ball in the left shoulder, that is 
still imbedded in the flesh. For four weeks he 
was confined in Campbell Hospital, Washington, 



• )S1 



VMEMORA T1YE BIOGRAPHICAL UK'OliD. 



D. C, and Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, 
and on his recovery rejoined his regiment in 
front of Petersburg, in which battle he took part. 
Later he was in the Weldon Railroad raid and 
the first and second battles at Hatcher's Run, 
after which he was sent to New York harbor to 
guard prisoners and secure recruits. When the 
war was over he was honorably discharged at 

\ York, in June, 1S65, and returned to his 
home in Clinton county, with a war record of 
which he may justly be proud, for he was always 
found at his post of duty, valiantly fighting for 
the old Bag and the cause it represent 

In [866, Mr, Martin found employment in a 
sawmill, and for three years during the winter 
season worked in the lumber woods of Lycoming 
county. In 1K75 he purchased the old M I 
key farm of forty-four acres in Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, on which he has erected a 

>d frame residence, a barn, tobacco sheds, etc., 
and made many other excellent improvements, at 
a cost of $4,000. I!< now devotes his energies 
principally to agricultural pursuits, and has met 
with a fair degree of success in his undertakings, 

In issj, at Jersey Shore, I. county, 

Mr. Martin was married to Miss Elizabeth A. 
Kline, a n;ii line Creek township, Clinton 

county, and a daughter ol Daniel Kline. She 
was at that time the wid >\\ of Christian Kine- 
hart, who died in that township, in 1NS0, leaving 
one -on. Bert, who now lives with our subject. 
Two sons Lirace the second marriage — Ervin Ray- 
mond, born March 11, [883; and Benjamin 

nklin, born November 12, [886. The lather 
now serving as treasurer of the Pa- 
triots 1 )rder Sons of America at Charlton, and 
he and his family hold membership in the Lu- 
theran (hun h. m the work of which he has ever 
taken an active and prominent part 
of the teachers in th hool. His polit- 

ical support is always given the men and measures 
of the Republican party, but he has never been 
an office-seeker, though he has creditably served 
as overseer of the poor in Pine Creek township. 
He lost the hearing of one of his ears during his 
army service, and now receives a pension of $12 
per month from the government as a slight co 
pensation for the injury. He has the respect and 
Coiit I all who know him, and his friends 

are many throughout Clinton county 



JOHN HAAGEN was reared to the occupation 
of fanning, and has devoted his entire lit 
th.it honorable calling, i [1 upon 

the farm where his birth occurred in [833, His 
parents, George <-. and Mary 1 Barger) Haagen, 



were natives of Germany and Berks county, 
Penn., respectively. The father resided in that 
country and in England until forty years of age, 
and then crossing the Atlantic took up his res- 
idence in Pennsylvania, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life upon a farm. He was a pro- 
gressive citizen, and was the first man in his sec- 
tion of the State to own a post-digger. He was 
well-educated, and earnestly advocated all meas- 
ures tending to advance the welfare of the com- 
munity. He died in [863, and his wife passed 
away in 1 S 7 3 . They had a family of eight chil- 
dren, namely: Sarah (deceased;, Mary Louisa, 
George C. , Solomon, Alexander, John, William, 
and Nathan. 

John Haagen received only the educational 
advantages afforded by the common schools. 
His training at farm work began in early life, and 
he has since followed that pursuit, being now the 
owner of 172 acres of valuable land in Beech 
Creek township, Clinton county. This is under 
a high state of cultivation, and the well-tilled 
fields surround modern and substantial buildings, 
which indicate the pre and practical 

spirit of the owner. His methods are modern 
and systematic, and the thrifty appearance of the 
place well indicates his careful supervision. 

In [862 Mr. Haagen was united in marriage 
with Miss Fayetta Brungard, a daughter of John 
Brungard, of Sugar Valley. Clinton county. 
They now have a family of ten children, namely: 
Nelson, who is married and resides in Iowa; 
Hattie, wife ol Robert McGee; George; Ellen, 
wife of Charles Rutrich; William; Tennyson 1 
S. R. Peal; Maggie; Alexander; and Bessie. 

The parents are members of the Disciple 
Church, and the family is one of prominence in 
the community, while the household is noted for 
its hospitality. Mr. Haagen is a member of the 
Odd Fellows Society, and in politics is an advo- 
cate of the Democracy. He has served in local 
official positions, having been jury commissioner, 
while lor fifteen years he did effective service as 
a member of the school board. He is public- 
spirited and progressive, and manifests his deep 
interest in the welfare of the community by 
giving an earnest support to all measures for the 
public good. 



EV. J. J GORMLEY. There is no posi- 
tion held by man more important than that 
"I pastor ol a Church, nor is there a position 
that has attached to it greater importance or 
ponsibility when properly conceived and con- 
scientiously discharged. This is more essen- 
tially the case with the clergymen of the Catholic 




&£<*<?. 




L 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



685 



faith, for they are held more as instructors and 
guides, not only in religious matters, but in moral 
and social conduct, by their congregations. 
There are few men by character and education 
better fitted to preside over a people in all these 
relations than the reverend gentleman whose 
name opens this biography. 

Father Gormley, pastor of St. Joseph's Cath- 
olic Church, at Renovo, was born in 1849, in 
Ireland, and there began his preparation for the 
priesthood. He first attended St. Mels College, 
in Longford, and later took a philosophical and 
theological course at All Hallows College, Dub- 
lin. Coming to America, in 1874, he entered 
the Niagara University, in New York, where he 
completed the course the following year. After 
being ordained, he had charge of St. Patrick's 
Church, in Carlisle, Penn., for five years, and 
for the following seven years was pastor of St. 
Joseph's Church, in Bonneauville, Adams Co., 
Pennsylvania. 

It was in May, 1888, that Father Gormley 
came to Renovo, and under his able pastorate 
St. Joseph's Church is now in a flourishing and 
prosperous condition. The house of worship, 
which he has erected, is an elegant brick struct- 
ure, 65 x 125 feet, and is finished on the interior 
in the most approved style. Besides this build- 
ing, which cost $45,000, he has also erected a 
fine parsonage, at a cost of $5,000, and has im- 
proved the convent and school buildings, so that 
the church property is now very valuable. -The 
congregation has been rapidly gaining under his 
pastorate; the parochial school now numbers 
300 pupils, and the high school fifty. Father 
Gormley is a man of good address and winning 
manners. He is a zealous, active and efficient 
worker for the Church, and is held in high 
esteem not only by the people of his own congre- 
gation, but by the residents of Renovo generally. 
In the pulpit he is especially gifted, and his dis- 
courses are scholarly and effective in their 
appeals to follow the teachings of the Master. 
In business he is shrewd, and as a financier no 
priest in the diocese can excel him. Renovo is 
proud of his citizenship, and points with pleasure 
to his latest work, the church, that will afford 
for future generations a monument to his memory. 



D 



C. GRIEB, one of the most active, enter- 
MLJ J prising and systematic farmers of Porter 
township, has spent his entire life in Clinton 
county, his birth occurring June 9, 1853, in 
Green township, Sugar Valley, near Tylersville, 
where the family was early established. 

His grandfather, Christian Grieb, was born 



June 10, 1799, in Germany, but at the age of 
sixteen left the Fatherland, emigrating to the 
United States and becoming a pioneer of Sugar 
Valley. He was one of a family of sixteen chil- 
dren, whose descendants are now scattered over 
this country. He began life here in very limited 
circumstances, but by industry and economy he 
succeeded in accumulating a handsome property, 
and at one time owned and operated a gristmill 
in Sugar Valley. As a companion and helpmeet 
on life's journey he chose Miss Catharine Heinly, 
who was born in 1893, and by their marriage 
they became the parents of four children who 
reached years of maturity: Thomas, who lives 
near Carthage, Mo. ; Henry, also a resident of 
Missouri; Jacob, father of our subject; and Aaron, 
who died in Sugar Valley, December 15, 1875. 
The father of these passed away March 24, 1867, 
the mother July 30, 1878, and both were laid to 
rest in the Tylersville cemetery. 

Jacob Grieb was born in 1829, and on attain- 
ing to man's estate was joined in wedlock to 
Miss Lovina B. Royer, a daughter of Daniel 
Royer. To them were born four children, name- 
ly: D. C, of this review; John I. N., a resident 
of Missouri; Samuel, a hotel-keeper at State Col- 
lege, Penn. ; and Supera, wife of James Bierly, 
of Anderson county, Kans. The father was a 
tall man, an agriculturist by occupation, and 
highly respected by all who knew him. He died 
March 20, i860, and his wife departed this life 
January 12, 1868, at the age of thirty-seven, the 
remains of both being interred in the Lutheran 
and Reformed cemetery at Tylersville. 

The subject of this sketch was only seven 
years old at the time of his father's death, after 
which he lived with his uncle, Samuel Royer, 
who was his guardian, remaining with him until 
he started out in life for himself. He began his 
education in the public schools, and at the age of 
sixteen entered the Missionary Institute at Sel- 
ins Grove, Penn., where he pursued his studies 
for some time. Reared as a farmer boy, he has 
always followed that occupation, and has met 
with a well-deserved success in his undertakings. 

In October, 1878, Mr. Grieb was married to 
Miss Ella M., daughter of Charles and Catharine 
(Yearick) Stitzer, and they now have six children: 
Charles B. , Edwin B. , Elma P. , Jay S. , Russell G. 
and Herman W. After his marriage Mr. Grieb 
operated his uncle's farm on Fishing creek until 
the spring of 1891, when he removed to his pres- 
ent farm of eighty acres in Porter township, 
Clinton county, which he purchased of Charles 
Romig. The well-tilled fields and neat and 
thrifty appearance of the place indicate the 
industrious habits and progressive spirit of 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPJIICAL RECORD. 



the owner, and it is to-day one of the most 
highly cultivated and attractive places of the local- 
ity 

On attaining his majority Mr. Grieb became 
a Republican, and continued to support that 
party until the fall of 1896, when he cast his bal- 
lot for \V. J. Bryan and free silver. He takes 
a commendable interest in public affairs, but 
cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of 

itical office. Fraternally he belongs to the 
( irange, and was formerly a member of the Pa- 
triotic Order Sons of America, and, religiously, 
both he and his wife hold membership in the 
Lutheran Church, in which he has served as dea- 
con and secretary of both Church and Sabbath- 
school. They are industrious, intelligent people, 
and well deserve the confidence and respect 
winch is so freely accorded them by the entire 
inunity. 



ROBERT J. WOLF, No foreign element 
has become a more important part in our 
American citizenship than that furnished by Ger- 
many. The emigrants from that land have 
brought with them to the New World the stabil- 
ity enterprise and perst - ristic of 
their people, and have fused these qualities with 
th' i\eness and indomitable spirit of the 
Western hemisphere. Mr. Wolf is a represent- 
ative of this class. He came to America poor, 
hoping to benefit his financial condition, and his 

ms oi tin future have been more than real- 
ized, as he now owns a good home, besidesa fine 
flouring-mill in Mackeyville, Clinton county. 

Mr. Wolf was born October 4, 1843, in Prus- 
sia. Germany, a son of William Frederick and 
Hannah (Kantner) Wolf. The father was also 
a miller by trade, and owned a small mill in his 
native land, where he and his wife spent their 
ah occurring in 1852, at the 
i, while his wife passed away at 
the eventy-two. At In- death he left the 

mill and home, which the mother retained, 
she ■ mer until she. too, was called 

away. • »ur subject was the youngest son in the 
family of eight children, four sons and four 
daughters, all of whom remained in Germany 
with the exception of Robert J. and two broth- 
Ernest, now a farmer of Kansas, and Will- 
iam, a miller of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. 

In his native land Robert J. Wolf secured a 
good common-school education. He was but 
nine years of age when his father died, but the 
mother kept her children together until they 
were old enough to start out in life for thi 
selves. At the age of fourteen he began serving 



a regular apprenticeship to the miller's trade, 
and during his term of three years received only 
fifty cents per month. When he had attained a 
sufficient age he entered the army, and remained 
in the service for three years, after which he 
again worked at his trade. His older brother, 
William, had already gone to the United States, 
and was doing much better than he could have 
done in Germany, therefore our subject con- 
cluded to try his fortune on this side of the At- 
lantic. He had saved some money, and in May, 
1869, took passage at Hamburg on the vessel 

1 iermany, " which, after a voyage of twelve di 
reached the harbor of New York. The follow- 
ing August that vessel foundered several hundred 
miles from New York. 

Mr. Wolfs destination was Williamsport, 
Penn., where his brother, William, was then 
living, but as the party he was with, including 
his brother, Ernest, were principally going to 
Chicago, he decided to go with them. As he 
could not find work at his trade, the first mo 
he earned in the United States was as a laborer 
in clearing away some debris where there had 
been a fire. After a short stay in Chicago, he 
went to St. Louis, and later to Marquette, 
Michigan, where he was employed as watchman 
in an iron furnace during the winter of 1869-70. 
The following spring he came to Williamsport, 
Penn., and soon afterward secured a position as 
miller in Montoursville, where he remained for a 
year and a half. His brother, William, had 
been in the employ of John S. Furst as miller in 
Lamar township. Clinton county, and that posi- 
tion our subject filled at different times for fif- 
teen years. In the meantime the mill was de- 
stroyed by fire, so that he was forced to seek 
employment elsewhere, and worked for a time in 
both Bellefonte and Williamsport, after which 
he returned to the Furst mill, which had been 
rebuilt, and was then conducted by Furst Broth- 
ers. On account of ill-health he was compelled 
to resign his position in the spring of 1889. Mr. 
Wolf then removed to Mill Hall, but as his health 
improved, on August 1, 18S9, he took charge of 
the old Hamburg Mill, which he purchased from 
William Decker, and has since made his home in 
Mai ki \ \ ille. He has greatly improved the plant 
by putting in new machinery, etc., at a cost of 
over $5,000, and now has one of the best mills 
of its capacity in Clinton county. 

On September 26, [872, at Mill Hall, Mr. 
Wolf was married to Miss Lucetta Masden. who 
was born Maj 28, 1851, in Bald Eagle Valley, 
ton county, a daughter of William and Han- 
nah n. They now have three 
children: Maud D., born June 14, 1876, is the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



687 



wife of Burton Tobias, of Mackeyville; and Jen- 
nie P., born July 4, 1880, and Harry E., born 
February 27, 1884, are both at home. The 
father's sympathies are generally with the Dem- 
ocratic party, but at local elections he en- 
deavors to vote for the best rrian regardless 
of party affiliations. In religious belief he is a 
Lutheran, while his wife holds membership in the 
Disciple Church. Socially he belongs to the 
Knights of the Mystic Chain. His life record is 
one well worthy of emulation and contains many- 
valuable lessons of incentive, showing the possi- 
bilities that are open to a young man who wishes 
to improve every opportunity for advancement. 



JOHN G. SCHRACK, one of the most intelli- 
gent and progressive agriculturists of Green 
township, Clinton county, is a worthy repre- 
sentative of one of its honored pioneer families. 

John and Benjamin Schrack, two brothers, 
were born in Scotland, and when young men 
crossed the Atlantic and located in Lancaster 
county, Penn., where they followed farming for 
several years. Emigrating westward, they took 
up their residence in what was then a part of 
Northumberland county, but is now Forest Hill, 
Union county. Benjamin finally located on the 
present site of Lewisburg, where he spent his re- 
maining days, but in 1773 John came to Sugar 
Valley, now Clinton county, crossing over Sugar 
mountain. In Green township he squatted upon 
a tract of about 360 acres, known as the Weister 
tract, that being the name of the man who first 
surveyed it. Here John Schrack followed hunt- 
ing and farming until he, too, was called to his 
final rest, and his remains were interred in the 
Sugar Valley cemetery, which was laid out upon 
a part of his farm. In his family were foursons: 
John and James, who remained in Sugar Valley; 
and David and Charles, who became pioneer set- 
tlers of Stark county, Ohio. 

John Schrack, of the family just mentioned, 
was the grandfather of our subject. His oppor- 
tunities for obtaining an education were very 
limited, as there were no schools in his neighbor- 
hood at that early day. He aided his father in 
the arduous task of clearing and cultivating the 
new farm, and after attaining his majority pur- 
chased the tract on which his father had first 
located. As it was covered with timber, he 
erected a sawmill and engaged in the manufact- 
ure of lumber, and as the land was cleared he 
placed it under cultivation and erected good and 
substantial buildings thereon. His entire life 
was passed in Sugar Valley, where he married 
Catharine Brocius, who was born there, the 



daughter of Jacob Brocius, a farmer, of German 
descent. Their children were as follows: Jacob, 
John, David, Pinkney, Levi, Mrs. Catharine Brun- 
gart, and Mrs. Elizabeth Goodman. The family 
has ever been one of the highest respectability. 
The grandfather was a Democrat until that party 
got the State so deeply in debt by the construc- 
tion of canals, when he changed his political 
allegiance, becoming a Whig. He and his wife 
were earnest and consistent members of the Old 
School Lutheran Church. 

On the home farm, David Schrack (our sub- 
ject's father) was reared, and obtained a fair 
English education, considering the number of 
schools that existed in the Valley during his boy- 
hood. These were taught on the subscription 
plan in old log school houses, and the teachers 
were poorly prepared for their duties, but were 
strict. He spent his entire life on the old home- 
stead, and when the property was divided after 
the death of his father, he took the 150 acres 
which constituted the lower half. Upon his land 
he erected a good residence and barn, planted 
an orchard and made many other useful im- 
provements, which added to its value and attract- 
ive appearance. Farming and lumbering he 
made his principal occupations throughout life, 
and upon his place he built a sawmill. He at- 
tended the great Centennial Exposition held in 
Philadelphia in 1876, and was taken ill on his re- 
turn home, and died on tne 12th of November of 
the same year. In politics he was an uncomprom- 
ising Republican, and was called upon to serve 
in the office of overseer of the poor. 

In Sugar Valley David Schrack was married 
to Miss Mary Greninger, who was born there, 
and was a daughter of Peter Greninger, a farmer. 
The children born to this union were as follows: 
Catharine, wife of Henry Fidler, of Wisconsin; 
John G. ; Mary, wife of John Miller, of Logan 
township, Clinton county; Elizabeth, wife of 
John Emig, of the same township; Isabella; 
David, who lives on a part of the old homestead; 
Aaron, who died when young; Jacob, also de- 
ceased; Harriet, wife of Ellis Frantz, of Tylers- 
ville, Penn.; Emma J., wife of Charles Weaver, 
of Logan township; and Harvey, deceased. The 
mother's death occurred in Tylersville in 1891, 
and she was laid to rest by the side of her hus- 
band in the Booneville cemetery. Both were 
faithful members of the Lutheran Church, and 
had a host of warm friends who appreciated 
their sterling worth. 

John G. Schrack (our subject) was born Sep- 
tember 28, 1838, at the ancestral home in Green 
township, and in an old log school house he pur- 
sued his studies for about four months out of the 






KOBATIVE RIOQRAPMCAL RECORD. 



i when bis servici not needed on the 

home farm. Later he attended the Williams- 
port College for one term, and being a great 
reader he has become one of the best-inforn 
in. a of the township, being thon Highly posted on 
all the I ues of the day. 

1 i twenty-three years he was engaged in the 
re of lumber in his father's sawmill, 
and when ti rty was divided in 1876) be- 

tween his brothei David and himself, he 
tained eighty-fivi which ha been his 

home. He has been quite successful in its oper- 
ation, and has made all the improvements found 
thereon, including the erection of a comfortable 
residence and good barns and outbuildings t : 
the shelter of his grain and stock. 

In May, 1866, Mr. Schrack was married by 
a justice of the peace to Elizabeth Wolf, 
who was bom February 4. [840, in I .y kens Val- 
Dauphin Co., Penn., and was at that time 
the widow of William Wallace Schwenk. Her 
parents were Samuel B. and Ann M. (Witman) 
Wolf, both now deceased, the former dying in 
Sugar Valley in 1 "1 the latter in the same 

e, m 1881. By occupation the father was a 
farmer and blacksmith. Mr. and Mrs. Schrack 
have no children. Wherever known they are 
held in high regard and have the respect and 

fidence of the entire community. 



II I.IAM K. GOODMAN, M. D. In 
§f studying the liv< h iracter ol pr< rai- 

ment men we are naturally led to inquire the 
secret of their success and the motives that have 

mpted their a< tion. Success is oftener a n 
ter of experience and sound judgment, and 
thorough preparation for a life work, than it is 
us, howevei bright. When we trace the 
career of those whom the world acknowledges as 
successful, and those who stand high in public es- 
1. we find that in almost every case they are 
those who havi idually by their own ef- 

forts, their diligem e and pel 
qualities are undoubtedly possessed in 

■ -lire by the gentleman whose name intro- 
duces this sketch, and added to these is a devo- 
tion to principle that may well b( 
note of ln~ 1 h.u tcter. It is this which commands 
the mfidence and respi 1 t iven 

him, and it is tins that h nin a lib< 

dice as a medical practitioner in Logant 
md an eminent position in both political and so- 
cial 

The I'll was born April 9, [85 1 , in 

n where he still makes his hon n of 

Iman, whose birth occurred in Dau- 



phin county, in 1S12. The father only received 
a meagre education in the German language, be- 
able to read the writing but not the Ger- 
man print, but was only able to speak English to 
a limited extent. Learning the shoemaker's 
trade, he made that his life occupation. When 
a young man he came to Loganton, Clinton 
county, where he built for himself a home, and 
followed his trade throughout the remainder of 
his life, dying here in 1892. In Loganton he had 
married Lyddie Sugard, who was born in Read- 
ing in 1815, and died in 1892, being laid to rest 
by the side of her husband in Sugar Valley cem- 
etery. In their family were six children, name- 
ly: [eremiah, now a resident of Wisconsin; Jen- 
nie, wife of William Hibler, of Lock Haven, 
Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of George Tibbins, of Lo- 
ganton; William K.; Samuel, of Loganton; and 
Joseph, a shoemaker of Lock Haven. The fam- 
ily is one of the highest respectability. 

During his boyhood Dr. Goodman was only 
able to attend the public schools of Loganton 
during the winter term. At the early age of nine 
years he began working for farmers in the Valley, 
the first \ear receiving only his board and clothes. 
The following year he was given $3 per month, 
and the next year $4, but this was all given to 
his parents. After working in this way for four 
years, at the age of thirteen he began learning 
the shoemaker's trade with his father, and the 
following seven years he was employed at farm 
labor during the summer months, and at work in 
the woods, mills or at teaming during the winter 
season. 

In 1 87 1 he went to Illinois, where he worked 
on a farm, but in the winter of 1872 returned to 
Pennsylvania and found employment in a saw- 
mill. Saving a little money with which to pay 
his expenses, he attended the summer schools of 
Loganton, and during the next fall and winter 
clerked in the store of Mr. Witmer, after which 
he pursued his studies in the normal school of 
county, for a time, under the 
direction of Prof. Martin Herr. The following 
winter hi the primary school of Logan- 

ton, and read medicine with Dr. J. A. Houtz, of 
that place, and the next summer attended the 

tral Pennsylvania College of New Berlin, 
Union county, after which he taught the gram- 
mar school of Loganton through the winter while 
Miiimg his medical studies. He then entered 
the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, 
and during his two-years' course spent the vaca- 
tions in • in Loganton. After his gradu- 

1 880, he went to Ree 
ville, Mifflin 1 Penn., where he spent two 

months, and for the same length of time was en- 





<>, &, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



689 



gaged in practice in Rebersburg, Centre county, 
but at the death of Dr. Mover, an old practi- 
tioner of Loganton, our subject was invited to 
locate here by his former preceptor, Dr. Houtz, 
with whom he entered into partnership in the 
fall of 1S80. Their skill and ability have won 
for them a large and constantly increasing prac- 
tice, and among their professional brethren they 
occupy an enviable position. 

On March 24, 1880, in Beech Creek, Clinton 
county, Dr. Goodman was married to Miss Annie 
M. McCloskey, who was born near Farrandsville, 
same county, a daughter of Abner McCloskey, an 
old and honored citizen of Beech Creek. They 
have two children: Lee McCloskey, born Sep- 
tember 12, 1 88 1, attended the public schools of 
Loganton, where he graduated, and was later a 
student for three terms in the Central Pennsyl- 
vania College of New Berlin, and with the class 
of 1S97 graduated at the high school of Lock 
Haven, and is now attending Bucknell Universi- 
ty, Lewisburg, Penn. ; and Linn Sumner, born 
February 19, 1883, completed the grammar- 
school course in Loganton in 1896, and is now 
attending the Lock Haven High School. 

Socially the Doctor is a prominent member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
also of La Fayette Lodge, F. & A. M., of Lock 
Haven, and the Chapter and Commandery. He 
is one of the leading Democrats of the county, 
and has been honored with a number of impor- 
tant official positions, being chief burgess several 
terms, a member of the council and school direct- 
or, the duties of which offices were most faith- 
fully and efficiently discharged. 



GEORGE GLOSSNER, a well-known tobac- 
co grower and farmer of Woodward town- 
ship, Clinton county, comes from the Fatherland, 
and the strongest and most creditable character- 
istics of the Teutonic race have been marked ele- 
ments in his life, and have enabled him to win 
success in the face of opposing circumstances. 
Mr. Glossner was born November 18, 1835, in 
Wittenberg, Germany, of which place his par- 
ents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Ghoul) Glossner, we re 
also natives, the former born in 181 1, the latter 
in 18 1 3. In his native land the father acquired a 
good German education and learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, which he continued to follow there 
until 1836, when, with the hope of bettering his 
financial condition, he came to the United 
States accompanied by his family, on a sailing 
vessel, which reached the harbor of Baltimore 

after a long voyage of eleven weeks. From 

44* 



there they walked to Chambersburg, Penn., 
and by wagon proceeded to Harrisburg, and 
thence to Eagleville, now Blanchard, Centre 
county, where Mr. Glossner built for himself a 
home and followed his trade throughout the re- 
mainder of his life. He died in 185 1, and was 
buried at Eagleville. He was a Whig in poli- 
tics, was a consistent member of the German 
Reformed Church, and had the respect and con- 
fidence of all who knew him. His estimable 
wife belonged to the same Church. In their 
family were eight children, namely: Christina, 
deceased wife of Peter Shaub, of Harrisburg; 
George, of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of John 
Sloan, of Harrisburg; David died in childhood; 
Daniel died in Leidy township, Clinton county; 
Joseph died in Lock Haven, Clinton county; 
Jacob, of Butler county, Penn., and Christian, 
of Cameron county. After the death of her 
first husband the mother married James Saw- 
yers, of Eagleville, by whom she had two chil- 
dren: James and Irwin. 

Our subject was only a year old when brought 
by his parents to America, and in the public 
schools of Centre county he received his edu- 
cation, while his business training was received 
in a fanning-mill manufactory, at Beech Creek, 
where he worked from the age of twelve to six- 
teen, receiving only thirty cents per day, from 
which he had to board himself. During the 
last year he worked at piece-work and made 
better wages. In 185 1 he found employment in 
a blacksmith shop in Eagleville, where he re- 
mained for two years, and afterward was engaged 
in scaling logs in different counties for almost 
twenty-three years, during which time he meas- 
ured many million feet of lumber, was regarded 
as one of the best scalers in the business, and 
met with a well-deserved success in that enter- 
prise. He has also acted as pilot on the West 
branch of the Susquehanna, rafting lumber down 
the river to markets. In 1875 he purchased a 
farm of sixty-two acres in Woodward township, 
Clinton county, on which he has erected a com- 
fortable residence and made many other valuable 
improvements, and he hassince devoted his time 
and attention principally to general farming and 
tobacco raising. 

In Chapman township, Clinton county, in 
1857, Mr. Glossner was married to Miss Jane 
Kelley, a native of that township, and a daugh- 
ter of Samuel Kelley, a farmer by occupation. 
To them were born five children: Amelia, wife 
of Cline McCloskey, of Bald Eagle township, 
Clinton county; George B., a merchant of Gale- 
ton, Potter Co., Penn.; Jennie, who has success- 
fully engaged in school teaching for twelve years; 



690 



■Ml \im;.\TlYK BIOQRAP11KM. RECORD. 



and two who died in infancy. The wife and 
mother died at Lock Haven, in i 

Mr. Glossner was again married at Fleming- 
ton, in [868, his second marriage being with Miss 
Mary F. Jones, who was born April 8, 1833, in 
Berkshire, Mass. She began her education in 
the public Schools ol that place, and later attend- 
ed the State Normal School "I Connecticut, 
wlun- -in .1 d in 1851. I 

she followed the teacher's profession in that 
Sta; 'Iiiiiil; with her parents to 

1 lemington, Penn., in 1 tinued toen- 

■<• in teaching for six years in Clinton county, 
for one year in the high school in Bellefonte, 

I also in the grammar department, sin 
with excelli 1 ess as a teacher, is a cultu 

and lady, and she and her husband are 

held in high regard by all who know them. The) 
hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, in which he is serving as trustee and 

a. nd. Politically, he is identified with the 
Republii 01 party. 

To Mr. and Mi 1 .eorge Glossner have 1 

liildren, namel) . 1 1 Emma E. was 

educated m tile public schools of Woodward 

township, and in the Central State Normal at 
Lock Haven, and then taught school fori 
its in Clinton county. < >n October 18, \i 
she was married to William E. limn 
Hill, Clearfield Co., Penn., and they now have 
three children Mary, Ruth, and Carl 2) |. 

nk also attended the public schools ol Wood- 
ward township, and now assists his father in the 
n ot the home farm. 

Albeit Jones, the grandfather of Mrs. Closs- 
mr, was born in Connecticut, of Welsh ance >1 
and throughout Ins active business life follow 
droving and merchandising. In his political 
views he was .1 \\ nig, and in his Church rela- 
tions was a Baptist His last days were spent in 

kshire, Mass. He married Lillie Maxwell, a 
daughti Maxwell, an officer in the Rev- 

olutionary war. undei Gen. \\ ton, with 

whom he crossed the Delaware river the night 
before the battle ol I renton. He was ah 
member ..t the firsl < olonial Congress. Mr. and 
Mrs Jones had four children: Alfred. Elizabeth, 
Joshua, and fohn. 

I apt. John Junes, Mrs Glossner's fathei 
cei\ od education, and was a dro> 

time. 1 b was a self-made man, an I >m- 

ing to Flemington, Clinton Co., Penn. . 
,a contractor for the Philadelphia & I ri< railroad. 
Hi w.i- man nd in Berkshire, Mass., to Emeline 
Knight, a native of that place, and a daughti 
Arthur Knight, and to them were born three chil- 
dren: Mrs. Glossner; Alfred, who died in child- 



hood; and Carrie, who died at the age of twenty- 
one. The mother passed away in Flemington, 
in 1 86 1, and the father, who was also born in 
Berkshire. Mass, in 1S11, died at the home of 
his daughter, in Dunnstown, Woodward town- 
ship, in [878. He was a member of the Presby- 
terian Church, in which he had long been active 
and prominent, and he was unwavering in his 
support of the principlesof the Republican party. 
No man in Clinton county was more highly re- 
spected or esteemed than Capt. Jones. 



CHRISTIAN MYERS is a representative ol 
one of the pioneer families of Clinton coun- 
ty, and has for many years been prominently 
identified with its agricultural interests. 

The Myers family is of ( ierman origin, and was 
founded in America by Christian Myers, a native 
of Baden, Germany, who learned the mason's 
trade in that country, and in iSjg came with his 
wife and five children — Charles, Catharine. Mary, 
Conrad and Eve — to America. The voyage was 
a long one, but at length they reached their des- 
tination and located in the German settlement 
in Clinton county. The father had exhausted all 
his means on the trip over, but provided (or his 
family by working at bis trade. He pun based 
a wooded tract of land, and while clearing the 
place endured many hardships, but he was a sturdy 
1 rerman, possessing the resolute character of his 
people, and ultimately he obtained a good home. 

He dud m 1S51 at the age of sixty years. His 
wife, who bore the maiden name of Eve Cathar- 

Ziegler, lived to a ripe old age. and was buried 
by his side in the Xiegler cemetery in Dunstable 
township, Clinton county. They were both 
members of the Lutheran Church, and he was 
was a Democrat in his political views. 

The children of this worth)- couple, who 
lived tn adult age. were as follows: Christian, 
who died in Gallagher township, Clinton county; 
tharine, who became the wife of Adam Engler, 
and died at Lockport; Conrad, who died in Beech 
Creek township, Clinton county; Charles, of 
i township; Mary, who became the wife 
ol William Pelton, and died in Lock Haven; Eve 
C, wifi I hn Earon, of Lock Haven; Adam, 

who lives on the old homestead; Elizabeth, who 
married Martin Tyler, and died in Farrandsville; 

in, wife of Charles Van Gordon, of Mount 
tre 11 unity; and (aniline, wife of 
George Kirby, of Farrandsville. Barbara died at 
the age 1 if ten years, and several children died in 
infancy, there being about twenty children alto- 
gether in the family. 

Christian Myers, the father of our subject, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



691 



was born in Baden, and in early life was a 
shepherd. He lived with his uncle, Mr. Shaffer, 
and remained in Germany several years after his 
parents' removal to America, but on his uncle's 
death in 1847 he came to America on the same 
vessel on which his future wife, Barbara Trost, 
was a passenger. They were married soon after 
reaching this country, and Mr. Myers and his 
brother Charles purchased 100 acres of timber 
land, on one-half of which the father of our 
subject established a home. He endured many 
hardships and privations while developing and 
improving that property, but lived to see it 
transformed into a good farm. He was an act- 
ive, industrious man, and put forth every effort to 
provide for his family. After a lingering illness 
of several months he died in October, 1867, and 
was buried beside his wife, who had passed away 
seven years before and was laid to rest in Gallaher 
cemetery. In political belief he was a Demo- 
crat, and in religious faith a Lutheran. 

Christian and Barbara Myers were the par- 
ents of the following named children: Gottlieb, 
of Renovo, Penn., who was born in 1848; Chris- 
tian; Thomas, a brickmaker of Castanea, born 
in 1 851; Martin, of Bensinger, Elk Co., Penn., 
born in 1853; Adam, who was born in 1854, and 
died in childhood; George, who died in infancy; 
John A., of Bensinger, Penn., born in 1856; 
Theresa, born in 1S58, wife of David Myers, of 
Bald Eagle township, Clinton county; and Fred- 
erick, who was killed at the age of nineteen by 
being thrown from a load of fodder. 

Christian Myers, whose name opens this arti- 
cle, was born February 3, 1850, in Gallagher 
township, Clinton county. He attended the 
schools of the neighborhood to a limited extent, 
but his privileges were meager, as his service 
was needed in clearing the home farm. In his 
boyhood he lived in a log cabin, and not a house 
could be seen from the place. The path to 
school was never trod except by the school chil- 
dren, and lay through the dense woods, where 
frequently deer could be seen. He aided in 
clearing and developing the farm, and at the 
time of his parents' deaths he went to live with 
John Earon in Beech Creek township, Clinton 
county, making his home with his uncle until he 
began work on the Philadelphia & Erie railroad 
as a brakeman. After two years, illness com- 
pelled him to abandon that work, and he worked 
in the lumber woods and on a farm. 

On April 14, 1880, in Beech Creek, our sub- 
ject was married to Miss Mary J. Earon, who was 
born March 20, 1847, in Dunstable township, a 
daughter of John and Eve (Myers) Earon, who 
now live in Lock Haven. They began their do- 



mestic life on the Philip Lehr farm, which Mr. 
Myers purchased. There he lived for fourteen 
years, and in the spring of 1893 came to his 
present home in Bald Eagle township, known as 
the J. D. L. Smith farm. The stone residence, 
which still stands, was built more than a century 
ago. He has 108 acres of valuable land, and he 
owns another farm of 125 acres in Beech Creek 
township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Myers 
has been blessed with three children: Thomas 
A., born July 10, 1882; Albert C, born February 
21, 1885; and Barbara E., born August 23, 
1887. 

In his political views Mr. Myers was formerly 
a Democrat, but his strong temperance princi- 
ples led him to endorse the Prohibition part)', 
with which he is now identified. He and his 
wife are members of the Laurel Run Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and he served as a member 
of the building committee at the time of the 
erection of the house of worship in 1S94, and 
contributed liberally to its support. He was one 
of its first trustees, still fills that office, and he 
has been class-leader for seventeen years. Mr. 
Myers started out in life a poor boy, but has be- 
come one of the substantial farmers of the com- 
munity. His life has been one of earnest, inde- 
fatigable labor, guided by sound judgment, and 
characterized by the strictest honor in all busi- 
ness transactions. There is no better or more 
valuable citizen in Bald Eagle township than 
this gentleman. 



M 



ENRY H. FRITZ, who is classad 



township, Clinton county, is well worthy of no- 
tice in a work of this kind, and to be ranked 
among the men who have distinguished them- 
selves as useful and enterprising citizens. He 
was born June 8, 1840, and is a son of Joseph 
Fritz, whose birth occurred near Williamsport, 
in Lycoming county, Penn., where he acquired 
a limited English education, and continued to 
make his home until early manhood. He then 
came to Lock Haven, where he started the first 
brick manufactory, which he operated very suc- 
cessfully for a number of years, and also en- 
gaged in farming on the Isaac Lusk property. 
In politics he was a Whig, and in religious be- 
lief a Baptist. He died in Lock Haven, in 1848, 
honored and respected by all who knew him. 

At Williamsport, Penn., Joseph Fritz was 
married to Christina Hartsock, a native of Ti- 
oga county, Penn., and to them were born six 
children, namely: John, a resident of Indiana; 






' 0MMBM0BAT1VB BIOGRAPIII'AL RECORD. 



Surah. hall; Henry 

II , of tin- review; William, ol Watson i un- 
ship, Lycoming Co., Penn.; Daniel, who died 
in Lock Ha d one child, who died in in- 

After the d . her lirst husband 

Mrs. Fritz married John Gottscball. She died 
in Gallagher township, Clinton county, and was 
buried in Caldwell cemel 

Henry II. Fritz attended the public schi 
of Lycoming county, and Luck Haven and G 
lagher township . bul hi 

t i < • t i was limited as his father died when he was 
only eight years old, and he was forced to rani 
In- own livelihood. For a short time he worked 
in Whiti Deei Valley, and then assisted h 
father in the arduous task of cleanup and de- 
veloping a new farm, remaining with him until 
od. He then i ngaged in shingle 
making and lumbering in different parts of the 
county until 1865, when he located on the old 
G ittschall farm ■■! 1 37 acres, which he still con- 
tinues to own and operate in a most profitable 
manner. He has made- many excellent improve 
ments upon the place, including a fine hi 
and substantial barns and outbuildings, and it is 
now one of the most attractive and valuable 
farms ol Gallagher township. In connection 
with general farming he is also engaged in 
stock-raising. 

On April .v. 1865, in Loganton, Sugar Valley, 
Mi Fritz \\a> married to Miss Adelia Sheetz, who 
was born 1 ebruar) 27, 1842, in Miles township, 
Brush Valley, Centre county, Penn., a daughter 
of Jacob and Margaret (Snyder) Sheetz, natives 
of Powells Valley, Dauphin county, and North- 
umberland county, Penn., respectively. By oc- 
1 upation the father was a farmer. The children 

11 to Mr and Mrs. Frit; were as follows: 
Harriet V. and Franklin F., who died when 
W\ a I estus, who « ated in tin- 

Central Normal, ol Lock Haven, and has 

iged in teaching fur two terms; 
Elmer Harrison, at home; Irena E., wife of 
George A. 1 M. , fohn 1 1, and | 

Jacob Garfield, all at home The oldest son 

at home, and in politics is a I 
publican. 

I'n attaining his majority our subject sup- 
ported the men and mea the Whig party, 
and mil ivil War hi n an ardent 
Republican. I Ie ha 1 ailed upun ti. serve 
in several official p of honor and trust, 
being tax 1 olli ct irol his ti >v» nship, si hool din 

I 
In the Tinted Evangelical Church he and his 
family hold membership, and occupy a prominent 
in in the social circlesof the community, 



JBSALOM FARWELL, whose identification 
L with the business, political, social and 
moral interests of Clinton county numbers him 
its leading citizens, is a representative of 
one of the earliest families of Chapman town- 
ship. 

His ancestors located in New England in 
Colonial days, and the first of the family to come 
to Pennsylvania was Lemuel Farwell, the grand- 
father of our subject, who resided near South 
ningham, Mass., whence he removed in 1800 
hapman township, then a portion of North- 
umberland county. He settled on a tract of land 
near Bakerstown, built a log house and barn and 
began farming and lumbering on his own account. 
Hi spent Ins entire life there, dying at the age of 
fifty-five, and his remains were interred in Bak- 
erstown. He was married in Chapman township 
to a daughter of Abner McCloskey, of Scotch- 
Irish descent, a farmer and lumberman of the 
neighborhood. In their family were five chil- 
dren: Abel removed to Stephenson county. 111., 
though his death occurred in Clinton county, 
Penn. ; James followed farming in Clearfield 

nty, Penn., until his death; Lemuel died in 
Hyner, Penn., in 1889; Nathan died on the 
homestead in Chapman township; and Mrs. 
Rachel Lingle died in Ohio. The mother of this 
family passed away in Chapman township. 
The grandparents were both members of the 
M.tliodist Church, and he was a man well known 
for his honesty and upright dealing. 

I einuel Farwell (father of our subject) was a 
native of Chapman township, and attended the 
subscription schools, but was mostly educated 
under the direction of his father who was a man 

cholarly attainments. He followed lumber- 
ing and farming with his father for a time, and 
afterward engaged very extensively in the lumber 
business, erecting a sawmill and shipping his 
lumber in rafts to Middletown, where it was sold. 
Mr. Farwell was one of the most extensive lum- 
ber dealers in his section of the State, and be- 

le so thoroughly acquainted with the West 

nch ol thi £ • anna that he frequently 

I as pilot on the river in his young days. 
He also owned and operated a gristmill, and, as 
there was no bank in the community, he acted as 
a local banker, loaning money to his neighbors 
at a small rate of interest. In 1 869, after a long. 
busy and useful career, he retired to private life 
and moved to Hyner, where he built a comfort- 
wit h Ins wife there enjoyed the 
mer toil. His death I in 

i' ss, c In politics he was a Democrat, but not an 
office-seeker. He and his wife were faithful 
members of the Methodist Church, in which he 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



693 



served as class-leader, and was Sunday-school 
superintendent and teacher. Temperate in all 
his habits, he abstained from strong drink and to- 
bacco, and in all his business dealings his hon- 
esty was proverbial. Genial in manner and 
kindly in temperament, he was a good father, kind 
husband and faithful friend, and his death was 
deeply mourned. His wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Jane McCloskey, was born in Dun- 
stable township, Clinton county. Her father, 
Abner McCloskey, was born in the North of 
Ireland in 1798, and became a farmer of Clin- 
ton county. Mrs. Farwell had five children: 
Absalom, our subject; Nancy, widow of George 
Valentine, of Starrucca, Penn. ; Kline J., a lum- 
berman of Renovo, Penn.; Mary A., deceased 
wife of R. S. Condon, of Chatham Run; and 
Sarah E. , wife of Samuel Mummah, of Juniata, 
Penn. The mother of this family is still living 
in Hyner, at the advanced age of eighty-one 
years, and enjoys good health. 

Absalom Farwell is one of the progressive 
men of Pine Creek township. He was born in 
Chapman township, December 18, 1839, attend- 
ed the public schools, and Dickinson Seminary, 
Williamsport, Penn. He afterward taught school 
in Logansville for one term, and one term in 
Pine Creek township. Having a good knowl- 
edge of the lumber business, he then took charge 
of his father's mills, which he operated until the 
great flood of 1865, when the mill was washed 
away and lumber to the value of many thousands 
of dollars was lost. In the summer of that year 
he became a jobber in nursery stock, handling 
fruit trees and shrubbery, and in this way traveled 
through every county of Pennsylvania and man}' 
of the eastern, middle and western States and 
Canada. For a quarter of a century he followed 
that business, employing many agents and meet- 
ing with good success in his undertakings. Dur- 
ing that time he made his home at North Bend, 
Clinton county, where he had a fine residence 
and good farm of one hundred acres, which is 
now operated by his son. In 1885 he purchased 
the Brown farm in Pine Creek township, Clinton 
county, comprising 125 acres, on which stand a 
fine brick dwelling house, good barns and other 
substantial buildings. In 1892 he retired from 
the nursery business and took up his residence 
upon this farm, where he has since made his 
home. He is now quite extensively engaged in 
cultivating tobacco, and has built good sheds 
and secured other facilities to advance his inter- 
ests in this line. He is also engaged in raising 
stock, and has one of the best-cultivated farms 
in his section of the county. 

In 1868, in Dunstable township, Clinton 



county, our subject was married to Martha Jane 
Baird, who was born in that township, Novem- 
ber 24, 1844, a daughter of David and Tabitha 
(Quigley) Baird. They have five children: (1) 
Truman L. L. D. , who was educated in the 
schools of Chapman township, the Lock Haven 
Normal, the Westchester Normal, and the Penn- 
sylvania State College, now operates the farm at 
North Bend. He married Nellie Gallagher, who 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 
politics the husband is independent. (2) Tab- 
itha Josephine, educated in the public schools 
of Clinton county, Bucknell Seminary of Lewis- 
burg, and the West Chester Normal, is engaged 
in teaching music. She married Harry Crist, 
of Pine Creek township. (3) Franklin Pierce, 
educated at Charlton and Lock Haven Normal 
school. (4) Milton Girard Gambetta and (5) 
Howard M. are at home. 

Absalom Farwell is a Democrat, and he 
stanchly advocates the principles promulgated 
by Bryan. In 1877 and again in 1888 he was 
a candidate for sheriff, but failed to overcome the 
strong Republican majority. He has served as 
auditor of Chapman township, and as school 
director of Pine Creek township, acting as sec- 
retary of the board. His wife holds member- 
ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
Mr. Farwell formerly belonged to the Odd 
Fellows Society. His life record is one well 
worthy of emulation. In his business he is ener- 
getic, persevering and progressive, and conducts 
his interests along the lines of the most honor- 
able business dealings. He has achieved success 
through his capable management, and his pros- 
perity is certainly well deserved. Public spirited, 
he withholds his support from no enterprise cal- 
culated to benefit the community. He holds 
friendship inviolable, and is true to all the duties 
of both public and private life. 



JEREMIAH J. BARNER, one of the most 
progressive lumbermen and farmers of Green 
township, Clinton county, was born there on 
May 1, 1838, a son of Henry Barner, a native of 
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania. 

John Barner, the grandfather, was also born 
in Schuylkill county, and was of German descent. 
He was an agriculturist, and on leaving his native 
county came to what is now Clinton county (then 
Centre), and in Green township purchased a tract 
of 400 acres, which he improved and cultivated 
throughout the remainder of his life. In connec- 
tion with farming he also engaged in lumbering. 
He was a man well known and highly respected. 
Retiring one night in the best of health, he was 



694 



VORATIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



found dead in bed the next morning, being shot 
during tin- night b} sunn- unknown assassin, who 
was never found or brought to justice for the ter- 
rible crime. His wife was one of the best of 
women, verj strong, being able to carry three 
bushels of wheat, and at the time her yi 
child was married she was still able to ride on 
hoi the mountains to visit her chil- 

dren, In the family were twenty-two children, 
none <>f whom were twins, but only the names of 
the followingare known: David, George, Henry, 
B njamin, John, Daniel, Adam, Samuel, Christi- 
an, Lyddie, Mary, Fanny, Elizal 
and Cathai ii 

Henr} Barner, oui - father, received 

a fair education in both the I and English 

languages. He accompanied his parents on their 

1 to Clinton county, where he grew to 

m. ml 1 on the borne (arm, and rting out 

in life foi himself i i ricultural pursuits 

in Sugai Valley, Green township, wherein I 

bought 300 ai timber land. Upon his 

pla I a sawmill, and converted the 

timber into marketable lumber, and cleared 150 
!, which he placed under cultiva- 
tion arid improved with good buildings, including 
a fine n He alsi conducted a h 

his farm in Green town- 
ship, and in his undertakings met with a fair de- 
H vas a stanch supporter of 
and was an elder in the Lutheran 
Church. Ilw upright, honorabli e in life 

gamed (or him the confidence and e I all 

with whom he came in contact, either in his busi- 
ns. 

In Green 1 p, < lint m county. Henrj 

ner was united in marriage with M tiar- 

ine Kurn, who was 1>, ,rn in Logan township, ,1 
djanghtei oi fohn Kurn, a native of Germany, and 

rmer bj occupation The following children 
were bom to then, |. ,l>n. .1 r< sidenl oi Gi 
township; Israel, who died in 1892; Emanue 
Nittanj Valley, Penn . Sarah, widow of David 
Mil i remiah |. . Rebecca, wifi 

David Shry< r; 1 >aniel, of < Ire* n township; Helen, 
wifi le; Catharine, wife of |ohn 

Douty; Henry, who died when young; G 
of Penn's Valley; and 01 died in infan 

'I'he father departed this life in 1872, ther 

in [893, and both were laid to rest in Mount 
1 n cemetery, Green township. 

miah J. Barnei obtained a limited educa- 
tion in the public school n township, but 
his business training was not so meagn . am 
had a knowledge of the milling busi- 

i that at the early age of tw< • he was 

given charge of a circular saw for the lumber 



firm of Yoras & Caldwell in the eastern part of 
Green township, remaining with them for three 

rs. For the same length of time he was a 
sawyer for Hoover & Price, and the next three 
years were spent in the sawmill of Haffey & Co. 
He was then a partner in the manufacture of 
shingles in the Engle sawmill, but two years 
later he accepted the position of head sawyer in 
a mill at Williamsport, where he remained three 
years, and spent the following eight years in a 
mill on Little Pine creek, after which he trav. 
for a time through the western States, and in the 
Rocky Mountains as far as Colorado. He then 
accepted a position in a sawmill in Jackson coun- 
ts. Mo., but as the climate did not agree with his 
health, he resigned at the end of two months and 

rned home. After working in a sawmill in 
Brush Valley, Centre county, for a year and a 
half he came to Green township, Clinton coun- 
ty, in [885, and entered into partnership with 
the Engle brothers in the manufacture of lumber, 
since doing business under the firm style of Engle, 

ner & Engle. It >f the most reliable 

companies of the kind in the county, and is 

ting with a well-deserved success. Mr. 
Barner is also interested in farming, having a 
valuable place of sixty-five acres, whose well- 
tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance tes- 
tify to the skill and ability of the owner as an 
ulturist. 

During the dark days of the Civil war. Mr. 
Barner laid aside all personal interest, and at 
Lock Haven, on August 10, 1861, enlisted in 
Company B, 11th P. V. I., under Capt. Shanks 
and Col. P. D. Collier. On being mustered in 
at Harrisburg. the regiment was assigned to the 
Army of the Potomac, and with his command 

subject participated in the battles of balling 

Water. White Plains, Thompson Gap, Ce 

Mountain and Gettysburg. After the last named 

he, with three comrades, bought 

some milk to drink, and the others died from the 

which it contained, while he himself 

bj rendered unfit for duty for almost a 

ring which time he was confined in six 

rent hospitals in Washington, and suffered 
untold agonies. As soon as he was able to be 
moved he was discharged in May, 1864, at Wash- 
ington, and returned home. 

At Lock Haven, Mr. Barner was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Engle, a native of Green town- 
Clinton county, and a daughter of John 
Engle, a lumberman. Her brother Jacob is now 
a partner ol ;bject. Five children grace 

this union. Franklin is engaged in milling; Mc- 
Clellan is ] ti 1 and a sawyer at Carroll, 

1 a is the wife of Cyrus Bix- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



695 



ler, of Buffalo Valley, Union Co., Penn. ; Law- 
rence was educated in the Musical College of 
Freeburg, and is now engaged in teaching music; 
and Grant is at home. 

Fraternally, Mr. Barner is an honored mem- 
ber of George E. Myers Post No. 379, G. A. R., 
and Sugar Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F. , both of 
Loganton, while politically he has been a pro- 
nounced Republican since the war. For five 
years he has served as school director, and he 
has always taken an active interest in those meas- 
ures calculated to promote the general welfare 
along various lines. As a citizen he is highly re- 
spected, enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, 
and is regarded as a man of excellent business 
judgment. 



OHN SOLT. ft must be with a deep sense 
of just pride and of grateful satisfaction that 
a successful self-made man at eventide of life 
looks back over the past — to his early poverty 
and struggles, and later victories and triumphs. 
In a position to do this is he whose name intro- 
duces this sketch. 

Born February 20, 1829, on a farm in Por- 
ter township, Clinton county, Mr. Solt is the 
son of John and Mary (Miller) Solt, the former 
of whom was a native of Northampton county, 
Penn. Our subject was one of seven children 
born to his parents, and one of twins — their first 
born. His parents were farming people of the 
county, plain, unassuming and hard-working 
country folks, God-fearing and law-abiding citi- 
izens, who plodded on through life yet were of 
good cheer, scattered sunshine as they went 
along, and left the world the better for their hav- 
ing lived in it. The father was identified with 
the Evangelical Church. He died at the age 
of eighty-one years, and his faithful companion 
passed away when she was forty-seven. Both 
are buried at Mackeyville. He had been pre- 
viously married, and to that union were born 
seven children. Our subject was raised on a 25- 
acre farm; his parents being poor he had to assist 
in the support of the family, and was not given 
many school privileges. At the age of eighteen 
years he worked on a farm for David Allison, and 
although performed a man's work he received 
for his services only six dollars per month. His 
father had previously bought a small farm of 
twenty-five acres, but had not been able to pay 
for it. This tract was in the woods, and the 
father and sons had performed much hard work 
in clearing, grubbing and preparing the ground 
for cultivation. A combination of circumstances 
seemed to conspire against the father, and he 
was unable to pay for the land and so lost it. 



Finally, however, by the combined efforts of the 
family, the little farm and home were paid for. 

The son, John, while yet in his teens, was 
away from home much of the time, working at 
different places at whatever he could find to do 
until finally he located on his father's farm, which 
he rented and began farming on a small scale. 
He commenced with two horses (one of them be- 
ing quite old and of not much service) and one 
cow. He remained on the little farm some two 
years, he and his faithful wife struggling on, full 
of hope that inspires youth to its greatest ener- 
gies. At the time of his marriage, in December, 
1852, when he was twenty-four years of age, and 
before he rented the home place, himself and 
bride began their married life in two rooms in 
the house of his brother Samuel, at Mackeyville. 
At this time the husband depended upon his day's 
labor for support, and his wages were then but 
fifty cents per (fay. But with stout hearts and 
willing hands they went to work and toiled on. 
From Mackeyville they went to the farm, thence 
to the Thomas Brown farm, which the husband 
rented in connection with his brother Samuel, 
but their efforts were still unrewarded, for after 
planting and cultivating, the harvest was not suf- 
ficient to pay for the seeding; and their efforts 
did not yield them a living. This farm was aban- 
doned, and again the young husband resorted to 
days' labor, residing on rented property at Mackey- 
ville. Later on he rented a farm in Lamar town- 
ship, and after six years of effort, good managing 
and economical living, they were successful in get- 
ting a good start and bought the John Reesman 
farm, going in debt to the extent of nearly 
$4,000, which, as time passed by, the united ef- 
forts of husband and wife paid off the obliga- 
tions. No sooner out of debt than their only 
daughter was married, and the good parents, 
prompted by their generous love to their child, 
moved to Mackeyville, and left the daughter on 
the farm to begin life under more flattering cir- 
cumstances than awaited their own marriage. 
Subsequently (1880) Mr. Solt purchased another 
small farm of eighty-odd acres, and after one 
year's residence at Mackeyville, moved to it, where 
he resided until 1892; then returned to Mackey- 
ville, where he now occupies and owns one of the 
most comfortable houses in the village. Although 
pretty well advanced in years, nearing the three- 
score and ten period, he is by no means inactive, 
but finds something to keep his active and rest- 
less mind busy. He still farms a little, and is 
hardly on the retired list. 

Mr. Solt is an example of what perseverance 
and a determined effort may accomplish, rising 
from a poor boy through adverse circumstances 



896 



VMEMORA TITS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to a competence and i ible citizenship. 

I i years he served the people oi bis township 
as overseer ol the poor, and (nr t\ - rs as 
supervisor. II I as a citizen, and is 

a man of influence in the community in which 
he resides Politically he is a 1 • t he 

does not always vote that ticket, believing it a 
duty to vote for the man in his judgment the 
better qualii best fitted (or the 

office. His wife, who was a Miss Mary A. Au- 
man, a native of Centre county, born April u. 
i, m Brush Valley, has been most surely a 

d help-meet and companion her un- 

tiring efforts and good cheer much of the hus- 
band's sui cess is due. She is the daughter of 
Pi t.-r and Julia A. (Dale Auman, and when an 
infant of one year was taken by her parents who 
then moved to the vicinity of Kebersburg, 
Centre county, whei ared. she was 

the second of five children, and the eldest 
hter. 

One daughter Amanda J. — was born to our 
subject and wifi She married M. Swavely, and 

I in August, 1887, leaving two children — 
Mamie and Anna, who make their home with 
and wife, and with her father, re- 
spectively. Mr>. Solt is a member of the 
Luth' rch. 



J! I'll W SMI HI, the popular and effi- 
i Renovo, is also one of the 
borough's prosperous and successful 
men. Not 00 the plains of 1 he 

:t out on life's journey, but in the valley of 
limited circumstances with tb gh and rugf 

n of hard undertaking before him He 

1 ted on 1 ed his way steadily 

upward, climbing higher and higher until he now 
stands on the mountain top of prosperity. 

Mr. Smith was born Augu 5, in 

Lock Haven, ( linton county, a son ol [ai 
and Mary I Smith, natives ol Germany. 

The father was for many years a leading mer- 
chant and prominent and progressive citizi 
Lock Haven, but is now living retired in that 
city though he still e xcellent health. 

The mother of our subject was called to her 
final rest in 1 S70. 

The early education of Joseph W. Smith was 
acquired in the public schools of L \ en, 

and the knowledge there obtained was supple- 
mented bj 1 in St. Vincent's College in 
Westmoreland county, Penn. He also attei. 

rce's Business College in Philadelphia, and 
on laying aside Ins text bonks began his business 
career in his father's store, where he remained 



ars. He then engaged in the cigar 
and tobacco business on his own account for 
several years, and continued that line of trade 
for about nine months after coming to Renovo 
in 1884. In the spring of the following year, 
however, he embarked in the wholesale liquor 
and bottling beer business, and in 1889 added 
to this the ice business, but disposed of the latter 
in 1895. 1° 'he former enterprise he is still en- 
gaged and enjoys an excellent trade. 

In [875 Mr. Smith was married to Miss 
Clara, daughter of Matthew Mellon, of Lock 
Haven, and they now have two sons: Albert 
W. and Bart J. The family are all communi- 
cants of the Catholic Church, and, socially, our 
subject is a member of the Benevolent & Patri- 
otic Order of Elks. Politically, he is a lifelong 
Dem crat, opposed to all monopolies and an ear- 
nest advocate of the principles of his party. He 
has done all in his power to advance its inter- 
ests and insure its success; in 1896 he was 
chosen chairman of the Clinton County De- 

racy, the following year was unanimously 
re-elected and is now serving in that position. 
He has also been a member of the Democratic 
State Central Committee, has served as a member 
of the borough council in Renovo, and is at 
present most satisfactorily tilling the responsible 
ition of burgess. Wherever found he is a 
social, affable, genial gentleman, whose friends 
are legion, and his record as a self-made man is 
one of which he may be justly proud. Success 
is not measured by the height which one a 
chance to occupy, but by the distance between 
the starting point and the altitude he has 
reached; therefore, Mr. Smith has gained a 

• brilliant success — a just reward of meri- 
torious, honorable efforts which command the 
respect and admiration of all. 



JAMES Mi NAMAKA, a leading coal dealer of 
Renovo, is one of the most energetic, pro- 
■ and enterprising business men of 
Clinl ty His birth occurred in 1801, in 

:itv Clare. Ireland, on the banks of the river 
■I his parents, Patrick and Bridget 
Birmingham) McNamara, were born, reared and 
married in that country. The mother died in 
nd, but the -pent his last days in the 

United 5ta1 Of their six children, five are 

still living, namely: Mary, wife of Cornelius 
Mulvahill, of Keno\ Susan, wife of William 
Dwyer, ol the same place; Anna, wife of Charles 
M 1 I Philadelphia; Bridget F., a resi- 

dent ol Chicago; and fames. 

ned but a limited ed- 





U/u^^^f 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



697 



ucation in the schools of his native land as he had 
to walk six miles to the school house, carrying 
his share of the fuel under his arm as was then 
the custom in Ireland under English rule. He 
was reared to habits of industry upon the home 
farm, and early became familiar with agricultural 
pursuits, which he continued to follow until cross- 
ing the Atlantic in 1880. On reaching the shores 
of the New World he came to Renovo, Penn., 
where he first worked in the railroad shops, then 
in the store of his brother-in-law, William 
Dwyer. Subsequently he started in business for 
himself as a teamster, and also worked at different 
occupations until he began dealing in coal. He 
now does the largest business of the kind in the 
borough. 

On April 27, 1892, Mr. McNamara was mar- 
ried to Miss Agnes Rouen, a daughter of Thomas 
Rouen, a native of Ireland. They now have 
three children, namely: Patrick S., James Joseph, 
and Thomas Francis. The parents both hold 
membership in the Roman Catholic Church, and 
are widely and favorably known. In his political 
views, Mr. McNamara is a Republican, and at 
State and National elections always votes for 
that party, but at local elections his support is 
generally given the man whom he considers best 
qualified for the office regardless of party affilia- 
tions. He has never cared for official honor, pre- 
ferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- 
ness interests. He believes that the Republican 
party some day will be the means of giving liberty 
to his native land. His life is a living illustration 
of what ability, energy and force of character 
can accomplish, for on reaching Renovo his cash 
capital consisted of only one penny. He is to- 
day the owner of much valuable property in the 
city, and is numbered among its thrifty and pros- 
perous citizens. In everything pertaining to the 
upbuilding of Renovo he takes an active part, and 
is a liberal contributor to the enterprises which 
insure its progress. Although of foreign birth, no 
more loyal or patriotic citizen can be found in 
Clinton county, and it is to such men that the 
community owes its prosperity, its rapid progess, 
and its advancement. 



WILLIAM STRUNK, an energetic and pros- 
perous agriculturist of Porter township, 
Clinton county, residing near Parvin, is re- 
garded as one of the best citizens of that 
locality. His success has been obtained by his 
hard work and shrewd management, and he is 
truly "the architect of his own fortune." 

His ancestors came from Germany at an early 
date, and members of the family fought in the 



cause of freedom during the Revolutionary war. 
William Strunk, our subject's grandfather, was 
for many years engaged in the miller's trade in 
Bucks county, Penn., but his last days were spent 
in Mifflin county, where his death occurred in 
1838. He was twice married and had eighteen 
children, five sons and four daughters born to 
each union. The sons by the first marriage were 
William, George, Daniel, John and Jacob, while 
those by the second were Benjamin, Findley, 
Isaac, Andrew and Joseph. 

John Strunk, the father of our subject, was 
born February 17, 1806, in Bucks county, and, 
like all of his brothers and half-brothers, he fol- 
lowed the miller's trade. On August 14, 1827, he 
was married in Lewistown, Penn., to Miss Nancy 
Henry, who was born October 30, 1806, in Beaver 
township, Snyder county, the daughter of Adam 
Henry, a well-known blacksmith of that time. 
The young couple had a poor start in life — abed, 
two plates, a knife and fork constituting their 
household effects — but they established their 
home at Lewistown, and gradually added to the 
comfort of their surroundings. While there Mr. 
Strunk was employed at milling by his brother 
George, but later he removed to Yeagertown, 
Penn., and rented a mill. In 1831 he went to 
Spring Mills, Centre county, where he spent nine 
years in the employ of James Duncan without any 
articles of agreement. He continued in the mill- 
ing business until 1840, when he purchased a farm 
in Marion township, Centre county, and made 
his permanent home there. He was a kind- 
hearted man, his friendly manners endearing 
him to all who knew him, and among the guests 
at his hospitable home were man}' of the leading 
men of Bellefonte. As he always did his own 
thinking his opinions were valued by his asso- 
ciates, and on several occasions when he was 
called to serve on the jury he was made fore- 
man. Politically he was a Democrat until Henry 
Clay's candidacy, when he became a Whig, and 
later he joined the Republican party. Although 
he was not anxious for office he took much inter- 
est in local affairs, and at times held positions in 
the township. In religious work he was active 
as a member of the Reformed Church, to which 
he gave liberally of his time and money, serving 
as elder and superintendent of the Sunday-school 
for many years. His wife died in June, 1862, 
and he survived her many years, passing away 
in 1884. They had the following children: 
George C, born December 13, 1828, is now re- 
siding at Hillsdale, Mich. ; William, born March 
27, 1830, is our subject: Mary A., born August 
31, 1 83 1, married Laird Holmes, and died in 
Centre county; John F., born August 29, 1832, 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOORM'lII'-AL RECORD. 



! in Muphenson county, III.; Margaret, born 
November 27, 1833, 1- now Mrs. John Seiler, 
■ •I Osage comit\. Kans. ; James, born Januar) 
30, 1835, enlisted during the Civil war in Com- 
pany E, 7th Pennsylvania Cavalry, ami died No- 
vember 27, l86l, at 1 i I micron, Harris- 
burg, Penn., his remains beinj^ interred in Jack- 
sonville, Perm ; Susan, born April 14. 1836, is 
now Mrs Samuel A Stonebrakei ck Jack, 

Kans.; Robert, born September 21, 1837, is now 
a resident of Belief onte; Thomas, born March 
10, 1839, died in lib I ibby, born Septem- 

ber 6, 1840, is now Mrs. [saac Reish, of Lamar 
township, Clinton county; I'eter. bom May 19, 
1X42. is now a resident of Illinois; Samuel C. , 

•1 August 29, 1 s 4 5 . resides in Morris county, 
Kans.; Ira C, born March 22. 1846, is now con- 
duct ommercial college at New Albany, 
Ind. ; and Catherine died at the age of seventeen. 

The subject of this sketch was bom M 
27, 1830, in the Kishacoquillas Valley, Mifflin 

nty, Penn., and was educated in the common 
schools of that time, his studies being begun at 
Spring Mills. Centre county, under a Mr. Smith. 
At the age "f twenty he entered upon an appren- 
ticeship to the miller's trade with his uncle, 
ph Strunk. oi Reedsville, Penn. Afterlearn- 
ing In- trade lie worked one yeai at Lewistown 

John Sterrett, and two and one-half years at 
Bellefonte f"i Wagnei & Thomas, but later he 
found employment at Hoys Mill, in Marion town- 
ship, Centre county. On February 23, [854, 
he was married in Walker township, Centre 

iiity. to Mi>> Mary Jane Myers, who was born 
in that township Januarj [9, 1835, the daughter 
el John and Elizabeth ( Mowry) Myers. 1 le then 
located at Cedar Springs, Clinton county, wh 

rented a home and followed his trade for 

In i860 he bought his present farm, 
a part of the Peter Seil 1 since [ 86] 

he has resided there. In- m being given to 

icultural work. When he took ] n of 

the plai barn ami an old dwelling-hi 

were the only buildings, but he has made man} 
improvements. In (868 he built anew barn, and 
in 1883 lus comfortable resilience was erected, 
the homestead b w a most attractive 

His firs! purchase consisted .>! ninety acres, but 
he has -iiH e a. Me, l to it until he owns 1 33 acres 
of as good land as can be found in that vicinity. 

Mr. Strunk and his wile have bad seven chil- 
dien: Flora, bom March ;, 1854, now Mrs. 
George Manly, of Ybrkville, III. ; Charles A . b 
April 11, 1858, is a farmer in Dunstable town- 
ship, Clinton Co.. Penn.; Clar, born July 22, 
[861, is the wife of Elmer McClintock, of Clinton- 
dale; Harry 1'., born April 22, 18.14, died in in- 



fancy: William L., born October 28, 1866; 
Catherine K. , born October 17, 1869, is Mrs. 
Charles A. Taylor, of Lamar township, Clinton 
county; and Joseph B. , born February 4, 1874, 
is at home. The family is prominently identified 
with the social life of the neighborhood, and 
Mi- Strunk is an active member of the Presby- 

m Church. 

As a stanch Republican, Mr. Strunk takes 
much interest in the success of his party. At 
times he has held township offices, serving with 
credit as auditor and overseer, but he does not 
aspire to political honors. He was once a mem- 
ber of the Grange, but is not now identified with 
the society. In manner he is plain and unassum- 
and he is noted for his frank expression of 
his convictions, a trait which has won him the 
respect of all who place a proper value upon 
freedom of thought. 



J 



OHN B. KUTE, now a prosperous and sub- 
stantial agriculturist of Lamar township, 
1 linton county, started out in life for him- 
self with nothing but his indomitable enei 
and his accumulation of this world's goods is at- 
tributable to his sound judgment, close applii 
tion to business and untiring industry The 
family name of Rute has at times been spelled 
Ruth. 

rn April 27, 1838, in Mires township, Brush 
Valley, Centre Co., Penn., Mr. Rute is the 
oi Benjamin and Maria (Binkley) Rute, who 
had removed to that locality the year previous, 
from Lancaster county, Penn., locating on the 
farm where his birth occurred. The father con- 
tinued to reside in the east end of Brush Valley 
until the spring of 1S70, when he and his wife 
went to live with their son Elias in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county. Later they located on a 
farm near Yicksburg, that township, where both 
died, the father at the age of seventy-six, and 
their remains were interred in the Union ceme- 
tery of Mazeppa, Union county. He was a small 
man but very industrious, and in connection with 
farming worked at his trade of shoemaking. In 
the Reformed Church he held membership, an I 
politically, he was identified with the Democratic 
party. Our subject was the oldest of four chil- 
dren, the others being Elizabeth, now Mrs. 
ib Schilling, of Porter town-hip, Clinton 
>t\ ; Rebecca, wife of John W. Carter, of 
Vicksburg, Penn. ; and Elias, a farmer of Buf- 
falo township, Union county. The paternal 
grandparents and uncles and aunts of our subject 
ntire lives in the southern part of 
the Mate. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



699 



The first thirteen years of his life John B. 
Rute spent in Brush Valley, and in the Brun- 
gard school he began his education. One of his 
first teachers was Mr. Dieffenbach, who taught at 
the Wolf school which he also attended, but his 
educational advantages were much inferior to 
those afforded by the common schools of the 
present day. As a heavy tax payer and school 
director, he has done much to improve the schools 
of his township. Being the older son, his school 
days were often interrupted by work upon the 
home farm. At the age of thirteen he went to 
Cedar Run, Clinton county, where he lived for 
three years with John Wagner, receiving the 
meager wages of $4 per month in the summer 
and nothing at all in the winter season except 
the privilege of attending school. Having saved 
from his wages a little over $100, Mr. Rute, at 
the age of eighteen, purchased 106 acres of 
land in Brush Valley at assignee's sale, but went 
$400 in debt. This was bought for a home for 
his parents. 

After three years spent in Clinton county, 
Mr. Rute returned to Brush Valley, where he 
worked as a farm hand until his marriage, which 
was celebrated in Rebersburg, March 17, 1861, 
Rev. Tobias performing the ceremony which 
made Miss Anna M. C. Snook his wife. She was 
born January 8, 1838, in Sugar Valley, and was 
one in a family of twelve children, six sons and 
six daughters, whose parents were Levi and 
Margaret (Wolford) Snook, farming people, who 
removed to Brush Valley when she was about 
six years old. There she was reared and edu- 
cated in the district schools. Mr. and Mrs. Rute 
have become the parents of six children: Matilda 
M., who married Clayton Brungard, and died in 
Brush Valley, leaving two children — Sarah C. 
and John H.; Thomas E., a farmer of Lamar 
township, Clinton county, who is married, and 
has six children — Laura G., John S. , Mabel H., 
L. Nora, Virgie E. and Ellis T. ; Sadie E., 
wife of Ira E. Spangler, a United Evangelical 
minister, of Sullivan county, Penn. ; Jennie, now 
Mrs. George D. Walker, of Lock Haven, and 
the mother of one child — Lula C. ; Amelia M., 
who is a teacher in the Sabbath-school, and re- 
sides at home; and Kate M., organist of the 
Lutheran Church at Salona, also at home. 

For three years and a half after his marriage 
John B. Rute worked for his father-in-law, re- 
ceiving $100 per year and his board and clothes, 
and in the spring of 1865 he came to Lamar 
township, Nittany Valley, Clinton county, where 
he operated a rented farm for two years. He 
then returned to Brush Valley, where he contin- 
ued to live until 1883, when he purchased his 



present farm in Lamar township from Eli 
Snook for $15,000. It comprises 137 acres of 
valuable and productive land, which he has 
placed under a high state of cultivation and im- 
proved in many ways, making it one of the most 
desirable farms of the locality. 

Until the Democratic party tried to deprive 
the soldiers of their vote, Mr. Rute was one of its 
supporters, but since that time has been a pro- 
nounced Republican, and has always given his 
influence to all measures which he believed would 
benefit the public or advance the general welfare. 
He was drafted, but the war ended before he 
was mustered in. He enjoys excellent health, 
never having been ill for a day in his life, and he 
has performed much hard labor, in this way 
gaining for himself and family a good home and 
comfortable competence. He and his wife are 
active and prominent members of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has held nearly all the 
offices, being elder at the present time, and was 
once elected superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school, but declined the honor. His word in busi- 
ness transactions is considered as good as his 
bond, and he is justly recognized as one of the 
energetic and representative citizens of Clinton 
county. 



THOMAS J. FOX, in whose life the well-di- 
rected efforts and perseverance which have 
marked his business career have brought him 
success, was born June 6, 18 19, near McEwens- 
ville, Northumberland county, and is a son of 
John and Elizabeth (Resh) Fox. His father was 
born, reared and married in Chester county, 
Penn., and the mother was a native of the 
same locality. He was a miller by trade. In 
1833 he moved to Marsh Creek, Howard town- 
ship, Centre county, and turned his attention to 
lumbering and sawmilling, also clearing land, 175 
acres of which he farmed. He passed away in 
1850, leaving seven children, and his remains 
were interred at Jacksonville, Centre county. 
His widow remarried, marrying Daniel Schenck 
two years later. She passed away in 1862, and 
was laid to rest by the side of her former hus- 
band. John Fox had eleven children, four of 
whom were sons. The youngest was our sub- 
ject. The father was a Democrat in early life, 
but later gave his support to the Whig party. 
He was a member of the Reformed Church and 
his wife of the Lutheran Church. 

Thomas J. Fox removed with his parents dur- 
ing boyhood to Centre county. His school life 
was limited to three months and nineteen days' 
attendance in a log school building, but experi- 



Too 



( OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL UF.coRD. 



ence, reading and observation have made him a 
well-informed man. He worked for his father 
without wages until twenty-four years of age, at 
which time he « I his father after- 

ward paid him as a regular farm hand. He w 
ded Mary Ream, a Dative of Lebanon county, 
whose father died when she was only two years 
of age, after which she was reared by William 
Strunk. 

After living two years I a his father's 

farm. Mr. Fox began housekeeping for himself. 
With the money he had earned he purcl 
horse, and, as his father had previously given 
him one, with this team he began his farming 
11 the place which is now his home, 
living there from 1847 until 1855. He then re- 
moved to am >t lur farm, but in 1863 returned to 
his present farm, and the following yeai pur- 
chased 160 acres. He has since sold a portion 
of this, but has a valuable property of eighty 
acre ning. The well-tilled fields and the 

1 and thrifty appearance oi the place indicate 
his careful supervision. He is a wide-awake. 
progressive farmer, and the prosperity which he 
has achieved is well merited In 1878 he 
In- first wife. Their children were: Elizabeth, 
wife "I Samuel Wolf, ol Suj y; Harriet. 

wife of John U. Wasson, of Marion township, 

-tre county; Maggie, who died al the age of 
twenty-three; William T.. of I George 

\\ . who died in Kansas; [ohn, deceased; Cur- 

M , who is living near Jacksonville, Penn. ; 
Elmer E., deceased; and [ra J., principal of the 
First ward schools ol Lo< k Haven. I oi his sec- 
ond wife, Mr. Fox married Mis, Sarah A. 1 >ii ke) 
Barrett, widow of George 11 Barret) Then 
children are Mary A., Carrie B , Charles M 
and Thomas J. 

Our subject has always been a stalwart I 1 
ocrat. and has served as school director and su- 
pervisor, discharging his duties with marked 

lity and abilit] His interest in public affairs 

nanifest by a prompl performai f his duties 

of citizenship, and by Ins support ol all measures 
calculate 1 to prove of public good. His deal 
have been honorable and straightforward, and 
In- well-spent life commends him to the confi- 
dence and regard of all. 



JOHN S BOSSERT. The subject of this 
biography, one of the honored sons of Clin- 
ton COUnty, and a QlOSt Successful fanner ol 

Bald Eagle township, minently a self-made 

man. He began life with a definite purpose in 
\ie\v, worked faithfully, honestly, and with a will 
for its accomplishment, and now enjoys a com- 



fortable competence which has been secured en- 
tirely through his own efforts. 

Mr. Bossert was born June 8, 1851, in 
Bald Eagle township, a son ol II. M. Bos- 
sert. a native of Northampton county, Penn., 
who resided for some time in Reading and 
later in Northumberland county, whence he 
came to Clinton county. He attended school at 
McEwensville, and was also a student for a time 
in LaFayette College, but owing to lack of fin 
did not complete the course. For a number of 
years he successfully engaged in teaching. He 
captain of a military company at Mill Hall, 
and on President Lincoln's call for 75,000 vol- 
unteers ht enlisted in the 1 ith P. V. I., later re- 
enlisting, this time in the 137th P. V. I. He 
was a recruiting officer for the last regiment at 
k Haven, and was commissioned colonel, and 
as such served until elected register and recorder 
of Clinton count}-, when he resigned. He took 
an active and prominent part in political affairs, 

I was a recognized leader in the ranks of the 
Republican party in this section of the State. 
In religious belief he was a Presbyterian; socially 
he was identified with the I. O. O. F. and the 
I ii tnge He was an honored and valued citizen 
i his adopted county, one who enjoyed the high 
regard of all who knew him. 

In Bald Eagle Valley, H. M. Bossert wedded 
Miss Mary C, daughter of George Brown, and 
for a number of years they lived in that town- 
ship, but later removed to Westport, Clinton 
county, where Mr Bossert engaged in teaching. 
His wife died in 1876, and was buried in Beech 
Creek cemetery; he passed from earth in 1892, 
at the age of sixty-seven years, and his remains 
were interred in the Noyes cemetery at West- 

I In their family were seven children, 
namely: George, who died in childhood; Eliz- 
abeth 11, who died when about twenty-four 

is of age; John S., the subject proper of this 
sketch; Anna C . , who married Dr. A. W. Heil- 
man, and died in Flemington, Penn.; William 
and Caroline, who both dud in childhood; and 
Mary F., wife of Joseph R. DeHass, of West- 
Inn 1 

John S. Bossert pursued his studies in the 
Blown school, where almost his entire literary 
education was obtained; for one term he attended 

10I near his home, taught by D. H. Hastings, 

the present governor of Pennsylvania. He was 

1 boy, and when a young man also 

familiar with lumbering, which at that 

tune was one ol the principal industries of this 

region, especially along Bald Eagle creek. Go- 

Douglas Co., Kans. , in 1 8 7 s . 

he was employed by an extensive farmer and 



i 





• (s<Q&<2^£^ZyZ7 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



701 



stock raiser for one summer, and then returned to 
Bald Eagle Valley, where he again followed 
lumbering during the winter season. In 1879 he 
obtained a position as heater in the axe factory 
at Mill Hall, and advanced gradually until he 
held a responsible position. By strict economy 
he saved enough of his wages to buy a piece of 
land. His first property was the old home place 
which he purchased from his father's estate, and 
later he owned another farm now included in the 
town of Mill Hall. The latter place he traded 
May 15, 1894, to T. H. Hammon for his present 
farm of sixty-five acres of valuable land in Bald 
Eagle township, which is improved with good 
and substantial buildings. He is a methodical 
and skillful farmer, and the success that he has 
achieved is certainly well-deserved. 

In 1885 Mr. Bossert married Miss Minnie 
Holmes, of Bald Eagle Valley, who was reared 
by Andrew White, and they have a family of six 
children: Mary E., Jennie, Anna, John S., Jr., 
Henry J. and Florence L. At one time Mr. 
Bossert was a Republican in politics, but at pres- 
ent his leanings for the most part are toward the 
Democratic party. He has acceptably served as 
assessor of his township. He is an honored 
member of Beech Creek Grange, and is recog- 
nized as one of the leading citizens of his native 
county. As an energetic, upright and conscien- 
tious business man, Mr. Bossert commands the 
respect and confidence of all who know him, and 
he stands high in the estimation of the entire 
community. 

I OWER C. YOUNG. The world instinctively 
pays deference to the man who has risen 
above his early surroundings, overcome the ob- 
stacles in his path and reached a high position in 
the business world. This is a progressive age, 
and he who does not advance is soon left behind. 
Mr. Young, by the improvement of the oppor- 
tunities by which all are surrounded, has steadily 
and honorably worked his way upward, and has 
attained a fair degree of prosperity. He is now 
successfully engaged in general merchandising in 
Youngdale, Clinton county, and is also serving 
as postmaster. 

Samuel Young, his grandfather, was born in 
Lancaster county, Penn., of English ancestry, 
and was a shoemaker by occupation. On leaving 
his birthplace he came to Wayne township, Clin- 
ton (then a part of Northumberland) county, 
where he followed his chosen calling for a num- 
ber of years, and in 1S60, with his family, re- 
moved to Freeport, 111. , where he spent the remain- 
der of his life. In early life he was a Whig, and 
on its organization joined the Republican party. 



In Lancaster county, Penn., he married Hannah 
Gray, a native of Strawberry, York county, this 
State, and to them were born the following 
children: Emanuel, Samuel, Bower, Jonas, Ed- 
ward, Marion, Asher, Eliza, Mary and Hannah, 
all now deceased, and John, the father of our 
subject. 

John Young was born February 26, 18 19, in 
Wayne township, Clinton county, and there ac- 
quired his education in the subscription schools. 
With his father he learned theshoemaker'strade, 
at which he worked for several years, and then 
rented a farm in Wayne township, and turned his 
attention to agricultural pursuits. He continued 
to operate rented land until 1887, when with his 
hard-earned savings he purchased a farm in his 
native township, but during the great flood of 
1889 his property was almost totally destroyed, 
his loss amounting to $1,000. He is still residing 
upon his farm, but has laid aside all business 
cares and responsibilities, and is enjoying that 
rest which should always follow a long and useful 
career. 

In Wayne township John Young was married 
to Miss Sarah Strayer, a native of that township, 
and a daughter of Daniel Strayer, a farmer by 
occupation. Eight children were born to this 
worthy couple, namely: Daniel, who died of 
diphtheria in 1862; Bower C, of this review; 
George, who died February 19. 1896; Frances E., 
wife of John Hammersley, of Wayne township; 
Jacob, who also died of diphtheria; Rebecca, 
wife of B Depew, of New York State; Amelia 
M., wife of Thomas McCoy, of Denver, Colo., 
and Ella M., who died at the age of twenty-two. 
The father is a pronounced Republican, and to 
use his own words: "If one hair of my head 
was a Democrat, I would pull it out." He and 
his estimable wife are now well-advanced in 
years, and have reason to feel that their lives 
have not been spent in vain. They are consist- 
ent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
have endeavored to exercise the kindly spirit of 
charity and benevolence, to do good as they have 
opportunity, and have proved the friends and 
sympathizers of those less fortunate. 

Mr. Young, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born July 29, 1850, in Wayne town- 
ship, and may be classed among the self-edu- 
cated as well as the self-made men of Clinton 
county, for his school privileges were very 
meagre, and his teachers not very proficient. 
He continued to work at home until sixteen 
years of age, during which time he obtained a 
good knowledge of navigation on the river, and 
later piloted lumber rafts down the Susquehanna 
river to Marietta. 



702 



I OMMBMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL BBCOBD. 



In 1873 our subject went to \ irginia, where 
be w.is made foreman in the lumber woods for 
the firm of Allison, White & Co., of Philadel- 
phia, receiving $5*. 30 per month and expenses, 
,nd he remained in that State for five years. 
Not finding employment on his return h<<> 
he went to Lig Rapids, Mich., where he secured 
the position of tore-man for Turnbull brothers, 
lumber manufacturers, and there spent two y< 

I in again returning home he bought a tract of 

ind known as the Mathew land, (or 
win. h he paid $l,0OO, and at once commenced the 

ration of cutting timber. I lis brother Ge< u 
who had gol married while in Michigan, was 
living in a rented house of G. S. Smith, and 
h iving no steady employment, and only seventy- 
five dollars in money, he gave his brother 
a half-interest in this tract of timberland, 
and, m two yeai >rge lived in a house 

own, and it all came out of this tract of 
timberland, except the lot which his father bought 
foi him. Later on our subject helped him in dif- 
lii April. 1887, Bowei < Young 
bought a small ti land in Wayne township 

from [oshua Sykes for $700, which was thickly 
timbered with maple, poplar and linwood, which 
- cut into cordwood and sold to the 1 

II iven Papei Mill at six dollars and twenty-five 

I I li< 1 r and bark 

and a la 1 of tie tunber on said trait. 

it being the best timber tract in that section at 
the time. He cleared $2,600 over and above all 
expi ■ ' month from the day of the 

great |une flood he was bitten by a copperhead 
ke, in his back yard, and came near losing his 
life, and just one month more, to the day, he lost 
ughter. ( >li\ e Pearl. 

On April 16, 1890, Mr. Young purchased a 
stock oi merchandisi al Youngdale, and has 

lly engaged in business thi 
I [is pn sent fin building was ere, ted in 

ost of $1,500, and he has also built 
a beautiful resident in the same pi ting 

mount. Through his instrumentality 
a p' was established here in 1892, and 

the postmaster-general named it Youngdale in 
honor ol our subject, after which the railn 
I ion was given thi He was 

tmaster, and is still filling that position 
ti 1 the entire satisfactii >n oi the publii 

On Februarj 8, 1884, in Wayne township. 
( linton county, Mr. Young was married to Miss 

idenen, who w as boi n there, and 
daughter of lie in 1 To them w 

born three children: Luella Ruth; Pearl, de- 
ceased; and Blaine The parents both 
hold membership in the Meth list Epis opal 



Church, and their circle of friends and acquaint- 
ances is extensive. Like his father, Mr. Young 
is an ardent Republican, but has never cared 
for office, though he has served as school director 
and is a member of the board of trustees of the 
M. E. Church. Fraternally he is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and 
the Knights of Pythias. The flood of 1889 
proved disastrous to him as well as to others, 
but he soon retrieved all losses, and in all of 
his undertakings he has been generally quite suc- 
cessful. It is but just and merited praise to say 
of him that as a business man he ranks among 
the ablest in Clinton county, and that as a citi- 
zen he has the honor and esteem of all classes. 



TN. BICKEL is a wide-awake and progress- 
ive citizen of Porter township, Clinton 
county, and his home with its surroundings de- 
notes the supervision of an intelligent farmer and 
a capable business man. who at the same time 
has proved a useful member of society, and one 
rvingof the esteem and confidence of the 
people around him 

Mr. Bickel was born February 28, [847, near 
Wolfs Store in Miles township, Brush Valley, 
Centre Co., Penn., but when quite small 
taken by his parents, John and Catharine 
1 Dupes) Bickel, to Sug u \ alley Mountain, where 
they lived for a few years 1 [857). They then re- 
moved to a place below Hublersburg, in Centre 
county, from there, in 1S59, came to Lamar 
township, Clinton county, locating near Cedar 
Springs, and later they lived on the Fox Hollow 
in Porter township, whence, in 1863, they 
removed to Laid Eagle Valley. Subsequently, 
in 1 So-, they settled on a farm near the present 
ol Abdera; from there, in [869, they went to 
Buffalo Run, Centre county, and finally located 
in Snydertown, Penn., in 1870, where the father 
died m [871 at the age of sixty-lour. The moth- 
er passed away at the age of seventy-nine, and 
both were buried at Snydertown. They were 
mei the Lutheran Church, and in poli- 

ties the father was a Democrat. 

In the family of this worth) couple were the 
following children: Mary, who wedded William 
Erhart, and dud in Centre Hall, Penn. ; Jona- 
than, who died in the West; Ann, wife of Close 
Mi Clintock, of Salona, Clinton county ; Lucinda, 
now- Mrs. Daniel Dorman, ol Centre county; 
William lent of Beech Creek township, 

Clinton county ; Amanda, Mrs. Frank Russell, of 

isas; Alice, wife of Aaron Shaffer, of Illinoi 
Daniel, of Missouri; T. X., of this sketch; and 
niah, who died in childhood. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



708 



T. N. Bickel was able to attend school only 
for a few days each week, and only for a few 
months each year during the winter season, as 
his services were needed at home. Never for a 
single day was he a student in a summer school. 
At the age of twenty-two he left the home farm 
and began learning the carpenter's trade under 
Daniel Everhart, of Bellefonte, Centre county, 
who paid him $15 per month during his appren- 
ticeship. After mastering the trade, he worked 
at the same for about five years on his own 
account. 

On January 2, 1872, Mr. Bickel was married 
to Miss Sarah M. McKibben, a daughter of Will- 
iam S. and Barbara (John) McKibben, represent- 
atives of an honored pioneer family of Nittany 
Valley, and six children bless this union, namely: 
Emma, now the wife of Dorn Bitner, of Jackson- 
ville, Centre county; Clara, Ida, Anna B., and 
Mary H., all at home; and Sarah R. , who died 
in infancy. 

After his marriage, Mr. Bickel located on the 
old home farm of his father-in-law, his wife being 
of the fourth generation of the McKibben family 
to occupy it. For some time our subject con- 
tinued to work at his trade, but of late years has 
devoted his entire time and attention to the cul- 
tivation and improvement of the farm, which he 
bought of the McKibben heirs in August, 1891. 
He now has 1 1 7 acres of rich and arable land, and 
is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
Mr. Bickel usually gives his support to the men 
and measures of the Democratic party, but al- 
ways votes for the man whom he considers best 
qualified for the office regardless of party ties. 
He has efficiently served as supervisor of his 
township, and faithfully discharges every duty 
that devolves upon him, whether public or pri- 
vate. He is a member of the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle Lodge No. 406, and of the Presby- 
terian Church, of which he is now serving as 
trustee. He deserves no little credit for the suc- 
cess that he has achieved in life, for through his 
own efforts he has gained a home and com- 
petence, and he is justly regarded as one of 
the valued citizens of his community. 



JAMES P. ROACH is a wide-awake and pro- 
gressive business man whose name is insepa- 
rably connected with the commercial inter- 
ests of Renovo. One of his leading characteris- 
tics in business affairs is his fine sense of order 
and complete system, and the habit of giving care- 
ful attention to details without which success in 
any undertaking is never an assured fact. 

A native of Clinton county, Mr. Roach was 



born December 7, 1861, in Lock Haven, a son 
of William and Bridget (Kane) Roach, who were 
born in Ireland but when young crossed the At- 
lantic to America. In early life the father 
worked on the canal and engaged in steamboat- 
ing, being for many years captain of a boat with 
headquarters at Lock Haven. In 1864 he re- 
moved to Driftwood, where he engaged in the 
hotel business until coming to Renovo in 1SS1, 
and then for five years engaged in railroad con- 
tracting. He efficiently served as tax collector 
of Renovo for seven years, and took a very active 
and prominent part in public affairs up to the time 
of his death, which occurred in August, 1894. 
His estimable wife did not long survive him, dy- 
ing in January, 1895. They left a family of six 
sons, namely: James P.; Dr. Thomas E., of 
Renovo; John F. ; William Henry; Michael Ste- 
phen; and Charles Peter. 

James P. Roach received a good practical ed- 
ucation in the public schools of Driftwood, which 
he attended until seventeen years of age, and 
then entered the machine shops of Renovo to 
learn the trade. Later he worked as a machinist 
in Erie, Penn.; Saxton, Bedford county, this 
State; St. Paul, Minn.; and Winnipeg, Mani- 
toba, after which he returned to St. Paul, where 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits for about a 
year. On again coming to Renovo he embarked 
in general merchandising and millinery business, 
which he has since successfully carried on, being 
one of the leading merchants and most enterpris- 
ing business men of the place. His store at the 
corner of Eighth street and Huron avenue, is 
stocked with a full and complete line of every- 
thing found in a first-class establishment of the 
kind. His fair dealing and systematic methods 
of doing business have won for him the confi- 
dence and respect of all with whom he comes in 
contact. 

On June 2, 1886, James P. Roach was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret E., daughter of Patrick 
Quinlan, of St. Paul, Minn., and they have be- 
come the parents of three children: Martha B. , 
Mary E. and Edward L. Mr. and Mrs. Roach 
are members of the Catholic Church, and so- 
cially he affiliates with the Knights of Labor. 
His political support at all times and under all 
circumstances is given the Democratic party, and 
he does all in his power to promote its interests. 
He is at present serving as tax collector of Re- 
novo, and every duty which devolves upon him, 
whether public or private, is always most faith- 
fully and conscientiously discharged. As a pub- 
lic-spirited, progressive citizen he is certainly en- 
titled to honorable mention is a work of this 
character. 



7"! 



- '0 MMEMORA TI YE BIOOBAPHU 'AL BE( <>RD. 



JOHN BROWN, a well-known merchant, has 
gained recognition and prestige as one of 
the influential and representative business men 
of Loganton. His career proves that ambition, 

ind indefatigable 
industry, combined with sound busi inci- 

ples, will 1 and that true- success 

follows individual effort only. 

Our subject was born January 16, 1853, 
on the old Brow n h ship, 

Clinton county, and is descended from a good 
;.M German family, his great-grandfather having 

ne to this country from the Fatherland and 
located in York county, Penn., when- he spent 
his remaining days. John Brown, the grand- 
father, was born in that county in 1786, received 

iod German ication, but was also able to 

ik English. He learned the chairmaker's 

trade in York county, where he conl I to 

until after his mania-, to Regina l'inges, 

a native of Lebanon county, Penn., when he 

I to the central part of the Mite, taking 

up his residence in Penn's Valley, Centre county, 

where he ei in farming for a number of 

Hearing that better advantages were 

rded a growing family in the West, he re- 
moved to Indiana in a covered wagon, which was 
the onlj of transportation in those days, 

but "ii his arrival was greatly disappointed with 
the prospects, and after six weeks spent in Indi- 
rned to Pennsylvania. In 1 839 he 

ited in Sugar Valley, then Logan, but now 

■ ii township, Clinton county, where he pur- 
chased 700 acn ind, of which 500 were 

intain and timber lands Upon the remainder 
he made manj improvements, and engaged in 
farming until called to his final rest in [866, at 
:li' e. his remains being interred 

in the Lutbi I anton. He I 

many township oi : ■ widely and favor- 

ably known. In politics he was a [acksonian 
D crat, and in religious belief was a I utheran, 
but his estimable wife held membership in the 
Reformed Church. In their family were nine 
children, "f whom threi il living at very 

advanced ages: John, who makes his hom< 
Indiana . Adam, a resident of Oregon; and Regina, 
wid< ■'■ 1 I ■• rgi ["routnei n township, 

Clinton county. The others w 

vho died in early life; Philip, who died in 
Alabama m [88o; Catharine, wife ol |ohn Grinn- 
ans Mills; Samuel, who died on the 
old homestead; and 1 fenry, lath' 

The last named was horn June 26, 1822, in 

n's Vail. I nti iunty, and was 1 onsid 

: man schi ilar, ha\ ing been well-edu- 
cated in the subscription schools He could 



write both English and German. The first 
thirtv years ol his life were passed upon the 
home farm, and he then purchased a tract of 
timber land n. Sugar Valley, where for over two 
years he engaged in the manufacture of sawed 
lumber. In 1 S54 he embarked in merchandising 
in Loganton, his hr-t store being a small log 
cabin, and being a man of sound judgment and 
excellent business ability he prospered in his un- 
dertaking. Believing that there was a good 
opening for a store in Hublersburg. where a for- 
tune could soon be made, he decided to remove 
to that place, where he had a number of frien 
including Governor Curtin and other leading cit- 
izens of Bellefonte who were interested in the 
furnaces at Hecla and Roland. Accordingly, in 
1857, he located there and started a general 
store, and putting into practice his enterprising 
and progressive ideas he met with the success 
which he anticipated. For twenty-eight years 
out of the thirty-eight in which he carried on 
business there, he served as postmaster to the 
entire satisfaction of all concerned. He was 
widely known for his honorable and straightfor- 
ward dealings, and had the confidence and re- 
spect of all who knew him. He never used in- 
toxicants or tobacco in any form, and in many 
respects was a most exemplary man. He, to.,. 
was a stanch supporter of the Jacksonian prin- 
5 ol Democracy, and most creditably served 
in a number of local positions, although he never 
was an office seeker. His death occurred in 
Hublersburg in 1895, and in the cemetery of that 
place was laid to rest. 

In early manhood Henry Brown was mar- 
ried in Loganton to Miss Catharine Stamm, a 
native of Sugar Valley, and a daughter of avid 
and Hlizabeth (Long) Stamm, and to them were 
born four children: |ohn. of this sketch; David, 
a brick manufacturer of Minnesota, who married 
Savilla Wentzel, and has two children; Mary, 
wife of John (.. Womeldorf, of Loganton; and 
Jennie, who died when young. The mother of 
these children died in [886, in Hublersburg, 
where she was buried, and the father later mar- 
Mi" Julia Rockey, who still makes her home 
in I lublersbui 

In the public schools of Centre counts. John 
Brown began his education, and was later for 

ral terms a student in the Nittany Valley In- 
stitul t bj Rev Dotterer, a Reformed 

minister. At an early age he began his busim 

in his fal where he remained 

until thirty, becoming thoroughly familiar with 

mercantile pursuits under the able direction of 

his fathi as justly regarded as one of the 

business men of this section of the State. 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



705 



Coming to Wayne township, Clinton county, in 
1884, our subject purchased the old Throne mill 
at Youngsdale, and operated the same very suc- 
cessfully for five years, during which time he 
greatly improved the plant. On selling out in 
1889 he came to Loganton, and in partnership 
with his father-in-law, John Morris, purchased 
the general mercantile establishment of J. B. 
Barner, which they conducted under the firm 
name of Brown & Morris for two years. At the 
end of that time Mr. Brown bought Mr. Morris' 
interest, and has since successfully engaged in 
business alone. By upright dealing and court- 
eous treatment of his customers he has gained 
the confidence and good will of the public, and 
therefore receives an excellent patronage. Near 
Loganton he owns a fine farm of ninety-one acres, 
which he has greatly improved and operates in a 
most profitable manner. He also built a hand- 
some brick residence on Main street, in the heart 
of the town, which is now his place of abode. 

On February 22, 1883, in Loganton, Mr. 
Brown was married to Miss Hervetta L. Morris, 
who was born in that place, and they now have 
two daughters: Jennie C. and Euphemia May, 
who are both attending school in Loganton. John 
Morris, Mrs. Brown's father, was born in Berks 
county, Penn., September 16, 1835, a son °f 
David R. and Appalonia (Mower) Morris, the 
former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German 
descent. His father was also a native of Berks 
county, and was a weaver by occupation. When 
only three years old Mr. Morris was brought by 
his parents to Sugar Valley, Clinton county, 
where he later attended school and also pursued 
his studies in the schools of Sugar Valley. At a 
very tender age he began life for himself as a 
farm hand in Brush Valley, and was thus en- 
gaged until eighteen when he began learning the 
carpenter's trade with G. C. Breon. After he 
had mastered the same he worked for eight years 
as a journeyman in Sugar Valley, and then en- 
gaged in the lumber business in partnership with 
his brother, D. M. Morris, and the Stamm 
brothers, conducting a sawmill with success for 
three years. He then purchased another tract of 
timber land, and in partnership with Joseph Kem- 
merer engaged in the sawmill business for two 
years, after which he sold out and was interested 
in the real-estate business in Loganton for five 
years. In that enterprise he also met with suc- 
cess, and next purchased the old Loganton grist- 
mill in 1876 from Henry Wirth. During the 
twenty years he operated the same, he greatly 
improved the plant, putting in a twenty-four-foot 
water wheel, a steam engine and other modern 

machinery, and making it a first-class roller mill 
"45* 



at a cost of over $12,000. This venture did not 
prove a success, however, for the hard times 
came on, and in 1S96 he finally sold out to his 
brother, D. M. Morris. For two years he was 
also in partnership with our subject as previously 
stated, and in all his undertakings met with a 
well-deserved success with the exception of the 
operation of the gristmill. In 1858, Mr. Morris 
was married in Loganton to Miss Jane E. Wirth, 
who was born in August, 1838, in Green town- 
ship, Clinton county, a daughter of Henry and 
Sarah (Huber) Wirth, the former a lumberman 
and farmer of Green township, who died and 
was buried in Loganton. Mrs. Wirth, who was 
of German descent, also died in Loganton and 
was there laid to rest. To Mr. and Mrs. Mor- 
ris were born five children: Hervetta L., 
wife of our subject; Emma M. and Sarah A., at 
home; and David and Katie, who died in child- 
hood. Mr. Morris always voted the Democratic 
ticket until 1884, when he became a Prohibition- 
ist, as he is very temperate in his habits, not 
having tasted strong drink for sixteen years, or 
tobacco for thirty years. He is an honored mem- 
ber of Sugar Valley Lodge No. 829, I. O. O. F., 
of Loganton, and religiously belongs to the Evan- 
gelical Association. He is a great Bible student, 
a most earnest and consistent Christian, and is 
now serving as trustee of his Church and teacher 
in the Sunday-school. Wherever known he is 
held in high regard. 

Our subject is one of the prominent members 
of Sugar Valley Lodge, No. 829, I. O. O. F., in 
which he has filled all the chairs; politically he 
is identified with the Democratic party. He has 
been called upon to serve in a number of official 
positions of honor and trust, being a member of 
the town council .for six years; school director 
and treasurer of the board, re-elected in 1898; 
clerk of Walker township, Centre county, for 
eight years; and auditor of Wayne township, 
Clinton county, for two years. He, too, is an 
earnest supporter of all measures calculated to 
promote the moral or temperance interests of his 
community, is a faithful member of the Evangel- 
ical association, and has served as teacher and 
superintendent of the Sunday-school for a num- 
ber of years. 



OEL ADRIAN HERR. Fortunate is he who 
has back of him an ancestry honorable and 
distinguished, and happy is he if his lines of 
life are cast in harmony therewith. 

Mr. Herr is blessed in this respect, for he 
springs from an old and prominent family, which 
was founded in the United States at an early day 



706 



VMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



by Rev, Hans (or John) Herr, a Mennonite 
preacher, who was descended from the nobility 
« >f Switzerland, and became an early settler ot 
Lancaster county. Penn, He had live sons: 
John, Christian. Emanuel, Abraham, and Henry, 
and, of these, Emanuel had six children — Rev. 
John, Emanuel, Martin. Susanna, Elizabeth, and 
Mary. Of the last named family, Martin Herr, 
who died m Strasburg, Penn., March 27, 1811, 
was tin- father of six children [oel, Darnel and 
Samuel, all of whom start'! from Lancaster to 
Clinton about 1800, and here their descendants 
still live; John, who emigrati ihio at an 

early day; Martha; and Ann. Samuel reared a 
family of eleven children at his home in Salona, 
where he died in md where his remains 

1 (aniel died n route for Clinton 
county, where his family afterward located. 

Joel Herr v, randfather of our subject. 

He was born October 27, 1774, and died 
ruary 3, 1 s 5 j . while- his wife, who bore the 
11 name of Frani born Sep- 

tember 10, 1782, m Lancaster county, and died 
o, both bi ing interred in the 
tery at Salona. For many years he con- 
d a mill thi time kept the 

tollgate between Mill 1 1 

he was a Whig and in religious belief his 
wife was a Menu :t their children were 

I as Methodists lb. \ were as follows: 
Charlotte, born May 24, 1804, married G 

2 5, and died in < Juincy, 
III.. 1890; Elizabeth, born September 19, 
married Samuel Wilson, and died in S 

i was the father of our sub- 
Martin, bo ni April 10, 1X1 1. died m E 
in 1893; L'mah, born Februarj l, still 

makes his home in Salona: Catharine, born Oc- 
tober 7, [8l6, died unmarried; Rebecca, born 
•1 14. 1819, is the widow of John Miller, of 
Salona; Frances A., born October 7, 182 1, mar- 
ried Prof. J ihn W. Ferree, and dii d in 1 ss 4 
while on a visit to Hannibal, Mo Harriett, born 
I > ( tober 28, [825, is living m S 

a resid. 
that place. 

i 1 Herr was born in Sal 

nber 1 1 . 181 18, and during his youth !< 

tie h tt.r's trade, but devoted tie 

of his life to agricultural pursuits F01 a short 

time he lived on a farm in Lamar township, 

ton county, was later 1 m the 1 

ery business in Williamsport with bis brother 

Martin until [845, and then returned to Salona, 

wh. re he conducted .1 foundry for two years 

the end of that time he removed to the farm on 

which he spent his remaii vs, dying Ma) 



1871. Politically he was first a Whig, and 
later a Republican, but was never an office- 
seeker, yet served as supervisor of his township 
and took a great interest in public affairs. He 
an earnest Christian gentleman, a devout 
member of the M. E. Church, and held various 
Church offices. 

In - er, (836, George Bressler Herr 

was married to Miss Clarissa Miller, who was born 
in Strasburg, Penn.. July 14, 1813, a daught 
Samuel and Harriett (Bressler) Miller, and to 
them were born six children, of whom our subject 
Idest. The others are as follows: John 
C. , born July 19. 1839, died unmarried at C 
Spi ! bruary 7, r s 7 3 : Albert M., born 

November 14. 1S41, died March 26, 1S45. i n 
Williamsport; Mary I-'., born July 23, 1845, lives 
with our subject; Elizabeth, born December [9, 
1847. .lied in Cedar Springs, Penn. ; and Edmund 
\\ .. born April 22, [85 1, died March 23, 1892. 
The mother of these children died in April, 1 I 

I was laid to rest in the . at Salona. 

The father .rried Rachel Hamilton, and 

after her death wedded Lucy Eritz, but had no 
children by either of these marria 

Joel Adrian Herr. whose name introduces 
this article, was born March I, 1S3S, m Lamar 
township, Clinton county, began his education 
in Williamsport, continued it in the public schools 
of Clinton county, and later attended a Si 
school in Salona, At the early age of seventeen, 
he began teaching, at first finishing a term for 
another teacher. He was then employed at the 
Burrell school in Lamar township during the 
winter of 185 5-0, and later he attended Will- 
sport (Penn.) Dickinson Seminary for two 
years, but not continuously as his resources did 
not permit it. After that he taught each succeed- 

year in the public schools in Clinton county 
pi while in the army) until [864. 

In September. [862, Mr. Herr enlisted as a 
private in Company C, 137th, P. V. I., and during 
his nine-months' service he acted as company 
clerk. On being honorably discharged on the 
1 his term, he returned home, where 
he > I until the fall of 1864, when he went 

Vineland, N. J., farming and teaching tl 
until [871. While a resident of that place he 

in enlisted, in April, 1865, becoming sergeant 

1 ompany B, 2nd X. J. V. I. When the war 

1 1 1 es w.re no longer needed, 

he returned to his farm in New Jersey, and while 

living there was one ol the county examiners m 

unty, and also held various township 

On 1 th of his father in 1871, our sub- 

ject returned to the old homestead in Porter 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



707 



township, Clinton Co., Penn., where he has 
since carried on farming, and until 1878 he also 
engaged in teaching during the winter season, 
being recognized as one of the most competent 
and successful instructors of the county. As an 
ardent Republican he has taken an active interest 
in public affairs. In June, 1879, he was elected 
a member of the State Board of Agriculture, 
with which he has since continuously been con- 
nected; has been president of the County Agri- 
cultural Society since 1880; a trustee of the State 
College since 1886; was a member of the World's 
Fair Committee from Pennsylvania in 1893. 
Being a great reader, he is well posted on all 
topics of general interest, and is especially well 
informed on agricultural matters, thus being 
ably qualified to fill his present responsible 
positions. His long, active service on the State 
Board of Agriculture and contributions to the 
reports of the same, and his services as Farmers' 
Institute instructor in most of the counties of 
the State, has given him a prominence in agri- 
cultural circles, and a wide acquaintance with 
prominent citizens all over the State seldom 
reached by a farmer. His honor and integrity 
have never been impeached, and his word is as 
good as his bond. 

Since 1874 he has been a member of the 
Patrons of Husbandry, and he also is a member 
of John S. Bitner Post No. 122, G. A. R., of 
Lock Haven. He has received the endorsement 
of his county for State Senator, and is honored, 
respected and esteemed by all who know him. 
He has been of great assistance to the other 
members of the family, and no man in Clinton 
county has more friends or is more deserving of 
the high regard in which he is held than Joel 
Adrian Herr. 



C GEORGE WAGNER. The career of him 
_|f whose name introduces this review illus- 
trates most forcibly the possibilities that are open 
to a young man who possesses sterling business 
qualifications. It proves that neither wealth nor 
social position, nor the assistance of influential 
fnends at the outset of his career are necessary 
to place him on the road to success. Through 
his own unaided efforts Mr. Wagner has achieved 
prosperity, and is now doing a successful business 
as a general merchant in Rosecrans, Green town- 
ship, Climton county. 

He was born March 18, 1840, in Saville 
township, Perry Co., Penn., a son of John Wag- 
ner, who was born, reared and educated in Wit- 
enberg, Germany, where he followed farming 
until coming to this country in early manhood. 



For some time after his arrival he made his 
home in Berks county, Penn., and then removed 
to a farm in Saville township, Perry county, 
where he spent his remaining days, dying in 1879. 
His remains were interred in the Loysville cem- 
etery, of Perry county. He was a stanch sup- 
porter of the Democratic party, and a faithful 
member of the Reformed Church, in which he 
served as elder and deacon. By his first wife 
he had eight children, namely: Dorothy, wife 
of Henry Turnbach, of Perry county; Jacob and 
Catharine, both deceased; John, a resident of 
New Bloomfield, Perry county; George, of this 
sketch; Samuel, who was killed in the army; and 
two who died in infancy. The mother died in 
Saville township, and was also buried in Loys- 
ville cemetery. For his second wife the father 
chose Mary Fogel, who also died in Perry coun- 
ty. By this union there were five children: 
Maggie, David, Elizabeth, and two who died in 
childhood. 

Only during the winter months was our sub- 
ject able to attend th.e public schools of his na- 
tive county, and at a very early age his school 
life was over, as he was hired out among the 
farmers, at first receiving only $2 per month, 
but his wages were gradually increased until he 
obtained $12 per month. In this way he worked 
until i860, when twenty years of age, when he 
came to Clinton county. In Green township he 
found employment as a farm laborer for one 
year. 

The dark cloud of war, which had for some 
time lowered over our beloved country, now 
broke upon our people, and patriotic men from 
all walks of life thronged to the front in re- 
sponse to the call of the general government to 
defend our nationalise. Fired by the spirit of 
patriotism, in 1861, Mr. Wagner enlisted as a 
private in Company E, 7th Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry, under Captain Shaffer and Colonel Wyn- 
coop. As a member of the Army of the Cum- 
berland he participated in the battles of Selma, 
Tenn., Stone River, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, 
Mission Ridge, Lovejoy Station and many oth- 
ers, being in the service for about four years, 
during which time he was ill for about a month 
and confined in the regimental hospital at Jeff-r- 
sonville, Ind. He assisted in the capture of 
Jefferson Davis, was always found at his post of 
duty, bravely defending the old flag, and, when 
the war was over and his services no longer 
needed, he was honorably discharged at Hunts- 
ville, Alabama. 

Returning to Clinton county, Penn., Mr. 
Wagner, with the money he had saved during 
his service, purchased a farm of 125 acres of J. 



708 



VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



T. Clepper, at Pleasant Hill, in Green township, 
of which ainetj were under cultivation. 

To its further development and cultivation he 
devoted his enei a numbi md 

still owns the . vhich his son John now 

conducts. In 1881 hi bought lift) tear 

the mestead >ant Hill, fi 

William Miller, and there he built a fine 1 
dem 'her imp nts. 

Tint pi. me, ami. I1.1 ked 

bis store with ,1 | general merchandise, 

successfully engaged in busin 
In 1 861 , t\\ ' the 

army. Mr. Wagner was marrie<l in Green town- 
ship, Clinton county, 1 1 Miss Mary A Wirt, who 
was born in that township in September, 1840, 
and they became tin parents of seven children: 
M.uv Ellen, now the wife of John 

•n township; John, who married Clara Bur- 
ley, and operates the "Id homestead; Leah Ma- 
la (Tillie), wife of Jan iggle, of Wayne 
township. Clinton county, bj wh has two 
children Viola M, and Trudie M. ; Lizzie E., 
wife of G. Hoi of Rem ivo; Katie 
M . .'t home; and Annie J. and Susanna, who 
died in childhi 

Philip Wirt, Mr> W 1 na- 

ti\' if Dauphin 1 inty, Penn., and in iS32came 

to Lock 11.1'. .11, I inn. , where li ;rm- 

iiil; and id in the butcher business. 

In 1 s ;.■ up his ri en town- 

shi| unty, where he purchased a tract 

of i'"' vhich he and 

tinned to cultivate until his death, in 1X91. 
Ih- n mail in the Pleasant Hill 

neterj In early lde he was a great hunl 
and took much delight in tha Politically 

he affiliated with thi ratio party, and re- 

ligious!) rof the Lutheran 

Church. He was married in Lock Haven to 
Ann. 1 B nil, of that city, 

and to them h hi nun- children, fiv< 

whom died in infancy. Those still living 
William J., a farmer; Mary A , wifi 
Sarah J. , wife of \< mathan 1 
Adam M. . of Green t. <\\ nship. 

In 1877, d tit's adminis- 

tration, Mr. \\ agni 1 was app iint( d the Brsl 1 
mastei of R 
till that positii >n to the entii n of all 

I d. Ill 

he 

towi md during h um- 

ber : med many man 

I many cases where lu.^ judgment was alv> 
I by the highi 1 



term, and as supervisor. He is now a free-silver 
ind takes quite an active interest in 
ncal affairs. In his Church relations he is a 
Lutheran, and has served as elder, deacon and 
trustee in the Pleasant Hill Church, and also a 
and superintendent in the Sunday-school. 
He has filled the office of treasurer of the Sugar 
Valle) In-urance Company, and is now vice- 
presidenl of the company. He has been presi- 
dent of the school board in his district. Genial 
and hospitable in manner, he is very popular 
ivith all classes, and his friends are many through- 
1 mt In- adopted countw 



JAMES A. McCLOSKEY. In the great com- 
petitive struggle of life, when each must en- 
ter the field and fight his way to the front. 

ise be overtaken by disaster of circumstance 
or place, there is ever particular interest attach- 
ing to the life of one who has turned the tide of 
success, has surmounted the obstacles and has 
shown his ability to cope with others in their 
rush for the coveted goal. Among the sue 
ful and prominent agriculturists of Chapman 
township, Clinton county, is Mr. McCloskey, 
who has been prominently identified with both 
the business and political interests of his locality. 
He was born March iS. 1829, in that county, 
and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent. 

Nathan McCloskey. father of our subject, was 
born in Clinton county, when it formed a part oi 
Lycoming county, received only a limited com- 
mon-school education, and was reared to farm 
life. Throughout his business career his princi- 
pal occu] farmingand lumbering, and 
he ran a number of rafts on the West branch of 
the Susquehanna to Marietta, Columbia and 
other markets. He made his home in Colebrook 
township, where he owned and operated seventy- 
five acres of farming land, and also had 200 acres 
of timber land, where he engaged in lumbering. 
He was 1 hard workei and did all of his har\ 
ing with a sickle, which our subject still has in 
his :i He greatly improved his farm. 

thereon until called to 
his final rest. His remains were interred at 
Dunnstown, in Woodward township, Clinton 
faithful member of the Meth- 
pal Church, a highly-respected and 
and a Whig in politics He 
married Ann:, Bridgens, a native of Clinton coun- 
ty, by who,,, he had twelve children: David, 

1 ased; Rachel, decea 

wifi i ; Agnes, deceased wife 

tret, wife of Noah Mi - 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



709 



Kane; Nathan and William, deceased; Abner, a 
resident of Beach Creek; James A., of this sketch; 
Elizabeth, wife of George Stevenson; and Mary, 
deceased wife of William Ritchey. The mother, 
who was also a consistent member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church, and a most estimable 
lady, died at the home of our subject in Hyner. 

James A. McCloskey conned his lessons in an 
old log shanty in Colebrook township, which had 
been used as a dwelling by men during the con- 
struction of the canal through this section, and 
his early teachers were N. W. McKane and 
Frances Piatt. For only three months during 
the year did he attend school, devoting his re- 
maining time to assisting in the cultivation of the 
home farm. From early boyhood he also en- 
gaged in lumbering, and he remained on the 
farm, helping to support his widowed mother un- 
til 1859, when he came to Chapman township 
and bought the Benjamin Baird farm of 180 
acres. It was then partially covered with tim- 
ber, and after clearing thirty acres, Mr. Mc- 
Closkey devoted his energies to its further devel- 
opment and cultivation. He has erected a fine 
residence, and has made many other excellent im- 
provements, which add greatly to its value and 
attractive appearance, and in connection with 
general farming is also engaged in stock raising 
and lumbering, owning 1,000 acres of timber 
land. 

In 185 1, at the old Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Chapman township, by Rev. Mc- 
Gheen, Mr. McCloskey was married to Miss Jane 
E. Baird, who was born on the Baird homestead 
in that township, in 1827, a daughter of Benja- 
min and Jane (Ellen) Baird, well-known agricult- 
urists. Her mother was of English birth. Nine 
children have been born to Mr. and McCloskey, 
as follows: Behring, a farmer of Chapman town- 
ship, who married Josie Grugan, and has three 
children — Glenn, Blanche and Lacey; Benjamin 
B., agent for the Pennsylvania railroad and the 
Adams Express Company at Hyner, who is mar- 
ried to Sybil Nowell, and has one child — Knox; 
Grant, agent at Carman, Elk Co., Penn. , for the 
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg railway and 
American Express Company, who married Rosie 
Sibley, now deceased; Delbert V., at home; Cur- 
tis, who married Bertha Barrett, and, with his 
wife and two children, lives in St. Mary's, Penn., 
bookkeeper for Portland Lumber Company; 
Alma, who died at the age of eighteen years; 
Effie, who died at the age of three; and Clarence 
and Mabel, who died in infancy. 

James A. McCloskey has been honored with 
several important official positions, being elected 
county commissioner of Clinton county, in 1878, 



and most acceptably serving for three years. For 
fifteen years he has held the office of justice of 
the peace in Chapman township, and during that 
entire time has never had a judgment reversed ; he 
is also postmaster at Hyner. He is an earnest 
advocate of the Republican part)-, does all in his 
power to promote its interests and insure its suc- 
cess, and socially affiliates with Lock Haven 
Lodge No. 98, I. O. O. F. An earnest, consci- 
entious Christian gentleman, he has for many 
years been one of the most active and prominent 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of 
Hyner, in which he has served as trustee, class- 
leader, Sunday-school teacher and superintend- 
ent. His life is exemplary in all respects, and 
he has ever supported those interests which are 
calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while 
his own high moral worth is deserving the high- 
est commendation. He is strictly temperate, 
never using any kind of intoxicating drinks, and 
he has the esteem of his friends and the confi- 
dence of the business public. 



JAMES CROWE. A brilliant example of a 
seif-made American citizen, and a grand ex- 
emplification of the progress that an ambi- 
tious foreigner can make in this country of un- 
bounded opportunities, is shown in the case of 
Mr. Crowe, one of the leading citizens of Renovo, 
Clinton county, and car inspector for the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Company. 

Born in 1842, in Ireland, Mr. Crowe is a son 
of Patrick and Winifred Crowe, also natives of 
Ireland, where the father's death occurred. La- 
ter the mother came to America, and spent her 
last days in Elmira, N. Y., where she died in 
1880. In their family were two sons and one 
daughter: Mary, wife of Edward Devine, of El- 
mira, N. Y. ; Patrick, who has not been heard 
from since 1854; and James, our subject. 

James Crowe was provided with only very 
limited advantages for obtaining an education. 
When about seven years of age he came to 
America, and since that time has mainly been de- 
pendent upon his own resources for a livelihood. 
He began his business career by carrying water 
for the railroad hands during the '50s, and later 
carried the tools for the men. Throughout most 
of his life he has been in some way connected 
with railroading, and from the very lowest posi- 
tion he has worked his way steadily upward, be- 
ing employed in various capacities. Since 1861 
he has assisted in laying ties, tracks, etc., for the 
Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Company, and 
since locating permanently in Renovo in 1865 
has served as car inspector for that road. Be- 



71" 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in^' economical, industrious and enterprising, he 

has succeeded in accumulating some valuable 

real in this place, and is now numbered 

g its substantial and reliable citizens. 

In April. 1866, Mr. Crowe was married to 
M s Mary Garry, who died November 1. [872, 
leaving two daughters, namely: Mary and Anna. 
Mr. ( 1 :i married, in 1 878, his 

ond union being with Ellen E. Mahanay, adaugh- 
tei ol ferrj and Catherine (McCarthy) Crin 
whi I Irish birth, bur had come to America 

in the '30s. They Settled on a farm of seventy- 
five acres in Ridgi bury, nd there resided 
until they died in i I 1894 respectivi 
Mr- I a family of four children, 
the others being: Jerry; Michael, who is con- 
nected with the weather bureau at Washington, 
I> C. ; and Mrs. James Welsh, a resident of 
Ridgway, Penn. Four children grace the second 
marriage of our John, I atherine, 
Matbew and Michael Raymond. There was also 
another son, |am< 5, who is now decei 

Religiously, Mr. Crowe and his family are 
connected with the Catholic Church, and, pi 
ically, he always suppi 1 1 the Democratic 

or Prohibition parties. His life has been an 
h i: rable and useful one, and he justly merits 
tin hi L ; in which he is held by the entire 

community. 



JLEXANDER M. DE HAAS, a resident of 
L Beech t reek township, Clint nty, is 

families of 

Pennsylvania. 

It appears ol r< ■ Strasburg, l'mvinceof 

that the original name was Von 11 
! when that province was annexed to France 
the name was changed to de Haas the French 
of Von Haas In 1 540. Charles de Haas ac- 
quired large possessions near the city of Stras- 
burg, France, and became the founder of the 
I 1 iich noble family of that name. He was a 

baron and general undei the Emperor Rodolph, 
k the city of Fli Italy, and was n 

ernor of Centra! Italy, and was authorized 
appropriate the am.- ol Florence as the family 

t of arm- ral of the family -till livi 

Strasburg. [Thi copy of the record of 

tin family was taken from the original 

record at Strasburg, France, ii 

a. John Philip de Haas I this family, came 
from France to this country during the Revolu- 
tionary war. He was given command ol the 
I irsl Pennsylvania Battalion, and contributed 
largely of his means lor thi t of tin 

diers under his command, besides rendering much 



valuable service to achieve our American inde- 
pendence. At the close of the war he became 
the owner of large tracts of land in the States of 
Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kentucky. His son, 
Mai. 1- P- de Haas, and Henrietta, his daughter, 
survived him, but these lands never came into 
possession of their children. Maj. de Haas died 
in Philadelphia. His son, John P. de Haas 
ther of Alexander M. De Haas), was a native of 
Philadelphia, and acquired his education in Bus- 
seltown Academy. He came to Clinton county 
with his father, and spent the greater part of his 
life in school teaching. His career was one of 
usefulness, worthy of emulation, and he died 

r passing the seventieth anniversary of his 
birth, respected by all who knew him. His wife 
was Hannah Morrison, a native of Chester coun- 
ts, Penn., and their children were seven in num- 
ber, two of whom — Alexander M. and Mary Jane 
(wife of Nathan Johnson, of Centre county) sur- 
vive. The mother of these died in 1863, at 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

The subject of thi* sketch was born in 1827, 
in Clinton Co., Penn. He had very limited 
school privileges in his youth, for the school 
terms were short and his time was largely devot- 
ed to farming. He purchased the Mountain 
farm in 1857, and for forty years has made his 
home thereon. For twenty-six years he was a 
successful pilot on the Susquehanna river. He 
owns 175 acres of land here, and the place is im- 
proved with neat and substantial buildings and 
other accessories found upon a model farm of the 
ioth century, while the well-tilled fields which 
surround his home yield to him a golden tri- 
bute in return for the care and cultivation he 
bestows upon them. 

On January 14, [851, Mr. De Haas was mar- 
ried to Sarah A. |ohnson, a native of England, 
who came to America when two years of age. 
They now have six children: Forest; Mary Vir- 
ginia, wife of Wilson Devling; Willis, assistant 

erintendent of the paper mills, of Johnson- 
burg; Grant, a bookkeeper at Marquette. Mich;. 
Ellen Florence, wife of William Richards, of Ti- 
oiinty, Penn.; and Charles Woodward, chief 
manager of the Filter Works at Johnsonburg, 

1 The parents of these are member- 
the Christian Church, with which Mr. De Haas 
has been identified since sixteen years of a 
Hi v, is for many year- an Odd Fellow, bti; 

now identified with the organization. In 
politics he is a Democrat, and was three times 
elected justice of the peace, serving one term. 
discharging his duties with marked fairness and 

irtiality. He has also been tax collect 
school director and supervisor, discharging his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



711 



duties with promptness and fidelity. The fact 
that he has been honored with political offices, 
and that for a quarter of a century he has served 
as elder of his Church, plainly indicates the confi- 
dence and trust reposed in him in all circles, and 
it is a trust that has never been betrayed. His 
life has been well spent and is worthy of emula- 
tion. 



C. BARNER, a prominent representative of 
j the agricultural interests of Lamar township, 

Clinton county, and one of its highly esteemed 
and honored citizens, is a native of the county, 
his birth having occurred in Loganton, February 
13, 1842. 

Henry Barner, his grandfather, a well-known 
pioneer of this section, left his old home in Perry 
county, Penn., when a young man, accompanied 
by his brother, George, who located at Liver- 
pool, but he took up his residence on Sugar Val- 
ley Mountain, one mile north of Loganton, in 
Clinton county, early in the present century. 
He believed that the soil of the mountain was 
better than that in the valley, and the land was 
much cheaper. He did not long enjoy his new 
home, however, as his death occurred in 1820. 
His widow, who survived him for twenty-four 
years, was thus left with the care of a large fam- 
ily, twenty-one children having been born to 
them, of whom fifteen reached years of maturity. 
The trials and hardships she was forced to endure 
in her primitive mountain home were many; the 
wild animals which haunted the forests often 
killed her cattle; and she was compelled to work 
early and late in order to keep her family to- 
gether until they were able to care for them- 
selves. Her last years were spent with the 
father of our subject, who operated the old home 
farm, and there she passed away at the age of 
seventy-two, her remains being interred in the 
old cemetery in Sugar Valley. 

Christian Barner, our subject's father, was 
born on Sugar Valley Mountain, December 19, 
1816, and was the youngest child of Henry and 
Susanna (Bunce) Barner that lived to adult age. 
As a farmer boy he was reared in the mountain 
home, and received a very limited education, as 
the nearest school was several miles distant and 
hard to reach. As soon as old enough he began 
learning the miller's trade, but his health did not 
permit his following that occupation, so he took 
up the mason's trade. All of his nine brothers 
who reached manhood had also learned some 
trade, and it was under the instruction of his 
brother Harmon that he mastered masonry. 
As a young man he was employed at various 



places, but always considered the farm where he 
was born, " home." 

On October 20, 1839, in Penn's Valley, Chris- 
tian Barner was married by Rev. Fisher to 
Catharine Frazier, who was born February 24, 
1 82 1, near Rebersburg, in Brush Valley, Centre 
county, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Bierly) Frazier, also natives of Brush Valley. 
Her paternal grandfather was Ludwig Frazier, a 
pioneer of that Valley; and her maternal grand- 
parents were John and Catharine (Garman) 
Bierly. Mrs. Barner is the oldest in a family of 
six children, of whom one died in infancy, 
and the others are as follows: Elizabeth, who 
died at the age of fourteen; John, who died in 
Huntingdon county, Penn., in the fall of 1896; 
William, who did in Salona; and Jonathan, who 
died in Penn's Valley. She was only ten years 
of age when her father died, but being the eldest 
she was forced to earn her own livelihood and 
help take care of the younger children. She 
accordingly worked as a domestic from the age 
of fourteen until her marriage. By her marriage 
she became the mother of six children, namely: 
J. C. , of this sketch; George H., a resident of 
Lock Haven; Rebecca, wife of H. J. Brungard, 
of Lamar township, Clinton county; Sarah E., 
now Mrs. J. Edward Bressler, of Renovo, Penn.; 
Nathaniel J., of Emporium, Penn. ; and Amanda 
C. , wife of John E. Furst, of Lamar township. 

After their marriage the parents of our sub- 
ject located in Loganton, where the father 
worked at his trade during the busy season, and 
in the winter chopped wood or engaged in thresh- 
ing, receiving only one dollar per day as a mason 
and fifty cents per day as a laborer. From his 
small wages, however, he saved enough to pur- 
chase two lots, and upon one of these he built a 
residence, making Loganton his home for eight 
years. He then returned to the old homestead 
on Sugar Valley Mountain, as his mother was 
then in feeble health, and while living there she 
died. Later the place was divided into two parts 
and sold, Mr. Barner purchasing the portion on 
which the buildings stood. At the end of eight 
years, however, he sold and came to Nittany 
Valley, where he operated rented land for sev- 
eral years, and then bought a farm in Lamar 
township, which he subsequently sold at a profit. 
He traveled through Illinois and Iowa on a pros- 
pecting tour, but concluded to remain in Nittany 
Valley, and bought the farm where our subject 
now lives. In the summer of 1876 he built a 
very comfortable home at the east end of Salona, 
where he continued to reside while engaged in 
light farming until his death, which occurred in 
March, 1884, being laid to rest in Cedar Hill 



71: 



■MI:M'>i;.\TIVK biogsapsical record. 



tery. 1 rs he was officially 

connected with tin.- Lutheran Church, and in pol- 
itics was alv. vith the Democratic 
party. Although at Ins death he left a very 
propert} . h I in life for him- 
self in very limited circumstances, but in his 
lab' r' assisted by bis excellent wife, 
who was to him a tn As a girl she 
I >n tht ha) field at twenty-five 
v. ami after her man I d in the 
work of the farm while her husband was em- 
fed .it bis trade. Sh i a faithful mem- 
Lutheran Church, and is enjoying a 
well-earned rest at her pleasant home in 

she is surrounded by loving kindred 
and frii I 

In his native village, J. C. Barner began his 
ication, but was never able to attend school 
more than four months out of the year. When 
about eight scars old he accompanied his parents 
on their removal to the farm on Sugar Valley 
Mountain, after which his studies were often in- 
terrupted by farm work as he was the oldest 
child. He began to assist in the plowing at the 
■ ■I thirteen, and continued to help in the 
cultivation of the farm until after the outbreak of 
the Civil war. In the summer of [862, at Lock 
Haven, Mr. Barner enlisted in ( E, 

137th P. V. I., and from Harrisburg proceeded 
to Baltimore and th< Washington, D. C, 

r which place the regiment went into camp 
His tii it South Mountain, 

which was loll,, wed by the battle of Antietam 
I all the oth< 1 ments in which his n 

at took part during his ten-months' servi 
luding the battles ol Frederii ksburgand Chan- 
cellorsville. He was honorably d 1 at 

I [arrisburg in 1 S63. 

Afti turn fn >m the army. Mi 

worked foi Ins father until his marriage, which 
ted in Clinton county, in March, 

Valley, and a daughter of Samuel and Mary 
(Wolf) II. liter, becoming his wife. Tbechildren 
born to them are as follows: William 1! 
printer li\ in idville, Penn. ; Charli I 

ho is mat I has 

child, Erma; Christian S . a machinist by 
trade, but now a farmer of Lamar township, who 
is married and h children - Ira X.. Will- 

iam J., and Margarel M ; Henrj K., a machinist; 
and George N.,J. Wesley, Mar) C. and Flor- 
ence A. ( . all at home. 

I : me tune after Ins marriage 1 mr sul 
lived upon Ins lather's farm near Salona, and 
then rented the Samuel Segmund place until 
Iowa in 1869. In Audubon county, his 



father-in-law owned a large tract of land, and 
subject also purchased eighty acres there. 
He converted the wild land into a good farm, 
erected good buildings thereon, but at the end 
of three years and a half returned to Pennsyl- 
vania, and after renting his place in Iowa for 
two years sold it. As a renter he first located 
upon his present farm in Lamar township, Clin- 
ton county, but after the death of his father he 
purchased the land, and under his able manage- 
ment and careful supervision it has become one 
of the most desirable places in the locality. He 
owns 132 acres of farming land and 21 acres of 
timber land in the home place and a small tract 
in the east end of Nittany Valley, fn the course 
of his life he has paid out over $5,000 for rent. 
but he is now the owner of a most attractive 
and productive farm, which has been acquired 
through his own well-directed efforts and untir- 
ing energy. 

Politically, Mr. Barner is an adherent of 
locratic principles, and although he has 
ed as school director, he has never cared for 
the honors or emoluments of public office, 
cially he is an honored member of John S. Bit- 
ner Post No. 122, G. A. R., and of the Grange, 
and, religiously, he and his wife both belong to 
the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as 
deacon for several years, fn October. 1897, he 
was elected a deacon of the Lutheran Church at 
Salona for a term of two years. He was at one 
time superintendent of the Sunday-school in the 
east end of Nittany Valley. While in Iowa he 
was one of the leading members of the Lutheran 
Church of his locality, and served as superin- 
intendent of the Sunday-school. In January, 
is elected one of the directors of the 
Salona creamery for the term of one year. 
Pleasant and affable in manner, their circle of 
friends is only limited by their circle of acquaint- 
ances. 



IRVIN W GLEASON is a leading representa- 
tive of the business interests of Chapman 
township, Clinton county, being the present sen- 
partner of the firm of L. K. Gleason & Sons, 
who own ami > the Puritan Tannery at 

North Bend He al as general superin- 

tendent Of excellent business ability and 
id resources, he has attained a prominent 
place among the substantial citizens of the coun- 
ty, and ognized leader in public affairs. 
II' by well-directed, energetic 
efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him 
ly well deser 
A nati' nnsvlvania, Mr. Gleason was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



713 



born August 20, 1862, in Union township, 
Tioga county, and is descended from an 
honored New England family who took a very 
active part in the Revolutionary war, valiantly 
fighting for the freedom of the country from 
British oppression. Jacob Gleason was born in 
Massachusetts, where he followed farming for a 
time, but when a young man removed to Rutland, 
Vt. , where he owned and operated a farm until 
life's labors were ended. Three of his four sons, 
and himself joined the Continental army, and 
aided in the successful struggle for independence. 
He was a member of the Congregational Church, 
and a stanch Democrat in politics. 

His youngest son, Jacob Gleason, the great- 
grandfather of our subject, spent his entire life 
in Rutland, Vt., and followed the occupation of 
farming. He was there married and reared a 
family of six children, all now deceased, namely: 
Timothy, Jacob, Edmund, Daniel, Sylvia and 
Ruth. The parents were both interred in the 
cemetery at Rutland. The father was also a 
Congregationalist in religious belief, but was an 
Old-line Whig in politics. 

The grandfather of our subject also bore the 
name of Jacob, and was born in Rutland, where 
he obtained a limited education in the subscrip- 
tion schools, and grew to manhood on the home 
farm, remaining there until thirty years of age. 
Going to Bolton, Warren Co., N. Y. , he worked 
as a laborer for ten years, and then removed to 
Bradford county, Penn., where the following 
year was spent. In 1841 he took up his residence 
in Union township, Tioga county, Penn., where 
he purchased 100 acres of timber land, which he 
cleared and improved with good buildings, and aft- 
er operating his farm for several years he worked in 
an iron furnace at Blossburg. Later he engaged 
in lumbering on Pine Creek, Lycoming county, 
and spent the last years of his life at the home 
of his son Le Roy, the father of our subject, 
who tenderly cared for him during his old age. 
He died at Canton, Penn., in 1869, and was 
there iaid to rest. While in Bolton, N. Y. , he 
had married Sarah Eaton, a native of Warren 
county, and a daughter of Benjamin Eaton, a 
farmer by occupation, and to them were born 
five children, but only the father of our subject 
reached years of maturity. The grandfather 
was a deacon in and prominent member of the 
Baptist Church, and in politics first supported 
the Whig ticket and later joined the Republican 
party. 

Le Roy Gleason was born November 16, 
1829, in Bolton, N. Y. , but at an early age ac- 
companied his parents on their removal to Penn- 
sylvania. As they were in limited circumstances 



his opportunities for obtaining an education were 
meagre, and he only attended school about six 
months altogether while living in Tioga county, 
being hardly able to write his name at the age of 
nineteen years. When only eight he was able 
to handle the axe in helping his father cut cord- 
wood for charcoal burning, and he continued to 
assist his father in that way and in improving the 
farm until sixteen, when he obtained a position 
in the coal mines at Blossburg, where he received 
$4 per week for the first year, and $7 per week 
for the following two years, as he did a man's 
work. When nineteen, Mr. Gleason began lum- 
bering in the camps on Pine creek, where he was 
employed during the winter months in cutting 
timber and logging, while the summers were spent 
in a sawmill from 1852 until 1870. He took con- 
tracts for cutting timber on Pine creek, and in 
this way managed to save some money, with 
which he embarked in the tanning business at 
Canton, Penn., in partnership with his brother- 
in-law, William Irvin, the business being con- 
ducted under the firm name of Gleason & Irvin 
for seventeen years and success crowning all their 
efforts. In 1881 they established the first tan- 
nery at North Bend, which is the largest plant 
of the kind in Clinton county, being erected at a 
cost of $80,000. In 1887 Mr. Gleason purchased 
his partner's interest, and admitted his sons to 
membership in the firm, since which time busi- 
ness has been carried on under the style of L. R. 
Gleason & Sons. Besides this tannery they have 
one at Driftwood, Cameron Co., Penn., and an- 
other at Medix Run, Elk county, and in all 
branches of the business furnish employment to 
hundreds of men, thus materially benefiting the 
entire community. The father looks after the 
business at Canton, while his sons have charge of 
the branch establishments. He is a very pro- 
gressive, industrious and energetic man, whose 
success in life is due entirely to his own unaided 
efforts, and he certainly deserves great credit for 
the honorable position he has succeeded in at- 
taining in the business world. He is not only a 
self-made man, but also a self-educated one. As 
his school privileges were very limited he has 
devoted much time to reading and study since 
reaching manhood, and is especially proficient in 
botany, geology and other sciences. In 1889 
L. R. Gleason & Sons, in connection with How- 
ard & Perley, lumber manufacturers of Williams- 
port, built a standard gauge railroad from North 
Bend to Potter county, which now connects with 
the Black Forest road for the purpose of getting 
out their bark, and Howard & Perley's logs. 
Since then the road has been chartered with F. 
A. Blackwell, general manager; William Howard, 



ri4 



VMBMORATITB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



president; Allen \V. Perley, treasurer; and I. W. 
Gleason, secretary. The main line of the road 
is twenty-one miles long, which has numerous 
branches, ami it is well equipped with three large 

1 : arid with its own lumber and bark 

and passenger coaches. The road is called the 
North Bend & Kettle (reek railroad. 

In 1852, in l'ni"ii township, Tioga county, 
I Roj ' was united in marriage with Miss 

Martha Irvin, a native "1 Lehigh county, Penn., 
ami a daughter of Benjamin Irvin, a charcoal 
manufacturer, of Scotch-Irish descent Bight 
children were born to this union, as follows: 1 1 
William and l elia both died when young. 

I lied 5 oui Irwin W. is the 

next of the family. 5 John, who was educated 
in the Canton public sch [aged in 

with Ins father at Driftw 1. He mar- 

ried Hattie Rury, and has two children -Martha 
and Franklin. (6) Li Key W., educated in the 

lie schools of Ca mil a 1 lusi- 

rtner in the tanning 
business, and is superintendent ol the plant at 
Medix l\un, I Ilk county. He married Bessie 
Muthersbaugh, a native ol Lewistown, Penn., 
ive three 1 hildren — Celie, Ruth and 
tl led the same schools 
as his brother LeRoy, and, as a partner in the 
tanning business; 1- I Driftw I, super- 

intendent of the plant there. He married Min- 

Rury. (8) James completed his education 

the Milr Bordentown, N. [., 

I is now with our subject at North Bend, as 
he. too, is a partner in tin- business He n 

I Lucy Walton, "f North Wend. The motl 

hese children died in 1SS0, and the follow 

nton, the fathei d Elizabeth 

Mitchell, widow ■ > t Byron Clark, and a daughter 
Mitchell, of that place. Thev h 

adopted daughter, Mai- I the family 

make their home in Canton. Alter voting for 

mont in 1856, LeRi >j Glea ;i m I to 

support the Ri publican partj until alter the elec- 
ti t President Hayes, since which time he has 

ii an ardent Prohibitionist, as he is a sti 
ten . man. II and promi- 

nent membi Baptist Church, in which he 

has served .is deacon and Sundaj 
and superintendent Sociall) he affiliates with 
the Blue Lodge <>f the Masonic ( )rder at Canton. 
II' has reared a family of which he may be 
justly proud, has given his sons all an excellent 
-tart in life, and thev are now wide-awake, en- 
terprising business men. Temperate in his hab- 
its, honorable in all business relations, his influ- 
ence is ever found on the side of right and ord 

Irvin W. Gleason, whose name intl 



this sketch, pursued his studies in the public 
schools of Canton, Penn., and in the Business 
College at Elmira. At an early age he began 
working in the tan yard of his father, soon be- 
came thoroughly familiar with every department 
of the business, and remained in the tannery at 
Canton until [881, when he transferred to North 
Wend, continuing to work for his father and uncle 
until 1 S 8 7 , since which time he has been a part- 
ner in the business. He has also served as gen- 
eral superintendent, has made many improve- 
ments in the plant, and furnishes employment to 
about one hundred men. On June 1, 18S7. at 
North Bend, he married Miss Josephine Haynes, 
a native of that place, and a daughter of John 
H. and Elizabeth (Gilbert) Haynes, the former a 
lumber manufacturer of North Bend. Mrs. Glea- 
son attended the public schools of her birthplace 
and also the Central State Normal School, Lock 
Haven, where she graduated in 1885, and the 
following year graduated at Darlington Seminary, 
Philadelphia. She then engaged in teaching for 
three terms in North Wend and in Potter county, 
To Mr. and Mrs. Gleason has been born 
a daughter, Elizabeth. The family occupy a 
pleasant home in North Bend, where they are 
surrounded by a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. He is a prominent Mason, having 
taken the thirty-second degree, and belongs to 
the Blue Lodge of Renovo, the Chapter of Lock 
Haven, the Commandery of Philadelphia, and 
the Consistorv of Wloomsburg. His political sup- 
port is ever given the men and measurer- of the 
Democratic party. His business methods have 
been above question, and in all the relations of 
life he has been found true and faithful to every 
trust reposed in him. 



PETER FABEL, who in his lifetime was a 
highly respected citizen of Castanea, Clinton 
countv. was born April 14. [838, on the banks of 
the River Whine. He possesses the energy and 
determination which mark the peopleof Germany, 
and by the exercise of his powers he has steadily 
uid has not only won a handsome 
. but has commanded univi 1 
by Ins straightforward business methods. 
John W. Fabel, his father, also a native of 
many, was a cooper and brewer by trade, 
and. after selling all his property in the Fath 
land, brought his familv to America in 1 S 5 5. 
landing in New York after a long and tedious 
voyage. Lock Haven, Penn., was his destina- 
tion, and here he found work at the cooper's 
trade Beit \cellent mechanic, he com- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



715 



manded good wages, and, as he lived economic- 
ally, he prospered, and in his adopted city built 
an elegant residence, much better than he ever 
expected to own. His last years were spent in 
retirement from active labor, enjoying a com- 
fortable competence which he so richly deserved. 
His political support was given the men and 
measures of the Democratic party, and in 
religious belief both he and his wife were 
Lutherans. 

In his native land John \V. Fabel had mar- 
ried Margaret Weigen, who bore him eleven 
children, two of whom died before the immigra- 
tion of the family to the New World. The others 
are as follows: Charles and Martin, now de- 
ceased; Christian, a resident of Lock Haven; 
Philip, Michael and John, all deceased; Peter, of 
this sketch; Barbara, widow of George Scheid, 
of Lock Haven, and Margaret, deceased. The 
mother died of a cancer in 1857, and the father 
passed away in 1886, both being interred in the 
cemetery at Lock Haven. 

Peter Fabel was educated in his native land, 
and, when not in school, worked in his father's 
cooper shop, where he soon mastered the trade, 
at which he was employed in Lock Haven after 
coming with the family to this country at the age 
of seventeen years. Considering Castanea a 
good location, he in 1865 removed here, and for 
several years followed agricultural pursuits, 
having purchased a small farm, on which he 
built a good residence and made many other 
valuable improvements. For thirteen years he 
also engaged in the dairy business, selling the 
milk in Lock Haven, but at the time of his death, 
July 31, 1897, he was practically living retired 
at his comfortable home in Castanea after many 
years of arduous labor. He owns three dwell- 
ings on Church street, in Lock Haven, and his 
property was all acquired through his own un- 
aided efforts. 

In 1865, at Lock Haven, Mr. Fabel was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Marks, also a native of 
the Fatherland, and a daughter of Peter Marks, 
who after coming to the United States became a 
farmer of Clinton county, Penn. She died in 
1876, leaving four daughters: Annie, wife of 
Charles Kindley, of Altoona, Penn. ; Ida, wife of 
Peter Poorman; Clara, wife of John Simmons; 
and Emma, wife of George Hemburger. For 
his second wife Mr. Fabel chose Sybella Sousley, 
a native of Berks county, Penn.,' who died in 
1892, and in October of the following year, at 
Columbia, Penn., he married Mrs. Rosa Hetrick, 
nee Ball, who was born in Baltimore, Md., a 
daughter of John Ball. She first wedded George 
Hetrick, by whom she had five children, but all 



died in infancy; and after the death of her hus- 
band she married T. W. Stover. 

On the Democratic ticket, Mr. Fabel was 
elected to several official positions of honor and 
trust, serving for eighteen years as tax collector 
in Castanea township, several years an auditor, 
overseer of the poor for some time, and also 
supervisor of his township, and it is needless to 
say that the duties of the offices were always faith- 
fully performed. He was a member of the 
Lutheran Church, and was justly regarded as one 
of the most valued and useful citizens of Cas- 
tanea. 



UGH McLEOD. Since 1870 Mr. McLeod 
_Ok has been identified with the business inter- 
ests of Lock Haven and of Clinton county. He 
is now the genial and accommodating landlord 
of the "Custer House," a large and well-regu- 
lated hotel centrally located near the court house, 
Lock Haven, where he bids a hearty welcome to 
his many patrons. 

Norman McLeod and Martha (McKenzie) 
McLeod, his parents, were both born in Scot- 
land, whence, in early life they came to Nova 
Scotia and there resided through life. The fa- 
ther was a tailor by trade, and followed that as 
an occupation for a period, but his life was given 
the most of the time to agricultural pursuits. 
They were plain, hard-working farming people, 
kind-hearted and well-disposed, such as gained 
and held the respect of the community in which 
they lived. Their children are: Margaret, Anna, 
Sarah, Mary, Christie, Jane, Martha, Belle, 
Kenneth, Hugh (our subject), Roderick, John 
and Angus. 

Hugh McLeod was born in 1849 in Nova Scotia, 
was reared on a farm, and had only limited school 
advantages, attending the subscription schools 
of the neighborhood. After passing fifteen years 
on the farm he went to sea, and for five years 
was a sea-faring man. In 1870 he came to 
Lock Haven, and for ten years was employed in 
the woods cutting and shaping timber, the first 
work he performed being for Patrick Flynn. In 
1880 he became engaged in the hotel business 
on Bellefonte avenue, at Lock Haven, for five 
years remained at that point, and then (January 
1, 1885) moved to his present location. Mr. 
McLeod is well adapted to this line of business, and 
is making a success of it. He is obliging and ac- 
commodating, understands human nature thor- 
oughly, and not only anticipates the wants and 
desires of his guests, but amply supplies them. 

In 1879, Mr. McLeod was married to Ella 
Walsh, who was born in 1859, in New Bruns- 



716 



\f ME MORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



wick. She is of the Roman Catholic faith, while 
Mr. McLeod was reared in the faith of the 
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O.F., 
and of the K. of G. 1. He has been identr 
with the public affairs of Lock Haven more or 
less, and has at different til presented his 

ward in the city council, six yeai 



REV. M. W. FAIR deceased i was one whose 
life record remained untarnished by shadow 

of v : suspicion of evil. Upright and hon- 

orable, ol broad humanitarian principles, di 
ing his life to others, he so lived as to win the 

;>ect and love of all. He was born in Man- 
chester. Carroll Co., Md., August 9, 1837. ap d 
in his youth was an exceptionally good boy, al- 
ways obedient to his mother and faithful to her 
teaching- II attended the public schools, a 
pursued lii> in an academy at Manchester, 

after which he became a student in Gettysburg 
College, and later was graduated in the theolog- 
ical department of Susquehanna University, at 
Selin's Grove, Pennsylvania. 

ring determined to devote his life to the 
ministry, and thus prepared foi his chosen call- 
ing, Mr. Fair accepted the pastorate of the 
Church in Funkstown, Washington Co., Md.. 
after which he went to Woodsboro', Frederick 

inty, that State. Failing health at length 
compelled him to retire from the ministry, and 
in the fall of 1873 he removed to York, Penn., 
where he continued his 1 until called to 

the home beyond, June 2 , his remains be- 

nchester. Md. Rev. D. J. 
li D. D., who is now living in Hanover, 

N irk I . Penn., at the advanci I ninty- 

thn was instrumental in influencing him 

nter tlie ministry. Hcli.nl known Mr. Fair 
irly boyhood, had baptized him and re- 
ceived him into tin- Church, and had ever I 
his friend and counsellor, and as the end drew 

1 it was Mr. Fair's request that th 
man should take charge ol the fum 

On M \ 28, Rev. Fair was mi 

Miss Sarah A Furst, who I it 3, 

1841, in Lamar township, Clinton Co., Pi nn 
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Wilt) Furst. the 
former born in Northumberland county, Penn., 
April 29, 1793, the latter in Perry county, 1 
ruary [2, 1805. The grandparents, and 

Agnes (Snyder) Furst, came to Nittany Valley in 
the year 1797. and located in the midst of the 
timber land, where the grandfather developed a 
farm, which is still in thi f the family. 

I 1 RST, the father of Ml 



when fourteen years of age, walked twenty miles 
to Kebersburg. crossing two mountains, to attend 
catechetical lectures by Rev. Ilgen, preparatory 
to entering the Lutheran Church. He was mar- 
ried in Lamar township, Clinton county, to Mary 
Wilt, a daughter of Michael and Gertrude (Zell- 
Wilt A brief record of their family is as 
follows: Franklin B. is a farmer of Lamar 
iship. Louisa died in 1894. Rebecca A. be- 
came the wife of Joseph Hayes, and died in 
1892. William \V. is an agriculturist of Lamar 
township. Samuel E. . who, after attending the 
Aaronsburg Academy, entered the sophomore 
class in Pennsylvania College in i860, was grad- 
uated in 1S63, and in 1867 was admitted to the 
Clinton County Bar, after which he practiced for 
ten years; in [878 he entered the Theological 

linary at Gettysburg, and was licensed to 
preach the same year, after which he ably rilled 
the pulpits in Bellefonte, New Berlin and Schell- 
burg, Penn.; about August 1. [894, he went to 
na to visit his invalid sister, and while there 
died, on the 14th of August. Mrs. Fair is next in 
the order of birth. M. Luther is a minister of the 
Lutheran Church at Tallman. N. Y. M. Kath- 
arine lives in Salona. 

Samuel Furst lather of Mrs. Sarah A. 
Fair) was a Republican in his political views, 
and in religious belief he was a Lutheran, who 
for sixty-five years was a member of the Church 

^alona. He contributed liberally to its sup- 
port, did all in his power for its advancement. 
He was also an ardent temperance worker, never 
using either tobacco or liquor in any form. He 
was a man of but medium size, yet possessed of 
3 of endurance. At one time he took 
grain to Harrisburg (on "an ark," on the Sus- 
quehanna river), and returned on foot to his home 
ad of 125 miles). On another occasion, 

after attending court at Bellefonte. then the 
county seat 1 about twenty-five miles from his 
home), he walked back to Nittany Valley. He 
was very neat and clean in person, was also cool 
and calm in demeanor, and was a man of schol- 
arly tasl \. i\ fond of books, and having 
a broad know ledge of literature. His father had 
lour sons, to each of whom he gave a farm, pro- 
1 that the sons would pay half of its value to 
there were also four daughters 
in the family Samuel Furst built upon his land 
an elegant brick residence, the brick used in its 
burned upon his farm. He 
delighted to surround his family with the com- 
forts of life, and secured to them every advan- 
A e,reat lover of nature, he was 
fond of spending much time in the woods, and 
I name all the varieties of birds and trees. 




SAMUEL FURST 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



717 



His wife was particularly fond of poetry, a taste 
she cultivated by extensive reading; she also 
possessed a very fine soprano voice, which still 
retained its sweetness when she had reached the 
age of eighty years. His well-spent life and 
kindly nature won to Samuel Furst the regard 
of all who knew him, and at his death, which 
occurred November 7, 1872, he was deeply 
mourned. His wife passed away March 27, 
18S5, and was laid by his side in Cedar Hall 
cemetery. "The memory of the just is 
blessed." 



THOMAS CHRISTIE, an old-time agricult- 
urist and lumberman of large experience, is 
now numbered among the elderly residents of 
Dunnstown, Woodward township, Clinton coun- 
ty, by whose people he is held in that reverence 
and respect tacitly accorded those whose lives 
have been distinguished by integrity and use- 
fulness. 

Mr. Christie was born July 29, 181 3, in Black- 
ville, New Brunswick, Canada, a son of Wesley 
Christie, whose birth occurred on the banks of 
the St. Johns river, in the same province, in 
1792, and who was of English descent. In that 
country the father engaged in lumbering until 
twenty-six years of age, when he removed with 
his family to Somerset county, Maine, where in 
connection with that occupation he also worked 
in a sawmill, followed farming and piloting rafts 
of lumber on the rivers. He died in the State of 
Maine, February 25, 1874, at a ripe old age, 
honored and respected by all who knew him. 
Politically he was first a Whig, and later a Re- 
publican, while, religiously, he was a member of 
the Free Will Baptist Church, to which his wife 
also belonged. She bore the maiden name of 
Sarah Weaver, was a native of Canada and of 
Pennsylvania-German descent, and gave her hand 
in marriage to Mr. Christie while residing in New 
Brunswick. She also departed this life in Maine. 
Our subject is the oldest of their seven children, 
the others being as follows: Abigail was the wife 
of Charles Dyer, both deceased; George W. is a 
resident of Maine; Sarah was the wife of Israel 
Dyer, both now deceased; Wesley is deceased; 
Mary A. is in the West; and Barbara is the wife 
of Henry Folley. 

When only five years old Thomas Christie 
was taken by his parents to Maine, where he at- 
tended the township schools during the winter 
months, while the summer season was devoted to 
work in the woods or on the farm, his wages go- 
ing toward the support of the family. At the 
age of twenty he left home, having purchased 



his time from his father for $70, and obtained a 
position in a sawmill, where he received $16 per 
month for night work. He continued to work in 
the woods during the winter, hewing and cutting 
timber and teaming with oxen until thirty-six 
years of age, when he left Maine and came to 
Dunnstown, Clinton Co., Penn., where he helped 
to erect the West branch boom in 1852, was ap- 
pointed by the court as scaler of logs for the 
West Branch Boom Company, which position he 
filled until 1859. He owned and operated a 
farm in Dunstable township, Clinton county, 
for some time. Since 1889, however, he has 
lived retired at his pleasant home in Dunnstown, 
enjoying the fruits of his former toil, while his 
son-in-law, John N. Bitner, conducts the old 
home farm. 

In Harmony, Somerset county, Maine, in 
1837, Mr. Christie was married to Miss Statira 
Xutt, who was born in Lincoln county, that 
State, in April, 181 3, a daughter of William and 
Lucy (Avery) Nutt, the former of Irish and the 
latter of English descent. By occupation her 
father was a shoemaker. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Christie have been born the following children: 
(1) Laura V., born in Maine, was married in 
1859 to John N. Bitner, a native of Clinton 
county, Penn., and they have eight children — 
Jennie, wife of J. A. Leitzel; Mary S., wife of 
Andrew Nonenmacher; Nancy and Thomas, de- 
ceased; Abigail, wifeof Morton Brown; Albert W. , 
deceased; Ivie E., and Edward. (2) Thomas M., 
of Jersey City, N. J., married Miss C. Herr, and 
has four children — Winfield G., a pen artist, 
employed in New York City; Eugenia married 
William McCloskey; Charles, and Thomas. Jr. (3) 
Perley M., an ice dealer, of Lock Haven, Penn., 
married Sarah Varner. (4) William Wesley, of 
Lock Haven, married Mary Beshler, and has one 
child, a daughter, who married Edward Drawken 
and they have four children: (5) Samuel is con- 
nected with the Eastman Business College, of 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. His children are Mable, 
Frederick, and Harry. (6) Abigail, and (7) Per- 
ley, both died in childhood, and, last (8), Mar- 
vin, deceased. 

Mr. Christie cast his first Presidential vote for 
the Whig candidate in 1846, and is now an ar- 
dent Republican, having voted for William McKin- 
ley at the last election, in 1896. He is an ear- 
nest and faithful member of Christ's Church, has 
taken an active part in its work, and has served 
as teacher and superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. He and his faithful wife have enjoyed 
sixty years of happy married life, and their record 
has been an honorable one, their years have been 
fruitful with deeds of usefulness and kindness, 



718 



( OMMRMORATIVR BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



with malice toward none and friendliness toward 
all who have come under their influence, and 
they have gained the respect and honor of the 
« hole community. 

Our subject thu to the journey from 

the Province to St. Albans, in Maine, and to 
other reminiscences: 

•• We left the southwest branch of Mirimichi 
(my father, mother and three children — the 
\V The only conveyance 

was a birch canoe, thence up the river some 
thirty miles to 1 vo; thence twenty miles 

through the woods to a branch of the St. Johns 
• river, called the Nashwalk, down that in the 
canoe to the St. Johns, near]} opposite Freder- 
ickton, up the river to the mouth of Eel river to 
a certain point; thence another carry across into 
a lake, one of the head waters of the St. Croix 
river, across that, thence another carry into Bask- 

gan lake, the head v. a branch called 

i, down that into Matawamkeag, on 

down into the i sixty miles to Orono, 

wh irch canoe was left We then hired 

a man by the name of George Need to take us to 

lit miles, in a wagi m . then on h< 11 

. through wo,,, is in a bushed road most of 
the way, thirty miles t i St. Albans, mother car- 
ry iin W. in her arms 

" My litst lessons were learned in a vai 
log house in summers and in barns two summers, 
and in winters in private houses, never having a 

school 1 se until I was eighteen years of age 

and helped to make the brick to build one. the 
tirst brick house in the township. 

" In the fall of [827 a laughable incident oc- 
curred, which I long since have 1 and 
winch I will now ta ire in relating. We 
were living in the west part of a house for that 
father built one; he had bought 
a pi round containing 100 acres adjoining 
the on,- which we then occupied. My father, 
with another man. his son and myself, were sit- 
ting on a log in front ol the house, we heard : 

rking in the direction | ol corn just out 

of sight from the house. seon the dogs cami 
sight, driving a large coon, every few yards hav- 
ing a fight. They drove the coon passed wl 
we sat. the n, a lad- 

der standing inside, the 1 ion went up the ladder 
and the dogs after him and across tli 
whl ild lady and S ddren were still 

g on their pillows. Thi a fight, 

and in it si se boards w I ; down 

went coon and dogS on the old lady and child] 

h music was and I 1 

heard the lil When the dooi med 

out came Mr. Coon and dogs, and the old gen- 



tleman took the poker-stick and made short life 
of Mr. Coon. So ended the laughable story of 
coon and dogs." 



BM FIELD, who for more than a third of 
a century has been a most active and en- 
terprising business man of Lock Haven, Clinton 
county, and during that period an extensive coal- 
dealer, is a native of the State of New Jersey, 
born in June. 1K23. 

I Im and Margaret (Paulsen) Field, his par- 
ents, were natives ol New Jersey. John Field 
came to Pennsylvania and located in Lycoming 
county. He was by occupation a contractor 
and builder of internal improvements and was 
engaged in work on a number of railroads and 
canals built in his time in that section of the 
State. He was a man of considerable ener^v 
and push, and somewhat reserved in manner; 
was quiet and made no display. Field station 
and post office were named after this family. 

B. M. Field, in bis boyhood, had the ad- 
vantages of the Williamsport schools, in which 
he obtained a fair English education. After 
leaving school he became engaged in railroading 
for a time, and then was a foreman and coti- 

tor for many years, and built the rail r 
running from Sunbury through to Erie, Penn. 
In [867 he began dealing in coal, and has con- 
tinued in that business from that time to the 
present. He has been an enterprising and pro- 

sive citizen, and figured in various lines in 
the development of Clinton county and Lock 
Haven. He was one of the organizers of the 
State Bank of Lock Haven, which was a pros- 
perous institution for many years, but which 
owing to some bad loans made was closed in 

J, Mr. Field was instrumental in organizing 
the Lock Haven Trust Company, which is in a 
flourishing condition, and is one of the substan- 
tial concerns of the place. He is a stockholder 
in this bank. II has been a prominent pro- 
moter of many enterprises in the city of his 

ption, which has added to its wealth and 

beauty. Hi 1 good acquisition, and has 

pro ilways interested in everything 

taining to the borough's advancement. He 

is not 1 of any Church, but is liberal to 

all. In politics he i Democrat, opposed to 

all monopolii Hi was one of the organizers 

of the Lock Haven Power & Steam Co., and is 

ted with it. Our subject has 

never married, and for twenty-two years he has 

with " Uncle" Peter Meitzler, a genial 

and accommodating landlord of Lock Haven. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



719 



JOHN N. GETZ, Jr., of Lock Haven, Clinton 
county, where he has for twenty odd years 
been a dealer in agricultural implements, 
wagons, buggies, etc., enjoying the confidence 
and esteem of his fellow-townsmen, and of his 
patrons from far and near, is a native of Dun- 
stable township, Clinton county, born August 15, 
1847. 

Jacob Getz, his father, and Catherine (Deise) 
Getz, his mother, are highly-esteemed farmers 
residing in the county in ease and comfort, and 
passing the evening of their lives surrounded by 
their children. The father is now in his seventy- 
eighth year, and the mother in her seventy-sixth. 
Both are natives of Pennsylvania, where their 
long lives have been passed. Jacob Getz has 
been engaged in agricultural pursuits chiefly, and 
has done much toward the development of the 
section in which he has resided. Having man- 
aged his own business affairs successfully, he was 
a fit man to look after the affairs of the county, in 
which he has been somewhat prominent, and the 
people elected him to the office of county com- 
missioner, and re-elected him on two occasions, 
giving him a service of three terms. He served 
in this important position very acceptably, exer- 
cising good judgment. Five of the eight children 
of this couple are yet living, namely: John N. 
(our subject), Mary E. (Mrs. Henry C. Ohl), 
George A., Sarah C. ■ and Charles D. Those 
deceased are: Margaret and Annie (both of whom 
died in infancy), and Henrietta (who grew to 
womanhood, and died in 1896). 

John N. Getz, Jr., was reared on a farm, and 
had only the school privileges given to the general 
farmers' sons, that of neighborhood district 
schools. He remained on the home farm until 
he was twenty-one years of age, when he became 
engaged in school teaching, having by diligent 
study prepared himself for the profession. This 
vocation he followed most successfully for seven 
years, and gained the reputation of being a com- 
petent instructor and a good disciplinarian. Dur- 
ing this period he gained a good knowledge of 
human nature, which served him well in after 
business life. On leaving the schoolroom he was 
employed as a lumber accountant in the lumber 
business for two years, then embarked in his 
present business at Lock Haven. This business 
he has most carefully given his attention and 
efforts to until he has become one of the substan- 
tial men of the place, and the business one of the 
leading ones of its kind in this locality. He 
handles the Conklin wagon, the Cortland spring 
wagons, fine top buggies, road wagons, Oliver 
plows, spring harrows, Hench cultivators, Os- 
borne harvesters, Tiger hay- rakes, Superior drills, 



steel land-rollers, corn-planters, corn-shellers, 
feed-cutters, pumps, phosphate, etc. 

On November 27, 1S95, Mr. Getz was mar- 
ried to Alice M. Dunkle, a daughter of Ira Dunkle, 
of Ames, N. Y. ; she was horn May 26, 1858, at 
Frey's Bush, N. Y. The parents are members 
of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Getz is a 
Democrat. 



m 



j\AMIEN LACHAT. Courteous, obliging, gen- 
jy ial, and socially inclined is the gentleman 
whose name opens this sketch, requisites for a 
popular landlord, which he is, being the propri- 
etor of the " Clearfield House " at Lock Haven, 
Clinton county, and the dispenser of an open 
hospitality at that hostelry. 

George and Catherine (Bron) Lachat, his 
parents, were born and reared in Switzerland, 
the father born September 18, 1805, at Mont- 
sevelier, Canton de Berne, and the mother born 
April 9, 18 19, at Montsevelier, Canton de Berne. 
They came to America in 1852, located at Louis- 
ville, Stark Co., Ohio, and in 1S60 settled in 
Frenchville, Clearfield county, Penn., where the 
father died February 18, 1872. By occupation he 
was a laborer — a plain man of good hard sense, 
kindly-disposed and charitable to all. His good 
wife, though now nearing the eightieth mile-stone 
on the journey of life, is well-preserved, and bids 
fair to be with her children some years yet. She 
makes her home with and is tenderly cared for 
by our subject. Her children now living are: 
Leonard, Mary, Frank, Emelie, and Damien 
(our subject). 

Damien Lachat was born March 6, 1847, in 
Switzerland. His parents were poor and he had 
no educational privileges, not having attended 
school at all. At the early age of nine years he 
began working out, doing chores, milking, etc., 
for which the first year he received his board and 
clothes, and for the second year, one dollar per 
month and he clothed himself. During the year 
he saved nine dollars of the twelve received. On 
coming to Pennsylvania, in i860, he began work- 
ing in the woods getting out timber; this con- 
tinued to be his occupation until thirty-five years 
old, and, in 1881, he went into the hotel busi- 
ness at Lock Haven. This business he has fol- 
lowed ever since, and he has prospered in it. 
Beginning life poor and without any knowledge 
whatever of books, unaided, he has risen to an 
independence pecuniarily, and become a well- 
informed man. He is an example of what one 
can accomplish when he sets out in life with a 
fixed purpose and determination to succeed. The 
" Clearfield House " is a neat and substantial one, 






'-v\/ VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and gu< ping there will ne\ Lway 

hungry. 

On Api - 1 1 . Mr. Lachat was mai 

to Louise Tourdain, a native of Alsace, Fran 

:i August 29, [862, and five children h 

ne to them: George, Mary, Anna, Fredd 

and Charles. The parents are identified with 

Roman ( atholii 1 hurch. Mr. Lachat votes 
th. ! 

silver. 



FERDINAND C. LUCAS The popular pro- 
prietor and opi 1 the Castanea Brew- 
en', Clinton county, with residence at Lock 
Haven, in a very fine home erected in 1896, and 
owned by him, was born February 9, \^Gz, in 
Germany, 

Christian and Hannah (Galverinan Lucas, 
In- parents, were also natives of Germany, where 
the) resided until coming to America in 1S70, 

j in Allegheny county, Fenn., where they 
have ever since resided. Christian Lucas was in 

ploy of the Pennsylvania Salt Manufactur- 
ing ' watchman for some twenty-five years, 
which remarkably long term of service for the 

impany is, of itself, evidence of his faith- 
fulness to duty and of bis employers' confidence 
in him. He and Ins wife are now living in re- 
tirement, enjoying the fruits of their early toil. 
I hey are the parents of six children, four of 
whom are living, namely: Ferdinand C, Will- 
iam (.'., Henry H. and Charles J., all residents 
Allegheny county, excepting 

linand C. Luc:! .\ his education 

in the schools of Nation. 1, Penn., and at the 

: went to Steubenville, Ohio, where 

he learned the bakery trade, and followed it 

e three j lb' then went to Pittsburg, 

:i., when- he worked for a time at tie 
111- In the fall of 1883 he 1 
1 . ■ Haven, and in partnership with W. 

Luther took Id Fabel brewery at 

l"he business was conducted by this 
firm for eighteen 1 itbs, when Mr. Lucas pur- 
chased his partner's interest, and h 

ried on the business inn-elf. in [888 he 

I the Old brewery building, and erected I 

■nt lar:,- tus structure. The 

bre it) of 10,000 barrels per an- 

num, employment being given to 51 vera! hands, 

luct is principally sold in Lock i 
ven, thereby keeping all the money used in con- 
tion with the operation of the plant at hon 
May 24. 1885, our subject was united in 
with Li misa Wi llingi 1 . win 1 was bi irn 



iruary 29, 1S64, in Pittsburg, a daughter of 
fohn G. Wellinger, of that city, and two sons 
ami one daughter have 1 rn to this union, 

namely: Ferdinand C, Jr., John G. and Claire 
M. The parents are members of the German 
Lutheran Church, and their children have all 

1 baptized in that faith. Socially Mr. Lucas 
is a member of the K. of P., the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle and the B. P. O. E. In politics 
he is a Democrat, and is opposed to all monopo- 
lies. Hehashe\'i sought public office. Begin- 
ning life without anything, he early became self- 
supporting and self-reliant, and has gradually 
forged to the front until he is well-to-do pecun- 
iarily, and has attained a position in the com- 
munity that commands the respect of his fellow 
citizens. 



MICHAEL D. ROCKEY. There is particu- 
lar satisfaction in reverting to the life his- 
tory of this honored and venerable gentleman, 
since his mind bears impress of the historical an- 
nals of this section of the State from the early 
pioneer days, and from the fact that he is one of 
the honored and highly respected citizens of Lo- 

townshi] Valley, Clinton counts . 

Mr. Hockey svas born March 22, 1S15, in 
Gregg township, George's Valley, Centre Co., 
Penn., and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish 
descent. His grandfather, David Kockey, was a 
native of Ireland, and on coming to this country 
he located in Delasvare county, svhere he fol- 
lowed farming throughout the greater part of his 
life, but he spent his last days near Pleasant 

. in Centre county, when his death occurred. 
He was buried near Bellefonte. His political 
suppi nt v. ii the 1 lemoi 1 

1m net Rockey, our subject's father, svas a 
native of Delasvare county, svhere he was 
reared, educated, and learned the tanner's trade. 
In early life he moved to George's Valley, near 

Creek, Centre county, svhere he worked as a 
until the spring of 1S1S, when he moved 
with his family to Brush Valley, near Spring 
Lank, where he built a house and bam. cleared 
land and farmed until, in the spring of 1S26, he 
moved to Sugar Valley on a farm in the Morgan 
Survey, and in the fall ol 1 S s 2 he bough) a trad 
"t woodland, and in the spring of 1833 nn 

1 it. This he cleared and improved, build- 
ing thereon a house and barn. He farmed this 
land until the time of his death — January 26, 

H recognized as one of the n 

industrious, honest and highly respected citi/ 
of the community. His remains svere interred 
in the Tylerville cemetery. In politics he svas a 





/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



721 



Democrat, and in his Church relations was con- 
nected with the Evangelical Association, to which 
his wife also belonged. 

In Delaware county, Barnet Rockey had 
married Margaret Danton, who was born near 
Baltimore, Md., in 1776, and died in Rock 
Grove, 111., in 1877, at the extreme old age of 
one hundred and one. They were the parents of 
nine children: Abram and Jacob (deceased); 
Elizabeth, wife of William Burnet (both de- 
ceased); Michael D. , of this review; John, a res- 
ident of Illinois; Susanna, wife of John Myers, of 
Illinois, where both died; Henry (deceased); 
David, of Rock Grove, Illinois; and William, of 
Nora, Illinois. 

Although our subject is a well-informed man, 
he is almost wholly self-educated, as the sub- 
scription schools which he attended in Brush and 
Sugar Valleys were much inferior to the schools 
of the present day. Until twenty-two years of 
age he remained under the parental roof, helping 
his father to clear the land, and later he worked 
as a farm hand in Sugar Valley for about thirty 
years. In 1850 he returned to the old home- 
stead, which he operated until 1869, and then 
removed to his present home, having previously 
erected his residence, and leaving his only son 
in charge of the farm. In 1881 he retired from 
active farm labor, and is now enjoying a well- 
earned rest. He built the first house in Tylers- 
ville, in 1842, and also bought a farm there, 
which is now occupied by his son-in-law, Dr. 
Hubler. 

In Logan township, Clinton county, Mr. 
Rockey was married to Miss Amelia Kleckner, 
who was born in Loyalton, Penn., October 3, 
1 8 1 8, a daughter of Abram and Emma (Gill) 
Kleckner, the former of English descent and a 
cooper by occupation. Seven children graced 
this union: Mary C, at home; William B., who 
married Clarissa Rishel, and has three sons; 
Elizabeth J., who died in childhood; Sarah A., 
wife of Dr. Hubler, of Tylersville; Frances H., 
wife of W. H. Rishel; Esther A., who died when 
young; and Martha J., at home. The son still 
continues to operate the old homestead farm, 
and is a Democrat in politics. The mother de- 
parted this life March 4, 1894, and was buried at 
Tylersville. On October 11, 1896, Mr. Rockey 
was again married, this time to Magdalena Hub- 
ler, a native of Penn's Valley, Centre county, 
a daughter of Jacob Hubler and widow of John 
Funk. 

Our subject has always been an ardent sup- 
porter of the principles of the Democratic party, 
and in 1848 was elected justice of the peace in 
Logan township, which office he most efficiently 

46* 



filled for a quarter of a century, during which 
time he married over sixty couples, and out of 
the 1, 500 cases tried before him none were ever 
taken before the higher courts, so impartial and 
just were his decisions. For four years he also 
served as notary public, has been overseer of the 
poor, constable five years, and in fact filled every 
township office with the exception of supervisor, 
which he declined. As a member of the Evan- 
gelical Association, he has been a leader in 
Church and Sunday-school work, and for some 
time served as superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. No man in his community enjoys the 
confidence and esteem of the people in a greater 
degree than Michael D. Rockey. 

Wilson H. Rishel, our subject's son-in-law, 
was born in Logan township, October 3, 1853, an d 
is a grandson of Daniel Rishel, who spent his en- 
tire life in Miles township Centre county, and 
followed the occupation of farming. He married 
a Miss Poorman, by whom he had eleven children: 
Jacob P.; Catharine, wife of J. Shull; Ann, wife 
of Jacob Sliner; Susan, wife of Peter Heckman; 
Daniel; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Shull; Michael; 
Peter; Christina, wife of David Shaffer; Mary, 
wife of Samuel Foust; and Henry. Both par- 
ents died in Centre county, the father at the age 
of eighty-three. 

Jacob P. Rishel, father of Wilson H., was 
born in 1817, in Miles township, Centre county, 
where he was reared and educated. On coming 
to Sugar Valley, Clinton county, he located on 
the Spangler farm of ninety acres in Logan town- 
ship, where he followed farming and lumbering 
until 1874. when he laid aside business cares and 
built a residence on another part of his farm. 
There he spent his remaining days, dying Sep- 
tember 14, 1896, but his wife is still living at 
that place, and enjoys excellent health for one of 
her years. In politics he was a Democrat, in re- 
ligious belief a Lutheran, and he served as elder 
in the Church and superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. He also filled the offices of overseer of 
the poor, and school director, and was widely and 
favorably known. He was married in Miles 
township, Centre county, in 1847, to Miss Mary 
Bressler, who was born October 21, 1821, a 
daughter of Michael and Ann (Spangler) Bress- 
ler, and to them were born six children: Claris- 
sa, wife of William Rockey, son of our subject; 
Joan, wife of Lewis Jackson, of Lock Haven; 
Wilson H.; Mary E., wife of Calvin H. Creps; 
Dervin D., a lumberman; and one who died in in- 
fancy. 

Wilson H. Rishel was educated in the public 
schools of Logan township, Clinton county, and 
has spent his entire life on his father's farm, tak- 






i OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ing charge of the same on the latter's retirement 
in i s 7 3 . ;md since operating it with good success. 
He purchased the place in 1896, and has made 
many good improvements thereon. In 1873 he 
was married to Miss Frances II Rockey, and 
they have become the parents ol six children: 
Hat tie V. , wife of Henry A. Karchner, by whom she 
has two children, Harold C. and Helen C. ; [ai 
1 . \\ ■ liam A. ; II any ('. . Harvej J .and RoyR. , 

who died in childh I. The family is c mne 

with the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Rishel has 
sen deacon. Sunday-school I and 

teacher P he is identified with the 

1 >ei party, and, socially, he affili; 

with the fndi penden Id Fellows. I !■ 

in his i" 1 his gram ■ k, now 

over 120 years old, which has been hand id down 
tothe eldest son in the Rishel family, and i 
much-pi 1 :ed heii loom. 



TIloMAs EDWARD ROACH, M D., who 
is engaged in the practice of mi 
»vo, was born in Lock Haven, Clinton ( 
Penn., in 1 865, .1 si »n 1 >l \\ illiam and 

ich, both of whom were natives ol 
Ireland, whence thej came to America in ei 
life, afterwai ter part of ti 

days in Clinton c< mntj I h father wa- 
in lumbering, railn ting and 
building. He was a quiet, unassuming citizen, 
devoting his attention principally to his busin 
interests, and 1>\ his well-spent life commanding 
the respect of those with wh he came in con- 
tact. He died in 1894, " l ' 1 bis wife passed 
They had a (amilj of si 

nt ol Renovo, Penn. ; 
I ' Thomas I |< dm F., who 1- a 1 mal 

ball player and resides in P [11. ; Will 

H , a druggist in Driftw I, Penn.; Michael S., 

a professional ball living in Hartford, 

Conn. ; and Charles 1 I living at Ni irth 

Bend. Pennsylvai 

I ! i whose name opens this review, 

I In- earlj education 111 the public scb 

' w I. Penn. , and at the age ol sixt 

employed bj the Pennsylvania Raih 
npany as telegraph operati >r at Emp 
P( nn . whi re lie remained until reaching 
of twenty-one, when he lookup the studj 
medicine under the direi tion ol 61 S S. smith. 
ol Emporium, Penn. IL subsequently enti 
the College ol Physicians and Sui of Chi- 

cago, III., the medical department of the I'ni- 
versity of Illinois, and was in that 

institution in March, 1890. Hi at oni 



the practice of his profession in Renovo, Penn., 
where he has since continued, meeting with 
marked success in his undertakings. He is well 
in the science of medicine and surgery, 
and in the application of their principles to the 
alleviation of human suffering, has given evidence 
of his superior ability in his chosen calling. 

In his political views Dr. Roach is a Demo- 
crat, and in religious belief is a Catholic. 1! 
a gentleman of sterling worth, and has n 
warm friends. 



ANDREW NO WL AND, an industrious and 
thrifty farmer and stock-raiser residing in 
Gallagher township. Clinton county, was born in 
ttlement in that township, March 20. 

His grandfather, Andrew Nowland, Sr . w 
native of County Wexford, Ireland, and a farmer 
by 01 cupation. Before leaving the Line raid Isle, 
he married a Miss Redmond, by whom he had 
six children: John, the father of our subject, 
Mary, wife of Jacob Shoemaker; Ann. wife of 
Petei Connoway; Julia, widow of Owen Malone; 

n. wife of Michael Morrison, both of whom 
died in Belief on te; and one son, who died in in- 
fancy. The father and family landed in Canada. 
where he remained for a time, then moved to 
New York, thence went to Llmira. thence to 
Mill, where he kept a grocery store tor a 
number of years. From Sandy Hill he moved to 
Gallagher township, Clinton Co.. Penn.. where 
he acquired a good farm, and on his retirement 
he occasionally made a trip to Harrisburg to see 
the governor Andrew G. Curtin. Mr. Nowland 
was educated in a college at Dublin for the 
priesthood. He spoke three languages fluently. 
Ill- education was completed in England. On 
returning home lie met Miss Redmond, fell in 
love with her. gave up the idea of becominj 
1 priest, married her, and they lived most happily 
together until separated by death. 

It is narrated by our subject that Andrew 
Nowland, Sr. , with wife and four children set 
sail from the 1 merald Isle March 20, 1830, in 
an old man-of-war Styled " Totinghani." com- 
manded by < apt. Spencer, the tirst mate bei 
1 Ml D tirst cousin to the grandmother 

of th" subject of this sketch;. While crossing 
the ocean the vessel sprang a leak, and the captain 
toa lif< I" '.a. Doyle, howei 
I by the vessel and saved her and the pas- 
On the landing of the ship in the har- 
bor the captain was discharged, and the m 
D03 ■ - promoted to the captaincy of the 
Doyle made one more trip with 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



723 



the " Totingham," when the old ship was 
abandoned and set afloat. The captain then 
had a boat of his own built, called the " Mary," 
at the masthead of which was a woman five feet 
in height. 

On coming to Clinton county Andrew Now- 
land, Sr. , purchased some 400 acres of timber 
land. He cleared about seventy-five acres and 
successfully engaged in farming and lumbering. 
A few years before his death he retired at the 
home of his daughter (Mrs. Morrison) in Belle- 
fonte, where he died in 1870, and was buried in 
the Catholic cemetery there. He was a devout 
member of the Catholic Church, was a Demo- 
crat in politics, and for a number of years served 
as justice of the peace in Gallagher township. 

John Nowland was also born in Ireland, where 
he received only a limited education. He ac- 
companied his parents on their emigration to the 
New World, and with his father engaged in lum- 
bering and farming until twenty-four years of age, 
when he bought 300 acres from James Wilson, 
of Jersey Shore, Penn., 200 of which he cleared 
and transformed into a fine farm after several 
years of active and arduous labor. He made all 
of the improvements upon his land, including a 
comfortable residence and substantial outbuild- 
ings. He also bought 1,800 acres of timberland 
in the same township, erected thereon a sawmill 
and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, 
which he shipped in rafts down the Susquehanna 
river to Marietta and Columbia. He continued 
the improvement and cultivation of his property 
until life's labors ended in 1892, and he was laid 
to rest in the Catholic cemetery of Lock Haven. 
Politically, he was a strong Democrat, and most 
creditably filled the offices of tax collector, as- 
sessor and overseer of the poor in Gallagher town- 
ship. His wife departed this life in 1870. Both 
were consistent members of the Catholic Church, 
to which their children also belong, and no couple 
in Gallagher township were more highly respected 
or were more deserving the high regard in which 
they were held. 

Mrs. John Nowland bore the maiden name of 
Ellen Lovett, and was born in Ireland, a daugh- 
ter of John Lovett, who became a farmer of Gal- 
lagher township, Clinton Co., Penn., where she 
gave her hand in marriage to the father of our 
subject. Nine children blessed their union, 
namely: (1) James R. remained at home with 
his father until after he became twenty-one years 
of age. He then started out in life for himself, 
carrying on a lumber business until his marriage, 
in 1884, to Sadie Conway, daughter of Peter and 
Ann Conway, of Gallagher township, Clinton 
county. James R. then purchased of his father 



160 acres of land in Gallagher township — the 
homestead of the grandfather, Andrew Nowland. 
He became a prosperous and influential citizen, 
and at his death, which occurred April 6, 1889, 
he left many friends, who held him in the highest 
esteem. He most acceptably filled several local 
offices, among them tax collector, j dge of elec- 
tions and juryman. He left surviving him a 
widow and one child — James Edward, a prom- 
ising boy. (2) Hannah is the wife of Matthew 
Harber, a justice of the peace of Gallagher town- 
ship. (3) Annie is the deceased wife of Taylor 
Krider. (4) Ellen is the wife of Jacob Sands, of 
Gallagher township. (5) Andrew is the subject 
of this sketch. (6) John J. is supervisor of that 
township, married Jennie Packard and has one 
child, Emily. (7) Mary is the wife of John 
Lovett. (8) George married Jennie Conklin, 
and lives in Castanea, Clinton county. (9) Joseph 
married Frances Muhenen, and resides in Galla- 
gher township. 

The public schools of Gallagher township 
afforded our subject his educational privileges, 
and at an early age he began working on the 
homestead with his father at lumbering. After 
he had attained his majority he spent three years 
in the lumber woods, principally in Clinton coun- 
ty, in the employ of others, and then returned to 
Gallagher township. Since 1890 he has had 
charge of the old home farm, which he has suc- 
cessfully operated, and he also devotes consider- 
able attention to stock-raising with most gratify- 
ing results. He has 175 acres placed under a 
high state of cultivation, and he also owns a 
tract of 400 acres of timber land. 

In November, 1896, Mr. Nowland was mar- 
ried in Lock Haven to Miss Jennie Shoemaker, a 
native of Woodward township, Clinton county, 
and a daughter of Peter J. Shoemaker. Like 
his parents, Mr. Nowland is a member of the 
Catholic Church, and his political support is un- 
swervingly given to the Democratic party. He 
is sober, industrious and progressive, and all who 
know him entertain for him the highest respect. 

Mr. Nowland's land is underlaid with the 
finest fire-clay and coal, and the minerals have 
been analyzed. There are sixteen feet of fire 
clay and a quantity of coal on the lands; also 
other minerals have been found which resemble 
silver and lead. 



HH. MOTHERSBAUGH, M. D., who since 
_ 1879 has engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine in Beech Creek, was born in Hollidaysburg, 
Blair Co., Penn., in 1841, a son of Daniel and 
Eleanor (Riem) Mothersbaugh, who spent their 



724 



( OMMBMORATITE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



entire lives in this State, the father devoting his 
enei agricultural pursuits He was de- 

scended 1 1 ■ m i .erman ancestry, and his wife 
,,\ S( otch lini I le took quite an active part 

in local and Chunh affairs, and died in i - 
His wife, surviving him for several years, died in 
i s 7 2 . Their children are: Daniel, Eleanor, Mrs 
Susan Lank. i. Mrs. Mary Rhinesmith, H. II.. 
L. K . M C, Mrs Friscilla Glenn and Amanda. 

The Doctor was reared on his father's farm, 
and acquired an education in thecominon 
and academv. and at the State Agricultural 
ntre county. He read medicine 
under the direction o) Dr. Fisher, ol Boals- 
burg, ( entre county, and was graduated from the 
1 nnsylvania University at Philadelphia, with 
the class of 1879. Immediate!) afterward he 
cami ' Beech 1 reek, where he has since fol- 
d his profession with marked success. 

1»: Mothersbaugh was married, in 1875, to 
Miss Susan C. Hartswick, of Boalsburg, and two 
children -raced this union: Mary and Robert. 
The parents are leading and influential members 
of the Presbyterian Church, in which the D01 toi 
is now serving as trustee. I 1 his political 

support to the men and measures of the Repub- 
lican part)', Imt bas never been an aspirant for 
office He keeps abreast with all the improve- 
ments of the profession by his membership in the 
Clinton Count) Medical Society, the Medical 
Society of the West Branch, and the stale M i 
ical Association. He is well versed in his call- 
in-, and his ability to successfully apply the prin- 
ciples ol up.!;, me to the alleviation of human 
suffering has gained turn an enviable place anion- 
those who devote their lives to the noble work. 
His in. inner is pleasant and kindly, and his ster- 
ling worth has won foi him the esteem of a large 
circle of friends. 



riU.IAM O'DWYER, iol theself-made 

menol R< novo, whose early home wa 
the . ah. 1 side life 

without othi il than his strong hands and 

■ lute will, and m Ins undertakings prospered, 
but he has now laid aside all busii 

Born January I, 1839, in Count) (hue. In- 
land. Mr, O'l >wyei 1- a son ol Mi< h tel and Mar- 
garet (Kelly) O'Dwyer, also natives of Ireland, 
who in 1865 emigrated 1 • America and located in 
Ren ! mi. , wh« 1 pent then remain 

d.iv>. In less than a \eu alter his arrival, the 
father, whose hearing was impaired, was walking 
along the Pennsylvania railroad track when a 
me sliding down from the mountain top 
upon him and broke one of his legs, and other- 



wise injured him so that he died eleven d 
later. His wife long survived him. passing away 
in April, 1886. She left three children: Will- 
iam; Michael D., a merchant of Renovo; and 
Catherine, wife of Daniel Hayes. 

The opportunities afforded our subject for ob- 
taining an education were very limited, and on 
starting out in life for himself he worked as a 
common laborer in his native land until 1862, 
when he crossed the Atlantic and took up his 

lence in Renovo. For a time he worked on 
bridges, in mills, or at anything which he could 
find to do, including railroading, but in 1869 he 
embarked in the coal business in Renovo, which 
he successfully followed for twenty years. In 
[872 he also started a store, and was actively en- 
gaged in both lines of business until 1889, when 
he retired to private life. He met with excel- 
lent success in his operations, and he was of an 
industrious, economical nature, and has never 
v.t had occasion to regret his emigration to 
America, for here he has secured a good home 
and a comfortable competence which enable him 
to spend his declining days in peace and quiet 

< )n February J 5, 1 S79, Mr. O'Dwyer was joined 
in wedlock to Miss Susanna McNamara, also a 
native of County Clare, Ireland, and a daughter 
ol Patrick and Bridget (Birmingham I McNamara. 
The mother spent her entire life in Ireland, dying 
there Dec mber 22, 1S72, but the father later 
came to America, where his death occurred N 

nber 24, [890. In their family were six chil- 
dren, five of whom are now living: Mary, wife of 
1 Mulvihill; Nora, wife of Patrick Henry Duffy; 
Susanna, wife of our subject; Anna, wife of C. 
Mcllhenny, a resident of Philadelphia; James, of 
Renovo; and Bridget, of Chicago. Mrs. Nora 
Duffy died March 17, 1897. Nine children 
blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. O'Dwyer, but 
only five are now living. In order of birth they 
were as follows: Alice Frances, Charlotte Ann, 
Lisnori, Margaret Mary and Agnes Theresa. 
The parents are members of the Roman Catholic 
' hurch, and in politics Mr. O'Dwyer is an ar- 
dent Democrat. He has the respect and esteem 
1 who know him, and has made many friends 
in his adopt, d . . >untry. 



FRANK HARVEY, of Renovo. Clinton coun- 
ty, is th.' possessor of a handsome property 
which now enables him to spend his years in the 
pleasureable enjoyment of his accumulations. 
The record ..f his life is that of an active, en- 
terprising, methodical and sagacious busin 
man, who bent his energies to the honorable 
quirement of a comfortable competence for 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



725 



himself and family. He was left an orphan at 
an early age, and without capital started out to 
overcome the difficulties and obstacles in the 
path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have 
been realized, and in their happy fulfillment he 
sees the fitting reward of his earnest toil. 

Mr. Harvey was born in 1 842, in Ireland, a son 
of Richard and Mary (McNeelus) Harvey, also na- 
tives of that country, where the mother died six 
weeks after the birth of our subject. In 1849 
the father immigrated to the United States and 
took up his residence in Allegany county, Md., 
where he continued to make his home until he, 
too, was called to his final rest in 1856. Only 
two sons are now living: James, still a resident 
of Maryland; and Frank, of this review. 

To a limited extent Frank Harvey attended 
the public schools of Maryland, but the terms 
were short and the teachers very incompetent. 
After his father's death he became a driver in 
the mines, and, subsequently, engaged in rail- 
roading until after the outbreak of the Civil war, 
being in the employ of the Broadtop Railroad 
Company. The superintendent of the road, J. 
J. Lawrence, organized a company in 1862, 
which Mr. Harvey joined, it becoming Company 
F, 125th P. V. I., under Col. Jacob Higgins. 
For nine months our subject was in active serv- 
ice, and on the expiration of his term he, with 
the other employees of the road which formed 
the company, were re-instated, as was also the 
superintendent. In 1864, when Mr. Lawrence 
was transferred to the Sunbury & Erie, now the 
Philadelphia & Erie railroad, he took with him, 
among other employees, Mr. Harvey, who served 
as engineer on that road until December 31, 
1869, when he retired from the business. He 
has since been one of the important factors in 
the upbuilding and development of Renovo, 
being prominently connected with a number of 
its leading enterprises. He erected the "Ex- 
change Hotel," one of the most commodious 
hostelries in the place, and also built the water 
works. 

In 1867 Mr. Harvey was united in marriage 
with Miss Susan, daughter of Dr. Thomas Kane, 
a native of Ireland, and to them were born seven 
children, of whom six are still living: Mary, 
now the wife of A. P. Hassett, of Johnsonburg, 
Penn. ; John F., who married M. A. Burgess, 
and also resides in Johnsonburg; Nellie; Thomas 
E., a railroad fireman; Frank, who is clerking in 
a store in Johnsonburg; and Charles Pattison, 
who is attending the Renovo High School. 

Mr. Harvey and his family are all communi- 
cants of the Catholic Church, and in politics he 
has always been identified with the Democratic 



party. He has made a careful study of political 
matters, and has done much to promote his party's 
interests and insure its success. His fellow-cit- 
izens, recognizing his worth and ability, have 
called upon him twice to serve as burgess of Re- 
novo, and in 1885 he was appointed by Presi- 
dent Cleveland to fill an unexpired term as post- 
master, and was later re-appointed for a full term, 
creditably serving in that position until 1890. As 
a contractor he has been interested in railroad 
work, such as laying tracks, building bridges, 
grading etc. Being a successful man of business, 
his ability to advise what is best for the general 
welfare should be and is greater than that of an 
individual whose scope is more limited. He has 
made good use of his opportunities throughout 
life, and is still vigorous and well preserved, with 
a remarkable faculty for the conduct and dispatch 
of business. 



w 



ILLIAM SCOTT HARRIS. Of 
the younger men of Lock Haven, who 
have come to the front in the business circle of 
that enterprising city, Mr. Harris is deserving of 
mention. 

Jacob G. Harris, his father, is now a retired 
merchant of Lock Haven, a man held in high 
esteem by a wide circle of business acquaint- 
ances with whom from boyhood he has had 
business dealings, and by the many friends of the 
family. Jacob G. Harris was born March 18, 
1 83 1, in Williamsport, Penn., and when but a 
boy came to his present place of residence. He 
was married in 1858, to Phcebe A., daughter of 
Edward Shultz, a native of Pennsylvania, born 
February 2, 1S39, at Lebanon, and of their 
children, two only are living, namely: William 
Scott and Elizabeth; one — Sarah S. Harris — is 
deceased. 

William Scott Harris was born October 5, 
1861, and received his primary education at a 
private school. Later he attended the public 
schools of Lock Haven. At the age of seven- 
teen he dropped out of school and began his 
business career as a clerk in the dry -goods store 
of his father. He remained so occupied until 
1893; however, in 1883, he, in connection with 
his store duties became interested in the Lock 
Haven Gas Company, and since 1887, when the 
Electric Light Company was organized by the 
Gas Company and the two consolidated, he has 
been identified with it. Since 1893 he has given 
all of his time to the interests of the Gas, Elec- 
tric & Power Company, of which for the past 
three years he has been the efficient manager. 
He is a capable business man, and has most sue- 






WBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cessfully conducted the affairs of the company 
as well as his ventures, 

cially be is identified with the B. P. 0. P.. and 
is Past Exalted Ruler of the B. P. 0. E., No 
182, at Lock Haven. In politics he is a Re- 
publican, and active and influential in party 
irs He is now sen ing the 

school board. 



JOHN R. THOMPSON. To a student of biog- 
raphy there is nothing more interesting than 
to examine the life-history of a self-n 
n, and to deteel thi nts of character 

wli bled linn to pass on the highway 

•naiiy companions of his youth who at the 
■ set of ihi rs were more advantageously 

I or endowed. The subject of this re- 
view has through his own exertions attained an 
and marked prestige among 
th( ntative business men of Clinton coun- 

ty 

James T. Thompson, his father, one of the 
well-known and highly-] is ol Sal- 

ts born April 50, iSj(>, on the old home- 
Mackeyville, in Lamar township, 
Clinton county, a son of Moses and Hannah 
tts) Thompson. Among his first teachers 
was Jan ins opportun ob- 

taining lucation ware limited as his Si 

■n the home farm until si 
years "I age. He then began learning 
the miller's trade in Mackeyville under David 
ml during Ins thi' tice- 

ship received no compensation for his servii 
pt his hoard. Alter mastering the trade, he 
Mended si hool for a short time in Mack- 
lie, and subsequentl) successful lj I in 

■\ er five terms. 
On April 24, 1856, 111 Lewisburg, Penn., 
James T. Thompson was married to Miss Han- 
nah M. Lemon, who was born December 18, 
1832, in New Berlin, Penn., a daughter of Dan- 

ind Catharine (Thompson) Lemon, in wh 
family wen □ children: 1 Ellen, 

Th Sarah J., 1 -ydia, I lannah M. . and 

Mary. The father, who was a chair maker and 
furniture manufacturer, died in Williamspi 

n., at a ripe old agi lid also bis 

wife, and the remains of both wi 
there. In the famil) ol Mi and Mrs l hi im] 
were the following Eliza Ellen, born 

April 18, 1858, is now Mrs. Edward Burrell, of 
I ck Haven; John R, is next in order of birth; 
Mary Belle, born May 23, r86i, is the wil 
A M Reigel, of Salona; Thomas L., born 
March 14, a butcher of Lock Haven; 



Samuel W., born August iS, 1866, died Febru- 
ary 7, 1 S - 1 ; Harry A., born October 3, 1K71, 
died in infancy; and Anna G., born August 18, 
rs the wife of Dr. T. C. Conser, of Sun- 
bury, Penn. The wife and mother, who was a 
consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, was called to her final rest February 7, 
1890, and was buried at Cedar Hill. 

Alter his marriage James T. Thompson lo- 
cated in Mackeyville, where he engaged in mer- 
chandising in partnership with his brother, Rob- 
inson, until r 858, when he sold out and removed 
to Salona. For two years he was then con- 
nected with his brother, Solomon, in the tanning 
business, but soon after the outbreak of the Civil 
war he embarked in the butchering business at 
Salona, which he successfully carried on for a 
quarter of a century, gradually retiring after our 
subject became interested in the enterprise until 
he is now practically living retired. Until 1889 
he was a stanch supporter of the Republican 
party, but in that year joined the ranks of the 
Prohibition party, as he is a great enemy of the 
liquor traffic. 1 1 many years he has been a 
prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
( 1 nirch. He is now living in Salon a, surrounded 
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, 
who appreciate his sterling worth and many ex- 
cellencies of character. 

John R. Thompson was born June 9, 1 
at Salona, and in its public schools began his 
literary education under the direction of Daniel 
H. Hastings, the present governor of Pennsyl- 
vania. He regularly attended school until eight- 
een years of age, thus acquiring a good practical 

ation, and it is his opinion that the govern- 
ment of the schools at that day was much better 
than at the present time. For one year he 
taught school in Beech Creek township, Clinton 
county, receiving $24 per month. 

In the spring of [880 Mr. Thompson beg in 
working as a carriage-painter for \V. J. Eddy & 
D B. Krape, of Salona, at fifty cent lay, 

but at the end of two months his wages were hi- 
ed to $1.50. The burning of the factory 

ed him to go to Howard, Penn., where (or 
two years he worked at his trade for ( , M Quig- 
After his man hi visited Illinois, Iowa 

and Missouri, and for a few months was employed 
in Quincy, 111., after which he returned to Sa- 
lona, and has since engaged in the wholesale 
butcher business, buying cattle, which he slaugh- 
ready lor market and then sells. 
Since [886 he has successfully engaged in this 
undertaking, and he also does an extensive busi- 
ness as a shipper and seller of live stock. In the 
sprii ie located upon his present farm 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



727 



in Lamar township, Clinton county, known as a 
part of the Nestlerode farm, which at one time 
was owned by James Thompson, a brother of 
our subject's great-grandfather. It comprises 
some of the finest land to be found in Nittany 
Valley, and has been improved by him until it is 
now one of the most attractive and desirable 
places in the township. His elegant modern 
residence at Salona was erected in 1894, and the 
barns and other outbuildings have been remod- 
eled. Besides his place, he owns property in 
Lock Haven, a number of houses in Salona, a 
half interest in several valuable timber tracts in 
Union county, and adjoining his home farm he 
purchased a tract of land, a portion of which he 
has laid off and sold into town lots, which have 
been improved with good houses. Since 1892 
he has successfully engaged in the raising of 
tobacco in connection with his farming. 

In January, 1886, Mr. Thompson was mar- 
ried to Miss Lottie S. Hyatt, of Lamar township, 
Clinton county, who was born in Bradford coun- 
ty, Penn., September 18, 1859, a daughter of 
Eli and Emma F. (Herr) Hyatt, the former a 
native of Otsego county, N. Y., and the latter of 
Salona, Penn. In early life her father was a 
farmer and insurance agent, and later engaged 
in lumbering and in the manufacture of axes. 
He died in Salona, where his wife, who was born 
March 15, 1835, is still living. In their family 
were six children, namely: George T., also a 
resident of Salona; H. Clinton, a shoe dealer of 
Lewisburg, Penn. ; Hattie R., who married Elmer 
Jakway, and died in East Smithfield, Penn.; Lot- 
tie S., wife of our subject; Anna, now Mrs. 
Thomas H. Harris, of Tremont, 111. ; and Jennie, 
of Salona. The father of these children was a 
Democrat in politics, served as justice of the 
peace while living in Salona, and was a faithful 
member of the Disciple Church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Thompson have four children, whose names and 
dates of birth are as follows: Randolph H., Sep- 
tember 11, 1886; Clinton T. , February 27, 1888; 
Helen C, April 4, 1890; and Emma L. , March 
4, 1897. 

Since casting his first vote for James A. Gar- 
field, Mr. Thompson has been unwavering in his 
support of the Republican party, but he has al- 
ways refused to accept office, preferring to de- 
vote his undivided attention to his extensive 
business interests. Fraternally, he is a member 
of Olympic Council Royal Arcanum, No. 932, 
at Lock Haven. In business affairs he is ener- 
getic, prompt and notably reliable. Tireless en- 
ergy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, a 
genius for devising and executing the right thing 
at the right time, joined to every-day common 



sense, guided by resistless will power, are the 
chief characteristics of the man, and have been 
the important factors in his wonderful success. 
In advancing his own interests he has also ma- 
terially promoted the prosperity of his commu- 
nity by giving employment to a number of men, 
especially in the dull seasons. Thus as a public- 
spirited, progressive citizen he justly deserves the 
success that he has achieved, and is entitled to 
the respect and confidence that is everywhere 
accorded him. 



JOHN P. ANTHONY, a prominent citizen of 
Lock Haven, Clinton county, is now serving 

his second term as alderman from the First 
ward of that city, and his popularity is shown by 
the fact that he has twice overcome a large Re- 
publican majority in his ward without sacrificing 
his stanch Democratic principles. His influence is 
by no means confined to municipal affairs, how- 
ever, as he has taken an active part in county 
politics, and at one time held the office of county 
auditor. 

The Anthony family originated in France, 
and Philip Anthony, our subject's father, was 
born in that country, and came to this country in 
early manhood as one of the " Ole Bull " settlers. 
He was for many years a leading merchant-tailor 
of Lock Haven, and is now living in that city at 
the advanced age of eighty-four years. He mar- 
ried Miss Philbena Baseharp, and of their two 
living sons our subject is the elder. The young- 
er, L. H. Anthony, is engaged in business as a 
merchant-tailor at Lock Haven. 

The subject of this sketch was born in 1852, 
at Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, Penn., but 
was reared in Lock Haven, receiving his educa- 
tion in the elementary branches in the public 
schools, as one of the first pupils of Dr. A. N. 
Robb. Later he pursued higher lines of study 
at the Central State Normal School in the same 
city, and at the Central Pennsylvania College at 
New Berlin, where he spent two years. In 1880 
he took charge of the First Ward School in Lock 
Haven, and held the position until 1891, his abil- 
ity as a teacher winning wide recognition. In 
1 89 1 his name was presented as a reform candi- 
date for alderman, and, having the confidence of 
the best people of all parties, he was elected. 
So well did he discharge the duties of the post 
that he was re-elected in 1896 for another term. 
He is a firm opponent of monopoliesof all kinds, 
and has been an ardent supporter of the Demo- 
cratic party since he was old enough to have 
opinions of his own. 

In 1877 he was married to Miss Snyder, a 



728 



VMBMORA TIVI-: BIOORAPffTCAL RECORD. 



daughter of John Snyder, tit "f tin 

■ •ml .)l Nittany Valli \ « >ur subject is a member 
<>f \..iri*.ii— orders, including the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle, th< ' i I A., and the I. O. 

<i I . in which hi I i • .rand and Pasl ( )hiei 

Pati i.i n h ..I th( 1 Encampment . 



ILLIAM li ( ii;\l R, a prosp. i ms and 
influential farmi tow nship, 

Clinton county, was born there November 16, 
1847, liis birth occurring on the farm which lias 
now been in I ily for ovei eight) \. 

Ilis grandfather, [ohn Orner, a nativi I 
Northampton county, Penn., was the first of the 
familj I i" Clinton county, and 

first in Nittan) Valli \ He bo ill tract 

ol land in Bald Eagle township, of which only a 

few acres had been cleared. A st imason by 

tde, he worked at that occupation during 
I'H 11, while his family engaged in the 

further development ami cultivation "I the farm. 
I' ii' hi and his wife, who bore the maiden name 

Elizabeth Paul, died upon that place, and now 
sleep in Brown cemetery, Bald l iwnship. 

Their children wen >ws: Elizabeth, 

who married Jonathan Daughenbaugh, and died 
hi Eagleville, Centi I Penn.; Susan, who 

married John Bitt I died in Beech < 

Clinton county; Mary, who wedded Andrew Smith. 
and died in I Ci eek; Yanne, who married 

William B township; 

John, Who died ill Jell Ullty. l'ellll. . 

ibald A., who was ind died in 

Bald Eagle township, August 11. 1873, bei 
invalid for twenty years before his death; Levi, 
« hi 1 died in Iowa ; Margaret, who mat ried I 
Myers, ind died m Bald township; and 

I ib, the lather of our subji 

|acob Ornei I . tgi I I 1 hi I imily, was 
born June 1 |, [824, on the old home farm in 
Bald Eagle township, received only a n 
ucation, and was the only one ol the sons that 
did not learn a trade « > ning to man's 

tat ■ he man ied I li abeth I r, who was 

born ( >< tober 1, 1822, in Middletown, Penn., the 

\dam I r, and ti 

housekeeping on the Ornei homestead, where 
remained for four yeai i l he I 

tented the John I lai le) man farm in I 

town ihip foi five yeai ;, and then re ved to the 

farm now owned and occupied 1>> our subject, 
purchasing the same of Eli B I In 

1853 he built a log house, which is still standing, 
and in the spring of 1 the plai e, 

making it Ins home until 1878, when he removed 
to another farm in the same township, where lu> 



curred in 1SS5. Ilis wife was called to 
her final rest in [888, and both were buried in 
Allen a Bald I ti iwnship. They 

mbers of the Christian Church, 
in which he is elder for many years, and 

in politii tarn h 1 democrat. He sto.nl 

five feet, eleven inches in his stocking feet, 
weighed from [90 to 196 pounds, was hearty and 
robust, being seldom ill. Alth mgh he started 

m life for himself in limited circumstano 

he si I ulating a comfortab 

petence, and also gained the respect and confi- 
dence of all with whom he came in contact. 

nd Elizabeth (Kessinger) Orner had a 
family of nine children: Mary P., born Decem- 

50, 1845, is tin- wife of Samuel Achtiff, of 
I I. IIa\eii. Penn.; William II., our subject, is 
next in order ol birth; Margaret I... born April 
[3, 1850, is now Mrs. Robert Lannen, of Lock 
Haven; Elizabeth M., born April 2, 1852, is the 
wife of Henry Chambers, of Mill Hall, Clinton 
county; Sarah A., born August 2, 1854, is the 

of William Reeder, ol Lock Haven; George 
I'.., born November 1. 1S56, is a resident of Bald 

;le township; Emily C, bom August 28, 1 8 
makes her home in Lock Haven; Charles I 
born May 10, [862, is a farmer of Laid Eagle 
township; and Bertha I., born December 7, 1864, 
is the wife ol Green B. Shearer, ol Cameron 
county, Pennsylvania. 

In the Plunkett's Run school, under the direc- 
tion of I. S. Marshall, William H. Orner began 
his literary education, and afterward only at- 
led lor four months during the winter season, 
when work upon the farm was practicall) over. 
The schools were of the most primitive charac- 
ter, and our subject learned to write with a quill 
pen. He continued to assist in the labors ol the 
home (arm during the summer, and at the age ol 
eighteen began working as an employe in the lum- 
ber woods, but four years later embarked in busi- 
ness on his own account as a lumberman. From 
that time until he had attained th i twen- 

ty-eight h : |>i,6oo, often spending as much 

as ten n mt of thi : in the lumber 

ps. While ei I in log driving he experi- 

I all thi id privations of such a 

life, but met with excellent success in his labors. 

At ' ol twenty-eight, Mr. Orner was 

married to Miss Lydia J. Bitner, a native of 

1 Creek township, Clinton county, a daugh- 
ter of Abraham Bitner, and in that township 

made their home for two years, while he 

1 hi lumbei ing. From his father he then 

rented his present farm for four years, and pur- 

• 1 having the aid, in 
doing, ol a portion ol Mrs. Orner's legacy, which 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



729 



she received from her parents), since which time 
he has devoted his entire attention to agricultural 
pursuits with results which cannot fail to prove 
satisfactory. He has ioo acres of fertile and 
productive land, on which he erected an elegant 
residence in 1895, it being a model of conven- 
ience and one of the best homes in Bald Eagle 
township. In connection with general farming 
he raises thoroughbred Chester- White hogs, and 
all the stock upon his place is of a good grade. 
Skillful and systematic in his work, his success 
has been worthily achieved, and he is to-day 
ranked among the substantial, progressive and 
reliable business men of his township. 

To our subject and his wife were born seven 
children: Alma, Stella, Olive, Lawrence T. , 
Etta and Bessie (twins), and Raymond P., all of 
whom are still living with the exception of Bes- 
sie. The parents hold membership in the Church 
of Christ, and in social circles occupy an enviable 
position, their true worth and many excellencies 
of character being duly appreciated. At State 
and National elections, Mr. Orner always sup- 
ports the Democratic party, but at local elections 
where no issue is involved he votes for the man 
whom he believes best qualified to fill the posi- 
tion. For six years he served as auditor of his 
township and declined a re-election. 



J J. WENTZEL, Esq., a well-known mer- 
chant-tailor of Renovo, was born in 1850, in 
Northumberland county, Penn. , a son of Elias 
and Rachel (Geise) Wentzel, also natives of 
Pennsylvania, where they have spent their entire 
lives. Throughout his active business career the 
father engaged in agricultural pursuits, but for 
the past ten years has lived in retirement, enjoy- 
ing the fruits of his former toil. He has now 
reached the age of seventy-seven, while his wife 
is seventy-five, and they make their home in 
Snyder county, where they are surrounded by a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances who es- 
teem them highly for their sterling worth. They 
have eight children, as follows: Louisa, wife of 
Jonathan Spangler; J. J., of this sketch; Kate, 
wife of Andrew Deal, of Elkhart, Ind. ; Mary, 
also a resident of Elkhart; Sarah, wife of Will- 
iam Witmer; Rachel, wife of Dr. Krebs. of 
Northumberland county; David, a resident of 
Nebraska; and George N., who lives on the old 
homestead farm in Snyder county. 

When a child of eight years, J. J. Wentzel 
accompanied his parents on their removal to 
Snyder county, where he was reared upon a 
farm, and in the public schools of that county he 
obtained his elementary education. Later heat- 



tended the Freeburg Academy for a year and a 
half, and one winter taught school in Snyder 
county, another winter in Dauphin county, and 
one year had charge of the high school in Gratz- 
town, Pennsylvania. 

At the age of twenty, Mr. Wentzel left the 
parental roof, and for five years engaged in mer- 
chandising. Later he followed merchant-tailor- 
ing, and was also agent for sewing-machines and 
organs at Selins Grove, whence he removed to 
Shamokin, where he also engaged in merchant 
tailoring for nine years. Since 1886 he has been 
a resident of Renovo, and is one of the leading 
tailors of the place as well as one of its repre- 
sentative and highly respected citizens. 

Mr. Wentzel was married, in 1S73, to Miss 
Mary L. , daughter of Samuel Faust, of Selins 
Grove, and to them were born four children: 
Samuel F. , Katie R. (Mrs. Chauncey D. Saltzman), 
Mary Lidia (deceased); and Guy E. The parents 
are sincere and faithful members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which Mr. Wentzel is now 
serving as steward. In his political affiliations he 
is a Democrat, and has ever been an active worker 
in the interests of his party. He served as as- 
sistant postmaster while a resident of Salem, 
Snyder county, and was postmater at Dry Valley 
Cross Roads, Union Co., Penn., which office he 
established. He discharged the duties of the 
office in a prompt and efficient manner. In No- 
vember, 1890, he was appointed justice of the 
peace, by the Governor, for Renovo, and held that 
office for a year and a half. In 1896 he was 
elected to the same position, which he is now 
filling with credit to himself and to the entire 
satisfaction of the community, his decisions being 
always fair and impartial. 



MENRY J. EMORY was born August 8, 1840, 
in Pine Creek township, Clinton county, 
where he now follows farming and tobacco raising. 
From the North of Ireland came the first 
American ancestors of the family. Henry Em- 
ery, who spelled the name with an e, was born in 
Buffalo Valley (now a part of Union county), 
June 23, 1789, of Scotch-Irish descent, and when 
a young man removed to Linden, Lycoming 
county, where he purchased a tract of land and 
followed farming until within a few years of his 
death. Some time before he died he bought a 
home on the public road near Linden, where he 
lived retired, departing this life November 20, 
1872. He was an industrious, energetic man, 
upright in his dealing, well-known and respected 
by all. His political adherence was transferred 
from the Whig to the Republican party, and he 






VMBMORA T1VK BIOGRAPHICAL UE< DRD. 



and his family were leading Methodists, their 
home being the pla ntertainment for all 

ministi rs "I that denomination. 

Henry Emery was married January i. [812, 

-virah Horn, who was born October 21 
Thi : ten children: Jacob F. 

was born October 22, 1S12; Elizabeth, bom Di 
: 28, 1813, died February 12, t892;Nancy, 
rn October 2, 18 1 5, married Mar-hall Hughes, 
who died in Wisconsin December 10, 1877, and 
her death occurred in that State August 13, \- 
Margaret, born Septembei 29, 1817, became the 
wife of William Marshall, and died near Linden, 
Penn. ; Mary, born August [8, 1819, married 
Abram Williamson, "1 Wi tharine, 

11 July 26, 1822, is the widow of Robert Mar- 
tin. "I Lycoming county, Penn.; John B. , a sad- 
dler, b irn August 4. 1827, died in Kansas, Janu- 
1 [1 my. born March 3, 1 ides 

nn the eld homestead; Sarah, born May 14, 1832, 
died August 27. 1856; Rachel A., born May 17, 
1835, man th, of Linden, and 

i :n May, 1897. The mother of this family, 
who was a consist! nt Methodist, died November 
1. 1 

Jacob F, Emory, a native oi Linden, received 

immon-school education, and remained on his 
lathers (arm until 184O, when he lo( the 

Samuel Thomas farm of too acres in Clinton 

nt) lb made excellent improvements there, 
remodeled the dwelling, built a good bam, and 
was extensivel) engaged in stock raising, alw 
keeping fine horses He sp 

fifty years ol his life as a respected farmer and 
I Pini 1 nek township, and died Sep- 
•1 In : he \\.i> first a 

Whig and afterward a R< publican, i all 

the tow nshi] that ol justii e ol thi 

e. I le was industrious, temperate, hon 
able in all things, and daily made a studs' of his 
Bibl 

< In ( )( tobei 1 ,-. 1 • 9 l( Linden Spi ings, Penn., 
Mi i Emoi ■■ was man Rebecca 

Martin, who was born Ma) 5, 1817 iter 

Alexander and Sarah Alien Martin, both ol 
whom were ol Scotch-Irish de-cent. Her death 
occurred September 6, t88o, Both Mi 
Mrs Emor) wen consistent members of the 
M. thi id hi In 11 family numbered n 

children; Henry J, 1- oui subject; Sarah I 
1" 1 u June 2 j, 1 842, was m 570, 

to Hugh F. Allen. Mar) I - . 

rn April 7, 1S44, became the wile .4 Anthi 
1 Pepperman, ol Lock Haven, February 

11 A. , born June 1 , 1 N40, died |une 

10, 1870; Rebecca J., born February 9, iS;o, is 

■■ i' 1 fames Shaw, ol Pine Creek township, 



Clinton county; Geor-e Winfield, born July 19, 
2. wedded Mary Bunnell, of Pine Creek town- 
ship, by whom he has five children; Clara A., 
born April 30, iS;;, is the wife of Jacob Bunnell ; 
and Margaret E., born March 2, 1 848, is the wife 
of Joseph ). McGuire, of Wayne township, Clin- 
ton county. 

Henry J. Emory started out in life for himself 
empty-handed, and to-day he is classed among 
the substantial farmers and most enterpn- 
citizens of Pine Creek township. His advan- 
tages were very meagre but he made the most of 
his opportunities, and determined purpose has 
enabled him to reach the goal of prosperity. He 
attended the public schools of Pine Creek town- 
ship and spent the lirst twenty years of his life 
on the homestead. In 1S67, in connection with 
his father, he purchased 119 acres of the old 
Harris farm in Line Creek township, which he 
operated for rive years, making excellent im- 
provements thereon. He afterward purchased 
the Carman homestead. He had little capital 
when he started out in life, but by raiting on the 
river he managed to save $ 1,000 with which he 
made the first payment on the farm March 12, 
1872. His economy and industry soon enabled 
him to clear the place of all indebtedness, and he 
now has ninety-two acres of rich land, largely 
planted to tobacco. In this industry he has been 
very successful. He built three tobacco sheds 
75 x 24 feet, and two sheds 50x25, and his capa- 
ble man I of his interests has bought to 
him good financial returns. He also own- two 
dwellings in [ersey Shore, and a good farm in 
Porter township, Lycoming county. 

On July 2, 1867, in the home where they 
now reside, by Rev. Winton, a Lutheran minis- 
ter, Mr. Emory was married to Miss Hannah 
;e Gar man, who was born August 14. 1841, 
a daughter 1 >t Henry and Hannah (Groffj Garman. 
Hi lather was born in Dauphin county, Penn., 
August 4. 1807, and on coming to central Penn- 
sylvania purchased the old Lay farm of 200 
m Pine ( reek township, Clinton county. 
Here. 111 1840, he built one of the first brick 
houses in the township, at a cost of $4,000. ! 1 

built barns and made other substantial im- 
pro\ 1 continued active farming until 

1S72, when he retired to private life. In 1874 
he removed to Jersey Shore, where his death oc- 
curred in 1 Soil, his remains bein^ interred in the 
Jersey Shore cemetery. He was married in 
Lancaster county to Hannah Groff, a nativi 
that county, and a daughter of Isaac Groff. She 
died at the old homestead in 1S72. Both Mr. 
and Mrs Garman were active members of the 
Lutheran Church, in which he served as elder. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



731 



He was a worker in the temperance cause, a 
student of the Bible, and an honorable, upright 
man, whose influence was ever on the side of the 
good. For a number of years he served as jus- 
tice of the peace of Pine Creek township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Garman had children: David, a re- 
tired merchant of Jersey Shore, married Maria 
Knepley, and has one child, William; Jacob, 
who married Sarah Good, and had one child; 
Mamie, died in Chester county, Penn., at the 
age of forty; Rebecca resides in Jersey Shore; 
Mrs. Emory is the next of the family; Mary C. 
died in infancy; and Henry, a jeweler of Coats- 
ville, Chester county, married Jennie Scott, and 
has one child, Edgar. 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Emory have two chil- 
dren: (i) Carrie V., born April 17, 1868, who 
was educated in the public schools, and was mar- 
ried September 19, 1888, to Harvey J. Betts, a 
farmer of Porter township, Lycoming county, by 
whom she has two children — Grace E., born 
September 21, 1889; and Charles H., born June 
21, 1896. (2) Charles A., born January 16, 
1 87 1, attended the schools of Pine Creek town- 
ship and the high school of Jersey Shore, and is 
now engaged in tobacco raising on the home 
farm. He was married, in February, 1897, t0 
Barrie H., a daughter of Henry and Rebecca 
(Kline) Earon, of Pine Creek township. Mr. 
Emory is an elder in the Lutheran Church, a 
teacher in the Sunday-school, and a man whose 
upright life and fidelity to principle commends 
him to the confidence and regard of all. Tem- 
perate, industrious, true to every trust, his circle 
of friends is very extensive, and his example is 
most worthy of emulation. 



OuRRIN HARVEY ROSSER, M. D. In com- 
_Ji parison of the relative value to mankind of 
the various professions and pursuits, it is widely 
recognized that none is so important as the med- 
ical profession. From the cradle to the grave 
human destiny is largely in the hands of the 
physician. One of the ablest representatives of 
this noble calling in Clinton county is Dr. Rosser, 
of Renovo. 

The Doctor is a native of the county, his 
birth having occurred in Lock Haven, March 6, 
1866, and he is a son of William H. and Hen- 
rietta Catherine (Reither) Rosser, who are now 
residents of Mill Hall. The mother is a native 
of Germany, but the father was born in Tioga 
county, Penn., in 1840, though his father was a 
native of Wales. When only seven years old 
William H. Rosser was brought to Clinton coun- 
ty, where he has since made his home. For 



many years he followed carriage making and 
blacksmithing, but is now living practically re- 
tired. In answer to his country's call for aid 
during the dark days of the Rebellion, he enlisted 
in Company C, 52d P. V. I., but at the end of a 
year was honorably discharged on account of lung 
trouble. He is one of the most highly respected 
and honored citizens of Mill Hall, where he is 
now acceptably serving his fifth term as justice 
of the peace. The Doctor has two brothers, 
George McClellan and Jesse B., of Mill Hall. 

Our subject attended the common schools un- 
til thirteen years of age, and in 1882 entered the 
Normal, at Lock Haven, where he was graduat- 
ed in June of the following year. During the 
next two years he was engaged in the axe busi- 
ness for his father, but spent his leisure hours in 
studying medicine with Dr. W. J. Shoemaker, of 
Lock Haven. In September, 1887, he matricu- 
lated at the Medico-Chirurgical College of Phila- 
delphia, and graduated from that institution 
April 10, 1890. He at once opened an office in 
Vanderbilt, Fayette Co., Penn., but in May, 
1 89 1, came to Renovo, where he soon built up a 
large and lucrative practice, which he to-day en- 
joys. He is a progressive member of the pro- 
fession, who keeps abreast of the latest discover- 
ies and theories by his perusals of medical jour- 
nals. His skill and ability are attested by the 
liberal patronage he enjoys, and which ranks him 
as one of the leading physicians of the county. 

On April 17, 1890, Dr. Rosser was united in 
marriage with Miss Nettie E. Welsh, a daughter 
of Nathan Welsh, of Lock Haven. Politically, 
the Doctor is identified with the Democratic par- 
ty, and, fraternally, is a member of the Renovo 
Lodge No. 595, I. O. O. F., and Dexter En- 
campment No. 163. He is an honored member 
of the Clinton County Medical Society, and also 
of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania, and, in so- 
cial as well as professional circles, he stands de- 
servedly high. 



CS.HARLES H. KLINEFELTER, now serving 
^J as justice of the peace in Chapman town- 
ship, Clinton county, is a prominent general 
merchant of North Bend, Clinton county. Com- 
paratively few men can attain to the highest 
offices in civil or military life, but commerce 
offers a broad and almost limitless field in which 
one can exercise his powers unrestrained, and 
gain a leadership as the head of a chosen calling. 
In the life of our subject we learn that the quali- 
fications necessary for success are a high ambi- 
tion and a resolute, honorable purpose to reach 
the exalted standard that has been set up. From 






VMBMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the age of twelve years he has been dependent 
ii his own res 

Mr. Klinefelter was !»>rn March 18, 1862, in 
Madisonburg, Centre Co., Penn.. and is a grand- 
son of Peter Klinefelter, Sr., who was born in 
Y<>rk county, Penn., of German descent, and 
there followed farming until coming, when a 
ing man, to central Pennsylvania. He pur- 
chase'! a farm of i-5 acres mar Madisonburg. in 
Centre county, on which he made man}- useful 
and valuable improvements, and successfully 
;aged in farming and stock-raising He died 
at Madisonburg in 1872, and was buried there. 
He was a nt member of the Lutheran 

Church, was a Democrat in politics, and was 
widely and favorably known. He married and 
had several children. 

Peter Klinefelter, "ur subject's father, « 
native 1, 1 Madisonburg, and acquired a fair edu- 
cation in both German and English, such as the 
public schools of the day afforded. He made 
fan principal occupation, and spent his 

entire life upon his father's place, where he died 
in 1X74, being laid to rest in the Lutheran ceme- 
teiv at Madisonburg. He was a member of the 
Lutheran Church, ami on the Democratic ticket, 
which he always supported by his ballot, he was 
elected to several township offices of honor and 
trust in Miles township. Centre county. In Re- 
bersburg, that county, he married Elvina Sinull. 
that place, and a daughter of Henry 
Smull, .1 tanner, who was of German descent. 
I hildren blessed this union: One who d 

in infancy; Jane, wife ol [ohn Stiver, of Fl< 
ington, Clinton county; Luther, who died at the 
of thirty; Tyrus, a resident of Nippenose 
Valley, Lycoming Co.. Penn. ; and Charles H. 
Alter the death of her first husband, the mother 
married William Bierley, ol Rebersburg, wl 
they are still living. 

In the public schools of Centre county the 
subject of this -ketch received his primary edu- 
cation, which was supplemented by a o 

Is in Rebersburg and in the Eastman 
•liege of Poughkeepsie, N Y. His 
father dying when he was twelve years of age, he 
came to Clinton count} to live with an uncle, T. 
J smull. a merchant ol Mackeyville, with whom 
lu remained for three years, clerking in the store 
and attending school. He then returned to 
lersburg, where he pursued his studies in a 
private school, as previously stated, and lived 
there for several years. Attheagi ol u he 

taught his first school in Woodward. Centre 
county, and successfully followed that profession 
(or four terms m Nippenose Valley, in Reb< 
burg, and in Dodge City. Kansas. 



; a year and a half Mr. Klinefelter clerked 
in the store of L. Putt, in Renovo, Penn., and in 

4 went to Newton, Kans. , where he was 
similarly employed for the same length of time. 
In that State he pre-empted 160 acres of land, 
which he still retains, and during the great boom 
of that section he successfully engaged in the 
real ml loan business until 1889. Return- 

ing to his native State. Mr. Klinefelter located in 
Clearfield county, where he engaged in clerking, 
and also became manager of a coal companv s 
store, remaining there until 1894, when he came 
to North Bend and bought the Webster property. 
Here he has since successfully engaged in general 
merchandising, and is numbered among its wide- 
awake and enterprising business men. For three 
years he also conducted a store at Gleasonton, 
but sold out in the spring of 1897. 

In 1889, in Lock Haven, Mr. Klinefelter was 
married to Mi-- Stella Webster, a native of 
Wayne county, Penn., and a daughter of H. M. 
Webster, a real-estate broker, who was of Lng- 
lish descent. On the Republican ticket, Mr. 
Klinefelter was elected justice of the peace of 
Chapman township, in 1S94. and is now accept- 
ably serving in that office, having married one 
couple and tried many cases, none of which have 
been appealed to the higher courts, so fair and 
impartial is he in his decisions. Socially, he is 
identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, and, religiously, both he and his wife 
are members of the Lutheran Church. Two 

: liters have been born to them: Erma and 
Mildred. 



SAMUEL] [SENHOWER. Among the rep- 
resentative and enterprising farmers of Green 
township, Clinton county, there is perhaps none 
that is looked upon with more respect than Mr. 
iihovver, who was born March 17, 1848, in 
the same township. Henry Eisenhower, his 
grandfather, was a native of Lebanon county. 
Penn., a farmer and weaver by occupation, and 
a Democrat in politics. He was three times 
married, and spent his last days m Indiana. 

Daniel Eisenhower, father of our subject, was 
horn on January 27, 1813, in Lebanon county. 
near the city of Lebanon, and attended the sub- 
s< ription schools of the locality. At the age of 
eighteen he learned the tailor's trade, at which 
he worked in his native county until 1835, when 
tme to central Penns) Ivania and took up his 
lence in White Deer. Lycoming county, 
where for thirteen years he worked at his trade 
and also at other employments. For a short 
time after coming to Sugar Valley, in 1848, he 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



733 



continued to follow tailoring, and then purchased 
100 acres of land, to the cultivation and im- 
provement of which he devoted his energies un- 
til 1888, when he sold out, and is now living 
retired, enjoying a well-earned rest, though he 
is not entirely idle, being too energetic for that. 
For many years he has been a consistent and 
faithful member of the Lutheran Church, and is 
an earnest advocate of the Republican party. 

In 1836, at White Deer, Daniel Eisenhower 
was united in marriage with Miss Leah Lutz, a 
native of Lebanon county, Penn., and a daugh- 
ter of William Lutz, a farmer of that county. 
Nine children were born to them: William, who 
died while in the army; Henry, a resident of 
West Point, Clinton county; John, also of Clin- 
ton county; Samuel, of this sketch; Cornelius, of 
Reedsville, Mifflin county; Margaret, wife of 
William Miller, of Illinois; Sarah, widow of Ed- 
ward Shafer; and two who died in childhood. 
The wife and mother was called to the world 
beyond in 1884, and was buried in Pleasant Hill 
cemetery. Four years later the father was again 
married, in Green township, his second union 
being with Barbara A. Citherman, who was born 
December 31, 1828, in Union county, Penn., 
and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Eisen- 
hower was the widow of Andrew Cornman. Her 
father was David Citherman, a farmer of Union 
county. 

The subject of this sketch attended the pub- 
lic schools, conducted in an old log school house 
at Pleasant Hill, and taught by Mr. Watson and 
afterward by Mr. Bitner, for only three months 
during the winter until thirteen years of age, 
when his school days were over. He has ever 
been a close student, however, and by reading 
and observation has become a well-informed 
man, well posted on all topics of general interest. 

At the age of thirteen Mr. Eisenhower left 
home and was employed by the farmers of Lamar 
township, Clinton county, for four years, receiv- 
ing about $12 per month. In 1865, as a chop- 
per, he began cutting logs in the woods of Elk 
county, Penn., where he was employed for three 
years, and then returned to Green township, 
Clinton county, and began business for himself 
in manufacturing lumber, railroad ties, etc., with 
Andrew Jamison as a partner. In 1876 he 
went to Nebraska, where he only remained a 
short time, and on his return purchased his 
present farm of 125 acres of valuable land from 
John Herman. Here he has since made his 
home, and has improved the place with a fine 
residence, good barns and other outbuildings, 
which stand as monuments to his thrift and in- 
dustry. In connection with general farming, he 



makes a specialty of the raising of potatoes, and 
is looked upon as one of the most skillful and 
methodical agriculturists of the locality. 

In 1870, in Green township, Mr. Eisenhower 
was married to Miss Rebecca Herman, who was 
born in Lykens Valley, Dauphin county, Penn., 
a daughter of Josiah and Matilda (Dappendorf) 
Herman, of Green township, Clinton county. She 
has indeed proved a faithful helpmeet to her hus- 
band, is an excellent housekeeper and cook, and 
is a most estimable lady. The following children 
have been born to them: Albert, who was edu- 
cated in the public schools and the Central State 
Normal, and is now successfully engaged in 
teaching in the West; Harvey, who also pursued 
his studies in the schools of Green township and 
the Central State Normal at Lock Haven, after 
which he taught for three terms in Green town- 
ship, and is now taking a musical course in the 
college at Valparaiso, Ind. ; Noah, Leah, William, 
Josiah, Sarah and Jennie P., all at home, and 
two who died in infancy. Fully realizing the 
advantages of a good education, Mr. Eisenhower 
is providing his children with the best possible 
opportunities along that line. He has done 
much to promote the cause of education in his 
district, while serving as school director and 
president of the board,* and he has also efficiently 
filled the office of overseer of the poor in Green 
township. He is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has served as elder for six 
years, and also as deacon and trustee, and Sun- 
day-school superintendent and teacher. All 
enterprises calculated to promote the moral, 
intellectual or material welfare of the community 
receive his hearty support. 



JAMES R. THRONE, a representative farmer 
and tobacco grower of Wayne township, 
Clinton county, was born October 10, 1847, 
near Youngsdale, in that township, and is a 
worthy member of one of the highly-respected 
families of the county. 

John M. Throne, his grandfather, was a na- 
tive of Germany, and when a young man emi- 
grated to this country, first locating in Berks 
county, Penn., where he followed milling for 
some time. He then removed to Centre Mills, 
Centre county, where he followed the same pur- 
suit for a number of years, and was subsequently 
engaged in the milling business in New Lisbon, 
Ohio, where his death occurred. In his political 
affiliations he was a Democrat. He was married 
in Berks county, Penn., and became the father 
of. the following children: Jesse, John, Samuel, 



784 



OOMMEMORA T1VS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



David, Michael, and Mary Polly . wife of David 
If Snook, of Centre Mills, Centre county. I 

US all removed to Ohio with the exception of 
Mil bael, the lather ol our subject. 

In the ci minion schools Michael Throne learned 
tn read and write both English and German, and 
became especially proficient in the latter lai 
When a young man he removed with his parents 

i Berks county to Centre county, and, being 
a miller by trade, he operated the < entre Mills 
[or several years. He then n ItotheCald- 

M ills, <jf which he also had charge for a 
number ol ■ I from there came i 

Valley, where he operated the Logan Mills, 
■.era I years spent thei netoWayne 

township, where he the first gristmill in 

this section of Clinton county, and when his 
plant was destroyed bj tire, he rebuilt in 18 

i cost of $5,000, erecting the present mill at 

*^ gsdale, which he operated until 1853. He 

then gave up milling and purchased a farm of 
I ;.( acres, on which he made many improve- 
rs and continued to make his home until his 
death, in Febru Mills, Cen- 

tra county, he married Hannah Gauby, who was 
born near Reading, in Berks county, and they 

ame the parents ol five children: John 

I Harrisburg, Penn . [ames R., of 
tin |ane. ". I lin McKange; Sam- 

uel, who died at the .iL:e ol twent) years; and 
Sarah, who died at the age of eighteen years. 
The inothei passed away in iSSS. and both she 
and her husband were buried in Union cemeti 

\ had 1 1 mfidence ol the en- 

tire community, and were faithful 1 3 of 

th<- Methodi pal Church, active in both 

Church and Sunday-school work. In politics 
Mr Tin ' rat 

During his boyh I and youth James R. 

atti nded the public schools of Wayne township, 
and was oared on the home farm, wh 

tire I if, •. He took charge of the place 
m 1881 . and has since 1 it. 

In the June floi id ol 1 889 his resident • . barn, 

hard and other improvements were all 
stroyed at a lossol $3,500, but with characteris- 
tii em rg) hi beg in to repli . buildin 

hoi: ol $1 ,500, and erecting bai 

tobacco sheds and other outbuildings He 

lanted tl trd Sii he has b 

interested in the tobacco industry, and also 
votes considerable time I raising, both of 

which have proved quite profitable He owns 
and op. i f land, and at one time 

engaged in piloting on the Susquehanna, running 
arks and rafts between Lock Ha> en and Mar- 
aud Columbia 



In 1869, in Clearfield county, Penn., Mr. 
Throne was married, the lad)' of his choice being 
Miss Catharine A Dice, a native of Wayne town- 
ship, Clinton county, and a daughter of Benja- 
min Dice, a late farmer of that township. They 
have five children, as follows: (1) Norman F., 
horn September 29. 1 871, began his education 
in the schools of Wayne township, and later 
nded the Northwestern Ohio State Normal 
School. He is now gauger for the Crescent Oil 
1 ompany, and is a Democrat in politics. On 
January 15, 1 S94, he was married in Camden, X. 
(., to Alice E. Waters, a native of Tyrone, 
Blair Co., Penn., and a daughter of J. H and 
Mary M. (Blake) Waters. They now have two 
children Robert 1'.. born in January. 1895; a "d 
Thelma, born June 21, [896. (2 William S., 
born April 2S. 1873, was educated in Wayne 
township, and is a telegraph operator residing at 
home. He also supports the Democratic party. 
He was married September 15, 1897, a * Lock 
Haven, Penn., to Mary E. Hurley, of Wayne 
township, Clinton county, the only daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs John Hierly. (3) Gertrude M.. 
born November 2, 1876, (4) Edward C, born 
ember 13, 1878, and [5 John M., born 
March in, 1SS6, are all at home with their 
parents. 

As a Democrat, Mr. Throne has taken quite 
an active interest in politii 5, and has served as 
school director several years, assessor, judge of 
election, and overseer of the poor. During the 
Civil war it was his desire to join the Union 
army, but his parents opposed it, and he has 
ever proved a loyal and patriotic citizen. Fra- 
illy he is a member of the Mystic Chain, and 
inge, and, religiously, belongs to the Evan- 
gelical Church In all the relationsof life he has 
proved a straightforward, honorable man, and 
the respect of all who know him. 



OSCAR F II LMLEE, the proprietor of one 
livery stands in this section, at 
whose stables in Lock Haven, Clinton county, 
nd the safest horses and up-to-date 
vein ill kinds, is a native of the neighbor- 

ntre. born April 8, 1859. 
id and Christina (Heinbach) Felmlee 
ware born in Pennsylvania, and in this State 
>ed their livi I n many years he was oc- 
cupied in farming and as a contractor. His 
in 1871, and his wife passed 
awav in ; They were industrious and good 

pie. Their children were: [ohn, a resident 
of Iowa: Mary, the widow of John Feese; 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



735 



George H., a resident of Renovo; and Oscar F., 
our subject. 

Oscar F. Felmlee received but a limited edu- 
cation. He attended the common schools of 
this locality, but his father dying when he was 
only twelve years of age, he had to early de- 
pend upon himself. The spirit of self-reliance 
that adverse circumstances in life develops, and 
while it robs the boy of his boyhood, it makes 
the man of him, and brings him success in life 
that would otherwise have been a failure. From 
that tender age our subject has been self-sup- 
porting. The family moved to Clinton county 
sometime in the sixties, and since 1870 Oscar 
F. has resided at Lock Haven. For eighteen 
years continuously he was in the employ of 
Furst, Ricke & Co., lumbermen, which is evi- 
dence of his fidelity to the duties he had to per- 
form and of the company's estimation of his 
services. In 1890 he embarked in business for 
himself, establishing his present livery stable, 
which is proving to be a successful undertaking. 
His stables, as before shadowed in the preceding 
reference to the business, are commodious and 
well-equipped in all that goes to complete a first- 
class livery business. Socially he is a member 
of the I. O. O. F., and is past grand of his 
lodge; he is also a member of the Royal Arca- 
num, and of Lock Haven Business Men's Club. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

On September 29, 1881, Mr. Felmlee was 
married to Crissa A. Long, a daughter of J. H. 
Long, of Lock Haven. To the union have 
come two children: Beryl and Gertrude. The 
parents of these are members of the Lutheran 
Church. The mother was born April 27, 1862, 
in Clinton county, and is a daughter of J. W. 
Long and Margaret Eyer. 



FREDERICK MUTHLER, one of the most 
industrious, wide-awake and progressive 
farmers of Beech Creek township, Clinton coun- 
ty, was born in Lockport, Penn., November 6, 
1855, a son of Joseph and Catharine (Lehr) 
Muthler. During his boyhood and youth he at- 
tended the schools of Lock Haven to a limited 
extent, but his priviliges along that line were 
meager. At the age of ten years he began 
acting as a driver for his father, who owned and 
operated canal boats for some years, and he also 
became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon 
the home farm in Beech Creek township, which 
he now occupies. For some time he aided in 
the work of the farm during the summer months, 
while the winter seasons were spent in the lum- 
ber woods. 



On March 23, 1882, Frederick Muthler was 
married to Miss Susan Earon, who was born 
July 11, 1856, in Beech Creek township, a daugh- 
ter of John and Eve Catharine (Myers) Earon. 
She obtained her education at the Bitner school 
in her native township. By her marriage she 
has become the mother of five children: Charles 
W., Anna C. , Adam D., Lucy E., who died 
when only two weeks old, and Naaman Joseph, 
born September 14, 1897. The parents began 
their married life in a rented house, and the 
husband for a year and a half worked on his 
father's farm. He then purchased a farm from 
George Pottorf in Bald Eagle township, Clinton 
county, where he lived for five years and a half, 
and in March, 1889, removed to the old home- 
stead of his father. He also owns what is known 
as the John Bitner heirs farm, and has 130 
acres of arable land besides 200 acres covered 
with timber. He is a sturdy farmer, unosten- 
tatious and honest, and is a man of good busi- 
ness ability and sound judgment. Being indus- 
trious and energetic, he has prospered in his un- 
dertakings, and has already secured a comfort- 
able competence, and undoubtedly greater suc- 
cess awaits him in the future. Fraternally he 
affiliates with the Grange. Politically he is iden- 
tified with the Democratic party; and in their 
religious views both he and his wife are members 
of Laurel Run Church, in which Mr. Muthler 
is serving as trustee and steward. He has effi- 
ciently filled the office of school director, and is 
a supporter of all enterprises calculated to ad- 
vance the moral, educational or material welfare 
of the communitv. 



E\LMER E. DOUTY, one of the prominent 
'I and influential citizens of Sugar Valley, 

where throughout his business career he has suc- 
cessfully followed lumbering and farming, was 
born November 3, 1863, in Green township, 
Clinton county. 

Mr. Douty belongs to a family of French 
origin, which is noted for its industry and patriot- 
ism. His grandfather, George C. Douty, was a 
native of Columbia county, Penn., where he fol- 
lowed farming and married a Miss Kurtz. With 
his wife and small family he came to Sugar 
Valley, then a part of Centre county, and pur- 
chased a tract of land, on which he and his two 
brothers built a sawmill, which they operated for 
a number of years. He became one of the most 
successful lumbermen of the locality, and gave 
the greater part of his attention to that business, 
but was interested to some extent in agriculture, 
owning and operating a small farm. After ac- 






' 03IMBM0RATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



i j 1 1 1 ri ri^; a comfortable ence he retired 

from active I and spent his I; ma 

pleasant home at VVatsontown, Northumberl 
county, Penn., surrounded by all the comforts 
and many of the luxuries of life, which he had 
secured through his own toil in ars. 

While a i - igar Vall< rved as 

justice of tli . numbei rs, being 

appointed by the governor of the State, and 
satisfactorily settled many a dispute. I 
well-informed man. nt, he often 

acted the part of a lawyer (or his friends, and his 

ice was sought on various subjects. His 

■nable wife died in Lycoming county, Penn. 
1 li ith v.' re men I I Ivangeli cia- 

tion, and were highly respected and esteemed. 
In their family were nine children: Ad. mi, Lliza- 
beth, Reuben, Rebecca, Ellis. Jennie. Hattie, 
Hiram and Agni 

Reubi n Douty, our subject's father, was born 
in i inty, Penn., August 2, 18 — , and 

1 English education. Like 
his father, he made lumbering his lifework, and 
although he continued to make his home from 
childhood in Sugar Valley, he carried on opera- 
tions in Clinton, » entreand other counties, where 
the forests were still untouched by the axe. In 
his undertakings he met with a well-deserved 
success, becoming the prosperous and 

substantial citizens of his community. His busi- 
iii -s calling him into various sections of the State, 
he became widely known, and • asilj won the 
nfidence and friendship ol those with whom he 
lb- built a pleasant home in 
rroll, Clinton county, where he spent his last 
days, and where his widow still resides. His 
death was quite unexpected, he passing away 
when asleep. H a consi>- mber of 

the I \ ingi lical Chun h, was a -trout; Republican 
m politics, and under the Baker law was the first 
of his party elected judge of elections in Green 
t< iwnship. 

[n that township he was married to Sabina 
Smith, a daughter oi John Smith, a r of 

Green township, ami she is still quite hale and 
hearty for one of |. They became the 

pan fourteen children, who in order of 

birth are as follows: Thomas, a lumber manu- 
facturer of Green township; Rebecca, wife 
Robert Lynch; Laura, deceased wife of William 
Lupoid, Albert, a teacher of Mifflinburg, Union 
Co., Penn.; William, a merchant and lumber 
manufacturei Elmer 1 I tin- sketch . I 

who died in childhood; Frank, t Forestville, 
Union county; Ambrose, a lumberman ol tar- 
roll, Green township, Clinton county; Lester, a 
<i of Eastville, in the same township; 



Charles, a lumberman of Green township; and 
Harry and Edwin, all sawyers living in 
Green township. 

The opportunities afforded our subject for 
obtaining an education were such as the public 
schools of Green township were able to give. At 
age of thirteen he began working in the 
mill with his father, and after attaining his ma- 
jority continued in the lumber business, being 
for a part of the time a partner of his father and 
also of his brothers, William and Thomas. He 
resided principally in Green township, but was 

iged in the manufacture of lumber both in 
Clinton and Centre counties, following that busi- 
ness exclusively until 1894, when he purchased 
the Henry Reninger farm of 145 acres in Green 
township, and now devotes a part of his time to 
agricultural pursuits with results which cannot 
fail to prove satisfactory. He has greatly im- 
proved his place by the erection of a fine resi- 
dence and substantial barns and outbuildings, 
the aggregate cost of which was about $4,000, 
and he now has one of the most desirable and 
beautiful country places in Sugar Valley. 

In 1S.S4 Mr. Douty was married to Miss 
Johanna Troutner, a native of Sugar Valley, a 
daughter of George and Regina (Brown) Trout- 
ner, well-known agriculturists. Her mother is 
an aunt of John Brown, a merchant of Logan- 
ton. Eight children grace this union, namely: 
Reuben < . Elsie K., George T., Mary S., Harry 
L. , Laura E., Lester R. and Russell E. The 
parents are both earnest and consistent members 
of the United Evangelical Church, and in the 
social circles of the community occupy an en- 
viable position. The father of these takes an 
active interest in the success of the Republican 
party, which he always supports by his ballot, 
but he is no politician in the sense of office-seek- 
ing, preferring to devote his undivided attention 
to his extensive business interests. He is a man 
of progressive ideas, is well-posted on the cur- 
rent events and topics of the day, and keeps fully 
abreast with the times in every particular. In 
manner he is genial and pleasant, and his sterl- 
ing qualities command the respect and confidence 
of all. and have secured for him the high regard 
of a large circle of friends. 



JOHN MUTHLER, one of the active, prom- 
inent and most enterprising citizens of Bald 
jjle township, Clinton county, was born 
September 29, 1857, in Lock Ha\ 

Joseph Muthler, his father, was born July 2. 
1827, in Baden, Germany, and when a young 
man came alone to the United States, landing at 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



737 



New York without a penny. He traveled on 
foot to Philadelphia, and his meals consisted of 
frozen turnips found along the road, while he was 
obliged to sleep in corn shocks covered with snow. 
He found employment near Lebanon, Penn., 
whence he later removed to Lock Haven. After 
his marriage he worked as a hewer for different 
firms, and acquired an enviable reputation on ac- 
count of his skill in that line. He was also at 
times employed at the carpenter's trade, and, pos- 
sessing the economical traits characteristic of the 
German people, he managed to save some of his 
wages. Having a horse given him, he purchased 
a boat for $10 and began boating on the canal, 
making one or two trips in that way. He then 
sold the boat and bought a better one, and also 
purchased four mules, continuing boating until 
removing to his farm in Beech Creek township, 
Clinton county. During early life he often 
worked for only fifty cents per day and boarded 
himself, and at one time he worked for a whole 
week for a razor, with which to shave himself. 
For one year after his marriage he made his 
home in Lockport, from there went to Lock Ha- 
ven, and in the spring of 1870 purchased a farm 
in Beech Creek township of the Bitner heirs, 
continuing his residence there until the spring of 
1889, when he returned to Lock Haven to spend 
his remaining years in retirement. By excellent 
management, good business ability and industri- 
ous habits, he accumulated considerable proper- 
ty, owning two good farms and 400 acres of tim- 
berland besides his home in Lock Haven. 

On April 3, 1853, Joseph Muthler was mar- 
ried to Catharine Lehr, who was born June 17, 
1826, in Germany, where her parents, Conrad 
and Sophina (Harbach) Lehr, spent their entire 
lives. By trade the father was a cooper. In his 
family were seven children — one son and seven 
daughters — namely: Hannah, Lizzie, Margaret 
(now the widow of Joseph Bacher, of York, 
Penn.), Elizabeth (who married a Mr. Hecken- 
staller, and died in Sugar Valley, Penn.), Mary 
(widow of Jacob Yv'idman, of Lock Haven), Cath- 
arine, and Philip (a farmer of Beach Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, where his death occurred). 
In 1852 Mrs. Muthler left Bremen in company 
with her sister, Mrs. Margaret Speese, a widow 
lady with two children, and a cousin, Christian 
Lehr. After a voyage of six weeks they landed 
at Baltimore, whence Mrs. Muthler went to Pitts- 
burg, Penn., and eight weeks later to Centre 
county, where her brother Philip was living. At 
the time of her marriage she was living as a do- 
mestic with a Mr. Liggett near Eagleville. She 
is still living in Lock Haven, enjoying the com- 
fortable competence left by her husband, but he 
47* 



passed to his final reward September 25, 1894. 
In his younger days he was robust and strong, 
and performed much hard labor. Although he 
was a stalwart Democrat in politics he cared 
nothing for the honors or emoluments of public 
office, always declining to become a candidate 
In religious belief he was a Catholic. 

Our subject is the third in order of birth in a 
family of six children, the others being as fol- 
lows: Mary, wife of John Lehr, living near Fos- 
toria, Kans. ; Frederick, a farmer of Beech Creek 
township, Clinton county; Elizabeth, wife of 
Adam Aaron, of the same township; Catharine, 
wife of John D. R. Beaver, of Lock Haven; and 
Joseph W., who died at the age of nineteen years. 

John Muthler received only a limited com- 
mon-school education, beginning his studies in 
the schools of Lock Haven. At the early age of 
six years he commenced driving on the towpath 
for his father, who then owned a canal boat, and 
during boyhood he made several trips to Balti- 
more and Philadelphia. He was about twelve 
years of age when his parents removed to the 
farm, where he assisted in the arduous task of 
clearing and developing new land. On attaining 
his majority he started out in life for himself, at 
first being in the employ of Wallace Gakle at 
Mill Run, and he was later engaged at various 
occupations in different localities. In the spring 
of 1879 he went to Kansas, where he spent eight 
months. 

On February 19, 1885, Mr. Muthler was mar- 
ried to Miss Victoria H. Peters, who was born 
March 27, 1859, in Bald Eagle township, Clin- 
ton county, and is the daughter of Casper and 
Phcebe (Eckert) Peters, the former a native of 
Germany, and the latter of Lycoming county, 
Penn. Her father was first a laborer and boss 
on railroad'construction, later engaged in lumber- 
ing, and afterward became a farmer. He and 
his wife are still living in Beech Creek township, 
Clinton county, surrounded by many friends 
who esteem them highly for their sterling worth. 
In their family were ten children, six sons and 
four daughters, of whom eight reached adult age. 
Mrs. Muthler was provided with a fair common- 
school education, is a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and a most estimable lady. 
By her marriage to our subject she became the 
mother of five children, whose names and dates 
of birth are as follows: Joseph O, November 
23, 1885; Annie I. C, November 4, 1887; George 
A., September 17, 1889; Elizabeth P., Septem- 
ber 17, 1 891; and Grace M., May 4, 1894. 

For four years after his marriage, Mr. Muth- 
ler lived upon his father-in-law's place in Beech 
Creek township, but in March, 1889, removed to 






COM.VE.VORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his present farm in Bald Eagle township, which 
was once owned by his fathei his fine 

farm of 153 acres he lias 200 acres of timber- 
land, and is meeting with excellent success in his 
undertakings as he is a thorough and systematic 
agriculturist of progressive ideas and industrii 
habits. Fraternally, he- is a member of the 
and. politically, is identified with the 
Dei ratic party. He seems to have inhei 
the thrift that always attended his lather's efforts, 
as well as those sterling principles ol honesty and 
fairness that caused his parents to be so highly 
respected. 

J MEYER WILLIAMS, one of tl 1 in- 

telligent, enterprising and industrious farm- 
it Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, 
was born on the farm where he still contini 
to reside. |une 16, [ 858 . I John and Mary 

I Meyer) Williams. 

The father was a native of Wal n Au- 

l 22, [813, and was a son of William and Eliz- 
abeth (Lewis Williams, whose other children 
were as follows: Mar) A., who wedded a Mr. 
Davis, and ■ lived in Minersville, 

Penn., where she died; Mrs. Morgan, who died 
in Schuylkill county. Pi an Ellen, who mar- 

! Alexander Easton, and died in tin- Wi 
Charlotte, who married Henrj Handley, and died 
in Iowa; and |aines, who in early life followed 
iiiiiihil; and later engaged in tanning in Beech 
k township, Clinton county, where his 
death occurred. The lather of our subject was 
the the family 1 the New World, 

and in 1 s ;s the grandfather with the other mem- 
bers crossed the Atlantic, taking up their n 

e in Beech (nek township, Clinton county, 
where he purchased a tract ol wooded land and 
developed a small farm, on which he erected a 

hi He endured all the hardships 
privations incident : er life in order to se- 

cure lor his family a comfortable home lie de- 
parted this life when 01 

ami Ins rem I in the cemetery 1 »n 

the hill near Lock Haven, when- his wife, who 
survived him for some time, « laid to 

r.^t at the time ol her death In religious 
lief they were Methodists 

In his native land John Williams, the father 
of our subjei employed .1- a miner, and 
often for a whole wi would m the 
light of day, beginning work before sunrise and 
nevei stopping until after dark. Hi- father be- 
ing a 1 1 laboring man, he was early thrown 

upon his own resources, and his school privili 
were necessarily limited. In 1S38, after a 1 

tge, he reached this country and first local 



m Pottsville, Penn., where he engaged in mining, 
but in later years came to Beech Creek township. 
Clinton county, where his father had located, 
and here he also worked in the ore mines for 
some time. In December. 1850, in Beech 
Creek township, John Williams married Mrs. 
Mary Poorman, widow ol David Poorman, and 

eldest child of Valentine and Elizabeth Hoy 
Meyer, the other children being as follows: Sam- 
uel, born September 16, 1816, died in California; 
Catharine, born July 9, 1818, married Samuel 

-ter, of Clintondale; William, born April 30, 
[820, died in Clintondale; Elizabeth, born Feb- 
ruary 9, 1S22, died unmarried at the age of 
twenty-three; John, born February 26, [824, wasa 
member of an Iowa regiment during the Civil 
war, and is still a resident of Jasper county, that 
Stal a, born February 19, 1826, man 

William Moore, and at the time of her death, 
winch occurred in MifHinburg, was the wife of 
Jacob Maurer; and Joseph, born October 17. 
[827, died in Newton. Iowa, in [858 Valentine 
Meyer, the father of Mrs. Williams, was born 
March 4, 1793, in Schuylkill county, Penn.. but, 
when a boy, accompanied his father, Henry 
Meyer, on his removal to Union county, where 
he was reared. He was a wagonraaker by trade, 
but devoted his later years to farming. He died 
in 1858, and was buried in Bethel cemetery. Por- 
ter township, Clinton county, while his wife, who 
was born in September, 1793, died November 4. 
1 ^27, and was buried in Snydertown. Centre 

Penn. The) were both earnest and < 
sistent members of the Reformed Church, and in 
politic- he was tirst a Democrat, but being an 
anti-slavery man he joined the Republican party 

ts organization. 

The birth of Mrs Williams, the mother of 
our subject, occurred in Limestone township. 
Union Co., Penn , February 2, 1 s 1 5 , and she 
was four years old when brought by her pa- 
rent- I I' it. 1 township, Clinton county, where 
she was reared and first married. By that 
union she had four children: Daniel, who 
drowned while bathing in Spirit Lake. Iowa; 
Catharine, wife of Isaac Loveland, of Porter 
township; Matilda, who married Reuben Wet/el, 
and died in Missouri; and Elizabeth J . who wed- 
ded James Treaster, and died in Nebraska. In 

" Mr. and Mrs. I 1 removed to Venan- 

nty, Penn., where he died March 1:. 

(, alter which she returned to Clinton coun- 

naking her home in Porter township, until 
ing her hand in marriage to Mr. Will- 
iams. From there they removed to the present 
farm of our subject, in Bald Eagle township, in 
the By her second marria. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



739 



Mrs. Williams became the mother of six children: 
Emma, now the wife of John E. Williams, of 
Newberry, Lycoming Co.. Penn. ; Mary, a school 
teacher, who makes her home with her mother 
in Lamar; Martha, wife of Theodore S. Faus, of 
Spring Mills, Penn. ; Ella, who is engaged in 
teaching in Renovo, Penn. ; J. Meyer, of this re- 
view; and Minnie, now Mrs. William Nancarrow, 
of Pittsburg, Penn. For the past fifteen years 
Mrs. Williams has made her home in Lamar, is 
a faithful member of the Methodist Church, and 
is highly respected by all who know her. On 
January I, 1893, she broke one of her lower 
limbs, but with that exception is still well- 
preserved. 

During his boyhood J. Meyer Williams at- 
tended the Laurel Run school, John Salmon and 
Mary Van Dusen being among his first teachers, 
but he supplemented the knowledge there ac- 
quired by a course in the Central State Normal 
School, where he was a student in the fall of 
1880 and the following winter. Reared on a 
farm, he early became familiar with agricultural 
pursuits, and since old enough has successfully 
operated the home farm, renting it after his mar- 
riage until the spring of 1891, when he purchased 
it. He has 144 acres of rich and valuable land, 
and in connection with general farming is en- 
gaged in fruit growing. He thoroughly under- 
stands that branch of his business, having de- 
voted much time to reading and study on the 
subject. 

On January 26, 1882, Mr. Williams was mar- 
ried to Miss Belle B. Winters, a native of Bald 
Eagle township, and a daughter of William and 
Elizabeth (Bruner) Winters. After attending the 
common schools for some time, she pursued her 
studies in the Central State Normal School, and 
also in a select school at Lock Haven, and later 
successfully engaged in teaching for seven terms. 
Mr. and Mrs. Williams have six children: Ray 
R., Helen F. , Ralph E., Ruby A., W. Scott and 
Edwin. 

On attaining his majority Mr. Williams es- 
poused the principles of the Republican party, 
but since 1894 has given his support to the Pro- 
hibition party, as he is strictly temperate in all 
his habits, never using intoxicants or tobacco in 
any form. He and his wife are active members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he 
is now serving as steward, and both have been 
teachers in the Sabbath-school. He keeps well 
posted on the leading questions and issues of the 
day, and being a man of the strictest integrity, 
honorable and upright in all things, he has the 
confidence and esteem of all with whom he 
comes in contact. 



BANIEL EYER, an agriculturist residing in 
Bald Eagle township, Clinton county, pre- 
sents in his life a splendid example of industry, 
close application to business, and perseverance. 
He commenced life at the foot of the ladder, but 
blessed with a prudent and sensible wife as a 
helpmeet, not too proud to labor, he is now able 
to take life easily and comfortably, in the en- 
joyment of the fruits of his early labor. 

Mr. Eyer was born in Dry Valley, Union Co., 
Penn., January 3, 1821, but during his childhood 
his parents located near Muncy, Penn. They 
were John and Elizabeth (Wise) Eyer, the for- 
mer a farmer by occupation. After residing for 
some time near Muncy, he disposed of his prop- 
erty there and took up his residence near Jersey 
Shore, where his wife died in June, 1838, and 
was there laid to rest. The father spent his last 
days with a son in Nittan\- Valley, dying there 
at the ripe old age of eighty-two, and his re- 
mains were interred in Brown cemetery. Our 
subject is the youngest in their family of eight 
children, the others being as follows: Jacob, who 
died at his home below New Buffalo, Penn. ; 
Elizabeth, who married Peter Risser, and died in 
Lycoming county; John, who was buried in Brown 
cemetery, Clinton county; Samuel, who died on 
Sugar Valley Mountain; William, who died in 
Lock Haven, and was buried on Sugar Valley 
Mountain; Kate, wife of John Bechtel, of Dane 
county, Wis. ; and Abraham, who died in Will- 
iams county, Ohio. 

In a primitive log school house near Muncy, 
Penn., Daniel Eyer began his literary education, 
but his advantages in that direction were very 
limited. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he 
worked as a farm hand for a few years previous 
to his marriage. At the age of twenty-eight he 
wedded Miss Julia Owns, who was born in Pine 
Creek township, Clinton county, October 10, 
1823, and when a girl accompanied her parents, 
Robert and Margaret (Korns) Owns, on their re- 
moval to Clearfield county, Penn , where she 
was reared. Four children graced this union, 
namely: David H., a resident of Jersey Shore, 
Penn. ; William H, a farmer of Bald Eagle town- 
ship, Clinton county; Samuel H., married, who 
died in 1894, and was buried at Jersey Shore; 
and Maria H., who died in infancy. 

By making posts and fence rails, Mr. Eyer 
had managed to save a small sum of money pre- 
vious to his marriage, and he began his domes- 
tic life in a rented house in Beech Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county. Later he purchased ten 
acres of land in Bald Eagle township, where he 
now lives, but had to go heavily in debt even for 
that small amount. For several years he con- 






( OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tinned i m the manufacture 

oi posts and fence rails, in tins way paying a 
small amount on bis farm each year, and when 
his financial resources increased, he extended its 
boundaries until he ii"W has a valuable place of 
one hun h and arable land, which 

he has p der excellent cultivation and im- 

proved with good and substantial buildings. In 
his financial operations he has met with a well- 
deserved success. In politics he was first a 
Whig, later a Know- Nothing, and is now a 
thorough Republican, believing that within that 
party lie the principles which arc the safest guides 
foi 'in national government. He has served as 
i seer of the poor and supervisor in his town- 
ship, and di to be numbered among the 
honored and prominent citizens of his commu- 
nity. 

EDWIN S. MOBLEY resides in Beech Creek, 
_j and the commercial activity of the town is 
largely promoted through his efforts. He is a 
member oi the firm ol Mobley & Hall, general 
merchants, and is a wide-awake, progressive 
business man. 

Born in Mark county, Ohio, in 1861, Mr. 
Moblej 1 of Salethiel and Emily (Quigle) 1 

Moblej The father was born in Ohio, and 

;it forty-eight years of his life there. Through- 
out his business carter he has carried on mer- 
chandising, and his well-directed efforts brought 
him fair success. In 1865 he removed to Beech 
1 reek, where he has since made his home, and 
is now Hearing the eightieth milestone on lil 
journey. In public affairs he has taken quite a 
prominent and commendable part. His wile 
ed awaj in 1 ■ 

Edwin S. Moblej acquired his early educa- 
tion in I leech Creek, and supplemented it by 
study in the schools "f Lock Haven. On laying 
aside his text books he turned his attention to 
merchandising. The first money he earned was 
eleven dollars, which he invested in a small 
>tock of confectionery, and with the profit de- 
rived from it- purchased his tail 

■ k of t Thus little by little he in- 
creased his capital until lie was enabled to bu) a 
hall interest 111 his fat I e, and -till 
l.e became sole proprietor. In 1889 he a 
ciated with him Mr. Hall, Ins pi. 
and the firm ranks among the leading and pro- 
gr< rms "f the town. They carry ;> full 
and complete stock ol general men handise, and 
their well-appointed .--tore and courteous t: 
(i out of theirj ■ nid their h irable deal- 

ing have secured to them a liberal and well-mer- 
ited patronc 



In 1885 Mr. Mobley was united in marriage to 
Miss Sarah A. Hall, a daughter of Samuel Hall, 
ased, an old and respected citizen of Beech 
(reek. They now have a son and daughter, 
Roy Hall and Stella May. Mr. and Mrs. Mob- 
ire leading members of the Methodist Epis- 
il Church, in which he is serving as cla-s- 
leader and assistant superintendent of the Sab- 
bath-school. Socially, he is a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Patriotic 
< »rder Sons ol America, and the Royal Arcanum. 
In politics he is a Republican with Prohibition 
proclivities. In business he is honorable, in 
public affairs faithful to his duties of citizenship, 
and in social relations is pleasant and cordial. 



JOHN F. ROCKEY, a retired lumberman 
and farmer of Green township, Clinton coun- 
ts, belongs to a family noted for its patriot- 
ism and loyalty, live sons having aided their 
country in her successful effort to preserve the 
Union, and among the number was our subject, 
who did his duty nobly and unflinchingly on the 
field of battle or in the camp. He was born 
in Sugar Valley, Logan township, Clinton coun- 
ty. February iS, 1 S39, and is a grandson of 
Bernard Rockey, who was of Scotch-Irish de- 
scent. 

Abraham Rockey, our subject's father, was 
a native of Potter Bank, Centre Co., Penn., 
and received a fairly good common-school edu- 
cation in English, and was also able to speak 

man. With his parents he removed to Lo- 
gan township, Clinton county, where he engaged 
in farming until 1841, when he located upon 
the farm in Green township where our subject 
now resides. Purchasing 400 acres of timber- 
land, he erected a sawmill thereon, and for a 
quarter of a century engaged in the manufacture 

lumber. He also placed some of his land 
under cultivation and improved the same with a 
substantial log house and barn. He was a hard- 
working, energetic man of good business ability, 
and as a lumberman met with excellent success. 
He possessed the confidence of his business asso- 
ciates, as well as the respect and esteem of all 
who knew him. His death occurred on his farm 
in 1865, ami his remains were interred in the 
n township cemetery. The Democratic 
party found in him an ardent supporter, but he 
was no politician in the sense of office seeking. 

During early manhood Abram Rockey was 

■iied in Logan township, Clinton counts 
Mi-s Lydd) Wolmeldorf, a native of that town- 
ship, and a r of Frederick Wolmeldorf. 
Thirteen children were born to them: Paul, n 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



741 



a resident of Freeport, 111.; Jacob, who died at 
the age of twenty-eight years; Rebecca, widow 
of Lewis L. Berry, of Jewell City, Kans. ; Jere- 
miah, a carpenter by trade, who was a soldier 
in the Civil war; John F. , of this sketch; Thomas, 
who was also one of the brave "boys in blue," 
and is now a resident of Charleston, W. Ya. ; 
Lewis, a Union soldier, now living in Jewell 
county, Kans.; William, of Williamsport, Penn., 
Abram D., a Union soldier residing in Minne- 
sota; Mary, wife of William Runegar, of Jewell 
county, Kans. ; Harriet, wife of William Huler, 
of Salem county, 111. ; James, who was killed by 
a falling tree; and Hannah, married. After the 
father's death the mother married Frederick 
Staver, of Sugar Valley, and she departed this 
life in Wisconsin. 

In an old log school house in Green township, 
supplied with slab seats and a huge fire-place at 
one end, John F. Rockey pursued his studies, his 
first teacher being Samuel Bower, and although 
his school training was rather limited he has be- 
come a well-informed man by subsequent read- 
ing and observation. In early boyhood he began 
work in his father's sawmill, where he remained 
until eighteen years of age, and then served a 
two-years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's 
trade under Michael Karsteter, after which he 
again followed milling until 1863. In that year 
he responded to his country's call for troops, en- 
listing at Williamsport in Company D, First 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was assigned to the 
Army of the Potomac, and during his eleven- 
months' service participated in the battle of 
Stone Creek and in several other engagements. 
He was also present at the surrender of Gen. 
Lee, and took part in the grand review in Wash- 
ington, District of Columbia. 

When the war was over and his services were 
no longer needed, Mr. Rockey was honorably 
discharged and returned home. His father hav- 
ing died while he was in the service, he and his 
mother operated the sawmill for three years, and 
then our subject removed to Crawford township, 
Clinton county, where he lived until 1876, in 
which year he returned to the old homestead and 
again took up lumbering and farming. Since 
1894, however, he has lived retired, while his 
son operates the farm, which comprises seventy- 
eight acres of valuable land. He was always a 
very active and progressive business man, and 
accumulated a competence which now enables 
him to spend his declining years in ease and re- 
tirement, surrounded by loving kindred and many 
warm friends. 

In Limestone township, Lycoming Co. , Penn. , 
Mr. Rockey was united in marriage with Miss 



Ellen Shaw, who was born in Crawford township, 
Clinton county, a daughter of Daniel Shaw, and 
eight children blessed their union: James, who 
married Susan Hoover, and operates the old 
homestead; David, a lumberman of Cambria 
county, Penn.; Lyddie, who died in childhood; 
Maggie, wife of Nathan Phleger, of Limestone 
township, Lycoming county; Lottie, Mary and 
John, who died in childhood; and Eva, at home. 
Fraternally, Mr. Rockey is a member of George 
W. Moyer Post No. 379, G. A. R., of Logan- 
ton, and politically he affiliates with the Democ- 
racy. Although he has never been an office 
seeker he has been called upon to serve as tax 
collector and assessor in his township, the duties 
of which positions he most faithfully discharged. 



CHRISTIAN LEHR, of Clintondale, Clinton 
county, is one of the most highly esteemed 
citizens of the county, and no better example of 
a self-made man can be found in the Nittany Val- 
ley. 

Mr. Lehr was born December 21, 1825, in 
German}', a son of John and Catherine (Lape) 
Lehr, both of whom passed their entire lives in 
the Fatherland. He received an education in the 
schools of his native place, and at an early age 
began to work at farming, saving his scanty earn- 
ings in order to secure the money to pay for his 
passage to America, the " land of promise." In 
1852 he embarked on a sailing vessel, and after a 
voyage of thirty-two days landed at Baltimore, 
Md., from which point he made his way to Pitts- 
burg. He could not speak a word of English, 
and when he had paid for his first night's lodg- 
ing he was practically out of money and did not 
know where to find a shelter for the next night. 
He applied for work at a tannery in Allegheny, 
where he was at first refused, but when the own- 
er was informed of his destitute condition he was 
employed for four dollars per month, at grinding 
bark. With this and some extra work, Mr. 
Lehr managed to exist, and by the closest econ- 
omy saved a little money. A few months after 
his arrival at Pittsburg, a cousin, Catherine Lehr, 
from Germany, joined him, and he decided to 
accompany her to the home of her brother at 
Beech Creek, Clinton county. He spent about 
two years in that vicinity as a farm laborer, and 
then went to Lock Haven where he was em- 
ployed for a time as hostler at the "Montour 
House," and later worked in a brick yard. On 
leaving Lock Haven he went to Chicago, and 
there he met and married his first wife, Miss 
Amelia Gronet, a native of Germany, who came 
to the United States when she was a child. 



742 



VORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Soon after this event the young couple came to 
Lock Haven, and Mr 1 und himself with 

but one cent in bis \ This he threw into 

the canal lock, determining to "begin over en- 
tirely," as hi He secured employment in 
a brick yard belonging to a Mi an, and 
afterward found work in a sawmill where he re- 
mained twelve years, being able while then 
save quite a sum of mon< 1 i some time he 
ii cleaning out the canal, under 
the direction of Lewis Walter-, and fur sixt 

e was toll keepn at the Lock Haven 
bridge, In- i i vice in tlmt ca- 

pacity being unequaled by that of any other keep- 
er, as hi> Ii i.i "f employment indical 

In [885 hi re ved to Clintondale, having pur- 
chased from Allison Whiti perty u] 
which he has since made his home. He has 

atly improved the place, making one of the 
. the Nittany Valley, and 
he is now enjoying in wi ed leisure the re- 

ward ol former toil. Quiet and unassuming in 
manner, he has made many friends, while no man 
can accuse him ol an unworthy act in any busi- 

3 deal. Politically he is a D u rat, but he 
has neithei sought nor held office. 

During his 1 in Lock Haven his first 

wife died, leaving one daughter. Lizzie, who 
married ol Lock 11 I is 

now 1- Mr. Leh ! .1 second matri- 

monial union, this time with Mi line 

1 wry, who was born June- 22, 1834, in Union 

I hi., a daughter of Jacob and Mai 
1 M"lu i Lowi in the Nit! 

Valley, her pan nts having removed to that 
lot ality when she was but a child. Onedaughtei 
this marriage, Miss Lillie, who is still 
at home, and is prominent in the social lifi 
the place. In religious faith Mr. Lehr is a Lu- 
theran, and foi six years he was a deacon in the 
German Lutheran Church at Lock Haven. At 
one time he was a men the 1 0.0 F. . 

Lnit he now 1: ittend Ii 11 



JA< I IB GOTTSI 11 \I.L. a 1 itive 

farmer and pn iallagher 

township, Clint itj , was born [anuary 

21, 1831, mar Williamsport, L inty, 

Penn., and paternal sidi nan 

deso in His grandfathi 1 , fohn Gi ttsi hall, a 
native of Berks county. Penn., followed the 

occupation of lumbering, using the old whip-saw 
the manufacture of -awed lum- 
ber. Tl ter pari ol Ins life was passed in 
his native county, but he dnd m Lycoming 
county in 1839 while visiting somi of his family. 



11 was a Lutheran in religious belief, a Demo- 
crat in politics, and an honored and valued 
citizen of his community. During the Revolu- 
tionary war he aided the colonies in their strug- 
gle for independence. In Berks county he mar- 
ried a Miss Fouse, and to them were born twelve 
chikb 

One of that number was John Gottschall. fa- 
thi r of our subject, who was also a native of 
Berks county, and was educated in German, 
but could not read or write English. Until he 
attained his majority he followed lumbering 
with his father, and then spent a short time in 
New York State, after which he located near 
Williamsport, Lycoming county, Penn., where 
he engaged in lumbering until 1S41. Coming to 
dallagher township. Clinton county, he bought 
150 timber land, which he cleared, cul- 

tivated and greatly improved, and continued to 
make his home until called to his final rest in 
J iiiy. [862, his remains being interred in the 
Caldwell cemetery. He was a kind husband and 
father, and a true friend. With the Lutheran 
Church he held membership, and gave his polit- 
ical support to the Democratic party. 

John Gottschall was twice married, his first 
wife being Miss Kate Sherman, who was born at 
Munc) Creek, Lycoming county, died in (849, 
and was buried in Caldwell cemetery. The fol- 
lowing children constituted their family: John, 
now a resident ol North Carolina; three who died 
in infancy; Thomas, of Lock Haven, Penn.; 

omon, a wagon manufacturer of Williams- 
port; Abram, who lives in the West; Jacob; 
Mrs ( atharine Maker, a widow lady; Samuel, of 
Tyro in.; Rebecca, wife of Frederick Pi- 

per; and two others who died in infancy. Mr. 
Gottschall's second marriage was with Christina 
Hartzock, v.: foseph Fritz, and the moth- 

er of Henry Fritz, of Gallagher township, Clinton 
county. 

As there were no schools in Gallagher town- 
ship during the boyhood of our subject, his 
education has all been acquired outside of books. 
At the early age of seven years he began to 
ban. lie the axe in the woods, and worked for his 
fathei both at lumbering and farming in dallagher 
township until he had attained his majority in 
1852, when he bought a tract of 1 of 

land still covered with a heavy growth of timber. 
In the midst of the wilderness he began life for 
himself, and as he cut down the trees upon his 
place he manufactured them into shingles by 

d, making 1,400,000 for John Ram, of 
Chatham Run. When he located upon his farm 
the countrj roundabout was all wild, and the 
"ear. tmill and store were twelve miles 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



743 



distant, while no roads led to his place, and he 
had to carry his grain to mill. For almost a 
half century he has now resided there, and in 
that time a wonderful transformation has taken 
place; where once were unbroken forests, fields 
of grain now greet the eye, a fine orchard has 
been set out, and a good residence, barns and 
outbuildings have been erected, making it a most 
desirable farm. Although he never kept books 
of any kind, he had an excellent memory, and 
while extensively engaged in the lumber business 
and the manufacture of shingles, employing a 
number of men, he could give his expenditures 
and receipts of the year to a cent. At one time 
he was in partnership with John Blush, a well- 
known shingle manufacturer and lumberman. 

On October 2, 1852, in Gallagher township, 
Mr. Gottschall married Miss Sarah Fritz, who 
was born in Lock Haven, a daughter of Joseph 
Fritz, and a stepdaughter of our subject's father: 
Their children were as follows: Martha B., 
born May 21, 1856, is the wife of Wesley Phillips, 
a farmer of Gallagher township; Mary A., born 
July 17, 1858, is the wife of Albert Green, also 
an agriculturist of Gallagher township; Ambrose, 
born November 6, i860, a farmer, is married to 
Ellen Connoway, of Gallagher township, by whom 
he has three children; George, born July 20, 
1864, also a farmer, married Emma Edwards, 
and has one son, Samuel; Robert, born October 
26, 1866, wedded Mary Manier, and operates 
the home farm; Jennie, born May 4, 1869, is the 
wife of Hiram Myers, and has three children; 
and Rosie, born March 13, 1877, is at home. 
Mrs. Gottschall, who was a devoted wife and 
loving mother, died October 26, 1892. The 
family belong to the Baptist Church, and are 
widely and favorably known. 

In 1852 Mr. Gottschall cast his first vote for 
Van Buren, the Democratic candidate for Presi- 
dent, later became a Whig, and now supports the 
Republican party, casting his last Presidential 
ballot for Major McKinley in 1896. Although 
he had no education to assist him in his life 
work, he has made the most of his opportunities, 
and has not only acquired a comfortable compe- 
tence, but has also gained the good will and con- 
fidence of all with whom he has come in contact. 



J; ESSE LAUBACH. Honored and respected 
by all, there is no man in Bald Eagle town- 
ship, Clinton county, who occupies a more 
enviable position in agricultural circles than Mr. 
Laubach, not alone on account of the success that 
he has achieved, but also on account of the honora- 
ble, straightforward business policy he has ever 



followed. He was born January 24, 1831, in 
North Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., Penn., 
where he continued to make his home until the 
spring of 1848. 

Christian and Elizabeth (Dech) Laubach, par- 
ents of our subject, were born, reared and mar- 
ried in Northampton county, Penn. Jacob Dech, 
the maternal grandfather, was a native of Ger- 
many, and on coming to this country located on 
a wooded farm near Bath, Penn. Members of 
his family still reside in Northampton county, 
and are numbered among its wealthy and prom- 
inent citizens. The paternal grandparents of 
our subject also came from the Fatherland, and 
many bearing the name of Laubach are leading 
professional and business men of Lehigh county. 
In the county of his nativity Christian Laubach 
owned a good farm, which he traded on a larger 
tract in Lehigh county, where he afterward re- 
moved. His last years, however, were spent 
with his son Edward in Crawford township, Clin- 
ton county, where he died when almost ninety 
years of age, while his wife jeached the age of 
ninety-three, and their remains were interred in 
Limestone township, Lycoming Co., Penn. For 
over sixty years they had traveled life's journey 
together, sharing its joys and sorrows, and they 
had the respect of all who knew them. The 
father was a man of undoubted integrity and 
blameless life, and was a very successful farmer. 
He was a devout member of the German Re- 
formed Church, to which he was a liberal con- 
tributor, while his wife was a Lutheran in relig- 
ious belief. In politics he was first a Whig and 
later a Republican. 

To Christian and Elizabeth Laubach were 
born the following children: Elias, in his day a 
successful farmer, who died in Northampton 
county at the age of seventy years; Julia, who 
married Rudolph Kemmerer, and died in Summit 
county, Ohio; Abraham, who was always an in- 
valid, and died at the old home in Lehigh coun- 
ty; Eliza, who married Thomas Seighfried, and 
died at the age of forty years in Lehigh county; 
Mary, who wedded Conrad Lerch, and died in 
Crawford township. Clinton county; Joshua, who 
is now a stock dealer of Lehigh county; Charles, 
a farmer of Lycoming county; Edwin, a retired 
miller of Lehigh county; Stephen, a farmer of 
Lycoming county; Jesse, of this sketch; Edward, 
a resident of Crawford township, Clinton county; 
and James, a farmer of Lehigh county. 

Jesse Laubach received a fair German educa- 
tion in the country schools near his boyhood 
home, but could not speak English until he 
reached the age of sixteen. He was naturally 
bright and learned readily, while his memory was 



711 



( OMMSMORATIYB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



remarkable, though his advantages were poor. 
He was anxious to learn the English langua 
but it was spi iken but little in his locality; through 
his own efforts, however, he mastered that tongue, 
and by reading and observation has becon 
well-informed man < >n leaving home, Mr. Lau- 
bacli went to Mauch Chunk, Penn., where for 
two months he clerked in a store for $6 per 
month and his board. His brothei St< phen, 
who had visited Clinton county, was at that time 
in Mauch (hunk with a mule and ca per- 

suaded our subject to accompany him on his re- 
turn to Clinton county, where their brother 
Charles was also living. On his arrival he re- 
mained with the latti r f<>r a few weeks, and 
on March 22. 1848, began working for Samuel 
L. Allison, of Lamar township, as a farm hand, 
fur $9 per month, receiving his wages onl\ 
the six months when the farm work was heaviest, 
while during the other six months he worked for 
Ins board, As he was industrious and proved 

rj valuable to his employer, Ins wages w 
raised $1 per month each year for three years, 
and as an inducement to have our subject remain 
with him. Mr. Alii- red him the farm on 

shares. He conducted the place in that way for 
three years, and wishing to give his attention to 
other business he refused a better offer from his 
employi 1 

W uli th' money that he had saved, Mr. Lau- 
bach be^an dealing in horses, cattle and sheep, 
which business called him to every section of the 
Stati . oid in his new undertaking he met with 
■ llent success. Later he became a huckster 
and butcher, with his market in Lock Ha\ 
and he also speculated in anything honorable 
whereby money could be made In [862, in 
partnership with Jacob Bower, he opened a gen- 
1 Lot k Haven, bul six months later 
Mr. Bower sold his interest to Samuel Adams, 
and foi u m 11 \ years busmen was carried on under 
the firm name oi Laubach A Adams Finally 
selling out to John E. burst and I 
ner, Mi Laubach embarked in the real-estate 
business in the same place, and in that enterp 
also prospered, until, unfortunately, in a busini 
venture with unscrupulous men, he. in [876, 
practically lost everything. Going to Fleming- 
ton, he d in general merchandising and 
the coal business (or .1 year and a half, and at 
the end oi that tune again tinned his attention to 
agricultural pursuits, with the hopes ol retrieving 
his lost fortune Aftei operating rented land 
several was able to purchase, in 1 ■- 
lu> present farm in Laid Eagle township, from 
the A. ('. V : ite, .md two years later took 
up his residence thereon, devoting his energies to 



its cultivation and improvement until 1S94, when 
he rented the place and removed to his present 
home, where he is now living practically retired. 

In March. 1 S 5 5 . Mr. Laubach married Miss 
Catharine L. Allison, a native of Porter town- 
ship, Clinton county, and a daughter of Samuel 
and Elizabeth (Troutman) Allison. Six children 
blessed this union: Ltta E. , who married How- 
ard McClintock, and died at the home of our 
subject; Ida A., wife of Enoch Bartholomew, of 
Ridgway, Penn. ; Ella C, wife of James H. Huff, 
ol Laid Eagle township; Nina A., wife of Will- 
iam Riter, of the same township; Emery G., a 
farmer of Laid Lagle township; and Allison J., 
a prosperous merchant of Ridgway. 

The Republican party has always found in 
Mr. Laubach a stanch supporter, and he has 
been called upon to serve as school director, 
auditor, supervisor and in other township offices, 
which he tilled with credit to himself and satis- 
faction to his constituents. One of the leading 
and influential men of his community, he takes 
an active interest in all public improvements, and 
gives his support to every enterprise calculated 
to advance the general welfare. At the age of 
sixteen he joined the German Reformed Church, 
but while a resident of Lock Haven he became a 
prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and since coming to Bald Eagle town- 
ship has held membership in the Presbyterian 
Church, with which he is officially connected. 
He affiliates with the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America, and at one time belonged to the Odd 
Fellows Society. He is a most progressive, en- 
terprising farmer, thoroughly up to date in all 
his methods, and is now government correspond- 
ent of the agricultural reports in his locality. 
Besides his valuable farm of 200 acres, he now 
owns two resiliences. In business transactions 
his word has ever been considered as good as his 
bond, and in all the relations of life he has been 
found true to every trust reposed in him. He 

traveled extensively over man) of the States 
of the Union, and wherever he goes he wins 
friends, and has, moreover, the happy faculty of 
able to retain them. 



Gl KALI' is an energetic and 
r thorough-going business man, now engaged 
in general merchandising in Lamar. Clinton 
nty. A so,, of George and Martha (Marks) 
ip, he was born October 13, 1 832. in Colum- 
bia county, Penn., where he was reared upon a 
farm, attending school only about two months 
through ntire boyhood 

In his native county Mr. Raup married Miss 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



745 



Sarah Roadarmel, and to them were born the 
following children: Christopher C, Thomas J. 
and W. S., all farmers of Northumberland coun- 
ty, Penn. ; W. K., who is engaged in business 
with his father; U. S. Grant, a resident of Mt. 
Carmel, Penn.; Martha, who is married; and Ida 
and Rosa M., both at home. In Columbia 
county, Mr. Raup conducted a sawmill until 
1 87 1, when he removed to Ralpho township, 
Northumberland county, where he engaged in 
lumbering, and later followed the same pursuit in 
Nittany Valley, Clinton and Centre counties, 
meeting with a fair degree of success. On Sep- 
tember 23, 1895, he bought his present mercan- 
tile business from the assignee of R. Loveland 
Axe Company (limited) at Lamar, where, in 
partnership with his son, W. K., he has since 
successfully engaged in business under the firm 
style of G. M. Raup & Son. They have greatly 
enlarged the stock of goods, and are now con- 
ducting one of the best stores in Nittany Valley. 

In June, 1863, Mr. Raup enlisted in the 
Emergency Service, and was engaged in active 
duty for one month. In the following year he 
joined Company H, 48th P. V. I., under Capt. 
Alfred Thompson, and saw much hard fighting. 
Although he was severely wounded at the battle 
of Petersburg, he would not go to the hospital, 
and was never off duty, being in all engagements 
of his regiment until the close of the war. After 
ten months of arduous and faithful service he 
was honorably discharged. He also took part 
in the grand review at Washington, District of 
Columbia. 

Mr. Raup's sterling integrity and general ur- 
banity of manner have won for him a large num- 
ber of friends in Nittany Valley, and his business 
energy and earnestness a numerous and increas- 
ing patronage. In his new venture in the mer- 
cantile line he is fast achieving a merited suc- 
cess, and has won the respect and confidence of 
all with whom he has come in contact. Although 
his business interests are now in Lamar, his 
family continues to reside in Ralpho township, 
Northumberland county. The Republican party 
has always found in him a stanch supporter, but 
he has never cared for official positions. 



© 



H. WEST. Few men have passed through 
as many trying vicissitudes as marked the 
early life of the subject of this sketch, now a 
wealthy and influential resident of Salona, Clin- 
ton county. Beginning his business career as a 
mere boy, without education, capital or friends, 
his Yankee shrewdness has served him well, and 
he has succeeded in many an enterprise of which 



others disapproved as too venturesome. One 
factor in his success which cannot be too often or 
too strongly brought to the attention of the am- 
bitious young man of to-day is his "reliability," 
a quality that has enabled him to gain and keep 
the confidence of capitalists who have been glad 
to furnish the fuDds for the business operations 
which his keen intellect designed and his un- 
tiring energy carried to a successful conclusion. 

Mr. West was born March 25. 1833, in Hart- 
ford, Conn., and his parents, Lyman and Jerusha 
(Backus) West, were also natives of that city. 
Lyman West learned the blacksmith's trade in 
his youth, and followed it for some years in Con- 
necticut; but in 1837 he removed with his family 
to Tioga Center, N. Y., and after continuing the 
same business for a time he bought 1 50 acres of 
timber land in that county, which was then 
sparsely settled. He built a log house in the 
woods, and lived in primitive style while clearing 
his land and bringing it under cultivation, and 
his wife, who was an expert weaver, made the 
flax from their fields and the wool from their 
flocks of sheep into cloth. In politics he was 
first a Whig, later a Republican, and he and his 
wife were both members of the Methodist 
Church. He died at the age of forty-seven, and 
she survived him many years, passing away in 
her seventy-ninth year, their remains being in- 
terred at Tioga Center, N. Y. They had six 
children: Louisa, widow of Richard German, of 
Louisiana; O. H., our subject; Sarah A. and 
Mary A. (twins), and Joseph, a cooper, residing 
in Chemung county, N. Y. Sarah A. married 
Cyrus Deeby, and they lived in the city of Auburn, 
N. Y. , but she died of cancer, at her daughter's 
in Michigan in the fall of 1896. Mary A. mar- 
ried Orange Munson, and died in New York State 
from cancer, about 1882. Harriet (Mrs. Edwin 
Bradley) lived at Elmira, N. Y., where she died 
of cancer in 1895. 

As Mr. West was only four years old when 
his parents settled in Tioga county, N. Y. , his 
earliest remembrances are of the surroundings in- 
cidental to pioneer life. Being the eldest boy he 
was obliged to work hard at home, and obtained 
only an occasional chance to attend school, prob- 
ably spending there altogether less than a year. 
His father's discipline seemed to him too severe, 
and at the age of fifteen he ran away from home, 
his possessions at the time consisting of two pairs 
of tow pants (worn and patched), two linen shirts 
(also patched), a ten -cent straw hat, and twenty- 
five cents in cash. He started out bare-footed, 
with his few belongings tied in a handkerchief, 
and walked twenty-five miles to Elmira, N. Y. , 
before getting anything to eat. On arriving 



746 



■ OMMBMORATIVB BIOGUM'llKM. HF.CQRD. 



there he invested ten cents in a plate of beans, 
and then went <>n bis way toward Tioga county, 

in. A fanner on tli tve him 

employment at ten dollars per month, and after 
spending some time at that work Mr. West se- 
cured a situation in a sawmill. From "jacking 
logs " he was set to other tasks, and finally 
learned everj branch of the lumber business. 
SOine wars his winters were spent in the 
ids, while in summers he found other employ- 
ment, three seasons being passed on the Erie, 
Oswego and ( hemung canals, and during 
sun i fireman on a steamboat 

mi Seneca lake, N. Y. He was often employed 
m driving logs and rafting square timber to mar- 
ket, and in this work he was noted for being the 
first to start out in the spring, his rafts being us- 
ually sent down the river at a stage that others 
con us. In time be won the at- 

tention and confidence of capitalists, who em- 
ployed him to manage their interests, and no 
matter how great th< sibility he wasm 

rid wanting As time passed he engaged in 

the lumber busil his own account, and in 

<and 1S70 he built two mills in Clearfield 

inty, one ol them costing $5,000. In [887 he 
disposed ol his lumber interests including his saw- 
mills and 1,0cm acres of land in Clearfield coun- 
ty, and the following year he removed to Salona, 
hoping to find then- relief from the asthma. 
11 when ill he could not refrain from business 
entirely, and soon after going to the pleasant 
little mountain town hi ed in a busin 

block and opened a store. The people prophesied 
that he would at l.i teeth cut, 

but he suci ind a few years later he sold 

out his business to 1 W. Kerr & Son. In 

the meantime he had purchased a business block 
and a dwelling house there, in addition to which 
hi owns considerable land in that vicin At 

tunes he has bad large tracks of mountain land, 
much of which he has sold at an advance, and 
he now has a fine farm of 120 acres in Girard 
town -hi p. Clearfield county. Besides these hold- 
ings he has money at interest, his investmi 
being managed with characteristic ability and 
foresight. A presi nt he 1- .1 stockholder in 
Salona creamery. Although his transactions 
have been large, covering thousands of doll 

he has always kept bis own books, and was his 

own manager. His education is, oi course, self- 

| .iled, and the extent and thoroughness of his 

knowledge of men and affairs does credit to his 
I" 1 " /ation. 

In mannei Mr West is quite unostentatious, 

but he is a man of much force of character, as 
may be interred from his career, and at all time-. 



and under all circumstances he does his own 
thinking. Notwithstanding the hardships of his 
early life, he is robust for one of his age, and 
bids fair to enjoy for many years the rewards of 
his past efforts. Politically he is a stanch Re- 
publican, his devotion to his party being quite 
from selfish considerations, as he has no as- 
pirations for office. 

In 1857 he was married at Nelson, Tioga 
Co., Penn., to Miss Jane A. Stephens, who was 
bin at Beecher's Island, Penn., a daughter of 
James and Eliza Stephens. She died in March, 
1885, leaving two children: Louisa, wife of 
Allen Murray, who now has charge of our sub- 
ject's farm in Clearfield county; and Ella, wife 
of William Seaman, of Sand Lake, Mich. Mr. 
West has no sons of his own, but he took into 
his home some years ago two little boys, Oscar 
\V and Lewis Knapp, brothers, whom he has 

red and started in business as if they were 
his children. They have done credit to his 
training, and are now prosperous young business 
men of Salona. 



GEORGE W. GARMAN, justice of the peace 
of Pine Creek township, Clinton county, 
represents one of the old families of the State. 
His grandfather, George Garman, was born either 
in Lancaster county or in Dauphin, and followed 
farming and distilling in the latter county where 
he spent the greater part of his life. He was 
married there, and had a family of ten children: 
Henry, Michael, Martin, Daniel, George. Sam- 
uel, Jonathan. Catharine, Lyddie and John. 
The grandfather was a Democrat, and he and 
his family were members of the Lutheran Church. 
Both he and his wife died in Dauphin counts', 
and were buried in Shoops cemetery. 

John F. Garman, father of our subject, was 
born in Dauphin county, and attended its sub- 

ption schools, both English and German, 
speaking and writing the latter language as well 
as the former. He spent his boyhood days upon 
his father's farm and in the distillery, and when 

>ung man studied medicine: but on account 
of his health he never practiced hi-- profession. 
Following farming in Dauphin county until 1S40, 
he then ! to Clinton county, purchasing 

land in Pine Creek township, which he trans- 
formed mto a tine farm. He erected a house at 
a cost of $;,ooo, built good barns and placed his 

hundred acres of land under high cultivation. 

He spenl seven years on that place, during 

which tune he taught school in t fie winter sea- 

lling that property he returned to 

Dauphin county, locating in Middle Paxton town- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



747 



ship, where he operated a rented farm for two 
years, after which he removed to the A. B. 
Hamilton farm, near Harrisburg, and cultivated 
that land until his death in 1854. He and his 
family were consistent members of the Lutheran 
Church, and in political faith he was a stalwart 
Democrat. His life was honorable, and he was 
known as a good husband and father, a faithful 
friend and a loyal citizen. 

In 1840, John F. Garman was married in 
Middle Paxton township, Dauphin county, to 
Elizabeth C. Fertig, a native of that township, 
and a daughter of Adam Fertig, a farmer, who 
was of German descent. Her death occurred in 
her native township, August 19, 1888. She was 
a faithful mother and a devoted helpmeet to her 
husband. Her family numbered nine children: 
George W. ; John, a blacksmith of Kane county, 
111. ; Elias, of New Columbia, Penn. ; Rebecca 
E., wife of J. Bogner, of Dauphin county; Har- 
ry M., who was burned to death while camping 
on Jack mountain; Annie M., wife of Eli Stout, 
of Middle Paxton township, Dauphin county; 
Daniel, deceased when a young man; Mary C, 
wife of Jacob A. Kline, of Pine Creek township, 
Clinton county; and one that died in infancy. 

George W. Garman was born in Pine Creek 
township, September 9, 1841, and when six 
years old removed with his parents to Dauphin 
county, where he attended the public schools in 
the winter months, while through the remainder 
of the year he assisted in the labors of the farm. 
When a lad of twelve years, while helping to 
thresh grain he had his right arm caught in the 
machinery, and the injury necessitated amputa- 
tion, the operation being performed by Dr. 
Weilsling, of Harrisburg. A year later his 
father died, leaving a large family to be provided 
for, and as our subject was the eldest of the 
family the burden of responsibility fell upon 
him. He learned to use his left hand to write, 
and soon afterward obtained a teacher's certifi- 
cate. He taught school in Dauphin county be- 
tween the ages of eighteen and twenty-one years, 
and then through the instrumentality of his 
uncle, Henry Garman, who was a school director 
in Pine Creek township, Clinton county, he ob- 
tained the position of teacher in the Garman 
school. Later he returned to Dauphin county, 
where he engaged in teaching until 1861, when 
he again came to Clinton county, and served as 
teacher in the Garman school until 1867, suc- 
cessfully following that profession for seventeen 
years. He then turned his attention to farm- 
ing on the old Kissel place, and the following 
year was elected constable of the township. He 
has also served as justice of the peace for the 



past twenty-one years, and so fair have been his 
decisions that he has never had a case appealed 
to a higher court. He is a man of talent and 
scholarly attainments, and what he has accom- 
plished in life is most creditable to his ability and 
ambition. He made excellent improvements 
upon his farm, and is now the owner of a valua- 
ble property. 

Mr. Garman was married in Pine Creek town- 
ship, Clinton county, in September, 1867, to 
Ellen B. Kissel, who was born in Oakland, 
Lycoming county, June 2, 1833. Her father, 
Andrew Kissel, was born in Cumberland county 
in 1772, a son of John Kissel, and one of a family 
of nine children. His father was of German 
descent, was a farmer by occupation and a soldier 
of the Revolutionary war. Andrew Kissel was 
educated in the German tongue, and with his 
parents removed to Lycoming county, where he 
followed farming. He afterward purchased one 
hundred acres of land in Pine Creek township, 
Clinton county, which he greatly improved and 
later sold. He then bought eighty-nine acres in 
the same township, which he operated for a 
number of years. His last days, however, were 
spent in retirement, and he died in 1868. His 
wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Bowers, 
and was a daughter of Christopher and Madeline 
(Stetzell) Bowers, both of German descent. 
Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Kissel: Henry, deceased; Sarah, deceased wife 
of Jacob Kline; G. Shriver, deceased; Christopher, 
a farmer of Pine Creek township; Elizabeth, who 
died in childhood; Jane E., deceased wife of 
Daniel Kline; and Mrs. Garman. The father of 
this family was first a Whig and afterward a 
Republican in political belief, and in religious 
faith he was a Lutheran. He died at the 
advanced age of over ninety years. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Garman were born four 
children: John A., born August 17, 1868, died 
at the age of seven years; Joseph K. , born May 
12, 1872, died in infancy; Elias C. , born October 
12, 1874, died in infancy; and Daniel K., born 
July 3, 1876, now assists in the operation of the 
home farm. Mr. Garman is a member of the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, and of Chatham 
Run Council, of which he was secretary and 
president. He served as supervisor of his town- 
ship for eighteen years, and discharged his duties 
with marked fidelity and ability. He has steadily 
worked his way upward in the face of difficulties 
that would have utterly discouraged many men, 
and has achieved a success that reflects great 
credit upon his ability. He has won the highest 
esteem of friends and neighbors, and all who 
know him entertain for him warm regard. 



748 



COMMl VORATITB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



DWARD GUMM( l Prominenl the 

prosperous and pro( farmers of Clin- 

ton county may be named the subject of this 

graphical notice, whose homestead is pli 
antly located in Bald Eagle township, and who, 
by enterprise ami energy in the direction ol his 

3en industry, has given to his work a signifi- 
cance and beauty of which few deem it capable. 
Hi was born February 12, 1844, on his present 
farm, a son of Richard and Nancan 

Gummo, and in an old log school house which 
stood some distance from his home he began his 
education, Louisa Montgomerj and Ellen 
being among his first teai I 

Mi Gummo was reared in much the usual 
manner of farmer boys in a pioneer settlement, 
a< the development of this section was much be- 
hind the others of the county. He aided in the 
arduous task of clearing at least one-half of his 
farm, and when a young man he also worked in 
thelumbei woodsat different times. After attain- 
ing his majority be assumed the management of 
rm, receiving one-half the products, 
and, later, two-thirds until becoming sole owner. 

The place '■ prises no acre- highly cultivated 

and improved with excellent buildings, and the 
well-tilled fields and neat and thriftj appearance 
of the place plainly indicate the supervisor to be 
a thorough and skillful farmer .1- well as a busi- 

- man of excellent ability. In connection 
with Ins property he owns tour lots in the villi 
of Flemington, and is justly numbered an 

well-to-do and substantial cil I his 

community. 

Mr Gummo wa I February 12, 1S90, 

to Miss Ann!. M Packer, a daughter of Roberl 
and Mary (Tyler) Packer, and the) have an in- 
tughter, Marj Vgnes The parents 
both sii ..' members of the 

Methodisl Episcopal Church at Laurel Run. Mr. 
Gummo was a member of the building commit- 
tee at the time erection of the house, ,1 
worship, and has served as treasurer and tru 
since the organization of the Church. In his 
political views he 1 oim ides with the Republican 
party, but care- nothing for the honors or emol- 
ument- of public office. A- a citizen hi 

ry requirement, and manifests a commendable 
interest in everything calculated to promote the 
public welfare. In manner he is pleasant, genial 
and approai hable, and all who know him esteem 
him highly for his genuine worth. 



A I.I \ \\M R K. II VMILTON, a worthy 
r\. representative "f the agricultural interests 
I'l" ' reek township, Clinton county, was I 



there I uly 1 1. 1835, a son of Alexander and Ann 
rrison Hamilton. He belongs to a patriotic 
and distinguished family that was early founded 
in the West Branch Valley. His great-grand- 
father, Capt. Alexander Hamilton, moved from 
Juniata Valley to what is now Pine Creek town- 
ship. Clinton county, early in the year 1772, and 
marked out for himself a tract of land one mile 
square, which he bought of the Indians with a 
few presents. He was killed by the Redmen in 
the fall of 1 78 1. a short distance above North- 
umberland on the North branch. 

Robert Hamilton, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, 
purchased of the heirs the east half of the tract 
above mentioned, and in 1789 built the dwelling 
which is yet standing on the river bank, on the 
public road leading from Jersey Shore to Lock 
Haven, and is one of the landmarks of the town- 
ship. He married Anna Jackson, whose father 
had come to this section from Orange county. 
N. V.. and in 1790 they began housekeeping at 
that home, where they spent the remainder of 
their days, the grandfather dying June 2, 1845. 
at the age of eighty-two, and his wife April 16, 
1862, at the advanced age of ninety-five years. 

The father of our subject was also a native of 
Pine Creek township, and in its subscription 
schools obtained his education. As a boy he 
worked on his father's farm, but afterward 
learned the printer's trade, and in 1837 became 
editor of The Watchman, published at Belle- 
fonte, Centre county, Penn. , with which he 
was connected for several years. Later he was 
similarly employed in Harrisburg, Penn., and 
was afterward editor of a paper in Jersey 
Shore. For a number of years he was also 

aged in piloting rafts from Lock Haven to 
Marietta. He purchased a tract of timber land 
in Wayne township, Clinton county, at the foot 
of Bald I Mountain, the lumber and bark 

from which he sold, and after clearing 170 acres, 
placed it under a high state of cultivation. Foi 
many years he was one of the most popular and 
'ul teachers of Pine Creek township, hav- 
ing charge of the Duncan and McGuire schools, 
and having his pupils some of the most 

prominent citizens of this community at the pres- 
ent day. While gathering bark upon his farm he 
contracted a cold, which resulted in his death in 
1850, when our subject was fifteen years old. 
II was a Whig in politics, and was one of the 
most highly respected citizens of Pine Creek 
township At Big Meddons, Tioga Co., Penn., 
In- had married Ann Morrison, by whom he had 
eight children: Robert, who died at the age of 
twelve years; John, who married Dolly Arm- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



749 



strong, and lives in Iowa; Alexander K., of this 
sketch; Jackson, a resident of Pine Creek town- 
ship; Anna Amanda; Nancy Jane Hayes, de- 
ceased; Elizabeth, who died in childhood; and 
Mary P., who is employed as a saleslady in Lock 
Haven. After the death of her husband, Mrs. 
Hamilton made her home with her children until 
she, too, was called to her final rest in 1871, be- 
ing laid by his side in the old Pine Creek ceme- 
tery of Pine Creek township. Both were faith- 
ful members of the Presbyterian Church, and had 
many friends throughout the community. 

Mr. Hamilton, whose name opens this 
sketch, attended the schools in Pine Creek 
township taught by his father, and upon the 
home farm was reared to habits of indus- 
try. A few years after his father's death, he 
accompanied the family on their removal from 
Wayne to Pine Creek township, where he worked 
on the Ridge farm until July, 1861, when he en- 
listed at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., Penn., in 
Company A, 5th Pennsylvania Reserves, under 
Capt. Ulman and Col. Simmons, of Harrisburg. 
After being mustered into the United States 
service at Harrisburg, the regiment was assigned 
to the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, and 
with that command Mr. Hamilton participated 
in the following battles: Gainesville, June 6, 
1862; the seven-days' fight at Mechanicsville; 
Gaines Hill, June 27, 1862, where he was slightly 
wounded by a ball striking him in the breast; 
White Oak Swamp, June 30, 1862; Malvern 
Hill, July 1 ; second battle of Bull Run, August 
29 and 30; Chantilly, Va., August 30; South 
Mountain, Md., September 14; Antietam, Md., 
September 16 and 17; and Fredericksburg, Va., 
December 15, where he was again wounded, by 
a ball passing through his left foot while trying 
to rescue a superior officer. The regiment then 
went into winter quarters, and the following year 
Mr. Hamilton took part in the battle of Gettys- 
burg, Penn., July 2, 3 and 4, 1863; Williams- 
port, Md., July 7; Wapping Heights, July 9; 
Bristow, Va., October 14; Rappahannock Sta- 
tion, Va., November 7; and Hope Church and 
Mine Run, both in November, 1863. During 
the bitter cold of that winter he lost his hearing 
in one ear, while several of his comrades were 
frozen to death. The next year he took part in 
the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 6, 7 and 8; 
Spottsylvania, May 9, 10, 11 and 12; North Ann 
River, May 23 and 24; and Bethseda Church, 
Va., May 30. His three-years' term of service 
having expired, he was mustered out at Harris- 
burg, June 14, 1864, and returned home. 

In Pine Creek township, Mr. Hamilton then 
engaged in agricultural pursuits upon a small 



farm, where he now resides, and in connection 
with general farming he has successfully engaged 
in tobacco raising. In 1880 he built a comfort- 
able residence upon his place, and has also a 
good barn, tobacco sheds and a fine orchard. 
He also operates the Rogers farm, and is justly 
regarded as one of the most thorough and skill- 
ful agriculturists of the community. In April, 
1879, in Pine Creek township, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Margaret Rogers, a native 
of that township, and a daughter of Mathew 
Rogers. To them were born five children: Pris- 
'cilla, born July 14, 1880; one that died in in- 
fancy; Bessie, born September 22, 1883; Mat- 
thew Stanley Quay, born January 7, 1887; and 
Robert Bruce, born September 27, 1893. 

Politically, Mr. Hamilton is identified with 
the Republican party, and has served as presi- 
dent of the school board, of which he was a 
member for six years. The success that he has 
achieved in life has been due to his own efforts 
and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has 
indeed proved a faithful helpmeet to him, and no 
couple in Pine Creek township merit or receive 
in a greater degree the respect and esteem of the 
entire community. Mr. Hamilton is as loyal to 
his country's interests in days of peace as when 
following the old flag to victory on Southern 
battle fields. 



JOSEPH H. HAYES, a leading agriculturist 
of Porter township, Clinton county, occupies 
a fine homestead near Parvin, the estate 
having been purchased by his father more than 
half a century ago. The Hayes family, which is 
of Scotch-Irish stock, has been identified with 
central Pennsylvania from an early period, our 
subject's ancestors being numbered among the 
first settlers along Beech creek. 

James Hayes, the father of our subject, was 
born and reared in Bald Eagle township, Clinton 
county, and in his youth learned the axe-maker's 
trade with Harvey Mann, of Bellefonte. La- 
ter he engaged in the manufacture of axes on 
his own account in his native township, and for 
seven years he conducted an axe-factory near 
Mackeyville. In 1839 he removed to Stephen- 
son county. 111., and located on a farm four 
miles northwest of Freeport; the entire journey 
being made by team. The land was new, and 
while his time was mainly spent in cultivating 
it he also found time to make a few axes by 
hand. After two years he returned to the East 
by way of the lakes, and settled near Lamar, 
where he and W. N. Hayes built an axe-factory, 
the first in the vicinity. This they conducted 






C0MM1 VORATIYB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



for about (our years when they sold out to Reu- 
beo Loveland. James Hayes then remove 1 

no's Valley, Centre county, as he had traded 
his 320 acres ol land in Stephen: nty, 

III., (or a tannery and a small tract of land near 
Woodward. Hi ed in tanning, and con- 

tinued about twi but in 1847 he sold the 

perty and purchased the present homestead, 
which was then known as the Wilson farm. 
He was an nt citizen, always ready to 

lend Ins influence to any pi vement, 

and for years he was a prominent member of 
the Presbyterian church. In politics he was 

• a Whig and later a Rebublican. but he 
never sought orheld office Beginning life poor, 
he acquired a comfortable competence through 
own efforts. He was a large man, nearly 
six feet tall and weighing about 350 pounds, and 
he lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years. 
Hi- wife, Esther Heverly), to whom he was 

iried in Centre county, was a native of Leb- 
anon county, Penn., but had been taken to Centre 

inty, when she was about eleven years old, by 
father, Christopher Heverly, who settled near 
She dii seventy- 

three, and her remains 1 : beside those of 

husband in Cedar Hill ry. < >f their 

four children, tin- tirst. Jam-, died in girlhood; 
William died in April, 1896, at Mackeyville; [os- 
eph II. is the sul • tin- sketch; Miss Han- 

nab, who is an invalid, own.- a -hare in the 
id and resides thi 

Mr Haj es, our sub I 1 mber 

i''. 1835, '" Lamar township. Clinton county, 
a -boit distance below Mackeyville. In the fall 
of 1841, after tin- return of Ins parents from Illi- 

-. he I- attend school in Howard. 

1'' mi . Mi-- Lillj being his tirst teacher. Later 
he attended the Washington school in 1' 1 

•iship, but his opportunities were much infer- 
ior to those of tin- present day in the same local- 
ities lb- w.i- reared to (arm work, not even 
learning In- father's ti.it making, and al- 

ways remained at home without any spei ial ar- 
rangements as t" wages, the care ol the place 
/olving entire!} upon him during his fa- 
ther's 1 is In 1S74 In- married V 
Mary J. Pettit, a native "t 1 nty, 
and a daughter oi Samuel Pettit I 1 hil- 
dren have blessed this un fames I 
[ennie B. . Samuel, fosephine I • . 

all at home. Mr and Mi - II 
are both members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and tided with the ial circli 

their locality. 

The management of his farm, which contains 
ir" acres, requires much attention, but in a quiet 



way Mr. Hayes takes an interest in local affairs, 
and at one time he served as school director, 
lb- was formerly a member of the Grange, but 
is not now- connected with it. While he is by 
no means a politician, he keeps well informed 
upon the questions of the day, and is a stanch 
supporter of the Republican party. 



Dl NNIS M. MAY, the well-known and popu- 
lar proprietor of the " Renovo House." 
Renovo, Clinton county, was born in Erie coun- 
ts. Penn., in 1*43, and is a son of Wallace and 
Matilda (Sloan) May, also natives of the Key- 
stone State. Throughout his active business 
career the father followed the quiet pursuits of 
farm life, and now at the age of eighty years 
is living retired in Erie counts, surrounded by 

comforts which his past labors have brought. 
He has the respect and confidence of all who 
know him, and is justly deserving of the high 

. rd in which he is held. The mother of our 
subject died in 1856, leaving six children v. 
are yet living, namely: Dennis M., George II.. 
Thomas I).. Edward, Mis. Emma Lurch, and 
Elizabeth (wife of George Campbell 1. 

The country schools of his native county 
afforded our subject his educational privile^< -. 
and upon the home farm he was reared to habits 
of industry and thrift. On attaining his major- 
its' he left the parental roof and came to Renovo, 
when he clerked 111 the "Renovo Hotel " for 
two nd also served as constable. He 

devoted his energies principally to the hotel busi- 
ness until January 1, [885, when he removed to 
Lock Haven to assume the duties of sheriff, to 
which office he had been elected the pre\ i 
November. He most acceptably served in that 
responsible position tor a term of three years, 
and then took charge of the "Keller House" at 
Lock Haven, conducting that popular hostelry 
for two years. ( >u the expiration of his lease 
he became proprietor of the " Harmonia House " 
in the same city, but at the end of three years 
returned to Renovo and has since successfully 

ducted the •• Renovo Hotel," which is one of 

the leading hotels in the place. He is e\er 

mindful ol the interests and comforts of his 

tnd his house has therefore become a 

vorite with the traveling public 1 

nt and comfortable, md the cuisine is 

unexcepl 

Ini87oMr May married Miss Malissa, daugh- 

if Robert Bridgens, a worthy citizen 

( linton county, and to them have been born five 

children: William. Annie I) . Sarah Helen. 

Edward 11 and Florence. The mother is a 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



751 



consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and is a most estimable lady. Since at- 
taining his majority Mr. May has taken an active 
and prominent part in political affairs, and is a 
recognized leader in the local Democracy. His 
ambition has been to acquit himself of life's du- 
ties honorably before all men, to improve his 
capabilities and opportunities and to become of 
use in the world; and it is this spirit mainly that 
has made him one of the most eminent and 
highly esteemed citizens of Renovo. 



fARTIN F. MURPHY. A financial and 
commercial history of Renovo would be 
incomplete without a personal mention of Mr. 
Murphy, whose life is interwoven so closely with 
its business interests. ' Like many of the promi- 
nent and leading citizens of Clinton count)', he 
comes from across the sea, having been born in 
Ireland in 1848. His parents, Daniel and Mary 
(McMahon) Murphy, were born in the same 
country, whence, early in the '50s, they emigrated 
to the New World, taking up their residence in 
Clinton county, where the remainder of their 
lives was passed. 

In the schools of Lock Haven Martin F. 
Murphy received a good practical education that 
has well fitted him for the responsible duties of 
business life, and on leaving the school room at 
the age of fourteen he began clerking in a mer- 
cantile store in Renovo, which place has since 
been his home, and he has been prominently 
identified with its business interests. After clerk- 
ing for some years he opened a store of his own 
in 1 88 1, as a dealer in clothing and gents' furnish- 
ing goods, and has since successfully conducted 
the same. His large and commodious store 
building is well stocked with a fine and complete 
assortment of everything found in a first-class 
establishment of the kind, and it is conveniently 
located on the corner of Third street and Erie 
avenue. He is also a stockholder and director 
in both the First National Bank and the Renovo 
Electric Light Company, and as a thrifty, pro- 
gressive citizen he is always identified with all 
enterprises calculated to prove of benefit to the 
town. He has made good use of his opportuni- 
ties, has prospered from year to year, and has 
conducted all business matters carefully and suc- 
cessfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude 
for successful management. He holds member- 
ship in the Catholic Church, and on political 
questions usually coincides with the Democratic 
party. Political honors have no attraction for 
him, as he prefers to devote his entire time and 
attention to his extensive business interests. 



yfALENTINE SOHMER. the popular land- 
lord of the "Pennsylvania House" at Lock 
Haven, Clinton county, is a native of Germany, 
born in 1850. Mathias and Hermolia (Smith) 
Sohmer, his parents, were also born in the Fa- 
therland, and there passed their entire lives. 
Mathias was a cooper by trade, and followed that 
occupation as a means of livelihood. Both par- 
ents were industrious, hardworking people, kind 
neighbors and good citizens. They reared a fam- 
ily of children, who followed in their footsteps 
and have proven worthy of the name they bear. 
Six of their children are still living, namely: 
Brigeter, Mathias, Blondina, Valentine (our sub- 
ject), Ferdinand and Pauline. 

Valentine Sohmer attended the schools of his 
native place until fourteen years of age, at which 
time he was thrown on his own resources and 
became self-supporting. On leaving school he 
worked on a farm until 1868. He then came to 
America and located at Lock Haven, where for 
some ten or more years he worked in a brewery. 
After the expiration of that time, having saved 
his earnings, he was enabled to go into business 
for himself, and began keeping the "Pennsyl- 
vania House," a hotel that bears a great reputa- 
tion throughout the State for the generous hos- 
pitality dispensed. The rooms are neat and air)', 
the beds comfortable and easy, and the table 
bountifully spread. The "Pennsylvania House" 
is centrally located, and affords accommodations 
for seventy-five guests. The landlord is popular 
among the traveling public, and is one of the 
best of our German citizens. Like the general 
German, he has made and saved money, becom- 
ing well-to-do. 

Our subject has been twice married, first in 
1 87 1 to Julia Herman, a German by birth, and 
seven children were born to them, namely: 
Emma (Mrs. Kert Shaw), Frank, Anna, Lulu, 
Helen, Valentine and Viola. The mother of 
these died in January, 1892, and in March, 1895, 
Mr. Sohmer was again married, this time to Mar- 
guerite Haugh, of Pittsburg, who presides with 
an air of good cheer at the "Pennsylvania 
House." In politics Mr. Sohmer is a Democrat; 
he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. 



S\AMUEL L. and CHARLES L. RICKER, 
_J comprising the firm of Ricker Brothers, pro- 
prietors of the Jersey Dairy of Nittany Valley, 
are among the most thrifty, enterprising and 
progressive business men of Lamar township, 
Clinton county. Their father, Jacob Ricker, 
was born February 14, 1827, in Lehigh county, 
Penn., whence when a boy he was brought by 



...^ 



< OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his parents to Clinton county. The grandfather, 

George Kick ;i cabinet-maker and car; 

ter by occupation. 

Jacob Kicker, the father, started < >ut in life 
for himself in limited circumstances, but pros- 
per* '1 in lus undertakings and 1» . lite well- 

lo. After his marriage he located on a farm 
in tl of Nittany Valley, and later re- 

moved to th cupied l>\ I 

[01 som ontinuing to conductj both farms. 

1!.- was ,m exi ellent judge of horses and a very 
skillful driver, and has owned some line animals. 
He i- 'till residing with his sons, and is honored 
and respected by all who know him. On Sep- 
tember 17, 1849, he married Miss Sarah Allison, 
whose latin ' , was a cousin of Sen- 

ator Allison, of Iowa. She was born July 7, 1830, 
on the farmwhere her sons are still living, and died 
July 7, [885, her remains being interred in Cedar 
Hill ry. In order of birth her children 

were as follows: John .v. born April 26, 1850, 
is a sawyer in West Virginia; William J., born 
September 17, 1851, is a traveling salesman; 
Samuel I., was born in Nittany Valley, Decem- 
bei - 1 ;. [85 Gi rge L.. born November 13, 
-7, is a butcher at Flat Kock, Penn.; H. L., 
born September 6, I So;, is a butcher at Salona, 
Clinton county; Arthur I. , born July 19, 1869, 
1- also a resident of Salona; and Charles L., 

1 November 13, 1873, completes the family. 

Samuel L. Kicker was reared upon his pres- 
ent farm, attended tin district schools of the 

ih 1. and completed his education in 

iIh schools ol Salona. In early manhood he 
left home and went to Lincoln county, Kans., 
where be bought a tract of prairie land, built a 
" dugout," and kept bachelor's hall for two years. 
One season he planted one hundred acres in 
wheat, but the entire crop was destroyed by 
drought, and In- never harvested a grain. Be- 

Ming discouraged, ho and a companion -tarted 
from that stat. t,, Pennsylvania in a covered 
wagon, but on arriving at Atchison. Kans.. they 

in-, I employment for a short time, which 
suited m Mr. Ricker remaining there for some 
While at that place he married Anna 
Sheats, who was bom in the east end of Nittany 
Valley, Clint m l Penn., a daughter of Will- 
iam and I. cab (Snydei Sheats, and the) have 

en children: Cora. Clyde, Sarah E., S G 
Bj r< in, 1 dna and < ilenn. 

In Atchison, Kans., Mr. Kicker was em- 
ployed as a drivi months, 
and then started m the dairy business on his own 
mt He rented 1 50 acres of land near that 
place, prospered in his new enterprise, and 
made money rapidly; but failing health caused 



him to sell out and return to Pennsylvania 
I five months after his arrival here he 

confined to his bed, and on sufficiently re- 
ring to engage in business he bought a few 
acres of land near Flat Kock, in Nittany Valley, 
with the intention of building a store and engag- 
ing in merchandising, finally, however, giving up 
that idea. For a few years he was interested in 
the butcher business, but after the death of his 
mother, he returned to the old homestead as his 
father was left without a housekeeper. Here he 
has continued to reside, and since 1887 he and 
his brother Charles L.. have engaged in the 
dairy business. They began operations on a 
moderate scale, but as they prospered they have 
added to their business, and now keep on hands 
from forty to forty-five cows. Their herd in- 
cludes many thoroughbred' Jersey and Holstein 
tie, some of the finest in the county. They 
also own the Miles Hanna farm near Castanea, 
which they rent, besides the old homestead, and 
are justly numbered among the wide-awake, 
straightforward and reliable business men of their 
community, as well as the leading dairymen of 
Lock Haven, in politics Samuel L. Ricker is a 
pronounced Republican; in religious belief his 
wife is a Lutheran. 



71 I). PORTER. No more thrifty farmer or 
jtA. better citizen can be found in Nittany Val- 
ley than our subject, whose home is in Porter 
township, Clinton county, and he is descended 
from honored old Revolutionary stock. He was 
born April 11. 1852, about one mile southwest 
of Mackeyville (then Hamburg), in Lamar town- 
ship. Clinton county, and is a son of James H. 
ami Elizabeth Reeseman) Porter. The grand- 
father, James Porter, Sr., was a son of Samuel 
I'rter, the progenitor of the family in Nittany 
Valley, who was born in the North of Ireland of 
Scotch-Irish ancestrv. 

[ames 11 Porter, our subject's father, was 
born March 22, 1822, on the old Porter home- 

1 near Mackeyville, and in the primitive log 
school house of that early day he acquired his 

ition, his first t' ai h< 1 being fane Walters, 
who afterward became the wife of James Rogers. 
He was once punished at school by having a 
pincber placed upon his nose. He remained 
upon the home farm, aiding in the arduous task 1 I 
clearing and developing wild land until his mar- 
riage in February, 1848, with Miss Klizabeth 
an. She was born near Millheim, in Cen- 

ounty, Pi an. , 1 ebruarj 22, [826, a daughter 

fohn and Christina iHeltman) Reeseman. 

the lir-t two years of his married life Mr. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



753 



Porter lived in a tenant house upon his father's 
farm, and then removed to another place in 
Lamar township, where he spent one year. 
Subsequently he bought fifty-five acres in that 
township at $15 per acre, cleared it and erected 
good buildings thereon, and later sold the place 
for $60,00 per acre. For the past forty years 
he has lived upon his present farm, which he pur- 
chased from A. H. Best, and which was known 
as the old Thompson homestead. Here he has 
a most comfortable home, and is practically liv- 
ing retired, enjoying the fruits of former toil. 
His early life was one of hardship. As a boy 
one pair of shoes was furnished him each winter, 
but they often did not last longer than February 
at the farthest, and he was obliged to go bare- 
footed all through the cold days of spring. His 
mother spun the flax from which most of the 
clothes of the family were made. But all this 
has been changed, and Mr. Porter is now num- 
bered among the wealthy and prosperous farmers 
of his community, owning two valuable farms, 
one in Lamar township and the other in Porter 
township, aggregating 335 acres of rich and arable 
land. Although he usually supports the Dem- 
ocratic party, he is not strictly partisan, and 
often votes the Prohibition ticket, as he is a strong 
temperance man, never using liquors or tobacco 
in any form. His father being such an inveterate 
hunter, mostly seen with dogs and guns, he be- 
came disgusted with the sport, and has never 
loaded a gun in his life. He was a charter mem- 
ber of the Grange, and is justly regarded as one 
of the most valued and honored citizens of Clin- 
ton county. 

•To the parents of our subject were born the 
following children: Mary, who wedded F. E. 
Hays, and died in Lamar township; John R., a 
farmer of that township; Adolphus D., of this 
review; Margaret F , wife of Lewis W. Dorn- 
blaser, of Porter township; Jane, wife of Harry 
Snyder, of Porter township; and Hays H., who 
makes his home in Lamar township. During his 
boyhood and youth Adolphus D. Porter attended 
the public schools at Mackeyville, and among his 
first teachers were Belle Cofiley, John Shoemaker 
and a Mr. Kelderwood, while later he pursued 
his studies under the direction of Daniel H. Hast- 
ings, the present governor of Pennsylvania. He 
never attended any higher institution of learning, 
but is a warm friend of better and more advanced 
schools. Under the able guidance of his father 
he became a thorough aaid skillful farmer, and 
while never learning any trade, he is able to do 
carpentering and horseshoing, as he is a natural 
mechanic and very skillful with tools of all kinds. 
At the age of twenty-six he began life for himself, 

48* 



he and his brother J. R. forming a partnership. 
They bought stock and tools, and together oper- 
ated their father's farm for nine years, at the end 
of which time our subject purchased his brother's 
interest and rented what was known as the Aus- 
tin Brungart farm, in the east end of Nittany Val- 
ley, until the spring of 189 1. He then removed 
to his present farm of seventy acres, known as 
the John Watson farm, and to its improvement 
and cultivation has since devoted his attention, 
making it one of the most desirable and valuable 
places in the Valley. 

On March 27, 18S4, Mr. Porter was united 
in marriage with Mrs. Sevilla R. Shipe, nee 
Campbell, who was born in Shamokin township, 
Northumberland Co., Penn., October 30, 1854, 
and is an only daughter. She first married J. 
H. Shipe, by whom she had one son, born May 
13, 1882, and who is now known as Calvin J. 
Porter. Politically, our subject's sympathies are 
with the Prohibition party as he is an uncom- 
promising enemy of the liquor traffic, but at 
elections he always endeavors to support the best 
man regardless of party affiliations. In religious 
belief he is a Methodist, is a liberal contributor 
to all Church work, is now serving as trustee, 
and for a long time was treasurer of his Church. 
He is also an active and prominent worker in the 
Sabbath-school, and gives a hearty support to all 
enterprises calculated to advance the moral, in- 
tellectual or material welfare of his community. 
His honesty and integrity are proverbial, and he 
has the respect and esteem of young and old, 
rich and poor. He is thoroughly a self-made 
man, is progressive and energetic, believing in 
keeping thoroughly abreast with the times, and 
in this way has achieved a well-merited success 
in his life work. 



CHARLES W. LOVELAND, of Lock Haven, 
Clinton county, who is now serving his sec- 
ond term as the obliging and painstaking clerk 
to the board of county commissioners, was born 
in i860 at Lamar, and has thus far passed his 
life in the city. 

Reuben Loveland, his father, was born in the 
State of Connecticut, and some time in the early 
"40s" located at Lamar, where he engaged in. 
the manufacture of axes, conducting an axe fac- 
tory at that point for years. He was a Christian 
man and a worker in the Church, always inter- 
ested in religious matters in the community, and 
in every movement having for its object the ele- 
vation of his fellowmen. He and feis estimable 
wife, who was a Miss Nancy Rossman, were both 
identified with the M. E. Church, and were 



754 



ITIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



among the best of Lamar's people. He died in 
tnd she on July 2, [897. 

Charles W. Loveland attended the schools of 
his native town, and was then sent to Allegheny 
College, Meadville, Penn., where he remained 
three years. After returning home from colli 
hi traveled for a firm, following which he wis 
foi thiee years 1 in mercantile busines 

Lamar. In 1894 he was appointed clerk to the 
board of county commissioners, and in [897 he 

- reapp tinted t" I ! in. He has 

proven himself a very competent clerical m 
accurate and efficient. 

In 1884 Mr. Loveland was married to Miss 
Clara B. Watson, a daughter oi John Watson, of 
Lamar, and to the marriage have come the fol- 
lowing four children: Leslie L. , Stella, Amy and 
Miriam. The parents of these were members of 
the M. E. Church, and are active in its social 
Mr. Loveland is a member of th< 
Royal Arcanum and of the Lock Haven Club. 
In |M>litics he is a Republican. 



B\ . J \M ES SAAS. Evidently qualified and 
. fitted for the life and self-denial, responsi- 
bility and trust to which the priest is called, is 
R< 1 I -. the pastor of St. Agnes Roman 

tbolic Church, at Lock Haven, Clii 

county. 

Father Saas was born in Germany, whi 
he came to America when quite He re- 

ceived his theological and philosophical educa- 
tion at St. Vincent's College, in Westmoreland 
comity, Penn., and was ordained a priest in 

14 He was tirst assistant priest of St. An- 
thony's Church, at Lancaster, Penn., remaining 
in that incumbency a short time, then, in M 
1 hi was sent to his present 1 at 

Lock Haven, of which he h inci had in- 

dependent chai Si Agi irch is in a 

thriving condition, both financial]) and spiritu- 
allj rhere is a large and • 1 in 

connection with the parish, which is excellently 

dui ted. This Church was organized at 1. 
Haven, in January, 1873, and the 1 tion 

has gradually increased until it now numb 

ral families. < onsiderabli 1 
expended in 1 hurcb property, buildings, etc., 
and in improvement I 

nise, and his life bids to be one of gt< 
fulne 

JOHN N. KEMMERER, on< 
tive and enterprising business men of 
Green township, Clinton county, is the senior 
partner of the firm of Kem merer & Broth 



lumber manufacturers and farmers. He is a na- 
tive of Sugar Valley, born in the borough of 
Loganton. February 14, 1S66, and is a son of 
Joseph and Elmira (Lebo) Kemmerer, who were 
born, reared and married in Lykens Valley, 
Dauphin county, Penn. The paternal grand- 
parents were Christian and (Fisher) 

Kemmerer, well-known (arming people of Wash- 
ington township, that county, and the maternal 

idfather, Lebo, was also an agriculturist of 
Dauphin county. 

The birth of Joseph Kemmerer occurred in 
Elizabethville, and in the schools of his native 
county he acquired a good English and German 
education, becoming especially proficient in 
mathematics. There he began his business ca- 
reer as a farmer, but on first coming to Logan- 
ton, Cliiit>n county, he operated a pottery, manu- 
facturing crocks, etc., and continued to follow 
that occupation for several years. He invented 
and patented a washing machine, the first of the 
kind in central Pennsylvania, and after engaging 
in its manufacture for some time, he • mbarked 
in the lumber business, buying a large tract of 
timber land in Green township, Sugar Vail 
where he erected a fine steam sawmill, and oper- 
ated the same up to the time of his death. He 
purchased the Grannelv farm of 140 acres, 
which he improved and cultivated. While tak- 
ing logs mi Sugar Vail - Mountain, February 9, 
1 81 13, one large log jumped from the slide striking 
Mr. Kemmerer, and he expired a few seconds 
later in the arms of our subject. He was a kind 
and affectionate husband and father, and besi 
his familyhe left many friends to mourn his death, 
for he was widely known and highly respect- 
He began life here in limited circumstances, but 
by industry, perseverance and good management 
he succeeded in accumulating a comfortable 
competence. He v\as a consistent member of 
the Lutheran Church, was a lifelong Democrat 
in politics, a ed his fellow citizens in the 

capacity of auditor of his township. His widow, 
who is a m ble lady, now makes her 

home with her children, who are as follov 

ih, wife of McClennell Brungart, of Green 
township; Sybella, wife of John Reninger, of 
- ' ire, Penn.; [ohn N.; Frank, who mar- 
ried Clara Miller, and is engaged in busim 
with our subject; James L. , a farmer of Green 
township, who married Alice Wolf, daughter of 
Eli Wolf, of that township. One child died in 
infancy. 

The education of John N. Kemmerer was such 
as the public schools of Green township afforded. 
He began work at lumbering with his father in 
the mill, where he remained until twenty-two 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



755 



years of age; than was employed as engineer in 
the Jameson sawmill for a year and a half, and six 
months at lumbering in another part of the town- 
ship. In 1890 he returned home and worked 
with his father until his death, when in partner- 
ship with his brother Frank he took charge of the 
business, which they have since successfully con- 
ducted. Besides making extensive improvements 
in the mill and machinery, costing upward of one 
thousand dollars, the)' have erected a steam saw- 
mill in Logan township at a cost $1,200, and now 
carry on a large and profitable business. They own 
over one thousand acres of timber land in Sugar 
Valley, besides other small tracts, and the old 
homestead of 140 acres also belongs to our sub- 
ject, who is acknowledged to be one of the most 
reliable, straightforward and progressive men of 
Clinton county. 

Mr. Kemmerer was married in 1S93 to Miss 
Anna V. Mover, a native of Penn's Valley, Centre 
county, Penn., a daughter of George and Cath- 
arine (Wagner) Moyer, of Green township, Clin- 
ton county, and they have two interesting chil- 
dren — Harry L. and Katie E. Politically, Mr. 
Kemmerer is identified with the Democratic 
party, but cares nothing for the honors or emolu- 
ments of public office. Although he is a very 
quiet, unassuming man, he is genial and well- 
liked, and has a host of warm friends throughout 
his native county. 



JOSEPH S. SMITH, who is successfully en- 
gaged in the wholesale liquor business in 
Renovo, Clinton county, was born in St. 
Mary's, Penn., in 1866, but his parents, Joseph 
and Anna (Krug) Smith, were natives of Ger- 
many, whence in their youth they came to the 
New World, taking up their residence in this 
State. As a life work the father engaged in the 
butcher business, but for some years previous to 
his death, which occurred April 10, 1885, he 
lived retired. His estimable wife still survives 
him as does also their three sons — John L., Jos- 
seph S. and Sebastian. 

In the city of his birth Joseph S. Smith was 
reared, acquiring his education in its public 
schools. On starting out in life for himself he 
first worked in the mines, and was later em- 
ployed as a clerk and deliverer of goods in a 
mercantile establishment. In 1892 he began 
business in Renovo as a wholesale liquor dealer, 
and has met with excellent success in the under- 
taking. He carries on business on Erie avenue, 
and receives a liberal share of the public pat- 
ronage. 

Mr. Smith was married, in 1S93, to Miss 



Mary E. Sullivan, a daughter of Cornelius Sulli- 
van, of Wellsville, N. Y. , and they now have an 
interesting little daughter, Marie Catherine. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both communicants of 
the Catholic Church, and in his political affilia- 
tions he is a Democrat. A progressive and en- 
terprising citizen, he takes a deep and commend- 
able interest in public affairs, and supports all 
objects which he believes calculated to promote 
the general welfare. 



EV. FRANCIS P. MCCARTHY. Though 
as yet in the enjoyment of a comparatively 
short pastorate at the Church of the Immaculate 
Conception in Lock Haven, Clinton county, 
Father McCarthy has by his devout life, while 
quietly working in his appointed sphere, so en- 
deared himself to his congregation, and gained 
the esteem and regard of all classes in the com- 
munity, as to give promise of great usefulness in 
this field of the vineyard. 

Father McCarthy was born in 1863, at Prov- 
idence, Rhode Island, where the rudiments of 
his education were received. Subsequently, for 
two years, he attended the Christian Brothers 
school in the same city, and completed his col- 
lege course at Manhattan College, New York, in 
1883. After his ordination he was given his first 
charge — St. Vincent De Paul, New York City — 
remaining two years. He next was sent to Har- 
risburg, Penn., where for four years he was the 
assistant to the priest in charge at the Renovo 
Church. On May 2, 1895, he came to his pres- 
ent field of labor, and has since had charge of 
this parish, which is one of the best in Central 
Pennsylvania. 

The Church at Lock Haven was established 
in 1S63, by Rev. Father Gilligin. The charge is 
provided with a very handsome brick church 
edifice, and a commodious school building, the 
former having a seating capacity of 500. The 
school is conducted by the Sisters of Mercy. The 
congregation is growing, and the parish is in ex- 
cellent condition both spiritually and financially. 



CHARLES F. BICKFORD. The lumbering 
interests in and about Lock Haven, Clinton 
county, have been one of the important factors 
in the growth of that prosperous and flourishing 
little city. Since the building of the West Branch 
boom in 1849 millions of feet of sawed logs have 
annually been secured and there manufactured 
into lumber and timber, giving employment to 
hundreds of men. One of the operators here for 



766 



' '0 VMEM0RAT1 VE BIOGBAPHH 'AL IiECORD. 



a lifetime in this important industry is he whose 
name introduces this sketch. 

Our subject comes of a family <>f lumbermen 
who came from a lumber State Maine. Samuel 

kford, his lather, was a conspicuous man in 
lumber circles in this seel fa cen- 

tury, ami si followed in the sa 

line, and either are now, or have been, identified 
with thi A sketch of the iather 

given in that of James A. Bickford elsewhere. 
Charles 1 i 

county, and here received the rudin his 

education. L.r attended the Eastman 

B 5S College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In his 

childhood he had heard the lumber intei 
Maine talked of, while as he was growing up 
that subject was the I ition at 

home, and it was but natural that his mind should 
be directed in that channel. Beginning in I 

d he was for many years employed in the' 

lumber yard as shipping clerk for his father, and 

by step he came up in the business, learning 

rtment thoroughly. From 1S77 until 

bookkeeper and shipping 

clerk in the planing-mill, and in 1883 he became 

engaged in the- sawmill business, in which he has 

1 since continued. The mills and business 
are n by our subject am) his b 

I I ho is a partner. The capacity of 

this plant is from two million to three million 
per annum. These brothers are capable 
tie business men, and are meeting 
with the success their efforts deserve. In polil 
our sub Republican. He is a member of 

the B 1' 0. E., of the Royal Arcanum, and of 
Workmen. As a citizen he com- 
mands the respect of the community. 

On 1875, Mr. Bickl 

married to Yirgie T. Kit. hie, and they have three 
children — Clan rence and Mirian. Mrs. 

Bickford was born in Clinton county. February 

1 J52, and is a daughter of William Ritchie, 

1 .( ck 1 lavec She is a ! ,,]v, 

and is a men,' the Meth pal 

Church. 



HENRY T. HALL. ! L k 11 - 1, Clinton 
county, who i> now serving his second term 
district attorney for Clinton county, hi 

brilliant . and his - re- 

ts tin/ more pon him because it 

obtained by his own efforts, notwithstanding the 
sand discouragements which inevitably ac- 
pany limited 
Mr. Hall was born Octoi 1858, at Mill 

Hall. Clinton county, a son of James and Julia 



(Zellarsj Hall. His father, who was a native of 
Ireland, came to America when but fourteen 
years old, and spent the greater portion of his 
life at Mill Hall and vicinity, be mu engaged for 
about twenty-five years in the occupation of axe- 
making. During the Mexican war he ser 
with honor as a private soldier, and in all the 
relations of life he commanded the respect of his 
associates. His death occurred in 18 — ; his wife, 
who was a native of Clinton county, passed away 
in 1889. They had four children: John, Henry 
T. and George W. twins and Mary Frances, 
wife of Cilery S. McNaul, of Lock Haven 

A- his parents were in moderate circum- 
stances, our subject was obliged to become a 
bread winner at an early age, and for some years 
his educational opportunities were restricted to 
tin winter terms in the Mill Hall schools. How- 
ever, he made the most of his advantages and 
prepared himself to teach a country school, the 
proceeds, together with his savings from his work 
during summer in a sawmill, enabling him to take 
a course at the Mate Normal School in Lock 
Haven, entering in 1878 and graduating in 18S0. 
His ability and success as a teacher may be seen 
from the fact that he had charge of the public 
schools of I'lemington one year and those of Mill 
Hall three years. After graduating from the 
Normal School he continued to teach foi two 
years, spending his summers, as before, in work- 
ing in a sawmill. He then entered the office of 
H. T. Harvey, and began the study of law. 
Alter two and one-half years of preparatory read- 
ing he went to Winneld, Kans., where he was 
admitted to the Bar and established himself in 
practice. Soon, howevar, he was called home 
on account of the serious illness of his mother, 
decided to remain, an advantageous part- 
nership being formed with T. C. Hippie. Four 
years later he was nominated by the Republicans 
for the office of district attorney, and. notwith- 
standing the fact that Clinton county usually 

Democratic by about 500 votes, he was 
elected by a majority of 288. At the end of his 
term of three years he was nominated unani- 
mously by his party, and was again elected, his 

ority being 700. No better testimon) 
popularity could be desired than this endorse- 
ment in a community where he has been known 

childl d. and Ins able discharge of the 

duties of the position fully justifies the confidence 

I i| Ills SUppi '1 I 

far, Mr Hall has not joined the rani- 
the happy Benedicts. While he is not a Church 
member he inclines to the Presbyterian faith, 
and Ins sympathies are with every movement 
thai - to bring a benefit to the community 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



757 



S\AMUEL MILLAR McCORMICK, of Lock 
_! Haven, is a prominent member of the Clin- 
ton County Bar, and the story of his successful 
struggle with adverse circumstances in early life 
cannot fail to strengthen the purpose and stimu- 
late the energies of any ambitious youth who 
reads these lines. 

The McCormick family is one of the oldest in 
this section, and it is supposed that its founders 
came originally from Scotland. William Mont- 
gomery McCormick, our subject's father, was 
born in Clinton county, and for some years of his 
manhood followed farming there. In 1852 he 
went to California in search of gold, but he was 
probably killed by the Indians, as nothing definite 
was ever learned concerning his fate. His wife, 
Ann Eliza (Millar), who died in 1889, was born 
in Pennsylvania, of German descent. 

Our subject was born in 1846, in Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county, and is now the only sur- 
viving member of the family. He secured a 
public-school education, but being anxious to 
pursue his studies farther he taught some four or' 
five years in order to obtain the funds to carry 
him through a course in the State Normal School 
at Millersville, where he was graduated in 1870. 
On leaving this institution he resumed the work 
of teaching, and continued until the fall of 1874, 
when he entered the office of C. S. McCormick, 
of Lock Haven, and began the study of law. 
On January 1, 1877, ne was admitted to the Bar, 
and for more than twenty years has been actively 
engaged in professional work, making a specialty 
of cases in the Orphans' Court, and acquiring 
also a large office business. He cherishes a firm 
faith in the principles of the Republican party, 
but is not an aspirant for political honors, 
although he has served ably as United States 
revenue collector, and has been prominent in 
municipal affairs as a member of the city council, 
having held the position of clerk in that body- 
almost continuously for ten years. In any enter- 
prise which promises to benefit his locality he is 
to be found among the leaders, and he is 
especially interested in educational matters. 
Since May 1, 1879, he has served as a trustee of 
the Central State Normal School at Lock Haven, 
and during all that period has been secretary of 
the board. 

On March 7, 1877, Mr. McCormick married 
Miss Henrietta M. Holahan, daughter of Thomas 
Holahan, a highly respected citizen of Lock 
Haven, who served two terms as superintendent 
of schools in Clinton county. Mrs. McCormick 
died in January, 1895, leaving two sons, Ralph 
W. and Clay M. Mr. McCormick and his wife 
united with the Great Island Presbyterian Church 



early in their married life, and since 1880 he has 
held the office of treasurer. For a year past he 
has also served as elder of the Church. He 
belongs to Great Island Lodge No. 320, I. O. 
O. F., in which he is a past grand, and to Clin- 
ton Encampment No. 27, in which he is past 
chief patriarch, and has been treasurer since 1883. 



FREDERICK W. KELLER is one of the act- 
ive, enterprising and popular business men 
of Lock Haven, Clinton county, a native of that 
city, in which he was born in the year 1866. 

Henry Keller, father of our subject, was born 
in Germany, whence when a young man he came 
to America, locating in Pine Creek township, 
Clinton county. Subsequently he moved to Lock 
Haven, and there learned the shoemaker's trade, 
which he worked at for a time, and in 1859 es- 
tablished the present business carried on by Fred- 
erick W. , under the name of Henry Keller's Son. 
He was thrifty and industrious, and succeeded in 
accumulating a fair share of this world's goods. 
He built up a good business, and played well his 
part as a good, law-abiding citizen of the county 
seat, in the affairs of which he was always inter- 
ested, and to which he gave a share of his time 
and counsel. He was a man somewhat retiring 
and unassuming, yet affable and easily approached. 
He read and investigated, had good practical 
ideas, and he served very creditably in the city 
council. His death occurred in 1894. His 
widow, who is a respected resident of the com- 
munity, was Elizabeth Knights, and was born in 
Pennsylvania. Their children are: Emma, Anna, 
Ella, Frederick W. (our subject), and Charles H. 

Frederick W. Keller was reared in Lock Ha- 
ven, and attended the public schools of the city, 
subsequently taking a business course of study. 
At the age of sixteen years he began assisting his 
father in the store, and of him learned the busi- 
ness. In a manner he was reared in the store 
and to this line of business. He is thoroughly 
acquainted with it, and the success with which 
he has met since the death of his father has 
proven that he is a worthy successor of that fa- 
ther. He is possessed of that tact and manner 
that are calculated to attract and hold custom. 
He is ambitious, and has that energy that will 
win in the course of time. Mr. Keller was reared 
in the religious faith of the German Lutheran 
Church. 



OBERT H. IRVINE, general manager and 
secretary of the Lock Haven Traction 



Company, is a young man who has won an en- 
I viable reputation in his chosen line of effort — 



:•'- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOURAl'IIIVAL RECORD. 



that of civil ring. While he possesses a 

thorough knowledge of the practical details of 
his profession, he has also a rare degree of exec- 
utive ability as is shown in his successful work in 
superintendine; lar^e enterprise 

Mr. Irvine is a native of Lock Haven, born 

in 1868, the "nly son "f Dr. Joseph S. K. Ir 

and his wife, Carrie (Abrams). The father was 

born in Cumbei mnty, Penn., and when 

twenty-f rs old settled at Lock Haven. 

where 1: physician, but he 

, at a comparatively early age. Our 

ither, who was born in W'illiamsport, 

till living. When lour years of age 

our subject was taken to Reading, Penn., wh< 

he received his education in the public schools. 

After hi: •.ion Ir- was employed as a civil 

the Reading railroad for three years. 

and then went to South America to assist in a 

similar capacity in the construction of the first 

: oad built in the United Stat 

re occupied in this work, and 
hi:- return home he gave his attention to the 
a of electric railways, being employed 
I on a tin ndeii, N. J. Later he re- 

ock Haven to build the road with 
which li 1. and after its 

upletion he v I by the company as 

The line is ti\ e and one- 
half mi! s constantly beii led, 
that it bids fair to become one of the leading 

Is in this section. 
In 1890 Mr. Irvine was married to Lenon 

I P. Shenfelder, 
ially, Mr. Irvine and 
wifi minent, and the latter is a member 

of tti'- Presbyterian Church. Mr. Irvine beloi 

. including the 1 : 
O. E., the A. O. I". W., and the Royal Arcan- 
um. I; 



J' '-i-l'Il r\KN'.N>. who for thirty-five j 
- been an hi I Lock 1 ! 

•1. Clinton count) the most in- 

ntial and intelligent citizi -hat thru 

town, ami for ten years has 1 ted the - 

ward in the city council. lb tei m of 

the Civil war, and among the vivid pictures 
which memorj hold- lor him 1- the battle of An- 
tietam, where the dead and dying fell on all 
ring the Ion- hours of the fight. Mr. 
Parsons has an interesting personality, has Hi 
ary gifts, and his in com- 

man -teem of all who know him. 

Mr. Parsons comes of good Colonial stock, 
his grandfather, Stephei g been a 



soldier in the Revolutionary war. William Par- 
sons, our subject's father, was a lifelong resident 
of Pennsylvania, and as a contractor did much 
toward making public improvements of various 
kinds, including canals, which in his day fur- 
nished the best means of transportation. He 

! in 1 s 33 at Paradise. Lancaster Co. t Penn., 
and his wife, Catherine (Collins 1, who was also a 
native of Pennsylvania, passed away some years 
before. 

Squire Parsons, who is now the only survivor 
of his family, was born at Womelsdorf, Berks 
Co., Penn., and was reared after the old-fash- 
ioned plan, receiving but limited schooling. 
Among his teachers was a man in Harrisburg 
named Cross, who seemed to think that whip- 
ping was an indispensable aid to education; but 
notwithstanding the disadvantages of his en\ ir- 
111 -ubject became an ardent student, 
and by his own efforts has gained accurate infor- 
mation on a wide range of topics. He pursued a 
course of legal study, was admitted to the Bar in 
early life, and he is also well-read in science, his- 
t' iry and literature. In fact, he has wielded the pen 
to ^ood effect himself, some poetical gems hav- 
ittracted favorable notice. Extensive travel 
has added to his practical knowdedge of men and 
affairs, as he has circumnavigated the globe, Riv- 
ing especial attention to the interesting scenes of 
the Holy Land and to the important cities of the 
Old World. About 1861 Squire Parsons made 
his home at Lock Haven. For a number of 
years he served as justice of the peace, and he 
has held his present office continuously since 
In politics he has always been a Jeffer- 
sonian Democrat; but in 1896, believing that his 
party had deviated from its principles, he voted 
the Republican ticket. 

In 183S our subject married Miss Ann E. 
Fribley, oi Lycoming county, Penn., who passed 
from earth in February, 1894. Six children 
survive: John F., a resident of Emporium, 
Penn.; William; Mary A., widow of Dr. Cantield; 
Edward K. ; (hail.- F., and Georgia, widow of 
1 Mr. Dietrich. Socially the family is promi- 
nent, ami our subject is now the oldest member 
of the Masonic fraternity in Lock Haven, having 
joined the F. & A. M. in 1851. In religious faith 
he is a Presbyterian. 



E^LIAS SNYDER, a prominent agriculturist of 
t the Nittany Valley, is the owner of a tine 
farm near Lock Haven. Clinton county. His 
residence, which was built in 1887, is without 
doubt the best farm house in the Valley, and 
rything about the estate gives evidence of 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



759 



liberal and progressive management. These 
signs of material prosperity are of less import- 
ance, however, than some which point to the ex- 
cellent qualities of character that mark a good 
citizen, or to the elevated home influence that 
have prepared a family of clever children for use- 
ful and honorable places in the world. 

Mr. Snyder is of pioneer stock, his great- 
grandfather having come from Holland at an 
early day to locate in Pennsylvania. Christo- 
pher Snyder, our subject's grandfather, was the 
first of the name to settle in Clinton county, and 
the farm in Lamar township where he located in 
the early part of this century is still in the pos- 
session of his descendants. He was already well 
advanced in years when he removed to the place, 
and as it was nearly in its primitive condition he 
made only a beginning toward its improvement, 
his death occurring a few years after his removal. 
Of his seven children five' — Benjamin, Fannie, 
Hannah, Rachel, and Sarah — did not live to 
maturity. Harmon settled in later years in Clar- 
ion county, where he died leaving several chil- 
dren. John, our subject's father, was born about 
1788, in what is now Snyder county, but was 
then a part of Union county, and, when his par- 
ents left their old home there to settle in Clin- 
ton county, he was entering upon manhood. At 
his father's death he came into possession of the 
homestead, where he continued to follow farming 
until 1833. He then rented the place, and re- 
moved to the farm now occupied by our subject, 
where he made many improvements. As old 
age drew on he retired from active work, and 
having built another residence upon the farm he 
passed his last days there. During this period 
he was nearly blind at times from a cataract, as 
operationsseem to give him only temporary relief. 
He was of medium height and build, but in his 
early days was a great worker, acquiring a com- 
fortable competence. As a citizen he was held 
in high esteem, and he was a devout member of 
the New Mennonnite Church, his religion being 
illustrated in his daily life. At one time he sup- 
ported the Democratic party, and later he was a 
Whig; but he finally became disgusted with pol- 
itics and politicians, and did not even go to the 
polls on election day. He died July 4, 1870, in 
his eighty-fourth year, and was buried in a pri- 
vate cemetery on our subject's farm. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Nancy Neff, was a native 
of Centre county, and a daughter of John Neff, a 
well-known farmer. She lived to her seventy- 
fourth year, breathing her last on May 6, 1865. 
They had eleven children: Elizabeth, who mar- 
ried Christian Sheats, and died in Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county; Catherine (Mrs. Knights), 



who died in the same township; Nancy, wife of 
Jacob Long, of Livingston county, N. Y. ; Susan, 
wife of H. M, Bean, of the same county; Leah, 
widow of William Sheats, of Lamar township, 
Clinton county; John, who now occupies the orig- 
inal homestead; Lucinda, widow of Levi Zim- 
merman, of Jewell county, Kans. ; Fannie, who 
married Henry Neff, and died in Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county; Hannah, widow of E. A. 
Hancy, of Oregon; Elias, our subject; and Char- 
lotte, widow of Samuel P. Burrell, of Lock Haven. 
Our subject was born March 9, 1834, in a log 
house which stood about six feet in front of the 
site of his present residence. As the son of a 
busy farmer he was trained to habits of industry 
in his youth, and he well recalls the tedious days 
spent in threshing and other work which is now 
done by machinery. For a few months in each 
winter he was permitted to attend school in a log 
house near his home, but everything was of the 
most primitive order, the seats being rough 
benches arranged around thesides of the room. He 
learned to write with a quill pen, and often 
made his own as he was forbidden to use steel 
pens. His first teacher was William Allison, 
and as his instructors were changed nearly every 
term, in accordance with old-fashioned customs, 
his reminiscences cover a wide range of exper- 
ience in this respect. In early manhood he went 
to Lock Haven to engage in the real-estate busi- 
ness with E. A. Hancy, but since 1869 he has 
been in charge of the homestead, which he rented 
for a short time. At his father's death, in 1870, 
it came to him by will, and the later improve- 
ments on the place have all been made by him. 
His beautiful residence has been already men- 
tioned, and in 1893 he rebuilt his barn, which is 
now a model structure, 46x90 feet, with a wing 
27x48. 

In all his efforts Mr. Snyder has had the assist- 
ance of a good wife, that best of blessings, and 
like a true man he delights in acknowledging the 
value of her aid. He was married in November, 
1868, in Livingston county, N. Y., to Miss Mar- 
tha Salinger, who was born July 12, 1845, 
in Livonia, N. Y. , the daughter of Issachar and 
Catherine (Weaver) Salinger. Her father, who 
was a wagon maker by trade, died at the age of 
forty-four, leaving a home to his widow, and with 
the help of the older children she managed to 
keep the family together. She lived to her eight- 
ieth year, and the remains of both are interred 
at Livonia. They were members of the Men- 
nonnite Church, and were much respected among 
their associates for their admirable qualities of 
character. Mrs. Snyder was the youngest of six- 
children. Of the others, Edward is a farmer in 






( OMMBMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Livingston county, N. x reliant, 

died in Wayland, N. Y. ; Issachar resides in 
Livonia, N V Theresa married Isaac Havens, 
I ake, N. V ; Mary, the widow 

•m \Y Iruff, i I nia. N. Y. 

Mrs Snyder attended the common schools i 
her home until she was fifteen when she entered 
the seminary at Dansville, N. Y., whi 

it four terms. Thus prepared she engaged 
in teaching in Livin iunty, N. V.. begin- 

ning at fifteen doll. nth and board. 

She was successful in the work, and taught nine 
terms in the same county before Mr. Snyderper- 

ded her to abandon the calling. They be- 
gan their housekeeping in the spring ol 1869, in 
the little log house in which our subject was 
born. Four children have • lnir union: 

ra L.whowasgra from the Lock Haven 

N 11n.1l School in 1889, and has taught several 
terms of school successfully; Marguerite M., also 
; the Lock Haven school, and a suc- 
-ful teacher; Charles B . born September 21, 
1876, is now ,1 student at Stair College, Penn. ; 
and Florence E., is still at home. Mr. Snyder's 
limited opportunities in early life have stimula 
him ti 1 give Ins children the best advantages with- 
in reach, and he and his wife find then lev, 
for the : them taking a place 

ing the best social and intellectual circle 
the 1' icality. 

While Mr Snyder holds a high rank as a 
in, and 1- sufficiently popular to 
pire with confidenci to political office, he has 
nevei I terest in public af- 

fair- I le bas 11 . judge 1 il 

. and tax ■ tor, holding the latter 

offi< years, and Ins sympathies are 

with the D tic party as a rul ugh 

he 

part) lines The familj is identified with the 
Methodi rch, of which Mrs. Snydei 

member. Dun Haven 

Mr Snyder joined the Masonic fraternity, but 
after In- removal to the farm he found the dis- 
tan him to continue the active 

work ol the order, and he withdrew from m 
bei ship. 

LEX WDLK Y. J( »N1 the 

•• RenoA Hotel, Renovo, Clinton iunty, 
was bum Ocl - 4-. m Ebensburj 

bn.i ( 1 . Penn . and I imas M. and 

Ann (Williams) [ones The fathei was b in in 
Wales, whence about 1832, when a young man, 
he th( I and spent the 

rest of his life 111 Pennsylvania where ins death 
occurred in 1874. He was an active, enterpris- 



man, who engaged in the manufact- 
f woolen goods and in lumbering through- 

his business career, and his straightforward 
honorable course won for him the confidence and 
esteem of all with whom he came in contact. 
His wife, who was a native of Philadelphia, also 
departed this life in 1874. Four children yet 
survive them, as follows: Alexander Y., of this 
review; Mrs. Mathew Griffith, of Kane, Penn.; 
Mr-. William P. Eckles, of Smithport, Penn. ; 
and Elmer E., a resident of Ohio. 

During his boyhood and youth the subject of 
this sketch attended the common schools, and 
about the time he should have entered college 
the tocsin of war sounded, so that he laid aside 
his text books and responded to the President's 
call for troops to put down the Rebellion. He 
joined Company 1", 123d P. V. I., and on the 
expiration of his term of service in that regi- 
ment he re-enlisted, this time in the 209th P. 
V. I , with which he served until hostilities had 
ceased, being honorably discharged March 25, 
\t Fori Mr. idman he received a gunshot 
wound in the head. On returning to his home 
in Ebensburg, Mr. Jones accepted the position 
of bookkeeper for A. A. Barker, and after ac- 
ceptably filling that position for four years, he 

aged in the woolen business for about five 
years. He then removed to Kane, where he 
had the management of a mercantile establish- 
ment until 1892, when he came to Renovo to 
take charge of the "Renovo Hotel," one of 
the largest hostelries between Philadelphia and 
His pleasant, genial manner makes him a 
most popular landlord, and he is meeting with 
excellent success in his new undertaking. 

In [866 Mr. Jones was married to Permelia 
I Kinkead, daughter of Harrison Kinkead, of 
Ebensburg, and they have become the parents 
of four children, namely: T. H.. Linda, Raj 
and Eva. The parents and children are con- 
with the Presbyterian Church, in which 
Mi Jones is now serving as elder. Socially he is 
a Master Mason, and politically is an ardent Re- 
can. For eight years he served as justice 

the peace in Kane, Penn., discharging his 
duties with a promptness and fidelity worthy of 
all tii a, and other official honors 

would have been conferred upon him had he not 
! He is emphatically a man of enter- 
character, indomitable energy, 
strict integrity and liberal views, and is thor- 
oughly identified with the growth and prosperity 
ol 1 ted city. In days of peace as in 

days of war, he has been found a brave and 
worthy the high regard in which 
ly held. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



761 



BiENJAMIN K. FOCHT. Three terms in 
_) the Legislature, each replete with instances 
of loyalty to his constituents and care for the 
interests of the entire State, up to the present, 
comprise the public career of Benjamin K. Focht, 
the subject of this biography. Mr. Focht is 
editor and proprietor of the Saturday News, of 
Lewisburg, and he has not only made his mark 
in journalism, but, through his practical work 
in the political field, has won a reputation 
as one of the best organizers in Pennsylvania. 

Benjamin K. Focht was born in New Bloom- 
field, Perry Co., Penn., March 12, 1863. His 
father was the late Rev. David Henlein Focht, a 
Lutheran minister, who was known as an author 
and who was noted for his powers as a pulpit 
orator. His mother was Susan Brown Focht, 
daughter of John Brown, one of the original 
settlers of Lewisburg, Penn., and one who had 
tracts of land there. On the death of her hus- 
band, in 1864, one year after the son Benjamin 
was born, she returned with her children to her 
native place. Mr. Focht's ancestry includes 
many clergymen, and others who were Revolu- 
tionary heroes. John George Focht, his great- 
grandfather, emigrated from Neustadt. Franco- 
nia, Germany, in the eighteenth century, and 
settled in Northampton county, Penn. He 
served under General Wayne, and took part in 
the battles of Stony Point, Germantown and 
Trenton, and he also served under General Sul- 
livan against the Indians of the Six Nations. 
When Benjamin Focht was old enough to go to 
school, he was sent to Bucknell Academy, Lew- 
isburg, where he was educated, also receiving a 
course of instruction at State College and Selins- 
grove Institute. At the age of fourteen he en- 
tered a printing office as an apprentice, and so 
rapid was his progress in this line that, at the 
age of seventeen, he wrote the salutatory for the 
first issue of the Lewisburg Local News. 

Mr. Focht had a decided leaning to journal- 
ism, both in its practical and theoretical branches, 
and he became part owner of the Local News, 
and then, after one year, upon becoming sole 
proprietor, changed its name to the Satin-day 
News. The difficulties that beset him in the 
early part of his journalistic career were many; 
but by his energy and application to business he 
surmounted all obstacles, becoming, within the 
space of a few years, one of the strongest edi- 
torial writers in Pennsylvania, and owner of an 
extensive and valuable newspaper plant. It was 
but a natural step from the field of journalism 
into that of politics, and early in his career as a 
publisher and editor Mr. Focht attracted the at- 
tention of the Republican party. 



The victories which Mr. Focht won as a jour- 
nalist marked him as a man of progress before 
he reached his majority, and it was only a short 
time before he had attained a prominent position 
in his community as a leader of thought. As 
early as 1882 he came into the notice of the 
Republican organization of his district by up- 
holding its course as opposed to the "Independ- 
ents," in which cause he exercised all his influ- 
ence and his able pen. Mr. Focht's first active 
participation in the affairs of the Republican par- 
ty occurred in 1889, when he was elected dele- 
gate to the State Convention. In 1892 he was 
chosen and served as a Congressional Conferree; 
and three times he was elected delegate to the 
Republican State League Convention. In 1890 
Mr. Focht was a candidate for the Republican 
nomination for Assembly; but the contest was a 
three-cornered one, and so peculiar were the po- 
litical conditions which obtained that he met 
with defeat. Nothing daunted, however, he was 
again a candidate in 1892. Although bitterly 
opposed, on account of his leadership in the bat- 
tle of the previous year, when Judge Bucher, a 
Democrat, was defeated in the Union-Snyder- 
Mifflin District by an opponent who, at the time, 
was not a resident of the district, he won at both 
the primary and general elections. The fact 
that Benjamin K. Focht was a man of wonder- 
ful resources as a political leader was indicated 
in the contest which defeated Judge Bucber, and 
in which H. M. McClure, Mr. Focht's brother- 
in-law, was victorious. This triumph was a great 
one, as Judge Bucher was reputed to be one of 
the most sagacious politicians in central Penn- 
sylvania, and had as his supporters nearly the 
entire Bar of the District, together with all the 
Democratic papers and five Republican papers in 
his District. The fact that he could so well fight 
a desperate political battle thus gave Mr. Focht 
a place among the most resourceful and wisest 
leaders in the State. 

In 1894 he was re-elected to the State As- 
sembly, and again in 1896, the last time receiv- 
ing a majority of 1,265, tne largest ever given a 
Republican candidate for that office in Union 
county. On March 5, 1898, Mr. Focht, at the 
Republican primary of Union county, was again 
nominated for the Assembly. 

In 1887 Mr. Focht was married to Florence 
Edith, daughter of H. G. Wolf, a prominent 
merchant of Mifflinburg, and president of the 
Farmers Bank. They have two children, both 
daughters, Ellen Wolf and Edith Virginia Focht. 
Mr. Focht has three brothers and one sister: 
Rev. Dr. J. B., George M., Dr. M. L., and 
Mrs. H. M. McClure. His interests are centered 



782 



< OMMEHORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



in his duties as a legislator and in his capacity as 
a newspaper editor and proprietor, in both of 
which he enjoys the confidence of the public. 



BEV. GEORGE RIPLEY BLISS, D. D., 
LL. D., was born June 20, 1816, near 

Sherburne, N. Y. His father, a New England 
farmer and school teacher, had migrated from 
Connecticut to that region, and at a later time 
ihed still farther west in the Empire State. 
The son, catching the prevailing impulse of that 
generation, left home early and made his way to 
the extreme front of civilization, then in Indiana. 
Bui after some rough experience of life in the 
wilderness, he returned to the State of his birth. 
He was not yet twenty-one years old when, after 
a brief period of service as a clerk in a country 
termined to prepare himself for the 

( bristii tinistry, and i the Junior class 

at Madison (now Colgate) University, at Hamil- 
ton, N. Y. He was graduated from the college 
with honor in 1S3X, and two years later from the 
Theological School. For about three years (in- 
cluding his own period of study) he was a tutor 
in the University; but in 1N42 he accepted a call 
to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church of 
New Brunswick, X. J., a position which he occu- 

1 in which his learning, 
piety and winning personality made a deep im- 
upon Church and community. In 1S49 
he was called to the New Jersey chair of Greek 
and Latin in tin- Baptist University at Lewis- 
burg, Penn. (now Bucknell University , mid 
here, lor twenty-live years, the most active period 
of his life, he labi 'led as an educal 

During a considerable part of this period he 
added t" the duties of his chair in the university 
th' ;-'i of the Lewisburg Baptist Church. 

No doubt this double activity, aided by his nat- 
urally sympathetbii lament, helped to 
n that practical interest and influence in 
the uen which always chars 
him. To the last, notwithstanding his 
tion in his work, Dr. Bliss remained a disinl 
• 1. but ii"t an uninterested, observer and ad- 
er. He was not only learned in books; he 

■ ise in his dealings with men. 
In 1874 hi ppointed to the 

Biblical I is in ( rozer Theological Semi- 

nary, at Upland, Penn., and ten years later ■ 

igy. In this 

nained until his death in 18 

His special fitness for this position had been 

demonstrated by a life largely devoted to the 

studs of Biblical interpretation, and the lan- 

ges necessary to that study, and by much 



scholarly work in translation, both from the 
Greek and from the Hebrew, and in exposition. 
To this work much of his time was devoted dur- 
ing his residence in Lewisburg. In 1841, before 
he was twenty-five years old, he was engaged 
to " carefully review and critically examine " the 
Old Testament portion of a version of the Bible 
being prepared by Rev. David Bernard. This 

k was published in 1S42 by J. B. Lippincott, 
and is known as the I'.ernard Bible. A few years 
later he was selected to translate several books of 
the Old Testament for the American edition of 
Lan :a1 l!ible Commentary, published by 

Charles Scribner. His work on the Old Testa- 
ment, performed for the American Bible Union, 
of which the volume on Ruth was published in 
1878, reflected the highest credit on his critical 
acumen and insight. Indeed, the portions of the 
American Bible Union's version of the Bible 
which have been published, compare very favor- 
ably with the later and more famous " Revised 
Version," for many of the inovations of which 
they set the example. 

In the three volumes of the International 
Sunday-School Lessons, entitled "Moses in Is- 
rael", "Heroes and Judges", "Israel's Kings 
and Christ's Apostles", the lessons covering the 
first six months of [874, 1875 and 1876, Dr. 
I Hiss « as chosen to aid in revising the text of the 
Old Testament books from Exodus through II. 
Kings, and the book of the Acts in the New Tes- 
tament. Much of the work was done alone, but 
in parts of it he was associated with Dr. Conant, 
Dr. Hackett and other Biblical scholars of like 

itation. 

The Commentary on Luke, in the New 
Testament series, published in 1885 by the 
American Baptist Publication Society, Philad 
phia, is perhaps the best known of Dr. Bliss' ex- 

tical books, and exhibits unusual scholarly ac- 
curacy in translation and interpretation. 

It would be difficult to say whether his liter- 
ary or nis educational work was the more dis- 
tinguished and important. Including three years 
ervice as tutor in Madison University, he 
it forty-seven years in teaching, and during 
that time carried 45 college classes through their 
entire college or seminary course in his depart- 

nt. Hundreds of his former pupils, now en- 

ed in the work for which he trained them, 
bear witness to his thoroughness, skill and pa- 
tiem instructor and guide. But he never 

ceased to be himself a student. He had a 
natural bent towards linguistic acquisitions and 
philosophical inquiries, which he carried not 
into the classic tongues but also into the 
literature of modern Europe. His knowledge 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



763 



was large yet precise. His candor was as com- 
plete as his views were clear and well considered. 
It was justly said of him by an associate: " He 
was not ashamed of a truth because it was old, 
nor afraid of a truth because it was new. " 

Dr. Bliss died at his home on Seminary Hill, 
Upland, on March 27, 1893. He is buried in 
the cemetery at Lewisburg, almost under the 
shadow of the University, which for a quarter of 
a century he served so faithfully and well. 



fON. PULASKI F. HYATT, one of the 
prominent men of the Commonwealth, a 
resident of Lewisburg, Union county, and who 
at this writing is United States consul at Santia- 
go de Cuba, is of the seventh generation of the 
family in America. He is descended from an 
ancestry that have proven their patriotism in 
nearly all the wars in which this country has 
been engaged. 

The paternal lineage of Consul Hyatt in 
America begins with Thomas Hyatt, who locat- 
ed at Cambridge, Mass., now a part of Boston, 
in 1631, and who held a squire's commission from 
the crown. The intermediate grandparents lo- 
cated in Connecticut, some of whom took part, 
in the Indian, and the French and Indian wars, 
there being record that the citizens of Norwalk, 
Conn., in January, 1676, voted one Capt. 
Thomas Hyatt a large tract of land for heroic 
services in "ye Indian warres." Samuel Hyatt, 
grandfather of Consul Hyatt, served in the 
Continental army, throughout the war of the 
Revolution, and was chief of an observation 
corps, whose duty it was to keep track of and re- 
port the movements of the enemy, and his nu- 
merous hair-breadth escapes are a family legen- 
dary. Soon after the close of the war he re- 
moved to Ostego county, New York. 

Thomas Hyatt, father of Consul Hyatt, en- 
tered the service of his country as a drummer boy 
in the war of 181 2. After returning from the 
war he married Miss Sabrina Griffith, of Scotch 
descent, and daughter of a well-known tanner, 
and the young couple settled on a farm near the 
old homestead, where, in due course of time, 
twelve children came to bless their home, the 
subject of this sketch being the seventh son and 
eleventh child, whereupon the family declared 
him a doctor, a title he bore as a child and which 
he afterward made good by graduating in phar- 
macy, dentistry and medicine. 

Consul Hyatt was born in Otsego county, 
N. Y., June 4, 1836. His early scholastic op- 
portunities did not extend beyond the academic 
degree, but being of studious habits he acquired 



a liberal education, and taught school four terms, 
three of which were in Beech Creek, Clinton 
Co., Penn. At the age of twenty-three he mar- 
ried Miss Margaret Elizabeth Allen, daughter of 
William Allen, Esq., member of an old and 
honored family of Williamsport, Penn., the 
young couple settling in Lock Haven, but their 
housekeeping honeymoon was cut short, for the 
war cry of secession was already ringing through- 
out the land. Although a lifelong Democrat, 
his ancestral blood would not let him keep 
quiet when our flag was assailed, and in 1S61 he 
entered the old nth P. V. I., as a private, al- 
though offered a commission by Gov. Curtin. 
He was at once made hospital steward of the 
regiment, and after a year's service in the field, 
was transferred to the regular army and stationed 
at Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C, where 
he was soon promoted to be surgeon, and re- 
mained as such until six months after the close 
of the war. 

During the war a strong friendship grew up 
between Dr. Hyatt and Czar Dunning, and the 
two agreed to enter the drug business together 
after the war, the Doctor giving his attention to 
the practice of medicine, and Mr. Dunning to 
the store, an agreement which was carried out 
by the subject of this sketch buying a property 
at Bordentown, N. J., where a successful prac- 
tice and business was carried on for eighteen 
years, when the Doctor returned to Pennsyl- 
vania and located at Lewisburg, stopping, how- 
ever, long enough in Philadelphia to take a 
post-graduate course at Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege. 

The Doctor always found time to take upon 
himself the duties of citizenship as well as those 
of a physician. While at Bordentown he served 
fifteen years as president of the Board of Trus- 
tees of the public schools, and as secretary of the 
Bordentown Female College. He declined the 
nomination as mayor of the city, and also a 
nomination on the Democratic ticket for mem- 
ber of the State Legislature, when a nomination 
was equivalent to an election. In 1876, during 
the disputed Presidential election, Samuel J. 
Tilden sent him as confidential commissioner to 
Florida to investigate the returns of the election 
boards of that State. In Lewisburg he served 
for several years on the board of ministerial edu- 
cation of Bucknell University, and as deacon in 
the Baptist Church from almost the time of 
making that place his home to the present. He 
is one of the few men who never divorce politics 
and religion, and could never see why a man 
should abandon the latter if active in the former. 
In politics he has always been a Democrat, 






i OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



although not of the violent type, and for two 
successive term- count) chairman of his 

party. Following this, he was for three suc- 
cessive terms selected Democratic chairman of 
the Sixth Division of Pennsylvania, inclu*! 
l'"tter, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Union and 
Snyder counties, and in 1K91 was prominently 
mentioned throughout the Commonwealth for the 
Democratic State chairmanship. 

While Division chairman, Consul Hyatt 
early felt the public pulse beating favorably for 
the nomination of Robert E. Pattison as Gov- 
ernor of the Commonwealth, and he consulted 
with the late Ho». Charles S. Wolfe concerning 
the advisability of bringing Mr. Pattison out as a 
candidate. Mr. Wolfe replied that in a political 
sense he owed the ex-Governor nothing, but as 
he believed Mr. Pattison an upright, fearless and 
able man. peculiarly suited to the times, he 
would support the ex-Governor if a candidate. 
Joi 1 Hen. Esq . of Clinton county, a prominent 
Republican and Granger, and many others of like 
kind, informed the chairman to the same effect. 
Armed with this knowledge he wrote Mr. Patti- 
son of the situation in centra! Pennsylvania, and 
Mr. Pattison consulted with Hon. William F. 
Harrity, then postmaster at Philadelphia. Mr. 
Harrity then informed Chairman Hyatt that if 
the sentiment elsewhere in the State should 
crystalize in favor of Mr. Pattison, the ex-Gov- 
r would enter the field as a candidate. 
Circumstances favorable to the accomplishment 
of this end came thick and fast. It was thought 
if the Republicans put forth Delamater there 
would be enough defection from the Republican 

ks to elect Mr. Pattison. The Division Chair- 
men, nine in all, controlled the place and date 
of tli' ( ^mention. Excluding the vote of Chair- 
man Hyatt, there was a deadlock as to the 
arrangements. His vote decided that the Nomi- 
native Convention of 1S90 should be held after 
the Republican State Convention, and at Scran- 
ton, a Pattison stronghold, instead of Harris- 
burg, where the Wallace men wanted it. After 
Mr. P tti n's nomination and election, to secure 
which Chairman Hyatt worked with tireless 
energy, no recognition was asked of the Governor 
for himself, but he did ask tl rnorthat the 

services of his Division Secretary, T. Kit' 
Van Dyke. Esq., and of the Hon. Charles F. 
Wolfe, be properly recognized. Mr Van Dyke 
was made chief clerk in the corporation depart- 
ment in the State administration, and Mr. Wolfe 
was appointed director-general of the Pennsyl- 
vania exhibit at the World's Fair, Chic > 
although he did not live to assume the duties of 
his appointment. 



Gov. Pattison having declined to stand in the 
way of ex-President Cleveland's nomination at 
Chicago, and Mr. Harrity becoming Democratic 
National Chairman in the meanwhile, both gen- 
tlemen were in a position to be heard by Mr 
Cleveland after his election, and they made it a 
personal matter to urge Dr. Hyatt for a foreign 
appointment. Letters of endorsement were also 
addressed to Mr. Cleveland by ex-Govs. Curtin 
and Beaver; Congressmen Wolverton, McAleer, 
Mutchler. Kribbs. Beltzhoover, Reilly and Hines; 
Democratic State Chairman James Kerr; Presi- 
dent Judges ( >rvis. McClure. Savage, Peek, Metz- 
ger and others. The result was his appointment 
on June 8, 1893, as United States Consul at San- 
tiago de Cuba, with sub-offices at Daiguiri, Guan- 
tanamo, Santa Cruz del Sur and Manzanille — a 
jurisdiction in which over $17,000,000 of Ameri- 
can capital are invested, and which ships over 
1,000,000,000 pounds of freight monthly to the 
United States. The commercial side of this ap- 
pointment, however, was soon dwarfed in impor- 
tance by the diplomatic duties which arose be- 
cause of the outbreak in Cuba of the present 
desolating insurrection, the first official informa- 
tion of which was given our government by Con- 
sul Hyatt in his dispatch N'o. 95, of I r ebruary 2 J, 
lays before the formal birth of the 
war. This dispatch, together with others relat- 
ing to subsequent "Affairs in Cuba,'' were pub- 
lished in a message from President Cleveland " in 
response to House resolution of December 28, 
1895," making a document of 206 pages, about 
one-half of which were written by Consul Hyatt, 
and concerning which ex-Minister Mont, the 
greatest Spanish authority on international law, 
said in a speech in the national cortes: "When 
the work was published for the first time some- 
body well versed in diplomatic affairs told me 
that it was an admirable paper, in which were 
reflected the his; the insurrection and the 

character it bore at its beginning. After I read 
it I found that the aforesaid opinion was well 
grounded, and I am constrained to believe that 
when you shall hear what I am going to tell you, 
you will agree with me, at least as far as regards 
the importance of the revelations it contain- 

The frequent arrests and arbitrary trial 
American citizens contrary to law within his jur- 
isdiction; assaults of Spanish men-of-war on 
American vessels in these waters; the flagrant 
menaces and injuries to American estates from 
both Cuban and Spanish sources — sometimes 

n under cover of law; amidst prejudices and 
passions a general disregard for the right- 
neutrals; together demanded in this position, 
during such critical times, rare intelligence, tact 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



765 



and a firm hand; and Consul Hyatt, seconded 
by his son, Hon. John T. Hyatt, as Vice Consul, 
had such signal success in the discharge of their 
official duties as to receive an unbroken line of 
approvals from the Department of State. Presi- 
dent McKinley, although early informed of a 
readiness to vacate, lias not deemed it wise to 
make any change in this office. 

To the marriage of Consul Hyatt and Miss 
Margaret Elizabeth Allen there came to make 
happy their home children as follows: Margaret, 
Paul Allen, John Thomas, and Fred Pulaski 
Hyatt, all being now deceased except John 
Thomas Hyatt. 



[ON. JOHN THOMAS HYATT, of Lewis- 
JLTA. burg, Union county, who has recently re- 
tired from the United States Diplomatic Service 
as Vice and Deputy Consul at Santiago de Cuba, 
and who for some years has been engaged in lit- 
erary lines of work, is the son of Hon. Pulaski F. 
Hyatt and Margaret (Allen) Hyatt, the former 
being, at this writing, the U. S. Consul at Santi- 
ago de Cuba. 

The younger Mr. Hyatt was born at Borden- 
town, N. J., September 12, 1868. He attended 
the public schools of that city from 187610 1882, 
when he entered the Bordentown Military Acad- 
emy, under command of Col. Samuel E. Rusk, 
remaining there two years. He was employed 
from the fall of 1882 until that of 1885 in the 
home office of the Standard Insurance Company 
of Trenton, N. J., when he entered the academy 
connected with Bucknell University, Lewisburg. 
In 1 891 he graduated with honors from the col- 
lege of the university, with the degree of Bach- 
elor of Philosophy. While in college Air. Hyatt, 
at one time or another, was chosen to fill about 
all the highest offices within the gift of the stu- 
dent body. He was elected censor, secretary, 
vice-president and president, respectively, of the 
Theta Alpha Literary Society. He was made a 
member of the executive committee of the Ath- 
letic Association; was afterward selected as treas- 
urer, and then as president. In company with 
Messrs. Truman, Purdy and William C. Gretzin- 
ger, he was appointed on the committee which 
formulated the official cry of the University stu- 
dents. In 1 S89 he was elected business manager 
of the Bucknell Mirror, at that time the only 
publication of the university, and through his 
business ability more improvements were made 
in the periodical than under any predecessor, and 
the income of the paper was more than doubled 
in a single year. He refused to accept a unan- 



imous re-election to the managership. He was 
appointed editor-in-chief of the Daily Commence- 
ment News for the year 1890-91, and became a 
member of the Sigma Chi fraternity while in col- 
lege. 

During the Pattison-Delamater Presidential 
campaign of 1S90 in Pennsylvania, Mr. Hyatt 
made political addresses at New Berlin, Allen- 
wood, New Columbia and Laurelton. He was 
invited by State Chairman Wright to be one of 
the State speakers during the Presidential cam- 
paign of 1892, and on Memorial Day, 1893, he 
was orator of the day at Milton — delivering his 
address in the evening at the opera house — ex- 
Governor Beaver having been the orator the 
year previous. After his graduation he spent 
from September, 1S91, to May, 1892, doing 
special newspaper work and traveling through 
the States of the South and West, at the expi- 
ration of which time he took up the study of law 
at Lewisburg with Hon. Samuel H. Orwig. Be- 
fore the completion of his course, however, he 
was on September 12, 1893, appointed United 
States Vice and Deputy Consul at Santiago de 
Cuba, which office, because of his excellent prep- 
aration, natural diplomatic talent, and ac- 
quaintance with the ways of the world, he filled 
with distinction until he resigned in August, 1897. 
Two years before this resignation he was elected 
honorary member of the " Press Association " of 
Bucknell University. Mr. Hyatt is a writer of 
ability. The Cosmopolitan Magazine, of Sep- 
tember, 1S95, contained a very interesting eight- 
page article by him, entitled " The Ancient Capi- 
tal of Cuba," which article received very high 
encomiums from the leading American newspa- 
pers, and was copied at large by the Reviezv of 
Reviews. On June 11, 1894, Mr. Hyatt was 
unanimously elected to full membership in the 
Union Ibero-Americana Society, of Madrid, 
Spain. 

On December 16, 1895, M'r. Hyatt was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret McLaughlin, of Lewisburg, 
daughter of George Yencer and Margaret (Glass) 
McLaughlin. On December 2, of the following 
year, a daughter — Margarita Allen — was born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt at Santiago de Cuba, she 
being the only child born in Cuba to native 
Americans after the outbreak of the now famous 
insurrection. On April 4, 1S97, Mr. Hyatt's 
child died in Cuba, which sad event was followed 
three days late by the death of his wife. 

Possessing rare ability, with a liberal educa- 
tion and the broad experience that travel and 
contact with the world has given him, and as 
yet but at the threshold of life, we predict for 
Mr. Hyatt a brilliant and useful career. 



766 



VMBAfORATITB BIOGRAPHICAL REl ORD. 



LINCOLN. Lindum Colonia was the ancient 
Roman or Latin name for the city of Lin- 
coln, in the county of that name in England, 
which was founded about the year 100 of the 
Christian Era; and by the custom of R 
writers in abbreviating proper names, the transi- 
tion is easy fron Lindum Colonia. to Lin Colon, 
or Lincoln. Tin.- name was very common in 
I and hund years before the discovery 

ol America, Between 1635 and 1645, or from 
fifteen to twenty years after the landing of the 
Pilgrims from the "Mayflower 'at Plymouth, 
then the infant settlement at Hingham, 

in Massachusi it men from England of the 

name of Lincoln. Three of these — Samuel, 
I>.iiiiel and Thomas were brothers; the others 
first and second cousins of the tirst named. 
(mm the neighborhood of Hing- 
ham, in the county of Norfolk. Two of these 
three brothers « i i « - < i without heirs, but Samuel 
family 1 eleven children , including 
w to manhood, viz. : Samuel, 
cai and 1 His descendants 

are numerous and widely scattered, while many 
of them have occupied conspicuous posit 
public and private life. Two of them wen 
ernors oi Massachusetts, and one of them a gov- 
ernor of Man i been members of 
1 ress and occupied other high offices under 
the United States and State governments; and 
one of them has made In- name immortal as the 
great " War President " and tl ncipator of 
millions of human beings from chattel si 

The genealogy is traced as follows: Richard 

V. B. Lincoln is the son of John Lincoln, who 

the son of Mishael, who was the son of 

Thomas, who was the son of Mordecai, who 

ol Mordecai, who was tl 
Samuel, who ram.- from England in 1637 aged 
seventeen \. Abraham Lincoln, 

the President, was the son of Thomas, who was 
the son of Abraham, who was the son of [ohn, 
who was the son ol Mordecai, who was the son 
of Mi who was the son ol Samuel, who 

came from I ngland in 1637 nteen 

igular fact that among the Lin- 
colns mentioned 1 nerations from Samuel 

Lincoln, the immigrant in 1057. down to near 
later, t 1 not one who does 

n t beat a S riptural name, and that for six 
rations nearly all were pioneers in the set- 
tlement of new countries, viz.: tts, 
New [ersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, 
Indiana. Illinois, Missouri, etc 

nuel Lincoln, the eldest son of the Sam- 
uel aforementiom participator 
in King Philip's war, which began in p ;; An- 



other descendant of his was one of the party 
who, disguised as Indians, threw the tea into 

ston harbor, and helped to precipitate the 
war of the Revolution: many others served as 
officers and privates in that war until it ended. 

Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, of the Revolution, 
though not a descendant of Samuel, was a Hing- 
ham man. descended from Thomas Lincoln, a 
relative of Samuel. He served from the begin- 
ning to the end of the war. and at the surrender 

the British at Yorktown was appointed by 
Gen. Washington to receive the sword of Lord 
Cornwallis. the British commander. 

The descendants of Samuel Lincoln have, in 
the main, been active, well-to-do citizens of 
Massachusetts. New Pennsylvania, Vir- 

ginia, Kentucky, etc. ; men who everywhere 
played their parts well, and who were endowed 
with the spirit of adventure, patriotism and 
thrift. 

Mordecai Lincoln, the third son of Samuel, 
the immigrant, was born at Hingham, Mass., 
Jun< 1 ,. [657; married, for his tirst wife, Sarah 

ies, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Whit- 
man) Jones, (here is the origin of the name 
Abraham in the Lincoln family, which has been 
kept up for more than 200 years), and for his sec- 
ond wife, wedded the widow, Mary Gannett, of 
Scituate, Mass. She died April 19, 1745, aged 
seventy-nine years. He died November 8, 1 727, 
in his seventy-first year. He had four sons: 
lecai, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and two 

,'hters. In his will of May 5. 1 727, he provides 
liberally for his wife Mary, gives to " son Mor- 
decai no pounds in lawful bills of credit; to 
Abraham sixty pounds in money or good 
bills of credit, besides what he has already re- 
ceived; to son Isaac, the home he now dwells in 
in Hingham, mill property, etc.; to son Jacob, 
my homestead in Scituate, also lands, mills, and 
other valuables; also to the oldest sons of Mor- 

li and Abraham, ten pounds each when they 
become of age." Provision is also made for 

ling three ol his >ns to college should 

they desire a liberal education. Before the date 
ol this will, his two sons. Mordecai and Abra- 
ham, had removed to Monmouth county, N. J., 
and (<>r this reason all of the real estate of the 
111 Hingham and Scituate, including his 
interest in ironworks, sawmills and gristmills was 
be.pieatli.il to his younger sons, I 1 Jacob, 

while to the two older sons the sum of money 

■re named was given, in addition to what 
they had before rei eived. 

Mordecai. tl ol Mordecai, the son of 

Samuel, was born in Hingham. April 24, 1686. 
removed from there to Monmouth county, N. J. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



767 



He married Hannah Bowne Salter, of Freehod, 
N. J., a daughter of Richard and Sarah (Bowne) 
Salter. (Richard Salter was a leading lawyer 
of that place, member of the Assembly, and 
Judge). His wife Hannah died in 1 7 17. About 
1720 he removed to Amity township, Philadel- 
phia county, Penn. (now Exeter township, 
Berks county), and bought about one thousand 
acres of land there, some of which remained in 
the possession of the family over one hundred and 
twentyyears. He married a second time, and after 
his death his widow married Roger Rodgers. He 
died in 1735 or '36, and was interred in the 
Friends burying ground in Exeter township, Berks 
county. His will is dated February 22, 1735, 
and recorded June 7, 1736. He had one son 
and four daughters by his first marriage, and 
three sons by his second. The names of the 
sons are: John, Mordecai, Thomas and Abra- 
ham. The following are some extracts from his 
will: " I give and bequeathe to my son Mordecai 
Lincoln the half of my land situate in Amity, and 
to his heirs and assigns forever. I give and be- 
queathe to my son, Thomas Lincoln, the half of 
my land aforesaid, with this proviso, that if my 
wife Mary should prove enceinte at my decease 
and bring forth a son, then I order that the said 
land be divided into three equal parts." (A post- 
humous child was born, was a male, and named 
Abraham). "I give and bequeathe to m}' daugh- 
ters Hannah and Mary, a certain piece of land 
at Matjaponix, N. J., already settled on them by 
deed or gift, f give and bequeathe to my two 
daughters Anna and Sarah, and to their heirs 
and assigns forever, one hundred acres of land 
lying at Matjaponix in the Jerseys. " He also 
provides liberally for his wife Mary, and desires 
" my loving and trusting friends and neighbors 
Jonathan Robeson and George Boone, trustees, 
to assist my wife as executrix." "I give and be- 
queathe unto my son John Lincoln a certain 
piece of land lying in the Jerseys containing 
three hundred acres, and to his heirs and assigns 
forever." This John Lincoln was the great- 
grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, the President; 
he was born in New Jersey, and as is shown by 
the above quoted clause of his father's will re- 
ceived three hundred acres of land there. This 
land he sold, and bought a farm near Birdsboro, 
Berks county, Penn., where he lived until 1760, 
when he sold it and removed to Virginia to what 
is now Rockingham county, Va. His will was on 
file at the probate office in Harrisonburg in that 
county, but was destroyed by fire along with 
other papers on file there; it is known, however, 
that he had sons, John, Thomas, Abraham, 
Isaac and Jacob, and daughters. One of these 



sons, Abraham, the grandfather of the President, 
in 1780 sold his Virginia possessions, and re- 
moved to Jefferson county, Ky., where he en- 
tered seventeen hundred acres of land in three 
different localities. He undertook to clear and 
farm one of these tracts not far from the present 
city of Louisville, and while thus employed work- 
ing on his clearing with three sons, an unexpect- 
ed shot from a skulking Indian killed him. He 
left three sons: Mordecai, Josiah and Thomas, 
and two daughters: Mary and Nancy. Thomas, 
the youngest of these sons, was born in 1778 in 
North Carolina, where his father was at 
that time living, and died in 185 1 in Macon 
county, Illinois. On June 12, 1806, he married 
Nancy Hanks, by whom he had three children — 
two sons and one daughter — viz. : Abraham (the 
President); Thomas, who died in infancy; and 
Sarah, who* married Aaron Grigsby, and died in 
1826. The ancestors of Nancy Hanks were 
neighbors of the Lincolns in Berks county, and 
went with or followed them to Virginia. 

The name of the second son of the Mordecai 
Lincoln who settled in Berks county was also 
Mordecai; he had two sons, Benjamin and John, 
both of whom removed long ago to Fayette 
county, Penn. His descendants are still to be 
found in that county, and in the adjoining coun- 
ties of Pennsylvania. 

Thomas, the third son of Mordecai the first 
of Pennsylvania, was the second sheriff of 
Berks county, and had two sons, Hananiah and 
Mishael, and one daughter, Sarah. Hananiah 
was a lieutenant in Col. William Cooke's 
Twelfth Penn. Regiment of the Continental 
line. He resigned his commission in the army 
soon after the battle of Brandywine, and went 
to Daniel Boones's settlement in Kentucky. 
(The Boones and Lincons were neighbors in 
Pennsylvania, and the two families were very 
much mixed in marriages). 

Mishael Lincoln, the other son of Thomas 
Lincoln, the sheriff, was a soldier in the war of 
the Revolution for six months; he served in Gen- 
eral Sullivan's expedition against the Indians in 
the southern part of the State of New York, 
which was sent out by Washington to revenge 
the infamous massacre of Wyoming. He was 
also at Fort Freeland, on the West branch when 
Captain Brady was killed by the Indians in 
1779. and assisted in carrying him into the fort. 
Having by his experience and observation in the 
war become somewhat familiar with the West 
branch country, he, immediately after the close 
of the war, purchased a large tract of land in 
Buffalo Valley, about one mile east of Mifrlin- 
burg, to which he removed in 1783 with his wife 



768 



VMEMORA TTVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Rachel Thompson, and son, an infant, a j 
old From [817 to 1 the 

imissioners "f the county ol Union, and he 

I August ghty-eighth j 

his wife Rachel had died the 
pre 1 in her eighty-eighth year. They are 

both interred in the Lewis graveyard in Lime- 

!■• township, where many of the early settlers 
oi that neighborhood are buried. M Lin- 

coln and Rachel Thompson, his wife, had two 
|ohn and Thomas, and one daughter, 
h Sarah married Michael Roush, of Mif- 
Hinb 1 mi. , and none of their posterity re- 

main in Pennsylvania. Thomas, the younger of 
the two sons, removed in [840 to Pickaway 

mty, Ohio, where he died after a few years. 

One of his daughters is the wife of Samuel M r- 

ns. the cashier of the Third National Bank of 

lie, Ohio. His sons, Solomon and John, 

I daughter, Sarah, reside at Mount Pulaski, 
I : 1 , 111 John is the president of the 

I National Bank of that place, and his son, 
C. W. Lincoln, is cashier. 

[ohn Lincoln the eldest son of Michael and 

hel (Thompson Lincoln, was horn in Berks 
mty, l'ciin.. June 30, 1 782, was brought by 
his pari uffal Valley (then Northumber- 

land, now I'mi'ii count) I, the year following; re- 
hool education he had at 
Mifflinburg in the subscription schools in vogue 
at that day. and by vocation was a farmer. On 
June 13, 1819, he married Hannah Van Boskirk, 
tin- daughter of Richard and Hannah (Kelly) 
-kirk, of Mifflinburg, Penn She was 
horn March 20, 1801. After his marriage he 
owned and resid farm about three miles 

: Mifflinburg, now owned by the 1. 

Dr, J. R. Lotz. In 1826 his father-in-law 

e him the farm in Hartley township, now 
owned by John Lincoln Knight, on which he 
made his home until his death on August 19, 

His wife survived him until March 21 
dying m the 79th anniversary of her birth. For 

ilv half a century they were members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The cozy church 
building, with the cemeterj d, known 

the Lincoln M E ' hurch, or " Lincoln Chapi 
was named in his honor, it 1- md 

■ I by him for thai 3e. Their chil- 

n were: >i Richard Van P">kirk. bom I 

.lier is, 1822; (2) Rachel Thompson, I 
January 13, 1825, and (3) Catharim th. 

born Ocl < H these, Rai he! n 

ried I>r Samuel H. Knight, and had two chil- 
dren, one of whom. John Lincoln Knight, sur- 
vives his parents, and owns the old Lincoln 
hoi ni Hartley township. His mother 



died October 17. [875, his father a few years 
rward. Catharine E. married \Y. R. Half- 
penny. Their children are: Hannah Mary. 
John Lincoln and James Milton. 

Richard Van Boskirk Lincoln, the only son 
h:i and Hannah (Van Boskirkj Lincoln, was 
born in Buffalo township. Union county, a few 
miles east of Mifflinburg, removed with his par- 
ents to Hartley township, when irs old; 
attended the subscription schools of his neighbor- 
hood when opportunity afforded, until he was 
nine years old, when he was sent to the Mifflin- 
burg Academy, then in charge of Rev. Nathaniel 
Presbyterian minister. He remained at 
the Academy with some intermissions, until his 
sixteenth year, when he entered the Sophomore 
class at Pickinson College, at Carlisle, Penn., 
where he graduated with the degree of A. B. in 
July, 1841, standing second in a class of twenty- 
three. After leaving college he taught school 
i terms of three months each, when, having 
iled to follow farming as his business, he 
commenced, in 1845, to work on the farm which 
has been his home from that time until now 
1 [897) a period of fifty-two years. 

Cumberland county was erected out of Lan- 
caster on the 27th of January, 1750, and was to 
embrace all of the lands within the province of 
Pennsylvania, west of the Susquehanna river, 
and north and northwest of York county. The 
country north of the Kittatinny or Blue Mountains 
was not then purchased from the Indians. On 
July 6. 1754. the chiefs of the Six Nations, by 
treaty made with Thomas and Richard Penn. 
conveyed to the Penns "all that country lying 
west and south of a line commencing at the Blue 
Hills on the Susquehanna river; thence by said 
river to a point one mile above the mouth of a 
certain creek called Kaarondinhah (now Penns 
Creek); thence northwest and by west as far 
the province of Pennsylvania extends, to the west- 
ern line or boundary. " This line wasmarked on the 
maps as running from a mile above the mouth 
i Penns Creek north 45 degrees west crossing 
the West branch, a little above the mouth of the 
Sinnemahoning and striking Lake Erie a few 
miles north of the present city of Erie. Within 
alley it crossed Penns creek near New Ber- 
lin, the present turnpike near Ray's church, 
thence over Buffalo Creek and the mountains be- 

Tbe Indians alleged that they were cheated. 

they .lid not understand the points of the 

. and that if the line was to run so as to 

include the West branch of the Susquehanna 

they would never agree to it, as it would be de- 

pri\ heir best hunting-grounds. Not- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



769 



withstanding this dispute, the Proprietaries made 
surveys along Penns creek as early as February 
1 3, 1755. The farm to which Richard V. B. 
Lincoln went in 1845 was included in the dis- 
puted territory, and one John Turner had made 
an improvement where Lincoln now lives, which 
in 1755, just ninety years earlier, Turner had 
sold to John Harris. 

Braddock's defeat took place July 9. of that 
year, and the Indians, emboldened by that suc- 
cess, in October, swooped down upon the few 
settlers along Penn's creek, and captured or 
killed all who did not escape; and no settlers 
ventured again upon the bloody ground until a 
new treaty and survey had been made in 1768. 
The farm of Richard V. B. Lincoln will thus be 
seen to be one of the oldest in the county. In 
1 78 1 it was owned by John Shively, who was 
taken captive by a band of Indians in that year 
while making hay in the meadow in the rear of 
the house, and was never heard from afterward. 

In politics Mr. Lincoln was in early life a 
Whig, and cast his first Presidential vote, for 
Henry Clay. On the formation of the Repub- 
lican party, he at once became and has ever since 
been an active and prominent member thereof. 
In 1S51 he was elected a justice of the peace, 
and continued in that office for twenty years by 
successive re-elections, until he declined to serve 
any longer; and now, after having been out of 
office for more than twenty-five years, the ap- 
pellation of" 'Squire" still clings to him, and his 
advice is sought by nearly all the community in 
matters of a legal nature. He was elected coun- 
ty commissioner in 1855, ar, d re-elected in 1S57 
for another three years. He has served as school 
director thirty years, and has many times filled 
other township offices, such as assessor, overseer 
of the poor, etc. The Republicans of his county 
at one time presented his name as their choice 
for State Senator; and in 1876 the Republicans 
in his Congressional district made him their 
standard-bearer in the election of that year. The 
district being largely Democratic, he failed of an 
election, though he received the full party vote, 
and in his own county ran several hundred votes 
ahead of his ticket. In 1890 he was again the 
unanimous nominee of the Republicans of his 
county for Congress, but failed to receive the 
district nomination. In his whole career he never 
solicited or canvassed for votes, in this respect 
being different from most of his contemporaries. 

On August iS, 1852, Mr. Lincoln was mar- 
ried to Anna Maria Pellman, daughter of Samuel 
and Mary (Wolfe) Pellman. She was born May 
24, 1 83 1, in Berks county, Penn. Their chil- 
dren are: (1) John W., born May 24, 1 S 5 3, 

49* 



married Gertrude Reed, of Seneca county, Ohio, 
on October 7, 1880; they have one daughter — 
Marie Reed, born July 19, 1885. (2) Samuel 
P., born October 5, 1856, died July 29, 1866. 
(3) Mark H., born September 13, i860, gradu- 
ated in 1885 from the medical department of the 
University of Pennsylvania; on April 14, 1886, 
he married Carrie Pearce; he is practicing his 
profession in Philadelphia. (4) Hannah Mary, 
born September 7, 1863, graduated from Dick- 
inson Seminary, Williamsport, in 1884, with the 
degree of B. S. ; on September 7, 1887, she mar- 
ried Rev. S. B. Evans, of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church, for the last ten years stationed at 
Lock Haven and Williamsport; their children 
are — Lucile, born June 2, 1889; Vincent Good- 
sell, July 11, 1890; Grace Winifred, November 
1 8, 1893; and Marion Gray and Miriam Gertrude 
(twins), November 6, 1895. (5) Louis P., born 
August 8, 1866, married December 24, 1896, to 
Celesta J. Albright, of Mifflinburg, Penn. ; he is 
in the employ of the Carnegie Steel Company at 
Homestead. (6) Rufus V. B., born April 17, 
1 87 1, graduated from Dickinson College with the 
degree of A. B. in 1895, and from the Dickinson 
School of Law with the degree of LL. B. in 
1896; was admitted to the Bar of Cumberland 
County, Penn., in June, 1896, and in December, 
1897, to the Bar of Northumberland County, 
Penn. , in which county he is located at Shamo- 
kin. (7) Anna Rebecca, born February 16, 
l ^73< graduated from Dickinson Seminary in 
1893, with the degree of M. E. L. 



BB. HARRIS has served as Collector of 
Taxes for the Borough of Lewisburg, Union 
county, ever since the law of 1886 went into 
force, and his efficiency and ability had been pre- 
viously tested by a long period in a similar 
capacity in two of the wards, under the old law. 
The history of this popular and public-spirited 
citizen is of unusual interest, his war records of 
two wars and his experiences in the West in the 
early days recalling scenes now historic. 

A native of Union county, born May 3, 1839, 
he was taken to Lewisburg in 1850, and there 
acquired his education in what is now known as 
Bucknell Academy. In 1854 he went to Free- 
port, 111., to find a brother, with whom he 
remained until the Pike's Peak excitement set in 
and led him with hosts of others to cross the 
Plains. Although he paid his passage he drove a 
wagon load of shoes from Freeport to Omaha, 
Neb., where the owner traded the shoes for fif- 
teen head of milch cows, which Mr. Harris drove 
to Denver, riding all the way on an Indian pony 



770 



COMMEMORATIVE IiWGRM'HK AL RECORD. 



Those were wonderful days, but many failed to 
realize the ambition which had taken them upon 
the Ion;; and toilsome journey, and Mr. Harris 

- one of those upon whom fortune failed to 
smile. He first located on Clear creek at Boul- 

City, but soon found that the man with 
whom he had crossed the Plains, and for wli 
he had endured many hardships, could not 
furnish him employment, and nothing remained 
but to return to Denver as best he could. He 
shouldered his trunk and carried it to a po 
where he could await a wagon train bound to 
that city, and on Ins arrival met a cousin from 
I | ■',[, 111., in whom the gold-hunting fever 

- at its height. Joining the Rocky Mountain 

mpany, Mr. Harris soon bec,< 
a favorite among them. Retiring from the 
services oi the Rocky Mountain Prospecting 
mpany, he returned to Denver, packing the 
y Range ol the Rocky Mountains alone. 

Denver was but little more than a gambler's 
camp at that time, affording but little choice of 

i) pat ion to a needy man. and Mr. Harris 
"roughed it" for a time in a manner truly Bo- 
hemian, washing dishes in rant for his 
meals, and finding his bed where he best could. 
After a tew weeks, however, he was offered the 
pla. I waiter, the former incumbent hav- 

been killed in a brawl. The salary of $50 a 

nth seem nuine bonanza. He remai 

i and then joined tin- army for the 
Mormon war, participating in the battle at I i 
Man's Gulch, the s> 
Alter sis months in this service hi 
rancher or cowboy, and, taking the Platte fever, 
he finally turned his face homeward, making the 
trip to Nebraska City in a wagon. From there 
Mr. Harris made his wa) by railroad to 1 reeporl. 
111., wh red employment and remained 

until a brother, J, S. Harris, came from 
nia and took him home to Lewisburg. This 
was in i860, and Mr. Harris decided nd- 

ing some time at home to visit the oil fields on 
tin- Allegheny river, which were then creating 

inn h excitemenl While at New Pennsyl- 
vania on his way by boat to < >il City, pa] 
were put on board which told the story of the 

ck upon Fort Sumter, and the boat at ■ 
turned back to Pittsburg where thej lound the 

pie wrought up to a high state of feeling. 
Mr. Harris started on his return home, going by 
railway to Lewistown, and walking from that 
point to Harrisburg where he found a brother-in- 
law F. P. Green ; accompanying him to Belle- 
fonte, he then returned to his home in Lewis- 
bur;,'. He was among the first to enlist for the 
three-months' service when our Civil war broke 



out, and at the end of that time he re-enlisted 
three years in Company E, 51st P. V. I., which 
was assigned to the Ninth Corps of the Burnside 
expedition. He took part in the battles of 
Roanoke Island, Newberne, Camden, Cold Har- 
bor, and numerous other engagements; his health 
not being equal to the strain, he was discharged 
at Newberne, N. C, June 17, [862. While on 
tin- frontier he was wounded by a Indian arrow 
and spear in the shoulder and groin. 

After hi i rge from the United States 

service he returned home, and as he regained his 
health refused to remain inactive while the na- 
tion's life was imperiled, and, on November 28, 

13, he rejoined the army. But his patriotic 
ardor was again balked by illness, and he v 
discharged a second time, February 1, 1864, on 
surgeon's certificate of disability. Having pre- 
viously become proficient in dentistry he enga. 
in that calling in Seymour, Conn., New Y irk 
City, Philadelphia, Lewistown and Lewisburg, 
but later gave up the business to follow that of 
steam-fitting, plumbing and gas-fitting. In 1 
he was appointed tax collector for a portion of the 
City of Lewisburg, and after the new law was put 
in force in iS,S6 he was elected collector for the 
city. Since that time he has made the work his 
chief interest, gradually withdrawing from his 
other business. 

On July 4. 1869, Mr. Harris was married to 
Miss Jennie E. Diefenderfer, who was born in 
Lewisburg, June 8, 1S45. and has always had 
her home there. Her father, Joel Diefenderfer, 
a native of White Deer Valley, Union county. 
was born March 17, 1S24, and died June [5,1846. 
Her mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Dentler, was born December 31, 1824, and is still 
living, surviving a second husband, the late S S 
Hess. Both families were of high English and 
high German descendants. On the paternal side 
Mrs. Harris' grandfather was John Diefenderfer, 
a native of Bucks county, who spent his last 
in Union county. Her maternal grand- 
father, John Dentler, was born in Philadelphia 
county, and died in Lewisburg, in [854, at the 
age of seventy-four. At one time he was wealthy, 
but s came and in his later years he 

worked as a laborer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harris have had four children, 
of whom three are living: William Laird, born 
May 3, 1S70, was educated in the Lewisburg 
High Scho il, and is now employed in the Maine 
and Ear Infirmary of Portland, Maine. He 
married Gertrude Tinsman, and has one living 
chil Mae; two others, Ralph and Jean- 

in infancy. (Mrs. W L. Harris' 
brother. Wm. H. Tinsman. Jr.. was one of the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



m 



ill-fated Maine's crew, who lost his life when our 
battle ship " Maine " was blown up in the harbor 
of Havana). (2) Harry Elsworth, born March 

16, 1873, is in the employ of the Lovel Excel 
Bicycle Works in Portland, Maine. (3) James 
S., born January 3, 1875, is a stenographer and 
typewriter at Lewisburg. (4) Frank G., born 
October 6, 1884, died on the same day. 

In political affiliations Mr. Harris is a Re- 
publican. Socially, he is prominent and various 
fraternal orders in his locality owe much to his 
active support. He was a charter member of 
the G. A. R. Post No. 52, of Lewisburg, and his 
family are identified with the Associated branches, 
the two eldest sons (one a lieutenant) as mem- 
bers of the society of Sons of Veterans, Port- 
land, Maine, and his wife and daughter-in-law 
(president) as members of the Ladies' Aid Society 
and the Woman's Relief Corps. Mr. Harris also 
belongs to the B. P. O. E. ; to the Protected 
Home Circle, and to the Ancient and Illustrious 
Order of Knights of Malta, being a charter mem- 
ber of Mount Carmel Commandery No. 22, Mt. 
Carmel, Penn. , and of the College of the Ancients, 
an affiliated body. He was the organizer of Red 
Cross Commandery at Lewisburg, founded May 

17, 1888, and re-organized February 13, 1891. 
His eldest son, W. L. Harris, of Portland, 
Maine, is connected with the A. P. A., and is one 
of the youngest members of the Order of Knights 
of Malta, having entered it when but one day 
over eighteen. 

The Harris family is well known in Pennsyl- 
vania, and one of its members, John Harris, was 
the founder of its capital city. Our subject is 
of the fourth generation in descent from William 
Harris, who came from Wales and located in 
Paxton township (then Lancaster county, Penn.). 
He died there in 1763. His wife, whose maiden 
name was Kathrin Douglass, was a native of 
Scotland, and a relative of Sir Robert Douglass. 
They had six children: James, born January 16, 
1739, died 1786; Sarah, born March 20, 1741 
(nodateof death preserved); John, November 20, 
1746 (no date of death preserved); William, 
November 20, 1749, died in 1763; Mary, July 22, 
1752 (no date of death preserved); and Robert, 
March, 1755. The last named served as sur- 
geon's mate in the Revolutionary army, and the 
medicine chest that he carried is still in the 
family. He died March 4, 1785, and is interred 
in the churchyard attached to the Chester Valley 
Presbyterian Church, near Berwyn, Chester Co. , 
Pennsylvania. 

James Harris, the grandfather of our subject, 
was a soldier in Washington's forces during the 
struggle for independence, and took part in the 



battle on Brandywine Creek. He was married 
June 2, 1768, to Miss Mary Laird, born May 10, 
1750 (her mother's maiden name was Catharine 
Spencer, from Scotland), and had ten children, 
whose names with dates of birth and death are 
as follows: William, April 28, 1769, February 
2, 1785; Elizabeth, July 18, 1770, May 20, 1842, 
married Thomas Howard and settled in Buffalo 
Valley; Catharine, April 2, 1772, December 28, 
1784; Jean, January 6, 1774, December 5, 1839, 
never married, was buried at Lewisburg, as were 
also Laird, February 22, 1776, June 30, 1704; 
Robert, November 22, 1777, about 1813; Sarah, 
September 4, 1779, December 30, 1827; James, 
June 13, 17S1, July 1, 1 868; Martha, August 13, 
1784, February 13, 1873; William L., May 17, 
1786, November 11, 1845. 

William L. Harris was a prominent politician, 
a member of the Legislature, and a member of 
the convention which assembled at the State 
Capital in Harrisburg, May 2, 1837, to alter and 
amend the constitution of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. He died from the effects of a surgical 
operation. The father of this family died in 
1 786, his remains being interred in Derry grave- 
yard in Dauphin county. His widow survived 
him and brought her children to Union county 
about 1794, locating in (then) Buffalo township, 
on land which has been in the family ever since. 
She held the title until 1818, when she deeded it 
to two of her sons, James (2), our subject's 
father, and William L., and she continued to 
reside there until her death, December 13, 1842, 
from old age. Her remains now rest in the 
cemetery at Lewisburg. The portion of the 
farm which she gave to William L. Harris is now 
owned and occupied by a brother of our subject, 
William L. Harris (son of James Harris). 

James Harris (2), the father of our subject, 
had not yet attained his majority when he came 
to Union county, and the greater part of his life 
was spent there in farming. In his later years he 
bought property in Lewisburg where he passed 
away. He was nearly six feet tall, and of slender 
build, and in disposition he was active, making 
a success of his own business affairs and taking 
an influential part in the local movements of his 
time. In politics he was first a Whig, and later 
a Republican, and he served ably in various 
township offices. He and his wife were both de- 
vout members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
were highly esteemed among their associates. 
They were married October 19, 18 19. and Mrs. 
Harris passed away April 13, 1879. Her maiden 
name was Sarah Bell and she was born in 
Dauphin county on Sweet Arrow creek, in 1 794. 
They had nine children, of whom our subject, 



772 



VOBATJVB BIOGRAPHICAL 11EC0RD. 



Berryhill B. Harris, is thi st: | i i Will- 

1:1 tn L. . born August 24 3 a farmer in 

East Buffalo township, Union 1 1 mnty, and is also 
engaged in bankii | S., born April 

i.(. 1 ind was buried 

in Mt- Verm ml ry, Philadelphia 1 1 

a physician and s] st, the 

first cabin at Neva.];. ; al., ha\ 

built by him. He married Miss Emma E. Whar- 
tenby, < >ct >ber 12, 1 - 52 

September 2, [824, resided at I [11., 

married Anna E. VanDyke, June 11,1 
March 8, 1 897, in Beloit, Wis 

' I ry L. . born Novembi 
Wilson E 
Mifflinburg. 1 5 1 Ri ibet t D., born 
ruar) 1, died at Granada City, Nicai 

< >ctol lieutenant 

in Walki r's ] 

.'4, 1831, resides in Bellefonte. 
born June 1 ;. 18 53, married I P. ! 

line 1 > . bi >rn Januai 
i 14, buried in I .ew- 

isburg ■ ryhill B., born May 3, 

• 



J I - I IN R< 'I. I'll L( '< »MIS, l I I)., for man) 
d nt ol 1 '•!;, knell ( ollege, and the 
whom, more than : ithei m- 

dividual, is due the credit (or it 

int Of J \ : I 1 i 1 - 

mntj "t England, 

in 1638, and after a short 1 in Mas 

I, in 11 , to Wii 

■ 
1 'i I ai in Bennington, \Y . 

N. Y.. Ai His pn 

tion i m Univi 

York, and, ntered 

n I Inn Providence, R. I . 

which he graduated w ith the 1 He 

iltural 
I -land, and thi tutor, 

and soon after pi Natural S 

Wa-tervill Iby I'm 

Maine. Th< 1 
until He then 

ia and Peru, South Ami 1 1 v. hii h he 

came to Li w tered the university as 

; of Natural S 

mad' it of the university, 

■ in. and remained in that n 
for twentj -tw mtil 1 879, 

when !. and was succei d( d b) 1 >r 

David • Hill. During his presidency h 

« harged the dutii t [ntell 



Philosophy and Metaphysics. In 1S65, Dr. 
1. imis was successful in raising $100,000 addi- 
tional endowment for the College. He has 
traveled much. In 1S71 he was absent from the 
university on a trip to Europe, touching also 
Africa and Asia, and returning by way of San 
Francisco. He made visits to Europe again, in 
in 1K73 and 1879, and in 1SS2 sojourned in Cal- 

nia. He has written much for the press, and 
in 1S51 published a work on Geology, and in 
I Iutiiui Physiology. 

Dr. Loom is was married on January 16, 1838, 

sarah Anne Freeman, of Richfield Spin 
N. V., who died March 3, [852. The eldest 

by t his marriage is Freeman Loomis, now 

ol M' idem I an □ the university. 

On January 17. 1854. Dr. Loomis married his 

second wife, Mary Gilbert. Carrie Loomis, for 

four years teacher of Modern Languages in the 

iale Institute of the university, is a daugl 
of this marriage. The Doctor's third wife, now 
living, to whom he was married A >. [873, 

Miss Augusta Tucker. A son by this mar- 

-. Andrew Gi g Loomis, graduated from 
the college in 1 895, and is n lent 

of law in Columbia University, New York. 

In closing this brief sketch of Dr. Loomis, 
we cannot do better than to use a few words of 
characterization from one who knows him and 
his work intimately: "For more than twenty 
year- Di I ood as the leading represent- 

ative of higher education among the Ba| 
Pennsylvania. His broad and deep scholarship. 
his large knowledgi derived from extensive for- 
eign travel and careful observation of men, his 
1 hristian faith and his indomitable reso- 
lution combined to fit him for leadership. Hun- 

liini with grati- 
tude, and confess that to him, more than to any 
other man. they owe thi ine of mind and 

force of character that have made them success- 
ful in tlie world. The Lewisburg Baptist church 
edifice stands not only as a monument to ins su- 
' hitectural taste, but also to his remark- 
If-sacrifice in toiling and giving for 

It has been the characteristic ol 
his life t h that which he undert 

and he I a long careei ti 1 the real 

ds 111 the elevation and eii- 
lighteniiu 



[ON, JAMES R. Kl 1 I ER I nion county 
A A I '.erks county for some of hei 

■ tits of her first setl 
having taken a prominent part in the develop- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



773 



The Ritter family, which is of German ex- 
traction, became identified with Berks county at 
an early date, and the first of the name to leave 
it for the less thickly populated lands of central 
Pennsylvania was Jeremiah Ritter, our subject's 
father, who came to Union county in early man- 
hood, and after a short residence near Lochiel, 
settled near Vicksburg, where he lived to the 
good old age of seventy-two. He was an intelli- 
gent man, highly educated, and possessed much 
influence in the community. For several years 
he was an officer in the State militia, and during 
the Rebellion he went to Harrisburg with the 
' ' Home Guards. " He was a member of the Re- 
formed Church, but his wife, Elizabeth (Ruhl), 
who died at the age of seventy, was a Lutheran 
in faith. She was a member of one of the lead- 
ing pioneer families of Union county, and her 
father, Hon. Philip Ruhl, who lived and died 
near Buffalo Cross Roads, was a member of the 
State Legislature and an associate judge of the 
county. Our subject was the elder of two sons, 
and the younger, William P. , is now a resident 
of Lewisburg. 

James R. Ritter was born June 11, 1852, in 
East Buffalo township. Union county. His force- 
ful character was displayed at an early age in a 
most worthy cause, as he left home when but 
twelve years old in order to find better educa- 
tional facilities than the local schools afforded. 
Going to Mifflinburg, he worked as a hostler for 
his board while attending school, thus securing 
an education much beyond that of the average 
youth of his day. On leaving school he clerked 
in a store for three years, but after his marriage 
in 1876 he rented a farm, where he remained two 
years, managing by industry and economy to lay 
aside a small sum of money. With this he be- 
gan buying poultry for the city markets, and, 
finding the business profitable, he extended his 
operations to cattle and anything that could be 
sold to advantage. 

For fifteen years past Mr. Ritter has made a 
specialty of dealing in carriages, and as his cap- 
ital now permits him to give credit he commands 
a large trade, his sales amounting to 150 in one 
year. His manly bearing and upright character 
have won him friends far and near wherever his 
business operations have taken him. and as he 
is both active and influential in the councils of 
the Republican party, he was recognized as an 
available candidate and one who could add 
strength to the ticket. In 1S90 he was elected 
to the State Legislature, and during his term he 
became well acquainted with the leaders of both 
parties throughout the State. His purse, his 
time, and his talents are always at the disposal 



of the Republican party, and no man is more 
looked to than he for advice on important move- 
ments. Mr. Ritter is a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and gives liberally to that and other 
religious societies. He also belongs to the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and for twenty years has been a 
member of Mifflinburg Lodge. 

His wife, formerly Miss Mary J. Watson, was 
a native of West Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, born March 4, 1845, died June 15, 1S95. 
Two sons blessed their union: Clarence, who 
died when two years old; and Charles W. , born 
January 1, 1S76, who was educated at the Penn- 
sylvania State College, and is now a traveling 
salesman for a wholesale paint and oil house. 



WILLIAM H. SLIFER (deceased). Sud- 
denly called from earth before manhood's 
prime had been attained, the subject of this 
memoir had established a name in which his 
children may take honorable pride, and the fol- 
lowing record is given in loving remembrance of 
his life and character. 

Mr. Slifer was of German descent, but the 
family has been located in this country for nearly 
two hundred years, his great-great-grandfather 
having crossed the Atlantic about 1700 to make 
his home in Bucks county, Penn. There a son 
Abraham was born, whose son of the same name 
became the father of the late Hon. Eli Slifer, 
the father of our subject, and one of the ablest 
and most distinguished men that this Common- 
wealth has produced. He was born in Coven- 
try township, Chester Co., Penn., in 18 18, the 
third in a family of five children. His parents, 
who belonged to the sect of German Baptists, 
commonly known as Dunkards, died when the 
children were quite young, and although Eli re- 
ceived some kindly help from Samuel Harley, a 
member of the same religious community, the 
boy was thrown upon his own resources at an 
early age. In 1834 he began to learn the hat- 
ter's trade in Lewisburg, and while serving his 
apprenticeship he passed through an experience 
which, though unpleasant at the time, proved to 
be of lasting benefit. He naturally desired the 
friendship of boys of his own age, but it so hap- 
pened that the youths of Lewisburg found some- 
thing to ridicule in his country manners and 
garb, and, humiliated by his reception, young Eli 
avoided them, and devoted his spare time to 
books instead of the amusements which would 
otherwise have held his attention. A bright 
mind thus turned exclusively to study enabled 
him to acquire an excellent education, while his 
powers of judgment were developed by his inde- 



771 



VOBATIVS BIOQIiAPMCAT. UECORD. 



pendent course as they could have been in no 
i it her way. 

In 1841, Eli Slifer went to Northumberland 
county, Penn., to engage in boat-building, but 
in 1S45 he returned to Lewisburg, and in part- 
nership with William Frick, established a similar 
business, to which they afterward added the 
manufacture of lumber. The firm of Frick & 
Slift-r had an extensive trade, employing over a 
hundred nun, and their profits wereso large that 
in a few year.- Mr. Slifer retired with a fair com- 
petence. Business life is not readily given up, 
however, by one who has decided talents as a 
manager, and as Mr. Slifer was still in the prime 
of his powers, he again bei lively inter- 

ested in affairs as a member of a company, which 
owned a foundry and a shop for the manufacture 
of agricultural it nts. 

Thi lie slavery question, 

which was then for- the front as an 

issue, aroused his earnest sympathy, and, not- 
withstanding th d attitude j 1 by 
ds toward all political movements, he 
joii Whigs al |X. his abilities and 
forceful charactei dily bringing him into 
prominence. In [849 he was nominated unani- 
mously for islature in the district com- 

iniata and Union counties, the la 
then comprising also what is now known as Sny- 
dei 1 ount) He was elected, and served so suc- 

sfully that he was re-elected bj an over- 
whelming majority. In 1851 he was a compro- 
ididate for the State Sen; h county 

in his district having presented a " favorite son," 
and he was chosen to the office without opposi- 
tion, although the Democrats carried the district 

In 1 8 55 he became 
but in the following year hi 
ts having come into power. 
In 60 he was chi 

that office, but in January, l86l, four months 
before the expiration of his term, he resigned to 
accept the post of Secretary of State, under 
Gov. Curtin. This office, which is second only 
to that of the governor in importance, he 1 
during the war, and only resigned in 1867, when 
impaired health compelled him to lay aside his 
can 

As has been said in recognition of his w 
"The services he rendered his State during the 
Rebellion were ting and 

untiring, and all w ed with notable 

unselfishness and a ] ition to the pub- 

lic weal." After his retirement he spent nearly 
- ar in Europe, going on a government vessel 
by invitation of the national authorities. His 
remaining years were spent upon his farm near 



Lewisburg, his influence being used in effective, 
though quiet, ways, to promote progress in Vari- 
ous lines. Of him it may be truly said that he 
never sought distinction and honor, and respon- 
sibility came to him through a recognition by the 
people of his worth. 

In 1840 Eli Slifer was married to Miss Cath- 
erine Frick, a sister of his business partner, and 
eight children were born to the union: John 
Frick died in infancy; Samuel H. is a resident of 
Indianapolis, Ind.; Catherine married Andrew 
H. Dill, of Lewisburg; Clara is the wife of Rob- 
ert Green, of Muncy, Penn.; William H. and 
John were accidentally killed; Eli resides in In- 
dianapolis, Ind.; Anna Frick married William 
Wall-, oi Lewisburg. 

The late W. H. Slifer was born at Lewisburg, 
January 1, 1848, and was educated mainly in 
the public schools of his native place. He had 
the advantage of one year of study at Bucknell 
College, and he always retained his membership 
in the Sigma Chi fraternity of that institution. 
Having both inclination and ability for mechanics, 
he learned the machinist's trade, serving his ap- 
prenticeship in the Central Manufacturing Com- 
pany at Lewisburg, of which he became foreman 
after a few years. 

On September 1. 1X70, he was married at 
Lewisburg, to Miss Charitv Voris Conard, who 
proved a true helpmeet. In 1S70 failing health 
caused Mr. Slifer to remove to the country, 
where outdoor life might restore the vigor which 
too much confinement had impaired, and he lo- 
cated upon the farm now occupied by his widow 
and the family. His death occurred there Sep- 
tember 22, [879, while he was overseeing the 
work in a stone quarry on the estate, the earth 
caving in upon him and killing him instantly. 
Six children were left to comfort the 1" 1 

wife and mother. Edith is now the wife of J. 
W. Meixell; A. Conard is at home; Robert G. 
and Grace are students at Bucknell Colli 
William H. attends the academy; and Clara J. is 
pursuing her studies in the seminary. 

Mrs. Si u i.k was born at Pottsgrove, Nor- 
thumberland Co., Penn., the daughter of Adam 
and Elizabeth (Jones) Conard, who were both 
natives of Montgomery county, Penn., where 
they were married. Later they moved to Potts- 
luiv Mr. Conard was engaged in m 

tile business, and in (865 they made their 
home at Lewisburg, Mr. Conard conducting a 
confectionery establishment. His last years 
wen spent m retirement at Montandon, where 
he breathed his last December 3, 1884, at the 

of eighty-two years, seven months and four 
days. I i hi of prominence in business 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



775 



and social life, and in religion was a Quaker. His 
widow, who still resides at Montandon, is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. They had four chil- 
dren: Mary A., wife of M. V. Andrews, who is 
in the insurance business at Montandon; William 
K. , who died at the age of twenty-one; Charity 
V., Mrs. Slifer; and Elizabeth, who married John 
H. Egolf, a general merchant at Douglasville, 
Berks Co., Pennsylvania. 



FRANCIS C. HARRISON, M. D. (deceased), 
was one of Lewisburg's most prominent citi- 
zens, and was for many years a leader in finan- 
cial circles, as well as in the social, religious and 
political movements which furnish a cohesive 
force in a community and develop the public 
spirit that brings practical unity. 

Dr. Harrison was born in 1823, in Ireland, 
whence he came to America with his parents 
when he was seven years old. He grew to man- 
hood at Castleton, Vt., and was educated at a 
college there, adding to his literary studies a 
course in medicine. Coming to Pennsylvania, he 
located first at Bloomsburg, where he practiced 
successfully for some time. In 1866 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Jane Cameron, daughter of William 
Cameron, and not long afterward removed to 
Lewisburg. where he turned his attention to 
finance, taking the position of president of the 
First National Bank, the duties of which responsi- 
ble post he discharged ably and faithfully until 
his retirement from active business. While he 
was a politician he gave hearty support to the 
principles of the Republican party; in religious 
faith he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He died December 28, 1893, leaving a widow, 
and one daughter, Eleanor, who resides with her 
mother at Lewisburg. Three children died in 
infancy: William ,(i) at the age of ten months; 
William (2) when about a year old, and Hugh. 

The Cameron family has long been prom- 
inent in this State, many of its members having 
won distinction in public life. The head of this 
branch was Simon Cameron, who came from 
Inverness, Scotland, in 1755, with his family, his 
minister, Colin MacFarquhar, being the leader of 
the party of voyagers. They located at Donegal 
Church, in Lancaster county, where Simon Cam- 
eron purchased a farm now owned by Gen. 
Simon Cameron. Charles Cameron, a son of 
Simon, was five years old at the time of the re- 
moval to the new home, where he remained until 
after his marriage. In 1808 he removed to Sun- 
bury, then to Washingtonville, and in 18 10 to 
Lewisburg, where he is mentioned in the assess- 
ment lists as a tailor. He died January 16, 18 14, 



at his home on the corner of Front and St. John 
streets, now a vacant lot, belonging to the estate 
of William Cameron. His widow, Mrs. Martha 
Cameron, died November 10, 1830, while on a 
visit to her son, Col. James Cameron. Their 
children were: William, John, Simon, James, 
Daniel, Eliza, Jane and Catherine. 

William Cameron, the father of Mrs. Har- 
rison, was born at Maytown, Penn., October 15, 
1795, and became a tailor by trade. When 
business was dull he would engage in other occu- 
pations, often joining the rivermen in their work 
of carrying produce to market at the time of 
high water, frequently making the return journey 
on foot. In September, 18 14, he volunteered 
as a private in the "Northumberland County 
Blues," attached to Col. George Weirick's regi- 
ment, and marched to Marcus Hook. This 
regiment was discharged at Philadelphia in the 
latter part of December, 18 14, and his account 
of their muster is interesting as showing the 
limits of the city at that time, as they are said 
to have marched out of the city about Fourth 
street, to the old "Brick Tavern" to encamp on 
Union Green. 

On January 5, 1820, he was married at Lew- 
isburg, by Rev. Thomas Hood, to Miss Eleanor 
McLaughlin, who was born June 20, 1803. Her 
father, Hugh McLaughlin, owned several lots in 
Lewisburg, and for some time lived in a log 
house on the corner of Market and Fourth 
streets. At the time of his death, in 181 5, he 
had traded this property for seventy acres of 
land in Kelly township, Union county, but it 
had not been entirely paid for, and the busi- 
ness of settling the estate was further complicated 
by the long minorities of some of the children. 
They were six in number: James, Eleanor, 
Mary (who died at twenty), Catherine (wife of 
the late Col. Jackson McFaddin), Hugh and 
Margaret. During the first years of their mar- 
ried life William Cameron and his young wife 
occupied rented rooms in the upper stories of 
business buildings. One spring morning Mrs. 
Cameron remarked that they might be able to 
buy a place near by upon favorable terms — an 
old hatter's shop which stood there having been 
partially burned. The prospect was not bright, 
but Mr. Cameron, who was about to start upon 
a trip down the river, said that his energetic and 
clever spouse might try leasing the place. By 
the time he returned her industry had made the 
place a clean and comfortable dwelling, and their 
hope of ownership, though in the future, made 
the place seem indeed a home. They bought it 
as means permitted, built a better residence, and 
from this starting point may be dated their pros- 



776 



I OMMEMOBATIVE BlOGUM'lIUAL RECORD. 



perity. Later Mr. Cameron purchased all the 
places dear to him by early associations, the 
home of his father, the old home of his hc-loved 
" Nellie," and the grounds on both I the 

creek where he had wooed and won her, a touch- 
ing evidence of the sensitiveness which underlay 
Ins somewhat stern exterior. At the time of his 
mi. I a 1 'iint of the best prop- 

erty in Lewisburg, while his country lands ex- 
ti nded north from the east end of the Lime- 
stone Ridge across the heart ol Buffalo Val 
and along the east hank of the West branch of 
the Susquehanna to the border of Milt 
prising many of the best (arms of that fertile 

■ n. 

His business enterprises were varied and ex- 
tensive, the first of note being the construction, 
under contract, of portions oi the Pennsylvania 
canal, by which he cleared about ten thousand 
dollars. While engaged in this work Mrs. Cam- 
eron moved into a log cabin upon a farm which 
they bought near the scene of operations. It 
was rlorn looking place, but by hard work 

and good mana transformed into a 

vntable garden, Othi rprises were the 

tunnel of Elizabethtown, the railroad bridge at 
Eiarrisburg on the Cumberland Valley K. K., 
and the dams at Columbia and Lewisburg. In 
1831 1 in the wholesale dry-goods busi- 

Philadelphia, under the firm name of 
Welsh, I ttneron S Co., and ci ml bout 

three years He was also a leading member of 
a firm that successfully operated the railroad 
fron mbia to Philadelphia. It had been 

managed for one year by the Department of Pub- 
lic Works, but was falling deeper and deeper in 
debt, when Mi < imeron 1 10I chargi ol it. In 
I in banking, assisting in the es- 
tablishment of the Lewisburg Institution, 
winch la State bank, 
then, under the National Banking Act, was in- 
corporated as the Lewisburg National Bank. On 

occasion, when ind, hegi 

• ■ baiikm. occupation. 

In speaking of his life, in bis | 
he never failed \ redit to Ins . her 

share in the 1 Sorts which bad gained his wealth, 
and at his death, which occurred Se] 10, 

1877, he left almost all his possessions to her 
for her lifetime It is a fact worthy of note that 
his work tended to the improvement and devel- 
opment of the localities in which he was in' 
ested, dilapidated buildings being] imp 

lands drained, or avenues of 

\\ hile he did not make a name m public lib; like 
his brother, Hon. Simon Cameron, or lu-> brother 
Jamt -. who fell in the first battle of the Civil 



1 while serving as colonel of the 79th High- 
landers ol New York, his influence was no less a 
power for good wherever he was known. Never 
ostentatious in gifts, he still made generous do- 
nations when a worthy cause was recognized. A 
steam fire-engine, costing over $10, 000, was given 
to the ' it] il I. wisburg, and twice a year he 
gave orders to the coal dealers to see that none 
were suffering from cold, while the gifts quietly 
sent from his own store houses cannot be esti- 
mated. He was familiarly known in the com- 
munity as "the Squire," the title having first 
been acquired through his commission from Gov. 
Schultz, February 19, [827, as a justice of the 
peace, but it was continued as a tribute of re- 
spect to his character and standing. 

His willow. Mrs. Eleanor Cameron, and 
two daughters survive him. Of the latter, Mary 
is tb. wit. of Hon. John B. Packer, and Jane 
married Dr. Harrison, of this sketch; another 
daughter, Elizabeth, married John A. Green, 
and 1 iving two children, Martha and Mar- 

garet; and a son, William, ]r.. whose death in 
1 ' 1 cut short a promising career at the Bar, 
left two children — William and Nellie mow Mrs. 
Harrv Mai 



JAMES MERRILL LINN. William Linn, 
the great-great-grandfather of James Merrill 
Linn, emigated from the North of Ireland in 
1 73 J. and settled, originally, in New Jersey, op- 
posite Bristol, Penn. He was of Scotch-Irish 
stock, a man of giant frame and of immense mus- 
cular strength. His only son, William, so the 
family tradition runs, was in Philadelphia with 
his team when Benjamin Franklin, the great 
quartermaster, impressed him into the baggage 
train service of Gen. Braddqck's army, and he 
was compelled to wagon it out to Pittsburg. 
Both going and returning, he stopped to water 
his horses at a spring at the base of North mount- 
ain, a few miles north of Shippensburi/. a place 
that delighted him. On his return and discharge 
he purchased the place. 

James Merrill Linn, the fourth child of James 

F. and Margaret I. Linn, was born October 17, 

J, in the house in Lewisburg in which he 

bout his life. His early education 

was ! in the Lewisburg Academy. When 

nrst session of the university commenced in 

1*46, he entered what was then 

called tb. senior academic class. The next j 

In entered college, and graduated August 20, 

185 I, with the salutatory, bein^ not quite eighteen 

II e was a member of the Gamma 





. '/fa^nt/^f^,. 



^-^z-*-r 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



777 



Chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and 
during the early history of this Chapter took an 
active interest in its affairs. In 1852 he went to 
Lancaster to read law with James Black, a 
former student of his father. In the same year 
he was appointed a tutor in Franklin and Mar- 
shall college in that city, teaching Greek and 
Latin. This was for two years; then he returned 
to Lewisburg, and was admitted to the Bar in 
September, 1854. For six months he practiced 
in Phoenixville; then returned to Lewisburg, and 
in 1858 became a partner of his father, under the 
firm name of J. F. & J. M. Linn. 

When the Civil war broke out in 1 861 , and 
the call for 75,000 troops was issued, he was at 
a law suit in Snyder county. The suit came to 
an end at once. He hastened home, enlisted 
and served as second lieutenant in Company G, 
4th P. V. I., for three months. Then he aided 
in recruiting a company, of which he was com- 
missioned captain — Company H, 51st P. V. I., 
in which he served from November 16, 1861, un- 
til April 14, 1864, when he resigned on account 
of greatly impaired health. During his last en- 
listment he served as a staff officer a considerable 
part of the time, and particularly as judge advo- 
cate of the division, on account of his legal train- 
ing and equipment. After his return from serv- 
ice it was several years before he resumed his 
profession. His father dying in 1869, he entered 
into partnership with Andrew H. Dill, which con- 
tinued for ten years. The partnership being dis- 
solved, he then practiced his profession alone. 

An old soldier Mr. Linn ever manifested the 
utmost interest in anything that pertained to the 
Civil war, being especially concerned in collect- 
ing and publishing reliable history of the strug- 
gle. One great desire and ambition of his life 
was to see a becoming soldiers' monument 
erected in Lewisburg as a testimonial of respect 
and regard, and in honor of the soldiers of Union 
county. As a citizen it was simply just to speak 
of him in high praise. His public spirit and 
civic pride kept him always to the front of enter- 
prise, ready to lend his willing assistance and to 
create in others something of his own enthusiasm. 
In his social life he was highly esteemed, and his 
friends found him a most interesting companion. 
His gentle nature, stimulated by his love for all that 
is chaste and beautiful in literature and art, made 
him a gentleman always agreeable and entertain- 
ing. Well educated in his youth, he added to 
his college training a great fund of knowledge by 
a wide range of study in history and literature, 
He was a frequent contributor to local papers. 

At a meeting of the local Bar of Lewisburg, 
to present appropriate resolutions on the death 



of Mr. Linn, Hon. Harold M. McClure, the pre- 
sident judge, on taking the Bench to preside, 
thus spoke: " We have met to-day in memory 
of one of a long line of eminent men, whose eru- 
dition, scholarly attainments, gentlemanly de- 
portment, thorough knowledge of the science of 
law, and skill and faithfulness in its practice, 
have kept this Bar in the front rank of the pro- 
fession. Mr. Linn was a worthy descendant of 
an illustrious sire; a conspicuous example of the 
hereditary transmission of the physical qualities 
of parents to their children. 

' ' There are those who hold that preachers are 
rarely made in one generation. If this be true 
analogy will account for his intuitive perception 
of the underlying principle that controlled every 
case. The lamp lit by the father was not dimmed 
when held by the son; the mantle that fell from 
his shoulders never reached the earth. He came 
early to the law, and for nearly half a century 
bore evidence of her jealousy as a mistress. 
From Brown vs. White Deer Township, 3 Casey, 
where his contention that an appeal from the 
township auditors was the exclusive remedy to 
recover money expended by a supervisor on be- 
half of the township, was sustained, down to the 
current volume, the reports of the Supreme 
Court bear unquestioned and unimpeachable tes- 
timony to his legal acumen, his untiring energy 
and midnight labors in behalf of those whose 
cause he advocated. A lawyer of the old school, 
his loyalty to his clients was only exceeded by his 
zeal in their cause. Without fee, reward or 
hope thereof, he protected the weak and de- 
fended the poor. Of weak physical constitution, 
his mental endurance was without limit. That 
he should have been chosen by so many to cham- 
pion their cause, is pregnant proof of the ad- 
vancement of our civilization. A poor cham- 
pion he would have been with staves and leather 
target in the lists of the Norman invader, to wage 
the battles of his clients. In the modern forum 
he quailed before no antagonist, nor asked for 
quarter. He was a living witness of the power 
of mind and the weakness of matter in the strug- 
gle for supremacy in the closing years of this 
nineteenth century. Advancing years impaired 
his health, but did not enfeeble his mind or di- 
minish his energy. He was kind and generous, 
affable and courteous, and of all the illustrious 
men who have passed before him not one has 
left a better name, none were more sorely missed. 
In the garland to his memory we twine this leaf, 
a small testimonial of his worth as a man, his abil- 
ity as a lawyer, his patriotism as a citizen, his 
attainments as a scholar, his love and tenderness 
as a husband and father', and his loyalty as a 



77- 



< OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



friend. ' Woe unto us, nut him; for he sleeps 
well."' 

On December 26, 1867, Mr. Linn was mar- 
! to Mar) Ellen, eldest daughter of Philip 
Billmeyer, and they ha- son Philip 1 >i 1 1 - 

meyer Linn, who was associated with his father 
in the practice of the law, under the firm name 
I I M. & P. B. Linn. Mr. Linn was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. He died sud- 
denly February j.;. 1897, of paralysis oi 
heart. 

His son, Philip Billmeyer Linn, was born 
at Lewisburg, Mas ■ He graduated at 

Harvard Universit) in [890, rend law with his 
father, and was admitted to the Bar in I i 
from which tune up to the death ol his lather he 
prai tii ed with him. 



WILLIAM SPOTTS ( RISWELL 
ing representative of the agricultural in- 
i tin- sei tion, is a member of a family 
which has for many years been prominentl) iden- 
tified with Union county. His grandparents, 
ph and Elizabeth (Hutchinson) Criswell, lo- 
in pioneer til 1 reared a family 
of seven children, namely: Jan 1 August 
51, 1 1 6 rhomas 11 . March 28, 181 -■ . Hannah 
B. 1 Mrs. John Huntington . March ~ : . i8io;John 
II. M ty 7, 1814; M 
\, June jo. [816; and Elizabeth (Mrs. William 
5potts),Auf ' • 1 8. t m tin- familythe last 
nly survivor. 
Th> in H ( riswell, the father ol our 
was a man ol unusual force of character, 
and, although he never attendi 1 more 
than eleven days in his life, he - fair ed- 
tion through ition and private study. 
He followed farming and shoemaking during his 
active life, and gained thereby a comfortable live- 
lihood. As vas prominent in local 

andidate ol the Re- 
publican partv for township offices, his faithful 
vice in any position of trust having won for 
him the confidence of all 

On April 16 |ohn H. Ci iswell married 

Mi-- Jane Mathers, who was horn in Mazeppa, 
I'enn., June 24, 1 s 1 1 , the daughter of James and I 
bella (Oliver) Mathers. The following children 
bli ssi d this union: Joseph, born I 

15,isa tailor of Chattam 1, renn. ; James, born 
April [6, 1837, died Septembei 27, 1853; Will- 
Spotts, oui subject, ismentioned more fully 
below; Elizabeth, born Sep 24, 1841, is 

the wife of Daniel Kuhns, of Kelly township. 
Union county; Marj V. born July 15, 1843, re- 
sides at the old home*stead in Kelly township. 



Union county; Isabella M. , born July 21, 1S45, 
died September 5, 1853; Rachel, born April 21, 
1848, died August 26, 1853; Sarah M.. born Oc- 
tober 10, 1852, died October 11, 1 S 53 ; Thomas 
O., born September 2, 1853, is a farmer near 
r i\ loisville. Penn.; and John, born May 5, 1S50, 
died April 16, 1866. The father died April 17, 

14, and the mother September 4, 1884, both 
having attained an advanced age, and so univer- 
sally beloved were they that they were known by 
young and old in their locality as "Uncle " and 
■ ■ Auntie I riswell. 

William Spotts Criswell was born April 12, 
1839, in Kelly township, and was reared to ag- 
ricultural pursuits, his work apon his fathi 
farm during his boyhood alternating with his 
attendance at the local schools. In 1862 he en- 
listed in Company A, 131st P. V. I., under Capt. 
Jacob Moyer, whose place was taken a tew 
months later by Capt. Joseph K. Orwig. Dur- 
ing his term of service Mr. Criswell was detailed 
for a time on ambulance duty, hut he saw some 
severe fighting, and took part in the battles of 
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was 
never wounded; at the expiration of his term he 
urned home, receiving his discharge at Harris- 
burg, Penn., May 23, 1S63. 

On 1 >> icember 21, 1865. Mr. Criswell was 
married to Miss Mary L. Wagner, and shortly 
afterward he established his home at I 
Hill, Union county, when' he was employed for 
u. He then returned to his native township 
and rented one of his father's farms, remaining 
n years. Since that time he 
has resided upon his present farm near Kelly 
Cross Koads, which he at first rented from his 
i, itlier. but afterward acquired by inheritance. 
Mr. Criswell is identified with all of the pro- 

sive movements of his locality, and while 
he :s not a politician, he is an influential sup- 
porter of the Republican party. He is a mi 

lie Grand Army 1' I No. 52, of Lewis- 
burg, and is active in religious work as a member 
of the Lutheran Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Criswell have had nine chil- 

. whom all but one are living: (1) James, 

who resides in Kellv township, Union county, 

rried Miss Anna Machmer, and has five chil- 
dren— J. Roy, William D., Mary E., Sarah M. 
and Milton M. (2) Emma died at the age of 
John W . a I. inner of Kelly 
township, married Miss Susan M. Hafer. 14) 
Edith married W. H. Showers, a farmer in 
White Peri township, Union county, and has 
hid two children— Russell H. and Lei 
Willi, mi manages the farm of his aunt, Miss 
Mary C. Criswell, in Kelly township, Union 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



779 



county. (6) Joseph 0. is in the meat business 
at Milton, Penn. (7) Caroline E., (8) Paul W. 
and (9) David A. are at home. 

Mrs. Mary E. Criswell is a descendant of an 
old Lancaster county family; her grandfather, 
Thomas Wagner, passed his life in that locality. 
Her father, Daniel Wagner, was born there in 
1799, but in early manhood moved to Centre 
county, where he met and was married to Miss 
Margaret Rote, a native of that county. In 1832 
he went to Lewisburg, where he operated a mill 
for a few years, but he finally located in East 
Buffalo township, Union county, and operated a 
gristmill there until his death, which occurred 
August 26, 1S60, at the age of sixty-one. He 
was a Republican from the time of the organiza- 
tion of the party, and in religious faith he was a 
devout Lutheran. His estimable wife survived 
him, and breathed her last July 12, 1877. 

Mrs. Criswell was born in East Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, May 29, 1836, and was the 
second in a family of eleven children. Of the 
others, John is a farmer and cattle dealer in 
Iowa; Daniel died at the age of fifty-one; Thom- 
as died at forty-four; Sarah, deceased, was for- 
merly the wife of John Kerstetter, of Milton, 
Penn. ; Margaret married Alfred Dehl, a baker of 
Watsontown, Penn.; Emma is the wife of N. C. 
Freck, a contractor in Millersburg, Penn. ; Har- 
riet married E. K. Spotts, a farmer of Kelly 
township, Union county; Katherine married 
Phineas Bly, a miller of White Deer Mills; Sam- 
uel is in the milling business at Forest Hill, 
Union county; and William died in 1895, at the 
age of forty-four. 



PETER HAUSE, of White Deer township, 
Union county, is the owner of a fine farm 
near New Columbia, and is also engaged in busi- 
ness as an agent for the Champion Implement 
Company, and the Clark's Cove Fertilizer Com- 
pany, of New York. As Mr. Hause has made 
his way in the world against heavy odds, his 
struggle for a livelihood having begun when he 
was a mere child, his history is of more than or- 
dinary interest. 

Mr. Hause was born April 7, 1853, in North- 
umberland county, Penn., and his father, George 
Hause, who was also a native of that county, 
was a resident of Chillisquaque during the greater 
part of his life, having engaged first in the butch- 
ering business, then in the hotel business, and, 
finally, in mercantile enterprises. He was twice 
married, first to Miss Mary Reefer, by whom he 
had seven children: Mary A. , wife of William 
Galbrath, an insurance agent at Milton, Penn.; 



Elizabeth, widow of Robert Martin, of Northum- 
erland county; Lida, deceased, formerly the wife 
of John Harmon, a farmer in Michigan; Hannah, 
wife of Charles Sanders, of White Deer town- 
ship, Union county; Sarah and John, who died 
before reaching adult age; and George, a farmer 
in California. The mother of this family died in 
1848, and the father was married to Miss Sarah 
Reefer, a sister of his first wife. She was a na- 
tive of Union county, where their marriage oc- 
curred. There were two children by this union: 
Peter, our subject; and Frank, who is now in the 
livery business at Corning, N. Y. Both parents 
were identified with the United Evangelical 
Church. The father died in 1856 at the age of 
thirty- five, but the mother survived many years, 
passing away at the home of our subject, March 
3, 1894, aged seventy-two years. 

As Peter Hause was left fatherless at the age 
of three years without adequate provision for his 
support, the serious business of life was taken up 
as soon as his labor became of value. He re- 
mained with his mother until he was ten years 
old, when he spent eight months in work for an 
uncle, David Reefer. He then returned home 
and attended school during the winter, and in the 
following spring he was hired by Ellis Miller, 
with whom he spent one year. Until he was six- 
teen he continued to work on farms in summer, 
attending school in winter, and then for some 
years he took whatever employment he could find. 

On June 18, 1874, our subject was married 
to Miss Rebecca C. High, who has proved a true 
helpmeet, and they made their home at their 
present farm, which Mr. Hause worked for half 
the proceeds of the farm for seven years before 
increasing prosperity enabled him to purchase it. 
Industrious and thrifty, he has won a high repu- 
tation as a manager, and is a leading member of 
the Farmers Alliance. He is also prominent in 
the various activities of the community, and in 
the local Republican organization, having been 
tax collector for one year, and supervisor for two 
years. 

Seven children make his home merry: Frank 
M., George W., Florence, James C, Percy, 
Amy V. and Mary J. Mrs. Hause is a native of 
White Deer township, Union county, and was 
born February 22, 1848, the daughter of Aaron 
C. High, a native of Berks county, and grand- 
daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Pott) High, 
who settled in Union county at an early day to 
spend their remaining years, both being interred 
in the Rlapp graveyard. 

Aaron C. High died in White Deer township, 
Union county, in June, 1894, at the age of sev- 
enty, his last years having been spent in retire- 



780 



COMMK.VnJtATlVE BIOORAPSIi AL /.'/."' <>IiD. 



nt on ac< illness. He was married in 

White Deer township, t'> Miss Mary Rank, who 
LMirn in Berks county, November 22, 1822, and 
whose parents, John and Nancy (Luthers) Rank, 

loved from that locality to Union comity. 
where they breathed their last, their remains be- 
in^- laid to rest in Klapp graveyard. Five chil- 
dren have been horn to Aaron C. and Mary 
High: Robert, now rnment surveyor in 

Nebraska; Anna M., deceased, formerly the wife 
of Elias [ngleman, who is living in retirement at 
White Pigeon, Mich.; Rebecca C. (Mrs. II 
Barbara, wife of James Bernan, an employee in 

car works at Mill I Alford, a farmer in 

Texas. The mother has contracted a second 
marriage, being now the wife of William Miller, 
a farmer residing in St. Joseph county, Michigan. 



W 



II.I.IAM DA\ ID HIMMELREN 1! 
born in Kell) township, Union Co., 
Penn., September 11, 1842, the ninth child of 
Peter Himmelreich and Elizabeth nie Charles). 
Petei - father ei I from Germany in the 

iteenth century, and settled in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county. Going one step farther ! 

i., the grandmothei ol the subject of this 

sketch was a Within ne of whom came 

'and at an early date to this country, 

and carried on a successful business at clock 

making, in Mifflinburg, under style of Withing- 

ton & Son, for many years. Capt. Peter With- 

i the heroes of the Revolution, 

having commanded a company in the Twelfth 

Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line. 

ied m 1 :' 

When scarcely tall enough to peep over the 

counter, the subject of this sketch began hisbusi- 

- career in a country store near home. Close 

b) . on the same fat 1 an old scl 

in which he received his early education. Tin 

of clerking found the little fellow grown a 
head taller, and possessed of an ambition that 
could no longer find scope in the old environ- 

I b- be' ami a cierk for Capt. Cr 
postmaster, at Lewisburg. Several ventures in 

mtile business, ippan ml}' not I 
liking, followed, and finally he attracted the 
favorable attention of John 1 1. P kei ^presi- 
dent of the First National Bank of Sunbury. He 
became a clerk in that institution, and here his 
business ability w ied. Through faithful 

attention to every detail of his work 
the confidence of Mr. Packer, an eminent lawyer 
and financier — a circumstance which had much 

with later successes. Mr. Packer wi 
undemonstrative man, but he had his own way 



of showing his appreciation of fidelity in an em- 
ployee. A hard worker himself, he knew the 
value of industry, while his own strict integrity 
served as a touch-stone in his judgment of oth- 

The fact that Mr. Himmelreich reman 
with him ten years, and during the latter part of 
his service was entrusted with the most delicate 
and intricate business, is sufficient evidence of his 
worth. It may be noted, also, that throughout 
the remainder of Mr. Packer's life he retained a 
firm friendship for Mr. I limmelreich, and showed 
his undiminished confidence in substantial ways. 

The arduous work of the bank proved to be 
too great a strain upon Mr. Hinunelreich's health, 
and he purchased an interest in the firm of Bill- 
meyer, Dill & Company, boat builders and man- 
ufacturers of lumber, at Lewisburg, in 1872, 
This was a prosperous enterprise with a n 
capable head, Philip Billmeyer, who was an au- 
thority on all matters relating to lumber. The 
firm name was subsequently changed to P. Bill- 
meyer & Co., the other partners being George S. 
Matlack and Henry C. Wolfe, who ■ eci- 

ally efficient workers in their respective depart- 
ments — and to this harmonious combination Mr. 
Himmelreich added new force and energy. Mr. 
Billmeyer died in I S S 5 , but the business was 
continued by the other partners under the firm 
name of W. D. Himmelreich & Co., which re- 
mained unchanged at the death of Mr. Matlack 
in 1893, leaving but two of the firm. Mr. Him- 
melreich's quarter of a century in this branch of 
business was an unusually successful one, and he 
enjoyed a reputation for honesty and business in- 

ity that but few can attain, especially in the 
great commercial centres. 

1 hiring all this time Mr. Himmelreich's 
busy brain and energy were concerned in the ad- 
vancement of the welfare of Lewisburg, and 
lopment of its industrial interests. He, 
along with George S. Matlack. was instrumental 
in having the Buffalo Mills located here, backed 
by Judge Hoffa, and was one of its principal 
stockholders. He was connected as stockholdii 
and director in the Nail Works, Furniture Works, 
Water, Coal. Light and Teleph 
panies. In addition to giving these various 
interests a portion of his time, he assumed, in 
March, [895, the duties of president of the 
Union National Bank. As its executive he 
avenues of business by his strong 

Bonality, and under his direction the institu- 
h.is certainly been a prosperous one. 

Hi- latest and most extensive project was 
the tract of virgin forest 

in West Virginia. After tramways had been 
built, mills established and the difficulties sur- 






/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



781 



mounted, he associated with him Congressman 
Dayton, of West Virginia. Hon. S. T. Foresman, 
of Williamsport, W. R. Kramer, of Milton, and 
H. C. Wolfe, of Lewisburg. The new firm had 
just entered the markets with the brightest 
possible prospects of success, when suddenly 
the brain that conceived it all was stricken in 
death. 

Mr. Himmelreich took an interest in public 
affairs. His political affiliations were with the 
Democrats, but he had due consideration for 
the opinions of others, and was far from being 
a politician. In 1888 he was a Presidential 
elector, and subsequently made postmaster at 
Lewisburg by President Cleveland. As a trustee 
of the State Hospital for the Insane at Danville, 
he served for a number of years, faithfully and 
conscientiously. 

"Perhaps in no place will his loss be more 
keenly felt than in the Presbyterian Church and 
Sunday-school. As a member of the board of 
trustees he was a tower of strength in solving 
the questions and difficulties that regularly pre- 
sented themselves. His wise counsels and feas- 
ible plans were backed by a generous purse, and 
his example of itself was an incentive to spur 
others on to more earnest activity. For over 
four years he conducted the Bible studies of a 
class of young ladies in the Sunday-school. His 
teaching had the merit of being from the heart, 
and he implicitly believed what he taught — that 
the religion of Jesus was to be made a part and 
study of our daily life. Faithful and earnest in 
attendance, always coming prepared, it was little 
wonder that he taught with a force that comes 
to but few. In his hasty business trips from 
city to city he spent many an hour on the train 
with Bible and lesson book, seeking out the hid- 
den truths. " [Lewisburg Journal, October 29, 

1897.] 

Mr. Himmelreich amassed a substantial for- 
tune, and, what is still better, made good use of 
it. While there is no loss through methods or 
careless good nature, he delighted in lending a 
helping hand in an effective way wherever there 
was need. It would be impossible to enumerate 
his private charities, the straightened circum- 
stances eased by his timely aid, the hearts he has 
comforted. In his business dealings he strove to 
be just, and while he never allowed an oppor- 
tunity for a profitable venture to pass unim- 
proved, no one has ever come out of a bargain 
blaming him for dishonest methods. In fact, 
Mr. Himmelreich was much more than a busi- 
ness man. Reading and travel had added men- 
tal cultivation, and developed his companionable 
qualities, while a sympathy for his fellow men 



had prevented any crusting over of his kindly 
heart. 

An enduring monument to his memory is the 
W. D. Himmelreich Library of the Presbyterian 
Sunday-school, a gift of about four thousand 
volumes. It was his pride and care during life, 
and by his will he made ample provision to per- 
petuate it by placing apart funds to the amount 
of $30,000 (which sum may be materially in- 
creased) for a library building and for endowing 
it. His death occurred suddenly in New York 
City, October 23, 1897, from heart failure. 



I BRAHAM W. FARLEY. This age is not 



JMi wholly utilitarian. On all sides we see 
some earnest souls laboring devotedly to bring 
about a recognition of some higher principle in 
life than selfish greed, and stimulating in the 
hearts of others a desire for spiritual progress. 
The friends of Abraham W. Farley, a prominent 
agriculturist residing in East Buffalo township, 
Union county, will see in his years of faithful 
work in all forms of religious endeavor, a source 
of present good to the community, and long after 
he has entered into his final rest his influence will 
continue in ever widening circles. 

Mr. Farley comes of honorable ancestry. 
When the colonies gathered their forces for the 
war against the mother country, his grandfather, 
Caleb Farley, then a young man, entered the 
ranks of the patriots. He was a representative 
of one of the oldest and most highly respected 
families of New Jersey, pioneers of Tewksbury 
township, Hunterdon county, and proved him- 
self a gallant fighter, remaining in service until 
peace was declared and gaining a commission as 
first lieutenant. Soon after the close of the war 
he married Miss Charity Pickle, and came to 
Pennsylvania, locating in Union county, where 
he cleared and improved several farms. Through 
legal complications over prior entries he lost 
his first claims, but afterward purchased what 
was known as the David Cupples tract, 
on White Deer Mountain, comprising 120 
acres, and there made his permanent home. He 
attained the age of eighty-four, his death oc- 
curring previous to 1840, and his wife sur- 
vived him only a few years, having attained 
the age of ninety-four. They had eight chil- 
dren: Charity, John, Jacob, Barbara, Cather- 
ine, Elizabeth, Abraham and Sarah. 

Abraham Farley, our subject's father, was 
born in 1 791 , in White Deer township, Union 
county, and died in 1S75, in East Buffalo town- 
ship, at the age of eighty-four years, and always 
followed farming as an occupation. On March 



782 



COMXKM'iliMIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



29, 1S24, he married Rebecca Wolfe, born March 
19, 1S04, the daughter of Michael and Catherine 
1 Smith 1 Wolfe, who reared a family of ten chil- 
dren, six daughters and four sons. After his 
marriage Abraham Farley bought the farm on 
tin- Furnace road, in East Buffalo township, 
Union county, which is now owned by our sub- 
ujd there in 1875, and his wife passed 
away August 27, 1878, at the home of her 

ther was a devout member of the 

iical Church, and their large famil) of 

children received faithful training in Christian 

principles, Of these the first born, Catharine, 

died in infancy; Caroline, now residing in the 

te "l [owa, married Daniel Wolfe, and reared 
a famil\-; Michael married Hannah Hoy, and had 
ral children; Abraham W. is mentioned more 
fully below; Charity died in infancy; Sarah mar- 
David Voneida ind reared a family; |i>hn 

ried Mary Brown, by whom he had several 
children; facob married Mary E. Brown, and had 
a family; Elizabeth and Wilson died in infani 

The subject of this biography was born Au- 
gust 28, 1834, at the present homestead. When 
he began his education the -vstem 

had nol been adopted, his first teacher, Aaron 
Smith, being employed on the su 11 plan. 

The events of that time are still clearly defined 
in his memory, even to the learning of the alpha- 
bet, letti ttended the 
first free school organized in his district, the Ml 
Vernon si hool, taught by Squire Tharp, of Mil- 
ton, Penn. He learned rapidly, grasping ideas 
far more readily and accurately than the avera 
boj of his age, and only the lack of opportunity 
studies prevented him from pre- 
iome profession. Being reared 
farming, with no knowledge of other occupations, 
he naturally engaged in it in early manhood, and 
has continued it th ghout his life. 

Onjanuary r 5, [857, in his native township, 
Mr. Farle) was married to Mi nab B 

who was born near Lochiel, Union 
county. Alien, t 6, 1838 Her parents, David 
and Molly (Gel S hrack, well-know -its 

of thai lo ality, had four children, of whom Mrs. 
I rlej was the eldest. The others, Angeline, 
now Mrs. John Shaffer, Franklin and William 
H . all reside in Lewisburg. David Schrack 
was a carpenter in his early years and afterward 
a farmer, but f years previous to his 

th lie lived m retirement at Lewisburg. He 
was between sixty and seventy years old when 
he died, and his wife survived him a few years, 
the remains of both being now at rest in Lewis- 
burg cemetery. 

ar after his marriage Mr I arl< 



mained at the homestead, taking charge of the 
place for his father, and then, after living one 
r on a rented farm, he moved to the Schrack 
homestead, where he spent a year. The first 
home that he ever owned was a small place in 
Northumberland county, Penn., where he was 
engaged in gardening from i860 to 1864. The 
war making labor scarce, he returned to the old 
home to assist his father for a year, and the next 
thirteen years were spent on the Jonathan 
Wolfe farm in East Buffalo township. 

fn 1878 Mr. Farley purchased his present 
home from his father's estate, his brother Mich- 
ael buying the western part of the farm. The 
place contains 150 acres of excellent land, and 
ranks among the best in the township. Mr. 
Farley gives his personal attention to its man- 
nent. Although his health is somewhat 
impaired he remains active. In 1892 he I 
the use of his left ej result of an attack 

ivsipelas, and hi> hearing is now defective. 
but these ailments do not interfere as much as 
one would suppose, with his accustomed inter- 
ests. Many years ago he joined the United 
Evangelical Church, and he has always taken a 
leading part in its work, serving in various 
Church offices, including that of trustee, which 
he still holds. He has been especially active in 
Sunday-school work, and since 1858 has been 
superintendent in different localities where he 
has resided, and during five years of this time 
he was at the head of two schools. In the 
township Sunday-School Association he has been 
an influential worker, and at different times he 
has served lent or secretary. His 

wife is also a devout member of the United 
Evangelical Church, ami their family, taught by 
both precept and example, are following in their 
I eps. 
< >ur subject and his wife may well look 1 
their children with pride, in the consciousness 
that their successful training brings far greaf 
and more lasting honor than accumulation of 
riches. The eldest son, John C, born March 
[5, [859, is engaged in teaching, and also works 
on a farm in Kelly township. Union county. 
James A., born March 4, 1861, married to 
Miss Jane Bohner, of Northumberland county, re- 
sides in Lewisburg, and is a traveling salesman for 
a wholesale dry-goods house in Philadelphia. Anna 
M., born February 22, 1863, married Rev. W. 
B Cox, a minis! the United Evangelical 

Church, located at Glen Rock, York Co., Penn. 
David F., born June 2, [865, married to M 
Liberty Taylor, of Mifflinburg, a teacher, resides 
in Buffalo township, Union county. He is a 
n, and is active in religious 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



783 



work as superintendent of a Sunday-school, and 
president of the Sunday-School Association of 
his township. William H., born July 14, 1867, 
lives at the homestead, and is engaged in opera- 
ting a steam thresher. He is also prominent in 
religious work, being a trustee and steward in the 
Church, and the superintendent of a Sunday- 
school. Molly R., born November n, 1869, 
married Rev. J. H. Gamber, a clergyman 
of the United Evangelical Church, now re- 
siding at Reddick, Kankakee Co., 111. Eman- 
uel P., born October 8, 1871, resides in Illinois, 
and is bookkeeper in a large brick establishment 
at LaSalle. Hiram C, born March 7, 1874, isa 
teacher by profession and resides at home. Su- 
sannah B., born June 11, 1875, Angeline M. , 
October 17, 1877, Clarence B., January 19, 
1879, and Maggie E. July 25, 1882, are all at 
home. 

Our subject is interested in all local move- 
ments that tend to progress, and has for years 
been identified with the Grange or Patrons of 
Husbandry. He is no politician but keeps well- 
informed upon the issues of the day, and, al- 
though he gave his support in early years to the 
Democratic party, his uncompromising enmity to 
the liquor traffic led him some time ago to unite 
with the Prohibitionists. 



J 



OHN JEFFERSON BROWN. Among the 
honored pioneers of this section who still 
remain with us, linking by their recollections 
the stirring scenes of our modern civilization to 
the time when unbroken forests covered the sites 
of many of our thriving towns and villages, none 
are more highly esteemed than Mr. and Mrs. 
J. J. Brown, of Kelly township, Union county, 
who are now nearing the fiftieth anniversary of 
their marriage, which took place October 9, 1 8 5 1 . 
Mr. Brown, who, though now retired from 
active business, has been for many years a lead- 
ing agriculturist of that locality, was born Decem- 
ber 2, 1824, in Schuylkill county, Penn. On 
the paternal side he is descended from an old 
Pennsylvania family. His grandparents were 
residents of Schuylkill county, where for many 
years the grandfather, Adam Brown, was occu- 
pied with the management of a gristmill and an 
extensive farm. His wife was an Ohlrick. 

The late George Brown, our subject's father, 
was born in Berks county, and there was mar- 
ried to Miss Sallie Bartlett, a native of that 
locality, daughter of Abraham and Dorothy 
(Huttenstein) Bartlett, and for some time made 
his home in the county. In 1839 he removed to 
a farm in White Deer township. Union county, 



where he and his wife spent their remaining 
years, the latter passing away in 1845, at the 
age of forty-eight. The father had attained his 
eightieth year when he was called away in 1874, 
and during his long life he had held a prominent 
place in the community, holding the office of 
supervisor, and taking an active part in the 
work of the Reformed Church, of which he was 
a deacon and elder for many years. 

Of the children of this estimable couple, 
Elizabeth died in her youth; Katie married Israel 
Guyer, both now deceased; John J. is the sub- 
ject proper of this sketch; George is a retired 
farmer in White Deer township, Union county; 
Sarah married Simon Benage, a farmer in the 
same township; Rebecca married Daniel Moyer, 
and both are now deceased; and Elizabeth, sec- 
ond wife of Daniel Moyer, mentioned above, 
survives him, and resides in 'Buffalo township, 
Union county. 

John Jefferson Brown's early surroundings 
were not favorable to rapid educational advance- 
ment, farm work often interfering with such 
opportunities as the local schools of the day 
afforded. He remained with his father until 
the age of twenty-two, when he found employ- 
ment in a brickyard and worked for two seasons, 
and then, after a short visit at the old home, he 
went to White Deer and engaged in teaming, 
receiving $180 per year. After six years in this 
occupation he took a farm, which he worked for 
one-half of the proceeds, but the sale of the 
place eight years later caused him to leave it, 
and in 1865 he purchased a farm in White Deer 
township, Union county, in partnership with 
W. P. Sheller. Four months later he traded his 
interest for another farm near West Milton, 
which he sold after occupying it four years, the 
sale realizing him a profit of $4,600. The next 
three years were spent upon a rented farm, and 
he then bought fifty-five acres of choice land near 
Kelly Point at $ r . 75 per acre, and, making many 
substantial improvements which show both taste 
and judgment, he established his permanent 
home there. 

Though not an active worker in political 
lines, Mr. Brown is among the influential Demo- 
crats of his locality. He and his wife are lead- 
ing members of the Reformed Church. Their 
pleasant home has been brightened by two chil- 
dren: William, born January 10, 1853, lived 
only six months; and Mary E., born June 10, 
1854, married Joseph Burke, a successful farmer 
and butcher, and now resides at the homestead. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brown took to their home and 
hearts a boy, James Brown, and cared for him 
from his birth. He remained with them until 



784 



wnUORATIYB BIOGRAPHICAL BSOORD. 



.,„. aEe f twenty-six, when 1 ied and 

S ov 2 e toBloo m ington.in.,.whereh ( aler 

'" ''\I,- Brown, wh 

mty, lanuar) --• ■ ' ' ', 

, Jonathan Ranck, havin, 

ount\ at an i li,r u "' 

minent agriculturist then H, hew 
[supervisor, and was active mloca 

I nine m 
married thr. • first to Miss Kal 

^second I Vnna M 

lauehtei whose l f* 

nt in thai " 1 U -"; 1 ; 1 '-; 

. „ W emb eroi the Rel Chu, ■ 1. -1 died 

in that - n. 1846, ... tl, 

fifty-two years and I iths. tfhe third* f < 

was Mi 

ose v. dl6din 

dren namely: £ "ho married Daniel Ben- 

Mo , rpenterin 

on. well- Earm- 

wp. i ,n : nty; 

Williamsport, Perm ;M 
wi f, el, ol Danville. Perm., 

Jonathan, now living n 

Hurtz ahardv, it at Van Wert. Ohio. 



J HI | \M'I R Bl I HER is th« 

Rey |oh Bucher, D D His 

n in Dauphin county, Penn., 

. to 

tin 

, andFr. 

H 

red the istry of the Re- 

I hurch, in which I I jo, all 

3 ixt\ years. He was prominent in I ncils 

of the Church, and a pre; »ous 

He wasa resident ministei .1 th Re 
( hurch at Middletown, Frederic 
\ M . on the 28th of January. .836, when his son 
pe, Bucher, the subject of this sketch, 

was burn. 



When the son was six y, " r h 

accepted the pastorate of the Reformed Church 
' ' ne re he remained a num- 

',,... Whilst at 1 \ th , esonV Tn a f 

I lv , ;l n ex-Cathohc priest of 

1 .,.,■ =.« a teacher Upon th< n movaTl 
some celebrity as a teacner. 1 

f the [ather to Mercersburg, Franklin Co 

entered the prepa, depart- 

iu , nt Qi ( u College located there In 

^853. during his collegiate course, the institu- 

dto Lancaster Penn., and united 

with Franklin Colleg the name of Fr ank- 

lin and Marshall. There the subject of this 

sket( h completed his collegiate course and grad- 

5 , with one of the highest honors of 

J". ,,„. , a ledi ration was assigned 

to him, and his address, delivered on comme n ^ 

ment day, bore ample testimony that he was 

worthy olth ' vv,th;i 

,„,, that raised the enthusiasm 

uatio .enta year as principal of an ... ad- 

Ln Maryland, and then commenced the 
Zdy of th,,' law in the office of Hon. I 

Berlin, Union Co. Penn. » 

was admitted to the Union County Bar in 1858, 

went into partnership with his £»«*<* 

Mr Slenker eminent lawyer and had an 

the confidence of his 

d the communit) 

l83 oto ,1835 .and 

a member of the ''Yi T, 

In ,86, he was the D. 

Pre rwentieth Judic, 

I At the general Q be received a ma- 

, of the h e vote, but was defeated bj an 

.tenotth. >d bylaw. He Ad 

not . ^ the reason that th, 

washostili I I ■■'■> 

iecting the army vote. In 

, Slenker was elected Auditor-General 

ontl . ocratic ticket. With °d 

[oseph C Buche, 

upon bis professi. eei under most favora- 

ISpiceS. , , ,v , Ul , 

In f850he « 'd for District At 

„ county, on the Democratic tic! 
,f thai yea. 
ing h.s 1 [ohn Blan Linn, 1 5q., a 

leading lawy. 1 majority 257 votes al- 

though the Republican majority in the county on 

the Mate ticket was 5 23- He discharged the 

ties of th, 1 delitj and ability. On 

November, 1861, he was married 

Ma] ! Hon. John Walls, and 

riddaugl n. Abbot Green. He was 

lte in this alliance. His wife is a woman 




% 




&<£t^_ 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



785 



of culture and refinement, and her tastes are con- 
genial to his own. She presides over his hos- 
pitable home with dignity and grace, and has 
contributed largely by the force of her character to 
the advancement of the interests of her husband. 
He has three sons — John W. , Joseph Casper and 
Abbot Green — and one daughter — Miriam A. 
Bucher. 

When Mr. Slenker entered upon his duties as 
auditor-general, the partnership of Slenker and 
Bucher was dissolved, and Mr. Bucher removed 
to Lewisburg, where he opened a law office. His 
practice u as extensive and varied, but was con- 
fined principally to the counties of Union and 
Snyder, although he frequently tried causes else- 
where. In his profession he was singularly suc- 
cessful, having very many of the best traits of an 
advocate. He attained a superficial knowledge 
of the German language whilst at college, and 
during his residence at New Berlin acquired the 
habit of speaking it with fluency, and that was 
the " patois " of Snyder county, especially of the 
west end. His manner was hearty and cordial. 
He was easy of access; had a quick, bright ap- 
prehension, and a very retentive memory; had 
the faculty of gathering facts and spreading 
them in narration, grouped with graphic power. 
His voice was loud and clear; his expression 
without hesitation, and of such confidence that 
it would carry conviction. Then, besides, he 
mingled freely with the people. He knew al- 
most every one in the counties, their history, 
character, foibles and idiosyncrasies, so that his 
selection of jurors and his knowledge of how to 
touch them was rarely amiss. 

In 1 87 1 he was made the Democratic can- 
didate for president judge of the Twentieth Ju- 
dicial District, composed of the counties of 
Union, Snyder and Mifflin, against Hon. Samuel 
S. Woods, of Mifflin county, the incumbent 
of the office. In politics he has always been an 
active Democrat; his voice has been heard with 
no uncertain sound in support of the principles 
of his party, in almost every school house in the 
counties of Union and Snyder. The political 
passions engendered by the war had not yet had 
time to cool. He was on terms of social inter- 
course with many of the Republican leaders, who, 
whilst friendly to him personally, differed widely 
from him in his political opinions. The contest 
was waged with unexampled bitterness; it as- 
sumed the fierce heat of a Presidential struggle. 
The political organization to which he was at- 
tached stood around him in one unbroken, com- 
pact mass. On the other hand, the Republican 
organization could not be held together. His in- 
timate acquaintance with the people, his ad- 

50* 



mitted ability and integrity, together with the 
active and open support of a large majority of 
the Republican lawyers of the District, was 
more than his opponent could withstand, and he 
was elected in the face of a large adverse polit- 
ical majority. The vote was exceedingly close 
in so large a poll. In Union the majority for 
his competitor was 278; in Mifflin the majority 
for him was 278, and Snyder gave him a ma- 
jority. Thus the counties in which the candi- 
dates resided were a tie, and Snyder county 
decided the result by the slender majority of 
nine votes. 

He entered upon the duties of his office in De- 
cember, 1 87 1, and carried with him to the Bench 
the same energy, quick and ready apprehension, 
incisive, yet full way of expression, that had 
characterized him as a lawyer. After a few years 
he got rid of the ways of an advocate, and be- 
came an able judge. Jurors could hear and un- 
derstand every word he said. He had great ad- 
ministrative powers, and conducted the business 
of the court with dispatch. He grappled every 
question of law as it presented itself, and it was 
clearly put on the notes of trial, and every bill 
of exception cheerfully signed and sealed, so that 
if a case went to the Supreme Court, the record 
plainly disclosed what had been decided. His 
decisions were well sustained by the Supreme 
Court. At the close of his term he had the con- 
fidence of the Bar as well as of the people. 

He was a candidate for re-election in -1881, 
and defeated his competitor, J. Merrill Linn, 
Esq., by a decisive vote in every county of the 
district, having received 1, 189 majority in Mifflin 
county, 867 in Snyder, and 183 in Union — ag- 
gregating 2,239. The adverse majority in the 
Presidential contest of the previous year was 
upwards of 1,400. This vote was a just tribute 
to an able, capable and upright judge. At the 
end of his second term of ten years he was again 
the nominee of his party in 1891. Party spirit 
was at high-tide at this time. During the cam- 
paign Governor Pattison convened the State 
Senate in extraordinary session to try the State 
Treasurer and Auditor-General on charges of 
malfeasance, connected with the defalcation of 
John Bardsley, city treasurer of Philadelphia. 
Republican and Democrats were on their mettle, 
and party nominees were mere targets to the 
enemy's fire. Judge Bucher was defeated by 
Harold M. McClure by the meagre majority of 
406, whilst the Republican's State ticket, at the 
same time and in the same counties, had a ma- 
jority of 1,618. Learning, ability, experience and 
every other qualification for the high office was 
to some measure lost to sight and reason, and 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



one of the ablest judges in the State was sacrificed 
to political strifi irtisan b rhe 

second term of ten years ended on the tirst M 
1 January, i 

In his twenty-years' service on the Bench, 
Judge Bucher not only id the dutii 

his high "Hire with promptness and fidelity in his 
own district, but was called specially to pn 
in man}- "I the other judi the 

by the Supn 

irt in any criminal case, and | 
trii him for aim n to 

the law. A> a chancellor on the Equity sidi 

the CoUl I 

partments of the law. ! ite-wide 

putation fi lity. 
His retii the 
judiciary "I the S ci illy ti 

if the Twentieth Judicial District, bul 
lly. 
Immedi thi 

I ■nil., 
■ ining In nee and 

of law ii 
criminal and civil. In | 

Hi 'ii. John B l'.i< i. : fi >r the 

nsylvania railroad, the X. C. R. K., Phila- 
delphia & Erie R. R., Pennsylvania I 

iy, the D. H. & W. K. R., The M Rail- 

id and Minin her affilii 

lies. On the 27th da | the 

te Convention met at Han 

i her 
Mate <>ii Jud 1 of Unii 

Hannibal K. Sloan, 
nat 

! the 
tion iiim ng the \ 

01 his nominati it did, a 

time when 

lied onlj bling thi 

tion, he was indu 
can 

ti Committee. In 1 
!. and ui 

Judge Buchi ned, an 1 1 th ol 

id nomi- 
nati d I'll, mias ( ',,!!] ■ 

I H K Sloan, d 
Jud 

ami in the fl lod-tide ol pn 1 
I ! 
md he is singul ■ >th 

the court and the jury, 
he has 



of twenty years, instead of diminishing hiscapacity 
as a trial lawyer, has only increased it. 

Judge Bucher has shown himself to be a public- 
spirited citizen, always ready and willing I 

dy and deserving. He has given the 
ght of his influence and contributed la: 

incement of the material interests of the 
town and county in which he resides. He is now 
the last surviving member of the original hoard 

f the Lewisbur- R. R. and \\ 
Brii pany; he is a director of the Lewis- 

I ink. and a member of the board 
i| the Lewisburg Presbyterian Church 



NDREW ALBRIGHT LEISER, born July 



1. at 



I .I'.' 



Penn., 1- the 

son "f the late Dr. Will 1 ;ser and 

Maria Louisa Leiser /.• lit . whose only 

children were the subject of this sketch and 
William 1 • ser, Jr., M. D., whose biograpln 
i elsewhere 111 this volume, 
lb- was prepared for college in the public 
I iurgh and the University 

ud enteri I I reshman class of the 
University at Lewisburgh (now Bucknell Uni- 
versity) in the fall of [865, takn; fohn M. 
Finn first prize for the best preparation for 
college His career at the University disclosed 
natural abilities and literary tastes, combined 
with thoroughly studious mid moral habits. He 
luated with distinction, being the lust in his 
, and was selected to deliver tin valedicl 

mencement exercises in July. 
ng his classmates ware Charles Hill 
Anderson, of Philadelphia. Ri v. Francis M. 
Dauphin; George \Y. Bliss. 

i the New York 
I lartin Hell, of Hollidaysburi 

n. ; Frederick Evaus Bower, Esq., of Mid- 
i -1111. ; Rev. Dr. John Howard 11. u 1 

knell University; Rev. Frederick 
Kohlei Fowler, of Olean, N Y. ; Rev. Edmund 
Wells, of Charleston, S ( ; Andrew B. Laris 
M D. , ol Lambertville, N. [.. and otl 
Air 

ter in Ken 
Brighton, P - in- 

structor m the University I 

then in Preparal 

Lewisburgl 
ar. 

ful in th mal em- 

inent, he soon r< law as 

ifter ■ • lea. hi pre- 

■1. with a brief I - in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



787 



the law department of the Univerity of Pennsyl- 
vania, at Philadelphia, he was admitted to the 
Union County Bar at May Term, 1874. In Sep- 
tember, 1876, he was appointed by the Court, 
District Attorney for the county of Union for the 
unexpired term of Alfred Hayes, Esq. (who had 
been elected to the Legislature), and the same fall 
was elected to that office for the full term. 

From the first Mr. Leiser's grasp of legal 
principles and careful application thereof to the 
case in hand showed he had carried into his pro- 
sessional work the same habits of study and 
thoroughness that characterized his work in the 
college; and, in consequence, early in his career 
he received many appointments as Auditor and 
Master in Chancery in cases involving large in- 
terests and intricate and difficult questions of 
law and fact and the application of one to the 
other. In 18S1 he formed a legal partnership 
with the late Hon. Charles S. Wolfe and James 
Dale Wilson, Esq., under the firm style of Wolfe, 
Leiser & Wilson. Mr. Wilson removed to Phil- 
adelphia in 1882, but the firm continued, un- 
der the style of Wolfe & Leiser, until Mr. Wolfe's 
untimely death, August 13, 1 891 . In the in- 
terim they had established an enviable reputa- 
tion as a strong firm, and had acquired a large 
clientage. Since Mr. Wolfe's death Mr. Leiser's 
practiced has widened and extended in many 
directions, before both State and Federal courts, 
and he is frequently called upon to conduct 
cases in many another than his local forum. 

Mr. Leiser may emphatically be termed a 
busy lawyer, and a credit both as a scholar and 
as a gentleman to a profession, which, although 
grounded on conventional and conservative rules, 
is, more than any other human institution, the 
basis of our freedom and civilization. His work 
at the Bar is marked by clearness, precision, 
care, strength and thoroughness. As 
lor he is careful and conservative; 
lawyer thoroughly prepared, alert and ready; 
strong in the presentation of his own side of the 
case; quick to see the points of his adversary, 
and to parry them or turn them against him; 
skillful in the marshaling of facts and evidence; 
and in the appellate courts his work is of the 
best, his briefs of law and fact and argument be- 
ing masterly, clear, logical and exhaustive. In 
all that he undertakes he is an indefatigable 
worker, subjecting everything to an ultimate 
analysis, so that there is no detail so small as to 
be overlooked, no possible contingency unpro- 
vided for. With a large law library stocked with 
the best books as his working-tools, he never 
rests content until he has exhausted the subject 
in hand. He exemplifies his belief that there is 



a counse- 
as a trial 



no genius like hard work, and that in thorough 
work lies the secret of success. 

Mr. Leiser is a charter member of the 
Pennsylvania Bar Association, and for several 
years has been on the Executive Committee. 
He is also a member of the American Academy 
of Political and Social Science, and of the Amer- 
ican Statistical Association. In 1865, while a 
student, he joined the Phi Kappa Psi (college) 
fraternity, with which he has kept in close 
touch ever since — being the presiding officer at 
the Grand Arch Council held in Philadelphia in 
1876, and largely instrumental in securing the 
removal of the iron-clad pledge against college 
fraternities at the University at Lewisburgh. 

The ancestral stock to which Mr. Leiser be- 
longs goes back on both sides to the original set- 
tlement of the State in the earlier part of the last 
century. His family connections are in conse- 
quence numerous and widely spread. 

His father, Dr. William Leiser, was the 
youngest son of Jacob Leiser, who was born in 
(Little) York, York Co. , Penn. , October 4, 1779, 
and Mary Leiser, nee Shettley, who was born at 
the same place December 3, 1780. 

Jacob Leiser came to Milltown, now Milton, 
toward the close of the eighteenth century, and 
directly afterward moved across the river into 
White Deer township (now Kelly township), near 
what is now West Milton. He was a carpenter 
and master builder, and as such erected many of 
the most substantial buildings in Milton and 
neighborhood. In 1S15 he purchased a large 
farm located about a mile west from Datesman's 
— now West Milton — from James Patterson, 
which farm is still in the ownership of his de- 
scendants. Here he afterward made his home, 
and died May 26, 1862, his wife having preceded 
him on the 13th of May, 1855. Their children 
were: (1) John Leiser, born January 3, 1802, 
died in infancy. (2) Elizabeth Leiser, born Sep- 
tember 2, 1803; married to Isaac High. Her 
children: Jacob High; Mary, married to Benne- 
ville Bickel, and Susan, married to Samuel F. 
Gundy, all living in this county. (3) George 
Leiser, born November 6, 1806; his children: 
Susanna, married to John Schreck; Mary Ann 
(deceased;, married to George Adam Stahl; 
Lydia, married to John Hummel; Jacob (de- 
ceased), and John — all making their homes here- 
abouts. (4) Susanna Leiser, married to Abra- 
ham Grove; her children: John L. Grove; Nancy. 
married to Henry Ruhl; Mary, married to Jacob 
Ruhl, Jr.; Jacob (deceased). (5) John Leiser, 
born July 4, 1S10; his children: David (deceased); 
Abraham; Jacob; Emeline, married to John H. 
Bishop; Lovina (deceased) and Benjam.n F. 



788 



( OMMEMORATIVS BIOGRAPHICAL 11F.C0IID. 



All these childri pi Jacob located in Mich- 

igan, where the fal I I facob, 

April i 1 ', 1813; In- children: Wilson; Cordelia, 

. William Augustus; 
Phineas; | M. D.; Han it" 

Dr. I. M. lv ickefelli 1 . I I); Eliza 

M K 
< Hiver, M. D \. and Phil 

who live in Watsontown, all the abi re- 

ini". 

[8 16, l: 

bom . [818; uni 

1 1 v \ aub- 

li. Hi' was born in Kelly town- 
ship, Union county. October 21, 1821. 

:i in the country scho 
Mifflinburg Academy and Pennsylvania Colli 

Then hing 

foi 1 short 1 1 1 1 1 ■ ine with 

1 >i . Samuel L. B raduated M. D. 

in 1S4S, by the Medical Departmenl if Pennsyl- 
van 1 it Philadelphia, wh I ulty 

• in men: William 
I'm.: M I ' . [ohn Wiltbank, M. D., II 
S P : . M. I).. William R. (.rant. M. I ).', 

David Gilbert, M. D., and Washington L At 
M. D 

I i' Maj 3 1 Maria Lou- 

1 Andrew Albright and 
Agn< s Albi ighl Duni rectly thei 

after removed from New 1 he 

first began to practice, to I.< h where he 

ntinuously resided and | I until his death. 

April 12, 1878. He was 1 man ol superior cul- 
ture and attainments, a lover of b 

it friend and promoter of the "Common 
Sch for a numbei icre- 

tary ol the board ol il th( I 

' wisburgh. In his profession he 
learned, able, skillfu minentlj sful, 

ind died ! lamented bj a hi isl of 

Irien 

Maria Loi isa Albrighi was born March 1 1, 
1 827, in M township 1, North- 

ampton Co., I isburgh Novem- 

1 , She I ited mother, and 

a woman ol great inl e and very many su- 

perior qualities. Hei mother was Vgnes 1 1 >unn) 
Albright, daughl | mes I 'mm and Esther 

Dunn 1 /.-,', Willi 1': I Dunn emigrated 

to the United Sta u Lon- 

donderry, Ireland. He was a S itch-Irishn 
• md 1 the "Irish Settlement " in North- 

pton county. In [832 he moved with his 
family to Union county, remaining there for sev- 
eral years, when he removed to Delaware town- 
ship, near \\ N rthumberland county, 



wlnre he died in 1849. He had three brothers, 
William and Thomas, who, like himself, emi- 
grated t'> the United Mat. s Thomas settling at 
Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., and William in 
at, Mo. — and David, who was with 
1 i in I >evonshire, 

[land, in May, 1861, an Admiral and a 
Knight. 

Albright, the fath I Maria 

Louisa (Albright) Leiser, was the son of John 
Henry Albright, who was the son of Andrew 
Albrighi \ Albrecht — the first of the 

line in this country. ANDREAS ALBREi hi was 

n April J, 1718, at '/a 11a, near Sahl, in Thnr- 

i. In 1741 when the war of the Austrian 
hi broke out (Frederick the Great being 
King 1 if Pru rer of a i 

. . in Silesia. From 1744 to 1746 he 
with hi- hernia. In 1748 he pi 

lischarge from th ind 

joined the Moravians, having been deeply inter- 
1 : in the preai : • I iunt Zinzendi irf. In 

1 he came to America, and engaged in 

nufacture of guns at Christian-Spring, n 
Nazareth. Here his guns became famous, and 
they were among the first, if not the very first, 

le in the province. Later in the st 1 
the Moravian Church, he became an instrui 
in music in Nazareth Hall, and in 1766 landlord 
of thi 11 Inn " at Bethlehem, the property 

of the Church, where he remained four and one- 
half years, 1766 1771. In 1766 he married Eliz- 

th Orth, daughter of Balthasar (or Bal 
Orth born 1704, in Germany; married 1729, 
and died October 19, 1789, in Lebanon county), 
and Anna Catharina Orth {nee Roehmei . ol I 
anon. In 1771 they removed to Lititz, where 
he resun ture of guns, a brisk de- 

mand developing in consequence of the Revolu- 
tionary war. He died at Lititz April 19, 1S02. 
He had issue: (1) John Albright, born March 
12, 1768; died July .5, 1768. (J) fohn Andrew 
Albright, born 28 February, 1770, at Bethlehem, 
Penn., cami to I ewisburgh in 1 798 ; was elected 
sheriff of N berland county, when hi 

moved to Sunbury, the county seat. In 1 
was elected a member of the Assembly, and 111 
1 8 1 3 was appointed Associate [udge by Gover- 
nor Snyder; was ted Mate Senator just be- 
bis death, 26th November, [822. W - 
twice married, but had no children. (4) Jacob 
Albright, born March 20, 1775, at Lititz, Penn. 
He 1 1 to the West at an early period, 
married and left descendants. (5) Susan Eliza- 
beth Albright, born November 2, 1778, at Lititz; 
married John Philip Bachman, a pioneer organ- 
builder; left descendants, one of whom was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



789 



Cyrus Bachman, late of Sunbury, and Watson- 
town. (6) Gottfried, born June 19, 1782, at Li- 
titz; served in the war of 18 12; married but left 
no descendants; died March 25, 1835. 

John Henry Albright, the great-grandfa- 
ther of Andrew Albright Leiser, was born August 
5, 1772, at Lititz, Penn., died January 27, 1845, 
a,t Nazareth, Penn. He was educated in the 
Moravian parochial school at Lititz, and learned 
the trade of gunsmith with his father. Later he 
was with William Henry, who had been an ap- 
prentice of his father and the founder of the gun 
works at Bolton, Northampton county. He was 
married twice, first to Anna Barbara Hubley, and 
secondly to Louisa Beck (nee Clewell) . He lived 
at Lititz, Lancaster, Chambersburgh and Ship- 
pensburgh, besides Bethlehem and Nazareth, 
Penn., and at Gnadenhuetten, Ohio. 

Anna Barbara Hubley, daughter of Bern- 
hard Hubley, was born at Lancaster, Penn., 
March 21, 1773, and died February 25, 1830, at 
Nazareth, Penn. Her father, Bernhard Hubley, 
was born at Maulbrun, German)-, October 18, 
1 7 19, came to America in company with his fa- 
ther, George, and brother, Michael, in 1732, and 
settled in Lancaster, where he died January 4, 
1803. He was for many years a member of the 
Board of Associated Burgesses of Lancaster, 
Penn. — twice chief burgess, and for some years 
commissioner of the county. During the Revo- 
lution he was an active Whig. He was appointed 
barrackmaster, with the rank of captain, Decem- 
ber 18, 1777. He was twice married and had 
twenty-one children. Bernhard, Jr., his son, 
was a captain in the German regiment in the 
Revolution, and was promoted to lieutenant- 
colonel on February 24, 1778. He retired from 
the army in 1781; removed to Northumberland; 
was brigade-inspector; in 1807 published the first 
volume of a "History of the American Revolu- 
tion." The work was never completed as he died 
at Northumberland, in 1808. 

John Henry Albright and Anna Barbara, his 
wife, had issue: (1) Maria Eliza, born February 
27, 1796, at Lancaster, died September 6, 1842, 
at Bethlehem; married Rev. John Peter Kluge, 
a Moravian missionary to the West Indies, and 
left issue — John P. Kluge, M. D., for many years 
chief physician for the Panama Railroad Com- 
pany, stationed at Panama, in whose service he 
died April 28, 1869, at sea. (2) Susan, born 
August 28, 1797, at Chambersburgh, died March 
18, 1887, at Chester, Penn.; married. John 
Deemer, of Bath, Penn., and left issue, whose 
numerous descendants reside in Chester, Penn., 
and other parts of the United States. (3) Bern- 
hard died in infancy. (4) Maria Barbara, born 



June 21, 1799, at Shippensburgh, died March 5, 
1842, at Hyde Park, Penn. On March 23, 1817, 
she married William Henry, grandson of Judge 
William Henry, of Lancaster, prominent in the 
Revolution, and son of William Henry, proprie- 
tor of the Bolton Gun Works, Northampton Co., 
Penn. William Henry, husband of Maria Al- 
bright, formed the first company to develop the 
iron and coal beds of the Lackawanna Valley, 
and two of their daughters married two brothers, 
Selden and Charles Scranton, who, with others, 
founded the city of Scranton. (5) Andrew [see 
below.] (6) James, born August 29, 1806, at 
Shippensburgh, died September 13, 1827, at 
Nazareth, Penn. (7) Thomas John, born July 
5, 1808, at Gnadenhuetten, Ohio, died February 
9, 1890, at St. Louis, where he carried on an 
extensive gun trade; married twice: (1) Elizabeth 
Broadhead, of the Delaware Water Gap; (2) 
Ann Frances Hassell, of Montgomery, Alabama. 
His children and descendants reside chiefly in 
the western States. (8) Ann Sophia, born June 
25, 1 8 10, at Lititz, died September 2, 1873, at 
Nazareth. She married the Rev. John Christo- 
pher Brickenstein, a Moravian minister and edu- 
cator, descended from a Dutch family, originally 
called Broistidt, who emigrated to Germany from 
Lyden, and finally settled in Magdeburg in con- 
sequence of the Spanish oppression in Holland 
in the sixteenth century. They left surviving 
issue — Laurence C. Brickenstein, now (1898) a 
professor at Bethlehem, Penn. ; the late Rev. 
Hermann Albright Brickenstein, formerly princi- 
pal of Linden Hall Seminary at Lititz, Penn. ; 
Anna Louisa, wife of the Rev. Edward T. Kluge, 
Bethlehem, Penn.; Ellen, now a resident of New 
York, and Susan Matilda, the wife of Andrew 
Albright Leiser, the subject of this notice. (9) 
Joseph Jacob, born September 23, 181 1, at War- 
wick, Lancaster county, died January 12, 1888, 
at Scranton. He was an early iron-master in 
Northampton county, Penn., and afterward in 
Botetourt county, Virginia. Later he .removed 
to Scranton, Penn., and became sales agent for 
the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, presi- 
dent of a national bank, and a pioneer in the 
anthracite coal trade to the West. His children 
have erected in his memory and presented to the 
city of Scranton the Albright Memorial Library 
Building. (10) Aquila Ernest, born July 6, 181 3, 
at Warwick, Penn., died January 28, 1S71, at 
Livonia, N. Y. ; married twice. 

Andrew Albright (son of John Henry Al- 
bright and Anna Barbara Hubley) was born 
March 28, 1802, at Shippensburgh, Penn., and 
died February 23, 1837, at Mooretown, near 
Nazareth, Penn. He was married October 






VJfEMORATIVS BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



r . 1823, at Moore town, Northampton Co., 
Penn., to Agnes Dunn, daughter of James 
Dunn and his wife, Esther Williams. 
Dunn was born August 2, 1S03, in 



Agnes 

North- 



ampton county, Penn., and ptember 20, 

1849, at Warrior Run, Northumberland Co., 

m. They had issue: (1) LaFayette Albright, 
born September 6, 1 s - 4 . at town, North- 

ampton Co., Penn.; married (October 27, 1847, 
to Amelia Eliza Christ, Nazareth, Penn. ; died 
March; it Lewisburgh, Penn. Was thrice 

elected sheriff of Union county. Surviving chil- 
dren, Maria Louisa, married to Frederic 
lette, Esq., of Mauch Chunk; Emma fane; An- 
drew Jacob; Florence Matilda, married to Will- 
iam Wensel, and Henry Chi Maria 
ISA Ai . m March 11, i >:;, at 
Mooretown, Penn., married to Dr. Willian 
Leiser, May 31. 1849; died November 12. 1- 
at Lewisburgh,] | 5 Henry Albright, 
l>om August 1 1 , [829, at nn. ; 
married Ocl Anna Trump; living 
nburgh, Union Co., Penn. Sur- 
viving children: Sarah Agnes; Henry Aquila; 
David ( larence; Emerson Deemei ; Daniel Trump; 
Margaret Isabella; Ellen May; Celeste fane; 

ben Albright, M. D.. 
. t 21, 183 1, at nn. ; 

married Ocl ;. to Ann Robb Webster; 

livi I Muncy, Lycoming Co.. Penn. 

Children: Joseph Webster. M. D. ; Chester 
[r.; William Leiser; Andrew Curtin 1 
race Lino iln ; Anna I , mi 1 man 
t 1 I Hubley 

Dunn Albright, born July 25, 1834. at Moore- 
town, Penn. ; marn 

II len I Owen, living (1898) at Laurel- 

ton, Union Co., Pennsylvania. 

Andrew Albright Leiser, the subjei 
sketch, was married >t Bethlehem, Penn., April 
17, an Matilda Brickenstein (daugh- 

ter of Rev, r Brii k 

Ann >..|>hu Brickenstein, Albright) 

ve], who was born at Bethlehem, Penn., 
May 22, [85 1. Thi children, 

son, Andrew Albright Leiser, Jr., born at Lewis- 
burgh, Penn., February 6, 1 member of 
the class of icknell University; a: 
daughter, Marie Louise Lei \is- 
burgh, Penn . m February 14, 1883, a member 
of the class of 1899, at Bucknell Institute. 



JOHN K. KREMER, cashier of the Union 
National Bank, at Lewisburg, Union county, 
is recognized as its most capable finan- 

ciers. He was born February 21, 183S, in the 



thriving city in which he now resides, and 
is of pioneer ancestry, his grandparents, George 
and Sophia (Kline) Kremcr. having come from 
New Jersey about 1797 to settle in Union coun- 
ts The grandmother lived to the age of seven- 
ty-five. Particulars concerning the grandfa- 
ther's death are not now obtainable. 

Abraham Kremer, the father of our sub 
was born in Columbia county, Penn., in 1791, 
and was married there to Miss Elizabeth Whit- 
aker, a native of Danville, Penn., where her 
father, Thomas Whitaker, first located on his ar- 
rival from Ireland, his native land. After his 
marriage Abraham Kremer moved to LewisL 
where for years he acted as salesman forGed ' 
Marsh & Co. He was a Methodist in his r< 
ious md a Democrat in politics. Hi- 

timable wife, who was born in 1 800, died in 
id he survived her only five years. T! 
the following children: Mary Jane, the 
of Joseph Y. Derr, of Lewisburg; Fran< 
widow of James S. Marsh, of Philadelphia; Anna 
ibeth, who married Joseph W. Shriner, of 
Lewisburg; William, who died when two years 
and seven months old ; Julia H., widow of George 
W. Forest, of Philadelphia; Joseph A., a tinner 
by occupation, who died at Lewisburg, February 
3, 1 1 sixty-one years; John K., our sub- 

ject; and Margaret M., who died at an early aj 

The Lewisburg schools furnished Mr. 
mer his early education. When he was fifteen 

rs old he removed to Winfield, Union county, 
and there he entered upon his business career as 
a clerk in a store. At seventeen he became a 
.keeper, and held the position for twenty-t 
Later hi to Lewisburg to engage 

with his brother in a flour, feed and coal busin- 
but in 1878 he was elected cashier of th> 
National Bank, and entered upon the duties of 
that responsible post. As the active busil 
the institution he has shown marked ability 
1, winning a high reputation in finan- 
cial circles. Mr. Kremer was at one timi 

ninent member of the Republican party Alt- 
er removal to Lewisburg he was elected chief 
burgess of the town lor one term. In 1859 he 
was mai Vliss Margaret E. Leaver, a na- 

tive of Millerstown, Terry Co., Penn., born Febru- 
ary 1 and to this union seven children w 
born: in Arthur B. , August [8, i860, married 
Miss Regina Kishel, and has one child, Jessie; 
2 Jesse 1!., June 24, 1863. (3) Fannie, Sep- 
tember 11, 1865, married F. S. Beckley, and 

iter, Katharine; (4) Charles S 
October is. Margaret W., April 21. 

187' izabeth, April 6, 1879; ha 

\\ ishington, July 4. 1876. who died April 8. iS- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



791 



WILLIAM HENRY DENNIS, deceased. 
The Dennis family of Union county 
traces its descent from one Daniel Dennis, of 
Irish parentage, who, with a brother Anthony, 
came from England, about seventy miles from 
London, in 1776, and joined the Continental 
army, one as a fifer and the other as a drummer, 
their stirring music, perhaps, awakening on many 
an emergency the nerve and daring of hearts 
which might otherwise have faltered at the 
deadly task which lay before them. At the 
close of the struggle for independence Daniel 
Dennis, who was the great-grandfather of the 
gentleman to whose honored memory this memoir 
is written, settled near Philadelphia. In the 
next generation we find that his son Anthony, 
our subject's grandfather, located for a time in 
Berks county, Penn., and later moved to Union 
county, where he made his home in White Deer 
township. 

George Dennis, the father of our subject, was 
a native of Berks county, but his life was mainly 
spent in Union county, where he combined the 
shoemaker's trade with the work of cultivating a 
small farm. He was a member of the Reformed 
Church, and was always mterested in political 
questions, espousing the principles of the Repub- 
lican party on its organization. He died Febru- 
ary 26, 1868, at the comparatively early age of 
fifty-eight. He was twice married, (first) to 
Mary Diffenderfer, and (second) to her sister 
Catherine. They were members of a well-known 
Union county family, and their father, John 
Diffenderfer, died in White Deer township. He 
was a tall man with black hair and fair com- 
plexion. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Masters. 

To George and Mary Dennis four children 
were born: Pharos, a coach-maker at Flat 
Rock, Ohio; Aaron, who conducts a boarding 
house at Williamsport, Penn. ; Sarah, who died 
in infancy, and Levi, an agriculturist of near 
Marseilles, Mich. Mrs. Catherine Dennis sur- 
vived her husband many years, her death occur- 
ring on April 10, 1S94, at the age of seventy-five. 
Of the six children of the second marriage our 
subject was the eldest. Charles T. is a resident 
of New Columbia, Penn. ; Ellen died at the age 
of fourteen; Alfred is a farmer in Kelly township, 
Union county; Alda resides in New Columbia 
with her sister, Emeline Baker; and Emeline is 
the wife of Samuel Baker, a farmer in Kelly 
township. 

William Henry Dennis, who during his brief 
career had established a. high reputation among 
the business men of New Columbia, and was 
also widely known and respected for his estima- 
ble character as a man and citizen, was born in 



White Deer township, Union county, October 
10, 1851, and passed to the unseen life Decem- 
ber 10, 1894. His early life upon the farm gave 
him excellent training in thrifty management 
of resources, and also established habits of in- 
dustry. When twenty years old he began to 
sell Bibles for A. J. Holman & Co., of Phila- 
delphia, and, after three years in this occupation, 
he followed huckstering for one year, with the 
exception of the fall season, which he spent in 
threshing. 

On August 21, 1875, Mr. Dennis was married 
to Miss Mary J. Bell, and made his home upon 
a small farm in his native township, which he 
cultivated for two years, taking charge also of his 
widowed mother's farm (moved on another farm, 
same township, third year). The next four 
years were spent upon another farm which he 
bought from the Engleman estate near White 
Deer, where he began his business career by sell- 
ing farm implements, and in April, 1884, he re- 
moved to New Columbia and engaged in mer- 
cantile business, his stock at first consisting of 
implements only. As time passed his growing 
success encouraged him to enlarge his store, and 
he added to his departments until finally he had 
on hand a full stock of hardware and general 
merchandise, and controlled a large and profit- 
able trade. It was the largest implement store 
in the county. He gave strict attention to his 
own affairs, taking no active part in political 
work although he was always a strong Repub- 
lican in belief. Religious matters, however, 
claimed more of his active sympathy, and from 
the age of seventeen he was a consistent member 
of the Reformed Church. 

Mrs. Dennis survives him with three sons: 
Hary G., born April 4, 1877, now with his fa- 
ther's successor; DueyZ. , born January 15, 1879, 
is a telegraph operator at Montgomery; and 
Floyd B., born May 24, 1885. Mrs. Dennis is a 
native of White Deer township, Union county, 
and is also of patiotic stock, her paternal grand- 
father, John Bell, having been a Revolutionary 
soldier. He resided in Juniata county, Penn., 
where he and his wife, Mary Evans, died at an 
advanced age. 

Their son Zachariah, the father of Mrs. Den- 
nis, was born there, November 21, 1820, the 
next to the youngest of a family of eleven chil- 
dren. As a young; man he came to Union county 
and located in Kelly township, where he followed 
the cooper's trade, for a time. On November 3, 
1848, he was married in Lewisburg, to Miss 
Margaret Ranck, who was born in White Deer 
township, Union county, June 3, 1825, the sec- 
ond daughter and child in a family of six daugh- 



792 



COMMEMORATIVE B10CUAl'lll< AL RECORD. 



and two sons of Adam and Jane (Johnson) 
K.mck. They were natives of Lancaster county, 

in., but removed t>> Union county, where the 
father became a prominent citizen of White Deer 
township, By occupation he was a blacksmith 
an. I farmer. After his death his widow removed 
to Lewisbur- where she died, and both now rest 
in the cemetery t h 

time alter his marriage Mi. Hell 
lived m Whit. ownship, Union county, 

and then removed t<> Montour county, Penn., 
and was employed in the vicinity of Danville as 
a lime burner. Later he came back to Union 

inty, and rented the farm where his wife ' 
born and reared. For twenty-eight years he 
bate, and then after two \ ears in 
Limestone township, in the same county, he 
tied in Initial., township, where he died Sep- 
tember 2 i , [891. Politically he was a stanch 
Republican, and wa a leading mem- 

ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold 

mams were interred at 
White Deei Church, Mrs. Bell, who now re- 
sides with her son, Miles S., is a devout Methi 
dist. and is held in high regard by all who know 
hei . 

There w en children born to our sub- 

and his wife, namely: Martha E., born 
August ?, '849, man led Ad, mi G 1 farmer 

in Whit. Deei township; Mar} | , Mrs Dennis, 
was born October 4. 1851; Emmet, born Sep- 
tembi '853, died m infancy; Charles li., 

n March ;. 1856, 1- a farmer in Buffalo Val- 
ley; Ranck A., born August ,s. 1863, is an en- 
ginei iwmill in Buffalo Valley; Harrj I'.. 

born November 3, 1865, died at eight years of 
and Miles S.. born April 28, 1868, 1- a 
fanner in Buffalo township, Union county. 



HON. HAROLD M. M< I l.i RE, ol I 
bur-. I unty. w ho h 

trict since 1 ine of thi - in 

the State, but his acute and well-disciplined 

mind places him a ig the Lest oi ourablejudi- 

ry, and his decisions are marked by sound 

and a thori iugh km iwledj 
Judge McClure is a nal nion county. 

lie was bom m Lewisburg, Augusl 8, 1859, but 
his boyhood was mainl) -pent in Northumber- 
land, and he attended the public schools of that 
town. In [871 he returned to I and 

took a course in Bucknell University, graduating 
in 1 S77 with the degree of A. I'.., !.• which he 
M an 

iiit in athletic sports whih 



student at the University, his unusual skill as a 
ball player attracted the attention of the man- 
's of professional teams, and brought to him 
temptin to accept engagements At this 

time an inviting salary was of great considera- 
. promising the means of aiding him in his 
law studies. He entered the professional ranks 
with [ohn M. Ward, playing with the Athletics of 
Philadelphia, the Binghamton, Syracuse, R - 
chest. 1. and Boston clubs. He was at the time 
1 as one of the best catchers and most 
accurate throwers in the country, always remain- 
ing cool and deliberate in the most exciting 
Aftei traveling over a large part of the 
United States, including the Pacific coast, he left 
the field and commenced his preliminary course 
of reading at Sunbury, Penn., and in June. 1SS1. 
w as admitted to the Bar. He at once began the 
practice of law at Sunbury, three 

t with his preceptor, before he opened an 
office of his own His abilities commanded rec- 
1 m the first, and in 1891, as has been 
said, he was elected President Judge, a , 
which he fills efficiently. The admiration gamed 
by his mental ability is augmented by his high 
character as a man of .pure life and correct ideals, 
and In- popularity is not limited to any class. 
The contest preceding hi- election t.. the 
ich was in many respects a most remarkable 
Called from Northumberland county, in 
iher district, to fill a place on the Republican 
ticket made vacant by the withdrawal of a can- 
didate, facing discouragement on all sides from 
the active politicians, and an almost unanimous 
partisan press, both Democratic and Republican, 
duet., the belief that the task was a hopeless 
. Judge McClure entered the field, placing his 
sole reliance upon hi- faith in the people who 
i they wanted a candidate. The result demon- 
ted how skillfully he managed his campaign, 
and how well his confidence had been plai 
After a contest that has bei 1 ime part of the polit- 
ical i 1 .mill Pennsylvania, hi defeated 
Ins opponent and reversed a 1 ritj 
in tl al district 0(2.199, received b\ |i 

tier ten years before, to a majoril for 

himsell The faith the people had in Judge Mc- 

i the polls in this memorable 

a \ indicated in the most sal 

ind gratifying manner. They have found 

in him a dignified and upright man. though 

i ,,i imp ali.il 

decisions and prompt dispatch ol 

and aiost 

at in th . I . 

was married in June, 1S90, to 
Mis- Mai -a: of Lewisburg, Two chil- 




/&. ~z#, -Tu. <£& 



6*>^i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



793 



dren, James F. and Margaret, make their home 
merry. 

The McClure family became identified with 
the Virginia colony at a very early period, but 
the Judge's great-grandfather, Roan McClure, 
left the Old Dominion in 1790, and settled 
in what is now Union county, Penn., on Buffalo 
creek, two miles from Lewisburg, where his re- 
maining years were spent in farming. His son, 
James, the Judge's grandfather, married a widow, 
Mrs. Maria Flanagan Lyndall, who already had 
four children — Stephen, Henry, Joseph and 
Sarah. James and Maria McClure reared a fam- 
ily of six children: (1) Roan, (2) Richard and 
(3) Edward, all of whom went to California in 
the early days. Roan returned, and is now liv- 
ing near Ames, Iowa. Richard and Edward died 
there. (4) James C. is our subject's father. (5) 
Elizabeth, now deceased, intermarried with Og- 
den Vorse, of Lewisburg; and (6) Maria, who 
married Horace Nichols, resides near Ames 
Iowa. 

James C. McClure was born March 22, 1S30. 
He early engaged in the mercantile business, 
changed to lumbering, and is now an anthracite- 
coal operator in the Lackawanna region. His 
wife, Glorvina (Elder), who was a daughter 
of Joshua D. Elder and Eliza (Murray), former 
residents of Harrisburg, Penn., died in Scranton, 
May 22, ;898,.at the age of sixty-four years, and 
was buried in Lewisburg Cemetery. She was a 
brilliant, gifted and charming woman, with rare 
musical talent, of broad culture and great intel- 
lectual attainments. Of the two children who 
survived, the Judge is the elder. The young- 
er, Maria Flanagan, married Frank B. Garvin, 
of Marshalltown, Iowa, and has two daughters, 
Ella and Edna. 



TON. ALFRED HAYES, of Lewisburg, is 
X T X one of the distinguished members of the 
Union County Bar, and with marked ability has 
represented his locality in the State Legislature 
during three sessions. He is a descendant of a 
pioneer family, his ancestors, in both paternal 
and maternal lines, being prominent among the 
settlers of the State. 

John Hayes, the great-great-grandfather of 
our subject, came with his wife, Jane (maiden 
name Love), and four children, from London- 
derry, Ireland, to America in 1735 or 1736, and 
settled in Chester county, Penn. After the burn- 
ing of his house in this place he removed to 
Northampton county, where he kept a public 
house and store. During the Indian troubles he 



used to beat a drum upon a hill-top near his home 
to warn the settlers of approaching danger. John 
Hayes died about 1789, aged eighty-five years, 
and was buried near Allentown, Penn. His 
widow, Jane, died in Derry, Northumberland 
Co., Penn., about 1806, aged about ninety-four 
years. As stated, four children were born in 
Ireland, namely. Capt. John, who was born in 
1726, died near Meadville, Penn., November 17, 
1796; William, who removed to Virginia; Isa- 
bella (Mrs. Patton), whose descendants live near 
Bellefonte, Penn. ; and Mary, who married Mr. 
Gray, and afterward Mr. Steel. Five children 
were born in Pennsylvania, namely: Elizabeth, 
who was married in 1760 to. Thomas Wilson, 
grandfather of the late Francis Wilson, of Buf- 
falo township, Union county, and died in Beaver 
county, Penn., August 30, 181 2, aged seventy- 
five years; James; Robert, who was born in North- 
ampton county, Penn., in 1742; Francis, who re- 
moved to Tennessee; and Jane, who married a 
Mr. Brown, and settled first in Virginia, but aft- 
erward returned to Pennsylvania. 

Robert Hayes, the seventh child above named, 
married Mary Allison. He was captain of a com- 
pany of Associators in the Revolutionary war 
[2nd Series Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. XV, 
page 62], and moved to Northumberland county 
in 1790. For nine years he lived on a farm near 
Warrior Run Church, for seven years at Derry, 
and in 1806 removed to a farm in Delaware town- 
ship, near what is now Dewart. Although this 
farm was a large one, containing more than 200 
acres, there were but seven or eight acres cleared 
when he came to it, and the work of cutting off 
and burning the pine timber, which grew on the 
place, was a burdensome one. There were then 
two huts on the premises, used respectively as a 
dwelling and a school house. Robert Hayes died 
in 1 8 19; his wife attained the age of eighty. 
They had eight children, of whom the following 
account is given: John, whose descendants live 
at Waterford, Erie Co., Penn., died in 1803. 
Jane, born in 1774, died at the age of eighty-nine; 
she married Moses Laird, who died in 18 16 in 
Derry township, aged about forty-five years (the 
father of R. H. Laird, Esq., late of Lewisburg, 
born June 22, 1796, and who recollected seeing 
his great-grandmother, Jane, wife of John Hayes). 
William, born May 23, 1776. died February 17, 
1843. James, born in 1778, died in 1855. 
Joseph, born August 1, 1780, died March 7, 
1S70. Mary, who was born in 1782, and died 
aged eighty-four, married a Mr. Walker. Sarah 
(Mrs. Shipman) died in Michigan between sixty 
and seventy years of age. Elizabeth, who inter- 
married with her cousin, a Mr. Brown, was born 



794 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPMCAL RECORD. 



in 1789, and died near Franklin, Penn. , at a very 
advanced 

William I! married October 4, 1803, 

to Mary Wilson, who was born April 14. 
the daughter of William Wilson, of Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, who was born June 4, 1743. 
1 April 9, [824. His wife, Elizabeth 
1. to whom he was married in her six- 
th year, rn in [758, and died April 
n. [815. William Hayes was prominent in the 

ltd was the second 
ter thei ..luring the 

icy of James Madison. In 1797 he v 
I afterward he c 
duct rs the principal store in Buf- 

1 referred to in Fla 
nd m Linn's Annals. 1 1 
y 17, 1843, and his wile Mary died De- 

; whom 
all I to adult rt, born 

July 7, 1 I Emily Field. May 2$ 

was m arj 7, 

roline Gi ! in Phila- 

h. born 
hi Chamberlin, 

iam \\Y m July 21, 

1:1 Xo\ 
i more fully below. ; 
i'.'. r8i2, married 1 >r. Christ 

I in Harrisburg, 
5, born May 
14, to M 
I Mary Huh 

|S 45. 
ently he married Jane ( he 

died I his wid 

Jam 

Murray, j, Penn., March 28, 

and died A her husband is still 

- 
: . married Sarah Hepburn, of Williamsport, 
4 1. and has practii 
r many years; h in Mm 

Penn. 1 uary 14. 1821, I 

March 17 

Hon. Thomas Hayes, iur - father, 

a tanner by trade, and followed that occu- 
n for a number of years in Lewisbu 
rs, how. ter his man 

I out that business to II. W. Fi en- 

gaged in merchandising with Peter Beaver, un 

•■ of Hayes .\ Beaver. He also car- 
ried on busim r. Hayes & I After some 
years his brother James took the store, and ear- 
on the same for many years with various 



partners, and Thomas Hayes continued in the 

in trade, sending wheat, flour, etc., to Phila- 
delphia, Baltimore and the North Branch re: 
by canal, and dealing also in salt, coal, plaster 
and similar commodities. He afterward engaged 
in the milling business, which, however, was not 
successful, the first mill being destroyed by fire, 
while poor crops on account of weevil produced 
much loss during several years. 

Hon. Thomas Hayes was one of the original 
corporators and trustees of the First Presbyterian 
Church of Lewisburg in 1842, and was actively 
interested in the founding of the university, in 
the building of the court house and of the Pres- 
byterian Church edifice now used by the congre- 
gation. During the years 1 and 1861 
he was a member of the Assembly for the Rep- 
resentative District of Union, Juniata and Snyder 
counties, and in 1861 he removed with his fan 
to Philadelpnia, at which place he served as an 
inspector in the custom house for a number of 
died at Philadelphia, December 1, 

6, and now rests by the side of his wife, Mary 
(Hulme), and near the grave of his father, Will- 
Hayes, in the family burial lot in Lewis- 
burg cemetery. Mary Hulme, to whom he 
was married October 8, 1854, was born in 
Hulmeville, Bucks Co., Penn., October 4, 1812, 
and died in Winona, Minn., September 

\. She was of Quaker ancestry, the 1. 
her father, Joseph Hulme, to her mother, 

ilah Canby, who was born in August. 1; 

being authorized by the Middletown Monthly 

Meetings, on October [6, 1806, as appears in ! I 

Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. IX, pae,e 22;. 

Their children were born in Hulmeville, Bucks 

Penn., namely: Thomas Canby, born S 
tember 26, 1S07, died in 1S5G; Edward was 

1 June 21, 1S10; Mary married Thoi 
Hayes, the father of our subject; Elizabeth 
married Samuel J. Pott>. ol Reading, Penn., 

e deceased. The father of Joseph Hulme 
John Hulme, Jr., the founder of Hulme- 
ville, a member of the Assembly, and a man 
much ability and influence in the county, whose 
marriage with Rebecca Milner was authorized 
by Falls Meeting, May 23, 1770. [See 2d Series 
Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. IX, page 242.] 

The children of Thomas Hayes and Mary, 
his wife, were as follows: William. Jr.. b in 
December 28, 1835, died October 27, 1837; Al- 
fred is tl ct proper of this sketch: Emma 
Beulah, irch 11, 1839, married Matthew 
I Winona, Minn., August 30, 1866; 
Mary Elizabeth, born August 25, 1S42. married 
Matthew A. Cowden. of Philadelphia, November 
11, [869, and died February 11, 1889; and Will- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



795 



iam, born November 27, 1846, is unmarried and 
resides in Winona, Minnesota. 

Alfred Hayes, the second child of Thomas 
and Mary Hayes, was born July 17, 1837, and 
was educated at Lewisburg, graduating from the 
university on August iS, 1855. After nine 
months' service in the institution, which after- 
ward became the Lewisburg National Bank, he 
began the study of law under G. F. Miller, Esq. , 
continuing his course at the Harvard Law School, 
and finally completing his work as a student under 
the direction of John C. Bullitt, Esq., of Phila- 
delphia. He was admitted to practice in the 
District Court of Philadelphia, and the Courts of 
Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the same 
city and county on May 12, i860, after which, 
on account of failure of health, he returned to 
Lewisburg. In 1861 he practiced law in com- 
pany with S. H. Orwig, Esq., in Union county. 
In August, 1S62, he enlisted as first sergeant in 
Company E, 43d P. V. I., in the Civil war, but 
was discharged in November of the same year on 
account of sickness. Having been elected dis- 
trict attorney of Union county in the autumn of 
1862, he continued in that office from term to 
term until 1876, when he resigned to become a 
member of the Assembly. He served in the latter 
capacity during the sessions of 1877 and 187S, 
and during a subsequent session in 18S9. Since 
his retirement from that post of duty he has been 
in the continuous practice of law at Lewisburg. 

On September 11, 1862, Mr. Hayes was mar- 
ried to Mary M. Van Valzah, of Buffalo Cross 
Roads, Union Co., Penn., who was born August 
II, 1840, and is the great-granddaughter of 
Lieut. -Col. Thomas Sutherland [See Pennsylvania 
Archives, 2nd Series, Vol. XIV., page 341], who 
died October 15, 18 16, in the eighty-fourth year 
of his age, and of Jane Sutherland, his wife, 
who died February 9, 1S19, in her eighty-second 
year. Mrs. Hayes is the granddaughter of Dr. 
Robert Van Valzah, who was born April 17, 
1764 [See Linn's Annals, page 551], who died 
April iS, 1850, aged eighty-six years, and of 
Elizabeth Sutherland, his wife, daughter of 
Lieut. -Col. Thomas Sutherland, born April 4, 
1768, who died March 30, 1840. 

William W. Van Valzah, the father of Mrs. 
Hayes, died October 13, 1S57, aged forty-eight 
years; Sarah L. (Forster), the mother, who was 
born May 8, 1817, died November 16, 1862. 
She was the daughter of John and Mary (Miles) 
Forster, of Aaronsburg, Penn., the former of 
whom was a son of Capt. John Forster, an offi- 
cer of the Revolutionary army [See Linn's An- 
nals, page 243], and Jane, his wife. The chil- 
dren of William and Sarah L. Van Valzah were 



as follows: John Forster, born October 6, 1835; 
Elizabeth S., born November 12, 1837, married 
Charles H. Shriner, and died August 23, 1871; 
Mary M. (now Mrs. Hayes); Sarah, born Novem- 
ber 19, 1842, died May 10, 1853; Dr. Robert T. , 
born April 15, 1845, died October 8, 1877; Dr. 
William W., born December 11, 1848, is now 
engaged in the practice of medicine in the City 
of New York; and Thomas Howard, born July 
14, 1852, is now residing in Leadville, Colorado. 
Of the six children of Alfred and Mary M. 
(Van Valzah) Hayes, five are living. (1) Charles 
Harold, born January 7, 1S64, married October 
18, 1892, to Maud Smith, of Tacoma, Wash., 
who was born October 15, 1866, and they have 
one child, Mary Louise, born March 12, 1897; he 
was educated at Lewisburg, and September 22, 
1880, entered the United States Naval Academy 
at Annapolis, from which he graduated, and he 
is at the present time a passed assistant engineer 
in the United States navy on the battle ship 
"Massachusetts." (2) William Van Valzah, 
born September 22, 1867, was educated at Lewis- 
burg, graduating from Bucknell University in 
1888; after spending a year in study in Europe, 
he studied medicine at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in New York City, graduating 
therefrom, and has been connected with the 
New York Hospital, the Sloane Maternity Hos- 
pital, and the New York Foundling Hospital; he 
practices his profession in New York. (3) 
Thomas, born April 23, 1872, died May 20, 
1872. (4) Alfred Jr., born October 15, 1873, 
was educated at Bucknell University and at 
Princeton, graduating from the latter in 1895. 
After his graduation he devoted himself to the 
study of law, and is now engaged in fitting him- 
self for that profession. (5) Emma Beulah, born 
October 7, 1876, graduated from Bucknell Insti- 
tute in 1895. (6) Matthew Cowden, born Sep- 
ber 8, 1885, is at present attending the public 
schools at Lewisburg. 



\ EV. PHINEAS B. MARR. It is now nearly 
a quarter of a century since there ended, 
upon the earthly plane, a life of such singular 
beauty and usefulness that its influence is still 
felt as an inspiration to right living among all 
who were privileged to view it, and to see within 
it the reflection of the high and steadfast pur- 
pose which guided its activities. While, with 
those who knew the Rev. Mr. Marr, his Chris- 
tian character and saintly life is indelibly im- 
pressed beyond the power of words to aid or 
intensify, it is well to place here a record which 



796 



( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



will extend the memory of that helpful influence 
throughout the coming years. 

Mr. Man was born January 20, 1808, in Mil- 
ton, Penn., and at an early age made choir 
the ministry. Aftei eting a literary course 

1 son College he entered upon his theo- 
ical studies at Princeton, and on his gradua- 
n was ordained. At twenty-three Ik was 
ed at Williamsport, Perm., where he 
ched for two years, and at twenty-five he 
became pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Lewisburg. Twenty years of earnest, effective 
labci were spent in that position, and then he 
resigned, remaining, however, in Lewisburg to 
bis family. He occasionally preached 
in neighoring towns, but accepted no regular 
his life flowing peacefully and quietl) 
on to the end, which came January 27, 1 S 7 4 . 
mpathy with phase ol nee, 

d his keen perception ol the peculiar difficul- 
and hindrani et each person, m 

him a valued ad\ is< 1 to th< I. and a 

1 rowful. 1 [is versatility was 
ukable, enabling him 1 pi himself to 

any condition of thought or brim-. His dwn 
ni.il culture and abilitj fitted him for com- 
lionship with I intellects, and his m 

■ Hi doubtless thi ise iii which 

he ' I with bis peers in education and re- 

menl and the lofty conceptions of the n 
human thought, the poets and phib 

phers of the past. He was an interested ob- 
server ol currenl evi I in polities was an 
adherent ol the Democratic party. 

In 1835 he mai 1 1 iraham, who 

was born September 24, 1 s 1 4 , and died Novem- 
ber 24, 1890. Their children were: Mary, Will- 
iam, Henry. James, Addison, Margaret, Helen, 
Henriel ind twi 1 who dud in infancy. 

James and G ted at Pi im eti m, and 

were ordained as ministers of the Presbyterian 
< hurch, but the latter is now | id. 



GEORGE SMED1 I v i MATLACK, born in 
West ( hester, I hestei Co., Penn., August 
19, 1851, in his bi 13 hoi wis- 

burg and entered the academj of the University, 
luating at the college June 28, 1870. 
ation was furthered by his wide reading, 
which he continued as [01 I i 

a son oi George and Lettia Matlack. 

u after graduating he I 
as a partner with the firm of P. Billmeyer & 1 
and \ 28, \^J7. was married to Miss 

Emma J. Billmeyer, a daughter of the head of 
firm, the lab Philip billmeyer. This union 



was blessed with one child, a daughter. Mary, 
born December 9, 1877. During the next 
Mr. Matlack became a member of the Presby- 
terian Church of Lewisburg, and in the succeed- 
ing years became its treasurer, a trustee, an el- 
der, and clerk ol the Session; a teacher in the 
Sunday-school, he was elected superitn 
and sang in the choir- — in fact, active in Church 
wi irk all his life. 

After his marriage Mr. Matlack settled per- 
manently in Lewisburg. Upon the death of Mr 
Billmeyer, September 5, [885, the firm remained 
practically the same, only the name was changed 
to that of W. D. Himmelreich & Co. The place 
of business of the firm was long known as the 
'• Boat-Yard." which was established in Lewis- 
burg in 1850. The firm was extensively engaged 
in the manufacture of bill timber, and in the 
building of boats, in which they have been most 
successful. Mr. Matlack continued to be an bu- 
rnt factor in the business until the day of his 
death, fune 14, 1893, and was identified, be- 
sides, for years with the Buffalo Milling Com- 
pany, Lim., he being one of the organizers of 
that corporation in 1883, and a director and sec- 

ry, He was a director of the Union Na- 
tional Bank, of the Lewisburg Gas Company. 
and intimately connected with all that pertained 
to local pride and improvement. 

" When death comes the community sums up 
its estimate of the one he strikes. It is never 
far wrong, and in a few choice expressions the re- 
sult is declared. Some are spoken of as promi- 
nent, implying something against which the pop- 
ular current has always been striking, and is seen 
e it. There is more of appreciation when 
the community shows by its expression that they 
feel that a vital force has been taken away. 

"In the quiet current of our existence here 
there was one w ho was a part 1 'I it in all its parts, 
not exclusively as a business man — although 
tin 1 I and competent 

an.l ful, which is the criterion— not ex- 

clusively in his own business, although that was 
ting one, for he gave his hand to many 
; in hospitalit) he lind- 

ane! he ga\ e just as nd careb 

the requirements of society as he did to 
what would seem to be weightier matters; be V 
a member of the Church, illustral 
tion of Paul 1 not refuse to mingle with 

and concern himself in the mi nt; 

he bee;;; lier that he might acquaint him- 

with his duties; in every walk of life of the 
citizen hi himself acquainted and took part. 

lb was neat in person ami in dress, and just 
same neatness which is shown in his outward ap- 





- i 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



797 



pearance could be seen in his inward conduct 
and private life. Nothing which bore any rela- 
tion to man was profane to him. He sat at his 
table, he lifted his rich voice in the choir, he 
mingled in all entertainments of society, with 
the same grace with which he bore the chalice 
at the communion. 

" Were it not that we see that he has done 
everything his hand found to do every day, so 
completely, we would wonder that his life was 
so short, but no doubt his essential character was 
ripened, in longer years there might have been 
decay. We cannot question Heaven. We simply 
accept." \Lewisburg Saturday News, June 17, 
iS93] 

JEROME B. DERSHEM. The Dershem 
homestead in White Deer township, Union 
county, is now occupied by the fifth genera- 
tion in direct descent from the first settler of that 
name, its well-kept acres and substantial im- 
provements speaking better than words could do 
of the thrifty, industrious race which has long 
had it in charge. It was purchased by Jacob 
Dershem, the great-grandfather of the gentleman 
whose name opens this review, and his grand- 
parents, Samuel and Susan Dershem, lived there, 
but died on a farm in White Deer township, now 
known as the W. D. Williams farm, and their 
remains were laid to rest in the White Deer 
graveyard. 

Jacob Dershem, our subject's father, was 
born there August 15, 1S15, and still resides 
upon the place, although as he began to feel the 
encroachments of age he turned the management 
over to his sons. Although he has thus with- 
drawn at present from his accustomed activities, 
he has by no means lost the important place in 
the community which his ability and character 
won for him in earlier years, and he takes much 
interest in the problems of the time, being a 
warm supporter of the principles of the Repub- 
lican party. He has held offices at times, serv- 
ing as supervisor and overseer of the poor, and 
has long been identified with the Lutheran 
Church. His lamented wife, Eve Reed, who 
passed to her eternal reward February 10, 1892, 
at the age of seventy-two years, nine months and 
twenty-seven days, was also a devout member of 
the Church, and was greatly beloved for her 
Christian character. In her youth she accom- 
panied her parents, John and Catherine Reed, 
from Schuylkill county, Penn., the old home of 
her family, to her new home in Union county. 
John Reed became one of the leading agricultur- 
ists of his locality, and he and his wife breathed 
their last there, and were buried side by side in 



the White Deer cemetery, the last resting place 
of many of our old pioneers. 

To Jacob and Eve Dershem the following chil- 
dred were born: Mary, deceased, formerly the 
wife of Moses Kostenbader, who resides at Kelly 
Cross Roads; John, who lost his life as a soldier 
in defense of the Union; Susan, wife of Isaac 
Bingerman, of East Buffalo township, Union 
county; Jerome B. , our subject; Catherine, wife 
of Josiah Weikel, of Newberry, Penn., a car in- 
spector on the Reading railroad; George, who 
died at the age of four years; Eva A., wife of 
John Guyer, a farmer in West Buffalo township, 
Union county; Louisa, who married Franklin 
Deitrick, a farmer of White Deer township, Union 
county; Jacob F. , a farmer at the old home- 
stead; Verdilla, wife of Charles Leinbach, a 
farmer in Buffalo township, Union county; and 
Clara, who married Levi Hafer, a farmer in 
Kelly township, the same county. 

The birth of our subject occurred September 
24, 1845, and his life has been mainly spent at 
the old homestead, his early education being 
gained in the neighboring schools. At the age of 
twenty-three, having acquired by practical work 
a complete knowledge of farm management, 
he took the place on shares, but two years later 
he moved to Kelly township. Union county, and 
occupied the Jacob Reed (now Eisenhauer) farm 
for one "year. He then, in 1873, removed to his 
present home in White Deer township, where he 
built a handsome frame house in 1896, choosing 
for it a beautiful location on a sloping hill near Sus- 
quehanna river, commanding an extensive view, 
overlooking other buildings on neighboring farms, 
while both the Pennsylvania and Reading rail- 
roads are easily seen. 

Mr. Dershem is a stanch Republican, but, 
although he wields great influence in the local 
councils of the party and has served one year as 
supervisor, he is not known as an office seeker. 
He is a Lutheran in religion, and is an active 
sympathizer with progress in all lines. 

On January 19, 1869, Mr. Dershem was mar- 
ried at Milton to Miss Ellen Smith, by whomhe has 
had five children, all of whom are living: (1) Ber- 
tha A. married Henry C. Bennage, a farmer in 
White Deer township, Union county, and has had 
two children — Wilber E. and Susie E. (2) 
Lulu E. married Kelly A. Rank, an operator at 
White Deer Mills, has one daughter, Mildred E. 
(4) Eucharius W. married Elizabeth L. Moyer, 
and now resides at the home. (4) Quay A. and 
(■5) Etha E. are at home. 

Mrs. Dershem is a native of Clinton town- 
ship, Lycoming Co., Penn., and was born March 
11, 1848, the daughter of Ezekiel and Catherine 



798 



( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Metzger) Smith, who passed their entire livi 
that locality. Her paternal grandfather, John 
smith, died in Centre county, but her grand- 
mother, Sarah S. Smith, passed away at the old 
home in Lycoming county, and is buried there. 
On the maternal sid 

and Susan (Deitrick) M natives of 

Pennsylvania. Her great-grandfather, Ge 
Metzger, was born in Germany, and came to 
America accompanied by his brother, who died 
on tin 1 was buried .<t 

Ezekiel Smith was a tailor by trade, but his 

r years were spent in farming. Politically, 
he was a Democrat, and he and his wife 

Lutheran Church. She 

i January i age of seventy- 

three, and Mr. Smith did not long survive, pass- 
ing away September 15. [896, in his seventy- 

'1 year. They had seven children, nam 
Harriet, wife ol ! Weigle, of Williams- 

, Penn. ; Carolim married Samuel B 

1, a lumberman at Williamsport; Ellen, Mrs 

;hem; Hervey, a farmer of Clinton township, 
i ty, now holding the office of 

:i\ comi 1 ; Sarah J., wife of John J. 

achmaker at New Columbia, Penn.; 

■11 A., deceased, formerly the wife of John 
App, a lumberman ol Williamsport; and Anna 
M., who marrii 1 Pierce Ap| rmer in Clin- 

township, Lycoming county, and now owns 
: 5mith homestead. 



JOHN F. MILLER stands t among 

the pi riculturists of Lii 

township, : nty. His practical 

notwith- 
nding the disadvant straightened cir- 

Stanci s in \ substantial for- 

tune. Nor has he n ; his tint; - citi- 

■ >e in his community 
iving In >m him 
sup] 

rhi 
sub ler havin 

m this country John Miller, tin 
lather ol our ind 

married in 1 1 
chili in the lii 

ent. M' is< s Millei 
30, 1807, and. in 1 ' to 

Mary I hip, 

u n t y , 

Huguenol ime having 

fanner] ixth 

mily in this countrj 
fath 1 n in 1781 . and 



became one of the leading residents of Oley 
township, Berks county, owning two farms, a 
gristmill, and a sawmill. He and his wife, Mary 

ismer, who was also born in [781, reared a 
family of six sons and three daughters, and c 
tinued to reside at their homestead in Berks 
county throughout their lives. 

In the spring of 1 S3 5 Moses Miller rem 
to Union county, locating first in West Buffalo 

nship. Later he purchased from Mr. Pan- 
coast the farm in Limestone township which is 
occupied by our subject as a homestead. On May 
1, 1844, the family took possession, and a : 

ks afterward, on May 30, the husband and 
father passed away. He was a man of high 
character, much esteemed among his associates. 

for many years was a class leader in the 
Evangelical Church. His sympathies in national 
affairs were with the Whig party, but he was 
not especially active in political work, although 
he at one time held the office of supervi- 

rtly before his death he had lost 
through going bail for friends, and his property 
was by no means free from debt. As the se 
children were all too small to be of any assistan 
his widow had a difficult task to complete the 

ments and keep the family together; but in 
her nature strong, motherly affection was c 
bined with fine mental abilities and a firm will, 
and she succeeded notably. For about six 
years she rented the farm to tenants, and then 
as hi jew old enough, each in turn took 

charge of it nine. In 1S73, having won 

by her judicious management a comfortab 
petence, she built a house in Mifllmburg. in which 
to spend her declining years, and her death 
curred thee March 2, 1S92. Her reman 
repose beside those of her husband in the New 
Seven children were born to 
this estimable couple: Sarah, born January 30, 
irn April 7. 1 rn 

Novi [osej Noven h r 1 7, 

rn 1 >ea ml er 21, 1 839; John 
F. , born January \2\ and Gee; | 

January 21, 1 

Mr. Mill 

tune. nlj the 

near th 
rite with a quill pen, and the other 
methods of teaching were also far from 1 

lard As he was a mere child when 
his father died !. recollection of hi 

but the watchful id training of his noble 

fatl 
struction in early life. Our subject w nly 

one of the bi lid not learn ;< I aid 

he 1; ' in agriculture, re- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



maining at home except for one season when he 
was employed by a brother-in-law, Henry Maize. 
After he reached his majority he worked for his 
mother, and by the time of his marriage he had 
about $600 saved. On his mother's removal to 
Mifflinburg, he rented the homestead. In 188S 
he purchased the place which he has improved in 
many ways. He now owns two farms in Lime- 
stone township, containing altogether more than 
200 acres of excellent land. He is a man of more 
than average intelligence, a constant reader of 
newspapers, magazines and other literature, and 
his sterling qualities of character and friendly, 
courteous manners, give him great influence in 
the community. Politically he is a Republican. 
His first vote was cast for Gov. Curtin the sec- 
ond term, and his first ballot for President was 
given to Abraham Lincoln, then a candidate for 
re-election. He has been school director for 
nine years, and auditor twenty years, other offi- 
ces having been declined. 

On October 26, 1S71, Mr. Miller married Miss 
Margaret Klose, a former schoolmate, who was 
born in Limestone township, September 20, 
1845, the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Musser) 
Klose, highly respected residents of that locality. 
This union has been blessed by seven children: 
Cora M., born October 1, 1S72; Harry A., 
born October 4, 1874, now a farmer in Lime- 
stone township; Sarah A., born September 20, 
1876; John J., born September 5, 1878; D. Ber- 
tolette, born August 11, 1881; Mary E., born 
July 23, 1883, and Paul T. , born November 17, 
1887. Sarah and Mary both received good music- 
al educations. Mr. Miller and his wife are active 
workers in the M. E. Church, in which he held 
the office of trustee, and both have been teachers 
in the Sunday-school. During the war Mr. Miller 
was a member of the Union League, and he now 
belongs to that well-known organization, the Pa- 
trons of Husbandrv. 



JOHN McCALL (deceased), who in his life- 
time was a very active business man of Union 
county, extensively engaged in lumbering, 
was born in 1809, in County Armagh, Ireland. 
John McCall (1), his grandfather, was de- 
scended from Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, 
through the marriage of George McCall with 
Lady Dundas, a granddaughter. He migrated 
from near Glasgow, Scotland, to County Ar- 
magh, Ireland, prior to 1777. He had married 
a Miss Hamilton, whose brother emigrated to the 
West Indies, where was born Alexander Hamil- 
ton, who subsequently became prominent in the 
affairs of the United States Government, serving 
in President Washington's cabinet as Secretary 



of the Treasury, and was killed in a duel with 
Aaron Burr. Alexander McCall, a son of John 
Mc Call (I), was born in County Armagh, Ire- 
land, in 1777, and in 1805 was married in the 
same county to Elizabeth Graham. They came 
to the United States in 1828, locating in Phila- 
delphia, but soon afterward settled in Delaware 
county, N. V.. where Mr. McCall purchased a 
large farm, on which he resided up to his death, 
which occurred at Kortright on October 6, 1 S 5 7 , 
when he was aged eighty-one years. Elizabeth 
(Graham) McCall, his wife, was also of Scotch 
descent; her mother, who was a Stuart, came 
from the Highlands of Scotland. The children 
of Alexander McCall and wife were: (1) James, 
born in 1807, and died in 1895, at Cowan, Penn., 
aged eighty-seven years; he left two sons — James, 
who served three years in the Civil war as . a 
member of the 144th N. Y. V. I., and was badly 
wounded in the head at Port Royal in 1862; and 
John, who married a Miss Shamp. (2) John, 
born in 1809, is our subject, and is referred to 
more at length farther on. (3) George was born 
in 1810. (4) Hamilton, who was born in 1812, 
is now residing in Philadelphia, aged eighty-five 
years. (5) Elizabeth was born in 1815. (6) 
Jones was born in 1820. (7) Alexander was 
born in 1823. (8) Joseph Graham, who was 
born in 1827, is a resident of Wichita, Kans. , 
where he is engaged in the practice of law. He 
was married to a daughter of Judge Hakes, of 
Delaware county, N. Y. , and they have the fol- 
lowing children: Lyman Hakes, George, Har- 
low, Florence (married to a Mr. Mounts), Vienna 
(married to a Mr. Comstock) and Elizabeth. 

John McCall, whose name opeus this review, 
on his father's moving to Delaware county, N. Y. , 
in 1830, remained in Philadelphia, where, in 
1830, he was married to Annie Baird, who was of 
Scotch-Irish descent, her family coming into Ire- 
land from Scotland with Prince William of 
Orange, and locating at Londonderry. To the 
marriage of John McCall and Annie Baird six 
children were born, namely: John, born in 1834, 
died in November, 1864; Elizabeth, born in 1S36, 
died in childhood; Joseph Hamilton, born in 
1S3S; William Henry Harrison, bor.n in 1841, 
died in May, 1886; fames, born in 1843, 
died in childhood; Annie, burn in 1845, married 
Frank S. Schaffle. and died at Wilkesbarre, 
Perm., in February, 1897, leaving one son. The 
father of these, in 1S51, moved to Union county, 
and located on White Deer creek; his brothers, 
Hamilton and Joseph, remained in business with 
him until 1S57, when his sons, John, Joseph 
and William, were taken into the firm. They 
purchased 5,800 acres of timber land. Here 



Boo 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL lU.rnRD. 



they w : ged in the lumber business until 

the beginning of the Civil war. 

The fathei lied in June. 1863, and his wife 
in Septembi 

William Henry Harrison (nami lent 

Han is a private in < 

;th Pennsylvan ps, in the Civil 

war, and at th< years was must 

n. On 

de lieutenant 
the 200th P. V. I. He missioned colo- 

nel of the regiment, March 25, 1 Sr .5 , and on 
\|.i il .'. tme year, h ned 

illanl sei ■ 1 his 

.utry at the head of his brigade, which captured 
vick and Steadman. At the timi 

than twenty-three j age, 

and was probabl) the youngest I eral 

in the volu Vfter the capture of 

the t Lincoln, Gi n McCall 

i by President Johnson and Gen. 
Hancock to take direct chai the trial and 

the execution. He and Ins staff had their 
Iquartei Arsenal, Washington, I> 

1. McCall died in tt, Ariz< ma, 

and was there buried. A move is on foot look- 
in the removal of his remains to the cei 
teiy.it Lewisburg, Penn. (1 A. McCall, 

who was the I mmander of the Penn- 

sylvania Reserve Corps, was of the same descent . 
1 1 in 11. Mi Cm l, s 'ii of John and A 
rd) Mc< 'all, ol Lewisbui n ci mntj 

the only survivor of the immediate family. He 
was bom in [838, at Philadelphia, and in I' 

r, 1865, was married to Celestia |. Bright, 
whose mother was a Schreyer, and of tl 
family of that name of which Ji r, of 

visburg, and W. A. Schreyer, of Milton, 
Penn., are 1 I 1 hildren born to the 

marriage were: Harry Bright, \A 
intermarried with Nellie Benson Kauffma 
I eph Clyde. John, Jesse Schreyer, Lorrania 
I in 1882), and Edward Ammons. The fa- 
ther of these was stationed at Morris Island, 
S C, during the war, in charge of the Govern- 
ment shipping. He was captain of the Lewisburg 
Artillery from 1866 to 1871; then he entered 
the I S Railway Mad Service, as head clerk, 
which position he occupied fifteen years; was 
also connected with the U. S. R Service, 

during the administration of President H 



r:-< -n. 



COLLMAN K. SOBER, a prosperous lumber- 
man of Union and surrounding counties, 
nember of the Glen Union Lumber Co., is 
the subject of this biographical notice. 



Mr. Sober is a native of Pennsylvania, born 
ier 24, 1842, at the old homestead of 
his parents, some seven miles distant from 
Shamokin, Northumberland county. Isaac 
ber, his father, was also a native of the Keystone 
born in the same county February 23, 
1N14. where he resided all his life, a wealthy 
and influential agriculturist, dying June 12. 
[882. He married Miss Mary Krighbaum, also 
ol Northumberland county birth, and ten chil- 

a were born to this union, namely: 1 1 
man W., a fanner in Virginia; Harriet, wife of 
Swinehart, of Northumberland county, 
Penn ; » k\, the subject proper of this 

sketch; Clinton I)., a farmer and dairyman t 
Northumberland county, a great shot with the 
gun, Isabella, wife of F. W. Gilder, of Phila- 

h in. Penn.; Barbara Ann. wife of Mahlon I 
Moyer, of Shamokin; Amanda, wife of Geoi 
Shamokin; Adeline, deceased wifi 
A.J.Camphell;Martin Luther, another phenomenal 
shot in the family, and in whom Mr. Sober says 
he finds the nearest approach to a rival in game 
1 Clara, wife of ex-County Treasurer 
1» S. Hollibaugh, M. D., a prominent physician 
of Shamokin, Penn. The mother of this inter- 
esting family was not only an excellent rifleshot, 
but was also an expert mechanic, many a time 
in her girlhood assisting her father in his shop, 
he being a gun maker by occupation. In fact, 
so skilled was she that with her own hands 
manufactured a -mi that became the property ■[ 
her future husband. 

Up to the age of eighteen our subject re- 
mained at home, his summers being spent in 
farm work, and his winters devoted to study 
in the neighboring schools. So well did he 
improve these educati >nal opportunities that 
he prepared himself for teaching, and on leaving 
lion lie 1 ngaged in that profession with 

such success that he continued it through eight- 

terms with increasing reputation. His vaca- 
tions were spent in study at higher schools, or in 
various occupations, such as pumping oil in the 
oil 1 il tin-- Mate, working in a sawmill, in 

blast furnaces, or in the rolling mills at Danville, 
Penn. His industry knew no bounds, and when 
he had a •• night turn " he would take contracts 

unload coal boats or draw board rafts during 
lay. 

Among the higher schools he attended was 
the Danville Academy, and, in [854, at the close 
of his term there, he found himself obliged to 
look around for work of some kind, his circum- 
stances, financially, not being the best, whilst, 
moreover, he was too proud to accept any as- 
nce from his father. It so happened that 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



801 



one of his schoolmates, a lad by the name of C. 
R. Savage (now judge of Northumberland coun- 
ty), having exhausted all his means, was obliged 
to seek some kind of employment before the term 
of school came to a close, and procured work at 
corn-husking with a farmer named Fox. Through 
this old school "chum," young Sober, now 
twenty-two years old, and of slight build made 
application to William Fox for similar work. 
The latter, however, having "sized up " the 
youthful applicant, remarked that he was too 
light for such a task, and that his earnings there- 
at would be very meagre. (The corn shocks 
were 7x9, or sixty-three hills). Nevertheless 
the lad's application being favorably received, he 
began work on the following morning, and when 
night came it was found he had husked no less than 
eighty-six shocTs! Mr. Fox having left the farm 
for a few days, a report was made to Mrs. Fox 
by some of the hands, of the rapid work of the 
new man, whereupon she immediately sent for 
Mr. Sober and informed him that he was dis- 
charged for the reason that he " would break 
her husband up!" He thereupon demanded set- 
tlement and his pay; but, Mrs. Fox being unpro- 
vided with necessary funds, young Sober was 
permitted to remain at work until her husband's 
return. On the latter's arrival home, and on his 
learning of this phenomenal record in husking, 
he at once set about to investigate whether or 
not the work was well done. In his examination 
he failed to find a single stalk with an ear re- 
maining unhusked. All this might be counted a 
mystery were it not explained away by the fact 
that Mr. Sober accomplished with two motions 
what others required four to do. 

Another anecdote, bearing on Mr. Sober's in- 
nate skill and natural adaptability to existing 
circumstances, is recorded of him in quite a dif- 
ferent trend. "The hammer in the hand above 
all the arts doth stand " is a well-known adage, 
and Mr. Sober's present expertness with the an- 
vil is better known than is his boyhood expe- 
rience with one, as here related: When he was 
a sixteen-year-old lad he had a long distance to 
tramp to school, and about midway between his 
home and the school house was a blacksmith 
shop or "smithy," where on cold days he would 
stop to warm himself and watch the smith forg- 
ing horse-shoe nails, etc. One day young Sober 
asked permission of this son of Vulcan to make 
a horse-shoe nail, whereupon the latter laugh- 
ingly asked the lad if he was aware that to learn 
to do such a job properly required usually a full 
year's apprenticeship. Nevertheless, the un- 
daunted stripling insisted upon being allowed to 
try his hand, at least, and after but five attempts 

51* 



he presented to the astonished blacksmith a per- 
fect nail, ready for use! 

In 1880 our subject was employed, by the 
day, by Beecher & Zimmerman, lumbermen, 
who, quickly recognizing his ability, at the end of 
a month offered to receive him into the firm. 
He accordingly purchased a one-third interest, 
and on the death of Mr. Zimmerman, a year or 
two later, Mr. Sober bought one-half of the de- 
ceased's interest, thus becoming a half owner of 
the entire business. The firm, which is one of 
the largest lumbering concerns in the State, their 
offices and freight depot being situated at Glen 
Union, in Clinton county, now owns over 45,000 
acres of the best timber lands in Pennsylvania, em- 
ployment being given to a small army of one hun- 
dred men. Their sawmills turn out, each month, 
one and one-half million feet of sawed lumber, 
and at least 125 car-loads of prop timber, per 
month. In this connection it might not be out 
of place to cite an illustration of Mr. Sober's 
business acumen and foresight. His first pur- 
chase of prop timber was 1,100 acres bought 
"on the stump," and by the ton, at fifty cents 
per ton, and he immediately arranged for its 
transportation by rail, securing a reduction of 
fifty cents per ton (just the sum the timber cost 
him) from the regular rate; thus his purchase in 
reality cost him nothing, while at the same time 
he was the first to buy, sell and transport timber 
by the pound. 

Mr. Sober was the head and front of this 
concern, everything being under his supervision, 
he giving his attention mainly to the field work 
of the company, his special province being 
the examination of timber land, and' the direc- 
tion of operations in the woods. Independent of 
the Glen Union plant, he conducts an extensive 
personal business; his shipments for the year 
1897 aggregating 1,542 car-loads of prop-timber, 
pulp-wood, lumber and hay. His administra- 
tive and executive ability is well exemplified in 
the generalship he displays in handling and con- 
trolling his many employees, something that in 
the lumber woods requires no little tact and dis- 
cretion. He is a master of every detail of his 
business, and has never had a mechanic in his 
employ to whom he could not teach something, 
while he often finds points in the machinery of 
his plant upon which, perfect though it may 
seem, he could suggest some improvement. This 
comprehensive grasp of detail is characteristic of 
the man; and it is also said of him that wherever 
and whenever he sees an effect he is sure to find 
the cause — that is in anything that may interest 
him. He is so thorough a business man, and so 
prominent as a citizen, that it would be injustice 






COMMEMORATIVE DIOGliM'llKM. JtEroRD. 



to him to give undue prominence even to his 
marvelous feats with the shotgun, which will be 
fullv spoken of farther on. He has made his own 
way in the world with a clear-eyed singleness of 
purpose which i one of his unerring aim 

at a target. In all his enterprises, great and 
small, he is precise and painstaking, and tin- 
strictest integrity marks his business dealings, 
every obligation being met promptly and fully. 
While he would not take an unfair advantage of 
an opponent in a shooting contest or an athletic 

and wi tuld n< >t accept a penny thai 
did nol consider his due. neither would he 
smother his sense of right and yield tamely to an 
infringement upon his own just claims. Thor- 
ry thing is one of his strong points, 
and he will never allow himself to be excelled in 
t, if earnest, persistent thought and 
labor will win. 

Mr. Sober is not only a marvel of ambidex- 
terity with the shotgun, as the reader will pi 
ently d and an expert in work on the 

anvil, as above recorded, but he is also highly 
skilled in taxidermy, an art that cannot be 
learned in a da) , yel one that came to linn natur- 
ally and without any instruction. Some fine 
i his skill in mounting birds, etc., in- 
cluding an eagle shot by N. B Grugan, of 
Gl ii Union, and which measured seven I 
from tip to tip of wings (prepared for Dr. B. II. 
Warren, the State Zoologist), were exhibited at 
the World's Fair held in Chicago in [893, and at- 

racted much attention and man) encon ns ol 

praise; while among other specimens, he has in 

possession some five deer heads, taken from 
nol'i ils of his own slaying, and mounted 

by himsell 

I hen also, as an engraver on gold and other 
metaU. he excels, in this respeel being not 1 
whit behind professionals, though he never re- 
ceived instruction in the art. his designing and 
engraving of horses, dogs, violins, locomotives, 
etc. (from tools of his own making), being sur- 

ngly ele'. 

Socially, Mr. Soberis looked upon as a prince 
anion- men, exceedingly pleasant and affable, 
and he is a perfect gentleman, hospitable and 
liberal — in short, " a royal good fellow, 
called b\ bis closest acquaintances, and he alv 
carries under his vest a big heart. He is a man 
pro] . active, strong and 

quick, in height about five feel ten inches, and 
weighing some 175 pounds; his complexion is 
Bandy, much tanned by his out-door 
life; possessed of the bright blue eyes of a sure 
shot — in fact what you might expect in the maki - 
up of a sportsman; and although in age he is now 



midway between the half-century and the three- 
score mark, he only shows a better developed 
maturity of vigorous manhood. In his habits he 
is very abstemious, using neither tobacco nor 
liquor in any shape. In his political predilec- 
tions he has always been a Democrat, but has 
never found time to seek official preferment or 
recognition, save that in May, 1 884, he was com- 
missioned, by Postmaster-General Walter Q, 
Gresham, postmas'tcr at Sober (Centre county 1. 
which office was named in his honor, and of which 
he was the first postmaster. He was also post- 
master at Glen Union. Clinton county, from 1892 
to 1897. In 1870 he was appointed, by Gov. 
[ohn W. Geary, coal and iron policeman for the 

te of Pennsylvania, he being one of six, and 
clothed with all the authority of the city 
police. In 1S7S he was appointed mercantile 
appraiser of Northumberland county, Penn.. he- 
me, chosen from among twelve- applicants. On 
November 17, 1896, he was appointed, by Gov. 
1). H. Hastings. State game commissioner, which 
office he still holds. 

In 1 No ( Coleman K. Sober was united in 
marriage with Miss Bernetta Anderson, of North- 
umberland county, a daughter of Jacob and 
Phebe Anderson, and four children blessed their 
union, two of whom are deceased; those living 
are: (ij Mary B. has been twice married, first 
time to Harry drove, by whom she had 
child. Helen Mary; after Mr. Gro\ •■ s decease his 
widow wedded Martin I.esher, and they have - 
child, Bernetta Edna; Mrs. Lesher is skilled in 
oil, pastel and crayon work, and excels in free- 
hand drawing. (2) Waldron Bland married Miss 
K. Elizabeth Bright; although yet a young man. 
he has acquired marvelous skill as a trap-shot, 
and as a sportsman few of the old hunters 
"bt game in a day than he. Our sub- 

ject's residence .at present is at Lewisburg, Union 
Penn., where he has a pleasant home, in 
which he enjoys himself as the result ol years of 
energetic business life. His attention to detail 
is shown in the perfect appointments ol Ins home. 
Every part of the premises shows his careful 
mar \ and his stables, in which he keeps 

some fine horses, some of them beine. last trot- 
ters, are sufficiently neat and comfortable for the 
1 human beings. 

We now pass from Coleman K. Sober, the 
business man, the blacksmith, the engraver, the 

idermist, the private gentleman, to Coleman 
K. Sober, the champion shot-gun shot of the 
world, the "Wizard of the Gun;" and only in a 

I- what limited manner can we speak of his 
marvelous skill, for his wonderful gun-feats num- 
ber at least one hundred and fifty, and he can en- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



803 



tertain a multitude of spectators three full hours 
with his fancy shooting alone. It is but just to 
say of him that he is not only the champion trick 
(or trap) shot of the world, but the champion 
all-round shot of the universe. We have here 
used the word "trick" as a sort of colloquialism, 
but it is not the correct term, as, in truth, Mr. 
Sober's feats with the gun are not mere "tricks," 
but the effect or result of scientific and skillful 
calculation. He says he does not know how he 
acquired his expertness, but "guesses it was 
born in him." Indeed, inheritance, as has al- 
ready been mentioned, has not a little to do with 
this astounding skill of his, in which he has no 
rival the world over; and this same inheritance 
has clung to him from early boyhood, through 
every change in occupation and fortune. 

When as a boy Mr. Sober began to handle 
a gun, he determined to excel in its use, and 
often he would do his farm "chores" at night 
in order to gain time for practice in the woods 
by daylight. Many an hour he has also spent at 
night in practicing some difficult feat, or some 
new method of handling his weapon. With 
such persistent exercise in rapid and accurate use 
it is no wonder that he does marvels, and his 
constant travel in the forest in connection with 
his business enables him to continue his favorite 
sport almost constantly. 

It will be seen that in 1875 he was but little 
more than a boy, and, to show that he has from 
early boyhood been a prodigy, we cite some re- 
markable local sweepstake exhibitions given by 
him between September, 1875, and August, 1877. 
During this time he participated in various contests 
— shooting at 481 live pigeons, and killing 440, 
an astounding record of more than 91 per cent! 
It must be remembered, also, that these birds were 
killed at twenty-one yards rise — and with the 
use of only one barrel; excepting that out of 
this number he shot nineteen doubles standing 
midway between the traps forty-one yards apart. 

For several years past Mr. Sober has hunted 
Ruffed Grouse only, as that is the quickest bird 
in America to get into full flight upon discovery, 
and gives him the rapid work which he enjoys. 
During the fall of 1890 he shot thirty-two of 
these birds without a miss, and in the last fifty 
that he killed that year he shot at fifty-five only. 
The press of this and other States has often 
made extended mention of his wonderful feats, 
and from the American Field of January 9, 
1892, we glean the following: 

"In the spring of 1880, he shot 537 wild 
pigeons in three days at Kane, Penn., while the 
birds were flying to and from their feeding- 
grounds, and at no time did he kill more than 



one bird at a shot. For a number of years, 
however, the increased pressure of business 
cares has prevented Mr. Sober from attending 
trap shoots, from which fact some people think 
he cannot shoot over a trap, but his scores on 
record show he had no difficulty in winning 
when he did attend. He never broke 100 King- 
birds straight, but has broken 100 out of 101. 
He has never killed 100 live pigeons straight, 
but he killed ninety-six out of 100, at twenty- 
one yards rise, using one barrel only. At a 
match at twelve live bats to each man, in which 
seventeen shooters contested, Mr. Sober won 
with a score of eleven killed, it being the only 
match at bats in which he had contested. 

"When he attended trap shoots he often made 
clean scores at glass balls. King-birds and live 
pigeons, often making from fourteen to thirty 
straight kills, and readily defeated all who shot 
against him. The most remarkable exhibitions 
of Mr. Sober's skill, however, are in trick shoot- 
ing, or as he terms it ' rough and tumble shoot- 
ing, ' in which he handicaps himself in many 
different ways, shooting from all sorts of posi- 
tions at King-birds, glass balls or live pigeons 
sprung from a trap, in which his scores are fully 
equal to those made by many trap shooters who 
shoot from the shoulder and are not in any way 
handicapped. Through long practice of these 
feats — many of which he originated — Mr. Sober 
has become so expert that he can perform more 
unique shots with the double-barreled shotgun than 
any other living man. He performs at least one 
hundred and fifty feats, each shot being more 
marvelous than the preceding one, all from 
different positions or under new forms of handi- 
cap. He breaks glass balls or Kjng-birds_from 
either shoulder, with handkerchiefs tied around 
both barrels of his gun, with the barrels 
thrust through objects of different sizes, varying 
from a cigar-box up to a flour barrel, with his 
gun either side up, and 
with wonderful accuracy, 
own target (single or double), and then breaks 
the targets. He shoots from almost every con- 
ceivable position, standing and lying, holding the 
gun over his head, between his legs, at his neck 
or breast, etc. 

"Mr. Sober commences with simple shots, 
single and double, and goes from one feat to an- 
other, handicapping himself, not only as we have 
described, but in many other ways. At Lewis- 
burg, Penn., in the fall of 1886, he gave his 
fourth public exhibition, when he shot at 130 
glass balls from fifty-one different positions, and 
missed but eight. At the tournament of the 
Elmk-a (N. Y.) Gun Club, in July, 18S7, Mr. 



a 

in many other ways, 
He even springs his 



MM 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGUA I'/fH A L RECORD. 



Sober made a phenomenal record. He shot at 
ios ills, from seventy-nine very difficult 

positions, an<! missed hut fourteen. 

"The most difficult of Mr. Sober's shooting 
I"- photographed for the purpos 
illustrate placing his gun on the ground 

at a distance of ei spring his own 

running and picking up his gun, 
breaking single or double targets- King-bin 
glass balls. In man) ol the (cats which In- \ 

r can turn back to the trap, call 
■pull,' pick up his gun with the box, keg <>r bar- 
rel on it. as ■• may be, turn around and 
scori- ther singles Mes. 
"He can break double King-birds, one with 

his gun overhead ami theotherfr his shoulder, 

or one from between his legs ami the other from 
the shoulder. Scoring doubles, one from each 
i, is to him hut a simple pastime. The 
\h Sobei performs in shooting with boxes, 
barrels, tables and obstructions around 

:un ban idered successful only by 

>f the nicety of calculation which he has 
acquired by long practice. Many who see the 
King-birds glass balls, or live pigeons fall before 
his unerring aim wonder how he hail got si^ht 
i or under such obstructions. He does not 
take sight, for that would be impossible. His 
success is due to remarkably accurate calcula- 
tions. When it is remembered that there are at 
least one hundred ami titty different trick sh its 
mi his list, m. in in more difficult than we 

havi I and the fact is considered that 

Mr N>ber's challenge to the world m his line of 
shooting remained open two years, ami that he 
has never been defeated in that line in a match, 
it is not strange that he is called the champion of 
the world by many admirers in his native Mate. " 
There is hardly a sportsman in the State of 
Pennsylvania who has not seen him shoot, and 
few in the United Mates who have not read of 
his accomplishments with the gun. He takes 
pleasure in showing the world what perfection 
can be attained in tl lling of the shot-gun. 

and there is scarcely an exhibition of importance 
in the State to which he is not invited. To give 
a full detailed account of all his exhibitions would 
be unnecessary in this article; but his achieve- 
nts cannot by an) means be passed lightly 
over. 

Mr. Sober has proved him- If to be, beyond a 
peradventure, the < n ill-round shot-gun 

shot of the world, a title he does not assume, but 
which belongs to him by right, ami by virtue of 
his challenge to the whole world to enter the 
lists with him. This challenge has never been 
accepted; but a critical view of Mr. Sober's 



marvelous shots will remove all doubt as to his 
ability to vanquish any other specialist in his line. 
The case stands as follows: In the American 
Field of February 23, 1889, Mr. Sober "issued 
a challenge to any man in the world — Dr. \Y. F. 

. er preferred — to shoot an exhibition match 

nst him with a double-barrel shot-gun for a 
of five hundred dollars a side; and he offered 
to pay the expenses of any one who would meet 
him and shoot at Sunbury, Penn. , the following 
May." Previously Mr. Sober ami Dr. Carver 
had correspondence through the columns of the 
American Field, ami tin former had de] 
fifty dollars forfeit as an earnest of his sincerity. 
Subsequently H. C. Fuller ami Mr. Sober had 
some correspondence through the same medium, 
but in neither case was a match made, and Mr. 
Sobers money was returned to him after the 
1 couple ol years. In tin- i ait 

must be borne in mind that he is not a prot 
sional shot, nor has he ever posed as such, n 
withstanding his well-known ability; and. more- 
over, he never perform-, tor money, his public 
exhibitions being for the benefit of some public 
charity, or to aid in the attraction to State and 

nty fairs, Grange picnics, Grand Army re- 
unions, 01 such like, and he is always sure to be 
a "drawing card,'* as the wonder shot of the 
world, thousands of delighted spectators witness- 
ing with interest his bewildering ('.its. What 
adds a charm to the occasion is his modest, un- 
assuming manner. He comes on the scene with 
a calmness and unobtrusiveness that at once wins 
the attention of his audience; then what he does 
is square business, with nothing to attract but 
the merits of the very tine work he does with the 
shotgun. An article in the Meadville Republican, 
ol September ro, 1S04. written by an eyewitness 
of one of these exhibitions, covers in a few words 
what might be said of all Mr. Sober's perform- 
ances, and we quote therefrom in part: "The 
members of our Gun Club visited him in large 
numbers, and got from him many points of m- 

iction, which hi ery much pleased to 

impart. His skill with the gun wis even more 
than advertised. He shot with effect in almost 
every conceivable position, and the gun in every 
variety of grasp — under him, over him, to right, 
to left, sittme,. standing, lying, with gun al 
his head, between his feet, upside down, thrust 
through barrels, boxes and tables, and in ever) 
position except with the muzzle in his hands. 
I on, 1 applause greeted his numerous wonderful 
shot- Indeed, we might quote page after page 
of similar encomiums, did space permit; yet a 
just tribute to "Creation's greatest shot,'' we 
plead as excuse, were such necessary, for dwell- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



805 



ing longer on this highly interesting subject. In 
addition to newspaper and other extracts in this 
article, we quote the following: 

"At Centre Hall, in 1889, when Mr. Sober 
commenced shooting, the wind was blowing a 
regular gale, and no one of the ten thousand vis- 
itors expected to see more than a few plain shots. 
But Mr. Sober is not built that way. He be- 
lieves in giving every piece on the programme, 
gale or no gale. All the fancy shots were made, 
and in all his shooting he missed but one King- 
bird, which was caught by the wind and darted 
down in such a manner as to make it impossible 
to hit it. Everybody expressed astonishment at 
the remarkable work, no one having any idea 
that it was possible under the circumstances; 
and no one will believe hereafter that there is a 
man on the face of the earth than can compete 
with C. K. Sober, when it comes to fancy wing 
shooting." [Mifflinburg Telegram.} " Dr. Car- 
ver, Buffalo Bill, Capt, Bogardus, and many 
other renowned marksmen have given exhibitions, 
but none have ever excelled Mr. Sober's. " [El- 
mira Daily Advertiser, July 2, 1887.] "He 
handles a shotgun as a boy would a tin rattle — 
is as quick as lightning, and as sure as fate. He 
accomplishes all — even the most difficult — shots 
with the greatest ease and grace, and by the 
time the ordinary marksmen get through aiming, 
Mr. Sober will have broken a barrel of King-birds. " 
[Middleburg (Snyder county) Post, September 
24, 1 89 1.] " But the greatest feature of the day 
was the shooting of Mr. C. K. Sober and his son. 
This was a revelation to the visitors to the fair. 
Mr. Sober is a wonderful marksman. He shot 
at 147 targets yesterday from a great number of 
different positions, and at all sorts of disadvanta- 
ges, yet he did not miss a single one. This is, 
perhaps, the greatest exhibition Mr. Sober ever 
gave, and this is equivalent to saying that the 
York County Fair grounds have been the scene of 
the greatest shooting ever done in the world. 
Nothing can prevent him from scoring. He 
shoots just as accurately with the gun turned up- 
side down and thrust through a flour barrel as 
he does with the gun in the usual position." 
[York Gazette, October, 1894.] 

We will conclude our description of Mr. So- 
ber's trap-shooting with the account of a couple 
of amazing and almost incredible shots that he 
makes: A bird is thrown from the trap thirty 
yards away from the shooter, who stands with 
his side toward the trap, gun inverted, the barrel 
of which is passed right through a wooden box 
14x16 inches in size, and gun (with barrel in 
the box as described) held at arm's length di- 
rectly above his head. Thus handicapped, the 



marksman pulls the trigger, and the bird drops 
to the ground ! This feat has been accom- 
plished by no other human being, and reads like 
one of Baron Munchausen's fictions, but it is 
nevertheless true in every particular. Another re- 
markable feat Mr. Sober accomplishes with ease 
is to spring two King-birds from a trap, shoot 
one of them from between his legs while standing 
with his back toward the trap, then turn quickly 
and drop the second King-bird. We cannot avoid 
giving special emphasis to the four exhibitions 
given by Mr. Sober at the York County Fair, 
before a multitude of fifty thousand people, 
where he shot at 588 targets with but five misses, 
two of which were made on his first day's trial, 
three being lost on the fourth day, toward the 
close of his final exhibition. A representative of 
the publishers of this work by invitation attended 
one of Mr. Sober's shooting entertainments given 
at Brooke Park (Lewisburg) in October, 1897, 
where was witnessed the killing of sixty-five pig- 
eons without a miss, and the breaking of 200 
targets without an error ! And it must be borne 
in mind that not a shot was made without some 
form of handicap — shooting from both shoulders; 
gun inverted, and above his head; with gun 
thrust through powder kegs, flour barrels, boxes, 
etc. — yet he seemed to experience neither hin- 
drance nor inconvenience. It was like the leg- 
erdemain of some great wizard. 

For several years past Mr. Sober has passed 
most of his time in the forest, hunting out tim- 
ber lands and superintending lumber operations. 
These pursuits have rendered it possible for him 
to follow his favorite sport of shooting Ruffed 
Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) almost uninterruptedly 
during the proper season, and a gentleman who 
has accompanied him on such expeditions says 
that, although he has hunted with many expert 
wing shots, it has never been his privilege to 
meet any one in field or cover who was able to 
demonstrate the phenomenal skill which Mr. 
Sober displays at different times when grouse- 
shooting in the wilds of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Sober, it would seem, shoots by instinct 
rather than by sight. The number of Ruffed 
Grouse, alone, killed by him during the past few 
years is astonishing. In 1884 he shot 95; in 
1885. 87; in 1886, 108; in 1887, 40; in 1888, 1 17; 
in 1889, 116; to December 15, 1890, 148; to De- 
cember 21, 1891, 103; in 1S92, 105; in 1893, 
79; in 1894, 97;in 1895, 84; in 1896, 92; and in 
1897, 106 — a total for the fourteen years of 
1,377 birds, or an average of over ninety-eight 
each season. On November 5, 1897, he killed 
seven Ruffed Grouse out of eight fired at, and 
many a day he has shot at and killed every grouse 






MOIIATIVK BIOQRAPHIOAL RECORD. 



he would see. In a two-days' hunt in December, 
1880, at the foot of Shade Mountain, near 
Adamsburg, Perm., he shot sixteen pheasants 
(Ruffed G twelve rabbits, four wild turkeys 

and one graj squirrel. [See illustration. ] 

Mr. Sol thai most of these birds were 

killed on his own lands 'luring his bush 
tramps, and that one of the best shots he ever 
made at Ruffed Grouse was as follows: He had 
been on the mountains chestnutting, and was re- 
turning home with a bag ol chestnuts on one 
should) 1. his gun with a basket hanging from the 
barrels slung over the same shoulder, ami an axe 
in the other hand, while walking along a lumber 
road a Ruffed Grouse suddenly flushed from the 
side of the road, and Mr. Sober d the axe, 

the bag and the basket in time to shoot the bird. 
He has never met any one who had the requisite 
endurance to stay with him an entire day in field 
or cover shooting when he traveled at the 
he 11-11, oU takes while hunting alone. To still 
more fully set forth the wonderful ingenuity of our 
subject, it is proper here to speak of a simple de- 
he invented and always carries with him on 1 
his hunting expeditions. It is an implement for 
eviscerating game birds, and whenever he kills 
one. he immediately, oi as soon after as he maj 
have op; this little instrument. It 

is vi pie, merely a little twig, sharpened at 

end with .1 small spur near the pointed end. 
This hi iiinler the tail of the bird, then 

gi\ ' I the entrails 

jected. The larger part of the 
gun. hi kills goes to the tables of his friends and 
the bedside of the sick. In hunting the Ruffed 
Grouse which, by the way, he claims is the 
gamiest bird in America, he uses pointer dogs 
trained by himself to such a marvelous deg 
ol pi rfection that their intelligence seems almost 
human. He has no use [or setters in that pur- 
suit, for, as he says, they are too headstrong and 
fast and not sufficiently cautious. 

About his guns we must also say something. 
The first one he used was, when he was a lad. 
an old " flint-lock owned by an elder brother, 
and with that the boy killed squirrels and rabbits 

by the hundred- was plentiful in Pennsyl- 

vania thru , and with it he downed quails, occa- 
sionally, on the wing as well. The first gun he 

owned he I ght foi one dollar and a half, and 

it was a 28-inch, 20-gauge, sim I. which 

he says was made ir pol metal for all he 

knows; but with it he did great work on quails 
and pheasants (Ruffed Grouse] on the wing, and 
he still has that old gun. Next he had another 
single 28-inch, [4-gauge gun made to order, with 
which he did fineshooting also. His third gun was 



adoubled-barreled, 30-inch barrels, 14-gauge, that 
weighed eight pounds, and with it he defeated 
the best shots in Pennsylvania at the trap in 
pigeon shooting. The next gun he bought was a 
Parker Brothers make. He still uses their guns, 
and says he will do so until he rinds a better arm; 
for shooting game he uses a cylinder-bore, 28- 
inch barrels, of either 10-gauge or 12-gauge. In 
his "den," as he calls it, a room which he has 
appropriated to his exclusive use in his beautiful 
home in Lewisburg, there are suggestions, from 
the number and variety of guns, of a small arse- 
nal. But after long experience with various 
makes of shotguns he has arrived at the conclu- 
sion that American-made arms are equally as 
good as, and he believes superior to, those of 
foreign manufacture, for shooting in the field and 
cover. 

For many years past, Mr. Sober has 
ceedingly energetic in his endeavors to propagate 
game and fish. - purchased large num- 

bers of birds, particularly quail, and liberated 
them in different localities in the various fertile 
valleys of the Susquehanna. His love for trout 
fishing has led him to stock numerous streams in 
Centre, Clinton and Lycoming counties with 
brook and other varities of trout. 

Sui h is thi life history of this successful busi- 
ness man and phenomenal marksman. Of the 
success in life which America affords to an ener- 
getic, persevering and industrious man, no mat- 
ter how humble his origin, Mr. Sober is a fair ex- 
ample. He is, withal, a typical self-made man. 
the mainspring of whose character has in his busy 
life been the qualities of energy and persistence, 
coupled with the strictest integrity of purpose, 
unflinching firmness and characteristic love of (air 
play. 



i NTHONY ARMSTRONG is a hading fac- 
TL tor in the public life of Allenwood, Union 
county, as carrying on general merchandising. 
He has back of him an honorable ancestry, prom- 
inently connected with the history of the Mate. 
ami he wears worthily the untarnished name which 
i to him. 
His randfather, James Armstrong, was 

born in County Fermanagh, Ireland, and on May 
30, 1786, landed in A He located in 

Philadelphia, and soon secured a position as pro- 
lessor of mathematics in Pennsylvania Academy. 
He married Eleanor Pollock, a lady of superior 
culture and womanly graces, belonging to one of 
the distinguished families of the State. At an 
. day thej removed to Northumberland coun- 
ty, Penn.. where James Armstrong purchased a 




GamP k,l] p H i n ;V K U ^ p AKALLELED EeCORD ! 

ofTAfilt^^lZ^ 1 ^ C ^ am P— Ground Snot-g.n Slxof 
Mountain ne^ L™ i Y ^ Unf ml)eGei ^ei 1880, at foot of Shade 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



807 



large farm. He died September 20, 1829, at the 
age of seventy-five years, and his wife died Feb- 
ruary 26, 1823. Their youngest son, Richard, 
was the father of Gen. Samuel Armstrong, who 
commanded a battalion of colored troops in the 
Civil war, and was one of the founders of the 
Freedman's Academy at Hampton Roads, near 
Norfolk, Virginia. 

Capt. Anthony Armstrong, the grandfather of 
our subject, was born September 6, 1788, and 
won his title by commanding a militia company. 
He died on the old homestead near Milton, Penn. , 
in 1S66. He had one sister, Mary, nowdeceascl, 
and two brothers, James, a surveyor of McEwens- 
ville, Penn., and Richard, previously mentioned. 
Capt. Armstrong married Elizabeth Guffy, daugh- 
ter of Alexander Guffy, and their children were: 
Jane, wife of Edward Derickson; Matilda, who 
became the wife of John F. Dentler, and had ten 
children; Margaret, wife of John Sloan; Andrew; 
James P., who married Margaret Guffy; and 
George W., who married Elizabeth Witter. He 
served in the Mexican war, was a general of the 
State militia before the Civil war, and is now a 
retired merchant of McEwensville, Pennsylvania. 

The maternal great-grandparents of our sub- 
ject were John and Mary (Curry) Watson, the 
former a native of Ireland, whence he emigrated 
to Chester county, Penn. Watsontown was 
named in his honor, and both he and his wife 
were buried in the cemetery there. He owned 
1,000 acres of land at that place, and was one 
of the leading men of the community. The 
grandparents, George and Elizabeth (Vincent) 
Watson, were farming people of Northumberland 
county, where they spent their entire lives. 

Andrew Armstrong, father of our subject, was 
born on the old family homestead in North- 
umberland county, October 27, 181 5, and 
throughout his business career engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. His last eight years were 
spent in retirement from business cares. He 
held a number of township offices, and was highly 
esteemed for his sterling worth. He married 
Angeline Watson, who was born on the Watson 
farmstead December 15, 181 5. His death 
occurred April 10, 1888, and his wife, who was 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, died May 
20, 1865. Their marriage, which was celebrated 
January 26, 1838, was blessed with the following 
children: George W., who died at the age of 
five years; Elizabeth J., wife of H. P. Allen, 
who founded the town of Allenwood, where he 
now follows general merchandising; Emma, of 
Watsontown; Mary, who became the wife of 
Fred Gosh, and died leaving three children; 
James D., who married Anna Zeigler, and oper- 



ates the old Armstrong farm; Seth, who died in 
childhood; Anthony; David W., who married 
Jane McWilliams, and is also living on the old 
Armstrong farm. 

Anthony Armstrong, of this review, was born 
in Turbut township, Northumberland county, 
August 17, 1852, and attended the high school in 
Watsontown. At the age of fifteen he began 
clerking for H. P. Allen, of Allenwood, in whose 
employ he remained until 1872, when he went 
to Lock Haven, Penn., where for four years he 
was employed as a salesman in the general store 
of J. W. Bridgins. On February 1, 1877, he 
went to Black Hills, Dakota, and was a member 
of the Philadelphia Mining Company, operating 
on Rapid creek. During that time he repre- 
sented the Camp Crook district in convention on 
new Territory, held in Deadwood, Dakota, 
September 29, 1877, which convened for the 
purpose of electing a representative to Congress, 
who could secure the independence of that Terri- 
tory. He left Dakota October 29, 1877, and 
returning to Allenwood was again employed by 
Mr. Allen until 1889. He was then for two 
years treasurer and manager of the Allenwood 
planing-mill, and on August 1, 1893, he embarked 
in general merchandising. Here he has secured 
a good patronage, and is meeting with excellent 
success. 

On January 6, 1881, Mr. Armstrong was mar- 
ried to Miss Kate Griffey, who was born in Gregg 
township. Union county, March 19, i860, a 
daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (McCor- 
mick) Griffey. Her father was a railroad con- 
tractor, bridge builder and miller. He at one 
time part owned and operated the largest 
woolen-mills in Pennsylvania, the machinery in 
the same costing $110,000; the plant was de- 
stroyed by fire. He built the high bridge at 
Sandy Hook, Conn., and a number of others. 
Both he and his wife are now deceased. They 
were members of the Washington Presbyterian 
Church, and in politics he was a Republican. 
Their children were: Martha, wife of C. L. 
Gudykunst, a farmer and tax collector of Gregg 
township. Union county; Robert, a miller of 
White Deer Mills, who married Laura Bower, 
whose father is president of the First National 
Bank of Watsontown; Clara, wife of W. C. Fore- 
man, a farmer and live-stock dealer of Alvira, 
Penn. ; and Mrs. Armstrong. 

Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have three interest- 
ing children: Elizabeth, born in 1 88 1 ; Robert, in 
1885, and Richard, March 12, 1898. The family 
is prominent, and well-known people of the com- 
munity, and its members have a large circle of 
warm friends throughout Union county. Mr. 



808 



< "MMEMOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Armstrong served as postmaster, which office he 
filled from 1 888 until 1S91. and to which In- was 
re-appointed on August 1, 1893, serving to July 
14, 1897. His business ability has brought him 
success in his undertakings, and by Ins honorable 
methods he has won the confidence of all with 
whom he has corne in contact. 



GEORGE CALVIN MOHN, M. D. To the 
professional or commercial man whose suc- 
cess has been worthily achieved, who has ac- 
quired a high reputation in his chosen calling, 
and whose social prominence is not less the result 
an irreproachable life than of recognized natural 
gifts, the world at large instinctively pays defer- 
ence. Many a man mistakes his life-work, yet by 
earnest application makes a partial success; but it 
is only when natural tact is coupled with proper 
ambition to succeed that anything like eminence 
is reached in any vocation. Dr. Mohn has not 
only gained an enviable reputation in the ranks 
of the medical fraternity, but also stands high in 
business and fraternal circles. 

A native of Pennsylvania, having been born 
May 24, 1X5S, in Centreville, Snyder county, our 
subject is descended on both sidi old fam- 

ilies prominent amoi loneers of the State. 

Peter Mohn. his great-grandfather, was the 
third son of Ludwig Mohn, who was born in 
1730 at Hanovei Germany, whence he emi- 
grated to America in 1753, and n Berks 
county. Penn. , at or near where the city of Read- 
ing now stands. Peter Mohn died in that county 
in [832. 

John Mohn, grandfather of Dr. Mohn, was 
bom September 23, [788, near Reading, Penn., 
and was there married to Elizabeth Reppard, of 
that county, born May 15, 1793. Here their 
family of six children were born, as follows: 
I ih, who married Thomas Hartley; Peter, who 

I a bachelor in 181 who married 

N ah Kei ter, and moved to Ohio; [ulian, mar- 
ried to 1' 11 Markle; Vmelia, wife of Isaac Culp; 
and John, who is the only one of this family now 
living, and will be spoken of farther on. In 1 
Grandfather John Mohn moved with his family 
fron i'. t , Union (now Snyder) coun- 

ty, and passed the n si of his days there, dying 
March 2, 1861, at Centreville. His wife passed 
from earth at the same pi; \ '\vs\ 29, 1 

John Mohn. the father of our su!>ject. was 
bom in 1831, in Berks county, Penn., and. as 
will be seen, was about live 1 when the 

family moved to what i^ now Snyder county. 
For a time he followed carpentry, but later has 
de\ 1 mie and attention mainly to the saw- 



mill business. As one of the leading Republicans 
I of the community in which he lives, he has filled 
various public offices in Snyder county, such as 
constable of his township some eighteen years, 
and for a time was county commissioner of Sny- 
der county. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. 
In 1S52 he married Miss Barbara Stun, who was 
born in Snyder county, Penn., in 1829, and they 
became the parents of the following children: 
Alice, now the wife of William Hartman, of Cen- 
treville; Henry, who is in business with his fa- 
ther; George C, the subject proper of this re- 
view; Charles, a graduate of the College of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons, of Baltimore, Md., and who 
is now successfully engaged in practice at Jersey 
Shore, Penn.; John E., a graduate of the Phila- 
delphia College of Pharmacy, and now the owner 
of two drug stores at Jersey Shore; William, who 
is in business with his father at Centreville; James 
O., a physician of St. Mary's, Elk Co., Penn., 
who graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 
;: and Thomas E., a railroad agent at Muncy 
Valley, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. George C. Mohn received his earlier edu- 
cation at Centreville and Selins Grove, Snyder 
Co., Penn., and completed his literary studies at 
Valparaiso, Ind., after which he taught school 
for three winters. After reading medicine for a 
time at Centreville he entered the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., 
graduating there with the class of '82, and on 
the 13th of April, same year, he commenced the 
practice of his chosen profession at Laurelton, 
Union county, where his ability soon won him 
recognition, and where he has built up for him- 
self an enviable record as an eminently success- 
ful physician. Possessed of a kindly and sym- 
pathetic nature, a keen sense of discrimination, 
a natural taste for the various branches of the 
medical profession, coupled with quick intuition 
and consummate skill, his success ami popularity 
are no surprise to his many friends. For about 
eight years the Doctor was also engaged in the 
drug business at Laurelton, and, being a man of 
more than ordinary business acumen, he soon 
red considerable capital. Desiring to ex- 

d his business relations and possibilities, he, 
in 1892, became a member of the Laurelton 
Lumber Co., which concern is now remarkable 

having at its head three of the most enter- 
prism n of the county. He is also a 
Stockholder in and a director of the Linden Hall 
Lumber Co., of Linden Hall, Penn., of which 
also superintendent, 

In 1883 Dr. Mohn was united in marriage 
with Miss Laura A Showers, a native of Centre- 
ville, Snyder county, and a daughter, Ruth B., 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



809 



born March 18, 1892, brightens their home. Fra- 
ternally the Doctor is one of the highest, most 
prominent and zealous Freemasons in the State, 
having taken all the degrees to and including the 
32nd, Scottish Rite, and being a member of the 
Mystic Shrine, Lu Lu Temple, Philadelphia. 
Politically he is an ardent worker in the ranks of 
the Republican party, having served as a com- 
mitteeman continuously since 1884. For four 
years, during President Harrison's administra- 
tion, he acceptably served as postmaster at Lau- 
relton. 

The Doctor is one who, outside of the esteem 
in which he is held for his scientific knowledge 
and business capacity, enjoys the admiration of 
all for his kindliness of disposition and amiability 
of heart. In manner he is social and friendly, 
and possesses qualities that readily win popu- 
larity and respect. In private life that true man- 
liness of deportment, that genial and kindly na- 
ture, which have always characterized him in 
public, find still more adequate and complete ex- 
pression, and in the bosom of his family he ever 
finds his highest happiness. 



D\ERR FAMILY, of Lewisburg, is descended 
__' from that well-known pioneer, Ludwig 
Derr, the founder of Lewisburg, which was for- 
merly known as Derrtown. The first record 
dates back to 1756, when Ludwig Derr is named 
among the residents of Heidelberg township, 
Berks county. In 1769 he came to Buffalo Val- 
ley to find a suitable location for a new home, 
and is mentioned in the notes of Charles Luk- 
ens, who made a survey along the river from 
the mouth of White Deer creek in October, of 
that year. He was perhaps the first settler in 
the Valley, and Charles Wilson, who surveyed 
the tract next below that of Lukens, mentions in 
his field notes for September 20, 1770. that Lud- 
wig Derr was then living on " the proprietaries' 
tract." 

Where Lewisburg now stands this enter- 
prising pioneer established a trading-post, a 
house of one story and a half built of heavy 
logs, with its roof half-sloped, like the modern 
mansard, and containing a dormer window. On 
the lower floor were small, square windows and 
one heavy battened door. This building was 
completed as early as 1770, and his next enter- 
prise was the construction of a mill, which was 
running in 1772. In June, 1772, he purchased 
from John Coxe, merchant, of Philadelphia, a 
large tract of land in the same vicinity for one 
hundred and seventy-five pounds. Two years 
later it seems that he wanted to borrow some 



money, and Robert Fruit and Thomas Hewitt, 
the county commisioners, valued the tract, on 
which the said Derr now lives, having a grist and 
saw mill, dwelling house and barn, clear upland 
and meadow, at one thousand pounds Pennsyl- 
vania currency — about $2,666.60. On July 31, 
1773, he purchased a sixth of a tract of 
eleven thousand and fifty acres which Walter 
Clark had bought for himself and others in 
November, 1 77 r . Northumberland county was 
organized in 1772, and the name of Ludwig Derr 
appears among the first grand jurors of the first 
session of court. He was without doubt a man 
of great force of character, courageous, and of 
unusual discretion. His mill and trading-post 
were known throughout this region, travelers 
making the point a regular stopping-place. Many 
meetings were held there by the patriots during 
the Revolutionary period, yet so kindly and justly 
had he treated the Indians that when nearly every 
structure built by white men between the Wy- 
oming and the Mahantango was destroyed by the 
Indians, his stood and he remained with them 
unharmed. In March, 1785, he laid out his 
town, Samuel Weiser making the plot. A few 
lots were sold, and in September of that year 
he went to Philadelphia where he disposed of a 
few more, how many is not known exactly, the 
price averaging about twenty-five pounds. Time 
passed with no word from him, and his son, 
George, becoming alarmed went to Philadelphia 
to find him, but neither in his boarding house nor 
among business men could anything definite be' 
learned as to his whereabouts. He left a widow, 
Catherine, and an only son, George, who inher- 
ited all the property. The name was spelled ir- 
regularly. Ludwig signed himself Ludwig Duer, 
his wife's signature was Catherine Darr, and 
"Tarr's mill " is spoken of in various accounts 
of the time. The Encyclopaedia Americana of 
1790 speaks of " Lewisburgh, or Tarstown." 

George Derr was but a boy when his father 
located on the present site of Lewisburg, where 
he grew up amidst pioneer surroundings, and be- 
came a farmer and miller by occupation. He 
died in 1S29, and his wife, Fannie Yentzer, passed 
away in 1842. They had eleven children: Cath- 
arine, Susan, Louis, George, John, Jacob, Fannie, 
Benjamin, Joseph, Elizabeth and Henry, all of 
whom except the youngest lived to adult age. 

Joseph Yentzer Derr, the ninth child of George 
Derr and Fannie Yentzer, was born in Buffalo 
township, Union county, October 10, 18 10. He 
was reared in Lewisburg, and had more than or- 
dinary educational advantages, but his fine mind 
could easily have absorbed even a higher course 
of study. He spent his earlier days in a drug 



810 



I OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



store, and was remarkable for his aptness in 
Heine, and in later years, when he had retired 
to his farm— the estate upon which his family 
now lives — he would quit work to visit any sick 
hbor and alleviate distress wherever it was 
found. He always had an ambition fur the study 

nedicine, and felt that his life would have I' 
mi si replete « itfa satisfaction to himself and good 
results to humanity had he been thoroughly trained 
in that '' He was burn in Buffalo town- 

ship, Union county, October 10, 1S10, and died 
in Lewisburg |ul) 21, 1864. A progressive and 
independent thinker, he took keen interest in all 
the questions of his day. In early years he was 
a Whii; politically, and later a Republican, and, 
while he was not a politician, his influence was 
widely felt. Hi 1 Mi-> Mary J. Kren 

who was born in [819, and lived near Winlield 
until the age of ten years, and afterward in Lew- 
isburg. She was fond of literary pursuits, in 
which she showed much talent, and was a teacher 
in the public >chools about four years. Their 
children were: Elizabi th and Clara are at home. 
Pattison is in the iron business in Maine. 
Josi phi at hi imi 1 ranees married D. L. 

' coal dealer at Harrisburg, Penn., and 
has had lour children Mary died Maj 1 1, 1884, 
Susan at home. Fannie who married Dr. I 
K. Garber, and has one child. Mary |ane), and 
lie (who married [ohn Nestor, ol Harrisburg, 
hild, Francis). John I>. is a machinist 
in the steel worksat Steelton, Penn.; he married 
hild, from Chillisquaque, Penn., 
and has three children— Hannah, [oseph and 
Margaret. Augustus S. is engaged in the iron 
- in Maine; he married Miss Mary Moyer, 
and has three children George William, How- 
ard Wilson and Mariam Kamona. |ames M., 
now of Wichita, Kans. , married Miss Klda Rob- 
on, and has one child, Mary Klda. Austin 
tig, a farmer in Northumberland county, 
Pi mi., married Sophia Reber, and has one child, 
Edna. Louisa K. married Isora Pontius, of 
I ewisburg, and has six children — Horace 1'.. 
Anna J., Fannie Belle, Channing, Mane | 
and Clara M Horace W. died January 22, 
(888, at the age of twenty-seven years. Marj 
is at home. 

Mrs. Mary Kremer) Derrhasnow attained the 
-.om, -what uncommon age of seventy-eight, and 
pite this fai 1 is still vigorous, physically and 
mentally. Her large family received during 
former years her devoted attention, and aovi she 
has the satisfaction ol seeing them filling useful 
and honorable stations in life. She is tall with a 
\ proportioned frame, and must have been 
endowed with great physical strength and endur- 



ance, while intellectually she is brilliant, and in 
no way indicating her advanced age. She visits 
her neighbors and attends to business as in 
younger days, and her conversation is full of in- 
terest. Her memory runs back to the time when 
all freight was hauled by wagons, and passenger 
transportation was entirely by stage. There was 
then no canal in this part of the State, but later 
she saw the overland system give way to the 
water routes, and this in turn supplanted by the 
railroad. 

Mrs. Derr is a granddaughter of George 
Kremer, who came from New Jersey and settled 
in Union county, Penn., about 1797. He mar- 
ried Miss Sophia Kline, who died at seventy-five 
yeai ; the date of his death is not known. 

Abraham Kremer, Mrs. Derr's father, was born 
in 1 791, and grew to manhood in Union counts. 
He married Elizabeth Whittaker, who was born 
in 1 Soo, and died in December, 1 s 4 2 , and bis own 
death occurred in 1847. He was a Whig politic- 
ally, and both were devout members of the M. E. 
Church. Their children were: Mary Jane (widow 
of Joseph Derr), Frances widow of James S. 
Marsh, and lives in Philadelphia, Penn.i, Anna 
E. (the widow of Joseph Shriner, of Lewis- 
burg), William (died when two years and seven 
nths old), Julia M. widow of George Forrest, 
des in Philadelphia, Penn.), Joseph A. died 
in Lewisburg February 3, 1893, at the age of 
sixty-one years), John K. (the cashier of the 
Union National Bank of Lewisburg), and Margaret 
M . 1 died at an early .1. 



THOMPS* IN BAKER, A. M., promim nt 

mg the native sons of Union county, 
Penn., was born in Buffalo township, in 
[847, 'of German, Scotch-Irish, and French- 
Huguenot parentage. His a rs wen pio- 

rs in the settlement of Buffalo Valley, being 
Wendel Baker, born 1730, Henry Rockey, bom 
1744, John Pontius, born 17 iS, and John Thump- 
son, born 1720, all of whom lived and died in 
Buffalo Valley, Union county, Pennsylvania. 

J. Thompson Raker received his elementary 
education in the district schools of the neighbor- 
hood of his home, and completed his studies at 

.nell University, in Lewisburg. He purs 
his law studies in the office of Judge Bucher, was 
admitted to the Bar in 1870, and immediately 
entered upon the practice of his profession. He 
won a high place iii the legal world, and the 
faithful discharge of his duties, his fidelity to his 
clients, and his repudiation of unprincip 

I hods to win unjust causes, has given to him 
the true respect of his fellow citizens. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



811 



In 1874, Mr. Baker was united in marriage 
with Miss Margaret E. Bordner, and by this 
union he has five children — one son and four 
daughters: Frederick Thompson, Margaret Stuart, 
Katharine Pontius, Frances Moore and Mary 
Howard. Our subject has been closely identified 
with all the material interests of the county, and 
has contributed liberally of both his time 
and means to aid in its advancement. He 
is president of The Union National Bank of 
Lewisburg, Penn., the Lewisburg Water Com- 
pany, the Home Telephone Company, the trus- 
tees and corporation of Beaver Memorial M. E. 
Church, and, in fact, wherever and whenever any 
enterprise that tends to the benefit of the com- 
munity, is to be encouraged Mr. Baker is found 
to be actively engaged therein. He has also 
been instrumental in establishing a successful 
granite business in the State of Maine, and in 
founding and building the borough of Wildwood, 
New Jersey. 



m 



C. STEADMAN, M. D. The faithful 
physician has an unequaled opportunity 
for doing good, and only one who has stood by 
the open grave of such a one and witnessed the 
heartfelt mourning of the entire community gath- 
ered to pay their last tribute of respect and 
gratitude, can realize how strong has been his 
hold upon the affections of rich and poor, high 
and low, ignorant and learned, to whom in some 
trying moment his presence has brought relief 
and hope. 

The subject of this memoir, formerly a prom- 
inent physician and surgeon of Mifflinburg, Union 
county, was a man to whom professional fees were 
a secondary matter. To all his patients he was 
the same, answering with as much alacrity a call 
to the home of the poor and humble as to the 
wealthy and influential, and tending a stranger 
with the same kindly devotion that he gave to 
a neighbor. Wholly regardless of self, he often 
discharged the duties of nurse as well as those 
more strictly in the lines of his profession, his 
only thought being to serve and save others. 

It is most fitting and appropriate that the his- 
tory of this noble man, dearly beloved by the 
people of his day, should be kept in memory 
by the descendants of those among whom his 
life was spent, and for that reason the following 
brief record is inserted here. 

Dr. Steadman was born July 12, 1832, in 
Lewisburg, but his youth was mainly spent in 
Juniata county, Penn., where he obtained his 
literary education. His inclination for the med- 
ical profession was manifested at an early day, 



and as soon as prepared he entered the medical 
department of the University of Pennsylvania, 
where he was graduated in 1861. He then locat- 
ed at Buffalo Cross Roads, and August 2, 1862, 
was mustered into the army as assistant surgeon, 
87th P. V. I., was honorably discharged, Jan- 
uary 27, 1S64, for physical disabilities. After 
his return from the army he located in Mifflin- 
burg, of which place he was appointed post- 
master, January, 1868, holding this office until 
his death. May 22, 1876. 

His widow, Mrs. Julia Bound Steadman, still 
survives with two sons: William H., merchant 
and manufacturer, who married Miss Gertrude 
Moss, and resides in Mifflinburg; and Merrill Linn, 
a pharmacist, who is single. Those deceased are: 
Joseph Bound, Sarah McClellan and Franklin 
Bound, Mrs. Steadman, to whom the Doctor was 
married March 24, 1863, at Milton, Penn., is a na- 
tive of that town, born October 17, 1836. Her 
fine native abilities were developed by careful 
education, and the refinements of a cultured home 
made a lasting impression upon a nature admirably 
adapted to receive their subtle benefits. At the 
death of her husband she was appointed post- 
mistress of Mifflinburg, serving in that capacity 
until 1887. Her father, Joseph Bound, who was 
of English descent, was born in Chester county, 
Penn., but became a resident of Milton, where he 
engaged in mercantile business. He was a Pres- 
byterian in religion, an elder for forty-one years, 
an'd was said to be "the friend of everything 
good." He took an active part in local affairs, 
serving for some time as justice of the peace. 
His wife, Mary Ann Housel, died in 1869, at 
the age of sixty-nine. They had six children: 
Sarah Jane (deceased); Margaretta (deceased); 
William H., a physician, died in the Sandwich 
Islands; Franklin is a lawyer and ex-congress- 
man; Charles A. died in the early part of the 
war in the War Department; and Julia B. (Mrs. 
Steadman). 



P)ETER HAGENBUCH (deceased;. Al- 
though the subject of this brief memoir did 
not attain the limited age allotted to the average 
man, he left an enviable record, in which kindly 
thought for his fellows is clearly seen although 
it was expressed in helpful deeds rather than in 
words. As a citizen, a politician, and a man of 
affairs, he stood the peer of any in his section, 
but it was not in these phases of his well-rounded 
character that he will remain longest in the mem- 
ory and the affection of those who knew him 
best. Rather will he be recalled as the helper of 
the helpless, for though childless himself, he be- 



812 



COMME.VORA TlYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



came a father to those who had been bereft of 
ital care. 

Mr. Hagenbuch's ancestors were earl) 1 settlers 
in Berks county, Penn., his parents. Andrew and 
Mary (Weikel) Hagenbuch, both being natives 
ol that county. They came to Union county, 
thenColumbia county, shortly after their marria 
and located on a farm in East Buffalo township, 
where both died in 1863, at the age of seventy- 
six, the same illness affecting them, and the wife 
sun r husband but a few days. Of their 

four children none ard now living. Aaron was a 
farmer and banker in Michigan; Elizabeth ■■ 
the wife of Charles ck, whose death oc- 

curred a few months from her own. Peter, oui 
subject, was the third in order of birth; and 
Henry Lightstreet was a farmer in Columbia 
county. Penn., for many years, but at the ti 
of his death he had retired from active business. 

Mr. Hagenbuch was born in Union count) in 
iSji, and in earl] manhood engaged in agricult- 
ure and in speculating, his efforts in both lines 
being attended with success. His ability and 
nee made him a leader in local politics, 
and he was a valued adviser in the Republican 
organization. On Deci 1^50, he was 

rried at Berwick, Columbia county, Penn., to 
Miss Julia A. Landbach, and in 1854 they settled 
at the present homestead near West Milton, 
where a beautiful and commodious residence was 
built. 

Mr, 1 fagenbuch's death occurred in ( olumbia 
county in 1875, cutting short his useful life at 
the 1 itive early age of fifty-four. As has 

been said, he had no children of his own, but he 
and his kind-hearted wife took into their pleasant 
home seven children to rear and train for honor- 
isitions in life. One, Elmira A., died at 
the age of twelve years; | < ■ 1 1 1 1 Allward grew to 
manhood, married, and is now a t of 

Johnstown. Penn. ; Emma Ferguson married 
Henry Lewallen, and lives in the West; William 
Stutzman is married, but his present residence is 
not known, and his brother, Judson, who 

d for a time with Mr. and Mrs. Hagenbuch, 

red; I lai 1 \ Mi Call married, and now 

resides in St. Paul, Minn.; Isabella Whatmore 

iw the w ife of I hinist at 

Milton, Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Hagenbuch is a prominent member of 
the Presbyterian Church at Lewisburg, to which 
been a liberal contributor, and her gen- 
erosity 1^ 1 potent factor in many philanthropic 
enterprises. she was born on Briai en 
Columbia county, July 10. 1824, and was the 
only child of George B. and Elizabeth \\ 
Landbach, who were natives 1 if Lancaster Ci lunty, 



Penn. Her father was a well-known contractor 
and builder, and held a high place in business 
and social life, being identified with the best in- 
terests of his locality. He died in Columbia 
county in 1 831, at the age of forty, and the 
mother, who was never separated from her 
daughter, lived to the age of seventy-six, passing 
away in 1 



DANIEL R. SMITH, the popular and effi- 
nt treasurer of Union count}', was born 
in Hartley township. May t8, 1853, a son of 
J<.lm and Mary (Rockey) Smith, the former of 
whom was of the same nativity, born in 1809, 
and died in Hartley township, in 1889. He was 
a son of Leonard Smith, also a native of Union 
county, who married and reared a family of four 
sons and three daughters: John, Leonard, Peter, 
Jacob, Susanna (who became the wife of John 
Dii lil Mary 1 who wedded Jacob Weirick), and 
1 >i t -1 •> 1 wife of Jacob Shively), all now deceased. 
The entire family were devout Christians, mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. 

John Smith, the father of our subject, was a 
lifelong farmer, and passed his entire life in 
Hartlej township. By his wife Mary (Rocl 
he had a family of six children, as follows: Will- 
iam, who lost his life in front of Petersburg, 
having enlisted during the Civil war in Company 
E, 3 1 st P. V. I.: Isaiah, who also served in the 
51st Regiment, as a member of Company I, was 
taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, 
and died of starvation in Andersonville prison; 
Mary |ane, who married J. W. Showalter, a 
farmer of near Hartleton. Union county, and has 
six children — Newton. John, Daniel, William, 
Hannah and Esther; Samuel, who wedded Miss 
11 Knape, and took up farming in Centre 

nty, but lost his life February 17, 1SS0, 
through an attack made on him by a vicious cow 
he left a widow and one son); and Catherine 
and Daniel R. 1 twins), the former of whom mar- 
ried Isaac Walker, a farmer of Centre county, 
Penn., mar Tyrone, by whom she has eight 
sons. 

On the home farm Daniel R, Smith was 
reared to h industry and economy, at- 

ling during the winter seasons the common 

iols of the neighborhood. Building upon 
these good loundations, he made the best use of 
such opportunities as he could find for study, 
and himself to be an earnest, diligent 

and apt scholar. Thus qualifying himself, he at 
the age 1 >i se> enteen commenced teaching school, 
first in Centre county, later in Hartley town- 
ship, Union county — one term each ; after which, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



813 



with laudable ambition, he attended the Normal 
School at Shippensburg one term. Returning 
to his old home, he again took up the profession 
of teaching, and taught in Lewis township, 
Union county, three terms, atthe ending of which 
time, being desirous of further advancing his 
studies, he attended school at State College, 
Centre county, two terms. For two years 
thereafter he taught school in Buffalo and Kelly 
townships, Union county, some two years. 

In i S8 1 Mr. Smith engaged with a surveying 
party to locate the Northern Pacific railroad, 
crossing the Rocky Mountains between Bozeman, 
Mont., and Portland, Ore., Helena, Mont., being 
headquarters, and was thus employed one year, 
being associated in the exploit with "Buffalo 
Bill" and other early border celebrities. He 
then returned to Union county (having during his 
absence purchased the old farmstead near Laurel- 
ton), and in 1882 was appointed postmaster at 
Laurelton, in which village he established the 
first drug store, which he conducted some four 
years, when his stock was destroyed by fire. Mr. 
Smith's next employment was as traveling sales- 
man for Kline, Heitz & Co., of Millersburg, 
Penn. , manufacturers of carpets, rugs, etc., and 
in that capacity he remained two years; then en- 
gaged with S. Lynd Fox, a grocery man of Phil- 
adelphia, continuing with him some three years, 
in all of which positions he earned for himself a 
well-merited confidence. 

On February 15, 1896, he was nominated on 
the Republican ticket for treasurer of Union 
county, and in the fall of the same year, on No- 
vember 6, he was elected by the flattering ma- 
jority of 1,064 votes, defeating a candidate who 
had been solidly endorsed at the Democratic 
convention. On January 7, 1897, Mr. Smith 
took charge of the office, and it is unnecessary to 
add that his short term therein has already 
strengthened his unquestioned popularity through- 
out his native county. He is an active worker, 
doing his duty to his constituents in a manner 
that has won him both applause and honor. 

On September 12, 1S83. Mr. Smith was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Fannie Kate Barnitz, 
daughter of Rev. A. M. and Sarah Barnitz, and 
three children — two daughters and one son — 
have come to gladden their home: Nellie, Annie 
and McClain. In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith hold membership with the M. E. Church, 
with which denomination he identified himself 
when eighteen years of age. Socially, he affili- 
ates with the Royal Arcanum and P. O. S. of 
A., of which latter he was, in 1895, appointed 
district president. In 1895, by special appoint- 
ment of Gov. Hastings, he was made one of a 



committee of ten to investigate all the public 
institutions of refuge throughout the State, for 
the purpose of ascertaining the exact number of 
linns quartered in such institutions, and which 
investigation resulted in the passage of the 
"Alien Bill," which provides for the removal 
from the public institutions of Pennsylvania all 
unnaturalized foreigners to the States and coun- 
tries from whence they came. This measure 
will result in a saving of over one million dollars 
per year to the Commonwealth. 

Mr. Smith is the owner of the old Smith 
homestead in Hartley township, embodying 181 
acres of highly-improved land, and considered 
one of the finest and most fertile farms in Union 
county, in addition to which he owns valuable 
property in Laurelton. He is one of the most 
popular men in the county, strong in his polit- 
ical party, and the longer he is known the more 
he is esteemed, respected and admired. In the 
heyday of mature manhood, possessed of a host 
of friends and a deserved prosperity, he is as- 
suredly a man to be contented and to be envied. 



HARRISON HAFER. Among the pleasantest 
rural homes of this section is that of Mr. 
and Mrs. Harrison Hafer, of Kelly township, 
Union county, the culture and artistic taste of its 
occupants being reflected in its appointments, 
while a gracious hospitality adds a charm to its 
material comforts. Mr. Hafer is a veteran of 
the Civil war, and bears an honorable record for 
brave service in the cause of freedom and union, 
and in the paths of peace he has also won an en- 
viable reputation through the sterling qualities 
which go to the making of a good citizen. 

The Hafer family has been identified with 
Union county since 1806, when our subject's 
grandparents, Michael Hafer and wife, came 
from Berks county, Penn., and located upon the 
Henning farm near Lewisburg, the grandfather 
following agricultural pursuits. Later they set- 
tled in Buffalo township, near Lochiel, but their 
last years were spent upon a farm in Kelly town- 
ship. Their remains now repose in the burial 
ground at Driesbach Church. 

Jacob Hafer, the father of our subject, was 
born in Berks county, and accompanied his par- 
ents to their new home, where he spent his life, 
engaging in farming as an occupation, and also, 
to some extent, in weaving. In politics he was a 
Republican, and for many years he served as con- 
stable in his township. He was married in 
Union county to Miss Rebecca Gilbert, daughter 
of Henry Gilbert, and a native of Schuylkill 
county, where his parents were both born and 






MORATIVE BlotSRM'lIK AL UECOUD. 



where they passed their lives with the exception 

few years in Union county in early d 
Jacob Hater and his wife wi .t Lutherans 

■ ! died in that faith, the former in 1874, .it the 
oty-nine years and four months, and 
the latter in 1 885, aged eighty-four. 

They had twelve children, nine of whom lived 
to maturity: 1 William, who died in r88i, was 
.1 physician .it Marshallville, Ga. He had two 
children, one ol whom, Herbert, is living. 
Hi nry, a n tired agriculturist residing near Kelly 
3, Union county, was born March 30, 
iwnship, of the same county. 
11 is 1 well-known Republican, ami a prominent 
membei of the Lutheran Church. On December 
1;. [850, he was married to Miss Mary Yost, a 
1 German descent, and a daughter of 
Michael Yo irthumberland county, Penn. 

Three children were born to them: a William 
1 a farmer bj ition, married Elizabeth 

lv nn< i. and has five children, (b Levi F. rriar- 
herman, and has had tw 
Amnion E. died January 28, 1886, and his 
remains rest in White 1' ry. 3) | 

ised, was a soldier in the Civil w 
ipation he was a farmer, and the greater 
life was -pent in Michigan. 
H>- left a family, all of whom reside in Michigan 
1 daughter, who married Paterson Meix- 
ell, son of Martin Meixell. and lives in Kan- 
41 Andrew was married in Buffalo. N. Y., 
to Miss Nancy Barnhart, of Union county, Penn., 
and settled in Ouray county, Colo., where h 
now engaged in agriculture. He was formerly 
inti ■ . the mining of gold and silver, be- 

longing I Ithy syn in New 

^ :k as the Colorado Mining & Land Company, 
winch opened a number of mines at a 

000 Andrew 11. iter and two men by the 
name <■( Mclntyre, brothers, who were also mi 
bers impany, sold their prior individual 

interests in the mines to the compan 
000, tal. k in the tion in paymi 

Henry Hater, mentioned above, als ted 

heavily, but later ti any became embar- 

ind the entire property was sold for $15,- 
000. th( \. J. S. Buell, of New York City, 

eth died at the 
nd the next three in 
der of birth died in infant \ 
sen ier in the "late unpleasantni 

has been for some time engaged in teaming in 
Lewisburg, but was formerl) a farmer. He 
married tfirst' Miss Matilda Noll, and (second) 
Miss Mary Kinmv By the first marriage there 
wet' bildren: Jacob, Samuel. Margaret, 

Iwin. 1 10) Jonas, a farmer in Kelly 



township, Union county, married (first) Miss Mary 
Hollenbach, and (second) Laura Gusler, and has 

hail two children: Isaac and Anna. Isaac, a 
farmer in Kansas, married Miss Jane Lisenhauer. 
ill! Harrison is mentioned more fully below. 
a married William Kauch, of White 
Deer township. Union county, who is engaged in 
farming, ami. in partnership with his brother 
Peter, carries on a large milling business. 

The birth ot Harrison Hater, our subject, 
curred |anuary 27, 1841, in Kelly township, 
Union county, and his youth was passed in the 
wholesome surroundings of farm life. Whih 
sisting his father on the farm he learned the 

per's trade, but the outbreak of the war 
caused him to forego his plans for business life, 
and offer his services to his country. August 6, 

p2, he enlisted in Company A. 1 ;t-t P. V. I., 
under Capt. J. R. Orwig. with the rank of fourth 

poral. He was mustered out May 23, 1 
but re-enlisted in Company I. [92nd P. V. I . 
and served until the close of the war, receiving 
his final discharge in August, 1865. Among the 
important engagements through which he passed 
were the battles of Antietam. September 1,". 1 
and Fredericksburg, and the live-days' stru. 
at Chancellorsville, beginning May 1, 1863. On 
bis return 1; again engaged in farm work 

with his father, but in the spring of 1 867 he 
rented a farm and began work on his own ac- 
.nt. In 1875 hi' purchased a place in Kelly 
township, which he still owns and now re- 
there. In 1879 he removed to Northumberland 
county, but after thn returned to his old 

farm, where he remained until his removal, in 

2, to his present home in the same township. 

Kelly Point. Alwaysan industrious worker 

and thrifty manager. Mr. Hafer d his suc- 

He is a stanch Republican, and an active 



member of the Grand Army Post No. 



of 



Lewisburg. 



He and his amiable wife are both 
connected with the Reformed Church. 

Mr. Hafer has been twic d. His first 

i Gi ive, to whom be was united 

in 1 laughter of Abraham and Susanna 

Leiser) Grove, well-known I Kelly 

nship, Union county. She passed to the un- 

tv 22, [875, aged thirty ye 

eight months and eleven days, leaving twodaugh- 

S irah, now the wife of : Smith, a 

farmer in Kelly township; and Susanna M.. who 

married John \Y Crisswell, a carpenter in the 

same locality On December 28, 1876, Mr. 

Hafer was married to his present wi: 

Mary C. Hottenstein, and three children — Lettie 

V., Rebecca E and Frances C. — brighten their 

home. 



COil SI ESI') HA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 






Mrs. Hafer was born January 9, 1849, > n 
Northumberland county, Penn., a daughter of 
Hon. Charles C. Hottenstein, and a granddaugh- 
ter of Henry and Catherine 1 Spohn, Hottenstein. 
of Berks county. Mrs. Hafer's father, who died 
March 8, 1 891 , at the age of seventy-nine, was 
a man of great ability, and held a prominent 
place in public life. He was a native of Berks 
county, Penn.. where he married Miss Veron 
Kaufman, daughter of Daniel and Mary D. 
(Whitenheimer) Kauffman, both lifelong resi- 
dents of the same county, where Mr. Kaufman 
was a leading agricultur; 

Soon after their marriage, Mr. Hafer's par- 
ents moved to a farm in Northumberland county 
and established their home. Mr. Hottenstein 
followed surveying as an occupation, and his su- 
perior judgment in affairs was recognized by his 
fellow citizens in many ways. For about thirty 
years he held the office of justice of the peace, in 
which he was serving at the time of his death. 
He was a delegate to the National Democratic 
Convention, at Charleston, S. C, in i860, and 
represented his county in the State Legislature 
in 1859. His wife died in May, 1877, at the age 
of fifty-seven years and fifteen <i? 

They had the following children: Allen S., 
an attorney at Milton. Penn.; Henry K.. a re- 
tired farmer residing in Northumberland county; 
Daniel, a resident of Paradise, Northumberland 
county, who was appointed at his father's death 
by Gov. Pattison, to fill the unexpired term 
justice of the peace, and has since retained that 
office by the election of the people; Mars' C, 
Mrs. Hafer; Sarah E., deceased, formerly the 
wife of Jacob K. Stahl. who is mentioned farther 
on; Susannah E., who married Thomas Long, 
the proprietor of a sawmill at Williamsport, 
Penn.; Clara V., wife of Daniel Raup, of North- 
umberland county: Abraham C. and William P.. 
farmers in the same county: and Clarissa and 
Catherine, who died in their youth. 

Jacob K. Stahl, a brother-in-law of 
Hafer, was for many years a successful farmer in 
Kelly township. Union county, and is now living 
retired at Mazeppa. While there eral 

families of the name in the county, the branch to 
which he belongs was the first to be represented 
in Kelly township, his grandfather, Adam Stahl. 
coming from Schuylkill county, Penn , about 
1820, and making his permanent home upon a 
farm. He was a prosperous citizen, influential 
in local affairs, and standing high in the esteem 
of his neighbors. He had eleven children, among 
whom were seven stalwart sons, each over six 
feet tall. 

John Stahl, the father of the gentleman men- 



tioned, was a man of note in his locality, and, 
although he attended school but very little, about 
four months in all, he acquired through his own 
efforts a fair education. His skill in mechanics 

•tinted to positive genius, an examination of a 
piece of machinery enabling him to duplicate it. 
He received some regular training as a carpenter, 
but did not complete a term of apprenticeship, 
and he was equally competent as a worker in iron 
with no special instruction. In the shop which 
he built upon his farm he made wagons, drills 
and various kinds of tools, and did all his own 
,1 and iron. His robust constitution 
was equal to severe and long continued toil, and 
and until the hour of his death, from heart dis- 
ease, he was actively engaged in business and 
other cares. A deep thinker, he was not much 

■n to talking, and in the management of busi- 
he displayed the rar tive ability which 

keeps others employed without friction or ; 
plexing complications. He made his home 
throughout life upon the farm where he was born, 
from which he was seldom absent except when 
business called him. In politics he was a Re- 
publican, but while he attended elections regu- 
larly, he never sought office, his quiet disposition 
finding private life more congenial. He was a 
leading member of the Lutheran Church in his 
locality. At his death, which occurred February 
16. 1884, a large estate was left, including four 
farms and considerable cash. His first wife, for- 
merly Miss Catherine Kauffman, to whom he was 
united in the latter 40s. was a native of Buffalo 
township, and a daughter of Jacob Kauffman. a 
well-known citizen. She was a devout Christian 
and a member of the Reformed Church. On Oc- 
tober 18, 1850, she passed to the better world, 
leaving one son, Jacob K. Stahl. By a second 
marriage, this time with Miss Amelia Kauffman, 
there was also one son. Aaron O, born Decem- 
ber 10. 1856. now a resident of Buff a! 
ship. Union county. Mrs. Amelia Stahl, who 

ies with her son, was a native of Buffalo 

nship. born in December, 18 16. Her fat: 
John Kauffman, was born in Berk 
July 11. 1764. and her mother. Catherine Wan- 
wilier, also a native of that county, was born in 
Ole township. December 26. 1772. They reared 
a familv a daughters. 



HON. JACOB HOWEF: 
ing city >burg. Union county, is one 

of the successful business men of that local 
having been for many years a leading furniture 
dealer and undertaker. He served with distinc- 
tion in the Civil war. entering Company A. 1 3 



B16 



( OMMBMORATIVE BIOGUM'IW AI. RECORD. 



P. V. I. on August 6, 1862. At the expiration 
lis term in fune, [863, here-enlisted in Com- 
panj F, 1 25th P. V. I., and remained 1 m dul 

long as hostilities lasted, receiving his disch; 
Ma) -?. 1865. He took part in a nui 
important battli I cksburg, Chancellors- 

ville, and otl I was promoted for bra\ 

to the rank of first sergeant. 

Mayor I lower w Decen s 4' • 

in Hartley township, I >unty, where his 

grandfather, Gi >rgi II >wer, settled at an earl}' 

day upon a [arm where he lived to the ripe old 

eighty-three. The family is of German 

[in, and it is probable that George Hower was 
a native of the Fatherland, but he had resided 
for some time in Berks county, Penn., before 
coming to this section. His children were John, 
George, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Cathi 
whom the only survivor is Samuel. 

The late J >lm Hower, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born fune 13, 1806, and passed his life 
m Union counts in agricultural pursuits, his 
death occurring September 25, 1892. His wife, 

anah Spigelmyer, was born January 23, 1810, 
and died March 27, 1880. They had nine chil- 
eased; Mary, who has never 
married, resides in Kansas; John, who resides in 
Michigan; Catherine, Mrs. Henry Catherman; 
1 resident of Kansas; Elizabeth, wife of 
Henry Huffman, of Hartleton, Penn. ; Jacob, our 
subject; Susan, now Mrs. Cox, of Kansas; and 
Henry, who lives in Oklahoma. 

The schools of his Dative township] 
Ma. r with an education of which his 

tical mind has made good use as a founda- 
observation and reading. At an early 
age he learned the business of cabinet making 
and undertaking, but his military service in the 
defense of his country interfered for a time with 
his business career. On his return from the 
army he established himself in Lewisburg where 
In- speedily gained a large trade, ami an honor- 
able standing. As a funeral director he per- 
forms his delicate and important duties with rare 
tact and discretion. 

In 1866 oiu was married to Miss Jen- 

nie Lerkley, a native of I.' wisburg, born January 
15, 1 84 1, and five children have blessed the 
union: Margaret was married to C. E. Stein, of 
Lewisbur-; F. A. is a resident of Chicago, 111.; 
C. W., now in business with his fathei al I ■ wis- 
burg; Warren E., a trawling salesman, is a resi- 
dent of Lewisburg; and Nellie E., who is attend- 
ing school. 

In 1894 the people of Lewisburg chose Mr. 
Hower as their first burgess under the new law, 
and his administration has full}' justified their 



confidence. Mayor Hower is prominent in all 
local movements, and is identified, socially, with 
the <■ A. R., and the I. O. O. F.; he has 1 
treasurer of the latter organization for twenty- 
tlm He is a member of the Encamp- 

r. and has passed through all the chairs. 



W1LLARD ' >. SHAFFER, who is now 
his fifth consecutive term as pro- 
thonotary of Union county, is deservedly popu- 
lar, few men in any public position display 
the unwearying devotion to duty which has char- 
his official life. 

Mr. Shaffer, unlike many of his fellow work- 
ers in the county administration, is a native of 
Lewisburg, where he was born March 18, 1847. 
His paternal grandfather, David Shaffer, a native 

Northampton county, settled in Union coun- 
ty in early manhood, and became a well-known 
farmer of •• ye olden time." Daniel Shaffer, the 
father of our subject, was born in Union county, 
Februarv ;. [821, and was a prominent resident 
of Lewisburg, where for many years he had been 

iged in business as a marble dealer. II 
died January 5. 1897. He was married in 1 
to Miss Mary Ogden, a native of Northumber- 
land county, born August 15, 1824, and they 
passed more than half a century in loving union. 
Our subject is the elder of two sons: C. F. 
Shaffer, the younger, is also in the public serv- 
ice as deputy prothonotary of the county, which 
office he has filled for twenty-one years. 

The schools of Lewisburg provided our sub- 
ject with excellent educational advantages which 
he was not slow to improve, and in 1872 he 
was graduated from Bucknell College. He 

ght for one term in the academy at Mc- 
Ewensville, Penn., and then returned to Lewis- 
burg and began the study of law. On being ad- 
mitted to the T>ar in [875, he engaged in prac- 
tice, but since 1883, when he was first elected to 
the office of prothonotary, his time has been 
fully taken up with the responsible duties of that 
post. He is a director of the Home Telephone 

npany, a director in the Lewisburg National 

k, and is active in the promotion of various 
movements which are beneficial to the commu- 
nity. Since 1882 he has been a member of the 
Fire Department, and is treasurer of the organiza- 
tion. 

In 188C Mr. Shaffer married Miss Anna 

Srhreyer, a native of Lewisburg, born August 6, 

1, and three children — Harold A., Mildred J. 

and Helen L. — brighten their home. Mr. and 

Mrs. Shaffer are prominent socially, and are 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



817 



leading members of the Presbyterian Church, 
Mrs. Shaffer being an active worker in the Mis- 
sionary Society. 



FREDERIC EVANS BOWER, attorney at 
law, Lewisburgh, Union county, and Mid- 
dleburgh, Snyder county, was born January 21, 
1846, in Selins Grove, Snyder county (then a 
part of Union county), Penn., where his father, 
Hon. Thomas Bower, was then engaged in the 
mercantile business. 

On his father's side our subject is of German, 
Scotch and Welsh descent. His paternal grand- 
father, Philip Bower, came to America with his 
brother Lewis at an early day, a German emi- 
grant. After landing, the brothers " hired out," 
not improbably at farm labor, to pay their pass- 
age across the seas. Having faithfully performed 
their contract of service, they enlisted in the 
American army during the Revolutionary war, 
served their adopted country as faithfully as they 
had their employer, and were honorably dis- 
charged at Philadelphia. Their company and 
regiment have not yet been traced, but a grand- 
son of Philip, Rev. Frederick Bower, a retired 
Baptist minister, now nearly eighty years of age, 
has frequently donned the " roundabout" worn 
by Caspar while in the service. 

Lewis remained in Philadelphia, acquiring 
considerable real estate, part, at least, on Walnut 
street. So far as known, he never married. 

Philip came up the Susquehanna and located 
in the neighborhood of Sunbury, at Shamokin 
Dam, where some of his descendants still reside. 
He married and became the father of several 
children, among them being John Bower, a man 
of great energy and thrift. He served a term of 
three years as one of the commissioners of Union 
county. His wife, a Miss Barton, was a lady 
of Scotch and Welsh extraction, by whom he 
had sons and daughters as follows: Thomas 
Bower (who died November 3, 1893), the father 
of Frederic E. Bower; William Bower, who 
died while a young man; Dr. Charles Bower, 
who was assistant-surgeon during the Mexican 
war, also brigade-surgeon during the Civil war, 
and who died in 1867; Rev. Frederick Bower, 
still surviving; Sabra, married to the late Dr. 
Baird, of Huntingdon county; and Harriet, mar- 
ried to the late Maj. John Cummings, of Selins 
Grove. Both the sisters are deceased. Thom- 
as Bower was a man of intelligence and high 
character, well known, personally and polit- 
ically, throughout Snyder and Union counties. 
When nineteen years of age he served as deputy 
sheriff of Union county, during the official term 

52* 



of Maj. John Cummings. He was elected to the 
Pennsylvania Legislature at the general election 
of 1856, in the district composed of the coun- 
ties of Union, Snyder and Juniata, over a large 
adverse majority. While in the House he was 
Chairman of the Committee on Currency and 
Banking, and as such favored the granting of a 
charter to the State Bank at Lewisburgh, which 
practically became the predecessor of the present 
Lewisburg National Bank. From 1866 to 1870 
he was deputy assessor of Internal Revenue, for 
the County of Snyder, Pennsylvania. 

Hon. Thomas Bower married Miss Catharine 
Kremer, daughter of the Hon. George Kremer, 
a man of powerful memory, a constant reader of 
the best literature of his day, a fluent speaker, 
and, withal, of superior business qualifications, 
and of the highest standing in the community. He 
was born November 21, 1775. His father, Jacob 
Kremer, was a half brother of Gov. Simon Sny- 
der, and came from the Palatinate in his child- 
hood, with his parents, the father dying on the 
passage. His mother, Eliza (Fleming) Kremer, 
was of Irish parentage. Mr. Kremer was, from 
early youth until well past middle age, engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, residing for many years at 
Lewisburgh, Penn. He represented his District in 
Congress during the memorable contest for the 
Presidency of the United States before the Na- 
tional House of Representatives between Gen. 
Jackson, Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams, in 
which contest he was a prominent and ardent 
friend of Jackson's. His old age was spent at 
his hospitable mansion near Middleburgh, Penn. 
On her mother's side Mrs. Bower descended by 
two strains from Roger North, an emigrant from 
Ireland, of high family standing in his native 
land, of English origin, a lieutenant in the Pro- 
vincial service of 1748, and the father of thirteen 
children — eight sons and five daughters. Accord- 
ing to family tradition, the eight brothers all 
served in the American army during the Revo- 
lution, and recent searches of historical records 
have already confirmed this tradition as to five 
of these brothers. One of them, Caleb, who 
died November 7, i860, aged eighty-seven years, 
held the rank of colonel in the Pennsylvania 
Line, was the last field officer of the Revolution- 
ary army, and was president of the Pennsylvania 
Society of the Cincinnati. 

Elizabeth North, one of the daughters, mar- 
ried George Evans, Jr., of Welsh lineage, and 
became the mother of Captain Frederick Evans 
(born March 30, 1766, died December 16, 1844), 
who was deputy surveyor-general for Northum- 
berland county, Penn., and surveyed thousands 
of acres of wild land for applicants in the central 



M.« 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RE'VRD. 



part of the State. He was also captain of an 
artillery company in the wai ol 1812, and engaged 
in the defence of Fort Mc Henry, Baltimore, dur- 
ing its bombardment by the British. Capt. I 

. on April 2, 1791, married his cousin, Ann 
North, daughter of John North, one of the eight 
brothers already referred to, and one of the hve 
whose Revolutionary records bavi been found. 
These two, on his mother's side, were the great- 
grandparents of Frederic Evans Bower, who v 
named after his great-grandfather. 

Mr. Bower, our subject, was educated at the 
University at Lewisburg, Penn. (now Bucknell 
University), when he graduated with credit in 
1869 ll< studied law in the office of Hon. John 
1' 1 ronmiller, at Middleburgh, Penn., and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in May, 1878. In 1882 he 
was elected district attorney of Snyder county 
for a term of three years, and re-elected in 1885. 
both times by good-sized majorities in the face 
of a large adverse party majority. He is Secre- 
tary of the Board of Examiners for admission to 
the Bar ol Snyder County, and is a member of 
the Committee on Legal Biography of the Penn- 
sylvania State Har Association. 

Mr. Bower is an active, energetic practitioner, 
nil since his admission has been concerned in a 
large proportion of the most important Civil and 
Criminal cases tried in Snyder county. In (893 
In moved his residence to Lewisburgh, Penn., I 1 
educational purposes, where he has since opened 

office, retaining also his Middleburgh office. 
He has been prominent politically as well as 
professionally, giving active support to the Dem- 
ocratic part) and its candidates until the Presi- 
dential election of 1896, when the party went 
estrayonthe " free-silver issue, " and he thereupon 
refused to support the platform or the candidal 
Mr. Bower is one of the Directors in the First 
National Bank ol Middleburgh, Pennsylvania. 

He was a member of Compan) A. 28th Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, in [863, dur- 
ing the war ol the Rebellion, and is a member of 
Andrew ( rregg Tinker Pi >st No. 52, at Lewisburgh, 
Penn. He is also a member ol the Masonic Lodge 
of Selins Grove, Penn. , and a pa I 1 by serv- 

ice Mr Bower has brothers now living as follows: 
Charles 1 , a prominent physician of Elkhart. Ind ; 
William H., of Cumberland, Md . assistant general 
managi r 1 if the W esl \ S Pitts- 

burgh Railroad Compan) ; and Edwin, chief clerk 
in the offi e ol the Philadelpl ( rie Railroad 

Companj al Ren vo, Penn. Besides these he 
had a brothei , Gei >i ge Kreim 1 B r, an ensign 
in the United States Navy, who was lost on the 
"Oneida " in Yokohama Bay, fanuary 24, 1870, 
through the collision of that vessel with the Brit- 



ish ironclad "Bombay;" and one sister, Flor- 
ence, who died while in attendance at school at 
the University Female Institute, at Lewisburgh, 
in 1868. 

Mr. Bower, on March 31, 1875, married Miss 
Harriet K. Harris, of Indiana county, Penn., a 
sister of Rev. John Howard Harris, LL. D., 
president of Bucknell University. They have 
eight children — five sons and three daughters. 
Their eldest son, II. Harris Bower, graduated at 
knell University in [896, and has since been 
engaged in teaching and in the study of the law. 
The second son, Bryant E., is a member of Corn- 
pan}- A, 1 2th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunl 
Infantry, in the Spanish-American war. Their 
eldest daughter, Catharine Ruth, recently grad- 
uated from the classical department of the Sem- 
inary of Bucknell University. Their other chil- 
dren are attending school or college. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Bower, with their entire family, except 
the youngest, are members of the Lewisburgh 
Baptist Church. 



^EIT.R BROWN, a successful agriculturist 
[[ and business man of East Buffalo township, 
Union county, is the owner of a valuable farm 
near Lewisburg, and in its management much of 
his time is spent. Although the snows of sev- 
enty winters have passed over his head, time has 
dealt gently with him, and mentally and physic- 
ally he is as vigorous as many men who are much 
youngei . 

His family is well known in Union count), its 
founder, John Brown, our subject's grandfather, 
having settled there at an early day. His early 
home was in Schuylkill county, Penn., on Sw 
Arrow creek, and his son Christian, the father of 
our subject, was born there, the removal to Union 
county taking place a few years later. 

Christian Brown began farming in a humble 
way with thirty acres of land, but later he re- 
ceived a few acres from his father's estate. He 
was at one time engaged in distilling whiskey, 
and by industry and judicious management he 
secured a fine property. He was a stout man. 
with large fists, but was not quarrelsome. Polit- 
ically he was a Whig, and later a Republican, 
and he took an active part in all progressive 
movements in his locality, contributing gener- 
ously to the Church ol which he was a member. 
He was married in Union count) to Miss Eliza- 
beth Wolfe, a daughter of Peter Wolfe, and a 
member of a prominent family. She died at the 
age of sixty-eight, and he followed her at seventy- 
six years ol agi . both being interred in the Dreis- 
bach cemetery. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



819 



Our subject, who was the only child of his 
parents, was born on the old homestead, August 
8, 1826. He attended different schools in the 
neighborhood during his youth, the Pike schools, 
Gundy school and Shrock school furnishing him 
his chief educational advantages. As a farmer's 
son he became well acquainted with all kinds of 
agricultural work, but he never learned a trade, 
the management of the homestead devolving 
upon him as he grew to manhood. The distill- 
ery was abandoned while he was still a young 
boy. During the life of his parents he remained 
at the farm, but since their death he has made 
his home in Smoketown, while still continuing to 
oversee his estate, which he rents to other par- 
ties. 

Inheriting a fair fortune, Mr. Brown has added 
to it by wise investments, and is doubtless one 
of the wealthiest men in the county, being ex- 
tensively engaged in loaning money at interest. 
His dealings are marked by strict honesty, and 
the better one knows him the more he is esteemed. 
He is of a retiring disposition, never much away 
from home, and seldom conversing to any extent 
with his acquaintances, and, despite his wealth, 
his expenditures for personal comfort are very 
small. A kindly heart beats under the rough 
exterior, however, and- he is credited with gen- 
erous sympathy for the needy. In his business 
he never was known to foreclose if a debtor 
seemed in the least inclined to help himself, and, 
although unmarried and childless, he favors the 
best schools obtainable for the children of his 
district, and cheerfully pays enlarged taxes to 
secure better educational privileges for them. 

Politically he is a Republican, and in early 
years he was a Whig, but, while as an individual 
he supports his principles steadfastly, he has 
never taken an active share in party management 
or sought official distinction. 



JOHN LILLEY. Among the skilled artisans 
whose work in the material development of 
this section will furnish an enduring monu- 
ment to them, is the well-known iron-molder, 
John Lilley, of Lewisburg, who is now, at the 
age of seventy-six, enjoying the leisure which a 
life of industry and thrift has gained. Mr. Lil- 
ley was born in Robinson township, Berks Co., 
Penn., April 14, 1821, the son of John and 
Sarah (Almond) Lilley, and grandson of Walter 
Lilley and his wife (who was a member of the 
old Depew family). 

The father of Mr. Lilley, who was a suc- 
cessful molder, died in Pottsville, Penn., in 1858, 
at the age of sixty-four, from the effects of a 



rupture, while on a visit, and his remains were 
interred there. He was a native of Berks coun- 
ty, as was his wife, whose parents, George and 
Mary (Mingus) Almond, were born in America of 
German ancestry. She died in 1872, aged sev- 
enty-nine years, eleven months and twenty- 
eight days. Our subject is now the only sur- 
viving member of a family of seven children, 
namely: Elizabeth, widow of the late Thomas 
Fair; Samuel; Anna, who married Peter Cox, 
now deceased; John; Henry; Caroline, widow of 
the late Henry Green; and Sarah J., wife of H. 
Worthington, also deceased. 

John Lilley's aptitude for mechanial work 
was displayed at a remarkably early age. When 
only twelve years old he would prepare the 
molds for a tin-plate cook stove in a day, but, 
as he was not then permitted to handle the 
hot iron, his father would do the casting in the 
evening. At fifteen he was fully competent to 
take a place in the molding room, and do a full 
day's work. Until the age of twenty he re- 
mained with his parents, then started to make 
his own way in the world. 

On February 23, 1840, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah Heckman, the daughter of 
John J. Heckman, a native of Berks county, 
Penn.. where Mrs. Lilley was born December 
22, 18 19. Mr. Lilley's financial outlook was 
dark at the time of his marriage, times being very 
hard; so hard that between 1838 and 1840 he 
received $1 per day instead of $1.30, as before, 
and, in fact, he was glad to get work at any 
price. He and his devoted wife kept in good 
cheer, however, sustained by their mutual af- 
fection. 

In 1853 Mr. Lilley formed a partnership with 
Henry Frick in a foundry business at Lewis- 
burg, the firm continuing until 1857, when the 
plant was sold at a loss of $4,000. Mr. Lilley 
resumed his work as a molder, which he followed 
seven years, but in 1864 he entered the employ 
of James S. Marsh, with whom he spent four- 
teen years selling agricultural implements. From 
1878 to 1890 he was engaged in molding, his 
last work of that kind being done on the last 
three spans of the Lewisburg bridge. In 1890 
he retired from business, and has since been ex- 
empt from the cares which for so many years 
occupied his time. 

His faithful wife passed away on April 1, 
1892, and of their six children, one has been 
taken away. Samuel, the eldest, is a well-to- 
do farmer in Dakota; Sarah J. married A. M. 
Pearce, a retired farmer now living in Lewis- 
burg; Alford, a plasterer, resides in Fremont, 
Ohio; Mary E., widow of Amos Powman, lives 



820 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



at Linntown, Penn. ; Henry, deceased, was a 
shoemaker at Lewisburg, where his son Walter 
P. is now a successful business man; and John 
- a fanner in Union county. 

Mr. Lill rvedly popular ai lg a 

:e circle ol acquaintances, his genial nature 

ment making an attractive com- 

y, he is a Republican, and in 

relig th is a Lutheran. He formerly be- 

I the United 
Or<1 American Mechanics, but withdrew 



GU.YIX MOHN, M. D. To the 
ifessiona man whose suc- 

has ac- 
quired a high reputation in his ch< mg, 
and whi the result 
i irrepn fe than i I natural 
i I tinctivel) efer- 
his life-work, yet 1>> 
eai nest ap| s; but it 
nly when natural pled with pr per 
ambition to nything like eminence 
n any V I >r. Mohn has not 

i inks 
it also stands high in 
business and I 

A Ivania, having been 

Ma) 24 • county, oni- 

on both sill fam- 

ilies prominent among I ite. 

grandfather, was the 

thii : Ludwi n, who was born in 

I i ■ man) , w he emi- 

I ■ near whi I Read- 

ing now stands. 1' t( 1 Mohn died in that county 

hn Mohi Di Mi bn 

ptembei inn,, 

and pard, of 

unty, horn May 15. 1793. Here their 

six children were horn, as follows: 

■ 
S illie, whi 1 mai 
Noah 1 

P i ! M irkle; Amelia, « il ulp; 

d |ohn, who is th nily now 

livii I will 1 n. In 1 

ither John M ihn ' w ith his family 

1 now Snydei 1 coun- 

of Ins days there, dying 

March -, 1 His w ife passed 

from plai '■ ust 29, 1 

n Mohn, the lather of our subject, was 



born in 1831, in Berks county, Penn., ami, as 
will be seen, was about five years old when the 
family moved to what is now Snyder county, 
For a time he followed carpentry, but later has 
devi 'ted his time and attention mainly t( 1 the saw- 
mill business. As one of the leading Republicans 
of the community in which he lives, he has tilled 
various public offices in Snyder county, such as 
constable of his township some eighteen years, 
and for a time was county c nissioner of Sny- 
der county. In religious faith he is a Lutheran. 
In 1852 he married Mi-s Barbara Stine.wbowas 
born in Snyder county, Penn., in 1829, and tl 
became the parents of the following children: 
Alice, now the wife of William Hart man, of Cen- 
treville; Henry, who is in business with his 
ther; George C. , the sul>ieet proper I this re- 
view; Charle luate of the College oi Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons, of Baltimore, Md., and who 
is now successfully engaged in practice at |ei 
Shore, Penn. ; John E . 1 graduati of the Phila- 

phia toll, gi ol Pharmacy, and now the ownei 
of two drug stores at Jerse) Shore; William, who 
is in business with his father at Centreville; James 
O., a physician of Si M try's. Elk Co . Penn . 
who graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 

14; and Thomas E., a railroad agent at Munc) 
Valley, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. George C. Mohn received his earliei 

cati otreville and Selins (ir"\<. Snyder 

Co., Penn., and completed his literary studies at 

Valparaiso, Ind., after which he taught school 

(or three winters After reading medicine for a 

time at Centreville he entered the Collegi 

Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., 

luating there with the class of '82, and on 

the 13th o| April, same year, h<- commenced the 

practice of his chosen 1 a at 1 turelton, 

Union county, where his abi m won him 

and wheie hi has built up lor him- 

sell an enviable record as an eminently succ. 

fill 1 11. Poss' I a kindly and sym- 

nature, a keen sense 1 'l discrimination, 

itural taste for the various bran the 

ion, coupled with quick intuif 

and mate skill, hi I p pulai it\ 

to his many friends. I < ir about 

eighl years tin D01 toi was also I in the 

dm. ; Laurelton, anil, being a man of 

irdinary business acumen. 1 

ipital. Desiring t" 

I hi-- business relations and possibilities, he, 

in member of the I turelton 

I. umbei 1 ■ which he 1- 1 sid< nt, and 

win rn is now remarkable for having at 

its head threi ol the n g )"illlf; 

men mI the county. He i-~ also 1 lar^e stock- 



. 





COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



821 



holder in and a director of the Linden Hall Lum- 
ber Co., of Linden Hall, Penn., of which con- 
cern he is also superintendent. 

Laurelton Lumber Company, manufactur- 
ers of lumber, shingles and lath, shippers of prop 
timber and ties, with general office at Sunbury, 
Penn., is one of the largest concerns in that line 
of business in Pennsylvania. The firm owns 
some 25,000 acres of timber land, and the ex- 
ecutive department at present (1898) consists of 
S. W. Rutherford, president; Dr. G. C. Mohn, 
vice-president; and Charles Steele, secretary and 
treasurer. The Laurelton Lumber Company is 
remarkable for having at its head three of the 
most enterprising young men of the county, and 
own and control seventeen miles of narrow-gauge 
railroad, called the Laurelton & Pine Creek rail- 
road. The business was built up from the small 
portable sawmill to the present mammoth con- 
cern. Their product is mainly virgin-growth 
white and yellow pine, and goes to the largest 
consumers in the country. They trade largely 
with the anthracite mines, and are noted for 
quick shipments, their plant at Laurelton, Penn., 
being on the Pennsylvania railroad, and only 
forty-nine miles from Shamokin. They have the 
largest body of white pine, yellow pine, and hem- 
lock in the central part of the State. The suc- 
cess of the company, who have a paid-up capital 
of $100,000, has been due to the energetic efforts 
of its officers, who personally conduct the busi- 
ness and look after its every detail. 

Linden Hall Lumber Company, manufac- 
turers of lumber, shingles, and lath, shippers of 
prop timber and ties, with general offices at Sun- 
bury, Penn., ranks among the most extensive 
concerns in their line of business in Pennsylvania. 
The firm own some 10,000 acres of timber land 
in Centre and Huntington counties, and the ex- 
ecutive department at present (1898) consists of 
M. F. Nagle, of Shamokin, Penn., president; 
Chas. A. Meek, vice-president; Dr. G. C. Mohn, 
superintendent; and Chas. Steele, secretary and 
treasurer. Their plant at Linden Hall, Penn., 
is bus) twelve months in the year, and their cus- 
tomers are the largest buyers of railroad and 
mining timbers in the country. G. C. Mohn and 
S. W. Rutherford are large stock holders in the 
company. They have a narrow-gauge railroad 
fifteen miles long. 

In 1883 Dr. Mohn was united in marriage 
with Miss Laura A. Showers, a native of Centre- 
ville, Snyder county, and a daughter, Ruth B., 
born March 18, 1892, brightens their home. Fra- 
ternally the Doctor is one of the highest, most 
prominent and zealous Freemasons in the State, 
having taken all the degrees to and including the 



32nd, Scottish Rite, and being a member of the 
Mystic Shrine, Lu Lu . Temple, Philadelphia. 
Politically he is an ardent worker in the ranks of 
the Republican party, having served as a com- 
mitteeman continuously since 18S4. For four 
years, during President Harrison's administra- 
tion, he acceptably served as postmaster at Lau- 
relton. 

The Doctor is one who, outside of the esteem 
in which he is held for his scientific knowledge 
and business capacity, enjoys the admiration of 
all for his kindUfiess of disposition and amiability 
of heart. In manner he is social and friendly, 
and possesses qualities that readily win popu- 
larity and respect. In private life that true man- 
liness of deportment, that genial and kindly na- 
ture, which have always characterized him in 
public, find still more adequate and complete ex- 
pression, and in the bosom of his family he ever 
finds his highest happiness. 



JOHN B. ZEIGLER, the popular and well- 
known postmaster of Swengel, Union coun- 
ty, is a native of Centre county, Penn. , born 
November 1 1, 1843, and is a son of Michael and 
Lydia (Gephart) Zeigler. He is the second in 
order of birth in the family of eleven children, . 
the others being as follows: Daniel, now a sad- 
dler living in Millheim, Centre county; Sarah J., 
wife of Andrew Reesman, a tinsmith, of Centre 
Hall, Centre county; Mary A., wife of Benjamin 
Arney, a farmer living near Centre Hall; Emma 
R., wife of Geary Van Pelt, a manufacturer re- 
siding in New York; James, a resident of Union 
county; Alice E., who died in childhood; and 
four died in infancy. 

To a limited extent, Mr. Zeigler attended the 
public schools, but he is almost wholly self-edu- 
cated. Until seventeen years of age, his early 
life was mainly devoted to the work of the farm, 
but at that time he left the parental roof to make 
his own way in the world. In 1862, when only 
nineteen, he enlisted in Company A, 148th P. V. 
I., and participated in all the important battles 
in which his regiment was engaged, including 
those of Reams Station, Chancellorsville, the 
Wilderness and Gettysburg. He belonged to 
General Beaver's command, and when the war 
had ended he was honorably discharged. 
Throughout the principal part of his active busi- 
ness career he has followed the carpenter's trade, 
and is a skillful, painstaking workman. 

In 1867 Mr. Zeigler was married to Miss 
Sarah J.'Yarger, who was born January 1, 1849, 
and is a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Yar- 
ger. To them was born one son, Edward Grant, 






' OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



named in honor of Gen. Grant, but he died at 
the age of seven years. 

On October 31, 1894, Mr. Zeigler was ap- 
pointed postmaster of Swengel, the duties of which 
office he has since discharged in a most capable 
manner. Well posted on the leading issues and 
questions of the day, he has become a stanch bi- 
metalist, and as an intelligent, honorable and 
patriotic citizen, he has gained the confidence 
and esteem of all with whom be has come in con- 
tact in either business or social life. 



SW. RUTHERFORD, P. O. Laurelton. 
Pennsylvania, is president of the Laurelton 
Lumber Company, with general office at Sun- 
bury, Penn. [See description of business on 
e 821.] He is also a large stockholder in 
the Linden Hall Lumber Company. [See de- 
scription of business on page 821.] 



JOHN H. MAl'CK, as a nurse, and as a vet- 
erinary surgeon, has become widely and 
favorably known throughout Union county, 
where he has spent his entire life, his birth oc- 
curring in New Berlin, July 13, 1837. 

His paternal grandparents, Conrad and Cath- 
arine Mauck, in the early part of the present 
century came to this section of the State, and lo- 
cated 111 what was then a part of Union countv, 
but is now Snyder county. There the grand- 
father followed agricultural pursuits, and reared 
his family of six sons and three daughters: 
John and Jacob both died in New Berlin. Da- 
vid, the father of our subject, is next in order 
of birth. George died in Montgomery county, 
Penn. Jesse died in Millheim, Centre Co., 
Penn., where his descendants still live. Thomas 
died near New Berlin, at the age of twenty- 
three. Polly married John Siple, and removed 
to Illinois, where his death occurred. She then 
returned to Pennsylvania and became the wife 
of Feldy Eiawes, but died in Pekin, 111. Eliza- 
beth married Abram Frederick, and died in 
Aaronsburg, Centre Co., Penn. Sally married 
Samuel Wilson, and died in New Berlin, The 
grandparents were laid to rest in the cemetery 
at New Berlin. 

David Mauck, who was born in Montgomery 
county, Penn., in 1799, was quite young when 

ight by his parents to Union county, where 
he later learned the sadler's trade. On reach- 
ing manhood he was married, near N< w Berlin, 
to Nancy Shrayer, who was born December 23, 
1804, in Lancaster county, Penn., and was a 
daughd -r of Conrad and Catharine (Hokelander) 



Shrayer. The following children were born to 
this union: Sally, now the widow of Charles L. 
Nicholson, of Yicksburg, Union countv; James, 
a saddler of Lock Haven. Penn.; Mary J., wife 
of Isaac King, of New Berlin; Catharine, who 
died at the age of twenty-two; John H., of this 
sketch; Anna, wife of Jacob Cassel, of Philadel- 
phia; Elizabeth, who died at the age of twenty-two 

rs; and one son and two daughters who died 
in infancy. 

After his marriage, David Mauck located near 
New Berlin, in Snyder county, but later removed 
to that village, where his death occurred in 181 
and his body was laid to rest. Throughout life 
he continued to follow the saddler's trade, but 
also gave some attention to agricultural pursuits, 
and became quite well-to-do. He was of or- 
dinary height and well built, and in politics was 
first a Whig, and, later, a Republican. He and 
his wife both held membership in the Lutheran 
Church, and had the respect and esteem of all 
who knew them. She continued to live at the 
old home in New Berlin, which he had erected 
in 1827, until called to her final rest on March 
3, 1887. Although almost eighty-three years of 

. she retained her faculties to the last, and 
was not even gray, her hair being still jet black 
at the time of her death. Her body was interred 
by the side of her husband in the New Berlin 
cemetery. 

The educational advantages of John H. Mauck 
were such as the public schools of his day af- 
forded. His boyhood and youth were spent 
under the parental roof, and at the age of eight- 
een he began learning the tanner's trade, receiv- 
ing no wages during his two-years apprenticeship, 
but was allowed two weeks time in the harvest 
and hay-making seasons to earn some moi 
for himself. When he had mastered the busi- 
ness he obtained employment in a steam tannery 
in McAlisterville, Penn., but as he suffered from 
rheumatism his work was often interrupted. 

During the dark days of the Rebellion, Mr. 
Mauck joined Company D, Sixth Pennsylvania 
Reserves, under Capt. Dickson, and with his com- 
mand was sent to Virginia. While stationed at 
Smoky Hollow, inflamed eyes compelled him to 
give up regular duty, and for some time he drove 
a team. He also served as officer's cook for a 
time. Later he was at home for a while, but in 

; he went to Harrisburg, where he enlisted 
in March of that year in Company ('. 101st P. 
\ I., joining the command in North Carolina, 
and remaining at the front until hostilities ceased. 
In August, 1865, it Harrisburg be was honorably 
discharged and returned home. 

Mr. Mauck continued to reside with his par- 





5^7 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



823 



ents in New Berlin until 1S70. since which time 
he has made his home in Vicksburg. Before his 
enlistment he had taken considerable interest in 
the anatomy of the horse, and had studied under 
Conrad Mitchell, a skilled veterinary surgeon of 
New Berlin. Gradually he began practice, and 
for over a quarter of a century has successfully 
followed that profession. As an excellent nurse 
his services are always in demand in his locality, 
and while in the army he also exercised his 
ability along that line. He has had much ex- 
perience in laying out the dead, people coming 
from miles around to secure his services. 

On August 16, 1893, in Buffalo township, 
Union county, Mr. Mauck was married to Miss 
Lizzie Weller, a native of Snyder county. As 
he has no children of his own, he has adopted 
Verna M., the daughter of Al and Sarah Wittis. 
She was born in March, 1887, and has practic- 
ally made her home with him since three weeks 
old. He has occupied his present comfortable 
home in Vicksburg since 1887, having erected 
the same in that year. In early life he was a 
Democrat in politics, but since Lincoln's second 
election, in 1864, he has been an ardent Repub- 
lican. Genial and full of fun, he makes friends 
wherever he goes, and has the respect and con- 
fidence of all with whom he comes in contact 
either in business or social life. 



WILLIAM STROHECKER. The banks of 
the Susquehanna present a beautiful pan- 
orama with their well-kept fields interspersed 
among wilder scenes, and with the clustering 
farm houses here and there adding charming 
glimpses of home life. Among the best of these 
estates is that of Mr. Strohecker, of East Buffalo 
township, Union county, and his home is one 
where culture and refinement unite with the sim- 
ple and wholesome surroundings of rural life to 
make an ideal abode. 

It was at this pleasant spot that William 
Strohecker, on November 14, 1832, was born, 
and he has always made his home there. His 
grandparents, Daniel and Leah (Garber) Stro- 
hecker, were both natives of Reading, Penn., 
and remained in Berks county, a large family be- 
ing reared by them to lives of usefulness, namely: 
Samuel, who became a prominent physician of 
Brush Valley, was at one time a representative 
from Centre county in the State Legislature; Da- 
vid (deceased) was a farmer in Illinois; William 
died in Sugar Valley, near Booneville; Jacob died 
in East Buffalo township, Union county; Robert 
H. (deceased) was a resident of Rebersburg, 
Penn.; Daniel, Jr., died at the age of sixteen; 



Charles (deceased) was a physician at Buena 
Vista, 111. ; Sarah (Mrs. Samuel Fix) died in 
Reading; Mary (Mrs. David Miller) died in North- 
umberland county, Penn.;- John is mentioned 
more fully below; Elizabeth (Mrs. Tunis Fisher) 
died in Lewisburg; and Susan (twin of Elizabeth) 
died in infancy. 

John Strohecker, the father of our subject, 
was born in Berks county, in August, 1803, and, 
on starting out from the parental roof to make 
his own way in the world, located for a short 
time in Northumberland county before settling 
at the present homestead. He was a short man, 
heavy set, and possessed a fine constitution, 
never knowing what sickness was until that which 
terminated his life fastened upon him. At the 
time of his death, in October, 1885, he had 
nearly all his teeth, and showed but few signs of 
age. His wife, Elizabeth Friedley, died in Au- 
gust, 1 88 1, at the age of seventy-seven years, 
and both were interred at Lewisburg. She was 
born in 1804, in Lewisburg, the daughter of 
John Friedley, and his wife, Elizabeth Layman, 
a native of Lebanon county, Penn. Mrs. Stro- 
hecker became blind in 1837, and, as is often the 
case with those so afflicted, her other senses 
gained acuteness, and she could recognize by the 
voice alone friends from whom she had been 
separated for years. 

Both of our subject's parents were devout 
members of the Lutheran Church, and the father 
held the office of elder for many years. He was 
prominent also in local affairs, and in the Repub- 
lican organization, of which he was at all times 
an outspoken champion, although he never 
sought office. While he had but little schooling 
in youth, his fine intellect enabled him to gain 
information from observation and reading, and 
his judgment in business affairs was unusually 
good. By trade he was a bricklayer, and in 
1856 he built the handsome residence at the 
homestead, but he did not follow the business 
regularly except for a few years in early life. 
He was a natural mechanic, and besides repair- 
ing all his farm tools, he used to make rakes, 
single trees, and do other work in iron and wood. 
For years previous to his death he was a director 
in the National Bank of Lewisburg, and his ad- 
vice was valued in all movements of im- 
portance. As a self-made man, the comfortable 
competence left by him reflects great credit upon 
him, especially as it was acquired without undue 
economy. Anything that he wanted he bought, 
always choosing the best, and he spent much 
time and money in traveling in all parts of this 
country. His home, however, was the dearest 
place on earth to him. His business in town 



824 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



during later years was always transacted on cer- 
tain days, and in the intervals he was always to 
be found at home. Our subject was the elder of 

two children; the young •. widow of Dr. 

Washii ' Lewisburg. 

William Strohecker attended the Gundy 
School, in his native township, in boyhood, but 
nol beii nature he did not 1 i k. < 

ing ti scho I, and did not go oftener than he 
■ compf I was very fond of horses, 

in which he differed from his father, who stood 
in I them. As he grew to manhood, Mr. 

Str lined a responsible place 

I nn. 
On was married to 

Miss | nei itive of the same town- 

ship, born Jul} i, 1843, t he eldest of a family of 
six nd four sons. Her father, Isaac 

1 irn in the township, was 
in early life a tanner and later a butcher. He 
marrii ' ] h tnna Kelly, who was born in Lewis- 
bin. I 1 848 they i d to that city, 
where they now reside at advanced ages, Mr. 

n years old and his 
wife seventy-four. They have two great-grand- 
children, William F Strohecker and Leo Rice. 
Mrs. S - r is a lady of rare mental gifts, 

\, she rei xcellent instruc- 

tion in youth at Lewisburg, in the public schools 
and unary, tl spent in the 

r institul 
Aft our subject began house- 

keeping in I where he was born, from 

which I: parents had removed on the completion 
of the brick residence In the spring of 1886 he 
of the brick house, and has since 
occupied it. His lour children were all born 
during his residence in the old house: (1) John 
G., born July 30, 18C4. now occupies it in his 
turn, and assists in the management of the estate. 
II Miss Minnie M. Fisher, and has one 

son, William F. , who is of the third generation 
in that house. (2) Emma S., born June 
iteof the Lewisburg High 5 
■ fine musii tan Foi - tveral years she 
pianist in th-school. She married 

George I' Bertollette, and resides in Lewisburg. 
(3) 1 arrii I . bom April 30, [869, married Will- 
iam A Kut' 1. I I wisburg. (4 Anna 11, born 
Man li 7, 1878, is at home. The family is prom- 
inently identified with the Lutheran Church, and 
Mrs Strohecker is a leading member of the 
I ilics Aid Society, the Missionary S o< iety and 1 
the Christian I ndeavor Society, and for more 
than fifteen years she was a teacher in the Sun- 
day-school. 

While Mr. Strohecker meets fully all the re- ' 



quirements of good citizenship, as befits a man of 
his high standing in the community. he has never 
sought or held office, having enough to do to at- 
1 to his own business. In politics he has 
always been a Republican. 



STEANS FAMILY. In the pioneer days of 
Union county, no name was more widely 
known or more highly respected than that of 



Will 



lam and Catharine Steans resided 
of Leicester, Leicestershire, Eng- 
they reared their family, among 
three sons, John, William and 



ns 
in the town 
land, where 
whom were 
Thomas. 

John Steans was born in 1773, and was the 
only member of the family to come to America. 
He bade farewell to childhood scenes in 1S01, 
and, alone, set forth to find a new home and 
fortune in the New World. On arriving in this 
country, he purchased 300 acres of land near 
Cowan, in Union county, Penn. No clearing 
had been done on this tract 111 fact, there were 
no traces of human habitation on all this land, 
save a rude cabin, that was scarcely fit for occu- 
pancy. This afforded him shelter for a time, 
until he had made his first clearing. This farm 
he cultivated and improved, and here he died 
May 27. 1851. He married Agnes Bovard, who 
was a daughter of James and Hannah (Beatty) 
Bovard (they had five children: Agnes (Mrs. 

ins), Robert, Mary. Jane and Alexander). 
To John Steans and his wife came children as 
follows: (1) Hannah became the wife of David 
Kauffman, and died May 31, 1S73. (2) Mary 
wedded William Mather, and died May 1 1, 1 S 5 j . 
(3) Catharine was the wife of James Mather, and 
she died in 1834. (4) Jane died unmarried Feb- 
ruary S, 1850. (5) Sarah A., a maiden lady, re- 
sides in New Berlin, Penn. (6) William (of 
whom an extended mention will follow) died Oc- 
tober 24, 1891. 71 Nancy married Henry T. 
Cook, and died April 25, 1XS9. The mother of 
this family died April 26, 1S63. John Steans 
becaim a naturalized citizen of the United States 
August 25, 1S08. In his religious belief he v 
a faithful member of the Baptist Church, con- 
scientiously practicing the religion he professed. 
Though an earnest advocate of all -ive 

movements, he was modest and retiring in dis- 
position, and never accepted office. His wife 
and children were all members of the Presbyte- 
rian Church. The old "Steans Manor" is yet 
in the possession of the family. 

William Steans was born April 18, 1 8 1 8 , and 
spent his entire life on a farm. He married 
Caroline Irvin, and they reared a family of seven 






^^777 



*<£ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



825 



children: (i) Harriet, who died in girlhood. (2) 
J. Charlton. (3) Rev. W. Irvin, pastor of the 
Mahoning Street Presbyterian Church, at Dan- 
ville, Penn. ; he married Miss Wells, of Scranton. 
(4) Agnes, who died in girlhood. (5) Jennie R., 
who resides with her mother at Mifflinburg, 
Penn. (6) Annie, who died in childhood; and 
(7) Ralph. After an honorable and useful life 
the father of this family passed away October 
24, 1 89 1. He was active in public work, taking 
an especial interest in educational matters. For 
one term he held the office of county commis- 
sioner, and was school director and justice of 
the peace almost continuously from the time he 
arrived at man's estate until his death. In re- 
ligious matters he was very devout, for thirty 
years serving as elder in the Presbyterian Church. 
His widow resides at Mifflinburg. 

Dr. J. Charlton Steans was born Septem- 
ber 20, 1852, and received his primary education 
in the schools of Union county. At the age of 
thirteen he entered Central Pennsylvania College 
at New Berlin, Penn., and at the end of one 
year entered the academy at Mifflinburg. Dur- 
ing the following two years he was under private 
instructors at Columbia, Lancaster county, after 
which he himself taught for three years. The 
study of medicine seemed to hold out to the 
young man alluring possibilities, and he deter- 
mined to become a follower of .Esculapius. He 
began reading medicine with Dr. S. L. Van Val- 
zah, of Mifflinburg, and then attended a course 
of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, from 
which institution he was graduated in 1876. On 
March 23, of that year, he opened an office at 
Cowan, Union county, but at the end of the first 
year he bought the practice, goodwill, etc., of his 
former preceptor, and located at Mifflinburg, 
forming a co-partnership with Dr. George S. 
Kemble, a very distinguished physician and sur- 
geon. After three years of pleasant association, 
this partnership was dissolved by the death of 
Dr. Kemble, and until 1891 Dr. Steans contin- 
ued to practice without an associate, when he 
was joined by his brother Ralph, and the firm is 
now known as J. Charlton Steans & Bro. In 
the spring of 1884 Dr. J. Charlton established a 
drug store at Mifflinburg, with a complete line 
of goods. This is a model store, furnace heat- 
ed, with three large consultation and operating 
rooms on the second floor. For his prescription 
clerk the Doctor was fortunate enough to secure 
the invaluable services of Merill Linn Steadman, 
a courteous gentleman, and a careful and com- 
petent druggist. 

On February 5, 1884, Dr. }. Charlton Steans 
was married to Miss Elsie C. Foster, daughter of 



Robert and Helen (Chambers) Foster, of Mifflin- 
burg, where the former still resides; the latter 
died April 17, 1887. To Dr. Steans and his 
wife have come four interesting children: Sarah 
Foster, born December 21, 1884, now a student 
at the preparatory school of Lewisburg, Penn. ; 
Robert Espy, born May 14, 1888; William Bo- 
vard, born December 10, 1890; and John Charl- 
ton, Jr., born May 28, 1895. For sixteen years 
the Doctor has been a member of the Lycoming 
County Medical Society, and regularly attends 
the meetings at Williamsport; he is also a mem- 
ber of the State Medical Association. In his re- 
ligious belief he inclines to the faith of his father, 
and has long been an earnest instructor in the 
Sunday-school. Kindly and charitably inclined, 
he has long been looked upon as one of the 
benevolent men of the place, and his honorable 
business principles have won for him a place 
among that class of men whose traits of character 
are most exemplary, tending to the spreading of 
the beneficent lights of broader Christianity. 

Dr. Ralph Steans obtained his literary 
education at LaFayette College, class of '87, 
and his medical education was secured in the 
University of Pennsylvania, from which he was 
graduated in 1891. After spending early summer 
in Mifflinburg he went to Garfield Memorial Hos- 
pital, Washington, D. C. , in September. Re- 
turning to Mifflinburg in 1892, he has since prac- 
ticed medicine with his brother, and has greatly 
distinguished himself in his chosen profession. 
In the comparatively short time he has been 
practicing he has taken high rank, especially as 
a diagnostician. 

On October 10, 1895, Dr. Ralph Steans was 
wedded to Miss Carrie Lall Hoffa, a daughter of 
Hon. Cyrus Hoffa. Dr. Ralph has always been 
an active Church worker, and succeeded his fa- 
ther as elder in the Presbyterian Church. He 
is conscientious and faithful in the discharge of 
every duty, and the unfortunate never fail to find 
in him a helping friend. 

The firm of Steans Bros, enjoys a most ex- 
tended practice, proving alike their ability as 
physicians and their worth as men. 



J'ACOB H. SMITH. A true educator leaves 
upon the plastic material with which he deals 
an impress which is none the less powerful 
because its results are intangible and may, indeed, 
be unrecognized by those who are most benefited 
by his labors. The late Jacob H. Smith, of 
Kelly township, Union county, who was for 
twenty years a teacher in that locality, is held in 
grateful remembrance by many for whom he 



B26 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



smoothed the path of knowledge, but no one can 
fully estimate the good which he accomplished 
during his career. 

Mr. Smith was born in [836, in Hartleton 
township, Union county, and was the son of a 
well known farmer, George Smith, who with his 
wife, Catherine Hoff, came from their birthplace 
in Berks county. Penn., to this section early in 
their married life. At that time they had one 
child, Benneball (now deceased), and eight "thers 
were born to them at the old homestead at Hart- 
leton, namely: John (deceased), Rachel (widow 
of Jonathan Clingman, a noted lime manufac- 
turer, of Buffalo township. Union county, where 
she still resides), George (deceased), Sarah who 
married Aaron Miller, both now deceased), Jacob 
H. (our subject), Henry (deceased), Hannah 
(now of Tiffin, Ohio, widow of John Smith, who 
was no relation), and Frank, an extensive land 
owner and agriculturist of Clay county, Kans. 
The father of this family died at Hartleton, in 
1X70, having then attained the allotted limit of 
three-score years and ten. The mother survived 
him and spent her last days at the home of our 
subject, where her death occurred in 1SS4, at the 
age of seventy-one. 

Jacob H. Smith became familiar with the 
details of farm work in his youth, and was always 
mon or less engaged in agriculture. He began 
teaching at the age of nineteen, and so marked 
was his success that his services were always in 
demand, nine years being spent in one school at 
Black Run. After leaving the profession he con- 
tinued to show a keen interest in educational 
progress, and lor six years he served as a 
school director in his district. He was a 
man whose influence was felt in public affairs, 
and he was twice elected supervisor, and 
also held the office of tax collector for two terms. 
Financially he was regarded as one of the sub- 
stantial men of the township, and at his death 
he left a fine estate. 

In the fall ol [856 Mr. Smith was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Miller, with whom he passed 
nearly forty years oi wedded life before he was 
called from earth, his death occurring Januar) 
22, 1894, at the age of fifty-seven years, eight 
months and twenty-two days. Mrs. Smith now 
resides at Taylorville I Dion county, and four 
children of their union also survive: Allen M. 
lives in Colorado, where he is engaged in farming 
and trucking; Franklin Linn, nowol Los Vngi 
Cal., is a for a mineral spring company; 

George E. manages the old I ead. in Kellj 

township, Union county; and Margaret E. res 
with her mother. 

Mrs. Smith was a native of Buffalo township, 



Union county, born January y, [836, and her 
. parents, George and Sarah (Marts) Miller, were 
lifelong residents of that county. Her ancestors 
on both sides came to this section at an early 
, period, and her paternal grandfather, George 
Miller, Sr. , lived and died upon a farm which 
lay on the line between Union and Snyder coun- 
ties, while her maternal grandfather, Peter Marts, 
had his home in Snyder county. Her father 
owned and operated a distillery in Buffalo town- 
ship during his early manhood, but later located 
on a farm in Buffalo township, Union county, 
where he died in 1850, at the age of sixty-one 
years and three months. Her mother survived 
him until 1S64, when she breathed her last at 
seventy years of a: 

Thirteen children were born to their union: 
George (a farmer, died in Ohio), Catherine (mar- 
ried Samuel Bickel, both now deceased), Peter 
1 who died in Union county, was a farmer until 
his retirement from active business), John (de- 
ceased, was a farmer in Union county), Henry 
(is now deceased), Aaron (deceased, was a car- 
penter in Union county), Sarah (deceased, was 
the wife of Howard Anderson, the owner of a 
chopmill at Taylorville), Edward, a retired farmer 
of Kelly township, Union county), Levi (de- 
ceased), Mary P. (married Richard Bickel, a 
farmer in Seneca county, Ohio), Elias (a farmer 
in Buffalo township, Union county), Elizabeth 
1 Mrs. Smith, was the twelfth in order of birth , 
and Benjamin (an engineer in a sawmill at Fre- 
mont, Ohio). 



JE. GROVE, freight and ticket agent. Penn- 
L sylvania Railroad Company. Millmont, 
Union County, Pennsylvania. 



SOLOMON K. UREISBACH (deceased), who 
at the time of his death was the oldest male 
representative of the honored pioneer family of 
that name, was born September 17, 1825, on the 
old Dreisbach homestead in Buffalo township, 
Union county. 

The estate came into the possession of the 
family before the Revolutionary war. having been 
purchased in 1773 from Dr. William l'lunkett by 
our subject's great-grandfather, Martin D] 
bach. This pioneer was born in Weisbaden, 
German\. about 1717, and came to America 
in 1752. locating first in the vicinity of Reading, 
Penn. About twenty years later he removed to 
his new home, in what is now Buffalo township, 
Union county, and the remainder of his life was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



327 



spent there in the care of his extensive estate. 
In 1788 he donated seven and one-half acres of 
land, near his home, in order to encourage the 
building of the Lutheran church, and the log 
structure then erected became a historic land- 
mark. The site has ever been sacred to relig- 
ious uses, and Dreisbach Church will doubtless 
serve as a memorial to its founder through all 
future time. He was one of the first elders, and 
at his death, February 18, 1799, at the age of 
sixty-seven years, he left a large family. Of the 
four sons, Henry went to Ohio in 1804, and laid 
out the town of Circleville; Jacob died in Union 
county, Penn. ; John lived and died in Mifflin- 
burg; Martin, Jr., the grandfather of our subject, 
is mentioned more fully farther on. There were 
two daughters, Mrs. Henry Aurand and Mrs. 
Peter Fisher. 

Martin Dreisbach was born about 1764, and 
was but a child when he accompanied his parents 
to Union county, where he remained, agricult- 
ural pursuits occupying his attention. He died 
at the old farm on October 20, 1831. 

Among his children was Martin Dreisbach 
(our subject's father), who was born December 
6, 1800, and attained a position of marked influ- 
ence in the political, social, and business affairs 
of the community. On February 3, 1865, he 
was appointed, by Gov. Curtin, to the office of 
associate judge of the county, and a few months 
later he was elected to succeed himself, his term 
beginning November 6, 1865, and expiring in 
December, 1870. He was a Democrat until the 
Civil war, when he gave allegiance to the Repub- 
lican party. By occupation he was a farmer, the 
greater portion of his life being spent on the 
homestead, although he resided for a time on a 
farm just south of it; but his last days were 
passed in Lewisburg, his death occurring March 
15, 1880. On October 14, 1824, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Kleckner, who was born 
in Union county about 1802, the daughter of 
Solomon Kleckner, and his wife, a Miss Hoover. 
Mrs. Dreisbach passed away October 2, 1875, 
and the remains of both parents now rest in the 
churchyard where so many of the name sleep. 
Seven children were born to this honored couple, 
namely: (1) Solomon K., our subject; (2) Cy- 
rus, who followed farming for some years, and 
then removed to Lewisburg to engage in the 
hardware business; he died at the age of sixty- 
eight years; (3) Charles, who died at the age of 
thirty-two years, at Vicksburg, Penn., where he 
was building a large hotel; (4) Hiram, who owns 
and operates a planing-mill at Sunbury, Penn.; 
(5) William, a manufacturer of shoes and shoe 
findings, with residence at Philadelphia; (6) Mar- 



tin, a resident of Wilkes Barre, Penn., who was 
formerly a coal operator, and is now a clerk in 
the office of the commissioners of Luzerne coun- 
ty; (7) Miriam, who died in Lewisburg. 

The venerable subject of this sketch was an 
eye witness to great changes in the locality where 
his youth was spent. He was reared as a farmer 
boy, and attended a subscription school in a log 
cabin on the homestead, Daniel Breyfogle being 
his first teacher. On leaving the parental roof 
he took charge of a farm in Hartley township, 
Union county, belonging to his father, and on 
March 18, 1849, he was married to Miss Susan- 
nah Shoemaker, who was born March 2, 1827, 
near Vicksburg, Penn., daughter of Benjamin 
and Susannah (Ludwig) Shoemaker. The first 
year of their wedded life was passed at the farm 
in Hartley township, but in the spring of 1850 
Mr. Dreisbach formed a partnership with Joseph 
Forey, and became the owner of the mill and 
part of the machinery. After four years in this 
business he gave it up and engaged in preparing 
sumach for market; but after a time the repeated 
cutting of the plant brought about its extinction, 
and he found his occupation gone. His factory 
near Laurelton had fine water power, which he 
used in various profitable ways, and at one time 
he manufactured farmers' supplies of different 
kinds. In 1863 he moved to New Berlin, and 
began the manufacture of blasting powder in 
partnership with B. F. Potts, their establishment 
being the only one of the sort ever founded in 
the country. On abandoning this business a few 
years later, our subject embarked in the grocery 
business at Sunbury with his brother Hiram, 
under the firm name of Dreisbach Bros., and 
continued for about twenty-five years. From 
the year 1893 he lived in retirement in New Ber- 
lin, where he owned a comfortable and handsome 
home recently remodeled. He had other valu- 
able real estate in New Berlin, with other prop- 
erty in Sunbury, Lewiston and Laurelton, includ- 
ing some business blocks. He also owned a farm 
in West Perry township, Snyder county, and the 
care of his investments kept him in touch with 
the business world in which he was so long an 
active figure. Of his two children, Charles W., 
died at the age of four years; Agnes married 
William Davenport, and died near Beach Haven, 
Luzerne Co., Penn., leaving one daughter, Ella, 
who is now attending school at New Berlin. Mr. 
Dreisbach was called from earth March 20, 1898. 

Our subject never entered the political arena 
as an office-seeker, but he took keen interest in 
the various issues which came up for discussion 
and settled during his long life. In his early 
days he gave his support to the Democratic party, 



-'- 



' OXMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



but his anti-slavery sent led him to j 

the Republican organization a~ - it was 

formed. 



H. R< (THERMEL, de: - and 

shoes, Kelly Cross Roads, Union Co., 
Pennsylvania. 



JEREMIAH MUSSER, v I Jaid aside 

the cares and n business, is 

numbered among the ■ 
Mifflinburg, Union county, h; e he 

is held in that reverence and respect tacitly ac- 
corded those whose lives have been distinguished 
by integrity and usefulness. 

Mr. Musser was born Marcl in Sny- 

ounty, Penn., which at that time was a part 
of Union county, and he is a son of John and De- 
bora (Stetler) Musser, native ks and Sny- 
der counties, Penn., respectively. The paternal 

idparents spent their entire lives in Berks 
county. The parents of cur subject were mar- 
in Snyder county and reared a family of ten 
children, namely: Henry, I .■ \.l;un, Jere- 

h, Reuben, Sarah, Lydia, Amelia, Matilda 
all of whom grew to maturity and 

ime heads of families with t u of 

the youngest — Sophia, who died in childhood. 

On reaching manhood Jeremiah Mi 

rving a i 
nticeship, and he continued to - 

lullv follow that occupation until [858, when 
he pun h ised a farm and turned his attentioi 

icultural pursuits. Upon that place he 1 
tinned to reside until the spring oi 1873, when 
he retired from active labor, and has ved 

in Mifflinburg, occupying a comfortable and pleas- 
ant home. 

At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Musser 

married to Miss Mary Dennis, who was born in 

Berks county, November 8, iSjj. and when a 

mere child was brought to Union county, by her 

nts, [ohn and Elizabeth nis, na- 

5 of Berks county. The who wa 

lri>h origin, died at the ight) years, and 

the mother, who was of English di scent, at the 
age of nghty-eight. both passing away in Ur 
county, and their remains were interred at R 
Church in Lewis township 

Mr. and Mrs. Musser have six children, who 
in order of birth are as follow-; John, a resident 
of Mifflinburg, is married and follows the occu- 
pations of fanning and burning lime; Robert, who 
was a Union soldier, laid down his life on the 



altar of his country during the war of the Rebel- 
lion; Matilda is the wife of Jacob Rudy, a car- 
penter and builder ol Mifflinburg; Elizabeth is 
the wife of Harry De Long, a carpenter residing 
in Philadelphia; Daniel is married, and is engaged 
in the lime business in Mifflinburg; and Chi 1 
is married, and operates his father's farm in West 
Buffelo township. 

1 st toil and habits of economy, Mr. 

and Mrs. Musser have accumulated considerable 

- on starting upon their married life 

they had very little of this world's goods. She 

le their carp flax which they raised, 

and the seen t - f their success was their ability 

tacture with their own hand- everything 

necessary for thi tnce of their family. It is 

: opinion that the inability of the young peo- 

he present day to acquire homes of their 

may be laid to the fact that they are not 

satisfied in life as their parents did. Al- 

Mr. Musser is now eighty years of age 

and his wife seventy-five, they are still well pre- 

ed and active, doing their own work without 

I help. They are widel} and favorably 

ughout Union county, where they 

have so long made their home, and no couple is 

mention in a work of this 

character than Jeremiah Musser and his estima- 



HENRY BROWN. The Brown family is an 
old and numerous one in Union county, and 
has contributed many prominent and worthy citi- 
zens to this section of the State, among whom is 
■ ntirely deserving of all the 
m invariably tendi red the name. 
The family, while not the oldest, or even among 
the oldest, has ever since its advent in Union 
nty, in the spring of 1S04, been actively 
identified with the development of this region, 
and been instrumental in placing the county in 
the ' fty position it occupies in the magnificent 
ixy of Pennsylvania's counties. 

ild home in Pine Grove township, 
Berl 1 Penn., John Brown, the grandfather 

subject, came to Union county, in 1 i 
and located in Buffalo Valley. He was born in 
1756, in this State, of German parentage, and 
m their st 1 r independ- 

ence. Near what is now Smoketown, he pur- 
chased what was known as the Andrew Edge 
r eight pounds per acre, and about 
the only improvement upon the farm was an old 
cabin. Hi dud December 13, 1838, his wife 
in 1806, and both were buried in the Dreisbach 
cemeterv. In their familv were nine children, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



829 



namely: John, who migrated to Ohio; Eliza- 
beth, who married Simon Crist, and moved to 
Ohio; Christina, wife of Philip Frederick; Peter, 
who became a resident of Ohio; Abraham, of 
Pennsylvania; William, father of our subject; 
Christian, of Pennsylvania; Michael (deceased), 
who at one time served as county commissioner 
of Union county; and Jacob. 

William Brown was born in Berks county in 
1792, and when twelve years of age took up his 
residence in Union county, where he later mar- 
ried Barbara, a daughter of Henry Getz. They 
began their domestic life upon a part of his fa- 
ther's land in East Buffalo township, and, in con- 
nection with its operation, he also engaged in 
the distilling business for some time in partner- 
ship with his brother Abraham. Later he pur- 
chased fifty acres, which forms a part of our 
subject's farm, and gave his entire attention to 
agricultural pursuits. He was a robust man ami 
did considerable hard work. In politics he was 
first a Whig, and later a Republican, and took 
quite an active interest in public affairs, while, 
religiously, he was a prominent member of the 
Reformed Church, in which he was serving as 
elder at the time of his death, September 29, 
1S75. He was at that time eighty-four years of 
age; his wife had died at the age of sixty, and the 
remains of both were interred in the Lewisburg 
cemetery. 

Eight children were born to this worthy 
couple, namely: John, who died at the age of 
twenty-two; Peter, who died in childhood; Will- 
iam, who died in Kansas; Henry, of this sketch; 
Mary, who became the wife of Charles Yoder, 
and died in Wichita, Kans. ; Abram, a resident of 
East Buffalo township, Union Co., Penn. ; Ma- 
tilda, wife of Jonas Hoy, of Buffalo township, 
the same county; and Isaac, a minister of the 
Reformed Church, who died in Wichita, Kansas. 

During his boyhood Henry Brown attended 
the Turtle Creek school, which was conducted 
on the subscription plan, but at that time one 
month's schooling a year was considered suffi- 
cient. His training at farm work, however, was 
not so limited, and, with the exception of five 
years, his entire life has been passed on the old 
homestead, where his birth occurred September 
25, 1820. 

In East Buffalo township, Mr. Brown was 
married December 22, 1846, to Miss Rachel 
Gundy, who was born in that township, October 
16, 1 829, and is the oldest of the four children of 
George and Catharine (Zentmeyer) Gundy, hav- 
ing two brothers and one sister. For four years 
after his marriage Mr. Brown operated rented 
land, but in the spring of 1S5 1 he returned to the 



old homestead, having purchased fifty-six acres 
of land from his father. Eight years later the 
old one-story-and-a-half house was replaced by 
his present substantial brick residence, and he 
has made many other valuable and useful im- 
provements upon the place. He has also en- 
larged the boundaries of his farm, which now 
include eighty-four acres of rich and arable land. 

For over half a century Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown have now traveled life's journey together, 
sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its 
adversity and prosperity. Their home has been 
brightened by six children: William George, 
born January 1, 1848, died July 12, 1S70; 
Franklin W. , born December 31, 1849, is now 
the minister of the Reformed Church at Aarons- 
burg, Penn.; John E., born August 30, 1852, is 
a resident of Snyder county, Penn.; Simon P., 
born June 5, 1S55, is a farmer of Freeport, 111.; 
James S., born October 21, 1859, is a photogra- 
pher of Lewisburg, Penn.; and Isaac C. , born 
May 31, 1862, is at home. He married Miss 
Marsche Wetzel, and has two children — Rue E. 
and Charles W. 

Mr. Brown has lost considerable by going secu- 
rity for others, but has mainly prospered and his 
word is considered as good as his bond. Asa stanch 
Republican he has been elected to a number of 
official positions of honor and trust, including 
those of school director and supervisor. He is 
an active and prominent member of the Reformed 
Church, in which he has served as elder for 
about twelve years, while his estimable wife holds 
membership in the Lutheran Church. 



DAM MUSSER. There are few men more 
3L worthy of representation in a work of this 
kind than the subject of this biography, who is 
passing the later years of his life in retirement 
at his pleasant home in Laurelton, Union coun- 
ty. His has been a long and busy career, rich 
with experience, and in which he has established 
himself in the esteem and confidence of all who 
know him. 

Of German descent, Mr. Musser was born in 
Snyder county, Penn., April 3, 1S15, a son of 
John and Deborah (Stetler) Musser. His father 
and grandfather both spent their entire lives in 
that county. In the family of the former were 
ten children: Henry, who died in Juniata coun- 
ty, Penn., at the age of eighty-four years; George, 
who, at the age of seventy-two, was killed at 
Franklin, Snyder county, left a family; Adam, of 
this sketch; Jeremiah, who is married and lives 
in Mifflinburg, Penn.; Sarah, who became the 
wife of Jacob Gloss, died several years ago; Ly- 



580 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



dia, who lives in the West; Amelia, a resident of 
Mifflinburg, Penn. , Reuben, who makes his home 
in < Hit > Matilda, deceased wife of John Miller, 
of Buffalo Valley, Penn. ; and Sophia, who died 
at the age of two years. 

The first twenty years of his life Adam Mus- 
ser spent upon the home farm, and then began 
learning the carpenter's trade, which he success- 
fully followed for many years, being a thorough 
and skillful workman whose services were always 
in demand. He was also interested in [arming, 
and he is still the owner of considerable real es- 
tate in Hartley township. In the common 
schools he received a good practical education, 
which well fitted him for the responsible duties 
of business life, and his career has been charac- 
:ed by habits of industry and frugality, 
which have been important factors in his sue- 
On September 20, 1835, Mr. Musser was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary, daughter of Solomon Gloss. 
I n children graced their union: Hugh, born 
April 22, 1836, lives in Ohio; Reuben, born 
June 28, 1838, is married and lives in Toledo, 
the same State; Sophia is the wife of Jacob 
Long, of Centre county, Penn. : Lydia is the wife 
of Henry Rearick, of Lewis township. Union 
county; Levina is the wife of Charles Teighman; 
Delilah is the wife of George Yonada, of Hart- 
ley township, Union county; Deilma, who mar- 
ried George Zimmerman, died at the age of 



thirtv-five, leaving rive children; Isaiah 



is mar- 
wife of 
and he 
mother 



ried, and lives in Ohio; Amelia is the 
Samuel Long; and Nathan is married, 
lives in Bellevue, Ohio. The wife and 
passed away December 26, 1888, and was laid 
to rest in the Dunkard cemetery, near Mifflin- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 

For many years Mr. Musser was a member of 
the Dunkard Church, but at present is connected 
with no religious organization. Politically, he is 
identified with the Republican part}', but has 
never desired official honors. He enjoys the 
friendship and acquaintance of a large number of 
the best people of Laurelton and vicinity. 



BRAHAM G. BROWN. If one desires to 
m a vivid realization of the rapid ad- 
vance in civilization which the last few dec 
have brought about, he can listen to the stories 
that men, who are still living among us, and by 
no means overburdened with years, can tell of 
their boyhood. The log cabin home in the 
clearing, the still ruder school house with its 
rough seats made of slabs, its limited range of 
studies and its brief terms arranged on the sub- 



scription plan*; the routine of work at home un- 
relieved by any of the modern devices by which 
machinery is made to do in a short time what 
formerly occupied the entire year; these and sim- 
ilar descriptions will bring up in sharp contrast 
the advantages of to-day. 

The subject of this sketch, a venerable and 
highly respected citizen of Union county, residing 
near Lewisburg, has many interesting reminis- 
cences of this sort. In his boyhood, threshing 
was done by the old-fashioned method of tread- 
ing out the grain on a floor, and it became his 
regular winter's work to ride the horses at this 
task, as he could thus save a man's time. His 
father, who was a weaver by trade, prepared the 
cloth for the family, and his mother made it up 
without the aid of Paris fashion plates. 

Mr. Brown is a member of an old and now 
numerous family. He was the fourth son and 
fifth child of John and Barbara (Getz) Brown, 
well-known residents of East Buffalo township. 
Union county, and was born June 10, 1823, 
His early education was mainly acquired in the 
old Turtle Creek School, near his home, but 
farm work ever interfered sadly with his attend- 
ance there, a few months in winter being all that 
he could secure. He had always lived at the 
old homestead (an addition being built to the 
house on his marriage in order that he might re- 
main and conduct the farm). Until the death 
of his father he managed the place on shares, 
but he then acquired the title by will. It is a 
fine estate of 120 acres, situated less than a mile 
from Lewisburg borough, and under his manage- 
ment it has been greatly improved, all the build- 
ings, except a portion of the old homestead, hav- 
ing been erected by him. In addition to this 
fine property he owns fifty acres of timber land. 

On June 1, 1 S 5 4 , in White Deer township, 
Union county, Mr. Brown was married to Miss 
Susanna Heverling, who has proved herself one 
of the best of helpmeets, assisting him in every 
way. She is of an old " Pennsylvania-Dutch " 
family, and as a girl worked in the harvest field, 
doing thi' work of a regular hand. Her parents, 
John and Susan (Barrier) Heverling, were both 
natives of Schuylkill county, Penn., and she was 
born there on June 1, 1830, the fourth child and 
tirst daughter in a family of eight children; but 
while she was still an infant her parents removed 
to Union county, and settled upon a farm. Mr 
and Mrs. Brown have two sons, both of whom 
reside at the homestead: (1) John W.. born 
May 31, [855, married to Miss Emma Biddle, 
and has one son, Raymond W. (2) James C 
born December 21. 1859, is not married. 

Mr. Brown is a man of influence in his local- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



831 



ity, and his manner, though quiet and unassum- 
ing, conveys the impression of a strong character. 
He and his family belong to the Reformed Church, 
in which he held at one time the office of deacon. 
Politically, he was first a Whig, and, later, a 
Republican, and while an earnest supporter of 
his principles, he does not confuse national with 
local issues, and in township and county elections 
votes for " the best man." He is not a man to 
seek office for the honor of it; as school director 
he has shown himself a firm friend of education, 
seeking to improve the facilities for the rising 
generation of his locality. 



HARVEY E. FRANTZ, a general farmer re- 
siding at Spring Garden, in Gregg township, 
Union county, was born August 12, 1850, in Penn 
township, Lycoming Co., Penn. , and is of German 
descent, his paternal grandparents, Peter and 
Elizabeth (Beaver) Frantz, having come to Amer- 
ica at an early day and taken up their residence 
in Pennsylvania. The former was accompanied 
by his two brothers, John and David, all of whom 
spelled the name Frantz, but the descendants of 
John have changed the spelling to Frontz. The 
maternal grandparents of our subject, Daniel and 
his wife, were also natives of the Fatherland, 
where the grandmother died, but the grandfather 
came to the United States, and spent his last 
days upon a farm in Lycoming county, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Jacob and Elizabeth (Good) Frantz, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives of Lycoming 
county, Penn., and Germany, respectively, and 
were married at the former place, where the 
father died in March, 1876, at the age of seventy- 
eight years, nine months and seven days. He 
was a farmer by occupation, and, as an ardent 
Democrat, he took quite a prominent part in 
local affairs, serving in several township offices of 
honor and trust. In religious belief, he was a 
Lutheran, to which Church his wife also belongs. 
She was born in November, 1820, and now re- 
sides with her daughter, Mrs. Amanda Vander- 
vilt, in Lycoming county. 

In the family of this worthy couple were six 
children, namely: Peter, now a farmer of Muncy 
Creek township, Lycoming county; Daniel G., a 
farmer of the same county; Amanda, widow of 
John Vandervilt, of Lycoming county; Harvey 
E., of this sketch; William B., an agriculturist 
of Lycoming county; and Elias, who was killed 
by a runaway horse. 

During his boyhood and youth, Harvey E. 
Frantz attended the local schools and worked on 
his father's farm or at teaming. On attaining 



his majority he left the parental roof, and for two 
years boarded with his sister, Mrs. Vandervilt, 
while he operated her farm. He then purchased 
a tract of land a mile and one-half from that 
place, in Muncy Creek township, Lycoming coun- 
ty, buying eighty acres at $120 per acre. There 
he made his home from 1876 until the spring of 

1886, when he sold out and went to Brown coun- 
ty, S. Dak., where he purchased a farm and also 
took up some government land, which he im- 
proved with new buildings. In the fall of 1889, 
however, he returned to Pennsylvania, and after 
a few months spent in Northumberland county 
while looking up a location, he bought his present 
farm of seventy-eight acres at $80 per acre. In- 
dustrious and persevering, he has placed the land 
under a high state of cultivation and made many 
excellent improvements thereon, which stand as 
monuments to his thrift and enterprise. 

Mr. Frantz was married in Lycoming county, 
December 23, 1873, the lady of his choice being 
Miss Alice Beaber, who was born in Wolf town- 
ship, that county, February 14, 1854, a daughter 
of George and Charlotte (Shipman) Beaber, of 
Lycoming county, where the father followed 
farming and the tanning business throughout 
life. In his younger years he also engaged in 
teaching, and he was called upon to fill a number 
of township offices. He died May 14, 1888, 
aged sixty-two years, his wife on November 13, 

1887, aged fifty-nine. His parents were John 
and Hannah (Shaffer) Beaber, natives of Berks 
county, Penn., who removed to Lycoming coun- 
ty, at an early day. There the grandfather fol- 
fowed farming until his death. The maternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Frantz, Jacob and Caroline 
(Britton) Shipman, were born in New Jersey, 
but died in Lycoming county, Penn., where the 
former followed agricultural pursuits for many 
years. 

Mrs. Frantz is the third in order of birth in a 
family of seven children, the others being: 
Thomas J., who died at the age of thirty-three 
years; Mary J., who died unmarried at the age 
of forty-one; M. Alice, the wife of our subject; 
John J., a farmer of Northumberland county, 
Penn.; George M., a dealer in wire fences at 
Potts Grove, Penn.; Margaret E., the wife of 
I. V. Sudam, a farmer of Michigan; and Amon 
B., an agriculturist of Lycoming county. 

Eight children graced the union of Mr. and 
Mrs. Frantz, namely: Charles D., born Octo- 
ber 1, 1874, died at the age of eighteen years; 
Cyrus B., born January 8, 1876, is at home; 
Jacob M., born October 9, 1878, is a saddler re- 
siding in Milton, Penn.; George S., born July 
28, 1 88 1 , died at the age of nine years; Edward 



B82 



COMMEMnUATlVE BIUGRAl'llKAL RECORD. 



L., born August 25, 1883, and Ralph, born Jan- 
uary 21, 1890, are at home; and Harvey D. and 
Emma A. twins) were born October 27, 1892, 
the former dying in infancy. 

Our subject takes an active interest in the 
success of the Democratic party, with which he 
has always been identified, and on that ticket 
was recently elected supervisor of his township. 
He is also si ceptabl) I the 

poor, and is recognized as one of the representa- 
tive and valued 1 itizi ns of Gregg township. 
Prior to coming to the county, he and his es- 
timable wife held membership in the Lutheran 
Church. They are widely and favorably known, 
enjoying the respect and confidence of all with 
whom they come in contact. 



A 



, DAM KIMl'i 1. has now laid aside business 
\. cares, and is enjoying a well-earned re 
,1 pari of the old homestead farm in Wesl Buffa- 
lo township, where his birth occurred January 
1, 1S20. 

The family was early established in I 
county, Ins paternal grandparents locating tl 
when 11 11s an unbroken wild, mess, in- 

habited mainly by the Redmen. The heavy 

its were the hn imes ol many wild anin 
and game of all kinds could be found in abund- 
ance, rhe randfather, Henry Kimpel, was a 
native of Germany, while his wife was born in 
l-n-land. Their marriage was celebrated in v 
Jersey, where they continued to maki 

1 numbei >l ind on coming h Union 

county were accompanied by their sons, Philip 
and John. The former, who was the father of 
our sub i mie one rous farmers 

"I this 1 egii in, where he died many yi re- 

spected by all who knew him. His wife passed 
away in [823, our subject thus being deprivi 
a mother's tender care at the age of thn 
The other children were: John, Sarah. S 
Philip, Rebecca and Peter. 

Amid rural scenes Adam Kimpel was reared, 
receiving his education in the subscription schi 
near hi hi 1 h he be- 

i in the work of the farm, and he 
never left the old h id, but contin 

us time and attention to its cultivation 
and improvement throughout his active business 
career. 1 ral sears he has now lived re- 

tired, leaving the management of the farm to his 
only child, Henrj Philip, In [867, Mr. Kimpel 
was joined in wedlock with Miss Susanna Noll, a 
daughter of Henry Noll, an agriculturist ol \\ 
Buffalo township. Shediedin 1880, leaving 
son, Henry Philip, who was born January 10, 
1869, on the old home farm where he and his 



lather still reside. On March 14, 1889, he was 
married to Miss Emma Nickel, who was born 
March 2, 1^70, a daughter of George A. Nickel, 
a prosperous farmer of West Buffalo township, 
child graces their union — Charles Elmer, 
horn July 1 2, IS<J4. 

Mr. Kimpel has always affiliated with the 
Democratic party, and take a deep and c >m- 
mendable interest in public affairs. Altl 
believer in Christianity he is a member of no par- 
ticular Church, but he has led an honorable, up- 
ri'^ht and conscientious life, never wronging any 
one to ite his own selfish interests. He 

has traveled in six different States of the Union. 



r>EORGE W. SCHOCH, editor and proprie- 
VJ tor ol The Mifflinburg Telegraph, Mifflin- 

■. Union county, was born in Mifflinb 
Union Co., Penn., May I, [842, and is a son of 
George Schoch, who was a son of Michael 
of Mathias Schoch. 

The latter, with his brothers, John and Ge 
and two sisters, came to this country from G 
many in the eighteenth century, locating in 
. , Penn. The sisters married — one 
a Mr. Spangler, the other a Mr. Saltzgever, b 
of Tulpehocken, Berks Co., Penn. Mat!, 
born in Germany, December 16, 173 
in America, May [2, (8l2. He was twice mar- 
nldren as follows: John, Henry. 
I, Jacob, Peter and Catharine, by his 
wife; an . Daniel and Rebecca, by his 

second wife. 

Michael Schoch, son of Mathias, was born 
[une 20, 17- twice married: first to Miss 

Ann Bi I after her death he wi 

widow named Dreese. By his first wife he had 
the following children: Catherine, born Sep- 
tember [4, 1796, married a Mr. Kocher, of Cir- 
cleville, Ohio; Leah, born July 14. [800, mar- 

i fohn Craft, of Circleville, Ohio; Elizabeth, 

born November 24, 1S01, married Adam Dover, 

ircleville, Ohio; George, born January 1, 

1804, died March 28. [888; Samuel, born j 

14, 1801''. died May 1;, [892; Susan, born Janu- 

I homas Craft, of Circle- 
ville l Lydia, born May 31, [811, 
married Samuel ing citizen, and 

is each, jus- 
tice of the peace of Mifflinburg, Penn. She 
J82. Michael had no chil- 

n by his sec »nd wife. He was a carpenter 
by trade, was one of the builders of the old St. 

is Church in Mifflinburg, used conjointly by 
the Lutheran and Reformed congregations for 
man\ years, hi being an ardent Lutheran. He 
also followed (arming, and at his death, which 





/K /&Z^L<rC*K, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



833 



occurred March 19, 1853, when he was aged 
eighty-three years, eight months, twenty-nine 
days, he left an estate of considerable acreage the 
proceeds of the sale of same being divided equit- 
ably among his surviving children, in accordance 
with his will. His remains and those of his two 
w.ves are buried in the old graveyard in Mifflin- 
burg. H 1S hrst wife died October 4, 1823 a-ed 
fifty-four years and three months 

George Schoch, son of Michael and grandson 
of Mathias, was united in marriage April 23 

1826 with Harriet Warley, a daughter of Henry 
and Mary Warley, of Philadelphia. Their chil 
dren were as follows: Mary Ann, born March 3 r 

1827 died October 27, 1882; Catharine, born 
October 27, 1828, intermarried with Dr. Andrew 

J u2" 0t ^ r ,f She d ' ed March 8 ' l8 5L having one 
child— William Herbert Crotzer, who was born 
February 28, 185 1, died January 13, ,S 9 8, and 
buried in Laurel Hill cemetery, Philadelphia)- 
Henry M born August 3. 1830, a prominent 
merchant of Danville, Penn. ; Harriet, born Oc- 
tober 17, 1832, intermarried with John Neyhart 
residing at Lewisburg, Penn. ; Elizabeth, born 
J«y 3, 1835, died June 29, 1887; Gilbert, born 

UL- I 1 ' l837 ' a leadin g merchant tailor of 
Mifflinburg, Penn.; John Calvin, born March 17 
ij>39, residing in Edwardsburg, Mich., of which 
place he was postmaster during Cleveland's first 
term as president; Emeline, born February 7 
1841, residing in Lewisburg, Penn.; George w' 
(the subject of this biography), born May 1, 184^ 
and Milton M., born December 24, 1849 fore- 
man of the Telegraph printing office, Mifflinburg 
Penn The father of the children just named 
was born January 1, 1804, as before stated, and 
died March 28, 1888. The mother was born 
August io, 1S05, and died June 7, 1870. Both 
are buried in the cemetery at Lewisburg, Penn 
as are their children— Mary Ann, Catharine and 
Elizabeth. 

Henry Warley, hereinbefore mentioned was 
born September 4, 1775, and his wife Catharine 
(Ffiegor) was born in 1785. Their children were 
as follows: Mary, born December 2, iSc- Har- 
riet (wife of George Schoch, as before stated) 
born August 10, 1805; Ann (wife of E. Gilbert 
Oiles), born July 26, 1808; Samuel (married to 
Kebecca Pflegor), born December 24, 181 i- 
Reuben, born June 27, 18 14; Henry, born No- 
vember 22, 1816; Rebecca, born July 15, 1819- 
Catherine born May 1, 1823; George (married 
to Emma Miller), born June 9, 1826; and John, 
born June 5, 1832. 

Accordingly, from what has been written it 
will be noticed that George W. Schoch was a 
great-grandson of Mathias Schoch, grandson of 



Michael Schoch, and son of George Schoch. His 
education was solely acquired in the free or pub- 
lic schools of his birthplace, supplemented with 
a few terms in the Mifflinburg academy, his 
teachers in the latter institution being suc- 
cessively, Henry G. McGuire, Aaron C. Fisher, 
Kobert C. Allison and the latter's assistant Mr 
Hartman His tuition under teacher Fisher was 
paid for by his personal services as janitor- 
making the fire, sweeping the school room and 
ringing the bell at school time. Shortly after 
arriving at the age of thirteen years he entered 
the printing office of the Union County Star, then 
published in Mifflinburg. to learn the art of print- 
ing. Here he worked a few months, when the 
offlce passed by sale from the owners— Drs A 
J. Crotzer (his brother-in-law) and Chesselden 
tMsner— into the possession of Reuben G. and 
1 nomas G. Orwig, brothers, for whom, also he 
worked a short time. Subsequently he went to 
Lew.sburg, Penn., to which place his parents 
had removed shortly after the division of the 
county which took place in 1855, his father 
having been chosen one of the county commis- 
sioners Here he secured employment in the 
office of the Lewisburg Argus, published by 
hrankhn Ziebach, working there for about six 
months, when Mr. Ziebach removed to Sioux 
Uty, Iowa, taking the material of the office with 
him Shortly thereafter he secured employment 
in the office of the Lewisburg Chronicle, published 
by O. N Worden & J. R. Cornelius, where he 
remained until the Civil war broke out in iS6r 
when he "ran away from home," and on August 
\2, that year, enlisted in Company D, 5th Regt 
Penn. Res. Corps, serving with said command 
until its discharge on June 11, 1864. He par- 
ticipated in the following battles: Mechanics- 
ville, Va., June 26, 1862; Gaines' Mill Va 
June 27, 1862; New Market Cross Roads Va ' 
June 30, 1862— (McClellan's campaign)- Bull 
Run, Va., August 28, 29 and 30, 1862— (Pope's 
campaign); South Mountain. Md., September 14 
1862; Antietam, Md., September 16 and 17' 
1862— (McClellan's campaign) ; Fredericksburg' 
Va., December 13, 1862— (Burnside's campaign): 
Gettysburg, Penn., July 2, 3 and 4, 1863; Bris- 
toe Station, Va. , October 14, 1863; Mine Run 
Va., November 27^30, 1863; Wilderness, Va ' 
May 5, 1864— during Grant's campaign, with 
Meade as commander of the Army of the Potomac 
1 his (the Wilderness) was the last engagement 
he took part in, being unable to endure further 
marching on account of an injury to his knee 
which he incurred at Miner's Hill, Va., a few 
months previous, and was obliged to go to the 
ar, being so ordered by his captain, William 



884 



cu.UMKMtiliATIVE BIOGRAPU!' Al. RECORD. 



H. H. McCall. About a month later, June n. 
1864. he was discharged with his regiment at 
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Schoch then returned to Lewisburg, re- 
suming his position in the Chronicle office, re- 
maining there until January 1, 1873, at which 
date he purchased The Miffiinburg Telegraph, 
which he has conducted ever since. On Ma\ 1. 
1892, he also became the owner of The Lett 
Chronicle, which has been published under his 
supervision up to the present time. Both publi- 
cations are ardently Republican. He has la- 
bored faithfully for the success of the party; was 
delegate to State Conventions a number of 
times, and served as secretary of the Repubh 
County Committee for twelve consecutive yea 
In [885 he was assistant sergeant-at-arms, and, 
in 1S87, messenger of the House of Representa- 
tives of Pennsylvania; also postmaster of Mifflin 
burg under President Harrison, and re-appoiri 
by President Mckinley, under the latter taking 
charge of the office i ni February 15, 1898. For 
these respective official positions he was very 
strongly endorsed by his home people and others. 

With the Grand Army of the Republic Mr. 
Schoch has been connected since the year 1 
— first as charter member of Andrew Gregg 
Tucker Post No. 52, of Lewisburg, Penn., with 
which he continued membership until the organ- 
ization of William R. Forster Post No. 247, .if 
Miffiinburg, Penn., of which, also, he is a charter 
member, being at this writing its adjutant — a po- 
sition he has occupied many years. He has been 
a delegate to the State Encampments of the or- 
der scry many times, als lelegate to the Na- 
tional Encampment. For the welfare of the old 
soldier he has ever manifested the utmost inl 
est, both in his newspaper and by personal ef- 
fort, especially in the securement ol pensions for 
worthy comrades, for which service he never 
would accept pay. Every public enterprise for 
the good of his town and county found in him an 
ardent supporter. Tins he notably demonstral 
in his zealous advocacy of the water-works for 
the borough, the expense to be equitably bo 
by the taxpayers. The question was submitted 
to a vote of the people, (he result of said vote 
being largely in favor of borough construction 
and ownership ol said plant; accordingly, Coun- 
cils by ordinance resolved to have the plant con- 
structed in the spring and summer of 1S98. 

On April 2S, 1S70, George W. Schoch was 
joined in marriage with Isabella Derr Kelly, who 
was born November 1. iS 50, a daughter of Josiah 
and Frances Yentzer (Derr) Kelly. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Schoch were born two children, namely: 
Harriet Mae, born February 17, 1S71. and 



George Warley, born October 17, 1 S7 3. The 
daughter was married May 2j, 1896, to Franklin 
McCreary Earnest, son of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. 
John A. Earnest, and they have one child, Frank- 
lin McCreary Earnest, Jr., born April 25, i v " 
The son, George Warley, was joined in marriage 
March 17, 1898, with Emma Brown Cook, a 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs John H. Cook. Josiah 
Kelly, father of Mrs. George W. Schoch. was a 
son of James Kelly, who was noted in the olden 
time as an earnest, radical Abolitionist — a h 
of human slavery — and a zealous advocate of 
temperance. His son, Josiah, inherited and en- 
tertained the same principles, and was a faithful 
soldier in the war for the Union. He died De- 
cember 13, [895, aged seventy-five years, nine 
months and twenty-five days. Frances Yentzer 
(Derr 1 Kelly, the mother of Mrs. George W. 
Schoch, was a daughter of Lewis and Charlotte 
(Stoner) Derr, granddaughter of George Derr, 
and great-granddaughter of Ludwig Derr, the 
founder of Lewisburg. Penn. She died April 25, 
1895, aged sixty-nine years, eleven months and 
three days. Both Mr. Josiah Kelly and wife are 
buried in the Lewisburg cemeter} 

Mr. Schoch is a man of fine as well as 1 
ble intellectual qualities, an extensive reader and 
close thinker. In manner he is social and friend- 
ly, and possesses qualities that readily win ad- 
miration and respect. 



GW. FOOTE, the able and courteous editor 
of The Times. Miffiinburg, Union county, 
was born in that borough October 5, 1840, a son 
and now the only survivor of the family of Asa 
and Hannah I Reichle) Foote, the latter of whom 
1 daughter of Christian Reichley. 

ote, father of our subject, was a son of 
Oliton Cushman Foote, who was a son of 
Ephraim Foote, No. 250 in line of descent from 
Nathaniel Foote, who was born in England. 
came to this country, and in 1633 took the oath 
ol Freeman in the Colom of Massachusetts B 

Our subject was reared in his native village, 
receiving his education in the public schools, quit- 
ting school at the age of fourteen years. In June. 

aine a ' ' printer's devil " and 
the • ■ ai i itive of all a During thi 

Civil war he first enlisted in Company G. 4th 
1' V. I., servjng three months, and then re- 
enlisted, this time as a member of Company 1 
and Company II respectively), 51st P. V, V. 
foi tin ars; participated in the battles of 

Roanoke Island. N. C, February 8, [862; New- 
bern, N. C, March 14/1862; Camden, N 
April 19, 1862; was in the skirmishes along tl 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



535 



Rappahannock with General Pope, where for 
twenty-six days the command and men were 
sleeping under arms and not given time to change 
their clothes; Second Bull Run, August 30, 1862; 
Chantilly, September 1, 1862; South Mountain, 
September 14, 1862; Antietam, September 17, 
1862; Wilderness, May 6, 1864; Spottsylvania 
Court House, May 12, 1864. He was wounded 
in the head and face at Antietam, and in the 
right forearm at Spottsylvania Court House. 
He was with Company C, commanded by Cap- 
tain Franklin, 12th United States Infantry, 
through the draft riots in New York Citv in July, 
1863. 

On September 10, 1867, he married Augusta 
P. Coy, of Sinclairsville, N. Y. , and two daugh- 
ters were the result of this union: Alice, born 
August 14, 1868, and Amy Louisa, born Febru- 
ary 12, 1872, died August 27, 1873. 

In May, 1885, Mr. Foote established The 
Times in Mifflinburg, and conducted it as a 
Democratic journal until 1896, when it became 
independent, and now advocates the cause of 
honesty and morality in government. Under 
Mr. Foote's able management the paper has 
prospered, and is regarded as a wholesome, 
clean, newsy sheet. 



WILLIAM S. RAUCH. The ancestors 
of this gentleman settled in eastern 
Pennsylvania in pioneer times, and his grand- 
parents, Peter and Mary (Sipe) Ranch, were 
both natives of Lehigh county, the birth of the 
former occurring about 1793. Like many of the 
immediate descendants of the early settlers of 
the State, they desired in turn to open up new 
lands on the frontier, and in 1820 they removed 
to Union county, where the grandmother died in 
1827. In 1836, Peter Rauch, who was a farmer 
and miller by occupation, removed to Williams- 
port, Penn., where his death occurred in 1877, 
at the age of eighty-four years. He was mar- 
ried three times, but the second wife, Mrs. Eliz- 
abeth Geyer, and the third, Mrs. Tray, who 
now resides at Williamsport. bore him no chil- 
dren. Three sons and one daughter blessed the 
first union: Jonas, who is mentioned more fully 
below; Tilman, a miller and farmer, now de- 
ceased; John, deceased, formerly a carpenter in 
Missouri; and Mary, who married Robert Hom- 
ier, a farmer of Clinton county, Penn., and died 
there some years ago. 

Jonas Rauch, the father of our subject, was 
born in Lehigh county, July 5, 1815, but has 
been identified with this section from early child- 
hood. Despite his advanced age he enjoys good 



health, and all who have come within his cheery 
influence can but wish that he will be spared 
for many years and show to other generations 
what manner of men were bred in pioneer days. 
He has always been engaged in milling, and at 
the age of eighteen began an apprenticeship of 
three years in the roller and chop mill near 
Kelly Cross Roads, White Deer township, Union 
county, which is now owned and operated by his 
sons. For some time he lived in Clinton county, 
but in 1856 he settled at White Deer Mills, 
Union county, and remained nine years, when 
he removed to the present homestead. In 1862 
he purchased the plant which is adapted to either 
water or steam power, and has a capacity of 
twenty-five barrels per day. He also owned and 
operated a farm, and still resides there with his 
sons, although he has delegated the business to 
their hands. Public affairs are watched by him 
with intelligent interest, and he is a steadfast sup- 
porter of the principles of the Republican party. 
In religious faith he is a Methodist. 

In 1856 Jonas Rauch was married, in Clinton 
county, to Miss Eleanor Shaw, a native of Ly- 
coming county, and a daughter of William and 
Jane (Moyer) Shaw. She passed to her eternal 
rest in 1885, at the age of sixty-seven, while on 
a visit to her daughter, Mrs. Mary Bennage, of 
White Deer township, Union county, and her 
remains were interred in the White Deer ceme- 
tery. Five children were born to this union: 
(1) Mary, wife of David Bennage, a farmer of 
White Deer township, Union county, has had 
four children. (2) William S., our subject, will 
be mentioned at length below. (3) Peter H.. 
who is in partnership with our subject, married 
Miss Izora Gemberling, and has had two children 
— Myron and Carrie. (4) John R. died at an 
early age. (5) Agnes, deceased, was formerly 
the wife of William Stutzman, who is married 
again and resides in Philadelphia. 

William S. Rauch was born November 18, 
1844, at Rauch Gap, Clinton county, and much 
of his time in youth was spent in assisting his 
father in the mill and on the farm, as business 
might require. His educational opportunities 
were hardly such as to be satisfactory to a clever 
and ambitious lad, and he soon passed beyond 
the help of the local schools. In October, 1864, 
he left home to enter the service of the govern- 
ment as a member of the 1st Pennsylvania Light 
Artillery, under Capt. L. B. Richardson and 
Lieut. Cameron. He went to the front, and, 
although he was never wounded, the privations 
and exposure to which he was subjected brought 
on an attack of yellow jaundice, and he was 
obliged to spend eight weeks in a hospital near 



B86 



- OMMEMORATIVE lU(i(SUM'lW\\L RECORD. 



Washington. As long as there was any prospect 
of fighting he remained in the army, but on be- 
ing mustered out, June 13, [8( returned 
home and resumed his studies, attending Buck- 
nell Academy one term. 

In [867 Mr. Rauch taught school at Kelly 
Cross Roads, but one term convinced him that 
the occupation was too confining l"t one of his 
stat.- oi health, and he entered the employ of his 
father at a salary. Later he and his brother 
purchased the mill, as has been said, and it is 
now operated under the firm name of 1'. II. 
Rauch & Brother. While Mr. Rauch is well 
known as a substantial business man, he is no 
prominent in local affairs, being especially 
active in edui ati at. Since 1 

he has been a school director, having been re- 
elected at the end oi his first term of three years, 
and, in 1896, he was chosen treasurer of the 
school board. He is a leading member of the 
Lutheran Church, md has held the office of el- 
der fur three years, and he also belongs to the 
Grand Army Post No. 52 it I wisburg. 

On November 2-, [873, Mr. Rauch was uni- 
ted in marriage with Miss Rebecca Hafer, and 
two children, Annie B and Gilbert W. , brighten 
their home. Mrs. Rauch was horn in Kelly 
township, Union county, May 16, 1843, the daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Rel i (Gilbert Hater. Her 

adparents, Jacob and Rebecca Hafer, came 
from Berks county. Penn. , at an early day, and 
located upon a farm near Lewisburg. Her fa- 
ther was bom in Berks count}', but coming to 
this section in childhood, remained, and engaged 
in farming, and for some time in weaving. He 
was prominent in local affairs, and in politics 
was a steadfast Republican. He and his wife, 
wlii 1 was born in Schuylkill county, were inem- 

5 of the Lutheran Church. Both lived to a 
good old age. the former dying in 1 N74, at the 
age of seventy-nine years and four months, and 
the latter in 1885, at the age of eighty-four. 
They had the following children: William, de- 
ceased, formerly a physician at Marshalh ille, 
Ga. ; Henry, a retin 1 oi Kelly township, 

Union county; Andrew, a farmer of Ouray coun- 
ty, Colo. ; Daniel, of Lewisburg, Penn. ; Jonas and 
Harrison, who are both fanners in Kelly town- 
ship. Union county; and Rebecca, Mrs. Rauch. 



CHARLES SEEBOLD (deceased). Among 
the early settlers of Union county was 
Christopher Seebold, a native of Wurtemberg, 
Germany, who located in 1793 about two and 
one-half miles west of New Berlin, purchasing a 
mill and a tract of farming land. 



Mr. Seebold had come to this country when 
but seven years ..Id, and was reared to manhood 
in Lebanon county, Penn., where he was married 
to a Miss Spade, and remained some years, sev- 
eral children being born there. 1 1 is death 
occurred about 1806, and he was buried at New 

lin, in a lot which has since I nidoned 

ry and laid out as a portion of the 
town, an alley running across the spot where his 
grave was made. His wife survived him, and 
was also interred at New Berlin. They had 
three sons: Christopher. Jr., who is mentioned 
more fully below; John, who succeeded to his 
lather's mill ; Michael, who died unmarried; and 

nil daughters, among whom were: Otilia. 
who married Michael Greenhoe, and died in 
Ohio; Maria, Mrs. Henry Hassenplug, whodiedin 
Mifflinburg; Barbara, Mrs. Auble, ol Mifflinburg, 
who was blind for many years before her death; 
and Margaret, wife of Andrew Wagner, at 
time a hotel keeper in New Berlin. 

Christopher Seebold, jr., the grandfather oi 
the subject of this memoir, was born September 
;. 1763, in Lebanon county, and was married 111 
Lancaster county, April 8, 1788, to Miss Anna 
Eva Hochlander. of Manheim, who was born 
August 29, [769. After the removal of the fam- 
ily to Union county, he assisted his* father in the 
mill for a time, but in 1795 or '96 he settled at 
New Berlin, and became one of the leading citi- 
zens of the growing town. He followed boating 
as an occupation at first, running a small boat 
between New Berlin and various points on the 
Susquehanna river and Penn's creek, which was 
found to be navigable for such craft, horses hem^ 
i-niployed to pull them up stream. He carried 
produce to the markets down the river, and on 
his return trip brought up articles of merchan- 
dise. Later he kept a tavern, and as the town 
developed, certain real-estate investments became 
profitable. When Union county was organized, 
New Berlin was made the county seat, and the 
court house and county offices were built upon 
his land, his donation towards the cost of erec- 
tion being $200. In 1813 he was appointed 
justice of the peace, and in 1820 he was elected 
county treasurer. Politically he favored the 
Democratic party until the anti-Masonic agita- 
tion, and in religious faith he was a Lutheran 
He died May 6, [839, his wife surviving him un- 
til November 3, 1 S 57 . Of their nine children, 
our subject's father, Philip Seebold, was the eld- 
est. Elizabeth, born December 2, 1 79 1 , mar- 
ried Jacob Long, and died in Perry county, Ohio, 
March 29, 1880; Christopher, born August 2;, 
1704, was a carder and manufacturer of linseed 
oil near New Berlin, and his death occur 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



837 



in that vicinity April 3, 1870; Catherine, born 
March 3, 1797, married Thomas Hummel, and 
died at Homer, Ohio, July 1, 1882; Mary, born 
January 15, 1800, married Conrad Pontius, and 
died in May, 1877, in Ross county, Ohio; John 
H., born June 14, 1802, is still living (1897) in 
New Berlin, where he has spent his entire life. 
For many years he was a leading hotel keeper 
and druggist, and notwithstanding his advanced 
age, he is well-preserved and has the full use of 
his faculties; Nancy, born May 4, 1806, died 
April 27, 1828, unmarried; Sally, born Novem- 
ber 3, 1808, married John Dieffenbacher, and 
died at Selins Grove, Penn., February 19, 1828, 
she was buried at New Berlin; Hannah, born 
November 14, 181 5, married Abraham Schoch, 
and died at New Berlin. December 9. 1875. 

Philip Seebold, the father of our subject, 
was born January 19, 1789, in Lebanon county, 
and was but a child when he was taken to the 
new home near New Berlin. He learned the 
potter's trade with Adam Maize, of that place, 
and followed that business for many years, but 
in later life he moved to a country home in the 
same township, where he died July 25, 1874. 
He was a well-known citizen, highly respect- 
ed and influential, and was a prominent member 
of the Lutheran Church. In early years he was 
a Democrat, and later a Know-Nothing, but the 
anti-slavery controversy led him to become a 
supporter of the Republican party. His first 
wife, Rachel De Haas, of New Columbia, Penn., 
died at New Berlin, where the remains of both 
now rest. His second wife was a widow, Mrs. 
Stuck, of Selins Grove, who died in Limestone 
township, Union county. He had eight children, 
all by the first marriage: Polly, wife of Samuel 
Weirick, an attorney at New Berlin, died at 
Middleburg, but was buried at her home; Anna 
married (first) Daniel Holt, and, after his death, 
Allen Dorsey, resides at Baltimore, Md. ; John is 
a resident of Yellow Creek, Stephenson county, 
111. ; Charles, the subject proper of this sketch, 
■was the fourth in order of birth; William lives at 
Hartleton, Penn.; Sarah, widow of Mr. Hutchin- 
son, resides in Baltimore, Md. ; Harriet, Mrs. 
Thomas Hassenplug, lives at Mifflinburg; Lizzie 
(deceased) never married. 

The late Charles Seebold was a man of keen 
judgment and strong character, one who could 
plan and carry to successful completion business 
plans of more than ordinary scope. As a pioneer 
in the business of tomato canning, now a leading 
industry at Baltimore, Md., his name became 
widely known. He was born Nov. 20, 18 14, at 
New Berlin, and at an early age began to learn 
the printer's trade, his parents being then in 



comfortable but not affluent circumstances. For 
some time he conducted a printing office of his 
own and published the Anti-Masonic Star, but 
in the early '50s he sold the business and moved 
to Baltimore to engage in the canning trade. 
The idea occurred to him during the visit of a 
brother-in-law, Daniel Holt, an oyster merchant 
of Baltimore, who, while eating some canned 
tomatoes at our subject's table, remarked upon 
their excellence and spoke of the prolific growth 
of that crop near Baltimore. Mr. Seebold saw 
at once an opening for a new and profitable ven- 
ture, and going to Baltimore he purchased twelve 
acres of land which he devoted to tomato grow- 
ing, the entire crop being canned for market. 
The experiment proving a success from the start, 
he continued and rapidly enlarged the scope of 
his operations buying from other growers to meet 
the demands of the trade. He took his brother, 
Henry, into partnership, and some years after- 
ward, having acquired a handsome fortune, he 
sold out his interest in the business to this broth- 
er who still conducts it. Returning to his na- 
tive place, Mr. Seebold passed his remaining 
years in well-earned leisure, and in 1882 he built 
there the most substantial, artistic and expensive 
residence to be found in the locality. He also 
invested largely in real estate, and at the time of 
his death owned two farms in Union township, 
Union county. He was a public-spirited citizen, 
a stanch Republican in politics, and while never 
a politician was interested in the issues of the day. 
On February 1, 1836, Mr. Seebold was mar- 
ried at New Berlin to Miss Mary Franck, a na- 
tive of that town, born May 9, 181 8. Her fa- 
ther was born near Hagerstown, Md. , but the 
family came at an early period to Union county, 
meeting with some losses from Indian raids in 
the pioneer days. Philip Franck, who was a 
clock maker by trade, died at the age of seventy- 
one, and his wife, Salome Schreffler, passed 
away at eighty-five, both being buried at New 
Berlin. They were highly respected by all who 
knew them, and were consistent members of the 
Lutheran Church. Of their twelve children the 
following lived to adult age: Margaret, widow of 
John Teats, of Bellefonte; Catherine, who mar- 
ried Jacob Hubler, and died at Pittston, Penn., 
in December, 1896; Mary, Mrs. Seebold; Eliza- 
beth, who married John Burkert, and died in 
December, 1896, at Indianapolis; Sarah, Mrs. 
Henry Heckman, who died at Annville, Penn. ; 
Permilla, who married Dr. Harshberger, and 
died at New Albany, Penn. ; Jane, widow of 
Michael Fetterhoff, of Huntingdon, Penn. ; Har- 
riet, widow of John Freet, of Reading, Penn., 
and Miss Anna, a resident of New Berlin. 



*:;> 



I OMMBMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Mr. Seebold passed to the unseen world July 
5, 18S6, his death causing sincere grief through- 
out the community where his family has so long 
been known, and where so many years of his own 
life were spent. His widow still lives in the ele- 
gant home which his thoughtful affection provid- 
ed. She takes much interest in the work of the 
Lutheran Church, of which her husband was 
also an active member, and is one of the most 
esteemed residents of the city. A family of 
which any parent might be proud attests the 
loving care bestowed upon them. Of nine chil- 
dren, the eldest, Rachel A., born January 20, 
1837, married Henry Vogler, and died in Balti- 
more April 24, [887; Philip U., born May 28, 
1839, died at Washington, D. C. , October 9, 
Sarah A., born May 20, 1841, died Janu- 
ary 2, [844; Mary 1... born June 30, 1844, is 
the wife of Charles Pearson, of Washington, 1». 
C. ; Henry F., August 10, 1S45, resides in San 
Diego, Cal. ; Samuel W. , born May 14, 1848, 
■ In '1 October 24, 1849; Charles S . born Decem- 
5, 1850, is a dentist at Baltimore, Md. ; 

ma, January 17, 1853, married Judge J. J. 
Dobler, a prominent citizen of Baltimore; Franck, 
November 26, 1859, is a dentist in Washington, 
District of Columbia. 



MKs < ARRIE 1 STROHECKEF 1 BARR, 
of Lewisburg, Union county, widow of the 
late Dr. Washington Barr, is a member of one of 
the oldest and most highly respected families of 
that section, and her own personality has won 
for her a high place in the esteem of her large 
circle of acquaintances. She was born in July, 
[830, on the old Stroheckei homestead, on the 
banks of the Susquehanna river, in East Buffalo 
township, Union county, and was the eldest child 
and only daughter of John and Elizabeth 1 Fried- 
ley) Stroheckcr. 

Mrs. Barr gave early signs of the mi 
ability which has since made her prominent in 
social circles, and after pursuing her studies as 
far as the local schools would permit, attended 
school for a time in Lewisburg. In 1867 she 
was united in marriage with Dr. Parr, and went 
to Harrisburg, Penn . to reside, their home be- 



L. KURTZ, editor and proprietor of the 
Lewisburg Journal, Lewisburg, Union 
nty, was born in Centre county, Penn., in 
1 S62; graduated from Bucknell College in 1885; 
purchased the Lewisburg journal in 1895, and 
fully continued its publication to tin- 
lit time. 



ing situated at the corner of Second and Locust 
streets. 

The Doctor was a man of more than ordi- 
nary intellect, and was widely known, not only 
in professional life, but in social movements, be- 
ing an active member of the Masonic fraternity, 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the 
Order of Red Men, the Sons of Temperance, 
and the Good Templars (Washington Lodge). 
In political faith he was a Republican. His 
death occurred April 30, 1876, at Harrisburg, 
where his remains were interred. 

After the Doctor's death, Mrs. Barr returned 
to the home of her childhood and remained there 
until May. 1886, when she moved to her home 
in Lewisburg, a pleasant residence, located on 
Brown street. She is a consistent member of 
the Lutheran Church, and her comfortable com- 
petence enables her to carry out the plans for 
intellectual and social activities which appeal 
most strongly to her refined taste. 



LEVI ROOKE, M. D. This name is a fa- 
miliar one in this section, having been asso- 
ciated for years past with many of the leading 
business enterprises of the time. In finance, 
commerce, and the various industrial movements 
which have served to develop resources. Dr. 
Ro< >ke has easily held a foremost rank. He was the 
first to carry on the iron business successfully for 
any considerable time in Union and Snyder counties. 
Others had attempted it as far back as 1824, but 
failure and disappointment had inevitably result- 
ed, and at the time that Dr. Brooke engaged in 
it but few would have dared to hazard the neces- 
sary capital. Difficult as was the enterprise, he 
succeeded notably, and in this connection we 
may mention the significant fact that he gave 
constant personal supervision to the work of his 
furnaces, while the same is true of his other lines 
of effort. Our subject comes of good old Colo- 
nial stock, the first of the line beine; Rev. George 
Rooke, an Irish clergyman, who came to America 
about 1700. Of the next in order of descent 
nothing is now known, but the third generation 
is represented by Thomas Rooke, our subject's 
grandfather, who resided in Chestercounty, Penn., 
first in Last N'antmeal township, and later in 
East Vincent township, where he died. 

James Rooke, father of Dr. Rooke, was born 
in the former locality, and married Miss Mary 
Murray, daughter of a prominent agriculturist 
there, whowasol English descent. Of their four 
children the Doctor was the youngest, and was 
the only one to establish his home outside of 
East N'antmeal township, Chester county. Eliz- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



839 



abeth, widow of Thomas Frickland, now resides 
there. Catherine (who married Edwin Morris) 
and Jonathan" both died there, the latter at the 
old family homestead. 

Dr. Levi Rooke was born July 22, 1826, and 
was reared at the old farm, receiving the best 
educational advantages that the locality afforded. 
After attending a grammer school conducted by 
Benjamin Tucker, he pursued a course in Union- 
ville Academy under John Gause, and then 
taught for two years. His medical studies were 
begun in the office of Dr. Stephen M. Meredith, 
and completed in Jefferson Medical College, 
Philadelphia, where he received his degree in the 
spring of 1848. For three years he practiced 
his profession, but finding it less congenial than 
he had hoped he decided to give it up. He then 
removed to Union county and engaged in man- 
ufacturing iron at the Berlin Iron Works on 
Penn's creek, four miles west of Hartleton. 
Later he formed a partnership, and built a large 
anthracite furnace, known as the Union furnace, 
situated on the Susquehanna river four miles 
from Lewisburg, and here he acted as manager 
and superintendent from 1853 to 1 891 , when the 
furnace was abandoned. During this time he 
was also engaged in the iron business in Snyder 
county, and had an interest in similar works at 
various points. In 1896 he purchased the inter- 
ests of James S. Marsh and Peter Beaver (his 
partners) in the furnace and lands, but has now 
retired from this business. The Doctor's ability 
as an organizer and manager of large enterprises 
was speedily recognized in business circles, and he 
has been constantly urged to lend his aid to new 
undertakings. In this way he has become finan- 
cially interested in many companies, especially in 
a number of incorporated banking firms, in which 
he is a director. He was one of the first sub- 
scribers to the stock of the Union National Bank 
of Lewisburg, and is now one of the largest 
stockholders. In 1892 he was elected president 
of the institution, and served until 1895. In 
1893 he purchased a general store at Winfield, 
including all the personal property of said firm, 
which he still conducts in addition to his exten- 
sive coal yards there, and he is heavily interested 
in the firm of C. M. Rooke & Co., known as the 
Dry Valley Lime Manufacturing Co., located at 
Winfield. He built his first kiln there in 1875, 
and the firm now has seventeen in steady oper- 
ation. He has also been extensively interested 
in the manufacture of lumber, owning more than 
700 acres of land in Union county. In 1868 he 
purchased the old homestead in Chester county. 
As an employer Dr. Rooke has always been popu- 
lar, and some of his workmen have been in his serv- 



ice for forty-three years. He is not a politician, of- 
fice having no charms for him. In early life he 
was a Whig, and warmly advocated a protective 
tariff and the abolition of slavery. Naturally he 
joined the Republican party on its organization, 
and has since been its steadfast supporter. In 
1872 he was elected to the Constitutional Con- 
vention of this State. 

Dr. Rooke has a handsome brick residence on 
the main road from Lewisburg, which he built at 
a spot that would give him a view of his furnace. 
This location was objected to by some of his 
neighbors, but a lawsuit settled the matter in the 
Doctor's favor. In 1849 he married Miss Eliza- 
beth H. Church, of Churchtown, Lancaster Co. , 
Penn., by whom he had four children: Mary R. 
(Mrs. Morris Reagan), now residing with her 
father; Frances A., married to J. Russell Young- 
man, an attorney of Lock Haven, Penn.; Laura, 
married to William Vance, of Kearney, Neb. ; 
and Charles M., a resident of Winfield, in part- 
nership with his father in the lime business. The 
mother of this family died in 1879, and August 
31, 1882, Dr. Rooke married Miss Anna E. 
Kreamer, of Winfield. She is an active worker 
in the Evangelical Church, and the Doctor, though 
not a member, is in sympathy with her generous 
efforts. 

Mrs. Rooke is a daughter of Illis Kreamer, a 
well-known agriculturist and dairyman, who 
owns a fine farm in Union township, Union coun- 
ty. The Kreamer family in that section is de- 
scended from Daniel Kreamer, a native of Berks 
county, Penn., who settled in Centre county when 
a young man and engaged in farming. He died 
at the age of eighty-six, and his wife (formerly a 
Miss Kern) passed away within two weeks of his 
death. Their son, Col. Daniel Kreamer (the 
grandfather of Mrs. Rooke), was born in Centre 
county, and remained there, following agricul- 
tural pursuits. His title of colonel was derived 
from a militia regiment which he commanded. 
He married Miss Catherine Neece, a daughter of 
Henry Neece, a well-to-do farmer of Centre 
county. Col. Kreamer was a religious man, but 
made several changes in Church membership, 
being a Lutheran first, then a member of the 
Evangelical Church, finally joining the United 
Brethren Church. His wife was a member of 
the Evangelical Church all her days; she died in 
1847, at the age of fifty-one. His death oc- 
curred in 1885 when he was eighty-six years old, 
and of their eight children only three are now 
living. Jacob (now deceased) settled in Nebras- 
ka; John, an Evangelical minister, lived in Kan- 
sas during the latter part of his life; William 
died at his home in Iowa; Jonathan died in Cen- 



S}|) 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tre county, Penn. ; Daniel, a minister of the 
United Evangelical Church, resides at Shannon, 
111.; Elizabeth (deceased) was the wife of Will- 
iam Gertillius, a painter of Mifflinburg; Elias is 
mentioned more fully below; and Henry is a 
farmer and painter residing near Brooklyn, Illi- 

Elias Kreami i was born January 28, 1 83 1, in 
Penn township, Centre county, and his education 
v 1- obtained in the local schools, while he as- 
sisted his father on the farm. At the age of 
twenty-three he rented the place, but after five 
years he moved to Snyder county, purchasing a 
farm of 236 acres for $8,000. Eight years later 
he sold this for $13,000, and purchased 114! 
acres in Buffalo Valley, Union county, at $129. 50 
per acre. Six years later he sold this and re- 
turned to the old homestead, which he rented for 
six years. Since then he has made his home on 
his present farm of 179 acres, which he bought 
at $150 per acre. For the past thirteen years 
he has been extensively engaged in dairy work 
in connection with general farming, and at 
various times he has been identified with im- 
portant business ventures. In 1871 he united 
with John C. Moots, |ohn Keene and Albert 
\\ alker in organizing the Millheim Bank, but 

1 his interest before moving to his present 

lion Politically he is a Democrat, and 

held several township offices. He is a lead- 

ing member of the United Evangelical Church, 

and at present is a trustee. 

On October 13, 1 S 5 3 , Elias Kreamer was 

married in Union township, Union county, to 

innie I. Ever, a native of Winfield, born 

January 6, 1831. Her father, Isaac Eyer, who 

- also born in Winfield. died in that vicinity in 
1878, his wife. Elizabeth 1 Kleinfelter), passing 
away at Mr. Kreamer's home in 1887. Their 

rtship was a peculiar one. Mr. Eyer had 
heard of the charms ol Miss Kleinfelter, then re- 
siding in York, York county, their native State, 
and being fascinated with the account, went to 
see her. The result was that soon alter his 

1 to Winfield he made another journej 
that place and brought home ins bride, the trip 
being made on horseback. It is proper to add 
that, notwithstanding their limited acquaintance, 
they proved well adapted to each other and 
'• lived happily ever after. " They had nine chil- 
dren: Abiaui. a retired farmer of Kansas; Cath- 
erine, wife of Martin Dunkle, a fanner of Buffalo 

nship, Union county; Isaac and [acob (both 
deceased ; Miss Elizabeth, who resides at the 
Kreamer home; Fannie I. (Mrs Kreamer); Su 

1 formerly the wife of George Smith, 
a farmer of Elkhart county, Ind.; Jonathan, a 



; a farmer of Buffalo Valley. Union county; and 

; Joseph (deceased). 

To Sir. and Mrs. Kreamer eight children were 
born: Isaac, a contractor in Chicago; Anna E., 
wife of Dr. Rooke; Daniel, who died September 
12, 1 ; Westley, who is in partnership with 
his brother Isaac; Abram, who married Rose 
Couser, and resides at the homestead; Ada, wife 
\lford Reed, a merchant of Call county, Neb. ; 
Olive, who married Charles M. Rooke. of Win- 
field; and W. Charles, a dentist in Chicago. 



HON. HORACE P. GLOVER, a leading 
citizen of Mifflinburg, Union county, is 
only a successful lawyer, but he has been for 
many years prominently identified with The 
Mifflinburg Bank, of which he is now the presi- 
dent, having succeeded his father, the late 
Robert V. Glover. 

The Glover family is one of the oldest in this 
section, our subject's great-grandfather. John 
Glover, Sr. , having settled in what is now Hart- 
lev township, Union county (then Buffalo town- 
ship, Northumberland county ), in 1772, locating 
about one and one-half miles west of Hartleton 
to the south of the turnpike, where some of his 
descendants still reside. His ancestor- migrated 
from England to the North of Ireland in the 
days of Cromwell, during the seventeenth centu- 
ry, and the above named American pioneer was 
always proud of the fact that in his veins flowed 
the blood of sturdy Protestant stock which, two 
generations before him, had taken part in the 
defense of Londonderry and had survived that 
famous siege. 

Born in Ireland, December 25, 1744 (O. S.), 
John Glover, Sr., came to America in 1 7 
landing at Baltimore and locating near Winches- 
ter, Va. He was accompanied by two nephews 
whose names are not certainly known, but it is 
family tradition that one of them settled in 
Kentucky and the other in New York He was 
married to Sophia Duncan, born February 13, 
[749 i' S . with whom he w ibly ac- 

quainted before leaving Ireland, and who share. 1 
with him all the privations of early frontier life 
in this country. In 177S occurred the "big 
runaway," when the Indians drove all the - 
tiers out of Buffalo Valley, and John Glover. 
Sr., took his family back to Virginia lor safi 
returning to Hartley township in 1789, where 
his subsequent life as a farmer was without spe- 
cial incident. He 1- taxed with one slave in the 
assessment books of 1804 His death occun 
in 1825. and his remains, together with those of 
his wife, are buri' I mrelton. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



841 



John Glover, Jr., son of the preceding, who 
was born in 1782, near Winchester, Va., inher- 
ited the homestead in Hartley, and became a 
man of influence in his locality. In 1822 he 
was appointed a justice of the peace by Gov. 
Hiester, holding that office until 1838, when the 
constitution of that date went into effect; and in 
the following year was elected register and re- 
corder of Union county. In 1806 he married 
Elizabeth Gray (b. 1785, d. 1856), a native of 
Ireland, who came to America when about nine 
years of age. They had eight children: One 
daughter, Sophia, wife of Dr. Uriah Reed, of 
Jersey Shore. Penn., and seven sons, to wit: 
William, who was sheriff of Union county from 
1837 to 1840; Andrew; John (3d), a farmer of 
near Hartleton; George Gray, who remained on 
the old Glover homestead, where he died in 1885, 
and on which his descendants still reside; Thomas; 
Robert V., mentioned more fully below; and 
James, a farmer of near Laurelton, holding the 
southern portion of the old farm. John Glover, 
Jr., died in 1862, and is buried at Hartleton. 

The late Robert V. Glover, the father of 
our subject, was born December 1, 1821, at the 
old homestead, and was educated in the local 
schools and at Mifflinburg Academy. After 
teaching school for a few years he engaged in 
mercantile business atHartleton, continuing forty- 
five years. He was also identified with other 
business enterprises, notably The Mifflinburg 
Bank, of which he was the first cashier and after- 
ward president. In religious faith he was a 
Presbyterian, and for thirty years held the office 
of ruling elder in the Church at Hartleton. He 
was married in Union county to Miss Helen Pell- 
man, a native of Berks county, Penn., born May 
3, 1827. She died November 13, 1893, and his 
death occurred on December 8 of the same year. 
Our subject was the eldest of their six children; 
James Oliver resides at State College, Penn. ; 
Mary married James C. Hayes, of Polk county, 
Minn. ; Samuel P. is a physician in Altoona, 
Penn. ; John Newton is a farmer in Union counts': 
and David L. , now district attorney of Union 
county, is in partnership with our subject. 

On the maternal side Mr. Glover is descended 
from Arnold Pellman, who was born near Maast- 
richt, Holland, and his wife, Maria Van den Vaero, 
a native of Grubben Vorst, Gelderland, both of 
whom lie buried at Meerloe. Theirson, Conrad, 
was born February 2, 175 1, in Vankum, Holland, 
studied medicine at Amsterdam, and during the 
American Revolution came to this country as a 
surgeon in the Anspach regiment of Hessian 
troops. He was a man of great ability, and was 
noted in his profession as is shown by memorials 



and certificates written by men high in authority 
in the English government. It seems that he 
had thought of settling in Nova Scotia, but in 
1783 he returned to Holland and two years later 
came to Pennsylvania, locating in Berks county, 
where he continued in practice until his death, 
which occurred December 29, 1803. He took 
the oath of allegiance in Oley township, October 
10, 17S6. On the 19th of September, of the 
same year, he married Miss Mary Kline, who was 
born in Amity township, Berks county, Novem- 
ber 30, 1763, and died in Union county, January 
29, 1850. Their children were John, Jacob, 
David, Samuel, George K., Charles, Maria, Cor- 
nelius and Rebecca, the last named being the 
wife of the late Michael K. Boyer, of Reading, 
Penn. David served in the United States navy 
in the war of 1812, and in 1815 shipped in the 
merchant marine, and was never heard from aft- 
erward. 

Samuel Pellman, fourth son of Conrad, was 
born September 23, 1794, in Amity township, 
Berks county, and, after the death of his father, 
resided with an uncle, Abraham Kline. During 
boyhood he attended the district schools, and, 
after attaining his majority, studied for some 
time in the schools of Reading, thus acquiring a 
good education for that day. He learned the 
blacksmith's trade, and followed it for a few 
years in his native township, but later settled 
upon a farm there, where he remained until 
1832. He then moved to Union county, and 
bought a farm in Limestone township, where he 
made his permanent home. He was a success- 
ful farmer and held in high esteem; industry and 
integrity being marked elements in his character. 
He was a member of the Lutheran Church; in 
politics he was a Democrat. 

On February 5, 1825, Samuel Pellman mar- 
ried Mary Wolff, who was born August 19, 1806, 
the daughter of Abraham and Rebecca (Shatz) 
Wolff, prominent residents of Hamburg, Berks 
county, where the ancestors of both had settled 
on coming from Germany. Mr. Pellman died 
July 25, 1875, his wife in 1S87, and both are 
buried at Mifflinburg. They had six children: 
Helen, who married Robert V. Glover; David 
Wolff; Anna, who married Richard V. B. Lin- 
coln; Rebecca, who married James Glover; Lewis 
Conrad; and Oliver Kline. 

Horace Pellman Glover was born December 
10, 1852, at Hartleton, Penn., the eldest son of 
Robert V. and Helen (Pellman) Glover. After 
an attendance at the common schools of his town 
and at the old Union Seminary at New Berlin, 
he entered Lafayette College, Easton, Penn., 
graduating with the class of 1871. In the fol- 



B42 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPni'M. RECORD. 



lowing year he became cashier of the Mifflinburg 
Bank, and while there, having decided upon the 
legal profession, he pursued the required course 
of study under the direction of the late J. Merrill 
Linn, of Lewisburg, and at the March term, 
1878, was admitted to the Bar. He then opened 
an office in Mifflinburg, where he won prompt 
recognition, and four years later was admitted to 
practice before the supreme court. On entering 
the profession he relinquished his position as 
cashier, became a director, and in 1893 suc- 
ceeded his father as president of the bank. Mr. 
Glover has always taken a moderate interest in 
politics, and in 1886 was elected from Union 
county, on the Republican ticket, to the legisla- 
ture, serving one term. He was delegate from 
his county to the Republican State Conventions 
ol 1877 and 1 

On November 30. 1886, he married George 
Anna Kemble, daughter of George S. Kemble, 
M D., a noted physician and surgeon of Mifflin- 
bur^. Penn., who had served with distinction 
during the Civil war, holding the rank of corps 
surgeon and medical director Mr. (ilover is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated 
with Mifflinburg Lodge No. 370. F. & A. M., at 
linburg. He has one son, Robert Van Val- 
born Si . 

lover, youngest son of Robert V.. 
- born December 17, r866, at Hartleton, and 
after a preparation at Bloomsburg, Perm., he en- 
tered Lafayette College, where be graduated with 
the class of 1S90. Having studied law with his 
brother, he was admitted to the Bar of Union 
county at the September term, 1S93, and in [895 
i district att >rneyof the county, which 
office he still holds, and is enjoving a successful 
practice of the law in association with his brother. 
Horace P., under the firm name of Glover & 
Glover, at Mifflinburg. 



WILLIAM MIIKLDS.Registerand Recorder 
of Union county, is an able official, whose 
faithfulness in the discharge of his duties has 
won appreciation from the public, as is shown 
by his recent re-election to his post at the ex- 
piration of his first term of three years. He is a 
ran of the Civil war, and is also a prominent 
business man, having been engaged in wagon- 
making in Kelly township. Union county, foi 
many years previous to his election as above, and 
consequent removal to Lewisburg. 

Mr. Shields is a native of Union county, hav- 
ing been born June 23, 1841, and is of Irish de- 
scent. His grandfather, William Shields, was 
born in County Down, Ireland, in 1776, and was 



married in the Old Country to Mary Thompson, 
also a native of Ireland, born in the same year, 
She was a sister of James Thompson, a noted 
scholar, who was at one time president of Bel- 
fast Institution, now known as Queen's College, 
Belfast. William Shields and his wife crossed 
the Atlantic in 1 805, and settled in Buffalo Valley, 
Union Co. , Penn. , where he followed the weaver's 
trade for many vears, his death occurring in 1858. 
His wife died March 6, 1853. They had a large 
family, of whom only three survived infancy, 
viz.: James, our subject's father; Ellen, married 
to Andrew Magee, who died in 1876; and Cath- 
erine, who married Robert Strayhorn, and is at 
present residing in California. The last two were 
born in America, but James Shields, who was 
born in 1804, was a native of Ireland. He was 
reared in Buffalo Valley, attending first the local 
schools, later the academy at Mifflinburg. and 
then began an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's 
trade. An injury which crippled his arm caused 
that work to be abandoned, and after a course 
at Mifflinburg Academy he engaged in teaching. 
Having a natural talent for mechanics he later be- 
came a gunsmith, then a chairmaker, and finally 
a cabinetmaker, and he also followed' wagonmak- 
ing successfully. In religion he was a Presbyte- 
rian, while politically he affiliated with the Re- 
publican party. He was married in Union county 
to Miss Esther Lucas, who was born September 
20, 1807, and died September 6, 1853; his own 
death occurred March 24, 1864. Of six children, 
four lived to adult age: ( 1 ) William, our subject; 
12 1 Mary Ann. who married John Irvin, and died 
February 2. 1892. leaving two children — Jennie 
G. and William L. ; (3) Nancy E., born January 
27. 1845, married R. Wesley Harris; and (4) 
Hannah C. , born March 20, 1847, died single 
November 12, 1891. 

The early life of our subject was spent at the 
old home in Kelly township, Union county, where 
he attended the district school. Through assist- 
ing his father in the wagon shop, he became fa- 
miliar with all branches of the trade, and had 
already engaged in it as a workman when he at- 
tained his majority. The Rebellion was then in 
progress, the need of soldiers becoming more and 
more urgent as the resources of the enemy were 
realized. Mr. Shields enlisted, in 1862, in Com- 
pany E, 142nd P. V, I., and remained in serv- 
ice until after hostilities ceased, being mustered 
out June 26, 1865. He saw much severe fight- 
ing at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Bethesda 
Church, Petersburg and other places which are 
made forever memorable by that struggle. On 
March 1 1, 1S64. he was promoted to the rank of 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



843 



sergeant major, and on February 6, 1865, he re- 
ceived a wound, a token of courage and gallantry 
which was even more distinctive, though less 
agreeable, than the other. On his return to the 
paths of peace, Mr. Shields resumed his business, 
and continued it until elected to his present office 
in 1894; his re-election coming in 1896, he en- 
tered upon his second term in January, 1897. 
In politics he is a Republican. He is identified 
with the Presbyterian Church, and, socially, with 
the G. A. R. As a citizen he has always been 
prompt to aid in local advancement. 

On December 26, 1867, Mr. Shields married 
Miss Katherine Angeny, a native of Bucks coun- 
ty, Penn., born September 18, 1844, and seven 
children have blessed their union, their names 
with dates of birth being as follows: Esther L. , 
December 26, 1868, a graduate of Blockley Hos- 
pital, Philadelphia, is a trained nurse by occu- 
pation, and now in the Royal Hospital in Seoul, 
Korea, having been sent in August, 1897, by the 
Foreign Mission Board of the Presbyterian 
Church; the others — Lillian, December 12, 1870; 
Ellen, January 31, 1873; William Scott, April 
11, 1875; Edgar Thomson, September 24, 1877; 
Charlotte E., May 4, 1880; and James Leigh, 
January 27, 1885, are all at home. 



HON. D. F. GUTELIUS. In the early days 
of Mifflinburg there appeared in her busi- 
ness life an energetic, progressive young man, 
Fredrick Gutelius by name, who came from 
Lancaster county, Penn., and established his 
permanent home in this then thriving village. 
He married Miss Goodyear, and by h.er became 
the father of twelve children: Frederick, William, 
Israel, John, Henry, Joseph, George, Andrew, 
Rev. Samuel, Elizabeth Catharine and Sarah. 

Fredrick Gutelius, the eldest in the above 
mentioned family, and the grandfather of the 
worthy gentleman whose name appears at the 
opening of this review, was born in 1796, and died 
in 1865. He was. one of those versatile men 
who find their work in various lines of effort 
crowned with equal success. His list of occupa- 
tions were varied, including the weaving of a fine 
grade of linen and carpets, then for a time he 
followed butchering in Milton, Penn., later 
returning to his native city. He married Miss 
Lydia Crotzer, also a native of Mifflinburg, and 
had ten children. (1) Thomas is a retired car- 
riage maker in Mifflinburg. (2) William is a 
painter and paper hanger in the same city. (3) 
John, our subject's father, is mentioned be- 
low. (4) Caroline is the widow of William, 
Shriner (her daughter, now Mrs. Chambers, of 



Denver, Colo. , is a writer of unusual merit, and 
received the national prize for the best poem on 
Pike's Peak). (5) Catherine, widow of Samuel 
Faust, resides at Renovo, Penn. (6) Jacob, one 
of the pioneers in the coach-building business at 
Mifflinburg, died in 1897. (7) Samuel, a den- 
tist at Millheim, Penn., died in 1896. (8) 
Charles Henry is a dentist of Mifflinburg. (9) 
Joseph, a soldier of Company D, 150th P. V. I., 
the famous " Bucktail Regiment," was killed at 
Gettysburg on the first day of the fight; he was 
in command of the color guard, and after all the 
others had been shot he clung to the flag, though 
wounded; when our forces were driven into the 
town of Gettysburg, he sat down on a door step, 
weary and faint from loss of blood, and was 
there bayoneted by a Rebel soldier, and the 
flag taken from his body. (10) Miss Lydia re- 
sides at the old home in Mifflinburg. 

John Gutelius, our subject's father, was born 
in 1826, and grew to manhood in Mifflinburg. 
He married Miss Catherine Kenn, a native of 
Penn's Valley, Centre Co., Penn., born in 1828, 
and after residing for a time in Millheim, Penn., 
located in his native city. By trade he was a 
millwright, but for eleven years he assisted his 
brother Jacob in the wagon and carriage-making 
business, and in 1875 he opened a shop of his 
own, in which he has since manufactured car- 
riages, sleighs, wagons and all kinds of light vehi- 
cles. He now has an extensive trade and em- 
ploys twenty-five hands, most of his stock being 
sold in this State. Since 1881 our subject has 
been in partnership with him. The following 
ten children were born to John Gutelius: 
(1) Thomas O., who is employed in the shop, 
married Miss Jemima Thompson, and has three 
children— Clark, Katie and Anna. (2) H. L. 
(died in 1896) married Miss Alice Moyer, and be- 
came the father of five children — Wells, Merrill, 
Florence, Horace and Warren. (3) David Fred- 
rick. (4) Charles A. married Miss Ella Badger, 
and has ten children — Charles L. , Anna M. , Eva, 
Harry, Vernie, Stella, Grace, Edna, Susa and 
one unnamed. (5) Joseph, who works in his 
father's shop, married Miss Minnie Hough, and 
has two children — Clarence and Sarah. (6) 
John, Jr., who is also employed in the shop. 
(7) Annie married F. E. Leitzel, of Scottsdale, 
Penn. (8) Sarah Jane, (9) Ida and (10) Lillian 
are at home. 

D. F. Gutelius, the subject proper of this 
sketch, was born January 17, 1855, and was edu- 
cated in the public schools. When quite young 
he entered his father's employ, and soon had ac- 
quired a complete and thorough knowledge of the 
business. On coming of age he was made man- 



Ml 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ager, and later accepted as a partner. He is re- 
garded as an able business man, and by close 
application to Ms work he has well earned tin- 
respect and admiration of the entire community. 
In 1894 he was nominated on the Democratic 
ticket for burgess, and, in spite of the customary 
Republican majority, he was elected. A thor- 
ough acquaintance with the people in whose 
company his whole life has been passed has 
served to strengthen the confidence in his ability 
to discharge any duty that might become his. 
That he has fully met the expectations of his 
constituents is a well-known and indisputable 
fact evidenced by his popularity with all classes, 
irrespective of party. 

On February 27, 1879, Mr. Gutelius was 
marrjed to Miss Clara Zimmerman, a daughter 
of Jacob Zimmerman, a well-known residem 
Mifflinburg. Three children — Edythe, Lucy and 
Nelson — have lint their cheering presence to this 
happy borne On Julj 19, 1888, the wife and 
mother was called from earthly cares and joys, 

1 for a time the bereaved father and children 
boardfd with Mr. Jacob Zimmerman; but as the 
children became older. Mr. Gutelius moved into 
his beautiful residence, where, with the assistance 
of a housekeeper, the little family arc passing a 
contented home life. The eldest daughter, 
Edythe, graduated from the Dickinson Seminary 
port, Penn., in June, 1898, and the 
two younger children are in school. Fraternally, 
Mr. Gutelius 1- a member of the F. & A. M., 
. in which In* 1-- past master, and he is 
also a member of the Royal Arcanum S illy, 
Mr. Gutelius and family are prominent fact 
and in their abundant In >spitality often open wide 
their doors to their mam friends. 



J' >HN HOW \K1> HARRIS, LL. D., was in- 
augurated president >>f Bucknell University in 
June, 1889, He entered upon the lab<>: 
\ eminent and devoted men, who laid the 
foundations wisely, and t'> whose services and 
merits the new president always rous 

recognition. One part <>( his work, not the 1: 
important, has been the rallying of old friends to 
the institution. He has spoken in over [30 dif- 
ferent Churches in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; 
has lectured in all of the Normal Scho lis ol the 
Si, tie except two, and has brought main- acade- 
and high schools mm close affiliation with 
the college. In all his efforts, the president has 
been ably and cordially aided by tie Board of 
Trustees, the Faculty and the Alumni. Two 
buildings, the gymnasium and laboratory, I 
been erected during his adnmnsti Ltion; nearly 



$100,000 added to the endowment; the library 
increased from 9,000 to iS.ooo volumes, the 
number of courses from fifty-one to one hundred 
and fifty-two: and the attendance in the college 
from seventy to two hundred and forty-seven, 
and to four hundred and thirty in all depart- 
ments. 

Dr. Harris was born in Bufnngton, Indiana 
Co., Penn., April 24, [847. On the paternal 
side, he is of Welsh descent, his father, Reese 
Harris, born in 1804. having come to America in 
1830, and served as mine superintendent until 
1844, when he purchased a farm in Indiana 
count\- from the proceeds of the sale of his Welsh 
freehold, which he had inherited from his father. 
On the maternal side Dr. Harris is partly of 
English descent, his ancestor, James Coleman, 
having been an officer with Capt. Brady in the 
old French war. On another side he is of Ger- 
man descent from a soldier of the Revolutionary 
war. 

Dr. Harris spent the first years of his life at- 
tending the public and subscription schools of the 
neighborhood, evincing at the age of nine an ap- 
petite for historical reading which in the four 
succeeding years led to the reading of all the his- 
tories which were to be had from the scant pri- 
vate libraries of the neighborhood. In i860 he 
entered a local academy to prepare for college, 
and continued his studies in that direction till 
the school was broken up by the enlistment of 
the principal. A. J. Bolar (afterward Major 
Bolar), and aboul all oi the students who were 
old enough for service Dr. Harris was among 
those who volunteered; but was rejected on ac- 
count of age. Ilis tirst public speech aside from 
efforts in the debating societies was one in favor 
of the Union at the fall of Sumter. His studies 
nil interrupted, in 1862, by the head 
teacher and most of the pupils responding to the 
call of President Lincoln. Dr. Harris again 
volunteered, but was again rejected. In the fall 
and winter of 1862-63. he taught his first school. 
In 1863, he had his experience repeated in the 
breaking up of the school, but was himself ac- 
cepted among the volunteers, serving as a prn 
in the Second Battalion, P. V.. in West Virginia. 
Alter his discharge, he continued his college 
paration, and had all arrangements made to 
er Bucknell College in 1864, but the call of 
the Presides: ilunteers again led to his offer- 

ing himself, and he ser\e,l i- sergeant in the 
th P. Y. P. until the close of the war. In 
; he entered Bucknell College, and graduated 
in the course in Arts in 1 S69. He has received 
the degree of Master of Arts trim Bucknell. that 
of Doctor of Philosophy from Lafayette, and 





jU^u f\- f£* 



(ZCSLsl-^d ' 



/ 




/S*<«-cM^ c^( 



/^l^^Z^t^U 



■>•- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



845 



that of Doctor of Laws from Dickinson College, 
Penn., and also from Colgate University, New 
York. 

Dr. Harris intended almost from childhood 
to follow the legal profession, and in 1863 was 
enrolled as a law student in the office of Hugh 
W. Wier, of the Indiana Bar. He completed all 
the course except the office work, but from lack 
of funds after graduation he entered upon the 
work of teaching. He took charge of a subscrip- 
tion school in Factoryville, near Scranton, 
which he developed into Keystone Academy, an 
institution, when he left it, with fine campus of 
twenty acres, three large buildings, costing $75,- 
000, a good library, and over 200 students, 
three-fourths of them being boarders. In 1869 
he decided to devote himself to the work of the 
ministry and teaching. He followed closely the 
course of study laid down in Crozer Theological 
Seminary, doing all of the work of the course ex- 
cept Hebrew. He has devoted special attention 
to New Testament study having read it all in 
Greek ten times, and most of it thirty times. 
In 1872 Dr. Harris was ordained, and served the 
West Abington Church nine years as pastor. In 
that time the Church increased its benevolent 
contributions, enlarged its edifice and nearly 
doubled its membership. 

His first wife, Miss Mary Mace, who was 
born in Wyoming county, Penn., August 24, 
1855, died leaving two children, Mary and Her- 
bert. By a second marriage, with Miss Lucy 
Bailey, born in 1858, he has seven sons: Reese, 
George, Spencer, John, James, Walter and 
Stanley. 



|FILLIAM C. BARTOL, Ph. D., was born 
ml in Huntingdon, Penn., November 24, 
1847. He was prepared for college in the pub- 
lic schools of his native town. At the age of 
nineteen he entered the University at Lewisburg, 
now Bucknell, and was graduated with honor in 
1872. He immediately entered upon educa- 
tional work. His first five years as teacher gave 
him an experimental knowledge of almost every 
phase of school instruction. During this period 
he was successively professor of mathematics in 
the Salisbury Academy, Conn; principal of the 
Centre Hall high school, Penn. : superintendent 
of the public schools of Union Grove, Wis.; and 
principal of the Huntingdon Academy, Penn. 
Thus he gained a most valuable experience and 
training for his work as a public teacher. After- 
ward he became professor of mathematics in the 
Pennsylvania State Normal School at Mansfield. 
During his stay of four years at Mansfield, he 



gained such a reputation as a mathematical in- 
structor that, upon the resignation of Dr. George 
M. Philips from the chair of mathematics and 
astronomy in Bucknell University, August, 1881, 
he was immediately chosen his successor. Dr. 
Bartol entered upon his duties as professor of 
mathematics and astronomy in Bucknell Univer- 
sity, Septembers, 1881. Some years later the 
college astronomical observatory was built, 
largely through his efforts. He was then made 
its director, though retaining his former duties 
as a professor. He is an assiduous worker, and 
has found time to publish a number of brief 
studies in the science of perspective and of the 
culculus. He assisted Dr. French in the revis- 
ion of his mathematical works, published by 
Harper & Brothers. He is also the author of a 
solid geometry which has had a large sale. 

The ancestors of Dr. William C. Bartol were 
German. His grandfather, John Barthold, was 
born, where he spent his entire life and died, on 
a farm near Klecknersville, Northampton Co., 
Penn. The farm was located about one and a 
half miles from the village, north toward the 
Blue mountains, and about three-eighths of a 
mile nearly northeast from the site of the old 
Indian defense called Peter Doll's block house. 
John's father had lived upon and owned this 
farm for many years. He died here probably in 
the year 1783, at which date John was sixteen 
years old. John Barthold was accustomed to re- 
late that his father had been a German soldier 
for five years, and that upon being discharged 
from military duties he and his younger brother, 
not yet of age. came to this country, landing in 
New York. Both were unmarried. Shortly 
after landing the brothers became separated, and 
since have had no knowledge of each other, nor 
have their families ever had knowledge of each 
other. This could not have occurred later than 
1750, and possibly ten years earlier. The chil- 
dren of John Barthold by his first wife were 
Peter, Paul, John, Abraham, Jacob, Johnstine, 
Christina, Catharine and Barbara. He married, 
after the death of his wife, a Mrs. Beer, whose 
maiden name was Staley. Their children were 
Simon, Henry, Elizabeth, and Elias, who was 
the father of the subject of this sketch. John, 
Sr. , died in 1843, when he was about seventy-five 
years old. 

When Elias was nineteen years old he left 
home with his brother Henry, and located in 
Boalsburg, Centre Co., Penn. About this time 
he began writing his name Bartold, and a few 
years later the brothers in Boalsburg changed 
their name to Bartol, dropping the h and the d, 
because, as they said, they were silent letters as 



846 



' OMMBMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the name was pronounced. All other members 
of the family retain the original spelling. Elias 
Bartol married Bathsheba Wieland, of Boalsburg, 
August 19. 1 84 1 . Their children were Sarah, 
Lilia, William Cyrus, Anna and Thomas Edgar. 

The mother of I »r Bartol traces her ancestry 
to Michael Weyland, the pioneer in this country, 
who came from near Stuttgart in Wurtemburg, 
or from the city itself, about the year 1737, per- 
haps a few years earlier or later. In 1754 we 
find Michael Weyland in Bethel, the northwest 
township of Berks county, Penn. , and by the 
same authority (J. B. Linn's Annals of Buffalo 
Valley) we find him, in 1769, settled in Buffalo 
Valley, Union county, on what is now D. B. 
Miller's farm. This was the site of the old Indian 
town, Shikellimy, near West Milton. Michael 
W( viand was married to Magdalena Baker. 
Their children were Michael, Jr., Jacob, George, 
John. Samuel, Mary, Margaret, Catharine and 
Magdaline. Michael, Sr. , died in 1771, and was 
buried on the place, in an old graveyard, a little 
wis up the road running from the river. John 
in some way changed the name to Wheland. He 
married Christina Oberlin, whose father was 
Michael Oberlin. Her mother's maiden name 
was Zwei 1 Michael Oberlin lived in Earl 
township, Lancaster Co., Penn., and was one of 
the original members of the old Bergstrass Lu- 
theran Church there. John Wheland and his 
wife, Christina, lived in this neighborhood 
some years. They afterward, in [800, moved to 
Lycoming county, Penn., and later to a farm 
near Tussey ville, Penn. Their children were: Mi- 
chael, Hannah, John, Christina, Frederick and 
Lydia John, Sr., died near Tusseyville. and is 
buiied in the old churchyard their. His wife 
died in 1845, and is buried at Boalsburg. 

The oldest chilil of John and Christina Whe- 
land was Michael, born in Lancaster county, 
Penn., about six miles from the village of New 
Holland. At the early age of eight or nine years, 
Michael was accustomed t<> attend divine serv- 
ices m New Holland, traveling the six miles often 
alone and on foot, running at times for fear oi 
missing the musii "I the organ which was then 
in the church. Michael Oberlin, the gi. nidi. ither 
of Michael Wheland. gave his little namesake 
some silver buckles in. I 1 si 1\ #-i spoon when the 
grandson was perhaps two years old; some of 
these keepsakes are yet in the possession of his 
descendants. Michael Wheland married Sarah 
Becht. They were taken or confirmed into the 
Old-school Lutheran Church by the Rev. Fred- 
erick Haas, somewhere in Mifflin county, Penn. 
Sarah Becht was born January 23, 1793, and died 
July 24, 1836. Her husband Michael died Sep- 



tember 1 '1. [871. They are both buried at Boals- 
burg, Penn. The children of Michael Wheland 
were: Hannah, Lydia, Benjamin, Rebecca, 
William, Bathsheba, Sarah, Lucy, Washington, 
Anna, Drusilla Christina, and Daniel. 

Elias Bartol married Bathsheba, at Spruce 
Creek, Penn., and directly they moved to Pine 
Grove Mills, Centre counts, and after a short 
stay here, they moved to Manor Hill, from which 
place they came to Huntingdon in 1 844. Here 
they settled; and spent the remaining years of 
their lives. Their oldest son, William Cyrus, 
the subject of this sketch, married Martha Belle 
Africa. The paternal ancestor of Mrs. Bartol, 
pioneer in this country, was Christopher Africa. 
He was (according to the family tradition) born 
in the Kingdom of Hanover, and came to Amer- 
ica when yet a young man. He was by trade a 
miller. He settled at Germantown, Penn., and 
there married an "English woman '* fbut we are 
to bear in mind that, at that time, every person 
not born in the Fatherland, was regarded by the 
German as English). At least two of their sev- 
eral children were born at Germantown — John 
Michael and Jacob. 

Before the breaking out of the American 
Revolution, Christopher Africa and his family 
moved to the vicinity of Hanover, York t 
Penn. While residing there the two sons and 
two or more of the daughters married. John 
Michael married Catherine Grafnus, of York, born 
October 23, 1 r ' ' 5 • died February 12, 1830. 
Jacob married Catherine Geiger. One daughter 
married George Louckert. Another, Rosina, 
died unmarried about 1807, and was interred in 
the German Lutheran Church-yard in the 1 
ough of Hanover. When the church was about 
toll' nl ir| ed, about fifteen years ago. it became 
necessary to remove the remains to another part 
of the yard. The grave was marked by n 
head and foot stones in excellent preservation, 
and the inscription was remarkably distinct. 
John Michael's eldest child, Elizabeth, was born 
in 1790. In 1791 he removed to Huntingdon, 
having purchased the lots of ground, Nos. 320 
and 322 Penn and Nos. 521 and 323 Alleghany 
street, whereon he resided until his death, June 
30, 1S22, when he was- aged sixty-five years. Ja- 
cob's eldest children, John and Jacob were born in 
Hanover. Jacob. Sr., moved to Huntingdon a few 
years alter Michael had become a resident there. 
Christopher remained in York county until after 
the death of his daughter Rosina, when he fol- 
lowed his sons to Huntingdon, where he died 
and was interred in the Lutheran Church-yard, 
northeast corner of Fourth and Church street 
Michael dropped the prefix John about the time 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



847 



he was married. From descriptions of his per- 
sonal appearance given by old citizens who 
knew him, he was six feet in height; had blue 
eyes; was neither corpulent nor lean, and wore 
his dark hair in a queue. Jacob was shorter in 
stature, and more corpulent than his brother 
Michael. His children were: John, Jacob, 
David, Samuel, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, 
Margaret, Harry and Daniel. 

Christopher Africa had charge of a gristmill 
at or near Germantown, and his two sons were 
employed in the mill. On going to York county 
he bought a mill and paid some money thereon. 
The title proving defective, he lost the property 
and his investment therein. After this misfortune 
Michael became a brickmaker, to which he added 
a winter occupation, that of dyer. His brick- 
yard in Huntingdon extended eastward from 
Sixth street three lots, of fifty feet each, and 
northward from Mifflin street to Moore street. 
There the brick for all the brick houses erected 
in Huntingdon for over two-score years were 
made. Hon. J. Simpson Africa, from whom 
these narrated facts were obtained, says " at one 
time I was inclined to believe the family name 
we bear was an English corruption of a German 
patronym, but I since learned from four different 
German immigrants that they knew the name in 
Germany. One mentioned the city of Coblentz 
on the Rhine, another Augsburg in Bavaria, an- 
other Berlin, and the locality mentioned by the 
fourth has escaped my recollection." Jacob Af- 
rica, Jr., married Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman, 
December 7, 1819. They had a number of chil- 
dren — William Stevens, Eliza Ann, Andrew Jack- 
son, John H., Letitia M., Robert Wesley, Eunice 
M. and Anderson. Andrew Jackson Africa mar- 
ried Maria King, and their children were: Martha 
Belle (Mrs. Bartol), William Carey, Thomas Ed- 
gar and Vinton Zimmerman. 

Mrs. Bartol traces her ancestry on the mater- 
nal side to Alexander King, who is described by 
those who knew him as a Scotch-Irishman; a 
strict Scotch Presbyterian; in personal appear- 
ance a man of medium height and weight. He 
came from Ireland to America probably in the 
year 1774. About two years later, on January 
10, 1776, he enlisted as a soldier of the Revolu- 
tionary war, under Capt. Henry Darby in the 
Delaware regiment commanded by Colonel Has- 
lett. He was then a young man, presumably 
twenty-five years of age, and served under these 
officers for one year, during which time he was 
in the disastrous battle of Long Island, after 
which, retreating with his regiment, he fought at 
White Plains under Washington. Here he re- 
ceived a slight wound from a bayonet in the 



hands of a Hessian. He continued with his regi- 
ment in the perilous flight through New Jersey, 
and was at the taking of the Hessians at Tren- 
ton, after the famous crossing of the ice-drifted 
Delaware. The time of his enlistment having 
expired, Alexander King remained at home for 
a few months and then re-enlisted in Capt. Ben- 
jamin Fishborne's company of the Fourth Penn- 
sylvania Regiment, commanded by Col. William 
Butler. His re-enlistment was probably from 
New London, Chester Co., Penn. Under Fish- 
borne he served with some distinction, being pro- 
moted from corporal to sergeant of his company. 
He fought in the battles of Brandywine and Ger- 
mantown, and afterward at Monmouth on the 
memorable sultry day in June. Marching with 
his regiment to Schoharie, where the winter was 
passed, he was ordered the following summer to 
join the expedition under General Sullivan against 
the Indians in the Genesee country, and upon his 
return he, together with his company, joined the 
main army. He remained in the service until 
the month of January, 1781, when he was dis- 
charged on account of sickness and returned 
home. 

Alexander King made an application for a 
pension on April 14, 1818, at which time he was 
residing in Huntingdon county, Penn., and was 
sixty-four years of age. His pension was allowed 
for five years actual service as corporal and ser- 
geant in the Revolutionary war. He came to 
Huntingdon not later than 1796. This we may 
safely conclude from the fact that the county 
records give Alexander King, of Huntingdon, as 
the purchaser of lot 181 on January 30, 1797. 
He probably came direct from Chester county to 
Huntingdon. He died August 8, 1826, and was 
buried in the Riverview cemetery, Huntingdon. 
He was admitted to membership in Lodge No. 
55, Free and Accepted Ancient York Masons at 
Huntingdon June 24, 1800, and was buried with 
the usual Masonic honors. Alexander King 
married Nancy Jackson probably before coming 
to America. Their children were John and 
Thomas. John married Christine Berkstresser. 
They settled in Bedford county, Penn. Their 
children were William R. , James, Harry S., 
Caroline, John, Margaret, Thomas, Nancy, 
Alexander and Elizabeth. Thomas King, Sr. , 
spent his life in Huntingdon, Penn., where he 
followed the occupation of his father Alexander, 
that of a tailor. He was also, like his father, a 
member of the Masonic order there. He served 
for a short time ("three months) in the war of 
1 8 1 2 under Captain Robert Allison. 

Thomas King was married in Huntingdon, in 
1803, by the Rev. John Johnston, to Martha 



848 



CO.V.V/-:.Vt>i;.[ TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ris, and their children were William II.. Ann, 
Margaret, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah and 
Maria. Thomas King died March 9, [83 
fifty-sevi rs, his wife, Martha Norris. on 

June 22, 1 s 3 5 , /enty-five sears. Their 

daughter Maria was married to A. Jackson Africa. 
in Huntingdon, by the K ] Willi 1 

Octobei 28, 1 Their oldest daughter, 

Martha Belle, married William ( Bartol, April 
[3, 1875. Their children are Mary, Belle, 
William V and Helen Kii 



BE( K FAMILY. A he German immi- 

uits who left theii along the Rhine 

during the great migration of German Protestants 
to Pennsylvania in the tury was Johann 

■ mas Beck. He came from tin Duchy of 
Hanau, and embarked from the port of Rotter- 
dam. 111 Holland, in the year 1752. with his wife 
ther, his son Henry and his daughter Margaret. 
He did not live to see the New World, for he 

1 on the and the Atlantic became his 

burying place. His widow and children reached 
Philadelphia, from whence they went to Berks 
county. Penn., where they settled, and where the 
widow subsequently married one McMullen. 

Hi nry Beck, the son of [obann Thomas Beck, 
was born in the Duchy of Hanau about the year 
174S, and was lour years of age when he came 
to Pennsylvania with his mother. He grew up 
in Berks county, and in the year 1775 married 
Margaret Wolfgang. Like almost all the Penn- 
sylvania Germans, he was engaged in farming, 
which he varied occasionally by superintending 
the wood-cutting for one of the local furnaces. 
The Revolutionary war came on shortly after his 
marriage. In the militia companies which were 
formed from time to time for short terms as the 
war progressed, and were composed chiefly of 
the farming population who attended to their 
farms in the summer and went into the army in 
the winter, he went out three different times, 
first as orderly sergeant and subsequently as 
lieutenant, and was in one of the commands that 
failed to cross the Delaware at the time when 
Washington captured the Hessians at Trenton. 
He remained upon his farm in Berks county until 
his removal to a farm near Pottsgrove. in North- 
umberland county, Penn., where he died in the 
year 1S24. Both he and his wife Margaret are 
buried in the old Lutheran graveyard at Milton, 
Pennsylvania. 

Henry Beck, by his wife, Margaret, had seven 

< children, all of whom were born and reared in 

Berks county, on their father's farm. They were 



Henry, George, Thomas, Sophia, Elizabeth, Mary 
and Catharine. Henry Beck, the eldest son, was 
born Jul\- 10, 1776, and was married to Hannah 
Ludwig, of Berks county. George Beck was 
married to Mary Greiner, and had the following 
children. William, Susan, Jeremiah, Henry and 
Mary Ann; he remained in Berks county until his 
death in May. 1854; his son, Henry Beck, with 
his family, resides at the present time at Potts- 
town, lurks county. Thomas Beck removed to 
Fayette, Seneca county, N. V., where he resided 
until his death. Sophia married William Gp 
Elizabeth married David Kaufman, who settled 
in Union county, Penn. Mary married Steph 
Glaize, who settled in the northern end of 
Northumberland county, Penn. Catharine mar- 
ried John Hill, and resided upon the homestead 
near Pottsgn ve until her death. After his mar- 
riage, Henr) Beck settled upon a farm in Earl 
township, Berks county, where he followed farm- 
ing and tanning. In the year 18 13 he removed 
with his family to a farm adjoining (and now a 
part of 1 Lewisburg, Enion Co., Penn., which 
place he had previously visited with a view to 
ement. Here he built a new tanner}-, which 
he carried on in connection with his farm. The 
large brick house at the upper end of Second 
street in Lewisburg was built by him in 1823, 
and was occupied by him and his family. By 
his wife, Hannah, he had six children, one of 
whom, named Daniel, died in infancy. The 
others were Samuel L. Beck, born April 6, 1802; 
Rebecca L., born November 30, 1807; Isaac L., 
born May 5. 1811, died May 20, 1856; Mary 
Ann, born October 19, 181 5; Lydia L , born 
April 12. 1818. Hannah Beck died November 
•9. 1 839, aged fifty-seven years. Henry Beck 
died January 2, 1846, aged sixty-nine years. 
Both are buried in the cemetery at Lewisburg, 
Penn. Henry Beck was a member of the Luth- 
eran Church at Lewisburg, while his wife, Han- 
nah, belonged to the German Reformed Church. 
He took an active part in town affairs, and in 
politics was a Democrat. 

Samuel L. Beck, his eldest son, was eleven 
- old when his parents moved to Lewisburg, 
here he grew up on his father's farm. He 
had little taste for farming, but a great apti- 
tude for study. One of his tutors was Samuel 
Kirkham, the author of the famous old English 
gram; Mathematics and surveying « 

taught by his uncle, Daniel Ludwig, who resided 
near White Deer Mills, in the same county. For 
a short time he taught school and kept his fa- 
ther's books. Having decided to take up the pro- 
fession of medicine, in which his uncle. Dr. 
Michael Ludwig, of Berks county, had won con- 




^itliu 



£U*>€/ 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



849 



siderable reputation, he studied for some time 
in the office of Dr. VanValzah, of Lewisburg. 
In 1825 he entered, as a student, Jefferson Medi- 
cal College, Philadelphia, where he remained 
until he graduated in 1828, having, as a class- 
mate, Dr. Samuel Gross, the famous surgeon. 
After his graduation he returned to Lewisburg, 
where he settled permanently and look up the 
practice of his profession. On April 12, 1842, 
he married Anna Stitzel, the youngest daughter 
of Adam Stitzel (whose father, Johannes Stitzel, 
came to America in June, 1735), and his wife, 
Sarah (Levan). of McEwensville, Penn. Anna 
Stitzel was born October 3, '18 14. 

Of the other children of Henry Beck, Rebecca 
L. married John K. Housel, and died near Free- 
port, 111., in 1892; Issac L. married Mary Dreis- 
bachjulvj, 1839, and died at Mifflinburg, Penn., 
in 1856, leaving two children, Henry and Kate; 
Mary A. married Thomas Reber, and died at 
Lewisburg in 1896; Lydia L. married Daniel 
Zeller, and still resides at Lewisburg. 

Dr. Samuel L. Beck was a Whig in politics 
until the disruption of that party, when he be- 
came a Republican. He died at Lewisburg No- 
vember 1, 1882, and was buried in the Lewis- 
burg cemetery. His wife, Anna, died in Lewis- 
burg March 2, 1885, and was buried by the side 
of her husband. By his wife, Anna Stitzel, Dr. 
Beck had five children: William H., born Feb- 
ruary 28, 1843; Samuel L. , born September 14, 
1844; Valeria R. , born July 29, 1846; Thomas 
Romeyn. born March 17, 1848; Mary, born July 
28, 1849. 

Of these William H. Beck, the eldest son, 
received his education at the University of Lew- 
isburg, Penn. , where he graduated in the class of 
1862. He entered the army during the Civil 
war, and was a member of Company C, 131st P. 
V. I. He was admitted to the Bar as a lawyer 
in Lewisburg in 1865, and since that time has re- 
sided in Winchester and Alexandria, Va., New 
Orleans, La., and Washington, D. C, which 
last place is his residence at this writing. 

Samuel Ludwig Beck, the second son, married 
Miss Susan Case, of Trenton, N. J., and has a 
printing office in Philadelphia, where he resides. 
Valeria R. Beck married David Myers January 
3, 1 87 1. They resided for some years on his 
plantation near Talladega, Ala., whence they re- 
moved to Lima, Ind., and thence to Lewisburg, 
Penn., where she now resides. Thomas R. Beck 
resides in Lewisburg, Penn. Mary Beck mar- 
ried J. N. McCoy, the son of Col. DeWitt Clin- 
ton McCoy, of the 83d Penna. V. I. She now 
resides with her husband in Reading, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

54* 



eEORGE GROSS, a highly respected resident 
of New Berlin, Union county, can look back 
over more than seventy years of life, during 
which his retentive memory has treasured many 
interesting reminiscences of the past. During 
the greater portion of his life he has been identi- 
fied with the mercantile and agricultural interests 
of this section. At present he is living in retire- 
ment and enjoying the fruits of his past labors. 

Mr. Gross is a member of an old Pennsyl- 
vania family, his ancestors having settled in 
Montgomery county in an early day. Henry 
Gross, his grandfather, was born there, being 
one of a large family of children, several of whom 
left the old home to locate elsewhere. One 
brother moved to the western part of Pennsyl- 
vania, another lived in Dauphin county, Penn., 
a sister died in Mifflin county, another brother 
died in New Orleans, a sister died in Franklin 
county, Penn., and still another brother at Beav- 
ertown, Snyder Co., Penn. Henry Gross was 
married in York county, Penn., to Miss Phoebe 
Havice, and came on horseback with his bride to 
what is now Beaver township, Snyder county, in 
the latter part of the eighteenth century. He 
established a mercantile business at Middleburg, 
but in 1 801 his store was burned, and he then 
engaged in farming, purchasing land below Me- 
Kees Half Falls. In 18 14 he bought the land 
upon which New Berlin now stands, and he fol- 
lowed farming there for a number of years. This 
land formerly belonged to George Long, and the 
village, when first laid out, was called Longs- 
town. At one time Henry Gross owned six 
farms. His death occurred in 1842, when in his 
eighty-third year. His wife died in 1837, as the 
result of injuries received from an accident in 
falling down stairs. Henry, his eldest son, who 
served as justice of the peace and surveyor in 
Snyder county in an early day, in 1830, went 
west, locating in Seneca county, Ohio, where he 
died sixty-five years ago. The children of Henry 
and Phcebe (Havice) Gross were as follows: 
Henry (mentioned in the foregoing), Elizabeth 
(Mrs. George Herald), Sarah (Mrs. John Hilbish), 
Catherine (Mrs. Jacob Dubbs), Philip (father of 
our subject), John (who died near Chattanooga, 
Tenn.), Polly (Mrs. Col. Henry Royer) and 
Barbara (Mrs. George Kleckner). None of these 
children are now living. Mrs. Kleckner died one 
year after her marriage. 

Gen. Philip Gross, the father of our subject, was 
born in 1797, in Middleburg, and his educational 
opportunities in youth were limited to the schools 
of that place. He always resided upon the old 
homestead, following agriculture as an occupa- 
tion, and at times did considerable business as 



850 



COMMEMORA TI VE BIOGR. 1 1' III' '. 1 /. RECORD. 



an administrator and executor in the settlement 
of estates. He was a robust man, well-propor- 
tioned, and was seldom ill. Throughout his life 
he took keen interest in military affairs, and, 
only his ineligibility on account of age, prevented 
him from serving in the Civil war. He filled 
every office in the home militia from privati 
general, and was the last to serve in that rank 
under the old regime in the brigade of Union and 
Northumberland counties, He was a stanch 
Democrat, as was his lather before him, and 
lie held a number of offices, serving one term as 
county treasurer before the separation from 
Union county, when the county seat was at New 
Berlin. For more than forty consecutive years 
he served as justice of the peace. In religious 
faith he was a Lutheran, and for many years held 
the office of trustee in the Church. He died in 
1879. His wife, who died in 1894, at the age of 
ninety-one years, was Elizabeth Schoch. She 
was born March 31, 1803, in Snyder county, the 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Hendricks) 
Schoch. Her remains now rest beside those of 
her husband in the cemetery at the old homestead. 
They had the following children: Henry died in 
Philadelphia, in February, 1890; George is our 
subject; Jacob died in infancy; | died in 
1889, in Limestone township; Phoebe is the 
widow of Thomas Yearick, of Aaronsburg, Penn. ; 
Mary J. married John Stauffer, and died in Boyi r- 
town, Penn.; Elizabeth C. is the widow- of Rev. 
George B Dechant, of Catawissa, Penn.; Ben- 
jamin F. died at the age of nineteen; |ohn died 
in childhood; an infant son died unnamed; Mi- 
ni ira died in childh I; Susan married Dr. Jerry 

Hay. and died in Bloomville, Ohio; Laura is the 
widow of Mar ion S< hnui > , oi Selins Grove, Union 
count} , tnd Ji >bn dud in infan 

Gross was bom Augusl 23, 1823, at 
the old homestead, and his education was begun in 
the schools of New Berlin, his first teacher being 
Mr. Hague. After attending the common schools 
until he was nineteen years old, he spent two 

is at the Lewisburg Academy, and. although 

qualified to teach, he never cared to do so. On 

ing si hi h 'I he 1 el m ned hon ■ ■ in 

u work. In the fall of 1S44. he, with three 
other young men, went to Seneca county, Ohio, 
driving the entire distance. He had relatives in 
that locality, and foi a yeai was empl 
clerk by an uncle iu Bellevue. Later he worl 
in the same capacity foi .1 tim< al 1'iliiii, Ohio, 
and then returned to Pennsylvania, and entered 
the employ of his brother I bury, then a n 
chant at Aaronsburg. On August [3, [846, he 
was married at New Berlin, to Miss Elizabeth 1 
Nettle, a native of Carlisle, Penn.. and a daugh- 



ter of Isaac Nettle. He then located on his fa- 
ther's farm for a year, whence in 1 847 he removed 
to Rebersburg, where he established a gei 
mercantile business. In 1848 he started a branch 
store iii Loganton, Sugar Valley, under the tirm 
name of Gross, Bogar & Co., Mr Cross owning 
a half interest. For some tunc, in addition to 
his other work, he held the office of postni. 
at Rebersburg, but, in 1S58, he sold his store 
there and returned to the old homestead In 
1S5S he disposed of his interest in the Loganton 
store, and. 111 [861, he bought out John I). Bo- 
gar, of New Berlin, and continued business for 
six years under the linn name of Gross >.\ LutZ, 
and afterward as Gross & Wilson, until 1878, 
when he sold out and retired from active busi- 
ness in that line. In Maw 1859, he became a 
director in the Lewisburg National Bank, and he 
has attended every meeting of the board since 
that time with possible exception.- of three or 
four regular weekly meetings in a year. He is 
the surviving executor of his father's estate, and 
for years he looked alter his mother's interests. 
Since 1 So 1 he has occupied his present home .it 
New Berlin, a beautiful place, which was at one 
time owned by Hon. Joseph Casey, who after- 
ward became Judge of the Court of Claims 
Washington, I). (' , and who died in that city 
February 10. 1879. His wife was a sister of Mrs. 
Gross. Mr. Gross, in religious faith, is a Lu- 
theran, but as his wife is a Presbyterian, he at- 
tends that Church regularly. They have had 
three children: William G., now a resident of 
Philadelphia; and two, George A. and Rosa K., 
who died in infancy. In politics Mr. (iross has 
always been a Democrat, and has held numerous 
offices in the borough of New Berlin. He was a 
senatorial delegate to the State Convention held 
at Erie, Penn., in 1875; he was also a member oi 
the Mat. Democratic Committee during the 
year 1879. 



ARRY P. RANCK, a pi ign ssive and suc- 
cessful agriculturist of White Deer town- 
ship, Ln i is a descendant of a well- 
known pioneer family, and now owns and occu- 
pies a farm near New Columbia, which has bi 
in the possession of the family for more than a 

tury. It was purchased about 1707, by our 
subject's great-grandfather, John Ranck, who, 
with his second wife, Barbara, came from Lan- 
caster county to make his permanent home, his 

th occurring there in 1S20. at the age of 
seventy-eight. His widow survived him until 
March 27, 1830, when she passed away, aged 
seventy-five years. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



851 



Jonathan Ranck, our subject's grandfather, 
was a native of Lancaster county, born July i, 
1789, but the greater part of his life was spent 
in Union county, where he became a prominent 
farmer. He died May 5, 1856, leaving a large 
family. He was married three times, (first) to 
Miss Catherine Long, (second) to Miss Margaret 
Dieffenderfer, our subject's grandmother, and 
(third) to Mrs. Harriet (Kline) Dieffenderfer, 
the widow of a brother of his second wife. 
Margaret Dieffenderfer was born in Union coun- 
ty, then Northumberland county, in January, 
1798, the daughter of Jacob Dieffenderfer, and 
died in February, 1844. By the first of these 
three unions there was one son, Joseph, born 
March 15, 1816, died in May, 1895. By the 
second there were ten children, whose names 
with dates of birth are as follows: Sarah, Jan- 
uary 17, 18 19, Mrs. Daniel Bennage (deceased); 
Moses, September 4, 1820; Susannah, January 
14, 1822, Mrs. J. J. Brown; Jacob, January 28, 
1824 (deceased); Edward, December 31, 1825; 
Solomon, September 9, 1827; Mary, August 14, 
1830, Mrs. Charles C. Wetzel; Levi, January 9, 
1833 [see farther on]; Jonathan, April 2, 1834; 
and Ellen, January 18, 1837. 

The late Levi Ranck, the father of our sub- 
ject, was a prominent citizen of White Deer 
township, and during his active 'life followed ag- 
ricultural pursuits at the old homestead where 
he breathed his last April 29, 1866. His wife, 
Charlotte Ranck, who was also a native of White 
Deer township, was born August 7, 1834, and 
died Octcber 5, 1881. They had the following 
children: Florence, born December 24, 1853, 
married Charles Baskins, a railway engineer re- 
siding at North Platte, Neb. ; Virginia, born 
January 15, 1856, married David Gross, sheriff 
of Union county, who resides at Lewisburg, 
Penn.; Norman L. , born December 4, 1857, 
is a farmer of Gregg township. Union county; 
Anna E., born November 23, 1861, married Ad- 
dison Koch, who is now engaged in trucking at 
New Columbia, Penn.; Mary E., born April 6, 
1864, married Howard Carson, a farmer and 
dairyman of Lycoming county, Penn. ; Harry 
P. will be mentioned more fully below; Carrie 
C. , born May 18, 1869, resides in Lewisburg 
with her sister, Mrs. Gross; Violet P., born July 
16, 1872, married Howard Reed, of Benton, 
Penn.; Charles W. , born April 28, 1874, resides 
with our subject; Daisy D., born March 29, 
1876, is with her sister, Mrs. Baskins, in Ne- 
braska; and Levi R. , born January 1, 1879, is 
attending school in Lewisburg. 

Harry P. Ranck has always had his home at 
the old farm, where he was born May 19, 1866, 



and it is now owned by him in partnership with his 
sister Florence. The residence is a handsome 
stone structure of old-fashioned style, and the 
whole place shows the occupancy of a genial, 
hospitable family. He has a reputation as a 
good manager, and as a citizen is prominent in 
local affairs. In politics he is a Republican, and 
in February, 1897, was elected supervisor and 
served one year, and was re-elected, in February, 
1898. He is an active member of the Grange 
of his township. 

On April 7, 1889, Mr. Ranck was married to 
Miss Sallie R. Becker, and their home has been 
made brighter by three children: Russell R., 
born March I, 1892; Violet V , born February 
6, 1894; and Charles L. , born October 19, 1897. 
Mrs. Ranck's paternal grandfather, Jacob Beck- 
er, a wagon maker by trade, was a native of 
Berks county, Penn., but settled upon a farm at 
the present site of New Columbia about 1S1S, 
and there he and his wife, Margaret Long, passed 
their remaining years, the latter dying October 
13, 1862, aged sixty-two years and eight months, 
and the former passing away November 27, of 
the same year, at the age of sixty-seven 

Of their ten children, Rachel died in infancy; 
Mary married Fred Ludwig, a farmer in Ohio; 
Levi, who married Eliza Miller, is a farmer of 
Montgomery count}-, Penn. ; Charles, a black- 
smith by trade, married Miss Elutz; Margaret 
married Charles Corp, a carpenter at Lewisburg, 
Penn. ; Catherine (deceased) was the wife of 
James Taylor, a farmer of Minnesota; Jacob left 
home, and his present location is unknown; Will- 
iam, who died in 1895, was twice married, (first) 
to Matilda Peters, and, after her death, to Carrie 
Haynes, also deceased; Sallie married a farmer; 
and Amos G. (Mrs. Ranck's father), who was 
born at New Columbia, November 25, 1S40, and 
is still residing in his native township. For 
fifteen years he followed the sawyer's trade but 
at present is not engaged in any regular business. 
In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, 202nd P. V. 
I., under Capt. Jacob Neighbert, and, although 
he took part in several important engagements, 
including the second battle of Bull Run, he was 
not wounded. He belongs to the Grand Army 
Post at Milton, and, in politics, is a steadfast 
Republican. 

Amos Becker was married to Miss Margaret 
J. Beckheimer, a native of White Deer township, 
born December 24. 1842. Her father, Samuel 
Berkheimer, a farmer by occupation, was born 
in Chester county, Penn., and died in White 
Deer township, Penn. He and his wife, Mary 
Cattler, reared a family of four children: Mar- 
garet (Mrs. Becker); Joseph (a farmer near 






OOMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



eppa, I Vim. , Eli/a (who married Levi 
Ki efer, a fanner in White 1 >eer tow nship, Union 
countyi: and William a resident of the same 
tow Dship . 

Mr. and Mrs. 1 • membi i 

the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have 
always hem in hearty sympathy with progress in 
all lines. They have five living children: 11 
Elmer, I m i 24, i $< '-. married Miss 

Mai e 1. rid has had three children -Lula, 

Lee. and Hazel. 2) Li. la, born May 11. 1 
mai muel Bennage, a carpenter of White 

Deer township, Penn., and has one son, Albert. 

h 8, 1 870, is the wifi 
our subject. (4) Samuel, born February 10, 
a railway emploj 1 resides at Sham 

okin, Penn. He married Miss Mary Cornelius 
and has one daughter, Sadie. (5) Miss Clara 
born Mas 27, 187S. resides with hei parents. 



CHARLES W lll< (MAS, a leading citizen 
of West Buffalo township, Union county, is 
an honored member ol the Thomas family which 
trj back to the earliest period "f 
Colonial history, and is one of the oldest families 
in the State of Pennsylvania. Greek scholars 
ha\ e agrei d that the name comes from Thomas, 
named Didymus, the twin. At first it was prob- 
ably assumed as a surname by some one whose 
father's name was Thomas, though in some in- 
stances it may have been chosen by one whose 

tron saint was St. Thomas. If the father and 
wen- b.ith named Thomas, the latter was 
called Thomasson, the son of Thomas, to dis- 
tinguish him from the former. The name has 
been less changed than any other in modern 
language. We find it therefore unaltered in 

ry Germanic country. It exists in Germany 
and England, but is particularly common in 
Wales, where the language 1^. of course, Celtic. 

That the first Thomas came to Pennsyh 
before William Penn we have conclusive evi 
deuce. History informs us that in 1681 John 
Thomas and Edward [ones, .if North Wales, 
purchased from William Penn a tract of 10,000 
acres of land extending westward from the 
v huylkill river. This land was afterward in- 
cluded in what was known as the "Welsh Set- 
tlement." On August 1 ). 1682, these gentlemen, 
with forty colonists, arrived at the Schuylkill, 
and immediately proceeded to found a settlemi 
Penn did not arrive until the following October. 
The Thomas family has therefore been identified 
with the history of the State for 215 years. 
Coming down to later times we find that George 



Thomas was lieutenant-governor of Penn's Col- 
ony from August, 1 7 v s . to May, 1747. 

•'Iron John Thomas, the grandfather of 

subject, was tlie ancestor ol the majority who 
bear the name in central Pennsylvania. He was 
so called because he was early int. vith 

his step-father in the manufacture of iron, and 
also to distinguish him from Rev. |ohn Thomas, 
the third child of Henry, the pioneer. He was 
born in 1770 and was rocked in the cradle of the 
Revolution, being a child of six years when inde- 
pendence was declared. He located on Larry's 
creek, and in early life seems to have become a 
representative of the family. His education was 
limited to the meagre facilities of the time in 
which he lived, but being possessed of an execu- 
te, mind and thrown early into the society of 
men, he rapidly developed into an active 
energetic business man. In 1816 he and his 

hers, Jesse. Samuel and William, formed 
themselves "into a company or co-partnership in 
all of the concerns of the furnace, forge and smith- 
shop," and under this agreement carried on busi- 
until 1821. He was evidently a man of great 
force of character and took a leading part in the 
affairs of his locality. He was rugged and strong 
physically, aggressive, enterprising and d 
headed, and in religious belief was a Methodist, 
that being the Church to which most ol the early 
members of the family belonged. Two of its 
members became Methodist Episcopal ministers. 

On December 24, 1797, "Iron'' fohn Thomas 
wedded Mary Murphy, who was born July 25, 
1781, and tradition says she was the first white 
child born on Larry's creek, where Millville now 
•-lands. Her father, John Murphy, was a famous 
clockmaker of his time, and an early settler on 
Larry's creek. Mr. Thomas died February 20, 
1X43, aged seventy-three years, and his wife 
passed away June 20. 1857, at the age of seven- 
ty-five. In their family were the following chil- 
dren: George, born August 28, 1798, died July 
21, 1877; Charles, born August 31, 1800, died 
March 7, 1879; Elizabeth, born March 12, 1804, 
died April [6, [826; Maria, born May 19, i> 
Margaret, born July 8, 1809, died April 9, 1855; 
John, born June 15, 181 1, died February 1 8, 

1. Sarah, born July 14, 1813, died June 29, 
i860; Ellen 1- deceased; Gideon D., born August 
3, 1S1S, is still living; Julia A., born m 1820, 
dud in childhood; Jane Knox, born May 11, 
1822, dud February 17. 1893; and Martha, born 
February 15. 1825, died August 17. 1879, 

Charles Thomas, the second son of John, 
and the father of our subject, was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Eliza Tackaberry, who was born 
February 6, t8o6, in Ireland, and is a descend- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



853 



ant of Lord Grey, of England. When only two 
years of age she was brought to this country by 
her parents, William Tackaberry and wife. Her 
death occurred on the 4th of December, 1874. 
Our subject is the third in order of birth in the 
family of ten children, the others being as fol- 
lows: Allen; William; John; Mary A., wife of 
Wilson Doane, of DeKalb county, Mo. ; Jane, 
widow of John King; Margaret, wife of John 
Kline; Frank; George; and Alice, who died at 
the age of twenty-seven. 

In the public schools. Charles W. Thomas, 
of this review, acquired a good practical educa- 
tion, and was reared to habits of industry upon 
the home farm, where he continued to work with 
his father until attaining his majority. He then 
began learning the miller's trade, but before he 
had completed his apprenticeship, he started for 
California, and remained upon the Pacific slope 
for six years. Returning to Pennsylvania, he 
engaged in farming and lumbering in Lycoming 
county for eleven years, but since that time has 
made his home in Union county, where he is ac- 
counted one of the most valued and honored citi- 
zens, having the respect and confidence of all 
with whom he comes in contact. 

Soon after his return from California, Mr. 
Thomas was united in marriage with Miss Cal- 
phurniaL. , daughter of Rufus Rockwell, a farmer 
of Bradford county, Penn. Four children bless 
this union, namely: Clarence, who is married 
and lives in Wausau, Wis., where he is interested 
in the lumber business; Wilson, a merchant of 
Mifflinburg, Penn.; Emma, who resides with her 
parents at their beautiful home in West Buffalo 
township; and Jessamine, wife of Edwin Bru- 
baker, a Methodist minister now living near 
Marksville, Virginia. 



JAMES M. PAWLING. The Pawling family, 
which has long been prominently identified 
with this section, is descended from English 
ancestry, and the first of the name crossed the 
ocean while this country was still a dependency 
of the British Crown. He located in Chester 
county, Penn., but his son, Joseph, the great- 
grandfather of the well-known citizen whose 
name opens this sketch, removed early in the 
present century to what is now Snyder county, 
and purchasing a tract of 400 acres of land near 
Selins Grove, engaged in business as a farmer 
and hotel keeper. He was twice married, but 
his first wife died leaving one son, John, who 
moved to the West, and his descendants now 
live in Kentucky. By his second wife, Mary 
Shannon, he had four sons and four daughters. 



One of the latter became the mother of Judge 
H. P. Ross, president judge of Montgomery 
county. 

Samuel Pawling, the eldest son of Joseph 
and Mary Pawling, and the grandfather of our 
subject, was born February 9, 1794, and was 
married January 24, 1815, to Elizabeth Wood- 
ling, who was born February 5, 1797, the daugh- 
ter of John Woodling. Eleven children were 
born to this union, their names with dates of 
birth being here given: (1) Harriet, December 
31, 181 5, married David Schoch, and died in 
1840. (2) Maria, December 4, 1817, became 
the second wife of David Schoch, and died No- 
vember 2, 1870. (3) Susan, February 25, 1819, 
married Jacob Hilbish, died March 16, 1897. 
(4) Levi, July 27, 1820, married Margaret C. 
Weaver, born March 17, 1831, died January 16, 
1880. and had seven children: Margaret S., Al- 
len Francklin, Jefferson Samuel. Nora Elizabeth, 
Melinda J., Ida C. and Anna S. (5) John, Oc- 
tober 21, 1823, married Barbara Gemberling 
(born March 31, 1831) and had nine children: 
West W., Sarah E., Christopher G., Mary L. , 
Emma F., Catharine J., Bertha A., Alice R. , 
and Melinda R. (6) Jane, June 15, 1825, mar- 
ried Lewis Gemberling, and died October 1, 1856. 
(7) Samuel Benjamin, September 14, 1828, is 
mentioned more fully below. (8) Rebecca, De- 
cember 25, [830, married James Biehl. (9) 
Angeline, September 22, 1834, married Benja- 
min Ulrich. (10) Charles W., May 31, 1837, 
married Lydia C. Long, and had two children: 
Charles W. and Cora E., both now deceased. 
(11) Lewis E., December 10, 1839, married 
Amanda Schoch (born June 1, 1844J, and had 
five children — Albert S., Samuel J., Emanuel 
E., S. Alice and Delia E. The parents of this 
large family attained a good old age, spending 
sixty years of their lives together in happy wed- 
lock. The father died November 23, 1874, and 
the mother October 9, 1S83, and their descend- 
ants numbered at that time fifty-five grand- 
children, forty great-grandchildren, and one 
great-great-grandchild, making one hundred and 
seven direct descendants. 

The late Samuel B. Pawling was born and 
reared at the old home near Selins Grove, and 
received a common-school education. January 
18, 1853, he was married to his first wife, Miss 
Leah Huffman, daughter of John and Mary Huff- 
man, and in that year he moved to Union county, 
where he spent his remaining years. His wife 
died February 11, 1855, leaving one son, James 
Calvin, born November 8, 1853, who did not 
long survive his mother, passing away May 29, 
1855. On November 10, 1856, Mr. Pawling was 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOORM'IIICAL RECORD. 



married to Miss Sarah Jane Marshall, by whom 
he had the following children: James Marshall, 
our subject, who is mentioned more fully farther 
on; Elizabeth Jane, born September II, 1858, 
died June 28, 1S90; Samuel Albert, who was 
born February 3, i860, and died April 28, 1875, 
his last words being "Jesus is here; " Sarah Ag 
nes, born June , died May 27, 1865; John 

Correy, born February 8, 1805, died June 11, 
1865. The mother died May 21, 1865, from the 
effects of diphtheria, from which all the children 
were suffering, two of them following her shortly 
afterward, and the others being saved with diffi- 
culty through the devoted care of the father and 
physician. On May 15, 1866, Mr. Pawling 

ned a third matrimonial union, with Miss Hes- 
ter Ann Long, born September 9, 1S26, the 
daughter of Benjamin Long. Two sons were 
born of this union — I l.n : \ Jackson, Februar) 25, 

-, and West Glide, February 20, 1870, died 
January 10, 1895. 

111* -l B. Pawling was eminently successful 

in business, and at his death was tin- owner of a 

farm, comprising about 120 acres and a con- 

rable personal estate. He was a cheerful 
giver to all worthy movements and especially to 
the cause of religion. Early in life he united 
with the Lutheran Church, in which for many 
year- In- held the office of deacon. During that 

oil. in 1877, St Johns church, at White 
Deer, a handsome and commodious edifice, was 
built by the congregation, his time and means 
bemj,' given liberally to the enterprise. Political 
honors had no charms for him as he declined all 
solicitations to bee e a candidate for office, con- 

ring his duty fulfilled by a proper care for the 
other in n winch he was concerned. 

James M. Pawling was born July 21, 1857, 
at tlie old homestead. He was educated in the 

d schools and at Bucknell College. After 

through school, from 1874 to 1881, he was en- 

hool at a time when in that 

locality there were not many school. houses, but 

there wi id man} scholars, the roll often 

itaining upward oi eighty, ranging in age from 
five years to twenty-two. He had the honoi oi 
having the first class of scholars to graduate in 
White Deer township under the grade adopted 

b) 1 ■ 00] S) Stem at that time. ( >n 

becoming oi age, Mr. Pawlii in estate 

from his grandfather, the late Hon. James Mar- 
ill, which he invested in a farm, purchasing 
what was know 11 as the "Squire Kanck (arm." 
one of the oldest settled places in White Deer 
township, where he now resides. The place has 
been greatly improved since it came into the 
possession of our subject, to such an extent that 



connections of the Ranck family say that they 
hardly know it. A commodious and massive 
barn and shed have been built, running water put 
into the house, a large lawn, beautifully arranged 
in front with gardens at either side fronting on 
the public road, made, all of which have greatly 
added to the attractiveness of the farm. Mr. 
Pawling takes a great interest in public affairs, 
having inherited largely the traits of his grand- 
father, who was one of the leading politicians of 
his day. This inheritance seems to come to the 
surface at the opening of each campaign where 
there is any issue involved. In religious belief 
the family are all Lutherans, Mr Pawling hav- 
ing for a decade or more been director of music 
at White Deer Church. He is one of the coun- 
ty's most progressive, intelligent and public- 
spirited citizens. 

On February 7, 1884, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Catherine Lahr, daughter of 
N. C. Lahr, and has had seven children: Edna 
Lahr, born December 25, 1884; Clara Jane, 
born February 27, 18S6; Mary Alvema, May 4, 
[887; Harold Marshall, August 26, 1889; Foster 
S., July 8, 1 891, died September 23, [892; Paul 
Justin, January 6, 1894; and Warren John, No- 
vember 24, 1811;. 



BENJAMIN HARRISON LONG. Few, if 
any, nun can point to more valuable and 
more numerous evidences of their skill and energy 
than can the subject of this sketch, a well-known 
contractor and brick layer residing near West Mil- 
ton, Penn, It would be difficult to make even a 
mere list of the handsome structures erected by 
him, many of them being from his own designs: 
but we 1 ntioii the two churches at White 

Deer, the Music Hall at Lewisburg, the Happen- 
stein Opera House at Shamokin, the Baptist 
church at Montanduni, the Union National Bank 
at Genette, Penn., the woolen-mill at Lewisburg, 
and the large three-story brick block at Freeburg, 
Snyder county, for Professoi Moyer. He also 
worked (or twelve years on the Huntingdon Re- 
formatory, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 

The following brief review of Mr. Long's 
history and family connections will be of interest 
among his large circle of friends. He is a na- 
tive of Union county, born at the old homestead 
in Last Buffalo township, December 3, IV 
Ih- lather, Benjamin Long, was born upon the 
same farm, and made his home there all his life, 
his death occurring; in 1880, at the age of seventy- 
six. He added the business of contracting and 
brick laying to his agricultural work, and contin- 
ued them all successfully until old age compelled 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



855 



him to retire. He was a. man of influence in his 
locality, a Republican in politics, and for many 
years an active worker in the Lutheran Church. 
His wife, Mary Dabler, a native of Snyder coun- 
ty, died in 1883, aged sixty-five years, the re- 
mains of both being laid to rest in the cemetery 
at Lewisburg. They had ten children: John, a 
brick layer, residing in East Buffalo township, 
Union county; Matilda, wife of William Scho- 
field, an engineer at Milton, Penn. ; Benjamin 
H., our subject; Jacob, who occupies the old 
homestead ; Mary, wife of Charles Isley, a farmer 
of Clay county, Kans. ; Zachariah, of Danville, 
Penn. ; Caroline, who resides with her brother 
Jacob at the homestead; and three others, Daniel, 
Isaac and Emanuel, who are deceased. 

Benjamin H. Long's ability and inclination 
for his present work became apparent at an early 
age, and at twelve he began his apprenticeship 
under his father's tuition. As failing health 
caused the latter to leave more and more of his 
work to younger hands, Mr. Long took his place 
and until his twenty-seventh year he resided at 
home, caring for his parents and looking after 
the business. For one season he was employed 
as foreman for David White, of Tyrone, and dur- 
ing that time he built a three-story brick block at 
Genette, Pennsylvania. 

Notwithstanding Mr. Long's extensive busi- 
ness operations he has never had but one lawsuit, 
and that involved a claim for a barn wall, for 
which he was compelled to sue twice in order to 
get his dues, which he finally won. He was 
never a witness in a suit but once, and, in fact, 
has kept remarkably clear of disputes and entan- 
glements. Mr. Long resides upon a farm, but, 
as his other interests require his time, he does 
not have the active management of the place, 
which he. rents to another party. He is highly 
esteemed by all classes wherever he is known, 
and has much influence in his community, es- 
pecially in the local Republican organization, 
and in the Reformed Church, of which he is a 
leading member. 

On May 1, 1895, our subject was united in 
marriage with Miss Sadie Hendershott, an amia- 
ble lady. She is a daughter of Albert and Mar- 
garet (Watson) Hendershott, and was born at 
Muncy, Penn., where her mother was born De- 
cember 27, 1 841 . and which has been the home 
of her maternal ancestors from an early period, 
her grandparents, Hugh and Sarah (Sidles) Wat- 
son, having spent their lives there upon a farm. 
Her paternal grandfather, William Hendershott, 
was a farmer near Jerseytown, Penn., and his 
remains were interred at that place. Albert 
Hendershott, Mrs. Long's father, was born at 



Jerseytown, March 1, 1845, and after many 
years of successful work as an agriculturist, is 
now living in retirement in Union county, Penn. 
Mrs. Long is the younger of two children born to 
Albert and Margaret Hendershott, and is now 
the only living child, their first born, Hervey, 
having died at the age of fourteen. 



JOSIAH SHOWALTER, who at the time of 
his death, April 6, 1897, after a long and act- 
ive life was spending his declining days in 
the midst of ease and plenty, on his fine farm at 
Glen Iron, Hartley township, Union county, was 
born in Adams county, Penn., December 4, 18 15. 
He reached the ripe old age of eighty-one years, 
four months and two days. His position, so- 
cially and financially, was the result of his own 
unaided industry, coupled with the sound sense 
and excellent business capacity with which nature 
endowed him. His remains were buried in Lin- 
coln cemetery in Hartley township, Union Co., 
Pennsylvania. 

John and Elizabeth (Rote) Showalter, par- 
ents of the deceased, were natives of Lancaster 
county, Penn., and came to Union county, in 
1 82 1, locating near Laurelton, in Hartley town- 
ship, upon a farm, which the children cultivated, 
while the father worked at his trade of carpen- 
tering. The family were comprised of the fol- 
lowing named: Jonathan, who made his home 
in Union county, died at the age of eighty-eight; 
Johanna is the widow of Peter Boop, who died 
in 1 88 1, and she resides on a farm in Hartley 
township; Cyrus, who was married, died in 1876; 
Josiah was next in order of birth; Elizabeth is 
the wife of Samuel Shirk; Lydia married John 
Shirk, who died some years ago, and she now 
lives in Laurelton, Penn. ; Samuel, a carpenter 
by trade, went west, and died in Ohio; and Peggy, 
who married and went west, has not been heard 
from for several years. 

The subscription schools furnished our sub- 
ject his educational privileges, and his business 
training was obtained upon the home farm, 
where he early learned habits of industry and 
economy. Throughout his active business ca- 
reer, he followed the occupation, to which he 
had been reared. As a Republican, he formerly 
took quite an active interest in political affairs, 
and acceptably served as supervisor of his town- 
ship for two terms. Religiously, he was a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Church, and he 
was a man of unswerving integrity and honor. 

On May 31, 1838, Mr. Showalter was mar- 
ried to Miss Hannah Miller, a daughter of John 
Miller, who was engaged in the distillery business. 



858 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHI'M. RECORD. 



They became the parents of eight children: | i i 
John \\\, born March 3, 1839, served (or three 
years as a Union soldier during the Rebellion. 
He is married, and has six children. (2) Will- 
iam and (3) Mary, 'twins, born September 18, 
1 S40, grew to manhood and womanhood, and 
the former is now a fanner living in Glen Iron, 
Union county, while the latter is the wife of Cy- 
Durst, of I 'litre county. Penn. William 
h is four children, and Mary three. (4) Samuel, 
born February 2, 1842, lives in Cowan, Penn., 
and has five children. (5) Catharine, born July 
25, 1843. (6) Rachel K. (Mrs. Grove), born 
October 26, 1848, has three children. (7) Han- 
nah E. (Mrs. Katherman), born February 26, 
1S54, Ills two children. (8) Martin enlisted 
in Company F, 1 < j 5 1 li 1'. V. I., and gave his life 
in defense of his country dying August 27, 1864, 
at the age of eighteen years, and was buried at 
I derick City, Md. The wife and mother, a 
most estimabe lady, departed this life July 22, 
1891, and was buried in Lincoln cemetery, Hart- 
ti iwnship, Union county. 



HON. >A.\IUEL. H. ORWIG, of Lewisbur-. 
Union county, one of the ablest and most 
distinguished lawyers of this section, is deserving 
of a prominent place in these memoirs, not onbj 
through his own ability and achievements, but 
through the interest attaching to two lines of 
er ancestry. 

The Orwi<,< family is of German origin, and 

ject is of the fourth gi < ent 

from Godfrey Orwie,, who was born in the Fa-' 

rland in [719, and came to America in 1741, 
accompanied by his wife. Clara. Their sixth 
child, George, the grandfather of our subject, 
wis born March 11, 1 7 5 S . and passed his life in 
Pennsylvania. He and his brother Peter laid 
Out the town of Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill coun- 
ts, in 1796; but later he came with his wife, 
Maria Magdalena Gilberdin (Gilbert), and their 
family, and located in Buffalo Valley, in what is 
now Union county. His last years were spent 
in MifSinburg, where he died March 2, 1841. 
Of his twelve children: (1) George, born Jan- 
uary 17. 17S0, built a mill in New Berlin, which 
he operated for soim- time, but he finally re- 
moved to Ohio. (2) John, born July 21, 1781, 
was ;i merchant oi MifSinburg fur several y< 
and went to < thio with lus brothi r. (3) Jacob, 
born April 18, 1783, died in New Berlin. (4) 
I aac, born February 27. 1785, died at Orwigs- 
burg, Schuylkill county. (5) Abraham, burn 
February 2(1, 17N7, built a gristmill i>n Buffalo 
creek in 18 17, which remained in the Orwig fam- 



ily for over half a century. He had four sons — 
William W., who became an eminent divine in 
the Evangelical Association, and was made bish- 
op, his residence in later years being at Cleve- 
land, Ohio; Henry, who succeeded his father in 
the ownership of the old homestead and mill, 
and died in MifSinburg; Elias (deceased), late of 
Hartleton, Penn. ;and Abraham (deceasedj, late of 
Kankakee, 111. (6) Henry, born January 27, 
•789- (7) Maria, August 27, 1791, and 8) Mary 
Magdalena, December 5, 1793, are all deceased. 
(9) Rebecca, born February 1. 1796. married 
Thomas Crotzer, and died in Mifflinburg. (10) 
Samuel, born April 6, 1798, is mentioned more 
fully below. (1 1) William, born March 22, 1800. 
died in Lewis township. Union county, leaving a 
farm which is now operated by his son — -Edward. 
(12) Hannah, born July 1, 1802, died in Mifflin- 
burg. 

Samuel Orwig, the father of our subject, re- 
received a good elementary education in the 
schools of that day. He served an apprentice- 
ship at saddle and harness making in Mifflinburg, 
where he afterward followed the trade for some- 
time, but later in life he devoted his time wholly 
to agriculture. He was a man of fine physique, 
and his strong character and excellent judgment 
him great influence in the community, For 
many years he was a leading member of the Lu- 
theran Church, and he was prominent in official 
affairs, holding local offices. Politically he was 
a Democrat until the organization of the Repub- 
lican party, which he was among the first to join. 

On September 22, 1829, Samuel Orwig mar- 
ried Miss Mary Myers, who was born June 16, 
1803, and died July 10, 1867, his death occur- 
ring August 7, 1874. They had eight children, 
of whom six are living: 1 1 Mary J. married J. 
C. Hendricks, of Decatur, 111. (2) Reuben G. is 
a real-estate dealer in Chicago, 111. (3; Thomas 
(i., now an attorney in Des Moines, Iowa, was 
captain of Battery E, 1st Pennsylvania Light 
Artillery during the Rebellion. 141 Samuel H 
is the subject proper of this biograph) (5) J°" 

1 R. was captain of Company A, 1 >i>t Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, is now the assist- 
ant State librarian at Des Moines, Iowa, and is 
1 authority on books, having devoted 
his life to th' B im M, was stud) 

law in the University of Pennsyvania when the 
Civil war broke out, but patriotically offered his 
services as a soldier, enlisting as a private in the 
battery of which his brother Thomas was cap- 
tain. His preceptor, a distinguished attorney of 
Philadelphia, had made him a proposition by 
which one of them could be exempted from mili- 
tary service, but the young student rejected the 




c^&^idyy^i 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



857 



well-meant offer, saying " No act of mine shall 
tend to lessen the number of Union soldiers." 
He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and 
at the expiration of his first term he re-enlisted, 
January i, 1864, for "three years or the war, " 
serving until mustered out July 24, 1865, at 
Philadelphia. Orwig's battery played a prom- 
inent part in the service, and on July 26, 1862, 
the inspector-general pronounced it superior to 
any other volunteer battery in the army. On 
his return to the paths of peace, Lieut. Orwig 
completed his preparation for his profession, and 
located in Des Moines, Iowa. But hardships 
incident to a soldier's life had undermined his 
delicate constitution, and he died at Des Moines, 
October 28, 1867; his remains rest in the family 
lot in the Mifflinburg cemetery. When he en- 
tered the army he took with him a Bible, and, 
at the solicitation of his friends, a bottle of 
brandy. The book returned well-worn, but the 
bottle remained unopened. (7) Sarah Louise 
died at Mifflinburg at the age of thirty-seven. (8) 
Miss Rebecca resides with her brothers in Iowa. 
On the maternal side, also, Mr. Orwig is of 
German descent. His great-grandfather Myer or 
Myers came to America in 1743. After his 
arrival in this country he married, and established 
his home in Berks county, Penn. He had three 
sons, John, Henry and Yearick, of whom the 
eldest and the youngest located in the Miami 
settlement in Ohio. In order to keep his son 
Henry at home he deeded him the Berks cuunty 
farm, but in 1805 they sold out and purchased a 
farm in Union county, a few miles northwest of 
Mifflinburg, where our subject's great-grand- 
father died in 18 16. Henry Myers, Mr. Orwig's 
grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary 
army. He died in 1806, and his wife, Elizabeth 
(Ulrich), in 1814. They had nine children, of 
whom our subject's mother, Mary Myers, was the 
youngest. (1) Eve, the eldest, born in 1785, 
married Henry Royer, of Hartleton. (2) Henry, 
born in 1787, married Betsy Spiegelmyer, and 
removed to Ohio. (3) Margaret, born in 1789, 
died when about two years old. (4) Daniel, 
born May 28, 1 791 , was a very large man, 
weighing 240 in his prime, and 300 pounds when 
fifty years old; he married Esther Kauffman, who 
was born December 9, 1793. (5) Valentine, 
born March 3, 1793, was also a large man, over 
six feet in height, and weighing over 200 pounds. 
He was married April 5, 18 14, to Elizabeth Hoy, 
who was born September 2, 1792. They lived 
and died in Clinton county, Penn. (6) William, 
born in January, 1796, was a physician of Buf- 
falo Valley; he died in 1823, unmarried. (7) 
Elizabeth, born May 28, 1798, married Benjamin 



Heiser, and then moved to Stephenson county, 
111. (8) Catherine, born February 26, 1801, 
was married August 23, 1832, to Andrew Ohl, of 
Jefferson county, Penn. (9) Mary, born June 
16, 1803, married Samuel Orwig, September 22, 
1829, and died July 10, 1867. 

Samuel H. Orwig was born in Mifflinburg, 
Penn., August 18, 1836, and was reared in that 
village, hiseducation being obtained mainly in the 
public schools at the Mifflinburg Academy, and at 
the University at Lewisburg. He afterward 
turned his attention to teaching, filling accepta- 
bly the position of principal of an academy at 
Hollidaysburg, Penn. We next find him a proof- 
reader in a publishing house in Philadelphia, his 
spare time being given to the study of law under 
the direction of Judge William D. Kelly. Later 
he pursued a course in the law school of Yale 
College, and on graduating in 1857, with the de- 
gree of LL. B., was admitted to the Bar of 
Union county, and located at Lewisburg, where 
he soon gained a good practice. The University 
at Lewisburg (now Bucknell University) conferred 
on him the degree of Master of Arts. In i860 
Mr. Orwig was admitted to practice in the Su- 
premeCourtof the State, and in 1869 to the Bar of 
the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1 860 
he formed a partnership with Alfred Hayes, 
Esq., who was then admitted to the Bar. This 
partnership continued until Mr. Orwig retired 
from the Legislature, after which he removed to 
Philadelphia and engaged in the practice of law 
in that city until the death of his wife in 1875, 
after which he returned to his native county. 
His practice since then has included some of the 
most important matters in litigation in this sec- 
tion. A thorough student of the law, he has an 
unusual grasp of legal principles, and his bearing 
is courteous, dignified and impressive. 

He is well-known in the political arena also, 
his services as an orator being in demand when- 
ever occasion demands an able plea. There have 
been but few campaigns since the Civil war in 
which he has not been active as an expounder of 
the principles of the Republican party, and his 
speeches have been widely published. In 1864 
he was elected a member of the State Legisla- 
ture from the district of Union, Snyder and Jun- 
iata counties, and in 1865 he represented the dis- 
trict composed of Lycoming, Union and Snyder 
counties. After these two terms he refused 
further honors in that direction, and declined a 
renomination. While in the Legislature he served 
on the committees on Ways and Means, General 
Judiciary, and was the chairman of the Local 
Judiciary. He was largely instrumental in re- 
pealing the law taxing real estate for State pur- 



-•> 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



poses, and inaugurated the present system of 
taxing corporations for State revenue. He ably 
championed the bills for establishing the Soldiers 
Orphans' Schools, for extending the right of sol- 
diers to vote in the field, reviving and extending 
the charter for the Lewisburg iY Spruce Creek 
railroad, in addition to much other work of a 
general nature. He served his constituency with 
fidelity, and the State with marked ability. In 
1882 he was the nominee of his party for Con- 
gress against ex-Gov. A. G. Curtin. Although 
he received more than his party vote he did not 
overcome the normal Democratic majority in the 
Congressional District. He continues actively 
engaged in the practice of his profession, leads 
an unobtrusive and exemplar}- life, and is noted 
for his generosity. During the invasion of the 
State by Lee's forces, Mr. Orwig enlisted as an 
"emergency man," serving as a private in Com- 
pany 1), 28th Regiment. 

In January, [860, Mr. Orwig married Miss 
Margaret A. McFaddin, daughter of the late I 
Jackson McFaddin, of Lewisburg. She died 
June 7, 1875, and in 1878 lie married Miss Mar- 
I Barber Hayes, a great-granddaughter of 
John Hayes, an early settler at Donegal, Lan- 
caster Co., Penn., who married Margaret, daugh- 
ter of Capt. William Gray, an officer in the Rev- 
olutionary army. Their son, Robert Goo. 
Harper Hayes, married Esther Renick, and their 
son. John Hayes, married Ellen Mary Barber, 
and their children are Margaret Barber (now 
Mrs. Orwig); Robert G. H., a physician in Belle- 
fonte; John C, .1 druggist in Pittsburg; and 
Mary Elizabeth Hayes, of Mifflinburg. On the 
maternal side Mrs. Orwig is a great-granddaugh- 
ter ol Dr. Robert Van Valzah. They have no 
children. 



GM »RG1 1,. S< HNURE is one of the most 
thrifty young farmers and highly educated 
young men of New Berlin. Union Co., Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Born in Selins Grove, Penn., February 2;. 
1870, Mr. Schnure is a son of Francis M. and 
Laura (Gross) Schnure. The father was born in 
the same place, November^, 1 S4 5 . The grand- 
father, George Schnure, was born 111 Penn town- 
ship. Snyder Co., Penn., December 23, 1X11. 
and his grandfather, according to the records of 
the Church at Dudenhopen, Hesse Cassel, Ger- 
many, was John George Schnure, who in that 
country married Anna C. Mennor. Their son, 
John Christian Schnure, was born at Duden- 
hopen, July 2, 1 763, and in 1781 sailed for 
America. In this country he was bound out by 



the captain of the vessel in order to pay his pas- 
sage, serving for a term of years with a farmer 
in Berks county, Penn. When his term of serv- 
ice had expired he removed to Snyder county, 
where he married Elizabeth Pontius, who at an 
early day had accompanied her parents from 
Philadelphia to that place. She was born Feb- 
ruary 19, 1776, and died September 17, 1852, in 
Union county. John Christian Schnure died 
July 27, 1S27. Their children were Catherine, 
who married Tobias Miller, and located in 
Venango county, Penn.; Henry, whose descend- 
ants live in Michigan and Indiana; Elizabeth, 
who married Charles Smith: Christian and Mi- 
chael, whose descendants live in Union county; 
Mary; George; Levi; and Margaret, wife of 
Robert Lucas. 

In early life George Schnure, the grandfather 
of our subject, assisted his father on the farm, 
and for about two or three months in winter at- 
tended school, where both German and English 
were taught. At the age of nine years he entered 
the employ of Robert Foster, a merchant of 
Hartleton, Penn., and after a short time returned 
to his father's farm, but his mercantile experience 
had awakened a desire for that life and he soon 
entered the store ol A. 1>. Halm, a merchant and 
hotel keeper of Hartleton, in whose service he 
remained four years. In 1825 he accompanied 
his employer to New Berlin, continuing his clerk- 
ship there tor a year, alter which he spent three 
years as a clerk in a store of John A. Sterrett. of 
Northumberland, and nine months with Mr. 
Sterrett's successor, John Guyer. In 1X33 he 
removed to Selins Grove, and at the age of 
twenty-two entered into partnership with his 
former employer, John A Merrett, their store 
being at the corner of Market and Walnut 

ets. After three years Mr. Sterrett -old his 
interest to Henry C. Eyer, and the firm of 
Eyer & Schnure did business for seven years, 
Two years after that period Mr. Schnure 
formed a partnership with James K. Davis, 
Jr., and opened a general store at the corner 
oi Mai, Pine streets. He then bought 

property on the opposite corner, and at 
the new m carried on business as dealers 

in gram ami general merchandise for twelve years, 
when the store was sold to Charles S. Davis, 
and Lewis R. Hummell. About i860 Mi 
Schnure purchased Mr. Davis' interest, and car- 
ried on business with Mr. Hummell for four 
years, when he withdrew. In 1868, in partner- 
ship with Daniel Carey, he purchased the Maine 
sawmill from Scribner & Perkins for $22,000, 
and was in the lumber trade until 1873, when his 
partner died and he gave his time unto the settle- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



859 



ment of their business affairs and of Mr. Carey's 
estate. 

In September, 1879, Mr. Schnure bought an 
interest in a flouring-mill, in which his son, H. 
D. Schnure, was interested, and together they 
carried on business, rebuilding the mill, putting 
in new machinery, erecting a grain building and 
laying a railroad track. About 1850 George 
Schnure, Sr., was elected a director of the North- 
umberland Bank, and continued to serve in that 
capacity until his death, although the bank was 
removed to Sunbury. On January 21, 1864, he 
was elected the first president of the First Na- 
tional Bank at Selins Grove, and filled that posi- 
tion for a number of years. He was very suc- 
cessful in business, and accumulated considerable 
property. He was president of the Sunbury & 
Lewistown railroad, frequently served as school 
director, as chief burgess, and as councilman, 
and for many years was president of the board 
of directors of Missionary Institute, now Susque- 
hanna University. 

On September 23, 1841, George Schnure, Sr., 
was married to Cordelia, daughter of James K. 
Davis, and a granddaughter on the maternal side 
of Anthony Selin, the founder of Selins Grove. 
She died March 1, 1859. Their children were: 
Francis M. ; John S. , who was born January 21, 
1848, and died March 15, 1881; Howard D., 
who was born at Selins Grove, October 30, 1850, 
and is president of the First National Bank of 
that city; Mary Elizabeth, who was born Jan- 
uary 12, 1853, and died June 5, 1884, the wife 
of Ira C. Schoch, of Selins Grove; and Emma 
C who was born January 4, 1S57, and is the 
wife of H. Harvey Schoch, of Selins Grove. 
For his second wife the father of this family mar- 
ried Amanda Spyker, of Lewisburg. They were 
married April 15, 1863, and she died January 
II, 1877. In the various walks of life Mr. 
Schnure was ever held in the highest esteem. His 
opinion and advice were frequently sought, and 
his honorable example has been followed by 
many who revere his memory. He had a sym- 
pathetic, kindly nature, and was very charitable. 
At his death he left a valuable estate. 

Francis M. Schnure was reared in his native 
town, attended the seminary there, and when a 
young man entered the bank at Selins Grove, of 
which his father was president. Later he was 
with the firm of McCarty, Moyer & Schnure, 
general merchants, and was in the mercantile 
business up to the time of - his death. On No- 
vember 11, 1868, he was married to Laura M. 
Gross, who was born in Limestone township, 
Union county, a daughter of Philip and Elizabeth 
(Schoch) Gross. Mr. Schnure was a Democrat in 



politics, a Lutheran in his Church relations, and, 
socially, a Mason. He died October 5, 1871, and 
was buried at Selins Grove, since which time his 
widow has made her home in New Berlin. She 
is also a member of the Lutheran Church. 

George G. Schnure, their only child, was 
quite young when his mother returned to New 
Berlin, where his early education was acquired, 
Miss Emma Oldt being his first teacher. He at- 
tended college in New Berlin, and later in Blairs- 
town, N. J., and, in the fall of 1890, entered the 
University of Pennsylvania, but in the fall of 
1893 failing health compelled him to abandon his 
studies. He then spent one year at home, after 
which he took a course in typewriting and short- 
hand in Drexel Institute, of Philadelphia. He 
also read medicine for three years under Dr. C. 
Sumner Musser, of Aaronsburg, Penn., but his 
health forced him to give up the profession. 
He now superintends the management of his 
farm, which is operated by a tenant, he making 
his home in New Berlin. 

On December 11, 1893, our subject was 
united in marriage with Miss Lovey Matchett 
Odgers, who was born in Newcastle, Del., July 
11, 1877, and during her early girlhood went to 
Philadelphia with her parents, James and Mary 
(Alexander) Odgers. Mr. and Mrs. Schnure have 
one child, Marion Odgers, born October 13, 
1895. They are members of the Lutheran 
Church, and Mr. Schnure belongs to the Masonic 
lodge at Selins Grove. He is a worthy repre- 
sentative of two honored old families, and is a 
young man of excellent character, splendid men- 
tal development and sterling worth. 



EV. S. SMITH. A man of strong character 
3l and noble purpose cannot fail to leave upon 
the community with which he is identified, an 
indelible impression which time cannot efface. 
His influence lingers after he has passed to the 
world beyond, and his good deeds serve as a 
source of inspiration to others. Such has been 
the life of Mr. Smith that his power for good in 
Union county and elsewhere has been broadly 
felt. 

Mr. Smith was born in Penn township, 
Centre Co., Penn., November 8, 1833, a son of 
Capt. Henry and Catharine (Biehl) Smith. He 
first attended the subscription schools prominent 
at that day, then the public (free) schools, and 
when about eighteen years of age he taught one 
term of school in his native county, near Aarons- 
burg, receiving $22 per month. At the age of 
nineteen he entered the Mifflinburg Academy, of 



m;h 



COMMEMORATIVE BlOGRAI'IIKM. RECORD. 



which Aaron Fisher was principal, and in that 
school received the only instruction which sup- 
plemented his early education in the subscription 
and free schools. On leaving that institution he 
resumed teaching, and was one of the first to in- 
struct in grammar and geography in the country 
schools of Penn's Valley. For several years he 
followed that profession, his last service in that 
line being to conduct a select school in Millheim. 

Our subject having determined to enter the 
ministry, he in 1856 accepted a position as assist- 
ant minister in Snyder county. Later he was as- 
sistant to Rev. Sebastian Musser, in Nittany Val- 
ley and Sugar Valley, and in the spring of 1857 
was licensed to preach by the Annual Conference 
of the Evangelical Church. He was assigned to 
duty in Buffalo Valley, and the following year was 
in Lycoming county, Penn. In the spring of 
[859 he was ordained by the Annual Conference 
and assigned a charge in Dushore, Sullivan Co., 
Penn., where he remained a year, after which he 
spent two years in Wyoming county, and two 
years at Oak Hall. Centre county. He was 
afterward pastor of the Church in Williams- 
port, where he delivered sermons both in Ger- 
man and English. He spent two years in York. 
Penn., accepted the pastorate in Clintondale, 
Penn., and after two years returned to Williams- 
port, where he remained one year, when he was 
elected presiding elder of the W r illiamsport dis- 
trict for four years. On the expiration ol that 
period he served for three years at New Berlin, 
and was for two years pastor of the Church in 
Middleburg, Snyder county. For one year he 
served a pastorate in Penn's Valley, for three 

1- had charge of the Millmont circuit, and 
later went to McClure, Penn., where he remained 
two years. Fora similar period he was pastor 
of the White Deer circuit, and through the two 
succeeding years accepted no pastorate, giving 
his attention to his farming interest- On re- 
suming his Church work he spent tin 
Port Trevorton, Snyder county, and for two 
years occupied the pulpit of the Church in 
Middleburg, Snyder county. In the spring of 
1895 he returned to his home near M 
where he resided two years. In the spring of 
1 17 lie accepted a charge at Guava, Columbia 
Co., Penn., where he still resides. 

On November 15, i860, Rev. Smith was mar- 

1 to Helen Zeibach, who was born August 27, 
1S41, a daughter of Jacob and Am ock) 

Zeibach. Rev. and Mrs. Smith have five chil- 
dren: William E., of Mifflinburg; Anna C. , wife 
of W. A. Heiss, of Mifflinburg; H. Lizzie, wife 
nt Rev. J. X)lie Biggs, of the Evangelical Church; 
Samuel E., who resides on the homestead at 



Mazeppa, Union Co., Penn.; and Ida M., at 
home. 

Our subject has greatly improved his farm, 
has cleared a portion of the land, planted a new 
orchard, and in 1SS9 built a fine barn. In politics 
he generally votes either with the Democracy 
or the Prohibition party on State and National 
questions, but at local elections frequently dis- 
party ties He is a man of broad general 
culture, who speaks both English and German 
fluently. He is largely self-educated, but his 
reading and study have been extensive, and have 
supplied the lack of more thorough school train- 
ing. For sixteen consecutive years he was a 
member of the General Conference, and has 
been very active and prominent in Church work. 
He served his Conference quite a number of years 

secretary of the Missionary Society, and as 
Conference treasurer. He was a member of the 
Conference Board of Examiners for a quarter of 
a century, and served as president of the board 
a number of years. Since he entered the minis- 
try he has traveled some 80,000 miles, and 
preached some 7, 500 sermons. He is still vigor- 
ous, well preserved, and will spend the remainder 
his active life in the Gospel ministry. 



HON DANIEL REISH HARBESON, asso- 
ciate judge of Union county, and one of 
the representative citizens of his locality, is not 
only a leader in political circles, but is promi- 
nently identified with the agricultural intei 
and with various movements for the development 
of the community. He comes of a family which 
is accustomed to be in the front rank, and is of 
Scotch-Irish descent on the paternal side, his 
randfather, John Harbeson, having been 
tin i 1 to cross the Atlantic and estab- 

lish his home in America. He served in the 
Revolutionary army. This worthy pioneer had 
three sons: John, our subject's grandfather; Hugh, 
who left home and was never heard of again; and 

iiiel. who was a school teacher at Lebanon. 
1 He died thereat the age of seventy-nine, 
imily of sons. The correct orthog- 
raphy of the name is "Harbison," but in some 
way during tne Revolutionary period the "i" 
was changed to " e," and this branch of the fam- 
ily adheres to the latter method — Harbeson. 

John Harbeson, the grandfather, who 
born in Lancaster county, Penn., was left an 
orphan at an 1 .n 1\ age, and was brought by John 

\ to Union county, where he remained, set- 
tling in Whit Deei township, and engaging in 
business as a carpenter. He married Sarah 
Bower, a native of Lycoming county, Penn., and 





J^tA^ctJ-c^i/ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



861 



a daughter of George Bower, who was born in 
Berks county, but who finally located in Union 
county upon a farm. He was a teamster in the 
Colonial army during the Revolutionary war, and 
one day, while riding a horse, he was cut in the 
knee by a British soldier who had been lying in 
ambush. He saw Gen. La Fayette at the battle 
of Monmouth. 

Thomas V. Harbeson. the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in White Deer township, Union 
county, November 28, 1821, and has always re- 
sided in that county. He is a miller by trade, and 
for many years conducted a farm and a mill in 
West Buffalo township. During his residence 
there he was one of the most prominent men of 
his locality, and served two terms as county com- 
missioner, being elected in 1866 and re-elected in 
1869. He also held at different times many 
township offices, and for nineteen years was over- 
seer of the poor, at times having as many as 
seventy paupers under his charge. Although he 
received but a nominal salary for his work, his 
devotion to his trust often led him to neglect his 
private affairs in the interest of the general wel- 
fare of his township; and whilst he was some- 
times censured for being too generous in his 
treatment of paupers, statistics prove that he 
maintained his poor, even if better, at a less cost 
than the average. In his political views he is a 
Republican, and in religious faith he adheres to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has 
long been a leading member. He was married 
February 28, 1850, at Mifflinburg, to Miss 
Susannah Reish, a native of West Buffalo 
township, Union county, and a daughter of 
Daniel and Catherine (Englehart) Reish. Her 
father came from Berks county in early manhood, 
and became a successful business man, being en- 
gaged at the time of his death (at the age of 
forty-eight) in conducting a farm, a gristmill and 
a distillery. 

To Thomas V. and Susannah Harbeson seven 
children were born : Samuel O. , a leading citizen of 
West Buffalo township, was elected jury com- 
missioner in 1 885, held township offices at dif- 
ferent times, and is now serving as commissioner 
of Union county; Sarah C, who died at five 
years of age; Daniel R. , our subject; Margaret 
J., wife of Reuben Miller, a farmer of Buffalo 
township; Lydia, who died at the age of five 
years; Mary A., who resides with her sister, Mrs. 
Miller;. and Thomas Gr?\nt, mentioned more fully 
below. The mother of this family was called to 
the unseen life March 4, 1889, at the age of 
sixty-three, and in the spring of 1889 the father 
left the old home, and has since resided among 
his children, having retired from active business. 



Judge Harbeson's childhood was spent on the 
old home near Forest Hill in West Buffalo town- 
ship, where he was born November 18, 1853. At 
the age of fourteen he went to live with William 
P. Cornelius in order to attend school during the 
winter seaspn, the summers being spent at farm 
work, for which Mr. Cornelius paid him by the 
month. In 1870 he returned home to work for 
his father in summer, and during the winter he 
would engage in teaming and lumbering. In 1882 
he took the homestead on shares, but five years 
later he removed to the White Deer Factory 
farm, which he conducted seven years. Since 
then he has resided at his present home near 
Forestville. known as the White Deer Furnace 
farm. He is an excellent manager, is deservedly 
prosperous, and has always held the esteem and 
respect of all classes in his community, through 
his sterling qualities of character. His influence 
in the Republican organization in his locality is 
marked, but he has always declined to be a can- 
didate for any township office excepting that of 
school director. In 1877 he was first a member 
of the Republican County Committee, and in 
1895 he was elected associate judge, his able 
and faithful discharge of the duties of these posi- 
tions winning him new friends while binding to 
him yet more firmly the regard of former ac- 
quaintances. 

The Judge was married June 30, 1881, to 
Miss Margaret M. Flick, and five clever, healthy 
children brighten their home: Paul, Maud, 
Mary E., Thomas C. and Roy. Mrs. Harbeson 
was born, in 1862, at Loganton, Clinton Co., 
Penn., where her father, Edward Flick, was en- 
gaged in business as a distiller. He and his wife, 
Catherine Hildebrand, died there when Mrs. 
Harbeson was but a child, and she was reared at 
the home of Daniel DeLong, of West Buffalo 
township. Union county. 

Thomas Grant Harbeson is a young man of 
remarkable mental ability, which was displayed 
at an early age. Money given him for circus 
tickets, or other uses dear to the boyish heart, 
was spent by him for books, so that by the time 
he was twenty-one, he had already accumulated 
a library of over one thousand standard works; 
he never attended college, and is wholly self- 
educated, much of his learning having been 
gained through his travels, which have included 
the greater portion of Europe and the United 
States. He began teaching in the public schools 
of Union county at the age of seventeen years, 
and when twenty-two was granted a teacher's 
permanent certificate. During the spring and 
summer of 1886 he made an extended pedestrian 
tour through the Southern States, in company 



882 



COMMEMOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RB( OBD. 



with his bosom friend. E. E. Magee, studying 
the fauna and flora of the region visited. In the 
fall of 1886 he accepted the position of principal 
of the Highlands Academy, at Highlands, N. C. 
which position he held foi seven years. During 
his principalship pupils were enrolled from nearly 
ever\ - State in the Union, and the school attract- 
ed a good deal of attention on account of its 
thoroughness and unique methods. A youth 
from this school passed the best entrance exami- 
nation among a class of eighty-three New 
England youths, at a college in Massachusetts. 
During his stay at this place he was prominently 
identified with the public affairs of the town. 

ed a term as mayor. 

He is an ardent advocate of an educational 
s\stem that will provide a garden and workshop 
in connection with every elementary school, and 
m 1893 he made a tour of Norway, Sweden. 
Denmark, German)', Switzerland and Belgium, 
inspecting and studying the results and metl 
ol -uch schools. On his return to North Caro- 
lina he was invited to accept the principalship of 
th- Waynesville High School and Normal Insti- 
tute, [or which new building had been 

. ided. Here he taught Latin, German. 
mathematics and botany for two years, when a 

tion as field botanist for the Biltmore Herb- 
arium, on the estate . >l George W. Vanderbilt, 
Esq., was ottered him, and he began work in the 
botanical field in the spring of 1898. The spring 
and early summer was spent in botanizing tie- 
swamp region of eastern North Carolina, includ- 
ing tie' Dismal Swamp and Smith's Island. The 
fall and early winter he spent in the Rocky. 
Cascade and Coast Range mountains. At pres- 
ent he is living on the Biltmore estate, and is en- 
d in botanical work for the well-known phil- 
anthropist and patron of science — George VV. 
Vanderbilt. 

Thomas Grant Harbeson was married Au- 
gust 26, 1- Miss Jessamine M. Cobb, 
daughter of Judd M. ('ol>l>, born at Saxl 
River, Vt. The latter is of Puritan stock, a 
lineal descendant of John Cobb who 1 
Mas tts in 1624, and built an ited 
the first iron foundry in America. Like his 
worthy a r, fudd M. Cobb is of an inventive 
turn of mind, and was the first building 
manufacturer in America. 



CAPTAIN JOHN A OWENS, a well-known 
resident of Lewisbrfrg, Union county, Penn., 
and a veteran of our Civil war, has an unusu 
interesting history, his pluck and ability being 



read between the lines rather than in open words 
of praise. 

Capt. Owens was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., 
July 27, 1835, and is of Welsh and Scottish 
ancestry. His grandfather, Hugh Owens, mi- 

ied frotn Swansea, Wales, and settled first 
in Blair county, and later in Westmoreland 
county. Penn. Occcupying a large farm, he 
raised to maturity a family of eight, among 
whom was John Owens, the father of our 
subject, who was born in Blair county, Penn. . July 
17. 1804 At the age of twenty-five he engaged 
in the carpenter business in Pittsburgh, and be- 
came prominent as a contractor and builder. He 
built a home, lived in it for fifty years, and died in 
it at the age of eighty-four, honored as a citizen 
and revered as a Christian. On October, 8, 
iSjq, he was married to Miss Catherine Smith, of 
Columbiana count), Ohio, whose father had 
come from Glasgow, Scotland, and settled with 
a colon)' of Scotch farmers, where he became a 
ruling spirit. He was a Whig, Abolitionist and 
director of the Underground R. R. John and 
Catherine Owens, parents of our subject, in- 
herited strong, sterling elements of character 
which were transmitted to the children born to 
them. They were: Andrew, Martha, Hugh, 
John A.. Isabella, Samuel T., and Mary Cath- 
erine. 

Returning to the subject proper of this biog- 
raphy, we find that his early boyhood was spent 
in the public schools and Western University, of 
Pittsburgh, Penn He early manifested a desire 
to enter the stirring activities of life, his especial 
desire being to acquire the skill necessary to 
pilot a steamboat on the Ohm river, at that time 
a lucrative employment. His father, however, 
took a less romantic view of life's possibilities, 
aiul at the age of seventeen he was sent to the 
university at Lewisburg, Penn., since nan 
Bucknell University. He passed through the 
academy and entered the freshman class of the 
< ollege, but during the year withdrew from col- 
and taught school in an adjoining township 
and later in the G 1 School of Lewisbi 

In [855 he married Miss Lucinda Gundy, dau{ 
ter of Adam Gundy, whose ancestors had come 
from Holland during the last century, and hi 
borne an honored place in the history of Union 
county, Penn.. and whose brothers, John and 
Jacob, were prominent citizens until their death. 
Adam Gundy was highly esteemed for his probity, 
and a man whon -poke oi but to praise. 

He was from the Follmer family, who cane 
the vicinity of Lewisburg with the earliest set- 
tlers, and they still have a large and influential 
connection. His wife, Sarah Parks, was a wo- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



863 



man of strong personal character and impressed 
upon the children born to them an individuality 
which has been a marked feature in their de- 
scendants. Their children were: Mary Ann, 
Elizabeth, Matilda, Christian V. , Sarah E. , Lu- 
cinda, Margaret L. and Abram B. Thus the 
wife of our subject, Lucinda Gundy, inherited a 
character which has developed with her years 
into a womanhood which commands the respect 
and admiration of her friends. She has natur- 
ally fallen into the work of Temperance Crusader, 
W. C. T. U., Woman's Relief Corps and Church 
and Sunday-school efforts of various forms. Her 
teaching has borne fruit in the lives of her chil- 
dren. 

Capt. Owens was among the pioneers in the 
petroleum discoveries made in Virginia and Ken- 
tucky in i860. In 1 86 1 this territory was not 
tenable for Northern men, and returning to Lew- 
isburg he spent some time in drilling at the Jacob 
Gundy school house, with some forty different 
men, many of whom enlisted. In the fall of 
1862 seventeen of these men signed a paper 
which stated that if Capt. Owens would enlist 
under the three-years' call, just then made, they 
would go with him. He accepted their offer, 
and with a friend, who drove with him from place 
to place, he in three days enlisted sixteen more 
men. These, with the recruits gathered by G. 
Merrill, Charles Evans and A. G. Tucker, were 
formed into Company E, 143d P. V. I., and was 
mustered into the United States service on August 
28, 1862. Capt. Owens was promoted to the 
captaincy on the removal of Capt. G. Merrill to 
Missouri, and before they left Camp Curtin, Har- 
risburg, Penn. The I42d Regiment did very hard 
fatigue duty at F"ort Massachusetts, near Wash- 
ington, D. C. , but they had the satisfaction of 
knowing that the work they did kept Gen. Early 
out of the National Capital later in the war. 
Capt. Owens, through exposure, contracted rheu- 
matism, and was sent to a hospital in Alexandria, 
from which, after months of suffering and being 
pronounced incurable, he was discharged for dis- 
ability, and returned home on crutches. He is 
now (1898) commander of Post No. 52, Depart- 
ment of Pennsylvania, G. A. R., and enjoys 
hearing and telling the tales of camp life at the 
camp fire of the post. After recovering some- 
what he entered again upon the profession of 
teaching, in which he became a decided success, 
and rose to be superintendent of schools of 
Union county, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. and Mrs. Owens have had five children: 

(1) Addison died at the age of two months. 

(2) William G., who was graduated from 
Bucknell University in 1880, at the age of twen- 



ty-two years, and after teaching for a short time 
in the Academy of the University, was appointed 
professor of chemistry in his alma mater. In 1885 
he married Miss Florence J. Waffle, of Allegany 
county, N. Y. They have three children — Elsie, 
Albert W. and Jeanette. In 1889 he spent part 
of a year in the University of Berlin, Germany. 
He is a successful instructor and an active Church 
worker. 

(3) Everett G. took a course in Bucknell 
Academy, and through the sophomore year in the 
college. In 18S6 he married Miss Carrie G., 
daughter of ex-President Dr. J. R. Loomis, of 
Bucknell University. They purchased a farm in 
Fayette county, Ohio, and moved upon it in 1887. 
They have two children — Justin L. and Lucille. 
They have proven that education and culture are 
not incompatible with the life on a farm; that 
the home of a tiller of the soil may be as refined 
as that of a merchant or manufacturer., 

(4) John G., deceased, was graduated from 
Bucknell University in 1887 at the age of twenty- 
one. He taught three years in South Jersey In- 
stitute, N. ]. His summer vacations were spent 
at Woods Hall, Mass., or at Harvard University, 
perfecting his study in botany and kindred sub- 
jects. In 1889 he went with Dr. J. W. Fewkes, 
during the summer vacation, on an expedition to 
the Zuni Indians of New Mexico. They were 
employed by Mrs. Hemmenway, of Boston, who 
wished to have a record of the customs and 
religious rites of these Indians before they be- 
came corrupted by contact with white men. 
The next year they went to the Moqui Indians, 
of Arizona, for the same purpose. While among 
the Moquis, John G. discovered a number of new 
features in their lives, and became a member of 
one of their secret orders, by which he learned 
much and was highly esteemed by his red breth- 
ren. The accounts given of the snake dance 
they witnessed, and the various new features they 
discovered made quite a sensation among scien- 
tists. While pursuing a course in archaeology at 
Harvard University in 1 891 , John G. was sent 
as executive officer of an expedition to explore 
the ruins of Copan, Honduras, Central America. 
After a successful trip they returned in the spring 
of 1892. During the summer of 1892 he went 
to Madrid. Spain, to assist Dr. J. W. Fewkes 
to arrange Indian curios and relics in the Hem- 
menway exhibit of the Columbian Exposition 
held there. In October of the same year he 
headed, as director, the second expedition to 
Copan, and was succeeding nicely ; new and won- 
derful discoveries were being made, the long 
buried ruins were taking tangible shape, when he 
was stricken with the dreaded tropical fever, and 



B64 



COMMKMnUA 11 YE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



died February 17, 1893, a sacrifice to science. 
His grave is in the unearthed Plaza Granda of 
the ruins he loved to explore, and beside a stela 
covered with characters which no one is yet able 
t" read, a fitting il for the short but 

ntful life that was laid on the altar of scien- 
tific study. 

(5) Mi— Marj Catherine, theyoi t this 

interesting family, was graduated from the Lew- 
isburg High School in 1S91, and from Bucknell 
University in 1 897. 

The < aptain, wife and daughter are, at this 
writing 1 [898), living with the son. Prof. W. G. 
Owens, in his beautiful home, "Sunny Side, 
near the Bucknell Laboratory, Lewisburg, Penn. 
The parents look back upon a checkered life, in 
which sorrow has been mingled, by a merciful 
Hand, with a mount ol real happiness. 



LINCOLN HULLEY, Ph. IV. was horn May 
3, 1865, near Camden, N. J., but has lived 
almost continuously since then in Pennsylvania. 
His early education was received in the South 
Chester High School, where he was awarded a 
prize for the highest hip of his class. In 

1884 he graduated from Keystone Academy 
with a fine record for scholarship. Principal 
Harris, of the Academy, wrote to Harvard: 
"Mr. Lincoln Hulley, who graduated from this 
institution in [884, held the highest place in 
the class of which he was a member, and proved 
himself a man of energy and character worthy 
the confidence of the community." 

tie entered Bucknell with the class of "88, 
the largest class in ihe history of the college up 
to that time. For two Mars he was class pres- 
ident. In the Freshman year he was awarded 
the first prize for the best scholarship in Latin, 
Greek, and Mathematics, and the "Mirror" 
prize for the finest study of Shakespere's women 
characters, fn the Sophomore year he was 
awarded the "Essay Prize" for the best essay 
on Spanish American Colonization and Con- 
quest, besides winning distinction in public de- 
bate. In the Junior year he was awarded the 
" Junior Prize " in Oratory, and was elected an 
editor of the college paper, being re-elected in the 
Senior year. During the Junior year he was also 
elected vice-president of the Lycoming County 
Normal School at Muncy, which he accepted for 
a limited time. Principal Peoples, of the Nor- 
mal School, wrote of him: "He is thorough 
and exact in scholarship, and is broadly in- 
formed. He is apt and soulful in his teaching, 
and has unusual power to govern, interest, in- 
struct, and inspire his pupils." In the Senior 



year he was awarded, by President Hill, the first 

prize in Psychology, and. by the Faculty, the 

tirst honors of the class and the valedictory ad- 

I) was also awarded a prize of $50, 

red by the "American Protective Tariff 
League of New \" jrk. ' ' 1 by the Senior 

classes of all Colleges and Universities in the 
United Mates, for a treatise on an assigned sub- 
ject in Economics. President Hill wrote of him 
that he "Is a man of unusual ability and force 
of charai I In addition to the regular work 

of the College. Mr. Hulley attained a gi le of 
"Excellent" in nine "Honor" subjects, the 
equivalent of a year's work; and in the Sopho- 
more year he was appointed tutor for all delin- 

nts in Latin and Greek. All through his 
course he was prominent in debate, athletics, 
music and Christian work. 

In 1888 I>r. Hulley was given a scholarship 
in Harvard University, and went there to special- 
ize in Metaphysics, Ethics, and Psychology, un- 
der Professors James, Royce, Peabody and 
Bowen. Professor James, of Harvard, says of 
him: " He was an unusually earnest and thor- 
ough student, who did good written work be- 
sides distinguishing himself in the class-room." 
Taking thi A P>. degree from Harvard, in 
he accepted an appointment to teach Natural 
S tences in Bucknell Academy and Institi 
and held the position for three years In '90 he 
was ordained to the ministry. 

Principal Martin, then of Bucknell Academy, 
says of him: "By nature, training, and experi- 
ence he is eminently qualified for the professi"ii 
of teacher. 1 1 1 - mind is keen and penetrating; 
quick to preceive truth, and tenacious to retain 
it; ardent in affection for it, and tireless in its 
quest. He possesses dignity, energy, and magnet- 
ism of character. His training has been thor- 
ough, extended and varied. He has alw. 
been devoted to excellence in work, and to the 
making the most of the best opportunities. In 
an experience of three years in academic work 
he had displayed great aptness to teach. He is 
enthusiastic in his work, he awakens and sustain- 

rest. His subjects have taken a wide range. 
but he has been eminently successful in them 
all." In '91 he took the Master's degree at 
Bucknell, and during the summers of 1890 and 
[891 he Studied Hebrew with Dr. Harper, at 
Chautauqua. The first summer Dr. 1 1 
offered Mr. Hulley a Fellowship at Yale, which 
he declined. Later he accepted a Fellowship at 
the University of Chicago. For the last year oi 
his teachings at Bucknell he was pastor of "The 
Temple Baptist Church " of Philadelphia. While 
engaged in graduate work in the Semitic Lan- 




<^^zU6^%^Mtl£i 



7 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



865 



guages and Literatures in The University of Chi 
cage., he accepted the Chair of Hebrew and 
History >n Bucknell. In ,895 the degree of 
Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on him by 

u*\a T Q T iy ° f Chica g°- Mrs. Hulley also 
holds the degrees of A. B. from Ann Arbor, and 
A. M. from The University of Chicago. For 
three summers Dr. Hulley has been in charge of 
the Summer Schools of Hebrew and Biblical 
Literature at Lakeside, Ohio, and at Monteagle 
1 enn. During his professorship at Bucknell he 
has preached one and one-half years for the Im- 
manuel Baptist Church, of Baltimore, Md 
During the summer of 1897 he spent, with his 
wife, twelve weeks in foreign travel. A writer 
recently said of Dr. Hulley that " To hold such 
a distinguished position in the world of scholars 
and to have earned it by pre-eminent ability' 
while yet on the threshold of actual life, has not 
affected the simplicity or affability of the man in 
the least. In the class room he is an excellent 
instructor, outside a thorough man." 

Dr. Hulley's success was never greater than 
at present as professor of History and Hebrew 
He is actively interested in every student, and in 
every phase of College life. He is now prom- 
inent in the religious, athletic, social and scholas- 
tic life of the Institution. His courses are all 
elective, and yet his class room is crowded. He 
pushes his classes with tremendous energy and 
is exacting in his demands for hard work. He is 
inconstant request as a lecturer in the County 
Teachers Institutes and elsewhere, and his fame 
as a teacher, lecturer, preacher, and writer has 
gone into other States. 



^FILLIAM LEISER.JR., M. D., a prom- 
mm. ment physician of Lewisburgh, has 
built up a large practice and gained a high repu- 
tation for professional ability and skill, despite 
the fact that he has chosen to remain in his na- 
tive city and among the companions of his 
youth. To do this requires not only mental 
fitness but a force of character which is rarely' 
found, as even a prophet is held in more honor 
by those whom the disillusionizing tendencies of 
early intimacy and friendship cannot affect. 

Dr. Leiser was born in Lewisburgh, March 1 1 
i8S4, and is a grandson of Jacob Leiser, a pio- 
neer of Kelly township, Union county, where he 
purchased a farm one mile west of West Milton 
He was born at York, Penn., October 4, 1779, 
and died at his Union county farm May 26, 1862.' 
His wife, Mary Leiser, was born in the vicinity 
of \ork, December 3, 1780, and her death oc- 
curred May 13, 1855. 

55* 



William Leiser, M. D., the father of our 
subject, was born in Kelly township, Union 
county, October 25, 182 1. He pursued his lit- 
erary studies in Pennsylvania College at Gettys- 
burgh Penn., and received his degree in medi- 
cine from the Medical Department of Pennsyl- 
vania College at Philadelphia in 1848 After a 
short residence at New Columbia, Union county 
he located permanently in Lewisburgh, where he 
built up an extensive practice and continued in 
active professional work until his death, April 
12, 1878. In May, 1849, he married Miss 
Maria Louisa Albright, who was born at Nazar- 
eth, Penn., March n, 1827, was educated at the 
Moravian Parochial School there, and later re- 
moved to Delaware township, Northumberland 
county, with her mother. She died in Lewis- 
burgh November 12, 1 881, in her fifty-fifth year 
Her farmly history runs back to one Andreas 
Albrecht, who was born April 2, 1718, at Zella 
in Thuringia, and was married November 19' 
1766, at Bethlehem, Penn., to Elizabeth Orth a 
daughter of Balthasarand Ann Catharine (Roem- 
er)Orth. He died at Lititz, Penn., April 19 
1802, in his eighty-fifth year, and is buried in 
the Moravian Cemetery, grave No. 190 He 
was a gunmaker by trade. His wife was born 
August 14, 1739, in Lebanon county, Penn and 
died at Lititz, June 4, 1830, in her ninety-first 
year. A son, John Henry Albright, was born at 
Lititz, August 5, 1772, and died January 27, 
1845, at Nazareth where he settled in 1816! 
By trade he was a carpenter and gunsmith, and 
he also engaged in mercantile pursuits On 
March 27, 1795, he married Miss Anna Barbara 
Hubley, a native of Lancaster, Penn., who was 
born March 21, 1773, and died February 25 
1830. John Henry Albright had an elder broth- 
er Andrew, next in order of birth to himself 
who was prominent in political life, serving as 
sheriff of Northumberland county, member of the 
State Assembly, and associate judge, and at the 
time of his death was senator-elect. John Hen- 
ry's son, Andrew, our subject's grandfather, was 
born at Shippensburg, Penn., March 28 iSo-> 
and in 1830 built a mill in Moore township, near 
Nazareth, Penn., where he died February 23, 
1837. He married Agnes Dunn, daughter of ' 
James Dunn, a Scotch-Irishman, and his wife 
Esther Williams. She died at Warrior's Run' 
September 20, 1S49, and was buried at War- 
rior's Run Church. 

We will now return to the subject proper of 
our sketch. The desire to enter the medical 
proiession was awakened in Dr. Leiser at 
a very early age, and fortunately an active 
ind, a fine physique, and the opportunities 



866 



COMMEMORATIVE DIOdRAPUKM. RECORD. 



which a competent fortune placed at his hand 
were all combined to clear his pathway before him. 
Realizing the necessity for sound literary attain- 
ments as a foundation for technical study, he en- 
tered the university at Lewisburgh mow Bucknell 
I ni\ •. rsityt from which he was graduated in [872. 
Shortly afterward he began his medical course in 
the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 
and in 1875 received the degree of M. D. , hav- 

barely attained his majoritj at that til 
Returning home he spent a year and a half in 
practice, and then, following a most common 
ble ambition to excel in his profession, he went 
to Edinburgh, Scotland, and, as a post-graduate 
student, spent the scholastic year [876 ~~ under 
the instruction of the renowned professors of the 
University there. Thus qualified he resumed his 
practice at Lewisburgh, and has c\ er since contin- 
ued with a success which is in itself the higl 
p ssible testimony of his worth as a physician 
and a gentleman. He is a skillful surgeon, a fine 
oculist, and as a medical expert in court trials 
has demonstrated his command of the situation 
when opposed to the recognized leaders in the 
pi fession. 

The Doctor is a Republican in his political 
affiliations, and he keeps up the friendships and 
itions of college days by his mem- 
bership 111 the Phi Kappa l'si fraternity. 

On June 8, 1SS7, l) r . Leiser was united in 
marriage with Miss Anna E. Frick, daughter of 
Henry Frick, a native of Lewisburgh, born May 
12, 1865, and one son, William, has blessed the 

m. 



DAVID D. DIEFFENDERF] R (decea- 
The Dieffenderfer family has been repre- 
sented in 1'nioii county from an early day, and 
its various members have been characterized by 
the industry, economy and thrift which form 
basis of success in life. The subject of this 
sketch was nol onl) .1 prosperous businessman, 
but as a citizen he took an active part in the pro- 
gressive movements of his time, his patriotism 
ng shown in a practical way by his service as 
a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war. 

Mr. Dieffenderfer was born in White I 
township, Union county. February 21, 1S30, the 
son of Paul and Harriet (Kline) Dieffenderl 
v ho were both natives of that county, and sp 
their days upon a farm there, their remains at 
death being interred at White Deer cemetery. 
Their children were: Charles, who died in New 
( Columbia at the age of sixty; David I > , our sub- 
ject; Sarah M., who married David Nees, of New 
Columbia, where both died; Joel K., an empl 



in a furniture factory at Picture Rock, Lycoming 
Co., Penn. ; Ephraim L., a physician of Wilkes 
Barre, Penn. ; Eliza, wife of William Leinbach, 
proprietor of a woolen-factory at Antes Fort, 
Perm. ; Rebecca, who married W. W. Brown, 
formerly sheriff of Union county, and now a liv- 
ery man at Lewisburg; and James, foreman of 
the machine shop at Ashley, Pennsylvania. 

The early life of our subject was spent upon 
his father's farm in the outskirts of New Colum- 
bia. At eighteen he began an apprenticeship to 
the carpenter's trade, which he followed all his 
days, uniting with it the undertaking busn 
and the manufacture of furniture. On September 
27, 1864, he enlisted in Compatn B, 76th P. V. 
I., commanded by Lieut. John G. Lit tell, and 
served until hostilities ended, being mustered out 
fune 28, 1865. During the bombardment of 
Fort Fisher he was on the boat, but much to his 
<li-<atisfaction he was detailed to help the cook 
instead of being allowed to fight, an illness hav- 
ing brought him under the doctor's care some 
time before. Previous to this enlistment he had 
in an emergency served as corporal of Company 
E, 28th P. V. I., of Milton, under Capt. Charles 
H. Dougal, and was discharged July 27, 1863. 

On his return home from the army he re- 
sumed his business and continued until his 
death, which occurred September 17, 1893. but 
for about five years prior to that sad event he 
done but little work as an undertaker. Dur- 
ing this period he was employed in the car fac- 
tory at Milton as a skilled workman in heavy 
woodwork. He left a comfortable competence, 
and had been considered one of the substantial 
business men of his vicinity. In politics he was 
publican, but he never aspired to pubiic 
office. He was a member of the Lewisburg 
Post, G. A. R. , and was active in religious 
work as a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at New Columbia, of which he was one 
of the leading organizers, He held various offi- 
cial positions in the Church, and for many Mar- 
was stew aid, class leader and superintendent of 
(he Sunday-school. 

Mr. Dieffenderfer was twice married. His 
first wife, Miss Llmira Campbell, who was born 
in Union county, Januar) 10. 1835, bore him 
two children: Clarence, born October 24. 1 8 < 
died June 22, i860; and Ina, born January 23, 
. died December 3, i860. The mother 
passed to the unseen world September ;. 1862, 
and on March 1, 1866, Mr. Dieffenderfer was 
married, at the residence of the bride in White 
Deer Mills, to Miss Sarah Black. By this union 
there was one daughter. Hattie Belle, bom April 
2, [873, who I Joseph O Whitman, and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Betsie^^ 2h l8 93- having two children- 
uncle Sarah B " now ^siding with an 

Mrs Dieffenderfer resides at New Cohim 
b.a, and, like her lamented husband fea geneT 
ous and active helper in Church work bfinfa 

ot Milton, and taking also a keen interest in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of New Suit 
for which Mr. Dieffenderfer did so much She 
is a native of White Deer Mills, where she was 

Tames Si" ^ ^ Her father ' the ^te 
James Black, was of Scotch-Irish descent and 

was bom in County Donegal, Ireland, Dumber 
2 5. 803. He came to America alone in 18-0 
landing at New York after a voyage of hi Ln 
weeks, and soon located at White Deer Mills 

In 1834 Mr. Black married Miss Matilda 
Ludw,g a native of Union county, born March 
Ludwig dau ? hterof Daniel and Catherine 



867 



JJ H. GETZ, of Lewisburg, is one of the lead- 
Mmg members of the Union County Bar, and 
h s efficient service as District Attorney has shown 
him to be, as an official, a faithful guardian of 
the public interests. While yet a boy n years 
he gave proo of his patriotism by his'servlc as 
a soldier, enlisting first in 1863, at the a<,e o 
Vrr'i 00 ^ F ' 28th Penn S y?v b a n °a 

lorTlTu v lhtia " He SaW Six wee <" of active 
work wnhh.s company, and in February, 1864 
he joined Company H, 51st Pennsylvania Volun- 
teer Infantry, Gen. Hartranft's old I regiment and 
went to the seat of war, remaining CI peace 
wm declared; he was mustered out July 2" 

Mr. Getz was born in Lancaster county Oc- 

stock 3, H lS44 ; andi f of °ld Pennsylvania-Dutch 
! ° , H r '? Paternal grandfather, Henry Getz a 

trad^in TT " IOn "^^ f ° ll0Wed the Renter's 
trade in Union county, Penn., but he died at a 

comparatively early age. The late Wilham 

E, t'Buff S 1 Ubj f Ct ' Sf u ather ' WSS b0 ™ ln l82 °. - 
tast Buffalo township, Union county, whence 

rnaSo M t0 L . nCaSter COUnty - Where he w - 

coun v h f. anmS Gr ° ff ' a " ative of that 
county, born July 24, ,819. Her father, David 

famn;r S ° a " atiVe ° f the count y- a "d her 
family was among the oldest of the locality the 

.Do^trefH^^r^- C ° me fr ° m Switzerland in 
•695 to settle ,n the vicinity of Groff 's Dale. Will- 

en yea' T™^ ^ ** WUe ' S De °P le for ab °ut 
en years, then moved to Lebanon county, and in 

ocati P n r ' ng p f I8 S 2 rCtUrned t0 Union bounty, 
Seating , n East Buffalo township where he em 



gaged in carpentering until advancing age caused 
h m to cease his labors, and retire fo fhe home 
of our subject on North Fourth street, Lewis- 
burg. He was, however, an apparently healthy 
2 T;8Q 2 h° n b H^ ^ ° f his d -th, "January" 

It J, f \ f gone up town t0 bu y rubb ^ 

hoes for his w,fe, as the funeral of a grandchild 
a daughter of D. H. Getz, was appointed for 
Monday, January 25th. He was a prominent 
member of the Reformed Church, an/for many 

DleTn? ty p a ^^ su PP° rt ^ of the princi- 
ples of the Republican party. His widow a 
a venerable and highly esteemed lady, is still 
living. ■'' 

As the residence of the family was changed 
during our subject's youth, he spent some years 
m Lancaster and Lebanon counties, and then 
came with his father to Union county His lit 
erary education was obtained in '• Lebanon Val- 
ley Institute " and at the University at Lewis- 
burg. His legal studies were carried on under 
the d.rect.on of Hon. Charles S. Wolfe, and 
while pursuing the course he taught school dur- 
ing the winter. In December, 1875, he was 
admitted to the Bar, and since opening his of- 
fice in the following spring he has been in suc- 
cessful practice. In 1S79 he was elected Dis- 
trict Attorney, and in September, 1892 he was 
again chosen, being unanimously nominated by 
the Republican party, and elected for the term 
of three years. Mr. Getz is one of the valued 
advisers of his party, and has always been deeply 
interested in local affairs of every nature, lend- 
ing a helping hand to every worthy project He 
is a leading member of the Reformed Church 
while, socially, he belongs to Post No. 52, G.' 
A. R. 

On November 20, 1884, Mr. Getz was mar- 
ried to Miss Ida Handley, a native of Northum- 
berland county, and three children— Fannie M 
Helen E. and Frederick K. -brighten their home' 



TAMES BIEHL. In the fine agricultural dis- 
JJ tnct surrounding the town of Lochiel, Union 
county, ,t would be difficult to find a more 
thrifty and successful manager than the subject 
of this biography. Mr. Biehl is an acknowledged 
leader in the farming fraternity, for two years 
was president of the Union County Agricultural 
Society, and for fifteen years was on the execu- 
tive committee. 

As his name indicates, Mr. Biehl is of Ger- 
man descent, his paternal great-grandfather 
Christian, having come from the Fatherland in 
the eighteenth century. Peter Biehl, the grand- 
father of our subject, was a farmer in Berks 



M> 



( OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



county, Penn., and died there, leaving six chil- 
dren by his first wife-. By a second marriage 
there was no issue. His eldest >"ii, Samuel, 
died in Berks county; Peter, Jr., in Lycoming 
county; Daniel, near Springfield, Ohio; and 
Reuben, in Philipsburg, Penn, A 'laughter, 
Diana, married Samuel Lobach. 

Gid- hi, the third son of Peter, and the 

fattier of our subje< t, was born in 1804, in Berks 
county, where he grew to manhood, his educa- 
tion being gained in the subscription schools. 
The instruction was chiefly in German, hut he 
could read and write English also. His father 
had at one time owned a large amount of prop- 
erty, but reverses in later years prevented him 
from giving his sons a start in business. Gideon 
Biehl learned t he blacksmith's trade and followed 
it about four years, when he married Miss Re 
becca Dreibelbis, a native of Berks county, born 
about 1808. Her father, Daniel Dreibelbis, was 
a wealth} 1 farmer; she was one of a family of six 
children: Leah, Rachel, Hannah, Susan, Re- 
becca and Martin. 

After his marriage Gideon Biehl rented a 
farm in Richmond township, Berks count)-, be- 

[ing to an aunt, whose death some years later, 
without nearer heirs, left him the owner of a 
goodly number of acres. In 1845 he sold this 
place and moved to Buffalo township. Union 
county, purchasing the Rockey farm. The re- 

val was made after primitive fashion with a 
train of wagons of the old style, having 1 
English wagon boxes. The family reached the 
new home on April 2, 1845, and remained six 
years, when Mr. Biehl bought a hotel "on the 
pike in East Buffalo township, which he con- 
ducted for many years, interrupted by a short 

iod, during which it was rented to other par- 
ti'--- It became widely known as " Biehl's Ho- 
tel," but in 1868 he sold it to the present owner, 
1 >a\ id Royei 

I iideon Biehl was a well-built man, five feet, 
eight and a half inches in height, and in early 
life possessed great strength, of a genial na- 
ture, he was always fond of company, but he 
1 cared to visit much away from home. In 
political affiliations he was a Democrat, but he 
was a stmng supporter of the Union cause dur- 
ing the war, and soldiers en route to the front 
found an especially kindly welcome at his hotel. 
While living in lierks counts he w e in 

politics, and from boyhood until old age he took 
an influential part in religious work as a men 
of the Lutheran Chui Iding various offices 

ntributing liberally. His wife, who was a 
devout member of the Reformed Church, died in 
December, i id his later years were spent 



at the home of our subject, his death occurring 
in 1 S74. His remains now rest beside those of 
his wife in Driesbach cemetery. In that era of 
high prices his estate was valued at $40,000, 
which represented energetic and well-directed 
efforts on his part to increase his inheritance. 
( hir subject was the eldest of four children, all 
of whom settled in Union county. Hannah, 
Mrs. Idem Meixel, died in Kelly township; Sa- 
rah, now Mrs. John F. Zeller, and Catherine, 
Mrs. F, W. Miller, both reside in East Buffalo 
township. 

James Biehl was born March 17, 1829, at the 
old farm in Berks count)-. The free-school sys- 
tem was not introduced in his township in his 
early days, and the subscription schools were 
decidedly inferior to those which he found in 
Union count). He attended a somewhat ad- 
vanced school in Boyertown, in his native count)-, 
for thirteen weeks, but on his parents' removal to 
their new home when he was about sixteen he 
found that he could not enter classes with those of 
his own age. It so humiliated him to be ranked 
with the younger children that he did not attend 
much, a few months each winter being spent in 
study. At nineteen he left school altogether, 
the last winter of his attendance being at Lime- 
stoneville, Montour Co., Penn, where he worked 
for his board while pursuing his studies, and with 
the exception of this time he remained at home 
throughout his youth. 

On January 14, 1851, he was married in Sny- 
der county to Miss Rebecca Pawling, and soon 
afterward he established his home upon his 
father's farm in Buffalo township. Union county. 
In 1885 he removed from that place to his pres- 
ent homestead, but he still continues to oversee 
the first farm in a general way. At present he 
owns 145 acres in all, with three good resi- 
dences. 

Mr. and Mrs. Biehl have three children, all 
of whom are highly esteemed for their ability and 
worth: (I) Sarah J., born September 7, 185 J, 
married Israel T. Ruhl, a prominent resident of 
Buffalo township, Union county, formerly super- 
intendent of Sunday-schools. He is an influential 
Republican, and an active worker in Driesbach 
C lunch, hem- at present the leader of the chon ; 
is a justice of the peace, at present serving his 
third term. (2) Jefferson P., born January 29, 
1857, is a graduate of Jefferson Medical Coll' 
and is now practicing his pr> at Plymouth. 

Penn, (3 GideonT., born December 22. 1861. 

1 is one of the leading farmers of Buffalo township. 

1 and may be said to have taken his father's place 
in the Union County Agricultural Society, having 

1 succeeded him in various committees. Gideon 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



869 



T. is now nominated for county surveyor on the 
Republican ticket. 

Mr. Biehl is one of the best-known citizens of 
his locality, and for years has been a pillar in the 
Driesbach Church, giving generously of his time 
and money to its support, and he has held every 
office except that of preacher. His family are 
all identified with the same Church. In his po- 
litical views he has long been a Republican, but 
his first vote was cast for Franklin Pierce, and 
he continued to vote the Democratic ticket un- 
til the second gubernatorial compaign of A. G. 
Curtin. While he now gives unwavering support 
to the Republican party on State and National 
issues, he does now draw partisan lines in local 
affairs. While living in Buffalo township he held 
numerous offices — assessor, assistant assessor, 
inspector, and for ten years was school director. 
He has now held the office of supervisor of the 
West Precinct of East Buffalo township for five 
years, his duties being discharged to the entire 
satisfaction of the public. 

Mrs. Biehl is a member of one of the pioneer 
families of Snyder county, and was reared and 
educated in that locality. Her great-grandfather 
Pawling came from England prior to the Revolu- 
tionary war, and settled in Chester county, Penn. 
Early in the present century his son Joseph, Mrs. 
Biehl's grandfather, went to the vicinity of Selins 
Grove, and, purchasing 400 acres of land, erected 
buildings and engaged in business as a farmer 
and hotel keeper. He was twice married, and 
by his first wife he had one son, John, who went 
West, and whose descendants now live in Ken- 
tucky. His second wife, Mary Shannon, bore 
him four sons and four daughters. One of the 
latter married Mr. Ross, and became the mother 
of the late Judge H. P. Ross, of Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania. 

Samuel Pawling, the eldest son of the second 
marriage, was born February 9, 1794, and was 
married on January 24, 181 5, to Miss Elizabeth 
Woodling, born February 5, 1797, the daughter 
of John Woodling. Eleven children blessed this 
union, whose names with dates of birth are as 
follows: Harriet, December 31, 1815, married 
David Schoch, and died in 1840; Maria, Decem- 
ber 4, 18 1 7, became the second wife of David 
Schoch, and died November 2, 1870; Susan, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1819, married Jacob Hilbish; Levi, 
July 27, 1820, married Miss Margaret C. Weaver, 
who was born March 17, 1831; John, October 
21, 1822, married Miss Barbara Gemberling, 
who was born March 31, 1831; Jane, June 15, 
1825, married Lewis Gemberling, and died Octo- 
ber 1, 1856; Samuel B., September 14, 1828, 
married (first) Miss Leah Huffman, (second) Miss 



Sarah J. Marshall and (third) Miss Hester A. 
Long; Rebecca, December 25, 1830, is the wife 
of our subject; Angeline, September 22, 1834, 
married Benjamin Ulrich; Charles W. , May 31, 
1837, married Lydia C. Long; Lewis E. , Decem- 
ber 10, 1839, married Miss Amanda Schoch. 

The father of this family died November 23, 
1874, in his eighty-first year. His wife, with 
whom he spent sixty years of wedded happiness, 
survived him and passed away October 9, 1883. 
At that time their direct descendants numbered 
one hundred and seven in all: fifty-five grand- 
children, forty great-grandchildren and one great- 
great-grandchild. 



M. WILSON, M. D., is now the oldest 
medical practitioner at New Berlin, Union 
count}'. It is natural to look to a man's ances- 
try for some sign of the traits for which he is dis- 
tinguished, and we are not surprised to find that 
Dr. Wilson comes of good old New England 
stock. James Wilson, his great-grandfather, 
came from Connecticut about 1 79 1 to make his 
home in eastern Pennsylvania, where he married 
Rebecca Orwig. Samuel Wilson, the only son 
of James, was born in Schuylkill county, Novem- 
ber 25, 1793, in early manhood located at New 
Berlin, and became a successful merchant, ac- 
cumulating a handsome fortune for that day. 
As a member of the Democratic party, he was 
active and influential in local affairs. He was 
also interested in the work of the Presbyterian 
Church, and at the time of his death, November 
3, 1855, he held the office of elder. His wife, 
Sarah Mauck Wilson, to whom he was married 
at New Berlin, was a native of Pennsylvania. 
She died May 31, 1872, at the advanced age of 
eighty-four years, and the remains of both now 
rest in the family burial plot at New Berlin. 
Three sons lived to adult age, two of whom en- 
tered the medical profession. James W. went to 
Fremont, Ohio, in 1839, and became one of the 
leading practitioners of that section; he has now 
retired from practice, but is known as one of the 
wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Fre- 
mont. Edward is mentioned more fully below. 
Charles was a prominent physician at New Ber- 
lin, where he died, leaving several children. 

Edward Wilson, Dr. H. M. Wilson's father, 
was born April 14, 18 17, at New Berlin, where 
he was reared, receiving a good practical educa- 
tion for that time, the schools of the place being 
better than the average. He engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in which he was extremely suc- 
cessful. Although he owned a large tract of 
farming land he never cultivated it, preferring to 



s7u 



' nMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



devote his whole attention to his business, and 
for the same reason he took but little active in- 
terest in political movements beyond giving his 
individual support at the polls to the Democratic 
ticket. He was a member of the lodge I. O. O. 
F., at New Berlin, and was prominently identi- 
fied with the Presbyterian Church, holding office 
as a deacon, and later as an elder and as such 
was swerving at the time of his death, in August, 
1S79. His widow. Mrs. Mary (Aurand) Wilson, 
is also a member of the Church. She was born 
at New Berlin, November 15, 1826, and has al- 
ways resided there. Her father, Samuel Aurand, 
a native of Middleburg, Penn., and a son of 
George Aurand, was for many years a hotel- 
keeper at New Berlin. His first wife, Christina 
Wise, a daughter of Josiah Wise, bore him 
sons and one daughter, now Mrs. Wilson. By a 
second marriage he had two I two daugh- 

ters. The Doctor is thi st in a family "I 

five children— Laura married Levi Boyer of Vir- 
ginia; Emily, now Mrs. Galen Lutz, James, and 
Mary, the widow of Isaac Wonderly, all reside 
in New Berlin. 

Dr. H. M. Wilson's birth occurred March 24, 
1854, and his earh ion was obtained in 

tin- schools of New Berlin, Miss Kate Ke 
being his first teacher. In 1 87 5 he entered the 
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and, 
on graduating in 1877, he at once established 
himself in practice at his old home, where he 
met with speedy success. He is ;i member of 
th.' Union County Medical Examining Board, t" 
which he was appointed in September, 1893, and 
is at present its treasurer. In 1890 he married 
Mi-. Ella (Schoch) Burg, widow of Dr. S. W. 
Burg, and daughter of Abraham and Hannah 
(Seebal.l 1 Schoch. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson are 
prominent in social life and are leading members 
of the Presbyterian Church, in which the Doctor 
succeeded Ins father as elder. Politically he is 
a stanch Democrat 



THOMAS HOWARD WILSON, M. D. "A 
youth of labor, with an age of ease," sur- 
rounded by all that can be desired of friendship 
and honor, sums up in brief the fortunate lot of 
the subject of this sketch, one of Lewisburg's 
most highly respected citizens, who, with his 
estimable wife, is spending the afternoon of life 
in leisure after a lone, and arduous career. For 
near]} fifty years they have sustained each other 
with their mutual love, and now they show to 
li other the thoughtful attention, the tender 
deference of the days of courtship. It is seldom 



that so close a bond exists as that which has 
woven their lives together. For many years 
during Dr. Wilson's active career the demands of 
his professional work kept him busy night and 
day, and Mrs. Wilson was his constant compan- 
ion, sharing his long and tedious journeys, driv- 
ing the team while he slept, and then, on reach- 
ing the home of some patient, would snatch a 
brief interval of sleep for herself while he made 
his visit. To heal the sick, to cheer the miser- 
able, became their life work, while the poor who 
could pay no fees were treated as carefully as the 
rich. Hand in hand they followed the voice oi 
duty, and m that loving union what might I; 
been drudgery became unceasing joy. Advanc- 
ing years have withdrawn Dr. Wilson from the 
work which, as a popular physician of his local- 
ity, he was once called upon to perform, but in 
all that pertains to culture, refinement and prog- 
ress, his home life gives a reflection of his high 

ter. 

Foregoing further into detail of the per- 
sonal history of our subject, a review of his fam- 
ily history is proper. The first ancestor on the 
paternal side of whom there is a record was 
James Wilson, born in September. 1719. who 
came from Ireland at the age of seven years with 
his parents, who settled in Berry township. Dau- 
phin Co., Penn. His first wife. Martha Stern tt. 
died in early womanhood, leaving no children. 
He then was married to Ann Sterrett, born Jan- 
| 16, 1725, and whose death occurred Janu- 
ary 15, 1789, his own following on September 
J ' s - '793- There were nine children by the sec- 
ond union, namely: William is mentioned more 
fully further on; Martha (Mrs. David Hays was 
born February 7, 1745; Hugh, born September 
»6, 1748, married Isabella Fulton; Joseph, born 
September 5, 1750, married Margaret Boyd, and 
died February 9, 1788; Mary, born Januar) 5, 
1755, married James Todd; James, born June 18, 

1757, died in October, 1806, at Reading. Bonn.; 
Andrew, born October 18, 1759. married Martha 
McClure; Elizabeth married James Stewart; and 
Samuel married Eleanor Bell. 

William Wilson, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born June 4, 174.1. and died April 9, 
1824. He was married, October 24, 1773. to 
Elizabeth Robinson, who was born in February, 

1758, and died April 11, 1 S 1 5 . after a union of 
forty-one years, four months and seventeen days. 
They had thirteen children, as follows: 1 1 1 
Martha, born August 20, 1774. died Novembei 
29, 1788; (2) Thomas, bom August 1 8, 1776. 
died May 25, iS;i, married Lydia Brake, and 
had two children — William Robinson, born April 
9, 1828, married Elsie Lawshe, and Samuel 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



871 



Howard, born May i 5, 1830, died March 14, 1850; 

(3) James, born August 3, 1778, died December 
26, 1 83 1, married (first) Catherine Fruit, and 
(second) Sarah Chamberlain, by whom he had 
two children — William, who died October 24, 
1856, and Catherine, wife of Robert M. Musser; 

(4) Hugh, born September 6, 1781, died June 
25, 1782; (5) Mary (Mrs. William Hayes), born 
April 14, 1783, died December 10, 1827; (6) 
Erne, born September 5, 1784, died September 
19, 1784; (7) a son born October 14, 1785, died 
October 21, 1785; (8) William, born August 10, 
1787, died June 12, 1863; (9) Samuel, born 
April 9, 1790, died January 16, 1843, married 
Elizabeth Nevins; (10) Martha (2), born April 8, 
1792; (11) Effie (2) (Mrs. Joseph Murray), born 
December 13, 1794, died January 24, 1853; 
(12) Eliza (Mrs. Peter Nevins), born March 18, 
1797, ,died April 8, 1879; (13) Nancy Gray (Mrs. 
William Murray), born July 8, 1799, died in 
July, 1845. 

William, the eighth child of William and 
Elizabeth Wilson, and the father of our subject, 
was married February 19, 18 18, to Ann How- 
ard, who was born March 11, 1798, and died 
September 21, 1865. Her father, Thomas How- 
ard, born in May, 1760, died January 15, 1842, 
was married February 9, 1797, to Elizabeth 
Harris, born July 18, 1770, died May 20, 1842. 
Our subject's mother was the eldest in a family 
of nine children, the others being: Mary, born 
July 9, 1799, died April 30, 18 19; Harriet (Mrs. 
Thomas Van Valzah), born August 18, 1800, 
died January 9, 1870; John Irvin, born March 
S, 1803, died November 25, 1813; Laird, born 
September 7, 1804, died March 19, 1870, mar- 
ried Jane Barber; Elizabeth, born November 3, 
1805, died March 30, 1829; Jane (Mrs. Joseph 
Green), born Feb. 28, 1809, died April 30, 1870; 
Thomas, born September 16, 181 1, died May 18, 
1889, married (first) Ellen M. Dale, and (second) 
Margaret Dickson; and David, born February 2, 
1 814, died November 15, 1861. 

The Harris family, to which belonged Eliza- 
beth Harris, wife of Thomas Howard, is of 
English origin, the first ancestor to cross the 
ocean being William Harris, the great-great- 
grandfather of Dr. Wilson. He located in Derry 
township, Dauphin county, Penn., and he and 
his wife, Catherine Douglass, who was of the 
family of Sir Robert Douglass, of Scotland, 
passed their last days there, their remains being 
interred in Derry graveyard. They had six 
children: James, born January 16, 1739, died 
April 13, 1786; Sarah, born March 20, 1741; 
John, born November 20, 1746; William, born 
November 20, 1749; Mary, born July 22, 1752; 



Robert, born 1753, died March 4, 1785, and was 
buried at Nicaragua, Grenada. 

James Harris, the Doctor's great-grandfa- 
ther, was married June 2, 1768, to Mary Laird, 
daughter of William Laird and his wife, Cath- 
erine (Spencer), of Scotland. Mary Laird Har- 
ris was born April 28, 1750, died December 13, 
1842, and was buried in Lewisburg. The Doc- 
tor's grandmother was the second in a family of 
ten children, the others being: William, born 
April 28, 1769, died February 2, 1785; Katharine, 
born April 2, 1772, died December 28, 1784; 
Jean, born January 6, 1774, died December 5, 
1839; Laird, born February 22, 1776, died June 
30, 1804; Robert, born November 22, 1777; 
Sarah, born September 4, 1779, died December 
30, 1827; (3) James, born June 13, 1781, died 
July 1, 1868, married Sarah Bell; Martha, born 
August 13, 1784, died February 13, 1873; and 
William Laird, Jr. (2), born May 17, 1786, died 
November 1 1, 1845. 

Our subject is the only surviving child of the 
family, in which he was the second in order of 
birth. The others were: Elizabeth R., born 
March 31, 18 19, died August 4, 1889; Sarah 
Jane (Mrs. John Walls), born June 16, 1823, died 
January 9, 1876; Mary Harris, born October 4, 
1825, died July 10, 1845; William Henry, born 
June 28, 1830, died August 9, 1831; and Martha 
Harris, born April 7, 1833, died November 23, 
1839. 

Dr. Thomas H. Wilson was born May 17,. 
1 82 1, and was reared in the town of Lewisburg. 
After attending the local schools for a time he 
studied in the academy at Danville, Penn., and 
later in the Lewisburg Academy. He then 
clerked in his father's store until, having deter- 
mined upon the medical profession as his life- 
work, he began preparations for same under a 
preceptor. In 1844 he was graduated from the 
Medical Department of the University of Penn- 
sylvania, and at once entered upon professional 
work at Lewisburg, where, as has been said, he 
gained a large practice. His wife, to whom he 
was married February 3, 1848, was formerly Miss 
Elizabeth Dale. They have had four children, 
as follows: (1) James Dale, born April 18, 1850, 
was married June 14, 1883, to Miss Mary Beck 
Smith, and has had four children — Thomas How- 
ard, born August 16, 1884, died July 18, 1886; 
Margaret Smith, born August 2, 1887, is at home; 
James Dale, born October 23, 1889, died in Au- 
gust, 1892; and William, born August 26, 1893. 
(2) Anna Howard, born April 30, 1855, was mar- 
ried October 19, 1882, to Louis K. Lodge, born 
February 2, 1851, died December 31, 1890, and 
has one son — John, born November 16, 1885. 



^7: 



COMMEMORA TI7E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Helen Potter, born October [9, [857, died 
April 29, 1859. 141 Willi; mi Wilberforce, born 
[anuary 29, i860, resides in Altoona, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Mrs. Wilson was a daughter of James Dale, 
oi Dale's Hill, Union Co., Penn., and a grand- 
daughter oi Samuel Dale, who was born in 1741 
in County Monahan, Ireland, and dud September 
27, 1S04. In January, [769, lie married Ann 
Futhey, who died April 23, [835. [ami I 
was married February 24, 1 s 1 x, to Eliza Bell, 
who dud February 14, 1837. Tiny had four 
children: Ann Margaret, born July 27, 1 
died in New Berlin December 29, 1833; Lllen 
Mary, horn September 1 S, 1S21, was married 
1 ebruarj 17. 1842, to Thomas Howard, and died 
May 7, 1861; Elizabeth (Mrs, Wilson), born 
February 2, 1 S 2 4 ; and Samuel, born March I, 
[828, died August tO, 1S4S. 



DAVID M VI IKS (deceased). Lewisburg has 
' been fortunate in the possession of a 1 
number of broad-minded citizens, who, while 
furthering financial interests indi\ idual and pub- 
lic— have also contributed to the establishment 
of a high intelli tandard in her social cir- 

. and conspicuous among this class of business 
men was the late David Myers. 

( >ur subject was a descendant of pioneer 
stock. His ancestors on both his father's and 
mother's side were German immigrants who 
came to Pennsylvania in its early Colonial days, 
and betook thei to farming, lie was a 

son of David Myers, who was born [anuary (6, 
[788, in Lancaster county, Penn., and Ann 
(Sheibley) Myers, born in the same county Much 
"7. '799- They were married March 25, 1815, 
and m [829 removed to Union county, settling 
11 a farm just outside of Lewisburg, on the 
Valley Dike. Of this marriage there were eleven 
children: Nathan, bom November 29, 1816, was 
cashier of a bank in Clarion county, Penn., and 
died Ma) 6, 1892; Alpheus, born April 23, 1818, 
was a physician in Logansport, Ind., and dud 
bruary 28, 1887; Matilda, born September 
iS, 1 Ski, married Joseph Frederick, and died in 
Northumberland county, September 6, 1S66; 
Eliza, born May 26, [821, dud February 
[893, was blinded by an accident, and 11 
married; Abraham, born September 27, 1 
died March 7, [848, was a physician in Clarion 
county, Penn. ; Susannah, born February 26, 
[824, died September 28, 1858, was the wifi 
John Brown; Lewis 15., born July 4, [825, wa 
physician, and died December 24, 1896; Ann S., 
born February 17, 1827, became the wife of 



fo eph Baker, and died April 9, [862; David, 
the subject of this article, was the ninth in order 
of birth, and was born in Lancaster county, 
Penn., M . [830; Sarah, born September 

17, 1831, died February 13, 1886, the wife ol 
Daniel Swart/; Henry A., the youngest child, 
born January 28, 1833, became a physician, and 
died March 8, 1886. The father, David My 
died [anuary .50, 1833, leaving the mother with 
the the children. She reared them all 

to manhood and womanhood, and died on No- 
vember 17, 1869, in Lewisburg, Penn. Dr. 
Lewi- B. Myers, of Fremont, Ohio, was the last 
survivor. 

David Myers, our subject, was reared in 
Lewisburg, and throughout his life was identil 
with the place His education was limited to 
the course offered in the common school-,, but 
observation and reading brought to a mind, nat- 
rally clever, valuable practical results. He 
was engaged in business for some time in Lewis- 
burg, Penn., and then went to the western part 
of the State, and from there, after the war, he 
went to Alabama, where he engaged in cotton 
raising. On [anuary 3, 1871, he was married to 
Miss Valeria K. Heck, the eldest 1 of the 

late Dr. Samuel Ludwig Heck, of Lewisburg. 
About two years after his marriage Mr. Myers 
returned to Pennsylvania, and settled in Lewis- 
burg, where he died on July 6, 1894. His widow 
and daughter, Aida B. Myers, still reside in the 
same town. 

David Myers was a Republican in politii 
member of the Presbyterian Chinch in Lewis- 
burg, he took a great interest in all religious mat- 
ters. 



Gl ORGE G. GROFF, M. A., M D., IV 
: ol ( '1 ".inn Si iem es in Bucknell I ni- 
versity, Lewisburg, Union Co., Penn., was bom 
on "The Great Welsh Tract in the Province of 
Pennsylvania," on a farm near Valley Forge, in 
["redyffrin township, Chester Co., Penn., April 5, 
185 1, descending from ancestors who were anion;,' 
the earliest settlers of the State. 

Dr. Groff 's line ol descent is as follows: J a 
Graf (1), born in Holland [?J in 171 5, the 
of this branch of the Groffs in America, with his 
wife Man. 1, settled near old Goshenhoppen, in 
Upper Salford, Montgomery county, in 1; 
Jacob Groff 1 2), son of Jacob in, married 

ibeth Hubner, daughter of Melchoir and 
Anna Maria Fisher Hubner, and a granddaughter 

Mans and Maria Huluiei (he a Schwenck- 
felder, who came from Low ia with his 

Church in 1734). The Schwenckfelders en- 




<&** ^ ^/fr 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



873 



joyed the unique distinction of having received a 
formal invitation from their former sovereign, 
Frederick the Great, to return to their homes in 
Silesia, which, having been destroyed, he offered 
to restore. Jacob Groff (3) (son of Jacob (2) ) 
married Catherine Reiff, had a son, John Groff, 
who married Susan Beaver, and their son is Dr. 
George G. Groff. The name Graf in German 
means Count, and is equivalent to the English 
Earl. 

Hans Jakob Reiff, the pioneer in Pennsyl- 
vania, came to the State about 1640, with the 
Dutch settlers on the Delaware river. He had 
two companions, Levering and Frey, both of 
whom remained in the Province. He had a son, 
Hans George Reiff, a newlander and land specu- 
lator, who settled in Upper Salford township, 
Montgomery county, whose wife was Anna (or 
Veronica), and they had a son, Jacob Reiff (2). 
The latter married Catherine Schneider, and had 
a son, George Reiff. George Reiff married Rachel 
Pawling, and had a daughter, Catherine Reiff 
(wife of Jacob Groff (3) ). 

Henry Pawling, the pioneer, came from Eng- 
land in 1 70 1. He purchased two tracts of land, 
of a thousand acres each, from Penn before leav- 
ing England. On the map of 1683, he is shown 
as holding two lots in Philadelphia, one on 
Market street and the other on the Schuylkill 
front. He had a son, Henry Pawling, and he in 
turn a son, John, who married Elizabeth De- 
Haven, a daughter of Herman In de Haven, and 
they had a daughter, Rachel Pawling (wife of 
George Reiff). The Pawlings settled first in 
Lower Providence township, Philadelphia coun- 
ty, and later in Montgomery county on the 
Schuylkill river, near Pawling's Bridge. In 1734, 
Henry Pawling, Sr., owned five hundred acres of 
land opposite Valley Forge, and his son, Henry, 
twelve hundred acres in Perkiomen township. 
In 1747 Henry, Jr., was elected captain of a com- 
pany of Associators. In 1 76 1 he was appointed 
by the Governor one of the commissioners for 
improving the navigation of the Schuylkill river, 
and was in 1773 succeeded in this office by his 
son, John Pawling, Jr. In 1761 Henry was sent 
into the Wyoming region to build nouses for 
friendly Indians. This was a movement of the 
Proprietors of the Province to forestall the ad- 
venturers from Connecticut. He was a justice 
of the peace for many years in Philadelphia, and 
a member of the Colonial Assembly from 1764 to 
1774 inclusive. In politics, the Pawlings were 
always attached to the Proprietary party. 

Everett In de Hoff and his wife, Elizabeth 
Schiphower, with their sons, Gerhard, Herman 
and Peter, came to Pennsylvania from Holland 



in 1698. In 1706 Everett took up two hundred 
acres of land in Whitpain township, Montgomery 
Co., Penn. Herman In de Haven had a daugh- 
ter Elizabeth De Haven, who in 1786, in Christ 
Church, Philadelphia, married John Pawling, 
and became the mother of Rachel Pawling and 
the grandmother of Catherine Reiff. The fam- 
ily were prominent in the Reformed Church, 
both Everett and Herman having been presid- 
ing elders. 

George Bieber, with his brothers, John and 
Dewald, came from Elsass in 1744, and settled 
in Tredyffrin township, Chester Co., Penn. His 
son, John Beaver, and wife Margaret, had a 
son, George Beaver (2), who married Susan 
Hausman. George Beaver (2) and Susan Haus- 
man had a son, John Beaver (2), who married 
Deborah Barry, and had a daughter, Susan 
Beaver (wife of John Groff). From the pioneer 
John Bieber, Governor James A. Beaver is de- 
scended. 

Frederick Hausman came from Wurtemburg, 
Germany, when twelve years of age and settled 
in Tredyffrin township, Chester Co., Penn. He 
married Elizabeth Kemp, of Kutztown, Berks 
Co., Penn., daughter of Theobald Kemp and 
wife Elizabeth (he the pioneer from Strasburg), 
and had a daughter, Susan Hausman (wife of 
George Beaver (2). 

Richard Barry, from Ballo, County Cork, 
Ireland, settled Radnor, Chester (now Delaware) 
county, Penn., had a son, Col. James Barry, 
who married Ellen Jones, and their son. James 
Barry (2), married Sarah Davies, daughter of 
Samuel Davis (or Davies), from Wales, his wife 
Tabitha, had a daughter Deborah Barry (wife of 
John Beaver). The Barrys are of Norman de- 
scent, and in Ireland rose to great wealth and 
prominence, intermarrying with the nobility of 
the kingdom. Richard Barry became a Friend 
under the preaching of William Penn, and being 
disowned by his family came to America. His 
people were attached to the Roman Catholic 
Church. 

John Beaver, son of George Bieber, the 
pioneer, contracted camp fever at Valley Forge 
while assisting to lay out the American camp, 
and died of it. Col. James Barry served with 
honor during six years of the Revolutionary 
struggle. John Pawling and Herman In de Haven 
were stanch patriots during the same struggle. 
They manufactured gun flints for the army, their 
factory being at the Falls of French Creek, in 
Chester county, Pennsylvania. 

The ancestors of Dr. Groff were Dutch, Ger- 
man, English, Welsh and Norman-Irish. With 
the exception of two cousins of his father's, Dr. 



874 



( OMMEMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Henry G. Groff and Dr. John W. GrofT, all the 
family have been tillers of the soil. In the 
present and rising generations there seems a pre- 
dilection for tbestudyof medicine. John Groff, 
the father of George G., reared nine children, 
viz.: George G., Charles Albert, John Howard, 
M. D., Mary l.lizabeth, Deborah Beaver, Lydia 
Frances, Sarah Rebecca, Elysses Grant and 
una Beaver. 

Jacob Graf, here called the pioneer accord- 
ing to family tradition, is the earliest of our fam- 
ily we have been able to discover in America. 
Knpp gives the names of three Jacob Groffs, who 
came to Philadelphia in 1737, 1744 and 17 
Our ancestor purchased his farm in 1769, when 
he was fifty-four years of age, and twenty years 
after the arrival of the latest Jacob of Rupp. 
Hence it seei -ether possible that our an- 

cestor may have been the son of the pioneer. 
His wife Maria was born in 1722. They were 
married previous to 1745, and tradition states 
that their eight childeren were all born in Ger- 
many. Tradition also states that the family on 

tiing to America first encamped under a large 
oak tree, one-fourth mile east of Zieglerville, on 
the banks of the Goshenhoppen run, on land re- 
cently owned by Charles Koch, but at that time 
public land. The permanent home was made 
two miles to the northwest on the Perkiomen. 
Beside farming, the elder Groffs were fullers and 
dyers, in which work they continued at least 
three generations. 

I U t, son of Hans George, was prom- 

inent in the affairs of the early Reformed Church 
in America, going to Europe to collect funds 
the Church. (He was a member of the Assembly 
of Pennsylvania in 17S0, and, with the eleven 
other German members, voted for the adoption 
of the National Constitution). The Groffs and 
Beavers originally belonged to the Lutheran 
Church. The Pawlings were Episcopalians, and 
extensive land holders. The Bams in Radnor 
(Norman-Irish and the Davies in Merion (Welsh) 

re Friends, called Quakers, living on "The 
Great Welsh Tract." John Barry, the first Com- 
modore in the America navy, was of this family, 
an uncle of Col. I irry. 

George G. Groff received his early education 
in the public schools, and in academies at Phoe- 
nixville and Norristown, and. later, in the West 
stei st.itr- Normal School, Michigan Univer- 
sity, Long Island Colli-.- Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y. . 
and the University of Leipsic. He received, at 
different times, the college degrees of B. S. , M. 
A., M. D., I'll I) , and LL. D. Until his eight- 
eenth year he assisted in the labors of the farm, 
then began to teach in the public schools, then in 



the West Chester State Normal School, and in 
1879 became professor of Organic Sciences in 
Bucknell University. During 1SS7-8S he was 
acting president of the University, and was 
instrumental in starting an increase in attendance 
which has continued until the present time. A 
prominent Baptist wrote that he advertised the 
University more in three months than had been 
previously done in forty years. As a teacher he 
has been enthusiastic and successful, inspiring 
his pupils to diligent and accurate work. In 
public life he has been school director, coroner, 
assistant-surgeon in the National Guard of Penn- 
sylvania, and a member of the State Boards of 
Agriculture and Health for eleven years. At 
present (1897) he is president of the State Board 
of Health, a. id a member of the State Medical 
and Dental Councils. A large portion of the 
work of the State Board of Health has originated 
with him. He is the author of almost all the 
health circulars of this Board, which are said to 
be the best issued b\ any Mate in the Union. 
In [889, after the great floods of that year, 
he had charge of the sanitation at Johnstown, 
which he conducted in a most successful manner. 
He has for fifteen years done much work at 
Teachers and Farmers Institutes, lecturing on 
health and scientific subjects. He is the author 
of a large number of pamphlets, charts, m: 
and diagrams intended to aid science teach, 
also of a Series of School Physiologies. Farm and 
Village Hygiene, School Hygiene. Dairy Hy- 
giene, and a text book on Mineralogy. Dr. Groff 
is a constant contributor to leading periodical 
literature. He is a member of the Sons of the 
American Revolution, of the Pennsylvania Ger- 
man |7, and of the Welsh Society of Phil- 
adelphia. He is a member of the Baptist 
Church, and in all theological matters holds lib- 
eral views. 

In 1S80 the Doctor was married to Margaret 
Palmer Marshall, of West Chester, Penn. The 
union has been blessed with five children, viz.: 
William Marshall, John Charles, Margaret Beav- 
er, James Andrews, and Frances Lloyd. All the 
ancestors of Dr. Groffs wife, too, were am 
the earliest settlers of the Province of Pennsyl- 
vania. In the following are set forth the pro- 
genitors in America of her family, the Roman 
characters indicating each generation in the 
various branches of the family, the child follow- 
ing that ol parents thus, II. Thon: shall 
1 i 1 is of the second generation and is a son of 

n Marshall and Sarah Smith; and so on. 

I. John Marshall, the pioneer, came from 
Elton, Derbyshire, England, prior to 1685, mar- 
ried, in 1688 at Darby. Penn., Sarah Smith, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



875 



from Croxton, Leicester, England. II. Thomas 
Marshall (i) married Hannah Mendenhall, daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Mendenhall, from Wiltshire, 
England, about 1683, settled in Concord town- 
ship, and Ann Pennell, daughter of Robert Pen- 
nell, from Nottinghamshire, England, prior to 
1686, to Middletown township, and wife Hannah. 

III. Thomas Marshall (2) married Edith Newlin. 

IV. Thomas Marshall (3) married Mary Grubb. 

V. Samuel Marshall married Philena Pusey. 

VI. William Pusey Marshall married Frances 
Lloyd Andrews, whose daughter is Margaret P. 
Marshall. 

I. Nicholas Newlin, the pioneer, from Mount 
Molock, Tyrone, Ireland, in 1683, to Concord 
township; wife Elizabeth. II. Nathaniel Newlin, 
who came with his father from Ireland, married 
Mary Mendenhall, sister of Benjamin. III. Na- 
thaniel Newlin (2) married Jane Woodward, 
daughter of Richard Woodward and Jane, who 
came from England and settled in Middletown 
township. IV. Nathaniel Newlin (3) married 
Esther Metcalf, daughter of Thomas and wife 
Jane. V. Edith Newlin (wife of Thomas Mar- 
shall (2)). 

I. John Grubb, who was settled in Upland, 
Penn., prior to 1679, and wife Frances. II. John 
Grubb (2) married Rachel Buckley, daughter of 
John Sanderson Buckley, and granddaughter of 
Dr. Sanderson. John Buckley (came from Wilt- 
shire, England, 1682) was a son of John Buckley 
and Mary Empson, of Cheshire, England, who 
never came to America. III. Samuel Grubb 
married Rebecca Hewes; their daughter Mary 
Grubb (wife of Thomas Marshall (3))- 

I. William Hewes, who came from England 
about 1675-6, settled first in New Jersey, then 
in 1678-9 settled near Marcus Hook; wife Deb- 
orah. II. William Hewes (2) married Sarah 
Bezer, daughter of Edward Bezer and Ann Fry, 
who came from Wiltshire, England, about 1682 
and settled in Bethel township. III. William 
Hewes (3) married Mary Withers. IV. Rebecca 
Hewes (wife of Samuel Grubb). 

I. William Withers. II. Thomas Withers, 
who came from Wiltshire, England, and settled 
in Chichester, married Elizabeth Collett, daugh- 
ter of Jeremiah Collett, who came from England 
in 1682, or earlier, and settled in Chichester, and 

Jane May, and granddaughter of May 

and Joan , of Wiltshire, England. 

III. Mary Withers (wife of William Hewes (3)). 

I. William Pusey, from London, England, 
about 1700, settled in London Grove township, 
married Elizabeth Bowater, daughter of John 
and Frances. John Bowater, from Worcester- 
shire, England, reached Pennsylvania about 1684 



after visiting, as early as 1677, New England, 
Maryland and Virginia as a public Friend. II. 
Joshua Pusey married Mary Lewis, daughter of 
Ellis Lewis, who was born in Wales, and came 
to Pennsylvania in 1708, and Elizabeth Newlin, 

and granddaughter of Mary ; had a son, 

Ellis Pusey, who married Abigail Brinton, and 
had daughter, Philema Pusey (wife of Samuel 
Marshall). 

I. Nicholas Newlin (wife Elizabeth). 

II. Nathaniel Newlin married Mary Mendenhall. 

III. Elizabeth Newlin married Ellis Lewis. 

IV. Mary Lewis (wife of Joshua Pusey). 

I. William Brinton, who came from Stafford- 
shire, England, in 1684, and settled in Birming- 
ham township, married Ann Bagley, daughter of 
Edward Bagley. II. William Brinton (2), who 
came over with his father, married Jane Thatch- 
er, daughter of Richard Thatcher, who came 
from England about 1685, and settled in Thorn- 
bury township, and wife Jane. III. Joseph 
Brinton married Mary Pearce, daughter of George 
Pearce, who came from Somersetshire, 
England, in 1684, and settled in Thornbury 
township, and Ann Gainer, of Gloucestershire, 
England. IV. Moses Brinton married Eleanor 
Varnam, daughter of Hattil Varnam, who came 
from County Wexford, Ireland, in 1728, and 
settled in Lancaster county, and Abigail Sand- 
with, the latter a daughter of William and 
Joan Sandwith, of County Wexford, Ireland. 

V. Abigail Brinton (wife of Ellis Pusey). 

I. William Andrews, who came from Lurgan, 
Ireland, to Newcastle county, State of Delaware; 
wife Miriam. II. Ezekiel Andrews married 
Rebecca Robinson (she was born on the vessel 
coming to America), daughter of Francis Robin- 
son and wife Elizabeth, who came from Ireland. 

III. James Andrews married Martha Bunting. 

IV. James Andrews (2) married Hannah Lloyd. 

V. Frances Lloyd Andrews (wife of William Pusey 
Marshall). 

I. Anthony Bunting; wife Ellen. II. Will- 
iam Bunting married Mary Stumson. III. Sam- 
uel Bunting, who came from Derbyshire, Eng- 
land, in 1722, and settled in Darby, married 
Sarah Fearne, daughter of Josiah Fearne (son of 
Elizabeth); (Elizabeth Fearne (widow) came 
from Derbyshire, England, in 1682, and settled 
in Darby), and Sarah Blunston, and granddaugh- 
ter of John Blunston and Eleanor Brantrion. 
IV. Josiah Bunting married Sarah Hunt. V. Mar- 
tha Bunting (wife of James Andrews (1)). 

I. James Hunt, who came in 1684 from 
Kent, England, and settled in Kitigsessing, mar- 
ried Elizabeth Bonsall. II. James Hunt (2) 
married Rebecca Faucit, daughter of Walter 



876 



( nu\i: vmtATIVE BIOORAPUU AL RECORD. 



Faucit, who arrived at Chester as early as II 
and Rebecca Fearne, the latter a daughter of 
Elizabeth Fearne. III. John Hunt 12) mar- 
ried Elizabeth Sellers. IV. Sarah Hunt (wife 
of Josiah Buntini 

I. Samuel Sellers, who came from Derby- 
shire, England, in 1682, and settled in Darby 
township on land now in possession of his descend- 
ants, married Anna Gibbons, daughter of Henry 
Gibbons and wife Helen, who came from Derby- 
shire, England, in 1682, and settled in Darby 
township. II. Samuel Sellers, Jr., married 
Sarah Smith, daughter of John Smith, who came 
in [684 from Liecestershire, England, and set- 
tled in Darby township, and Elenor Dolby. 
III. Elizabeth Sellers (wife of John Hunt 

I. Robert Lloyd, who came to Pennsyl- 
vania in [863 from Wales, married Lowry Jones. 

II. Richard Lloyd married Hannah Sell 

III. Hugh Lloyd married Susanna Pearson. 

IV. Charles Lloyd married Frances Paschall. 
Y. Hannah Lloyd married Jame^ Audi 

VI Frances Lloyd Andrews (wife of William 
Pusey Marshall). 

I. Samuel Sellers married Anna Gibbons. 
II Samuel Sellers 12) married Sarah Smith, 
daughter of John Smith and Elenor Dolby. 
III. Hannah Sellers (wife of Richard Lloyd). 

I. John Blunston, who came in 1682 from 
Derbyshire, England, and settled in Darby, mar- 
ried Sarah . II. John Blunston, Jr., 

married Ann Hunt, daughter of James Hunt and 
Elizabeth Bonsall. III. Hannah Blunston mar- 
ried Thomas Pearson, son of Benjamin Pearson, 
who came from Yorkshire, England, about 1712, 
end Susanna Bui beck. IV. Susanna Pearson 
(wife of Hugh Lloyd). 

I. Thomas Paschall, who came from Bris- 
tol, England, to Philadelphia, married Joanna 
Sloper. II. Thomas Paschall man u-d Margar- 
et Jenkins, daughter of William Jenkins, who 
came from Turby, Wales, about 1682, and settled 
in Haverford, and Elizabeth Griffith, the latter 
a daughter of Lewis Griffith. III. John Pas- 
chall married Frances Hodge, daughter of Henry 
Hodge, "I Philadelphia, Penn., who was a son 
of Henry Hodge, of Antigua, and Frances Knight, 
the latter a daughter of ( hristopher Knight, of 
Antigua. IV. Dr. Henry Paschall married Ann 
P.Garrett. V. Frances Paschall married Charles 
Lloyd. VI. Hannah Lloyd (wife of James An- 
drews). 

I. John Garrett 1 wife Mary). II. William 
Garrett, who came in [684 from Liecestershire, 
England, and* settled in Darby, married Ann 
Kirke. III. Samuel Garrett married Jane Pen- 
nell, daughter of Robert and Hannah Pennell. 



IV. Nathan Garrett married Ann Knowles. 

V. Ann P. Garrett iwife of Dr. Henry Paschall 1. 
I. John Knowles, of Berkshire, England, 

married Elizabeth Newman, daughter of Paul 
Newman, of Berkshire. England. II. John 

• wles (2), who came from Berkshire, Eng- 
land, and settled in Oxford township, Philadel- 
phia, married Ann Paull, daughter of Joseph, 
who came from Somersetshire. England, about 
1686, and Margaret Paull. Ill Ann Knowles 
(2) (wife of Nathan Garrett). 

The ancestors of Margaret P. Marshall were 
English, Welsh and, possibly, French-Huguenot. 
The majority of these ancestors were Friends, or 
Quakers, the Marshalls from the time of George 
Fox. Hugh Lloyd, son of Richard, was a colonel 
of the Chester County Associators during the war 
of Independence. Later, he was twice elected 
a member of the State Legislature, but before 
the expiration of his second term he was com- 
missioned one of the judges of the courts of 
Delaware county, which office he filled for thirty- 
three years, resigning on account of old age 
December 31. 1825. In 1793 he was one of the 
Electors from Pennsylvania that elected, unani- 
mously, George Washington President of the 
United States for his second term. Through the 
Lloyds she traces her ancestry to the Princes of 
of Wales and the Kings of England: I. Will- 
iam, the Conqueror, King of England, and Ma- 
tilda, his wife, had a son, Henry I. Henry had 
a daughter Matilda, who married Geoffrey, Duke 
it Anjou. Matilda had a son, Henry II. Henry 
married Eleanor, and had a son, John. John 
married (second) Isabella. Their son, Henry 
III., married Eleanor. Then son, Edward I., 
married Eleanor, daughter of Ferdinand III., of 
Castile. Their daughter, Eleanor, married Henri, 
Count de Barr, of France. Their daughter, 
Eleanor de Barr, married Llewelyn ap Own 
ap Merededd, from Rhys ap Tudor, Prince of 
h Wales Their son, Thomas ap Llewelyn, 
married Eleanor, granddaughter of Llewelyn ap 
Griffith, Prince ol North Wales, and Eleanor 
Montfort, daughter of Simon de Montfort, Earl 
of Leicester. Their daughter, Eleanor, married 
Gruffydd Yychan IV.. Baron of Glyndyfrdwy. 
Their son. Lord of Gwyddelwern, married M. 
daughter of Ieuf ap Howel ap Ada. Their only 
daughter Lowry and heiress), married Gruffydd 
ap Einion of Corsygedoi in Merionethshire. 
Their son, Ellissau ap Gruffydd, married Mar- 

t, daughter and heiress of Jenkin ap Ieuan. 
Their daughter Lowrj married Reinallt ap 
Gruffydd ap Rhys, of Branas Uchaf. Their daugh- 
ter Mary married Robert Lloyd ap David Lloyd, 
of Gwern ol Brychdwyn. Their son, Thomas 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



877 



Lloyd, married Catharine, daughter of Robert 
ap Griffith. Their daughter Mary married 
Richard of Tyddyn Tyfod, who had a son, Rhys 
ap Richard. Who had a son, Griffith ap Rhys. 
Who had a son, Richard Price. Who had a 
daughter, Hannah, married Rees John William. 
Their daughter Lowry married Robert Lloyd 
(Pioneer in Pennsylvania). Their son Richard 
married Hannah Sellers. Their son Hugh mar- 
ried Susanna Pearson. Their son Charles 
married Frances Paschall. Their daughter 
Hannah married James Andrews. Their daughter 
Frances Lloyd married William P. Marshall; 
and their daughter Margaret P. Marshall married 
George G. Groff (our subject). 

Rhirid Flaidd,* Lord of Penllyn, married 
Gwenllian, daughter of Edynfed, Lord of 
Broughton. Their son Madog of Rhiwaedog, 
Lord of Penllyn, married Ardun, daughter of 
Philip ap Uchtrydd, Lord of Cyfeiliog. Their 
son Iorwerth, Lord of Penllyn, married Gwer- 
fyl, daughter of Pasgen ap Gwyn ap Gruffydd, 
Lord of Cidigfa, and Deuddwr. Their son, 
Madog ap Iorwerth, Lord of Penllyn married Eva, 
daughter of Griffith ap Einion ap Griffith. 
Their son Sir Gruffyd ap Madog, mar- 
ried Janet, daughter of Cynfelyn ap Dol- 
phin, Lord of Manofon. Their son, Sir Ievan 
ap Gruffyd, Knt, of Llanuwchllyn, and Cefn 
Treflaith in Llanstundwy, married Annesta, 
daughter of Llewelyn ap Einion ap Meiler Grug, 
Lord of Tref Gynon. Their son Ievan Vychan, 
of Llanuwchllyn, in the Comot of Penllyn, mar- 
ried Anne, daughter of Sir Griffith Vaughan, 
Knight Banneret, at Agincourt; and Lord of 
Burgedin, Garth, and Garth Fawr. Their son 
David ap Ievan Vychan, of Llanuwchllyn, mar- 
ried Gwenhwyfar, daughter of David Lloyd ap 
Howell, descended from Rhirid Flaidd, Lord of 
Penllyn. Their son, David Lloyd, ap David, of 
Llanuwchllyn and Llandderfel Penllyn, married 
(first) Annesta, daughter of Griffith ap Ievan. 
Their son, Robert Lloyd, of Mantfreur, in 
Llandderfth, Penllyn, married Mary, daughter of 
Reynold ap Griffith of Upper Branas. Their 
son, Thomas ap Robert Lloyd, married Cather- 
ine, daughter of Robert ap Griffith, ap Evan, 
derived from Marchweithian, Lord of Isaled. 
Their daughter Mary married Richard of Tyddin 
Tyfod, and had a son Rhys, ap Richard of Tyd- 
din Tyfod, alias Rees Richard. His son Griffith 
ap Rhys, of Tyddin Tyfod, married and had a 
son Richard Price (alias ap Rees, or Prees), of 
Tyddin Tyfod, who married and had a daughter 

"Rhirid Flaidd himself traced his line toGynedda Waledig. a native 
chieftain of Cumberland, who. according to the Triads, lived in the 
fourth century, and was one of the first to embrace Christianity, and who 
donated much land to the Christian missionaries. 



Hannah; she married Rees John William (alias 
Prees Jones of Merion, near Philadelphia). Their 
daughter Lowry married Robert Lloyd. Their 
son Richard married Hannah Sellers. Their 
son Hugh married Susanna Pearson. Their son 
Charles married Frances Paschall. Their daugh- 
ter Hannah married James Andrews. Their 
daughter Frances Lloyd married William P. 
Marshall, and their daughter Margaret P. Mar- 
shall married George G. Groff (our subject). 



OHN F. SCHOCH, a leading citizen of New 
Berlin, Union county, belongs to that numer- 
ous and important class of business men 
known as commercial travelers. A long term of 
service with the same firm shows his practical 
and effective work better than words could do, 
and the reward of his efforts is seen in a com- 
fortable competence and a beautiful and well- 
appointed home. 

Mr. Schoch is a descendant of a prominent 
pioneer family of Limestone township, Union 
county, his great-grandfather, Jacob Schoch, a 
son of Matthias Schoch, of Snyder county, hav- 
ing settled in that locality at an early day. 
Sem Schoch, the grandfather of our subject, was 
born at New Berlin, in 1805, and he and his wife, 
Esther Klose, reared there a large family, among 
whom was a son Charles, our subject's father, 
born October 1, 1828. Charles Schoch was 
married, in 1849, near Middleburg, Penn , to 
Miss Amelia Klose, a native of Snyder county, 
born March 18, 1830. She was a member of the 
well-known family of Daniel Klose, and a twin 
sister of Rev. Daniel Klose. After his marriage, 
Charles Schoch resided for some time at New 
Berlin where he was employed in a tannery be- 
longing to his father, but later he removed to 
Allenville, Penn., and, in 1855, went to the 
vicinity of Parkville, Mich., where he purchased 
a farm. He died there September 9, 1 860, his un- 
timely death cutting short a promising career. He 
was a devout Christian, a member of the Lu- 
theran Church, and was held in high esteem by all 
who knew him. His widow still lives near Park- 
ville, and of their seven children all but one 
survive. Alice, born July 27, 1850, married 
James M. King, deceased, of Three Rivers, Mich. ; 
William A., born December 31, 1851, resides at 
Petoskey, Mich. ; John F. is mentioned more 
fully farther on; Emma D., born December 31, 
1854, is the widow of George A. Young, of Bat- 
tle Creek, Mich.; Elizabeth J., born October 1, 
1856, married A. H. Thurston, and died at Nat- 
tawa, Mich.; Ida M. , born August 27, 1858, 
married Samuel Bennett, and resides near Park- 



878 



VOUATIVE BI0QRAP1WM. RECORD. 



ville, Mich.; Mary E., born April 2, i86t>, is the 
wife of Orville Daugherty, of Three Risers, 
Michigan. 

John F. Schoch was born July 19, 1853, 
while his parents were Living at Allenville, Penn., 
and as he was but a child ol two years when his 
parents removed to Michigan his education was 
begun there. When he was seven years old his 
father died and he returned to Pennsylvania to 
make his home with his paternal grandfather. at 
New Berlin, Ins studies being continued m the 
schools of that place. He entered upon his busi- 
ness career in 1S71 as a chrk in the store of H. 
I Miller, of Selins Grove, at a salary of eight 
dollars a month. Though inexperienced in com- 
mercial life he learned the business quickly, and 
after two years he accepted a situation as sales- 
man l'i Beates & Miller, wholesale druggists at 
Philadelphia. With th< ption of one year 

(1876), when he acted as bookkeeper, he has 
continued in the same position, Ins territory em- 
bracing much of centra] Pennsylvania. During 
tlii- quarter of century he has spent with this 
house, changes have been made in the owner- 
ship, the firm being now Miller & Lambert, but 
In-- faithful and diligent sen ice has been at all 
times appreciated. 

On September 25. 1S88, Mr. Schoch was 
married to Miss Lila A. Keeler, of Freeburg, 
I tin., and on January \z. [889, he located at 
New Berlin where he has ever since made his 
home. His resi • which has been thorough- 

ly remodeled, is without doubt as richlv and 
artistically furnished as any other in the county. 
No one can begrudge Mr. Schoch his well-earned 
prosperity, and certainly no one in New Berlin, 
where he passed his boyhood, can fail to rejoice 
in his success. He is at all times interested in 
local improvements, and is regarded as one of 
the progressive citizens of the town Politically 
his sympathies are with the Democratic party, 
but 1h is not a blind partisan, and votes for the 
best man, upon whatever ticket his name maybe 
placed. His interest in polil rids onl) to 

the support of the principles involved, and his 
active work ends with the depositing of his own 
ballot. Both Mr. and Mis. Schoch are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. 



HENRY FRICK HUNTER. Pride in an 
h irable tinea but an indication of 

just appreciation of values, and in this day when 
the worship of wealth threi to undermine 

our higher ideals, it should be encouraged as 
tending to emphasize more chivalric qualities 
The subject of this sketch, a prominent resident 



of Spring Garden. Union county, has an inter- 
esting genealogy, which will furnish a suitable 
introduction to his personal history. 

On the paternal side he is a grandson of Da- 
vid Hunter, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, 
who came to America at an early date, and mar- 
ried Isabella Patterson, of the Patterson manor, 
in Chester (now Lancaster; county, Penn. They 
settled at Spring Garden, where they maintained 
an elegant home, employing servants to do their 
work, an unusual thing in pioneer times. Their 
son, James P., our subject's father, married Mar- 
garet Montgomery, through whom our subject 
can claim descent from a still more remote an- 
cestr\. dating back to 1066, when William the 
[ueror invaded England. Several of his 
principal officers bore the name ,,| Montgomery. 
Of these, some remained in England, while others 
settled themselves in Ireland, and others again 
in Scotland; some of their descendants, in after 
is, emigrated to the English Colonies of 
North America, now the United Mates of North 
America, long before oui American Revolution- 
ary war of 1775-83, and then descendants are 
now found in every State and Territory of the 
United States. Among the members of this 
family we may mention especially Thomas Mont- 
gomery, an Irishman by birth, who married 
English lady, and lived in the City of Dublin, 
Ireland. He had three sons, named Alexander, 
John and Richard, and a daughter, who was mar- 
ried to Viscount Ranelagh. Alexander was an 
otiicer in the English army under Gen. Wolfe, 111 
tin' hard fought battle between Gen. Wolfe and 
Gen. Montcalm on the Plains of Abraham, at the 
city of Quebec, in Canada. North America, and 
wherein both of the said generals fell mortally 
wounded. Alexander, after his return t" Ire- 
land, represented the Countj Donegal, in Ire- 
land, in the British Parliament h>r forty success- 
sears. 11k brother [ohn was a noted mer- 
chant in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, and died 
there, while Richard, the third son. became an 
officer in the 17th Regiment of the British army, 
and was under Gen. Amherst at the taking of 
■ Breton, in North America, in the war be- 
tween France and England. In 1772 Richard 
Montgomery came t<> New York, purchased a 
farm at Kmgsbridge. and in Jul)'. 1773, he mar- 
ried Janet Livingston, the daughter of Robert R 
Livingston. At the conn ent of our Revo- 

lutionary war, Congress appointed Philip Schuy- 
ler major-general and Richard Montgomery brig- 
adier-general, at the special request of Gen. 
Washington. Schuyler and Montgomery were 
ordered to invade and conquer Canada, and 
hed at the head of their forces for said pur- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



879 



pose. Schuyler soon afterward became sick, 
which then gave Montgomery the command of 
the whole army, and he received his commission 
as major-general before he attacked Quebec. 
After making himself master of upper Canada, 
he advanced against Quebec, where he waited 
for reinforcements under the command of Gen. 
Benedict Arnold, and while so waiting his army 
was much reduced in number by the smallpox. 
On Arnold's arrival, Montgomery ordered Arnold 
to attack the upper part of Quebec, while he 
himself (Montgomery) attacked the fortifications 
of the lower part of the town. Montgomery and 
his two aides-de-camp fell mortally wounded, in 
front of his army, almost immediately on his 
making the attack, and through the courtesy of 
Gen. Carleton, of the British army, the body of 
Montgomery was buried within the walls of the 
city of Quebec, with the honors of war. His 
body remained there for forty-three years, but 
was then, in pursuance of a special Act of the 
Legislature of New York, removed from Quebec 
to the city of New York, and reburied, with a 
suitable monument erected to his memory. 

fn 1737, Robert Montgomery, the head of 
our subject's branch of the family, born about 
1705, emigrated from the County Armagh in Ire- 
land, with his wife Sarah and his children, and 
settled himself on or near the site of the present 
city of Harrisburg, in Lancaster (now Dauphin) 
county, Penn. He was one of the first grand 
jurors of Dauphin county. 

On October 15, 1776, he died, aged seventy- 
one years, and was buried in the Paxton Church 
cemetery, about three miles from Harrisburg, 
and on October 15, 1784, Sarah Montgomery, 
his wife, died, and was buried in the same place. 
They left five sons: William, Thomas, Hugh, 
David, and John; and three daughters — Mrs. 
Duncan, of Duncan's Island; Mrs. Nathan Pat- 
ton, of Milton, and Mrs. Gallagher. 

Our subject's great-grandfather was the fifth 
son of the aforesaid Robert and Sarah Montgom- 
ery, was born in Ireland, and was only four years 
of age when he came to America. He married, 
as we have already seen, Christiana Foster, of 
Lancaster county. Penn. About 1773 he ex- 
changed his improved farm in Dauphin county, 
for a large tract of wild land, owned by William 
Patterson, in Turbut township, in Northumber- 
land county, and soon afterward settled there on 
that part which now forms the farm of the heirs 
of Philip Raup, deceased. He built himself a 
small dwelling-house, made of stout hickory sap- 
lings, near the spring, and surrounded his house 
and spring with a stockade fence. He also built 
himself a small log barn on the east side of his 



house and spring. Said Patterson also owned 
several other tracts of land adjoining, but 
as he had valued this as being the best he 
called it Paradise. On July 28, 1779, about 
three hundred British and Indians attacked and 
burned down " Fort Freeland " on the Warrior 
Run creek about four miles from his home. On 
his being informed of what was going on at Fort 
Freeland, he made his escape with his wife and 
children to Dauphin county, Penn., where he 
rented a farm of John Harris, near the present 
city of Harrisburg, until 1783, when peace with 
Great Britain was declared; and he then returned 
to Northumberland county. On arriving there 
he found that the Indians had burned down all 
his buildings, and that Capt. William Rice and 
his forty German soldiers of Col. Lund Weltner's 
" German Battalion," sent to our frontiers in the 
fall of 1779, had built a nice two-story limestone 
building that enclosed his spring. He then 
made some alterations in and additions to said 
spring house building, and used it as a dwelling 
house. On November 8, 1792, he was killed at 
the age of fifty-eight years, by a tree falling on 
him while he was opening what was called " The 
Derry Road," leading from the town of Milton 
to Derry township, in Northumberland (now 
Montour) county. His widow, Christiana, died 
March 2, 1821, aged eighty years, and she and 
her husband both lie buried in the old Chillis- 
quaque graveyard. They had seven children as 
follows: Robert, John, William, David, Jane, 
Sarah, and Margaret. 

Robert Montgomery, our subject's grand- 
father, was born in 1762. About the year 1790 
he married Catherine Frick, a lady of German 
descent, of the town of Northumberland, and 
settled himself one mile east of grandfather's 
homestead. Catherine died on the 9th of Sep- 
tember, 1805, aged thirty-eight years, four 
months and five days, and was buried in the 
Warrior Run graveyard. About the year 1808, 
Robert married Mary Harrison, his second wife, 
and died on the first of December, 18 14, aged 
fifty-two years, and was buried in the Warrior 
Run graveyard. Robert Montgomery by his first 
wife, Catherine Frick, had two sons and four 
daughters named: John, David, Margaret, Cath- 
erine, Christiana and Sarah. 

Margaret Montgomery was born July 14, 
1794, and on July 9, 1S16, married James P. 
Hunter. They at first lived a mile east of Para- 
dise homestead, and adjoining the farm of Judge 
Montgomery, and afterward moved to the White 
Deer Hole Valley, where Margaret died on Feb- 
ruary 28, 1880, aged eighty-five years, eight 
months and twelve days, and was buried in the 



COMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Washington Church graveyard, in said Valley. 
|, m , s P. Hunter was born Apn 2, .794. » 
Northumberland county, and .hcd December .8, 
i8 75> aged eighty-one years.eight months and 
teen day" He was a miller and farmer in Gi 
township, Union county, for many years, locating 
there in 1809. For fifty years he owned and 
operated a pottery in the same township. He 
prominent in I hold.ng various 

offices^ and n. political affiliations was hrst a 
Whig and later a Republican. His wife was a 
d e VO ut member ol the Presbyterian Church. 
. bad eleven children: Robert, born April 
i 4 1817, died in .860; Isabel, born s, ,„,,„- 
ber 19, 1818, died August 9, .888; David born 
Ipril io, 1820. died May 10. .886; Edmi 
Burk. born May 2, 1822, died March .5. 1846; 
r hn is a grain merchant at Ashland, Penn., 
H U gh 1).. bom September n, 1826, died Janu- 
ary 22 1885; lames P., died in the town of Che- 
halis, Wash.. February 23, 1893; Henry F., 
mentioned more fully farther on; Thomas a 
plasterer, lives in Nebraska; Charles G born 
T U 1 V ,c ,835, died June 10, 1879; and Miss 
Sarah resides upon a portion of the old Hunter 
homestead at Spring Garden. 

Henry Frick Hunter was born October 7. 
,8->9 at the homestead in Gregg township, 
Union county, which was then a part of Lycom- 
ing county. He attended the local schools during 
bovhood, and remained at home until he reached 
his majority, his time being largely spent in as- 
sisting his father on the farm and in the pottery. 
\t twenty-one he went to Iowa where he worked 
at the potter's trade for two years, but he 
decided that there was no place like home, and 
turning he spent ten years with his father, 
managing the farm in summer and working in the 
pottery in winter. During the war he went to 
Virginia where he was employed for two years, 
by a sutler to give out provisions. Since return- 
ing to the North he has been engaged in farming, 
and during a part of the tune has also operated 
a pottery. Having become the owner of his 
father's plant he sold it in 1876, but in .890 he 
purchased another from the heirs of his br. 
Hugh and this he is still conducting, 
never taken an active part in political affairs 
gh he is a believer in the principles of the 
Republican party, and he has not at any time 
been a member of a fraternal order. Heisintei 
dint hurch work, however, and is 1 
the Presbyterian Congregation at Spring 

^oTjanuarv 1. 1879. he was married to Miss 

Esther McKee, who was born January 13, i»34. 

,,- Watsontown. Northumberland Co.. I enn. 



Her grandfather, Robert McKee. a native of Scot- 
land crossed the ocean with a brother George, 
and settled in Northumberland county, or. a farm 
where his remaining years were spent. His wife, 
Manha Walla,-,-, was a native of Perry county, 
Pennsylvania. Their son. George C Mrs. Hun- 
ter's father, was horn in Northumberland county 
an d remained there following agricultural pur- 
suits He was an active Republican, holding 
various local offices, and is a member oi the 
Presbyterian Church. He married Miss Mary 
Bennett, daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Wat- 
son) Bennett, both of whom were born and 
reared at the present site of Watsontown and 
, their marriage settled there upon a farm 
Mrs. Hunter was the eldest of a family of eight 
children. Of the others: James resides m Wat- 
sontown; Martha married her cousin, Robert Mc- 
Kee now a retired farmer living at Watsontown; 
, ane is the wife of Jacob Leisher, a farmer in 
Northumberland county; Mary married S. V. 
Gottshawl. a coach manufacturer at Wilhams- 
nort Penn. ; Miss Sarah resides with her brother; 
Henry P. and George are both farmers in 
Northumberland county. 



WI1 LIAM CHRISTIAN GRETZINGER, 
Ph B was born in Reading, Penn., 
Auenst-23. '866, and comes from a vigorous 
German ancestry who were among the hrst set- 
tlers in Berks county, Penn. His father v. 
Tohn Christian Gretzinger. the only son of Chris- 
tian and Christianna Gret/.inger. of Reading. His 
grandmother, Christianna Gretzinger, was a 
daughter of John Print*, an early settler of Read- 
in/ His mother was Amelia, daughter of J ere- 
mfahand Henrietta Went/el, the latter having 
been a daughter of Henry and Mary Le.nbach 
of Alsace township, Berks Co Penn. Mar 
Christianna. wife of Wilson Snyder, of Hyde 
Park (Berhart's P. O.), Berks county, and Will- 
iam Christian Gretzinger. were the only children 
,,, r hn C. and Amelia Gretzinger. 

Mr. Gretzinger (our subject) received hisrud- 
imentarj "' the public schools of 

Reading, aftei leaving which he took a course in 
the Reading Business College Later on be. en- 
tered 11 Institute, Reading, a ory 
ir college, and while at that institution 
nerecer 1,1 medal (or deportment After 
&nis hing Ins course he started to read law, but 
U the need ol a m.,re thorough preparation 
for Ins chosen profession he took a course at 
kiomen Seminary, from there entered Buck- 
nilll „ and was graduated from that in- 
stitution with a first-class oration in the Latin 





2? 

r r 




AjiJhZi-^^QjL^--' 



Registrar of Bucknell University. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



881 



Scientific Course with the class of 1889. Mr. 
Gretzinger received the Chaplain J. J. Kane 
prize, a gold watch, for the best graduating ora- 
tion, and also won the Junior Oratorical prize, 
whilst in college. 

During his college course Mr. Gretzinger was 
always active and prominent in all the important 
affairs of the University. In 1887 he founded 
the Commencement News. He was also the prime 
mover in founding LAgenda, in 188S, and be- 
came the business manager of that publication. 
He was assistant manager for one year and busi- 
ness manager of the Bucknell Mirror for two 
years, and served on the Board of Editors during 
his Senior year. 

In 1889, before his graduation, he was elected 
Business Agent (now called Registrar) of Buck- 
nell University, which position he has held with 
credit to himself and with honor to the institu- 
tion ever since. He has made the office what 
it is to-day. having systematized the business 
affairs of all the departments of the University 
under one central office with perfect satisfaction. 

On February 11, 1891, Mr. Gretzinger mar- 
ried Mary Adelaide Stoner, who graduated from 
Bucknell Institute with the class of 1887, and 
their marriage has been blessed by one daughter, 
Margaret Christine. Mrs. Gretzinger is the eld- 
est daughter of William Bruce Stoner, M. D., of 
Sunbury, and Margaret (Henderson) Stoner, of 
Hummelstown. 

While in college Mr. Gretzinger spent his va- 
cations either in reading law or doing work for 
city newspapers. For a time he was editor of 
the Lewisburg Chronicle. He was also editor of 
the Shield, the official organ of the Phi Kappa 
Psi fraternity. 

Mr. Gretzinger has always been actively 
identified with the interests of Lewisburg. He 
is a member of the town council. He is also a 
member of the Lewisburg Fire Department, and 
of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 96. He has been 
mentioned several times for political preferment 
in the Republican party, but has steadfastly de- 
clined such honors. Besides his secular duties, 
he still is able to devote time to religious mat- 
ters, being secretary of the board of trustees of 
the Lewisburg Baptist Church, and secretary 
of the Sunday-school. 



WALTER FAMILY, which is now numer- 
ously represented in this section, has an 
honorable reputation maintained through several 
generations of upright and useful citizenship. In 
the following address, read by Prof. F. C. Bow- 
ersox, of Middleburg, Snyder county, at a re- 

56* 



union of the Walter family held in September, 
1891, at Middleburg, we find such an interesting 
and accurate account that we venture to insert it 
in full: 

In seeking to go back, by the traces of recol- 
lection, to the period when the first impressions 
of the pioneers which from the history of the 
Walter family were made on our minds, we are 
carried so completely into the scenes of our in- 
fancy, that we feel like a child such as old tales 
tell of, who being lost in a forest tries to find his 
way back again by the possibly preserved track 
of a few grains of corn that he chanced to scatter 
on the ground as he came. To wander in these 
memories has, however, a pleasure of its own, 
many pleasant places presenting themselves to 
stop at, from whence to review with a sweet sad- 
ness, through the long vale of past days, some 
distant, lovely scene, under the soul-hallowed 
twilight of time — such scenes are peopled with 
beloved forms, living there before our heart's-eye; 
but, in reality, long removed from us into an 
eternal paradise. History, time's great chron- 
icler, breathes with ineffable delight the story of 
man's advent into the world. Prophecy declares 
that the seed of Abraham shall be as innumer- 
able as the stars of the firmanent, and the facts 
prove that the posterity of Jacob Walter, in the 
present census number hundreds of thousands, 
and constitute the largest kindred in the United 
States. 

Amid the ice-clad mountains of the kingdom 
of Wurtemberg, Germany, diversified by the 
picturesque scenery of the beautiful Rhine, Jacob 
was born on the 15th day of January, 1729. Be- 
ing of poor but sturdy parentage, the boy soon 
learned adversity's sternest lessons, and with a 
noble aim and honest face, as his only recom- 
mendation, we, in fancy, see him leave the hum- 
ble home to launch out into the temptation and 
trials of an active life as a tailor's apprentice, 
content in his chosen occupation, unmindful of 
his privations, courageous in his conduct, prepos- 
sessing in his appearance, he calmly passes from 
his teens into the glorious morning of manhood's 
estate. And while no vain ambition racks his 
brain and destroys his future prospects, he hon- 
orably emulates the skill of his fellow-craftsmen, 
inspiring their confidence and esteem and win- 
ning their warmest friendship. Laboring patient- 
ly on, he forms new associations, greets new 
friends and while at some village gathering, or 
in some humble hamlet, Apollo gently strikes the 
golden Lyre, Cupid draws his bow, the arrow 
hits the heart and Jacob Walter is deeply in love 
with Maria Kauffman. I imagine a short court- 
ship follows, visions of a home fill his thoughts 



B82 



COMMKM0I1A TIVE BIWUIAI'IIH AI. UECOIiD. 



by day and dreams of enduring happiness by 
night. Proposals are made and accepted, and on 
the 24th day of July, 1757, the happiest day in 
his life, Jacob Walter and Maria Kauffman are 
made one in wedded bliss. Continuing in his 
trade, he works faithfully to maintain himself and 
wife and to secure the long-desired home. But 
ere that happy end is attained, a welcome little 
visitor appears to gladden the heart of the fathei 
and grace the bosom of the mother. But bow 
quickly the picture of earthly opulence is 
ruined, competition grows greater, the paltry 
wages earned will scarcely meet the neces- 
expenditures of his household. No open hand 
of relief stands ready to help. Great sacrifices 
must be made; poverty stares him in the face and 
all seems desolation, when at last, a report, 
properly authenticated, comes from England to 
Germany declaring that in America are millions 
of broad acres to be cultivated, and offering free 
passage to all families who will go there. Bi 
suddenly seized with a burning desire to immi- 
grate to the New World, Jacob soon secured his 
passports, agreed to pay hi- in a limi 

time, and with family and portable possessions, 
left the endearing scenes of childhood and youth 
and set sail on Ocean's turbulent waves; after a 
two-months' voyage they land at Philadelphia, 
homeless, friendless, penniless and grief-stricken, 
for far out in the depths of Atlantii 's chilling bil- 
ious, lay the remains of what once was a father's 
pride and a mother's comfort. 

Leaving the din and bustle of the city behind 
them, the}- pushed forward to the fertile acres 
of Lancaster county. Settling there for a time, 
they soon hear that richer fortunes lie to the 
rthward, and rather liking the adventure prom- 
ised in a prospecting journey, they accordingly 
leave Lancaster county, then the western civili- 
zation, plunge deeper and deeper still into the 
gloomy wilderness, never desponding, never com- 
plaining until the peaceful shades of a tall white 
oak tree, standing on the property now possessed 
b\ 1-a ii Swarm, was reached. Under its invit- 
ing foliage a small tent was erected, a home once 
more established, and thousands of acres of land 
secured under the homestead law then in fori 
\\ ith his gun and axe, Jacob Walter provides for 
his family. One giant after another kisses the 
breeze foi the last time, then falls at the stroke 
of the axe, and is soon transformed into a rafter 
to complete his newly erected log house. The 
unerring aim of that trusty gun brings down the 
fleet-footed deer, and the odor of the sweet veni- 
son steaks prepared in that humble home render 
the air redolent with fragrance. Clearing acre 
after acre, sowing seed after seed, he labored 



from early morning till the shadows of evening 

fell, and while vague yearnings of ambition may 
fail as he grows older in years, and dreamy fan- 
cies hang like cloud cities around him, yet the 
curtain of existence is slowing but surelv rising 
in many-colored splendor and gloom, and the 
ethereal light of God's love is gilding his horizon, 
and the music of song is on his path as he walks 
in glory and in joy behind his plough upon the 
mi mntain side. 

Time rolled on. Twelve sons and two daugh- 
ters blessed his union with Maria Kauffman. 
And, with the additional aid thus raised, heerect- 
, ed the first linseed mill for the manufacture of 
oil in this section of Pennsylvania. By judicious 
management he was enabled to keep a small force 
engaged in cutting down the mighty forest, burn- 
ing the timber, splitting rails, tilling the soil, 
manufacturing the oil. while he still found a few- 
spare moments to follow his trade, that of mak- 
ing buckskin pantaloons. 

With increased aid came greater wealth, and 
after harvesting the grain and converting it into 
cash, one autumn day he started for the village 
of Reading, perhaps to remove the last and only 
lien the government held on his thousands of 
acres. It appears to me, as he mounted the 
steed at the door of his humble home, while the 
anxious family gathered round to press their sad 
farewells, an earnest prayer went up to God t o 
protect those loved ones from hostile hand and 
restore in safety to their sweet embrace their n< >w 
departing father. Recognizing the providence of 
Almighty God in his signal delivery from Indians 
and wild beasts, he resolves to commemorate his 
safe return, and to enshrine his memory in the 
hearts of his children by the presentation of a 
large Bible, costing $10, to each of his ten liv- 
ing sons, so that, notwithstanding the absence of 
schools, they may be taught the habit of well- 
directed reading, which, in time, would become a 
source of the greatest pleasure and self-improve- 
ment, and exercise a gentle coercion, with the 
most beneficial results, over the whole tenor of 
their character and nature. 

With the destruction of the forests came the 
glimmering rays of civilization. The country 
began to be more thickly populated. Young 
people became more sociable, because of more 
frequent opportunities presenting themselves for 
friendly intercourse with their neighbors. Plans 
were laid, suggestions made, decisions determined, 
and the conclusion attained is, that younger 
shoulders must assume the cares and responsi- 
bilities of pioneer life. The storms and hurri- 
canes of many winters are rapidly revealing their 
painful tale in the silver tresses of father's head. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



883 



That frame once so erect is now stooped and 
bent. That step once so firm and elastic is now 
feeble and tottering. Mother, too, has a few 
more furrows engraved on that calm and noble 
brow. Her cares and labors for so large a fam- 
ily are too distressing. She needs more aid to 
lighten her burdens in the kitchen, at the wash 
tub and in the garden. Father also desires to 
lay off the responsibilities of the farm, to cease 
from its active management, and to repose in his 
declining years in comparative comfort and ease. 

The manly sons, perceiving the fast approach- 
ing inevitable, determine to hasten the relief by 
assuming the burdens and cares of the parents. 
David, accordingly, speaks more affectionately to 
Susanna Everhart; John and Joseph hasten with 
lighter step to the Misses Kern; Philip pays 
closer attention to Miss Bowersox; Henry gayly 
climbs the wood-covered hills to the home of 
Miss Mertz; Jeremiah finds the Pearl of the 
Price's; Christian walks in living faith by the 
side of Miss Swartz; Jacob follows the course of 
the setting sun to Miss Lauver; and Michael ca- 
ressingly clings to Miss Varick. Not content 
with the inroads already made in the Walter 
family, affection led Daniel Hassinger to seek 
the blushing Elizabeth, and Mr. Stroub the timid 
Mary. With the greatest joy each wedding day 
is announced, the nuptials in succession tied, the 
parental blessing bestowed, the land divided, and 
each son and daughter leave the home of so 
many joys and sorrows to carry to a higher state 
of cultivation his farm, which was the well-ap- 
pointed gift of the father, and there rear their 
families in the beneficent atmosphere of personal 
freedom. 

The pioneer fathers, perceiving the necessity 
of greater educational facilities than those af- 
forded by the hearth and fireside, endeavored to 
establish a school. I imagine the undertaking to 
be no little difficulty since the children would be 
compelled to travel several miles to any central 
point among the few settlers. The idea was 
abandoned for awhile, and an improvised school 
held at a neighbor's house, but at last through 
the generosity of one Simmons, a tract of land, 
now owned by the Lutheran Church of the Gen- 
eral Council, commonly known as Hassinger's 
Church, was devised for the erection thereon of 
school and church buildings as well as for the 
maintenance of the same. Probably, a good 
school having been established for the following 
season in some neighbor's house, the church 
building was the first to materialize on the de- 
vised lands. Jacob Walter, Mr. Hassinger and 
Mr. Maurer constituted a committee to superin- 
tend building of the log church situated on the 



exact site where the third (present) church now 
stands. Mr. Walter, living with Christian, to 
whose lot the old homestead fell, became obliv- 
ious to the duties of the farm and devoted the 
whole of his attention to the Church enterprise. 
Through unrelenting industry, the corner stone 
was laid. One log after another finds its ap- 
pointed place upon the foundation. The sides 
gradually rise toward the heavens. The Church 
is completed, dedication day appointed, and one 
fine autumnal day, gathering in from many miles 
around, came a happy people, to dedicate to the 
worship of the Triune God the noblest monu- 
ment of Christian evidence from Christian peo- 
ple. 

A fewmore years, and time, youth's great dis- 
poiler, wreaks its vengeance into the emaciated 
form of Father Walter. Standing on the outside 
of his simple, unpretentious home, encircled with 
meadow and field pure with the white mantle of 
winter, he admiringly gazes for the last time at 
the beautiful pine tree in the front yard, laden 
with the fleecy flakes of snow and glistening like 
a diamond as the rays of sunshine fall upon it. 
Inside, was quiet, cleanliness, thrift and comfort. 
I imagine there was the old clock that had wel- 
comed in steady measure every newcomer to the 
family, that had ticked the solemn requiem of 
the dead, and had kept company with the watch- 
ers at the bedside. There were the big restful 
beds, and the old open fireplace, and the old 
family Bible, thumbed with the fingers of hands 
soon to be still and stained with the tears of eyes 
soon to be closed, holding the simple annals of 
the family, and the heart and the conscience of 
the home. Christian, the master of the home, 
now comes from the woods to his loved ones, 
the aged and perhaps trembling father, happy in 
the heart and home of his son, lays his hand down 
on the young man's shoulder, as they start to 
the house. And as they got to the door, the old 
mother came with the sunset falling fair on her 
face and lighting up her deep patient eyes, while 
with lips trembling with the rich music of her 
heart, she bade her husband and her son wel- 
come to their home. Beyond was the house-wife 
busy with her household cares clean of heart and 
conscience, the buckler and helpmeet of her hus- 
band, trooping home after the cows, seeking, as 
truant birds do, the quiet of their home nest. 
And as we look on that picture, we see the night 
come down on that house, falling gently as from 
the wings of the unseen dove, and the old man, 
while a startled bird called from the forest, and 
the trees were shrill with the cricket's cry. and 
the stars were swarming in the sky, gathered the 
family around him, and taking the old Bible from 



884 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



the table called them to their knees, while he 
closed the record of that simple day by calling 
down God's benediction on his absent sons and 
daughters, on that family and that home. That 
night the rider on the " Pale Horse," and in the 
stillness of the morning hour, death broke the 
thread of life, and on the 23rd day of January, 
$, the spirit of Jacob Walter left the tene- 
ment of earthly clay. His age was seventy-1 
years and eighteen days. Weeping relatives and 
friends gathered round. Preparations for the 
funeral obsequies were made, and in a few days 
all that was earthly of Ja< ob Walter was laid to 
rest in Hassinger's cemetery. At the head of 
that sacred tomb, loved ones soon raised the tirst 
marble tablet in the cemetery, to perpetuate his 
memory. At the foot, some kindly hand planted 
an apple tree, whose spreading branches bending 
with the load of golden fruit continue to magnify 
the generous gifts of him who slumbers beneath 
their peaceful shade. 

The character of Jacob Walter was that of a 
typical Christian German. His usefulness, 
th< nigh confined to the humble spheres of life, 
made bright the path of those who surrounded 
him. His courage was as firm and steadfast as 
the everlasting hills, and while his neighbors fled 
for safety from savage attack, Mr. Walter trust- 
ing in Divine aid, manfully stood his ground. At 
one time an alarm was circulated that the In- 
dians would massacre the whites in this section. 
All the other settlers immediately left for the 
fort at Northumberland, but Mr. Walter being 
without a proper conveyance, and it being in 
harvest time, was unable to go, At this time he 
had four mown sons. After the settlers left, two 
of the boys were stationed to watch for Indians 
and sound the alarm if necessary, while the father 
and other two cut the grain. Upon the return 
of the settlers, Mr. Walter and sons were threat- 
ened a second time with a more certain death, 
since having escaped the tomahawk of the In- 
dian, they were open to the suspicion of the set- 
tlers, who seeing they had escaped from savage 
brutality, believed that Mr. Walter had conspired 
with the Indians, who permitted them to hat 
their grain while the neighbors were left desti- 
Similar perils attended him for years, but 
with fearless tread, he kept boldly on, surmount- 
ing every obstacle until, at the end of life, he was 
able to write in glittering characters. " I have 
fought the fight, I have kept the faith and I have 
the en iwn. " 

1 1 David Walter (1 I a ol [acob was 

born July 15, i,~ r, 4- died December 9, [838, 
itj -seven years, one month and twenty- 
seven days. In youth he married Susanna Ever- 



hart. and the union was blessed with ten childi 
He lived on a farm where Phares Shambach now 
lives, and which originally comprised 500 acres 
of land. David enlisted as a soldier in the Revo- 
lutionary war, and served faithfully in giving 
decent burial to the victims of the famous 
Wyoming Massacre. 

(1) David Walter, Jr., was the proud father 
of the following ten children: Wilhjelmina, 
Elizabeth, Daniel D., Leah (who married Henry 
Moyer), Catharine, Mrs. J. M. Jordan, Samuel 
(living in Ohio, Lydia who married John Deob- 
Amos and Eno. 

2 Philip (son of David, Sr. 1 was the happy 
progenitor of the following ten children: Daniel 
(who died while a soldier in the Civil war). Henry 
(living in Indiana), Absalom and Solomon (who 
settled in the West), Jacob (who died in the 
Civil war), Abraham. Isaac. Joseph and Napo- 
leon (all living in the West), and Elizabeth. 

(3) Frederick D. (son of David, Sr. ) had the 
following seven children: Wilhelmina who mar- 
ried George Stahlnecker), Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob 
Bowersox), Catharine (Mrs. Solomon Walter), 
Mary (Mrs. Samuel B. Walter), Enos, Reuben, 
and Sarah (who married Henry Hackenberi; . 

(i John D. (son of David, Sr. ) had the fol- 
lowing eleven children: Fanny (who man 
Uriah Berger), Washington (now in the West), 
Catharine (who married John Reisht, Susanna 
i Mrs. Uriah Weirick), Moses (a minister, de- 
ceased), Lephinius (residing in Penn township . 
Sophia who married Reuben Steminger. and was 
the grandmother of the famous Steminger prod- 
ig) 1. Harriet (who married Mr. Neffi, Marietta 
wife of Jefferson Bowersox), Harrison, and 
Henry. 

(5) Deitrich, commonly known " Deeter " 
(son of David, Sr. ), had but one child, who lived 
to raise a family of his own, Ephraim, who at 
present lives in Centreville. 

George ison of David. Sr. 1 was born May 
7, 1S09, died May 26. 1865, aged fifty-six years' 
and nineteen days. He had the following ten 
children: Jacob G., William 1111 Indiana , A 
lia 1 married Levi Bowersox). Jonathan 

ph 1 in Indiana), Elizabeth (married Berne- 
ville Bowersox), Fred G. , Catharine (living in 
Michigan . Mary (married Adam Walter), Levi 
in Michigan ,. 

Simon (son ol David, Sr 1 had three sons: 
Abraham, Samuel and Edward, and several 
daughters. 

Elizabeth daughter of David. Sr. ) mar- 
ried David Weirick, and moved to Ohio; no 
childi 

Catharine (daughter of David, Sr. 1 mar- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



8S5 



ried Mathias Swartz, and settled in Juniata coun- 
ty; number of children unknown. 

(10) Maria (daughter of David, Sr.) married 
Christian Shambach, by whom she had twelve 
children: Daniel (in Ohio), David, George, 
Jesse, Polly (who married Reuben Snyder), 
Isaac and Jacob (residing in Indiana), Elizabeth 
(who married Benjamin Lose), John and 'Will- 
iam, Lydia (who married Reuben Fisher), and 
Henry (who died in the Civil war). 

(11) Henry Walter (son of Jacob, the pioneer 
head of the family) was born June 13, 1772, near 
Middleburg, and died May 12, 1840, aged sixty- 
two years, ten months, twenty-nine days. He 
married Miss Mertz, and their union was blessed 
with nine children: Jesse, William, George, 
Henry, Samuel, Abraham, David and John H., 
and Wilhelmina. Henry was in his latter days 
a merchant, and resided where Gabriel Beaver 
now lives in Middleburg. He died very suddenly 
while feeding the chickens in the back yard. 
(1) Jesse (eldest son of Henry) had the following 
children — Mary (deceased), Rose (who married 
Frank Lilly), Maggie (Mrs. S. S. Schoch), Jane 
(Mrs. W. W. Wittenmeyer), and Frank (who is a 
railroader in the West). (2) William had the 
following four children — Jonathan, Judith, Kate, 
and Joel. (3) George had the following six chil- 
dren — William, Mrs. Jonathan Frederick, Caleb, 
Solomon, Thomas, and Bossier. (4) Henry, Jr. , 
had the following children — Catharine (who mar- 
ried Solomon Powell), Noah, Mary (who married 
David Hummel), Levi, Elias. Mary (who married 
Joseph Hoffman), Sarah (who married George 
Bolig), and Elphina (Mrs. Jacob Wetzel). (5) 
Samuel had the following two children — Sarah 
(who married David Gross), and Barbara (who 
married Allen Thomas). (6) Abraham had eight 
children — Mary (who married Mr. Mensch) So- 
phia (Mrs. Aaron Klose), Harriet (Mrs. Jonathan 
Sanders), Dr. Eyer, Thomas, Henry, Jackson 
and John (all of whom live in Union county). 
(7) David had nine children — Emanuel, James, 
Valentine, Josephat, Longinius, Vitalius, Aaron 
C, Wilhelmina, and Malinda. (8) John H. had 
nine children — Samuel B., Adam B., Mary (who 
married John Beachel), Leah (Mrs. John Hart- 
man), Paul, Catharine (Mrs. Nathaniel Walter), 
Rachel (Mrs. Harry Bowersox), Phcebe (Mrs. J. 
M. Bingaman), and Job. (9) Wilhelmina, daugh- 
ter of Henry, and youngest child of the above 
family, married John Frey, by whom she had 
children — Sophia (who married Jesse Shambach, 
of Snyder county), and Magdalena (who married 
John Bowersox, of Snyder county). 

III. John (son of Jacob, the pioneer) was in 
early youth married to Miss Kern, and was pre- 



sented with the farm where Maxwell Bowersox 
now lives. He reared a family of five sons as fol- 
lows: John and Michael (both ministers), Ga- 
briel, Jonas and William. There were also sev- 
eral daughters. 

IV. Philip (son of Jacob) married a Miss 
Bowersox; he received as his share of the es- 
tate the farm where Nathaniel Walter now lives. 
He has quite a number of children, but we have 
the names of only: Andrew and Sophia. (1) 
Andrew had the following children — Sophia (de- 
ceased), Hettie (who married Emanuel Walter), 
Susanna (wife of Moses Frey), and Nathaniel. 
(2) Sophia (daughter of Philip) married Jacob 
Bowersox, by whom she had the following chil- 
dren — Elizabeth (who married Joel Lose), Levi, 
Berneville, Harry, Jefferson, Edward and Amelia, 
the majority of whom are now residing in Ohio, 

(V) Jeremiah (son of Jacob) lived on a farm 
now owned by Henry Hartman, northwest of 
Middleburg. His union with Miss Price was 
blessed with three children: Adam, Jeremiah (de- 
ceased), and Jacob (who moved to the West). 
(1) Adam resided on the old homestead. His 
children are — Jesse (who lives in Illinois), John, 
Elizabeth (who married Amos Gift), Catharine 
(Mrs. Jacob Eisenhower), Amelia (who married 
William Shambach), Adam, Jeremiah, David, and 
Mary (who married Henry Hackenberg). 

(VI) Jacob (son of Jacob) married a Miss 
Lauver, and shortly thereafter moved to Centre 
county. He had a numerous family as follows: 
Jonathan, William, Michael Conrad, Daniel, 
Jacob, Martin, Benjamin, Peter, and several 
daughters. After his death, his family returned 
and settled in Centre township. 

(VII) Conrad (son of Jacob) had two chil- 
dren: Jefferson and Catharine (the latter now 
deceased). 

(VIII) Michael (son of Jacob) married Miss 
Rearich, and lived for a time on a farm where 
Daniel Benfer now lives. He had the following 
children: Abraham, Elizabeth, and Mary. (1) 
Abraham had five children — Aaron, Louisa (who 
married Jacob Guinn), Edward (a resident of 
Union county), Noah (deceased), and Amanda. 

(IX) Joseph (son of Jacob) married Miss 
Kern, and resided for some time on the farm now 
owned by John W. Walter, but later he moved 
to Selins Grove. He had the following chil- 
dren: Joseph, Deitrich, Abraham, Edward, 
Catharine, Elizabeth, Susan, and Sophia. (1) 
Deitrich had the following children— Aaron (now 
residing in Ohio), Joseph, John W. , Elizabeth (de- 
ceased), Edward (deceased), and Amanda (married 
John Stathnecker). (2) Abraham had two 
children — Aaron and Jane (both of whom are 



SSIJ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



now living at Corning, N. Y.). (3) Edward had 
two children — Burdette and Flora. (4) Cath- 
arine married John Reitz, by whom she had the 
following children — Amelia (who married Reuben 
Decker), John, Mary who married Simon Deck- 
er), Isaac, Edward, Susanna (who married Mr 
Wagner), and Catharine (who married Mr. Price), 
the last two residing in Michigan. (5) Elizabeth 
married Jacob Bolender, by whom she had the 
following children- Eve (who married John W. 
Remunger), Catharine (Mrs. P. S. Reigle), 
Chas A., and Emma (deceased). (6) Sophia 
married Samuel Stouffer, by whom she had the 
following children — Emma (deceased), Violetta 
(who married Alex. Bowersox), Mary, and 
Charles. 

1 \ 1 Christian (son of Jacob married Miss 
Swart/., and lived on the old homestead, and 
there they reared the following children : 
Christian, John, Jacob C. , Isaac, Catharine, 
Sophia Judith, Mary, Amelia, and Malinda. (1) 
n had the following children — Reuben, 
Jacob F., Barbara (wife of S. H. Voder), and 
Sarah (wife of Robert Keelerj. (21 John had 
the following children — Cassandra 1 who married 
Hiram Kantz), Fred (deceased), and Jane (who 
married fohn Hilbish). (3) Jacob C, the only 
surviving son of this family, had the follow 
children Serena (who married Reuben linyii, 
Ira (who now lives on the farm), and Adelia who 
married George Shaeffer). (4) Isaac had the 
following children — Alfred, Emma Mrs. Thomas 
Hilbish), Thomas (deceased). Christian and 
Amelia who married Main Miller). (5) Judith 
married Benjamin Wittenmcycr, by whom she 
had the following children — Amanda, Mary who 
married Dan Crouse), John \\\, Amelia (who 
married L. M. Moal I, and Kate (who married 
Dr. I. G. Barber). (6) Mary married Aaron 
Metier, by whom she had three daughters and 
five sons — John F., Calvin, George 1'. Henrj 
S . and one who died in infancy. (7) Malmda 
married Jacob A. Smith, by whom she hail the 
following children: Savilla (who married Wil- 
liam Freyman), Henrietta (Mrs. Jacob Heintzle- 
man), Rose (Mrs | eph Reihl), Ammon, Lilly, 
Josephaiwho married Nelson Gutelius), Izora, 
Carrie (who married Thompson Hilbish), and 
Alvin (the youngest of the fourth generation). 

Doubtless from the many sources that in- 
formation has been obtained concerning this re- 
markable family there are still many persons 
who claim the proud distinction of their connec- 
tion to the Walter family. We would say that 
if any such there be, we have not purposely 
omitted you, and shall be pleased to have you 
notify us at your earliest opportunity. Suffice it 



to say that the posterity of Jacob Walter now 
numbers six generations, and from the seven 
generations in this country we look in pride to 
the sturdy yeomanry cultivating the fields of 
Snyder, to the thrifty merchants behind the 
counters, to the faithful operators at the electric 
key, to the honest business men behind the desk, 
and as we look, to-day, we hear coming from the 
corn shocks of Illinois, from the machine shops 
of Indiana, from the fertile sands of Michigan, 
and from the rolling plains of Ohio, the generous 
praises of sons and daughters proud in the name 
" Walter." 

We will now trace the history of LONGINDS 
Walter, a substantial citizen of Limestone 
township, Union county, who is a great-grandson 
of Jpcob, the original settler, and a grandson of 
Henry Walter. David H. Walter, his father, 
was born about December 30, 1801, in Snyder 
county, in what is now Franklin township, then 
Centre. He learned the trade of a wagon maker 
and wheelwright, but after following it some years 
he engaged in agricultural pursuits in Union 
township, Union county, where he purchased a 
homestead in [832. At one time he made his 
home near Wintield, in Union township, Union 
county. Prosperity rewarded his efforts, an 1 at 
his death, which occurred in Franklin township, 
Snyder county, in 1864. at the age of sixty-three, 
he left a handsome competence. He was a 
member of the U. B. Church, and, in political 
faith, was first a Whig, and later a Republic 
His wife, Catherine Phillips, who was born 
March 17, 1807, died May 25, 1895. Of 'heir 
children mentioned above: Emanuel and James 
P. both died in Limestone township. Valentine 
is a resident of Centreville, Penn. Jemima 
married Jacob H. Steininger, and died in Snyder 
county. Longinus is mentioned more fully below. 
Joseph resides in Middleburg, Snyder county. 
Yitalis lives in Northumberland county, Penn. 
Malinda married J. J. Steininger, and died at 
Hart let on. Aaron C. lives near Centreville. 

Longinus Walter was born in Snydei 1 ounty, 
December I, 1838, and first attended school at 
Middleburg. Except for certain times when he 
worked for his brothers, he remained at home 
until his marriage, on February 4, 1S64, to Miss 
Sophia Klose, then of Union county. She was 
horn in Beaver township, Snyder county, Novem- 
ber 4, 1837 (the daughter of Jacob and Leah 
Hassinger Klose), and was but a child when her 
parents settled in Limestone township, Union 
county. After his marriage Mr. Walter and his 
wife began housekeeping at Centreville, Snyder 
county, but it was not long before he returned to 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



887 



the homestead, of which he took charge for three 
years, his father having died. In 1867 he pur- 
chased a portion of his father's estate, and has 
since cultivated it. The tract comprises 106 
acres, and is well improved, Mr. Walter having 
built a handsome residence in 1893, while a new 
barn and other buildings show liberal and wise 
expenditure for the work of the farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter have had two children: 
AmmonK., born January 12, 1865, now at home; 
and Lewis E., born October 10, 1869, who is a 
professor in the schools of Marietta. Since 1889 
Mr. Walter and his wife have had in their family 
a little girl, Nora E. Walter, who was born Feb- 
ruary 2, 1883. 

The family attend the United Evangelical 
Church, of which Mrs. Walter is a member, as 
are also her sons. In politics Mr. Walter is a Re- 
publican, and he has held various local offices. 
For many years he has served as assessor, and he 
has also done much to improve the educational 
facilities in his district while acting as school 
director. He is regarded as one of the repre- 
sentative agriculturists of his locality, and as a 
citizen he is highly respected for his intelligence 
and his sterling character. 



C^HARLES H. GUTELIUS, M. D. This 
_# patronymic has been a familiar one in Union 
county from pioneer days, the family tracing its 
descent from Frederick Gutelius, one of the first 
settlers of Mifflinburg. He came from Lancas- 
ter county, Penn., in early manhood, and mar- 
ried a Miss Goodyear, by whom he had twelve chil- 
dren: Frederick, William, Israel, John, Henry, 
Joseph, George, Andrew, Rev. Samuel, Eliza- 
beth, Catherine and Sarah. By profession he 
was a druggist and surveyor. 

Frederick Gutelius, had a brother, John Peter 
Gutelius, who came over in the ship "Nancy," 
August 31, 1750, from Rotterdam, and is buried 
at Manheim, Lancaster county. On his tomb- 
stone are inscribed these words: "Here lies an 
eminent surgeon and physician." The name 
Gutelius is proverbial as a Church-going people. 
The old stock were mostly devoted members of 
the Reformed Church, of which the Heidelberg 
catechism was their symbol of faith. In poli- 
tics they were Old-line Whigs, strong protec- 
tionists, and lastly Republican; always standing 
for loyalty for the flag of their country, no truer 
patriots could be found. 

The eldest of this large family was born in 
Mifflinburg, in 1796, and on reaching manhood's 
estate married Miss Lydia Crotzer, of Mifflin- 
burg. The occupation of Frederick Gutelius 



was that of weaving fine linens and carpets. He 
spent the most of his life in the town of Mifflin- 
burg, where he died in 1865. He was the father 
of ten children: Thomas, William, John, Caro- 
line (now Mrs. Shriner), Catherine (now Mrs. 
Faust), Jacob, Samuel, Charles H., and Joseph, 
who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg; and 
Miss Lydia, who resides at the old homestead. 

Dr. Charles H. Gutelius was born in Mifflin- 
burg, November 18, 1836, and received his early 
education in the public schools of that town; in 
1S62 he enlisted as a private soldier in Company 
D, 150th P. V. I., the far-famed " Bucktail 
Regiment," also his two brothers, Samuel and 
Joseph, Samuel being appointed second lieuten- 
ant. The company was first detailed to guard 
duty for President Lincoln at his summer resi- 
dence at the Soldiers' Home, about three miles 
north of the city of Washington. Mrs. Lincoln 
showed her appreciation of the boys by many 
kind words and distribution of lunch which the 
boys highly appreciated. The boys displayed 
great courage and valor on the battle field. On 
the first day of the battle of Gettysburg, Joseph 
Gutelius was in command of the color-guard, 
and during that dreadful struggle for supremacy 
on that day, one after the other of color-bearers 
being shot down, the duty devolved upon him to 
bear aloft the stars and stripes; he, although 
severely wounded, still clung to the flag of his 
country. As the Rebels were driving them 
through the town of Gettysburg he sat down upon 
a doorstep weary and faint from loss of blood, and 
was there bayoneted by a Rebel soldier, and 
the flag taken from his body. Strange to say, 
this same flag was found in the baggage of Jeffer- 
son Davis when he was captured, and is now in 
the capitol at Harrisburg. 

Dr. Charles H. Gutelius was discharged for 
disability before the close of the war, and re- 
turned home. After he regained his health he 
began the study of dentistry under the tutorship 
of Drs. Harter and Swartz, of Centre coun- 
ty. In 1 87 1 he started for Denver, Colo., for 
his health, and while there studied under Dr. 
Mobery, an Englishman, who was a graduate of 
both medicine and dentistry. Having spent two 
years in Denver, Colo., Dr. Gutelius returned to 
Mifflinburg, Penn., the home of his birth, and 
opened out an office, and although there were 
two dentists in the town they soon decided to 
leave the field. For about seventeen years he 
was the only dentist in Mifflinburg, but of late 
years he has been glad to turn over a portion of 
his practice to younger hands, he only doing 
some special work for old friends, as his health 
will permit. 



m 



COMMtWnitA TIYF. BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Dr. Gutelius has been twice married, first to 
Miss Lydia Motz, of Woodward, Centre county, 
who died leaving one child, Elizabeth F. Gute- 
lius. now residing in Denver, Colo.; she has 
imbibed the fondness of travel from her mother 
who crossed the Plains with an ox-team, and 
invested largely in real estate in Denver City, 
then in its infancy; within the last few years 
the daughter has done the same. The Doctor's 
present wife was formerly Miss Euphemia Mc- 
of New Bloomfield, Perry county, a de- 
scendant of a Scotch-Irish family, intelligent 
and of most excellent standing, displaying great 
musical ability, ex-Judge Barnett being an uncle, 
while lawyers and doctors are related to it. 



ffELANCTHON MENCH. Among the fine 
old estates around which cluster the mem- 
ory of many years of unbroken family life is the 
Mench homestead in Limestone township, Union 
county, of which the subject of this biography is 
now the owner. The family is descended from 
Christian Mench. who came from Germany dur- 
ing the Colonial period, and settled in Berks 
county, Pennsylvania. 

Abram Mench, a son of Christian, and the 
nd father of our subject, was born in Berks 
county, Penn., in 1768, and for many years was 
engaged in business there as a farmer, merchant, 
distiller, and hotel keeper. He was about five 
feet, eight inches in height, and active in mind 
and body, his forceful character giving him much 
mlluence among his associates. His hotel in 

Berks itj was headquarters for the home 

militia, the battalions meeting thei ular 

intervals. In 1 8 1 8 he removed to Montour coun- 
ty, Penn., and purchased a farm near Danville, 
and while the canal was in process of construction 
near Catawissa h<- kept boarders. About 1 
he removed to another farm in Lewis township, 
Union county, where he spent his remaining 
years, bis death occurring in i860. His first 
wife, Elizabeth Miller, died in 1804, and in 1807 
he married Hannah Voder, of Berks county. 
There were two children by the first marria 
u, our subject's father, and Elizabeth, who 
iried Jacob Ziegler, and died at Danville. 
lit children were born of the second union, 
of whom are now deceased. Reuben died 
near Hartleton, Penn. ; Benjamin, at Mifflinburg; 
Miss Sarah, in Lewis township. Union county; 
Miss Lydia, in Union county; and Nancy (Mrs. 
Samuel Steese), in Limestone township, Union 
county; of the three survivors — Esther \\\, wife 
of Michael Swart/, lives in Stephenson county, 



111., and Christian and Abram are resident 
Lewis township, Union county, Pennsylvania. 

John Mench, the father of our subject, was 
born in Berks county, April 19, 1800, and had 
the good fortune to receive an excellent educa- 
tion, which his acute and vigorous intellect fitted 
him to appreciate. It so happened that a Ger- 
man in his father's employ was a man of rare 
attainments, and gave him an early training after 
the most approved kindergarten methods, later 
instructing him in more advanced lines. Mr 
Mench thus acquired a knowledge of the German 
as well as of the English language, and while he 
was known as a man of few words, he could, 
when he chose, talk upon almost any subject 
He had an extraordinary memory, and as a 
mathematician his abilities were remarkable, as 
he could calculate mentally with rapidity and 
accuracy. He was a powerful man physically, 
although only five feet, eight inches tall, with an 
average weight of 150 pounds, and unusual feats 
of strength were performed by him at various 
times. When a boy he clerked in a store at 
Danville for Peter Baldy, Sr. ; but his time was 
mainly spent at home. In 1823 he was married 
near Paradise, Penn., to Miss Elizabeth Rishel, 
who was born in Columbia county, February 27, 
1807, the daughter of John and Sarah (Egbert 
Rishel. He remained with his father until 1 - 
and then located near Buffalo Cross Roads, Union 
county, where his father-in-law owned a large 
amount of land. The first farm that he ever 
purchased is the one now occupied by our subject, 
and there he built a residence prior to 1830, and 
made his permanent home. He was a successful 
farmer, and left a valuable inheritance to his 
children as a result of his work. In local affairs 
h had great influence, but he took no part in 
politics farther than to vote the Democratic 
ticket regularly. He and his wife were both 
members of the Evangelical Church, and died in 
that faith, the former on September 4, 1858, and 
the latter July 14, 1870, their remains being in- 
terred at Miftlinburg. They had a large family 
of children, of whom: John died at the age of 
two years; Sarah J. (Mrs. Joseph Steese) at twen- 
ty-two years, and Hannah (Mrs. Daniel Ret 
at nineteen; Elizabeth, who was Daniel Reb 
second wife, died when thirty-three years of age; 
Isaiah, who died at twenty-six, married and left 
four children; Mary A. died at thirteen years of 
age; John K. will be fully spoken of farther on; 
Jeremiah resides in Rockford, 111. ; Oliver P. is an 
agriculturist in Limestone township, Union coun- 
ty. Elva 1 deceased) was the wife of William 
Chambers, who will be more fully mentioned 
presently; Abram H. will also be more fully 



i 





% 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



spoken of later on; Martin L. resides in Lime- 
stone township, Union county; Melancthon, our 
subject, is the thirteenth in order of birth; Diana 
A. is the wife of George A. Schoch, of Middle- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 

Melancthon Mench, our subject, was born 
March 28, 1S49, at the old homestead. The 
" Green Grove School," in the same neighbor- 
hood, furnished him an elementary education, his 
first teacher being Jesse Miller. At seventeen 
he entered the Union Seminary at New Berlin, 
where he studied for two years, his active and 
industrious habits enabling him to make unusual 
progress in that time. Although this ended his 
schooling, he did not consider his education com- 
pleted, and he has always been a diligent reader 
of the best literature, giving especial attention to 
science, history, and theology. His reading ex- 
tends beyond that of many professional men, and 
his conversation is made interesting by his wide 
information and thoughtful reflection. 

On leaving school in August, 1868, Mr. 
Mench decided to give his attention to mercan- 
tile pursuits, and soon afterward entered the gen- 
eral store of Reichardt & Miller, in Mifflinburg, 
as a clerk at six dollars per month. Six months 
later he became a partner under the firm name 
of Reichardt & Mench, and continued until the 
spring of 1873 when he went back to the old 
home to engage in farming. This was consid- 
ered a very unwise project by his acquaintances. 
He was making a success as a merchant, and 
knowing little or nothing of farming, it was by 
no means certain that he would make it profit- 
able. However, other considerations prevailed. 
The death of his mother left the estate in the 
hands of the heirs, and as things then stood the 
place would have been sold had Mr. Mench not 
determined to retain it in the family on account 
of early and almost sacred associations. He 
bought the claims of the other heirs, going in 
debt to the amount of $12,000, and by hard 
work and good management he accomplished his 
aim. The farm contains 240 acres of excellent 
land, and is one of the best in the locality, its 
buildings being kept in perfect repair, while con- 
stant improvements add to its value as time 
passes. Mr. Mench is wide-awake and progress- 
ive, and in many ways is a leader, and is a nota- 
ble one in the adoption of modern methods of 
agriculture. He lives well, having all the pleas- 
ures and luxuries that his means permit, and has 
never held to the belief that undue self-denial will 
advance one's interest, even in matters of finance. 
Nor has his success been gained at the cost of integ- 
rity, for no man is more highly respected for 
square dealing than he. 



Mr. Mench has a pleasant home and an in- 
teresting family. On November 10, 1870, he 
was married at Mifflinburg, to Miss Jennie B. 
Graff, who was born in Clarion county, Penn., 
April 5, 185 1, the daughter of Jacob and Jane 
(Steele) Graff. Her father died when she was 
but a child, and her mother subsequently mar- 
ried Dr. William Reichardt, a man of noble char- 
acter, and one of the most successful and hon- 
ored physicians of the day. For thirty years he 
practiced in Clarion county, and then removed 
to Mifflinburg, where after some years of profes- 
sional work, he retired to await in peace the 
summons to another world, his death occurring 
November 10, 1893, when he was aged seventy- 
eight years, six months and eight days. His 
widow still resides in Mifflinburg. Mrs. Mench 
received a good common-school education, at- 
tending the schools of her native county until 
she was fourteen, when the family removed to 
Mifflinburg, where she attended the Mifflinburg 
Academy, and Mifflinburg Seminary, one year. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mench have five children: (1) 
Alice L. , born August 22, 1872, graduated in 
1894 from Bucknell University, and then pursued 
an advanced course in music at Philadelphia; 
she is now the wife of Edgar E. Pawling, an at- 
torney at Middleburg, Penn. (2) William R. , 
born March 6, 1879, (3) Graff A., born October 
10, 1SS1, (4) James M., born July 9, 1883, and (5) 
Janet S., born February 9, 1890, are all at home. 
Our subject is an ardent believer in Repub- 
lican principles, and is one of the leading advis- 
ers in the local organization. He has at times 
held office as township auditor, tax collector, 
school director and secretary of the school board. 
He is also prominent in religious work as a mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church, with which he united 
in 1 868 at Mifflinburg. His time and means 
have been freely given to this cause, and since 
November 3, 1883, he has done much effective 
work as a license exhorter. He has been a class 
leader of the Church at Mifflinburg, and is now 
the recording steward and president of the board 
of trustees, and for many years he was assistant 
superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which 
he is at present a teacher. It was in a measure 
the result of his efforts that the Penn's Creek 
Sunday-school was organized, and he has ever 
since been its zealous supporter, for five years 
serving as its superintendent. 

Elva (our subject's sister), who married Will- 
iam Chambers, left one son, Rev. I. Mench 
Chambers, who graduated from LaFayette Col- 
lege, and afterward entered Union Theological 
Seminary, of New York City. In 1891 he en- 
tered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, 






I 0MMS11ORATJVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



located at Merchantville, N. J., where {or six 
consecutive years he has proven himself a most 
efficient and successful pastor, many having been 
added to the Church during his ministry. 

John R. Mench, brother of Melancthon. at 
the age of ten vears entered the Mifflinburg 
Academy, at that 'time under the supen 
Henry McGuire (commonly known as " Bossy 
McGuire), and remained there one year. The 
father of John K. was a shareholder in the 
Union Seminary, New Berlin, Union county. 
now Central Pennsylvania College;, and 
p re( some talent in his son, had the lad 

attend this institution one year, after which John 
K. taught in the common schools of Centre town- 
r county, two terms, and in Lime- 
hip. Union county, one term. On 
December 27. [860, he was married at Mifflin- 
Penn., to M - sannah Hassenpley, 
daughter of William and Susannah Hassenpley, 
and six children have been born to this union, 
viz.: r) Ella V. is the wit. t Henry Herman, 
iving in Wyandot comity. Ohio, near 
vas married to Ada Herman, of Lime- 
hip. I'nion Co.. Penn. (3) Elmer, 
who acquired a good English education, and 
taught school for more than six terms in Union 
county, mam. d [da Harpster, of Hancock coun- 
1 Ihio, where Elmer now lives on his beautiful 
farm. . I • M. married Warren Gross 
New Berlin, Union* ; on., and is comfort- 
a bl3 d 5 Susan \ i e, a bright . 

luati d from Hagerstown Seminary at the age 
of twenty-two, and after a while made her h 
with her uncle, Hon. Alfred G. Schoch. of Mid- 
dleburg, Snyder Co., Penn : she died at the age 
twenty-four year- " risR., the young- 

m the family, graduated from the State 
Normal at Lock Haven, Clinton Co.. Penn., 
June 30, 1894, leaving a brilliant record with the 
ulty of that school. For four terms he taught 
m the common schools of Union county. Penn., 
then in the spring of 18 >ved to Ohio, lo- 

cating at Tiffin, and entered the firm of Sucath 
& Baker, dealers in carpets and lace curtains. 
remaining with them, however, only part of one 
r when he accepted the position of teller in 
the Commercial Hank of Tiffin, which incum- 
bency he is at present rilling. The mother of 
this family was called from earth Decembei 
1878, and was buried in Mifflinburg Cemetery, 
the father being left with six children— no small 
care upon his shoulders. On March 23, 

Ided MaryC, daughter of Benjamin and 
Mary Noll, and to them have been Lorn tu- 
ns: Benjamin Clark and Harry Warren, both 
at home with their parents. 



John R. Mench ranks among the prominent 
citizens of Limestone township, Union county, 
where he owns a couple of highly-cultivated 
farms. He lives abreast of the times, and keeps 
himself well posted on current events. He is a 
member of the M. E. Church at Mifflinbui 
and is held in the highest esteem by the commu- 
nitv in which he lives. As a debater and inter- 
esting conversationalist, it is safe to say he has 
few equals, if any, in the State, his arguments, both 
pro and con. in" any controversy being delivered 
forcibly and conclusively, and with a judgment 
and delicacv characteristic of the man. His re- 
markable affection for his brother Melancthon 
has been frequently noticed by their many 
friends, in which respect it may be said that they 
are " Fratn (true brothers ) 

Abram H. Mench, a younger brother of our 
subject, was a graduate of Williarnsport Semi- 
nary in 1863, in September of which year he en- 
tered Dickinson College, graduating there with 
honors in 1 867. He was a fine linguist, and could 
read, speak or write in six languages. After his 
graduation he taught in the Danville Academy 
till deciding to take up the ministry as his life 
vocation. For over six years he was a faithful 
minister of the M. E. Church, when, his health 
failing, he was compelled to retire from the 
labors of the vineyard and seek restoration of his 
strength in Colorado, at the Manitou Sprm 
Death, however, had set his seal on him. Re- 
signed to his fate, and fully convinced that his 
life was fast ebbing out. Abram returned to his 
old home to die there at the early age of thirty- 
three years. He now sleeps his last sleep in 
Mifflinburg cemetery, but the memory of him is 
still green in the hearts of his relatives and 
friends. 



GEORGE BARTLEY BROWN, a highlj 
teemed resident of White Deer township, 
Union countv, is a man who at three score and 
ten seems by his mental and physical vigor to set 
old age at defiance. He is of good old Pennsyl- 
vania stock, his great-grandparents in both the 
paternal and maternal lines having come from 
Germanv to settle in Schuylkill county. Penn.. at 
an early lav His paternal grandfather, Adam 
Brown, a wealthy farmer and miller, married 
Miss Uhlrick, and remained in the same county- 
all his life. 

The late George Brown, our subjects father, 
3 born th was his wife. Sarah Ban 

a daughter of Abraham and Dora (Huttensi 
Bartlev. Her grandfather Hartley was a native 
of Germanv George and Sarah Brown were 



J 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



S91 



married in Schuylkill county, but removed a few 
years later, in 1839, to White Deer township, 
Union county, and made their permanent home 
upon a farm, where Mrs. Brown died in 1845, at 
the age of forty-eight years. The father of our 
subject attained the age of eighty years, passing 
away in 1874, the remains of both being interred 
in the cemetery at White Deer Church. He was 
for many years an active worker in the Re- 
formed Church, and was also a leader in local 
affairs, holding the office of supervisor. 

He had a numerous family: Elizabeth died 
before reaching womanhood; Catherine married 
Israel Guyer, both now deceased; John J. is a 
farmer of Kelly township, Union county; George, 
our subject, is mentioned more fully below; 
Sarah married Simon Bennage, a farmer of White 
Deer township, Union county; Rebecca married 
Daniel Mover, both deceased; Mary A. married 
Isaac Kurtz, both deceased; Elizabeth, second 
wile of Daniel Moyer, survives him, and resides 
in Buffalo township, Union county; and Adam 
died in infancy. 

George B. Brown was born in Schuylkill 
county, February 8, 1827, and the first twenty- 
three years of his life were spent with his parents, 
assisting in the work of the farm. On October 
17, 1850, he was married to his first wife, Miss 
Mary A. Dersham, and they made their home 
upon the Dersham farm in White Deer township, 
Union county, belonging to his mother-in-law. 
He rented this for three years, but at the end of 
that time he removed to William Brown's farm, 
near Lewisburg, which he rented for four years, 
his brother, John J. Brown, being in partnership 
with him for three years. The next six years 
were spent at the Dersham farm, and then our 
subject and his brother John purchased a farm 
in Buffalo Valley for $8,000. After one year 
there they sold out to Peter Guyer at a profit of 
$500, and removed to a rented farm in Kelly 
township, where he spent one year. Since that 
time he has resided at his present homestead, 
which contains 120 acres, and was first bought 
in partnership with U. P. Sheller, a banker, for 
$8,000, but later, on the failure of Mr. Sheller, 
Mr. Brown bought his half interest for $5,200. 

Mr. Brown has never been away from home 
longer than three weeks at any one time, and 
until his retirement a few years ago, was noted 
for his industry, his farm showing in all depart- 
ments the effects of his able management. As a 
self-made man he may well feel proud of his 
position among the substantial men of his 
locality. 

In politics, our subject is an independent 
voter, refusing to be bound irrevocably by parti- 



san ties, and he has never been a candidate for 
office, his private affairs requiring his attention. 
He belongs to the Grange of White Deer, No. 
122, and is a leading member of the Reformed 
Church. Although the need of his assistance at 
home during his boyhood often deprived him of 
the opportunity of attending the schools of that 
time, such as they were, Mr. Brown has gained 
a good practical education, reading both English 
and German, and keeping informed on all ques- 
tions of general interest. 

Mr. Brown has eleven living children and 
twenty-five grandchildren. His first wife died July 
6, 1864, at the age of thirty-eight, and he formed a 
second union, this time with Miss Sarah E. Yost, 
daughter of Michael and Catherine (Fulmer) 
Yost, of Bucks county, Penn. She passed to 
the unseen world on April 12, 1883, in her forty- 
ninth year, and Mr. Brown was married a third 
time, the last time to Mrs. Sarah E. (Collier) 
Bellman, widow of Samuel S. Bellman. There 
were no children by the third marriage, but by 
the first there were eight, the names with dates 
of birth being as follows: Abraham, August 
30, 1 85 1, married to Emma Stahl, is a farmer 
near Lewisburg; William F., February 3, 1854, 
married to Ella Moss, is a coach manufact- 
urer at Mifflinburg, Penn. ; Susannah, January 
29, 1857, was married to William Ranck, a 
farmer of Kelly township; Sarah E., August 23, 
1858, was married to Rev. William Unangst, of 
Davis, 111.; Mary J., August 31, i860, died in 
infancy; Miss Catherine J., August 2, 1861, re- 
sides with her brother Abraham; John J., May 
10, 1863, died August 24 of the same year; and 
EmeliDe M., June 29, 1864, died July 13, fol- 
lowing. By the second marriage there were 
seven children: James M., November 27, 1865, 
married to Bertha Ritter, is a coach maker 
at Montgomery, Penn.; Paden S., January 6, 
1867, died October 30, 1884; Irene B., February 
26, 1868, was married to Alphus Koch, a farmer 
of Lycoming county, Penn.; Sevilla C, March 
1, 1870, was married to J. C. Baker, of White 
Deer township, Union county; George A., 
April 6, 1 87 1, married to Emma Ranck, is a 
farmer of Buffalo township, Union county; Miss 
Eva D., February 28, 1878, resides with her sis- 
ter, Mrs. Irene Koch; and Cyrus W., April 9, 
1883, resides with our subject. 

Mrs. Brown was born in Perry county, Penn., 
January 20, 1843, the daughter of Nathan Col- 
lier, and the granddaughter of Nathaniel Collier, 
a miller of Juniata county, Penn., who was of 
German descent. Her mother, whose maiden 
was Susannah Ogle, was a daughter of John and 
Martha (Beaty) Ogle, of Perry county, whose re- 






COMMEMnl; A TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UECOllD. 



mains now rest in the cemetery near Marysville, 
Penn. Mrs. Brown's father was born in Juniata 
and her mother in Perry, and were married in 
Perry county, where their last years were spent 
upon a farm. The father, who was born Febru- 
ary 7, 1807, died August 19, 1876, and the 
mother, whose birth occurred November 
1827, died October 19, 1SO2, buried at Duncan- 
non. Both were members of the Lutheran 
Church, and were highly esteemed amonc their 
acquaintances. Of their six children, Mrs. Brown 
the eldest; John O. is a farmer of Pern- 
county; Zachariah, a car inspector, resides at 
Marysville; Nathan A. died at the age of nineteen; 
George W., of Marysville, is a switchman by oc- 
cupation; and Mary J. is the wife of Amos Clen- 
denon, a railway clerk at New Cumberland, 
Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Brown's first marriage occurred on May 
14, 1S63. Mr. Bellman was a native of Lycom- 
ing county, Penn., born April 26, 1837, and was 
a son of Samuel and Catherine 1 Wise) Bellman, 
of this State. By occupation he was a cooper. 
Politically, his sympathies were with the Repub- 
lican party, while in religious faith he was a 
Lutheran. He died March 23, [881. Six chil- 
dren were born of this marriage, four of whom 
are living, and Mrs. Brown now counts among 
her descendants fifteen grandchildren. Of her 
children, Harry C, born July 24, 1864, is a lum- 
berman in Forest county, Penn.; Mary C, born 
December 18, 1867, married Theodore Shaffer, 
a railroad employee; Martin L., born August 8, 
>, died February 19, 1871; Lawrence C, 
born February 20, 1S72, died April 4 
Anna H.. born July 21, 1875, married Clinton 
Reed, a farmer of Union county: and Walter N., 
born Februai 7. resides at the homestead. 



T wTILLIAM H. SPOTTS, a leading farmer 
Vlt of Kelly township. Union county, has his 
home at Kelly Cross Koads. By the manner in 
which he carries on his business he evidences 
that he thoroughly understands the vocation in 
which he is engaged, and that success is attend- 
ing his efforts toward acquiring a competency. 
tness and order prevail upon his place, which 
is managed, with regard to its cultivation, in a 
manner which reflects credit upon the owner. 
Mr. Spotts was born in Kelly township, E 
tember 3, 1843, and is a grandson of Joseph 
Spotts, who was born in Berks county, Penn., in 
1780, coming thence to Union county when 
about thirty years of age. Here he spent the 
remainder of his life, dying May 20, 1 S 5 7 . and 
was buried in White Deer cemetery. By trade 



he was a wagonmaker, but his later years were 
devoted to farmn 

Samuel Spotts, the father of our subject, 
born in Union county in February, 1S10, and be- 
came a prominent agriculturist of Kelly town- 
ship, where he died July 26. 1S6S, his remains 
also being interred in White Deer cemetery. In 
religious faith he was a Lutheran. He married 
Esther, daughter of Samuel Yoder, of Ola, 
Berks Co.. Penn., and to them were born I 
children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The 
others were as follows: Joseph, a resident of 
Buffalo township. Union county, wedded M 
Mar) Dersham, and has rive children — three girls 
and two boys: Anna A. is the wife of Hov. 
Lomison, a farmer of White Deer Valley, 
Lycoming county. Penn. . by whom she has two 
children — one son and one daughter. Rebecca 
is the wife of John C. Noll, a prominent farmer 
of Kelly township. Union county, and they have 
one daughter. Samuel O., a farmer of Buffalo 
township, is married to Clara Noll, of East Buf- 
falo township. Union Co., Penn., and has two 
sons and one daughter. 

William H. Spotts obtained his literary edu- 
cation in the Spotts school house. No. 3, it being 
only a short distance from his father's house. 
On February 26. 1863, he was united in marriage 
with Miss Catherine Dersham, a daughter of 
Frederick Dersham. a prosperous farmer of 
Union county. Three children grace their union: 
1 Amelia H. is the wife of John E. Hunting- 
ton, an extensive shipper of produce, residing at 
Vicksburg, Buffalo township. Union county; they 
have two sons, Russell H. and Park W 
Isora M. is the wife of J. L. Baker, a well-to-do 
agriculturist of Buffalo township, and has two 
daughters. M. Catharine and Florence E. 
William Blaine is at present attending school. 

N t alone is there particular interest attach- 
ing to the career of our subject for what he has 
done, but in reviewing his genealogical record we 
find his lineage tracing back to the Colonial his- 
tory of the nation, and to that period which 
marks the inception of the grandest republic the 

id has ever known. He had two paternal 
uncles in the Revolutionary war, and also one in 
the Black Hawk war. In politics, Mr. Spot: 
a stanch Republican, and for nearly a quarter of 
a century has served as justice of the peace, 
being recently reelected for another term of five 
years — so acceptable has his service been. He 

-ion five commissions as 
such, from the Governors, as follows: John F. 
Hartranft. 1875; Henry M. Hoyt, 1SS0; Robert 
E. Patti fan s A Beaver, 1890; and 

Daniel H. Hastings, 1896. Socially, he has been 





9^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



S93 



a leading member of the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America for four years; in religious faith he holds 
membership with the Lutheran Church. By his 
neighbors he is held in high esteem, and is very 
popular with all classes of citizens. 



JOHN A. KELLY. This name recalls to 
mind one of the noted characters in the 
early history of our country, Col. John Kelly, 
of Revolutionary fame. Born in February, 1 744, 
in Lancaster county, Penn., this honored pioneer 
was in the full vigor of manhood at the time 
that the oppressed colonies resolved to throw off 
the English yoke, and his quick intelligence and 
dauntless courage brought him into prominence 
from the first. 

He had already established a home in the 
wilderness in Buffalo Valley, then a part of 
Northumberland county, having settled there 
immediately after the purchase from the Indians 
in 176S, and before the opening of the land 
office in 1769. He was about six feet, two 
inches in height, with a vigorous, muscular frame, 
which easily endured the labors and hardships 
of pioneer life. He took an active part in the 
discussion of the wrongs of the colonists, which 
led to the attempt at separation from the mother 
country, and in 1776 was a member of the first 
Constitutional Convention of the new State of 
Pennsylvania. He had had considerable experi- 
ence as a member of the militia, and at twenty- 
seven had been appointed major in that service, 
and he was thus well prepared to assist in the 
tremendous task that confronted the patriot 
forces. The fall of 1776 was a dark period. 
The loss of Forts Washington and Lee with their 
stores, and the defeat on Long Island, had 
brought the hopes of the colonists low, but it was 
at this critical juncture that the rally was made 
to drive the British from New Jersey, the wrongs 
of that colony being felt by others as their own. 
A large force went from this State, Col. Kelly 
being conspicuous among the number for his 
ability. Of the brave deeds performed history 
has a scanty but significant record, and to the 
ordinary dangers of war there was added the 
prospect of an ignominious death as a rebel, 
belligerent rights not being acknowledged. 

We quote from an address made on the oc- 
casion of the unveiling of a monument to Col. 
Kelly on April S, 1835: "For three days at a 
time there was no regular service of provisions, 
and for more than thirty-six hours, at another 
time, they were constantly on the march, or in 
action, without a moment's sleep or giving up 
their arms. In the course of one of their re- 



treats, the commander-in-chief, through Col. 
Potter, sent an order to Maj. Kelly to have a 
certain bridge cut down to prevent the advance 
of the British, who were then in sight. The Ma- 
jor sent for an axe, but represented that the enter- 
prise would be very hazardous. Still the British 
advance must be stopped, and the order was not 
withdrawn. He said he could not order another 
to do what some might say he was afraid to do 
himself; he would cut down the bridge. Before 
all the logs on which the bridge lay were cut off, 
he was completely within the range of the Brit- 
ish fire, and several balls struck the log on which 
he stood. The last log broke down sooner than 
he expected, and he fell with it into the swollen 
stream. Our soldiers moved on, not believing 
it possible for him to escape. He, however, by 
great exertions, reached the shore through the 
high water and the floating timber, and followed 
the troops. Encumbered, as he must have been, 
with his wet and frozen clothes, he, on his road, 
made a prisoner of a British scout, an armed 
soldier, and took him into camp. What did 
Curtius do more than this? If such an instance 
of devoted heroism had happened in Greece or 
Rome, the day would have been distinguished 
from all other days. A medal would have been 
struck, and every means used to secure the ever- 
lasting remembrance of such a deed. In Eng- 
land such a man would have been made a Knight 
or a Lord, with the thanks of Parliament. In our 
poor devoted land such instances were too com- 
mon to receive especial notice. History men- 
tions that our army was preserved by the de- 
struction of that bridge; but the manner in which 
it was done, or the name of the person who did 
it, is not mentioned. It was but one of a series 
of heroic acts, which happened every day, and 
our soldiers then were more familiar with the 
sword than with the pen. 

"Major Kelly was present at Trenton, when the 
Hessians surrendered, and assisted in that most 
masterly movement on Princeton, by which the 
chain of communications of the enemy was 
broken, all their plans deranged and their army 
compelled to return to New York. After his dis- 
charge he returned to his farm and family, and 
during the three succeeding years the Indians 
were troublesome neighbors to this then frontier 
settlement. He became colonel of the regiment, 
and it was his duty to keep watch and ward 
against the incursions of hostile Indians through 
our mountain passes. At one time our people 
were too weak to resist, and our whole beautiful 
country was abandoned. Col. Kelly was among 
the first to return — for at least two harvests 
reapers took their rifles to the fields, and some of 






i OMMBMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REi <>RD. 



the company watched while others wrought. Col. 
Kelly had the principal command of the scouting 
parties in this Valley, and very often he was out 
in person. Man} and many nights has he lain 
among the limbs of a fallen tree to keep himself 
out of the mud, without a tire, because a fire 
would indicate his position to the enemy. lb 
had become well skilled in their mode of warfare. 
One circumstance deserves particular notice: The 
Indians seem to have resolved on his death, with- 
out choosing to attack him openly. One night 
he had reason to apprehend that they were mar 
11. lose in the morning, and. by looking through 
the crevices of his log house, be ascertained that 
two, at least, if not more, were lying with their 
arms, so as to shoot him when he should open 
his door. He fixed his own title and took his 
tion so that by a string he could open the 
■ and watch the Indians. The moment he 
pulled the door open two balls came into the 
house, and the Indians rose to advance. He 
fired and wounded one, and both retreated. After 
waiting to satisfy himself that no others remained 
he followed them by the blood, but they escaped. 
"Foi many years Col. Kelly held the office of 
a magistrate of the county. In the administra- 
tion of justice, he exhibited the same anxiety to 
do right, and the same disregard of selfish gain, 
which had characterized him in the military 

ice of the country. He would at any til 
forgive his own fees, and if the parties were 
poor, pay the constable's costs, to procure a 
compromise; while, by industry and e< 
his own pecuniary circumstances were comforta- 
ble and easy, he seemed to desire the proeperitv 
11 men, and most anxiously to desire that all 
hbors should be friends. No man ever in 
vain sought his interposition to reconcile con- 
ing interests, to soothe angry passions, to 
stand, as the defender and protector of the poor 
man, the widow, and the orphan. He obeyed 
the injunction, 'be given to hospitality.' It is 
true that so general is the hospitality of his 
neighborhood that the want of it would be i 
sidered a great vice; but in him it was a part ol 
the same character, indicating a freedom from 
selfishness, an inability to enjo) fully God's 
bounties alone; a feeling th od thing is 

rendered tar more valuable by participation; and 
a. conviction that the diffusion of happiness is 
not merely right in itself, but thi source ol gi 
joy to every well-regulated mind. Col. Kelly 
was an affectionate husband, and a kind and 
judicious father, as well as a friend)} and hospit- 
able neighbor. He was a sincere and an exem- 
plary Christian, and adorned all his other virti 
by exhibiting a pattern of humility well worthy of 



imitation. Having no anxieties who should be 
greatest in the kingdom of Heaven, he had no 
striving who should be greatest in the Church on 
earth; his profession of religion was well sus- 
tained by his practice. He had that true char- 

nstic of bravery, an indisposition to fight his 
battles over again, and that feeling of humility, 
that where a man has only done his duty, boast- 
ing has no place. It is in some measure owing 
to this reserve that our notice of his life must be 
so brief and so imperfect. He seemed not to 
know that other men would have done differ- 
ently from him; but to believe that whatever dis- 
tinguished him from others, arose mainly from 
the circumstances under which he acted. We 
are of another generation, and his contempora- 
ries have either gone down to tin 
through lapse of time and failing faculties, are 
unable to give particular details. From himself, 
but a few gleanings from a life long and full of 
incidents, have been obtained. 

" His last end proved his character to becon- 
nt. He met the grim messenger calmly; 
' for he knew in whom he had trusted;' and he 
could 'walk through the valley and shadow t 
death, fearing no evil.' The frame was bent, 
and the muscles relaxed; but the mind — the im- 
mortal mind — could not be obscured. It bright- 
ened more and more ■ unto the perfect day.' At 
the age of eighty-eight years, he departed, leav- 
ing his memory to our care and his virtues for 
our imitation. " 

Col. Kelly married Sarah Polk, and reared a 
numerous family, of whom our subject's father 
was tlu' youngest, The eldest son, John, who 
settled in Penn's Valley, was the father of Hon. 
James K. Kelly, U. S. Senator, of Portland, 
Oregon; James also made his home in Penn's 
Valley; William, who married a daughter of 
Archibald Allison, of Centre county, died Janu- 
ary 2j, 1830; Andrew, a bachelor, born [783, 
died September 24. 1867, aged eighty-four; Sam- 
uel settled in Armstrong mntj . Penn. ; Elizabeth 
married Simeon Howe; Mary married John 
ill, of Lewisburg; Robert died April 1:, 
[86; seventy-seven; and Joseph died 

;ed sixty-six. 

Tin late David H. Kelly, our subject's fa- 
was born November 5, 179S, on the old 
homestead in a house built by Col. Kelly before 
the Revolutionary war. He was reared as a 
farmer boy, his lather's extensive estates afford- 
ing plent) oi work for him as his strength devel- 
nd his education was obtained in the sub- 
scription schools of that time. His mind was of 
a high order, and the limited instruction of his 
early days was so supplemented by study and ob- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



895 



servation that he became well-informed upon 
general topics, and his opinions were held in 
high respect by his associates. He was a stanch 
Democrat in politics, and held every office in 
Kelly township except that of justice of the 
peace. In 1859 he was elected county commis- 
sioner. In religious matters he was also active, 
adhering to the doctrines of the Reformed 
Church and attending regularly the Union 
Church at Mazeppa, in which he served many- 
years as an official. He followed farming exclu- 
sively, and although he owned a gristmill at Kel- 
ly Cross Roads he did not operate it. He was 
six feet tall, and weighed 180 pounds, and his 
robust and well-built frame enabled him to do 
much hard work as well as to perform some not- 
able feats in hunting and fishing, of which sports 
he was very fond. His home life was pleasant, 
and he delighted in gathering about him a gay 
company of neighbors for whom he would evoke 
sweet strains from his violin, visitors often gath- 



ering at his house to dance 



an evening through. 



His wife, Mary (Baker), to whom he was 
married February 10, 1831, was born February 
8, 18 12, the daughter of Jacob and Catherine 
(Rockey) Baker, and resided until her marriage 
upon the same farm. Their first home was upon 
an estate in Kelly township given to David Kelly 
by his father, but in the spring of 1858 he bought 
another farm in Buffalo township which was at 
one time owned by Wendell Baker, a well-known 
pioneer of Buffalo Valley. Both these farms 
descended to the heirs together with a large tract 
of mountain land. David Kelly died February 
11, 1875, and was buried in Baker's cemetery, 
where all the deceased members of the family 
have been interred except his son, David S. Mrs. 
David H. Kelly is still living, now in her eighty- 
seventh year. 

Our subject was the eldest in a large family 
of children. Catherine R., born April iS, 1833, 
married Dr. L. B. Meyers, of Fremont, Ohio, 
who died December 24, 1896; Jacob B., born 
September 6, 1834, died June 7, 1 891, in Kelly 
township; Sarah E., born June 14, 1836, is the 
widow of Joseph Kleckner, of Buffalo township; 
Robert H., born February 14, 1S38, and died 
November 26, 1S60, at Elmore, Ohio, was a 
student of pharmacy; William W., born Decem- 
ber 29, 1839, is a druggist at Ottawa, Ohio; 
Mary A., born December 3, 1841, married J. S. 
McCreight, of Lewisburg, Penn.; James B., born 
June 28, 1844, died February 8, 1884, in Buffalo 
township; Caroline E., born April 1, 1846, is the 
widow of David Fredericks, of Pottsgrove, 
Northumberland county; David S., born Decem- 
ber 21, 1847, was a merchant of Fremont, Ohio; 



he died September 10, 1887, at San Jacinto, 
Cal., while traveling for his health, and was 
buried at Ottawa, Ohio; his widow, Mrs. Annie 
(Hauk) Kelly, is living in that city; Jane E., 
born November 29, 1849, married J. W. Fred- 
erick, of Northumberland county; H. Brady, 
born October 17, 1851, resides in Buffalo town- 
ship; Clara M., born July 25, 1854, died April 
22, 1856; a son, born February 27, 1858, died in 
infancy. 

John A. Kelly first saw the light November 
21, 1 83 1, in Kelly township, Union county, and 
now occupies the farm in Buffalo township upon 
which his father spent his last years. He is an 
excellent citizen, progressive and public-spirited, 
and ranks among the substantial men of his lo- 
cality. Fond of reading, and possessing a keen 
intellect, he is unusually conversant with current 
topics. He began his education in the " Union 
School " at Mazeppa in an old building near the 
site of the present one, and his first teacher was 
Miss Mary A. McClellan. After completing the 
course of study offered there, he entered the 
academy at Perrysville, Penn., where he pre- 
pared for teaching (on leaving that institution) a 
school in Potter township, Centre county, at a 
salary of $18.00 per month. The next seven 
years he spent in teaching part of the time in St. 
Clair county, 111., where he went in the spring of 
1855. His summer vacations were mainly de- 
voted to selling implements. He remained in 
Illinois until 1869, with occasional visits home, 
and during the last three years he was superin- 
tendent of a brick yard in which he held a one- 
third interest. While in this business he traveled 
for about a year through the Western States, 
and " took up a claim " in Nemaha county, Kans., 
which he still owns. 

On returning to his native State Mr. Kelly 
settled at his present home, and on September 
27, 1870, he was married at Mifflinburg to Miss 
Christina Kleckner, who was born February 3, 
1839, in West Buffalo township, the daughter of 
a well-known farmer, David Kleckner, and his 
wife, Esther Wingert. Mrs. Kelly is a lady of 
fine intellectual powers, and previous to her 
marriage she taught successfully for seven years 
in Union cointy, in West Buffalo and Lewis 
townships. Three children have blessed this 
union, viz.: David K., born July 22, 1876; An- 
drew J., born November 16, 1877; and Mary B., 
born December 7, 1879, all of whom are at 
home. 

Mr. Kelly takes an active interest in local 
affairs, and although one of the stanchest of 
Democrats in a township which is strongly Re- 
publican, his popularity is so great that he has 






I >>MMF.M<>h.\TlYE BIOGli.U'IlI'M. RECORD. 



been elected to office many times. He served 
year as supervisor, and is now in his eight- 
eenth year as school director. He is also active 
in the work of the Reformed Church, in which he 
has held the office of elder for twenty years, and 
for some time was superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. He has given much time and attention 
to the work of the Grange, and is a leading 
member of the flourishing branch known as 
falo Valley Grange, No. 520, at Buffalo 
Cross Roads. 



D ROSSWELL ROTHROCK, M. D., a well- 
known physician and pharmacist, is deserv- 
111- of especial mention in this volume, his career 
showing that earnest, energetic pursuit of a wor- 
thy purpose which makes the lives of our self- 
made men so helpful as object lessons, while his 
name is entitled to be permanently associated, 
not only with the industrial, but also with the 
intellectual development of New Berlin, Union 
county. 

Our subject comes of German ancestry, but 
his family have been identified with Pennsylvania 
since Colonial times. Joseph Rothrock, his 
great-grandfather, was born in what is now Leb- 
anon county, Penn., of German parentage, and 
in early manhood removed to Mifflin county, set- 
tling near Lewistown, where he followed farm- 
ing. He married (first) Nancy , and (sec- 
ond) a Miss Sell. He was well known among 
the early pioneers, and was a bishop in the Ger- 
man Baptist Church; in politics he was a Whig. 
He had eight children, all by his first marriage: 
John, Abraham, Isaac, Lizzie (who married Jon- 
athan Amich), Nancy (who married a Mr. Pricei, 
Mary (who married a Mr. Hannavalt), Mrs. Jacob 
Mohler and Mrs. Daniel Bashore. 

Dr. Isaac Rothrock, our subject's grandfather, 
was born at the old homestead near Lewistown, 
November 22, 1798. At an early age he mani- 
fested a keen desire for knowledge, mathematics 
ind grammar being his favorite studies. His 

lness for intellectual work continued through- 

• his life, and even in old age he rejoiced to 

find a difficult problem to solve. He began his 

medical studies with Dr. Ezra Doty, of Mifflin, 

Juniata Co., Penn., and afterward studied with 

ell-known practitioner, Dr. Thomas Van Val- 
zah, of Lewisburg. Later he attended three 

ilar courses of lectures in Jefferson Medical 
College, and although he did not graduate, he 
was afterward given a complimentary diploma 
by the Eclectic Medical College of Philadelphia. 
II began his practice in Middleburg, with Dr. 
Henry Lechner, but afterward moved to Mifflin- 



town, and then to Adamsburg, where he pur- 
chased property and resided until 1864. For 
forty-five years he practiced medicine, his busi- 
ness extending over a large territory, but his last 
years were spent in retirement at Adamsburg 
among his beloved books. He was first a Whig, 
later a Republican, and besides holding a number 
of local offices, including that of school director, 
he was elected in 1866 as a member of the House 
of Representatives from the district composed of 
Lycoming, Union and Snyder counties. He was 
a devout member of the German Baptist Church, 
and died in that faith June 8, 1872. He was 
married four times. His first wife. Miss Snyder, 
a niece of Gov. Snyder, died soon after their 
marriage, and the only child of the union died 
in infancy. His second wife was Miss Susan 
Swenk, a native of Middleburg, and a daughter 
of David Swenk, a well-known justice of the 
peace. She died in June, 1852, leaving seven 
children: Rosswell, who is mentioned more fully 
below; Mary A., born December 28, 1832, who 
married 'first) David Heckendorn, the first su- 
perintendent of public schools of Union and Sny- 
der counties, and 1 second) Philip Derr, of Phila- 
delphia, since deceased; Isaac S., born May 22. 
1835, graduated in dentistry in Chicago and Phil- 
adelphia, and now resides in Bannerville, Penn , 
having been for thirty-seven years an invalid from 
spinal trouble, which also affected his eyes; Har- 
riet C. , born May 11, 1 837, is the widow of James 
Herlacher, of Haven, Kans. ; David C. , born May 
3, 1842, is a dentist in McClure, Penn.; Allen 
E., born February 13, 1851, is a tanner in Lew- 
istown. Dr. Isaac Rothrock's third wife was 
Mrs. Lydia (Bowersox) Leonard, a widow. She 
died in February, 1857, leaving one daughter, 
Adda L. , born September 20, 1854, who mar- 
ried R. R. Long, of Gettysburg, Penn. By his 
fourth wife, Angelina Wallace, a native of Mif- 
rlintown, he had no issue. She died March 
1879, a fine Christian woman and great Sab- 
bath-school worker; she is interred at Adams- 
burg 

Dr. Rosswell Rothrock, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Adamsburg, October 14, 1S31, 
and was reared there, his school privileges being 
such as were common in those days. However, 
he taught a few terms of a public school in the 
vicinity of Adamsburg, reading medicine and 
teaching, etc., until he entered Jefferson Medical 
College, where h ted in 185 1 , when barely 

twenty years old. He remained in active prac- 
tice from the time of his graduation until his 
death on March 1, 1897 — a period of nearly forty- 
six years — and at that time he was the oldest 
practitioner in Snyder county. He first located 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



897 



at Adamsburg, but from 1853 to 1855 he prac- 
ticed at Millville, Clarion Co., Penn. He then 
went to Beavertown, Snyder county, and in i860 
he removed to New Bethlehem, Clarion county. 
On August 29, 1 86 1, he became the surgeon of 
Company C, 78th P. V. I., and went to the seat 
of war. He was taken prisoner at the battle of 
Chickamauga, and with eleven others of the reg- 
iment marched across Lookout Mountain to Ring- 
gold, where they were placed on board a train. 
Their destination proved to be Richmond, Va. , 
where they spent one month in Libby Prison. At 
the end of that time the Doctor and 125 others 
were marched off in the night and placed on 
Belle Isle or " Devil's Den," where he remained 
until February 22, 1862. Their next change 
came again at night, they being taken, this time, 
to the Pemberton buildings, where the) - were 
put on board a train and sent to Andersonville, 
Ga. There they found thirty-five thousand other 
prisoners, and they were obliged to endure all 
the horrors of the place until September 5, 1862, 
when the Doctor was sent along with a body of 
two thousand fellow prisoners to Savannah. Six 
weeks later he had orders from the Rebel author- 
ities to gather up all the men who could stand 
transportation and board a train. They had no 
idea what this command meant, and their desti- 
nation was equally a mystery; but after a week's 
ride, interspersed with numerous delays, they 
reached Millen, Ga. , where a new stockade had 
been built. Not long afterward the welcome 
news came that ten thousand prisoners would be 
exchanged, and the Doctor was one of the first 
six hundred to be sent north, the journey being 
made by way of Annapolis, Md. He rejoined 
his family, then residing in Clarion county, Penn. , 
and on November 27, 1864, he was honorably 
discharged from service. In 1866 he located at 
Bannerville, Snyder county, and in the spring of 
1879 he established himself in practice at Middle- 
burg, for the purpose of educating his children, 
as there were better schools, etc., at that place, 
but in 1884 he located permanently at McClure, 
Penn., where he practiced until his final sickness 
interrupted his work. His intuitive sagacity, 
sharpened by long experience, placed him in the 
foremost ranks of his profession. To all his 
patients he was the same, flying with alacrity to 
every call, attending upon the poor and humble 
as zealously as upon the rich and powerful, and 
on the stranger as readily as upon the neighbor. 
Often he discharged the duties of a nurse as well 
as those of a physician, being wholly regardless 
of his own interests and even of his own health, 
such was his zeal to serve and save others. 

As a citizen he was held in the highest 

57* 



esteem. While he was never a politician, he 
was an ardent supporter of the Republican party. 
In religious work he was prominent as a member 
of Christ Church (Evangelical) at McClure, 
Penn., for some years previous to his death. He 
was a member of Capt. M. Smith Post No. 355, 
G. A. R., and of McClure Lodge No. 770, I. O. 
O. F., in which he was Right Supporter to the 
Vice Grand in 1896. At his own request the G. 
A. R. took charge of his funeral (which occurred 
at McClure), assisted by the I. O. O. F. He 
had been especially active in the work of this 
Post, having served one year as commander of 
same and ten years as surgeon. 

On August 4, 1853, he was married at New 
Bethlehem, Penn., to Miss Catherine Mohney, 
who survives him, and is now a highly-respected 
resident of McClure. She was born April 25, 
1835, at New Bethlehem, where her early life 
was spent. Her parents, Frederick and Mary 
(Caster) Mohney, were both born in Northamp- 
ton county, Penn., of Dutch ancestry. Both 
were consistent members of the German Re- 
formed Church, and their remains now rest in 
Oak Ridge cemetery, in Clarion county. Her 
father was a well-known Democrat of his time, 
and was highly respected as a citizen because of 
his kindness and generosity. He had the follow- 
ing children: David (a Democratic politician, 
and justice of the peace for years), born Febru- 
ary 16, 1825, married Elizabeth Imhoff, and re- 
sides at New Bethlehem; Elizabeth, born April 
21, 1827, married Jacob Yeaney, of Shenandoah, 
Penn.; Jeremiah, born November 26, 1833, mar- 
ried Lizzie Shawber, resided in Lillyville, Penn., 
and died November 29, 1896; Catherine, our 
subject's mother, was the fourth in order of birth; 
Sophia, born December 25, 1837, married Chris- 
topher Yeaney, of Shenandoah, Penn.; Mary E., 
born March 5, 1842, is the wife of Daniel C. 
Eyster, ex-sheriff, banker and lumberman, of 
Ridgvvay, Penn.; Christina, born August 20, 
1845, ' s tne wife of John L. Cribb, ex-legislator 
of Clarion county, 1892, of New Bethlehem; and 
Matthias, born May 6, 1850, married Elizabeth 
McClellan, and is a plasterer and contractor at 
Reynoldsville. Penn. Dr. Rosswell Rothrock 
and his wife had five children, namely: Marand 
is a practicing physician at Fremont, Penn. ; 
James B. is a plasterer and an extensive contrac- 
tor in Swineford, Penn. ; Clara married Edward 
Knapp, who has been a carpenter on the Lewis- 
town & Sunbury railroad for years, with resi- 
dence at Lewistown; Mary E. is the wife of 
Charles Decker, a farmer of McClure, Penn. ; 
Dr. D. Rosswell is the youngest in the family. 

We will now return to the subject proper of 



898 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



this sketch, who was born December 28, 1861, 
at New Bethlehem, Clarion county, Penn. When 
he was four years old his parents removed to 
Bannerville, where his youth was spent, five 
months of each year being given to study in the 
public schools. His independent nature asserted 
itself very early in life, and from the age of thir- 

11 he earned his own clothes. On April 3, 
1 79, the family removed to Middleburg, but he 
did not long remain at home after that as on 
April 8, following, he and his brother, James B., 
went to the vicinity of Elkhart, Ind., where our 
subject was employed during the summer upon a 
dairy farm, at from twelve to fifteen dollars per 
month. In October, 1S79, he returned home at 
his father's request, in order to attend school 
during the winter, and in the fall of 1880 he was 
licensed to teach. During the summer of 1880 
he attended the Selins Grove Normal Institute, 
conducted by Prof. William Noetling, county 
superintendent. In the following winter he took 
charge of a school in Franklin township, Snyder 
county, at twenty dollars per month. In 1881 
he took a course in the academy at Freeburg, 
and daring the next winter he taught the Win- 

I school in Hartley township, Union county, 
t 11 thirty-five dollars per month. In 1882 heat- 
tended the Freeburg Academy again, and in the 
ar he taught a primary school at that 
place. His summers were spent in any labor 
that would bring him in funds to prosecute his 

lies, as his one ambition was to secure a good 
education. In the spring of 1882 he passed the 
examination before the Snyder County Board of 
Medical Examiners, composed of Drs. H. H. 
Bordner, H. M. Nipple, and J. Y. Shindle, se- 
curing a certificate of competency to read medi- 
cine. From that time his spare moments 
were spent in reading medicine, under his 
father as preceptor, at the same time teach- 

school. In the winter of 1882-83 he taught 
the first term of school ever held in the 
new brick school house in Franklin township, 
north of Middleburg, Snyder county, and in the 
fall of 1883 he entered the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md. On his return 
home, March, 1S84, he spent the summer in 
working in the harvest field and in other employ- 
ments as well as reading medicine, and, as his 
father removed to McClure in that year, he prac- 
ticed for a short time with him, under his pre- 
ceptorship. In the fall of 1884 he entered the 
Medical Department of Baltimore University 
School of Medicine, and in the following year he 
was graduated with the highest honors, receiving 
a beautiful gold medal as a reward for his pro- 
ficiency in his studies. His only difficulty dur- 



ing his college course was caused by the scarcity 
I of funds, and after his graduation his money was 
j so nearly exhausted that he had no money 1 1 
pay his fare to Selins Grove Junction, so had to 
sell a few of his text books for that purpose. He 
was rowed across the Susquehanna river, in a 
I boat, to Selins Grove, arriving penniless, at five 
o'clock one cold morning. Breakfast was out of 
the question, and he set out on foot through the 
snow for Fremont, ten miles distant, his precious 
diploma being carried under his arm, and gold 
medal in his pocket. At Fremont he found his 
brother, Dr. Marand, who supplied him with 
sufficient money to take him home; but this our 
subject decided to save, and the rest of the 
journey, some twenty-two miles, was accord:' 
made on foot. 

On April 2, 1885. he located at Three 
Springs, Huntingdon Co., Penn., where he pur- 
chased, on a year's time, a stock of drugs, a 
horse, and certain accessories of a do< • 
1 office, from Dr. John B. Ollig. When he reached 
his new home he had but thirty -one cents in 
cash; but fortune smiled upon him and he read- 
ily secured a paying practice. In the meantime 
his brother Marand met with an accident, and 
October 10, 1886, our subject went to Fremont, 
to take charge of his practice, which was very 
large. There he remained until February 14. 
1S87, when he established an office at New Ber- 
lin, Penn., where he has ever since followed his 
profession with well-merited success. In 1888 
he opened a large drug store, which he has con- 
ducted in connection with his practice with grat- 
ifying success. In accordance with the Act of 
May 24, 1S87, of the Pennsylvania Legislature, 
relating to pharmacists, he was examined by the 
State Pharmaceutical Board in the Senate 
Chamber, Harrisburg, on April 11, iSSS, and 
his examination having proved successful he was 
given a diploma as a registered pharmacist. In 
February. 1S94, he placed on the market a line 
of proprietary medicines, which now find their 
way into homes throughout the United States. 
In June, 1S92, the Faculty of Freeburg Academy 
(which had just been chartered) presented him 
with a diploma such as that institution has 
always given to those among its students who 
enter one of the learned professions. Dr. Roth- 
rock is energetic, and public-spirited, and his ge- 
nial manners make him a general favorite. His 
influence as a citizen is marked, and is alw 
exerted on the side of progress. He owns a 
home and business block in New Berlin, also five 
acres of land near town, and since taking pos- 
sion of the property has made many improve- 
ments and additions. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



899 



In September, 1897, the Doctor, prompted 
by a spirit of enterprise and love for the little 
town of his adoption, also with a view to provid- 
ing employment for the young folks of the place, 
rented, in partnership with Prof. A. M. Wonder, 
a suitable building, bought knitting machinery, 
together with engine, boiler, etc., in fact every- 
thing pertaining to a perfect plant of that descrip- 
tion, and in a short time the village and vicinity saw 
with pleasure, and something akin to wonder, in 
some cases (it is said) even with envy, the smoke 
and steam of the first enterprise that ever made 
its appearance in these parts. So great was the 
novelty that the people flocked from all quarters 
to see a stocking knit by steam and machine. 
The factory manufactures men's half hose, and 
in six weeks from the time of starting up the 
product was increased to sixty dozen pairs of 
hose per day, employment being given to thirty- 
two people, which means an average of $300 per 
month for New Berlin, the citizens whereof are 
proud to have among them such an enterprising 
and go-ahead citizen as Dr. Rothrock, the pro- 
genitor and life and soul of the knitting factory. 
May his shadow never grow less! 

On June 16, 1885, Dr. D. Rosswell Rothrock 
was married at Centreville, Snyder county, to 
Miss Ella Walter, a native of Limestone town- 
ship, Union county, born February 3, 1 863, second 
in the family of four daughters of Valentine and 
Susannah (Shaffer) Walter, the former of whom is 
a well-to-do retired merchant. When she was a 
child her parents removed to Snyder count}-, and 
she was reared in the town of Centreville; subse- 
quently she became an experienced public school 
teacher, teaching seven terms in all. Two chil- 
dren grace the home of Dr. and Mrs. Rothrock: 
Walter R., born January 8, 1887; and Helen 
Katherine, born August 4, 1894. 

Politically our subject is a leading Repub- 
lican, manifesting a keen interest in the success 
of his party. Before he had resided in New 
Berlin a year he was elected to the office of chief 
burgess of the place, and he has also served as 
school director and treasurer of the school board. 
Socially he is prominently identified with the I. O. 
O. F. at New Berlin, and has filled all the impor- 
tant chairs therein; in 1895 he was elected district 
deputy of Union county, and in May, 1897, he 
was sent as a representative of the Grand Lodge, 
which convened at Williamsport, Penn. In re- 
ligious faith Dr. and Mrs. Rothrock are active 
members of the Lutheran Church at New Ber- 
lin, of which he is deacon and treasurer, and 
none enjoy to a greater degree the respect and 
the esteem of the community in which they 
live. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON SHOWERS, an 
agriculturist of note residing upon a fine es- 
tate near W'est Milton, is descended from two 
of the well-known pioneer families of Union 
county, whose history contains much that is of 
general interest. On the paternal side the first 
ancestor of whom we have record is Michael 
Showers, who was born in Berks county, and 
was by occupation a farmer. He died at about 
eighty years of age. 

Christian Showers (son of Michael), the grand- 
father of our subject, was born September 5, 
1779, in Union county, and died in the Nippe- 
nose Valley, Clinton Co., Penn., February 10, 
1865, aged eighty-five years, five months and 
five days. His wife, Margaret Markel, also at- 
tained a good old age, and both were buried in 
the Nippenose Valley, their occupation being 
farming until well advanced in years; then they 
lived retired until they passed away at the old 
homestead. 

Their son Samuel, our subject's father, was a 
native of Snyder county, Penn., born August 4, 
18 14, and in early life began farming in a small 
way in Clinton county, in the Nippenose Valley, 
but in 1854 he moved to Union county and set- 
tled upon the farm now occupied by our subject. 
He acquired a fine estate, and at his death, which 
occurred January 18, 1894, he owned several 
farms as well as other property. Politically he 
was a Republican, and in religion he adhered to 
the Lutheran faith. He married Sarah Hoffman, 
who was born in Union county August 23, 1806, 
and died October 16, 1889, aged eighty-three 
years. Her family has been identified with Union 
county from an early day, having come from 
Lebanon county, Penn., to settle there before 
the division of Northumberland county, which 
resulted in the present county organization. Jost 
Hoffman, her grandfather, purchased the farm 
of 291 acres, upon which our subject now re- 
sides, the deed, which is now in Mr. Showers' 
possession, being dated November 27, 1793. 
John Hoffman, the son of this old pioneer, and 
the father of Mrs. Showers, was born in Leba- 
non county March 16, 1767, and the greater part 
of his life was spent in farming in White Deer 
township, Union county, where his death oc- 
curred July 26, 1840, his remains being buried in 
White Deer graveyard. His wife, Catherine 
Baker, who was born in Lebanon county Octo- 
ber 13, 1765, survived him, passing away Feb- 
ruary 25, 185 1 . 

George W. Showers was the first born of 
three children, and is now the only survivor. 
John died at the present homestead, April 25, 
1870, and Samuel died in Nippenose Valley, 



' H II I 



I OMMEMORATIVE BIO(jn.\riIHAL RECORD. 



Clinton county. Our subject was born^Decem- 
ber 2G, 1842, at the old home in Clinton county, 
and being trained to farm management in his 
youth was prepared to take charge of the home- 
stead when his father retired from business in 
April, 1867, and removed to near New Columbia. 
Since that time Mr. Showers has continued to 
reside at the farm with the exception of one year, 
1869-70, which he spent on an adjoining estate. 
Genial and clever, he has hosts of friends, but al- 
though he has had much influence in local affairs 
and is a leading Republican, he has Q( ver sought 
or held office. Until 1 895 he was an active mem- 
ber and master of the Grange, and he takes keen 
interest in all public questions. 

On January I, 1807, Mr. Showers was mar- 
ried at Lewisburg, by Rev. Mr. Evans, to Miss 
Sarah E. Geyer, a native of White Deer town- 
ship, Union counts, born June 28, 1844. Nine 
children have blessed this union, the names with 
dates of birth being as follows: William H., 
April 9, 1868, residing upon the farm adjoining 
the homestead, married Miss Edith Criswell, and 
has had two children — Russell H. and William 
L. ; Ellen J., June 3, 1869, died August 30, of 
the following year; Norman J.. November 8, 
1870; Laura C., December 25, 1S71; George 
W ., Jr., September 25, [873; Sarah E., Decem- 
ber 19, 1874; John, April 24, 1876, and Frank- 
lin, July 26, 1877, are allat home; and Alice M., 
born August 9, 1885, lived only two brief years, 
passing away August 8, 18S7. 

The Geyer family came to this section from 
Reading, Penn., and Mrs. Showers' paternal 
grandfather, Adam Geyer, a prosperous mill- 
wright, died in Union county, his last years be- 
ing spent in freedom from business cares. He 
was buried in White Deer cemetery, but his wife, 
Susannah Garrett, was interred in St. Joseph 
county, Mich. Their son Israel, the father of 
Mrs. Showers, was born at Reading, July 10, 
[822, but came in early manhood to White Deer 
township, where he became a prominent farmer 
and a leader in local affairs, being elected to va- 
rious township offices, and taking an influential 
part in the Republican organization. He was 
married in White Deer township, Union county, 
to Miss Catherine Brown, who had accompanied 
her parents, George ind Sarah (Bartlett I Irown, 
from Schuylkill county, Penn , their native place, 
to a new home in that township Israel G 
1 d March 10, 1875, and his wife passed away 
in the sixtieth year of her age on March 29, [882, 
The former had been a Lutheran in faith in his 
youth, while the latter adhered to the Refoi 

irch, but some years before their death they 
united with the Evangelical Church. 



Of their numerous family of children, Mrs 
Showers is the eldest; John G. , Adam and 
James are well-known agriculturists in White 

r township. Union county; Susannah married 
Reuben Zimmerman, of Buffalo Cross Roads, 
now supervisor of his township; Marv C. died at 
the age of four years; William C. is a successful 
farmer in White Deer township; Rebecca died 
when only fifteen months old; Ellen J. married 
Josiah Yerger, a farmer in Montgomery count}-, 
Penn. ; Samuel B. resides upon a farm in Kelly 
township, Union caunty; Anna L. married Frank 
Gemberling, a farmer in Atchison county, Kans.; 
and Eliza A. is the wife of Howard North, who 
is also engaged in farming in that counts. 



MRS. MARIA MILLER (deceased), formerly 
of W T est Buffalo township, was a lady of 
large business capacity and marked intelligence, 
and was distinguished in the records of Union 
county for her straight-forward and womanly 
course, no less than for the tact and energy she 
employed in her business affairs after her hus- 
band's death. 

A daughter of John C. and Anna M. (Ben- 
zinger) Kaup, Mrs Miller was born April 16, 
1826, in West Buffalo township, on the old an- 
cestral home of the Kaup family, where she 
resided at the time of her death, the property at 
the death of her parents, having been purchased 
by her husband. Her father was born in Berks 
county, Penn., in 1775, and, in 181 5 came to 
Union county with his young wife, locating on 
the place now owned by our subject. The land 
at that time was covered with a heavy growth of 
timber, which he cleared away, and in the midst 
of the wilderness developed a fine farm, devoting 
his time and attention to its cultivation and im- 
provement until called from this life in 1851. 
His widow, who long survived him, died in 1872, 
at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and 
they now sleep side by side in the Miniinburg 
cemetery. She was a daughter of Frederick 
' Benzingei. 

Upon the home farm, Mrs. Miller was reared, 
remaining with her parents until twenty-four 
years of age, when, in 1850, she gave her hand 
in marriagi to Jacob Miller, a popular young 
farmer ot West Buffalo township. They became 
the parents of four children, but with the ex- 
ception of one all died in infant \ Mary, who 
grew to maturity, is now the wife of P. L. Id- 
dings, a prosperous agriculturist of West Buffalo 
township, ami they have the following children: 
Maria B., Jacob R., Nora B., Charles, William 
1 Margaret I).. Pearl E., Lewis A.. Mary J., 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



901 



Albert S. (deceased), and Arnold B. Mr. Miller 
and the three children who died in infancy now 
lie buried in the cemetery at Mazeppa, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Upon the death of her husband. Mrs. Miller 
found their home heavily encumbered by debt, 
but by her excellent management and indus- 
trious, frugal habits, it is now free from all debt, 
and she made many improvements in the build- 
ings in the last few years. She succeeded in 
demonstrating the fact that a woman is well 
qualified to carry on a farm successfully. She 
merited and received the warmest respect and 
esteem of the whole community, and was much 
beloved by everyone with whom she came in 
contact for her gentle ways and genial manner. 
Religiously she was a consistent member of the 
Lutheran Church. She departed this life Jan- 
uary 29, 1898, aged seventy-one years, nine 
months and thirteen days. 



JOHN L. KNIGHT, one of the most profi- 
cient instructors in music in Union county, 
has spent his entire life there, his birth oc- 
curring in Hartley township, where he is still 
living, occupying the old homestead of his ma- 
ternal ancestors — the Lincolns. 

Samuel H. Knight, his father, a native of 
Cecil county, Md., came to Union county, Penn., 
in 1842, and there became acquainted with Miss 
Rachel T. Lincoln, who shortly afterward became 
his wife. She was born in Union county, where 
her death occurred October 19, 1875, when she 
had reached the age of fifty years, eight months 
and twenty-four days. The father, who was a 
graduate of the Washington University of Balti- 
more, Md., became a prominent and successful 
physician and surgeon, his practice extending 
throughout Union and Centre counties, but for the 
last ten years of his life he lived retired. He died 
June 7, 1882, aged sixty-five years, and was laid by 
the side of his wife in Lincoln cemetery, Hartley 
township. Of the two children born to them, Han- 
nah E. died at the age of sixteen years, seven months 
and seven days, her remains being interred by 
the side of those of her parents. She was a 
beautiful and accomplished young lady, beloved 
by all who knew her. 

John L. Knight obtained an excellent literary 
education in the Randolph Academy of Lewis- 
burg, Penn., and in Bucknell College, where 
he completed his studies. His instruction in 
music was under the direction of Prof. Loose, 
and since the age of twenty-two he has success- 
fully engaged in teaching that art, having a large 
number of pupils. Possessing remarkable mu- 



sical talent and receiving the best instruction, he 
is now recognized as one of the ablest teachers 
of music in central Pennsylvania. A consistent 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he 
has efficiently served as superintendent of the 
! Sunday-school for a number of years, and he 
j also has been elected president of the Epworth 
League a number of times. He has filled the 
position of organist of Lincoln Church many years. 
His political support is given to the Republican 
party. He owns two fine farms in Union county, 
which he inherited on his mother's death. His 
ancestors were originally from England, but the 
family was established in the New World prior 
to the Revolutionary war. 



THOMAS WASHINGTON KEEFER, a 
wealthy retired agriculturist of White 
Deer township, Union county, is the owner of a 
fine farm, which was purchased October 4, 
18 14, by his grandfather, Martin Keffer (as the 
name was then spelled), from John Blakeny. 
This estate has ever since been occupied by some 
member of the family with the exception of one 
year, 1891, when it passed into the possession of 
H. H. Trumpfheller. In 1892 Mr. Keefer be- 
came its owner, and has since resided there. 

Martin Keffer was born in Strasburg, Germany, 
but in an early day came to America. His wife, 
Mary Lawrence, was also a native of Strasburg, 
and accompanied her father, Morris Lawrence, 
and her two brothers, whom the father wished 
to free from the military service required of all 
able-bodied young men in the Fatherland. He 
was considered a wealthy man in Germany, but 
could not realize upon his property, and, in order 
to pay the passage across the ocean, he contract- 
ed that his daughters work for a certain length 
of time to pay the debt incurred. He lived to 
the age of one hundred and nine years, his death 
occurring in Northumberland county, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Martin and Mary (Lawrence) Keffer spent 
their later years at the present homestead, and 
their remains were interred at Milton, then a 
part of Northumberland county. Their son 
James, our subject's father, was a noted hunter 
and farmer of his day. He and his wife, Mary 
Cherry, were born, reared and married in North- 
umberland county, where they remained until 
after the birth of their second child, William, 
when they moved to the old homestead. The 
father, who was a Catholic in faith, died in Au- 
gust, 1862, aged sixty -nine years, and the mother, 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
passed away November 21, of the same year, 



91 »2 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUUM RECORD. 



aged sixty-six. Her death was caused from a 
fall, her dress catching on a doorsill. At the 
time she was visiting three of her sons, who were 
in the livery business at Corning, New York; but 
as the only effect of the accident seemed to be 
an injury of one arm, she paid no attention to it, 
yet <>n returning home a few days later she took 
to her bed and died shortly afterward. 

James and Mary (Cherry) Keffer reared a fam- 
ilv of twelve children, namely: Elizabeth., Mrs. 
F l!runer, a widow, residing with her son-in- 
law. John Klapp, a farmer in White Deer town- 
ship. Union count}'; William, who died at the 
old homestead at the age of seventy-two; Ma 
Mrs. George Haase, who died in 1846; James, 
an 1 e fanner in California, where he has 

Sarah, who was the second 
wife of the late George Haase, and died in 1894; 
John, a tanner of Seneca county, N. V.; Wen- 
del, who went to California; Thomas W., our 
subjo t. Martin, a farmer of White Deer town- 
ship, Union county; David and Levi, of Union 
county; and Franklin, a resident of Erie, Penn- 
sylvania. 

The subject of this sketch was born Decem- 
ber 30, 1828, and as farm work in those days re- 
quired attention all the year round, he received 
but little schooling. After reaching the age of 
sixteen he was often employed on neighboring 
farms, usually receiving fifty cents per day, but 
he -pni! one week in mowing and raking at twen- 
ty-fi At the age of twenty-one he left 

home to seek a livelihood, and worked the first 
summer for his brother-in-law, George Haase, 
at • i!<nth. The next year he was em- 

ployed seven months at $7 a month, the winters 
being spent at home, With this experience he 
coii' is no money in farming, 

and l>e-. in learning tin- trade of chair manuf 
urin;;. apprenticing himself to David Cinter for 
three years at $25 pel year, with the privilege of 
doing farm work in summer in order to defray 
expenses, lb- learned the business, but his hope 
of steady and profitable employment was dis- 
pelled before long by the introduction of ma- 
chinery. Again ne found himself face to face 
with the stubborn necessity for making a living, 
and 'aIk-ii twenty-six years old he went to Si 
ben county, N. Y. , to visit a brother who was 
engaged in the livery business. 

Finding no employment, Mr. Keefer returned 

where a letter from his brother John 

awaiti d him, containing an invitation to come to 

ieca county, N. Y.. where work could be had. 
He started at ono t (or Williamsport, 

where he took a horse-car to Trout Run. Thence 
he went by stage across the Alleghany Mountains 



to Blossburg, a distance of twenty-five miles, and 
from that point he traveled to Corning, N. Y., 
over a railway, the rails and ties being made of 
wood bound with iron. The promised employ- 
ment consisted in "taking up" after an old- 
fashioned " Huzzy Reaper," the first machine of 
the sort made in the United States. The motive 
power was furnished by two horses hitched to 
the back part of a wagon. Mr. Keefer received 
$1 a day for his work, and remained about five 
months, returning home when cold weather 
set in. 

The following spring, an uncle, Charles 
Cherry, a butcher in Steuben county, V Y. , em- 
ployed him at $10 per month, and he remained 
there six months. One very cold day his uncle 
remarked in the course of a conversation that 
work could be had at $3 a day at floating logs, 
and Mr. Keefer eagerly availed himself of this 
information; but there were no rubber boots in 
those days, and one day in the icy water suf- 
ficed him. The next year he engaged in butch- 
ering in partnership with a brother, and for a 
time had a thriving trade, on credit; but when 
one ledger had been filled with worthless ac- 
counts, they burned it and abandoned the busi- 
ness. 

Mr. Keefer then went to Corning, and spent 
a summer in working for his brother for his 
board; but as the old proverb says, "It is always 
darkest before daylight," and things soon made 
a turn for the better with him. He was thirty- 
six years old when he began business as a car- 
penter, and his set of tools was incomplete; but 
he made headway from the start and contin 
for twenty years. With his savings, which 
amounted to $1,800, he purchased a small farm 
in White Deer township, Union county, and re- 
sided there until 1892, when he traded the place 
in the old homestead. 

His wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Clouser, a 
native of Kelly township, Union county, was born 
August 10, 1837. They have one daughter, 
Lizzie C, who was married at the age of twenty- 
two to Charier- 1). Rich, a farmer of White Deer 
township, Union county. Three children were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Rich: Clara A., Dartha 
M., and K 13 Keefer. 

Mrs Keefer'S father, Abraham Clouser, was 
born in Lancaster county, and passed his life 
there, his death occurring in 1870, at the age of 
fifty-eight. He is a well-known citizen, a Re- 
publican in politics, and he and his wife, whose 
maiden name was Hannah Fink, were leading 
membersof the Reformed Church. Mrs. Clouser 
was a native of Northumberland county, but 
she died in Union county in 1S77, and was buried 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



90S 



beside her husband in the graveyard at White 
Deer Church. Their children were: Henry, de- 
ceased; Sophia, wife of Andrew Zong, both now 
deceased; Elizabeth (Mrs. Keefer); Sarah, who 
married Moses Baker, a farmer of White Deer 
township, Union county; and Mary, wife of John 
Shaffer, a farmer and stonemason in Kansas. 

Mr. Keefer has retired from active business, 
the management of his farm devolving upon 
Charles H. Malada, a young man of eighteen, 
who from the age of two years has had his home 
with Mr. Keefer. After a life of toil, leisure is 
doubly sweet, and an abundant competence can 
be best appreciated perhaps by one whose labors 
have been but poorly requited in the past. Mr. 
Keefer is now regarded as one of the substantial 
men of his locality, in whose progress he shows 
a genuine interest. He is a member of the 
Evangelical Church, and in his political views is 
a Republican. 



SIMON BENNAGE. The Bennage family of 
' Union county traces its descent from Simon 
and Mary Bennage, who came to America from 
Germany during Colonial times, and located in 
Berks county, Pennsylvania. 

Their son Simon, the grandfather of the well- 
known citizen whose name opens this sketch, 
was born in Heidelberg township, Berks county, 
August 19, 1757, and married a native of the 
county, Miss Elizabeth Renninger, and later 
moved to what is now White Deer township, 
Union county, purchasing the tract of land now 
known as the Bennage homestead. He was a 
successful man, and at the time of his death, De- 
cember 24, 1 82 1, at the age of sixty-four years, 
four months and five days, he owned several 
farms in the county and other land in New York 
State. Progressive and far-seeing, he sought to 
promote the best interests of the community 
which he helped to develop, and he was one of 
the organizers of the first Lutheran Church es- 
tablished there. He and his good wife spent 
their last days at the present homestead, and 
their remains were interred in the family burial 
lot in White Deer Church cemetery, where, as 
time has passed, their descendants have been laid 
for their final repose. Their four children were 
all born at the homestead: Samuel, March 28, 
1788; David, December 28, 1791; Mary, Octo- 
ber 15, 1794, and Elizabeth, January 5, 1798. 
All are deceased, the last having passed away at 
the age of nineteen years, ten months and ten 
days. 

David Bennage, the father of our subject, 
spent his entire life at the homestead, following 



agriculture as an occupation. He was married 
in the same township to Miss Nancy Ranck, a 
native of Lancaster county, Penn., a daughter of 
Henry and Nancy (Geigley) Ranck, who were 
born in Lancaster county, and settled in White 
Deer township. Union county, at a time when, as 
they made their way by boat up the river, they 
saw the sites of the now thriving towns of Lew- 
isburg, New Columbia and Milton, but one house 
each. 

To David and Nancy Bennage seven children 
were born, namely: Henry Simon and John R. 
W. , who occupy portions of the old farm; Enos, 
a farmer of Kelly township, Union county; Dav- 
id, a farmer in White Deer township, residing 
two miles north of the old homestead; Louis, 
who died April 27, 1866; and Mary A., who 
married Calvin Keefer, both now deceased. The 
mother of this family died February 24, 1864, 
and the father December 19, 1866. Both were 
members of the Evangelical Church and passed 
away in full faith in a future life, their remains 
now resting in the family burial lot. David 
Bennage owned at the time of his death 390 
acres of land, which was divided into five farms 
for his surviving sons, and four of these are still 
in the family. 

Simon Bennage was born February 28, 1831, 
and was reared at the old homestead. When he 
was twenty-one he and his brother Henry took 
charge of one of their father's farms in the same 
township, and after one year our subject settled 
at his present home. An old house stood there, 
which he occupied until 1859, when he built the 
handsome two-story brick in which he now re- 
sides. He has otherwise improved the place, a 
new barn, also built in 1859, being a notable feat- 
ure. As a manager he is capable and successful, 
and his judgment is held in respect by his asso- 
ciates. 

During the Civil war he went to the front as 
a defender of the Union, enlisting October 7, 
1864, in Company E, 76th P. V. I. He took part 
in the Fort Fisher expedition, and previous to the 
battle was accidentally wounded in the head by 
a musket, the injury confining him to the boat 
for two weeks. Before the war was closed he 
went through a number of hot skirmishes, but, 
hostilities ending, he was discharged at Raleigh, 
N. C, July 18, 1865, and returned to his farm. 
Mr. Bennage has unusual talent as an artist and 
writer, and a diary which he began when he en- 
tered the army is a valuable record of events 
from his point of view. Several battle scenes 
sketched from memory of the struggles in which 
he participated are full of interest. 

Politically, Mr. Bennage is a strong Repub- 



904 



COMMEMuUA T1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lican, but his ambition does not lie in the di- 
rection of official life, although he has taken a 
loyal interest in all that concerns the welfare of 
his country, his State and his own community. 
Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army 
Post, No. 129, of Milton, and of the Grange, at 
White Deer, No. [22. 

In December, 1852, our subject was married 
to Miss Sarah Brown, and eight children bless 
their union: 1 ! 1 Miss Mary A. 1'" 1 is at 

home. 1 - 1 Miss l.lizabeth R. died at the age of 
twenty-six. (3) John \V. operates the home 
farm. He married Miss Amanda Noll, and has 
had three children — Bertha A., Delroy. and .M 
E. (4) Sarah C. married John C. Baker, a 

ner of Kelly township, Union county, and has 
two sons — Charles E. and George \\". (5) David 
died at the age of nine months. (6) Miss Susan- 
nah was killed by a railway locomotive at \\ 
Milton, February 5, 1880, while in a sleigh with 
nine others, none of whom were seriously in- 
jured. (7) Ellen J. married Henry Mooser. of 
West Milton, and hashad six children — Ralph C., 
Mary M., Sarah E., Raymond E. , Jennie M.. 
deceased, and James R. (8) George W., a 
farmer at the homestead, married Miss Minnie 
Snyder, but has no children. Mr. Bennage is 
ii' il formally connected with any religious society, 
but his wife is a member of the Reformed 
Church. 

She was born August 7, 1X29, in Schuylkill 
county, Penn., whore her parents, George and 

ih [Bartley) Brown, were born, reared and 
married, Her paternal grandparents, Adam and 
Catharine Brown, died there, and her maternal 
grandparents 1 Elizabeth fDougherty) Bartley and 
husband) moved there from their early home at 
Reading, Penn.. to spend their remaining years. 
George Brown, who was a farmer by occupation, 
settled in White: Deer township, l'nion counts, 
in 1839, and was prominent in local affairs as a 
Democrat, and a member of the Reformed 
Church. Of eight children, four are now living. 
Elizabeth died at the age of two years; Catharine 
married Israel Geyer, both now deceased; Jeffer- 
son resides in Kelly township, Union county; 
George is a resident of White Deer township, in 
the same county; Sarah. Mrs Bennage, was the 
fifth in order of birth; Rebecca, deceased, was 
the first wife of the late Daniel Mover, mentioned 
farther on; Mary A., formerly the wife of Isaac 
Kurt/., both deceased, he being accidentally killed 
by falling from a buggy; Elizabeth was the sec- 
ond wife of Daniel Mover, deceased, and now 
ides in Buffalo township, Union county. Mrs. 
B image's mother died in 1844. at the age of forty- 
nine years, and the father married a second wife. 



Susan Messersmith, by whom he had no children. 
He died in the spring of 1873, aged eighty-two, 
and she passed away in 1S85. 



E 



NOCH MILLER, of Mifmnburg, Union 
county, ranks among the leading 1 ntractors 
and builders of this section, his work including 
some of the handsomest structures in Union, 
Snyder and Northumberland counties. He has 
won a high reputation as an architect, his designs 
being at once artistic and practical. Since 1875 
he has operated a planing-mill for the manufact- 
ure of doors, sashes and all sorts of finished 
wood work for interiors. From this it will be 
seen that in the most literal sense he has had a 
large share in the upbuilding of the thriving city 
of Mifflinburg, and the following biography will 
be of general interest. 

Mr. Miller is of German descent on the 
paternal side, while his mother traced her an- 
cestry to one of the French Huguenots who 
came to this country to find freedom of 
conscience. John Miller, the paternal grand- 
father, left the Fatherland about a hundred years 
ago, settling in Berks county. Penn., and his son, 
Moses W. Miller (our subject's fatheri. was born 
there October 30, 1807, and in 1831 married 
Miss Mary Bartlet, a native of Oley township, 
Berks county, born October 30, 1 8 7 Her 
father, Daniel Bartlet, who died in that county 
at the age of eighty-seven, left six sons, Jacob, 
Daniel, Isaac. Abraham, Samuel, and Peter, a 
physician. The name of this family was origi- 
nally Bertolet as used in France. 

In the spring of 1835 Moses W. Miller and 
his wife moved to Union county, locating on a 
farm in West Buffalo township, where he died 
May 2}. 1X44. He was a member of the Evan- 
gelical Church, and as a citizen was always keen- 
ly interested in the questions of the day, his 
political sympathies being with the Whig party. 
After his death Mrs. Miller purchased the farm. 
and in 1873 she built a house in Mifflinbu 
where she spent her later years, her death occur- 
ring in 1893. She had seven children: Sarah 
Mis. Henry Maize;, born January 30, [832; 
Maria Mrs Hassler), born April 7. [834; Enoch, 

-ubject; Joseph, born November 17. 1837, now 

ling m Mifrlinburg; Daniel B., December 29, 

coach maker in the same place; John 1 

February 10, 1842. a resident of Limestone 

township, l'nion county; and George A.. January 

21, 1844, now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa. 

Mr. Miller, our subject, who was born Novem- 

the first of the children born in 

Union county, and his early years were passed in 




S/<U^<^ ^//tJ^Ul 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



905 



the old home in West Buffalo township. As 
soon as he was strong enough he began working 
on neighboring farms, attending school in the 
winter only. At the age of fifteen he took charge 
of the farm for his mother, but after one year he 
went to Mifflinburg to learn the carpenter's trade 
with Joseph Boop. With him he remained two 
years as an apprentice, and one year as a part- 
ner, and then went into business on his own 
account. In i860 he built a house and shop on 
the corner of Sixth and Market streets, and he 
has met with marked success in all his under- 
takings, his business, including the planing-mill, 
keeping about sixteen men employed. He has a 
handsome residence, erected in 1870. His wife, 
to whom he was married September 20, 1856, 
was formerly Miss Sarah Katherman, and she, 
too, is a native of Union county, her birth occur- 
ring September 6, 1837. Her parents, Fred- 
erick and Christiana (Stitzer) Katherman, were 
well-known residents of the county. 

Of the nine children who have blessed our 
subject's home, the eldest, Mary C. , married 
J. C. Bulger, a carriage dealer in Mifflinburg, 
and has had three children — Miller, May and 
John. (2) Frederick Warren, born July 7, 1S58, 
died December 4, 1863. (3) Anna S. married 
D. B. Moss, a coach-maker of Mifflinburg, and 
has one child — James. (4) Edith married H. 
Bringhurst, of Lancaster, Penn. ; he is now 
deceased. (5) Sallie B. died at an early age. 
(6) Bessie Virginia is at home. (7) Margaret B. 
married Henry W. Myers, of Birmingham, Ala. 
(8) Louisa M. is at home. (9) Georgia died of 
diphtheria in her second year. 

The first vote cast by Mr. Miller was for 
James Buchanan, and he has always remained in 
the Democratic fold, although he is not a strong 
partisan. He is a prominent member of the 
Reformed Church in his city, and his fine musical 
talents have been effectively used in the service 
for twenty-five years, during which he has been 
a leader of the choir. 



E ^DWARD RANCK. A biographical record 
'I of the pioneer residents of this section would 

be incomplete without special mention of the 
Ranck family, of White Deer township, Union 
county, who have been intimately connected 
with the development of that locality from a 
period long prior to the organization of the 
county. 

The first ancestor of whom we have a distinct 
record was John Ranck, the grandfather of the 
gentleman whose name opens this sketch. He 
came from Lancaster county, Penn., about 1797, 



and settled upon a farm in what is now White 
Deer township, Union county, then part and 
parcel of Northumberland county, and his death 
occurred there in 1820, at the age of seventy- 
eight. A large tract of land which he acquired 
is still in the possession of his descendants, the 
homestead of our subject being a part of it. He 
was twice married. His first wife died in Lan- 
caster county, but his second, Barbara, who ac- 
companied him to his new home, survived him, 
passing away March 27, 1830, at the age of 
seventy-five. 

Their son Jonathan, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Lancaster county, July 31, 
1789, and having come to this section during 
his boyhood, became one of the prominent farm- 
ers of his time, his death occurring May 5, 1856. 
On April 2, 181 5, he was married to his first 
wife. Miss Catherine Long, who died March 25, 
1816, and on April 27, 1817, he formed a second 
union, this time with Miss Mary Dieffenderfer, 
who was born in January, 1798, in Union coun- 
ty, then within the limits of Northumberland 
county, where her father, Jacob Dieffenderfer, 
passed the greater part of his active life. She 
died in February, 1845, ar >d on December 7, 
1 85 1, Jonathan Ranck wedded Mrs. Harriet 
(Kline) Dieffenderfer, widow of his second wife's 
brother. She died leaving no children. By the 
first marriage there was one son, Joseph, born 
March 15, 1816, died in May, 1895. Ten chil- 
dren blessed the second union: Sarah, born Jan- 
uary 17, 1819, married the late Daniel Bennage, 
and died December 18, 1845; Moses, born Sep- 
tember 4, 1820, is a retired carpenter residing in 
Michigan; Susannah, born January 14, 1822, is 
the wife of J. J. Brown, a well-known resident of 
Kelly township, Union county; Jacob, born Jan- 
uary 28, 1824, died April 19, 1878; Edward, 
born December 31, 1825, is mentioned more fully 
farther on; Solomon, born September 9, 1827, is 
a retired farmer in White Deer township, Union 
county; Mary, born August 14, 1830, married 
Charles C. Wetzel, an architect of Danville, 
Penn.; Levi, born January 9, 1833, died in 
April, 1886; Jonathan, born April 2, 1834, is 
now living in retirement in White Deer township, 
Union county; Ellen, born January 18, 1837, is 
the wife of Samuel Hertz, a hardware merchant 
of Van Wert, Ohio. 

Edward Ranck was born at the old home- 
stead, and his youth was spent there, practical 
knowledge of all branches of agricultural work 
being gained in the labors of the farm. At 
twenty-one he left home and found employment 
as a farm hand, receiving for the first ten months 
only $8 per month, and during the next season 






COMMEMORATIVE R10GRAPUHAL RECORD. 



he received $10 per month for some length 
of time. The next year he spent with his 
father, who paid him $100 for the year's 
wi irk. He then rented a portion of the old 
farm, where he made a home for himself and 
bride, Miss Sarah A. Goodlander, to whom he 
was married December 7. [848. Three years 
later he purchased the place and continued to 
reside there until 1S83, when he moved to his 
present home, a fine estate near New Columbia, 
with a beautiful brick residence commanding a 
•• cross roads." 

Mr. Ranck has always taken a leading part 
in local affairs, his high character as a man and 
citizen, no less than his wealth, giving him great 
influence in the community. He has served as 
assessor one term and overseer of the poor for 
three terms, and was a valued adviser in the Re- 
publican organization in hjs locality until 1 8 
when he became identified with the Prohibition 
party. He and his wife have always taken an 
active interest in religious matters. For forty- 
six years he has been a member of the Evan- 
ical Association, and for thirty years has been 
a class-leader and tru 

Mrs. Ranck is a descendant of a well-known 
family, and was born in White Deer township, 
Union county, September 13, 1825, the daugh- 
ter of Paul and Rachel (Heckel) Goodlander, 
who were natives of Northumberland county, 
but whose lives were mainly spent upon a farm in 
what is now Union county. They were devout 
members of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Ranck 
was the youngest ol a family of five children, 
the others being: Elizabeth, who married Jacob 
Shirik, both now deceased; Polly, widow of 
Jonathan Mover, of Milton, Penn. ; Rachel, 
widow of John Grove, of Kelly township, Union 
county; and Samuel, a retired carpenter of White 

1 township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ranck have had eleven children, 
of whom ten are living and married: (1) Mary 

born Octob.i 1 ., [849, married H. H.Trum- 
feller, a clerk in a hardware store at York, Penn., 
and they have six children. (2) John J., born 
July 31, 1851, is a coachmaker and undertaker 
m New Columbia, Penn. He married Miss 
Sarah Smith, and has had five children. (3) 
Jeremiah, born September 2, 1852, died Janu- 
ary 4, 1S53. (4) William H. . born October 24, 
[S53, is a farmer in Kelly township, Union 
county, and he and his wife, Ann Brown, have 
five children. (5 Rachel L. (twin to William 
H.), married David H. Bennagi , who now man- 
ages our subject's farm, and they have one child. 
(6) Sarah A., born September 6, 1 S 5 5 , married 
W. H. Geyer. a farmer of White Deer town- 



ship, and has had three children, one of whom 
is now deceased. (7) Edward F., born January 
iS, 1857, is a farmer in White Deer township, 
and is also engaged in school teaching. He 
married Miss Minnie Fry, and has had six children. 

Samuel C, born November 20, 1859, is a gen- 
eral merchant in New Columbia. He married 
Miss Sarah Werkhiser, and has had three children. 
(9) Pharos F., born November 4, 1 861, is en- 
gaged in farming in White Deer township, and 

■ in school teaching. He married Miss Emma 
Bickle, and has had three children, (io'i James 
A., born August 6, 1863, now a farmer on the 
old homestead in White Deer township, married 
Miss Liza Koch, and has had three children. 
ill! Minnie A., born May 6, 1869, married 
Thomas C. Bennage, a farmer of Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, and has had one child. 



BOBERT JOHN MOVER, who has won 
more than ordinary success in the honored 

calling of agriculture, was born July 6, 1 851, in 
White Deer township, Union county, upon the 
farm where he now resides. 

Like many of our well-known citizens, Mr. 
Moyer is of Berks county stock, his paternal 
grandparents, Henry and Mary (Kellen Moj 1. 
having passed their lives there upon a farm. 
They had four sons and three daughters. Their 
son, Joseph K. , the father of our subject, was 
bom in Pike township, Berks county, and re- 
mained at home assisting in the labors of the 
farm until he was eighteen, when he began an 
apprenticeship to the tailor's trade. On becom- 
ing proficient in this business, he came to this 
section, settling in Kelly township, Union coun- 
ty There he married Miss Elizabeth Heckel, a 
native of White Deer township, in the same 
county. Her parents, George and Hannah 
(Spotts) Heckel, were both born in the same 
county, in Kelly township, and were highly es- 
teemed among the early agricultural workers of 
their locality. Their remains now lie in the 
cemetery at White Deer church. 

Shortly after his marriage our subject's 
father purchased the old Heckel homestead of 
1 ''2 acres, in partnership with a brother-in-law, 
John Moore, each paying the sum of $1,500. 
They divided the farm and Mr. Mover contin 
to cultivate his portion until 1876, when he re- 
tired from active business and removed to another 
house on the farm, where he and his good wife 
spent their remaining years, the latter's death 
occurring December 18, 1882, while the former 
breathed his last, September 5, 1890, at the age 
of seventy-three He was prominent in the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



907 



community, and was a stanch Democrat in his 
political views. He and his wife were devout 
members of the Reformed Church, and for 
many years prior to his death he held the office 
of elder. They had five children: Mary (de- 
ceased), formerly the wife of Solomon Robenold, 
who now resides at Allentown, Penn.; Hannah 
and Henry, who died in 1866, within six weeks 
of each other, the former being sixteen years of 
age; Robert J., our subject; and Joseph H., a 
freight conductor of the Fall Brook railroad, now 
residing at Corning, New York. 

As Robert J. Moyer's life has flowed on in 
the quiet activities of an agricultural community, 
he has been spared many of the exciting and 
often unpleasant experiences which some, whose 
histories are related in this volume, have passed 
through before acquiring a foothold in the busi- 
ness world. He remained with his parents until 
he was twenty-five, when he married and took 
possession of the old residence, his parents re- 
moving to the smaller home as has been said. 
For a number of years he rented the place, but 
in July, 1890, he purchased it, and has since con- 
tinued to reside there. 

His first wife. Miss Emma Dunkle, to whom 
he was married January 27, 1876, was a native 
of Kelly township, Union county, born in 1856. 
Her father, the late Peter Dunkle, was born in 
the same county, in Buffalo township, and be- 
came a leading farmer, but his last years were 
spent in retirement at the home of a daughter, 
Mrs. Fannie Crovvel, where he died August 6, 
1894, at the age of seventy-four. His wife, 
Lydia Kiper, a native of Snyder county, Penn., 
died in January, 1891, aged sixty-five. Their 
children were: Catherine, Mrs. James McCor- 
mick, a widow residing at Knoxville, Tenn. ; Clin- 
ton, a resident of Macon, 111. ; William, of 
Kansas; John L. , a farmer near Salina, Mo.; 
Fannie, wife of Samuel Crowel, a printer at 
Lewisburg, Penn. ; George and Calvin, residents 
of Kelly township, Union county; Miss Ella, who 
resides in Lewisburg; and Miss Ida, now of 
Orange, N. J. Mrs. Emma (Dunkle) Moyer 
passed to the unseen life May 6, 1886, leaving 
three children — Elizabeth L. , George K. , and 
John C. , who are all at home. 

On December 10, 1887, Mr. Moyer formed a 
second union, this time with Miss Emma Ranck, 
a native of White Deer township, Union county, 
and a daughter of the late John L. Ranck, who 
was born in the same township, and became a 
prosperous farmer and influential citizen, holding 
various township offices and supporting vigor- 
ously the Republican party in his locality. He 
was married in Union county to Miss Mary 



Geyer, a native of Kelly township, who, like 
himself, was a devout Lutheran in religious 
faith. She died November 11, 1887, aged sixty- 
four, and he breathed his last August 15, 1895, 
at the age of seventy-three. Eight children were 
born to them: Joseph A., residing in White 
Deer township, Union county, is a farmer and 
school teacher, and also holds the office of jus- 
tice of the peace; Louisa married George Der- 
sham, a farmer in Michigan; Harriet is the wife 
of. Isaac Reed, a farmer of White Deer town- 
ship; Emma, Mrs. Moyer, is the fourth in order 
of birth; Lavine married Levi Joes, a farmer in 
White Deer township; John C. is engaged in ag- 
riculture in Kelly township, Union county; Han- 
nah married William E. Neiman, of White Deer 
township; and Annie is the wife of John Beck, a 
farmer in the same township. 

Mr. Moyer is a genial man, who takes a loyal 
interest in every movement that promises to 
benefit the locality, and in conversation he makes 
an excellent impression. He is a member of the 
Reformed Church, and of White Deer Grange, 
P. of H., at New Columbia. For the past 
twenty-four years he has been also a member of 
Pomona Grange, of Union county, in which he 
has been continuously in office, and now holds 
the rank of master. Politically he is a Demo- 
crat, and for nine years he has been auditor in 
his township. 



TENRY FRICK, one of the oldest residents 
LTJL of Lewisburg, Union county, is still actively 
engaged in business, and takes his accustomed 
interest in the questions and movements of the 
day. Born January 16, 1827, he retains his 
vigor of mind and body, and seems to hold Time 
at bay in a manner which some younger men 
might envy. 

The Frick family is descended from Conrad 
Frick, who came from Germany in 1732, and 
settled in Germantown, a suburb of Philadelphia, 
and built, in 1760, the first brewery in the vil- 
lage. He died there leaving a large family. One 
of his sons, Peter, went to Baltimore, Md., and 
others located in York county, Penn., and their 
descendants in those localities are now numer- 
ous. "John Frick, another son of Conrad, and 
the great-grandfather of our subject, settled per- 
manently in Lancaster, Penn., and the brewery 
which he built there in the last century is still 
standing. He had a large family, among whom 
was a son, John, our subject's grandfather, who 
made his home in Northumberland county, 
Penn., and built a brewery. He died there in 
181 1, leaving a family of eleven children. Of 






' OMMEMORATIVB BIOGRAPUl'M. RECORD. 



his daughters Mr. Frick has no record, but he 
recalls the following concerning the sons: Jacob 
was cashier of the Penn Township Bank in Phil- 
adelphia. George A., an attorney, married and 
settled in Danville. Penn. Henry was a prominent 
resident of Milton. Penn., and was widely known 
as "Gen. Frick;" he was a prosperous publisher 
at Milton, and was unusually active mentally, 
possessing the rare gift of being able to talk upon 
one subject and write upon another at the same 
time; he was elected to Congress, and died in 
Washington, U. C., in the spring of 1K44 while 
on duty. Frederick became a tanner, and lo- 
cated first at Danville, Penn., and later in 
Mercer count)-, where he died leaving a 
numerous family. Benjamin was a foundrymarj 
for some time, and subsequently engaged in busi- 

3 as a contractor for building railroads, bridges 
and similar structures; he located at Kiefers- 
burg, Ohio, and later he and a son removed to 
Burlington, Iowa, where the father died. James 
went to Luzerne count), Penn., as the chief of 
a division on the canal, and his death occurred 
there. 

John Frick, our subject's father, was the 
third son, and was born in Lancaster count)', 
December 3, 1788. In the same year the family 
removed to Northumberland county, where In- 
spent his entire life, his death taking place in 
1847. He was a wheelwright by trade, and was 
prominent in local politics as a Democrat. In 
March, 1812, he married Elizabeth Gotshall, 
who died in [859, aged sixty-six years. Both 
were devout adherents of the Lutheran Church. 
They had sixteen children, of whom, four died in 
childhood; Charles removed to Alton, 111., and 

1 there; Catherine married Hon. Eli Slifer, 
and both are now deceased; Rebecca married 
A. G. Yoris, and both are now deceased; William 

eased) located first in Lewisburg, and later 
in Chester, Penn.; George A. (deceased) was an 
attorney in Lewisburg; Jacob served in the Mex- 
ican war under Zachary Taylor, and was also 
colonel of a regiment during the Rebellion, a 
medal being j;iven him by Congress for valor in 
the famous charge at FredricksluirL;; Anna 
ceased) was the wife of Christopher Reich; Henrj 
is mentioned more fully below; Edwin (deceased) 
a boat builder; Miss Marion resides in Lewis- 
burg, Penn.; Clarence G. is a merchant in Wil- 
mington, Penn. ; Susannah is the deceased wife 
■ it K. F. Brown. 

Although our subject's birthplace was in 
Northumberland county, his boyhood was mainly 
spent in Lewisburg, where at the age of sixteen 
he began to learn the boat builder's trade. This 
acquired, he engaged in the business there, or- 



ganizing the firm of Frick, Slifer & Co., which 
continued from 1845 to i860, and during that 
time built 750 canal boats. Since i860 Mr. 
Frick has been interested in the lumber business, 
and is one of the leading dealers in that line in 
his county. On November 6, 1855, he married 
Miss Sarah J. Blair, who was born December 2, 
1829, and they are now nearing the fiftieth mile- 
stone of their wedded life. Six children have 
blessed their union: Ida is at home; Jennie mar- 
ried George Barron Miller, an attorney, and thej 
have two sons — Harry B. and George P. ; Walter, 
the city engineer at Carbondale, Penn., married 
Margaret Bennett, and has two sons — Henry and 
Walter; Ann married Dr. W. Leiser, and has 
one child — William: Sarah J. is the wife of B. S. 
Gundy, and has one child — Margaret; and Harry 
died at an early age. In his political views Mr. 
Frick is not hampered by partisan ties, measures 
and men being judged entirely on their merits. 
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity. 



BEV. WILLIAM WTCKLEIN CLOl'SPK, 
a well-known clergyman of the Reformed 
Church, has won through his unselfish labors in 
the cause of the Gospel the respect and affection 
of a numerous and widely scattered flock. He 
ministers to the congregations at White Deer, 
Alvira. Mazeppa and at St. Peter's Church in 
Kelly township. Union county, preaching to two 
each Sunday, and the results of his work are to 
be seen in a deeper spiritual life among those 
who have come within range of his inspiration 
and influence. 

Mr. Clouser was born June 25, 1842, in Rob- 
inson township, Berks Co., Penn. His parents. 
Benjamin F. (son of John Clouser) and Abigail 
Clouser (daughter of Jacob Wicklein), were also 
born in Berks county, the former on October 15, 
[815, and the latter on June 7, 1820. Her 
mother was Margaret {nee Lindaman). They 
were married there, and later, in 1841, moved to 
Reading, Penn., where Mr. Clouser is now en- 
joying a well-earned leisure after a life of useful 
industry. Mrs. Clouser died April 27, 1897. at 
the age of seventy-seven years. In his earlier 
years the father was a farmer, and for some time 
in connection with that work he attended the 
Reading market with his produce, being one of 
tin- leading dealers there. Agriculture and hor- 
ticulture occupied his time, and now, at the age 
of eighty-two years, he is a hale and heart)' man. 
He is a member of the Reformed Church, but 
his wife was a Lutheran in faith. Of their seven 
children, our subject is the eldest; Mary, born 



, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



909 



November 23, 1845, married William Kerlin, 
who resides near Reading, and is engaged in 
farming, marketing and milling; Maggie, born 
April 3, 185 1, married Harry Hoffman, a farmer 
of Robinson township, Berks county (their chil- 
dren are as follows: Lena, born June 22, 1877; 
Bertha, born September IS, 1879; Elsie, born 
August 12, 1881; and Katie Abigail, born Sep- 
tember 22, 1886). Hannah, born November 6, 
1848, died at the age of fourteen. Catherine, 
born June 7, 1855, is at home. Amanda, born 
February 25, 1859, died at the age of three years. 
Alvin, born August 22, 1863, and who is at 
home, was recently married to Miss Ida Brown. 

Rev. Mr. Clouser remained under the parental 
roof until he reached the age of twenty years, 
attending the schools of his native township until 
he was sixteen, when he began to teach school, 
an occupation in which he met with marked suc- 
cess. On leaving home he went to Delaware 
county, spending four years at Cartertown, and 
one at Marcushook, continuing the work of teach- 
ing. He then clerked for five months in a notion 
store at Lewisburg, for Abraham Mensch; but 
through these various changes the hope of finally 
entering the Christian ministry was his guiding 
star. In 1867 he began a course of study in the 
Reformed Church College and Seminary at Mer- 
cersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., where he was 
graduated in 1870, his ordination following. 
Since that time he has been in charge of the four 
stations named, each year seeing his influence for 
good made stronger. He has a pleasant home, 
one of its main features being a large and well-se- 
lected library, which indicates both the wide range 
of information and the excellent literary judg- 
ment of the owner. Although Mr. Clouser takes 
a keen interest in public affairs, local and national, 
he has never sought political office. He is often 
called upon, however, to act as adviser in various 
matters, and at present he is administrator of an 
estate. He is also at present serving his com- 
munity in the capacity of secretary of the Board 
of Education. 

On January 22, 1874, Mr. Clouser was mar- 
ried at Kelly Point, Union county, by Rev. D. 
G. Adams and Rev. J. G. Anchbach, to Miss 
Mary E. Gemberling, and three children — Elsa 
R., Minnie A. and Augustine I., have blessed 
their union. Mrs. Clouser is a native of Kelly 
township, Union county. Her father, Lewis 
Gemberling, who was born May 2, 1827, is now 
living retired at Kelly Point. Her mother, 
whose maiden name was Jane Pawling, died in 
October, 1856. at the age of thirty-one, and 
her remains were interred at Lewisburg. They 
had three children: Calvin (deceased), Mary E. 



(now Mrs. Clouser) and Sarah E. (deceased), who 
was a twin to Mrs. Clouser. 

Rev. Clouser began his pastorate of twenty- 
three years at the foregoing named places, Octo- 
ber i, 1870. When he first entered this field he 
was a mere boy, as it were. A period of twenty- 
three years of close application and unceasing 
labor, however, has changed the apparently boy- 
ish appearance, and made it to assume one of 
more advanced years. During this time almost 
an entire generation passed away. The elders 
and deacons whose names are on the call which 
he received from the charge are all gone, with 
one exception, and he is ready to depart. West 
Susquehannah Classis, under whose jurisdiction 
he has labored, and of which he has been and 
still is a member, has undergone almost an en- 
tire change. It has become a new classis. So 
a marked change can be observed on a general 
way. Villages have sprung up within the bounds 
of the charge; the Shamokin Division of the 
Philadelphia & Reading railroad, which forms the 
eastern boundary of the charge, was constructed 
during the early part of his period. Here and 
there new church edifices have been built; and 
in many other ways a general improvement is 
evident in the onward progress of events. What 
a change! Altogether new congregations. Lit- 
tle children, then, but now full grown men and 
women. Young men and women then, but now 
stricken with the marks which time has wrought. 
The speedy end which many experienced by ac- 
cident and disease — by falling trees, by drown- 
ing, by fire and other mysterious ways, not that 
we in any manner think of criticising our Heav- 
enly Father's merciful Providence. A retrospect 
of the field during the time already mentioned 
furnishes wonderful and abundant material and 
reason for grateful remembrance of the goodness 
of God, and establishes a certain knowledge of 
the great realities which form a part of our 
being. 

William W. Clouser is the author of a work, 
to be entitled "The Eventful Realities of My 
Life," which will soon be ready for publication. 
From this collection of writings have been 
selected a few facts bearing upon the results of 
his ministrations among the membership of his 
field of labor. They are as follows: Number 
of persons baptized, both infants and adults, 
1,022; number of additions to the Church by 
the rite of confirmation and certificate and re- 
newal of profession, 600; number of marriages 
solemnized, 246; number of funerals, 615; amount 
contributed for benevolent purposes, $4,000; 
amount of congregational expenses, $20,000; 
number of miles traveled, 5,000; number of 



910 



COMMEMORA 771'/; BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pastoral visits, 23,000; number of catechetical 
lectures, 1,400; number of sermons preached, 
4. 1 88. To this Mr. Clouser adds the following: 
" A glance at these figures would at once indi- 
cate the endless routine of work required — the 
continued wear upon the mental, moral and 
physical being, the frequent anxieties and mis- 
givings with reference to the probability of suc- 
cess or failure of the work I am heartily 
thankful to Almighty God for the preservation 
of my life and health in all these years. Not 
unto me, but unto His great Name must be 
ascribed whatever of success has resulted in 
my undertakings." 



HENRY J. YOCUM, an enterprising and pro- 
gressive agriculturist of White Deer town- 
ship. Union county, is one of our representative 
self-made men. He was born in Danville. Mon- 
tour Co., Penn., fanuary [8, i860, t he son of 
Anthony and Regina Rein) Yocum, who were 
5 of Germany, but w ho met and mar- 
it Danville. They had but little of this 
world's goods, and our subject had early training 
in industry and thrift, qualities winch have bi 
of use to him in his subsequent career. At the 
age of ten he found employment in the Danville 
Iron Works, and, his parents removing to Sham- 
okin in 1 S 7 5 , he spent one year there in the 
coal mines. 

The family then settle, 1 on a farm in White- 
Deer township, Union county, and, after work- 
ing for his father for a short time, Mr. Yocum was 
employed for three years by Charles Isley upon 
the Chamberlin farm in Northumberland countv, 
Penn. Three years were then spent at Dan- 
ville in the iron works, and then followed 
seven years at Milton in similar employment. 
In the sprin-,' 1887 he removed to his present 
horn* sti ad, which he purchased from John [ows, 
but he continued his work at Milton for three 

rs longer. F01 the last seven years he has 
given his attention to the cultivation of his farm, 
and has also been employed in gathering cream 
for the Pleasant Valley Creamer) Company at 
Milton. He was married, December 8, 1 878, 
to Josephine Kolp, and two children have 
blessed their union: Harry A., horn January 14, 
1882, is at home, but Laura K . who was born 
July 10. (879, died at the age of four years, 
nine months and twenty-six d 

Mr, Yocum has won many friends by his gen- 
ial manners and his upright dealings, and. while 
he has never sought prominence, he has an 
intluence in the community which speaks well 
for him. He is a Republican in politics, and. 



in religious faith, is a Lutheran. Fraternally, he 
belongs to the Royal Arcanum at Milton, and to 
the Grange, No, 122, at New Columbia. 

His father. Anthony Yocum, now a prominent 
farmer of White Deer township. Union county, 
has had an interesting career, which well illus- 
trates the value of the sturdy self-reliance which 
is characteristic of the best class of German- 
Americans. His faithful helpmeet is also spared 
to enjoy the fruits of past labors, in which she 
shared. 

Anthon) Yocum was born February 13, 1827, 
and passed his youth in his native land. His 
father, John A Yocum, a well-to-do grain mer- 
chant and miller, died July 2, 1842, at the age of 
forty-nine years, eleven months and twenty-eight 
1 tys. He served as a soldier in the Napoleonic 
wars, and participated in many historic engage- 
ments, including the battles of Waterloo, Juneau. 
Magdeburg and Leipsic, and was on the road to 
Mi iscow when the terrible repulse which the army 
suffered there caused the memorable retreat and 
stopped tin advance of re-inforcements. His 
wife, Eve E. Leis, was also a native of Ger- 
many, and for live or six generations in a direct 
line her paternal ancestors had borne the name of 
Michael Leis, and had been engaged in the black- 
smith's trade. To John A. and Eve Yocum 
eight children were born, of whom two are now 
living: Anthony, and Susannah, widow of Joseph 
Grone, formerly a grocer of Danville. 

After the death oi his father, Anthony 
Yocum, then a mere lad of fifteen, took charge 
of the estate and business, which he conducted 
successfully for four years, but as the time ap- 
proached when he would be compelled to serve 
his term in the German army, he determined he 
would not waste the best years of his early man- 
hood in that way, and in 1847 he came to 
America, the voyage occupying forty-five days 
Later, in 1 S 5 4 . his mother, her brother-in-law. 
and two of Anthony's sisters crossed the ocean 
and settled at Danville, Penn., and the mother 
died at his home in 1878, aged eighty-four years 
and three months. 

On landing at New York Anthony Yocum 
was not long in realizing the extent of the sacri- 
fice which he had made to reach this land of 

I im Instead of being at the head of a pros- 
perous business, he was a poor emigrant, who 
could not speak or even understand the language 
of those about him, and who was more than 
once victimized by unscrupulous sharpers. Work 
of any sort was difficult to find, and he traveled 
long distances to secure employment on canals 
or in mines, which was occasionally varied by 
teaming and odd jobs of all kinds. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



911 



His first work was in an ore mine near Lan- 
caster, Penn., where he worked one year at 
sixty-five cents per day. He then formed a 
partnership in the teaming business, but at the 
end of three trips his partner ran away with all 
the funds after pawning the teams. From 1850 
to 1875, Mr. Yocum worked in the blast furnace 
at Danville, and then, after one year in Sha- 
mokin, he settled upon his present farm. He is 
interested in all that concerns the welfare of his 
adopted country, and in politics is an ardent 
supporter of Republican doctrines. He and his 
wife are Lutherans in religious faith. 

Mrs. Regine (Rein) Yocum was born Decem- 
ber 17, 1842, and came to America alone when 
only fifteen years old. Her paternal grand- 
father, Godfrey Rein, passed his entire lite in 
the Fatherland, engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
and her father, Godfrey Rein, after serving for 
some time as a teamster in the Napoleonic wars, 
entered the employ of the government, being 
connected first with a stone quarry and later 
holding the office of street commissioner for 
twenty-five years, or until his death, which oc- 
curred in December, 1857, at the age of seventy- 
four. He married Barbara Messersmith. daugh- 
ter of George G. Messersmith, a wagon- maker in 
Germany, and had five children: Rosanna, who 
died in White Deer township, Union county, was' 
married (first) to Charles Haas, and (second) to 
August Seitz, both deceased; Amelie is the wife 
of R. Otterbach, a farmer in Illinois; Regina is 
the wife of Anthony Yocum; John is a farmer of 
White Deer township, Union county; and Mar- 
garet, deceased, was the wife of Henry Fleckin- 
stein, of Danville, Pennsylvania. 

To Anthony and Regina Yocum sixteen chil- 
dren were born, of whom Henry J. was the first. 

(2) Adam, born December 17, 1861, is a farmer 
in White Deer township, Union county, and has 
been twice married, first to Miss Marv Gruver, 
who died October 28, 1895, leaving four chil- 
dren — Katie, Franklin, Harrison and Raymond. 
His present wife was formerly Miss Louisa Joe. 

(3) Charles, born June 26, 1865, also resides in 
White Deer township, where he is engaged in 
farming and gathering cream. He married Miss 
Annie Laun, and has had five children — Clarence; 
Calvin; Walter (deceased); Nelson(deceased); and 
Paul. (4) John, born September 27, 1867. is a 
farmer in White Deer township, and he and his 
wife, formerly Miss Carrie Emery, have one son, 
George. (5) Anna R. , born May 3, 1870, mar- 
ried J. N. Kutz, a machinist, of Milton, and 
they have no children. (6) George W., born 
August 21, 1872, resides with his parents. He 
is a talented artist and has studied at Shamo- 



kin, Penn., and Centralia, 111. When only ten 
years old he lost his right leg through an acci- 
dent aS he was riding on a stone wagon. (7) 
Rosanna, born July 8, 1874, married George 
Dougherty, a farmer of Kelly township, Union 
county, and has had two children — Anthony and 
Anna L. (8) Margaret, born November 26, 
1876, married Simon Keefer, a farmer of White 
Deer township, but they have no children. (9) 
Catherine, born January 13, 187S, the wife of 
David Rowe, also a farmer of White Deer town- 
ship, has no children. (10) Clara, born August 
15, 1879, is at home. (11) Harriet and (12) 
Harry (twins), born April 1, 1881, died July 25, 
of the same year. (13) Ida, born April 5, 1882, 
and (14) Daniel, born April 26, 1883, are at 
home. (15) Edward E., born September 21, 
1884, died October 3, 1884. (16) Anthony, 
born December 9, 1887, resides with his parents. 

Mrs. Henry J. Yocum is of German descent, 
though remotely, her great-grandparents on the 
paternal side, George and Mary (Sowers) Kolp, 
having crossed the ocean at an early date to set- 
tle in Lancaster county, Penn. Their son, An- 
drew, Mrs. Yocum's grandfather, spent his life 
there, engaging in business as a farmer and car- 
penter, millwright and tailor, and acquiring a 
large fortune, a portion of which he lost, how- 
ever, two farms being sacrificed to meet the de- 
mand for forfeited bail money. He married 
Elizabeth Sowers, of Lancaster county, and had 
ten children, none of whom are now living ex- 
cept Mrs. Yocum's father, the youngest of the 
family. The others were: Emanuel; Cyrus; 
Hiram; Andrew; Polly, who married Isaac Bat- 
zer, now deceased; Catherine, wife of John Bat- 
zer, a brother of Isaac, also deceased; Elizabeth, 
wife of Peter Swarley, deceased; Leda, who mar- 
ried Isaac Shaffer, deceased;' and Sallie, who 
never married. 

Daniel Kolp, Mrs. Yocum's father, was born 
in Lancaster county, -March 10, 1824, and was 
married there in 1840 to his first wife, Miss Har- 
riet Masters, a native of the same county, born 
November 17, 1826. Her father, Henry Masters, 
was an extensive farmer in Lancaster county, 
where his death occurred, and her mother, 
Maria Masters, breathed her last in White Deer 
township, Union county, her remains being in- 
terred there. They had three children: Har- 
riet; Matilda, born December 1, 1832; and Hen- 
ry, who was a soldier in the Civil war, and now 
resides in Allentown. Penn. Mrs. Harriet Kolp 
died February 10, 1850, and was buried on the 
old homestead in Lancaster county. On Octo- 
ber 24, 1852, Mr. Kolp was married to her sis- 
ter, Matilda. He had been running a threshing 



912 



COMMEMORA TIYK DUKlHAPIIlrM. UKCORD. 



machine in Lancaster, Dauphin and Union coun- 
ties since early manhood, but in 1856, after 
about twenty-seven years at that occupation he 
purchased a farm of 108 acres in White Deer 
township, Union county, paying for it $1,950. 
He still resides there, and, as a Democrat, is 
prominently identified with local affair*, and he 
is a member of the Reformed Church 

By his first marriage, Mr. Kolp had the fol- 
lowing children : m Lusetta. born October 21, 
1N41. married William Koch, a farmer in White 
Deer township, and has had ten children, all of 
whom are living — Addison, William H., Ida, 
Eliza A., Alpheus, Amanda, John O., Dora M., 
Hattie S., and Olive D. (2) Franklin, born 
bruary 21, [844, is deceased. (31 Matilda, 
l»rn June 13, 1846, married Henry H. Hebe, a 
railway conductor residing at Corning, N. Y. , but 
has no children. 41 Addison, born June 24, 
1847. and 5 Waris, born fuly 2. 1848, are de- 
ceased. By the second marriage there were six 
children. (6) Clementine, born July 10, 1853, 
I in April, 1855. (7 Daniel, born Decem- 
-';. [858, is a farmer in New York State, and 
he and his wife, Ellen Snyder, now deceased, 
had four children — Benjamin. Harry, James, 
and Mary. (8) Josephine, born February 2, 
1 860, is the wife of our subject. (9) Clareta, 
born August 10, 1861, died at the age of nine 
months. (io) Henry H., born March 20, 1863, 
is a carpenter in White Deer township, and he 
and his wife, Clara J. Koch, have five children — 
William W., Emma E., Bessie B. , Nettie N., 
and Ralph R. (ll) John G., born February 12, 
[866, is a resident of Corning, N. Y., and by oc- 
cupation is a railway brakeman. He married 
Miss Carrie Wertz, but has no children. 



DAVID GROSS, sheriff of Union county, is 
"lie of Lewisburg's most popular citizens. 
Through hi- ive business connections he 

-amed. long ago. a high reputation as a man of 
ability and probity, and the wide influence thus 
gained has been increased by his faithful dis- 
charge of duty in public life. 

Mr. Gross was born in Snyder county, Octo- 
bei 4, 1833, and is of an old Pennsylvania-Dutch 
family. His grandfather, John Gross, a native 
oi I'.' rks county, Penn., settled in Snyder county 
in early manhood, and followed agriculture there 
for many years, his d< ath occurring at the age of 
seventy-seven, when our subject was about ten 
irs old. The late Jacob Gross, our subject's 
father, was born in Beaver township. Snyder 
county, in [81 3, and died in 1877. He was a 
well-known agriculturist, influential in county 



affairs and in the Republican party, and served 
two terms as treasurer of Snyder county. He 
married Miss Catherine Benfer, who was born 
October 12, 1813, in Pennsylvania, probably in 
Union county, and died February 15, 1886. She 
was a devout Christian and a member of the Re- 
formed Church, but her husband was not identi- 
fied with any religious organization. The Ben- 
fer family was also of Dutch origin, and her 
lather, Daniel Benfer, was born in Union county 
and became one of the substantial business men 
of his day and locality. He was engaged exten- 
sively in farming, stock raising and milling, many 
mills in this section having been built by him. 
Our subject was the eldest of nine children, the 
others being as follows: William died in child- 
hood; Malinda is the wife of Robert Smith, of 
Snyder count)'; Anis resides upon the old home- 
stead; Wilson lives in Thompsontown, Juniata 
Co., Penn.; Susan married Joseph Stadon, of 
Norristown. Penn. ; Matilda is the wife of Peter 
Bobb, of Beaver township, Snyder county; and 
Nancy and Robert died in childhood. 

Mr. Gross, our subject, was reared at the old 
homestead in Beaver township, Snyder county, 
his early education being acquired in the neigh- 
boring schools. Farm work, as he found it in 
his early years, not being to his liking, he sought 
more congenial employment as a clerk in a store 
at Selins Grove, where he remained until 1857. 
He then married Miss Sarah Ann Walter, of 
Union county, and, removing to that locality, en- 
gaged in farming with his father-in-law. He 
also became interested in stock dealing, and 
shipped cattle and horses to various points, con- 
tinuing that business for about two years after 
giving up, in 1885, the active management of his 
farming interests. He has 241 acres of land of 
his own, and two shares, amounting to 100 
acres, in the old homestead, with an equity in 
700 acres of timber land. He also holds a half- 
interest in a gristmill at Winfield, Penn. His 
wide acquaintance in the county, and his popu- 
larity among all classes, have made him espe- 
cially available as a candidate for office, and he 
has often been placed upon the ticket of the Re- 
publican party in his section. In 1894 he was 
called to the office of sheriff, his term beginning 
in January, 1 

Mrs, Sarah Ann (Walterj Gross, his first 
wife, was born in Union county. August 15, 
1 - J3, and passed to the unseen life June iw. 
18S4. Four children were born of this union: 
in Jane Anna, who died in childhood; (2) Glan- 
cy W., who lived only a few months; (3) Laura 
M., who married William Dunkle, a farmer in 
Buffalo township, Union county, and has four 




'a^A^t (£>v^¥ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



U18 



living children — Estella, Edna, Forest D. and 
Ira; (4) Ira J., who resides in Russell county, 
Kans., married Miss Delia Ulsh, and has one 
child, Norman. In June, 1888, Mr. Gross 
formed a second matrimonial union, this time 
with - Miss Jennie Ranck, a native of Union coun- 
ty. Socially, Mr. Gross is identified with the 
P. O. S. of A., and he is prominent in religious 
movements in his locality as a member of the 
Lutheran Church. 



D.ANIEL SNYDER (deceased) was one of 
' those gifted beings whose genius enables 
them to grasp intuitively any mechanical prob- 
lem, and to do with ease the practical work for 
which others require years of training under ex- 
perienced teachers. He was a native of the 
Keystone State, having first seen the light in 
Mahanoy, Northumberland county, in 181 5, and 
the greater part of his life was spent at Lewis- 
burg. His death occurred in 1870 at the com- 
paratively early age of sixty-five. A loyal citi- 
zen, he gave attention to all questions of public 
interest, and every worthy movement had his 
sympathy and endorsement. In politics he was 
a firm adherent to Republican principles, and in 
religion he adhered to the Lutheran faith and 
was a leading member of the Church at Lewis- 
burg. His business ability was not confined to 
one line of enterprise; for some years he carried 
on blacksmithing, while he also engaged success- 
fully in the mason's trade and in teaming on an 
extensive scale. 

Mr. Snyder married Miss Elizabeth Gibson, a 
native of Montour county, Penn., born in 18 16, 
and two children were born to them: (1) Mar- 
garet (deceased) married C. H. Hassenplug, and 
has six children: Alice, wife of T. W. Palms, of 
Palms' Business College, Philadelphia, Penn. ; 
Blanche, wife of J. O. Dreisbach. of Philadelphia; 
Charley; Eudora, wife of W. R. Follmer, an attor- 
ney of Lewisburg; Barron, and Emily. (2) Jon- 
athan, born December 14, 1844, married Miss Isa- 
bella Kelly, and has nine children : Charles, Carrie 
Eliza, Minnie, Daniel, Grace, Emma, Jonathan, 
Irving, and Margaret. Mrs. Snyder occupied her 
pleasant home on Third street, Lewisburg, noted 
for her kindliness, and her life gave evidence 
of the Christian faith which she so long pro- 
fessed as a member of the Lutheran Church, and 
in which she passed away December 27, 1897. 
Her family has been identified with this State 
from an early day, her grandfather, William Gib- 
son, coming from Ireland in the eighteenth cen- 
tury. Her father, William Gibson (2), was born 
at Washingtonville, Penn., and died at Moore- 

58* 



burg, Montour county. He married Miss Nancy 

Berry, by whom he had twelve children: May, 

William, John, Grace, Doan, Agnes, David, 

Elizabeth, Ellen, Sarah, Margaret and Matthew. 



S\YLVANUS BENNETT (deceased) was for- 
.! merly a leading citizen of Lewisburg, being 
prominent not only in business life but in social 
and religious circles. He was born in that city 
March 9, 1835, and his parents, Peter and Mary 
Ann (Adams) Bennett, remained there throughout 
their later years, and were highly esteemed in the 
community for their excellent qualities. At the 
age of nineteen Mr. Bennett, having already 
learned the molder's trade, left his native city 
and went to Philadelphia, where he spent six 
years. Returning to Lewisburg, he entered a 
drug store belonging to his brother William and 
learned the details of the drug business, which 
he followed successfully until death, on January 
17, 1S82, cut short his promising career. He 
was a Methodist in religious faith, and, without 
being a politician, was an influential adviser in 
municipal movements and a leading member of 
the Republican party in his locality. In 1861 he 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Ro- 
denbaugh, a native of Perry county, Penn., born 
near Duncannon February 1, 1838, and five chil- 
dren blessed their home: (1) Mary, born May 
5, 1862, died September 15, 1864. (2) R. Mor- 
gan, born June 15, 1865, is a machinist by trade, 
is unmarried, and resides at home. (3) Marga- 
ret, born April 28, 1867, married Walter Frick, 
city engineer at Carbondale, Penn., and has two 
children — Sylvanus and Harry. (4) Clayton, 
born December 26, 1870, is married, and is now 
in San Francisco, Cal. (5) Sylvanus, Jr., born 
May 3, 1878, died December 25, 1880. 

Mrs. Bennett, a lady of unusual intellectual 
ability, is a valued member of Lewisburg's best 
social circles. She owns the post office building 
in South Market street, and resides there. The 
Rodenbaugh family is of German origin, Mrs. 
Bennett's great-grandparents having been the 
first of the line to cross the ocean. Their son 
Isaac, Mrs. Bennett's grandfather, was born in 
Bucks county, Penn., and followed farming for 
many years, his life extending several years be- 
yond the allowed three-score and ten. He mar- 
ried Miss Steelwaggon, and had a son Jacob, who 
was born in Montgomery county, Penn., in 1S12, 
and became a well-known minister of the Chris- 
tian Church. He was married in his native 
county, in 1836, to Miss Susan Wagner, and con- 
tinued to preach there until 1S59, building up 
ihe Church and doing work which will never lose 



914 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



its influence for good. He then removed to 
Lewisburg, where he established and de% - eloped 
a thriving congregation. He died July 3, 1894, 
but Mrs. Rodenbaugh, who was born July 23, 
c8o8, is still living. They had the following 
children: Catherine, now Mrs. Morgan; Mar- 
garet, Mrs Bennett; Ann. wife of George Slifer, 
toll collector at the Lewisburg bridge and notary 
public for the Union National Bank; John, who 
died in Lewisburg; 1 ight years ago. leaving a fam- 
ily; Mary Jane, now Mrs. Rawn, a widow, In 
in Lewisburg; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. W. E. Cor- 
of Sergeantsville, N. J., and Isaac Newton, 
who died in childhood. 



SOLOMON BENNER, a retired agriculturist 
ling in Vicksburg, is a member of a 
family which has been established in Union 
county since 1.S02, when the name first appears 
upon the tax lists. 

That year our subject's great-grandfather, John 
Benner, a native oi Germany and a shoem 
by trade, came to the county and located in 
Limestone township, a quarter of a mile west of 
Berlin. His first purchase of land w.is 
small, but he added to it as time went on until he 
became the owner of more than 300 acres. He 
died prior to 1820, and his wife, Elizabeth 
Hishou, also a native of Germany, passed away 
between 1830 and 1840, the remains of both 
being interred at New Berlin. Among their large 
family of children were: John, our subject's 
grandfather; a daughter, who married Caspar 
Gost, a dealer in groceries, soft-beer, and cakes, 
in New Berlin; Susan, Mrs. Michael Neiman; 
Mary, Mrs. Joseph Lebkicker, of Liverpool, 
Penn.; and Harry, of Thompsontown, Penn., 
none of whom are now living. 

John Benner was born March 9, 1783, and, 
coming to Union count}- with his parents, fol- 
lowed distilling in connection with farming at tin 
old homestead. He was a powerful man, being 
able to lift a barrel of whiskey by the chime ami 

e it to his knee. While he was comfortably 
situated and took the world easy, extracting all 
the pleasure possible from it, he was not wealthy. 
As a citizen he was well-known and influential, 
and throughout Ins life he was a steadfast sup- 
porter of the Whig party. He belonged to the 
Reformed Church, and at various times held 
office. He was married at Carlisle, Penn., to 
Mi<> Mary Brownawell, who was born near that 
city in 1784, and died May 5, 1846, his own 
death occurring in March, 1856. Their children 
were: Henry, who settled in Centre county, and 
at his death was buried at New Berlin; John, our 



subject's father; Matthias who died at New Ber- 
lin; Michael, who died in Brown county, Ohio; 
Samuel, who went west in early manhood and 
was lost sight of, a report coming back that he. 
was waylaid and killed; Charles, who died in 
Limestone township, at the age of twenty-four; 
Aaron, who died in infancy; William, a resident 
"f New Berlin; Edward, who died near Selins 
Grove, Penn.; Elizabeth, Mrs. Archibald Thom- 
as, of Sandusky county, Ohio, now deceased; 
Sarah, Mrs. Klias Hummell. of Mifflin county. 
Penn., now deceased; and Mary, who married 
(first) Andrew Glover, and (second) George Ben- 
ninghoff, and died in Snyder county. 

John Benner, the father of our subject, was 
born January 25, 1801, in what was then Tul- 
pehocken township, Lebanon county. He was 
but a babe when his parents moved to Union 
county, and he was reared at the old homeste; 
finding plenty of work to do as his strength in- 
creased. His schooling, which was often inter- 
rupted in order that he might help on the farm 
or in the woods, was meagre, but he made the 
most of what opportunities he found, and se- 
cured a fair knowledge of the common branch 
By assisting his father in distilling he became 
familiar with that business, and later 1 ned 

the carpenter's trade. He continued to re- 
at home until his marriage on December 17, 

9, at Mifflinburg, to Miss Mary Leiby, who 
was born February 12, 1809, in Berks county, 
Penn., and came to Union county in childhood 

with her parents, John Jacob and Leiby. 

The young couple began housekeeping at the 
Leiby homestead in Limestone township, Union 
county, and remained sixteen years. Mr Benner 
following carpentering as a business. The first 
farm that he ever owned was in Lycoming coun- 
ty, now Gregg township, Union county, where 
he purchased 100 acres of land which proved to 
be of unsatisfactory quality. He was obliged to 
Stay there six years because he could not sell it. 
but finally he found a buyer, and moved to East 
Buffalo township in the same county, and rented 
the old Harris farm for three years. He then 
bought the Adam Sheckler farm of 100 acres at 
Vicksburg, paying eighty dollars an acre, and 
continued to cultivate it until the spring of 1863, 
whin he retired from active work, although in 
good health at the time. In i860 he built the 
pres lious residence at the homestead, 

and after his retirement he spent much of his 
leisure time in reading, of which he was very 
fond. He was a quiet man, never given to ar- 
gument, but the company of friends was alwa 
a pleasure to him. In early years he was a 
Whig, and later a Republican, but beyond cast- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



915 



ing his vote regularly he took no active interest 
in politics, invariably declining any official hon- 
ors. He was a member of the Reformed Church, 
and at times held office, serving some years as 
deacon. His first wife died August 18, 1865, 
and on November 7, 1867, he was married to 
Mrs. Charlotte (Anderson) Heinly, widow of 
John Heinly. She survived him a few years, his 
death occurring August 31, 1875, after a linger- 
ing illness, and his remains, with those of both 
his wives, now rest in Dreisbach cemetery. Our 
subject was the youngest of three children by the 
first marriage, the others being Sarah A., born 
May 16, 1830, married Joseph A. Dietrich, and 
died in Lycoming county, February 21, 1862, 
leaving several children. Charles, born August 
3, 1834, died January 21, 1S41. 

Mr. Benner's birth occurred September 16, 
1S38, in Limestone township, Union county, 
near New Berlin, and as the only son of a well- 
to-do farmer he had a better start in life than the 
average youth of that day. He had the full 
benefit of the local schools such as they were, 
his first teacher being Emanuel Engle, in the 
Turkey Run school. Constant training in the 
work of the homestead during boyhood enabled 
him to take charge of it on his father's retirement, 
and for some years he rented it. At the death 
of his father he was appointed executor, and 
after paying off the claims of his sister's children, 
the only heirs except himself, he took the re- 
mainder of the estate, including the homestead. 
He now owns two farms containing 130 acres 
of excellent land, and has a small tract of timber 
land on the mountain. His careful management 
has secured a handsome competence, and in 
September, 1897, he retired from business and 
located at Vicksburg to enjoy his leisure. 

On December 2, 1862, our subject was mar- 
ried, in Lewisburg, to Miss Mary A. Miller, who 
was born in Snyder county, March 30, 1843, the 
daughter of Daniel and Esther (Wagner) Miller. 
Of five sons born to this union all but one are 
living: W. E. , born November 19, 1864, is now 
a farmer in Buffalo township, Union county; he 
was married, November 28, 1889, to Miss Sally 
E. Hubler, daughter of Isaac and Susanna (Faust) 
Hubler, and they have one child, Mary S. John 
F. , born May 15, 1866, died October 15, 1869. 
Charles A., born January 19, 1869, is a clerk in 
a store at Mazeppa, Penn. Newton M., born 
March 30, 1872, was married November 26, 
1896, to Miss Margaret N. Klose, of Vicksburg. 
Elmer L. , born June 17, 1877, is at home. Mr. 
Benner and all his sons are stanch Republicans, 
his connection with the party dating back to his 
first vote in Lincoln's first campaign. He has 



never sought or held office and never argues on 
politics, contenting himself with voting regularly. 
He is active in religious work, and he and his wife 
are both members of Dreisbach Lutheran Church. 
Both have been teachers in the Sunday-school 
for many years past, and Mrs. Benner also takes 
a generous interest in the work of the Missionary 
Society. 



HENRY JACOB SYPHER, the proprietor of 
the Spring Garden Grist Mill in Gregg town- 
ship, Union county, is a man of high standing in 
his community, his energy and ability having been 
demonstrated in his successful business career. 
Like so many of our leading citizens he comes of 
Teutonic stock. His ancestors came from the 
Valley of the Rhine during the early part of the 
seventeenth century, and settled upon the Dela- 
ware river near the present site of Chester, Penn. 
His great-grandfather, Abraham Sypher, with 
five brothers, served gallantly in the Continental 
army during the struggle for independence, and 
participated in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, 
Brandy wine, Germantown and Monmouth, and 
were at Valley Forge with Washington. Later 
generations have been no less patriotic, members 
of the family bearing arms in the war of 18 12 
and in the Civil war. Gen. J. Hale Sypher, our 
subject's second cousin, enlisted as a private 
April 21, 1 86 1, in the Cleveland, Ohio, Light 
Artillery, and served throughout the war in differ- 
ent commands, rising by successive promotions 
to the rank of general. At the close of the war 
he settled in Louisiana to engage in the culture 
of cotton and sugar, and was four times elected 
a representative from that State, serving in the 
XLth, XLIst, XLIInd and XLIIrd Congresses. 
Capt. Jacob Sypher, our subject's grand- 
father, earned his title by service in the war of 
1 81 2. He was a native of Perry county, Penn., 
but in early manhood he located in White Deer 
township, Union county, where he conducted a 
farm, and also built and operated a sawmill. His 
wife, Salome Steece, was a native of Union 
county, and a member of a well-known pioneer 
family. The late Abraham Sypher, the father of 
our subject, was born in White Deer township 
in November, 1821, and in 1849 went to North- 
umberland county, Penn., where he spent nine 
years as a farmer. He then returned to the old 
homestead and operated the sawmill for ten 
years, and in 1869 he bought the estate upon 
which our subject now resides, and where his 
remaining years were spent. A gristmill stood 
upon the place, and after rebuilding it on modern 
principles he operated it until 1892, when he 



916 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



retired from business. He was a Republican in 
politics, but was not especially active as a parti- 
san. His death occurred October 9, 1895, and 
his wife, Anna Follmer, who was a devout mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, died January 30, 
1892. She was a native of Turbut township, 
Northumberland county, born March 28, [824, 
and was a daughter of Henry and granddaughter 
of Michael Follmer. Henry Follmer married 
Miss Eve Follmer, his second cousin, and both 

sed their lives in Turbut township, North- 
umberland county, where he was extensively en- 
gaged in farming and in other business, including 
gristmilling and the manufacture of lumber. Our 
subject was the elder of two children. A you] 
sister, Leah Ann, married J. \Y. Bricker, a mer- 
chant at St- ng Garden, where he now holds the 
office of ' i aster. They have three children — 
Natha- . nna and Laura. 

M.. Sypher first saw the light May 19, 1848, 
at the old home in White Deer township, Union 
county, and until he reached the age of twenty 
he resided at home, assisting his father on the 
farm and in the mill, while several winters were 
spent at work in the woods. His education was 
acquired in the local schools after the usual cus- 
tom of country lads. On January 14. 1869, he 
was married at New Columbia to Miss Julia 
Berkheimer, and he then settled in White Deer 
township, where he operated a sawmill for a year. 
He then went to Turbut township, Northumber- 
land county, where for twenty-three years he 
made his home upon a rented farm, but during 
the greater part of this time he was compelled to 
trust his agricultural work to hired help, as his 
time was largely taken up with his practice as a 
veterinary surgeon. In 188] he was compelled 
to register in accordance with a new law, and 
from that time until 1892, when he gave up 
the business as uncongenial, he averaged one 
sick animal a day, and sometimes had thirteen 
in one day. During one year he spent $270 for 
homeopathic and $So for allopathic remedies. 
There, as in his native place, he held the esteem 
of his neighbors, and an account of his life was 
published in 1 S92 in the History of Northumber- 
land County. In [892 he returned to spring 
Garden to take charge of the mill which had 
been willed him by his father, and he h 
become the sole owner of the old farm, having 
purchased his sister's interest. He runs his mill 
night and day, the a) ■ it pi: t for one month 

in 1896 having been ninety-one bushels per day, 
while he has, on one occasion, ground 1 5 5 bushels 
in one day. Politically, he is an Independent, 
voting always for the best man, and he is not an 
office seeker. He takes much interest in local 



affairs, and is a member of the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry, Spring Garden Grange, No. 32, at Spring 
Garden. 

Mr. Sypher and his wife have reared an in- 
teresting family of five children: (1) Anna M. 
married Harvey J. Sones, of Turbut township, 
Northumberland county, a teacher by occupa- 
tion, who now holds the office of township as- 
sessor. (2) William H., a farmer in the same 
township, married Miss Maggie Lahr, and has 
one son, Morris H., and a daughter, born Feb- 
ruary 26, 1898. (3) George A., a miller at 
Spring Garden, married Miss Ida Kurtz, and has 
one daughter, Clara M.; his wife was born in 
March, 1^74. near the old home of the Sypher 
family, in Northumberland county, and her par- 
ents, Josiah W. and Sarah Kurtz, still reside in 
that locality. (4) Miss Veronica is at home; 
I (5) Miss Bessie L. married Le Roy Hunter. De- 
cember 23, 1897, at Spring Garden. 

Mrs. Sypher was born February 24, i 
in Chillisquaque township, Northumberland 
county. Her paternal grandparents, William 
and Mary Berkheimer, natives of Germany, 
came to America and settled on a farm 
in that county. Her father, George Berk- 
heimer, was born there, but in 1854 he removed 
to White Deer township, Union county, where 
he followed farming in connection with the stone 
mason's trade. He married Miss Mercy Stanart, 
daughter of Jonathan and Susannah Stanart, 
then of Northumberland county, but later of 
Lewisburg, Penn., where Mr. Stanart engaged 
in the manufacture of brooms. George Berk- 
heimer died in June, 1893, aged seventy-! 
and his wife, on February 7, 1887, at the age of 
sixty-four years and four days. They had the 
following children: William F. and Susannah, 
who died in childhood; George, a farmer in White 
Deer township, Union county; Mary, who d 
at an early age; Julia, Mrs. Sypher; Jacob, now of 
Limestoneville, Penn.; Sarah E., wife of Dennie 
Hibler, of Williamsport, Penn. ; Andrew, Caro- 
line and Lehr, who all died in childhood; Sam- 
uel, a farmer in Northumberland county; Lavina, 
wife of John Baker, of Limestoneville; and Re- 
becca, who married William Hoffman, of Nor- 
thumberland county. 



MRs SARAH YOUNG. In these progress- 
lays it occasions no surprise to find a 
woman tilling successfully a prominent place in 
the business world, and the subject of this bi 
raphy, a wealthy resident of Buffalo township, 
Union county, sustains a high reputation for 
ity and enterprise, her tine estate near Cowan 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



917 



being one of the best in the locality. She is the 
widow of the late Adam Young, who passed away 
October 8, 1872, leaving a large fortune, and 
since 1873 she has occupied her present home, 
where she has made all the improvements in- 
cluding the tasteful and commodious residence, 
built in 1882. Two daughters: Ida M., born 
September 19, 1868, and Nora M., born May 8, 
1870, reside with her, and seem to have inherited 
her business talent. A son, Martin R. , born Au- 
gust 24, 1 87 1, died in his eighteenth year. The 
family is identified with the Reformed Church, 
Mrs. Young and both her daughter taking an act- 
ive part in the various lines of work carried on 
by the society. 

Mrs. Young was born April 11, 1843, in Buf- 
falo township, the daughter of Abraham and Mary 
(Young) Spigelmeyer. She was reared in the 
same locality, receiving a common-school educa- 
tion, and her marriage to Mr. Young occurred 
June 13, 1867. On the paternal side she is de- 
scended from an old Berks county family, but 
her grandparents, Henry and Catherine Spigel- 
meyer, removed to Snyder county early in the 
present century. Her father was born August 
6, 1806, in Berks county, and was the seventh 
son and youngest child in a family of eight. 
Coming to this section in boyhood, he learned the 
miller's trade at New Berlin, and, after working 
for some time for various employers, he and his 
father-in-law purchased a gristmill at Farmers- 
ville, now Cowan, which he operated during the 
remainder of his life. He died suddenly on Au- 
gust 30, 1862, his remains being interred in Dreis- 
bach cemetery. For some years prior to his 
death he held the office of elder in the Reformed 
Church, of which he had longbeen an active mem- 
ber. He sympathized with the anti-slavery 
movement and the Republican party, but depre- 
cated the use of force and did not vote in i860, 
believing that Lincoln's election would precipi- 
tate war. On April 21, 1842, he was married to 
Miss Mary Young, who was born in Buffalo town- 
ship, May 21, 1 82 1, the daughter of Abraham 
and Mary Catherine (Reidy) Young. Mr. Young 
was a shrewd, enterprising business man, and, in 
addition to his work as a carpenter and builder, 
conducted a sawmill and-the gristmill above men- 
tioned. He was a stanch Democrat, and at one 
time was asked to become a candidate for the 
Legislature, but declined. Of his eleven children, 
three sons and six daughters lived to adult age. 

To Abraham Spigelmeyer and his wife six 
children were born, of whom Mrs. Young was the 
eldest; Henry resides in Nashua, Iowa; Susan- 
nah lives in Cowan; A is a farmer in Buf- 
falo township; Mary C. married James P. Glaze, 



of Mazeppa, Penn., and John \V. resides in West 
Buffalo township, Union county. The mother 
of this family survived the father many years, 
passing away October 16, 1886, at her home 
near Cowan. 

The late Adam Young was born February 13, 
1 80S, in Buffalo township, Union county, the son 
of Jacob Young, an early settler of that locality, 
who paid taxes there as early as 1799. This 
well-known pioneer was born in 1775, and died 
June 7, 1857, leaving a large estate. His wife 
was a Miss Bower, and of their children, Adam 
was the only one to reach adult age. He was 
reared as a farmer boy, with the customary 
school privileges, and was engaged in agriculture 
throughout his mature years. In religious faith 
he was a Lutheran, and his politic allegiance 
was given to the Democratic party?" \ '' as been 
said he was a successful business mail, L ~id he 
was at the same time popular among his associ- 
ates, his genial manner making many friend*. 
He was thrice married. By his first wife, a Miss 
Rockey, he had six children: Jacob (deceased); 
George W., of Mifflinburg, Penn.; John, of 
Three Rivers, Mich. ; Maria, who married Hugh 
Reish, and died in Indiana; Sarah (deceased), 
the first wife of George Catherman; and Marga- 
ret, who after her sister's death married Mr. 
Catherman. By the second wife, Elizabeth 
Swartzlander, a native of Buffalo township, Mr. 
Young had twelve children: James, now resid- 
ing in Darke county, Ohio; William D., a farmer 
in Buffalo township; Reuben, of White Deer 
township, Union county; Charles, a physician at 
Lynchburg, ite(h^; Harvey, a farmer near Belle- 
vue, Ohio; Oliver, a farmer at Three Rivers, 
Mich. ; Oscar, who follows the same business in 
South Dakota; Ellen, wife of Aaron Nogel, of 
Buffalo Cross Roads; Leannah, Mrs. Oscar Fury, 
of Constantine, Mich. ; Harriet, Mrs. William 
Kerstetter, of Buffalo township; Mary, Mrs. Mil- 
ton Hendricks, of Buffalo Cross Roads; and Sus- 
anna, Mrs. Miles Miller, of Buffalo township, 
Union township. 



WILLIAM JONES, a prominent member 
of the legal fraternity in Union county, 
was born August 9, 1822, but despite his years 
is too vigorous, mentally and physically, to dream 
of retiring from business, and at present in ad- 
dition to his other cares is the superintendent of 
the Lewisburg Water Company. 

On the paternal side Mr. Jones is of Welsh 
descent, but his father, the late Thomas Jones, 
was born in this State, and was for many years 



918 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



a hotel keeper in Lewisburg. He was married 
to Maria House), a native of Northumberland 
count), Penn., where her father, Jacob Housel 
(who was of Dutch ancestry), was also born. 
She lived to the advanced age of eighty-four 
years. To Thomas and Maria Jones a family of 
seven children were burn, viz.: Adella (de- 
ceased), formerly the wife of Dr. Thomas Thorn- 
ton: Samuel, a banker, who died at Williams- 
port, Penn.: William, our subject; Elizabeth 
'Mis. Charles Shortly), residing in Williamsport; 
John, a resident ot the same city; Catherine, 
widow of William Humes, of Bellefonte; and 
Emily, wife of Judge Rockfeller, of Sunbury, 
i sylvan i a. 

The subject of our sketch was born in North- 
umberland county, but his youth was mainly 
spent in Lewisburg, where he pursued his studies 
in the public school and the academy. His first 
yment was as a driver on the canal, from 
which position he soon rose to the management 
of a boat, but after six or seven years in this 
business he learned the coach maker's trade and 
worked as a journeyman for a time. A clearer 
perception of his powers led him to decide upon 
tudy of law, and in 184S he was admitted 
to the Bar and engaged in practice. Soon after- 
ward he took a trip to California, where for two 
years and a half he supported himself by work- 
bis trade and clerking in a store, with 
some legal business added from time to time. 
Returning home, he was married, in March, 
to Miss Ada Bell, a native ol Milton, Penn. He 
located at Lewisburg, opening an office, and has 
since practiced law while attending to other lines 
of business, public and private. He is a stock- 
holder in the water works which he now super- 
is, and he has been continuously active in 
political life, being regarded as a leader in th<- R. 
publican party of his locality. He has served two 
terms as county treasurer, and had held office in 
the borough as treasurer and town clerk for 
than thirty consecutive years; he resigned a few 
years ago, declining to accept any lurther re- 
sponsibility. For fifteen years he was a member 
of the school board, serving as secretary, also 
rer part of that time, and he has always 
been found among the chief workers for local 
improvement in all lines. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jones have two daughters, Clara 
and Gertrude. ( t » Clara married Horace I. 
r, a civil engineer and contractor in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y., and has two children — William and 
Adaline. (2) Gertrude is the wife of Jacob G. 
Stevens, of Chestnut Hill, Penn., a suburb of 
Philadelphia. They have one daughter, (Cath- 
erine. 



WILLIAM M. ('.INTER is numbered among 
the loyal sons of Lewisburg, Union coun- 
ty, who, passing their youth there, have de- 
voted their mature years to the upbuilding and 
development of the interests of the place, each 
working in his own line in his own way. Mr. 
Ginter's specialty is photography, and his desire 
to be at the top in his chosen business has re- 
sulted most happily, the artistic quality of the 
pictures taken in his well-patronized gallery be- 
ing equal to that of the best metropolitan work. 
He also conducts successfully an undertaking 
business, succeeding his father, the late David 
Ginter. 

The Ginter family is of German origin, our 
subject's grandfather, John Ginter, having come 
from the Eatherland to locate, finally, in Milton, 
Penn., where he and his wife Elizabeth, a native 
of Switzerland, died and were buried. The late 
David Ginter, son of this John, was born in 
Berks county, Penn., in 1808, and at the age of 
twenty-three settled in Lewisburg, where he en- 

ed in the cabinet-maker's trade, to which he 
afterward added the business of undertaker and 
funeral director. He was a man of intelligence 
and character, a member of the M. E. Church 
for sixty-five years, and in politics a Republican, 
having previously been an Old-line Whig. He 
was married to Miss Margaret Martin, who was 
born in Lewisburg in 18 10, and was a member 
of an old Pennsylvania family. She died in 1S77, 
he in 1893. Of their twelve children, six lived 
to mature age: Rebecca (Mrs. E. A. Stark, of 
Lewisbur^i; Peter M.ialso of Lewisburg); Will- 
iam M. lour subject); Elizabeth (deceased); Har- 
riet ia resident of Lewisburg); and Margaret (wife 
of Ralph Musser, of Williamsport, Penn. 1. An 
adopted son, Sidney Townsend, was reared by 
Mr. and Mrs. David Ginter from the age of five 
years, and is now a resident of Brooklyn, New 
York. 

William M. Ginter. our subject, has alv 
made his home in Lewisburg. On leaving the 
pubile schools he assisted his father in the furni- 
ture and undertaking business for a time, but hav- 
ing decided to engage in photography, he, in 
1869, after due preparation, which he secured in 
his native town, opened a gallery, and has 1 
since conducted it with gratifying success. He 
now has with him G. B. Cook, an unusually ca- 
pable photographer from New York City, and no 
expense or pains is spared to keep the work of 
the establishment at the highest grade of excel- 
lence. Since the death of his father, as has 
been noted. Mr. Ginter has also been engaged in 
business as an undertaker and funeral director 
In r 88 1 our subject married Miss Julia C. Ritter, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



919 



a native of Lewisburg, and they have two at- 
tractive daughters, Marian and Eva. 

Mr. Ginter served as a soldier in the Civil 
war, and is a member of the G. A. R. His mil- 
itary experience was somewhat unusual. He 
was drafted on the first call and sent a substi- 
tute, but when the Rebels invaded his native 
State he joined the State militia, Company E, 
28th Regiment, to protect home interests. He 
also served for more than a year as a clerk in the 
commissariat department at Burnside's head- 
quarters. 



OHN JEFFERSON RANCK, a well-known 
coachmaker and undertaker at New Colum- 
bia, is a self-made man whose history shows 
the triumph of a determined will over adverse 
circumstances. 

Born in White Deer township, Union county, 
July 31, 1 85 1, Mr. Ranck is a member of an old 
pioneer family of that locality, his great-grand- 
father, John Ranck, having settled there in 1797, 
purchasing a large tract of land, most of which 
is still owned by his descendants. John Ranck 
was born and reared in Lancaster county, and 
on coming to Union county was accompanied by 
his second wife, Barbara. He died in 1820, at 
the age of seventy-eight, and his wife in 1830, at 
the age of seventy-five. 

Their son Jonathan, our subject's grand- 
father, was born in Lancaster county, July 1, 
1789, but his life was mainly spent in Union 
county, where he became prominent as an agri- 
culturist. He was married three times, (first) to 
Miss Catherine Long, (second) to Miss Mary 
Dieffenderfer, our subject's grandmother, and, 
(third) to Mrs. Harriet (Kline) Dieffenderfer, 
widow of the brother of his second wife. 

Mrs. Mary (Dieffenderfer) Ranck was born in 
January, 1798, in Union (then Northumberland) 
county, the daughter of Jacob Dieffenderfer, and 
her death occurred in February, 1844. She had 
ten children, among whom was our subject's fa- 
ther, Edward Ranck, now a highly respected cit- 
izen of White Deer township, who resides upon 
a portion of the original homestead. He was 
born December 31, 1825, and has been engaged 
in agricultural work since early manhood. He is 
a Prohibitionist in politics, though formerly a Re- 
publican, and he holds a prominent place in lo- 
cal affairs, having served in various township 
offices in his more active days. For forty-six 
years he has been identified with the Evangelical 
Association, and for thirty years has been an of- 
ficial in the same. 

On December 7, 1848, Edward Ranck mar- 



ried Miss Sarah A. Goodlander, a native of 
White Deer township, Union county, born 
September 13, 1825, and a daughter of Paul and 
Rachel (Heckel) Goodlander. Eleven children 
were born to this union: Mary (Mrs. H. H. 
Trumfeller), John J. (our subject), Jeremiah (who 
died January 4, 1853, at the age of four months), 
William H. (a farmer of Kelly township, Union 
county), Rachel L. (Mrs. David H. Bennage), 
Sarah A. (Mrs. W. H. Geyer), Edward F. (a 
farmer and school teacher in White Deer town- 
ship), Samuel C. (of New Columbia), Pharos F. 
(a school teacher and farmer of White Deer town- 
ship), James A. (who is engaged in farming in 
the same township), and Minnie A. (Mrs. Thomas 
C. Bennage). 

The subject of our sketch remained at home 
until the age of sixteen, assisting his father upon 
the farm in the summer, and attending school 
four months each winter. At sixteen he worked 
eight months duringthe busy season for an uncle, 
Levi Ranck, receiving $8 per month. The next 
winter was spent at home, and in the spring he 
was employed by Jacob Kizer, of Kelly township, 
for a year, receiving $16 a month for the eight 
months of the busy season, and tending stock in 
winter for his board while attending school. The 
following season was also spent with Mr. Kizer 
at $16 a month, but the next winter Mr. Ranck 
returned home. 

He then decided to learn the coachmaker's 
trade, and in the spring went to New Columbia 
to begin an apprenticeship, but work was so 
scarce that after six weeks he returned to Mr. 
Kizer's employ and remained until the next spring, 
the winter season, as usual, bringing him only 
his board. The outlook for his trade being more 
favorable, he went back to New Columbia and 
served as an apprentice to William H. Blind for 
two years, receiving $75 for the term. Mr. Blind 
then employed him for a year at $16 a month, 
and afterward Mr. Ranck worked at piece work 
as a journeyman for some time at various places, 
spending four months at Warrensville, Penn., 
with Samuel Keys, to whom he carried a letter 
of reference, three weeks at Saloma, Penn., with 
Frank Crape, and six weeks with David Crape. 
He next went to Jacksonville, Penn., and re- 
mained with Ira C. Johnson for some time, but 
in the spring of 1874, after a few weeks spent at 
home, he went to Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

In the fall he returned home, and, on Decem- 
ber 15, 1874, he was married at Muncy Station, 
at the home of the bride's parents, to Miss Sarah 
J. Smith, who has since shared his joys and sor- 
rows and lightened his cares with her womanly 
sympathy. After working at his trade for one 



920 



( "\i\nMORATIVE BIOOliA/'Jll' M. UE< DKD. 



year in Hlimsport, Perm., he returned to New 
Columbia and purchased his present property, 
re he built a shop and residence. As he was 
industrious and his workmanship was of the best, 
he succeeded in establishing a profitable trade, 
ti which he added an undertaking business in 
13, in which he took into partnership with him 
his brothei , S * . Ranck. 

Our subject has held .1 number of local offices, 
including that oi register, and. in the spring of 1891 i, 
he was elected assessor on the Republican ticket 
He has served six years as school direct' 11 . hi- lack 
of suitable opportunities for study in youth making 
him desirous of securing better advantages for this 
and future generations. He belongs to the Patri- 
otic Order Sons of America, of New Columbia, in 
which he holds the office of treasurer, and he 
and his wife are prominent members of the 
United Evangelical Church. Five children bless 
theii union: Percy E., born October 27. 1875, 
1 a blacksmith, and April 1, 1898, was taken in 
as partner in the carriage business; Charles S . 
born July .22, 1S77, is a telegraph operator at 
Hall Station, Penn. ; Estella, born June 19. 18 
and Harry B and Harriet E, (twins), born July 
26, 1 881, are at home. 

Mrs. Ranck was l»>rn August 16, 1854, in 
Clinton township, Lycoming Co., Penn. Hei 
paternal grandparents, John and Saloma (Treon) 
Smith, were among the old-time agriculturists of 
that locality, and their remains now repose there. 
Her father, Ezekiel Smith, was born in the same 
township, and became a prominent farmer. For 
twenty years before his death, which occurred at 
Muncy September 15, 1895, at the age of seven- 
rs and nine months, he lived in retire- 
it, and he left a large estate to his children. 
He was a Democrat in politics, and in activi days 
wielded great influence in Ins community. He 
and his estimable wife, Catherine A. Metzger, 
were devout adherents of the Lutheran Church. 
Both were buried in Mt. Pleasant cemetery, in 
I vcoming county, Mrs. Smith having passed 
away January [6, 1S02, in her seventy-third 
year, Hei grandfather. Jacob Metzger, came 
from Germany and settled in Lycoming county, 
where his last days were spent, and her parent-. 
George and Susan (Dietrichi Metzger. died there 
at an advanced age, after several years spent in 
retirement, and their remains now lie in the cem- 
et< 1 y at Turbutville. 

I ekiel and Catherine Smith reared a large 
family; (1) Harriet, born in January, 1846, 
married Percival Weigle, a carpenter at South 
Williamsport, Penn., and has two children — Ella 
M. and Arthur 1. 2) Caroline married Samuel 
Bastian, formerly a lumber dealer and now a 



clerk in the office of the county ' commissionei - 
of Lycoming county. They have three children 
—Jennie E , William H. and Edith. 13) Ellen 
married Jerome Dersham. 41 Hervey, born in 
April, 1850, is a wealthy farmer near Muncy 
ion, and is now county commissioner of Ly- 
coming county. He married Catharine Walter, 
and has had four children — Walter E. (deceased), 
Elizabeth, Minnie and William. (5) Sarah J. 
married Mr. Ranck. (6) Susan A., who died in 
February, 1S93, at the age of thirty-six years, 
was the wife of John App, a sawyer at South 
Williamsport. They had two children — Anna 
L. and Mimla M., both of whom are living 
(7) Anna, born' in June, 1 800, married Piers^n 
App. a brother of John App, and resides at the 
old homestead. They have one daughter, Alta. 



JEAN FRANCOIS ELYSEE AVIRAGNET, 
director of the Bucknell School of Music, 
Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Union coun- 
ty, is a native of France, born July 30, 182S. In 
October, ten years later, he entered the R< 
College at Bordeaux and pursued a literal v 
course of study. In 1S45, be went to Paris, and 
in 1847 he graduated from the Sorbonne. In 
1 85 1 he took up the teaching of French, Greek 
and Latin, and in 1852 he received a degree cor- 

ionding to the degree of Master of Arts. Dur- 
ing all this time he spent his leisure moments in 
developing his taste for music, studying under 
Duprez, Delsarte and Revial. Later he studied 
vocal music under Lamperti, in Italy. He then 

. up the study of harmony, and compi 
many songs which were published by Le Mene- 
strel, a publishing house belonging to Heugel, 
while Hartman, the publisher, also gave to the 
world some of Prof. Aviragnet's music. 

Later our subject went to Mauritius and be- 
came a teacher in Latin, Greek and the Romance 
languages in Bourbon College; at the same time 
he was the musical critic of French editions of 

Vfauricien, Le Cerneen and the Commercial 

ette, papers published in both French and 
English. Up to 1865 Prof. Aviragnet was an 
amateur musician, in that year becoming a pro- 
Previously, however, he had taken 
parts in concerts and conducted a Philharmonic 
Society of Amateurs. After leading operatic 
orchestras for a time, he attracted the attention 
of composers, among whom was the late Am- 

ise Thomas, the celebrated author of " M 
non," •' Hamlet" and many other masterpiec 
These famous composers presented Pmf Avirag- 

■vitli well-merited testimonials of his worth 
as a musician. 






-*-* 



-jejC> 



Director of the School of Music of Bucknell University 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



921 



Prof. Aviragnet has traveled a great deal, and 
has spent many months in Italy, Spain, Egypt, 
Greece, India and the West Indies, leading or- 
chestras and teaching vocal music and the lan- 
guages. At the beginning of the Prussian war 
(1870) he chanced to be in his native country, 
and he at once entered the service of the French 
army as a private, later becoming a lieutenant 
and aide-de camp of the Commandeur Superieur 
of the 10th Arrondissement. At the beginning 
of the Commune the government of the defense 
Nationale was obliged to go to Versailles, and 
Lieut. Aviragnet was sent several times as a spe- 
cial messenger to Versailles, to the National As- 
sembly. Being obliged to remain in Versailles, 
he was, by commission bearing date April 18, 
1 87 1, made officer d'ordonnance, for the organ- 
ization of the legion of the 10th Arrondisse- 
ment, which was with the army when it en- 
tered Paris and ended the Commune by bloody 
battles upon the streets of that city, May 21 to 
28, 1871. 

Four years before coming to the United States 
Prof. Aviragnet was a teacher of comparative lan- 
guages at Bolivar College, Port of Spain, Trini- 
dad. Although not connected with the music de- 
partment of that institution, he organized a band 
composed of students of the college, which or- 
anization, during the vacation, made a successful 
tour in Venezuela. He then went to New York, 
where he taught music for one year, when he was 
engaged by S. W. Murray, of Milton, Penn., to 
teach music and the languages to his daughter 
and the children of several prominent Milton 
families. In 1887 he became a teacher at Buck- 
nell Institute, the department of music being 
then a part of the Institute. Through dint of 
application, and by thorough work, Prof. Avira- 
gnet raised the standard of the music department 
until the board of trustees deemed it wise to cre- 
ate a School of Music, with Prof. Aviragnet at 
the head as director. In 1893 the University 
conferred upon our subject the degree of Doctor 
of Music, an honor which he wears with dignity 
and merit. 

Dr. Aviragnet is a member of the Society of 
Arts and Sciences, of England (Mauritius branch). 
He is a life member of the Association of French 
Opera Artists, to which organization Patti, Calve, 
Plancon, Lassalle, de Reske brothers, and many 
other well-known artists belong or belonged. He 
is also a member of the Music Teachers Associ- 
ation of America, and is widely known through- 
out eastern Pennsylvania as an instructor in Ro- 
mance languages at the Mt. Gretna Chautauqua. 
He belongs, also, to the Modern Language Asso- 
ciation of America. 



FENRY BENNAGE. For more than a cen- 
JHl. tury the Bennage homestead in White 
Deer township, Union county, has been occupied 
by members of the family, having been first pur- 
chased by that noted pioneer, Simon Bennage, 
who was born in Heidelberg township, Berks 
Co., Penn., August 19, 1757, the son of Simon 
and Mary Bennage, natives of Germany. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Renninger, also of Berks 
county, and soon after located at the present 
homestead, where a family of four children were 
born to them: Samuel, March 28, 1788; David, 
December 28, 1791; Mary, October 15, 1794; 
and Elizabeth, January 5, 1798. The father 
became one of the leading landholders of Union 
county, owning several farms beside the home- 
stead of 160 acres, and he also had about 400 
acres of land in New York State. He was one 
of the founders of the Lutheran Church in his 
township, and took a leading part in the develop- 
ment of the locality in all lines. His death oc- 
curred December 24, 1821, and his remains, with 
those of his estimable wife, now rest in the 
family burial plot in the cemetery at White Deer 
church. 

David Bennage, the father of our subject, 
followed agricultural pursuits all his life upon a 
portion of the old homestead, and at his death, 
which occurred in 1866, he left an estate com- 
prising 390 acres, which was divided between 
five surviving sons, all but one of the farms being 
still retained in the family. His wife, Nancy 
Ranck, who died in 1863. was a native of Lan- 
caster county, Penn. , and a daughter of Henry 
and Nancy (Geigley) Ranck, who was born, 
reared and married in Lancaster county, but 
settled in White Deer township, Union county, 
in pioneer times. 

David Bennage was prominent in the local 
movements of his time, and he and his wife were 
leading members of the Evangelical Association. 
Our subject was the eldest of a family of seven 
children, the others being: Simon and John R., 
who also occupy a portion of the estate left by 
their father; Enos, a farmer in Kelly township, 
Union county; David, who cultivates a portion 
of the old farm; Louis, who died April 29, 1867, 
in Northumberland county, Penn., at the age of 
twenty-one; and Mary, wife of Calvin Reefer, 
both now deceased. The remains of the parents, 
together with those of all the other departed 
members of this family, repose in the White 
Deer Church cemetery. 

Henry Bennage has always resided in Union 
county, but he can recall scenes quite different 
from those which now surround him. He was 
born at the old homestead January 31, 1828, 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and was reared after the custom of those days, 
working upon the farm and attending the local 
schools as he had opportunity. At twenty-one 
his school days ended, and on January 15, 1850. 
he was married to Miss Mary Heimbach, and 
settled upon one of his father's farms, which he 
worked for one-half of the proceeds until 1 
He then moved to his present farm, which was 
in its primitive condition, and building a little 
home, 14x20 feet, he began the work of clearing, 
Five years of hard work enabled him to make 
many improvements, including the comfortable 

lence which he now occupies. 

On August 10, 1864, Mr. Bennage enlisted in 
Company I, 202nd 1'. V. I., but as the company 
was too full he was transferred to Company G, 
same regiment. He remained in the service un- 
til after the close of the war, being mustered 
out August 3, i S65 , but although he was engaged 
in several skirmishes he saw no important battles, 
and happily was never wounded. On his return 
to the paths of peace he again engaged in farm- 
ing, but of late years he has allowed the active 
work of the place to fall into younger hands, 
while he enjoys awell-deserved leisure. His politi- 
cal sympathies have been with the Republican 
party from the early days of that organization, 
and he has been active in the local administra- 
tion, holding ' >tTice at times as assessor and school 
director. In religious work he is also prominent. 
At the age of fifteen he became a member of the 
Evangelical Association, but since the division of 
that society he has been identified with the 
United Evangelical Church. In his younger 
days hi- served as class leader, and at present he 
holds the office of trustee. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bennage have a goodly array 
I descendants, of which they may well be proud. 
They have had ten children, of whom ei^ht are 
living: (1) Mary E., born December 2 1 , [S50, 
died September 14, 1S53. (2) John S. , born 
January 14, 1852, married Miss Caroline Trox- 
well, and has had two children — Irene R., who 
is at home; and Jacob H. (deceased). (31 Hetty 
A., born May 10, [853, married James \Y. G 
er, a farmer in White Deer township, Union 
county, and has had five children — Clara, Cyrus. 
Dora, Norman, and Reuben. (4) Rebecca A , 
born August 2 1 . 1854, married William Harps- 
ter, of White Deer, Penn. (5) Sarah C, born 
May 12, 1 S 5 7 , married Robert Newman, of 
White Deer township, and has had two children 
— Kelly, and Irvin. (0) Samuel 1)., born Au- 
gust 26, 1859, who resides in White Deer town- 
ship, married Miss Lida Becher, and has had 
one son, Albert. (7) Amanda J., born June 6, 
1862, married Amos Kostenbader, of White 



Deer township, and has had six children — Anna, 
Ernest, Morris, Sallie (deceased), John (de- 
ceased), and Susan. (8) Emma M., born No- 
vember 1, 1S66, married Amnion Hoffman, of 
White Deer township, and has had the following 
children — Ida (deceased), Beckie, Bertha, John, 
Mary (deceased), Luther, and Willard. (9) Ida 
S., born December 17, 1868, married James 
Keefer, a farmer in Montour county, Penn., and 
hashad five children — Blanche, Harry (deceased), 
Raymond, Henry, and Herman. (10) James H., 
born August 30, 1872, died January 29, 1883. 

Mrs. Bennage is a native of Union county, 
and was born December 18, 1S30, in Buffalo 
township. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Bower) Heimbach, were born in Snyder county, 
the former in Middleburg, and the latter in Dry 
Valley. The father was a well-known black- 
smith, and resided for many years in Buffalo 
township, Union county, where he died in 1885, 
at the age of seventy-five. His wife, who 
passed away two years before him, was also sev- 
enty-five years of age. They adhered to the 
Lutheran faith, and were devout members of the 
Church, and both were interred at Dreisbach 
Church in Union county. Their children were: 
Catherine, now the widow of Daniel Bailer, of 
Union county; Hattie, wife of Jacob Isley, a re- 
tired farmer in Clay county, Kans. ; Mary, Mrs. 
Bennage; Jonathan, a resident of Buffalo town- 
ship. Union county; Rachel, widow of Peter 
Reich, formerly engaged in agriculture in Dakota; 
Ellis, of Union county; Elizabeth, now Mrs. 
Puttick, of New Berlin, Penn.; Susan, wii 
Henry Frock, a farmer in Buffalo township, Union 
county; Beckie (deceased), formerly the wife of 
Samuel Dauberman, a carpenter at New Berlin; 
John H., who lives in Buffalo township; and 
Martha M. Whitman 'now deceased). 



A MOS VASTINE PERSING, M. D.,a prom- 
£\. inent young physician and surgeon of Al- 
lenwood, Union county, was born October 17, 
1868, in Elysbury, Northumberland Co., Penn- 
sylvania. 

His parents were Emanuel S. and Catherine 
i\ istine) Persing. On both sides he traces his 
ancestry back to the early Colonial period, the 
Persing family being descended from three broth- 
ers who crossed the Atlantic from France and 
settled in New Jersey at a very early day. His 
paternal grandparents, Mathias and Johanna K. 
(Parent Persing, were natives of Schuylkill coun- 
ty, Penn. The grandfather, who was a contract- 
or in his younger years and a farmer later in life, 
did the stone work on the D. L. & W. R. R. 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



923 



between Sunbury and Catawissa, Penn., and on 
the Crow Hollow railroad between Pottsville 
and St. Clair in Schuylkill county. The ma- 
ternal grandparents, Amos and Susan (Lerch) 
Vastine, were natives of Northumberland county, 
and died on the old Vastine homestead in that 
county, which is now occupied by the parents of 
our subject. For several generations the Vas- 
tine family has been identified with the agricult- 
ural and distilling interests of Northumberland 
county, and the grandfather served as commis- 
sioner for one term. All of the Doctor's grand- 
parents were buried in St. Jacob's Lutheran cem- 
etery in that county. His great-grandfather, 
Felix Lerch, for many years conducted a tavern 
at Mt. Carmel, where his ancestors were early 
settlers. 

Emanuel S. Persing, the Doctor's father, was 
born in Schuylkill county, in August, 1S43, and 
was reared upon a farm, where he remained un- 
til joining the Union army during the Civil war. 
At the age of twenty-three he entered a mercan- 
tile establishment where he clerked for two years, 
but at the age of twenty-five again turned his at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits. He is now the 
owner of the valuable farm upon which he re- 
sides, but has practically laid aside business 
cares, leaving its cultivation to younger hands. 
In early manhood he married Miss Catherine 
Vastine, who was born in Northumberland coun- 
ty, in September, 1841, and their entire married 
life has been passed at Elysburg, where they are 
surrounded by hosts of warm friends and ac- 
quaintances. With the Lutheran Church they 
have long held membership, and, politically, the 
father is identified with the Republican party. 
Four children blessed their union: Amos V., of 
this review; Johanna R., who died at the age of 
eleven years; Sadie, who died at the age of seven 
months; and Susan B., at home. 

At the age of seventeen Dr. Persing left home 
to attend Bucknell Academy, where he graduated 
two years later, and at once entered upon the 
study of medicine. Going to Mt. Carmel, he 
worked in the drug-store of Drs. Montelius & 
Williams for one year, and in the fall of 1889 
matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College, 
which he attended for four consecutive terms, 
graduating May 2, 1893. Returning home, he 
conducted Dr. Gilbert's practice for two weeks 
while that gentleman was attending the World's 
Fair in Chicago, and in the following June lo- 
cated in Allenwood, where he has succeeded in 
building up a large and lucrative practice, which 
is constantly increasing. 

On March 15, 1894, Dr. Persing was married 
to Miss Estella V. Pensyl, and they have a son, 



William E., born February n, 1895, and a 
daughter, Katharine Viola, born May 29, 1897. 
Mrs. Persing was born April 23, 1869, in Elys- 
burg, Penn., of which place her parents, William 
and Harriett (Hull) Pensyl, were also natives. 
There the mother's death occurred August 10, 
1889, when in her fiftieth year, but the father is 
still a resident of Elysburg, where he owns and 
operates a tannery and farm. He was born in 
1835, and is the father of seven children: Laura, 
now the wife of William Reed, a miller and 
farmer of Crowl, Northumberland county; Elmer 
and Katie, who died in infancy; Estella, the wife 
of our subject; Anna, now the wife of Preston A. 
Vought, a prominent lawyer of Mt. Carmel; and 
Viola and Carrie, still at home. Both parents 
were consistent members of the Baptist Church, 
and in politics the father is a Republican. 

Although one of the younger members of the 
medical profession, Dr. Persing has been very 
successful in the practice of his chosen profes- 
sion, and is recognized as one of the most skillful 
physicians and surgeons of Union county. In 
social as well as professional circles he stands 
high, and is an honored member of the Masonic 
Lodge No. 414, of Elysburg, and Camp No. 50S, 
P. O. S. of A., of Allenwood. He is a member 
of the Lycoming County Medical Society. Being 
a strictly temperate man, he is an ardent sup- 
porter of the Republican party, and is a faithful 
member of the Lutheran Church. 



ICHAEL KLECKNER (deceased) was for 
many years one of the most popular and 
well-known men of Union county. He was very 
influential in public affairs, as by his strong force 
of character and undoubted integrity he gained 
the confidence of the people, who saw in him a 
man whom they could trust as a guide and well 
fitted to hold public office. His entire life was 
passed in Union county, his birth there occurring 
January 7, 1807. 

Solomon Kleckner, his father, came from 
Northampton county, Penn., to Union county, 
first locating in West Buffalo township, but, after 
several years passed there, removed to Limestone 
township. He died August 18, 1837, at the age 
of seventy-two, and was buried at Mifflinburg. 
His wife, a Miss Hoover, whom he had married 
in Northampton county, survived him a few 
years. By trade Solomon Kleckner was a clock 
maker, manufacturing the old-fashioned clocks 
then in use, but he also engaged in farming, and 
for years owned the mill at New Berlin. Being 
very successful, he became one of the most sub- 
stantial men of Buffalo Valley, and at his death 






( OMMBMOBATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



left an estate valued at $100,000. Physically he 
was of ordinary size; politically he was a Whig; 
in religious belief he was a Lutheran. In 
the family of Solomon Kleckner were the fol- 
lowing children: John, who removed to Illinois; 
Jacob, who died in Limestone township, Union 
county; Peter, who is still living in Stephenson 
county, 111., at the age of ninety-five; Joseph, 
who died in Kapidan, \'a.. and was buried in 
New Berlin, Penn. ; William, who died at Vicks- 
burg, Penn.; Michael; Susanna, who married 
Daniel Kline, and removed to Spring Mills, Cen- 
tre Co., Penn., but died at Aaronsburg; Eliza- 
beth, who married Martin Dreisbach, and died in 
Lewisburg, Union county; and Catharine, wife 
of Dr. J. P. Seebold, of Stephenson county, 
Illinois. 

During his youth, Michael Kleckner learned 
the miller's trade in his father's mill at New Ber- 
lin, and after his marriage he located at that 
place, where he managed the mill for a short 
time. Subsequently he engaged in farming in 
Middle Creek township, Snyder Co., Penn., for 
a time, and then returned to New Berlin, becom- 
ing owner and proprietor of the " Union Hotel, 
which he conducted for half a century. He built 
extensive additions to the house, and as a popular 
landlord was known far and near. 

On February 10, 1S29. Mr Kleckner married 
Miss Susanna Reber, who was bom in June, 
[8l2, near Lochiel, in Buffalo township, Union 
county, on a farm, where her parents, John and 
Catharine (M ei Keber, had located in 1803. 
The father added to his place until lie owned 
nearly 300 acres of the finest land in Buffalo Val- 
ley. In 1 S3 1, he removed to Lewisburg, where 
he died in 1852, at the age of eighty-two years. 
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Keber were ten 
children — John; Samuel, who was a member of 
the State Legislature in [843; Elizabeth, who 
became the wife of Dr. Isaac S. Vorse: James; 
Mary, who wedded Jacob Dunkel; Susan, the 
wife of our subject; Margaret, who never mar- 
ried; Thomas; David; and Leah, who became 
the wife oi Rev. 1). V. Heister, a German Re- 
formed minister. 

Mrs. Kleckner was reared in what is now 1 last 
Buffalo township, Union county, and by her mar- 
riage to our subject became the mother of the 
following children: Jeremiah, who died at Cleve- 
land. Ohio, May 1, 1881; Charles, proprietor of 
a boarding stable in Philadelphia; Catharine K 
and John K. . twins, the former of whom is now 
the widow of Charles Cawley, of Philadelphia, 
and the latter, a traveling salesman residing in 
Harrisburg, Penn.; Margaret, who became the 
wife of Dr. J. L. Brallier, and died in Altoona, 



Penn., April 30, 1882;' Samuel T., who died in 
Lewisburg, while his father was sheriff, October 
24, 1S75; Mary E., a resident of New Berlin; 
Anna E., wife of M. L. Schach, of Philadelphia; 
George W. , a traveling salesman, who died Sep- 
tember 29, 1879; Henrietta, who died in infancy, 
April 13, 1847; James R., who was a resident of 
Nanticoke. Penn., and died in May, 1S97; i 
eph R., who died in infancy, April 29, 1 s 5 1 ; 
and Alice, a resident of New Berlin. The father 
of these children departed this life August 27, 
1887, the mother on February t, 1892, and both 
were buried at New Berlin. 

Originally, Mr. Kleckner was a Whig in pol- 
itics, and later became a pronounced Republican, 
doing all in his power to advance the interests of 
his party. From 1841 until 1843 he served as 
county treasurer, was county commissioner from 
1864 to 1867, and sheriff from 1S70 to 1873, the 
duties of which offices he discharged in a most 
efficient manner, winning the commendation of 
even his political enemies. On Christmas Day, 

2, he fell and sustained such injuries as to 
render him a cripple for the remainder of his life. 
He had hosts of friends, and being kindhearted 
and generous, he could never refuse to grant a 
favor, in which way he lost many a dollar. In 
early life he was a Lutheran, but later he be- 
came a faithful member of the Reformed Church. 
During his career as a public official, Mr. Kleck- 
ner still retained control of the hotel, which 
property has been under the management of the 
family for over sixty years, a case doubtless 
without parallel in the county or in central Penn- 
sylvania. Since their father's death Misses Mary 
E. and Alice Kleckner have conducted the hotel, 
in a manner which reflects great credit upon their 
business ability, and they have perpetuated the 
excellent name and reputation it has borne for 
over sixty years, it being considered the best ho- 
tel in any town, the size of New Berlin, in cen- 
tral Pennsylvania. 



BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KEISER. The 
beautiful borough of West Milton, Union 
county, was established by the Keiser family 
upon land which has been held in the family 
since 1836, when Jacob and Elizabeth (Elick 
Keiser, the parents of the gentleman whose name 
opens this biography, came from Northampton 
county, Penn., their native place. They settled 
upon a farm, whose fields, once covered with 
abundant crops under their skillful and energetic 
management, are now being built upon by the 
settlers in the thriving little town. 

Jacob Keiser was a son of Michael Keiser, a 










1 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



925 



native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary war, and was born in Northampton 
county, Penn., February 26, 1807. He was a 
man of great force of character, a Republican in 
politics from the organization of that party, and 
was prominent in the community, holding vari- 
ous local offices. He died February 12, 1867, 
aged fifty-nine years, eleven months and four 
days. His estimable wife, who was born in 
Northampton county, September II, 1805, 
daughter of Christopher Elick, survived him 
many years, breathing her last October 8, 1892, 
at the age of eighty-seven years and twenty-six 
days. Both had been consistent members of the 
Lutheran Church, and passed away in the full 
faith of a future life, their remains being interred 
in Church Hill cemetery, Kelly township, Union 
county. 

Jacob and Elizabeth Reiser had eleven chil- 
dren: (1) Susanna married Solomon Ranck, 
who was formerly engaged in agriculture and 
later in coachmaking, but now lives in retire- 
ment at New Columbia. They have one son, 
Harrison Ranck. (2) John A., a well-known re- 
tired farmer of West Milton, was educated in the 
common schools of that locality, and has always 
made his home there. He was married Decem- 
ber 29, 1859, to Miss Sarah Heilman, daughter 
of John Heilman, of Lycoming county, Penn. 
She died in November, i860, and was buried in 
Lycoming county. One child survived her a 
short time only. On March 13, 1861, J. A. 
Reiser married Miss Sarah J. Deitrick, by whom 
he had two children: Jane Estella, born Feb- 
ruary 8, 1865, died ■ February 18, 1869, and was 
buried in Church Hill cemetery; and Elmer Ed- 
gar, born February 7, 1863, was nearly killed 
when a boy by a kick from a horse; but he has 
made a brilliant record as a student, and is now a 
successful physician in Tacony, Penn., a suburb 
of Philadelphia. After completing the course 
offered in the Oakland school near his father's 
home, he entered the academy at Lewisburg in 
1879, and later took a course in Bucknell Univer- 
sity, at Lewisburg, Penn., graduating in June, 
1886. In October following he entered the 
University of Pennsylvania, and in 1889 was 
graduated with the degrees of A. M. and M. D. 
He then engaged in practice at Tacony, where 
he has ever since remained, his abilities com- 
manding success from the first. In May, 1891, 
he married Miss Genia Deans, daughter of John 
Deans, of Phoenixville, Penn., and a graduate of 
the University of Pennsylvania, now Bucknell 
University. Two sons, Hubert Deans, born in 
1894, and Laurence Botton, born in 1896, have 
blessed this union. (3) Caroline died at the age 



(4) Harrison and (5) Reuben 



The former is now an agriculturist 



of nineteen years 
are twins 

residing in West Milton, Union county; he mar- 
ried Miss Elizabeth Wise, daughter of John 
Wise, and has had six children — Laura, Marget, 
Ambrose, Annie R. , Sarah and Harry. Reuben, a 
retired farmer in Northumberland county, Penn., 
married Miss Elizabeth Foresman, and has four 
living children — Brison, Frederick, Grace and 
Estella. (6) William died in April, 1890, at the 
age of fifty years, and was buried in Lewisburg 
cemetery; he married Miss E. Alice Yarger, 
daughter of Jacob Yarger, of Hartley township, 
Union county, and has had six children — Lewis 
J., Annie, Morris, Mary, Lester, and Hattie. (7) 
Jacob married (first) Miss Rebecca Deitrick, who 
died leaving one daughter, Rebecca; he then 
married Miss Susan Leinbach, by whom he had 
five children — Edward L., John, Ammon, Erl 
J., and Catharine. (8) Aaron M. died in infancy. 
(9) Samuel, a farmer in West Buffalo township, 
Union county, was elected in 1896 to the office 
of associate judge of the county; he was married 
(first) to Miss Carrie Ruhl, who bore him six- 
children — Elizabeth J., Clara A., Clement C, 
Jennie, Mabel, and Grace C. Reese. His pres- 
ent wife (formerly Miss Susannah Beaver) is a 
daughter of Rev. Adam Beaver, a minister of 
the Dunkard faith, (to) Benjamin F. is men- 
tioned more fully below. . (11) Melancthon, for- 
merly a prosperous farmer and dairyman, died 
in May, 1890, and was buried at Mifflinburg; he 
married Miss Emma Rothermel, daughter of 
Isaac Rothermel, of Union county, a shoemaker 
by trade; they had three children — Clarence, 
Susie and Mary. 

Benjamin F. Reiser was born January 30, 
1846, at the old homestead, on the site of the 
present village of West Milton, and his early life 
was spent in the healthful activities of farm life, 
while the neighboring schools afforded him an 
education. In the spring of 1868 he went with 
his brother, Samuel, to West Buffalo township, 
Union county, and purchased a farm; but after 
remaining there six years he sold his interest to 
his brother and returned to West Milton. For 
one year he was out of business, and he then 
purchased a third of the old homestead, which 
originally comprised 105 acres. Two acres of 
this were sold to John Datesman, whose son now 
owns and operates it. Since his first purchase 
of thirty-six acres. Mr. Reiser, in 1S92, bought 
sixteen and sixty-eight one-hundredths of the 
John Datesman lot, which adjoins the homestead 
on the south. The town of West Milton was 
laid out January 8, 1872, by Harrison and 
Melancthon Reiser, and previous to 1874 they 



926 



( "VMKMOUATIVE 11 Ion k.U'lIU A I. RBi OSD. 



sold eight lots. In December, 1883, B. F. 
Keiser laid out an addition, surveyed by J. A. 
Gundy, and he has disposed of twenty-nine lots. 

Since 1875 Mr. Keiser has been engaged in 
business in addition to the management of his 
farm, and he deals extensively in coal, Hour, 
feed, and similar commodities. He is a man of 
unusual ability and public spirit, and has done 
much to advance the interests of the town. He 
and J. H. Kriet/er. of Milton, were the first to 
circulate a petition for the erection of the iron 
bridge, 1,400 feet in length, between Milton and 
\\ est Milton, which was secured after a fierce 
opposition, and was built in 1894 at a cost of 
$75,000. In 1888 Mr. Keiser helped to win 
another advantage for his town in the Philadel- 
phia & Reading railroad extension, known as the 
Catawissa & Williamsport branch, the ground at 
\\. -t Milton being leased by him to the company 
at one dollar per war for ninety-nine years. His 
best work, however, and that with which future 
generations should connect his name most gr; 
fully, is the establishment of better schools in his 
locality. From 1X76 to 1890 he served as school 
director of Kelly township, and during that time 
new buildings for educational purposes were se- 
cured in the Moore and West Milton districts. 
The latter was opposed by the non-progressive 
element, but Mr. Reiser's personal influence won 
the day. In politics he is a Republican, and he 
is a leading member of the Lutheran "Church. 
I 1 iternally he is a member of the Milton Lodge, 
I a A M. No. 

On February 3, [881, Mr. Keiser was mar- 
I to Miss Mary L. Pawling, a native of Kelly 
township, Union county; and a daughter ol |ohn 
Pawling, a prominent agriculturist Four chil- 
dren have blessed this union: James L. , bom 
November 21, 1881; George O., June 26, iSS6; 
John K , Mayo. 1889; and Bertha A . June 5, 



JOHN 0. BENNAGE, a wealthy reti 
culturisf 1 if Whit Deei b >« nship, Union 
county, repi worthily a family which 

has been prominent in that locality from an early 
day. 

The name is of German origin Oursubji 
great-grandparents, Simon and Mary Benna 
crossed the ocean in Colonial times to make their 
home in Pennsylvania. Simon Bennage, the 
grandfather of our subject, was born August 19, 
1757. in Heidelberg township, Berks county, and 
was the first of the family to n Union 

county, where he acquired large tracts of land. 
most of it being still in the possession of his 



descendants. He also owned about 400 acres of 
land in New York State, and at the time of his 
death, which occurred December 24, 1821, he 
was considered a very rich man. He was one of 
the founders of the Lutheran Church in his 
locality, and his public spirit was demonstrated 
in other movements for the advancement of the 
nm unity. He and his wife, Elizabeth Ren- 
ninger, a native of Berks county, reared a family 
of four children — Samuel, David, Mary and Eliza- 
beth, all now deceased. 

Samuel Bennage, our subject's father, was 
born on the old homestead March 28, 17SS, and 
passed his life in that vicinity, conducting a 
sawmill and an extensive farm. He was married 
in Union county to Miss Susan Ganger, a native 
of Northumberland county, and our subject was 
the youi seven children of this union, the 

others being as follows: Adam is a retired farmer 
in Illinois; Evi . the widow of John Buch, resides 
at Niagara, N. V.; Mary married Henry Buch, 
a brother of John Buch, and both are now de- 
ceased; Elizabeth, widow of George Dersham, 
lives at Niagara, N. Y. ; Susan, widow of Solomon 
Dietrich, resides in Hancock county, 111.; and 
Sarah is the wife of Samuel Goodlander, a re- 
d carpenter in White Deer township, Union 
county. The father passed to the unseen life 
April G, 1866, aged seventy-eight years and nine 
days, and the mother attained the advanced age of 
ninety-two years ami twelve days, her death oc- 
curring April 19. 1 s s 5 ; both were devout mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, and the father was 
prominently identified with local improvements, 
and with the work of tin- Republican party. 
They breathed their last in the home now occu- 
pied by our subject, and their remains were 
interred in the burial-ground at White Deer 
eliurch. 

John 0. Bennage has always had his home 
upon his present farm, where he was born March 
10, 1S38. During all this time the longest period 
of absence (up to the trip referred to further oni 
was seven weeks, wdien he visited a sister in New 
York State. On December 25. 1856, he was 
married to Miss Mary A. Snyder, and they are 
ing their golden wedding day. Farm man- 
occupied much of his time and 
attention, and he has a high reputation as a 
manager, but in the spring of 1892 he rented the 
homestead to his son. John H. Bennage, and has 
retired from business. Old age, howi ver, is -till 
far off, for a finer specimen of physical manhood 
would he hard t<> find, his "six feet one" in 
height being well proportioned by his 258 pounds, 
and his estimable wife also enjoys the best 
health 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



927 



In his political affiliations, Mr. Bennage is a 
Republican, and he holds at present the office 
of supervisor and school director, having served 
in the latter capacity nine years. For four years 
he was constable in his township. He is a 
prominent member of the Grange of New Col- 
umbia and the Alliance of White Deer township, 
and takes an interest in all the questions of the 
day. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bennage have had seventeen 
children, one of whom died unnamed, the others 
were: (i) Jennie is deceased. (2) William, a 
farmer in New York State, is not married. (3) 
Sylvester is deceased. (4) Mary S. married 
Samuel Yost, a farmer in White Deer township, 
Union county, and has had two children — Cora 
and Edward. (5) Charles E., a laborer in White 
Deer township, married Miss Emma Baker, and 
has had five children — Ernest, Sadie, William 
(deceased), Nellie and Martha. (6) Elizabeth 
married William Wentzel, who is engaged in 
trucking in Northumberland county, Penn., and 
has one daughter, Cora. (7) John H., who 
manages the homestead farm, married Miss Su- 
san Ware. (8) Minta married William P. Cam- 
eron, a wealthy retired citizen of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, and has had three children 
— Mary, William and Rosa. (9) Thomas C. , a 
farmer in Kelly township, Union county, mar- 
ried Miss Minnie A. Ranck, and has two sons, 
Clyde and Willard. (10) Manford E. resides at 
the old homestead. (11) Lillie married William 
Shreck, a farmer in White Deer township, 
Union county, and has had three children — 
William, Mary and Ray. (12) Rosa married 
Wilson Confer, of Jerseytown, Penn., and has 
two daughters, Myrtle and Mary. (13) Rebecca 
is deceased. (14) Irvin, a farmer in White Deer 
township, is unmarried. (15) Tuella and (16) 
Oliver S. are at home. 

Mrs. Bennage was born November 11, 1839, 
in Gregg township, Union county, the daughter 
of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rotherme) Snyder, 
natives of Berks county, who came to Union 
county in early life and remained, the father 
being engaged in milling. He worked at White 
Deer mill until it was destroyed by fire, when 
he went to Forestville Mill. The mother, who 
was born October 16, 1S09, died August 5, 1854, 
and the father breathed his last December 16, 
1877, at the age of sixty-four. They were 
members of the Reformed Church, and were 
highly respected among their associates. Mrs. 
Bennage was the eldest of a family of eight 
children, the others being: Elizabeth married 
Israel Eaton, a printer in Philadelphia; Rebecca 
resides at Williamsport, Penn. ; Catherine, Mrs. 



John Irvin, resides in Gregg township, Union 
county; Charles E. is a lumber dealer in West 
Virginia; and Lida, Daniel and Joseph died in 
childhood. 

On December 10, 1897, our subject and his 
wife returned from a trip which they entered 
upon October 11th of that year. They went 
I to New York State to visit two sisters, and to 
Dallas City, 111., where they visited another 
sister. They also visited a brother in Iowa, 
having a most enjoyable trip and visit. 



JACOB HEINLEY, a prominent resident of 
Lewisburg, Union county, spent many years 
in the honorable calling of agriculture before 
retiring to that charming little city to enjoy a 
well-earned repose. 

Born October 19, 1820, in Buffalo township, 
Union county, Mr. Heinley is of a hardy and 
long-lived ancestry, his father attaining the age 
of ninety-four years, six months and sixteen days. 
The family became identified with Berks count}' 
at an early period, which county was probably 
the birth place of our subject's grandfather, John 
Heinley, who settled in Union county in 179S 
upon a farm north of Vicksburg, where he died 
in 1845, at the age of seventy-five. His wife, 
Eva Hummel, passed away in the fall of 1848, 
aged seventy-six years. They had eleven chil- 
dren: George (who died at the age of twenty- 
one), David, Jacob (who died near Lewistown, 
Mifflin county), John, Elizabeth, Magdalena, 
Pollie, Eve, Hester, Catherine and Lydia. 

David Heinley, the father of our subject, was 
born in Berks county, in 1793, and died in 1887. 
He retained his vigor and strength almost to the 
end of his life, and at seventy-seven drove a team 
and rode a mower in the hay field. He was 
active in politics, first as a Whig and later as a 
Republican, and held several county offices. 
Coming to Union county in childhood, he passed 
his life there. In 1S20 he settled upon a farm 
in Buffalo township, but in 1843 removed to 
Kelly township, where his remaining years were 
spent. He was a member of the Lutheran 
Church. His wife, Elizabeth Reedy, was born 
in 1 803 , and passed to her eternal reward in 1 846. 
Of their five children our subject is the eldest, 
the others being: Catherine, who married Isaac 
Hollenbach, resides in Kelly township, Union 
county; John is a farmer of Rice county, Kans., 
and wedded Eve Ann Hertz; Mary Ann married 
Jacob Kostenbader, of Kelly township; and Miss 
Amelia makes her home with our subject. 

Mr. Heinley was reared as a farmer boy and 
attended the schools in the vicinity of the old 



- 



COMMEMOUA TIVE BI0OUAP1IKAI. RECORD. 



homestead, the subscription schools of his first 
years being .superseded by the modern system be- 
fore his school days ended. In 1850 he was mar- 
ried to Mis? Mary Ann Moore, who was born in 
eastern Pennsylvania in 1825, and at the age of 
four years accompanied her parents to Union 
county, where she grew to womanhood. The 
first twelve years of their married life were spent 

n a farm in Kelly township, but Mr. Heinley 
then sold the place and moved to White Deer 
. nship, in the same county, where he remained 
four years. His father's health began to fail, 
nil Mr. 1 Itinles returned to the homestead 
where for thirteen years he conducted the farm 

1 cared for his father as he quietly passed to- 
ward life's setting sun. Thisdut\ performed, he 
retired to Lewisburg, a comfortable income en- 
abling him to enjoy a time of leisure. He and 
his estimable wife have reared a family of four 
children, all of whom ate living: (1) David M., 
a farmer, resides in White Deer township. (2) 
Miss Rebecca E., who. while popular socially, 
rinds her greatest pleasure in the home, to which 
her domestic gifts enable her to add comfort and 
attractiveness. (3) John \\ . , who resides in 
White Deer township. Union county, married 

- Lizzie Hutrimel. and has one daughter — 
Nellie. (4) Jerome B., a farmer in Colorado, 
married Miss Nellie Hamlin, and has three chil- 
dren — Berintha, Jennie and Amelia. 

Mr. Heinky is not a politician, according to 
the common acceptation of that term, but he has 
always taken a keen interest in political questions. 
[n the days b te war, when " State Banks, " 

secession, the fugitive slave law, and other vital 
issues were agitating the country, he watched as 
a participant the mighty movements around which 
the present political clans crystalized. An un- 
compromising Whig in the days of Henry Clay 
niel Webster, he followed the natural 
channel of his thought, and became a Republican 
on the organization of that party. He was bit- 
terly oppi sed t<> human slavery, is justly proud 
of having cast his vi ite from the first for the parts 
whose greatest achievement was the removal of 
this disgraceful blot upon our National honor. 



F KANT Is I. BROWN, proprietor of the 
Lewisburg stock yards, and one of the lead- 
ing business men of Buffalo Valley, has shown in 
his successful career that he has the ability to 
plan widely and execute with energy, a combi- 
nation which, when possessed by men in any walk 
ol life, never fails to effect notable results. 

Mr. Brown is a representative of an old and 
highly respected family. John Brown, the 



great-grandfather of our subject, came from Pine 
Grove township, Berks county, now a part of 
Schuylkill county, in 1804, and located near the 
present site of Smoketown. His son Abram 
married Annie Gundy, a member of a prominent 
family in this section, whose ancestors had set- 
tled in what is now Union county before the 
Revolutionary war. The name was originally 
Van Gundy, and the family is of Holland-Dutch 
extraction. She was the eldest child and only 
daughter of Christian Gundy, born Februan 
1766, in Lancaster county. Penn. , and her 
mother, whose maiden name was Mary M. Full- 
mer, was a native of Berks county, born Sep- 
tember 16, 1773 

Abram and Annie (Gundy) Brown had the 

wing children: John, a farmer, died in East 
Buffalo township, Union county; Martha married 
Levi Sterner; and died in Lewisburg; Elias is 
mentioned more fully below; Sarah, widow of 
Daniel Shrack, resides in Wyoming, Del.; Jacob 
died November 17, 1896, in Kent county, Del.; 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Wilson Linn) died at North 
Wales, Penn. ; Abram died at seven years of age; 
and Christian died when nineteen years old. 

Elias Brown, our subject's father, was born 
February 3, 1820, in East Buffalo township, 
Union county, and, being reared at the old home- 
stead there, attended the local schools of the 
time with occasional opportunities to study in the 
schools of Lewisburg. On March 11, 1845, he 
was married in Buffalo township, in the same 
county, to Miss Mary M. Gebhart, and the first 
two years of their wedded life were spent upon a 
farm, in East Buffalo township, belonging to an 
uncle, George Gundy. In April, 1847, he pur- 
chased a farm in the same township for a perma- 
nent home. te> which he added at various times 
until he owned 135 acres. The buildings on the 
place were poor, but he replaced them all with 
modern structures and made other substantial 
improvements. Successful in business, he was 
prominent in local affairs, and although a fearless 
and outspoken Democrat in a Republican strong- 
hold, he \\a- often chosen to office in the town- 
ship, his ability and fidelity winning the praise 
of all classes and parties. For more than sixty 
years lie was a faithful member of the Reformed 
Church, serving as elder during much of the time, 
and frequently representing the society as a dele- 
to the Synod. He was of average height 
and compact build, and an excellent constituti 
prolonged his life beyond the ordinary limit, his 
death occurring March 29, 1895. His remains 
were interred at Lewisbi:: 

Of his children, the eldest, Mary E., born 
July 6, 1S46, married Jacob Farley, of White 



. 




1 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



929 



Deer township, Union county, and has had eleven 
children, all living: Miss Sarah L., born July 
23, 1848, died April 18, 1877. Miss Malinda 
A., born November 17, 1850, is at home. Cath- 
erine P., born March 10, 1853, married William 
Groover, of East Buffalo township, and has had 
nine sons, of whom all but one are living. B. 
Ogden, born March 22, 1855, resides at Linn- 
town, Penn., he married Sarah Jane Hummel, 
and has three children. Francis E., our subject, 
is mentioned more fully below. Abram G., born 
October 2, 1S61, a farmer at Linntown, married 
Clara E. Eyer, but has no children. 

Our subject's mother, who died March 25, 
1897, was born in Buffalo township, Union 
county, November 4, 1825, and was educated in 
the schools near her home, receiving fair oppor- 
tunities for that day. The Gebhart family is 
numerously represented in this section, the 
Centre county branch spelling the name Gep- 
hart, although old records and papers es- 
tablished the proper form as Gebhart. The 
head of the Union county branch was John 
Philip Gebhart, who located, about 1S10, in 
Buffalo township, between Lewisburg and Buffalo 
Cross Roads. In connection with farming he 
followed distilling, then a common business, and 
accumulated a goodly share of wealth. He was 
of small stature but active, and took a leading 
part in local affairs and in the Lutheran Church. 
He died in middle age, and his remains now rest 
in Dreisbach cemetery. He and his wife, whose 
maiden name was Margaret Gebhart, reared a 
large family as follows: Jonathan and John 
George died in Buffalo township; John removed 
to Indiana, and died there; Henry, who resided 
near Zion, Centre county, died in Lewisburg; 
Michael settled in Millheim, Penn.; Peter died in 
Buffalo township, Union county; Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Jacob Reidy) died in Illinois; Sarah (Mrs. George 
Shaeffer) died in Centre county; Molly (Mrs. 
Thomas Iddings) died in Buffalo township, Union 
county. 

John George Gebhart, Mrs. Brown's father, 
was born May 3, 1798, in Bethel township, 
Berks county, Penn. , and coming to Union county 
in boyhood was reared at the old Gebhart home- 
stead, a part of which he inherited. He was a 
large man, five feet, nine and a half inches in 
height, and weighing 240 pounds. Although 
well educated in German, he attended English 
schools only a few months, but he was always 
keenly interested in all that concerned the welfare 
of the country. In politics he was an ardent 
Republican, and previous to the organization of 
that party he was an Old-line Whig. He always 

made his home at the old farm, his sister Eliza 
59* 



beth keeping house for him before his marriage, 
and at his death, which occurred December 13, 
1870, he left a fine estate of 140 acres, with an 
extensive tract of timber land. 

J. G. Gebhart was married March 14, 1S24, 
at the site of the present village of Vicksburg, 
Penn., to Miss Mary M. Sheckler, who was born 
February 26, 1806, daughter of Daniel and Mary 
M. (Renner) Sheckler. She survived him many 
years, breathing her last on August 29, 1896. 
Both were members of the Lutheran Church, and 
Mr. Gebhart held different offices at times. Their 
children were: Mary M. (Mrs. Brown); Susan- 
nah (Mrs. Andrew S. Ruhl), who was born April 
9, 1827, and died in 1889 at Buffalo Cross Roads; 
Daniel, a resident of Buffalo township; Sarah, 
who died in infancy; and Margaret E. , who died 
at four years of age. 

We will now return to the subject proper of 
this sketch, who was born at the old homestead 
September 11, 1S57, and has always maintained 
his residence there. His early education was 
such as the district schools of the day afforded, 
and his first teacher was Jonathan Royer at the 
Fairfield school, along the pike. His business 
acumen was displayed at an early age, his present 
calling being undertaken in an unusual manner. 
When fifteen years old he received $2 as a 
premium at the Lewisburg fair, and with this he 
bought from his father a lamb, which with its 
progeny was sold a year later to William Steiner, 
a Lewisburg butcher, for $10. This seemed to 
the delighted boy to be "the biggest $10 that he 
had ever seen," and his inclination to continue 
in the business being encouraged by his father, 
he made other successful deals, and soon became 
an excellent judge of live stock. 

In the fall of 1878 Mr. Brown began ship- 
ping sheep to Philadelphia in partnership with 
the late J. W. Rodenbach, and in 1880 he en- 
gaged in business at Lewisburg, associating him- 
self with Cobb Brothers, of Spring Mills, N. Y. 
Five years later he began work upon the stock 
yards, a short distance west of Lewisburg, caus- 
ing a decided sensation in business circles, not a 
few. predicting failure for the undertaking. But 
Mr. Brown is not the man to misjudge a situa- 
tion, and his able management secured a firm 
basis for his enterprise, which is now one of the 
most extensive of its kind in central Pennsyl- 
vania. He has handled over four thousand head 
of cattle in one year besides many hogs, sheep 
and horses. The inauguration of regular cattle 
sales has attracted buyers far and near, and cus- 
tomers from seven counties are supplied from his 
yards, which he replenishes chiefly from Buffalo, 
New York. 



980 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In May. 1894, Mr. Brown established a retail 
meat market in Lewisburg. which he still con- 
ducts successfully, and he is also a stockholder 
and director in the Home Telephone Company 
at the same place. Thoroughly straightforward 
in his dealings, he has won a high reputation 
integrity, while his courteous and agreeable 
manner easily transforms acquaintances 
warm friends. He is ever ready to forward 
movement that promises to benefit the commun- 
ity, and in 1892 he erected at the stock yard 
commodious hall, known as " Brown's Lyceum." 
used as a polling place at elections and by the 
1 iiners Alliance for their meetings, Mr. Brown 
gives the use of this gratuitously to a Sabbath- 
school and Church, and is, himself, an acl 

1 ker in that line. He is also prominent in 
other work of the Reformed Church, of which he 
is at present a trustee. For three years — li 
[889 and 1S90 — he was president of the Union 
County Agricultural Society, and with the excep- 
tion of those years, he has served as vice-pi 
dent since 1884. He is also identified with 
Masonic fraternity, as a member of the Chapter. 
Mr Brown is one of the leading Democrats 
of his county, his popularity among all sorts and 
conditions of men making him particularly 
lable as a candidate in that Republican 
stronghold. In 1890 he was defeat the 

Li islature by 173 votes only, the normal Repub- 
lican majority being 1.200. In his own district, 
which usually polls 75 Democratic votes in a 
total of 280, he had a majority of 73. The city 
of Lewisburg gave him a majority, an honor I 
no other Democratic candidate for the Legi 
ture has ever gained. It is quite probable that 
he would have been elected except for the fact 
that the Assembly of that year was to choose a 
ruited States Senator. In various township 
offices, including those of assessor and inspector 
of elections, Mr. Brown has shown the devotion 
to public interests that marks the ideal ofh* 



ABRAHAM MENSCH. Among the promi- 
nent and wealthy farmers ol Lewis town- 
ship, Union county, the subject ol tins sketch 
;i enviable position. He was born Feb- 
ruary 19. 1828, in Columbia county, Penn., and 
is of German I hristian Mi nsch, his 

grandfather was a native of the Fatherland, 
born June 30, 1745. His wife, too, was a native 
of Germany. On coming to the New World 
they located in !•■ mnty, Penn. Adam ami 

Abraham Mensch, brothersof Christian, born in 
Germany June 2. 1745, tnd February 25, 1750, 



respectively, accompanied Christian and \ 
to this country. 

Abraham Mensch, Sr., father of our subject, 
was born January 24, 1774. For some years he 
was engaged in the hotel and mercantile business 
in Berks county. However, finally selling out 
there, he moved to Columbia county, and was 
occupied as a farmer; ten years afterward he 
bought another farm in Lewis township, Union 
county, and moved there, becoming one of the 
well-known and most prosperous agriculture' 
that township, where he spent his remaining days. 
He was twice married, his first wife b< 
Elizabeth Miller, by whom he had two children: 
John, born in 1800, became a farmer of Lit 
stone township. Union county, where he died 
September 2 and Elizabeth, born in 1797, 

married Jacob Seichler, a prominent farmer of 
Danville, Penn. The wife and mother 
shortly after the birth of her son, and Mr. Mensch 
afterward married Miss Hannah Votter, 
was born January 24. 1 7 S 5 . Our subject is the 
youngest of the eight children born to this un 
the others bein^' as foliows: (ii Reuben, born 

jtember 15, 1806, was a farmer of L 
township, Union county, where he died March 
21, [86« Lydia born March 14. 1- 

died, unmarried, July I, 1852. (3) Sarah, I 
June 21, 1S11. died March 28, 1876. 14) B 
jamin, born July 1, 1813. was an agriculturist 
Lewis township, Union county, and died 1 ' - 
cember 4. 1889. (5) Nancy, born November 7, 
1815, is the wife of Samuel Stees, of near Miffiin- 
burg. (6) Esther, born December 12. 1817, 
wife of Michael Swartz, of Lee county, 111. 
7) Christian, born May 20, 1S20, married Miss 
Mary, daughter of John Beichler, a carpenter 
and farmer by occupation. They have five chil- 
dren — JohnB., Beneval, William, Emanuel A., 
and Daniel C. fSj Beneval, born in 1822, 
in infancy. The mother's death occurred March 
4, 1858, and the father passed away January 1 5. 
1 861 , both being interred in Ray's church grave- 
yard, in Lewis township. Union county. 

Abraham Mensch, Jr., when only (our years 
old was brought from his birthplace in Columbia 
county, to Union county, where he was reared 
upon the home farm, aiding his father, as soon 

lie reached a sufficient age, in its cultivation 
and improvement, and attending the subscrip- 
tion schools of the locality. He continued un- 
der the parental roof until his marriage, with 
exception of a year and a half spent in farming 
on his own account. From his father he inherit- 
rable property, and his industrious, 
thrifty habits have enabled him to add to this un- 
til to-day he is numbered among the most pros- 



. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



931 



perous and substantial citizens of the community. 
On January 15, 1856, he was joined in marriage 
with Miss Salinda Kleckner, a daughter of George 
Kleckner, who was a plasterer by trade, but in 
later life purchased a farm and devoted his at- 
tention to agriculture. Mrs. Mensch has six 
brothers and sisters, namely: Daniel, John F., 
Henry H., Hannah C, James and Caroline, and 
she also had one brother, John F. , who was 
killed in the Civil war. In politics, our subject 
is a stanch adherent to the principles of the 
Democratic party, in which he sees the best 
guarantees for the preservation of our national 
liberty, and he has been called upon to serve as 
overseer of the poor two years, as treasurer of the 
school board for a number of years, and also as 
school director. In religious belief he is a Lu- 
theran. A progressive, enterprising citizen, he- 
gives his support to every movement calculated 
to benefit the community or advance the general 
welfare. 



|AVID JOHNSON, one of the oldest and 
" most honored citizens of Hartley township, 
Union county, is a worthy representative of a 
family noted for its patriotism. Mr. Johnson was 
born in Richmond, New York, in 1S06, and is a 
son of Peter Johnson, a gunsmith by trade, who 
is said to have made the rifle used by Davy 
Crockett, the well-known hero of the Mexican 
war. Although they have reached very advanced 
ages, all of the four children of the family are 
still living, namely: William, born in 1800, is a 
retired merchant living in Hartley township, 
Union county. He has reared a family, all of 
whom are now grown and in business for them- 
selves. Alanson, the second son, is a farmer of 
Canada. David is next in order of birth. 
Caroline, who now weighs about 380 pounds, is 
married, and reared a family in Michigan, most of 
whom are now residing in California. 

As his school privileges were very limited, 
David Johnson is almost wholly self-educated, 
but being of a studious nature and possessing a 
retentive memory, he has become a well-informed 
man by extensive reading since reaching 
maturity. He is especially proficient in the use 
of the pen. By occupation he is a farmer, and 
although he has performed much hard work in 
course of his life, he is still well preserved for 
one of his years. 

Military life has ever had great attraction for 
him, and in 1847, during the Mexican war, he 
enlisted for five years in the United States army, 
and served until hostilities had ceased, when he 
was honorably discharged. He participated in 



the principal battles of that struggle, and aided in 
the capture of the City of Mexico. Graphically 
he described the peculiar rattling sound of the 
soldiers' bones as the shot from the enemy's ar- 
i tillery literally tore them limb from limb. He 
i served under General Scott, for whom he has 
I great veneration. During the Civil war he en- 
I deavored to enlist, but he was always rejected on 
, account of disabilities occasioned by his service 
in the Mexican war. He was married to Miss 
j Cordelia E. Brown, by whom he had five 
children, as follows: Albert, who is married and 
is engaged in lumbering in Union county ; George, 
who lives with his parents; Mary J., wife of 
Robert L. Timmons, a farmer and miner of 
Plymouth. Amador county, California; Estella, 
wife of Matthias Lanors, a miner living at San 
Francisco, California, by whom she had one 
child; and Rebecca, now a resident of Philadel- 
phia. Pennsylvania. 

Becoming dissatisfied with all of the existing 
parties, Mr. Johnson is now an Independent in 
politics. After a long, honorable and useful life, 
actuated by unselfish motives, prompted by 
patriotism and guided by truth and justice, he 
may in old age rest assured that the people of 
this country are not unmindful of those who have 
devoted themselves to their interests 



rrENRY GROOVER. It would be difficult 
to find a more concise expression of prac- 
tical wisdom than is contained in the homely and 
somewhat abrupt injunction, "mind your own 
business." That it is a good rule to follow has 
been abundantly demonstrated in the lives of 
many of our substantial citizens, and all who 
know the quiet, industrious agriculturist whose 
history is here outlined will agree that it has been 
an important factor in his success. Mr. Groover 
is noted also for his strict honesty in dealing with 
others, and his unassuming manners do not blind 
his neighbors to his sterling worth. 

In both paternal and maternal lines Mr. 
Groover is of German descent, but his parents, 
Nicholas and Susanna (Rufe) Groover, were born. 
reared and married in Bucks county, Penn. They 
spent some years in Columbia county, and then 
settled in Union county, first upon a farm in 
White Deer township, and later, in 1856. upon 
the present homestead near Lewisburg. It was 
purchased from George Reed, and at the time 
was but little improved, the log cabin and othet 
buildings contrasting strongly with the neat and 
commodious structures which have since been 
erected. 

Our subject's father was a stout, robust man, 



1 ■ 



- 



COMMEMORATIVE B1<><,HM'1II'AL RECORD. 



a hard worker, and continued to attend to busi- 
ness until he reached an advanced age. He was 
a cabinet maker by trade, and while conducting 
his farm did much work in that line, especially 
after his removal to the vicinity of Smoketown. 
At the age of seventy-seven he made several bu- 
reaus, one of which is now a cherished heirloom 
in our subject's home. His thrift and industry 
gained him a competence, and in addition to his 
farm he owned some property in Lewisburg. A 
stanch Democrat politically, he took a keen in- 
terest in the success of his party, and made a 
point of casting his own vote regularly. In re- 
ligious affairs he was active in holding office in 
the White Deer Lutheran Church, with which he 
and his good wife were identified many years. 
He attained the age of eighty-three years, his 
birth occurring early in 1799, and his death in 
October, 1882. His wife, who was born April 
3, 1S06, lived to be more than sixty years old. 
The remains of both now rest in White Deer 
cemetery. 

Their children were: Thomas, a carpenter 
of New Columbia, Penn. ; William, who went 
west, and has not since been heard from; Mary. 
who married James Yost, and died in White 
Deer township, Union county; Samuel (de- 
ceased), formerly a resident of the same town- 
ship; Eli, a farmer of Marshall county, Iowa; 
Kufus and Aaron, who lied in childhood; Henry, 
our subject; and Sarah, uow Mrs. Isaac Reber. 

Mr. Groover was born February 6, 1S43. 
during his parents' residence at the farm in White 
Deer township. He had a district-school educa- 
tion, attending the Ramsey school in White 
Deer township, and the Gundy school in East 
Buffalo township. His life at home familiarized 
him with farm work, and he made choice of that 
calling in early manhood. When eighteen years 
old his father gave him his time, and he began to 
work at the carpenter's trade, but finding it un- 
congenial he found employment as a farm hand. 

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Groover was 
married to his first wife. Miss Mary J. Shively, a 
native of Limestone township, Union county, 
and a daughter of John and Sarah (Catherman) 
Shively, and rented for a short time in S 

n, with John Reber. His parents were then 
■ feel the effects of their advan 
ind in the spring of 1865 Mr. Gn 
took charge of the homestead, which he after- 
ward purchased, both parents remaining with 
him during their last days. Many improvements 
have been made in the place under Mr. Groover's 
management, including a well-arranged barn. 

Mrs. Mary Groover, who was a devout and 
consistent member of the Lutheran Church, of 



Lewisburg, died February 19, 1893, and was in- 
terred in White Deer cemetery. Mr. Groover 
afterward formed a second union, this time, De- 
cember 15, 1896, with Mrs. Rosa Riehl, nit 
Smith, widow of Joel L. Riehl, and daughter of 
Jacob and Malinda (Walter) Smith, of Snyder 
county, Penn. Three children blessed the first 
marriage: Miss Sallie L. Groover is at home; 
Ada A. married Thomas Reardon, of Shippen- 
ville, Clarion Co., Penn.; and Susanna died in 
infancy. 

While Mr. Groover is an ardent supporter of 
the Democratic party, he has never been a seeker 
for office. He is a prominent worker in the 
Lutheran Church of Lewisburg. 



GF. ERDLEY. The subject of this sketch 
stands second to none among the prosperous 
and progressive agriculturists of East Buffalo 
t iwnship, Union county, whose record it has 
been deemed wise to preserve in this manner for 
the perusal of coming generations. As a judi- 
cious tiller of the soil he has met with excellent 
success, and as a business man and citizen oc- 
cupies an enviable position among his neighbors. 
His life has been one of unabated industry, 
and he certainly deserves the wonderful success 
that he has achieved. 

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Erdley was 
born March 26. 1842, in Middle Creek town- 
ship. Snyder county, and the birth of his father 
occurred in the same township, in 1S01. The 
family was founded there by the grandfather, 
Jacob Erdley, St., who when a young man emi- 
grated from Berks county, Penn. He was the 
youngest of a large family that was noted for 
strength, one of his brothers, a large, powerful 
man* having killed a bear in a hand-to-hand fight. 
Jacob Erdley, Jr., the father of our subject, fol- 
lowed farming and also conducted a water-power 
sawmill. He married Mrs. Barbara (Bollan 
Mowry, a daughter of Henry Bollander, a far 
by occupation. By her first marriage she had 
three children, two sons and one daughter, who 
were reared by Mr. Erdley, and ten children. 
five sons and five daughters, were born to the 
second union. The parents both departed this 
life in Snyder county. 

The educational privileges of our subject were 
only such as the district schools of his native 
township afforded, and at the age of nineteen he 
began learning the blacksmith's trade at Middle- 
burg. Penn., under the direction of Samuel Stet- 
kr. who gave him $50 for his two-years' service. 
t which Mr. Erdley saved $34. Going to 
Brush Valley, Centre Co., Penn., he worked 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



933 



at his trade in Rebersburg for James Mallory for 
a short time, and then entered the employ of 
Samuel Wise, at Madisonburg. On leaving there 
he went to Bellevue, Ohio, where he worked a 
short time, and then returned to Brush Valley, 
working for Samuel Condo, at Rockville. Sub- 
sequently he started a shop of his own at Wolfs 
Store, in Centre county, successfully carrying on 
business there for two years. 

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Erdley was 
united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Meese, who 
was born in Brush Valley, October 2, 1S41', and 
is a daughter of John Meese.' Nine children bless 
their union: Thomas J., a farmer of East Buffalo 
township; and Charles E. , Elizabeth, Elmeda, 
John M., William J., Minnie, Ida and Lottie, all 
at home. 

After his marriage Mr. Erdley began farming 
in Miles township, Centre county, near Madison- 
burg, upon rented land, and his first purchase 
consisted of seventy-eight acres in Haines town- 
ship, the same county, for which he went heavily 
in debt. After five years spent upon that place 
he came to East Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, in 1S73, and bought of Elias Rhiel 100 acres 
at $80 per acre, again going in debt for much of 
the amount. The buildings were poor, and on 
April 21, 1877, his barn with all the stock and 
implements, was destroyed by fir.e, causing a 
great loss. He then built his present barn, and 
has since erected all of the substantial buildings 
now in use upon his place. Prospering in his 
undertakings he has become the owner of 253 
acres of valuable farming land, besides twenty- 
two acres of timber. 

Mr. Erdley has not confined his attention 
alone to general farming, but in July, 1894, he 
erected a creamery, which he has since success- 
fully operated, keeping on hand an average of 
fifty cows for the manufacture of butter, which 
is sold in the coal regions. Probably no man in 
the county has done as much as he in the way of 
introducing good stock, having upon his place 
full-blooded Chester-white and Berkshire hogs, 
excellent draft horses and thoroughbred Durham 
and Jersey cattle. He has the largest herd of 
cows in this section of the State. Progressive in 
his ideas, he keeps well posted on the markets, 
and knows exactly when to sell his products at 
the best prices. He also uses the most im- 
proved machinery in carrying on his work, and 
while other farmers are complaining about the 
hard times and poor prices, he goes to raising 
some other articles more saleable. He has 
erected a mill for grinding bones to be used upon 
his farm as fertilizers, and also has a blacksmith 
shop upon his farm, where he does his own work 



in that line. He also built a chop-mill, prepar- 
ing his own chopping, and also that for his neigh- 
bors. In 1S97 he built two houses, and intends 
to build a barn in the spring of 1898, then will 
divide his land in three farms, which he will give 
to two of his sons to superintend the ensuing 
season. Possessed of more than ordinary busi- 
ness ability, wide-awake and energetic, he has 
become one of the most extensive farmers and 
substantial business men of Union county, and 
is ably assisted in his work by his sons, who are 
steady-going, industrious young men. 

Although not strictly partisan, Mr. Erdley 
generally supports the men and measures of the 
Democracy, and, socially, he holds membership 
in the Farmers Alliance. He and his wife are 
consistent and faithful members of the Reformed 
Church, of which he is now serving as trustee, 
and the family is one of prominence in East 
Buffalo township, holding a high place in social 
circles. 



CHARLES W. PAWLING (deceased) was for 
many years one of the leading and promi- 
nent agriculturists of Gregg township, Union 
county. He was born on the old Pawling home- 
stead at Selins Grove, Penn., and was reared in 
much the usual manner of farmer boys of his 
time, being chiefly employed in assisting his fa- 
ther in the fields and attending school. He com- 
pleted his literary education in the Mifflinburg 
Academy. In 1859 he went to Elkhart county, 
Ind., on a prospecting tour, but at the end of six 
months returned to Union county, satisfied that 
Pennsylvania was good enough for him. Pur- 
chasing the Brown property in Gregg township, 
where his widow is still living, he there continued 
to follow agricultural pursuits until 1880, when 
he removed to Allenwood, the same county, 
where he lived retired until called to his final 
rest, May 16, 188 1. 

Mr. Pawling was a man of excellent principles 
and a blameless life, and thoroughly enjoyed the 
esteem and respect of the community in which 
he resided, and died mourned by a large circle of 
friends and acquaintances. He took an active 
part in the work of the Presbyterian Church, of 
which he was a faithful member, and did all 
within his power for the betterment of mankind 
or to promote the general welfare. 

On Septembers, 1858, at Freeburg, Penn., 
by Rev. Ellenmyer, Mr. Pawling was married to 
Miss Lydia Long, who was born in Selins Grove, 
October 22, 1837, and they became the parents 
of two children: Cora E., who was born Novem- 
ber 12, 1859, and died March 10, 1881, and 






I OMMEMORATIVE BKmilAPlIirAL RECORD. 



Charles W. , who was born January 7, 1861, 

July 21, [885. The latter was for a time a 
lent in Allegheny College at Meadville, Penn., 

but owing to ill-health was compelled to ret 
home before completing the course. He re- 
mained with his mother after his father's death, 
and finally decided to travel through the \\ 
with the hope of recovering his former strength, 
but while passing through the Indian Tern; 

ere cold, which caused his death. 
In [885, Mrs. Pawling returned to the farm, 
which is one of the finest in Union countv, and 

since made her home there. She is an at- 
tractive and accomplished lady of rare ability, 

linent in social and religious circles, and is 
an active 1 of the Presbyterian Church. 

ijamin and Elizabeth (Fetter) Long, the 
parents of Mrs. Pawling, were natives of M 
town, Lancaster county, and Reading. Perm., 
respectively, but were married at Selins Grove, 
where th it the remainder of their livi - 

upon a farm, which the father operated. He 
died April 14, 1 >d fifty-four years, and 

his wife, who was born April 1, 1S01, died 1 
ruary28, 1875. Both held membership in the 
Lutheran Church, and in his political affiliat 
the father was a Democrat. In their family were 
the following children: Jacob (deceased) was a 
farmer of Indiana, and left three sons; E 
is the wife ol Daniel Ott, a retired farmer 
Hester is the widow of Benjai 
Pawling, of White Deer township. Union 
Henry died at the age of twenty-one; Calvin, a 
retired carpenter living near Selins <. 1 nar- 

ried Catherine Hum-, whose father, Captain 

ies, was a soldier of the Revolutionary v. 
Lydia C. is the v. | our subject; and Mary 

is the wife ol Col. William Snoddy, an atton 
of Alva, Oklahoma. 

The paternal ii Mrs. Paw 

Jacob and Elizabeth Whittier) Long, were born, 
reared and married in Maytown, Lancasti 
Penn., but became early pioneers ler 

county, where they purchased a large tl 
land adjoining the town ol Selins Grove. The 
grandfather was the founder ol the first Ch 1 
established at that place, and served as its elder 
for many years. His remains were interred in 
the Selins Grove cemetery. In his familv w 
four children, all now deceased, namely: fao 
Man-, who wedded Daniel Lebo; Elizabeth, v 
became the wife of Mathias Donbauch, also de- 
ceased; and Benjamin, the father of Mrs. Paw- 
ling. The maternal grandparents were Peter 
and Mane (Snyder) Fetter, natives of Germany, 
who, on crossing the Atlantic to the New World. 
located near the old Row's church, in Snyder 



county, but later became residents of Union 
county, where the grandfather followed agricult- 
ural pursuits. They had six children who mar- 
ried, but are now deceased, namely: Catherine, 
wife of John Row; Elizabeth, mother of Mrs. 
Pawling; Philip, who married a Miss Zearfoss; 
mon; Benjamin; and Lydia, wife of Peter 
Row. 



JAMES SCHOCH. The Schoch family has 
been prominent in the vicinity of New Ber- 
lin, Union county, from the early days, and 
one of its chief representatives at the present 
time is the respected citizen whose biography we 
now present. Mr. Schoch. has nominally retired 
from an active tanning business in which he was 
engaged, but continues to find ample employ- 
ment for his time, the force of habit being 
strong upon him. 

Mr. Schoch traces his descent to that well- 
known pioneer, Matthias Schoch, whose re- 
mains now rest near Selins Grove. Jacob 
Schoch, a son of Matthias and the grandfather 
of our subject, was a prosperous farmer and black- 
smith, and owni ;e amount of real estate 
whichhesold to his sonsas they reached maturity. 
Hewas a small man, but possessed much strength 
and energy, and reached the good old age of 
seventy-nine. In r< I faith he was a Lu- 
theran, and his interest in the welfare of the 
community was shown in many ways. At his 
death he was interred in the cemetery at New 
Berlin. He was twice married, and his first wife, 

iss Hendricks, was the mother of all his chil- 
dren, whose names with dates of birth were as 
follows: George, born March 23, 1796, died 
August, it Freeburg, Penn.; Catharine, 

born 1797, died in 1S03: Michael, born 1799, 
died in M Snyder county, Penn.; 

Jacob, born 1801, died 1853, in Snyder county, 
Penn.; Elizabeth, born March 31, 1803, married 
Philip Gross, and died in New Berlin; Sem, born 
October 7, 1805; John, born 1S0S, died 1863 in 

ler county; Catharii n 1809, married 

ler, and died in 1883; Abraham, born 
January 30, 1 8 1 1 , died March 19. [881; David, 
181 3, died in Snyder county; Mary, born 
1815, married the late Beatty Cook, and now re- 
in New Berlin; Benjamin, born 1819, died 
• Selins Gi Susanna, born [821, married 

Rev. An yes in Mifflinburg. 

Si hoch, the father of our subject, was 
born in S mnty, near Smith Grove. He 

recen I ■ ■, • education, but had an acute 
intellect which enabled him to secure practical 
knowledg bjects. During his 



1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



935 



youth he learned the tanner's trade at Freeburg, 
Snyder county, and in early manhood he estab- 
lished a tannery of his own at New Berlin, which 
is still in the possession of his descendants. In 
i860 he made our subject his partner and in 1866 
he withdrew from the business altogether, giving 
his attention to agriculture, and his extensive in- 
vestments in the West, to which section he had 
made many visits. At the time of his death in 
July, 1887, he owned two farms, and was re- 
garded as one of the substantial citizens of his 
locality. A portion of his fortune was inherited 
from his father, of whose will he was executor. 
Politically he was a Democrat, and for many 
years he attended the Lutheran Church at New 
Berlin, of which he was a consistent member. 
Among his good traits was a generous hospitality, 
nothing pleasing him better than to receive his 
numerous friends at his own home, and while 
New Berlin was the county seat his table was 
seldom without a guest. His first wife. Miss 
Esther Klose, was born and reared in Snyder 
county, where their marriage occurred. She died 
January 5, 1845, an d in February, 1846, he 
married Mrs. Margaret (Ruhl) Kleckner, widow 
of George Kleckner. There were nine children 
by the first union, the names with dates of birth 
being here given. Susannah, born March 11, 
1827, married Benjamin S. Winter, and died in 
New Berlin; Charles, born October 2, 1828, died 
in St. Joseph county, Mich. ; Elizabeth, born Oc- 
tober 25, 1 83 1, married Wilson Van Valzah and, 
resides in New Berlin; Caroline, born February 
17, 1S34, is the widow of P. O. Catherman; 
Sarah, born April 5, 1836, married George Glass, 
of Freeburg, Penn. ; James, born April 3, 1838, 
is mentioned more fully below; Louisa, born 
October 22, 1840, married Orlando Russell, of 
Michigan; Sevilla, born September 18, 1841, 
married John Klose, of the same State; and Anna, 
born August 13, 1 843, is the wife of Fred Knight. 
Three children were born of the second marriage: 
Jane, born April 9, 1847, married John Spangler, of 
Limestone township, Union county; Araminta, 
born May 23, 1849, is the wife of Thomas Spang- 
ler, of the same township; and Jacob M. , born 
July 25', 1850, resides in Philadelphia. The 
mother of this family, who was born January 29, 
1809, died in May, 1S87, and her remains were 
buried beside those of her husband and his for- 
mer wife in the cemetery of New Berlin. 

With this review of the history of this well- 
known family we will now return to our subject, 
who was born in the thriving little town where 
he makes his home, and to whose interests he 
has given his best efforts. His education was 
acquired there, beginning in the public schools, 



with Miss Kate Kessler as his first teacher, and 
at eighteen he entered the seminary to pursue 
higher branches of study. During boyhood he 
was employed at various times in his father's 
tannery, and thus he gained a complete knowledge 
of the business. In i860, as has been said, he 
took a more responsible share of the work as a 
partner, and six years later he became the 
owner of the plant. Since October, 1884, his 
son, Brainard S. , has had charge of the business, 
making the third in the line of descent to con- 
duct it. As one of the leading capitalists of his 
locality, Mr. Schoch gives much time to various 
kinds of investments, and his shrewd judgment 
is shown in their successful management. He 
owns considerable real estate, including 125 
acres near New Berlin, and an extensive tract in 
Kansas. He has an elegant home at New Ber- 
lin recently remodeled, and his family hold a 
high position socially. He was married August 
23, 1861, to his first wife, Miss Rebecca W. 
Peters, daughter of Michael Peters, a leading 
resident of Hartley township, Union county. 
She died July 10, 1865, leaving two children: 
Brainard S. , born February 10, 1862, who re- 
sides at the old homestead and conducts the tan- 
nery, and Ida M., who was born September 6, 
1863, and died August 20, 1870. Mr. Schoch's 
second wife, Miss Mary Eyer, was a native of 
Dry Valley, and a daughter of Abraham Eyer. 
She passed away September 20, 1877, and her 
only child, Anna M. , who was born December 
25, 1872, died November 16, 1879. Mr. Schoch 
formed a third matrimonial union with Miss Mar- 
garet E. Gephart, a native of Millheim, Penn., 
born January 6, 1855, the eldest daughter of 
Jacob and Catherine (Decker) Gephart. By this 
marriage there are two children: Pauline S., 
born June 11, 1881, now attending the college at 
New Berlin, and Frederick G., born August 1, 
1886, who is also at home. 

As a good citizen Mr. Schoch is interested in 
public progress. He is a Democrat in politics, 
and he and his-wife are both active members of 
the Lutheran Church, in which he has been 
treasurer for a number of years and at present 
holds also the office of trustee. 



SPANGLER. Most of those bearing this 
_J name, that are here represented, trace 
their ancestry back to an old Northumberland 
county family, but the family is now most nu- 
merous in Snyder, Union and Centre counties. 
The name of Spangler appears quite often in this 
volume, and just as often as we have introduced 
a sketch of some one of that family, just so often 






COMMBMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RBCORD. 



will you find the highest type of American citi- 
zenship. John Si. i . by no means an ex- 
ception to that rule. He is one of the honest, 
industrious farmers and well-to-do citizens of 
Limestone township, Union county. 

On Penn's creek, two miles and a half west 
t New Berlin, John Spangler was born February 
2 j, 1843, his parents being Daniel and Lydia 
ngler. He was born in the same stone 
house which he now occupies, it being built by his 
paternal grandfather in 1802. So well was it con- 
struct! 1 that for sixty-six years the first roof 
lasted, and the whole building is in such an ex- 
cellent state of preservation to this day that it 
will undoubtedly last another century. 

Upon his present farm John Span- 1 « 
reared, and his education was obtained in the 
neighboring schools, his first teacher being Jacob 
Sanders, but his advantages were limited, as the 
farm work extended throughout most of the year. 
Alter one season's crops were at last threshed and 
ready for use, it was only a few weeks before the 
spring work began, so that he had but little time 
to attend school. Most of his early life was spent 
under the parental roof, but for two seasons he 
worked away from home; the first, when eight- 
een years of age, receiving $10 per month for 
his services. 

In New Berlin, December 20, [866, Mr. 
Spangler was married to Miss Jane Schoch, who 
was born at that place. April 9, KS47, a daughter 
of Sem and Margaret (Ruhl) Schoch. With 
Miss Kate Kessler as teacher, she began her 
learningin the schools of New Berlin, and there 
completed her education. She has been the 
mother of five children: Annie, born September 

12, iSf'.j, died August 12. [870; Clementine, 
born October 22, [869, is now the wife of Jacob 
Miller, of Limestone township, Union county; 
Reno S., born August 3, 1S71, is one of the 
steady-going young men of Limestone township; 
he assists in the operation of the home farm, and 
is also interested in the lumber business; Maggie, 
born October 8, 1873, is the wife of H. P. Good- 
ling, of York, Penn. ; and one child (unnam 
(the last), born February 3, 1876, died M.irch 

13. I 

After his marriage, Mr. Spangler rented his 
father's farm, and such arrangements contin 
until October 19, 1S71. when he and his brother 
Christopher bought the homestead, our subject 
receiving ninety-two acres when the property v 
divided. He was obliged to go in debt, but bj 
industry, perseverance and good management, 
he has succeeded in clearing the place of all in- 
cumbrances, and has made many valuable and 
useful improvements, his farm being now one of 



the best along Penn's creek, either in Union or 
Snyder counties. 

An excellent citizen, of the strictest integrity, 
he is highly respected by all who know him, and 
he and his family occupy a position of promi- 
nence in the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. 

ngler are consistent members of the Lutheran 
Church, taking a leading and active part in its 
work. Mr. Spangler now serving as a deacon, and 
in this capacity has been foremost in matters 
pertaining to the best interests of the Church. 



REV. AMMON STAPLETON. A. M., M - 
Lewisburg, Union count}-, was born 

Spangsville, Berks Co., Penn., Januar\ 1;, 1S50, 
a son of William and Elizabeth (Spechti Staple- 
ton, also natives of Berks county. 

The ancestor of the subject of this sketch was 
Robert P. Stapleton, born in England, in 1G90, 
of noble origin, but becoming a Quaker he was 
ostracized by his people, and hence emigrated to 
Pennsylvania. In 1732 he acquired a fine plan- 
tation in Oley township, Berks county, but in 
1750 he migrated to the Shenandoah Valley, Vir- 
ginia, where be died in 1754. leaving four sons 
and six daughters, all married. 

Our subject emanates from the emigrant Rob- 
ert P. Stapleton's son John, in whose care the 
Oley estates were left. John died in Oley. in 
the same year (1754) as his father, leaving a son, 
John, jr., born in 1751, who was an officer in 
the Revolutionary war. He died in 1820, leav- 
ing a son, William, Sr. , whose son, William. Jr., 
born in 181 5, is the father of Rev. Amnion Sta- 
pleton. In 1853, the parents of our subject re- 
moved to Buffalo Valley, Union county, where 
the arly boyhood days were passed. In 

1SG1 he was sent to Berks county where he re- 
mained with his relatives till 1863, when he re- 
turned. In July, 1864, then but fourteen years 
of age, he enlisted under the call of President 
Lincoln for volunteers to repel the invasion of 
the Rebel General Early, and saw nearly five 
months' active service as a member of Company 
F, 195th P. V. I., his regiment participating in 
the Shenandoah Valley campaign under Sheri- 
dan, where he heard the roar of battle at Win- 
chester, Cedar Creek, &c. Returning home in 
November, 1864, he re-enlisted in February, 
1865, in Company I, 192nd Regiment, which 
was assigned to Hancock's Veteran (Firsti Corps, 
and which was kept in service until August, 1 

In [867 Mr. Stapleton began his collegiate 
studies, intending at first to prepare for the med- 
ical profession; a change in his purpose of life, 
however, led him to prepare for the ministry in- 



_ 






2fe^^s~ /f/tr,M,s, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



937 



stead, and he completed his course at Central 
Pennsylvania College, in 187 1. In March, 1872, 
he entered the itinerant ranks of the Central 
Pennsylvania Conference of the (now) United 
Evangelical Church. Amid all the cares and 
arduous labors of his itinerant life, he never for 
a moment discontinued his studies, his special 
field of research being the natural sciences. In 
the field of geology and paleontology he had 
many eminent correspondents, among them the 
world-renowned Prof. James Hall, of the New 
York State Museum, and Prof. Williams, of Cor- 
nell University, while his researches resulted in 
the discovery of hitherto unrecorded fossils. 
Later he turned his attention to Colonial.history, 
and in 1891 was elected, on the recommendation 
of Hon. John Blair Linn, ex-Secretary of the 
Commonwealth, as a member of the Pennsyl- 
vania Historical Society. 

Mr. Stapleton's services to his Conference 
and denomination have been very valuable. For 
seven years he was secretary of his Conference; 
in 1 89 1 was a delegate to the Philadelphia Gen- 
eral Conference, and, in 1894, to the Naperville 
(111.) General Conference, at which time he was 
one of the secretaries. In 1895 he was elected 
to the office of presiding elder, his headquarters 
being at Lewisburg. 

Besides many serial magazine and newspaper 
articles on science and history, Mr. Stapleton 
published, in 1885, "Natural History of the Bi- 
ble ".and, in 1895, "Compend of Church His- 
tory" ; his large history of his denomination is j 
at the present time (1897) going through the ' 
press; besides three works — "The Evangelical 
Catechism", "Evangelical Cabinet", and 
" Memorials of the Huguenots ", — as yet unpub- 
lished. 

In 1875 Rev. Ammon Stapleton was united 
in marriage with Miss Sarah E. Crandall, of 
Canton, Bradford Co. , Penn. , and they have two 
sons and three daughters living. 



JOHN DEWIRE, of Lewisburg, is a man 
whose successful struggle with adverse cir- 
cumstances shows what can be done by in- 
dustry and economy, especially if a sensible wife 
seconds his efforts to secure a home and com- 
petence. Born of poor parents, Mr. Dewire was 
obliged to make his way in life without any of 
the aids which are usually considered essential to 
success. 

Thomas Dewire, his father, was born in Ire- 
land in 1800, and his people being of very limited 
means, came as a young man to this country to 
work as a laborer on a canal then in process of 



construction along the Susquehanna river. He 
spent seven weeks on the ocean, and, on landing, 
had but a few cents in his pocket. He was a 
short man, stout in build, and a hard worker, 
but never made over fifty cents a day. While 
in one of the shanties where he boarded while 
working on the canal, he made the acquaintance 
of Miss Julia A. Barnhart, daughter of John 
Barnhart, of Berks county, Penn., who was also 
a day laborer. Love laughs at poverty as well 
as at bars and locks, and the two were married, 
managing in some way to maintain a home on 
his scanty wages. He remained in Pennsylvania, 
living for a time in Northumberland county, and 
later removing to Union county, and the last six 
years of his life were spent in East Buffalo town- 
ship, near Hardscrabble. 

In politics Thomas Dewire was a Whig. Hav- 
ing been reared as a Catholic, he clung to that 
form of faith for many years, but in 1843 he 
joined the Evangelical Association, of which his 
wife was a devout member, and remained stead- 
fast to its principles until his death, which oc- 
curred at Lewisburg in 1846; his widow sur- 
vived him nearly forty years, dying January 27, 
1883, at the age of sixty-nine. The last ten 
years of her life were passed at the home of our 
subject, and when she passed away her remains 
were laid to rest in the Lewisburg cemetery, 
those of her husband being in the old Lutheran 
cemetery at Lewisburg, beside the present Lu- 
theran church. Seven children were born to 
Thomas and Julia Dewire: Margaret, who mar- 
ried (first) Noah Young, and (second) Jefferson 
Kaler, and died in East Buffalo township; John 
D. , our subject; Rosanna, now Mrs. Jacob Ackey, 
of Lycoming county, Penn. ; Thomas, of East 
Buffalo township. Union county; James, who died 
when seven years old; William, of Turtleville, 
Penn. ; and Alexander, who served in the 51st P. 
V. I. during the Rebellion, and died in 188 1. 

John Dewire was born March 25, 1833, his 
parents-then residing in Northumberland county, 
near Tuckahoe. As they remained in that local- 
ity until he was seven years old, his educa- 
tion was begun there, but on their removal to 
Union county, he attended the Jefferson school 
house. With these somewhat limited advan- 
tages his education stopped, and the conscious- 
ness of his own deprivations has made him a firm 
friend of better educational opportunities for the 
rising generation. 

At the time of his father's death Mr. Dewire 
was only thirteen years old, but, as the eldest son 
in a large family of children, a heavy sense of 
responsibility rested upon him. His widowed 
mother worked at knitting and spinning, but her 



- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAl'IIKM RECORD. 



earnings were not sufficient for the needs of so 
many. For two years Mr. Dewire worked in a 
tannery at Lewisburg at $2.50 per month, and 
then hired out at $5 per month to farmers in the 
vicinity, working for some time for William 
Brown and Byers Amnion. Later he worked 
fi r one year in the construction of the Winfield 
furnace, and he was afterward employed as a 
; kman in the mines of the company for twen- 
ty-three years, during which time he managed to 
save the money to buy his present home near 
Lewisburg. 

On October 9, 1855. Mr. Dewire was married 
to Miss Mary C. Zearns, who was born at Middle 
Creek, Snyder Co., Penn., October 4, 1837, the 
daughter of Levi and Esther (Gemberlingi 
Zearns. The father died leaving three small 
children: Lydia, now Mrs. George Bower, of 
Selins Grove; Mary C, Mrs. Dewire; and Aman- 
da, widow of William G. Smith, residing at Lew- 
isburg. The mother married a second husband, 
Frederick Hare, by whom she had four children. 
She died at Selins Grove at the age of sixty-nine. 

When Mrs. Dewire was eight years old she 
was placed among relatives, and until her mar- 
riage her life was passed without a fixed home. 
It is not to be wondered at that both our subject 
and his wife should devote their energies to se- 
curing a home of their own, and their delight 
and satisfaction can only be imagined when in 
March, 1866, they finally found themselves ac- 
tually in possession of their cozy house. Con- 
tinued effort has brought increased prosperity, and 
other land has been added until they now own 
about forty-seven acres of excellent land. Not 
one cent of indebtedness stands against any of it, 
and they have a comfortable sum of money in- 
vested in ther ways. And this success, remark- 
able under the circumstances, has been won by 
honest means, a notable fact in these days of un- 
scrupulous methods of business, and among all 
Mr. Dewire's acquaintances there is not one man 
who can justly charge him with a wrong. 

Ten children have been reared in this home, 
their names with dates of birth being as follows: 
Oliver, April 18, 1856, is a carpenter and car 
builder at New Columbia, Penn.; Albert, Sep- 
tember 24, 1857, is 1 as a brakeman on 
the Reading railroad; Emma, August 22, 1 
married Andrew Veager, of Sunbury, Penn.; 
Charles P., April 17, 1 .. is a teacher at Lew- 
isburg; Ada, July 15 married William [. 
Hess, of Riverside, Penn.; C Nervon, Oct 
13, 1S67, lives in Winfield, Penn. ; JaneE., Jan- 
uary 28, 1872, married Samuel Paul, ol New 
Columbia, Penn.; Alice, October 11. [875, mar- 

I William Richards, and li Sunbury; Ed- 



ward J., April 21, 1878, and Minnie, July 1 . 
1880, are at home. 

In religious faith, Mr. Dewire is inclined to 
the Evangelical Church, of which his wife is a 
member. Politically, he is a steadfast Repub- 
lican, but though a regular voter he is not an 
office seeker. He served, however, as tax col- 
lector in East Buffalo township when Jacob Mac- 
hamer, Thomas Barber and Mr. Shuck formed 
the board of commissioners. He is identified 
with the Patrons of Husbandry, belonging to Jus- 
titia Grange, No. 434. at Lewisburg. 



JS. HOCH. Among the most attractive 
_ L. homes in the pleasant little city of New 
Berlin, Union county, is that of the well-known 
merchant whose career this biography outlines. 
Although now retired from active business, Mr 
Hoch has been long and prominently identified 
with mercantile circles in this section, having 
successfully conducted establishments at various 
places. 

Mr. Hoch is of German ancestry, his great- 
grandfather having been the first to cross the 
ocean from the Fatherland. Samuel Hoch, our 
subject's grandfather, a farmer in Snyder county, 
died at a comparatively early age leaving a large 
family of children, of whom our subject's father, 
John Hoch, was among the oldest. The family 
was separated after this bereavement, and John 
Hoch, then quite a small boy, was hired out 
a farmer, an entire stranger, no provision being 
made for his schooling, which was limited to a 
few months snatched at intervals in his work. 
At sixteen he began an apprenticeship to a car- 
penter, Albright Swineford, receiving his board 
and clothes, and this business he followed at 
Middleburg, Penn., throughout his active life. 
He retired from business at the age of fifty-se\ 
and the last few years of his life were spent in 
Mifflinburg, his death occurring at seventy-seven. 
His wife, Flizabeth Swineford, a daughter of his 
former employer, died at New Berlin, Penn., 
but both were buried at Middleburg, her birth- 
place, and their home during the greater portion 
of their I lit. Sin was a Lutheran in 

faith, while Mr. Hoch belonged to the Reformed 
Church, and he gave liberally toward the support 
of both Churches. He held various offices in 
the Church at Middleburg, .and at one time sa 
the edifice from being sold by the sheriff, a sub- 
scription being raised by him for this purpose. 
This task was undertaken on foot through Centre 
and Union counties, and many weary miles 
wire traversed before the object was ace 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



939 



plished. Politically, he was a stanch Repub- 
lican, and while he was not eager for official 
honors he held some minor offices. He was of 
a stout build, and in his active days was a hard 
worker, accumulating two competences in his 
lifetime, the first having been lost through the 
unscrupulousness of others. His home was to 
him the dearest spot on earth. Of his three 
children, our subject was the eldest; Abraham 
died in infancy; Mary M. married Samuel E. 
Long, and resides in Butler county, Pennsylvania. 
A. S. Hoch was born June 11, 1836, at Mid- 
dleburg, and such schooling as fate vouchsafed to 
him was obtained there. While he was a boy 
his father's business reverses compelled him to 
leave school and assist in supporting the family, 
as he could earn fifty cents per day at car- 
pentering. By the time his father had retrieved 
his fortunes our subject was past school age, and 
thus he began his independent business career at 
twenty-one with but little preparation. His 
hard work during boyhood had undermined his 
health, and he could not continue the carpenter's 
trade, so he accepted a position as clerk for 
Daniel J. Bogar, a merchant in Middleburg, 
Snyder Co., Penn., at ten dollars per month and 
board. After a short time Mr. Bogar failed, and 
Mr. Hoch then spent more than two years in 
clerking for Reuben Keller, at Adamsburg, Penn. 
In the fall of i860 he established a mercantile 
business of his own at Margaret's Mills, Snyder 
county. His capital amounted to $39 at the 
time, but he had won the confidence of some 
monied men, among whom was Robert W. 
Smith, of Middleburg, Snyder Co., Penn., a for- 
mer employer, who gave him a start. In 1861 
Mr. Hoch transferred his business to Kelly Cross 
Roads, Penn., and later opened another store at 
Kelly Point, where he was the first merchant. 
He built up a large trade at both places, and 
while there was instrumental in having a post 
office established at each. In March, 1888, he 
moved to New Berlin, where his son, John W., 
was in the same line of business as senior mem- 
ber of the firm of Hoch & Kline, and by purchas- 
ing Mr. Kline's interest our subject entered the 
firm, which then became Hock & Son. Five 
years later he retired, and the firm has since been 
known as Hoch & Oldt. A handsome compe- 
tence has rewarded the past years of effort, and 
Mr. Hoch is now enjoying his well-earned leisure. 
He is jovial in manner, and is well-preserved, 
looking ten years younger than he is. He and 
his wife are prominent in social life, and in the 
work of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. 
Hoch has twice held the office of elder, and for 
two years was president of the Christian En- 



deavor Society. He also belongs to the Masonic 
lodge at Lewisburg, Union county, Pennsylvania. 

On April 16, 1857, Mr. Hoch was married to 
his first wife, Miss Amelia Saltzman, who was 
born in November, 1838, in Adamsburg, Penn., 
the daughter of William and Catherine Saltz- 
man, well-known residents of that village. She 
died June 18, 1884, and her remains now rest in 
the Lutheran cemetery in Kelly township, Union 
county. Of her two children, the first, Lizzie, 
died in childhood; John W. , born August 7, 1859, 
is now one of the leading merchants of New Ber- 
lin, as noted above. Mr. Hoch's present wife, 
whom he wedded October 16, 1888, in White 
Deer township, Union county, was formerly Miss 
Ida M. Keefer. She was born in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, the daughter of Martin and 
Utica (Herman) Keefer, who reared a family of 
ten sons and three daughters, of whom she is the 
eldest. 

In his political sympathies Mr. Hoch has al- 
ways been a Republican, and he walked three 
miles to cast his first vote for John C. Fremont 
for President. Wherever he has resided he has 
taken an influential part in local affairs, serving 
as assessor, overseer of the poor, school director 
in different places, and in New Berlin as a mem- 
ber of the city council, of which he was president 
for three years. 



ILLIAM LAIRD IRWIN. This gentle- 
man is now living in the town of Mifflin- 
burg, and is a native of Union county, born in 
Buffalo township, in 1844, a son of James and 
Amelia (Pontius) Irwin. William Irwin, the pa- 
ternal grandfather, was a native of Ireland, but 
when only twelve years old came to America and 
took up his residence in Pennsylvania, becoming 
one of the pioneers of the central portion of this 
State. He was an enterprising, progressive 
man, a Presbyterian in religious belief, and died 
at the age of sixty-eight years. The maternal 
grandparents were Peter and Barbara (Kleckner) 
Pontius. The grandfather, who was a farmer by 
occupation, died at the age of eighty years. The 
father of our subject also engaged in agricultural 
pursuits throughout life. 

William Laird Irwin is the third in order of 
birth in a family of eight children, the others be- 
ing: Robert H., now a farmer of Cowan, Union 
county, enlisted in Company E, 51st P. V. I., 
which was assigned to Burnside's Corps. For 
three years he served his country with distinc- 
tion, was the first man on the Antietam bridge, 
and threw open the gate for his comrades to fol- 
low. Peter Pontius, the second son, enlisted in 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Company F. 49th P. V. I., was taken prisoner 
at the battle of the Wilderness, and incarcerated 
in Andersonville, Ga., where his death occurred 
September 22, [864. James Winfield is now a 
farmer of Montour county, Penn. Jennie died 
unmarried. John S. is a farmer living near 
Kelly Point, Union county. Joseph C.,is a resi- 
dent of Mifflinburg. Amelia P. died in infancy. 

During his boyhood and youth our subject 
attended the public schools of his native county, 
and after finishing his education worked on his 
father's farm until twenty years of age. Prompted 
by a spirit of patriotism, he also joined the Union 
service in 1X64, enlisting in Company E, 12th 
Pennsylvania Cavalry, and faithfully served his 
country until the war had ended, and his services 
were.no longer needed, being mustered out June 
5, 1865. He then devoted his time and attention 
to farming, in which occupation he is still en- 
gag 

In December, 1 871, Mr. Irwin led to the mar- 
riage altar Miss Mary Wilson Snodgrass, a daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Anna 'Wilson Snodgrass, 
of Cumberland county, Penn. Her father fol- 
lowed farming, and also operated a foundry anil 
gristmill. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have one daugh- 
t 1, Anna Blanche, who was born in Mifflinburg, 
November 17, 1872. For some time she at- 
tended the public schools, but completed her 
education in a select school of Mifflinburg. With 
the Presbyterian Church the parents hold mem- 
bership, and the family is held in the highest re- 
gard by all who know them. In his political 
affiliations Mr. Irwin is an inflexible adherent to 
the doctrines and principles of the Republican 
part)'. He is a public-spirited, enterprising man, 
and takes an active interest in everything which 
seems to promise a benefit to the community. 



KNKY EISENHAUER, a venerable and 
"X highly respected resident of Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, has been for many years a 
leading agriculturist of that locality, and al- 
though now retired from active business, he owns, 
among other property, 038 acres of the best land 
to be found in that region of fertile farms. 

Horn October 10, 1 8 1 9, in Snyder county, 
Penn., he comes of pioneer stock, his grand- 
parents, Martin and Sarah Eisenhauer, having 
settled there at an early day upon a farm. The 
first years of their married life were, however, 
spent in Berks county, Penn., and our subject's 
father, Abraham Eisenhauer, was born there. 
He also followed agricultural pursuits, his life 
being spent mainly in Snyder county, where he 
was prominently identified with local affairs, as a 



member of the Reformed Church, and a warm 
sympathizer with the doctrines of the Republican 
party. He was married in Snyder county to 
Miss Eve Uolender, a native of Union count), 
and daughter of Henry 11 'lender, a prominent 
farmer, who came originally from Lancaster 
county, and whose death occurred in Snyder 
county. Mrs. Eisenhauer died in 1840. at the 
age of forty-two, but our subject's father lived a 
few days beyond his eightieth year, breathing his 
last in 1878. 

They had ten children (of whom six are still 
living): Elizabeth married Henry Rearick, a 
farmer, and both are now deceased; Henry is 
mentioned more fully below; Catherine is the 
wife of Jacob Walter, a farmer in Cook countv . 
111.; Amelia married George Utt, a farmer, and 
both are now deceased; Barbara married Fred 
Engle, a farmer at Middleburg, Snyder county, 
and both now deceased; Mary is the widow of 
Reuben Agler, of Beavertown, Penn., who, at 
the time of his death, was a retired farmer; 
Sarah married William Hess, a merchant at 
Philipsburg, Penn. ; Lucinda is the widow of 
Samuel Bowen, formerly an auctioneer at Mid- 
dleburg; Robert (deceased) was a farmer in 
Michigan, and Benjamin is now engaged in 
agriculture in Michigan. 

Mr. Eisenhauer, our subject, was reared to 
farm life, and while assisting in the work at home 
attended the local schools. He remained with his 
father until the age of twenty-eight, when he went 
west on a prospecting tour; but finding " no 
place like home," he decided to return to his na- 
tive place to live. He rented one of his father's 
farms for nine years, and his industry and thrift 
being rewarded with good returns he purchased a 
farm of 230 acres in Union county, to which he 
removed in 1857. Thereon he remained until 
the spring of 1806, when he took possession of 
his present residence near Kelly Point. He is a 
leading member of the Reformed Church at 
White Deer, in which he has been an officer for 
over forty years and in politics he is a stanch 
Republican. 

In February. 1S47, Mr. Eisenhauer was mar- 
ried at Middleburg, Penn., to Miss Esther Agler, 
a daughter of Jacob and Esther Agler, well- 
known residents of Snyder county. Penn. Twelve 
children were born of this union, their names 
with dates of birth being as follows: Uriah A 
November 4, 1847, is a farmer in Kelly town- 
ship, Union county; Orgim X.. February i8, 
1849, is also a fanner in the same locality: Ursh 
A., August 29, 1851, is engaged in farming in 
Union county; Thama E., July 17, 1853, mar- 
ried Benjamin Stahl, a carpenter in Union coun- 




(sZ>-&nAA- v/Lix^/x<. 




CK^aS\ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



941 



ty; AlvyJ., January 3, 1856, died at an early 
age; Alice Esther, December 30, 1857, is the 
wife of Charles Cooper, a merchant at Milton 
Penn. ; Sarah E., September 17, i860, died at 
two years of age; Sybilla A., April 29, 1S62 re- 
sides in Chicago, 111.; John H. , June 1, l8 6 4 , is 
a farmer in Kelly township, Union county and 
Mary A., May 31, 1867, died in infancy. Two 
sons died at or about birth, unnamed, one born 
July 1, 1852, and the other born jMarch 10 1859 
The mother of this family passed to the unseen 
hfe May 31, 1867, at the age of forty years and 
three months. On November 7, 1867, Mr. 
Eisenhauer formed a second union, this time with 
Miss Semmira Baker, the ceremony being per- 
formed at Mifflinburg, Penn. They have one son 
William S., born June 25, 1868, who is now a 
farmer in Kelly township, Union county. 

Mrs. Eisenhauer is a bright, clever woman 
devoted to her home, and has been a true help- 
meet to her husband. She was born May 30 
1840, in White Deer township, Union county a 
daughter of Samuel and Christiana (Kunes) 
Baker, and granddaughter of Michael and Sarah 
(Wolfenberger) Baker, who came to this section 
from Lebanon county, Penn., and passed their 
last days upon a farm in White Deer township 
Samuel Baker was born in Union county, and 
became a successful farmer there. In politics he 
was a Democrat, while in religion he adhered to 
the principles of the Evangelical Church, of 
which he was a member. He died in June, 
1882, aged eighty years, six months and three 
days, and his wife passed away December 21, 
1878, at the age of sixty-seven years and nine 
months. She was a native of Schuylkill coun- 
ty, Penn., where her parents, John and Hannah 
(Smith) Kunes, were lifelong residents. The 
children of this union were: Uriah, who died at 
the age of ten years; Semmira (Mrs. Eisenhauer); 
Samuel S. , who is in the drug business at Coburn' 
Penn.; Anna B.. wife of George P. Straub, fore- 
man in a car factory at Watsontown, Penn ■ 
Levi, who died in infancy; and Michael, a mer- 
chant at Watsontown, where he conducts an ex 
tensive business. 



fISS ESTHER VONEIDA. The Voneida 
homestead in Buffalo township, Union 
county, is one of the oldest estates in the local- 
ity, and is now occupied by the fourth generation 
in direct descent from the original purchaser, 
rmiip Voneida, a native of the Palatinate, Ger- 
many, and a miller by trade, who on arriving in this 
country settled first in one of the lower counties 
ol Pennsylvania, but later became a pioneer in 



Buffalo Valley. He and his wife, Hannah Reed 
reared a large family, and their descendants are 
numerous in this section, and especially in Centre 
county. 

Their son Peter, the father of the estimable 
lady whose name introduces this sketch was 
born at the homestead July 25, 1780, and being 
reared to farming, followed that occupation there 
throughout his life. He was successful, finan- 
cially, and left a comfortable competence at his 
death. In person he was short and heavy set 
and his good constitution enabled him to do 
much hard work in his time. He was a stanch 
Republican in politics. His disposition was most 
genial, and he greatly enjoyed social intercourse 
often visiting his friends while making his own 
home a center for a most generous hospitality. 
As a citizen he was highly esteemed in the 
community where he resided so long. He died 
August 26, 1853, after a lingering illness of seven 
years, having suffered three severe strokes of 
paralysis. On September 1 1, 18 10, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Esther Kauffman. who was born June 
31, 1793. the daughter of John and Catherine 
Kaufman. She died July 8, 1865, a broken 
limb becoming inflamed and causing her death 
at the end of seven weeks of suffering. Both 
were devout members of the Reformed Church 
and died in that faith, their remains be- 
ing interred at Dreisbach Cemetery. They 
had twelve children, whose names with dates of 
birth are as follows: Philip, November 24, 181 1, 
died July 13, 1S77, in Nippenose Valley;' John' 
April 13, 1813, died March 13, 1871, in the same 
locality; Daniel. May 22, 1816, was also a resi- 
dent of Nippenose Valley, and died there July 6, 
1893; Catherine. May 21, 18 18, married Michael 
Groove, and died July 29, 1885, at Mifflinburg; 
Jacob, April 16, 1S20, resides in Nippenose Val- 
ley; Peter, March 12, 1S22, died in Northumber- 
land county April 24, 1894; Solomon, February 
9, 1824, died April 22, 1826; David, October 25, 
1825, died in Buffalo township April 2, 1891; 
Henry. February 11, 1828, died April 27, 1837; 
Joseph, June 10, 1830, died in Lewisburg April 22,' 
1889; Hannah, March 10, 1834, died in Lewisburg 
May29, iS96;Esther, December 2, 1836, is now a 
highly-esteemed resident of Lewisburg. She was 
born at the old homestead, and in childhood at- 
tended the Pontius school in the same neighbor- 
hood, but, as the youngest of the family, her 
parents looked to her for much attention in their 
declining years, and her generous affection made 
her more than willing to sacrifice her education 
to their need. An unusually intelligent mind 
has enabled her to make good her early depriva- 
tion, and she is well informed upon the topics 






942 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECO 



which interest people of culture. ^he own? 145 
acres of land in East Buffalo township. Union 
count v and a pleasant home in Market street, 
Lewisburg, purchased in 1883. She and her sis- 
ter Hannah resided at the home farm until April 
1 [884 when thev removed to Lewisburg. 
Miss Hannah Voneida passed to the unseen life 
in 1896, as has been said, leaving the memorj t 

voted < hristian character, and Miss Esther 
still occupies the home which their mutual ai 

1 brightened Ei »r each. She takes a kindly 

ie st in all that concerns the welfare of 
community, and is a member of the Reformed 
Church, having made profession of her faith at 
the age of seventeen. 



All. REEDY. Few men in any calling 1 
a ki iation of life than 

by the subject of t! ! iphy. one of 

I most progressive farmers of Buffalo township, 
ounty. Extensive travel and intelligent 
atioi ' rous course o{ 

|j ngi havi a him a widei : of lnforma- 

and tin? without the sacrifice of material 
success, for while he has never made tl usi- 

t j on { n sole ambition, he has pros- 

the most parsimonious. 
M, Reed) comes of an excellent family, a 
leading characteristic being the mutual helpful- 
bj which its members sustain each other at 
3. His ancestors located in Berks county, 
I an .arly day. and his grandfather, 
Michael Reedy, enlisted from that county as a 
drummer boy in the Revolutionary army at the 
of sixteen, and served under General 
hambeau. After the war closed he followed 
l or many years, but never 
accumulated enough money to buy a home, 
seventeen years he was a cripple fromrheun 
and his means being exhausted during the en- 
forced idleness, he decided to seek a home in 
I tnon count v. where, land being cheaper, he 

ht hope for better opportunities. Possibl 
hoped to derive benefit also from the change of 
air. At any rate the mrney wa 

about [820, Mr. R< 1 dj lying on a feathei b 

wagon which conveyed the household goods. 
He and his wife. Anna M Sarvey, reared a 1 
family, but some of the children remained in 
Berkscountv, only four accompanying them, 
[onathan, who died in 1896 at Millmont, aged 
lety-six years; Emanuel, our subject's father; 
Michael, Jr.. who went west, but has 1 
heard from since the war. when he was livin 
Michigan; and Lydia, Mrs. George Baker, who 
died in Kelly township, Union county. 



Emanuel Reedy was born February 28, 1810, 
in Tulpehocken township. Berks county, and 
was therefore, about ten years old when he came 
to Union county. His education was limited I 
a few months'attendance at a country sch 
near Kelly Point, and at an early age he v. 
bound out to David He.nly, a farmer of Buff: 
township, to remain until he was eighteen. After 
he had served his term he learned the miller s 
trade at what was known as Chamberhn s mill, 

i'.uffalo creek, but later he engaged in fa. 
ing As long as his parents lived he gave his in- 
, toward their support, and thus handi- 
capped it was many years before his energy and 
industry, his only capital, began to bring him i 
return ' The first land he ever owned was a farm 
in Kelly township, now in the possession of one 
of his sons, and in the fall of .876 he bought the 
-David Herbst farm" of 108 acres in Buffalo 
ship at $1 15 per acre. He was an excellent 
business man, shrewd and far sighted, and not- 
withstanding his meager schooling he was remark- 
ablv accurate in arithmetical calculations, which 
were all made by a mental process. His sound 
me.it caused his advice to be sought ... irri- 
tant matters by his neighbors, by whom he 
hdd in the highest esteem. Politically he 
was a Republican, supporting that party stead- 
fastly from its organization. 

On Vpnl 4. 1839, Emanuel Reedy was mar- 
to Miss Rachel Engelman, who was born 
November 28, .8.4. in White Deer township, 
Union county, and died January 5. i*>94. at the 
farm in Buffalo township. His own death oc- 
curred there April i 7 , 1884. Both were devout 
Christians, and for many years were members ot 
the Union Church at Mazeppa. An instance 
which shows Emanuel Reedy's kind heart and 
family pride even more clearly than did his filial 
affection in his youthful days, was his care for 
his brother Jonathan, who became helpless in 
bis old age. Our subject and his brothers con- 
tinued the regular contribution to the support o 
this uncle after their father's death, feeling that 
were only acting as he would have done had 
he lived Of his five children our subject 
the voungest, the others being: Samuel, born 
ry 5. 1841, died August 26, 1843; Anna 
M, born "February 7. ' s 43. married M. L 
Wi aver, and died in Buffalo township in 1 
John, born November 8. 1844. resides in Lnion 
1 county; Levi, born April 6, .847. « » farmer 
and stock dealer at Buffalo Cross Roads 
valuable estate was left to the children, and wittt 
characteristic unity of spirit and action the three 
surviving brothers kept the property intact, ana 
all worked together until each had a good farm 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



043 



of his own. The result is seen in their pros- 
perity, and, to-day, it would be difficult to find 
three brothers in Buffalo Valley who are as suc- 
cessful in all ways. 

A. E. Reedy was born September rS, 1851 
in Kelly township, Union county, and 'during 
boyhood attended the "Hill school," in that 
township, Miss Jane Thompson being his first 
teacher. He was an apt pupil, but the limited 
opportunities and faulty methods of the country 
school prevented him from feeling great enthusi- 
asm over his studies, and he did not avail him- 
self of the chance to pursue them further 
Under his father's management he gained a thor- 
ough training in agricultural work, which has 
since proven of great service to him. At eight- 
een he entered the store of A. S. Hoch, of Kelly 
Point, as a clerk, and, with some interruptions 
held the position for seven years, living at home 
in the meantime. In 1877 the family moved to 
the farm in Buffalo township, where he now re- 
sides, having bought the place after his father's 
death. He is a good manager, his neat and 
well-kept farm showing his systematic and pre- 
cise methods. The residence, which was built 
in 1795. is in an excellent state of preservation 
In addition to his other interests, Mr. Reedy has 
from early manhood been engaged at different 
times in buying and selling live stock. 

He is a firm believer in the policv of the Repub- 
lican party, but while he earnestly desires the suc- 
cess of its principles he cares nothing for official 
honors. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian and 
has been a trustee in the Church at Buffalo Cross 
Koads, to which he has always been a liberal 
contributor. 

♦ a?" ft" Uary 4 ' lSS7 ' Mn Reed y was married 
to Miss Mary E. Reedy, a native of White Deer 
township, Union county, and a daughter of 
Jacob and Anna (Vocht) Reedy. She died April 
1. 1894, leaving no children, and was buried in 
the cemetery at Union church, in Mazeppa She 
was a very intelligent woman, and for some years 
previous to her marriage was a teacher in Cen- 
tre county. Her memory was remarkable, a 
Bible having been presented to her by the Buff- 
alo Cross Roads Sunday-school for committing 
3.000 verses of Scripture. A devout and consist- 
ent follower of Christ, Presbyterian in faith, she 
was loved by all who knew her, and the inspira- 
tion of her life still remains a power for good 



FREDERICK O. WHITMAN, the late post- 
al master at Lewisburg, Union county, is de- 
servedly popular among all classes, his work 
while in charge of the Lewisburg/,*™*/ having 



made his name familiar for many years past. 
He held his position in the public service from 
1S93 to 1897, and won added popularity by his 
unfailing care for the interests of the people. 

Mr. Whitman is a native of Pennsylvania 
having been born in Middletown, Dauphin coun- 
ty, December 29, 1840. The Whitman family 
is of German origin, and our subject's great- 
grandfather, and grandfather, John Whitman 
came to America when the latter was a boy' 
They settled in Dauphin county, where John 
Whitman became a prominent agriculturist his 
remaining years being spent there. The father 
of our subject, George Fencil Whitman, was 
born December 22, 1809, and died in 1887. His 
wife, Mary Hemperly, a native of Middletown 
Dauphin county, born September 15 18 15 and 
her death occurred in 1S91. Of their children 
our lived to mature years: Benjamin, a pub- 
lisher in Erie. Penn. ; Frederick O., our subject- 
Kate E., wife of Henry C. Demming; and 
George, a well-known clergyman of the Baptist 
Church, now residing in Buffalo, New York. 

Frederick O. Whitman, the subject of this 
sketch, grew to manhood in the county of his 
birth, and in 1855 commenced his apprentice- 
ship in the office of the Middletown Journal 
Shortly afterward he went to Harrisburg and 
was employed in the office of the Daily Herald 
When this was sold to the Patriot & Union As- 
sociation, he finished his trade on the daily issued 
by this company. When the war for the Union 
broke out, he was at work in the office of the 
Harrisburg Telegraph, and October 3, 1861 he 
joined Company I, 93d P. V. I., as a " high pri- 
vate." He was in course of time promoted to 
corporal, and when his three-years' term was 
ended, m October, 1864, he was third sergeant 
of his company. Mr. Whitman took part in 
most of the many battles in which his regiment 
was engaged, which included Williamsburg Fair 
Oaks, Seven-Days' fighting, ChantiHy, Antie- 
tam, First and Second Fredericksburg, Salem 
Church, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Cold Har- 
bor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Washington 
Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and the 
Sheridan march up the Shenandoah Valley. At 
Salem Church (near Chancellorsville) he was se- 
verely wounded in the breast, and was left lying 
unconscious on the battlefield. When his senses 
returned he managed to reach the Union lines 
by slow and painful marches. After some 
months' retirement at the army hospital, he re- 
turned to his company in time to take part in 
Gen. Grant's movements. At Winchester he 
was slightly wounded in the left leg. On Octo- 
ber 28, 1864, he was discharged from the service 









MBMORA TIVK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



on account of the expiration of his term of en- 
listment, and at once recommenced his trade. 

In 1869 Mr. Whitman was married to Miss 
Lizzie B. Walter, who was born in Bridgeport, 
Conn. Her father was a graduate of \ale Col- 
lege and her mother of Harvard Institute. Mr. 
Mrs. Whitman have had eight ch.ldren, five 
.horn have died. The following survive: Ed- 
gar O., Benjamin, and Mary Emma. 

In 1871 Mr. Whitman purchased the Lewis- 
burg Journal, and o 1 it for ° v er twenl >" 

four years, till May, 1895. A loyal Democrat, 
he has filled various positions of honor in his 
partv He has been a delegate to State conven- 
tions, was the nominee for county treasurer etc 
In [une, 1893, he was appointed, by President 
Cleveland, postmaster at Lewisburg. Upon the 

ration of his four-years' term, and the com- I 
ins into power of the Republican party, he was 
succeeded August 1. 1897. by another. On : 

:ust i 7l that year, Mr. Whitman purchased 
the large grocery establishment at the corner of , 
Third and Market streets, Lewisburg, and isman- 
acine it apparently with unusual success. What- 
ever success he may have attained, he claims. 
has been largely due to the able and intelligent 
assistance he has received from his accomplished 
wife He has had a varied experience in busi- 
ness life— has tasted the bitterest of afflictions 
and sorrows, had miraculous escapes while in 
the army, but has a never-faltering faith in an 
overruling Providence, and the salvation accord- 
ed to all through a blessed Saviour. 

Mr Whitman is a member of the Baptist 
Church of his city, and is also identified with the 
F. .V A. M . G. A R., and the Protected Home 
Circle. 



JOHN KAUP. A cultured mind and polite 
manner adorn any calling, and, in the pro- 
gressive and enterprising agriculturist whose 
history we now enter upon, they are leading 
characteristics, and have had no small share in 
ning for him the influential place which he 
holds in the community. 

Mr Kaup is the owner of a fine farm of 1 2, 
acres in Buffalo township, Union county— the old 
Martin Dreisbach estate— and his residence occu- 
pies the site of the original dwelling built by Mr, 

ach in 1797 As a citizen Mr K; " 
well known for activity in forwarding various 
helpful movements, especially those which relate 
to educational and religious advancement and 
his view, have weight among all classes. He is 

an old Pennsylvania familj ; his gran 
em- Christian and Anna M. (Bensingec) K 
came from Berks c this section in 1815, 



locating in West Buffalo township Christian 
Kaup was a stanch Whig, and m religious faith 
was a Lutheran, and he became one of the prom- 
inent citizens of his locality in his day. For a 
time, in early manhood, he followed the weav- 
er's trade, but later he engaged in farming. He 
d.ed at the age of seventy-six. and his wife 
passed away in her eighty-ninth year. Of _the,r 
ar-e fam.lv. several died in infancy. The others 
Fred, who died in Oregon; Catherine, 
who married first George Conser and (second) 
Mr Garrett. 1 ,n Illinois; Christian, Jr., 

who died in Centre county; Susan, wife of John 
,le. of Osage, Iowa; William, .vho -as a res,, 
dent of Oak Hall, Penn.. died in October. 1 89; , 
Elias who died in West Buffalo township. L mon 
county; Isaac, who died in Kansas; Lev,, our 
subject's father; and Maria, who became Mrs 
Jacob Miller, of West Buffalo township, and died 
in February, 1898. 

Levi Kaup. who is now a venerable resident 
of Union county, was born in \\ est Buffalo 
township January 31. '823. During his active 
years he was a gunsmith, and he also owned and 
operated a farm in his native township. He was 
married there to Miss Elizabeth Hoffman, daugh- 
1 ter of Joseph Hoffman, a well-known resident of 
i the same locality. She was a devout Lutheran 
I in her religious views, and her death, which oc- 
curred April 7. 1890, was deeply mourned Her 
remains now rest in the cemetery at Mnfl.nburg^ 
Two children. William E. and Mary L did not 
live to adult age, the latter dying when four years 
old Two sons survive. John, our subject, and 
Mfred, a res.dent of Mifflinburg. and the father 
makes his home with them, visiting them alter- 

nat Vhe subject of our sketch was born June 1 5, 
,s-- in West Buffalo township, Union county, 
and was reared as farmers' sons usually were in 
those days, the Kauffman school in that neigh- 
borhood burnishing him his only educationa 
privileges At eighteen he began to learn the 
Sp nfer's trade with Jacob J. Strickler re- 
ceiving $14 ity-six days the first summer. 
Notwithstanding his somewhat meagre advan- 
ces in th< I schooling he had prepared 
56 lf for teaching, and at the age of twenty he 
took charge of the Red Bank school in West 
Buffalo township at a salary of $25 per month. 
Later he taught in Lewis township. Union coun- 
ty! and in the winter oi 52 he taught « 
Nodaway county, Mo., also two terms m Buffalo 

, Iiall nine consecutive terms. 

His summer vacations were spent in working at 
his trade, sometimes for Mr. Strickler and some- 
times for himself. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



945 



On February 8, 1SS3, Mr. Kaup was mar- 
ried in West Buffalo township to Miss C. Alice 
Kauffman, who was born in that township. May 
18, 1858. Her father, the late Amos Kauffman, 
a prosperous farmer, was a native of the same 
locality, a son of David Kauffman. He died at 
the age of fifty-eight; but her mother, Mrs. 
Catherine J. (Taylor) Kauffman, daughter of 
James Taylor, a well-known resident of the 
township, is yet living at the age of sixty. Mrs. 
Kaup was the second in a family of three chil- 
dren. The eldest, David, resides in Mifninburg, 
and the youngest, Lizzie, is the wife of A. L. 
Shoemaker, of West Buffalo township. During 
the first year of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. 
Kaup remained at the Kauffman homestead, 
but, on March 11, 1S84, they removed to their 
present farm, which they rented until September 
1, 1893, and then purchased, the owner at that 
time being Amos Kauffman. They have a pleas- 
ant home which is brightened by two attractive 
daughters, Lizzie M., born May 5, 1884, and 
Maud C, born August 31, 18S6. 

Mr. Kaup and his wife are both members of 
the Lutheran Church; he has for years held office 
as deacon and later as trustee, and he is now 
serving the fifth successive year as superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school at Dreisbach church. 

His interest in the cause of education has 
been shown by his faithful work as school direct- 
tor in his township, and he is active in local poli- 
tics as a member of the Republican party. At 
present he is filling the unexpired term of J. F. 
Schrock as township auditor. 



T EDWIN IRLAND, engineer of the Lewis- 
burg Water Works, is noted as a veritable 
mechanical genius, and, although he lacked the 
advantage of a thorough technical education in 
his youth, he has made good the deficiency in 
the practical school of experience. 

The Irland family became identified with 
Northumberland county many years ago, our 
subject's great-grandfather and grandfather hav- 
ing come from Scotland to follow agriculture in 
that locality. James Irland, the father of our 
subject, was one of a family of seven children, of 
whom, Thomas, Margaret (who married Samuel 
Oakes), Ann (wife of Benjamin Simington), and 
John are now recalled. James Irland was born 
in Northumberland county, not far from Milton, 
and died in 1855. His life occupation was farm- 
ing, and his political affiliations were with the 
Democratic party. He was married to Miss 
Louise Weimer, a native of Sunbury, who died 
February 4, 1897, at the age of seventy- four. 

60* 



Her father, Peter Weimer, was a lifelong resi- 
dent of Sunbury. She was the youngest of four 
children, the others being: Sarah, who married 
a Mr. Wallace, and resides in Lebanon, Penn. ; 
Mary, wife of James Lughow; and Ann, now 
Mrs. Boyer. 

To James and Louise (Weimer) Irland four 
children were born, our subject being the young- 
est; the others were: John W. , who was a soldier 
in the Union army, and died from disease con- 
tracted in the service; Anna, who married Will- 
iam P. Furey, of Newport News, Va. ; and 
Margaret, who married R. A. Lawshe, of Lewis- 
burg. 

Our subject was born July 9, 1852, at the old 
homestead near Milton. Left fatherless at the 
age of three years, he was reared in the city of 
Lewisburg, where he attended the public-schools 
and the academy during boyhood. He made 
early choice of the machinist trade, in which he 
served an apprenticeship at Lewisburg. Six 
years were then spent at Hazleton, Penn., and 
ten in Lebanon, and, thus prepared by experience 
and by the observation of the work of some of 
the best mechanics of the day, he decided to 
return to Lewisburg and proffer his services to 
the municipality. He was appointed engineer 
of the water works in 1892, and, as might be 
expected, has filled the position with signal 
ability. 

Mr. Irland is not only well-known for his 
proficiency in his chosen line, but his strength of 
character and high qualities, as a man and a 
citizen, have given him wide popularity. In 
political affiliations he is a Republican, and he is 
a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. 
He was married to Miss Emma McCurdy, of 
Jersey Shore, and they have one son, George 
Allison. 



JrOHN GROFF, now living retired on the old 
Groff homestead, is one of the wealthy and 
prosperous agriculturists of Gregg township, 
Union county, as well as one of its most honored 
and highly respected citizens. His birth occur- 
red October 12, 1S27, near the city of Lancaster, 
Penn., but almost his entire life has been passed 
upon his present farm, the family being among 
the early settlers of Union county. 

Both the father and grandfather of our sub- 
ject bore the name of John Groff, and were 
natives of Lancaster county, Penn., where the 
latter followed farming throughout life. The 
former, who was born November 24, 1790, came 
to Union county, in 1832, and took up his resi- 
dence upon the present homestead of our sub- 



940 



COilXEMoiiA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RE( 'ORD. 



ject. He was a progressive farmer, and became 
one of the influential citizens of Gregg township. 
On January 31, 1821, he was united in marriage 
with Mrs. Sarah J. Downing) Burkes, who was 
born in West Virginia, August 26, 1789, and \ 
a consistent member of the Society of Friends. 
She was twice married, her first husband being 
John Burkes, by whom she had three children — 
Jane married Mark McCleas, who was wounded 
during hi* service in the Union army, and both 
died in the West, whither they had removed at 
an early day; Rebecca became the will ol Lewis 
McMertry; and Phcebe married a Mr. Pents, but 
both are now deceased. 

To John and Sarah Groff were born thi 
lowing children: Samuel and Mary (twins) were 
the oldest. The former married Fannie Walt- 
man, but both are now deceased, and the latter 
wedded Charles Ludwig, a retired lumber mer- 
chant of Van Btiren county, Mich. Ann became 
the wife of James Walton, both of whom ha 
passed away. Hliza is the wife of Calvin Smith, 
a retired farmer and tobacco grower of Jerse) 
Shore. lVnii. John is next in order of birth. 
Benjamin, deceased, married Dina Kling, who 
now resides in Miller county. Mo. John Groff, 
Sr. , the father of this family, died August [6, 

;, the mother in 1866, and both were laid to 
rest in the Baptist church cemetery, in Gregg 
-In) . I iiion county. 

I pon his present farm our subject spent his 
boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of 
fanner lads of that period in a new and undevel- 
oped country, aiding his father in the arduous 
task of clearing and improving a farm in the 
midst of the forest. On attaining to man's es- 
tate he was married, May 27. [852, t<> Miss Cath- 
erine A. Moore, who was born Ociober 23, 1 i 
in Clinton township, Lycoming Co., Penn., near 
Montgomery, and is a daughter of Joseph and 
Susan (Miller) Moore, of that county, where the 
mother died in [ 88 1 , at the age of eighty years, 
but the father passed away at the home of our 
subject in 1883, at the age of seventy-nine, and 
was luiried in the graveyard at the Brick church, 
Clinton township, Lycoming county. There w< 
only two children in the family, the sister of Mrs. 
Groff being Sarah Jane, now the widow of Flias 
Strow, a farmer and merchant, who died leaving 
three children: Anna. Fmina and Thomas. Mis. 
Groff's paternal grandl:iihi-i was Michael Moore, 
of New Jersey, who died in Clinton township, 
Lycoming Co., Penn., and was buried there, and 
the maternal grandfather, Conrad Miller, lived 
and died in Little York, Pennsylvania, 

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and 
Mrs Groff, namely: (1) Emily, horn Maj 13, 



1854, is the wife of James Snoddy, a farmer of 
Lycoming county, and they have two children — 
Mattilina and John O. {2> Samantha I., born 
January 8, 1850. died on the 28th of the follow- 
ing September. (3) Susan A., born September 
29, [857, married Silas Bailey, a farmer of Ly- 
coming county, and has six children — Laura, Eva, 
Catherine. Groff, Hess and Harold. (4) Joseph 
M . born February 8, i860, married Flora L 
Dunbar, and is engaged in farming in Gi 
township, Union county. (5) John C, born Sep- 
tember 28, 1863, died'july 13, 1864. (6) Will- 
iam D , burn October 9, 1865, is a druggist of 
Nortonville, Kans. He married Florence Webb, 
has three children — Vera F. , Hazel C. and 
John R. (7 Mary M.. born March 3, 1868. is 
the wife of Joseph Piatt, a farmer of Lycoming 

nty, by whom she has one child — McCall. 

Sarah K., born October 13, 1873, is the only 
one of the children now at home. 

A thorough and skillful farmer, Mr. Groff has 
met with a well-deserved success in his chosen 
calling, becoming one of the most substantial citi- 
zens of Gregg township. As a Republican 
t.ik.s a deep interest in public affairs, but has 
r cared for the honors or emoluments of 
office, preferring to give his entire time and atten- 
tion to his business. He has, however, accepta- 
bly served as school director fur six years, 
the past thirty years he has been a deacon in the 
Baptist Church, with which he is connected, and 
is always ready to aid and relieve suffering and 
distress. He is kind, unaffected and approacha- 
ble, and his courteous manner has gained for him 
many warm frien 



II M< >S SCOTT, a well-to-do agriculturist of 
£\. Gregg township, Union county, now living 
in retirement at his homestead, a beautiful farm 
between Allenw i Llimsport, was born 

March 6, 1S40, near his present home, and 
is of Scotch descent on the paternal side. 

Henry and Mary Scott, great-grandparents of 
our subject, came to America before the Revolu- 
tionary war. and settled near Montoursville, 
Lycoming Co., Penn., where they purchased an 
extensive tract of land. They continued to re- 
side there with the exception of brief periods 
when rumors of an attack by the Indians com- 
pelled them to flee for safety to some less exposed 
place. Their children, who were all born there, 
were as follows: Hannah, born January 14, 1761, 
died in infancy; Hannah (2), born October 14, 
1762; John, born March 20, 1765; Joseph, born 
December 26, 1766; Susannah, born June 6, 
i"' S in, born December 22, 1 77 1; Amos, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



947 



a sketch of whom follows; and Henry, born Au- 
gust 7, 1783. 

Amos Scott, our subject's grandfather, was 
born April 30, 1779, and died April 14, 1843; his 
wife, Rachel Blakeney, who was born January 
25, 1783, died June 18, 1841. Her mother was 
a native of Ireland. Amos and Rachel Scott had 
a family of eight children, viz. : Charles, born 
December 4, 1S03, died January 7, 1876; Henry 
is spoken of fully farther on; Sarah, born August 
18, 1808, died April 6, 1882; Rachel, June 29, 
1S12, died February 15, 1880; George, born 
November 8, 18 14, was drowned October 28, 
1 8 16; Mary, born December 21, 1817, died No- 
vember 8, 1889; Amos, born October 5, 1820, is 
the only survivor of this family, and is now a re- 
tired physician residing at Rockford, 111.; and 
Martha, born November 8, 1823, died January 
15, 1861. 

Henry Scott, our subject's father, was born 
near Montoursville, Perm., October 19, 1806, 
and died June 23, 1890, at the present home- 
stead, leaving an estate valued at several thou- 
sand dollars. For forty years previous to his 
death he was afflicted with rheumatism, and 
lived in retirement, but in his early days he was 
an active, energetic worker. He was married 
November 27, .1834, at his native place, to Miss 
Mercy Rodgers, and for some time made his 
home in Fairfield township, Lycoming county. 
On April 1, [837, he removed to Washington 
township, in the same county (now Union 
county), locating upon a farm on South creek, 
where the only dwelling was an old log cabin so 
poorly built that as one lay in bed the stars could 
be seen through the cracks or slits in the roof. 
In 1845 he built a new house, and lived upon 
this farm until 1854, in which year he purchased, 
from Jacob Slenker, the present homestead on 
Spring creek, and moved into an old stone house, 
which was built in 1800, which house is still 
standing near the main road between Allenwood 
and Elimsport. On this property Mr. Scott 
built a barn in 1858, and in 1865 a new house. 
He was a well-read man, especially familiar with 
the Bible, and was a liberal and active member 
of the Baptist Church at White Deer. In poli- 
tics he was a Republican, and from time to time 
he served in various local offices with ability and 
fidelity. His beloved wife, who still resides 
with her son Amos at the homestead, was born 
September 1, 18 16, near Montoursville, the eld- 
est child of William and Isabella (Huston) 
Rodgers. She has one brother, John, living in 
retirement at Montoursville, and a sister, Fannie 
(lately deceased), who resided at Muncy, Penn., 
and married (first) Jacob Bastian (now deceased), 



and (second) Fleming Wilson (also now deceased). 
Henry and Mercy Scott had four children: Isa- 
bella, born January 27, 1837, married Franklin 
Hamilton, of Muncy, Penn., and died July 26, 
1872; Amos is the second in order of birth; 
Rachel, born February 24, 1842, died in infancy; 
Mary E., born September 8, 1S47, is the wife of 
F. D. Thomas, a farmer of Gregg township, 
Union county. 

With this review of previous generations we 
may now return to our subject, who was reared 
to manhood at the last mentioned farm, and 
when he became competent to manage the es- 
tate he relieved his father of much business and 
care. He was educated in the local schools, 
and also attended Bucknell Academy, at Lew 
isburg, for several months. On August 27, 1862, 
he married Miss Hannah C. Houston, and from 
that time until the death of his father he re- 
sided at the old stone house mentioned above. 
In the fall of 1890 he removed to the newer 
residence which he had thoroughly renovated, 
painting and papering it throughout. He has 
two daughters, both of whom are highly gifted 
and have received excellent educational advan- 
tages: (1) Ra Chella, born October 17, 1864, 
was the first lady to graduate from Bucknell Col- 
lege, her course being completed in 1885, and 
for three years she was one of the faculty of the 
State Normal School, at Mansfield, Penn.; she 
married George W. Beale, an Englishman by 
birth, who is now a leading attorney of Scran- 
ton, Penn., and they have two children —Cath- 
erine L. and Hannah H. (2) Miss Frances G. 
Scott, born December 17, 1877, is now a student 
at Bucknell Seminary. 

Mr. Scott is a man of fine intelligence, fond 
of reading and art, and is a graduate of the 
Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. He 
is a prominent member of the Baptist Church, 
in which he has served as clerk for thirty years. 
At one time he was a master in the Spring Gar- 
den Grange, but he has retired from the order. 
His political sympathies are with the Republican 
party, but although his ability and high standing 
as a citizen give his opinions great weight, he 
has not entered public life, further than in the 
spring of 1897 he was made chairman of the 
Republican County Committee of Union county, 
and in the same year was also appointed chair- 
man of the Farmers Institute Committee of 
said county. 

Mrs. Scott, who also possesses much literary 
and artistic taste, was born August 27, 1839. at 
Muncy, Penn., and is a granddaughter of Robert 
and Isabella Houston, pioneer residents of that 
locality. Her father, the late James Houston, 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIIM'IW AL RECORD. 






was born and reared in Lycoming county, and 
after spending some years at Williamsport as a 
wagonmaker. he settled upon a farm in the same 
county, where his death occurred in September, 
1870, when he was seventy-one years old. He 
was a popular man, holding local office at times, 
and was said at one time to know every men in 
his county. He had a brother, Matthew Hous- 
ton, a merchant tailor at Richmond, \'a. , who 
among his customers had Jeff Davis, Robert E. 
Lee and others of note. James Houston was 
married at Muncy to Miss Rachel Clayton, a 
Quaker, but he was not a member of any Church. 
Mrs. Houston, who died August 30, 1858, aged 
fifty-eight, was a native of Chester county, where 
her parents, Jacob and Hannah (Miller) Clayton, 
wire also born, but the family removed to Muncy 
later, and both parents died there. They were 
devout Quakers in religion, and were held in high 
esteem among their acquaintances. Mrs. Scott 
was the youngest in a family of seven children: 
Isabella married William George, a retired black- 
smith of Lycoming county; Isaac M. (deceased) 
was a successful physician in Iowa, and served 
as surgeon in the Civil war; Miss Keturah resides 
at Montoursville. Robert (lately deceased) was a 
farmer in Muncy Valley; Zillah married Henry 
Sunderland, a miller of Pennsdale, Penn. ; Rachel 
J. is the wife of Farr Taylor, a wealthy luml 
man of Hughesville, Penn. ; and Mrs. Scott. 



URIAH ABRAHAM EISENHAUER is a 
prominent and successful agriculturist of 

ly township. Union county, residing near Kelly 
1 int, and is actively identified with the various 

^ressive movements of his locality. He is a 
native of Snyder county, Penn., and is a great- 
grandson of the well-known pioneer farmer, Mar- 
tin Eisenhauer, who came from Berks county. 
Penn., at an early date. 

Abraham Eisenhauer, our subject's grandfa- 
ther, was born in Berks county, but the greater 
portion of his life was spent in Snyder county, 
where he engaged in agriculture as an occupa- 
tion. He was married there to Miss Eve Bolan- 
der, a native of Union county, and a daughter of 
Henry Bolander, a prominent farmer. She die 1 
in 184.) , at the age of forty-two, and in 1878 
Abraham Eisenhauer passed away in his eighty- 
first year. They had ten children: Elizabeth, 
Mrs. Henry Rearick, deceased: Henry, our sub- 
ject's father; Catherine, Mrs. Jacob Walter, of 
Cook county, Mich. ; Amelia. Mrs. George Ott, 
deceased; Barbara, Mrs. Engle, deceased; Mary, 
Mrs. Reuben Aigler, of Beavertown, Penn.; 

>h, Mrs. William Hess, of Philipsburg, Penn. : 



Lucinda, Mrs. Samuel Bowen, of Middleburg, 
Penn. ; Robert, deceased; and Benjamin, a farmer 
in the West. 

Henry Eisenhauer, the father of our subject, 
I was born in Snyder county, October 10, 1819, 
and is now one of the wealthy land owners of 
Kelly township. Union county. He has a pleas- 
ant home near Kelly Cross Roads, and has re- 
tired from the active management of his farms. 
He was married in February, 1 S 4 7 . at Middle- 
burg, Penn.. to Miss Esther Aigler, daughter of 
Jacob and Esther Aigler, well-known residents 
of Snyder county, and of this union ten children 
were born, as follows: Uriah Abraham. Novem- 
ber 4, 1847; OrgimZ.. February [8, 1849; Ursh 
A., August 29, 1851; A. Jacob, January 3, 1856 
(deceased); Thama E., July 17, 1 s 5 4 , now Mis. 
Benjamin Stahl; Alice, December 30. 1857, Mrs. 
Charles Cooper; Sarah E., September 17, i860 
(deceased); Sybilla, April 29, 1862; John H., 
June 1, 1864; and Mary A., May 3 1 . 1 
ceased). Mrs. Esther Eisenhauer died May 31, 
1867, aged thirty-nine years and three months. 
The father was married November 7, 1867, to 
Miss Semira Baker, by whom he has had one 
son, William S., born June 25, 1868. 

The subject of our sketch was reared upon a 
farm, receiving his education in the local schools. 
He remained at home until the age of thirty, 
with the exception of five months spent in travel- 
ing through the West prospecting and sight-see- 
ing. A comparison of his native State with 
others made him content to settle down here, 
and ever since engaging in farming on his 
account he has resided at his present home. 
Financially he has prospered, and. as ev> 
citizen shi mid be, he is interested in public affairs. 
In politics he adheres to the Republican party. 
He is a member of the St. Peters Reformed 
Church at White Deer, and also belongs to the 
Justicia Grange at Lewisburg. 

On September 21 , 1879, Mr. Eisenhauer was 
married in Kelly township. Union county, at the 
residence of the bride's parents, to Miss Lucy A 
Grove, and two sons have blessed their union — 
John II., born August 13, 1882; and Arthur V. 
born December [3, 1884. Mrs. Eisenhauer is a 
native of Kelly township, where she first saw the 
light Si pti mber 22, 1858, and is a granddaughter 
of Abraham .ih iLeiser' Grove, who 

were early settlers in L'nion county. Her lather, 
John L. Grove, was born there in 1835, and has 

D for many years a leading agriculturist 

Kelly township. Her mother, whose maiden 

Caroline Dieffenderfer, was born in 

the same county. September 20, 1826, and died 

I February i''>. 1893. Both parents united many 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



949 



years ago with the Lutheran Church, and helped 
in every way to further the cause of religion in 
their community. Of their children, Mrs. Eisen- 
hauer is the eldest; William H., of Mazeppa, 
Penn., is in the employ of the Pleasant Gap 
Creamery; Abraham L. is a farmer at Swengel, 
Penn. ; Amos is engaged in agriculture at Rand, 
Penn. ; Elizabeth J. married John Alleman, a 
farmer of Kelly township, Union county; and 
Norman resides at the homestead with his father. 



FRANKLIN GEMBERLING, a well known 
resident of Kelly township, Union county, 
is a descendant of an old pioneer family of this 
State, whose history takes us back to the time 
when our largest cities were mere hamlets, sur- 
rounded by unbroken forests, through which the 
traveler made his way along Indian trails. Among 
the earliest settlers in the Tulpehocken region 
were Jacob and Catherine (Wolfensberger) Gem- 
berling, our subject's great-grandparents, their 
home being in what is now Lebanon (then Lan- 
caster) county, Pennsylvania. 

They had fourteen children, of whom the 
third in order of birth was a son Philip, our sub- 
ject's grandfather, who was born July 27, 1773, 
three years prior to the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. During his childhood the family moved 
to Schaefferstown, and in his ninth year they set- 
tled in the Shamokin region, the father purchas- 
ing 300 acres of land at the present site of Selins 
Grove for six shillings per acre. To use his own 
words, " Ei das war eine lust es anzusehen." As 
railroads and canals were then unknown, the 
family carried their simple furniture in keel boats 
while they rode in slow-moving wagons, with the 
exception of the mother, who was on horseback. 
They passed the site of the city of Harrisburg, 
where there was but one house at that time 
(1782), and the remainder of their journey occu- 
pied four days, the road being merely an Indian 
trail. On arriving at Selins Grove they found 
but three houses — that of Col. Eyer, one on the 
Richter homestead, and one owned by the late 
Gov. Simon Snyder, which had formerly belonged 
to Leonard App. The 300 acres in the Gember- 
ling homestead remained in the family eighty 
years, Jacob Gemberling having intended it for 
his posterity as well as for himself. He died 
there at the age of eighty-eight, and his good 
wife was far advanced in the seventies when she 
was called away. The remains of both now rest 
together in the old " Gottes Acker" at Selins 
Grove. An interesting relic of this famous pio- 
neer couple is an old clock six feet high, now in 
the possession of our subject, and still in running 



order. Their son, Philip Gemberling, purchased 
250 acres of land from his father at $16 per acre, 
and became one of the leading citizens of his 
locality, his influence shaping the future of the 
community in a marked degree. Physically 
strong and healthy, he was no less vigorous and 
forceful mentally, but his practical nature found 
an outlet for its energies in the activities of com- 
mon life, rather than in the departments of art, 
literature and science. He died of apoplexy in 
the eighty-seventh year of his age. He was 
twice married. By his second wife, Eve Gass, 
with whom twenty-two years of wedded life were 
spent, he had five sons and four daughters. 

Philip Gemberling, Jr., the father of our sub- 
ject, was born and reared at the old homestead 
at Selins Grove, and was married in that town 
to Elizabeth Martin, a native of Northumber- 
land county, Penn. Early in their married life 
they removed to Union county and settled upon 
a farm, where they passed their remaining years, 
Mrs. Gemberling passing away October 13, 1861, 
at the age of sixty-three years and nine months, 
and the father following her in April, 1870, aged 
seventy-four years. They had the following chil- 
dren: Mary A. , who married David Grove, a farm- 
er of Union county, both now deceased; Levi, a 
farmer of Kelly township, deceased; Christopher, 
deceased, formerly in the butcher business in the 
West; Lewis, a farmer in Buffalo township, 
Union county; Frederick, a retired farmer resid- 
ing in Lincoln, 111.; Sarah J., wife of Thomas 
Huntington, a farmer of Kelly township, Union 
county; Barbara A., deceased, formerly the wife 
of John Pawling, of Kelly township; Benjamin, 
who died in Ohio; Franklin, our subject; Eliza- 
beth M., wife of Benjamin Miller, a farmer of 
Kelly township, Union county; and Catherine E., 
wife of Daniel E. Sanders, who is mentioned 
below. 

Franklin Gemberling is a native of Union 
county, where he first saw the light, October 6, 
1835. His youth was spent in active work upon 
his father's farm, the neighboring schools fur- 
nishing him an elementary education, which he 
has supplemented by a wide and varied course of 
reading. At the age of twenty-seven he en- 
gaged in agriculture on his own account, but in 
1869 Mr. Gemberling retired from business, and 
his time has since been given to reading and va- 
rious occupations, in which a refined and culti- 
vated taste finds pleasure. He continues to re- 
side with Mr. Sanders, and he is prominently 
identified with local affairs, although his influence 
is exerted in a quiet manner. In politics he is a 
Republican, and he belongs to the St. Peters Re- 
formed Church at White Deer. 



950 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RE( 



JOHN HUBLER, Sr. The Hubler home- 
stead on Turtle creek, in East Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, has now been in the pos- 
session of the family for a century, and is one of 
the oldest farms in that locality. Its first settler, 
John Hubler, the noted pioneer, was the grand- 
father of the present owner, whose history forms 
the subject of this brief but interesting biography. 
Henry Hubler, a son of the pioneer settler, was 
born on the same farm in 1S01, and passed his 
life there in agricultural pursuits. He married 
Rebecca Heimbach, and had five sons and one 
daughter, of whom four sons lived to adult a 

fohn Hubler, Sr., the fourth son of Henry, 
was born at the homestead June 23, 1832, and 
has always resided there, the title coming to him 
in 1877. His eldest son, John Hubler, Jr., now 
relieves him of care, having rented the place, and 
the fifth generation is represented by some bright 
and attractive grandchildren, who make the old 
home merry. Mr. Hubler can tell of many 
changes which have taken place under his ob- ' 
servation, and one with which he is especially 
pleased is the introduction of improved methods 
of education, his own schooling having been lim- 
to the old-fashioned subscription schools of 
the early days. Like most country boys, he re- 
ceived thorough and practical instruction in farm 
work, as there was always plenty to do at home. 
As a young man he would occasionally spend a 
day working for some neighbor, but he never 
"hired out" as a regular hand, and on attaining 
his majority he took charge of the homestead, 
working it on the shares. 

At the age of twenty-four Mr. Hubler married 
Miss Eliza Hauck, a native of Buffalo township. 
Union county, and began housekeeping at the 
farm. After the death of his father, in 1874, he 
rented the place, and when his mother passed 
away, three years later, he became sole owner. 
Of his six children, all are living: Margaret 
married F. W. Getz, of Linntown; Miss Lizzie 
is at home; John is married, and now conducts 
the farm; Miss Angie is at home; Katie married 
Prof. A. D. Miller, of Lewisburg; and Samuel 
lives at Freeport, III. 

Mr. Hubler has done much hard work in his 
day, and has secured good results, his later years 
being blessed with a comfortable competence. 
Since 1892 he has allowed himself to enjoy his 
well-earned leisure, although he shows but few 
signs of his years. He has never entered the 
political arena as an office seeker, but his interest 
in national and local movements has been none 
the less keen on that account, nor does his influ- 
ence lose in power from being quietly exercised. 
In early life he was a Whig, and since the for- 



mation of the Republican party he has been one 
of its stanchest supporters. \Vith his estimable 
wife he united many years ago with the Lutheran 
Church, and in all movements tending to pro- 
mote the general welfare he has been prompt to 
sympathize and to aid. 

On November 26. 1889, the family circle was 
broken by the death of the beloved wife and 
mother, whose remains were laid to their final 
rest in Dreisbach cemetery. She was a member 
of a well-known family of Buffalo township. Un- 
ion county, her father, John Hauck, being a 
prosperous agriculturist and highly-respected cit- 
izen. His wife, Margaret Weidler, to whom he 
was married December 14. 1822, died in [861 , 
and he passed away in the following year. They 
bad eleven children: Mary A., born June 9, 
1S24, died October 14, 1829; Henry \\ ".. born 
August 6, 1825, died at Sunbury, Penn., leaving 
a family; William, born January 26, 1828, died 
at Lewisburg in April, 1896; Eliza, Mrs. Hubler, 
was born December 29, 1829; Levi, born Octo- 
ber 12. 1831, died in Lewisburg some years ago; 
Benjamin, born November 21, 1833, died at 
Yicksburg, Penn., where he was engaged in the 
hotel business; Harriet, born April 27, 1836, 
married Joseph Kleckner, and died in Monroe, 
Wis.; Samuel, born September 7. 1838, died 
March 2. 1S42; John A., born May 1, 1842, re- 
sides in Illinois; Martin L., born September 24, 
[844, was killed in a railway accident in Texas 
in 1877; and Charles W. . born November 20, 
1846, is now a resident of East Buffalo township, 
Union counts 



CAl'T. J. P. HKOOKE. Pennsylvania has 
'l reason to be proud of her brave sons in the 
dark days of the Rebellion, and has never ceased 
to honor those who bore aloft in her name the 
banner of freedom and union. Happily mans of 
these gallant defenders still live, ami this volume 
preserves for the perusal of future generations 
stories of patriotic devotion which knew no lim- 
iting sense of expediencv, ami gave without re- 
serve in response to the nation's call. 

The subject of this sketch, now a prominent 
citizen of Lewisburg. Union county, was among 
those who gave the first years <>( his manhood to 
the cause. He enlisted September 16. 1 
the age of twenty-one. in Company F, 51st P. 
V. I., entering for three months only, but before 
the time expired the magnitude "f the work to 
be done was realized, and the North gathered 
her strength f>>r a prolonged struggle. Capt, 
Brooke re-enlisted for three years of the war, 
and remained in the service until his regiment 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



951 



was disbanded at the close of that historic pa- 
geant, the Grand Review. In 1862 he was pro- 
moted from the ranks to first sergeant, then to 
first lieutenant, and in 1864 was commissioned 
captain. His first service was along the coast, 
but later his regiment was assigned to the Army 
of the West, remaining therewith until the spring 
of 1864 when he was transferred to the Army of 
the Potomac. Among the engagements in which 
Capt. Brooke took part were those of Knoxville, 
Vicksburg, Newbern, Cold Harbor, the battle 
of the Wilderness, and the final campaign that 
ended at Appomattox Court House. He was 
wounded twice, first time at Cold Harbor, and 
again at the battle on the railway near Weldon. 

Captain Brooke was born in Berks county, 
Penn., October 9, 1839, and is of an old Phila- 
delphia family, his grandfather, Roger Brooke, 
and father, Bowyer Brooke, being natives of that 
city. The latter, who was born in 1808, learned 
the blacksmith's trade there in his youth, but in 
early manhood settled in Berks county, where he 
engaged in agriculture. Later he became a mer- 
chant in Montgomery county, and while there 
served a term as prothonotary of the county. 
In the "fifties" he spent some time at Potts- 
town, Penn,, as train dispatcher on the Phila- 
delphia & Reading railroad, but his last days 
were spent in Philadelphia where, after serving 
some years as inspector in the custom house, he 
engaged in the coal business. His wife, Rebecca 
(Ives), who was born in Berks county, in 1807, 
died in 1S76, and his death occurred April 17, 
1 89 1 . They had the following children: Reese, 
who died in childhood; Harriet, deceased; Will- 
iam, who died at an early age; Rebecca and 
Mary, both now residing at Philadelphia; and J. 
P., our subject; 

Capt. Brooke attended the schools of Berks 
county until he was twelve years old, at which 
time the family removed to Montgomery county, 
where his studies were continued. On leaving 
school he learned the jeweler's trade, and on his 
return from the army he engaged in that business 
in Lewisburg, following it fifteen years, but re- 
tired some years ago. In 1884 he was elected 
county treasurer, serving one term, and he is a 
leader in the Republican organization of his lo- 
cality, being the present chairman of the County 
Committee. His interest in military affairs has 
continued, and he is a member of the G. A. R., 
while for fourteen years he has been identified 
with the Pennsylvania National Guards, serving 
as lieutenant, captain and major, respectively, 
and now holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 
Socially, he is identified with the F. & A. M., 
and he is a prominent member of the Presbyte- 



rian Church at Lewisburg. In 1867 he married 
Miss Mary Anna Stevens, a native of Montgomery 
county, born January 14, 1843, and four children 
have blessed the union: (1) Clara, widow of H. 
B. Proctor, has two children — Ethel and George; 
(2) Harriet is the wife of Walter V. Smith, and 
resides in Philadelphia; (3) Frank, a traveling 
salesman, is not married; and (4) Donald, is at 
home attending school. 



NDREW GROFF. The Groff family, which 
l&L is well known in this section, is frequently 
called Grove, the change having been made many 
years ago by David Groff, an early settler and 
an -uncle of the gentleman whose name opens 
this sketch. The family came to Union county 
from Lancaster county in 1831, the grandparents 
of our subject, Abraham and Nancy (Graybill) 
Groff, settling with their children upon a farm in 
Kelly township, where they passed their remain- 
ing days, the grandfather retiring from active 
business some years before his death. Among 
their sons was David Groff, or Grove, mentioned 
above, who was born in Lancaster county, but 
spent the greater part of his life in Union coun- 
ty, where he was known as a wealthy farmer and 
a good citizen. 

Another son of Abraham and Nancy Groff 
was the late John Groff, our subject's father, who 
was but twelve years old when he accompanied 
his parents to their new home. He became an 
extensive agriculturist, and was prominent in 
local affairs as a member of the Reformed 
Church, and also as an active worker in the Re- 
publican party, holding the office of supervisor 
two terms. His death occurred April 26, 1891, 
when he was aged seventy-two years; his wife, 
Rachel Goodlander, an estimable lady, who was 
born in Union county, February 11, 1819, is still 
living in the enjoyment of excellent health, and 
resides with her children. The children of this 
worthy couple were: Elizabeth J., deceased, 
formerly the wife of Jeremiah Hummel, a farmer 
in Snyder county, Penn. ; Andrew; Nancy, widow 
of Wentel Swartze, of White Deer township. 
Union county; Reuben, a retired farmer in Kelly 
township; and Sarah A., wife of Isaiah Beaver, 
of East Buffalo township, Union county. 

Andrew Groff was born at the old homestead 
in Kelly township, Union county, July 4, 1844, 
and spent his early life there, his education be- 
ing acquired in the local schools. On May 19, 
1867, he was married at Milton, Penn., by Rev. 
Samuel Reed, to Miss Julia A. Kline, and he es- 
tablished his home on his present farm near 
West Milton. He purchased sixty-nine acres at 






' OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



$125 per acre, and by his judicious management 
has made the place one of the finest farms of its 
size in the locality. On March [5, [898, he 
moved from his farm to West Milton, and is now 
living retired. Clever and genial, he is highly 
esteemed, and while never an active politician, 
he has much influence in the community and in 
the local Republican organization. In religious 
faith he adheres to the doctrines of the Reforn 
Church, in which he was reared. He has a 
pleasant home, in which two daughters have 
grown to womanhood — Leah Ann, born Novem- 
ber 8, [868, is the wife of Newton Spangler, a 
school teacher of Buffalo township. Union coun- 
ty; and Abbie M., born September :: 1 , 1S72, mar- 
ried Charles Edward Herman, a clerk in a mer- 
cantile establishment at Lewisburg, Union 
county. 

Mrs. Groff is a native of Columbia county, 
Perm., where she first saw the light May 23, 
1844. Her parents, Samuel M. and Julia A 
(Ritts) Kline, were born, reared and married in 
Berks county, Penn., but settled in Lycon 
county, Penn., where the father, a stone mason 
by trade, died September 21, [876, aged eighty- 
nine years and five months. He was a Demo- 
crat in politics, and was prominently identified 
with the Reformed Church for many years pre- 
vious to his death. The mother spent her last 
days in Union county, at the home of J. 1). 
Kline, a grandson, where she closed her eyes in 
death February 2 1, [886, in her seventy-eighth 
year. Seven children were born of this union, 
of whom all are living except David, the eldest, 
who died at the age of sixty-three. 2) Mary, 
who resides at Lewisburg, Penn., married (first) 
Amos Whitmeyer, and after his death became 
the wife of Henry Fenstmaker, now also de- 
ceased; both husbands served as soldiers in the 
Civil war. (3) Elizabeth J. marrie! An- 

drew Bennett, deceased, and ( second Alivan 
Sickles, a farmer in Corey, Cass Co., Mich. 141 
Henry C. is a farmer in White Deer township, 
Union county. 151 Julia A. married our subject. 
(6) Rebecca is the wife of William Huntington, 
a farmer in Kelly township, Union county. (7 
Geor^. W. is an agriculturist near Salina, 
Kansas. 



HARRY N. HOFFMAN, a leading pharmacist 
of Lewisburg, Penn., is a young man of 
more than ordinary ability and enterprise; th 
traits have been put to good account in his busi- 
ness, which has proved a grand success, won only 
by diligent work and attention to business. 

Mr. Hoffman was born April 15, 1867. in 



Lewis township. Union county, Penn., in which 
county his family has been represented for sev- 
eral generations. William Hoffman, his great- 

1 lfather, was born in Germany, and at an 
early date in this country's history came across 
the " briny deep, " for a short time locating at 
Germantown, Penn., in the year 1801 settling in 
Union county, where he followed masonry as an 
occupation. He was married to Catherine Mill- 
house, and they both enjoyed this life to a good 
ripe age, he dying May 3, 1 S47, at the age of 72 

is, 3 months, and 8 days; his wife lived to be 
89 years, 8 months and 20 days old, dying July 
28, 1876. 

William Hoffman, Jr., the grandfather of our 
subject, was born in West Buffalo township, 
Inion county, and from the time he was quite 
young was a very successful agriculturist. He 
married Miss Mary Baker, whose grandfather 
served under Washington, in the Revolutionary 
war. William Hoffman, Jr., died in November, 
[886, his remains being interred in the Ray cem- 
etery. He and his wife had the following chil- 
dren: (1) Mary E., whose husband, Richard 
Mover, was a private in the 49th Regiment, P. 
C, and lost his life in defense of the Union. 
Noah, who enlisted August 28, 1862, in Company 
E. 142nd P. V. I., served faithfully to the close 
of the war, when he again turned to farming as 
an occupation, and now resides in Hartley town- 
ship. (3) Henry W. , a member of Company E, 
142nd P. V. I., took part in many of the great 
battles of the Rebellion, was at no time absent 
from his company to the close of the war; re- 
turned home to follow his trade, that of a car- 
penter, and now resides in the borough of Hart- 
leton, Penn unuel served his country dur- 

ing the same conflict, and now resides in Mifflin- 
burg, Penn.; 151 Emanuel, a school teacher by 
profession and a brick-layer by trade, residing in 
Mifflinburg, Penn.; (6) Jesse, a carpenter by 
trade, lives in Lewis township, Union county; 
(7) Reuben, a tinsmith by trade, and dealer in 
stoves and tinware, opened up in Mifflinburg, and 
afterward went to Lewisburg where he conducted 
a tine business for several years, when he mo> 
to Kansas, and died there in 1888; (8) Susan, 
who married S. G. Grove, a farmer of West 
Buffalo township, died in 1894, and was interred 
in Mifflinburg cemetery; (o; Christianna married 
Ludwig Shoemaker, a successful agriculturist and 
dairyman of West Buffalo township, and a son 
of Samuel Shoemaker; (10) Solomon B. H ff- 
man is the father of our subject. 

The last named was born in West Buffalo 

iship, June 3. 1838; he received his education 
in the public schools, and graduated from the 



COMMEMORATIVE' BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



953 



Hartleton Grammar School, under the tutorship 
of Prof. Woods McQuine, taking the houors of 
his class at the age of seventeen, and then went 
with his uncle to learn brick-laying and masonry. 
After serving as an apprentice fcr three years he 
became a contractor and builder, following that 
vocation for thirty years. In 1857 he began 
teaching school during the winter, and followed 
his trade during the summer. He is now en- 
gaged as one of the teachers in the public school 
of Mifflinburg, and is one of the oldest teachers 
in the county, having taught thirty-eight years in 
Union county. On August 28, 1862, he enlisted 
in Company E, I42d P. V. I., and served faith- 
fully, taking part in many hard fights, such as 
South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg, 
at which latter place he was wounded December 
13, 1862, for which injury he now draws a pen- 
sion. Mr. Hoffman is prominent in local poli- 
tics as a Republican, and has held many impor- 
tant offices, being county commissioner for six 
years, also a justice of the peace and school di- 
rector, and is at present serving as a director of 
the poor, which office he has successfully filled 
for twelve years. He is a consistent member of 
the Lutheran Church, an efficient teacher in the 
Sabbath-school, and served as superintendent of 
same for twenty years; is active in the temper- 
ance cause and social reform, and a leader in 
every good work, while a3 a citizen he is in the 
front rank in every good movement and enter- 
prise for the improvement of the town. He 
stands beyond reproach, and has the respect of 
all. 

His wife, Maria (Inhoff), was born in North- 
umberland county, and is a daughter of William 
Inhoff, a native of Berks county, who engaged 
in the hotel business first in Northumberland 
county, and later in Mifflinburg, where he died 
in 18S7. His widow, Elizabeth (Whitaker) In- 
hoff, now lives with her daughter Mrs. Hauck, 
of Sunbury, Perm. Four children also survive: 
William, a railway conductor; Maria (Mrs. Hoff- 
man), mother of our subject; Joanna, wife of 
Amnion Hauck, of Sunbury; and Kate, widow of 
Samuel Charles, of Mifflinburg. Of the chil- 
dren of S. B. and Maria Hoffman, five are living: 
William L. , a tinsmith at Mifflinburg; Emma J., 
wife of John E. Kreisher; Martin L., station 
agent of the P. & E. R. R. at Selins Grove 
Junction; Harry N., our subject; and Miss Maria 
E. Hoffman, with her parents. 

Being reared in Mifflinburg, Harry N. Hoff- 
man had excellent educational advantages in his 
youth, and in 1882 was graduated from the acad- 
emy. He began reading medicine with Dr. Bru- 
baker, and remained with him four years as a 



clerk in his drug store. This work proving con- 
genial, he spent five years in a similar capacity 
with Dr. James Kleckner, of Mifflinburg. In 
September, 1891, he purchased a drug store in 
Lewisburg, where he has met with well-deserved 
success. He is thoroughly prepared for his call- 
ing, holding a State certificate as a pharmacist. 
On October 22, 1890, Mr. Hoffman married 
Miss Anna J. Klose, who was born in Limestone 
township, Union county, September 9, 1868, and 
one child, Edna, blesses their union. Mr. Hoff- 
man is prominent socially as a member of the 
Masonic fraternity, of the order of K. G. E., 
and of the I. O. O. F. While he is by no means 
a politician, he is a stanch Republican in belief, 
and in a quiet way wields much influence in local 
affairs. 

OBERT GELLINGER. In the respect that 
rli is accorded to men who have fought their 



way to success through an unfavorable environ- 
ment we find an unconscious recognition of the 
intrinsic worth of a character which can not only 
endure so rough a test, but gain new strength 
through the discipline. The following history 
sets forth briefly the steps by which our subject, 
now one of the substantial agriculturists of East 
Buffalo township, Union county, overcame the 
disadvantages of his early life. To begin with, 
his ancestors, though thoroughly respectable, had 
but little of this world's goods. His grandfather, 
Michael Gellinger, a resident of Snyder county, died 
in 1 8 17, leaving a widow, Mrs. Catherine Grace 
Gellinger, and several children with but limited 
means of support. The youngest child, Henry, 
our subject's father, who was born January 24, 
1817, was less than a year old. The homestead 
was about three miles above Middleburg, and 
Henry Gellinger grew to manhood in that lo- 
cality. At a very early age he began to learn 
the miller's trade at Van Buskirk's mill, and he 
followed this occupation for some years. 

In January, 1839, Henry Gellinger was mar- 
ried in Hartley township, Union county, to Miss 
Nancy Pontius, who was born in Laurelton, Au- 
gust 23, 1 S 1 7. Her father, Peter Pontius, was 
a well-known blacksmith at that town; he and 
his wife, Barbara Bouse, reared a family of 
nine children, none of whom are now living ex- 
cept Mrs. Gellinger, and the only son, Henry, a 
resident of Bellefonte. A few years after his 
marriage, our subject's father gave up his trade 
and found employment as a miner at Berlin Fur- 
nace. While there he narrowly escaped death 
from a falling stone, some Irishmen who were 
working near him rescuing him from his peril- 
ous position. During his later years he followed 



954 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGliAPniCAL RECORD. 



farming, renting land indifferent parts of Buffalo 
Valley. His death occurred at Brook Park, in 
January, 1890, and his remains were buried at 
Levvisburg. While he never took an active part 
in public affairs, he was interested in the issues 
of the diy, and politically was in sympathy with 
the ratic party. Late in life he united 

with the Reformed Church, of which his widow, 
who resides at Brook Park with her son John, 
is a highly-esteemed member. Our subject is 
the youngest of five sons. John, burn November 
3, [839, served as a soldier in the Civil war, and 
is now a farmer at Smoketown. Lewis H., born 
December 9, 1840, has been a cripple from birth, 
and now resides at Brook Park. Jackson, born 
April l8, 1843, has for some years conducted a 
blacksmith shop at the same place; he is a vet- 
eran of the Civil war, and a prominent citizen, 
having served at one time as associate judge of 
Union county. Charles, born December 10, 
1845, resides at Linntown, Pennsylvania. 

Robert Gellinger first saw the light in Hart- 
ley township, Union county, December 2, 1S4S, 
and his education was acquired chiefly in the lo- 
cal schools. In 1805 his parents removed to 
Buffalo township, in the same county, and his 
schooling then ended with the exception of two 
winter terms at the new home. When eighteen 

rsold he was apprenticed to a harness maker, 
Henry Riment, <>f Buffalo Cross Roads, receiving 
his l»>ard with $25 for the first year and $30 
the second. He remained only eighteen months, 
however, and then went to Mifflinburg, where he 
received better wages from John S. Stitzer. 
Three years were spent altogether in learning 
his trade, and for some time he worked as a 

rneyman at Pittston, Wilkesbarre and Dan- 
ville, before trying to establish a business of his 
own al Vicksburg, Union county. He had a 
hard struggle there, and at the end of four years 
was compelled to give up the attempt and find 
more profitable business. His capital was limit- 
ed, but through the confidence of his friends he 
was. enabled to engage in huckstering, and in this 
he built up a tine trade, notwithstanding the 
lare.e numb' -hen in that business in 

coal regions. Energy, business tact and 
close economy brought their due reward, and in 
the spring of [895 he had saved enough in 
t" buy i"7 acres of excellent land near Lewis- 
burg, known as the Peter Getz farm. Here he 
has made substantial improvements, 1 
and beautifying the residence, and he now h 

fortable home. This work, with the culti- 
vation of the farm, occupied his entire time until 
the fall of 1S96, when he resumed his business 
Huckster. 



One important factor in his success has not 
yet been mentioned. When about twenty-five 
years old he married Miss Sarah J. Weidensaul, 
daughter of Samuel and Polly (Catherman) 
Weidensaul, and to her thrift and industry he 
justly attributes his rapid progress. They have 
three attractive daughters: Annie C, Mary 
Florence and Blanche Irene, all at home. Mr. 
Gellinger and his family are identified with the 
an Reformed Church, and he takes a gen- 
erous interest in all progressive movements. He 
is a stanch Democrat politically, but while voting 
regularly and supporting his principles in a quiet 
way, he is by no means a politician in the usual 
sense. 



JOHN BAKER MOOKE. The deserved re- 
ward of a well-spent life is an honored re- 
tirement from business, in which to enjoy 
the fruits of former toil. To-day, after a useful 
and beneficial career, Mr. Moore is quietly living 
at his pleasant home on the old Moore farm at 
Spring Garden, Gregg township, Union county, 
and is surrounded by the comfort that earnest 
labor has brought him. He is a native of the 
countw his birth occurring at Forest Iron Works, 
February 10, 1S2S. 

Joseph Moore, the father of our subject, was 
born in Lycoming county, Penn., September 24, 
1802, a son of James and Mary (Ott) Moore, na- 
tives of France and New Jersey, respectively. 
The grandfather, a prominent bridge builder and 
contractor, was the founder of the University of 
Lewisburg, Penn., of which he was one of the 
trustees for many years, holding that position up 
to the time of his death. He also defrayed the 
expenses of building a road from the college to 
the city of LewisburL', and was one of the most 
prominent and influential citizens of the com- 
munity. He was born August 1, 1780, and died 
May Z't. 1855, and his wife was born April 15, 
17SS, and died February 16, 185S, both passing 
away in Union county. 

Like his father, Joseph Moore became a bridge 
contractor in early life, but later devoted his 
attention to farming. From 1 S23 until 1836 he 
made his home at Forest Iron Works, Union 
county, when it was almost an unbroken wilder- 
ness, and there he erected a mill. In the latter 

1, however, he removed to the farm now 
owned and occupied by our subject. In early 
life he married Miss Anna Baker, who was born 
in Lycoming county, March iS, 1802, a daugh- 

of John and Elizabeth (Hill) Baker, agricult- 
urists ol Herks county, Penn. Her father was 
born in September, 1773. and died at Muncy, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



955 



Penn., September 29, 1855, and her motherwas 
born in 1774, and died at the same place in Oc- 
tober, 1833. The parents of our subject are also 
deceased, the father having passed away July 2, 
1880, and the mother February 13, 1887. Both 
were active and prominent members of the Bap- 
tist Church, in which Mr. Moore served as deacon 
for half a century. He was also trustee of the 
University of Lewisburg for several years, and 
held a number of official positions of honor and 
trust in Gregg township. 

John B. Moore is the third in order of birth 
in the family of seven children, the others being 
as follows: Elizabeth B., born April 8, 1824, is 
the widow of George Irvin, of Gregg township. 
James, born June 2, 1S26, died August 28, 1846. 
Rev. William C., born March 24, 1830, is now a 
resident of Allenwood, Penn. George M., born 
August 19, 1832, is a farmer of Gregg township, 
and a deacon in the Baptist Church. Joseph, 
born August 29, 1835, became a member of Com- 
pany B, 131st P. V. I., during the Civil war, and 
died at Fredericksburg, February 18, 1863. 
Mary, born May 2, 1837, died of diphtheria Sep- 
tember 2, 1848. 

Our subject has resided upon his present 
farm during his entire life with the exception of 
eight years, five of which were spent in Missouri 
with his father, and three on his grandfather's 
farm near West Milton, Penn. Returning to the 
old homestead June 9, 1886, he has there con- 
tinued to reside, and, although the old house still 
stands on the farm, he occupies a more modern 
dwelling, which was erected in 1879. It is hand- 
somely furnished, and the entire place is supplied 
with all the conveniences and accessories which 
go to make up a model farm of the nineteenth 
century. Although he has no aspirations for of- 
ficial honors, he has creditably served in several 
local positions, and is a stalwart Republican in 
politics. He is an excellent conversationalist, 
and has the happy faculty of making friends 
readily, and easily retaining them. As did his 
ancestors, he takes an active interest in promot- 
ing the moral and material welfare of the com- 
munity, and for twenty-five years he has been 
trustee of the Baptist Church, of which he is a 
consistent member. 

On February 18, 1864, Mr. Moore was mar- 
ried to Miss Katherine VanDyke, and they have 
become the parents of five children, namely: (1) 
Anna E., born April 22, 1866, is now the wife 
of Gus B. Lorrison, a railroad official located at 
Allenwood, Penn., and they have three children 
— John M., Clifton O., and Malvern Van D. (2) 
Joseph L. , born May 27, 1869, is an engineer 
and bridge builder residing at home. (3) Mar- 



garet B., and (4) Minnie M. (twins), were born 
February 25, 1871, but the latter died on the 6th 
of the following August. (5) Katherine Van D. 
was born January 24, 1875. 

Mrs. Moore, who was born in Nippenose Valley, 
Penn., December 27, 1834, a daughter of James 
C. and Elizabeth (Clark) Van Dyke, has been 
an earnest Christian since childhood, at first be- 
longing to the Presbyterian Church, but for the 
past twenty years has held membership in the 
Baptist Church, to which her husband belongs. 
She traces her ancestry back to her great-great- 
grandfather, Henry Van Dyke, who spent his en- 
tire life in Holland. Her grandparents, Lam- 
bert and Margaret (McMichael) Van Dyke, were 
natives of Holland and Scotland, respectively, 
but were married in New Jersey, whence they 
removed to Dauphin county, Penn. The grand- 
father died at Paradise, Penn., while improving a 
a farm there for his son. He was of royal Hol- 
land stock, and he and all of his brothers par- 
ticipated in the American Revolution, as mem- 
bers of the Colonial army. The paternal grand- 
parents of Mrs. Moore, Thomas and Christina 
(Fraley) Clark, were among the first settlers of 
Nippenose Valley, Lycoming Co., Penn., where the 
former followed farming throughout the remain- 
der of his life. He was also a Revolutionary 
soldier. Both he and his wife were natives of 
Lancaster county, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish ex- 
traction. 

James C. Van Dyke, the father of Mrs. 
Moore, was a farmer by occupation, and was a 
Whig in politics, while, in religious belief, both 
he and his estimable wife were devout Presby- 
terians. He died in 1857, aged seventy-one 
years, and she passed away in 1870, at the ripe 
old age of seventy-eight years, eleven months 
and eight days. 

In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following children: Margaret, now the widow 
of Solomon Kaufman, of Overly, Penn.; Es- 
ther, deceased wife of Jacob Voneida, a farmer 
of Nippenose Valley, Lycoming county; John, a 
retired farmer of South Williamsport, Penn. ; 
James H., a fire-insurance agent, who was the 
first of the family to die, being at that time 
thirty-five years, eight months and twenty-four 
days old; Sarah V., who died unmarried; Lam- 
bert, a railroad contractor, who died in 1867; 
Elizabeth, deceased wife of F. B. Pursel, of 
Williamsport; Mary, wife of Simon P. Houts, a 
farmer of Gregg township, Union county; Henry 
H., a wealthy and prominent contractor and 
hardware merchant of Lock Haven, Penn., who 
is now deceased; Katherine, the wife of our sub- 
ject; William T., ex-postmaster of Lock Haven, 






' 0MMBM0RAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



who is now an invalid; and Eleanor J., wife of 
H. H. Nauff, a farmer oi Montandon, Pennsyl- 
vania. 



WILLIAM PIATT ALLEN, who is now 
successfully engaged in business as a dec- 
orator and painter at Allenwood, Union county, 
comes of an honored pioneer family long identi- 
fied with the history of this region. He was 
born June 12, 1839, in what was then Union- 
town, but is now Allenwood. 

I aac Allen, his paternal grandfather, was 
born in New Jersey, and removed to Lycoming 
county, Perm. His children were: Charles 
(who died at South Williamsport), Allen (wife of 
James Reed), Anna (wife of John Simpler), Will- 
iam (married to Margaret Taylor), Mary (wife of 
Robert Hayes), Abraham, Sarah (wife of Will- 
iam Jones), Isaac, and Jane. All are now de- 
ceased. 

Isaac Allen, father of our subject, was born 
in Lycoming county, February 5, 1 Soo, and re- 
mained on the old family homestead until his 
marriage, in 1827, to Miss Jane Piatt, who was 
b in in that county, January 1 8, 1801, a daugh- 
ter of John Piatt, who was of German line.i 
while his wife was of French descent. Their 
children were: Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Mc- 
Cormick), William (who married Hannah Brady), 
Herman C. (who married Lotta Brady), |ulia 
Ann (wife of John Hammond . and Mrs. Allen. 
After his marriage, Isaac Allen engaged in lum- 
bering. In 1833 he purchased a part of the 
present site of Allenwood, which place was then 
called Uniontown; it was laid out by John Mc- 
Curdy, June 1, [815. In 1866 he gave to the 
Philadelphia iV Reading Railroad Company the 
right-of-way through his farm and a plot of 
ground 56.x 175 feet on which to build a station. 
He was a lumberman, and during his latter days 

aged in contracting and in conducting a hotel 
in Allenwood. He died February 22, 1S45, at 
the age of forty- five years, and his wife passed 
away August [8, [886. Their children were as 
follows: Julia (widow of Jacob Kramer, ex-sher- 
iff of Northumberland county, and treasurer of 
Watsontown), Charles (who served for three 
years and nine months in the I nion army, and 
died after a nine-months' imprisonment by the 
Confederates), Herman P. (a merchant of Allen- 
wood), Henrietta F. widow of David W. Mc- 
Carty, of Lewisburg), William P. (our subject), 
Jennie (widow of Dr. Thomas Burns, of I 
City, Iowa), Isaac W. and Helen 1 who died in 
infancy). 

William Piatt Allen remained at home until 



after attaining his majority, and in his youth 
worked for a shilling a day. He was also en- 

ed in rafting on the river. When twenty-tw 1 
years of age he went to Ogle county, 111., where 
he engaged in general farming and tobacco-raid- 
ing. After his return he clerked for his brother 
for two years, and then served a three-years' ap- 
prenticeship at the stonemasons' trade under 
Fred Haines. 

On August 16, 1864. Mr. Allen enlisted in 
Company I, 202d P. V, I., and was largely en- 

ed in fighting; the guerrillas, but whatever hi^ 
duty, it was discharged with a loyalty that was 
above question. On his return home he ran a 
ferry-boat for a year, after which he sold out to 
his brother and went to Cedar county. Iowa. 
For some years thereafter he spent a portion of 
his time in the West, where he owned a farm of 
240 acres. This, however, he sold March (8, 
1S74, and has since continued to make his home 
in Allenwood, where he is engaged in business as 
a decorator and painter, enjoying an excellent 
trade. 

On October 9, 1S72, Mr. Allen was married 
to Miss Lydia Gudykuntz, by whom he has one 
son, William C. Her grandfather. Adam Gudy- 
kuntz, a native of Germany, located in Lehigh 
county, Penn., at an early day, and there fol- 
lowed the hatter's trade. His son Charles was 
born there, October 15, 1799. He also learned 
the hatter's trade, which he followed for some 
years, and before attaining his majority he be- 
gan clerking for Ludwig Stitzel, enjoying the 
highest confidence of that gentleman, who made 
him the executor of his estate. Mr. Gudykuntz 
married Sarah, the eldest daughter of Mr. Stit- 
zel. He purchased and operated a sawmill, and 
also became the owner of six farms and other 
landed interests. He was a very active and suc- 
cessful business man, was at one time a director 
in the West Branch Bank of Williamsport, and 
afterward a director in the Cameron Bank of 
Lewisburg. In politics he was an ardent Repub- 
lican, took a deep interest in the cause of his 
party, held many township offices, and served as 
State revenue commissioner by appointment of 
Gov. A. G. Curtin. For many years he was a 
consistent member of and elder in the Presbyte- 
rian Church. 

Mr. Gudykuntz lost his first wife May 
1832, and on the 10th of May, 1834, he married 
her only surviving sister. To the first marri 
w is born one son. Edward Stiple. who for man} 
years served as a justice of the peace. The chil- 
dren born to the second marriage are: Sarah 
Jane married W. F. Campbell in 1866, a farmer 
and extensive lumberman: Mary Margaret, born 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



957 



May 31, 1840; Charles L. , born December 16, 
1842, married Martha J. Griffa, by whom he has 
three children — Margaret B., Charles B. and 
Mary J.; James P., born April 21, 1845, married 
Anna Van Alstine, and is a carpenter of Allen- 
wood; Anna Maria, born September 24, 1848, is 
the wife of Robert Brown, a farmer of Gregg 
township, Union count}', and ex-commissioner, 
by whom she has one child, Claude A. ; Josephine, 
born January 23, 185 1, is the wife of J. F. 
Hagenbuch, a farmer of Allenwood; Eliza C, 
born March 11, 1853, is the wife of C. Brown, 
by whom she has two daughters — Irene and Mary; 
and Mrs. Allen. Mrs. Gudykuntz, the mother 
of this family, is living in Allenwood surrounded 
by her children; she is a devout member of the 
Presbyterian Church, having the respect of all 
who know her. Mr. Gudykuntz died January 
12, 1866, and his death was deeply mourned 
throughout the entire community. The maternal 
grandparents of Mrs. Allen were Ludwig and 
Anna M. (Fox) Stitzel, the former a native of 
Rhein, Germany, and the latter of Berks county, 
Penn. Her great-grandmother (Fox) died while 
on the ocean en route to America. 

Mr. and Mrs. Allen are very prominent people, 
held in the highest esteem by all, and she is a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Allen 
formerly belonged to the Junior Mechanics, and 
is a thirty-second-degree Mason of Watsontown. 
He has spent almost his entire life in this com- 
munity, and the fact that his warmest friends are 
numbered among those who have known him 
from boyhood indicates an honorable career. 



: -RS. SAMAXTHA ORW'IG, widow of Eman- 



JAL uel Orwig, is a representative of one of the 
most prominent and highly respected families of 
Union county, where her birth occurred. 

Jesse Bloom, her father, was a native of Xew 
York State, but her mother, who bore the 
maiden name of Catharine Baker, was born in 
Snyder county, Penn., and died at the age of 
seventy-six years. Her parents were Peter and 
Elizabeth (Wise) Baker. John Baker, the 
great-grandfather of Mrs. Orwig, was a native of 
Germany, but came to this country in boyhood, 
landing at Philadelphia, and working out his 
passage money after his arrival. He located in 
Snyder county (at that time a part of Union 
county), where he purchased land and erected 
thereon good and substantial buildings, making 
that place his home until his death, which oc- 
curred at an advanced age. He not only cleared 
and cultivated the land, but also made most of 
the furniture found in his primitive dwelling. 



Emanuel, 
of fifty- 
this life 



Mrs. Orwig is the eldest of the children, the 
others being as follows: Hannah became the 
wife of Samuel Markel, and lived in Bellefonte, 
Centre Co., Penn., where she died in May, 1896; 
Rebecca is the wife of Henry Stitzer, a farmer 
of Hartley township, Union county; Sarah is the 
wife of Aaron Carlyle, a tinsmith of Williamsport, 
Penn. ; and Xathan is living retired in Xewberry, 
Pennsylvania. 

In 1855 our subject gave her hand in mar- 
riage to Emanuel Orwig, a native of Mifflinburg, 
Penn., who became one of the most prominent 
and highly esteemed agriculturists of Hartley 
township, Union county. He was the fourth in 
order of birth in a family of six children, 
namely: Edward, Elviner, James, 
Sarah, and William. At the age 
eight years, Mr. Orwig departed 
December 21, 1S90, and his remains were in- 
terred in Pleasant Grove cemetery, Lewis town- 
ship. He was by nature liberal and public-spir- 
ited, and wherever he took up his abode main- 
tained an interest in the people around him, and 
contributed to the best of his means and ability 
to their improvement, socially, morally, and 
financially. 

Mr. and Mrs. Orwig became the parents of 
five children: Howard, born in February, 1857, 
is married and lives near Lewisburg, in Union 
county, where he is engaged in farming; Alice, 
born December 14, 1859, was married to Will- 
iam Stahl, and died at the age of twenty-five 
years; Horace is married, and lives in Hartleton, 
Penn., where he is extensively engaged in the 
lumber business, employing a number of hands; 
Mary is the wife of Daniel Hassinger, who owns a 
pleasant home in Mifflinburg, Penn. ; and Katie 
is the wife of James Miller, a farmer of Buffalo 
township, Union county. Mrs. Orwig, who is 
held in high regard throughout the community, 
is a member in good standing of the Methodist 
Church. 



SAMUEL F. RUHL, a well-known citizen 
^_J of Swengel, is a worthy representative of 
one of the prominent pioneer families of Union 
county, and a son of George and Hannah (Kauff- 
man) Ruhl, the latter a daughter of David 
Kauffman, a respected farmer of this locality. 
George Ruhl was born nearManheim, in Lancas- 
ter county, Penn. , and when ten years of age was 
brought to Union county by his parents who lo- 
cated in Lewis township, upon a farm where his 
father died in April, 1843. The father of our 
subject then purchased the old homestead, on 
which he continued to reside until called to his 






( OM MELIORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



final rest August 7, 1S7S. It then became the 
property of Samuel F. and his brother Henry 
\\\, who lived thereon until the spring of 1888, 
when they rented the place and retired from 
active labor, ill the meantime having purchased 
property in the adjoining village of Swengel, 
where they now make their homes. 

George Ruhl, the father of our subject, was 
twice married, having by the first union three 
children, as follows: (1) David married and re- 
moved to Illinois, where he reared his family and 
died at the age of fifty-eight years. He alter- 
nately engaged in farming and merchandising, 
following the former occupation at the time of 
bis death. [2) Joseph died in infancy, 
1 >rge P. became a prominent farmer of Lewis 
township, and is now living retired in Swengel, 
spending his time with his children as he lost his 
wife some years ago. He owns considerable 
real 1 state in Union county. 

By his second marriage the father had five 
children: (n Elizabeth became the wife of 
Amos Grove, of Vicksburg, Penn., where her 
death occurred. (2) Priscilla is the wife of S. 
Shrack, a retired farmer of Lewisburg, Penn. 
1 3 1 Samuel F. is next in order of birth. (4) 
Henry W , a resident of Swengel, married 
Miss Elizabeth Maister, a daughter of John 
Maister, a farmer of Lancaster county, Penn. 
They have one daughter, Jennie, a beau- 
tiful and accomplished young lady, who com- 
1 her education in the New Berlin Sem- 
inary, and is a prominent member of the Chris- 
tian Endeavor Society. (5) Sarah is the wife of 
Christian Schnure, of Vicksburg, Penn., and has 
two sons — Harry and Clarence. 

The boyhood and youth of Samuel F. Ruhl 
was spent in much the usual manner of farmers' 
sons, aiding in the labors of the fields and attend- 
ing the local schools. On attaining to man's 
estate he married Miss Barbara A. Paul, a daugh- 
ter of George Paul, a carpenter of Lewisburg, 
Penn. The two children born of this union both 
died in infancy. 

In political sentiment, Mr. Ruhl is a strong 
K publican, but has never cared for the honors 
or emoluments of public office. He is a con- 
sistent and faithful member of the Lutheran 
Church, and takes an active part in the work of 
the Christian Endeavor Society. He is enjoying 
the reward of a well-ordered life, in which he has 
exerted himself to do good to those around him. 



January 2, 1827, in Lewis township. His an- 
cestors were originally from Germany, and his 
paternal grandmother was a Miss Hochlander. 
He had two brothers — David married and re- 
moved to Illinois, where he reared a family and 
engaged in farming and merchandising at differ- 
ent times. He died in that State at the age of 
fifty-eight years. Joseph died in childhood. Mr 
Ruhle also has two half-brothers and three half- 
sisters, among whom is Samuel F. Ruhle. Among 
his relatives was Philip Ruhle, an uncle, who 
faithfully served his country in the war of 18 12. 

The subscription schools furnished our sub- 
ject his educational privileges, and his business 
training was received upon a farm. Possessing 
considerable inventive genius, he has aire 
patented two articles, and is now at work on a 
third invention. Industrious, energetic and pro- 
gressive, he met with a well-deserved success in 
his farming operations, and now in his declining 
years is able to lay aside business cares and en- 
1 13 the fruits of his former toil. 

On reaching manhood, Mr. Ruhle married 
Miss Catharine Morrison, a daughter of Thomas 
Morrison, who was of English descent. She was 
born in 1826, and died October 31, 1885, aged 
fifty-nine years, two months and sixteen days, 
after thirty-six years of happy wedded life. Her 
remains were interred in the graveyard at Ray's 
church. By her marriage to our subject she be- 
ne the mother of four children: (1) Israel, 
born August 27, [850, is a farmer residing near 
Mifiiinburg, Penn., and is now serving as justice 
of the peace. He is married, and has two chil- 
dren — James and Fannie. (2) Mary, born Au- 
gust 10, 1S52, is the wife of Andrew Harter, a 
tanner, living in Illinois. (3) David M. , born in 
i860, married Miss Mary A. Crouse, daughter of 
Daniel Crouse, a retired farmer of Lewisburg, 
formerly of Snyder county. Penn. (4 Franklin, 
born October 1, 1S55, died February 25, 1859. 

Mr. Ruhle uses his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the men and measures of the Republican 
party, and has faithfully and capably served his 
fellow citizens in the capacity of supervisor, 
school director and overseer of the poor in his 
township. He is held in the highest esteem and 
respect by all who know him, and has the confi- 
dence of all with whom he comes in contact 
either in business or social life. 



G GEORGE P. RUHLE, one of the retired 
T farmers and leading citizens of Swengel, is 
a native of Union county, his birth occurring 



LEVI MILLER. Few of the gallant surviv- 
ors of the Civil war have so painful a re- 
minder of those days as has the subject of this 
sketch, a well-known citizen of Mirflinburg, 
whose sight was totally destroyed by an attack 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



959 



of smallpox while in the service. Mr. Miller is 
an intelligent man, one who doubtless could have 
made a success in almost any line of business, and 
it is gratifying to note that in 1S86 he finally re- 
ceived from the government a pension in recog- 
nition of his claims upon the nation's gratitude. 

The Miller family was represented in Hart- 
ley township, Union county, in pioneer times, 
our subject's grandfather, Peter Miller, a native 
of Lancaster county, Penn., settling there to en- 
gage in lumbering. He conducted a sawmill for 
many years, and died there in his ninety-eighth 
year. 

John Miller, the father of our subject, was 
born in that township, in 1805, and, after spend- 
ing the greater portion of his life as a laborer in 
Hartley township, died in Limestone township, 
Union county, in 1872. His wife, Sarah Deck- 
ard, a native of Berks county, Penn., born in 
1809, died January 16, 1897. They had twelve 
children, of whom, one died in infancy, the fol- 
lowing living to adult age: John P., who died 
in July, 1896, in Northumberland county, Penn.; 
Mary, Mrs. Samuel Badger; Levi, our subject; 
Jacob, now living in Michigan; Isaac, a resident 
of Bellefonte, Penn. ; Susannah, wife of Jacob 
Wirt, of Gleniron; Catherine, Mrs. William 
Shawley, now deceased; Maude, wife of Samuel 
Rincard, of Missouri; Rebecca, who married 
Isaac Bickhart, of New Jersey; Frank, who lives 
near Pine Grove, Penn. ; and Jane, wife of Alfred 
Wayland, of Chillisquaque, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Miller, our subject, was born January 25, 
1836, in Hartley township, Union county, and 
grew to manhood in that locality, engaging in 
business as a carpenter. During the dark days 
of the Rebellion, when the North was summon- 
ing all her forces for a final struggle, he entered 
the army, enlisting in 1864, at Petersburg, Va., 
in Company H, 49th P. V. I., attached to the 
Sixth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. He 
took part in the battle of Fort Stephen, but later 
contracted the dread disease through which he 
lost his sight, and for some time prior to the 
close of the war he was confined to a hospital. 
On his return home he worked at his trade as he 
could, but is now living in retirement. Politic- 
ally, he is an ardent supporter of Republican 
principles, and he is actively interested in relig- 
ious work as a member of the Reformed Church. 

In 1862 Mr. Miller was married at Mifflin- 
burg, Penn., to Miss Adaline Smink, and three 
children blessed their union: Miss Lillie V., 
born March 3, 1865, is at home; Charles E., born 
December 26, 1867, died April 1, 1872; and 
William Oscar, born June 21, 1870, married Miss 
Catherine Moore, and has one son, Raymon. 



Mrs. Miller was born April 24. 1839, the 
daughter of Jacob and Eva (Christ) Smink. The 
father made his home in Union county for many 
years, but spent some time in other parts of the 
State, and his death occurred at Shamokin. His 
first wife, a Miss Brown, died leaving six chil- 
dren: Samuel, Washington, Hiram, Josiah, 
Lydia and Sarah. By his second marriage, to 
Miss Christ, he had nine children: Isaac, now 
residing in Shamokin; John (deceased); Daniel, 
of Shamokin; Mary (Mrs. Samuel Martz), de- 
ceased; Jacob, of Shamokin; Elizabeth (de- 
ceased), who married John P. Miller, our subject's 
brother; Adaline, Mrs. Miller; Reuben, who 
lives in Reading, Penn. ; and Matilda, widow of 
Charles Martz, of Shamokin. 



* W. SCHNURE, a leading farmer of Hartley 
L^f township, Union county, and an honored 
veteran of the Civil war, is a native of Union 
county, born June 26, 1836, a son of Christian 
and Lydia (Keister) Schnure. 

The family has long been identified with the 
interests of this region, his paternal grandfather, 
who emigrated from Germany to America during 
his youth, having located in Union county at an 
early day, and the birth of the father occurred in 
Laurelton. The latter died in 1890, having sur- 
vived his wife six years, an d both were laid to 
rest in the Dunkard churchyard. 

In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following children, namely: John, who enlisted 
in Company F, 184th P. V., and served his 
country with distinction until taken prisoner 
while on picket duty in front of Petersburg, and 
died in Andersonville prison; G. W., of this 
sketch; Amelia, who married Hiram Durst, of 
Centre HalJ, Penn., and died in 1867; Elizabeth, 
who became the wife of F. W. McCurdy, and 
died, leading one daughter, Jennie, now the wife 
of Wesley Fairchild, of Northumberland county, 
Penn. ; Margaret, who died of diphtheria at the 
age of twenty-one; Sarah, wife of Philip Durst, 
who lives near Centre Hall, in Centre county, 
Penn.; Christian, a resident of Vicksburg, Penn.; 
O. P., who married Anna Irvin, and lives in 
Mifflinburg, Penn. ; Louisa, a resident of Hartle- 
ton, Penn. ; Mark, who married a Miss Ruhl, and 
lives near Mifflinburg, where he follows the occu- 
pation of farming; and Louis, of Laurelton, Penn- 
sylvania. 

G. W. Schnure early became familiar with 
agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, his 
education being obtained in the district schools 
of the locality. While quietly following the oc- 
cupation to which he had been reared the storm 






VMBMOSATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



of Civil war broke over our beloved country, 
and in response to the call of the general govern- 
ment lor men, Mr. Schnure enlisted March 11, 
1S64, at the age of twenty-seven years, becoming 
a member of Company E, 51st P. V. I., with 
which he faithfully served until the war had ended. 
He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, 

! Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House and 
many others, and was several times slightly 

inded. Being mustered out at Alexandria, 
Va. , at the close of the war, he returned home 
and resumed farming, meeting with excellent 
success in his chosen calling. He owns a fine 
farm near Laurelton, which yields bountiful har- 
vests for the care and labor he bestows upon it. 

As a companion and helpmeet on life's jour- 
ney, Mr Schnure chose Miss Sarah Kleckner, 
daughter of Isaac Kleckner, of Hartley township, 
Union county, who at one time conducted a hotel 
at Woodward, Centre Co., Penn., and later be- 
came a speculator in land. Removing to Wis- 
consin in 1 84 1, he there spent his remaining 
days. Mr. Schnure has been called upon to 
mourn the death of his estimable wife, who 
passed away in February, 1892, and was buried 
in Lincoln cemetery in Hartley township, Union 
county. 

In his political views Mr. Schn re is a Re- 
publican, and in religious belief is a Methodist. 
Fraternally he is a worthy member of J. C. 
Schnure Post No. 546, G. A. R. His genial, 
hospitable manner has won for him a host of 
warm friends, and he has the esteem and confi- 
dence of the entire neighborhood. 



Gi ORGE PETER NOLL. Prominent among 
the early settlers of Kelly township, Union 
county, were the Nolls and the Meixells, the pa- 
ternal and maternal ancestors of the gentleman 
whose name introduces this sketch, and who in 
his industry, thrift and sound judgment, and pro- 
gressive spirit, proves himself worthy of pioneer 
od. 

On the paternal side the family is of German 
origin, his ancestors crossing the ocean prior to 
the Revolutionary war. The first to settl 
this section were our subject > grandparents, Pe- 
ter and Christiai ■ 1 > N ill, natives of B 
county, Penn. They located in Union county in 
the wilderness, with the Indians for their neigh- 
bors, upon timber land purchased at $8 per acre, 
and, clearing de a fine farm. Of their fam- 
ily of four children, none are now Living. They 
Daniel was a farmer in Kelly township. 
Union county; Sarah married Peter Hursh, and 

r a residence of fifty years in Lewisburg, 



Penn., moved to Lancaster, Kans. , where they 
recently died; Elizabeth did not live to maturity; 
and John, our subject's father, is mentioned more 
fully below. The mother of these children died, 
and Peter Noll married a second wife, Christiana 
Spotts, but no children were born of this union. 

The late John Noll, the father of our subject, 
was born at the old homestead of the Noll fam- 
ily, March 5, 1 S 1 S, and lived to more than three 
score years and ten, passing away on April 6, 
1 388. He followed the shoemaker's trade, and 
was also a successful agriculturist, but for a few 
years before his death he left the active work of 
his estate to younger hands. His influence in 
the community was marked, and he ranked 
among the leading Republicans of the township, 
holding various offices at times. During the war 
he contributed time and means toward filling the 
quota of men for his township. 

On May 2. 1839, John Noll was married, in 
Kelly township, to Miss Leah Meixell, a native 
of Lancaster county, Penn., who was born Sep- 
tember S, 1821, and died June 28, 1891, in her 
seventieth year, the remains of both being in- 
terred in White Deer churchyard. Her father, 
George Meixell, came to Union county in early 
manhood, when that locality was in a primitive 
condition, and he and his wife. Nancy Rover, 
had to undergo the usual privations of the pio- 
neer farmer. George Meixell lived to the age of 
seventy, and his remains now rest in the Dunk- 
ard cemetery in Kelly township, Union county. 
His children were: Pharos, now a retired farmer 
residing in Nebraska; Jeremiah, a retired farmer 
of Lycoming county, Penn.; Violetta, who mar- 
ried John Moyer, both now deceased; George, 
deceased; Leah, our subject's mother; Martin, 
formerly a farmer, now living in retirement in 
East Buffalo township, Union county; Rebecca, 
who married John Clinger, a lumberman and 
farmer in Virginia, where both died; Anna, wife 
of John Ruhl, a farmer near Atchison, Kans.; 
Harriet, wife of William Gann, a farmer in Ly- 
coming county, Penn.; Elam, a fanner in Buf- 
falo township, Union county; Alpheus, who went 
to the West; and John, who died at an early age. 

Our subject's parents passed their lives amid 
the quiet scenes of an agricultural neighborhood, 
taking part in all that tended to advance the 
community and identifying themselves with the 
work of the Lutheran Church. They had five- 
children, whose names are as follows: (1) An- 
geline, born March 21, 1S40. was married (first) 
to Philip Ruhl (d I), and (second) to A. J. 

Rishel (deceased). She died September 8,1891, 
and was buried in Union cemetery. Two sons, 
John G. and George C, and one daughter, Jen- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



961 



nie Ruhl, survive, and are engaged in a furniture 
factory at Lewisburg. (2) George Peter, born 
September 11, 1842, is mentioned more fully 
below. (3) William F., born February 2, 1844, 
was reared upon the homestead, receiving a 
common-school education, and except for seven- 
teen years in Northumberland county, has lived 
in Union county. He owns a farm in Kelly 
township, and some valuable property in the city 
of Lewisburg. In politics he is a Republican, 
and he is a prominent member of the Lutheran 
Church. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the 
Union army, but his parents refused to let him 
go to the front. On September 16, 1S79, he 
was married to Miss Susan Ryan, daughter of 
Benjamin Ryan, a farmer, then a resident of 
Snyder county, Penn., but now of Northumber- 
land county. One daughter, Nora G., born Oc- 
tober 3, 1880, is now attending the high school 
at Lewisburg. (4) Levi, born June 2, 1847, is a 
farmer in Kelly township. Union county, residing 
on the farm which he bought in the year 1892, 
known as the Adam Young farm, which makes a 
pleasant home. He married Miss Mary Rother- 
mel, daughter of Isaac Rothermel, a shoemaker, 
formerly of Berks county, Penn., but now of 
Union county, and has two sons, Newton and 
Hommer. (5) John C. , born April 6, 1854, is 
also engaged in agriculture in Kelly township. 
He resides on the old homestead where the Noll 
family was reared, which he bought some years 
ago. His wife, Rebecca, is a daughter of Sam- 
uel Spotts, of the same township, and they have 
one daughter, Laura, born in 1882. 

Farm life during our subject's boyhood fur- 
nished many kinds of employment which, owing 
to the absence of machinery, extended through- 
out the year. Mr. Noll remained at home until 
the age of eighteen, assisting in the work and 
attending the local schools, and then began work- 
ing by the month for other farmers, spending 
four years at this occupation. One year as a 
carpenter for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany followed, but he preferred agricultural pur- 
suits and returned to the old homestead, where he 
was employed by the month for two years, and 
also ran a threshing machine in partnership with 
his brother William. 

On November 26, 1868, Mr. Noll was mar- 
ried, at the residence of the bride's parents, to 
Miss Sarah J. Leiby, who was born in Limestone 
township, Union county, March 30, 1846. Her 
father, David Leiby, is a well-known citizen in 
Kelly township, Union county. Mr. and Mrs. 
Noll have one son, William C. , born November 
26, 1869, who is now his father's right-hand 
man upon the farm. 

61* 



After his marriage, Mr. Noll rented a farm in 
Buffalo township, Union county, for three years, 
and then for twenty years rented a farm which 
belonged to the late Squire Cameron, of Lewis- 
burg. In 1 891 he removed to his present home 
near Kelly Poin^, and in 1892 he purchased the 
farm in that locality now conducted by his son, 
formerly known as the John Kling farm. In ad- 
dition to his agricultural work, Mr. Noll has been 
extensively engaged in dealing in stock, and by 
his careful and judicious management he has ac- 
cumulated a fair competence. 

Mr. Noll is an active member of the Farmers 
Alliance at Brook Park, and is also prominent in 
the Republican organization of his locality. 
While in Buffalo township he served as school 
director for nine years. He is a ready friend to 
any religious movement and for many years has 
been a member of the Lutheran Church. 



P 



A. BAKER, a leading business man and 
farmer residing in Vicksburg, is a native of 
Union county, born May 19, 1844, in Buffalo 
township, and on both the paternal and mater- 
nal sides belongs to old and prominent families 
of Pennsylvania. Wendell Baker, who was the 
first of the family to come to Union county, was 
born April 2, 1730, and during the trying times 
of the Revolutionary war aided the Colonies in 
throwing off the yoke of British oppression. His 
wife was born August 4, 1730, and died on the 
8th of October, 1782. In their family were sev- 
eral daughters and two sons, the latter being 
Jacob, the grandfather of our subject, and John. 
Jacob Baker was one of the prominent and 
most substantial business men and farmers of his 
community, owning a large tract of land, and 
also a sawmill, fulling-mill and carding-machine, 
which he operated. After the death of his brother 
John he purchased his property. He married Cath- 
arine Rockey, who was born in Lancaster county, 
Penn., January 17, 1782, and died May 5, 1857. 
She was' the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
Rockey, the former of whom was born in 1757, 
and died in 1796, and the latter born in 1757, 
died in 1807. The death of Jacob Baker oc- 
curred April 19, 1827, and he and his wife were 
were both buried in a private cemetery in Buffalo 
township, on what was known as the Wendell 
Baker farm, and in which Wendell Baker was 
the first interment. The grandfather's death re- 
sulted from illness brought on by breaking through 
the ice while crossing Buffalo creek. While not 
a member of any Church, he leaned toward the 
Dunkard faith, and led a straightforward, honor- 
able life. 



962 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In the family of Jacob and Catharine (Rockey) 
Baker were the following children: Elizabeth, 
born June 25, 1804, married Jacob Rengler, and 
died in St. Clair co%nty. 111. ; Samuel, born Oc- 
tober 19, 1806, died in Buffalo township, Union 
county, October 1, 1895; John, born Octobei 2, 
1808, died in the same township May 26, 1838; 
Mary, born February 8, 1812, is now the 
widow of David Kelly, and lives in Buffalo town- 
ship; Jacob, born December 3. 18 13, died in 
that township in the fall of 185;; Henry, the 
father of our subject, is next in order of birth; 
Catharine, born November 12, 1820, married 
Peter Voneida, and died in Northumberland 
county, Penn.; and William, born December 10, 
1822, died in Buffalo township. 

Henry Baker was born July 20, 1817, on the 
old Baker homestead, along Buffalo creek in 
Buffalo township, and was there reared until 
fifteen years of age when he went to live with 
his brother-in-law, David Kelly, in Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, remaining with him six 
years. On going there he was able to do a man's 
work 111 the harvest field. Later he spent one 
summer in Illinois, riding to and from that State- 
horse back, and on his return trip started 
with two fine horses which he had purchased, 
• as one became unmanageable he sold it and 
bought instead a fine sorrel mare of running 
stock. 

In Buffalo township, during his early man- 
hood, Henry Baker was married to Miss Mary 
M. Pontius. Her father, Philip Pontius, was 
born August 15. 1789, and was the eighth son of 
Lieut. Henry and Catharine (Wolfe) Ponl 
The Lieutenant was a son of John Pontius who 
came to America from Switzerland in the early 
part of the seventeenth century, and with his 
wife located in Berks county. Penn. Their son 
Henry, who was born in 1744. was a Revolution- 
ary soldier, and in that war attained the rank of 
lieutenant. Soon after the French war he 1 
to Buffalo Valley, but did not locate permanent- 
ly here until 1770, when he took up 600 acres of 
land on Cedar run, and built a house that stood 
I 1 ' ver a century, though it was greatly re- 
modeled. He was a noted Indian fighter, and 
was one of the principal actors in the frequent 
dramas brought about by the contiguity of the 
Red men and the early settlers. He married 
Catharine Wolfe, by whom he had twelve 
children, namely: Andrew, Frederick, Henry, 
Nicholas, John, George, Peter. Philip, Jonathan, 
( itharine, Christina, and Barbara. He died in 
[822, and Ins widow seven years later. 

Philip Pontius, the maternal grandfather of 
our subject, spent his entire life in Union county. 



During the war of 18 12 he was drafted, but 
having several brothers in the service, and being 
needed at home, he hired a substitute. In his 
younger years he taught school for some time, 
and for many years was a member of the school 
board, and also secretary of the board of trustees 
of the Mifrlinburg Academy. He was recognized 
as a valued and public-spirited citizen, and was 
called upon to serve in a number of local offices, 
including those of supervisor and assessor of his 
township. He retained his excellent memory 
until near the last of his long and honorable 
career, and died in 1S72, when past the age of 

ity-three. In 1S14 he had married Abigail 
Thompson, who was born in 1790, and was the 
daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor (Robinson) 
Thompson. Nine children were born to them: 
Catharine; Benjamin Thompson; Mary Matilda, 
the mother of our subject; Emanuel; Samuel; 
Eliza A. ; Henry P. ; Caroline, and Angeline L. 

Alter his marriage, Henry Baker located on 
his mother's farm as a tenant, remaining there 
seventeen years, and then bought the John Piddle 
farm near Vicksburg, where he lived for twenty 
years. Removing to Vicksburg in the spring of 
[885, he lived retired until his death, which 
curred at his beautiful home in that place, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1890. His wife passed away in April. 
1893, at the age of seventy-two, and they now 
sleep side by side in the Dreisbach cemeter) 
They were consistent members of the Reformed 
Church, and the parents of four children: P. A . 
of this sketch; Benjamin F., who died at the age 
of fifteen; Henry K., who died of diphtheria at 
the age of six years; and Laura A., now the wife 
of John Everett, of Vicksburg. 

Physically the father was five feet eight and 
a half inches in height, and weighed about one 
hundred and fifty-two pounds. On November 
5, 1874, while in Lewisburg with 32 cwt. of 
coal upon his wagon, he fell off the wagon in 
trying to lock it and had both limbs crushed. 
Only the best medical skill and attendance saved 
them; by the following March he had almost en- 
tirely recovered their use to the surprise of every- 
one. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, but 
took no active part in public affairs. In a K 
publican township he was several times elected 
overseer of the poor, a fact which indicated his 
popularity and the high regard in which he was 
held. 

While temporarily making his home with his 
maternal grandfather, P. A. Baker began his 
education in the Pontius school-house, and the 
knowledge that he acquired in the country 
schools was supplemented by a course in the 
academy at Lewisburg. On January 9, 1872, in 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



963 



Vicksburg, he was married to Miss Mary J. Kleck- 
ner, who was born in Union county, May 16, 
1844, a daughter of William and Elizabeth 
(Shoemaker) Kleckner. Six children grace their 
union: H. \V. , born October 2, 1873, is a farmer 
residing at home; Martin E., born August 17, 
1875, is assistant postmaster of Vicksburg; 
Francis T., born August 12, 1878, is attending 
school; and Marion E., born April 12, 1881; 
Philip E., born December 10, 1883, and Mary 
L. , born June 10, 1887, are all at home. 

After his marriage, our subject operated his 
father's farm two years, but in 1874 purchased 
the Adam Young farm at $142.50 per acre, and 
there continued to live until his removal to Vicks- 
burg, where he owns one-half part of the old 
Shoemaker farm of 127 acres, which cost him 
$166 per acre, and was but poorly improved in 
the way of buildings. He sold his first purchase 
in 1890, but still retains the farm at Vicksburg, 
which he successfully operated for a few years, 
but now gives most of his time and attention to 
the implement business, fn 1894 he erected his 
present store building, where he also conducts the 
post office, being appointed postmaster on the 
17th of June of that year. He has never taken 
a very active part in political affairs, but always 
supports the men and measures of the Demo- 
cratic party, and has been made election in- 
spector. 

Mr. Baker and his estimable wife are active 
and prominent members of the Reformed Church, 
and he has been appointed elder of the Church 
newly organized in Vicksburg. The Sunday- 
school has also found in him an able champion, 
and he fitted up the building in Vicksburg, where 
the first Sunday-school was held. A public- 
spirited, enterprising man, he is always ready and 
willing to aid any measure for the interest or 
benefit of the community, and one time was a 
member of the Grange. 



THOMAS WILSON, formerly a leading agri- 
culturist of Kelly township, Union county, 
is now a resident of the charming little city of 
Lewisburg, where he and his family are promi- 
nently identified with the most cultured social 
circles. He is a representative of a well-known 
family, and his estimable wife belongs to the 
Geddes family, whose name has been held in 
honor in this State from an early day. 

On the paternal side the first ancestor — 
Scotch-Irish in descent — of whom there is a 
definite record, is James Wilson, who, when 
seven years old, came from Ireland with his par- 
ents, and settled in Derry township, Union coun- 



ty. He married (first) Martha Sterritt, and 
(second) Ann Sterritt, who died January 15, 
1789, his death occurring in September, 1793. 
By the second union there were nine children, 
of whom the eldest was a son, William, the 
grandfather of our subject. He was born June 
14, 1743, and died April 9. 1824. His wife, 
Elizabeth Robinson, to whom he was married 
October 24, 1773, was born in 1758, and died in 
181 5. Of their thirteen children, our subject's 
father, Samuel Wilson, was the ninth in order 
of birth. He was born April 9, 1790, and died 
January 16, 1843, and was during his lifetime a 
prosperous agriculturist of Kelly township, Union 
county, and a well-known Democrat. On De- 
cember 12, 1 8 16, he married Miss Elizabeth 
Nevius, who was born October 4, 1796, and died 
August 9, 185 1. They were both members of 
the Methodist Church, and were highly esteemed 
for their excellent qualities of character. Their 
children's names with dates of birth are as fol- 
lows: Mary, March 22, 18 17, who married 
William Frick. and died in Chester, Penn., Feb- 
ruary 25, 1889; Elizabeth, January 29. 1S19, 
died September 25, 1823; Sarah Ann, July 26, 
1821, died October 12, 1823; William. April 15, 
1825, died July 9, 1896; Lucretia, January 12, 
1827, married James L. Norton, and resides in 
Winona, Minn.; Lutetia, January 12, 1S27; 
Thomas, our subject, August 21, 1828; Samuel, 
February 28, 1 831, was a colonel in the Union 
army during the Rebellion, and is now living in 
Williamsport; Eliza, February 3, 1833, has 
never married; John M., September 27, 1834; re- 
sides in Chester, Penn.; James, October 12, 

1836, died March 25, 1S38; Nancy Maria, De- 
cember 2, 1838, resides with her sister in Minne- 
sota; George Potter, January 19, 1840, is an at- 
torney in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

For many years Thomas Wilson resided in 
Kelly township. Union county, where his birth oc- 
curred nearly seventy years ago. His wife, form- 
erly Miss Mary Elizabeth Geddes, was born July 4, 

1837. Of nine children, three are living: (1) 
James Geddes, born February 2, i860, died July 
18, 188S. (2) William F., born October 17, 
1 861, married Miss Bertha Rank, of Minnesota, 
and has four children— Glenn W.. Paul, Thomas. 
and Carlyle. (3) Harry Norton, born December 
6, 1863, died December 23, 1881. (4) George 
Matthew, born January 20, 1867, died March 6, 
1881. (5) Paul G., born November 20, 1869, 
died February 15, 1886. (6) Thomas S., born 
March 21, 1871, married Miss Maude Wheelock, 
of St. Charles, Minn., and has one son, Alonzo. 
(7) Mary Elizabeth, born March 19, 1873. hav- 
ing graduated from Bucknell Institute, is now 



904 



' OMMEMOBATIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



pursuing a post-graduate course at the University 
! Michigan. Carrie G., born November 30, 

1875, died August 30, 1S86. (9) J. Earl, born 
April 25, 1S81, died April 2, 1893. 

The Geddes family is of Scotch origin, and 
traces its descent from Paul Geddes, who was 
born between 1660-70, in Scotland, and died 
there between 1720-30. He married a widow, 
Mrs. McElroy, and, according to family history, 
had one son, James, born in 1704. If there 
were other children, there is now no record of 
them. James Geddes married Margaret Muir, a 
native of Scotland, and seems to have lived for 
a time in Ireland, their youngest son, Samuel, 
having been born there. About 1752 James 
Geddes came with his wife and three sons to 
America, and settled permanently in what is now 
Dauphin county. Penn.. where his death occurred 
at the age of sixty. His widow lived to eighty- 
four years of age, and passed away in 1783. Of 
the three children who grew to maturity, Paul, 
born in 1732, died May 25, 1814; William, born 
in 1735, died in [789; and Samuel, born in 1739, 
died in 1788. 

Samuel Geddes, the great-grandfather of Mrs. 
Wilson, left four children, whose names, with 
dates of birth and death, are here given: Sam- 
uel, Februarv 26, 1775. August 23, 1S48; James, 
August 5, 1 78 1, March 22, 1S67; William, Sep- 
tember 10, 1789, October 28, 1836; Margaret, 
June 11, 1785, May 6, 1862. James Geddes, 
Mrs. Wilson's grandfather, was married Febru- 
ary 12, 1807, to his cousin, Mary Geddes, and 
resided all his life in Lewisburg, I'enn. He was 
a man of marked character and absolute integ- 
rity, and for more than forty years he was annu- 
ally elected treasurer of a corporation of which 
he was a member, an evidence of the unlimited 
confidence of his associates. He and his wile 
were both members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and were greatly esteemed by a large circle of 
friends. They had three children: Paul, Mar- 
garet and James: 

Paul Geddes 'father of Mrs. Wilson) was born 
August 11. 1S10; he married Henrietta Fred- 
rick, February 21, [832. He accompanied < . 
eral Fremont across the Plains to California, and 
spent a number of years in that State during its 
pioneer days. His life was full of romance 
adventure, which, if accurately recorded, would 
make a volume of exciting interest, but he never 
revealed the story, and posterity has thus lost 
much valuable history. He died July 2, 1889, 
at Lewisburg, Penn., where he was born and 
where he spent the latter part of his life, enjoy- 
ing the confidence and respect of all who knew 
him. His wife, Henrietta, was born October 25, 



1812, and died September 13, 1893. They had 
four children, of whom Mrs. Wilson was the 
youngest. The others were: James F., born 
December 24, 1832, died December 12, 1S40; 
Harriet Jenkins, born April 24, 1835, died April 
7. [855; and William Cameron, born July 
1839, died July 10, 1890. 



JOSEPH D. WINTERS, a prominent mer- 
chant of New Berlin, Union county, is a fine 
type of business man, and while he had not 
the extremes of poverty in early life which some 
have had to overcome, he has worked his own 
way up from the foot of the ladder. He has 
unbounded energy and pluck, balanced by excel- 
lent judgment, and his jovial, hearty manners 
have won him a host of friends, his good humor 
seeming to possess a contagious quality which 
places all around him on pleasant terms. His 
225 pounds avoirdupois is no barrier to an inces- 
sant activity, notwithstanding the commonly ac- 
cepted theories to the contrary, and if anyone 
doubts it his personal history will prove that he 
has been no laggard in life's battle. Mr. Win- 
ter's ancestors settled in Pennsylvania at a very 
early period, and his grandfather, Daniel Win- 
ters, was born January 18, 1776, in Lancaster 
county, where he grew to manhood, learning in 
his youth the carpenter's trade. When a young 
man he was married in his native country to Miss 
Phcebe Sailer, who was born June 18, 1775. A 
few years after his marriage he moved to New 
Berlin, where he followed his trade and also at 
times acted as auctioneer and town-crier. He 
and his wife were both devout Church members, 
and were held in high esteem by all who knew 
them. He died January 5, 1837, and his wife 
on March 26, 1861, their remains being interred 
in the Union Cemetery at New Berlin. His 
mother accompanied him from the old home in 
Lancaster county, and her last days were spent 
at New Berlin. Daniel and Phcebe Winters 
reared a family of eight children, of whom our 
subject's father was the youngest; Christian 
died at Muncy, Penn.; Joseph at New Berlin; 
John in Maryland; Daniel, Jr., and Samuel in 
Centre county, Perm.; Elizabeth, widow of Henry 
Mussina, resides at Mt. Carmel, Penn.; and 
Jacob lives in New Berlin. 

The late Benjamin Sailer Winters, the father 
of our subject, was born August 15, 1S1 7, in 
New Berlin, and although his parents were poor, 
he secured education, his skill in pen- 

manship being especially worthy of note. 1 r 

r years he was engaged in teaching, but wages 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



965 



in this calling were at that time too meagre to re- 
tain men of ability, and Mr. Winters soon found a 
more promising opening in mercantile life. Dur- 
ing his boyhood he had spent some of his lei- 
sure time clerking for John M. Benfer, of New 
Berlin, and later he was employed by a merchant 
at Aaronsburg, Penn. , and by John D. Bogar 
and others of New Berlin. With this expe- 
rience he ventured into business for himself, at 
his native place as a member of the firm of Bo- 
gar & Winters, later Rathfon & Winters, and 
finally Schoch & Winters. For fifty years he 
continued this business and then, on March 27, 
1886, he retired, although in excellent health. 
An acquaintance then remarked that he had 
weighed and measured more goods than any man 
in New Berlin. He retained much of the vivac- 
ity which marked his youth, and the weight of 
years seemed to have no effect upon his mental 
faculties. He was always genial in manner and 
witty in conversation, and throughout the large 
circle of acquaintances which his extensive busi- 
ness brought him he was held in high esteem, 
his excellent habits and honest methods com- 
manding the respect of all classes, while on his 
part he was never known to desert a friend. If 
he had an enemy he never knew it, for he was 
himself incapable of holding an unforgiving at- 
titude toward anyone. He was five feet eight 
inches in height, and weighed 163 pounds, and 
wore a full beard, fourteen inches long. His 
constitution was unusually strong, and his first 
serious illness came with a stroke of paralysis on 
August 15, 1892, which resulted in his death Jan- 
uary 24, 1894. As a citizen he was always 
ready to forward any worthy movement, and if 
necessary he did not hesitate to lead one, his 
interest in local progress being shown in many 
ways. For many years he was a consistent 
member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in 
which he held various offices, and he also filled 
creditably positions of trust in civil life, serving 
as burgess, councilman and school director. His 
first vote was cast for William H. Harrison, and 
he remained a Whig until the formation of the 
Republican party, of which he became a stead- 
fast supporter. In the words of a friend, " One 
always knew where Ben Winters stood " in State 
or National issues. 

When about twenty-five years old he was 
united in marriage with Miss Susannah Schoch, 
a native of New Berlin and a member of one of 
its best families. She was born in 1827, the 
daughter of Sem and Esther (Kline) Schoch, and 
her death occurred April 30, 1891. Our subject 
was the youngest child and only son of this esti- 
mable couple. Miss Jennie E. Winters now re- 



sides in Philadelphia, and Anna E. married Jere- 
miah Maize, of New Berlin. 

Joseph D. Winters first saw the light October 
19, 1 8 59, and has always made his home at 
New Berlin. He attended the public schools 
for a time, Miss Kate Mouck being his first 
teacher, and later took a course in the Union 
Seminary (now C. P. C). On leaving school 
in the spring of 1876 he began to turn his atten- 
tion to the problem of self support to which he 
had already began to attach importance, as he 
had from the age of fourteen bought his own 
clothes from the proceeds of the sale of news- 
papers. In this business he was a pioneer in his 
town, being the first boy to sell papers on the 
street. On October 10, 1876, he entered his 
father's store as a clerk, remaining until 1886, 
when he was employed by M. L. Schoch in a 
similar capacity at a salary of $45 per month. 
This position he held until April 19, 1892, and 
on August 8 of that year he became a traveling 
salesman for the Hooven Mercantile Co., of 
New York, his task being to introduce their 
goods into Union, Perry, Centre, Snyder, Mifflin, 
and Juniata counties, where they had not been 
represented up to that time. He was taken for 
a month on trial, and so successful was he that he 
was retained at an increased salary. As business 
grew his salary was again enlarged, and he now 
enjoys a large trade and a correspondingly satis- 
factory income. On April 1, 1887, he bought a 
lot at New Berlin with an eye to erecting a resi- 
dence and store building, and in 1893 this plan 
was carried out, his present store being opened 
March 10, 1894. When he began this venture 
he inaugurated the cash system, then entirely 
new in that town, and despite predictions of fail- 
ure he has demonstrated that business may be suc- 
cessfully conducted on this basis even in the face 
of one hundred years of contrary practice. The 
fact that his large custom has been built up in 
competition with old and well established firms 
reflects great credit upon him. While still re- 
taining his position with the New York firm he is 
always to be found in his store when not " out on 
the road," and his success so far indicates that in 
due time he will be the leading merchant in his 
locality. 

Mr. Winters was first married to Miss Margar- 
et Moyer, a native of East Buffalo township, 
Union county, born April 6, i860, the daughter 
of Samuel and Margaret (Brown) Moyer. She 
passed to the unseen life April 6, 1891, and on 
March 15, 1894, he formed a second union with 
Miss Carrie M. Derr, who was born May 18, 
1870, near Paxtonville, Penn., the daughter of 
Calvin L. and Lydia (Moyer) Derr. By the first 



966 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



marriage he has one son, Wainwright M., born 
June 25, 1880, who is now a clerk in the store. 
There are two children by the second marriage, 
Deloma D., born August 25, 1S94, and Rowena 
Schoch, born March 22, 1897. Mr. Winters' 
home is a pleasant one, supplied after his own 
ideas with all modern conveniences. His family 
is well known in social life, and he is a leading 
mi mber of the Lutheran Church, serving as dea- 
con at onetime, and always taking an active part 
in the Sunday-school, of which he is at pres- 
ent the secretary. He also belongs to the I. O. 
O. F., of New Berlin. In politics he is a stanch 
Republican so far as National or State policy is 
concerned, but in borough or county elections he 
chooses tin " bi si man." 



JOHN A. BEARD, an able and successful at- 
torney of Mifflinburg, is a young man who 
has won recognition in his profession in an 
unusually brief time. He was born June 30, 
1861, in Berks county, Penn., where his family, 
which is oi German origin, has been prominent 
sini ■■ 1 r times. Henry Beard, his grand- 

father, passed the ninety years of his life there, 
he and his wife, who was a Miss Warren, a 
granddaughter of General Warren, of Bunker 
Hill fame, rearing a family of four children — 
Augustus W. . Elizabeth; Amos H., now living in 
Reading, Penn.; and Catherine. 

Augustus W. Beard, our subject's father, was 
born October 19. 1830, and also made his per- 
manent home in Berks county, engaging for 
some time in early manhood in school teaching, 
ami later in mercantile business in Philadelphia, 
Penn. For many years previous to his death in 
September 13. [876, he was identified with the 
Reformed Church, and held a place among the 
leading men of his community. His wife, 
Amanda Louise Bechtel, was born in Berks 
county, September 18, 1 S 3 7 , and died April 16, 
1889. Her father, John A. Bechtel, was a na- 
tive of Philadelphia, and resided there during the 
greater portion of his life, his death occurring at 
Newport, Penn., at the age of seventy-six. He 
married a Miss Seidel, who died when but little 
over twenty years old, leaving three children — 
Henry H., of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. Mary M. 
Gast, of Mifflinburg, Penn. ; and Mrs. Beard. Of 
the six children of Augustus and Amanda Beard 
three died in infancy. Three sons survive — 
Horace, superintendent of the Newport tannery 
at Newport, Penn.; Harry B., who superintends 
a similar establishment at New Decatur, Ala. ; 
and John A., of this sketch. 

During his boyhood, Mr. Beard received ex- 



cellent educational advantages, attending school 
for a time in Philadelphia, and from 1876 to 
[880 he pursued higher branches of study at 
Mifflinburg. He then began to read law under 
the direction of Horace P. Glover of that city, 
in December, 1882, was admitted to the Bar, and 
at once opened an office for independent prac- 
tice. In this he has been very successful, hav- 
ing acquired an extensive general practice, in 
connection with which he does special work in 
collections. 

On November 1, 1894, Mr. Beard was mar- 
ried to Miss Minerva J. Pellman, a native of 
Limestone township, Union county, born Feb- 
ruary 23, i860. They are prominent in the 
best social circles of Mifflinburg, and Mr. Heard 
is a member of the Reformed Church, and of 
the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is a Re- 
publican. 



A 



j MOS GROFF, a well-known resident of 
Yicksburg, is one of the principal land- 
holders of that locality, his possessions including 
four farms of one hundred acres each, with other 
tracts, amounting in all to about six hundred 
acres. One of his estates has especially inter- 
esting associations, being the original homestead 
of the Groff family in Union county. TheGroffs 
came from Germany at a very early day, and the 
family is now numerously represented in this 
section, but the name is commonly spelled Grove. 
Our subject is now about the only one in Union 
county who retains the old form. For several 
generations his ancestors have followed agri- 
cultural pursuits, his great-grandfather, Adam 
Groff, residing in Pennsylvania. The first of the 
family to acquire land in Union county was 
Abraham Groff, Jr., our subject's grandfather, 
who bought a tract in Buffalo township, near 
Mifflinburg, about [828, which he gave to his 
eldest son, Adam. In 1S31 Abraham Groff, Jr., 
and his wife, Nancy Graybill, came to the county 
and settled in Kelly township, where he died at 
the age of seventy-one, and his wife at sixty-one 
years of age. They had twelve children, none 
of whom are now living, three dying in infancy. 
Adam is mentioned below; Abram died it; Kelly 
township; Lavina, Mrs. John Leiser, died in 
1856 in Northumberland county; Nancy m 
married; Catherine, Mrs. William Leinbach, 
died in Northumberland county; David and John 
in Kelly township. Union county; Lucy, Mrs. 
Peter Guyer, in Buffalo township; and Martha, 
Mrs. John Leinbach, in Northumberland county. 
A lam Groff, our subject's father, was born 
December 21, 1802, in Earl township, Lanca- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



967 



county, Perm., and was married in 1828 to Miss 
Leah Miller, who was born in the same county 
October 22, 1807, the daughter of John and 
Magdalena (Groff) Miller. After his marriage 
Adam Groff located at once upon the farm near 
Mifninburg, being the first of the family to take 
up his residence in the county. He was a suc- 
cessful farmer, and though somewhat below the 
average height was capable of much hard work. 
In his business dealings he was noted for scrupu- 
lous fulfillment of obligations, and his excellent 
qualities gained him the respect of all who knew 
him. Although not especially fond of political 
office, he served one term as supervisor of Buffalo 
township, and was an unwavering supporter of 
the principles of the Republican party. He and 
his wife were both members of the Reformed 
Church. His death occurred March 6, 1878, 
and she survived him until December 23, 1893, 
when she breathed her last, the remains of both 
being interred in Dreisbach cemetery. Of their 
two children, our subject was the only one to live 
to adult age, the elder son, Graybill, dying when 
three years old. 

Mr. Groff first saw the light April 1, 1832, at 
the old homestead, and his life during boyhood 
was that of the average country boy of that day, 
farm work requiring much more time then than 
now. He attended the " Pontius school " in his 
district, and might have had better opportunities 
when he completed the course of study there, 
but he declined his parents' offer to send him 
elsewhere. Practical training in all kinds, the 
details of farm work management prepared him 
for his successful career, while by precept and 
example his father and mother impressed upon 
him the value of honesty and uprightness, and 
all the sterling qualities of character which go to 
make up good citizenship. On December 24, 
1854, he was married in Hartley township, Union 
county, to Miss Elizabeth Ruhl, who was born 
November 30, 1S31, the daughter of George 
Ruhl, a well-to-do farmer of that township, and 
his wife, Hannah Kauffman. Mr. Groff con- 
tinued to reside at the homestead until March, 
1893, when he removed to Vicksburg, his widowed 
mother accompanying him. Her death was 
followed on March 27, 1895, by that of his 
estimable wife, who was buried at Dreisbach 
church. Although Mr. Groff does not work as 
actively as of yore, he still oversees his extensive 
property. As a manager he has shown unusual 
sagacity, his fine inheritance having been increased 
largely, and while he has at times met with seri- 
ous losses he has never been overwhelmed by 
them. Asking only his dues, he concedes the 
same right to others, and many worthy move- 



ments have been assisted by him. In manner he 
is quiet and unassuming, but his conversation is 
of rare interest owing to a keen memory which 
keeps all the observations of past years at ready 
command. He is a leading member of the Re- 
formed Church, and is active in local politics, 
his advocacy of Republican doctrines being as 
constant and effective as was that of his honored 
father. He has never sought office, however, his 
business requiring his entire time and attention. 



JONATHAN SANDERS. The old homestead 
of the Sanders family in Union county is 
beautiful for situation, lying along the bank 
of Penn's creek, just below the Bridge at Cen- 
terville. It has been in the possession of some 
member of the family ever since September 26, 
1796, when Henry Sanders, Sr., the grandfather 
of the well-known citizen whose name opens this 
sketch, came from Cocalico township, Lancaster 
county, Penn., to make his home in this section. 
He was a blacksmith by trade, and prominent 
among the early settlers. His death occurred 
February 17, 1850, at the age of eighty-two 
years. His wife in her maidenhood was Eva 
Franz, and they reared a family of eight children, 
among whom were four sons, viz.: Henry, Jr., 
our subject's father; David, who removed to 
western Pennsylvania, and died there in 1878; 
John, who died in Snyder county in 1876; and 
and Jacob, who located in Sandusky, Ohio. 

Henry Sanders, Jr., was born in 1795 in Lan- 
caster county, and was a mere child when he was 
brought to the present homestead, where he grew 
to manhood, with the training common to the 
time and locality. Choosing farming as an occu- 
pation, he made his first venture on a farm be- 
longing to his father, in Hartley township, Union 
county. While there he married Miss Catherine 
Kauffman, a native of the township, and in 1826 
he removed to his father's farm near Centerville 
and made his permanent home. He was a good 
manager, and, without doing as much manual 
labor as some, he succeeded admirably, his boys 
being allowed to do the greater part of the active 
work as they grew old enough. In local affairs 
he was influential, and he occasionally held office, 
serving at one time as supervisor of what is now 
Limestone township, Union county. In 1844 he 
was elected county commissioner, the wages 
then being $1.25 per day. Politically he was 
first a Whig and later a Republican. He died 
January u, 1870, and his wife, who was a de- 
vout member of the Lutheran Church, passed 
away February 16, 1877, at the age of seventy- 
seven, the remains of both being interred in the 






COMMEMDUA 11 7R BIOGRAPHICAL UKCORD. 



cemetery at Centerville. Their children were: 
Henry K., a retired farmer residing at Center- 
ville; Jacob, a resident of New I>erlin, Penn. ; 
Joseph, a farmer who died in Mifflinburg March 
4. 1896; Jonathan, our subject; Sarah, who died 
at the age of eighteen years; Margaret, \\ id- 
Daniel Reber, of New Berlin; and Anna C, 
widow of Col. Edward Smith, of the same city. 
Our subject's birth occurred at the old home- 
stead September 23, 1836, and he received bis 
early education in a school house which stood 
upon the same estate, his first teacher being 
Miss Matilda Weirick. His instruction was con- 
fined almost exclusively to reading, writing and 
arithmetic, but the study 1 grammar was added 
during one winter term. At sixteen he left 
school to take charge of a team for hauling wood, 
coal and lime. There was plenty of work to do 
at home, and, being the youngest son, he was 
kept busily employed after the elder boys mar- 
ried and left the farm. On December 24, 1863, 
he was married in New Berlin to Miss Harriet 
Walter, who was born April 16, 1846, in the 
same township, the daughter of Abraham and 
Christiana (Eyer) Walter. She had also been 
reared to farm life with the usual educational 
privileges of the time, and has been an unfailing 
helper in all his enterprises. The young COI 
located at the homestead, Mr. Sanders working 
the farm on shares, and, after his father's death 
in 1S70, he purchased the place, paying sixty 
dollars per acre, and going 111 debt to some ex- 
tent. The estate has been greatly inipr>> 
since, the barn and residence having been re- 
modeled, and all the other buildings replaced 
with new. The same faculty for management 
for which his father was so noted is prominent 
in his work, and he ranks among the most suc- 
cessful agriculturists of the locality. In addition 
to the homestead, he owns 170 acres of farming' 
and timber land in Snyder county, and a pleas- 
ant home in New Berlin. In [88 1 he had the 
misfortune to be kicked by a horse, and he has 
never fully recovered from the injury. Since 
that time he has done no manual labor, and in 
removed to New Berlin. The attrac- 
tions of the old home, where his entire life I 
been spent, were too strong for him to be con- 
tented anywhere else, and in 1891 he returned 
to the farm, where he has remained in a happv 
and peaceful retirement. With plenty of this 
world's goods, he takes life philosophically, satis- 
fied that he has done his duty in his appoii 
sphere. His three daughters, who were edu- 
cated in New Berlin, have all married well: 1 1 1 
Emma J., is the wife of Harvey Mover, of Sny- 
der county, and has had five children — Lester. 



Torrence C, Harriet, Martha and Henry J., all of 
whom are living, except Martha. (2) Elva C. 
married Prof. G. Holzapfel, of Cleona, Penn., 
proprietor of a monthly magazine known as the 
"Pulpit', and editor of two others, "The 
Preacher's Helper" and •' The Teacher's Aid." 
They have two children, Nellie Ruth and Cora 
Grace. (3) Cora Belle married Charles O. 
Smith, a graduate of the Philadelphia College of 
Pharmacy, now residing in Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia. 

Mr. Sanders is a Republican, but has never 
• into political life, although he has at times 
held office as township auditor and inspector of 
elections. He and his wife are leading members 
of the Lutheran Church, in which he has ser 
as elder. 



DAVID REBER (deceased, whose name will 
long be remembered amofig those of the 
financial leaders of this section, was identified for 
nearly forty years with the Lewisburg National 
Bank as cashier. His unwavering devotion to 
the duties of this responsible post, together with 
his natural qualifications, gained him the un- 
bounded confidence of all whose interests were 
entrusted to his hands, while as a citizen he was 
held in the highest esteem throughout the com- 
munity. His broad sympathies included all 
phases of effort, and he was prominent in relig- 
ious and philanthropic work as a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. While he was never a 
politician, he took a keen interest in the ques- 
tions of the day, and was a stanch believer in 
the policy of the Republican party. Mr. Reber's 
family became identified with Buffalo Valley at 
an early day, and he was born at the old home- 
stead in Union county. June 19, 1817. ' His 
father, the late John Reber, followed agricult- 
ural pursuits for many years; but his last days 
were spent in retirement at Lewisburg. Of his 
sons, only one, Thomas Reber, of Lewisburg, is 
now living 

On January 7, 1840, David Reber was mar- 
ried in Kelly township, Union county, to Miss 
Margaret Musser, who was born December 11, 
181 7, and they then settled in Lewisburg, in the 
pleasant home where they spent more than half 
a century of mutual happiness. On September 
11, 1894, Mr. Reber passed from earth, his de- 
voted life companion surviving him until June 
14. [897, when she, too, was called to the life be- 
yond, at the time of her death being one of the 
oldest residents of Lewisburg. Their two sons 
are well settled in life: (1) William McClellan, 
born March 4, (842, resides in Bloomsburg, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



9(59 



Perm. He married Elizabeth R. McKinney, of 
that city, and has two children — Edith McKin- 
ney and William McKelvy. (2) John Musser, 
born September 24, 1845, is a resident of Bos- 
ton, Mass. He married Miss Ferry, and has two 
sons — Jack and William. 

Mrs. Margaret Reber was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and in former days was a 
leader in its activities. Her father, John Musser, 
was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., of 
which locality her grandfather Musser was an 
early settler. John Musser came to Union coun- 
ty and located upon a farm in Kelly township, 
where he died at the age of forty. He was a 
man of unusual enterprise and business acumen, 
and successfully conducted a distillery for some 
years. His wife, Sarah (McClellan), was born in 
Mifflin county, the daughter of the well-known 
pioneer, Hugh McClellan. She survived her 
husband forty-two years, remaining faithful to 
his memory, her death occurring when she was 
eighty years and two months old. Her children 
were: Robert (deceased); Margaret (Mrs. Reber); 
Joseph; William, a physician at Muncy, Penn.; 
John, who met a soldier's death at the battle of 
the Wilderness while serving as lieutenant- 
colonel of a Pennsylvania regiment; and James 
W., who died in California in May, 1897. 



FREDERICK REAGEL, a worthy and 
honored representative of the early pioneers of 
Central Pennsylvania, is a true type of the ener- 
getic, hardy and courageous men, who actively 
assisted in the development of Union county. He 
was born October 24, 1S21, four miles and a half 
west of Centreville, in what is now Snyder county, 
but was then a part of Union county, and is a son 
of John and Catharine (Bingaman) Reagel. The 
father, who was one of a large family, was born 
in Berks county, Penn., but when a young man 
located in Snyder county, where his marriage was 
celebrated. Learning the tanner's trade under 
Jacob Moyer in Moser's Valley, he followed that 
occupation for many years, but later turned his 
attention to farming. He lived to be about 
seventy-two years of age, and his remains were 
interred in the Hossinger Church cemetery, in 
Snyder county, and his wife, who died at the 
home of our subject in Buffalo township, Union 
county, at the age of eighty-eight, was also 
buried there. He was identified with the Demo- 
cratic party, and both held membership in the 
Reformed Church. 

Frederick Reagel was the oldest son and 
second in order of birth in the family of fourteen 
children, seven sons and seven daughters. The 



family being large, and the parents poor, the 
boys early began earning their own livelihood, and 
therefore our subject's educational advantages 
were limited to three months' attendance at a 
German school. At the age of fourteen he 
started out in life for himself, and for four years 
his wages went toward the support of the family. 
Under the direction of Samuel L. Noll, he then 
began learning the carpenter's trade, which he 
successfully followed for forty years. As a con- 
tractor he erected many of the best houses and 
barns in his locality, and he also worked at the 
cabinet maker's trade, manufacturing much of his 
own furniture. 

On December 16, 1845, in Middleburg, Snyder 
county, Mr. Reagel was united in marriage with 
Mary A. Wyle, who was born April 2, 1826, near 
Fogelsville, in Lehigh county, Penn., and is a 
daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Harman) Wyle. 
The former, who was born in Montgomery 
county, Penn., was a son of Peter Wyle. The 
birth of the mother occurred in Germany, but 
when an infant she was brought to the United 
States by her parents, John Harmon and wife. 
Jacob Wyle, a stone mason by trade, came to 
Union county, where he and his wife spent their 
remaining days, the former dying at the age of 
forty-seven and the latter at the age of seventy- 
five. In their family were thirteen children, five 
sons and eight daughters, of whom Mrs. Reagel 
is the fourth daughter and sixth child. She re- 
mained at the old home in Lehigh county until 
twelve years of age when she began earning her 
own living, and her education was also in the 
German language. 

Upon his marriage Mr. Reagel rented a small 
place in East Buffalo township, Union county, 
which was very sparsely furnished, having only the 
mere necessities. Later he rented a small farm 
in Buffalo township, of David Gleck, for two 
years, and in March, 1850, removed to his pres- 
ent place, which he rented of George Frederick 
for three years, and then purchased. For the 
twenty-seven acres he paid $65 per acre, going 
in debt for $1,450, but he has lived to see the 
place cleared of all encumbrance, and with his 
own hands he has erected every building upon 
the place, and set out every fruit tree with the 
exception of one sour cherry tree. In 1884 he 
abandoned carpentering, and has since given his 
entire time to the cultivation of his farm. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Reagel were born a family 
of eight children, as follows: Saloma H., born 
September 27, 1846, married John Curus, and 
died in Selins Grove, Penn. ; Lydia A., born July 
9, 184S, first married Jonathan Miller, and since 
his death has become the wife of John Irwin, of 



970 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPDICAL RECORD. 



Kelly township, Union county; Elizabeth, born 
July 2, 1850, died May 22. 1858; Wesley B.. 
born May 26, 1852, is a harness maker of Chi- 
cago, 111.; Mary A., born September 22, 1 s ; 4 . 
is the wife of Samuel Schnure, of Montour coun- 
ty, Penn.; Ausben \\\, born April 13, 1S56, is a 
druggist of Waverly, 111., Alice C, born March 
13. 1859, is at home; and Minerva, born May 12, 
1866, is the wife of Charles Noll, of Buffalo town- 
ship. Union county. 

Mr. Reagel is still quite active and well pre- 
served, having never been ill but once in his life, 
when in 1855 he had typhoid fever. Honest, 
industrious and persevering, he and his wife have 
secured a comfortable competence, and their 
genial, hospitable manners haw them a 

t of warm friends. Earnest, consistent Chris- 
tians, they are faithful members of the Dreisbach 
Church, in which Mr. Keagel has served as dea- 
con. On December 16, 1895, they celebrated 
their golden wedding. In his political views Mr. 
Reagel was first a Whig and later a Republican. 
and has served his fellow citizens in the capacity 
of overseer of the poor in Buffalo township. 



CHARLES A. BOGAR, a general merchant 
and substantial citizen of Mifflinburg, Union 
county, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been 
born January 25, 1 S60, at Mifflinburg. 

William Bogar, father of our subject, whose 
parents were Paul and Mary (Mahoghy) Bogar, 
was born April 24, 1S24, in Sunburv, Penn., and 
died March 25, [889. When in his teens he was 

renticed to W. 1'.. Thompson, late of Mifflin- 
burg, with whom he learned cabinet-making. 
Later, his father having died and his mother re- 
marrying, he went t « > Middleburg, Penn., where 
he clerked in the store of his stepfather. Judge 
Wittenmyer. Subsequently he went ti< Virginia 
on a prospecting tour, remaining six months, 
when he returned to Middleburg and again en- 
;ed as clerk in the store of his stepfather. 
Later he went to Centreville, Penn., and there 
was employed by his brother, Daniel, in a 
mercantile business, which he afterward bought 
and successfully condia ted for a numl 
On June 21, 1852, he was married to Miss s.tbra 
Bibighaus, daughter of Dr. John Bibighaus, and 
two children were born of this union, namely: 
John, who died at the age of four years, and 
Charles A., whose name introduces this sketch. 
The family located in Mifflinburg about the year 
1855, where William Bogar lived aln I itin- 
uously until the time of hi> death, and where his 
widow still resides with her son, Charles A. 
William Bogar was a merchant throughout his 



life. He was a prudent, industrious and eco- 
nomical man, and left to his widow and son a com- 
fortable competence. He served many years as 
overseer of the poor, and made an efficient officer. 
For some years just prior to his death, he had 
been a terrible yet patient sufferer. For his good 
traits, genial and social disposition he will ever 
be fondly remember- 

Charles A. Bogar received his education in 
the common schools, and ever since he has been 
tall enough to chin a counter, he has known no 
special business outside of the mercantile; and 
if there is any detail in this line unfamiliar to him 
it would be difficult to mention it. For the past 
quarter of a century he has sold goods at his pres- 
ent location. He was first a clerk for his father, 
l>ut two years prior to his father's death, in 1889, 
he assumed control of the business, and at that 
time became proprietor. Few indeed are the 
needs found in any store that cannot be supplied 
in this, which is well stocked in general merchan- 
dise. His specialties are boots and shoes, and 
glass and queens ware; and to the latter, includ- 
ing crockery, his second story is given exclusively. 
As a kind of side issue Mr. Bogar has established 
a successful livery business. He is a director 
and shareholder in the Farmers' Bank of Mifflin- 
burg. In 1888 he was married to Miss Annie C. 
Leaman, and two children were born to the union, 
namely: Sabra Leaman, and one that died in 
infancy. Mr. Bogar and wife are members of 
the German Reformed Church. The name of 
Charlie Bogar is a familiar one, his acquaint- 
ances are numerous and his friends many. In 
his business dealings he is gentlemanly, prompt 
and correct. 



MI>s KATIE i: BRAUCHER, a popular, 
accomplished and refined young lady re- 
siding near Millmont. in Lewis township, Union 
owns a fine farm inherited from her fa- 
ther, John Braucher, a prominent and wealthy 
agriculturist, who died July 12, [892, leaving his 
wife and three children amply provided for. Our 
subject ! her excellent education in the 

Missionary Institute, now the Susquehanna I'ni- 
inny, genial manner has gained 
iier a host of warm friends throughout the 
commun 

John Braucher, who was of German extrac- 
tion, was one of a family "t seven children, who 
in order ol birth are as follows: Elizabeth, 
Mary, Sarah, Abbie, John, David and Samuel. 
On reaching manhood he married Miss Elmira 
Garrett, daughter of Michael Garrett, who was 
of French origin, and spent his entire life in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



971 



Union county. In the Garrett family were six 
children, the others being Sarah, wife of August- 
us Gilbert, of Mifflinburg, Penn. ; Jonathan and 
Caroline, who both died in infancy; James, who 
was taken prisoner by the Confederates while 
serving in the Civil war, and died in Anderson- 
ville prison; and Franklin, who was married and 
died in Huron, Ohio, in March, 1885. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Braucher were born three 
children, namely: (1) Charles L. , born in 1864, 
in Lewis township, Union county, married Miss 
Sarah Voneida, daughter of Solomon Voneida, a 
miller residing in Laurelton, Penn., and they 
have three children — Nellie, John and Bessie. 
(2) Elmer S., also a native of Union county, 
married Miss Ina Coleman, daughter of John 
Coleman, and three children grace their union — 
Mable C, Maud B. and Ellen C. (3) Katie E. 
completes the family, whose members all hold 
membership in the Lutheran Church, and have 
the respect of all who know them. The father, 
who was one of the distinguished and leading 
citizens of Lewis township, was laid to rest in the 
Hartleton cemetery. 



JOHN E. MORGAN (deceased). In a beau- 
tiful home overlooking the city of Lewisburg 
the venerable subject of this sketch passed 
the afternoon of an honored and useful life. Born 
April 1 , 1 8 1 3, he to the last was hale and hearty, 
and gave personal attention to his extensive real- 
estate holdings, while keeping pace also with the 
current of thought upon all subjects of interest 
to cultivated minds. In this connection we may 
mention that he was a lifelong abstainer from 
tobacco, a fact which conveys its own moral. 
Mr. Morgan's ancestors were pioneers in this 
State, and his home abounded in relics of past 
generations. Among them is a Bible printed in 
the Welsh language in 1813. Another heirloom 
is a handsome mahogany arm chair, in which 
Charles Thomson, permanent secretary of the 
Colonial Congress, sat while signing many im- 
portant documents. This was given by the old 
patriot to Mrs. Margaretta Elliott, at whose 
death it came to Capt. William Morgan, our sub- 
ject's father. The old rocking chair in which 
the nine children of Capt. William Morgan were 
rocked during infancy has also descended to our 
subject, and is treasured for its associations. 

The Morgan family is of Welsh origin, and 
the first of this line to cross the Atlantic was our 
subject's grandfather, Thomas Morgan, a native 
of Radnorshire, Wales, who located before the 
Revolutionary war in Lower Merion township, 
Montgomery county, Penn. He was but nine- 



teen years old at the time, and he was married 
in this country to Miss Patience Miller, a mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends. They had the 
following children: John; Margaretta, who mar- 
ried John Elliott, and died in 1850; Reuben; 
William; and Joseph Charles. The last named, 
who died in 1880, owned several ocean vessels, 
and for many years was a captain on the high 
seas. For eight years he was in the diplomatic 
service of the United States, at Tripoli, Africa. 
He married Mary Ann Miller, and had three 
children, two of whom now reside in St. Paul, 
Minnesota. 

Capt. William Morgan, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in Montgomery county, Penn., 
near Lancaster turnpike. During the war of 
1812 he served as an officer in the militia, and 
for several months was stationed below Marcus 
Hook, in order to prevent the British from com- 
ing up the Delaware, and to guard the only pow- 
der mills in the country, those near Wilmington, 
Del., belonging to the Du Ponts. The following 
interesting record is copied from a document now 
in the possession of the family: 

Received December 16, 1814, from Capt. William Mor- 
gan, of First Company, Sixty-fifth Regiment, First Brigade, 

nd Division, Pennsylvania Militia, the following articles 
of camp equipage into the State arsenal: Ninety-seven car- 
touch boxes and belts and scabbard; seventy-five haver- 
sacks; ninety-two knapsacks; ninety-four canteens; three 
water buckets: twenty-seven camp kettles; twenty-nine 
mess-pans; two axes; twenty common tents; three wall tents, 
with Hies; fifteen sett poles; four sett wall tent poles; ninety- 
eight muskets, with bayonets. 

(Signed) William Allen, 

Assistant Brigade Inspector. 

In March, 1S05, Capt. Morgan married Miss 
Mary Evans, a member of the Friends Society, 
and a daughter of William and Mary Evans, 
whose remains now rest in Radnor churchyard, 
in Delaware county, Penn. The Captain resid- 
ed at the old homestead at Morgan's Corners, 
now generally known as Radnor Station, on the 
Pennsylvania railroad. Bryn Mawr is situated 
upon a part of his estate. After fifty-five years 
of happy wedded life he passed away on August 
28, 1859, and his wife did not long survive him, 
her death occurring January 8, 1862. Their 
children were: Thomas, born December 31, 
1805, who married Ellen Evans, and is now de- 
ceased; Mary Ann, born in March, [807; Pa- 
tience, born in 1809, died in 18 16; Joshua Evan, 
born in 181 1, died in 1S31; John Elliott, our 
subject; Margaretta Elliott, born December 15, 
181 5, died August 21, 1849; Sarah Potts, born 
June 6, 1S1S, was married October 4, 1853, to 
William M. Lowman, of Dauphin county, Penn., 
since deceased; William, born in April, 1820, 
died in February, 1852; Patience Miller, born 
February 5, 1824, was married March 22, 1864, 



072 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



to Walter L. Trewick, of Harrisburg, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The subject of our sketch was a native of 
Delaware count}', Penn., and was reared upon 
his father's farm, attending the local schools, 
which were conducted on the old fashioned sub- 
scription plan. On December 22. [861, he mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Rodenbaugh. a native of 
Montgomery county, Penn., and settled upon the 
old homestead for a time. In 1S65 he went to 
Chillisquaque township, Northumberland Co., 
Penn. , and after eight years there moved to Lewis- 
burg. He resided in the city about five years; but 
in [878 bought a fine farm in Kelly township, and 
spent twelve years in agricultural pursuits, retir- 
ing about seven years ago to his last earthly 
home. He has always had a keen interest in 
public questions, and was a believer in the doc- 
trines of the Republican party. In religion he 
followed the faith of his Quaker ancestry, but 
attended the Christian Church at Lewisburg. 
On January 7, 1898, he was taken to his final 
reward; and his remains were interred on Jan- 
uary 11, in the beautiful cemetery at Lewisburg. 

Mrs. Morgan is a member of the Christian 
Church, and has always been active in good 
works. She is a daughter of Elder Jacob Roden- 
baugh, and a granddaughter of Isaac Rodenbaugh, 
a native of Berks county, Penn., born October 
23, 1772, who married Margaret Stellwagon, born 
in Delaware county, Penn., May 19, 1772, and 
settled at Germantown, Penn. The Stellwagon 
family held a prominent position socially, and 
one of the daughters married Edwin M. Lewis, 
of Philadelphia. Elder Jacob Rodenbaugh was 
born February 12, 1S12, in Montgomery county, 
Penn., and for more than fifty years was actively 
engaged in the ministry in the Christian Church, 
having charge of the congregation at Newport, 
Gulf Mills and Lewisburg, Penn., remaining at the 
last named place twelve years, and in Hunterdon 
county, N. J., where he spent eight years. While 
residing in Union county he served nine years as 
school director in Kelly township, using his influ- 
ence in the cause of progress, and securing the 
erection of several handsome school buildings. 

On January 7, 1836, Elder Rodenbaugh mar- 
ried Susan J. Wagner, born July 23, 180S, and 
had the following children: Catherine Wagner, 
born November 9, 1S36, now Mrs. Morgan; 
Margaret R., born February 1, 1838, who mar- 
ried Sylvanus G. Bennett, of Lewisburg, and has 
three living children; Annie Pechin, l><>rn August 
5, [839, who married George W. Slifer, of Win- 
field, Penn., and has four children; John Wag- 
ner, born July 1, 1841, died November 26, 1888, 
married Elizabeth Amnion, and has two children; 



Mary Jane, born May 4. 1843, who married Ed- 
win W. Rawn, now deceased, and now resides 
in Lewisburg, Penn.. with one daughter. Mary; 
Elizabeth Hawk, born March 22. 1S45, who mar- 
ried Dr. William E. Cornog, of Sergeantsville, 
N. J., and has one son, Jacob R. ; and Isaac 
Newton, born October 16, 1846, died November 
30, 1847. 

Mrs. Morgan's mother was a daughter of John 
and Catherine (Jones Wagner, "f Lower Merion 
township, Montgomery Co., Penn. She was one 
of a large family of children: Charles, the eld- 
est; John, who married Sarah Johnson, both now 
deceased; William, who married Abigail Reese, 
deceased; George, deceased, who married Sarah 
Ann Moyer.of Roxboro, now also deceased; Jacob, 
deceased; Ann, who married Edward Pechin, of 
Radnor, Delaware Co., and both are now de- 
ceased; Susan J., Mrs Rodenbaugh; Mary Jane, 
who married Robert Hunter, now deceased, and 
was the first American lady to go to Tasmania, 
where they settled in 1840, their voyage occupy- 
ing six months; and Elizabeth became Mrs. God- 
frey Hawk, of Sussex county, N. J., and is now 
deceased. 



WILLIAM I). YOUNG, one of the progress- 
ive citizens and substantial farmers of 
Union county, was born in Buffalo township. 
November 24, 1845, a son of Adam and Eliza- 
beth Young. His father was born on the same 
farm February 13, 1808, and was a son of 
Jacob Young, a pioneer of Union county, who was 
numbered among the tax-payers of Buffalo town- 
ship as early as 1799. He was born in 1 7 7 5 . 
and died June 7, 1857, at the age of eighty-two. 
He married a Miss Bower, and their son Adam 
was their only child who reached adult age. 
Jacob Young was a well-known citizen, promi- 
nent and progressive, and was the owner of the 
first buggy ever brought to Buffalo township. 
At his death he left considerable property. 

A. lam Young, father of our subject, was 
reared on the home farm and received but limited 
school privileges. He married a Miss Rockey, 
and their children were Jacob, who died in Dallas 
county, Iowa; George W., of Mifrlinburg, Penn., 
John, of Three Risers, Mich. ; Maria, who became 
the wife of Hugh Reish, and died at their home 
in Indiana; Sarah, wife of George Catherman; 
and Margaret, who, after her sister's death, also 
married Mr. Catherman. After the death of 
his first wife, Adam Young wedded Elizabeth 
Swartzlander, a native of Buffalo township. 
Their children are James, of Darke county, Ohio; 
William D. ; Reuben, of White Deer township. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



978 



Union county; Charles, a physician of Lynch- 
burg, Va. ; Harvey, who follows farming near 
Bellevue, Ohio; Oliver, an agriculturist of Three 
Rivers, Mich.; Oscar, a farmer of South Dakota; 
Ellen, wife of Aaron Nogel, of Buffalo Roads; 
Leannah, wife of Oscar Fury, of Constantine, 
Mich. ; Harriet, wife of William Kersteter, of 
Buffalo township; Mary, wife of Milton Hen- 
dricks, of Buffalo Roads; and Susanna, wife of 
Miles Miller, of Buffalo township, Union county. 
The mother of this family died in August, 1866, 
and was buried in Dreisbach cemetery. Adam 
Young was again married, June 13, 1867, his 
third wife being Sarah Spigelmeyer, who was 
born in Buffalo township, April 11, 1843, a 
daughter of Abram and Mary (Young) Spigel- 
meyer. They had three children — Martin, who 
died at the age of eighteen years; Ida M. and 
Nora M., who are living with their mother. The 
father died October 8, 1872, and was buried in 
Dreisbach cemetery. He was a member of the 
Lutheran Church, and in politics was a stanch 
Democrat. In business he was very energetic, 
persevering and successful, and at his death left 
an estate valued at $60,000. In manner he was 
very genial, and his hearty laugh could be heard 
for a long distance. His farm, which was one 
of the neatest and best in the county, was sold 
to Addison Baker. Mrs. Young bought her 
mother's farm, and now resides there. 

William D. Young began his education in the 
school at Buffalo Cross Roads, Mr. Cook then 
acting as the teacher. He assisted in the work 
of the farm until the fall of 1866 when he went 
to Seneca county, Ohio, where he worked as a 
farm hand for $11 per month, and in the spring 
of 1867 removed to Darke county, where he was 
employed as a farm hand at $20 per month. In 
the spring of 1868 he went to Donovan county, 
Kans. , where he worked through the summer, but 
in the fall of that year returned to Pennsylvania. 
In the spring of 1S69 he again went to Darke 
county, Ohio, where he spent the summer at 
farm work, receiving $25 per month, and in the 
autumn he returned to his Pennsylvania home. 

On December 11, 1870, Mr. Young was mar- 
ried in Smoketown, Penn., to Miss Sarah J. 
Wolfe, who was born in Northumberland county, 
Penn., August 11, 1848, a daughter of George 
and Catharine (Reamer) Wolfe. They now have 
five children: Carrie M. , Minnie M. , George A., 
Charles E. and William Paul, all at home, ex- 
cept Carrie M., who is the wife of John Miller, of 
Lochiel, East Buffalo township. For a year 
after his marriage Mr. Young operated a rented 
farm in Kelly township, and then lived upon a 
rented farm in Anthony township, Montour coun- 



ty Penn., four years. The succeeding year was 
spent in Buffalo township, Union county, 
and for three years he operated the Henley 
farm near Vicksburg. After one year spent in 
Mifflinburg he remained for three years on the 
Frederick farm in Buffalo township, and in 1S83 
purchased the Andrew Hauck farm in Buffalo 
township, where he has made his home since the 
spring of 1884. He has placed his land under a 
high state of cultivation, and his place is neat 
and thrifty in appearance. At local elections he 
is independent in politics, but when officers for 
the State and Nation are to be selected he votes 
with the Democracy. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Lutheran Church, and he has 
served as deacon and elder. His upright life 
commends him to the confidence and goodwill 
of all, and he is one of the best citizens of Buf- 
falo township. 



D,AVID C. JOHNSON is entitled to distinc- 
__" tion as one of the most progressive and en- 
terprising men of Union county, and has since 
1 88 1 been identified with the mercantile interests 
of Weikert. Upon the commercial activity of a 
community depends its prosperity, and the men 
who are now recognized as the leading citizens 
are those who are at the head of the most im- 
portant business enterprises. He is a man of 
broad capabilities, who carries forward to suc- 
cessful completion whatever he undertakes. Be- 
sides his property in Weikert he also owns 600 
acres of valuable land, a part of which is covered 
with timber. 

Mr. Johnson was born June 10, 1856, near 
Kaler, in Hartley township, Union county, a son 
of William and Catharine (Sweitzer) Johnson. 
The father, who is still living at the advanced 
age of ninety-seven years, is a man of broad 
learning, and is especially interested in astron- 
omy. In the family were seven children, namely: 
William, a farmer of Cherry Run, Hartley town- 
ship; Anna, who married S. C. Wilt, of Hartle- 
ton, Penn., and died in 1876, leaving a husband 
and two children; Alanson, an agriculturist re- 
siding near Weikert, in Union county; Aramudee, 
wife of David Benny, of Cherry Run; David C, 
of this sketch; Mary, who died at the age of three 
years, and Gertrude, who died at the age of 
thirteen. 

After attending the common schools for some 
time, David C. Johnson completed his education 
in Union Seminary, of New Berlin, Penn., now 
known as the Central Pennsylvania College. He 
then successfully engaged in teaching school for 
seven years. In 1880 he married Miss Hannah, 



974 



( OMMBMORA VIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



daughter of William Weikel, of Glen Iron, Union 
county, and to them were born six children, 
whose names and dates of birth are as follows: 
Maud, May 20, 1882; Kay, March 24. 1884; 
Grace, April 14, [888; Harold, February 15, 
1 89 1 ; Ernest, December [3, 1892; and Arthur, 
March 19, 1895. The wife and mother, who 
was born February 25, 1863, departed this life 
April iS, KS95, and was laid to to rest at Hy- 
ronimus Church, in Union county. In his po- 
litical affiliations. Mr. Johnson is a stalwart Re- 
publican, and religiously he is a faithful member 
of the Lutheran Church. He is an enterprising 
business man, of pleasing address and genial 
manners, and is a citizen whose life is in ever) 
way above reproach. Since [893 he has been a 
Master Mason, having taken the first three de- 
grees of that ancient and honorable order, whose 
precepts he closely follows 111 every-day life. 



MRS. MARY A. ( OOK, of Laurelton, is a 
lady who is well known throughout this 
section of Union county, and is highly respei 1 
\ native of the Pine Tree St came to 

Pennsylvania, in 1854, with her parents, Alva 
and Sarah (Purrington) Marston, who located in 
Union county, where the father followed lumber- 
ing throughout his active business life. He was 
a son of Shem Marston, who was also born in 
Maine, of English ancestry. The father of Mrs. 
Cook departed this life Septi mber i<>, 1870, and 
the mother's death occurred in 1878, the remains 
of both bein d in the Dunkard church- 

I in Hartley township, Union county. In 
the Marston family were six children, as follow--: 
James, now a farmer of Kansas, is married and 
li • a family; Alvah, Jr., also married, and re- 
sides in Kansas; Vesta became the wife of Brown 
McKnit, of Milroy, Penn., and died in 1S93, 
ving a family; Charles is married, and follows 
agricultural pursuits in Kansas; Addie makes her 
home in Mifflin county, Penn.; and Mary A. 1 
pletes the family. 

Shortly after her arrival in Union county, 
Miss Mary A. Marston became acquainted with 
W. H. Cook, a prominent young farmer and a 
member of a highly respected family of this sec- 
tion, and in [858 they were joined in wedlock. 
They made their home in Union county, where 
Mr. Cook successfully engaged in farming until 
called to the unseen world in May. 1889, his re- 
mains being interred in Lincoln cemetery, Hart- 
lex- township. As a citizen he was honorable, 
prompt and true to every engagement; as a man 
he held the honor and esteem of all classes of 
people, and as a husband and father he was a 



model worthy of all imitation; unassuming in his 
manner, sincere in his friendship, steadfast and 
unswerving in his loyalty to the ri-ht. His 
memory will be a sacred inheritance to his chil- 

n; it will be cherished by a multitude of 

i Is. His father, Andrew Cook, was a native 
of Ireland, but when only two years old was 
brought to the United States by his parents. 

Three children were born to W. H. and Mary 
A Cook, namely: (1) Charles M., who lives on 
the old homestead in Hartley township. Union 

nty, married Miss Clara Reed, daughter of 
Reed, a bricklayer residing in Lewisburg, 
Penn. They had two children — William, born 
December 13, 18S6; and G. Donald, born An 
19. 1890. (2) Willis P. is married, and i 

■sperous farmer of Washington county, Kans. . 
in which State he has male his home since 
seventeen years of age. (3) Albert died in in- 
fancy. Mrs. Cook, who is a conscientious mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church, is much beloved by 
■ ill who know her for her gentle ways and pleas- 
ant manner. 



JACOB BAKER, a venerable and highly re- 
spected citizen of Alvira, Union county, is 
now spending the evening of his life in re- 
tirement after years of well-directed effort. He 
is the oldest resident of his township, and his 
eighty-five years have spanned a period of develop- 

nt in this section which can scarcely be 
realized by this generation. He is of good old 
Berks county stock. Joseph Baker, the father of 
our subject, was born there in 1795, and became 
,1 wood chopper and charcoal burner by occupa- 
tion. He married (first) Miss Mollie Dry, v 
died in [812 from typhoid fever. Of her (our 
children. Polly, Jacob, Benjamin and Charles, 
all except our subject died within a week of her 
death from the same disease. The father re- 
moved later to Schuylkill county, Penn., where 
he died in 1 <-d seventy-five years His 

second wife, Elizabeth Musselman, died there at 
an advanced age. Seven children were born of 
this union, viz.: Daniel, Anna, Washingl 
Joseph, Frank, Harry and Beckie; none of them 
are now living. 

Mr. Baker was born December 9, 1812, in 
Roscommon township. Perks county, and at the 
of fourteen was placed on a farm to work, 
his wages going to the support of the family. In 
fact Mr. Baker never knew what his wages w 
for the four years which he spent in this work 
At eighteen he began an apprenticeship to the 
blacksmith's trade 111 Berks county, receivi 
only his board and clothes for three and one half 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



975 



years. He was a clever youth, and, as a lack of 
opportunity (or learning had been a source of 
keen regret to him, he made arrangements with 
his employer, on completing his term as appren- 
tice, to work mornings and evenings for his board 
in order to attend school. After a few months 
his employer offered him five dollars a month as 
a regular hand, but Mr. Baker declined, preferring 
to continue his studies. Later he accepted an 
offer of $5.50 per month, and his schooling ended. 
Not long afterward he rented his employer's shop 
for one hundred dollars per year, agreeing also 
to do all the blacksmithing needed on the latter's 
farm, and at the end of the year the rent was 
raised to $110 per year with the work as before, 
and a son of the employer was to be hired at six 
dollars per month. These conditions Mr. Baker 
accepted, but after one year he gave up the shop 
and spent two years working at different places 
for sixty-two cents a day. In October, 1837, he 
was married in Berks county to Miss Dinah 
Rodarmel, and about a year later he removed to 
what is now Gregg township, Union county, then 
Washington township, Lycoming county, being 
accompanied by his wife and little daughter, 
Maria, and his wife's parents. He built a black- 
smith shop and carried on his business two years, 
and then purchased a lot at Alvira, where he 
erected another shop and continued his work un- 
til 1872. Concluding to try agricultural work, he 
bought a farm in the same township, and re- 
mained ten years, when he retired from active 
business. He has always been influential in local 
affairs, his sound judgment and integrity winning 
the confidence of his associates, and he has held 
various positions of responsibility, including the 
offices of collector and supervisor of his town- 
ship. His interest in political questions is keen, 
and in early life he supported the Whig party, of 
which his father was also a member, but since 
the organization of the Republican party he has 
adhered to that. He belongs to the United 
Evangelical Church, and for some time served as 
steward. 

Seven children have blessed his home: Maria 
married Rev. Samuel Davis, of Columbia Co., 
Penn., and has four children and five grandchil- 
dren. Miss Sophia, who resides with her father, 
is universally esteemed for her womanly character 
and fine mental gifts. Catherine married Francis 
Fagley, a carpenter in Lycoming county, and has 
eight children and one grandchild. Joel, a farmer 
in Lycoming county, married Miss Sarah Yoder 
of New Berlin, and has nine children. Henry, a 
blacksmith and dealer in implements at Alvira, 
married Miss Tena Bailey, of Elmsport, Penn., 
and has two children. Ella, who married Her- 



man Kennedy, a carpenter at Williamsport, 
Penn., has no children. Charlotte, wife of Jacob 
Clark, a merchant at Alvira, has one child. 

On July 11, 1894, the home of our subject 
was darkened by the death of the beloved wife 
and mother, who passed away at the age of 
seventy-nine years, two months and twenty days. 
She was born and reared in Berks county, as were 
her parents, Joseph and Christina Culler Rodar- 
mel, who spent their last years in Union county 
upon a farm. They had the following children: 
Jacob; Isaac; Paul, who died in childhood; Jo- 
seph; Marcus; Barbara, who married Christian 
Noll; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Snyder; Esther, 
who married (first) Elijah Hess, and (second) Jo- 
seph Dewalt; Dinah, Mrs. Baker; Susannah, wife 
of Isaac Ulrich; Hannah, wife of Charles Heffner; 
and Catherine, who married William Muffett. 
Of this large family the only survivors are Mar- 
cus, now residing at Bethlehem, Penn., and 
Esther Dewalt, of Alvira, Pennsylvania. 



GEORGE HAUCK SHECKLER, one of the 
best known and most popular men of West 
Buffalo township, Union county, is a farmer as 
far as owning a good farm is concerned, but his 
occupation is that of a lecturer, in which he has 
evinced rare ability. He also usesastereopticon 
to illustrate the subjects of his discourse. Mr. 
Sheckler was born September 21, 185 1, in the 
house where he now resides, it being the old an- 
cestral home of the Haucks, his maternal an- 
cestors. He was the only child of Conrad and 
Mary A. (Hauck) Sheckler, honored and valued 
citizens of Union county. She was the eldest 
child and only daughter of George and Mary 
(Myersj Hauck, who died in Union county, the 
latter at the advanced age of ninety years, and 
both were laid to rest in the Mifflinburg cemetery. 
By trade the grandfather was a shoemaker. 

Conrad Sheckler, the father of our subject, 
took a prominent and active part in public 
affairs. Being elected justice of the peace in 
1854, he acceptably filled that office for forty 
years, or until 1894, when succeeded by his son, 
who still holds the office to the satisfaction of all 
concerned. The latter attended the public 
schools of Union county, but also received valu- 
able instruction from his father, who in early life 
followed the teacher's profession. He also 
learned surveying with his father, who for nearly 
half a century followed that occupation in Union 
county. In 1S58 Conrad Sheckler planted the 
first vineyard in West Buffalo township, and two 
years previous had also set out a fine peach 
orchard. He was a progressive, enterprising 



970 



( •>MMEM0RAT1VE BIOORAFUl'AL RECORD. 



man, and was widely and favorably known. On 
July 7, 1896, he departed this life at the age of 
seventy-three years, surviving his wife about two 
years, her death occurring October 28. 1894, 
when she had reached the age of seventy. For 
three terms, from 1873 until 1875, George H. 
Sheckler successfully engaged in teaching, but at 
the end of that time entered the lecture field, and 
has since devoted most of his energies to that call- 
ing. In the fall of 1S80 he married Miss Hannah 
C. Miller, the accomplished and beautiful daughter 

j isiah Miller, a teacher of Northumberland 
county. Penn., who died in the spring of 1S78, 
in Milton, where his remains were interred. Her 
mother's death occurred in [884, and she was 
buried at Mifflinburg. Six children grace the 
union of our subject and his estimable wife, 
whose names and dates of birth are as follows: 
Linn, September 26, 1881; Harold, August 31, 

5; Lulu, July 8, 1886; Mary A.. March 3, 
1889; Alvin, August 16, 1891, and Bruce, No- 
vember 26, 1893. They have been called upon 
to mourn the loss of one child — Lulu, who died 
November 2, 18S7. 

In his political affiliations, Mr. Sheckler is a 
stalwart Republican, and in religious views is a 
Unitarian. Although he cares nothing for official 
distinction, he has served six years as school di- 
rector, and in that capacity did much to advance 
the educational interests of his community. Pro- 

-sive and fully abreast with the times in every 
particular, he and his wife occupy an enviable 
position in social circles, and their attractive 
home is ever open for the reception of their 
many friends. 



GA. STAHL. The charming little citj 
Lewisbnrg can boast of many attractions, 
not the least being a cultured society which re- 
ceives constant accessions of people whose wealth 
and leisure permit them to enjoy the refinements 

life. Among the prosperous agriculturists, 
who on retiring from active business, have chosen 
that city as their place of residence, is the sub- 
ject of this sketch, who settled there in iS 
and has become one of the leading workers in 
municipal affairs. 

Mr. Stahl was born in Schuylkill county, 
Penn., January 10, 1S31, but despite his years 
he sets old age at defiance by his vigorous men- 
tality. His family has been identified with Penn- 
sylvania since Colonial times, and his grandfather, 

m Stahl, resided for some time near Reading, 
removing afterward to a farm in the Schuylkill 
Valley, where he was engaged in agriculture and 
in rafting lumber for many years. He died be- 



fore our subject was old enough to remember 
him, and left a family of six children: John, 
who died in Schuylkill county unmarried; Jacob, 
who settled in Kelly township, Union county, 
in 1S29, and spent his remaining years there; 
Peter (deceased); Adam, our subject's father; 
Elizabeth, who married John Kenn, and moved 
to Wayne county, Ohio; and Magdalena, who 
married a Mr. Miller. 

Adam Stahl, the father of our subject, was 
born near Reading, June 9, 1786, but was reared 
in the Schuylkill Valley, and was married there to 
Miss Catherine Hafer, a native of Buffalo Val- 
ley. He located in Kelly township, Union coun- 
ty, in 1 S3 1. and remained there, following agri- 
cultural pursuits, and leaving at his death two 
fine farms and some money. He was a man of 
much intelligence, a Whig politically, and a 
leading member of the Lutheran Church. He 
died October 21, 1850, and his wife, who was 
seven years younger than he, survived him about 
twelve years. The remains of both were laid 
to rest at Mazeppa in the Union cemetery. They 
had eleven children, all of whom lived to adult 
age and married, and three are still living: Eliza- 
beth married Jacob T. Stahl, of White Deer 
township, Union county, both now deceased; 
John and Daniel died in Kelly township; William 
died near Monroe, Mich. ; Peter resides near 
Spring Hill, Kans. ; Jacob died in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county; G. A. is mentioned more 
fully below; Rebecca married Joseph Stahl, and 
both are living in Kansas; Michael died in Kelly 
township, Union county; Jeremiah died in the 
same county, in East Buffalo township; and Cath- 
erine and her husband, Joseph Kahl, resided in 
Kansas, but both are now deceased. 

G. A. Stahl was but three months old when 
his parents moved to Union county, and he was 
reared at the Kelly township homestead, attend- 
ing the schools of the neighborhood while assist- 
ing in the farm work according to his strength. 
In early manhood he engaged in general farming, 
and continued until his retirement in 1888 when 
he delegated to other hands the active work of his 
his estate, which contains 1 53 acres of choice land. 
He has held an important place in the political 
movementsof his county, and ashasbeen intimated 
:s prominent in the municipal government in his 
new heme where he was elected in 1896 to the 
city council. He is a stanch Republican, and in 
early years was a Whig. In religious faith he is 
a Lutheran, and his sympathy and support can 
always be relied upon in any good cause. 

Mr Stahl was married in 1855 to his first 
wife. Miss Mary Ann Leiser, who was born in 
Kelly township. Union county, December 13, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



977 



1 83 1, and passed from earth May 21, 1872. 
His present wife was formerly Miss Mary Gember- 
ling. By the first union there were six children: 
(1) Calvin, who wedded Miss Sarah Lindenmuth, 
manages the homestead; (2) Anna married Frank 
Kine, and has two children — Ida and George; 
(3) Franklin, who is not married, is a farmer in 
Northumberland county, and also conducts a re- 
tail milk business; (4) Harry, a grocer in Lewis- 
burg, married Miss Alma Young; (5) Lizzie married 
Grant Nagel, a dairyman, who owns a farm in 
Kelly township; (6) Mary, who married William 
Gast, a farmer. There are two children by the 
second marriage, Jane and William, both at home. 



JESSE CORNELIUS, a wealthy retired citi- 
zen of Lewisburg, is a man who, in the arena 
of business, has won a handsome fortune, 
and has at the same time, established a reputa- 
tion for strict integrity. Born in West Buffalo 
township, Union county, May 20, 181 8, he is now 
past three-score years and ten, but, happily, he 
still enjoys the good things of life which past 
years of arduous labor have provided. Coming 
of pioneer ancestry, his accounts of early days in 
this State contain much interesting history. His 
paternal grandfather, John Cornelius, who was 
born in this State, was a soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary army, and took part in the battle of 
Germantown under Gen. Chamberlain. He aft- 
erward settled in Union county, as did also his 
son James, our subject's father, who was born 
in Chester county, Penn., and died in Lewisburg 
at the age of ninety-one. Our subject's mother, 
whose maiden name was Sarah Hutchinson, died 
at sixty-four. Her father, Thomas Hutchinson, 
located in Colonial times in what is now Union 
county, and was in his day the heaviest tax- 
payer in this section. Just at the time that the 
old Colonial currency became outlawed he had 
bought eight hundred acres of land in Union 
county, but learning that the money had become 
worthless, before he paid it out he returned the 
deeds and took back the money. A few days 
later his wife paid four hundred dollars of this 
same money for a copper kettle, and a like 
amount for a cow. Both the Cornelius and the 
Hutchinson families were of Scotch and Irish 
blood, and on first coming to this country settled 
in what was known as the Scotch settlement in 
eastern Pennsylvania. To James and Sarah Cor-' 
nelius thirteen children were born, as follows: 
James, Margaret, Thomas, John, William, Jane, 
Jesse, Andrew, Mary, Jackson, Lucinda and 
Julia (twins) and Sarah. 

Mr. Cornelius was reared in Union county, at- 

62* 



tending the local schools of his time. As tin- 
other children came to maturity they left the pa- 
ternal roof for homes of their own, but he re- 
mained with the old folks to care for them 
through their declining years. Although he sub- 
sequently started in life with no capital, he has 
the satisfaction of knowing that he has fulfilled 
to his utmost ability the Biblical injunction, 
" Honor thy father and thy mother," watchfully 
guarding them while going down the western 
slope of life. As he is now in his turn experienc- 
ing the languor incident to failing physical pow- 
ers, he can the more heartily rejoice in the 
thought of that early filial duty so faithfully dis- 
charged. At the time of his marriage, in 1848, 
to Miss Mary Hess, Mr. Cornelius had nothing 
except his own abilities to rely upon. He en- 
gaged in farming, and in the course of a few years 
established an extended reputation as a fruit- 
grower. As the city grew and modern improve- 
ments and buildings demanded constant supplies, 
he began contracting to haul material, and built 
up a business which soon required a force of 
helpers. He continued many years, and in his 
dual capacity as workman and employer accu- 
mulated a handsome competence, being to-day 
known as one of the substantial men of his city. 
The tract of land which he once farmed is now 
covered by suburban homes, and he owns a num- 
ber of fine residences which he rents. His gen- 
erosity has led him at times into losses through 
becoming surety for a friend, but fortunately they 
have not made serious inroads upon his income. 
He has never been sued for a debt of his own 
making, and is regarded as the soul of honor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius are now Hearing their 
golden wedding day. The latter was born Au- 
gust 15, 1827, in Muncy, Lycoming Co., Penn. 
Of their children, three grew to adult age: (1) 
Emory, who resides in Lewisburg, married Miss 
Ida Hate, and has one son, Leon. (2) Miss 
Florence is at home. (3) Sallie married D. P. 
Higgins, treasurer of Union county, and has two 
children — Jessie C. and Mary. As a citizen Mr. 
Cornelius has always held a prominent place, his 
sound judgment and high character giving him 
great influence. His first Presidential vote was 
cast for William Henry Harrison, and he has al- 
ways supported either the Whig or the Repub- 
lican policy in national affairs. 



S\AMUEL CROSSGROVE, who owns and 
_J operates 145 acres of good land in Limestone 
township, Union county, was born in this local- 
it}-, July 18, 1840, and was a son of James and 
Mary (Ulch) Crossgrove. Hisgrandfather, Sam- 



978 



COMMBMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



uel Crossgrove, Sr., was bom a mile and a half 
from Dublin, Ireland, about 1773, and was ason 
of a weaver who lived and died in that country. 
He had brothers who came to the United States, 
I > 1 1 1 little is known of them. them, Will- 

iam, lived in New York, and died while visiting 
the In' ither in Union county. 

Samuel Crossgrove, Sr.. learned the weaver's 

trade in Ireland, and when less than twenty 

years ol age came to the United States, the ocean 
covering three months. After working 
at various plai es he came to Uni I \ about 

o, and was married in Limestone township, 
to Catherine, daughter of William Fisher, who 
was a native of Ireland. M. ive was 

born in Limestone township, about [783. At 
their marriage Mi Cro purchased fifty 

id of his father-in-law, who had se- 
ed thi ime "li a soldier's warrant given him 
for his services in the Revolution. He erected 
thereon a set of buildings, and d. 1 a farm 

cm which he made his home until his death in 
1861, when he was laid by the side of his wife, 
who had died in 1855, and was buried in Lewis 
cemeterj in Limestone township They w 
both members of the Pi rian Church, and 

m politics he was a Democrat. 

The following is the record of their family: 
James, burn March;. [804, was a farmer and 
1 irpenter; Margaret, born December iS. 1S05, 
married Philip Voneida, and dud in Nippen 
Valley, Lycoming county, May 20, 1868; Susan, 
born March 24, 1808, died in Nippenose Valley, 
Novembei 30, 1867; Jacob, born August 15, 
1810, was married in Ohio to Catherine Spang- 
ler, and died in Hob, thai State, May 

11, [868; William, boi n Nov . 1812, 

rried Susan I Ich, of Snyder county, Penn., 
•\id carpentering in Union and Sip. 
counties, and afterward carried on (arming in 
Fulton county, Ind., until his death; Samuel, 
born April 2, [815, married Anna Spangler in 
Holmes county, Ohio, and died there at the 
of thirty-four; John, born December 30, 1S17. 
was a farmer and school teacher of Union coun- 
ty, who served there as county sheriff, but spent 
his last years in Montour county, Penn.; he mar- 
ried Anna Shroyer; Catherine, born May 16, 
1820, married Simon Hurry; Nancy, born Ma) 
19, 1 823, died at tl I >avid 

K., born September [9, [827, was formerly a 
fanner and school teacher, and now lives in 
Limestone township, Union county. 

James ( e, fathei 1 subject, was 

bom in lame tone township, March 7, 1804, w is 
reared on a farm, educated in the subscription 
S( hools, and learned the carpenter.- trade under 



Mr. Lashel, of New Berlin. He started in life 
in limited circumstances, and often walked from 
Limestone to Bellefonte, where he worked at 
carpentering, except during the harvest sea 

when he was employed on different (arms. At 
length he was enabled to purchase a small farm, 

11 which he would work in the early spi 
bit.. ic the carpenter season opened. He was 
married in 1 839 to Miss Ulch, who was born m 
Snyder county, September 21, iSi<i. Her fa- 
Ulch, a shoemaker by trade, -pent 
his last days in Indiana, and died at an advanced 
|ames Crossgrove was a very prominent 
citizen, and such was his fairness and honesty in 
all things that he was frequently called upon to 
settle differences between his neighbors, who also 
entrusted him with their moneyed interests. In 
politics he was a Democrat, and was honored 
with a number of township and county offii 
He belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and 
long served as Sunday-school superintendent, 
lb- was also a lieutenant and captain for many 
years in the home military companies. His first 
wife died Oi . [845. leaving two children 

-Samuel and Catherine. The latter, bom Feb- 
ruary -'7, 1843, ' s tm ' w 'f c °f George E. Seebold, 
ol Limestone township. Union county, lor Ins 
second wife James Crossgrove chose Elizabeth 
Derr, who was born January 2, [823, and their 
children were; Aai n 1 irpenter and painter, 
who was born August 12, [848, and lives in 
Middleburg, Penn.; Franklin 1'., a farmer of the 

e township, born October 10, [852; Adda, 
born Dei i.|, 1854, widow of fohn Daub- 

in, -I Limestone township; Mary, born 1 
tober 21, 1856, wife of M. (.. Maurer, of Lime- 
stone township; Alice, born October 2<\ 1 
wife of Newton Maize, of Northumberland coun- 
ty, Penn.; and David B., of Limestone township, 
born April [8, 1862. The father of this family 
died February 27, 1876, the mother on October 
28, 1 

Samuel Crossgrove attended Turkey Run 
school, and as a farmer boy aided in the lal 
of the fields until October 14, [86l, when he en- 
listed in Company K, 5 1 st 1'. V. I., under Capt. 
George 1'. Carmans. From Harrishiirg they want 
to Annapolis, Md., and after a lew weeks p 

ded by transports to Roanoke Island, which 
they captured, this being their first engagemi 
Mr. 1 ithhisi ompany until taken 

ill. After el< ven we: I - ;pi nl in the hospital at 
Baltimore hi iment at Petersburg, 

ami was in active service until July 27, 181 
with the exception of a thirty-days' furlough, 
granted him at the time of his re-enlistment. 

The war having ended Mr. Crossgrove re- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



979 



turned to home and farm life. He was married 
March 7, 1867, to Mrs. Mary Mitchell, widow of 
William Mitchell, and a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Spangler) Seebold. She was born in 
Limestone township, April 18, 1845. By her 
first marriage she had two children — Lizzie J., 
wife of Jacob Klose, of Limestone township, and 
Harry, a farmer of Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Crossgrove 
are Katie S. ; John R., a carpenter; Adda L., 
wife of Charles Miller, of New Berlin; Anna V., 
a successful school teacher; Samuel J. ; and Helen 
M. Mr. Crossgrove began his domestic life upon 
a rented farm. Fourteen years later, in April, 
1883, he purchased his present farm of S. K. 
Pellman, and now has 145 acres of rich land un- 
der a high state of cultivation and improved with 
excellent buildings. He is a very energetic and 
progressive farmer, and the success that has come 
to him is the reward of his own labors. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat, and has served as super- 
visor and school director. He and his wife are 
members of the Reformed Church, in which he 
has served as deacon and elder. Socially the 
family rank among the first in the township, and 
Samuel Crossgrove, as one of the leading agri- 
culturists of the community, is well deserving of 
representation in this volume. 



SAMUEL B. SHIRK is an intelligent and en- 
J terprising farmer who represents one of the 
pioneer families of Union county. His identifi- 
cation with the agricultural interests has been 
long and honorable, and he is to-day the owner 
of one of the fine farms of Buffalo township. 

Mr. Shirk was born in Hartley township Jan- 
uary 25, 1853, a son of Samuel and Margaret 
(Bird) Shirk. His father was born in Lebanon 
county, Penn., about 1814, and during his youth 
came to Union county with the grandfather, Ab- 
rarn Shirk, who located in West Milton, and aft- 
erward removed to Hartley township, where he 
entered a large tract of land, spending his re- 
maining days thereon. He married a Miss Gin- 
gerich, and they became the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Jacob and Michael, who died 
in Hartley township; Samuel, who died in West 
Buffalo; John who died in Hartley township; 
William, who went to the West, and died in Ne- 
braska; Mary, who became the wife of Jonathan 
Showalter, and died in Mifflin county, Penn. ; 
and a daughter who became the wife of Daniel 
Luckington, and removed to Illinois. Abram 
Shirk, the grandfather, was a member of the Ger- 
man Baptist Church. 

Samuel Shirk, father of our subject, was 



reared on a farm, and later learned the carpen- 
ter's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. 
He was employed in that capacity throughout the 
Buffalo Valley, erecting many houses and barns 
there. He was married June 18, 1835, to Mar- 
garet Bird, who was reared in Kelly township, 
Union county. She was of English descent, and 
was born August 27, 181 5, her parents being 
Peter and Isabella (Judge) Bird. They were 
married November 20. 18 10. Mrs. Bird was 
born August 27, 1790. They had two sons and 
three daughters: Mary, wife of Samuel Jordan; 
Lamira, whose death, resulting from a fall from 
a chestnut tree, occurred in September, 1829; 
Margaret, Mrs. Shirk; John who died April 16, 
[873; and Isaac P., of Pennsylvania. The fa- 
ther of this family died November 12, 1820. 

Samuel and Margaret Shirk began their do- 
mestic life upon a rented farm in Hartley town- 
ship, but they made the most of their opportuni- 
ties, lived frugally, and in course of time were 
able to purchase a small farm a mile southwest 
of Laurelton. Later Mr. Shirk purchased the 
Laurelton milling property, hired a practical 
miller, and for twenty years carried on a success- 
ful business in that line. Subsequently he pur- 
chased a farm of 100 acres in West Buffalo, upon 
which he lived a retired life. He was a very in- 
dustrious, energetic man, and as the result of 
his labor accumulated a handsome property, leav- 
ing to his family an estate valued at $18,000. 
He died at the age of sixty-seven years, and was 
laid by the side of his wife, who died on March 
24, 1873, in Forest Hill cemetery. In politics 
he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. 
He served in some township offices in Hartley 
and West Buffalo townships, but never sought 
political preferment. Reared in the faith of the 
German Baptist Church, he afterward became a 
member of the Evangelical Church, and his wife 
belonged to the Lutheran. 

Their children were: William J., who was 
born October 8, 1836, and died January 4, 1897, 
in Hartley township; Isabella, born October 20, 
1 84 1, wife of Samuel Bird, of Kelly township; 
Josephine, born December 24, 1843, wife of 
Emanuel Catherman; Lamira M., born February 
7, 1846, wife of Samuel Showalter, of Buffalo 
township; Margaret, born December 8, 1847, 
died in Mifflnburg. in 1894, leaving her hus- 
band, Andrew Iddings, to mourn her death; Sam- 
uel B. is our subject; and Lena J., who was born 
in 1855, died at the age of sixteen years. 

Samuel B. Shirk, whose name introduces 
this review, began his education in Laurelton, 
his first teacher being James Marston. He at- 
tended school for about four months each year, 



981 > 



( OMMEAtORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and had ample opportunity to indulge his love of 
hunting and fishing until sixteen years of age, 
when his parents removed to a farm, and he was 
obliged to bear his part in the work of cultivating 
and improving that property. 

On June 15, 1872, Mr. Shirk was married to 
Savilla I. Iddings, who was born in West Buffalo 
township, April 7, 1853, a daughter of Andrew 
and Rebecca (Pontius) Iddings. They have five 
children: Clementa M.. Annie I., Chester C, 
Paul B. and Myrtle E., all at home, 

On his marriage, Mr. Shirk located on his 
lather's farm in West Buffalo township, where 
he lived until the spring of 1 88 1 , when he rerm ived 
to his present farm, which he had pun hased in 
the fall of 1879. It comprises 110 acres, and is 
now under a high state of cultivation, yielding to 
the owner a good tribute for the care he bestows 
upon it. The improvements are substantial and 
neat in appearance, and the owner is one of the 
progressive and up-to-date farmers of the com- 
munity. He is prominent in Church work, he 
and his wife holding membership in the United 
Branch of the Evangelical Church. He is now 
serving as one of its trustees, and for twenty 
years has been a teacher in the Sunday-school. 
He is richly endowed with those qualities which 
win friendship, and throughout the community 
is highly regarded. 



THOMAS W. SHIPTON, now living retired 
in the village of Swengel, Union county, 
is an honored representative of a worthy pion 
family of this section of the State, in whose de- 
velopment and progress its members have borne 
an important part. 

His paternal grandfather, Thomas Shipton, 
a native ol England, came to America with the 
great scientist, Ur. Priestley, and also the 
Dougherty, Forsythe and Lyon families, all of 
whom located in what is now Northumberland 
county, Penn., naming it in honor of their 
home in Northumbi hire, England. 

coming one ol the prominent and representative 
citizens of that locality, the grandfather served 
as associate judge in Northumberland county, 
and as justice of the peace, in Middleburg, for 
thirty years prioi t his death. He was bi 1 
at Hassingers Church, near Middleburg, Snyder 
Co., Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Shipton, whose name introduces this 
review, was born December 22, [818, in Centre- 
ville, Snyder county, of which place his father, 
John Shipton, was also a native. John Shi| 
married Elizabeth Swengel, daughter of Michael 
Swengel, who followed the occupation of farm- 



ing and blacksmithing in Snyder county, where 
his death occurred. 

Our subject is the oldest of a family of ten 
children, five sons and rive daughters: Maria is 
the wife of Daniel Triester, a farmer living in 
( (hio. Susan died unmarried at the age of forty 
years, and was buried in Beavertown, Snyder Co., 
Penn. Sarah, widow of Thomas Watkins, re- 
>i.les in Dickinson county, Kans. Jesse R. is a 
widower, and lives in Fulton county, III. He 
has been justice of the peace in Bernadotte 
township nearly all the time for nearly thirty 
years. In 1 896 he married his 100th couple. Over 
thirty years ago he married a young man ami 
woman, and within the last two years he married 
that man's daughter. He has been a good officer, 
and is generally respected. John, a farmer and 
carpenter, is married and lives in Hancock coun- 
ty, III., where he has reared his family. Joseph 
died unmarried at the age of fifty-one. Henry 
is married, and is engaged in farming in Tazewell 
county, 111. Eliza became the wife of Charles 
Reigel, of Snyder county, Penn., where he died 
some years ago, leaving five children. Anna J. 
died about two years after her marriage to 
Samuel C. Bratton, of Mifflin county, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Thomas W. Shipton was educated in the sub- 
scription schools of Beavertown, Snyder county, 
and at the age of eighteen began learning the 
carpenter's trade, but throughout the greater part 
of his business career he was interested in agri- 
culture. He was postmaster at Beaver Springs, 
Snyder Co., Penn., from 1849 to 1853. He 
moved his family to Union county in 1S58. After 
a long life of usefulness he is now resting from 
all labor, surrounded by many comforts and lux- 
uries, obtained by former years of toil. Politic- 
ally he is a pronounced Republican, and relig- 
iously is an earnest member of the United Evan- 
gelical Church. 

In early life. Mr. Shipton was joined in wed- 
lock with Miss Catharine, daughter of William 
Snook, who was born in New Jersey, of Scotch- 
Irish extraction. On his removal to Snyder 
county, Penn!. her father purchased 300 acres of 
land wh 1 1 i \el\ille now stands, and there en- 
gaged in farming until his death, which occurred 
a few years later. 

Seven childn ed the union of Mr. and 

Mrs. Shipton, namely: 1 Maria is now the 
wife of J. H. Meyers, M D., who has for a num- 
ber of years engaged in practice in Mifflin county, 
Penn., and is also interested in mercantile busi- 
ness. (2) Malinda is the wife of John Drum, a 
merchant of Winfield, Union county. (3) Margaret 
J. is the wife of Hiram Good, a retired farmer liv- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



981 



ing near Selins Grove, Snyder county. (4) Al- 
fred T. is a justice of the peace for Lewis town- 
ship, Union county, and was postmaster for 
twelve years at Swengel and Rand, Penn. He 
married Miss Lucy Boring, daughter of David 
Boring, of Mifflinburg, Penn. (5) Sarah is the 
wife of Thomas Bennett, a railroad employee re- 
siding at Milton, Penn. (6) Catharine is with 
her parents. (7) Harriet, who became the wife 
of J. Wesley Campbell, of Sunbury, Penn., died 
on August 20, 1896, leaving four children. 



T^HOMAS WALTER, one of the leading ag- 
riculturists of East Buffalo township, Union 
county, resides in a pleasant home near Lochiel, 
surrounded by the comforts which years of hard 
toil enabled him to secure. Born in that town- 
ship, December 22, 1833, he has spent the greater 
part of his life there, and is regarded as one of 
its substantial citizens. 

The Walter family has been represented in 
central Pennsylvania from an earl)- day, and our 
subject's grandfather, Walter, was a mer- 
chant in Middleburg, Snyder county, for many 
years. George Walter, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born in that town in 1798, and after 
attending school there until he had completed 
the course offered, he pursued his studies in a 
school of higher grade at Milton. He learned 
the weaver's trade in all its branches, including 
the weaving of stockings, but did not long con- 
tinue it. 

When but little over twenty years old, George 
Walter was married to his first wife, Miss Leah 
Betts, born in 1800, the daughter of Solomon 
and (Dunkle) Betts, whose family con- 
sisted of six daughters and two sons. Mr. Betts 
was a wealthy farmer of East Buffalo township, 
where his death occurred some years ago. The 
young couple located upon the Betts homestead 
in a tenant house; a few years later Mr. Walter 
bought the first land he ever owned — a farm in 
the southern part of the township, near the 
mountain. From there he moved to another 
farm in the same township, and remained twen- 
ty-five years, when he disposed of it in a trade 
with a neighbor, and moved to Lewisburg. He 
spent about seven years there, but for some time 
previous to his death, which occurred in Janu- 
ary, 1 86 1, he made his home with a daughter in 
Northumberland county. 

George Walter had taken keen interest in the 
issues of that time, leaving the Whig party to 
support the new Republican organization, and 
with prophetic vision he predicted the war which 
broke out a few months after his removal from 



earthly scenes. He left an estate valued at 
$25,000, most of which had been accumulated 
through his own efforts. He was a strong, act- 
ive man in youth, his well-built frame carrying 
160 pounds with perfect symmetry. In addition 
to his work in farming, he engaged in hauling 
goods long distances. His six-horse team was 
known everywhere, and his control over them 
was considered remarkable. For some time he 
carried produce to Bellefonte, and exchanged it 
for iron, which he would sell to blacksmiths 
along the road from that, city to Philadelphia. 
He was prominent in local affairs, holding vari- 
ous township offices, and gave his influence to 
the Evangelical Church, in which he was at one 
time an exhorter. His remains were interred in 
Dreisbach cemetery beside those of his first wife, 
who died in 1847. His second wife, Mrs. Lucy 
Hackenberg, nee Bossier, is now living with 
her only child, Bossier Walter, a resident of 
Wabash county, Ind. By the first marriage 
there were nine children, of whom, three died in 
infancy. Of the others, who were as follows, 
our subject was the youngest: Solomon, de- 
ceased, was a farmer of Northumberland county; 
Rachel is the widow of John Frederick, of Sa- 
lona, Clinton Co., Penn.; William resides in 
Northumberland county; Susanna married Peter 
Kline, and died in Pickaway county, Ohio; and 
Caleb died in Chicago, Illinois. 

The subject of this sketch was reared to farm 
work, his school days being mainly spent on the 
threshing floor, where he rode the horses while 
they tramped out the grain in the old-fashioned 
way. This experience has made him an ardent 
champion of the right of the rising generation 
to a good education, and he has not only given 
his own children the best advantages within his 
reach, but he has strenuously advocated the im- 
provement of the public schools in his locality. 
At nineteen he went to Northumberland county 
to live with his brother Solomon, remaining 
about a year. 

In 1853 Mr. Walter was married to Miss 
Mary App, daughter of Leonard App, of Selins 
Grove, and located upon the Hetrick farm, which 
farm he purchased; it comprised 120 acres, and 
he paid $1,600 for it, and sold it three months 
later for $2,750, a remarkable transaction for a 
mere youth to carry through. In 1858 he en- 
gaged in huckstering from Union county to Phila- 
delphia, where he sold a large quantity of prod- 
uce. He later bought a farm in his native 
township, going in debt to the amount of $7,000, 
and continued to cultivate it until 1883 when, 
having acquired a comfortable competence, he 
retired to his present home, a small estate of 



985 



COMMBMORA T1YE BIOGRAPHICAL i;h'(iRD. 



twenty acres near Lochiel. In all, he owns i $3 
acres of fine land in the township. Withal, he 
has lived in generous style, spending liberally 
wherever necessary, believing that money thus 
* in ployed is put to the best possible use. 

In manner Mr. Walter is plain and un- 
assuming, and his peaceable disposition is shown 
in the fact that he has never had a lawsuit with 
any one. He lias traveled extensively, making 
eight trip-; to Illinois and other parts of the West, 
and was formerly a noted hunter and fisherman, 
all the trout streams and game haunts of tin- 
locality being well known to him. This pastime 
he has given up as advam ing years dulled his in- 
terest in them, but his conversation with visitors 
in his hospitable home is enlivened by many an 
interesting story of adventure or travel, rem- 
iniscenses of his more active days. 

On March 19, 1875, his first wife passed 
away, her burial taking place in Dreisbach 
cemetery. Mr. Walter has since formed a second 
union, this time with Miss Abby Ann Ritter, who 
was born at White Deer Furnace, Union county, 
June 21, laughter of William Ril 

a prosperous blacksmith, and his wife, Rebecca 
Hearbst, both now deceased. They had two 
children, Thomas H., of Cleveland, Ohio, and 
Mrs Walter. 

By the first marriage there were six children: 
Oliver '1 mer in East Buffalo township, 

Union county; Ellen C, now Mrs. Albert Har- 
wood, of Constantino, Mich.; Miss Adda, wh 
at home: James E., a graduate of Michi 
University, now practicing medicine at Los 
Angeles, Cal. ; Wilson A., a farmer of ] 
Buffalo township; and Albert A., who died in 
infancy. There were five children by the second 
union, of whom, the first. Mary C, only lived to 
the age of four years; John W, Harry B. and 
Thomas H. are at home; and Isaac F., the 
youngest, died when five months old. 

In politics Mr. Walter is a stanch Repubh 
and he has taken an influential part in township 
affairs, serving as school director and supervisor. 
His wife is an active member of the Evangelical 
Church, to which Mr. Walter contributes 
liberally, although not a communicant. 



FOLLMER DONALDSON THOMAS is one 
of the representative farmers and prominent 
citizens of Gir-- township, Union county. Be- 
lieving that " from labor, health, from health, 
contentment springs," he has bent every energy 
toward perfecting his agricultural projects, and 
has proved himself eminently one of the best 
citizens of the community. 



Mr. Thomas was born February 21, 1850, in 
the same township where he now lives, but at 
that time it formed a portion of Lycoming coun- 
ty. His father, Lewis Thomas, who was born 
on Pine creek, near Jersey Shore, Lycoming 
county, December 18, 1822, followed farming, 
rafting and lumbering throughout his active busi- 
ness life, but is now living retired in Gregg town- 
ship. Union county. In religious belief he is a 
Presbyterian, and in politics is a Democrat. The 
mother, who bore the maiden name of Susana 
Donaldson, was born March 28, 18 18, in Gregg 
township, where her marriage was celebrated, 
and there her death occurred September 24, 
1 896. She was a daughter of James and Rachel 
(Follmer) Donaldson, and the paternal grandpar- 
ents of our subject were Samuel and Ellen 
Thomas. The grandparents of Susana Donald- 
son was a Revolutionary soldier, serving the 
seven years in the army, and died in this vicinity 
with a British ball in his hip. 

Follmer D. Thomas is the oldest in a family 
of five children, the others being: Mary E., who 
died in 1862; Miss Rachel, who is with her fa- 
ther; Sarah J., wife of Oliver Grier, a mechanic 
of Watsontown, Penn. ; and Maria B., wife of 
Milo Radall, a farmer of Addison county, Vt. 
During the infancy of our subject his parents and 
his uncle, Follmer Donaldson, lived in the sunn 
house, and when the former moved away he re- 
mained with his uncle, making his home with 
him from the age of three years until his mar- 
■, during which time he acquired a good com- 
mon-school education, and became thoroughly 
familiar with farm work. 

On May 22, [873, Mr. Thomas was married 
to Miss Mary E. Scott, who was born on the 
farm where sin- still resides, September 8, 1S47, 
a daughter of Henry and Mercy Scott. She was 
tin youngest of four children, the others being: 
Isabella, born January 2~. [837, married Frank- 
lin Hamilton, a resident of Muncy, Penn., and 
died July 26, [872; Amos, born May 6, 1840, is 
a prominent citizen of Gregg township. Union 
county; and Rachel, born February 26, [842, 
died July 14. 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have 
children: Susan B., Henry S, Mercy R., 

Lewi- D. and Mary J. 

On his marriage. Mr. Thomas located on the 
old Scott homestead where he now resides, but 
later resided for three years near Spring Gar- 
den. He operated the Follmer Donaldson farm 
for eleven years, and afterward spent five years 
in the village ol Spring Garden in order to pro- 
his children with better educational privi- 
leges. In the spring of 1896, however, he re- 
turned to the homestead of his wife's people. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



983 



That he is a progressive and skillful agriculturist 
is attested by the neat and thrifty appearance of 
the place, and the well-tilled fields yield abun- 
dant returns for the care and labor bestowed 
upon them. Both he and his estimable wife are 
consistent members of the Baptist Church, and 
enjoy the respect and confidence of all with 
whom they come in contact. In his political 
affiliations he is a Republican, but he has never 
aspired to office. 



ISAAC REBER, a well-known and highly re- 
spected resident of Smoketown, Union county, 
is a member of a family which became prominent 
in that locality at an early day. It was in the 
year 1803 that John Reber, the grandfather of 
our subject, settled in Buffalo Valley, where he 
purchased a tract of land near Lochiel, from Sol- 
omon Be'z. He was an energetic, thrifty man, 
warm-hearted, and lent generous assistance to all 
public improvements in the then new community. 
As prosperity smiled upon him, he added more 
land to his first purchase, and at his death there 
were 290 acres to be divided among his sons. In 
1830 he built a house in Lewisburg, to which he 
removed in the following year, and his death oc- 
curred there on June 22, 1S52, at the age of 
eighty-two. 

John Reber and his wife, Catherine Moser, 
reared a family of ten children: John, Samuel 
(a member of the Legislature in 1843), Mary 
(Mrs. Jacob Dunkel), Elizabeth (who married 
Dr. Isaac S. Vorse), James (our subject's father), 
Susan (Mrs. Michael Klecknen, Margaret (de- 
ceased, who never married), Thomas, David, and 
Leah (wife of Rev. D. T. Heisler, a minister of 
the German Reformed Church). 

James Reber, the father of our subject, was 
born September 21, 1805, at the old home near 
Lochiel, and in his youth attended the subscrip- 
tion schools of the vicinity. In 1 S3 1 he was 
married in Union county to Miss Elizabeth Royer, 
a native of Lancaster county, Penn., born Feb- 
ruary 26, 181 1. She came to Union county with 
her parents, Joel and Susannah Royer, who 
located in Kelly township. 

The young couple located at the Reber home- 
stead, John Reber removing soon afterward to 
Lewisburg, and they made their home there until 
the spring of 1852, renting and operating the 
farm. On leaving the place our subject's father 
removed to Smoketown and purchased a small 
farm from Daniel Mook, but in September of the 
same year he died suddenly. His widow subse- 
quently married Isaac Meyers, but on her death 
in April, 1890, she was buried beside her first 



husband in the Lewisburg cemetery. She had 
no children by her second marriage, but by the 
first there were three sons: John, a bookkeeper, 
who died in Smoketown in 1892; Isaac, our sub- 
ject: and Joel, a bachelor residing in Smoketown. 

Our subject's father was always interested in 
agricultural pursuits, but at times engaged in 
other business, sometimes taking contracts for 
hauling goods long distances. He was a large 
man, weighing 240 pounds; he was active in local 
affairs as well as in business, giving his influence 
to the Democratic party in political questions. 
He was a member of the Reformed Church, but 
his wife belonged to the German Baptist Church. 

Isaac Reber's birth occurred at the old home- 
stead, April 20, 1S34, and his youth was spent 
there. He attended the Fairfield school in the 
same neighborhood, and also studied during one 
winter at the Royer school in Kelly township. 
His attendance was so irregular that in arithme- 
tic he only reached the " single rule of three. " 
During one winter he was present only one day, 
and another only a half day, as his father want- 
ed his help hauling lumber from Brush Valley, 
Centre Co., Penn., through the "long narrows" 
to Lewisburg. Many of the residences and 
barns of East Buffalo township were built from 
lumber brought down by him. As he was the 
only able-bodied son his father had there was 
always plenty of work to do. After his father's 
death, Mr. Reber remained with his mother a 
short time and then went to Stephenson county, 
111., and worked as a farm hand during the sum- 
mer of 1854. On returning to Union county he 
hired out for a year to Abram Wolfe, a farmer 
in East Buffalo township, at $9 per month for the 
winter and $12 per month for the summer. 

On December 27, 1855, Mr. Reber was mar- 
ried to his first wife, Miss Susan Wolfe, who was 
born December 27, 1835, tne daughter of George 
and Catherine (Reamer) Wolfe. He began house- 
keeping at his mother's home in Smoketown, and 
remained there three years, taking charge of his 
mother's little farm, and cultivating other land 
in the vicinity. In 1859 he bought seventy acres 
of land on Turtle creek, giving cash for half the 
price, and paying the other half in five years. 
He still owns this place, with five acres of wood- 
land on Buffalo mountain, and five at Smoketown. 
In 1876 he engaged in general mercantile busi- 
ness at Smoketown with his brother John,> under 
the firm name of J. & I. Reber, but after six 
years they sold to Simon Duck. Mr. Reber 
bought his present home at Smoketown in 1876, 
but did not .settle there until 1878. He has lost 
several thousand dollars through going surety for 
friends, but has left a comfortable competence; 



'.'-I 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPIW 'AL RECORD. 



he is regarded as one of the substantial men of 
the neighborhood. 

His first wife, who was a devout Christian 
and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
died on December 4, [882, and her mortal re- 
mains were laid to rest in Lewisburg cemetery 
On April 8, 1884, Mr. Reber married Miss Sarah 
Groover, a native of White Deer township, 
Union county, born August 24, 1847. She un- 
educated in the schools of East Buffalo township, 
where her parents, Nicholas and Susan Groover, 
located in 1 857. 

Mr. Keber is a man who does his own think- 
ing, and in political questions he is not bound by- 
partisan ties. In local issues he looks only to 
the character of the candidate. 



JBURREY, whose name is inseparably con- 
nected with the commercial and industrial 

interests of Yicksburg, is one of the most 
enterprising, energetic and successful business 
men of that thriving little village, He has ever 
cheerfully given his support to those enterprises 
that tend to public development and, with hard- 
ly an exception, he has been connected with 
every interest that has promoted general welfare 
A native of Union county, he was born March 
27, [858, in Limestone township, a son 
Simon and Catharine Crossgrove Burrey. The 
father was born in the same township, May 
10, 1820, and as he was left an orphan at the 
of eight, and there were no public school 
time, his education was very meagre. He was 
reared by John Mensch, one of the leading agri- 
culturists of Limestone township, remaining 
with him until thirty years of age, when he 
united in marriage with Catharine Crossgrove, a 
daughter of William Crossgrove, also a farmer. 
Her birth occurred in Li township, M i\ 

16, 1820. 

At the time of his marriage, Simon Burrey's 
cash capital consisted of only the small amount 
he had been able to save from his wages, and his 
wife had received only what was known as a 
"setting out" in the way of household furniture. 
For a few years tie \ rented land in their native 
township, and by working early and late man- 
aged to save a few hundred dollars, which, in 

'. they invested in a farm in Kuffalo town- 
ship, one and one-half miles south of Vicks- 
burg. As Mr. Burrey lacked sufficient money to 
pay for the same, he was supplied by Mr, 
Mensch, who had implicit confidence in him. 
Industrious and energetic, he soon paid oft in 
indebtedness, and as the years passed he added 
more land to the original purchase. There he 



continued to make his home until called from 
this life at the age of fifty-seven years. He was 
a man ordinarily weighing about 1 50 pounds, and 
was quite robust and active in his younger years, 
and by hard work and good management was 
able to leave his family in comfortable circum- 
stances. Originally he was a Whig in politics 
and later a stanch Republican, but took no 
active part in public affairs. He dud in the 
faith of the Lutheran Church, which he joined 
in later years, and of which his wife was also a 
consistent member. After her husband's death 
she lived with our subject until she, too, passed 
away at the age of sixty-seven, and was laid by 
his side in the Dreisbach cemetery. To them 
were born six children: A daughter, who died in 
childhood; Isaiah, an attorney of the State of 
Washington; David C, an attorney of Los An- 
geles, Cal. ; our subject; and a son and B. F., 
who both died in infancy. 

N t caring as much for study as his brothers, 
J. Burrey remained at home from choice, 
while they graduated from the law school of Ann 
Arbor, Mich. In the Reed school his literary 
training was acquired, but in later years he un- 

' nil- more fully the benefits to be derived 
from a good education, and impresses this fact 
upon his children, whom he is providing with ex- 
cellent advantages along that line. At the age of 
twenty-one he was united in marriage with Miss 
Sarah E. Arbogast, a .laughter of Lewis and 
Elizabeth (Duck) Arbogast. They now have two 
children — William ('., born April 8, 1881, and 
and Mary E., born November 11, [889. After 
his marriage, Mr. Burrey tor a time followed 
farming on the place left vacant by his father's 
death, but not liking that occupation, he in 
the spring of 1884 removed to Yicksburg. where 
purchased his present property, which he has 
improved in many ways. For three years 

iwned a half-interest in a threshing outfit in 
partnership with David Smucker, and when the 
depot was built at Vicksburg by the Lewisburg 
& Bellefonte Railroad Company, he became the 
first agent, but after a few months resigned his 
position, and embarked in general merchandi- 
as a member of the firm of Smucker & Bun 
After seven and a half years spent in that busi- 
ness, the partnership was dissolved, our subject 
receiving, in part payment for his portion, the 
coal yard and lumber business, which he still 
conducts. He also immediately turned his atten- 
tion to the grocery business, and in July, 1894, 
completed his store building, where he has since 
carried on operations along that line. He also 
has a feed mill and chopper, having erected a 
suitable building in which to carry on that indi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



985 



try, and to all these various enterprises gives his 
personal supervision. A wide-awake and court- 
eous merchant, he has gained the confidence of 
his patrons, and therefore enjoys an excellent 
trade. Besides his business block and comfort- 
able home in Vicksburg, he owns sixty acres of 
timber land in the southern part of Buffalo town- 
ship. His name is a synonym for honorable 
business dealing, and he is always mentioned as 
one of the invaluable citizens of Vicksburg. He 
is an ardent Republican in politics, and has 
served as constable of Buffalo township for one 
year, but cares nothing for official distinction. 
In religious belief he and his wife are Lutherans. 



J GEORGE ROYER. Union county has 
many well-to-do and successful citizens, who 
have worked their way upward from a hum- 
ble position to one of prominence in both busi- 
iness and public life, and among this class the 
name of the subject of this notice is entitled to 
a place. He occupies the old homestead of the 
Royer family near Swengel, in Lewis township, 
is a man of rare intellectual attainments and ex- 
cellent executive ability, and for more than eight 
years has served as justice of the peace with 
credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. Throughout his active business 
life he has followed the occupation of farming, 
and has met wilh a well-deserved success in his 
operations. Upon the farm where he still lives 
Mr. Royer was born July 16, 1858, and on both 
the paternal and maternal sides is of German 
origin, his great-grandfather Royer emigrating 
from the Fatherland to America at an early day. 
Isaac and Anna (Shellenbarger) Royer, the par- 
ents of our subject, natives of Lancaster and 
Juniata counties, Penn. , respectively, in early 
life came to Union county, where their marriage 
was celebrated. Their other children were John 
S., who is married and lives in Versailles, Darke 
Co., Ohio, where he has taught school for thirty- 
six years, and is now the superintendent of the 
public schools; David, who was born April 23, 
1848, and died September 12, 1849; and Mary 
E., who was born May 19, 1S50, and is now the 
wife of Eli Ullrey, a farmer living near Brad- 
ford, Darke Co., Ohio. 

Peter Shellenbarger, the maternal great- 
grandfather of our subject, owned considerable 
real estate, and at his death left to his three 
sons, John, Christian and Jonathan, fine farms of 
over 100 acres each. John, the grandfather, 
was a tailor by trade, but after coming into pos- 
session of the farm left by his father, he turned 
his attention to agricultural pursuits and the 



distilling business at Evandale, Juniata Co., 
Penn. His last years were spent in retirement, 
and he died at the advanced age of eighty-seven, 
being buried near Richfield, Juniata county. His 
wife was a daughter of a Mr. Stuck by a second 
marriage, whose first wife and two children were 
killed by the Indians. 

J. George Royer was reared to agricultural 
pursuits upon the home farm, and obtained a 
good common-school education. On December 
14, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Clara, daughter of Daniel Knauss, a prominent 
farmer of Lewis township, Union county, who 
died December 31, 1891. Three beautiful and 
attractive children grace their union — Lottie M., 
Anna M. and Shem E. 



E 



>\LIAS MILLER, of Buffalo township, Union 



county, is a man who has found no reason 
to complain of agriculture as an occupation, his 
industry and careful management having brought 
him a fair return in material comforts. Since 
1868 he has operated the Stahl farm, near Buf- 
falo Cross Roads, this being the longest term of 
rental for any farm in the township and probably 
in the county, and during his residence there he 
has bought a place of 140 acres in Kelly town- 
ship, Union count)', at a cost of $11,900, a suf- 
ficiently convincing evidence of prosperity. 

Mr. Miller is a native of Buffalo township, 
and comes from pioneer stock, his grandfather, 
George Miller, a farmer by occupation, having 
been engaged in hauling goods for the use of the 
Colonial forces during the Revolutionary war. 
George Miller, Jr., our subject's father, was born 
and reared in Dry Valley, Union county, and be- 
came a farmer, locating in early manhood in Buf- 
falo township and clearing a tract of land. For 
some years he conducted a still on the place, 
and altogether he succeeded in acquiring a fair 
competence. In political faith he was a Whig, 
with strong anti-slavery sympathies, and in re- 
ligion he was a Lutheran. He died in 1852, at 
the age of sixty-one, and his wife, Sarah Mertz, 
who was a member of the Reformed Church, 
lived to more than seventy years. They were 
buried in the cemetery at Mazeppa, where he 
had been one of the founders of the Church, serv- 
ing on the building committee. Fifteen children 
were born to them: Jonas, who died in child- 
hood; George, who died in 1895; John, who at- 
tained the age of seventy-three; Peter, who died 
in Buffalo township; Catherine, Mrs. Samuel 
Bickel, deceased; Henry, who died when over 
seventy years of age; Aaron, who died at forty- 
eight; Sally, Mrs. Howard Anderson, deceased; 



986 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Edward, a farmer in Kelly township, Union 
county; Levi, who died in Buffalo township at 
the age of sixty-one; Polly, a resident of Seneca 
county, Ohio; Elias, our subject; Susan, Mrs. 
Lewis Tuner, who died in 1896; Elizabeth, 
widow of J. H. Smith, of Kelly township; and 

jamin, a resident of Fremont, Ohio. 

The country schoolswhich Mr. Miller attended 
in his youth were not of the best, and the work 
of the farm required too much of his time to per- 
mit him to make the most even of these oppor- 
tunities. After his father's death he contii 
working at the homestead for his mother. In 
[858 he was married in Stephenson county, 111., 
to Miss Sarah Engelman, a native of Kelly town- 
ship. Union county, born November 28, 1835, 
whose parents, David and Sarah (Seibert) Engel- 
man, moved to Illinois in 1856. She was one of 

tit children, viz.: Solomon, Margaret, John, 

ah, Joseph, Jacob, William and Aaron. The 
young couple began housekeeping at the Miller 
homestead, both working for our subject's mother 
for about four years. In the spring of 186S Mr. 
Miller rented the farm where he now resides, and 
the articles of agreement then drawn up betw 
him and the owner, John Stahl, have continued 
in force since the estate fell into the hands of |. 
K Stahl, a son of the former owner. Mr. Miller's 
success in life is well deserved, no tricken 
dishonesty marring it, and he is known as a man 
whose word is as good as his bond. His estima- 
ble wife is spared to enjoy the fruits of past la- 
bors, in which she took her full share. Three 
children have brightened their home: Ella, now 
Mrs. Alfred Engelman, of Michigan; William M. , 
a school teacher, who operates the farm in Kelly 
township; and Janus A., who is at home, 
progressive agriculturist Mr. Miller is actively 
identified with the Grange, and he and his wife 
are leading members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he has been a deacon and elder, and is 
now the superintendent of the Sunday-school. 
Politically his sympathies are with the Prohibi- 
tion party, but he has nevi 1 1>< en an office-seeker, 
although lie was at one time the supervisor of 
his township. 



SPIGELMEYER, one of the leading farm- 
f^. ers and prominent citizens of Buffalo town- 
ship, is one of the two male representatives of his 
branch of the family left in Union county. In 
the township where he still resides he first opened 
his eyes to the light March 1. [848. His father, 
Abraham Spigelmeyer, was born in Rock 
township, Berks Co., Penn., August 6, 1S06, 
and was the seventh son and eighth child in a 



family of eight children born to Henry and Cath- 
arine Spigelmeyer, who removed to Snyder coun- 
ty, Penn., when he was a mere boy, and there 
died. 

In early life the father of our subject learned 
the miller's trade at New Berlin, and soon after- 
ward secured a position at the old Cameron Mill, 
in Buffalo township, Union county, working for 
a man who knew nothing of the business, so that 
he had all of the care and responsibility. On April 
21, 1842, he wedded Mary Young, who was born 
in Buffalo township May 21, 1821, the daughter 
ol Abraham and Mary Catharine (Reidy) Young. 
At one time her father followed the carpenter's 
trade, and conducted a sawmill at Cowan, and 
was also interested with the father of our subject 
in a gristmill at that place. While he attended 
school only for about three weeks during his en- 
tire life, Mr. Young was a shrewd, far-sighted 
man, of great influence, was called upon to settle 
many estates, and his advice was often sought on 
various questions. Although a stanch Democrat 
in politics, he declined to become the candidate 
of his party for the Legislature. Of his eleven 
children, nine grew to adult age, three sons and 
six daughters, and he left to his family a very 
comfortable competence. After his marriage 
Abraham Spigelmeyer located at what was known 
as Rengler's Mills, in Buffalo township, where he 
continued to work at his trade until April, 1848, 
when he removed to Farmersville, now Cowan. 
After working in a gristmill at that place for a 
short time, he and his father-in-law purchased 
the same, which he operated dining the remainder 
of his active business life. He died of apoplexy 
while plowing for seeding, August 30, [862, and 
was buried in Dreisbach cemetery. His sympa- 
thies were with the Republican party, but as he 
predicted the war in case of Lincoln's election, 
he did not vote in [860. He was an expert mil- 
ler, and was well known in that capacity through- 
out Buffalo Valley. For several years previous 
to his death he has served as elder of the Re- 
formed Church, of which he was a prominent 
member. 

In the family were six children, as follows: 
Sarah, bom April 1 1, 1843, is now the widow of 
Adam Young; Henry, born November 7, 1S44, 
is a resident ol Nashua, Chichasaw Co., Iowa; 
Susanna, born October I, 1846, lives in Cowan, 
Penn. ; our subject is next in ordei of birth; Mary 
C, born February 10, 1850, is the wife of James 
P. Glase, ol Mazeppa, Union county; and John 
W. , born July 9, 1 852, is a resident of West Buffalo, 
the same county. After her husband's death the 
mother bought a home near Cowan, and kept her 
family together. In the faith of the Reformed 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



987 



Church, she died October 16, 1886, and was 
buried in the Dreisbach cemetery. 

The birth of our subject occurred at Camer- 
on's Mills, in Buffalo township, and he was only 
four weeks old when taken by his parents to 
Cowan, where he later attended the common 
schools. Although only fourteen years of age 
when his father died he was of great help to his 
widowed mother, and during her last illness was 
much of the time at her bedside. He began to 
learn the miller's trade, but his father's death in- 
terrupted this, and at the age of seventeen he as- 
sumed the management of the home farm. At 
the parsonage of the Reformed Church in Mifflin- 
burg, Rev. George E. Adams performed a mar- 
riage ceremony October 4, 1870, which united 
the destinies of Mr. Spigelmeyer and Miss Mar- 
tha E. Gaunt, who was born at Potters Mills, 
Centre county, March 13, 1852. Her father, 
Richard Gaunt, an expert woolen manufacturer, 
was born in Yorkshire, England, July 3, 181 5, a 
son of William and Amelia Gaunt. In that 
country he worked in a factory until crossing the 
Atlantic to America at the age of twenty-one, 
and for some time was here employed in different 
mills. He finally drifted to Union county, 
Penn., where he married Susan Kleckner, who 
was born in Hartley township, February 22, 
1816, a daughter of George Kleckner. When a 
little girl she went to live with John Lincoln, at 
whose home in Hartley township she was resid- 
ing at the time of her marriage. For a time Mr. 
Gaunt worked in the woolen mills at Laurelton, 
but in 184S removed to Potters Mills, Centre 
county, where he remained until 1863, at which 
time he came to West Buffalo township, Union 
county. He is now a resident of Milton, but his 
wife died April 14, 1881. 

After his marriage Mr. Spigelmeyer located 
upon the same farm in Buffalo township, where 
he had previously lived with his sister, Mary C, 
as his housekeeper. In the spring of 1873 he 
sold off his effects and removed to St. Joseph 
county, Mich., but in the fall of the same year 
returned to Union county, locating at Cowan, 
where he bought a house and lot. While living 
at that place he engaged in teaming and farming, 
later rented land in Buffalo township, occupying 
one farm for eleven years, but in the fall of 1890 
purchased the William Baker farm of sixty-six 
acres, and since the following spring has there 
made his home. He is a progressive and skill- 
ful agriculturist, honest and straightforward in 
all business transactions, and his integrity is 
above question. 

Mr. and Mrs. Spigelmeyer have four children, 
namely: (1) Theodore E., born December 16, 



1 87 1, was engaged in clerking for H. A. Cook 
for four years, but now he is a shipper of whole- 
sale produce at Vicksburg; is superintendent of 
the Sabbath-school at the Dreisbach Church; (2) 
Elsa M., born January 2, 1875, was united in 
marriage on March 1, 1898, to C. E. Erd- 
ley, of East Buffalo township, where they will 
make their future home; (3) Naomi V., born No- 
vember 16, 1879, and (4) Blanche O., born Oc- 
tober 24, 1 88 1, are at home. The parents and 
children are all members of the Reformed Church 
and are widely and favorably known throughout 
the community. Mr. Spigelmeyer is now serving 
as deacon of the congregation. Politically he is 
a stalwart Democrat, but cares nothing for office, 
and socially is a member of the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle at Mifflinburg. 



EvLIAS HEIMBACH resides on a farm one 
'I mile west of Laurelton in Hartley township, 

Union county, but has now practically laid aside 
business cares, enjoying a well-earned rest. 
Throughout his active life his time and attention 
were devoted to agricultural pursuits. 

Mr. Heimbach was born July 31, 1845, in 
East Buffalo township, Union county, and is a 
son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bower) Heimbach, 
natives of Snyder county, Penn. Both have 
now passed away, and their bodies were laid to 
rest in Dreisbach cemetery near Mifflinburg, 
Penn. By trade the father was a blacksmith. 

Our subject is the eleventh in order of birth 
in the family of thirteen children, the others be- 
ing as follows: Catharine is the widow of Daniel 
Bailer, and lives near Mifflinburg; Hetty is the 
wife of Jacob Yeisley, a farmer of Kansas, and 
they have three children; Rachel married Peter 
Reish, who is engaged in farming in South Da- 
kota, and they have five children; Mary is the 
wife of Henry Bennage, an agriculturist of White 
Deer township, Union county, by whom she has 
had ten children; Jonathan, a farmer and black- 
smith of Buffalo township, Union county, is 
married and has five children; Rebecca is the 
wife of Samuel Dauberman, a carpenter residing 
in New Berlin, Penn., and they have one son; 
Martha wedded Jacob Whitman, and has four 
children; Simon died at the age of two years; 
the next child died in infancy; John, a resident 
of Buffalo township, Union county, who served 
for four years in the Union army during the Civil 
war, is married and has five children; Elizabeth 
is the wife of Elias Perdick, also an honored 
veteran of the Civil war, and they live in New 
Berlin; and Susan married Henry Frock, a farmer 



I 



988 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 



of Buffalo township, Union county, by whom 
she has one child 

During his boyhood and youth Elias Heim- 
bach attended the common schools, but when 
less than eighteen years of age he laid aside all 
personal interest to enter the service of his coun- 
try, and enlisted on the 14th of January, 1863. 
in Company E, 51st P. V. I., serving under Col. 
Hartranft, who afterward became Governor of 
Pennsylvania, and Gen. Burnsides, who was the 
corps commander. Our subject was a bi 
soldier, always found at his post of duty, and he 
participated in the following great battles, besides 
numerous engagements of less importance: An- 
tietam, Spottsylvania Court House, the Wilder- 
ness, Cold Harbor, Ream's Station, and those in 
fn mt of Petersburg. He was mustered out at 
Alexandria, Va., July 27, 1865, when the war 
had ended, and his services were no Ion 
needed. He now receives a pension, and is an 
honored member of Post No. 247, G. A. R., at 
Mifflinburg. 

Returning home, Mr. Heimbach resi 
farming. On September id, [866, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Jacob 
Wittes, and three children blessed their union: 
(ii Anna M.. born September 22, 1867, is the 
wife of Henry Doebler, a butcher of Mifflinburg, 
Penn., and they have one son, Robert, (2) Cora 
I., born in 1869, died in 1873. (3) Samuel 
Grant, burn July 2, 1872, is a telegraph operator 
living in South Dakota. The mother of these 
child 1889, and was buried in 

1 'oisbach cemetery, near Mifflinburg. Mr. 
Heimbach was again married January 1, 1895, 
his second union being with Miss Susan Boop, 
daughter of Jacob Boop. 

In politics Mr. Heimbach is identified with 
the Republican party, and is a si 1 liever in 

its principles, while in religious belief he is a 
Lutheran. He and his estimable wife are hon- 
ored and respected in their community for their 
sterling worth, generous hospitality and un- 
bounded liberality. 



AT. NOGEL, a well-to-do agriculturist now 
_. living in retirement at Buffalo Roads, Union 
county, is a man of influence in his locality. He 
was born October 6, [838, in Kelly township, in 
that county, the son of Jacob Nogel, a promi- 
nent farmer who came from Allentown, Lancas- 
ter Co., Penn., in early manhood, and located 
in Union county. At first he rented land in 
East Buffalo township, then rented the Andrew 
Kelly farm, on which he lived fourteen years; he 
then bought a small farm of fifty acres near 



Kelly Point, on which he made his permanent 
home. He was a Democrat, but voted inde- 
pendently in local affairs. His death occurred 
April 20, i860, in his sixty-fourth year, and his 
wife, Elizabeth Engelman, passed away March 
6, 1843, aged forty-two years, eight months and 
twenty-four days, the remains of both being in- 
terred in the old cemetery at White Deer church. 
Mrs. Xogel was born June 9, 1S00, in White 
Deer township, Union county, the daughter of 
Solomon Engelman, born August 17, 178c, died 
October 20, 1853, and of Margaret Engelman, 
born December 28, 1773, died December 1, 
1853. To Jacob and Elizabeth Nogel nine chil- 
dren were born, viz.: Mary A.. Mrs. John Keh- 
rer, who died in Kelly township; William, who 
died in Lewisburg; Lucy. Mrs. Lewis Gember- 
ling, of Buffalo township; Joseph, who died in 
childhood; Margaret S., Mrs. William Noll, now 
deceased; Miss Elmira, a resident of Kelly town- 
ship, and for some years a successful milliner; 

h E., widow of William Wolfinger, ol M 
ville, Mich.; A. T.. our subject, and Caroline, 
Mrs. Washington Dieffenderfer, of California. 

A. T. Nogel's youth was spent in his native 
township, the local schools furnishing his only 
educational advantages. A comparison of his 
privileges with those of the children of to-day 
shows great progress in our public-school system, 
and no one is a firmer friend to this movement 
than he. He was a young man when the war 
broke out, and in 1862 was drafted as one of six 
from his township to make up a quota of twenty 
from Union county. On October 28, 1802, he 
was enrolled in Company G, 172nd P. V. I., un- 
der Capt. Michael Smith, for nine-months' service. 
The recruits were sent to Harrisburg and then to 
Washington, where the regiment took a steamer 
1 1 Newport News. From that point they marched 
to Fort Yorktown, where some time was spent in 
guard and heavy artillery duty. Later they were 
sent to Baltimore and, after marching out the 
pike to Hagerstown, went into camp for the night 
and the next day joined in the pursuit of a Rebel 
force which crossed the Potomac at Williamsport 
in safety. Mr. Nogel took part in all the work 
assigned to his regiment until July, 1863, when 
he was compelled to drop out of the ranks during 
a forced march to Alexandria, the exposure and 
h proving too severe for him. He was 
placed in an ambulance, but it broke down; then 
room was found for him in a provision train 
which was going part of the way, and when he 
left that he tried to walk but fell unconscious by 
the roadside. His comrades picked him up and 
carried him to their destination, where he was 
ed in a hospital. The following day he was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



989 



taken with the regiment to Washington, and aft- 
erward went to Baltimore, where he again 
entered a hospital for a night. He was then 
transferred to Harrisburg, and, as it was not 
thought advisable to send him farther while in 
that condition, he was kept there in a hospital 
until his brother William arrived to take him 
home. 

On July 31, 1863, our subject was discharged 
at Harrisburg from further service. He resumed 
his work at home, and also spent some time on 
his brother William's farm in Kelly township, 
and thus his time was employed until his mar- 
riage, on March 5, 1S74, to Miss Eliza Ellen 
Young, a native of Buffalo township, born Sep- 
tember 14, 1847. Her parents, Adam and Eliz- 
abeth (Swartzlander) Young, were prominent 
among the agriculturists of that locality, and she 
was educated in the district schools near her 
home. Mr. Nogel rented a farm from his 
brother William for two years, and then bought 
seventy-three acres in Buffalo township, at a 
cost of $6,750. While residing there he pur- 
chased his present home at Buffalo Roads, a 
fine brick house, to which he removed in 1888. 
He has a comfortable competence largely gained 
through his own efforts, and is held in high 
esteem by those who know him. 

Mr. Nogel was reared in the Lutheran faith, 
both his parents being devout members of that 
Church, and he and his wife have been actively 
identified with the work of the society for many 
years, Mrs. Nogel having taught in the Sunday- 
school for some time. Their only child, Anna 
L., born November 27, 1SS1, did not live a 
year, passing away September 22, 18S2. About 
the time of this bereavement they took into their 
home a little girl of four years, Jennie C. Meek- 
ly, who was born October 21, 1S78, the daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Elizabeth Paige Meekly, and 
still resides with her foster parents. On polit- 
ical issues of a national character Mr. Nogel 
favors the Democratic view, but he is not a blind 
follower of his party, voting for good men out- 
side its lines whenever he thinks best. He is a 
member of the Grange, and sympathizes with all 
efforts to secure the greatest good to mankind in 
general. 



B) S. SCHOCH, a well-known business man 
_J of New Berlin, conducts the oldest and 
most extensive tannery in Union county. It has 
now been owned and operated by three genera- 
tions of the Schoch family, the grandfather and 
father of its present proprietor having in turn 
carried on the business at the same location. 



Mr. Schoch was born February 10, 1862, at 
New Berlin, the only living child of James and 
Rebecca W. (Peters) Schoch. His boyhood was 
spent there, his education being obtained in the 
local schools, and so well did he improve his op- 
portunities that at eighteen he was qualified to 
teach. In the meantime he had also picked up a 
knowledge of his father's business, partly from 
observation and partly from work done at irregu- 
lar times, as he never served an apprenticeship. 
During the winter of 1879-80 he taught the Win- 
field school at thirty-five dollars per month, and 
in 1 88 1 he began selling queensware for Young, 
Keiper & Co., of Philadelphia, representing them 
in Union, Snyder, Clinton and Centre counties. 
This business occupied his time for about a year, 
and then he took a position in the tannery, with 
which he has ever since been connected. In 
1884 he was taken into partnership, the business 
continuing under the name of Schoch & Son 
until August, 1886, when he became sole owner. 
He has a thorough knowledge of the business, 
and no detail, however insignificant, escapes his 
attention. The plant employs several men, and 
is open all the year round. It is safe to say 
that, as a business man, Mr. Schoch has no su- 
perior of his age in that locality, the growing 
trade of his establishment being due to his wide- 
awake, energetic management. 

In September, 1883, Mr. Schoch was married 
to Miss Mary M. Benner, who was born near 
Salem, Snyder county, where her father, Ed- 
ward Benner, was a leading citizen. One 
daughter, Rebecca, born in 1884, blessed this 
union. Mrs. Schoch is prominent socially, and 
is an active member of the Lutheran Church. 
Our subject's genial temperament and pleasant 
manners make him popular with all classes. He 
is one of the leading Democrats of his town, and 
while not anxious for political distinction he 
takes keen interest in the success of his party. 
In municipal affairs he is active and influential, 
and for three years he served as a member of the 
council. 



JOHN MYERS has spent his entire life in 
Union county, and his name is inseparably 
connected with its agricultural and public 
interests. He was born near Lewisburg Sep- 
tember 17, 1835, and is of German descent, his 
ancestors having come to this country previous 
to the Revolutionary war. His grandfather was 
John Moyer, but his descendants have changed 
the name to Myers. David Myers, an uncle of 
our subject, lived near Lewisburg, Penn., where 
he was killed by the kick of a vicious horse. He 



990 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



left a large family, of whom, six sons, Alpheus, 
Abraham, Lewis, Nathan, David ami Henry, re- 
moved to the West. 

Isaac and Salome (Weidler) Myers, the par- 
ents of our subject, were both natives of Lancas- 
ter county, Perm., where their marriage was 
celebrated, but shortly after that event they came 
to Union county, where the father had previous- 
1\ spent one year, and where he afterward be- 
came well known as a Dunkard preacher. 1 
the} reared their family of seven children, namely: 
roltne, who became the wife of William K. 
Moore, and removed to Illinois, where she died, 
leaving two children; George \V. , a tanner by 
trade, who also 1 in lumbering, but is now 

farming in southern Indiana, and as a 

minister of the Dunkard Church; Simon Peter, 
a resident of Birmingham, Ala., who is married, 
and is now living retired, having become quite 
wealthy during his active business life; fohn, of 
this sketch; Sarah, who died at about the age of 
twenty-five years; Hannah, who died at the age 
nineteen; and Elizabeth, who died in Illinois, 
where she had gone with the hone of benefiting 
her health. 

John Myers, of this review, was educated in 
the common schools, and was reared upon the 
irm, which he and his brother George 
rated for two \ ter he completed his 

education, his father having retired from active 
labor. Our subject then went west, visiting nine 
States, but finally returned to Union countv, 
where he has since successfully engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits, making his home in Hartleton. 
On December ii. 1862, Mr. Myers was mar- 
ried to Miss Candace Diffenderfer, a popular ami 
estimable young lady, and a daughter of Henry 
Diffenderfer, a prominent farmer of the county. 
She was one of fourteen children, all of whom 
grew to maturity with the exception of one. 
They are now scattered throughout various States 
of the Union, and many have become leading 
and representative citizens of their various com- 
munities. 

Mr. and Mrs. Myers have five children, as 
follows: (1) Elizabeth, born September 9, 1; 
is the wife of Galen C. Whitmer, a pop 
business man of Hartleton. (2) Grant, born 
May 4, 1867, died April 30, 1868. (3) Jessie, 
born February 19, 1870, graduated from the 
Normal School of Bloomsburg. Penn.. in 1890. 
She is now a professional nurse located at Wash- 
ington, 1). C, having graduated from the Train- 
ing School of the Philadelphia Hospital. Phila- 
delphia, in 1894. (4) Nora, born September 14, 
1871, also graduated at the Bloomsburg Normal, 
and is now with her parents at their home in 



Hartleton. (5) Minnie, born October 8, 1874, 
is the wife of Albert J. Musser, a resident of 
MifHinburg, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Myers cast his first Presidential vote for 
James Buchanan, but has since been an ardent 
supporter of the Republican party, taking a deep 
and commendable interest in political affairs. He 
has served his fellow citi/.ens in the capacity 
of tax collector, auditor, supervisor, over- 
seer of the poor, school director, town council- 
man, and in 1897 was elected burgess of Hartle- 
ton, which office he is now filling with credit to 
himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. 
Progressive and public-spirited, he has ever 
cheerfully given his support to those enterprises 
that tend to public development, and does all in 
his power to promote the general welfare of the 
community. Religiously, he is a conscientious 
member of the Lutheran Church. 



PASCHAL LEWIS CLINGAN, justice of the 
peace in and for the borough of Lewisburg, 
Union county, is noted for his clear insight into 

il questions, and his decisions being founded 
on sound and broad judgment of men and affairs. 
and careful study of principles, have seldom been 
revi tsed in the higher courts. 

Squire Clingan was born in Kelly township, 
Union county, February 6, 1830, and is descend- 
ed from Scotch-Irish stock, a strain of blood 
which has furnished to America many families of 
ability and prominence. William Clingan, our 
subject's grandfather, was bdrn in Lancaster 
county, Penn., and served as a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war. At an early day he settled 
in Kelly township. Union county, where he died 
about 1S20. His wife, Jane Roan, of Lancaster 
count\. was also of Scotch-Irish descent, and 
her father, Rev. John Roan, a Presbyterian cler- 
gyman, crossed the ocean and settled in Lancas- 
tei 1 unity in 1739. Her brother, Flavel Roan, 
was the author of a deed which is quoted in the 
law books as the most eccentric on record. It 
was mi. ide to Clara Helena Elkinhuysen, in 1 793. 
and is found in the archives of Northumberland 

iY at Sunbury, in deed book F, page 280, 
under date of November 3, 1793. William and 
Jane Clingan had the following children: Mar- 

1. Mrs. John Scott, died in Illinois; Anne 
Roan, Mrs. Joseph Lawson (deceased); Thom- 
as, our subject's father; Elizabeth, Mrs. Thomas 
Barber, who died in Union county; George Cling- 
an, who died in Illinois; and Flavel Clingan, who 
died in Union county, Penn. 

Thomas Clingan, the father of our subject, 
was born in Lancaster county in 1785, and in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



991 



1800 became a resident of Kelly township, Union 
county, where he remained, following agricultural 
pursuits. In his religious views he was a Presby- 
terian, and in politics was formerly a Whig, and, 
on the organization of the Republican party, he 
became its stanch supporter. He died at the 
age of seventy-one, and his wife, Margaret 
Lewis, who was born in Union county, February 
20, 1790, attained the age of seventy-two. Seven 
children grew to maturity, our subject being the 
youngest; William died at seventy-six years of 
age; Elizabeth married Samuel Laird, and died 
in Illinois, leaving several children; fane mar- 
ried James Lawson, and died in Kelly township, 
Union county; Mary (deceased) never married; 
Amelia (deceased) was formerly the wife of John 
Sterett; and Sarah (deceased) was the wife of 
William P. Dougall. 

The common schools of his native county 
afforded Squire Clingan his first glimpses of the 
long and toilsome paths of knowledge, and later 
he pursued higher studies at Lewisburg Academy. 
For some years he followed farming, but in 1873 
he removed to Lewisburg and engaged in the 
coal business, which he carried on successfully 
until 1892. In that year he was elected to his 
present office, and has since devoted to it the 
greater part of his time. In 1865 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Maria Zuber, a native of Montgom- 
ery county, born in 1833, and they have two 
children, Emily and Frank, both of whom are at 
home. 



CV-VPT. BEACH CRARIE AMMON, an hon- 
^ ored veteran of the Civil war, and the well- 
known postmaster at Winfield, has throughout 
life been identified with the interests of Union 
county. He was born at Lewisburg May 23, 
1839, a son of Samuel Amnion (also a native of 
Lewisburg), and a grandson of Andrew and Eliz- 
abeth (Meyers) Amnion, who died in that city, 
the former on March 14, 1842, and the latter on 
February 14, 1868, at the age of eighty-two. In 
their family were five sons, all now deceased, 
namely: Byers, Daniel, Samuel, Alexander and 
Abel. 

For a number of years Samuel Amnion con- 
ducted a tailor shop in his native city, and also 
engaged in the lumber business. He was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary H. Hicks, who was 
born in Salem, Luzerne Co., Penn., May 18, 
1817, a daughter of Jesse and Candace (Culver) 
Hicks, natives of Bucks county, Penn., and New 
York State, respectively. Her father was born 
September 21, 1761, and died February 26, 1829, 
in the county of his nativity, and in September, 



1838, the widowed mother removed from their 
old home on the banks of the Susquehanna river, 
in Luzerne county, to Lewisburg, where she died 
January 27, 1863, aged eighty-three years, six 
months and twenty-seven days. They had three 
children: Mary (the mother of our subject), who 
is living in Lewisburg at the age of seventy-eight 
years; Elwood, who died August 18, 1830, aged 
eleven years, five months and one day; and Sarah 
C, who died July 14, 1836, aged fifteen years, 
one month and nineteen days. Samuel Amnion, 
who was a consistent member of the Christian 
Church, and a Democrat in politics, was called 
to his final rest September 14, 1852, at the age 
of thirty-eight years, nine months and six days. 
Our subject is the eldest in a family of six 
children, the others being as follows: Emily, 
who died in infancy; Levi H., who was a mem- 
ber of Company E, 51st P. V. I., during the 
Rebellion, and was killed in the battle of the 
Wilderness, in May, 1864; William L. , who also 
served in the Union army, as a member of Com- 
pany D, 142nd P. V. I., and later went to Mex- 
ico, but has not been heard from for twenty-five 
years; Harvey C, a plasterer and truckman re- 
siding in Lewisburg, Penn.; and Mayland H., a 
machinist in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The first thirteen years of his life Capt. Am- 
nion spent under the parental roof, attending the 
local schools during the winter. Coming to Win- 
field August 1, 1855, he accepted a position as 
clerk in the store of Beaver, Marsh & Co., with 
whom he remained until the spring of 1893, when 
the firm ceased to exist. Prompted by a spirit 
of patriotism, he, on September 7, 1861, en- 
listed in Company E, 53rd P. V. I., serving first 
under Capt. Church and later under Capt. John 
Shield. For meritorious conduct he was promoted 
from second to first lieutenant November 27, 
1863, and April 25, 1864, he was commissioned 
captain. He was never wounded, although he par- 
ticipated in many hotly contested battles, includ- 
ing those of Fair Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, 
Cold Harbor and Spottsylvania, and on the ex- 
piration of his term he was honorably discharged 
and mustered out October 30, 1864. 

Returning to his home in Winfield, Capt. 
Amnion was made outside foreman at the Union 
Furnace, which was incorporated in' 1853. A 
year later he took charge of the company's store, 
where he remained until 1878, and then was 
made bookkeeper in the office, which position he 
is still acceptably filling under Dr. Levi Rooke. 
He is a stockholder in the Union National Bank 
of Lewisburg. 

On November 30, 1865, Capt. Amnion was 
married to Miss Maria T. McMichael, who was 



- 



' VIZ/' UORA TI 7E BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



born in Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., No- 
vember ii, 1839, a daughter of Thomas and Ade- 
line (Church) McMichael, the former a native of 
Berks county, the latter of Lancaster county. 
The mother, who was a faithful member of the 
Episcopal Church, died at Churchtown, in 1842, 
aged twenty-seven years. She left two children: 
Maria T. , wife of our subject; and John, who 
never married; he was killed in the battle of 
Fredericksburg during the Civil war. For his 
second wife the father wedded Catherine Davis, 
1 West Chester, Chester Co., Penn., where she 
is still living, but Mr. McMichael died in Read- 
ing, Penn., in 1875, at the age of sixty years. 
He was a railroad mail agent. Three children 
blessed the union of Capt. and Mrs. Ammon: 
Laura R., who died at the age of eight years; 
and two who died in infancy. 

Fraternally, the Captain is an honored and 
prominent member of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, Patriotic Order Sons of America, and 
the Knights of Pythias. His political support is 
given the men and measures of the Republican 
party, and since 1866 he has acceptably filled 
the office of postmaster at Winfield, being one of 
the oldest in continuous service in the United 
States, which fact plainly indicates his faithful 

barge of duty and his popularity with his 
fellow-citizens. He served as a member of the 
State Central Committee, and was county chair- 
man of the Republican Committee two terms. 



J 



ACOB S. SHIVELY is one of the repre- 
sentative and prominent agriculturists of 
w Limestone township. Union county, where 
the family, which was of Swiss origin, was es- 
tablished over one hundred and twenty-five years 
ago. On the paternal side the great-grandfather, 
Christian Shively, was a native of Switzerland, 
and on coming to the New World he took up his 
residence in York county, Penn., in what is now 
Y"rk township. His wife was a native of Ger- 
many. In 1773 he came to Union county, where 
he purchased 1,100 acres of wild land near what 
is now White Spring, in Limestone township, 
and a portion of that tract comprises the present 
farm of our subject. He then returned to York 
county, where he died soon afterward. 

Christian Shively, Jr., the grandfather, was 
born in York county, October 2, 1750, and, a 
short time after his father purchased land in 
Union county, he located here, making it his 
home for many years. During the Indian out- 
rages after the battle of Lexington, for safety he 
left the countv, which at that time contained but 



few families, his home being near that of Col. Wat- 
son, whose family was murdered by the Redmen. 
After the Revolutionary war, Mr. Shively re- 
turned to Union county and located upon the 
present farm of our subject, where he made many 
useful improvements. Of his two brothers, John 
and Henry, the former was taken by the Indians 
and all trace of him was lost. Christian Shively 

married Catharine , who was born May 

20, 1752, and they became the parents of seven 
children: Barbara, who died on the old home- 
stead; Susanna, who married and removed to 
Ohio; John and Samuel, who died in Union 
county, Penn. ; Henry, who was found dead near 
Mitninburg, Penn.; Daniel, who became a resi- 
dent of Columbiana county, Ohio; Christian, 
who located in Clarion county, Penn. ; and 
George, the father of our subject. The mother 
of these children departed this life July 5, 1S21, 
the father September 12, 1842, and both were 
buried in the English cemetery in Limestone 
township. 

George Shively was born July 26, 1788, in 
Limestone township, and became one of the sub- 
stantial agriculturists of that locality, owning a 
large and well-improved farm. He married 
Rachel Steese, also a native of Limestone town- 
ship, born May 23, 1700, a daughter of John 
Steese. In their family were the following 
children: Catharine, who married John Steese, 
and died in Stephenson county, 111. ; John, who 
died in Union county, Penn. ; Rachel, now the 
wife of John Beaver, of West Buffalo township, 
Union county; Barbara, who married Benjamin 
Shively, and died in Jewell county, Kansas; 
Christian, who died in Limestone township; 
Susan, wife of Robert Badger, who died in Dal- 
las county. Iowa; Jacob S., of this review; and 
five sons who died in childhood. The father was 
a stalwart supporter of the Whig party, was a 
consistent member of the German Baptist Church, 
and a most excellent citizen of his community. 
He died November 22. 1854, and his wife passed 
away September 30, 1861. 

Jacob S. Shively was born November 5, 1 S 2 7 , 
in the house which he still occupies, and in the 
district schools of the neighborhood he obtained 
his education, his first teacher being Eleanor 
Barber. He remained at home until sixteen 
years of age, when he began learning the tan- 
ner's trade under John Steese, serving a three- 
years' apprenticeship, but he has never followed 
the business. For eleven years he successfully en- 
gaged in lumbering, beginning business along 
that line when his capital consisted of an old 
horse, but he subsequently owned a half-interest 
in a sawmill on Penn's creek. Upon a tract of 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



993 



twenty-five acres of land, which his father gave 
him, he built a house and barn, and for several 
years he worked as a general laborer at fifty cents 
per day. 

On October 10, 1849, Mr. Shively was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Stoughton, 
who was born in Northumberland county, Penn., 
April 6, 1828, and was a daughter of Aaron 
Stoughton. She departed this life July 15, 1858, 
and was laid to rest in the Lewis cemetery. Mr. 
Shively was again married February 10, 1862, 
his second union being with Mrs. William 
Keinard, whose maiden name was Sally Boop, a 
daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Fees) Boop. 
Her birth occurred February 23, 1829, in Hart- 
ley township, Union county. By her marriage 
with our subject she became the mother of five 
children: William E., who died in childhood; 
Elizabeth A., wife of Franklin Mitchell, of Lime- 
stone township, Union county; Mark M., a 
teacher of Mifflinburg, Penn., married Miss Sadie 
Rule; Jennie C. is at home; and Greene, who is 
a minister of the German Baptist Church, and 
operates the home farm. The mother of these 
departed this life February 20, 1898. 

After his second marriage, Mr. Shively went 
to housekeeping in Hartley township, Union 
county, where his wife owned a small farm, but 
in 1865 he removed to his farm in Limestone 
township, and in April, 1883, located on the old 
family homestead, where he has since resided, 
the place having been in the possession of the 
family for over a century. In August, 1889, he 
fell from a scaffold while painting, and sustained 
injuries which have since made him a cripple. 

Mr. Shively and his family are active and 
prominent members of the German Baptist 
Church, of which he has been deacon for thirty- 
three years, and treasurer of the Church for many 
years. In politics he was a stanch Republican, 
but for many years has not taken an active part 
in party affairs; he has served as school 
director six years, and also as tax collector. Of 
undoubted integrity and honor, he has been 
called upon to serve as executor, assignee, at- 
torney and guardian, and has settled many 
estates, thousands of dollars having passed 
through his hands in this way for other people, 
none of whom ever required him to give a bond. 
In all his dealings he has never had a lawsuit of 
his own, although he has been a defendant in 
proceedings while acting as executor or adminis- 
trator, but, as an individual, his affairs have al- 
ways been settled out of court. He is a man of 
rare good sense and sound judgment, possessing 
intelligence above the average, and a trust 
reposed in him has never been betrayed. 

63 



FRANK C. STOUGHTON, supervisor and 
trainmaster of the Lewisburg branch of the 
Pennsylvania R. R. , is one of the ablest and 
most popular officials of that road. A native of 
Lewisburg, he was born March 4, 1846, a son of 



A. Stoughton, 



now the oldest living citizen of 



that place. 

The Stoughtons are of New England lineage. 
Augustus Stoughton, our subject's great-grand- 
father, lived near Hartford, Conn. Augustus 
Stoughton (2), the grandfather of our subject, 
and a bridge builder by occupation, established 
his home in Lancaster county, Penn. He mar- 
ried Hannah Ferry, and had five children, of 
whom three lived to adult age, viz. : Augustus 
(3). our subject's father; Kate, who married 
George Wilson, and moving to Ohio, has not 
been heard from since the war; and Hannah, who 
married a Mr. House, and died in Harrisburg, 
Pennsylvania. 

Augustus Stoughton (3) was born June 25, 
1 8 14, and at the age of eighteen left his early- 
home in Lancaster county to learn the tinner's 
trade in Milton, Penn. In 1837 he went to Lew- 
isburg and worked for a time as a journeyman, 
but in 1843 he engaged in business on his own 
account, and has continued ever since, having 
occupied his present shop for thirty-five years. 
In 1840 he was married to Miss Rebecca Pettit, 
who was born in New Jersey, February 22,1820, 
and is now hale and vigorous, despite her ad- 
vanced age. She has never worn spectacles, 
her eyesight being still impaired. Her father, 
William Pettit, was a native of Hunterdon coun- 
ty, N. J., but settled in Pennsylvania, his death 
occurring in Lewisburg in 1839. His children 
were: William (deceased); James, who resides 
in Philadelphia; Nathan, Charles, and Caroline 
(living;; Rebecca, Mrs. Stoughton; Abbie (de- 
ceased), who married Cyrus Wanford, and re- 
sides in Waverly, N. Y. ; and Tillie, Mrs. Over- 
ton, who lives in Illinois. 

Twelve children were born to Augustus (3) 
and Rebecca Stoughton, of whom two died in in- 
fancy; the others were: Roland, who was cap- 
tain of Company D, 150th P. V. I., the "Buck- 
tail Regiment," died at Fredericksburg, his body 
being brought home for burial. He had a leg 
fractured during the battle of the Wilderness, and 
lay so long on the field before he was cared for 
that he could not survive the shock of amputa- 
tion. Jennie is the wife of J. M. Rhodes, of 
Milton, Penn. Frank C. is mentioned more fully 
farther on. Mary is at home. Isabelle died at 
the age of thirty-four years. Abbie is at home. 
Carrie married Dr. Allbright, of Muncy, Penn. 
James, who is single, resides at Lewisburg. 



994 



COMMEMORA TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Nellie C. married Harry Mathers, and Anna is 
deceased. 

Frank C. Stolghton was reared in Lewis- 
burg and received a public-school education. In 
1S65, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted for one 

i in Company C, 10th P. V. I., and served 
until peace was restored. In 1S68 he entered 
the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
pany, and has been in continuous service since. 
He was in the construction department of the 
Pennsylvania & Erie from 1873 to 1880, in the 
baggage department from 1880 to 1885, was a 
passenger conductor from 1885 to 1891, and then 
t"'k his present position as supervisor and tram- 
master, his promotions showing the esteem which 
his faithful and efficient work had won. 

In 1869 our subject was married to Miss Julia 
E. Montgomery, who was born in Louisiana, S 
tember 21, [848. Nine children brighten their 
home: Annie. 1 r, Rebecca Hill, 

Thomas R., Jennie, Frank J., Julia, Marg: 
and Augustus, Jr. 



FETER RANGLER. The descendants of 
Michael Rentchler. who came to America 
from the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, in 
the year 1757, have altered the spelling of tl 
name in various ways, Rengler or Rangier b( 
the accepted form in the branch of the familv to 
which the subject of this sketch belongs. Mm 1 
Rentchler was accompanied by his wife and son, 
John, and they made their first home in 1'. 
county, Penn., but removed in May, 1788, to 
what is now Union county, locating upon a large 
tract of land on Buffalo creek, at its junction 
with Spruce run. 

John Rentchler, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was probably the first man to build a mill 
in Union county, and the grist and saw mills 
which he erected in 1818 are still in use, and 
bear the name of their founder. He owned a 
farm about three-quarters of a mile north of 
Buffalo Cross Roads, where he died February 
[825, aged sixty-six. His wife was Maria Dorothy 
Will, a native of Berks county, and they had 
three sons — Daniel, Jacob and Benjamin. Daniel 
Kentchler, the father of our subject, was born in 
Union county in 1793, and lived to the ripe old 
age of eighty-one years, four months and five 
days, continuing the work of fanning and milling 
at the old homestead, known as the Buffalo Cross 
Roads farm. He served as a sergeant in the war 
• ■I [812, in the regiment commanded by Lieut - 
Col. George Weirick. taking charge at the battle 
t Marcus Hook, and winning a reputation there 
in other engagements for courage and dis- 



cretion. After the war closed he was elected 
lieutenant in the State Militia, and served many 
years. In 1 8 1 7 he married Miss Susanna Dunkel, 
of Union county, by whom he had eight children, 
of whom our subject was the eldest; (2) John 
married Miss Mary Ritter, and lives in Michigan; 
(3) Susannah married Isaac Reish; (41 Daniel 
married Miss Susanna Royer, and resides at 
Mazeppa, Penn. ; (5) George married Miss Wil- 
helmina Wolfinger, and settled in Michigan, 
Fannie Maria married Daniel Gephart, of Buffalo 
township, Union county; (7) Jacob, married to 
Miss Caroline Himmelreich, and (8) Benjamin, 
married to Miss Rebecca Ewing, both settled in 
Nebraska. The mother of these passed away 
August 29, 1858, aged fifty-nine years, ten months 
and fifteen days. 

Peter Rangier was born in Buffalo township, 
Union county, April 17, 1 81 8, and was reared at 
the old homestead which he now owns. He 
attended the local schools of that day while learn- 
ing the detailsof farm work, and on attaining man- 
hood engaged in agricultural work on his nun 
account, spending five years upon a farm in his 
native township. He then removed to North- 
umberland county, Penn.. and continued this 
occupation for thirty-nine years, but nine years 
ago he retired from active work and settled in 
Lewisburg, where he now resides. In 1S44 he 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Dunkle, 
and more than half a century of wedded life has 
been passed by them. Mrs. Rangier was born 
in 1827, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth 
Spitzer) Dunkle, of Union county, Pennsylvania. 

Of the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Rangier, 
three are now living: (1) William H. Harrison 
was born in 1847, and died November 23, 1 
he served three years as a soldier in the Union 
army during the Civil war. (2) Susannah, who 
married Daniel Stamm, died June 25, 1890, at 
the age of forty-three years, four months and one 
bad five children — Clarence A. , John E. , 
MaryE., Spencer W. and Robert Clement. (3) 
Mary Klizabeth is at home. 14 ) Peter F., un- 
married, is a farmer by occupation. (5) Clara 
May married Edward J. Hubler, of Buffalo Cross 
Roads, and has one daughter, Eve May. 

Mr. Rangier is prominently identified with 
the Reformed Church, and has always been a 
man of influence among his acquaintances who 
best know his worth. 



OLIVER W. H. GLOVER, M. D., an eminent 
physician and surgeon of Union county, lo- 
cated at Laurelton, Hartley township, was born 
on his father's farm in Hartley township, one- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



995 



half mile east of Laurelton, May 16, 1868, and 
belongs to a family that has long been promi- 
nently identified with the growth and prosperity 
of this region. 

John Glover, Sr., called " King of Buffalo," 
his great-grandfather on the paternal side, was a 
native of Ireland, whose parents emigrated to 
that country during Cromwell's time from Lon- 
don, was born in or near Londonderry, in 1745. 
In 1766 he came to America, accompanied by 
his two nephews, sons of an older brother. For 
a time he lived in Virginia, where he married, 
and, accompanied by a wife and two daughters, 
settled in Hartley in 1772, remaining here en- 
during the privations of pioneer life until the 
time of the " Great Runaway " in 1 778, when he 
went to Dauphin county for a year, thence to 
Virginia, and did not return to Hartley until 
1789. He died in March, 1825, and is buried in 
the Laurelton graveyard beside his wife and 
daughter. 

John Glover, Jr., the grandfather of Dr. 
Glover, was born in 1782, in the Old Dominion, 
some sixteen miles from Winchester. He came 
with his parents to Hartley township, Union Co. , 
Penn.,and, in about 1807, married Elizabeth 
Gray. He became one of the leading and influ- 
ential citizens of Union county, succeeding his 
father in the ownership of the farm. In 1822 
he was appointed by Gov. Heister a justice of 
the peace, and served in that capacity until he 
was removed by the Constitution of 1838. How- 
ever, he served one term thereafter, having been 
elected by the people. In 1839 he was elected 
register and recorder for Union county. He 
died May 16, 1862, aged about seventy-nine 
years, and was buried in Hartleton, Union coun- 
ty, and besides him are his wife and two sons, 
John and Andrew. 

James Glover, the father of our subject, was 
born July 20, 1824, at the old Glover homestead, 
being the youngest of eight children. The others 
were as follows: (1) William, born in 1808, 
died November 8, 1854, is buried at Rockgrove; 
he was a candidate for sheriff in Illinois, and died 
the night of the election (defeated). He was 
sheriff of Union county, Perm., in 1837; was a 
merchant and a general business man. He mar- 
ried and had five children. (2) Andrew, born in 
1810, died in May or June, 1852, and was buried 
in Hartleton, Union county. He served as justice 
of the peace and constable, was a tanner by trade. 
He married, and had five children. His daugh- 
ters were married as follows — Jane to Henry 
Dale, and resides at Council Bluffs, Iowa; 
Amanda to David Brancher, of near Hartleton; 
Elizabeth to James Moore, and lives in Missouri; 



and Ellen to William Reed, of Huntingdon, 
Penn. John, the only son, served in the Civil 
war, and died in September, 1872. He was 
buried at New Berlin. (3) John was born in 
September, 181 2, and died March 4, 1897. He 
was buried at Hartleton, Penn. ; one daughter 
survives him. (4) Sophia, the only daughter of 
John Glover, was born November 19, 18 14. She 
married Dr. Uriah Reed, of Jersey Shore, and 
became the mother of three daughters. She is 
now living and vigorous for one of her years. 
(5) George, born in April, 1S17, died in Septem- 
ber, 1885, and was buried in the Pellman ceme- 
tery. He married, and had four sons and two 
daughters. His widow, daughter and two sons 
live at and own the original homestead. (6) 
Thomas, born July 7, 1819, was a "Forty-niner," 
and died at Fort Larimie, on his way to Califor- 
nia. Two of his sons and one daughter now live 
in the West. (7) Robert V., born September 3, 
1S22, died December 9, 1893, and was buried in 
the Pellman cemetery. He was a general mer- 
chant for fifty years. He married, and had seven 
sons and two daughters. [See biography of 
Horace P. Glover.] 

James Glover for nine winters taught in the 
public schools of Union and Snyder counties. 
Later he located on a farm east of Laurelton, a 
part of the original Glover lands. He served as 
justice of the peace for ten years, discharging the 
duties of the office in a most creditable and sat- 
isfactory manner; he served as school director 
for eleven years. He was active as a Republican 
and party worker, and voted at all elections for 
fifty-one years. As his ancestors did, he occu- 
pies an enviable position in the estimation of his 
fellow citizens. He was married to Rebecca 
Ann Pellman, of Limestone township, Union 
county, February 23, i860; she died March 10, 
1873, aged thirty-nine years and nine months. 
They became the parents of five children: Anna 
Mary, born April 13, 1861, married Milton Bing- 
man, March 1, 1887, and resides on a farm in 
the borough of Hartleton; Laura Ellen, born 
January 4, 1864, is at home; Charles Pellman, 
born June 8, 1865, married Minnie Pursley, De- 
cember 2, 1889, and resides on the James Glover 
homestead farm, having one son — James; Oliver 
Wendell Holmes, our subject, is the next of the 
family; Louis Pellman, born April 9, 1871, died 
September 2, 1893, and was buried in Pellman 
cemetery. On April 28, 1874, James Glover 
took for his second wife Martha Pellman, who 
died December 2, 1S87. 

Dr. Oliver W. H. Glover during his boyhood 
and youth attended the district school, later 
going to Bloomsburg State Normal for a term, 



996 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and then to the New Berlin Academy. He 
taught school one term. He then became a 
drug clerk, and while thus employed began read- 
ing medicine. He entered Jefferson Medical 
College in September, 1888, graduating in [8 
After forming a partnership with Dr. Mohn, he 
began practicing at once in Laurelton. A 
later, Dr. Mohn wishing to retire from active 
practice, owing to other business, our subject 
took charge of his large practice. Dr. Glover 
is a close and thorough student; he is a m 
ber of the Lycoming County Medical Socie- 
ty; a man of deep research, and his inves- 
tions into the science of medicine, to- 
ler with his skillful application of knovvl- 
edge thereby obtained, has won him a place in 
the foremost ranks of the medical fraternity. In 
religion as in politics, he has followed in the foot- 
steps of his father, is a Presbyterian and a Re- 
publican, an active party worker, having done 
effective work for his party while serving as a 
member of the county committee. He has 
served as a school director. Fraternally, he is 
a member of the Patriotic Order Sons of Amer- 
ica, and is a Ma - <\\ 



WILLIAM HAMMOND BAKER is a repre- 
sentative of one of the old and prominent 
families of Buffalo township, Union county, 
where his ancestors located in pioneer days, 
since which time their descendants have been 
active factors in the business and social life of 
the community. Wendell Baker, the first of the 
family to locate in Buffalo Valley, established a 
home, in which occurred the birth of William 
Baker, the father of our subject. The grand- 
parents were Jacob and Catharine (Roi 
Baker. 

In the usual manner of farmer lads of that 
pioneer time, William Baker, the father, was 
reared to manhood. He was married in \\ 
Buffalo, November 20, [845, to Susan Kauff- 
man, \\h" was born September 24, 1S20, a 
daughter ol Livid and Elizabeth (Beck Kauff- 
man. Her father, who was a wealthy farmer, 
reared a large family. Mr. and Mrs. Baker be- 
gan their domestic life on the Frederick Heiser 
farm in Buffalo township, and in 1866 In- pur- 
chased and ! I to the John Hauck farm, 
which adjoined the old place. He afterward di- 
vide.! his l.md mt' 1 three farms, and erected a new 
set of buildings on the third farm, where he lived 
from 1 S77 until his death, which occurred April 
29, 1889. He died very suddenly while d 
his morning work, and was buried in Dreisbach 
cemetery by the side of his wife, who had passed 



away September 23, 1882. In politics he was a 
stanch Democrat, while in religious faith he was 
a member of the Reformed Church, in which he 
held a number of offices. His wife belonged to 
the Lutheran Church. In his business he was 
systematic, industrious and persevering, and his 
well-directed efforts brought to him success. He 
accumulated considerable property, and at his 
death left three good farms. His children were 
as follows: Catharine, born August 11, 1 
died in Buffalo township, March 7, 1892; Will- 
iam H., our subject, comes next; Henry R. , 
born January 13, 1849, > s a farmer of Buffalo 
township; Elizabeth, born March 1, 1855, is the 
wife of Alfred Kaup, of Mil'tlinburg. 

William H. Baker, the second of this family, 
acquired the greater part of his education in 
Cowan, later attending the Mifmnburg Academy. 
His school days being completed, he remained 
with his parents and assisted his father on the 
(arm at home until his marriage, October 24, 
1876, with Jennie Lesher, daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Lesher. She was born in Hartley 
township, Union county, May 23, 1853, and 
when fifteen years of age removed with her par- 
ents to Buffalo township, where her father died. 
Her mother is still living there. Mrs. Baker is 
the second of their four children, the others be- 
ing Andrew, of Lewisburg, Penn. ; Philip, of 
Buffalo township; and Margaret, who died in in- 
fancy. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have one child, 
Maineard L. , born November 26, 1877. He at- 
tended Bucknell Academy for three years, and is 
now a pharmaceutical student at Philadelphia 
College of Pharmacy, where he will take a thor- 
ough course. 

On March 28, 1877, the family located at 
their present home, and Mr. Baker operated the 
land on shares until 1890, when he purchased it 
of his father's estate. He has an excellent farm 
of eighty acres under a high state of cultivation, 
improved with substantial buildings and furnished 
with the modern equipments of the nineteenth 
century. He is a capable, energetic business 
man, and his steady application has brought to 
him a well-merited success. He and his wife 
are 1 sin Presbyterian Church of Lew- 

isburg, and Mis Laker belongs to the Presbj 
rian Home and Foreign Missionery societies. 



MBROSE FAIRCHILD is extensively en- 
gaged in farming in Gregg township, 
Union county, where he owns a very valuable 
property, scarcely surpassed among the country 

nes of the State. The land is rich and 
ble, and has been placed under a high state of 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



997 



cultivation. He also raises a good grade of 
stock, and the products of his farm being of supe- 
rior quality demand the highest market price. 
A substantial residence, good barns and other 
outbuildings have been erected to the value of 
$15,000, and all of the conveniences and acces- 
sories of a model farm of the nineteenth century 
are there found. 

Mr. Fairchild was born in Luzerne county, 
Penn., December 31, 1856, and is a son of Sol- 
omon and Sarah (Robins) Fairchild. The for- 
mer was also born in Luzerne county, and his 
father, Solomon Fairchild, Sr. , was a well- 
known farmer there. The maternal grandfather 
of our subject, Jonathan Robins, was a native of 
New Jersey, but spent his last years as an agricult- 
urist in Iowa. The mother of our subject was also 
born in New Jersey, and was married to a Mr. Fair- 
child in Luzerne county, where they continued to 
make their home until 1874. They then re- 
moved to Northumberland county, where they 
now reside, Mr. Fairchild having retired from 
active business life. He was formerly extensively 
engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is now a 
stockholder and director in the First National 
Bank of Milton, Penn. He has creditably filled 
a number of township offices, and has worthily 
won a competence by the exercise of excellent 
business and executive ability and honorable 
dealing. Both he and his wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a 
Republican. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Fair- 
child are Ambrose; Frank P., who is operating 
the old homestead; George W., who is also fol- 
lowing farming in Northumberland county; Sol- 
omon L., an agriculturist of Union county, Penn.; 
Elizabeth, wife of C. C. Brown, a merchant of 
Lewisburg. Penn; and Linda, Minnie and Grace, 
all at home. 

Ambrose Fairchild spent the days of his boy- 
hood and youth under the parental roof, and in 
the public schools of the neighborhood acquired 
a good practical education, which was supple- 
mented by several months' study in the East- 
man Commercial College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
He continued to aid in the cultivation of the 
home farm until twenty-six years of age, when 
he began operating one of his father's farms in 
Northumberland county, devoting his energies to 
that work for twelve years. He then purchased 
his present property in Gregg township. 

On January 24, 1883, in Northumberland 
county, Mr. Fairchild was married to Miss Ada 
Dunkel, who was born in that county in 1862, a 
daughter of Hiram and Christina (Frederick) 
Dunkel, also natives of that county, where they 



still reside. Her father is cashier in the Farm- 
ers National Bank of Watsontown, and is a 
capable financier, holding high rank in business 
circles. In his family are seven children: Mary, 
wife of E. P. Datisman, a farmer of Northumber- 
land county; Mrs. Ada Fairchild; Edward K. , a 
physician of Jersey City, N. J. ; Sarah, wife of 
George Millett, an architect, of Honey Brook, 
Chester Co., Penn.; Anna L. , a teacher of elocu- 
tion; Bessie and Catherine, at home. The 
paternal grandfather of Mrs. Fairchild was 
Killen Dunkel, a native of Union county, who 
followed agricultural pursuits, and died in 
Northumberland county. The maternal grand- 
father was Isaac Frederick, of Union county, 
who also died in Northumberland county. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild have a family of four 
children: Solomon, born October 24, 1883; 
Helen, born November 21, 18S4; Edwin D., 
born March 22, 1891; and Hunter M., born 
September 17, 1893. They lost their third child, 
Blanche, who was born January 1, 1886, and 
died June 22, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild 
have a wide circle of acquaintances, and their 
friends throughout the community are many. 
Their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality, 
and their courtesy and culture make it a favorite 
resort with all. Mr. Fairchild gives his political 
support to the Republican party. 



Great 



HM. MILLER, proprietor of the 
Western Hotel " at Vicksburg, and one of 

the genial and accommodating landlords of Union 
county, was born June 24, 1834, in what is now 
Snyder county, Penn. , but at that time was Union 
county. His father, George Miller, was a na- 
tive of Lehigh county, this State, whence he 
came to Union county when quite young, with 
his father, who died soon afterward. George 
was then bound out to Adam Yonkman, a car- 
penter and farmer, and with him learned the car- 
penter's trade. In Snyder county he married 
Barbara Manbeck, a native of that county, and 
they became the parents of ten children — five 
sons and five daughters — of whom the following 
named reached adult age: Eve, who married 
John F. Smith, and died in Walker township, 
Juniata Co., Penn. ; Isaac, who died in the same 
township; Eliza, now the widow of George S. 
Smith, and a resident of Lebanon, Penn. ; and 
H. M., of this sketch. 

George Miller and wife began their domestic 
life in a small house in the woods, and for some 
time he devoted most of his time to carpenter- 
ing, clearing his land as he found opportunity. 
On selling that place he purchased the old Al- 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REi 'ORD. 



bright farm in Moser Valley, which he operated 
some years and then removed to Adamsburg, 
where he followed mercantile pursuits for a time, 
finally selling out his business there to Reuben 
Keller. While serving as justice of the peace 
for a number of years, he also carried on farm- 
ing near Adamsburg, and subsequently removed 
to Walker township, Juniata county, where he 
owned two good farms. There he died at the 
ripe old age of eighty-seven years. The mother 
of our subject died in the same county at the 
age of sixty-one, after which the father was 
three times married, but all of his children were 
of the first union. Both parents were buried in 
Locust Run cemetery in Walker township. Al- 
though George Miller's early education was limited 
to two months' attendance at a German school, he 
obtained a good practical knowledge of affairs 
by experience and observation, and conducted all 
his business in English. He was almost six feet 
in height, was strong and active, and in wrestling 
matches in early life always came off victorious. 
First as a Whig and later as a Republican, he 
took quite an active and prominent part in local 
politics, and served as school director alter the 
free schools were established. He was an in- 
fluential member of the t Evangelical Church, with 
which he was officially connected for years, and 
for some time served as class leader. 

Mr. Miller, whose name introduces his 
sketch, began his education in the early country 
schools, and later attended the free schools for 
a time, while he acquired a good business knowl- 

• in his father's store. At the age of sev- 
enteen he went to Ohio, working as a lab- 
orer in the vicinity of Akron and Canton for a 
short time, after which he returned home and 
remained under the parental roof until his mar- 
riage. In Snyder county he wedded Miss Mar\ 
S., a daughter of George Arbogast, who followed 
farming in early life, later engaging in milling. 
Our subject began house-keeping on his father's 
farm of 17S acres in Walker township, Juniata 
county, which he subsi quently purchased, but as 
he was heavily in debt, and had to paj as high 
as ten and twelve per cent interest, he finally 
traded that place for a farm in Buffalo township, 
Union county, where he remained for one year. 

Later he lived on two different farms in East 
Buffalo township, where his wife died June _i. 
1 886, and was buried in Manbeck Church ceme- 
tery in Snyder county. She left four children: 
George A., a resident of Le wist own, Penn. ; 
Reuben U., an attorney of Crestline, Ohio; Ed- 
win D., a telegraph operator of Crestline; ami 
Emma I., at home. On December 26, 1889. 
Mr. Miller was again married, his second union 



being with Miss Mary E. Bentley, of Lewisburg, 
Penn., who was a graduate of the grammar 
school of that place, and engaged in teaching 
for a time. Later she successfully followed 
dress-making for nineteen years, commencing in 
1870. 

For several years before his removal to 
Yicksburg, Mr. Miller lived at Lochiel, but on 
the 22nd of March, 1893, took charge of the 
" Great Western Hotel ", which he has since 
successfully conducted. It is one of the best 
hostelries in Buffalo Valley outside of Lewisburg, 
and under the able management of our sub- 
ject is a great favorite with the traveling public. 
His wife a very kind, accommodating woman, 
is one of the few- model landladies. Besides his 
business here he still owns 1 17 acres of valuable 
land in Buffalo township. For some time he 
dealt extensively in horses, and is an excellent 
judge of the noble steed. Although he always 
supports the men and measures of the Republic- 
an party at State and National elections, he is 
not strictly partisan, and at local elections votes 
for the man whom he considers best qualified to 
fill the position. He has served on the election 
board, and as supervisor in Juniata county, but 
is no politician in the sense of office seeking. 
Religiously he is a member of the Evangelical 
Church. 



rVAVlli I!. NESBIT. Among the first to re- 
xJ spond to the call for defenders of the im- 
perilled Union, when the attack upon Fort 
Sumter thrilled the North with indignation, was 
was the subject of this sketch, who enlisted 
April iS, 1861, in Company G, 4th Penn. Vol. 
Inf., in the first company that left Union county. 
His regiment was first ordered to duty at Annap- 
olis, Md., and speedily found itself in the " ene- 
my's country,'' being obliged to rebuild a railroad 
before they could go on to Washington. After 
remaining sometime in the latter city, they were 
sent forward in the first campaign in Virginia, 
and served in the Third Brigade at the first bat- 
I Bull Run. Shortly after this notable strug- 
gle they were discharged, their term of service 
having expired. The hope of an early termina- 
tion oi hostilities, cherished in the first days of 
the war, van time passed and Mr. Nes- 

lut subsequently re-enlisted, this time as first ser- 
geant ol ( ompan) C, 3d Regiment, Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Militia, when the Confederates first en- 
tered Pennsylvania in 1862, and next in Com- 
pany F, 28th P. V. I., for an emergency term, 
and was on duty at the skirmish at Oyster Point, 
at the bombardment of Carlisle and Hagerstown 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



999 



about six weeks in 1863, the time being spent 
chiefly at Hagerstown, Md. He was com- 
missioned as first sergeant September 13, 1862. 

Mr. Nesbit is now a prominent citizen of 
Lewisburg, Union county, where he was born 
August 20, 1837. He is of Scotch-Irish ances- 
try, the first of the family to cross the Atlantic 
being his great-grandfather. The grandfather, 
Alexander Nesbit, was born probably in York 
county, Penn., but removed to Northumberland 
county, where his last days were passed. He 
was married twice, and his second wife had also 
made a previous marriage. John Nesbit, our 
subject's father, who was born in York county, 
Penn., in 1785, married (first) Miss Isabella Da- 
vidson, and (second) Mrs. Sarah Elliott, nee 
Beale, the mother of our subject. She was born 
in Juniata county, Penn., in 1787, and died 
in 1 861, the father passing away three years 
later. They were Presbyterians in religion, and 
Mr. Nesbit, who was a contractor by occupation, 
held a prominent place in the business and polit- 
ical life of his locality. On March 26, 1820, he 
was appointed justice of the peace to serve 
"during good behavior, " and it is unnecessary to 
state that he held the position many years, and 
finally relinquished it voluntarily on account of 
advancing years and the pressure of other duties. 
The greater part of his life was spent in Lime- 
stone township, Union county, where he owned 
two farms. By his first marriage he had seven 
children: Alexander (deceased) was a commission 
merchant in Philadelphia; Sarah A. (deceased) 
was the wife of P. M. Housel; Mary E. (deceased) 
never married; Nancy is probably living; John, 
Isabella and Caroline all died in childhood. Our 
subject was the youngest of the three children 
by the second union, and is now the only sur- 
vivor. John died at the age of twenty-four; and 
Margaret Jane died after her marriage to Joseph 
M. Housel. By Mrs. Sarah Nesbit's marriage 
with Thomas Ury Elliot there were four chil- 
dren, none of whom are now living: William B., 
phrenologist, was the eidest; Cassandra died in 
childhood; Mary married Louis Iddings; and 
Thomas was a druggist by occupation. 

David B. Nesbit grew to manhood in Lewis- 
burg, and received his education in the public 
schools and the academy. His father had built 
there the first steam flour and feed mill in Union 
county, and the first employment in which our 
subject engaged was as a salesman for its product, 
in 1854, when about seventeen years of age. 
After spending several years "on the road," he 
learned the carpenter's trade, serving a three- 
years' apprenticeship, and since that time he has 
followed contracting and building, enjoying a 



large custom. He is a leading Republican, and 
as a man and a citizen is highly esteemed. In 
1895 ne was elected justice of the peace, a posi- 
tion in which he displays marked ability. He is 
a member of the G. A. R. Post No. 52, of 
Lewisburg. In 1870 he married Miss Emma C. 
Squires, who was born in Nottingham, England, 
April 27, 1848. They had eight children, of 
whom four are now living: Norma C. , Clarence 
H., Melville D. and Bruce S. 



JOHN WATSON. This gentleman, who 
spent his early manhood in active business, 

and mainly in agricultural pursuits, is now 
living retired in West Buffalo township, Union 
county, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. 
He is a worthy representative of an honored 
pioneer family of this section of the State, and 
is also descended from good old Revolutionary 
stock. His paternal grandparents were David 
and Jane (Clark) Watson, the latter being a 
daughter of John Clark, who held a captain's 
commission in the war for Independence. Patrick 
Watson, a great-uncle of our subject, was mor- 
tally wounded by the Indians, who killed and 
scalped his mother, in May, 1780, near the pres- 
ent site of the city of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. 

William Watson, the father of John, was 
born in West Buffalo township, Union county, 
in April, 1797, and was the ninth in order of 
birth in a family of eleven children. Among the 
number were David and John C. Watson, 
neither of whom married. They spent their de- 
clining days with our subject, where the former 
died at the age of eighty, and the latter at the 
age of seventy-seven years. The family is of 
Scotch-Irish descent, and its members have 
mostly belonged to the Presbyterian Church, 
of which the grandfather of our subject was an 
elder for many years. 

On attaining to man's estate, William Wat- 
son married Sarah Boop, who died in January, 
1878, at the age of sixty-nine years. They be- 
came the parents of five children, namely: John, 
of this sketch; David, who is now living retired 
in Mifflinburg at the age of fifty-eight; Mary 
who became the wife of James R. Ritter, a mer- 
chant of Mifflinburg, and died in June, 1895, and 
Sarah and William, who both died in childhood. 
The father, who was one of the most substantial 
and highly respected citizens of Union county, 
passed away May 23, 1866, and now lies buried 
by the side of his wife in Mifflinburg cemetery. 

As soon as he had attained a sufficient age, 
Mr. Watson, whose name introduces this review, 
entered the public schools, where he pursued his 



1 



C0M.VK.VO1; A TIYK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



studies until he had attained the age of twenty, 
and was noted for his studious habits, always be- 
ing at the head of his classes. He has still, at 
the age of sixty-one, a splendid memory, and is 
a well-informed man on the leading questions 
the day, as well as on general topics of interest. 
Early becoming familiar with agriculture, he 
chose farming as a life work, and met with ex- 
cellent success in his undertaking^ 

In 1871, Mr. Watson was united in marriage 
with Miss Sarah E., a daughter of Emanuel 
Hartman, a prominent farmer of Union county, 
Penn. Her paternal grandfather followed the 
same occupation in Northumberland county. 
Four children blessed this union: Flora J., born 
in 1 87 1, completed her education in the Wilson 
Female College of Chambersburg, Penn. ; Mabel 
E. died at the age of three years and three 
months; Sarah S., born in 1876, was educated in 
the Miffiinburg High School; and David H., born 
in [879, is now attending that institution. 

Mr. Watson always uses his right of franchise 
in support of the men and measures of the Re- 
publican party, and has faithfully served his fel- 
low citizens in a number of official positions of 
honor and trust, but cares nothing for political 
distinction. He takes great pleasure in traveling, 
and has visited nearly every State of the Union. 
His family, which is connected with the Presby- 
terian Church, holds a prominent place in the 
social circles of West Buffalo township, and in 
their hospitable home they delight to entertain 
their many friends. 



JAMES PURSLEY. Among the leading and 
influential citizens that make up the agri- 
cultural population of Union county, this 
gentleman is certainly deserving of prominent 
mention. He is one of the most progressive 
and energetic farmers of Hartley township, and 
is now a member of the honorable board of 
county commissioners. In the township where 
he still resides, his birth occurred October 23, 
1S44, and since attaining to man's estate he has 
been actively identified with the development 
and prosperity of this section. 

William Pursley, the father of our subject, 
was born in Mifflin count)-, Perm., and was of 
Irish descent. He married Miss Eliza Switzer, 
who was born in Juniata count)-, Penn., but was 
reared in Mifflin county, and was a daughter of 
David Switzer. She died at the age of seventy- 
one years, ten months and some days, and the 
father passed away at the age of eighty-seven 
years, four months and sixteen days. He was a 
lumberman by occupation, a stanch Democrat in 



politics, and a Presbyterian in religious belief, 
but his wife held membership in the Evangelical 
Church. In the family were eight children, 
namely: Ann, now the wife of T. Libby, of 
Hartley township, Union county; Mary, who 
married John Goodlander, and died in Missouri; 
James, of this sketch; Mark, who died at the 
age of fifteen years; David, a- lumberman, of 
Lock Haven, Penn.; Reed and Joseph, both 
residents of Hartley township; and William, who 
died when young. 

Our subject spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth in his native township, with the ex- 
ception of four years passed in Mifflin county, 
Penn., whither his parents had removed, but at 
the end of that time they returned to Union 
county. He began his business career in the 
lumber woods, and later worked on a farm until 
1863, when he enlisted in Company F, 4th 
United States Infantry, and served with the 
Arm\- of the Potomac until the war ended. He 
participated in the battles of the Wilderness, 
Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania and Petersburg, and 
was twice slightly wounded. Brave and fearless 
on the field of battle, he was always found at his 
post of duty, and is now an honored member of 
John C. Schnure Post, G. A. R. 

On returning home, Mr. Pursley again re- 
sumed business in the lumber woods, and be- 
came a contractor in getting out timber. Sub- 

iently he purchased land, and now gives most 
of his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which 
he has met with good success. He is one of the 
leading representatives of the local Democratic 
organization, has always taken a prominent part 
in public affairs, and by his party was elected 
commissioner of Union count)-, although the 
county usually has a large Republican majority. 

In 1866 Mr. Pursley was married to Miss 
Sarah Swank, who was born in Lewis township, 
Union county, in 1S46, and they have had eight 
children: Ellen, wife of J. L. Fesenden, by 
whom she has three children — Bennie, Florence 
and Philip; William; Minnie, wife of Charles 
Glover; David, born January 4, [874, now has 
charge of his father's hotel in Laurelton; Eliza; 
Sadie; James Gettes and Harry. 



MICHAEL SLEAR, junior member of the 
firm of Burns & Slear, leading lumber 
merchants and operators at Winfield, Union 
county, is one of the substantial citizens of his 
locality, having won the success due to honest 
and well-directed effort in business life. He •■■ 
born April 14, 1S51, in the township where he 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1001 



now resides, a son of Charles Slear and a grand- 
son of Jacob and Mary Slear. 

The father, who was a native of Union town- 
ship, Union county, became a successful farmer 
and tanner. He was an active member of the 
Lutheran Church, and a stanch supporter of the 
Democratic party. He was killed by a runaway 
horse on March 30, 1872, at the age of fifty 
years, four months and twenty-six days. His 
wife, Elizabeth (Smith), who still resides at the 
Slear homestead in Union township, Union coun- 
ty, was a daughter of Michael and Lida (Slough) 
Smith. Ten children were born to Charles and 
Elizabeth Slear: Maggie, who married (first) 
Mr. Stover, and (second) Mr. Bovver, of Elkhart, 
Ind. ; Howard, a resident of Lewisburg; Emma, 
wife of George Mourer, a farmer of Doniphan 
county, Kans. ; Martin, a hotel-keeper at Sham- 
okin Dam, Snyder Co., Penn. ; Michael, our sub- 
ject; Miss Anna M., at home; Catherine, wife of 
William Sasaman, a farmer of Snyder county; 
Oliver, a tanner at Winfield; Ada, wife of Will- 
iam Everhart, a carpenter and farmer in Union 
county; and Laura, who married Henry Ritter, a 
farmer in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Slear (our subject) attended the schools 
near his early home during boyhood, and had 
the further advantages of one year of study 
in Union Seminary, at New Berlin, Penn. 
After the death of his father he and his brother 
Howard took charge of the tannery, which they 
conducted for three years, and then for five years 
he carried on the business with his brother Oli- 
ver, being also engaged in farming. On May 28, 
1874, ne was married at Selins Grove, Penn., 
to Miss Louisa J. Long, and the first thirteen 
years of their wedded life were spent upon a farm 
in Union township. In the spring of 1888 they 
removed to a newly-built home in Winfield, 
where they have since resided. Four children 
have blessed their union: Bertha B., born Au- 
gust 9, 1875, married Edward Rholand, of Union 
county, and has one son, Wendell; Martin L., 
born August 30, 1877; Helen S., March 19, 
1893, and Dale, December 17, 1895, are at home. 

In 1895 Mr. Slear formed a partnership with 
Samuel Burns in the lumber business, and they 
operate a sawmill, carrying on an extensive 
trade in that line. Mr. Slear gives his attention 
to cutting and shipping the wood, spending most 
of his time in the forest, notwithstanding the 
fact that he has suffered from rheumatism from 
boyhood. In politics he is a Democrat, and his 
influence is felt in party affairs. He has served 
one term as township auditor, two as school 
director, and in the fall of 1887 he was elected 
commissioner of Union county for a term of three 



years. He is also prominently identified with 
the Lutheran Church, the Patriotic Order Sons 
of America, at Winfield, and Charity Lodge, No. 
144, F. & A. M., of Lewisburg. 

Mrs. Slear is a native of Monroe township, 
Snyder Co.. Penn., and was born March 24, 
185 1. Her father, Solomon Long, now a well- 
known retired resident of Winfield, was born in 
1827, a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bird) 
Long. His wife, Harriet Rowe, was born in 
1834. Mrs. Slear was the eldest in a family of 
five children; Clara is the wife of Samuel Shan- 
non, a farmer of near Ashland, Penn., and Theo, 
Newton and Samuel are all three residing at 
Winfield. 



F< W. MILLER. A list of the leading agri- 
culturists of Union county would certainly 
include the subject of this sketch, the fortunate 
owner of two valuable farms, one near Lochiel 
and the other at Vicksburg. Mr. Miller is not 
content with being successful in his calling, but he 
is thoroughly in sympathy with the movements 
which promise to widen the horizon of other 
farmers who for one cause or another find them- 
selves at a disadvantage. As an active worker 
in the Farmers Alliance, he has done much to 
create and foster the new spirit of comradeship 
and unity by which the members of this honored 
guild are enabled to combine for mutual benefit. 

Mr. Miller is a native of Penn township, 
Snyder county, born October 24, 1841. His 
education was begun in the schools of that 
locality, bnt his parents, Daniel and Esther 
(Wagner) Miller, removed during his boyhood to 
Northumberland county, where he attended the 
district schools for some time. While still in his 
'teens he accompanied the family to East Buffalo 
township, Union county, his father having pur- 
chased a farm there. As the youngest son, Mr. 
Miller remained at home to assist his father, and 
much of his youth was spent in clearing at the 
new home, and in the routine of farm work. 

On October 28, 1862, Mr. Miller was married 
in Lewisburg, by Rev. R. A. Fink, to Miss 
Catherine Biehl, who was born in Berks county, 
Penn., June 27, 1841, a daughter of Gideon and 
Rebecca (Dreibelbeis) Biehl, who later removed 
to Union county. After his marriage Mr. Miller 
located upon a farm in Kelly township, Union 
county, belonging to his father and father-in-law 
in partnership. He remained there eight years, 
purchasing the place in the meantime, and in 
1 87 1 moved to the Biehl homestead in East 
Buffalo township, near Lochiel. This is a 
beautiful place, one of the finest in the county. 



1002 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPIIK A I. REi ORD. 



Mr. Miller bought eighty acres for $16,000, and 
made his home there since 1871. In 1890 he 
bought Noah Slear's brick house in Lochiel, and 
moved into it in April. 1893, when his son, 
Harry E., moved onto the Lochiel farm. In his 
farm near Vicksburg, in Buffalo township, he 
has sixty-seven acres, making 147 acres in all, 
which cost him on an average $182.50 per acre. 
Being accustomed to active life, and wishing to 
improve the farm buildings, our subject, in the 

1897, ved "iitothe farm near Yicks- 

burg, where he now lives. Notwithstanding the 
fact that his education was restricted to the 
countrv and was summarily ended when 

he was seventeen, he is a well-informed man in 
many lines. He is a warm friend of education, 
his influence being used whenever possible for 
the improvement of the schools of his neighbor- 
hood. 

Of his four children, the eldest, Harry 1 ... 
born September 25, 1863, married Miss Annie 
Rel" has had two children— John Frank- 

lin, who died March 23, t887,,aged eight months, 
and Clementine A. Alice I., born April 30, 1 
is the wife of Newton ( ilover, 1 >l Buffalo township. 
Union county, and has a daughter, Mary Catherine. 
James B., horn February 15, [868, and Clarence 
D. , born April 19, 1 Mr and 

and Mrs. Miller are both members ol the Lu- 
theran Church, and are prominent in religious 
work. As has been said, Mr. Miller is a leading 
spirit in the Farmers Alliance in his section, 1 
for some time he has been identified with the 
k Park Associatii 



Dl I STRICKLER, one of the most success- 
itorsof Union county, was born in 
West Buffalo township, July 21,1 

Jacob Strickler, his grandfather, was born in 
Spring Garden township, York Co., Penn., Au- 
gust 7. 1805, a son of John and Catharine (Bixler) 
Strickler, who spent their entire lives in York 
county. Their children were: I Inch, wh. 
of cancer in York count) I ieth, who became 

the wife ol John Miller, and died at their home 
in Montgomery county, Ohio; Catharine, who 
lived with her brother Jacob, and died in West 
Buffalo township, Union county; fohn, a fanner 
who died in York count} ; Micl 
who died in York ci iunt) ; 1 .\ dia, w I 
the wife ol Michael Shellenberger, and died in 
York county; and Maria, who became the wife 
of John Shellenberger, and died in York county, 
The fathei ol this family died at the age of fifty- 
nine years, and at his death left considerable 



Jacob Strickler, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was left fatherless at the age of eleven 
years, and two years later his mother died, but 
he was carefully reared by his sister Catharine. 
He married Rebecca Smith, who was born in 
Manchester township, York county, April 4, 
1809, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Wentz) 
Smith. Her father was a farmer and spent his 
entire life in York county. He had two sons and 
six daughters. Alter his marriage, Jacob Strick- 
ler located on a small farm in York county, 
where he lived until April, 1 S 3 7 , when he came 
with his family to West Buffalo township. Union 
county, making the journey by team. On the 
farm which he purchased he made his home until 
the early '60s. He died October 26, 1885, and 
his wife passed away July 22, 1889. He voted 
with the 1 >emi >cracv,but took no active part in pol- 
itics. He belonged to the German Baptist Church. 
His business was successfully conducted, and he 
owned a farm in West Buffalo township, and 
another in Limestone township, Union county, 
together 1 ting 280 acres. He also erected 

the buildings on the old Strickler homestead in 
West Buffalo township. He and his wife lie 
buried in the German Baptist cemetery in that 
township. 

Their children were: Elizabeth, wife of Jacob 
Rover, of Millmont, Penn. ; John, who operates 
the homestead farm in West Buffalo township; 
Emanuel, who died in infancy; Jacob, of \\ 
Buffalo township; Rebecca, who is living in the 
township; llrich; Henry, who died near 
Lewisburg, Penn. ; Catharine, of West Buffalo 
township; Simon P.. who died in Millmont, 
Penn., Novi 16, 1895; Michael, of Kelly 

township, Union county; Daniel, of Mifflinburg, 
Penn., and Isaac, of Limestone township, Union 
county. 

Ulrich Strickler, father of our subject, was 

1 December 18, [836, was reared on a farm, 
and educated in the district schools, to which he 
had a long distance to walk, until in his la 
youth, when a school-house was built on his 
father's land. He learned the plasterer's trade 
under Abraham Eberhart. When twenty-six 
in West Buffalo township, he mar- 
ried Sarah Royer, who was born in Northumber- 
land county, Penn., in 1837, a daughter of 
Charles Royer, who removed from Lancaster 
counts to Union county. Mr. and Mrs. Strickler 
began their domestic life in West Buffalo town- 
ship, and. 111 1874, located in Buffalo township 
"ii the farm which is now the home of our sub- 
ject. The father purchased a half interest in this 
property, of his brother Jacob, and made the place 
his home until his death, February 19, 1891. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1003 



He was a member of the German Baptist Church, 
and was buried in its cemetery. In politics he 
was a Democrat, and lived a quiet and unassum- 
ing, but upright life. A year after his death his 
widow removed to West Buffalo township, where 
she now lives. She, too, is a member of the 
German Baptist Church. They had four chil- 
dren: D. H.; Charles E., of Mifflinburg; Jacob 
U., a plasterer of West Buffalo township; and 
Theodore F., of the same township. 

D. H. Strickler attended the Pike school in 
West Buffalo township, was reared under the 
parental roof, and since eleven years of age has 
resided at his present home. His early educa- 
tional privileges were supplemented by study in 
the Central Pennsylvania College, of New Ber- 
lin, and in a normal school at Buffalo Cross 
Roads, also at Michael's Commercial and Business 
College of Oberlin, Ohio. When twenty years 
of age he was employed as teacher of the Pon- 
tius school, in Buffalo township, since which time 
he has been teacher in the Red Bank school, and 
the Pike school, both of West Buffalo township; 
the Strawbridge school in Buffalo township; the 
Creek school and the Loudon school in West 
Buffalo township. He spent the summer of 1888 
near Huron, S. Dak., working as a farm hand, 
and with this exception, has been continuously 
and successfully engaged in teaching since the 
age of twenty years. 

On June 16, 1891, in New Jersey, Mr. Strick- 
ler was married to Miss Lizzie Wagner, who was 
born in West Buffalo township, July 8, 1865, a 
daughter of John and Catharine (Bechler) Wag- 
ner. Her mother was born November 30, 1838, 
in Lewis township, a daughter of John and Eliz- 
abeth (De Long) Bechler. Her father, John 
Wagner, was a blacksmith by trade. Mrs. Strick- 
ler, their only child, began her education in 
Creek school, under the direction of William 
Bechler, and when ten years of age entered the 
Mifflinburg High School. Later she attended a 
select school taught by Mrs. Burrows, and when 
sixteen years of age began teaching in the school 
where she was first a student. She has since 
successfully followed that profession, with the 
exception of three winters, and for eight terms 
was teacher of the Creek school, has taught in 
the Pike school for three winters, had charge of 
the intermediate grade in the Mifflinburg school 
one winter, was for two terms a teacher in the 
Pontius school of Buffalo township, two terms in 
the Loudon school, and three terms in the Pike 
school. Both Mr. and Mrs. Strickler are num- 
bered among the successful educators of Union 
county, and are most highly respected people. 

Mr. Strickler is a member of the German 



Baptist Church, his wife of the German Re- 
formed Church. They have two children: Mi- 
riam J., born September 26, 1892; and Myrna 
R. , born February 17, 1894. On their marriage 
they located at their present home, where Mr. 
Strickler owns forty-seven acres of land. During 
the months of vacation he follows farming, and 
in 1897 he thoroughly remodeled his home, 
making it a very pleasant residence. 



JACOB M. SCHOCH, a native of Union coun- 
ty, but now a resident of Philadelphia, was 
born in New Berlin, July 25, 1850. 

Mr. Schoch is the only son of Sem and Mar- 
garet (Ruhl) Schoch. His mother was twice 
married, her first husband being Mr. George 
Kleckner. The first eighteen years of the life of 
our subject were passed in his birthplace, where 
he attended the public schools for some time, 
his first teacher being Miss Kate Kessler; but he 
completed his education in Union Seminary (now 
Central Pennsylvania College) at New Berlin, re- 
ceiving such an education as would fit him for a 
successful business career. His father being a 
tanner in New Berlin, Jacob was often employed 
in the tannery during boyhood, grinding bark, 
and doing such other work as his strength would 
permit. 

When still in his teens Mr. Schoch became a 
clerk in the store of Rathfon & Winters, where 
he secured his first knowledge of mercantile 
business. But New Berlin was not the place for 
an enterprising, progressive young man, and in 
March, 1869, he concluded to go West. After a 
few days spent in Chicago, however, he decided 
to return to the East and locate in Philadelphia. 
He entered the wholesale notion store of Park, 
File & Co., as a clerk at a salary of $10 per 
week. For twenty-one years Mr. Schoch re- 
mained with that firm, but since September, 1890, 
he has been connected the Young, Smyth, 
Field & Co., of Philadelphia, one of the largest 
wholesale houses in their line in the United 
States. For almost thirty years Mr. Schoch has 
spent much of his time on the roads as a travel- 
ing salesman, and he has formed an extensive 
acquaintance such as only a man in his line can 
form. He now spends only a few months of 
each year in traveling, making his home in Phil- 
adelphia, but passes the summer with his family 
at New Berlin. 

On the 9th of February, 1875, Mr. Schoch 
.was married in New Berlin to Miss Angeline 
Kessler, who was born March 6, 1851, a daugh- 
ter of ex-Sheriff John and Catharine (Spangler) 
Kessler, and they now have two children: Ed- 



1004 



< OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ward C, who was born September 3, 1876, and 
who is associated in business with his father; and 
Alice M., born July 24, [882. Mr. Schoch usu- 
ally supports the Democracy, but is not strictly 

partisan 



SAMUEL BLYLER. While there is much 
truth in the strictures made upon the mod- 
ern scramblers for the almighty dollar, who seek 
to accumulate vasl Fortunes by selfish and un- 
scrupulous means, there is nothing more worthy 
of praise than the quiet aid steady pursuit of 
some honest calling and the determined exercise 
of the industry, econom) and sagacity which en- 
ables a man to acquire a home and a competence. 
The subject of this biography, now a prosperous 
saddler and harness maker at Brook Park, Union 
county, is a man whose brave struggle with early 
adversity has brought him a competence without 
sacrifice of principle. 

Mr. Blyler was born in Limestone township, 
Union county, July 26, [847, the son of Absalom 
and Catherine (Heimbach) Blyler. Absalom 
Blyler, who was a native of Berks county. Penn., 
was a shoemaker by trade, but spent some years 
at farming. Tall, broad-shouldered and possess- 
ing much strength in his active days, he was 
known as 1 hard worker, but for some reason he 
never gained anything beyond a small home and 
a fair living. In politics he was a Democrat, but 
he did not seek official honors. His wife died 111 
[854, and he survived her only eight years, both 
being buried in Snyder county. They had four- 
teen children, six sons and eight daughters, of 
whom two died in infancy, and our subject was 
the twelfth in this large family. 

In those times theschoolsof this section were 
not as numerous as they are to-day, and our sub- 
ject had to trudge many a weary mile to secure 
an 1 n at all. As a son of a poor man 

there was much to hinder his studies, farm work 
occupying his time. After \\\- father's death thi 
family was si att< red, and in [864, though a lad 
of seventeen, Mr. Blyler entered the Union 
army, as a private in Company B, 184th 1'. V. I, 
He took part in all the engagements of his regi- 

iit, remaining at the front until the close of 
the war. While on the return march to Wash- 
ington for the grand review, he was overcome 
with fatigue and sent to the hospital, and thus he 
missed the historic pageant that marked theclose 
of the struggle in which he had borne so bra 
part. On receiving his discharge he returned to 
Union count}-, ami began to learn his trade with 
John Herbst, of New Berlin, remaining two 
years, and receiving $50 with the privilege of 



working four weeks for farmers in harvest time 
to secure a little ready money. After his appren- 
ticeship ended he worked for Mr. Herbst a short 
time, and then found employment with John 
Stitzer at Mifflinburg. In 1S6S he went to Kent. 
Stephenson Co., 111., and being unable to find 
work at his trade, he spent more than two years 
as a farm hand. Coming back to Pennsylvania, 
Mr Blyler found conditions unfavorable for fol- 
lowing his trade, but an opening at Dayton, 
Ohio, led him to go there and remain some time, 
interrupted only by a short period of work at 
Tippecanoe, Ohio. In [872 he came to Lewis- 
burg, and entered a shoe factory as a workmen, 
but the failure of the firm threw him out of em- 
ployment again, and he went to Watsontown, 
Penn., to take a similar position. On leaving 
that place he returned to Lewisburg, and began 
working at his trade which he has since followed. 
In the fall of 1SS6 he began business on his own 
account, locating at Brook Park, where he has 
built a shop and a comfortable residence. His 
success, gained by hard toil, is well deserved. 
Honesty in his dealings, and a faithful discharge 
of every obligation, have won him the lasting 
esteem of all classes in the community. 

In 1881, Mr. Blyler was married in S 
Grove. Penn., to Miss Mary A. Zearfoss, daugh- 
ter of John Zearfoss, of Lewisburg, Penn., and 
three attractive daughters, Lena, Mary and 
Emily, brighten their home. Mrs. Blyler is a 
member of the Reformed Church, and takes much 
interest in the work of the society. As a citizen 
Mr. Blyler has always lent his influence on the 
side of progress, and he is one of the active sup- 
porters of the Farmers Alliance. In politics he 
was a Republican until 188 1, but the candidacy 
of General Hancock, his old commander, won 
his vote for the Democratic ticket. His sympa- 
thies are with the Democrats in the main, but he 
is not a blind partisan, and often " splits the 
ticket." 



MA. COOK. To the ambitious young man 
who fancies that no suitable opportunity for 
the exercise of his abilities can be found outside 
of our great commercial centers, the following 
history will convey a helpful suggestion. As a 
produce shipper, grain dealer and general mer- 
chant Mr. II. A. Cook, of Vicksburg, has built 
up an extensive business, and at the same time he 
has been helping to develop a new section and 
extend these lines of activity. 

Mr. Cook is a native of Mifflin county, Penn., 
having first seen the light near Allenville, Decem- 
ber 4, 1856. His father, the late J. B. Cook, a 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1005 



successful agriculturist, died at the age of sev- 
enty-six, and his mother, whose maiden name 
was Mary Schoch, is now in her eightieth year. 
They have two sons living, and of their four 
daughters, one died in childhood. Another lost 
her life by swallowing a button, all attempts to 
dislodge it failing, and two lived to adult age. 
Our subject first attended the common schools of 
his native township, but when he was eight years 
old his parents removed to the vicinity of New 
Berlin, Union county, where he continued his 
education in the public schools and later in the 
seminary. He was an industrious youth, men- 
tally and physically, and on Saturdays or other 
holidays he would spend his time grinding bark 
at the tannery of his uncle, Abram Schoch, at 
New Berlin, and his wages, though small, 
amounted in time to a neat sum. His uncle en- 
couraged him to save his money, giving him a 
note for all that he left on deposit with him, 
and thus Mr. Cook established at an early age 
the habit of accumulation. His studies did not 
suffer in the meantime, as at seventeen he was 
competent to teach, but he followed that occu- 
pation only one term. He did some work as a 
farm hand for neighbors, but in 1871 he secured 
a position as clerk in the large general store of J. 
S. Raudenbush, at Vicksburg, at a salary of 
eleven dollars per month. The business was en- 
tirely new to him, but he learned rapidly and 
soon proved his worth, his wages being raised 
after four months. In less than a year he was 
placed in charge of the produce car which his 
employer sent at regular intervals to the coal 
regions, where an excellent market was found. 
For a number of years Mr. Cook conducted 
this important department of the business, the 
remainder of his time being spent in the store. 
In 1889 he became a member of the firm of 
Raudenbush & Cook, which continued until 1 891 . 
He then established a similar business of his 
own, building his present convenient store, and 
in the fall of the same year he erected an elevator 
by the railroad track, where he carries on an 
extensive trade in grain, salt and other com- 
modities. He owns the store and residence 
formerly occupied by Mr. Raudenbush, and has 
built for himself a new and elegant home in the 
same tbwn, while his business in all lines is con- 
ducted on a much more extended scale than was 
that of his old employer. This success has not 
been gained without effort, few men in any busi- 
ness working more constantly than does Mr. 
Cook. His straightforward methods have won 
for him the entire confidence of the people with 
whom he deals, and these he esteems above any 
material reward. While he is interested in the 



political issues of the day, and votes the Demo- 
cratic ticket regularly, his attention is too closely 
given to his business interests to admit of active 
participation in public affairs. 

In 1 88 1 Mr. Cook was married in Mifrlinburg 
to Miss Lizzie Bottiger, a native of Union county, 
and daughter of Isaac Bottiger. They are promi- 
nent in social life, and are active members of 
the Reformed Church at Vicksburg. Two clever 
boys — J. Paul and Ralph B. — make their home 
merry. 



NATHAN SLEAR, an honored and highly 
respected citizen of East Buffalo township, 

Union county, was born March 25, 18 17, near 
Shamokin Dam, in what is now Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder Co., Penn., and is a son of Charles 
and Hannah (Fisher) Slear. The paternal grand- 
father also bore the name of Charles Slear. The 
father, a native of Dry Valley, Union county, 
was in limited circumstances, and supported his 
family by day labor. He died at the age of forty, 
but the mother lived to be nearly eighty-five, 
and both were buried at Selins Grove, Snyder 
county. In their family were four children, 
namely: Annie, who became the wife of John 
Bowen, and died in Northumberland county, 
Penn., at the age of eighty; Catharine, who first 
married John Serer, and, after his death, Noah 
Deibler, and died December 11, 1896; Nathan, 
of this sketch; and Esther, now Mrs. Daniel 
Deibler, of Clay county, Illinois. 

Our subject was reared in his native town- 
ship, but his educational privileges were very poor. 
His father died just two days after he had cele- 
brated the tenth anniversary of his birth, and the 
mother was left with only a small house and 
about thirty acres of land. He therefore began 
work on a farm at the early age of twelve, his 
first employment being at pitching hay, and 
although he was teased and taunted by his fellow 
workers, he was able to do his share and did not 
give up. For some time he continued to work 
for neighboring farmers, his earnings going to- 
ward the support of the family, and as soon as 
large enough to operate the home farm he under- 
took that work. His mother, who was a strong, 
robust woman, often helped him in the fields, 
doing a full day's work with either the sickle or 
flail. 

On February 2, 1836, Mr. Slear was married 
to Miss Abbie Snyder, who was born in Middle 
Creek township, Snyder county, September 3, 
1 8 16, and was a daughter of Jacob Snyder, a 
farmer by occupation. He was fortunate in the 
selection of his wife, who proved a most valuable 



1006 



COMMEMORA TI YE BIOGRA I'll I < . 1 /. RECORD. 



house-keeper and true helpmeet. After a happy 
married life of almost fifty-eight years, she was 
called to her final rest on November 17, 1893. 
Their only child. Charles 1'., horn in [836, died 
November 19, [859. 

Mr. and Mrs. Slear began their domestic life 
upon his mother's farm, remaining there sixteen 
years, but in 1852 removed to East Buffalo 
township, Union county, where he rented one 
farm six years and another one year. He then 
lived on the Rhiel farm on the Furnace road, in 
the same township, for two years, next operated 
the John Gearhart farm, in Buffalo township. 
one year, passed the following five years upon 
the Jacob Dunkel farm, in Mast Buffalo town- 
ship, and then spent one year on the John 
Aurand farm, in the latter township. About 

-- he purchased Ins present farm of Abram 
Aura ml, paying over $200 per acre for his forty- 
acre tract, which he bought at two purcha 
At in time he was heavily in debt, but by per- 
1 and good management, he now has 
an excellent little farm all paid for, and some 

1.1I besidi 

I 'riginally, Mr. Slear was a Whig in politics, 
and, since the dissolution of that party, he has 
hern identified with the Republicans. He is a 
faithful membei of the Evangelical Church, and 
altli lives all alone he still observer fam- 

ily worship. For over thirty years he was the 
leader of the choir at Salem Church, East Buf- 
falo township, and as a singer was known far 
and wide. While nearly eighty years of age, he 
is still well preserved, is jovial in disposition, is 
a good conversationalist, and possesses an excel- 
lent memory, speaking with ease of events that 
happened in his boyhood. 



CHARLES THOMAS DENNIS, a prominent 
citizen of New Columbia, Union counts, is 
not only well-known in business circles, as a 
dealer in lumber, coal and grain, and similar 
commodities, but is influential in various progress- 
ive movements in his locality. He is president 
of the Alliance of White Deer township, Union 
county, and was one of the chut promote! 
the Patriotic Order Sons of America, of New 
Columbia, organized in 1892, having been its 
first president. In the religious advancement of 
the community he also takes an active part as a 
member of the Reformed Church, which he has 
been a member of ever since he was twelve 
s of age. 

Mr. Dennis has good pioneer blood in his 
veins, Anthony Dennis, his great-grandfather 
on the paternal side, having come to America 



from England during the Revolutionary war. 
with a brother, Daniel and one sister, to settle 
near Philadelphia. Both brothers cast their lot 
with the Revolutionary forces immediately after 
their arrival, one serving as fiferand the other as 
drummer. Anthony Dennis had four sons and 
seven daughters. His son Lewis, our subjects' 
1 indfather, was married to Sarah Trump, and 
lived in Lehigh county, l'enn., for some time, 
but finally located with his wife and three sons — 
George. Anthony and Daniel, and four daughters, 
Ann, Juda, Sarah and Catharine, in White Deer 
township, Union county. 

His son George, the father of our subject, 
was born in Lehigh county, but came to Union 
county at an early age. and remained, engaging 
in fanning on a small scale, and also in sh< 
making. In politics he was a Republican, 
he was an active member of the Reformed 
Church. He married (first 1 Miss Mary Dieffend- 
erfer, by whom he had four children: Ferris, a 
coachmaker at Flat Rock, Ohio; Aaron, who 
conducts a boarding house at Williamsport, 
l'enn.; Sarah, who died in infancy; and Levi, a 
farmer near Marseilles, Mich. After the death 
of his first wife, George Dennis married her sister 
( ttherine, and six children blessed their union: 
William, deceased; Charles T., our subject; 
Ellen, who died at the age of fourteen; Alfred, a 
farmer of Kelly township. Union county; Alda, 
who resides with our subject; and Emeline, wife 
oi Samuel Baker, a farmer of Kelly township. 
The father died February 26, [868, aged fifty- 

il years; and the mother survived him until 
April 10, 1894, when she passed away at the age 
of seventy-five, she was a native of Union 
county, and her father, John Dieffenderfer, died 
in White Deer township, where his remains re- 
pose. He was a man of more than medium 
height, with black hair and fair complexion. 

Charles Thomas Dennis was born September 
4, [85 J, in White Deer township, and was taught 
in early manhood the value of industry and econ- 
omy. As his father left but limited means, he 
left home at fourteen to seek a livelihood, his first 
emplo\ inent beingupon a farm in the same town- 
ship, where he remained one year at $2. 50 per 
month. The next two years he received $6 per 
month, and for the two following years \ 
being then well grown and thoroughly instructed 
in all kinds of farm work, he found employment 
upon another farm in the neighborhood at $16 a 
month for the first year, and $20 for the suc- 
ceeding four years. 

At the end of this time he returned home and 
worked upon the farm for his mother, and also 
engaged in threshing, continuing until 1890, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1007 



when he moved to New Columbia, and purchased 
his present business. In addition to his trade 
in lumber and coal, he has a chop mill and grain 
house, his enterprise and sagacity enabling him 
to build up a lucrative business. His public 
spirit has already been noted, but it is a fact 
worthy of special mention that while he is active 
in local affairs, and is also an earnest supporter of 
Republican doctrines, he is in no sense a politi- 
cian. 

On March 13, 1890, Mr. Dennis was married 
to Miss Elizabeth J. Pawling, who died June 10 
of the same year, at the age of thirty-three, 
deeply lamented by all who knew her. She was 
a native of White Deer township, Union county, 
a descendant of one of the pioneer families of 
this State, her great-grandfather having come 
from England to America at an early period. 
He located in Chester county, Penn., but his 
son Joseph moved to what is now Snyder county, 
and the family has since been identified with 
this section. On January 13, 1898, our subject 
was again married, this time to Mary C. Farley, 
a native of White Deer township, Union Co., 
Penn., and a daughter of Jacob and Mary E. 
Farley, descendants of one of the pioneer fam- 
ilies of this State. 



GEORGE M. SLEAR. Among the leading 
and influential farmers of Buffalo township, 
Union county, who thoroughly understand their 
business, and pursue the avocation of their chosen 
calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, 
is the subject of this biographical notice. He is 
a native of the county, born in West Buffalo 
township, June 27, 1825, a son of George and 
Sophia (Miller) Slear. 

The father was born March 17, 1793, in 
Berks county, Penn., where his father, George 
Slear, spent his entire life. As a young man the 
former came to Union county, and was here 
united in marriage with Miss Hannah Kairffman, 
who was born October 17, 1789, a daughter of 
Peter Kauffman. They became the parents of 
four children, namely: Daniel, born February 
2, 1812, died in Buffalo township; Esther, born 
November 13, 1813, is now the widow of Samuel 
Shively, and a resident of Illinois; and Peter 
and Margaret (twins) were born May 8, 1819. 
The former died in Mifflinburg, and the later be- 
came the wife of Ephraim Long, and died in 
Buffalo township. For his second wife the fa- 
ther was married to Sophia Miller, who was born 
April 16, 1796, and to them were born three 
children: Charles, born September 2, 1822, 
died in West Buffalo township, Union county; 



George M. is next in order of birth; and Will- 
iam, born October 13, 1826, also died in West 
Buffalo township. After her death the father 
wedded Elizabeth Barklow, who was born No- 
vember 15, 1796. Four children graced this 
union, as follows: Elizabeth, born November 6, 
1835, is the wife of G. W. Himmelrich, of Buf- 
falo township; Hannah, born December 4, 1836, 
is the wife of Daniel Heckman, of Sugar Valley, 
Clinton Co., Penn.; Mary C. , born March 18, 
1S3S, is the wife of S. F. Miller, of East Buffalo 
township. Union county; and James, born July 
28, 1839, is a resident of Buffalo township. 

After his first marriage the father of our sub- 
ject located in West Buffalo township, and 
on coming to Buffalo township first rented 
land, but later bought, of Jonathan Van Valzah, 
what was known as the Sleekier farm. The 
place was later divided, and our subject now 
owns the western portion. Throughout his en- 
tire life the father followed the occupation of 
farming, and left to his children a comfortable 
competence. His death occurred March 1, 1875, 
and his remains were interred in the Dreisbach 
cemetery. He was widely and favorably known 
throughout the community, was a Lutheran in 
religious belief, and a stanch Democrat in poli- 
tics. 

In the White Springs school, Mr. Slear, of 
this review, began his education, and although 
his privileges in that direction were rather lim- 
ited, he earnestly advocates better educational 
advantages for the young. With the primitive 
implements used in his early years farm labor was 
much more arduous, and as soon as old enough 
he. began to aid in the work. As the family 
was large, and his services were not always need- 
ed at home, he worked for neighboring farmers 
during his boyhood and youth. For some time 
after reaching manhood he continued to work for 
wages, mostly for his father, but he has since 
purchased his present farm from his father's 
estate. 

On November 28, 1865, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah J. Beaver, who was born in 
Union township, Unioncounty, October27, 1831, 
a daughter of Simon and Elizabeth (Oldt) Beav- 
er. He has been called upon to mourn the 
death of his estimable wife, who died November 
1, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Dreisbach 
cemetery. A conscientious, earnest Christian, 
she was a faithful member of the Lutheran 
Church, to which our subject also belongs. He 
is a liberal contributor to the Church, and to 
all worthy objects which will in any way benefit 
the community or advance the general welfare, 
and for several years he has served either as 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRM'IWAI. RECORD. 



deacon or elder of the congregation to which he 
belongs. His political support is always given 
the men and measures of the Democratic party, 
but he has always declined to become a candi- 
date for office. Since 1883 he has practically 
laid aside business cares, but still resides on his 
farm, which is now operated by others. His 
ling worth and upright, Christian life, have 
ied him the confidence and esteem of all who 
have the pleasure of his acquaintance. 



MATHIAS NOLL, an undertaker and cabi- 
net maker of East Buffalo township, is a 
worthy representative of an old and honored 
family, that has long been identified with the in- 
dustrial interests of Union county. 

The name was originally spelled Noel, and 
tin family was founded in the United States dur- 
ing the early part of the eighteenth century by 
French Huguenots, one branch settling in Berks 
county, and the other in York county, Penn. The 
latter preserved the original spelling, and among 
its members was Hon. John Noel, the first 
mayor of York, Penn. The Berks county branch 
adopted the form of Noll, and to them our sub- 
ject belongs. The family was early established 
in Buffalo Valley, and is now quite numerous in 
eastern, central and southeastern Pennsylvania. 

On the farm where he still lives, Mr. Noll, of 
this review, was born June 6, 1845, a son of 
Samuel L. and Anna (Reahmi Noll. The pa- 
ternal grandfather was John Noll, who reared a 
family of seven children, namely: Henry, John, 
David, Samuel, William, Jacob, and Elizabeth. 
He was a fine mechanic, following the occupa- 
tions of carpentering and cabinet making. 
George Reahm, the maternal grandfather, who 
was also a cabinet maker and carpenter, married 
1 Mrs. Getz, whose maiden name was Barn- 
hart, and to them were born three children; 
Susan, who married John Bower, of Illinois; 
Daniel, who died in that State; and Annie, the 
mother of our subject. 

Samuel L. Noll, the father of our subject, 
was born in West Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, December 16, 1807, and was reared near 
Mifninburg. learning the carpenter's trade under 
his father's direction. He gained the reputation 
of being one of the most particular mechanics in 
the locality; his feats of hewing were remarkable. 
During the summer he continued to work at the 
carpenter's trade, often employing three or four 
hands, and he built many of the best barns and 
houses in the community, as well as the second 
Dreisbach church in Buffalo township. In Union 
county. April 29, 1830, he married Miss Anna 



Reahm, who was born in East Buffalo township, 
April 7, 1809, and they began their domestic life 
upon a part of our subject's present farm, she 
having received a portion of this from her father. 
The building now used by our subject as a shop 
served as their residence at one time. To the 

mal tract, Samuel Noll added by subsequent 
purchase, and upon that farm they made their 
home for over half a century. The barn which 
is still standing was erected by the father in 
1S42. In connection with fanning and carpen- 
tering, he also carried on cabinet making and 
the undertaking business, any kind of a vehicle 
being used as a hearse in those days. He was a 
man of average size, weighing about 150 pounds, 
was energetic and very industrious, and was held 
in the highest esteem by all who knew him. His 
ballot was always cast in support of Repub- 
lican principles, and he and his wife were faith- 
ful members of the Reformed Church. His 
death occurred May 5, 1864, and hers on June 6, 
1888, and both were interred in the Dreisbach 
cemetery in Buffalo township. 

In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following children: Mary A., who wedded Will- 
iam Walter, and died in Snyder county, Penn. ; 
Mollie, who married, first, Henry Bowersox, but 
she is now Mrs. Henry Loudenslager, of Buffalo 
township; Matilda, who married Daniel Hafer, 
and died in Michigan; Maitin, a resident of East 
Buffalo township; Moses, also of that township; 
Michael, a carpenter, living near Mifrlinbur^; 
and Mathias, of this review. 

With Mary Thompson as his first teacher, 
our subject began his education at the Buffalo 
school, which was conducted on the subscription 
plan, but his studies were often interrupted as his 
services were needed at home, and he also en- 
gaged in threshing for others during his boyhood 
and youth. Soon after his father's death he 
started out in life for himself, learning the car- 
penter's trade under David Reahm, though he 
had become somewhat familiar with that occu- 
pation previous to that time by assisting his 
father. He continued to following carpentering 
until 1874, when he was taken ill, and for two 
years was unable to actively engage in any kind 
of business. On February 16. 1874. he had 
purchased the undertaking business of Andrew 
Hauck, of Buffalo township, and since his recov- 
ery has given it his attention. For some time, 
Mr. Noll rented the old homestead from his fa- 
ther's heirs, but in 18S8 purchased the place, and 
there continues to make his home. He has re- 
modeled the buildings, and made many other 
valuable and useful improvements, having one of 
the neatest homes to be found in the locality 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1009 



The farm comprises twenty-two acres of well- 
cultivated and highly productive land. 

On June 16, 1867, Mr. Noll was married to 
Frances E. Bowen, a native of Snyder county, 
Penn., and a daughter of John and Anna (Slear) 
Bowen. Three children blessed their union: 
Adda M. and Edith I. (twins), and Mary E., who 
are still with their father. The wife and mother 
departed this life December 25, 1890, and was 
buried in the Dreisbach cemetery, where a hand- 
some monument marks her last resting place. 

Although an ardent Republican, Mr. Noll has 
never cared for political distinction, preferring 
to give his entire time and attention to his busi- 
ness interests. He is one of the best known 
and most highly esteemed citizens of the com- 
munity, and has a host of warm friends. Fra- 
ternally, he is a member of the Grange, and, re- 
ligiously, is an active member of the United 
Evangelical Church, to which his wife also be- 
longed. He is at present serving as trustee and 
treasurer of the Church. Among his valued 
possessions he has two old Bibles handed down 
in the Reahm family, one dated 1589. and the 
other 1770. 



ISAAC KING, one of New Berlin's best citizens 
and oldest merchants, is a self-made man, 
who, without extraordinary family or pecuniary 
advantages at the commencement of life, has 
battled earnestly and energetically, and, by in- 
domitable courage and integrity, has achieved 
both character and fortune. By sheer force of 
will and untiring effort he has worked his way 
upward. 

Mr. King is a native of Union county, born in 
Hartley township, February 15, 1834, and is a 
son of James and Sophia (Klose) King. During 
the latter part of the past century the grandfa- 
ther, James King, a native of England, started 
for the New World with his father, who also bore 
the name of James, but the latter died while in 
route, and was buried at sea. The mother landed 
at New York with her family of small children, 
who were bound out to different persons and soon 
became scattered, some of them never being 
heard of again. 

The grandfather was placed with a farmer and 
drifted to Lancaster county, Penn., where he 
later married a Miss Dornbaugh. He was reared 
in much the usual manner of boys of his day, 
practically having no schooling and being taught 
nothing but labor. After his marriage he located 
in Perry county, where he invested the little cap- 
ital his wife had received, but this was soon lost, 
as he had received no lessons in good manage- 

64* 



ment. He then became a laborer, supporting 
his large family mainly by chopping wood. Some 
time during the '20s he came to Union county, 
where he died at the age of eighty-eight and his 
wife at the age of eighty-six. 

James King, one of the family of eight sons 
and two daughters, and the father of our subject, 
was born in Lancaster county, in 1804, and was 
six years old when his parents removed to Perry 
county. 'When a young man he accompanied 
them to Hartley township, Union county. His 
educational privileges were limited to three 
months' attendance at the common schools. For 
a number of years he was employed at the Berlin 
furnace, which was located near his home, as a 
wood chopper and teamster; and at one time he 
chopped 600 cords of wood, no other work inter- 
vening. In early manhood he married Sophia 
Klose, a native of Beaver township, Snyder Co., 
Penn., and a daughter of Solomon Klose. She 
inherited a few hundred dollars, which they in- 
vested in a home, and for some time the father 
engaged in farming. In 1S58 he removed to St. 
Joseph county, Mich., where he spent his remain- 
ing days, but his death occurred in Kansas while 
on a visit to friends. His remains were brought 
back to St. Joseph county, and laid by the side 
of those of his wife, who had died some years 
previous. He was one of the most highly es- 
teemed citizens of the community, and amassed 
a comfortable competence. Considering his 
youthful opportunities, he deserved no little credit 
for his success in life. He was five feet nine 
inches in height and of ordinary build, was a 
stanch Democrat in politics, and a devout mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church. 

Our subject is the fourth in order of birth in 
the family of eight children, the others being as 
follows: Amelia, who married Aaron Bobb, in 
Michigan, and removed to Kansas, where her 
death occurred; Sarah, now the wife of James 
Childs, of Michigan; Samuel, who preceded the 
others to Michigan, and was the first of the fam- 
ily to pass away; Harriett, wife of Lewis Kem- 
merling, of Elgin, 111. ; James, who died at 
Three Rivers, Mich. ; Daniel, a resident of Sum- 
ner county, Kans. ; and John, of Three Rivers, 
Michigan. 

In boyhood, Isaac King would walk two and a 
half miles to the nearest school house, where he 
pursued his studies for a few months during the 
year, but he learned readily, and later attended 
school at Mifflinburg, Freeburg and New Berlin, 
where he paid the greater part of his expenses. 
In 1S55 he successfully passed the teacher's ex- 
amination at Freeburg, and for six terms taught 
different schools in Snyder and Union counties. 



lOKi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



In March, 1858, he was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary J. Mauck, of New Berlin, a daughter 
of David and Nancy (Shroyer) Mauck, and to 
them were born two children: Katy and Frank, 
both at home. 

After his marriage, Mr. King located in Ni w 
Berlin, where he subsequently embarked in busi- 
ness, opening a small book and confectionery 
store, with a capital of $175. From this start 
his present business has grown, and he has added 
to his stock other lines of goods, principally 
hardware. Besides his store building he owns a 
comfortable residence in New Berlin, and a farm 
of 224 acres in Jackson township, Snyder coun- 
ty, all of which have been accumulated through 
his own well-directed efforts. 

At one time Mr. King was a Democrat, but of 
recent years his sympathies have been with the 
Prohibition party, being a pronounced enemy of 
the liquor traffic. His fellow citizens, recogniz- 
ing his worth and ability, have called upon him 
to serve as burgess of New Berlin, and he is at 
present a member of the school board. He and 
his wife are faithful members of the Lutheran 
Church, of which he is now an elder, and is also 
assistant superintendent of the Sabbath-school. 



NORMAN L. KANCK is a wide-awake and 
progressive agriculturist of Gregg town- 
ship, Union county, and belongs to one of the 
honored pioneer families whose identifica; 
with the interests of this locality covers an entire 
century. His great-grandfather, John Ranck, 
I cated on the farm in 1797, where the birth of 
our subject occurred December 4, 1857. The 
latter is a son of Levi and Charlotte Ranck. His 
father was born January 9, 1833, and died April 
[888. The mother was born August 7, 
1834, and died October 5, 18S0. Their children 
w.re: (1) Florence Rose, who was born De- 
cember 24, 1853, and is the wife of Charles 
kins, by whom she has three children, Lee 
and Lena, the former deceased, and Leslie, a 
railroad engineer at North Platte, Neb, (2) 
Virginia F, born January 15, 1856, is the wife 
of David Gross, of Lewisburg, sheriff of Union 
county. (3) Norman L. is the next of the fam- 
ily. (4) Anna U., born November 23, 1S61, is 
the wife of Addison Coch, a farmer of New- 
Columbia, and they have four children 
Man E., born April 6, 18G4, is the wife of 
Howard Corson, of Hughesville, Penn., by whom 
she has one child. Faith. (6) Harry P., born 
May 10, 1866, is living in Union county. (7) 
Carrie C, born May 18, 1869, is living with her 
sister in Lewisburg. (8) Violet Pearl, born July 



16, 1872, is the wife of Howard Reed, a sales- 
man in a store in Benton, Penn. (9) Charles 
W., born April 28, 1874, is living in Hughesville, 
Penn. (io) Daisy D. is with her sister in N - 
braska. (11) Levi R. , born January 1, 1879, is 
attending school in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Norman L. Ranck spent the first thirty-three 
years of his life on his father's farm, with the ex- 
ception of one year passed in New York, where 
he was employed as a farm hand. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Joan Kennedy, who was born March 
14, 1 86 1, and was a daughter of Benjamin and 
Eliza (Bream Kennedy, of Lycoming county, 
Penn. She died June 16, 1889, and was bui 
near the Reformed Church in White Deer Val- 
ley, Union county. She left one child, Ben- 
jamin, born August 30, 1882. Mr. Ranck was 
again married, in 1890, his second union being 
with Etoil Lynn, and they have an interesting 
little daughter, Ethel Audrey, born September 
16, 1 89 1. Mrs. Ranck was born in Pleasant 
Valley, Northumberland Co., Penn., July 19, 
1869. Her paternal grandparents were Charles 
and Catherine Lynn, of Columbia, Penn., whose 
children were Mary A., wife of George Robbins, 
of Northumberland county, Cal. ; John, who died 
in [896; Libbie, who married John Boggert, and 
after his death became the wife of Perry Jones; 
Sarah, who married Richard Richardson, ami 
after his death became the wife of Samuel Hess; 
Abraham and Henry, who died in the army; and 

iiida, wife of Henry Shurtz, who is living 
near Chicago, 111. The maternal grandparents 
of Mrs. Ranck were James and Nancy A. (Fowler) 
Van Wagner, the former a native of Poughkeep- 
sie, N. V., and the latter of Muncy, Penn. He 
was engaged in the manufacture of fanning mills, 
and died in Burlington, N. J. His widow after- 
ward became the wife of Moses Yoder, a mer- 
chant and postmaster at White Deer Mills, 
Union county. She is again a widow, and is 
living with her daughter at the age of seventy- 
nine years. The maternal great-grandpai 
were James and Ann (Croft) Fowler, the former 
a native of Columbia count)', Penn. The latter, 
a native of England, ran away from home when 
sixteen years of age, and came to America with 
an uncle and aunt. 

The parents of Mrs. Ranck are Isaac and 
Anna (Van Wagner) Lynn, the former a native 
of Columbia county, and the latter of Muncy, 
Penn. They were married at White Deer Mills, 
and after residing at various places came to the 
farm on which our subject now resides, in 1892. 
Here Mr. Lynn carried on farming until his death, 
which occurred July 2, 1893, having been struck 
by a railway train which crossed his farm. He 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1011 



was buried inWatsontown cemetery. For three 
years he served his country in the Civil war, and 
was always a loyal citizen. His widow now re- 
sides upon the home farm, and is in partnership 
with her son-in-law — our subject. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn were five in number, 
namely: Blanche E., wife of John Burgenstock, 
of White Deer Mills, by whom she has six chil- 
dren: Mrs. Ranck; Nancy E., wife of Warren 
Traxwell, telegraph operator at Allenwood, 
Penn., by whom she has four children; Grace 
G., who is the wife of David Jamison, and has 
one child; and Merrill Y. , who is with his 
mother. 

On leaving the old Ranck homestead, Mr. 
Ranck worked on a farm at White Deer Mills 
for a year. He then came to his present place, 
which he purchased May 25, 1891, in partner- 
ship with his father-in-law. This is a very valu- 
able property, highly improved. The elegant 
brick residence and substantial outbuildings are 
surrounded by well-tilled fields, and the place is 
very neat and thrifty in appearance. Mr. Ranck 
is now serving in the position of school director, 
to which he was elected in 1896. In politics he 
is a Republican. He possesses good business 
ability, is a man of sterling worth of character, 
and is highly esteemed by all who know him. 



iEV. ISAIAH BEAVER, a well-known min- 
JTX ister of the German Baptist Church, com- 
monly known as the Dunkard Church, comes of 
an honored ancestry, two of his progenitors in 
different lines having served gallantly in the Rev- 
olutionary army. Adam Beaver, or Beiber, as 
the name was then spelled, came from Germany 
when a lad of fourteen, and worked seven years 
to repay his passage money. At twenty-one he 
enlisted in the Continental forces, and remained 
in service until honorably discharged at the 
close of the war. He escaped wounds or injury, 
but at the battle of Brandywine a button was 
shot off from his vest. John Beaver, our sub- 
ject's grandfather, married Anna Baker, daugh- 
ter of John and granddaughter of Wendell Baker, 
another Revolutionary soldier, and one of the 
first to visit what is now Union county. A na- 
tive of Lancaster county, Penn., he came to 
this section before the war of Independence, but 
was driven away by the Indians, and returned to 
his early home. Later in life he again came to 
Union county and remained, his death occurring 
there at the age of eighty-eight. 

John and Anna (Baker) Beaver reared a fam- 
ily of ten children — David, who settled in Illinois 
and died there at the age of sixty, leaving a num- 



ber of children; Adam, a resident of Hartleton, 
Union county, Penn.; Mary, who married the 
late Andrew Houck, and after his death went to 
live with her children in Ohio, where she died at 
seventy-eight years of age; Anna married Chris- 
tian M. Shively, a farmer of Limestone town- 
ship, Union county, and died in May, 1S63, the 
mother of sixteen children, only eight now living; 
John L., our subject's father; Israel, who went 
west in 1865, and is now postmaster at Panther, 
Dallas county, Iowa, where he is now engaged in 
business as a farmer and grocer;Benjamin H. who 
died at seventeen years of age; Peter H., a resi- 
dent of Northumberland county, a saddler by 
trade, who has been postmaster for fourteen 
years, and is now justice of the peace; Thomas 
J., a farmer and carpenter residing in Dallas 
county, Iowa; and Catherine B., Mrs. James 
Merty, a widow, residing in Lewisburg, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Rev. John L. Beaver, the father of our sub- 
ject, was elected to the ministry of the German 
Baptist Church, June 3, 1859, and after many 
years of faithful service is living retired upon his 
fine farm near Miffiinburg, Penn. Among his 
most highly prized possessions is a tomahawk, 
which was carried by his grandfather, Adam 
Beaver, while a soldier in Washington's army. 
He was reared after the custom of country youths 
of his time, helping upon his father's farm and 
attending the neighboring schools as he could. 
They were conducted on the subscription plan 
during his early boyhood, but the free-school sys- 
tem was introduced before his attendance ended. 
He has always wielded much influence in the 
community, and his well-known integrity and 
sound judgment have caused him to be frequent- 
ly called upon to settle estates. He has also 
served as school director, but has never taken an 
active part in politics, and since 1852 has not 
even voted. On April 18, 1844, Rev. John L. 
Beaver married his first wife, Miss Anna Shively, 
by whom he had three children: Spencer, born 
March 9, 1845, resides in Juniata county, Penn., 
and like his father is a minister of the German 
Baptist Church; Isaiah is mentioned more fully 
below; Caroline, born June 2, 1848, married G. 
W. Walters, a farmer in Dallas county, Iowa. 
The mother of this little family died, and in 1S52 
the father married her cousin. Miss Rachel 
Shively, who was born March 8, 18 16, and is 
quite well preserved for one ol her age. By this 
union there were also three children — C. H., 
born April 23, 1855, is now a bookkeeper in 
a land and broker's office at Wizner, Neb., but 
spent some years previously in teaching in 
normal and graded schools; Johanna, born Feb- 



1012 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ruary 3, 1857, lost her sight when but two years 
old as a result of scarlet fever, but notwithstand- 
ing this misfortune is quite proficient in music 
and fancy work; Augustus C. , born August 3, 
1 861, is married, ami operates the homestead for 
his father. 

Rev. Isaiah Beaver first saw the light in Lewis 
township, Union county, October 14, 1S46, and 
the White Spring school in that locality afforded 
him his educational opportunities for a short 
time, but his parents moved to West Buffalo 
township when he was about seven years old, 
he attended the Buffalo Creek school, Miss 
Mary Hawes being his teacher for several years. 
Contrasted with the schools of this day, his 
privileges seem meager, but he managed to secure 
a good start, and subsequent reading and observa- 
tion have enabled him to acquire a goodly store 
of information. He received practical training 
in farm work, remaining at home until the age 
of twenty-five, with the exception of one month 
in the spring of 1868, when he worked for Isaac 
Royer, a farmer in Hartley township. Union 
county. 

On September 28, 1871, Mr. Beaver was 
married in Mittlinburg to Miss Sarah A. Grove, a 
native of Kelly township. Union county, born 
January 31, 1852. She was educated in the 
Hagenbach school in that township, and was the 
youngest child and daughter in a family of two 
sons and three daughters. Her father, the late 
John Grove, a well-known agriculturist, died at 
the age of seventy-two, and her mother, whose 
maiden name was Rachel Goodlander, is still liv- 
ing, and is in her seventy-eighth year. Mr. Beaver 
began farming on his own account after his mar- 
riage, renting the old Beaver homestead, which 
he was the fifth of the name to occupy, though 
in the fourth generation from the first settler. 
After spending six years at the old place, he pur- 
chased, October 8, 1877, his present home in 
East Buffalo township, Union county, one of the 
oldest farms in the township, formerly known as 
the Schrock homestead. It contains forty-eight 
and a half acres under cultivation and fourteen 
acres of woodland, and was purchased for $8,000. 
Mr. Beaver took possession of this farm on March 
21, 1878, and has ever since resided there. On 
July 25, 1895, his barn was struck by lightning 
and burned, but he rebuilt it, making various 
improvements in the plan. He is a successful 
manager, and is regarded as one of the sub- 

ntial citizens of the township. Six children 
have blessed his marriage — Rachel A., Salome, 
Abby J., Sarah E., Norman F. and John R., all 
of whom are living at home except Salome, who 
died in infancy. 



Mr. Beaver and his wife are both members of 
the German Baptist Church, in which he was a 
deacon for many years previous to his election in 
1889 to the ministry, where his devotion to the 
cause has been manifested by effective work. 
He has never taken an active interest in politics, 
but his sympathies are with the Republican 
party 



SF. MILLER, whose fine farm near Lochiel, 
Union county, challenges the admiration of 
every passerby, is one of the most progressive 
agriculturists of his locality, his careful study of 
scientific methods being put to practical use on 
his estate. Mr. Miller was born in Penn town- 
ship, Snyder Co., Penn., May 13, 1837, upon a 
farm which has now been in the possession of his 
family for more than a century, his grandfather, 
George Miller, having once been its occupant. 
This worthy pioneer owned a large quantity of 
land and other property, including a gristmill, 
and left each of his ten children a goodly por- 
tion. His son Daniel, our subject's father, was 
born and reared at the old homestead, assisting 
in the work of the farm and mill, and securing 
such education as he could in the neighboring 
schools. In the division of the estate he and a 
brother took the homestead at an appraisement 
of $50 per acre. Daniel Miller was married in 
Snyder county to Miss Esther Wangner, daughter 
of Yost Wangner, and continued to operate the 
old farm for some years. He then spent six 
years in Northumberland county, and in [854 
made his permanent home on the farm now 
owned by our subject. It had then but a few 
improvements, a log house and a barn being the 
the most conspicuous; but the land was excellent 
and he purchased it from James Reber at the 
then remarkably high figure of $100 per acre. 
It comprised 169 acres, and he incurred a debt of 
00, requiring the payment of many hundreds 
of dollars in interest before the obligation was 
finally discharged. He and his wife resided 
there until about ten years prior to his death, 
when they moved to another farm near the 
"Pike.'' In his last years he was sickly, but in 
early manhood he enjoyed robust health, and his 
well-built frame supported the weight of 200 
pounds without loss of proportion. As a business 
man he was very successful, adding to his inher- 
itance and gaining a handsome competence. 
While he took usual interest in public questi' 
he was not a politician, and the only office that 
he ever hi-ld was that of overseer of the poor, in 
which he served for several years. He was a 
Whig in early years, but his ardent advocacy ol 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1013 



the abolition of slavery led him into the Repub- 
lican party at its organization. He and his wife 
were both consistent members of the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church, in which he held various offi- 
cial positions and was one of the leading workers. 
He died at the age of sixty-nine, and his esti- 
mable wife, who survived him, attained the age of 
seventy-five, both being interred at death in 
Dreisbach cemetery. Our subject is the eldest 
of three children: Franklin W. resides in East 
Buffalo township, Union county, and Mary, now 
Mrs. Solomon Benner, lives in Vicksburg, Penn- 
sylvania. 

Mr. Miller was reared as a farmer boy, but 
received better educational advantages than fell 
to the lot of most of that class in his day. He 
first attended the Middle Creek school in his na- 
tive county, and then, after pursuing his studies 
in the country schools in Union county until he 
could go no further there, he entered Lewisburg 
Academy, of which John Randolph was then the 
head. His physique at the age of sixteen was 
remarkable, and his strength equaled that of the 
average man. As the eldest son, he was trained 
to take a responsible part in farm work, and 
when a young man relieved his father of much 
care. 

On September 15, 1859, he was married in 
Buffalo township, Union county, to Miss Mary 
C. Slear, and in the following spring they began 
housekeeping in an old log cabin at the home- 
stead. Eight years later they removed to the 
main residence, which they have since occupied. 
In 1S77 Mr. Miller bought a portion of the farm 
at $125 per acre, and to the 112 acres then pur- 
chased he afterward added until he now has 120 
acres. At one time he was a member of the 
Grange, and he has always been regarded as a 
representative of the best element in agricultural 
affairs. The original deeds of the farm are 
records of interest and value. The original deed 
of Edward Hodsoll to Abraham Betz bears the 
date of 1 791. A later deed of Abraham Betz to 
John Reber is dated 1807, and another deed of 
Mary Ann and Eliza Morrison dated 1821, while 
the deed of John Reber to Daniel Miller was 
given in 1854. The farm is known as the 
"Fairfield Farm." The present barn was the 
first bank barn erected in Buffalo Valley, and 
contains sufficient lumber to build three barns in 
the present age. The appointments of the barn, 
sheds and buildings are perfect, contain the 
latest improved machinery and a large, sixteen- 
foot wind wheel to furnish power for grinding 
feed, sawing wood and running burr mills. The 
water for house, barn, &c, is furnished by 
water wheel. The beautiful spring and fish 



ponds are stocked with German carp, black bass, 
yellow perch, brook, brown, rainbow and Cali- 
fornia trout. These fish ponds are the finest 
private ponds in the country, and the farm the 
best appointed and finest, not only in Union 
county, but cannot be surpassed in Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Politically, Mr. Miller is a Republican, as he 
is a stanch believer in the policy of protection. 
In but one instance has he ever voted the Dem- 
ocratic ticket in State or National elections. He 
has served ably in the office of supervisor, his 
progressive ideas being as valuable there as in 
his private business. In religious faith he and 
his wife are Lutherans, and he has been an elder 
and deacon in the Church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had nine children: 
Adda E., born September 15, i860, died De- 
cember 16, 1862; Charles S., born October 29, 
1 86 1, lived to the age ef nine years; Augustus 
D., born May 22, 1864, is now a well-known 
resident of Lewisburg, Penn., and is prominent 
among the younger workers in the local Repub- 
lican organization, and was honored with the 
Republican nomination for State Senator in 1896; 
George F., born April 17, 1866, resides at Will- 
iamsport, Penn.; William, born September 27, 
1867, died June 17, 1869; John C, born June 
26, 1871, and Clyde S., October 13, 1873, are at 
home; Oliver P., June 23, 1875, is attending 
college, and James L., born July 29, 1876, is at 
home. Mrs. Miller was born in West Buffalo, 
Union county, March 18, 1838, and was educated 
in the schools of that locality. Her father, 
George M. Slear, a prominent agriculturist, lived 
to the age of eighty-one years, lacking sixteen 
days. He was married three times and had thir- 
teen children, ten of whom lived to maturity. 
His third wife, Elizabeth Barklow, Mrs. Miller's 
mother, had four children. She died at seventy- 
five years of age, and was buried beside her hus- 
band in Dreisbach cemetery. 



FRANK P. CHURCH, the genial and popu- 
lar proprietor of the hotel at Glen Iron, 
Union county, was born in Hartley township, 
that county, May 12, 1858, a son of John H. 
and Susan (Knauer) Church, well-known and 
highly respected citizens of Hartley township. 
The father was born in Lancaster county, Penn., 
September 15, 1 8 1 5, and was next to the oldest of 
the six children of Thomas and Mary (Huston) 
Church, the former of Irish, and the latter of 
Welsh extraction. The others of the family 
were: Adaline, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth and 
Thomas. The grandfather served as quarter- 



1014 



I uMMEMOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



master in the war of i S 1 2, and his father, who 
also bore the name of Thomas Church, was a 
soldier in the Continental army under General 
Washington, faithfully aiding the Colonies in their 
struggle for independence. 

In 1851 John H. Church came to Union 
county with his uncle, Clement Brooke, with 
whom he had lived since the age of six years, his 
father dying at that time. The uncle engaged 
in the iron business, owning a forge and furnace, 
which he operated very successfully for a num- 
ber of years, and Mr. Church became an expert 
workman along that line. By will he received a 
half-interest in the property at the former's 
death, and afterward bought the remainder, be- 
coming sole owner. In 18S5, however, he sold 
the furnace to the Jackson Iron Company, com- 
posed of Messrs. Jackson and Crissman, who 
still own the plant, but have not operated it for 
several years. Mr. Church uses his right of 
franchise in support of the men and measures of 
the Republican party, anil, religiously, is a faith- 
ful member of the Methodist Church. 

In [841, John H. Church was joined in wed- 
lock with Miss Susan Knauer, daughter of Sam- 
uel Knauer, and they have become the parents 
of the following children: Mary [now the wife 
of William Showalter), Samuel, John, Maria, 
Anna, Susan, Frank P. (of this sketch), and 
Elizabeth (who is with her parenl 

Frank P. Church received his education in 
the public schools, and began his business train- 
ing as a clerk in a store. Later he engaged in 
merchandising on his own account for two years, 
and then embarked in his present business, in 
which he has met with a well-deserved success. 
He has one of the best appointed hotels in his 
section of the county, having erected the build- 

bimself. It is conveniently arranged and 
well furnished, and under his excellent manage- 
ment is a first-class house, and is well patron- 
ized, He is a wide-awake, progressive business 
man, and his pleasant courteous manner has at- 
tracted to him many warm friends. Politically, 
he is identified with the Republican party. 

On the 4th of July, 1SS5, Mr. Church was 
married to Miss Anna Karns, a native of Swen- 
gel, Lewis township. Union county, and they 
now have two children: Louis, and Knaus. 



JOHN HUFFERD, a retired farmer and car- 
penter, who resides on a farm in Lewis town- 
ship, Union county, has a history which can- 
not fail to bring a lesson of encouragement to all 
who must struggle against adversity, his success 
having been won by his own energetic and well- 



directed efforts. Having prospered in his under- 
taking, he is now able to lay aside business cares 
and enjoy a well-earned rest. 

Mr. Hufferd is a native of West Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, and the son of John and 
Rebecca (Ketner) Hufferd, the former of whom 
died when our subject was only two days old. 
The other children of the family were as follows: 
(1) Mary is the wife of John Koser, a retired 
farmer of Union county, and has two daughters 
— Elizabeth, now the wife of Gideon Koch, a 
miller by trade; and Lucinda, wife of Matthias 
Gilbert, a farmer of Brush Valley, Centre Co., 
Penn. , by whom she has children. (2) Susanna 
died in childhood, and (3) David died in infancy. 
The Hufferd family, which is of English origin, 
was early founded in Union county, where oc- 
curred the birth of the father of our subject. 

Until fourteen years of age, John Hufferd, of 
this review, lived with his aunt, Mrs. Reish, and 
the following three years were spent with an- 
other aunt, Mrs. Jay Anderson. He was pro- 
vided with fair common-school advantages, but 
at an early age began to make his own way in 
the world. At seventeen he became an appren- 
tice to the carpenter's trade with a Mr. Noll, of 
East Buffalo township, Union county, for a 
period of two years, receiving twenty dollars per 
year for his services. As he had to furnish his 
own clothes, he was allowed two weeks in harvest 
time to earn whatever he could for himself. Un- 
til his marriage he continued carpentering, and 
after that event also successfully engaged in farm- 
ing. He is a man of more than ordinary busi- 
ness ability, and well deserves the prosperity that 
has crowned his labors. 

In 1 85 1, Mr. Hufferd was married to Miss 
Susanna, daughter of William Noll, also a farmer 
and carpenter by occupation. Three children 
were born to them, namely: (1) William N., 
July 3, 1S52, is well educated and a fine pen- 
man, having completed his literary training in 
the Hartleton graded schools. He resides with 
his father. (2) Mary E., born September 24, 
1859, became the wife of D. K. Rover, a popular 
young farmer of Lewis township, Union county. 
They were married twelve years before their first 
child was born, which led to the death of the 
mother, and the child died shortly afterward. 
(3) Emma M., born July 21, 1865, is the wife 
of William Troxel, a commercial traveler, by 
whom she has four children — Franklin, Graham, 
Merrill A., and Ralph, now one year old. Mr. 
Hufferd has been called upon to mourn the death 
of his estimable wife, who passed away October 
1 1, 1SS4, and was laid to rest in the Ray's Church 
cemetery 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1015 



Since the organization of the Republican 
party, Mr. Hufferd has been one of its stanch 
supporters, and he has ever taken a deep and 
commendable interest in public affairs, doing all 
in his power to advance the welfare of his com- 
munity. In his religious views he is a Lutheran, 
and is a consistent member of that Church. 



SAMUEL GETGEN, of Mifflinburg, Union 
.) county, has seen twenty-six years of un- 
broken service as justice of the peace in his 
borough, a record which it would be difficult, 
perhaps impossible, to equal in the State. The 
achievement is the more notable from the fact 
that he is a Democrat in a strongly Republican 
neighborhood, but while he has at times met 
stubborn opposition he has never failed at the 
polls, and usually his majority has exceeded the 
entire number of votes cast for his opponent. 
He is prominent also in business life as the 
senior member of the firm of S. Getgen & Son, 
leading merchants of Mifflinburg, and it is due to 
him to say that in this line of effort he has also 
met and overcome obstacles, as his history will 
show. 

Squire Getgen was born in Mifflinburg July 3, 
1820, the son of Ludvvig Getgen, who died nine 
years later. The latter's wife, Maria Dietrich, 
who was born in Berks county. Penn., of pioneer 
stock, survived him many years, attaining the 
advanced age of eighty-two. They had eleven 
children: Thomas, Elizabeth, Pollie, John, Jacob, 
Catherine, Adam, Charles, Sarah, Samuel and 
Susannah. 

The public schools of Mifflinburg afforded 
Mr. Getgen (our subject) fair educational privi- 
leges, but at an early age he sought and found 
employment in a brewery, in order to enlarge 
the family income. Later he learned the potter's 
trade, which he followed for twenty-five years, 
disposing of his ware in this section of the State. 
He then ventured into horticulture, cultivating a 
good-sized vineyard and raising various kinds of 
small fruits, and was also interested to some ex- 



tent in gardening. After a few years 



this 



work he sold out and engaged in his present 
business, in which he and his son have gained an 
extensive and profitable trade. 

In religious faith Mr. Getgen is a Reformed, 
and he has always been in sympathy with any 
progressive movement in his locality. Socially 
he is popular, and since 1846 has been identified 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
making him the oldest member in the county. 
He is an active worker, and has passed all the 
chairs in his local lodge. 



In 1S46 Mr. Getgen was married to Miss 
Lydia Schoch, who was born in 1812, and died 
in 1882, leaving two children: (1) Anna M., 
born March 10, 1847, who is living with her 
father and brother, and is not married; (2) 
Thomas M., born December 27, 1849, is not 
married, and since 1870 .has been in business 
with his father. He was educated in Mifflinburg, 
attending the public schools and the academy, and 
is a remarkable fine penman. On leaving school 
he* learned the coach-maker's trade, which he 
followed until he went into mercantile business 
with his father. He was also interested in the 
Live Stock Insurance Company of Union county, 
of which he was secretary. He beiongs to a 
number of fraternal societies, and has been secre- 
tary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
for ten years, and of the Knights of the Golden 
Eagle for eight years. He is a prominent mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church, and has been secre- 
tary of the Sunday-school for twelve years, and 
for three years he has held the same office in the 
Union County Sunday School Association. Polit- 
ically he is a Democrat, and while taking an 
interest in all local movements he is especially 
active in educational matters, serving for fourteen 
years past as secretary of the Mifflinburg board 
of council, and as town clerk for said borough. 



JAMES K. REISH, ex-treasurer of Union 
county, and at this time postmaster of Vicks- 
burg, is one of the leaders of the Republican 
party in his section, his large acquaintance and 
unbounded popularity giving him an influential 
following, while his shrewd judgment of men and 
affairs make his counsel of value in all important 
movements. In business circles he also takes a 
foremost rank, his success as a merchant, lumber 
dealer and general financier being all the more 
notable from the fact that it has been secured by 
his own judicious management. 

Mr. Reish is of Berks county stock. Daniel 
Reish, his grandfather, who was born February 
5, 1800, removed to near Forest Hill, Union 
county, to engage in distilling. On April 18, 
1820, this well-known pioneer was married to 
Miss Catherine Ingelhart, a native of Berks 
county, born July 22, 1801, and both died in 
Union county, their remains being interred in 
Mifflinburg. Ten children were born to them, as 
follows: Mary A., in December 1824, married 
Christian Plank; Benivel M., February 5, 1826, 
is mentioned more fully farther on; Susanna, 
June 5, 1S27, married Thomas Harbeson, and 
died .near Forest Hill; Sophia, October 29, 1830, 
died in childhood; George, July 17, 1832, died 






( OMMBMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



unmarried; Daniel, Maj i. died in West 

Buffalo township, Union county; Eli, August 3, 
56, died in childhood; Lydia, June 12, 1838, 
married William Clapham, and now lives in In- 
diana; Elvira, July 22. 1842, married John Bo- 
genrief. of West Buffalo township; and Margaret. 
July 7, 1S47, married Frederick Gast, and re- 
sides near Mifflinburg. 

Benivel M. Reish, our subject's father, ob- 
tained a thorough knowledge of the distilling 
trade by assisting his father in boyhood, and for 
some years followed the business in connection 
with other enterprises. On January 22, 1 
he was married in Kebersburg. Perm., to 
Lavina Kling, a native of York county, Penn., born 
October 29, 1827. Her father, Joel Kling. a farmer 
by occupation, removed to Union county in 1833, 
locating in West Buffalo township, and later 
went to Nittany Valley, and finally to Brush Valley, 
where he died when between eighty and ninety 
years old. His wife, Mary Meixel, lived to the 
age of seventy-six, and both were buried in Nit- 
tany Valley. They had four sons and six daugh- 
ters, and Mrs. Reish, who was the fifth daugh- 
ter, was the eighth child in order of birth. After 
his marriage, Benivel Reish located at Reish's 
Mill, near Forest Hill, upon property belong- 
ing to his father, which had previously been 
rented. He remained there until 1865, conduct- 
ing a sawmill, gristmill and distillery, and then 
sold out the entire business and removed to For- 
est Hill. For a short time he dealt in live stock, 
then forming a partnership, with Isaac Smith of 
that village, he carried on a general mercantile 
business. On disposing of this he purchased a 
distillery, which he managed until his removal to 
the "Forest House.'' a well-known hostelry at 
the entrance to Brush Valley Narrows in West 
alo township. Union county. In those days 
teaming from Brush Valley was an extensive busi- 
ness, and the house being a convenient stopping 
place he did an immense business during his 
fourteen years there From this place he re- 
moved to Cowan, and lived for a short time in 
partial retirement, but his last days were spent 
at the old home between Forest Hill and Cowan. 
He was a well-known citizen and a stanch Repub- 
lican in politics, and, while taking great interest in 
his party he was not a politician. His death occur- 
red October 12, 1894, his funeral being held at 
Mifflinburg. His widow now resides near Forets 
Hill, with her son. Our subject was the eldest 
of a large family. Mary died when six years old; 
Catherine married William Swartslander, of 
West Buffalo township; Agnes died at the age of 
eight years; Joel is a distiller in West Buffalo 
township; George resides in Hiawatha. Kins.; 



Nannie (a twin of George) is the wife of Luther 
Clingman, of Buffalo township; Benjamin resides 
at Forest Hill; Charles is the proprietor of the 
"Forest House" mentioned above; Emma mar- 
ried L. Lahr, of West Buffalo township; Hattie 
is the wife of John Clingman, of Buffalo Cross 
Roads; and Ma'_'u'ie married Charles Wagner, of 
Winfield, Pennsylvania. 

James K. Reish was born October 30, 1850, 
at the old home in West Buffalo township, his 
early education being acquired in the schools of 
Forest Hill. Conrad Sheckler was one of his 
first teachers. In 1866 he entered Bucknell Uni- 
versity, Lewisburg, where he spent two terms in 
study. His business training was gained at home 
under his father's direction, and included work 
on the farm and in the distillery, as well as ex- 
perience in the mercantile line. In 1870 he 
started out to see what fortune had in store for 
him, his first employment being as a farm hand 
for Robert Strunk, near Jacksonville, Centre 
county, where he remained one summer at $16 
per month. During the following winter he 
worked in the woods for the same employer, and. 
in the spring of 1872, he made his first business 
venture as a partner in a meat market with an 
uncle, Joel Kling. In this he spent one yeai, 
then selling his interest, he made a visit to his 
parents, who resided at White Deer Mills. While 
there he became interested in the live-stock busi- 
ness, but in the fall of 1S72 he engaged 
in distilling at Cowan, renting a plant, which he 
bought after two years. In March, 1S91. he 
traded his distillery and home at Cowan for a 
general mercantile stock at Vicksburg. where he 
has since resided. His trade is now as large as 
can be found in any town of the size in the coun- 
ty, but his energies are by no means limited to 
its successful management. In June, 1892, he 
purchased a tract of timber land in Hartley town- 
ship, Union county, and for some years he has 
been extensively engaged in lumbering at whole- 
sale and retail, the business keeping two saw- 
mills busy and requiring the employment of a 
large force of men. He now owns over 2,000 
acres of timber land, and other valuable prop- 
erty including the " Forest House." He con- 
ducts an extensive coal yard at Vicksburg, and is 
interested in various corporate enterprises, being 
a director in the Farmers Bank at Mifninbi 
and a stockholder and director in the Home 
Telephone Company, at Lewisburg. His business 
relations being so extensive he has acquaintances 
everywhere, and with him an acquaintance soon 
becomes a friend. His strength among all classes 
was shown by his election in the fall of 1891 to 
the office of county treasurer, and during his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1017 



term of three years, which began in January, 
1892, he established a high reputation for ability 
and faithfulness. 

On January 15, 1873, Mr. Reish was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary E. Irvin, who was 
born in 1852, in Walker township, Centre coun- 
ty, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Arm- 
strong) Irvin, now highly respected residents of 
Washington Furnace. Six children have blessed 
their union: Grace L., Paul N., Bessie E., 
Marcie B., William I. and James K., Jr., who 
are all at home. Socially, the family is prom- 
inent, and Mrs. Reish is one of the leading mem- 
bers and workers in the Reformed Church at 
Vicksburg. Mr. Reish is identified with the 
Masonic fraternity as a member of the lodge at 
Lewisburg. In July, 1897, he was appointed 
postmaster at Vicksburg. 



^JfOAH RITTER, a' well-known and highly 

1 esteemed citizen of Buffalo township, 
Union county, is a native of Pennsylvania, his 
birth having occurred in Alsace township, Berks 
county, May 9, 1S27. 

At the age of twelve years Mr. Ritter, with 
his parents, John and Hannah (Hartman) Ritter, 
traveling in covered wagons, drawn by four 
horses, came to Union county. It was in the 
spring of the year when the creeks were high, 
and, as there were few bridges, most of the 
streams had to be forded. In crossing one of 
these the coupling-pin of one of the wagons 
broke, but nothing serious happened, only in- 
convenience. In East Buffalo township, the fa- 
ther purchased a farm, and in connection with 
its cultivation also engaged in blacksmithing. 
Although a hard worker, he never accumulated 
much property. He died at about the age of 
seventy-five, his wife at eighty-one, and both 
were buried in the Dreisbach cemetery. They 
were active members of the Reformed Church, 
in which he served as elder and deacon, and his 
political support was given the Democratic party. 

In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following children: Simon, who died in Berks 
county; William, who died near Lochiel, Penn. ; 
George, who died in Limestone township, Union 
county; Noah, of this sketch; Hannah, who mar- 
ried John Noll, and died in East Buffalo town- 
ship; Mary, now Mrs. John Rangier, of St. 
Joseph county, Mich. ; Susanna, who died at the 
age of four years; Valentine, a resident of Lewis- 
burg, Penn.; and Leah A., who married Simp- 
son Biddle, and died in Buffalo township, Union 
county. 

As he never attended school in Berks county, 



Noah Ritter was twelve years of age before he 
began his education, his first teacher being Aaron 
Smith, who taught in English, a language with 
which our subject was unfamiliar. His entire 
school training did not cover more than one 
year, but he is an ardent advocate of better edu- 
cational privileges for the young. At the age of 
twelve he was bound out by his father for six 
years, and then began learning the blacksmith's 
trade with his uncle, Jacob Ritter, serving a 
three-years' apprenticeship. Until he had at- 
tained his majority he never owned a pair of 
boots, a fine shirt or an overcoat, and then pur- 
chased these articles for himself. 

At the age of twenty-two Mr. Ritter was united 
in marriage with Miss Mary A. Rishel, a native 
of Buffalo township, and a daughter of Martin 
Rishel. They began housekeeping at Buffalo 
Cross Roads, where he had established a small 
blacksmith shop, which he conducted for one 
year, and then turned his attention to farming, 
operating the old John Rishel farm for ten years. 
He then purchased twenty acres of land near Lo- 
chiel, in East Buffalo township, where he lived 
for five years, spent the following year on the 
Daniel Rishel farm, and, subsequently, rented 
the John Zeller farm for ten years. In 1875 ne 
purchased his present place of four acres, on which 
he has since resided, while during the winter sea- 
son he follows butchering, and in the summer 
months does all kinds of work, such as building 
fences, etc. 

Mrs. Ritter, who was a member of the Re- 
formed Church, died May 8, 1876, and her re- 
mains were interred in the Dreisbach cemetery. 
By her marriage to our subject she became the 
mother of four children: John, who died at the 
age of seven years; Elizabeth, who married Wil- 
son Smith, and died in Mifninburg; Daniel, night 
messenger at the Pan Handle railroad shops in 
Columbus, Ohio; and William, engineer of the 
city water-works at Lincoln, Nebraska. 

In February, 1881, Mr. Ritter was again 
married, his second union being with Miss Leah 
A. Herbst, who was born in Northumberland 
county, Penn.. December 14, 1846. the daughter 
of David and Saloma (Stahl) Herbst. Four chil- 
dren were also born of this union: Frank, who 
died in infancy; Clarence H. and Harry D., at 
home, and George E. , who died in infancy. The 
parents are both faithful members of the Re- 
formed Church, in which Mr. Ritter has served 
as elder for the long period of thirty-five years, 
and was previously deacon. He has ever taken 
an active and prominent part in all Church work, 
and was superintendent of the Sunday-school for 
many years. No more honest, upright or better 






mis 



' "MMKMuliATIVE BI0G11APHK Al UKCORD. 



citizen can be found in Union count}* than Mr. 
Kitter, and he well deserves the high regard in 
which he is universally held. Politically he is a 
Democrat. 



THOMAS WALTER, one of the most sub- 
stantial farmers and citizens of Limestone 
township, Union county, is descended from an- 
cestors who have been identified with the growth 
and development of this section of the State for 
upwards of a century. 

Henry Walter, his grandfather, was born in 
what is now Snyder county, Penn. , and was 
throughout his lifetime an agriculturist who 
played well his part in the pioneer days of his 
county. He married a Miss Mertz, and to the 
union came the following children, all of whom 
are now deceased: Magdalena was the wife of 
John Bowersox; Wilhelmina married John Frey; 
George wedded (first tts, and (second) 

Miss Bosler; John married a Miss Bowersox; 
David married a Miss Phillips; Henry; Samuel 
wedded a Miss Eyer; Abraham became the hus- 
band of Christina Ever; William selected a ' 
Wolf for a life partner, and |esse married a Miss 
Eyer. 

Of these, Abraham Walter was born June 29, 
[8l2, in that part of Union county which subse- 
quently became Snyder county. After beginning 
life for himself his first purchase of land was in 
what is now Snyder county, then, in 1846, he 
bought what is now the old Walter hoi 
one mile south of Mifflinburg, in Limestone 
township, and upon which Thomas Walter, a 
son. now resides. Abraham Walter was an 

iculturist throughout his lifetim<\ fie had a 
mechanical mind, and was quite a good black- 
smith. He was an honorable and upright man, 
and reared his children to follow in his footsteps, 
all of whom became good citizens and are useful 
men and women. His death occurred at the 
homestead on March 18, 1869. His marriage to 
Miss Eyer took place <>n August 23, [836, and 
was blessed with children, as follows: Mary Jane 
is now Mrs. Abraham Mensch, of Buffalo town- 
ship. Union county, Penn.; Sophia is Mrs. 
Aaron Klose, of Mifflinburg. Penn. ; Thomas is 
our subject; Jackson married Mi-- Ann Klinger- 
man, and resides in West Buffalo township. 
Union county; Harriet is Mrs Jonathan Sanders, 
of Limestone township, Union county; Henry 
married Susan Reber, and resides in Limestone 
township, Union county, and Eyer is a physician 
and druggist of Selins Grove, Snyder county; 
Oliver died of typhoid fever when eight years of 
age; John married Minerva Dundore, and resides 



near Bettsville, Ohio. The mother of these 
died October 8, 1867. She was a woman of 
many virtues. 

Thomas Walter was born September 15, 
1 S 4 1 , in Limestone township, Union county, 
where he received the usual common-school edu- 
cation that was given the son of the general 
farmer of that period. On the death of his fa- 
ther in 1S69, he inherited the homestead upon 
which he has continued to live. This is a most 
excellent tract of 125 acres of land lying almost 
adjacent to the village of Mifflinburg. The sub- 
stantial improvements, and the neat appearance 
in general of the buildings and things about the 
place, give evidence of the thrifty and enterpris- 
ing farmer who dwells there. Mr. Walter has 
given his attention to farming, and while inter- 
ested in politics and public affairs to the extent 
that every citizen should be that has the welfare 
of his country, of the State, and of his county, at 
heart, has never been an aspirant to office — yet 
when his fellow-townsmen sought his services he 
did not shirk what appeared to be a duty, but ac- 
cepted and filled to the best of his judgment and 
ability the several town offices to which they 
elected him. He served very acceptably as tax 
collector, and as superintendent of the poor, 
for several terms. He is a man of strong will 
and determination, and generally accomplishes 
what he sets out to do. He is ever ready to do 
a kind act. He is a man of considerable force, 
therefore influential. His wife, to whom he was 
married on January 16, 1868, was Miss Diannah 
Seebold, and there have come to gladden tin ir 
home, children as follows: (1) Scott, a farmer 
of Limestone township. (2) Reno received the 
usual common-school education; he then entered 
the Central Pennsylvania College of New Berlin, 
Pennsylvania, where he pursued his studies a 
few terms, completing the commercial course. 
Shortly afterward he was married to Miss Cora 
May Wittenmyer, a daughter of John and Cath- 
erine Wittenmyer, of Mifflinburg, and they have a 
daughter, Florence, who is the idol of the father 
and grandfather. Reno and his devoted wife are 
religious people, devout members of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church, of Mifflinburg. Reno 
has rented and is now a resident of the old home- 
stead 

Mrs. Thomas Walter is a woman of rare 
worth, and presides over the pleasant home with 
dignity and i^race. She is a native of Union 
county, being one of three children born to Jo- 
seph and Nancy (Spangler) Seebold. Joseph 

bold is a resident I the homestead in Lime- 
stone township — on the farm where he first 
faced the battle of life. His good wife died in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1019 



1 88 1. The other two of their three children, 
were: Frank, who died when five years of age; 
and Scott, who wedded Maize Heimbach, and 
lives at the old Seebold homestead, where him- 
self and wife are caring for the aged father. Mrs. 
Walter is a religious woman, a devout member of 
the Lutheran Church, as are her two sons. 



JOHN LINCOLN HALFPENNY. Among 
the enterprising and successful agricultur- 
ists and business men of Lewis township, 
Union county, this gentleman takes front rank. 
His entire life has been passed here, his birth 
occurring in Buffalo township, May 3, 1850, and 
he comes of a distinguished family that has 
borne an important part in the advancement of 
Central Pennsylvania. 

His paternal grandfather, Mark Halfpenny, 
removed from Montgomery county, Penn., to the 
vicinity of Northumberland, Penn., about the 
year 1806, where he resided for a number of 
years, then removed to Columbia county, near 
Washingtonville, and finally located in Lycom- 
ing county, Penn., near Muncy, in 1823. Here 
his sons, James, H. S., John, Mark and William 
R. were employed in the woolen factory owned 
and operated by Samuel Rogers. In 1837 they 
located in Millheim, Centre county, where they 
engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods un- 
til the spring of 1841, when they came to Laur- 
elton, Union county, Penn., where James and 
Mark established a woolen factory, and William 
R., the father of our subject, turned his atten- 
tion to agriculture. William R. married Miss 
Catharine E. Lincoln, and they became the par- 
ents of three children — Hannah, wife of Wm. 
E. Smith; James M., a prominent mechanic of 
Lewis township, Union county, who married 
Miss Sarah J. Knauss, daughter of Daniel 
Knauss; and John L. , of this review. He was 
named after his maternal grandfather, John 
Lincoln, of Union county, Penn. The family is 
one of prominence, having the respect and es- 
teem of all who know them. 

During his youth, John L. Halfpenny was 
provided with excellent educational privileges, 
being a student for some time in the Lewisburg 
Academy (now Bucknell College), and complet- 
ing his literary course in the Dickinson Semi- 
nary at Williamsport, Penn. For ten years there- 
after he successfully engaged in teaching school 
through the winter months, while the summer 
seasons were spent in farming. In the spring of 
1884 he purchased the homestead in Lewis 
township, on which he is now residing, and be- 
sides its cultivation he is also .interested in the 



milling business, in partnership with A. E. Grove, 
owning and operating a grist and saw mill on 
Penn creek in Lewis township. A wide- 
awake, progressive business man, he has met 
with success in his undertakings, and is now 
numbered among the substantial and reliable citi- 
zens of his community. Possessing a liberal edu- 
cation, and of pleasing address, he makes friends 
readily, and has the happy faculty of being able 
to retain them. His political support is given 
the men and measures of the Republican party, 
and although not a member of any Church, he is 
a believer in the Christian religion. 

Mr. Halfpenny was married to Miss Asenath 
Knauer, a daughter of Samuel Knauer, a miller 
by trade, who at one time owned and operated 
the Berlin Iron Works (furnace and forge) in 
partnership with John H. Church, on Penn 
creek, in Hartley township, Union county. 
Three children bless this union, whose names 
and dates of birth are as follows: Paul E., Oc- 
tober 1, 1882; Grace E., February 13, 1884; and 
Samuel Lincoln, July 6, 1889. 



/I\ UGUSTUS A. GEMBERLING, who is now 
^^ serving his third consecutive term as com- 
missioner of Union county, resides near New Co- 
lumbia upon a farm which was purchased by his 
parents in 1832, and where he himself was born 
May 23, 1849. The Gemberling family has been 
well known since pioneer times in the vicinity of 
Selins Grove, Penn., where Jacob and Cath- 
arine (Wolfensberger) Gemberling, the great- 
grandfather of our subject, purchased, about 1782, 
a tract of 300 acres of land at six shillings per 
acre. They made the journey from their old 
home in the Tulpehocken region by wagon, and 
followed the river route, their furniture being 
conveyed in keel boats. At that time there was 
but one house at what is now the city of Harris- 
burg. 

Their son Philip, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born July 27, 1773, and the greater 
part of his life was spent in Selins Grove. He 
was one of the leading citizens of that locality, 
an extensive land owner, and his influence did 
much to shape the future of the community. He 
was twice married, and his second wife, Eve 
Goss, bore him five sons and four daughters. 
His death occurred from apoplexy, at the age of 
eighty-six years, two months and twenty-six days. 

The late Samuel Gemberling, our subject's 
father, was born in Selins Grove, and was reared 
upon a farm, learning also the tanner's trade, 
which he continued until his retirement from 
business in 1872. After taking possession of the 



1020 



COMMEMHUATI VE BWGllAI'UICAL RECORD. 



present homestead, he also conducted a sawmill. 
He was a Republican in politics, although not 
active in party work, and he and his estimable 
wife, Matilda Kline, were both members of the 
Reformed Church. She passed to the unseen 
world May 26, 18S8, in her seventy-second year, 
and he followed her May 30, 1 890, at the age of 
eighty-three years, nine months, and twenty-four 
days. She was a native of White Deer town- 
ship, Union county, and was of old Berks coun- 
ty stock, her grandparents having removed from 
that locality to Union county. Her parents, 
Charles and Sarah (Lutz) Kline, resided in White 
Deer township, and died at New Columbia, the 
father passing away in 1858 at the age of eighty- 
six. Five children were born to Samuel and Ma- 
tilda Gemberling, namely: Anna E., who died 
in 1SG4; Charles K., who is engaged in the milling 
business in southwestern Missouri; Augustus A., 
our subject; Sarah I., widow of J. B. Met/ 
formerly a druggist of Williamsport; and Eliza- 
beth A., wife of O. W. Meek, a merchant of 
Selins Grove. 

A. A. Gemberling has always resided at the 
old homestead, and his education was begun in 
the public schools of the neighborhood. He 
studied one year in the academy at Milton, and 
later attended the Lewisburg Academy. As his 
father's health declined, he took charge of the 
farm, and the other business interests connected 
with it, but in 1889 the sawmill was destroyed 
by a flood, and it has never been rebuilt. 

Mr. Gemberling is a leading Republican, and 
his sound judgment and public spirit have been well 
proved in various ways, notably in the discharge 
of the duties of the office of county commission- 
er, to which he was first elected in 1889. He is 
a member of the Masonic order, of the Four- 
teenth degree, belonging to Milton Lod^e. No. 
256. at Milton. In religious faith, he is a Pres- 
byterian, and in Church work, as in other local 
movements, he is a generous helper as the occa- 
sion may demand. He was married, in April, 
1880, to Miss Fannie Patterson, and the union 
has been blessed by two sons: Samuel and Rob- 
ert P., who are both at home. 



OHN PAWLING, a prominent retired agri- 
culturist of Kelly township, Union county, 
and one of its most highly esteemed citizens, 
is a representative of a family which has been 
identified with Pennsylvania from pre- Revolu- 
tionary times, his great-grandfather Pawling, 
having come from England about 1700, settling 
in Philadelphia county, then a frontier point. 
His son Joseph sought a new and undeveloped 



country, settlint: in 1794 in what is now Snyder 
county, and there purchased 400 acres of land 
near Selins Grove, where he engaged in business 
as a farmer and hotel keeper. By his first wife 
he had one son, John, who moved to the West, 
his descendants being found chiefly in Kentucky. 

Joseph Pawlin^'s second wife, Mary Shannon, 
bore him seven children, four daughters and 
three sons, Samuel, Joseph, and Nathan. Of 
these children, Samuel was the eldest. He was 
born February 9. 1794. and became an extensive 
farmer and leading citizen, being especially active 
in local politics and holding various township of- 
fices. On January 24, 1S15, he was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Woodling, a native of Snyder 
connty, Penn., and a daughter of John Wood- 
ling, who died at the age of eighty-three years, 
eight months and four days, and his wife, Su- 
sannah Hendricks, passed away at the age of 
eighty-four years, seven months and eighteen days. 
Samuel and Elizabeth Pawling spent sixty years 
of wedded life before their union was broken by 
his death, November 23, 1874. She followed 
him October 9, 1883, and at that time there 
were living of their direct descendants nine chil- 
dren, fifty-five grandchildren, forty great-grand- 
children, and one great-great-grandchili 

Of their children the following record is 
given: (1) Harriet, born December 31. 18 15. 
married David Schoch, and both are now de- 
ceased, leaving one son, Allen Schoch. 
Maria, deceased, born December 4, 1S17, was 
also the wife of David Schoch, and left 
son, Sofares Schoch. (3) Susannah, born Feb- 
ruary 25, 1 S 19, now the widow of Jacob Hilbish, 
resides at Swengel. Penn. She had six sons and 
two daughters — Aaron, Charles, Wilson, James, 
David, Amnion, Harriet, Agnes. (4) Levi, born 
July 27, 1820, is deceased. (5) John, our sub- 
ject, is mentioned more fully farther on. 
Jane E., born June 15, 1825, married Frederich 
Schoch, who died leaving no issue; she then be- 
came the wife of Louis Gemberling, and they had 
one daughter, who is married to Rev. W. W 
Clowser. (7) Samuel B., deceased, born Sep- 
tember 14, 1828, settled in Union county in 18; 
and on dying left one son, James M. Pawling, 
born to his first marriage; by a second marriage 
he also had one son, and by a third wife he left 
surviving him a son, Harry. (8) Rebecca, born 
December 25, 1830, married James Biehl, of 
East Buffalo township, Union county, anil they 
had two sons and one daughter — Jefferson, Ged- 
eion and Sady Rule. (9; Angeline, born Sep- 
tember 22, 1834, now deceased, married Benja- 
min Ulrich, a farmer near Selins Grove, had 
three sons — Jerome, Benjamin, and Samuel 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1021 



Ulrich. (10) Charles W., born May 21, 1837, 
now deceased, married Miss Lida Long, who 
survives him and resides in Gregg township, 
Union county. (11) Louis E., born December 
10, 1839, is a retired farmer residing at Selins 
Grove. He has three sons and two daughters — 
Allen, Samuel, Emanuel, Alice and Delia. 

John Pawling was born August 21, 1822, in 
Penn township, Snyder county, and his early 
recollections picture a very different state of civ- 
ilization from that which now prevails in that 
locality. Passing his youth on the old home- 
stead, he assisted his father with the farm work, 
while attending the local schools, and at twenty- 
two he engaged in agriculture at his present 
farm near Lewisburg. For three years he man- 
aged the place for his father, to whom it be- 
longed, and for two years he conducted it on 
shares, but he then purchased it and continued 
to cultivate until his retirement from active busi- 
ness. His son-in-law, H. A. Danowsky, now 
rents the estate and resides there with his fam- 
ily. In politics Mr. Pawling is a Republican, 
and for many years he has been a leading mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, in which he was 
confirmed by Rev. J. P. Shindle, of Sunbury. 
He has held the office of trustee in the Church 
at White Deer Church for seven vears, and 
served as deacon in 1867, '68, '69 and '70. 

On March 19, 1850, Mr. Pawling was married 
to Miss Barbara A. Gemberling, now deceased, 
by whom he had the following children: Will- 
iam, born March 6, 1S51, died at the age of four 
years and six months; Sarah E., born Septem- 
ber 22, 1852, is the wife of Jerry M. Aurand, a 
farmer in Snyder county, and has one son, Harry 
P. Aurand; Christopher G., born August 26, 
1854, resides in Portland, Ore.; Mary L. , born 
September 19, 1856, married Frank Keizer, a 
coal and feed merchant, of West Milton, and 
has three boys and one girl — James, George, 
Ray, and Bertha; Emma F., born March 24, 
1859, is the wife of Allen S. Snyder, a fruit 
gatherer at Orange, Cal., and has two boys 
— John and William; Catherine J., born May 9, 
1861. married F. L. Smith, agent at Los An- 
geles, Cal., of a mineral water company; Bertha 
A., born August 22, 1863, married Reuben F. 
Moyer, a farmer at Buffalo Cross Roads, Union 
county; Alice R., born September 14, 1867, is 
the wife of Henry A. Danowsky, who conducts 
the homestead, and also has a sawmill on Beach 
creek, and has three boys — William F. , Lloyd 
L. , and John P.; Melinda R. , born December 
22, 1869, is the wife of Chester Reedy, a farmer 
in the same township, and has one daughter, 
Detha Reedy. 



Mrs. Barbara A. Pawling, who passed to the 
unseen life March 5, 1875, was a native of Kelly 
township, born March 31, 1831. Her father, 
the late Philip Gemberling, Jr., was born in Sny- 
der county, but, after passing many years in 
agricultural pursuits in Union county, he re- 
tired to Lewisburg to spend his last days. 
His wife, Elizabeth, was a native of Un- 
ion county, and her death occurred there. 
Philip Gemberling, Sr., grandfather of Mrs. 
Barbara Pawling, had twenty-one children, 
three of whom are now living, namely: Lida, 
widow of John Parks, resides at Selins Grove; 
Reuben is a farmer near Elkhart, Ind.; and Will- 
iam, a bridge builder, resides at Selins Grove. 

Jefferson S. Pawling, a nephew of our sub- 
ject, is a prosperous agriculturist of Kelly town- 
ship, Union county, born December 13, 1854, 
in the house where he now resides. He is a son 
of Levi Pawling, and a grandson of Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Woodling) Pawling, mentioned above. 
Levi Pawling was married, May 25, 1847, 
in Snyder county, to Miss Margaret Weaver, a 
lady of German descent, whose ancestors had 
settled in this State before the Revolution. 
Her grandfather, Jacob Weaver, and his wife, 
Catherine Hoffer, were both natives of York, 
Adams Co., Penn. He enlisted in the Colonial 
army during the struggle for independence, and 
made an excellent record for courage and discre- 
tion. On one occasion he was appointed to 
carry some important dispatches to General 
Washington, to whom he gave them personally, 
and he narrowly escaped capture by the British 
while on this difficult mission. He died in 1836, 
at the age of eighty-four, in Shippensburg, Penn. 
His son, Michael Weaver, the father of Mrs. 
Pawling, was a prominent resident of New Ber- 
lin, Snyder county, and held an influential place 
in political circles, serving at different times as 
register, recorder and surveyor of his county. 
He married Miss Phcebe Townsend. The 
Weaver family was never identified with agricult- 
ural pursuits, its members choosing mercantile 
business and similar occupations. 

In the spring of 1848 Levi Pawling removed 
with his wife from Snyder county to Juniata coun- 
ty, and in 1852 to the present homestead, where 
they spent the remainder of their lives. He was 
active and influential in local affairs, and in the 
Republican party, holding office at times, and 
was noted for his sound judgment. When a boy 
at play with his brother, from whom he was run- 
ning, his right eye was destroyed through an ac- 
cidental fall against a stove, a corner of the door 
striking his eye. His wife was a woman of more 
than ordinary mental ability and literary inclina- 



L022 



COilMEMnRATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tion. and his life was characterized by a beautiful 
Christian spirit. Although she was for some time 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, she after- 
ward became a Lutheran, her husband being a 
member of that Church. She died January 16, 
1880, aged forty-eight years, nine months, and 
twenty-nine days, and her husband survived her 
thirteen years, his death occurring January 15, 
1893, at the age of seventy-two years, five 
months, and eighteen days, the remains of both 
being interred in the Lutheran churchyard at 
White Deer. 

Their children were: Margaret S., born 
March 6, 1840, who died in infancy: Allen 1". 
born May I, 1S50, in Juniata county, now a dealer 
in implements at Lewisburg, Penn. ; Jefferson S. . 
born December 13, 1854; Malinda J., born N - 

ber 14, 1859, who married M. R. Brown, a 
farmer of Kelly township. Union county; N 
1. . born October 2, 1861, who died at the age 
of one year, live months and sixteen days; Ida 
C born February 13, 1864, who died at twenty; 
and Anna S., born August 15, 1867, who died 
July 20, 1887. 

Jefferson S. Pawling was reared at the old 
homestead, where he assisted in the "choi 
from boyhood. Until the age of fourteen he at- 
tended the neighboring school in winter but, 
having completed the course of study offered, he 
entered Central Pennsylvania College at New 
Berlin, and spent one year. At seventeen he 

in teaching school, and after one term in 
Wi ite Deer township, he taught eight years in 
Kelly township. During this time he gave much 
attention to the work at the farm, and owing to 
his father's enfeebled health, he finally gave up 
teaching in order to care for his home interests 
more thoroughly. On March 7, 1895, he was 
married at Freeburg, Snyder county, to Miss 
Mary Moyer, a native of that town, and a daugh- 
ter of Prof. William Mover, a well-known resi- 
dent. They have no children. 

Mr. Pawling's political sympathies are with 
the Republican party, and he has been active in 
local affairs, holding the office of assessor for 
three years. He takes keen interest in educa- 

d matters, and is now serving a two-years' 
term as school director. His own early training 
has been supplemented by a wide course of read- 
in-, and in 1890 he graduated from the Chautau- 
qua Literary and Scientific Circle. In religious 
faith he is a Lutheran. 



DAVID LEIBY. Among the honored repre- 
_■ sentatives of pioneer times who are still 
spared to us, this venerable gentleman, now re- 



siding upon his farm near Lewisburg, holds a 
leading place. Born in Union county, January 
14. 1 S 1 9, his entire life has been spent there, and 
the marvelous development of that locality may 
be said to have taken place within his observa- 
tion. He is of good old Berks county stock, and 
both his grandfathers served as soldiers in the 
Revolutionary war. His grandparents, on the 
paternal side, had their home in Aulbury town- 
ship. Berks county, where John J. Leiby, the 
father of our subject, was born and reared. He 
was married there, April 1. 1800, to Christiana 
Neifert, a native of the same township, and a 
daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Stumbin) Neifert. 
In 1 8 1 1 |ohn J. Leiby and his wife came to Union 
county, and settled in Union (now Limest 
township. He was drafted during the war of 
1 Si 2, but furnished a substitute. By occupation 
he was a dyer, and by. reason of his strong and 
decided character he acquired great influence in 
the community, being chosen to various local 
offices, and holding for twenty-five years the posi- 
tion of elder in the Reformed Church. In early 
life he was a Democrat, but later he joined the 
anti-Mason faction, and finally became a Whig. 
His death occurred March 22. 1856, at the age 
of eight) -urie years and nine months, and his 
wife passed from earth July S. [852, in her 
seventy-eighth year. 

They had six children, of whom the subject 
of this sketch was the youngest, and is now the 
only survivor: (1) George, born November 11, 
1802, died in Union county in 1872; John, born 
January 4, 1S05, died in Mifrlinburg in 1S72, 
eleven weeks from the time of his brotl 
death; Mary, born January 12, 1809, mar: 
John Benner (now deceased), and her death oc- 
curred in Buffalo township, Union county, in 

5; Jacob, born May 16, 1S12, died in Lime- 
stone township. Union county, at the age of 
seventy-one; Catherine, born December 5. 1S14, 
married the late John Norman, and died in 
Snyder county, Penn., at the age of seventy- 
three. 

At the time of Mr. Leiby's birth his parents 
were residing in Union (now Limestone 1 town- 
ship. Union county, and he remained there until 
. when he located at his present home in 
Kelly township, purchasing the place from Thomas 
Comley. It is a fine farm, and was first settled 
in 1769, by William Patterson. Mr. Leiby is a 
careful manager, and has always been considered 
one of the best agriculturists in his vicinity, while 
he has also taken a prominent part in local pol- 
itics as a member of the Democratic party, and 
has served as supervisor and overseer of the poor. 
In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and for manv 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1023 



years of his active life he held office as deacon 
and elder in the Church. 

On February 15, 1844, Mr. Leiby was united 
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Moyer, who was 
born in East Buffalo township, Union count}', in 
1820. Her father, Jacob Moyer, who was also a 
native of Union county, was a man of prom- 
inence and an extensive farmer and land owner. 
He and his wife, Sarah Gemberling, who was 
born in Snyder county, both died in Union coun- 
ty. Mrs. Leiby passed to her eternal rest 
August 29, 1892, sincerely mourned by a large 
circle of friends, to whom her rare qualities of 
mind and heart had endeared her. Of a family 
of six children all but two are living. William 
A., born January 5, 1845, conducts a grocery 
and meat market at Lewisburg; Sarah J., March 
30, 1846, married George Noll, a farmer in Kelly 
township; Margaret Matilda, December 29, 1850, 
resides with her father, to whose needs she min- 
isters with rare filial devotion and womanly 
skill; Harriet C. , July 4, 1853, married Charles 
A. Moll, who is mentioned more full}- below; 
John F., born September 14, 1S57, died March 
21, 1858; and Mary C, born March 15, 1S60, 
died March 16, 1861. 

Charles A. Moll, Mr. Leiby's son-in-law, is 
now in charge of the homestead, which he rents, 
and his able management has earned for him a 
reputation as a successful farmer. He was born 
in 1848, in Gregg township, Union county, then 
Lycoming county, and was married October 3, 
1872, to Miss Harriet Leiby. Four children 
were born of this union — Anna E., February 5, 
1876; Jennie M., April 24, 1880; Regina, Octo- 
ber 19, 1884; and George L., May 17, 1890, 
making a family of whom any parent might feel 
proud. Mr. Moll's paternal ancestors were early 
settlers in the Keystone State, his great-grand- 
parents, Martin and Catherine (Cashiner) Moll, 
being residents of Berks county. His grandpar- 
ents, Henry and Christiana (Cashiner) Moll, 
moved from that county to Northumberland 
county, where they located permanently. His 
father, the late Henry Moll, was born and reared 
there, and married a native of the same locality, 
Miss Anna Ritter, who was also of an old Berks 
county family. Her grandparents, John and 
Elizabeth Ritter, lived and died there, and her 
parents, George A. and Sophia (Crist) Ritter, 
were both born there, but settled after their mar- 
riage in Northumberland county. 

Henry Moll died August 14, 188S, at the age 
of seventy-four years, five months and twenty- 
six days, and his devoted wife, who was born 
June 9, 1 8 16, survived until November 12, 1897, 
when, at the age of eighty-one years, five 



months and three days, she too, passed away. 
They had nine children, whose names with dates 
of birth are as follows: Levi, February 9, 1840, 
died November 17, 1869; Elias, September 14, 
1841, died October 14, 1896; Henry A., Octo- 
ber 10, 1844, is a carpenter at Milton, Penn. ; 
Mary E., September 14, 1846. is the wife of 
William Ringler, a painter, residing in Philadel- 
phia; Charles A., July 19, 184S; Anna E., Octo- 
ber 23, 1850, is the wife of Jonathan Snyder, a 
sawyer at Lewisburg, Penn. ; Daniel, January 
29, 1853, is a teller of the First National Bank 
at Mahanoy City, Penn.; Sarah A., March 10, 
1856, formerly the wife of Cyrus Dieffenderfer, 
a farmer in Buffalo township, Union county, 
died March 3, 1893; and Amanda E. , March 12, 
1 861, married Cyrus Yost, a farmer of White 
Deer township, Union county. 



OEL REISH, a leading citizen of West Buf- 
i falo township, Union county, is now the 
proprietor of a distillery, which has been 
successfully operated by some member of the 
family for over three-quarters of a century, it 
being established by his grandfather, Daniel 
Reish, and later was conducted by his father, 
Benivel M., who was succeeded by his son, 
James K. Leasing the plant, our subject pur- 
chased the stock and apparatus of his brother in 
1893, and has since done a large and flourishing 
business, the manufactured product, which is 
noted for its purity, finding a ready sale in the 
market. 

At Forest Hill, West Buffalo township, Mr. 
Reish was born March 19, 1859, a son of Benivel 
M. and Lavina (Kling) Reish. As a pupil of 
Miss Nancy Gibbony, he began his education in 
the district school near his boyhood home, but 
his educational advantages were much inferior to 
those afforded the youth of the present day, and 
he heartily endorses better schools. During his 
boyhood he early became familiar with his pres- 
ent business, under the able direction of his fa- 
ther, and remained at home until the spring of 
1880, when he went to Illinois, working as a farm 
hand in both Fulton and McDonough counties 
until the following December, and receiving from 
$15 per month to $1 per day. 

Returning to his native county, Mr. Reish 
was for the four following years in the employ 
of his brother, James K. , working in the distil- 
lery and at other labor. In the spring of 1885, 
however, with his wife and family, he removed 
to Brown county, Kans. , where for eight years 
he operated rented land, and at the end of that 
time returned to Pennsylvania, where he has 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



since carried on his present business with excel- 
lent results. 

On March 14, 1881, in Mifflinburg, Union 
county. Mr. Reish was married to Miss Sadie 
Kersteter, a daughter of Reuben Kersteter, and a 
native of Sugar Valley, Clinton Co., Penn., 
where she was reared until eighteen years of age. 
Three children blessed this union, namely: Pearl 
E.,Carl B. and Hattie C. The wife and mother 
was called to her final rest March 30, 1894, and 
her remains were interred in the Mifflinburg 
cemetery. 

In politics, Mr. Reish is a stanch Republican, 
but at times supports the men of other part 
especially at township and county elections when 
no issue is involved. He is progressive and pub- 
lic-spirited, and has many warm friends in the 
community, where almost his entire life has been 
passed. 



GEORGE E. SEEBOLD, one of the active 
and energetic agriculturists of Limestone 
township, is a worthy representative of a promi- 
nent pioneer family of Union county. 

His great-grandfather, Christopher Seebold, 
was a native of Wurtemberg. Germany, but 
when only seven years old came to the United 
States with his father, Lenhart Seebold, and 
family, landing at Philadelphia in 1750. Len- 
hart Seebold settled in Lebanon county. Christo- 
pher Seebold, the founder of the branch of the 
Union county, Penn., family of Seebolds, and 
wife, Barbara, had eight children, namely: ( 1 ) 
Barbara, born in 1761, died in 1843. (2) Christo- 
pher, Jr., born September 3, 1763, died May 6, 

[9. (3) Michael, died (unmarried) in Leba- 
non county. (4) Catharine (twin), born July 
1769, and (5) Anna Maria (twin), born July 
19, 1769, married Henry Hassenplug, and they 
lived in Mifflinburg. (6) Otilia, born in 1774. 
died in 1858, married Michael Greens. (Most 
- of the family went to the West). (7) Grace died 
in 1863, the wife of Andrew Wagner. (8) John, 
born April 24, 1781. (All were born in Lebanon 
county). About 1789-90, Christopher Seebold, 
Sr. , and family, most of whom were married, re- 
moved from Lebanon county to what is now 
Union county. On April 25, 1792, he purchased 
of James Watson one hundred and seventy acres 
of land whereon was a gristmill, two miles west 
of New Berlin, on the road going to Mifflin! > 
This property has ever since been in the Seebold 
name. He died on his place in 1S13, his widow 
surviving him some years. He bore a promi- 
nent part in the early development of this region, 

1 here reared his familj 



Our subject is descended from John Seebold, 
who was born April 24. 1781, and was but a boy 
when brought by his parents to Union county. 
His father being a mill owner, he learned the 
trade of a miller, and succeeded to the owner- 
ship of the old Seebold mill, which stood the 
ravages of time until recent years, when it was 
torn down, but never passed out of the hands of 
the family. In 1819, however, John Seebold 
erected a new mill, which he operated quite suc- 
cessfully for many years, doing an extensive busi- 
ness for those early days, and shipping thousands 
of barrels of flour to Baltimore. The principal 
means of transportation from New Berlin was by 
"arks" that floated down Penn's creek, and 
often contained as many as 300 barrels of flour. 

John Seebold, the grandfather, wedded Ma- 
ria Auble, who was born April 24, 17S4, and 
was a daughter of Conrad Auble, a Hessian 
soldier, who was hired by the British in the Rev- 
olutionary war, in which struggle he was wounded. 
With his family he located in Buffalo Valley at 
an early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Seebold were 
born six children, namely: Rebecca, who became 
the wife of George Leitner, and died in Lime- 
stone township, Union county; Barbara, who 
married John Rinkert, and died in the same town- 
ship; John, the father of our subject; Jacob, who 
died in Limestone township; Daniel, who still 
lives in that township, and Mary, who died un- 
married. The father of these children died Oc- 
tober 26, 1S57, the mother April 19, 1866, and 
both were buried at New Berlin. 

John Seebold, Jr., was born two miles west of 
New Berlin, March 1, 1S18, and with his father 
learned the milling business, which he followed 
for a number of years, but later turned his atten- 
tion to farming, owning and operating the place 
on which our subject now resides. During boy- 
hood he was able to attend school for only a few 
weeks each year as his services were needed in 
the mill. In early manhood he married Miss 
Elizabeth Spangler, who was born in Union, now 
Snyder, county, Penn., March 13, 1820, a daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Maria (Shroyer) Spangler. Two 
children blessed their union: George E., of this 
review; and Sevilla, wife of Samuel Crossgrove, 
of Limestone township, Union county. The 
mother was called to her final rest in i860, but 
the father survived her many years, dying Feb- 
ruary 20, 1 - : 12, ind both were buried in the New 
Berlin cemetery. Originally, he was a Whig in 
politics, later a Republican, and by his fellow 
citizens he was called upon to serve as super- 
visor, school director, and overseer of the poor 
in his township. Industrious and enterprising, he 
secured a comfortable competence, and his up- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 



1025 



right, honorable career gained him the confi- 
dence and respect of all who knew him. In re- 
ligious belief he was a Lutheran. 

In Limestone township, George E. Seebold 
was born March 13, 1842, and since the age of 
ten years he has resided at his present home, 
now owning 100 acres of valuable land, which he 
successfully cultivates. He also owns and oper- 
ates a chopping-mill for his own use. Under the 
instruction of Daniel Seebold he began his edu- 
cation at Penn's Creek school, on the Sanders 
farm, but the school house has since been torn 
down. Later he attended the Union Seminary 
at New Berlin, and was the first teacher to have 
charge of the new school at Wehr's Hotel, where 
he successfully taught for two terms. 

On the outbreak of the Civil war it was Mr. 
Seebold's desire to enlist, but his father opposed. 
Finally, on February 28, 1865, at Harrisburg, 
Penn., he enlisted in Company D, 74th P. V. I., 
and joined the regiment near Cumberland, Md. 
He was mostly engaged in guard duty in West 
Virginia, protecting the property of the Baltimore 
& Ohio railroad, and at the time of Lee's sur- 
render he was stationed at Clarksburg, that State, 
where he was honorably discharged August 27, 
1865. He was never wounded or off duty on 
account of illness. 

On February 22, 1866, Mr. Seebold was mar- 
ried to Miss Catharine Crossgrove, who was born 
in Limestone township, Union county, February 
27, 1843, a daughter of James and Polly (Ulsh) 
Crossgrove, being one of the two children born 
of her father's first marriage. He was a car- 
penter by trade, but his later years were spent in 
farming. Nine children were born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Seebold, namely: Clara, born November 
22, 1866, died August 14, 1873; Ella, born July 
6, 1868, died March 10, 1870; Flora, born 
March 19, 1870, married to W. E. Reed, of 
Linntown, Penn., September 10, 1893; Mary- 
Alice, born October 20, 1871, died February 
5, 1891; Sadie Verdilla, born February 23, 
1876; John, born July 16, 1877; George, born 
January 12, 1881; James, born June 6, 1883; 
Charles, born September 9, 1884, died February 
13, 1885; and Adda Mae, born July 22, 1886. 

Mr. Seebold is well informed on the leading 
questions and issues of the day, is a stanch Re- 
publican in politics, and has acceptably served 
as school director, but cares nothing for official 
honors. Always good natured and jovial and 
pleasant in disposition, he makes hosts of friends 
and is widely recognized as one of the thoroughly 
reliable and highly respected citizens of Lime- 
stone township. He and his estimable wife are 
both worthy members of the Lutheran Church. 

6 r 5* 



SAMUEL BURNS, a prominent lumber mer- 
_) chant residing at Winfield, Union county, is 
a man whose life history presents an eloquent 
lesson in the value of self-help. Beginning busi- 
ness life as a boy of fourteen, with no capital and 
but little education, he has steadily made his way, 
and with such clear and steadfast aim that from 
the first he has occupied positions which would 
reflect credit upon any man. Mr. Burns was 
born July 3, 1849, in Northumberland county, 
Penn., on an island in the Susquehanna river, 
and his ancestry on both sides had been identified 
with the State from pioneer days. His father, 
the late Christian Burns, was a native of Nor- 
thumberland county, born February 14, 18 19, 
a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Speece) Burns, 
and was reared in Snyder county, returning 
afterward to his earlier home to engage in farm- 
ing. On October 18, 1849, he settled at Win- 
field, but his last days were spent in Union 
county, where he followed farming, and was also 
employed ^ foreman in a stone quarry at his 
death which occurred July 19, 1894. He mar- 
ried Miss Mary Bettilyon, who was born Febru- 
ary 12, 1825, in Perry county, Penn., and is yet 
living. Her grandfather, Isaac Bettilyon, was a 
native of Perry county, and her father, David 
Bettilyon, was born in Hanover, Penn., married 
Miss Mary Rafter, of Perry county, and in 1S45 
they moved to Winfield, where both breathed 
their last. 

To Christian Burns and his wife the follow- 
ing children were born: Sidney Ann, born May 
18, 1844, died at the age of seven; David A., 
born November 1, 1845, died at twenty-five; Jud- 
son, born October 6, 1847, lived only one year; 
Samuel is mentioned more fully below; Andrew 
Bigler, born August 8, 185 1, lives in Milton, 
Penn.; Susan E. , born September 16, 1853, mar- 
ried Jacob Campbell, of the same place; Henry F., 
born June 28, 1855, died in Brazil, South Amer- 
ica; Mary L. (twin of Henry) married Clarence 
Leisher, and died some years ago; Nancy J., 
born March n, 1857, married F. Snyder, of Win- 
field; William C, born April 16, 1859, resides at 
W T infield; Alda C, born December 31, 1S61, 
died at an early age; and Jeremiah, born March 
1, 1863, now lives at Winfield. 

As has been said, Mr. Burns (our subject) had 
few educational privileges in his youth, his at- 
tendance at the schools near his home being 
limited to three winter terms. At fourteen this 
opportunity was closed to him by the necessity 
for earning a livelihood. The year he spent in 
Clearfield county, where he worked in the woods 
during the winter, boating on the canal in sum- 
mer, and his energy and discretion were even 



1026 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



then so evident that at sixteen he took charge of 
crews. When the Civil war broke out he was 
much too young to go as a soldier, but on Feb- 
ruary 8, 1865, he was accepted and joined the 
15th New York Regiment, the Pioneer Engineer 
Corps, enlisting at City Point. Fortunately the 
need of recruits did not long continue, and in 
May, 1S65, at the close of the Grand Review at 
Washington, he was honorably discharged. Re- 
turning to Clearfield county, our subject resumed his 
former occupations, and soon began taking < 
tracts for work of various kinds. For two years 
he had charge of a force of men that built the 
e at Sunbury and the transfer at Sbamokin, 
also a number of trestles in the vicinity. He also 
helped to build the Sunbury boom fur the Sun- 
bury Lumbering Co., working two summers, and 
then remained to manage the place for two years 
re, conducting a coal yard at the same time, 
in which he lost every cent which he had pre- 
viously saved. Dunn.!,' the next summei 
captain of a floating gang, and after^he comple- 
of the Reading railroad he engaged in the 
lumber business, making a specialt) ol getting 
ps. He has gradually extended his trade 
until he now commands a large and profitable 
business in all kinds of lumber. He is sole 
owner of his yard at Winfield, and has a camp in 
Northumberland county, which he conducts in 
partnership with Michael Slear, of Winfield. As 
a citizen he is progressive and public-spirited. 
In politics he has been a Republican for the | 
six years, and while he has not sought public 
office he has taken keen interest in party move- 
its. Socially he is a charter member of 
Winfield Lodge No. 352, P. O. S. of A., and 
has twice been a delegate to the State camp at 
Allentown and Altoona. 

On December 5, 1873, Mr. Burns was mar- 
ried in Northumberland county, to_Miss Matilda 
Hummel, and four children have blessed their 
union: William C. is now attending the State 
Normal School, at Bloomsburg, Penn. ; Jennie 
M. is at home; Benjamin F. is a student at 
Bloomsburg; and Charlotte Anna died in infancy. 
Mrs. Burns was born N 1 5, [844, in 

Northumberland county. Her grandfather, Ja- 
cob Hummel, of Northampton county, Penn.. 
moved to Snyder county at an early day, with 
his wife, Margaret (Kline), and remained there, 
following carpentering and farming. Daniel 
Hummel (Mrs. Burns' father was a lifelong res- 
ident of Snyder county, and was by occupation 
a farmer and carpenter. He was a Lutheran in 
religion, and politically adhered to the Repub- 
lican party. He died in 1 , thirty-six 
is His wife, Anna Smith, daught 1 >j I 



jamin and Eve Kesler) Smith, of Snyder coun- 
ty, survived him many years, passing away April 
27, 1S96, aged seventy-seven years, seven months 
and sixteen days. Their children were: Eliza- 
beth, wife of John Troxell, a carpenter; Benja- 
min, a farmer: Matilda, Mrs. Burns; Amanda, 
widow of Joseph Hess; Katie, who married Will- 
iam Hess, a watchman on a railroad; and Levi 

all of'whom reside in Snyder county, with 
exception of Mrs. Burns. 



REUBEN KLINE. A family who sent 
seven brave sons to the defense of the flag, 

in the dark days of threatened disunion, de- 
serves a high place in the nation's roll of hoi. 
and Union county takes pride in the fact that 
such patriotism was nourished within her 1 
ders. Of the nine sons of Jacob and Mary (In- 
gelharti Kline, of West Buffalo township, all 
but two entered the army and they were too 
young to enlist. This record is doubtless une- 
qualed by any other family in the State, and, 
few if any, could be found to match it in the en- 
tire country. The eldest son, Daniel, enlisted 
in Company E, 51st P. V. I., in 1864. and re- 
mained in the service until the close of the war. 
John was a member of Company E, 142nd P. 
V. I. , and lost his life at the battle of the Wilder- 
ness; he was wounded and left on the field; is 

I osed to have been burned by the forest fires 
which swept over the spot where he was last 
seen. George enlisted in Company E, 131st P. 
V. I., for nine months' service, and at the close 
of the term re-enlisted in Company E, 51st P. 
V. I., for "three years or during the war, " and 
was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness 
May 6, 1864. Joel also answered the call f >r 
nine months' service, and later re-enlisted in 
Company E. 51st P. V. I., for three years, and 
was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor June 
3, [864. Charles enlisted, first, in the 131st K 
iment, and at the end of his term of nine 

nths joined Company E, 51st P. V. I., and 
was wounded in the battle of the Wildern 
Jacob L. , a member of the 51st P. V. I., was a 
valiant soldier, but privations and exposure 
brought on an illness from which he died in the 
hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. 

Reuben Kline, the subject of this sketch, and 
the 1 youngest of the gallant seven, was born in 
West IWiffalo township. Union county, Novem- 
ber 6, 1844, and enlisted while still in his 
" teens" in Company E, 21st P. V. C, for six 

iths In 1S64. when barely eighteen years 
In re-enlisted in Company E, 51st P. V. I 





/ r 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1027 



and served in the Army of the Potomac. He 
took part in the battle of the Wilderness, and 
was at Spottsylvania, North Anna, as well as 
other places where the full horrors of war were 
seen, and at Cold Harbor he was wounded in 
the right leg so seriously that immediate ampu- 
tation was necessary. This done, he was taken 
to the hospital at Washington, and although he 
was mustered out at the close of the war, he 
was compelled to remain at the Soldiers' Home 
in Philadelphia until 1S66, when he returned to 
his native place. In his youth he had received 
a common-school education, but while in Phila- 
delphia he took advantage of the educational fa- 
cilities offered at the Home, and studied hard to 
prepare himself for some vocation in which his 
crippled condition would not be a barrier to suc- 
cess. After a visit at home, he went to Illinois, 
and while there was brought out for nomination 
in 1869 by the Republicans of Union county as 
their candidate for the office of register and re- 
corder. He came home, made the campaign, 
and was elected, and so faithfully and well did 
he serve that he held the office five consecutive 
terms, 01 fifteen years. On retiring he engaged 
in agriculture in West Buffalo township, but in 
1897, being elected clerk of the commissioners' 
court, he returned to the county seat to reside. 
He is an influential factor in the politics of his 
county, and is a popular member of the G. A. R. 
His wife, who was formerly Miss Sarah E. De- 
Long, was a native of West Buffalo township, 
born November 15, 1845, and they have one 
daughter and one son: Bertha M., married Wes- 
ley Kleckner, and has one child — Ruth; and Ar- 
thur Paul, who is at home. 

The Klines are o! old Pennsylvania stock. 
Grandfather Jacob Kline died in West Buffalo 
township. His children were: John, who died 
in Illinois; David, who died in Hartleton, Penn. ; 
and Sallie, wife of George Ingelhart, the brother 
of our subject's mother. Jacob Kline, the father 
of our subject, was born in West Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, in 1805, and died in 1869. 
He learned the carpenter's trade in early life, 
and followed it for some years, but later became 
a millwright, operating chiefly in his native town- 
ship. His influence in the community was 
marked, and was always exerted on the side of 
patriotism and progress. His wife, who was 
also a native of West Buffalo township, died in 
1879. They had fourteen children: Daniel and 
Eleanor (twins), the former of whom is now a 
resident of Oneco, 111. , the latter being the wife 
of Joel Hursh, and residing in Flemington, 
Penn.; Eliza, wife of H. D. Royer, of Buffalo 
township, Union county; John; who met a sol- 



dier's death as mentioned above; George, now a 
resident of Forest Hill: Joel, who resides in Wis- 
consin; Charles, of Forest Hill; Sarah, wife of 
Jacob Ross, also of Forest Hill, Union county; 
Jacob L., whose life was sacrificed on the altar 
of his country; Reuben, our subject; B. C. and 
Stephen (twins), the former being a resident of 
West Buffalo township, the latter dying in in- 
fancy; and two younger children who lived but a 
brief time. 



GEORGE SCHNURE, Esy. (deceased), was 
born in Union county, Penn township, De- 
cember 23, 181 1, of German ancestry. His 
grandfather, John George Schnure, according to 
the records of the Church in Dudenhoppen, 
Germany, was married to one Anna Catharine 
Mennor. Of this union John Christian Schnure, 
the father of George, was born at Dudenhop- 
pen, in the principality of Hesse-Cassel, July 2, 

1763- 

In 1 78 1, John Christian Schnure left his home 

and native land, and emigrated to this country, 
knowing that upon the termination of the voyage 
a bondage for a term of years awaited him to 
pay his passage. Upon his arrival the captain 
of the vessel bound him for three years to a 
farmer named Ege, residing in Berks county, 
and all he earned in that time went to pay his 
fare, clothing and board. After serving out his 
time he moved to what is now Middle Creek 
township, Snyder county, where he was married 
to Elizabeth Pontius, who, at an early age, had 
removed with her parents from Philadelphia to 
that locality. She was born February 19, 1776, 
and died in Hartley township, Union county, 
September 17, 1852. John Christian Schnure 
died July 27, 1827. Their children were Cath- 
arine, who married Tobias Miller, and settled in 
Venango county; Henry, who has descendants 
living in Michigan and Indiana; Elizabeth mar- 
ried to Charles Smith, descendants living in 
Centre and Union counties; Michael, descendants 
living in Union county; Mary, who died unmar- 
ried; George, who is the subject of this sketch; 
Levi, descendants living in Ohio; and Mary, 
married to Robert Lucas, descendants living in 
Union county. 

During his early life George Schnure assisted 
his father on the farm. During the winter 
seasons he had from two to three months' in- 
struction in schools where some were taught in 
English and others in German. The remainder 
of the year was spent at work. When but nine 
years of age he left the parental roof, and was 



1028 



\COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



employed by R< bert Foster, who kept a store in 
Hartleton. This early beginning impressed upon 
his youthful mind a love for mercantile pursuits, 
I laid the foundation for that industry and 
thrift which, in after years, resulted in financial 
success. After serving Mr. Foster a short time, 
he returned to his father's farm, where he re- 
mained during the summer, and then entered 
the service of A. D. Hahn, who kept a store and 
tavern at Hartleton, and remained four years. 
In 1823 -Mr. Hahn moved to New Berlin, where 
he < I in mercantile business, and George 

Schnure accompanied him, remained his clerk 
for one year, then went to Northumberland, and 
for three years was clerk in the store of John A. 
Sterrett. The store then being purchased !>\ 
John Guyer, he continued with the new owner 
nine months. 

In 1 S 33 Mr. Schnure came to Selins Grove, 
and at the age of twenty-two entered into partner- 
ship with his former employer, John A. Sterrett. 
Their store stood on the second lot from the 
northeast corner of Market and Walnut streets. 
Alter continuing this partnership for three years, 
Mr. Sterrett, having sold his interest to Henry 
C. Ever, retired from the firm. Ever & Schnure 
remained in business for seven years, when they 
• !i-[>osed of their store to Gundrum & Reichard. 
Two years later Mr. Schnure entered into part- 
nership with James K. Davis, Jr., and opened 

neral store on the southeast corner of Market 
and Pine streets. Mr. Schnure having bought 
property on the northwest corner of said streets, 
the store was moved to that place, where he and 
Mr. Davis continued in general mercantile, 
i, r rain and shipping business for twelve years. 
In [858 the store was sold to Charles S. David 
and Lewis R. Hummel. About i860 Mr. 
Schnure bought back Charles S. Davis' interest, 
and engaged in business with Mr. Hummel. 
The new firm continued four years, when Mr. 
Schnure withdrew and devoted the several years 
following in settling up the partnership affairs. 
In [868 he formed a partnership with Daniel 
Carey, and purchased the Maine sawmill prop- 
ert) from Scribner & Perkins, at a cost of$22,- 
000, and continued in the lumber trade until 
1873, when, upon the death of Mr. ('any, he 

oted his time in settling up the busin 

irs as well as the estate of his deceased part- 
ner. In September, (879, Mr. Schnure bought 
out A. Kreiger's and | Pauling's interest in the 
flourmill at the upper end of Selins Grove, and 
became a partner with his son, H. D. Schnure, 
who had previously been in partnership with 
Kreiger ec Pawling. They rebuilt the mill, 
added new and improved machinery, erected a 



large grain house, and connected the mill with 
the railroad by means of a siding. 

About 1850 Mr. Schnure was elected a direct- 
or in the Northumberland Bank, and was fre- 
quently re-elected. L"pon the removal of the 
bank to Sunbury he was continued. On Janu- 
ary 21, 1 864, he was elected the first president 
of the First National Bank of Selins Grove, and 
for almost twenty-three years continued to fill 
this position. On November 6, 1889, he re- 
signed the presidency, and afterward lived in re- 
tirement. He freequntly served as school direct- 
or, as chief burgess (was the first chief burgess 
of Selins Grove), and as councilman. About 
1868 he was president of the Sunbury & Lewis- 
town railroad, then known as the Middle Creek 
railroad, and during his administration part of 
the grading was done. For many years he was 
president of the board of directors of the Mission- 
ary Institute. Throughout this eventful business 
career Mr. Schnure was always successful, re- 
sulting in the accumulation of much wealth and 
property. 

On September 23, 1841, he was married to 
Miss Cordelia Davis, a daughter of James K. 
Davis. Sr. , and a granddaughter on her maternal 
side of Anthony Selin, the founder of the town. 
Mrs. Schnure died March 1, 1859. Their chil- 
dren are: Francis Marion, born November 13, 
1845, married Miss Laura Gross, of New Berlin, 
November 11, 1868, died October 5, 1871; John 
Sylvester, born January 2 1, 1S48, died March 1;. 
1 881; HOWARD Davis, born October 30, 1850, 
married Miss Sarah J. Six, of Mechanicstown, 
Md., September 20, 1876; Mary Elizabeth Eyer, 
born January 12, 1853, married Ira C. Schoch, 
October 23, 1878, died June 5, 1884; Emma 
Catharine, born January 4, 1857, married Har- 
vey H. Schoch, September 20, 1882. On April 
15, 1863, Mr. Schnure was married, the second 
time, to Miss Amanda Spyker, of Lewisburg. 
She died January II, 1877, after an illness of a 
few hours. 

In the various walks of life Mr. Schnure was 
ever held in high esteem. His opinion and ad- 
vice were for many years sought and carefully 
followed by many of his fellowmen. His 
economy, pi 1st verance and discretion were care- 
fully studied and practiced by those desiring to 

nice in life. When a cause was just and de- 
serving ol aid, his heart contained a sympathetic 
chord that could always be touched by the hand 
of charity. On January 27, 1893, after a busy, 
useful and eventful life George Schnure passed to 
his last rest, bequeathing to his sons and daugh- 
ters imt only the fruits of his toil, but the better 
heritage of untarnished honor. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1029 



JR. DIMM, D. D., President of Susquehanna 
University, at Selins Grove, Snyder county, 
is an educator of national reputation, his 
ripe scholarship and remarkable gifts as an or- 
ganizer fitting him for the highest ranks of the 
profession. For some years also he has labored 
faithfully and successfully in the ministry of the 
Lutheran Church, and few men can review their 
lives with as much satisfaction in the sight of 
duties well done. 

Dr. Dimm comes of Colonial stock, and is of 
the fourth generation of his family in this coun- 
try; the first of the line having come from the 
ancestral home in Germany in 1743, to settle in 
the vicinity of Philadelphia. The Doctor was 
born in 1S30 near Muncy, Lycoming county, 
Penn., the son of Simon and Rebecca Dimm. 
His parents, who were devout Lutherans in re- 
ligious faith, had him baptized in infancy in Im- 
manuel Lutheran Church, in Muncy Creek town- 
ship, and at twenty he was confirmed. At twenty- 
one he entered the preparatory department of 
Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg, and after 
two years of study there he took a four-years' 
course in the college, graduating in 1857 with 
the highest honors of his class. On leaving col- 
lege he assumed the management of the classical 
school at Aaronsburg, Centre county. While 
thus engaged he carried on a private course of 
study in theology, and in 1S59, at Harrisburg, he 
was examined and licensed by the Synod of 
Eastern Pennsylvania. In the same year he be- 
came pastor of the Lutheran Church at Blooms- 
burg, Penn., where he labored eight years with 
signal success. The Sunday-school and Church at- 
tendance was largely increased, and a great deal 
of general work for the Church was done in the 
Susquehanna Valley. During this time he helped 
to organize the State Normal School at Blooms- 
burg, and taught the classics there one year. 

In 1867, he became pastor of St. Peter's 
Church, at Barren Hill, a suburb of Philadelphia, 
Penn. During his stay of four years the Church 
was remodeled, a private classical school was 
established, and a great work done in religious 
advancement. In 1871 he became secretary of 
the Lutheran Board of Publication of Philadel- 
phia, and in this capacity he traveled over five 
States during the next fifteen months. In 1873, 
he resumed pulpit work as pastor of the Lu- 
theran Church on Jefferson and Sixteenth streets 
in Philadelphia. The natural tendencies of his 
mind led him back to school work, and in 1874 
he became principal of the Lutherville Female 
Seminary. During his administration of six 
years the standard of scholarship was raised, and 
many progressive changes were made. In 1880, 



he was called to Kimberton, in Chester county, 
to organize a new private school, and soon after- 
ward was invited to the pastorate of two 
Churches. In 1882, his reputation as a teacher 
led to his being called to the principalship of the 
classical department of the Missionary Institute 
at Selins Grove, Penn. , now Susquehanna Uni- 
versity, and later he became President. A great 
change has come over the college since he as- 
sumed management. The attendance has been 
increased four-fold, and the curriculum greatly ex- 
tended. The old building has been remodeled, 
and a beautiful additional building, known as 
Gustavus Adolphus Hall, erected in 1894. This 
contains a chapel and six recitation rooms on 
the first floor, the theological room, reading 
room and library, and various other apartments 
on the second floor. In 1897 another building 
was added, containing four apartments — the chem- 
ical laboratory, botanical and geological labora- 
tory, a recitation room for science, and a room 
containing the cabinet. 

Dr. Dimm possesses high executive ability 
as a college manager. A man of profound learn- 
ing, indomitable energy and with a natural apti- 
tude for teaching, he has gathered around him a 
loyal faculty and board of trustees, and the prog- 
ress of the institution has been a matter of pride 
to all familiar with its history during late years. 

Dr. Dimm has been a frequent lecturer, fol- 
lowing chiefly scientific lines of thought. During 
a single year he delivered nearly fifty lectures. 
His literary efforts have been principally in the 
form of review articles. He has received in turn 
the degrees of A. B. and A. M. and D. D. from 
Pennsylvania College, the last in 1884. 

In 1859 Dr. Dimm was married to Miss Mary 
C. Hill, a daughter of John Hill, Esq., of 
Hughesville, Penn. One son and four daughters 
have been born to them. The eldest daughter 
died in infancy, but the other children are all 
living: Margaret, who was educated at the 
Lutheran Seminary near Baltimore, Md. , married 
Rev. James Eugene Dietrich, a Lutheran min- 
ister. They have two children — Charles and 
Margaret. Evangeline Longfellow was educated 
at Missionary Institute, now Susquehanna Uni- 
versity, and is the wife of Rev. Jerome M. Guss, 
a Lutheran minister. Charles H., the only son 
of our subject, is a physician at Mifflinburg. He 
married Miss Mary Snodgrass, and has one child, 
Charles Alvin. Martha, a graduate of a musical 
institute in Maryland, is now a teacher of vocal 
and instrumental music in Susquehanna Uni- 
versity. 

Mrs. Dimm, who unites rare mental gifts 
with a generous sympathy, is highly esteemed by 



1030 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGKAl'IIKAL RECOllb. 



all who know her. She is now filling the second 
term as president of the Women's Home and 
Foreign Missionary Society of the Susquenanna 
Synod. 



HON. JOSEPH A. LUMBARD, of Selins 
Grove, is the editor and proprietor of the 
Snyder County Tribune, the oldest Republican 
paper in that locality, and one of the leading 
periodicals of this section, without regard to po- 
litical complexion. As a citizen Mr. Lumbard 
holds a high reputation, his patriotism having 
been demonstrated at an early age as a sol 
in the Union army. He was but a boy of eighteen 
when, on. September 13, 1862, he enlisted for 
three years in Captain Davis famous compan) 
of volunteers. This band of recruits was at- 
tached to the 147th P. V. I., and saw much severe 
fighting, ending their service as a part of the 
force that marched from Atlanta to the sea with 
Sherman. Mr. Lumbard participated in all the 
important battles of his regiment, and he was 
wounded at Gettysburg. 

The birth of our subject occurred January 5, 
[844, at Selins Grove, where he received a com- 
mon-school education. On April 2, 1S60, he 
became an apprentice in the office of the Selins 
Grove Times, published by Newhall *.V Weirick, 
but his work there was interrupted by his mili- 
tary service. After the war closed he returned 

Snyder county, and on October 22, 1S65, he 
took the position of foreman on the Snyder 

nty Tribune, then published at Middleburg. 
In October, 1866, he acquired a part-ownership 
in the paper, and has since been continuously 
connected with it, becoming its editor and pub- 
lisher in 1874. The office was destroyed in the 
great fire of February 22, 1872, and unfortu- 
nately there was no insurance, as the paper 
been moved from Middleburg to Selins Gn 
andthe insurancehad notyet been transferredwhen 
the fire destroyed the plant. Nothing daunted, 
however, by the mishap, its owners purchased 
new material, and in two weeks from the time of 
the fire the Tribune was again issued. When 
Mr. Lumbard took charge of the paper it was a 
six-volume journal, printed on a Washington 
hand press; it is now run by a water motor, and 
its circulation has more than trebled. Mr. Lum- 
bard is a vigorous writer, positive in its charac- 
ter, and is ever ready to defend the right as he 
sees it. 

In political life he is an active and influential 
worker, and has held a number of important pub- 
lic positions, all of which he filled with credit. 
In 1877 he was appointed one of the associate 



judges for Snyder county, vice Hon. Daniel 
Gemberling, deceased, and, in 1882 and 1890, 
he held appointments in the State Legislature. 
In 1893 he was messenger in the State Senate, 
and in 1896 he was appointed clerk to the Com- 
mittee on War Claims for the Fifty-fourth Con- 
gress, a position which he holds at present. He 
has been school director for thirteen years, and 
for five years was president of the board, and he 
has also served one term in the town council. 
He has been chairman of the Republican County 
Committee, and twice served in the capacit 
delegate to the Republican State Convent 

On June 19. 1866, Editor Lumbard was mar- 
ried to Miss Sara E. Scharf, and their union has 
been blessed with five children, four dauglr 
ami a son, four of whom are married. 

Mr. Lumbard is a well-preserved man, men- 
tally and physically, and is capable of many 
more years of useful work. When in the office 
he fills a place at the case, generally setting up 
his editorials and local matter without copy 



HON SAMUEL ALLEMAN, deceased. The 
name of Alleman has been a syn 
through several generations of American citizen- 
ship for energy, integrity, ability and patriot 
and the representatives of this family in this 
section have fully sustained this well-won reputa- 
tion. An examination into history also re\ 
the fact that during the time of Caesar's campaign 
nst the Gauls, that great Conqueror was 
itly tried by the warlike tribe of the Allemani. 
During the days of Napoleon, the name Alleman 
appears prominent in the official circles of the 
French army, anil in the councils of the 1 
Empire. In prol cal, financial and 

il life, those of whom we now write have 
gained an enviable rank, as the following 
memoirs indicate. 

The late Samuel Alleman, who war- for many 
years one of the most prominent residents of 
Snyder county, was born in Lancaster county, 
Penn., February 2, [818, and died February 
1881, at Selins Grove, where his mortal remains 
now rest. Early in life he was thrown upon his 
own resources, and by industry and economy was 
enabled to obtain a liberal education, at 
Pennsylvania College, located at Getlysb 
About 1840, liter leaving college, he engaged in 
teaching school at Millersburg, Dauphin ( 
Penn., at which place, and in the surrounding 
neighborhood, he is still favorably remembered 
by the older inhabitants. In 1842, upon the 
election Faunce as sheriff of Dauphin 

county. Samuel Alleman was made his deputy. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1031 



and together they moved to Harrisburg. Soon 
after his arrival at that city, Samuel Alleman 
entered the law office of Crouse & Boas, and on 
August 19, 1845, was admitted as a member of 
the legal profession. During the administration 
of Gov. William F. Johnston, Samuel Alleman 
was chief clerk in the State Department, serving 
until Gov. Johnston's successor was inaugurated. 
He filled the position with marked ability, and, 
being a most excellent scribe, he was noted as 
one of the finest clerks that ever occupied the 
office. 

In 1856, Mr. Alleman removed from Harris- 
burg to Middleburg, the county seat of the newly 
formed county of Snyder, there to continue the 
practice of his chosen profession. He was not 
in the county long until his sterling worth and 
ability were recognized, appreciated and reward- 
ed, and he speedily took rank among the leaders 
of the Snyder County Bar. In 1861 he was 
elected county superintendent of the public 
schools, serving his full term. In 1864 he repre- 
sented his county in the State Legislature. In 
1872 he was the choice of the Republican party 
of Snyder" county, for Congress. in 1873 he 
was the Republican nominee as delegate to the 
Constitutional Convention, which met in Phila- 
delphia. From time to time Mr. Alleman filled 
a number of minor offices in the county and 
borough in which he lived; always meeting ably 
the respective requirements of the positions he 
occupied. In executive ability he had no 
superior, and his aid in any enterprise was appre- 
ciated by his associates. He was one of the 
first promoters of the Sunbury & Lewistown rail- 
road; also the Selins Grove and North Branch 
railroad; and sacrificed much in an effort to 
make Selins Grove the county seat. 

In his relations to his fellow men, Samuel 
Alleman always fulfilled the part of a Christian 
gentleman. For many years he was a member 
of the Lutheran Church, at all times manifesting 
great interest in its prosperity, and frequently 
contributing liberally for the furtherance of its 
different departments. In 1S73 he was in at- 
tendance at the General Synod of the Lutheran 
Church, which met at Canton, Ohio, as one of 
the delegates from the Susquehanna Synod. 

Mr. Alleman had a proper conception of the 
importance of education, and for many years he 
was a valued member of the board of directors of 
Susquehanna University at Selins Grove. He 
was a useful citizen, and a man of unblemished 
honor and integrity. To the poor and humble 
he was kind and generous, and in the bestowal of 
alms he sought not the praises of men. In so- 
cial life he was hospitable, warm-hearted and 



jovial. On no occasion did his noble nature 
manifest itself more strongly, than when enter- 
taining his friends around the festive board. 

Mr. Alleman was one of the representative 
men of his county, one of whom it can be truth- 
fully said: "The world has been benefited by 
his having lived in it." 

On May 18, 1846, Mr. Alleman was married 
to Miss Ann E. Holman, eldest daughter of Sam- 
uel Holman, a prominent citizen of Harrisburg, 
and one of the most noted architects and con- 
tractors of his day. This union was blessed 
with four children; three sons — Horace, Charles 
and John; and one daughter, Sarah E. 



ON. HORACE ALLEMAN was born at Har- 
IPL risburg, Dauphin Co., Penn., February 7, 
1847, and at the age of ten years came with his 
parents to Snyder county. His education was 
obtained in the public schools of Dauphin and 
Snyder counties; in select schools at Harrisburg 
and Middleburg; at the Susquehanna University, 
Selins Grove, and at Pennsylvania College, Get- 
tysburg; from which last named institution he 
was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1869. 
In 1S72 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the 
degree of A. M. Immediately after his gradua- 
tion at Gettysburg, he commenced the study of 
law in the office of his father, the Hon. Samuel 
Alleman, and so continued until the fall of 1870, 
when he entered the Senior class of the law de- 
partment of Columbia College, Washington, 
D. C. In June, 1 871, he graduated from this in- 
stitution with the degree of LL. B., and was ad- 
mitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the 
District of Columbia. Upon his return to Sny- 
der county he was admitted to practice in its sev- 
eral courts, on September 25, 1S71, and has con- 
tinued his professional work there up to the 
present time. 

For a period of twenty-three years Mr. Alle- 
man held the office of notary public, receiving 
his commissions from Govs. Geary, Hartranft, 
Hoyt, Pattison and Beaver. His services were 
engaged as attorney for the county commission- 
ers for a period of six consecutive years; and for 
eight years he served as treasurer of the borough 
of Selins Grove. Upon the vacancy caused by 
the death of his father in 1881, he was elected a 
director of the Missionary Institute, now Susque- 
hanna University, which position he still retains. 
The board of directors honored him by choosing 
him as vice-president and member of the execu- 
tive committee. 

Since 1863 Mr. Alleman has been an active 



1082 



COMMBMORA TIVE BIOGKM'IIKM. BEt <>RD. 



and consistent member of the Lutheran Church. 
He has served the congregation at Selms Grove 
as its treasurer for eighteen years, and at the 
present time is one of its trustees. At three 
sessions of the Susquehanna Synod he represent- 
ed the Selins Grove congregation as its lay dele- 
gate, in 1882 at Montoursville, in 1SS6 at 
Hughesville, and in 1S92 at Northumberland. 
He also represented the Susquehanna Synod as 
one of its lay delegates to the General Synod, 
the highest legislative body in the Church, on 
two separate occasions, in 1887 at Omaha, Neb., 
and fa 1893 at Canton, Ohio. 

During the war of the Rebellion, in Septem- 
ber, 1862, being then but a lad in his sixteenth 
year, he enlisted as a private in Company D, 
1 8th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, 
and in June, 1863, re-enlisted and served in Com- 
pany I, 30th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer 
Kmergency Troops, having been sworn into the 
United States service. Since the war Mr. Alle- 
man has been a faithful member of the Grand 
Army. As an officer of the Post he has served 
in the capacity of quartermaster, adjutant and 
post commander; and at the present time he is 
the Post's historian. The military spirit seems 
to have been inherited by the subject of this 
sketch. In the war of the Rebellion he had two 
uncles; in the war of 1812 a grandfather; and his 
earlier ancestors were found in the Continental 
army in the war of the Revolution. 

On September 28, 1871, Mr. Alleman was 
married to Miss Tillie Pierce, of Gettysburg. 
During the great battle at her native place in 
1863, Miss Pierce had a most thrilling experience. 
Upon the opening of the battle, she left her home 
in Gettysburg to seek safety with friends \vh 
lived near Round Top. On the second and third 
days of the battle the struggle was transferred, 
in part, to her place of refuge; and hence it was 
that she had an actual, personal experience of the 
suffering and horrors spread out upon that field 
of carnage. At the earnest solicitation of many 
of the old soldiers she was induced to give in a 
tangible form her experience on those memora- 
ble days of July 1, 2, 3, 1863. Hence the pub- 
lication of a very interesting narrative: "At 
Gettysburg, or what a girl saw and heard of the 
Battle." She proved herself an angel of mercy 
to the weary, wounded and dying. For a num- 
ber of years, Mr. and Mrs. Alleman, together 
with their family, have occupied the Gov. Sny- 
der mansion at Selins Grove. The issue of their 
marriage is one son, Harry Pierce, now success- 
fully engaged in business in Philadelphia, and 
two amiable and accomplished daughters, Anna 
and Mary, who are at the present time attending 



Irving College for Young Ladies at Mechamcs- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 

1 rom the foregoing it will be seen that Mr 
Alleman has been and is still one of our desirable, 
useful, and appreciated citizens; and such a man 
as everyone can honor and respect. His intelli- 
gence, ability and uprightness tit him for the 
highest positions in life; and no favor or trust re- 
posed in him by his fellow citizens will be too 
great for his merits. 



OWARD DAVIS SCHNURE. Over a 
X'-L century's identification with the growth of 
the prosperous town of Selins Grove. Perm., 
adds luster to the life-work and ancestry of the 
subject of this sketch, Howard D. Schnure, who 
has achieved the distinction of being one of the 
most prominent and progressive citizens of Sin - 
der county. Through his strict business integrity 
and untiring zeal, he has risen to an honorable 
eminence in his native community, and acquired 
a conspicuous place on the long roll of Penn 
vania's noted sons. 

Howard Davis Schnure was born at Selins 
Grove, Snyder Co., Penn., on the 30th day of 
October, 1S50, and on his paternal side is a de- 
scendant of good old German stock. He is the 
son of George Schnure, whose father cam- 
America from Dudenhoppen, Germany, in 1781, 
and settled in Berks county, Pennsylvania. 

Cordelia Davis was the maiden name of the 
mother of the subject of this sketch. She was a 
granddaughter of Major Anthony Selin, the 
founder of the town of Selins Grove, Penn., and 
a man of much prominence in the business and 
political circles of his day. being also a member 
of the famous " Society of Cincinnati. " 

Mr. Schnure's boyhood was spent in the place 
of his nativity. He received hiselementary edu- 
cation in the public schools of Snyder county, 
meanwhile increasing his store of kn 
through wide and varied courses of reading. 
The finishing touches of his schooling were ob- 
tained at the educational institution now known 
as the Susquehanna University. 

Mr. Schnure made his first entrance into 
business life as a clerk for the mercantile firm 
of McCarty. Mover & Schnure, at Selins Grove. 
Later he joined the clerical forces of the First 
National Bank, in the same town, retaining his 
position for a period of two years. In 1875 he 
entered into co-partnership with A Kruger in 
the vocation of milling, the business of the firm 
being conducted as the "Isle of Que" mills at 
Selins Grove. 

The partnership remained intact for a period 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1033 



of four years, and in 1879 the firm name was 
changed to G. & H. D. Schnure, the father of 
Mr. Schnure assuming the interest held by Mr. 
Kruger, the entire business of the mills now 
being conducted under the firm name of H. D. 
Schnure since his father's death. 

Mr. Schnure has always been progressive in 
his ideas, and is a man of exceptional activity in 
his chosen walks of life. He has the honor of 
being the first to introduce electric lighting in 
Snyder county. He recognized the value of the 
modern system of illumination, and, in order to 
keep step with the march of progress, he estab- 
lished an individual plant of his own for the 
exclusive purpose of supplying his dwelling and 
mill properties with light, the power for his plant 
being secured by the use of the water power from 
his mills. 

Mr. Schnure's close identification with the 
development of his native town has placed him 
in the front rank of its most valued and respected 
citizens. On January 16, 1883, he was elected 
a director of the First National Bank of Selins 
Grove, and continued in that capacity for a term 
of eleven years, when he was elected to the 
presidency of that financial institution. His 
election to that honorable position took place on 
January 16, 1894. During the previous year he 
was made a director of the First National Bank 
of Sunbury, Penn., a position he still retains, as 
well as that of the presidency of the First Na- 
tional Bank at his home. 

At present Mr. Schnure's entire attention is 
devoted to his banking and milling interests. 
Mr. Schnure has been a lifelong Democrat, and 
he has often devoted his best endeavors to pro- 
moting the welfare of the party of his fealty. In 
1895 he was sent as a delegate to the State Con- 
vention at Williamsport, and in the following 
year he was again elected a delegate to the State 
Convention at Allentown. His work at both 
gatherings was marked by his customary earnest- 
ness and energetic methods. 

Mr. Schnure was married on September 25, 
1876, to Sara J. Six, of Thurmont (formerly 
Mechanicstown), Frederick county, Maryland. 
Two children have blessed this union — one son and 
one daughter — their names being William Marion 
and Mary Cordelia Schnure. 



MISS KATHRYN ANNA ARNOLD. 
_ Among the early settlers of Union county 
were representatives of the Arnold family, the 
first of the line having come from Germany at a 
date which is now unknown. Henry Arnold, 
the great-grandfather of our subject, was a well- 



to-do agriculturist of Union county, and he and 
his wife reared a goodly family, their descend- 
ants being now quite numerous. George Arnold, 
the grandfather, became a well-known farmer of 
Chapman township, Snyder county, where he 
owned a large tract of land. He was a Demo- 
crat in politics, and was prominently identified 
with the Lutheran Church in his locality. His 
death occurred in 18 — , and his wife, Mary 
Bussler, a native of Union county, passed away 
in 1880. They had eleven children, namely: 
Jacob, a resident of Clearfield county, Penn. ; 
Augustus, who is mentioned more fully farther 
on; Stephen, a resident of Chapman township, 
Snyder county; Calvin, of Port Trevorton, 
Penn. ; Daniel, of Chapman township, Snyder 
county; Samuel, of Shamokin, Penn.; Phely, 
who married Daniel Guagler, of Ohio; Charlotte, 
wife of Peter Glatfelter, of Perry township, Sny- 
der county; Barbara, wife of William Leach, of 
Chapman township; Fianah, wife of John Brown. 
of the same township; and Minerva, who mar- 
ried Joseph Reachner, of Williamsport, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Augustus Arnold, the father of our subject, 
was born in 1826, in Chapman township, Sny- 
der county, and is now residing at Shamokin, 
Penn. He was educated in the schools of his 
native township, where the instruction was 
chiefly given in German, and he did not learn to 
read or write in English. He is a man of intelli- 
gence, an expert mechanic, and for many years 
he was successfully engaged in business as an un- 
dertaker, carpenter, and wagon builder, the 
greater portion of his life having been spent in 
his native township. In 1S78 he removed to 
Shamokin, where he now resides with one of his 
sons. Politically, he is a Democrat, and he be- 
longs to the United Brethren Church, his con- 
sistent life winning him the respect and esteem 
of all who know him. He was married in Chap- 
man township, Snyder county, to Miss Leah 
Rine, a daughter of Jacob Rine, an agriculturist of 
that locality. She died May 3, 1893, in Sha- 
mokin, leaving the memory of a helpful life. 
Of the eleven children of this union, two, Set- 
tilla and Uriah B., died in infancy. Mary is the 
wife of Jonathan Bordman, of Paxtonville, Sny- 
der county; Miss Kathryn A., our subject, is men- 
tioned more fully below; Lucetta married Ed- 
ward Zigler, a furniture dealer at Herndon, 
Northumberland county, Penn. ; O. J. Pearce is 
a wagonmaker at Shamokin; George is in the 
hotel business at Shamokin; Wilson, a black- 
smith, resides in Michigan; Reiley resides at 
Shamokin; William settled in Texas; Agnes 
married William Paule, of Kansas. 



1084 



I OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUI'M. RECORD. 



Miss Arnold was born March j_\ 1848, at the 
old home in Chapman township, Snyder county, 
where she remained until the age of fourteen, her 
education being obtained in the local schools. 
She possesses great force of character and rare 
executive ability, which was manifested at an un- 
usually early age, and at fourteen she took a re- 
sponsible position in the home of Dr. W. H 
Backus, of Aline. A few years later she as- 
ned full charge of his elegant establishment, 
and for more than thirty years she directed every 
department, adding the feminine refinements with- 
out which no house can be truly a home. The 
Doctor delighted in hospitality, and she did much 
to entertain his guests and make their stay 
pleasant. At the Docfc r's death he made a 
tical acknowledgment of her faithful care 
for his interests by leaving her an ample in- 
come, and the use of the home for her lifetime. 

sonallyMiss Arnold is very attractive, and her 
generous contributions to charitable work and 
to the Evangelical Church, of which she is a 
member, are proof of a kindly heart ^he takes 
an intelligent and active interest in the various 

stions of the day, and is a firm believer in the 
principles of the Democratic party, feeling keen 
regret over her inability to cast a vote in its sup- 
port. 

The late Dr. William H. Backus was born 
at Williamsburg, Penn., and was of German de- 
scent on the paternal side, the name ha\ 
beei illy written 1 (Bake-hoi 

< >n leaving the Fatherland his ancestors went 
first to England, where the nan written 

Backhouse and pronounced Backus, the latter 
ling being the one adopted in America in 
accordance with phonetic rules. The first of the 
family to come to this country settled at an early 

e in Connecticut, and Daniel Backus, the 
Doctoi - grandfather, was born there, but settled 

on Staten Island in earl) manh ! The family 

is numerously 1 n the Hast, several 

ol the I 1 relatives residing at Newark, X. 

J., and at Parkersburg, W. Va., while Rev. Dr. 

I timore. Md., and Rev. Dr. Woods, 

1 ! Philadelphia, are also related to him. Calvin 

Backus, a wealthy reside ildwell, belon 

to the same family, and Maj Henry Backus, 

who owned valuable estates neai Seli 5 Grove, 

n uncle. 

; - Backus, the 1> ctor's father, was born 

in 1803, on Staten Island, and was educated at 

New Brunswick, X. J. On deciding to enter the 

medical ied a course of study 

in Xew York City, and for one \ iced 

at 1 ere, N | In 1826, he was married to 

■ Sarah Dietrich, oi Williamsburg, Penn., 



where he taught for one year in the academy. 
In 1S27 he located at Georgetown, Penn., and 
engaged in practice, remaining until 1838, when 
he moved to McKee's Half Falls, on the Susque- 
hanna river opposite Georgetown. His death 
occurred there in 1848, and his estimable wife 
died in 1S80 at Levvisburg, where her long widow- 
hood had been spent in a comfortable home, sur- 
rounded by all that could make her declining 
years peaceful. Dr. S. S. Backus had a very ex- 
tensive practice, extending through parts of 
Juniata, Perry, Snyder and Xorthumberland 
counties, and during the twenty years of active 
work in his profession he traveled more than half 

time on horseback. For some years he was 
interested in mercantile business at Mahan 
Chapman, Baltimore, and at Big Flats, X. Y., 
the management of the different establishments 
being in the hands of partners. He also took an 
active share in political work, and while at 
Georgetown was a member of the standing com- 
mittee of the Democratic party for his county. 

Dr. W. II. Backus received his elementary 
education at Tuscarora Academy, and was pre- 
pared by David Wilson to enter the Sophomore 
class at Dickinson College. After studying for 
some time at the latter institution, he entered 
the Junior class at Lewisburg University where 
he was graduated with honor, delivering the 
salutatory. He was the president of a literary 
society, the Phresakasmean, and on being chosen 
as chief debater in a contest with a rival organ- 
ization, the Philomathean, he was adjudged the 
victor by the umpire, Hon. A. K. McClure. In 

2 he went to Europe to secure a medical edu- 
cation in the most noted institutions of the day, 
Starting from Philadelphia in the "City of Man- 
chester," which narrowly escaped being wrecked 
near the Isle of Man, during a violent storm. 
He was graduated at Wurzburg, Germany, Au- 
gust 10, 1858, and also attended lectures at 
Heidelberg, Zurich, Gottingen, Prague, and 
Vienna. Some time was spent in visiting points 
of general interest, including the principal cities 
uf Europe, and during the administration of 
Franklin Pierce he was consul to Hanover and 
Brunswick. While in the latter province he 
visited relatives, one of them being a prominent 
general in the German army. In London he 
found other relatives, one of whom occupied a 
high position in the Foreign Office, and he was 
most cordially welcomed by them. During his 

j at Gottingen he was given two handsome 
souvenirs, made of fine porcelain and suitably 
inscribed. After spending seven years in the Old 
World he returned to Lewisbure., where he re- 
mained one year. In 1 S60 he began his profes- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1035 



sional work at McKee's Half Falls, and speedily 
won the success which had distinguished his 
father, his practice extending over the same ter- 
ritory. About twenty years were passed in act- 
ive work as a general practitioner, but, later, the 
Doctor restricted his labors to office practice and 
to consultations in difficult cases, neighboring 
physicians often calling upon him to aid them by 
his advice. 

In 1879 he took possession of his property at 
Aline, which he had purchased from Gen. Adam 
Light. It is a beautiful estate, and under his 
care was improved greatly. There he spent his 
last years, his time being devoted to reading, to 
the management of his extensive farms, and to the 
society of the friends whom he loved to gather 
around him in his home. He died on December 
26, 1886, and his remains were interred at Lewis- 
burg. While Miss Arnold has the use of much 
of his estate for her lifetime, his entire fortune 
is to go to Bucknell University at her death. 
His valuable library has already been donated to 
that institution, and his generous bequest will 
prove a most beneficent and lasting memorial. 



TTIRAM PERCIVAL JARRETT, justice of 
Jf^L the peace for the borough of Selins Grove, 
is one of the most highly esteemed residents of 
that locality, and although he is now nearing the 
ordinary limit of three-score years and ten he is 
as active mentally and physically as many a 
younger man. 

He was born, March 1, 182S, in Snyder coun- 
ty, then Union county, where his grandfather, 
Jacob Jarrett, settled at an early day, having 
come from Lehigh county, Penn. This worthy 
pioneer, who followed agricultural pursuits 
throughout his life, attained an advanced age. 
His wife. Catherine Ott, also spent her last years 
in what is now Snyder county. They had seven 
children: Jacob, Isaac, Henry, JohnO., Daniel, 
George and Catherine. 

John O. Jarrett, our subject's father, was 
born in 1808, in Union county, now Snyder 
county, and died in 1S77, in Penn township, 
Snyder county, where for many years he was en- 
gaged in farming. He was a large man, weigh- 
ing more than two hundred pounds. In religious 
faith he was a Lutheran, and he took great in- 
terest in politics, supporting at all times the 
principles of the Democratic party. His wife, 
whose maiden name was Mary Smith, was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1806, and died in 1875. Of 
their seven children the eldest, Matilda, married 
Henry Krider, of Snyder county; Hiram P., our 
subject, is mentioned more fully below; Lydia, 



widow of Benjamin Harmon, resides in Kratzer- 
ville, Penn. ; Susannah, who married John C. 
McFall, resides on the Isle of Que; the next two 
died in infancy, and Sarah, the youngest, was 
married to Jerry Antley, and died leaving three 
children. 

Squire Jarrett was reared in Snyder county, 
and attended the country schools of Penn, Mon- 
roe and Jackson townships. From 1849 to 
1853 he was engaged in boat building, and then 
for a time he was occupied in the building of 
bridges, but later he became interested in agri- 
culture. This he followed for ten years, but in 
August, 1865, he enlisted in Company D, 74th 
P. V. I., for six months. On returning home he 
resumed the occupation of bridge building, which 
he continued until 1894. He has always been 
an active worker in the Democratic organization 
of his locality, and in May, 1894, he was ap- 
pointed a justice of the peace, in which office he 
is still serving with credit to himself and satis- 
faction to others. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F., and of the G. A. R., C. S. Davis Post, 
No. 148. 

On June 2, 1853, the Squire was married to 
Miss Rebecca Musselman, who was born in May, 
1835, in Penn township, Snyder county. They 
have had seven children, all of whom are living: 
Newton P. is a foreman in a bridge-building 
business. Milton T. , who is also a bridge 
builder, resides on the Isle of Que. Alice J. 
married Edward Gemberling, a time-keeper for 
a bridge company, and has four sons — Charles, 
Percival, Joseph and Ray. Barbara married 
Charles Covert, and has five children — Rebecca, 
Ethel, Guy, Newton (1), and Newton (2). Katie 
married Mr. Norman, and has three children- 
Marguerite, Milton and Hiram. Nora married 
James Cary, and has one child, Clara. Maude 
married Charles Fisher, and has one daughter, 
Myra. 



JOSEPH G. LESHER, editor and proprietor 
of the Selins Grove Times, is a man of much 
more than ordinary ability and influence, and 
his history, though brief, will be read with in- 
terest. 

Mr. Lesher comes of German stock, his an- 
cestors coming to America at an early period. 
George Lesher, his grandfather, who was prob- 
ably born in New Jersey, became a pioneer 
settler in Point township, Northumberland Co., 
Penn., where he was engaged in farming for 
many years, his death occurring at the age of 
eighty. He was married to a Miss Sarah Rob- 
bins, and their son, Daniel R., our subject's fa- 



1086 



i VMMEMORA 771*/; BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ther, was born in 1820, at the old home in Point 
township, Northumberland count)', and died in 
1886. Daniel Lesher was married, in [845 
Miss Sarah J. Van Kirk, who was born in [825, 
and lived to the age of seventy-seven years, two 
months and ten days. Joseph Van Kirk, her fa- 
ther, who was of French descent, was a hotel 
keeper in Northumberland county, and at the 
age of eighty-two was as spry and active as a 
boy, but he was killed by an accident at a rail- 
way crossing. To Daniel R. and Sarah thirteen 
children were born, as follows: Charles, who 
died in childhood; Clarence L. , who died when 
twenty-eight years old; Hannah, wife of Amos 
Bloom, of Sunbury, Penn.; James B., a resident 
of Abbot, Neb.; Daniel, who died in infai 
Fannie, wife of Harvey Bloom, of Curwensville, 
Penn. ; Joseph G., our subject; Miss Sarah ).. 
and Miss Amelia; Gordon, a butcher at Shamo- 
kin Dam, Penn.; Elizabeth, deceased; Martin, 
who resides at the old homestead; and Miss 
Loula, who is deceased. 

Our subject's birth occurred August 9, 1856, 
in Point township, Northumberland county, but 
much of his time in boyhood was spent in Snyder 
county, his education being obtained in the com- 
mon schools. His first occupation was agricult- 
ure, which he followed until [886, when he 
bought the Selins < irove Times. This is a weekly 
piper, and under Mr. Lesher's able administra- 
tion it is a firm champion of the best interests 
of the locality. As its editor is a Democrat, the 
77 wo- supports the principles of that party at all 
times. Mr. Lesher is a leader in Democratic 
councils, and has frequently been a delegate to 

te Conventions. On one occasion he allowed 
his name to be presented on the ticket as a can- 
didate for the Legislature, an act which was in 
the nature of a sacrifice, as no member of that 
party can hope for election from Snyder county. 

On January 10. 1S84, Mr. Lesher was mar- 
ried to Miss Ma/ie App, a native of Monroe 
township, one of the leading ladies of her section 
of the county, born in 1857. Two children, 
Chalender H. and Lee Richmond, have blessed 
this union. 

> l.V W. A. HAAS, the honored pastor of 
the Reformed Church at Selins Grove, has 
now ministered to that charge for nine than a 
quarter of a century, a fact which speaks more 
eloquently in his praise than any wordy panegyric 
could do. His influence throughout this long 
period has been potent for good, his character 
and life bearing silent witness to the power of 
the Master, while his sermons h n effect- 

ive expositions of the faith which he holds 



Mr. Haas comes of that sturdy race known 
as the Pennsylvania German. The first of whom 
we have record was our subject's grandfather, 
George Haas, a native of Lehigh county, Penn., 
was a miller by trade, which he followed in 
earh years, but later bought a farm in Northum- 
berland county, where he lived to a very ad- 
vanced age. He married Elizabeth Miller, and had 
thirteen children, of whom five died in childhood. 
Of the others, Mary married (first) Benjamin 
Haupt, and (second) George Startzel, and died 
at Snydertown, Penn., at ninety years of age; 
Elizabeth married Jacob Wagner, and died in 
Northumberland county; George, our subject's 
father, is mentioned more fully farther on; Katie. 
deceased, married Emanuel Erdman; Salome 
married Samuel Miller, and lived in Juniata 
count}'; Nathan, deceased; Henry died recently 
at Mahanoy City; and Caroline, married to Mr. 
Wiest, resides in Dauphin county. Several of 
these children were among the first settlers in 
Northumberland county. 

George Haas, the father of our subject, was 
born in Northumberland county, and became a 
carpenter by trade. His first years were spent 
in Schuylkill county. Penn., but he died in Clar- 
ion when our subject was twelve years of age. 
He married Miss Anna Knorr, a native of Schuyl- 
kill county, who died at Pottsville, Penn.. at a 
comparatively early acre, when Rev. Haas was 
eight months old. Our subject was the youngest 
of a family of three children. Edward, the eld- 
est, who was a millwright by occupation, died in 
Philadelphia, Penn., and Nettie, who married 
Michael Hower. died at Ashland, Pennsylvania. 

W. A. Haas was born January 20, 1S40, at 
Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Penn. He prepared 
for college at Freeburg Academy, and afterward 
took a course in Franklin and Marshall College, 
graduating in 1864. Entering the Theological 

unary at Mercersburg, Penn. , he there pursued 

thor iugh course of training prescribed for the 
ministers of the Reformed Church, and in 1 

graduated with the degree of B. T. In the 
same year he was ordained, and after spending 
four years in the Augusta charge (his first), which 
included four congregations, he was called in 
1S71 to Selins Grove. There he has ever since 
remained, taking charge also of the congregation 
it Freeburg, Kratzerville and Salem, and in all 
this time his kindly and helpful relations with 
his people have never been disturbed. 

In 1868, Mr. Haas was married to Miss 
Sarah A. Haus. who was born January 23, 1848, 
at Mercersburg, Penn., and died in iS93,aftera 
period of wedded happiness of twenty-five years. 
Five children were born to this union, viz. : Will- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1037 



iam A., who died at the age of twenty-seven, 
was a graduate of Susquehanna University, and 
was by trade a machinist; George H. died at 
twenty-two years of age while a student at State 
College; Olive Linnette died when eight years 
old; Cyril H. is a student in Susquehanna Uni- 
versity; and Carl \Y. is at home. 



J A. SNYDER, of Middleburg, Snyder coun- 
ty, ismaking an enviable reputation in journal- 
istic work as the editor of the News Item, a 
weekly paper, well-known as an organ of the 
Democratic party in Snyder county. For about 
four years he has been the sole proprietor of this 
enterprise, having purchased his former partner's 
interest, and at present he is also publisher of 
the Search Light, a monthly devoted to the work 
of the Christian Endeavor Society in that county. 

The Snyder family is one of the oldest in this 
section, our subject's great-grandfather, John 
Snyder, having come from Germany at a very early 
date to locate in what is now West Perry town- 
ship, Snyder county, where he died at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-six. Among his children 
was a son John, our subject's grandfather, who 
resided in that vicinity all his life, and became 
noted as a local preacher in the United Brethren 
Church. Henry Snyder, the father of our sub- 
ject, was one of six children, and was born in 
West Perry township, in 1842. He occupies 
the old homestead, and has been engaged in agri- 
cultural work for many years. His wife, whose 
maiden name was Ellen Graybill, was born in 
Juniata county, Penn., and is still living. They 
have had ten children: J. A., Clayton, Phcebe, 
Emory, William, Edward, Samuel, Annie, Grace, 
and Rena. 

J. A. Snyder was born June 12, 1866, at the 
old home in West Perry township, and was edu- 
cated in the schools of Freeburg. He then 
taught for about six years, but in 1888 he helped 
to establish the News Item, and entered upon a 
journalistic career. In 1893 he bought the en- 
tire business, and has since edited and published 
the paper with marked success. Being a stanch 
Democrat in political faith, the paper reflects 
his ideas, and it exerts a decided influence in the 
community. 

In 1890 Mr. Snyder was married to Miss 
Minerva Bowers, a native of Mifflinburg, Penn., 
born April 24, 1865. Three children have 
blessed this union: Margaret, Emily, and Doro- 
thy. Mr. Snyder and his wife are prominent, 
socially, and he is a member of the Patriotic 
Order of the Sons of America. 



PROF. J. I. WOODRUFF, A. M. The work 
of a faithful educator has a value that can- 
not be estimated, for, however clearly its im- 
mediate effects may be seen and appreciated, 
there are lasting results of an indirect but potent 
kind starting from each pupil as a center of in- 
fluence, and radiating without limit through an 
unending future. Truly there is no more useful 
position than that held by the teacher whose 
every word and act affects permanently the 
plastic material with which he deals, and whose 
unconscious influence has even greater power to 
raise or lower the character of his pupils. 

In Professor Woodruff, who occupies the 
chair of Latin and English in Susquehanna Uni- 
versity, at Selins Grove, we find an ideal teach- 
er, untiring, conscientious and devoted to the 
best interests of the institutions and of the stu- 
dents committed to his instruction. He is a man 
who believes that the works of genius are the re- 
sult of hard work and application rather than of 
some unanalyzed and unanalyzable gift of nature, 
and his own industry shows his faith in the truth 
of this conviction. 

The Professor was born near Selins Grove, 
November 24, 1864, the son of Henry and Eliz- 
abeth Woodruff. The Woodruff family came to 
this country from England in our Nation's early 
history. The first representative of the family 
who located in Snyder county was John Wood- 
ruff. He was the father of two children: Fanny 
and Elijah. Elijah was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Keller, and unto them were born four chil- 
dren, who reached mature age: Susan, Han- 
nah, Maria, and Henry. Henry, the only son, 
thus being the only male representative of the 
third generation. He, at the age of twenty-two, 
was married to Barbara E. Klingler, and their 
eldest living child is the subject of this sketch. 
In all, there are living of this family: John I., 
Emma K. (married to Charles Dinius), Mary J. 
(married to Charles Shultz), Charles H., Carrie 
E., and George C. About two years ago Mr. 
Henry Woodruff died, aged fifty-seven years. 
The mother is still living. 

Life on a farm during boyhood afforded Prof. 
Woodruff wholesome physical exercise, while 
the neighboring district school supplied his grow- 
ing intelligence with the means of development. 
At eighteen he was prepared to take charge of a 
similar school, and for two years he taught in his 
native county, but a longing for more thorough 
and extended education prevented him from re- 
maining upon that level. In 1885 he entered 
the Sub-Freshman class at Missionary Institute, 
and he was graduated from this institution in 
1888. The next fall he entered the Junior class 



1088 



COMMEMORA TI VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



at Bucknell University, and two years later re- 
ceived his diploma from the classical department. 
Immediately after leaving college he was elected 
principal of the Friends' Normal Institute at 
Rising Sun, Md. This, being a classical school 
of high grade, called upon every resource of the 
young professor, but Mr. Woodruff proved him- 
self equal to the occasion, and conducted the 
school to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. 
The following year he was called upon to take 
charge of the Mitilintown Academy, which po- 
sition he resigned after one year, to accept the 
professorship of Latin and English in Missionary 
Institute, now Susquehanna University. With 
the exception of a brief intermission he has been 
in this institution ever since. Under his judi- 
cious management the Latin and English courses 
have been much strengthened and increased; and 
it is certain that so long as such men are retained 
in the Faculty of the Susquehanna University 
we need not fear for her prosperity. Personally 
he is much liked as a friend and helper, and his 
work lias won the good will and respect of his 
ues. 
Professor is actively interested in Church 
and Sunday-school work, and is a member of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Selins Grove. 
While in college he became identified with the 
Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and he has since 
joined the Good Templars, the Patriotic Order 
Sin, oi America, and the Masonic fraternity. 
In 1892 he was married to Miss Anna M. Moyer, 
daughter of Henry Moyer, of Salem, Perm. 
They have one child living, Ralph Waldo, and 
one passed from earth in infancy. 



Historical Sketch of Susquehanna Uni- 
VERSITY. Situated in the quaint but beautiful 
town "f Selins Grove, on the banks of the his 
toric Susquehanna, is a comparatively young 
but growing institution, bearing the name of 
the stream that Hows by its side. Although 
having struggled along in the early years of its 
existence on few and slender endowments, it has 
modestly worked its way against adverse circum- 
stances until at present, while still somewhat 
hampered by narrow means, it is justly claiming 
the attention and recognition of the friends of 
higher Christian education. 

The university, first denominated Missionary 
Institute, was endowed and established to meet 
a special and peculiar need in the Lutheran 
Church. Thus when founded in 1858 by Rev. 
Benjamin Rurtz, D. D., of Baltimore, Md., it 
was virtually a theological seminary designed to 
train men, irrespective of age or domestic ties. 



for the Lutheran ministry. In connection with 
the theological course, at the same time, was of- 
fered, for their better intellectual equipment, a 
short classical training. 

At the death of the founder. Dr. Rurtz. Re\ 
Henry Zeigler, D. D. , who with the co-operation of 
the good people of Selins Grove, was also an ac- 
tive instrument in the establishment of the school, 
was made the head of the theological depart- 
ment. He was assisted in his work by Dr. Peter 
Born, who had been elected principal of the 
classical department in 1859. 

Owing to the misleading name by which the 
institution had been designated, the classical 
course was pursued by few outside of those pre- 
paring for the ministry. In consequence this 
important department of the school made but 
slowprogress until 1882. At this time Dr. J. K 
Pimm, an earnest educator, was invited to 
simie the principalship. Having no responsibil- 
ity in regard to the theological work, which was 
then earnestly prosecuted by Drs. Born and 
Yntxy, he directed his efforts exclusively to the 

nsion and elevation of his department. His 

is soon effected an increase in the teaching 
force and in the number of students. 

It required but a few years for the institution 
to outgrow its former equipments, and the emi- 
nently successful work which it had accom- 
plished soon gained the ear of the Church for its 
crying needs. Up to the year 1894 the curricu- 
lum had prepared students for the Junior class in 
the various colleges surrounding. In June of 
that year, however, the board of directors, real- 
izing the increment of good that would follow in- 
creased facilities, extended the course to that of 
a full college, and at once put forth strenuous 
efforts to sustain it. The name was changed to 
the more appropriate one it now bears; new pro- 
fessors were added; and, at the cost of over $20,- 
OOO a commodious new building was erected 
This edifice known as Gustavus Adolphus Hall, 
contains a chapel, recitation rooms, library, 
reading rooms, society halls, etc. ; and the old 
building (Selins Grove Hall), remodeled and fur- 
nished with modern conveniences, serves as a 
dormitory. 

A new chemical and physical laboraton has 
recently been added which greatly facilitates the 
study of the sciences. Thus, with a gymnasium 
and a young ladies' dormitory assuming definite 
proportions in the minds of the Alumni and 
friends of the Institution, it bids fair to be 
able to meet in the near future all the require- 
ments of a modern, well-equipped university. 

The teaching force of the school now num- 
bers seven able professors, with Dr. Dimm as 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1039 



president, three instructors and a teacher of 
music and art. Besides these a professor from 
the town instructs a large number of the young 
men in glee club and orchestral music. 

Four courses of instruction have been ar- 
ranged and offered to the choice of the students: 
the Classical, leading to the degree of A. B. ; the 
Latin Scientific, to the degree of B. S. ; the Pre- 
paratory course, which prepares for college; and 
the Theological course, which covers a period of 
three years. These courses have recently under- 
gone a thorough revision; text books are of the 
latest, and all subjects are presented by the lat- 
est and most approved methods. 

The expenses of a college course at Susque- 
hanna are reduced to a minimum so as to be 
within the reach of any plucky young man or 
woman. The religious element has always been 
paramount; the professors maintaining that the 
science or philosophy or mathematics or lan- 
guage, which does not point ultimately to the di- 
vine Author of all knowledge, is defective in the 
very essentials. 

Though having lacked the training afforded 
by a gymnasium hitherto, the physical man has 
not been neglected. Foot-ball, base-ball, tennis 
and wheeling receive their due amount of atten- 
tion, as has been evidenced by the successful foot- 
ball and base-ball teams placed on the field dur- 
ing the last few years, and by experts in other 
athletic sports. Literary work stands well upon 
the list. Two well organized societies afford the 
students practical training in voice culture and 
literary development of various kinds. A month- 
ly journal is published by the student body and 
the Junior class publishes an ' ' Annual. " 

The board of directors, with Mr. D. K. 
Ramey as president, the Faculty and friends of 
Susquehanna are constantly striving to increase 
her usefulness. Taking all things into consider- 
ation, her future looks exceedingly bright, and we 
unhesitatingly predict for her a long and useful 
career in the cause of higher Christian educa- 
tion. 



iEV. WILLIAM M. LANDIS, pastor of 
ill Christ Reformed Church of Beaver Springs, 
Snyder county, is a native of Pennsylvania, his 
birth occurring April 17, 1836, in Springfield 
township, Bucks county, and is of German de- 
scent. His grandfather, Jacob Landis, spent 
his last years in Lehigh county, and followed 
the occupation of farming in Saucon township, 
where he died at a ripe old age. He was a 
member of the Mennonite Church, and a Whig 
in politics. In his family were several children. 



William Landis was born in Springfield town- 
ship, Bucks county, received a good German 
education, and also devoted his energies to agri- 
cultural pursuits throughout life. For several 
years he owned and operated a farm in his native 
county, and then sold and removed to Saucon 
township, Lehigh Co., Perm. , where he pur- 
chased a farm and flouring mill, conducting the 
same until his death in 1870. He had married 
Miss Catharine Moyer, also a native of Lehigh 
county, and a daughter of Peter Moyer, an agri- 
culturist. Her death occurred in 1863. The 
following children were born of this union: Han- 
nah, now the widow of Charles Weaver, of 
Bucks county ; Rebecca, wife of Benjamin 
Jacoby, of the same county ; Sarah, Peter, Reuben, 
Catharine, Caroline, all deceased; and William 
M., our subject. The parents were both faithful 
members of the Reformed Church, and were 
held in high esteem by all who had the pleasure 
of their acquaintance. The father gave his 
political support to the men and measures of the 
Republican party. 

During his boyhood and youth William M. 
Landis was provided with school privileges, such 
as were afforded in the public schools of Lehigh 
county, and later the Fredericks Institute of 
Montgomery county, Penn., where he prepared 
for college. Having a strong desire from early 
boyhood to enter the ministry, he in 1861 be- 
came a student in the Mercersburg Theological 
Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1863 
and was licensed in February, 1S64, and in June, 
1865, he was ordained. From that time to the 
present his life has been dedicated to the work 
of the Church, and to preaching the Gospel which 
God had called him to do. He has been a mis- 
sionary in every sense of the word, and, in the four 
charges he served, new churches were built, and 
old ones remodeled under his supervision during 
his thirty-two years of ministerial work. Success 
has crowned his efforts, and the congregations of 
which he had charge were left by him in a most 
flourishing condition. 

At the age of twenty-nine Rev. Landis ac- 
cepted his first charge in Harmony, Butler Co., 
Penn., where he spent six years laboring among 
his people and attending to their spiritural wants. 
He greatly improved the church property, and, 
by his efforts and God's blessings, added a num- 
ber to the fold. In 1871 he received a call from 
a Church in Lykens Valley, Dauphin Co., Penn., 
and here he displayed his ability as an organizer. 
He built a church and also a parsonage in the 
town of Lykens costing $4,000, and added quite a 
number of members to the congregation. He was 
next located at Rebersburg, Centre Co., Penn., 



1(1-1(1 



(t)MMKMiiliA TTVB BIOGRAPHICAL UEcoRD. 



where he faithfully labored for eleven years, dur- 
ing which time he erected three churches, two 
brick and one frame, the aggregate cost of which 
was $14,000. In [883 he was called to his pres- 
ent charge, and, daring the fourteen years of his 
pastorate here, he has erected five new churches 
— a brick edifice at Beaver Springs, costing 
$6,000; a brick one at Troxelville, costing the 
same amount, and a frame one in Decatur town- 
ship, Mifflin county. He has also built a fine 
parsonage at Beaver Springs, which is second to 
none in the county. Here he attended to the 
spiritual wants of five congregations. Long and 
faithfully he has labored in the Master's vineyard, 
and not only has the love and respect of his own 
people, but is held in high regard by all who 
know him. In 1865, in Lehigh county, Rev. 
Landis was united in marriage with Miss Amelia 
R. Basler, a native of Montgomery county. 
Penn., and a daughter of Rev. H. S. Basler, 
also a minister of the Reformed Church. They 
have become the parents of three children, 
namely: William H. completed his education 
in the Franklin Marshall Seminary, of Lancaster. 
Penn., where he graduated with the degree of 
M. A. He was ordained a minister of the Re- 
formed Church in 1893, and is now located in 
ny, Bedford Co., Penn. Addie M. is al 
e, Augustine C. is a cornice maker now liv- 
ing in Chicago, Illinois. 



JAMES K. DAVIS (deceased), late a promi- 
nent citizen of Selins Grove, Penn., and a 
businessman well and most favorably known 
,. throughout Snyder county as a successful busi- 
ness man, and a self-made one, was born Novem- 
ber 22, 1 S 1 5 , in Chapman township, Snyder 
county. The Davis family traces their lineage 
to one Jenkin Davis, who came to America about 
1700, and died in 174". His daughter, Cather- 
ine, married Reese Davis (who came to America 
about 1719), and their son David Davis married 
Jane Edwards, by whom he had a son, John, 
who married Lydia Keemer, and their son, 
lames Keemer (1), was the father of our subject. 

James K. Davis I 1 1 was a native of Virginia, 
1 in near Winchester. He was one of the old 
innkeepers of Snyder county. He was three 
times married, his first wife being Mary Weit 
to which union was born a daughter, Charl 
who married John Byers, both of whom are now 
deceased. His second marriage was with Agnes 

in, which was blessed with seven childrens 
namely: Sclin and Lydia died in youth; Jame, 
K., our subject, is referred to farther on ; Cathar- 
ine married a Mr. McLanahan; Mary married 



Col. Henry C. Eyer; Cordelia married George 
Schnure; and Agnes married Franklin Spyker, of 
Lewisburg, Penn. ; all are now deceased. The 
third wife of the father of these children was 
Margaret Hummel, and to the marriage were born 
five children. 

James K. Davis, whose name opens this re- 
view, received but a limited education, attend- 
only the district schools, and then not 
mi >re than two months each year. He re- 
mained at home until nearly twenty years 
of age assisting his father about the hotel, 
attending to the stable and making himself gen- 
erally useful. He often said that the first monev 
he ever made was earned by blacking boots. On 
leaving home he went to Harrisburg, Penn., 
where for some years he was a clerk for a stage 
line which was operated between Williamsport 
and Harrisburg. On his return from Harrisburg 
he was employed in the post office at Selins 
Grove, and later became the postmaster. Then 
for a time he clerked in the store of George 
Schnure. Later on, in 1S45, he began a busi- 
ness career as partner with his employer under 
the firm name of Davis & Schnure. He was sav- 
ing, and lived economically, so that in 1S48. 
when he was married, he had some $600. The 
firm had a general store at Selins Grove, and in 
connection with it carried on a grain business 
until in 1858 when they sold the business to 
Capt. Charles S. Davis, a half-brother of one of 
the firm, and Louis R. Hummel, the latter being 
the present postmaster of Selins Grove. Prior 
to and at this time Selins Grove was a great 
shipping point, and for years our subject in con- 
nection with his partner did a large business and 
made money. Mr. Davis was possessed of good 
business tact, and had a successful business ca- 
reer. He accumulated considerable means, at 
the time of his death owning four fine farms. He 
was one of the organizers of the First National 
Bank of Selins Grove in 1870, holding stock in 
the same, and was its president from November 
6, 18S9, until January, 1894. when, owinj 
poor health, he resigned this position. Politic- 
ally he was first a Democrat, but when the war 
issue arose he became a Republican, and an 
active and earnest one. He was an influential 
man both in party and in citizenship. He was 
United States deputy provost marshal for Sny- 
der county in 1864 and 1865; member of the 
ird of revenue commissioners for the State of 
Pennsylvania in the winter of 1S59-60; was ap- 
pointed postmaster of Selins Grove by Amos 
Kendall, Postmaster-General, November 7, 1836, 
and served four years, succeeding Mathew Coan. 
Esq. He had some complimentary offices, be- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1041 



ing correspondent of Snyder county under the 
Department of Agriculture, Frederick Watts be- 
ing the commissioner. In religious faith he was 
a Lutheran. 

The following are resolutions adopted by the 
board of directors of the First National Bank of 
Selins Grove on the death of Mr. Davis, which 
occurred on September 4, 1894: 

But few, perhaps, had better opportunities of knowing 
him than his colleagues at the board and to know his great 
worth. He always took a deep interest in the affairs of this 
bank and an active part in all that related to its welfare and 
prosperity. He aimed always to be just through his con- 
scientious convictions of duty and riuht, and by this rule 
gauged the conduct of his life. Therefore, Resolved — that in 
the death of James K. Davis our board has lost one of its 
best members, and the community a citizen endeared to 
them by a life of usefulness, from youth to old age, spent in 
their midst. Second, That we tender to the family of our 
deceased friend our warmest sympathy in their bereave- 
ment, knowing that the struggle to be up under it cometh 
from Him who is too wise to err. Third, That we bow to the 
irrevocable mandates of an all-wise Providence, and in view 
of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death we 
should be aroused to a sense of our true condition and at all 
times be prepared, for " in such an hour as we think not the 
Son of Man cometh." Fourth, That a copy of these resolu- 
tions be furnished to the family of our deceased friend. 

Following is from resolutions prepared by 
a committee from the board of directors of the 
First National Bank of Sunbury: 

The board of directors of the First National Bank of 
Sunbury has learned with profound regret and deepest sor- 
row of the death of James K. Davis, Esq., one of their oldest 
and most honored members; our loss is the more marked 
because of his close personal relation with each one of us, 
and our admiration, for many years, of his exalted virtues. 
The board, therefore, meets to express their deep sense of 
this affliction and to make appropriate record of the life and 
standing of the deceased, and to tender to the family their 
heartfelt sympathy. Bound to us as he was by every tie of 
friendship and personal business relations of the board, cov- 
ering a very long period of years, we find it difficult to prop- 
erly express the sorrow we all deeply feel at his taking 
away. His wide financial policy, his sound reasoning, his 
ability to look far into the future, in many of his business 
matters coming before the board, gave his opinion the high- 
est respect from us all. He was entirely worthy of our 
highest esteem while he was a member of the board, and 
now that in course of nature he has paid the debt, which 
each one must in time pay, and has entered into the life be- 
yond the grave, it is fitting that we, his fellow-members 
of the board, whose relations here were so pleasant, should 
perhaps more than others record his conscientious perform- 
ance of every duty that devolved upon him. Saddened that 
we shall see his face no longer among us; sorrowing that it 
is no longer our pleasure to meet with him in our board, we 
know that he has left to us a valuable inheritance; ever kind 
and considerate, pure and conscientious, upright and digni- 
fied; the record of a long and useful life is before us when 
we examine the minutes of the board — the pleasant recollec- 
tions of the past, together with his useful life and most ex- 
cellent example, comfort us. 

On January 31, 1843, ^ r - Davis was married 
to Miss Agnes D. Swineford, and the marriage 
was blessed with four children, one of whom sur- 
vives: Harry E,, a coal operator of Sunbury, a 
sketch of whom immediately follows. 

Mrs. Davis, who was a woman of rare gifts 

66* 



of mind and heart, contributed greatly to her 
husband's success in life. She was born October 
23, 1 82 1, at Middleburg, Penn., of German de- 
scent on the paternal side. Her father, the late 
Jacob Swineford, of Middleburg, was a drover 
by occupation, and was murdered on the night 
of July 4, 1826, at Lebanon, Penn., where he 
had just sold all but fifty in a drove of 380 
sheep. It is believed the crime was committed 
by persons who knew of this transaction. Mr. 
Swineford met at the hotel an old acquaintance, 
a Mr. Greenwalt, and they walked out together on 
Hill street. When opposite an alley they were 
attacked by three men, and Mr. Greenwalt, who 
was knocked down twice, finally succeeded in 
getting away. As he escaped he called out to 
Mr. Swineford to run also, but a few moments 
later some boys passing the spot found a man 
lying on the ground. A light was brought, and 
Mr. Swineford was recognized, but he was in the 
agonies of death and expired almost immediately. 
Arrests were made, but no convictions followed, 
and the names of the murderers will probably 
never be known. His wife, Susan Sailor, a na- 
tive of Lancaster county, died in Juniata county, 
Penn., when about fifty years old. They had 
six children: (1) Robert was in early life a 
traveling salesman, and later owned a clothing 
store in Selins Grove. He married Miss Selin, 
of that city, and his death occurred there. (2) 
Harriet married a Mr. Brock, and died in Peoria, 
111. (3) Absalom (deceased), an attorney at law, 
resided near New Berlin, Penn. His wife, 
formerly Miss Mary Ann Laschelles, daughter of 
a prominent lawyer of that town, was drowned 
in the Johnstown flood while coming back from a 
visit to a son in St. Louis, Mo. The son's wife, 
whose father, Mr. Wolfe, was on the editoral 
staff of the St. Louis Republic, was also drowned, 
her body being found in a cellar after the flood 
subsided. (4) Barbara married Walter App, and 
removed to Juniata county, Penn. (5) Agnes D. 
is the widow of our subject. (6) John married a 
Miss Hilbish, and died in Iowa. 

Returning to the Selin family into which 
James K. Davis, the father of our subject, mar- 
ried: Agnes Selin, his wife, was a daughter of 
Anthony Selin, who served as major in the war 
of the Revolution. He was the founder of the 
town of Selins Grove. He came to this country 
from Switzerland. His wife was Agnes Snyder, 
a sister of Simon Snyder, oncegovernorof Penn- 
sylvania, and their children were Anthony and 
Agnes. Anthony Selin was a member of the 
Society of Cincinnati. His grandson, Harry E. 
Davis, of Sunbury, has the certificate of mem- 
bership signed by George Washington, as presi- 



1042 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



dent of the society, at Mount Vernon, January 2, 
1784. Its holder at that time, Major Anthony 
Selin.was a captain in General Hagen's regiment 
and by brevet a major. A camp kettle carried 
by him is now in the possession of H. D. 
Schnure, of Selins Grove. 



HENRY EYER DAVIS, a prominent citizen 
of Sunbury, and one of the most enterpris- 
ing, progressive and broad-gauged business men 
of central Pennsylvania, is a native of Selins 
Gro\>\ Snyder Co., this State. 

Born June 7, 1845, ^ r - Davis is the grandson 
of Major Anthony Selin, a patriot of the Revolu- 
tion and the founder of Selins Grove, and the 
son of the late James K. Davis, of Selins Grove, 
a sketch of whom appears above, and elsewli 
will be found a sketch of our subject's brother, 
who in his lifetime was a leading member of the 
Sunbury Bar. Our subject, therefore, is not the 
only member of the Davis and Selin family who 
has conspicuously achieved distinction. He was 
educated in the public schools and in Selins 
Grove Missionary Institute. He was alwa\ 
bright and industrious boy. At the age of 
twenty years he began his business career, and 
has been active in affairs ever since. His first 
rience was as clerk in a store in his native 
town, in which position he served one year. 
Then he removed to Meadville, Penn., where he 
obtained a position in a large retail dry-goods 
store, and remained a year. In [867 he entered 
the First National Bank of Sunbury. Penn., the 
most extensive institution of its kind in that sec- 
tion. He remained there some years, and mas- 
tered every detail of the business. But the 
arduous nature of the work impaired his health, 
and he was compelled to relinquish the position 
and seek employment of a less confining char- 
acter. 

In 1 87 1 he became the representative of 
Hall Brothers & Co., a Baltimore firm, which 
was the sole agent for the sale of anthracite coal 
mined by the Mineral Railroad ami Mining Com- 
pany and the Lykens Valley Coal Company. His 
district embraced Pennsylvania and the West, 
and his office was located in Sunbury. He held 
this important relation to the business interests 
<>f his community for ten years. At the expira- 
tion of that time he severed his connection with 
the firm which he had served so long, so faith- 
fully and so well, and went into the business of 
buying and shipping anthracite coal on his own 
account. The venture met with gratifying suc- 
cess from the outset, and has been prosecuted 
with characteristic energy ever since. Some 



years ago he added to his business the industry 
of mining and shipping bituminous coal from 
mines which he acquired in Somerset county. 
Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Davis has always been one of the most 
progressive citizens of his adopted home, and 
every enterprise which promises the promotion 
of the business and the development of the ma- 
terial interests of the community has found in 
him a willing promoter. He was one of the pro- 
moters and for a number of years president of 
the Sunbury and Northumberland Street railway, 
an enterprise which is of great benefit to the 
business of Sunbury. He is president and gen- 
eral manager of the Bethel Coal Co., of Somer- 
set county, Penn. ; was one of the promoters and 
for a number of years a director in the Shamokm, 
Sunbury and Lewisburg railroad, and a director 
in the First National Bank of Sunbury, the insti- 
tution in which he spent several years of his early 
life. He is also a director in the First National 
Bank of Selins Grove, Penn., and was one of 
tin foremost promoters and for a number of 
years president of the Sunbury Electric Light 
and Power Co. ; also one of the promoters 
for some years president of the Northumberland 
Electric Light Co. In addition to that he 
has always been among the first and most active 
men in the community to advocate progressive 

-and improvements in the affairs of the town, 
and many of the advanced steps which mark 
Sunbury as among the leading towns in the in- 
terior of the State are traceable to his enterprise 
and foresight He is a trustee of the Mary M. 
Packer Hospital of Sunbury, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Davis is an active and earnest Democrat. 
Naturally a man of his progressive spirit would 
be called on by his party to serve in official 
capacity, and he has proved himself not only 
useful, but faithful, in the discharge of municipal 
functions imposed on him in the town council, the 
school board and other honorary capacities. He 
has frequently been delegate to State and Counts- 
Conventions, and has discharged every trust 
which he has accepted with scrupulous fidelity 
and notable intelligence. But he has never con- 
sented to take an office of emolument, and to 
those who have suggested such compliment his 
invariable answer has been that he had too much 
business to attend to to sacrifice his time in the 
discharge of public duties which there were plenty 
of competent persons willing to assume. But 
while he thus abstained from political aspirations 
on his own account, he has always been zealous 
and active in the advancement of his friends, and 
thus exercised an important influence in the 
affairs of the county. Of honorary offices, how- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1043 



ever, he has had a full share, and in 1876 the 
Democrats of Northumberland county named 
him State Senator, but he readily yielded the 
district nomination to his friend, Hon. A. H. Dill. 
When Mr. Dill resigned to become the Demo- 
cratic candidate for Governor two years later, 
the eyes of the party naturally turned to Mr. Davis; 
but he was among the most earnest advocates of the 
nomination of Hon. S. P. Wolverton. In 1878 he 
was a member of the State Committee, and in 1880, 
during the Hancock campaign for the Presidency, 
was on the Electoral ticket for the Twenty-seventh 
Congressional District. In 1886 he was one of the 
secretaries of the Democratic Convention, and was 
an earnest advocate of the nomination of Hon. 
William A. Wallace for Governor. He has al- 
ways been a liberal contributor to the party cam- 
paign funds, and is regarded by the Democratic 
leaders of the State as one of the safest party 
counselors and most sagacious political advisers. 
In 1892 Mr. Davis yielded to the wish of his 
friends and his party, and became the Democratic 
candidate for State Senator, but was not elected. 
Commenting on his candidacy the Milton Record 
in October of that year observed: 

No man stands higher in the estimation of the citizens 
of his adopted town. In the prime of a vigorous manhood, 
honest, generous and faithful to his friends, it is a pleasure 
to take the warm and sympathetic grasp of his hand. Pos- 
sessing every qualification requisite to rill this high position 
in a manner creditable alike to himself and to the diversified 
interests of the people of the district, he will make an ideal 
Senator. Energetic and industrious in the pursuit of life, 
he will be untiring in the duties assigned him in the Senate 
of the State if the voters of the district are true to themselves 
and elect him. 

On October 13, 1869, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Kate C. Haas, a daughter of Henry 
Haas, for many years proprietor of the "Central 
Hotel" at Sunbury. This was one of the best 
conducted and most popular hotels in the State, 
and its landlord was one of Sunbury's most 
worthy and highly esteemed citizens. To the 
marriage of Mr. Davis and wife were born three 
daughters: Annie C, Helen A., now most ac- 
complished ladies, and Annie, who died at the 
age of ten. The family home is a most com- 
fortable one, from which there is a generous hos- 
pitality dispensed, as it is the especial delight of 
Mr. Davis to entertain strangers visiting Sun- 
bury. 



WILLIAM EUGENE HOUSEWORTH, of 
Selin's Grove, Snyder county, Pennsylva- 
nia, teacher, lawyer and author, was there born 
November 7, 1853. 

At an early age Mr. Houseworth learned the 
printer's trade, but not content with the compos- 



ing room, he took upon himself the greater and 
nobler responsibilities of the school-room, and 
continued in the work for a period of twelve 
years. Dr. E. E. Higbee, Superintendent of 
Public Instruction of Pennsylvania, honored him 
with a permanent certificate in 1885. From the 
age of twenty-five up to the present, Mr. House- 
worth gave the best part of his time to literary 
pursuits, particularly on the side of poetry. As 
a poet, he has few, if any, peers in his native 
State, and is known throughout Pennsylvania by 
the nom-de-plume, "The Bard of the Susque- 
hanna." In 1874 he graduated with honors 
from Susquehanna University, at Selin's Grove. 
After graduation, he read law with Hon. Charles 
Hower, was admitted to the Bar in 1880, from 
which time he has been continuously practicing 
in the place of his birth, and holds an enviable 
place in the esteem of his friends and acquaint- 
ances. 

On March 9, 1880, the subject of this sketch 
was married to Miss Emma Floranda Dietrich, 
of Hamburg, Berks Co. , Penn., at which place 
she was born September 7, 1861. The follow- 
ing children, all born and residing at Selin's 
Grove, are the fruits of this marriage: Mary, 
born February 8, 1881; Fanny Ruth, born Sep- 
tember 7, 1882; Benjamin Hawthorne, born June 
12, 1884; Lydia Eva, born September 16, 1886, 
and died April 11, 1888; William Gladstone, 
born February 13, 1S89; Emma An>ta, born 
September 26, 1891; Paul Eugene, born Sep- 
tember 19, 1S95. 

William Eugene Houseworth is naturally en- 
dowed with more than ordinary musical as well 
as poetical gifts, and divides his attention about 
equally between his law practice and the study 
of poetry. "The Sage and the Sexton," "The 
Tramp's Soliloquy," and " The Teacher " are ad- 
judged the best productions from his pen. The 
lawyer-poet is of German extract. His great- 
grandfather, Johannes Hauswirth, emigrated to 
this country, from Rotterdam, Germany, on Oc- 
tober 13, 1749. His grandfather, on his father's 
side, John Hauswirth, was born in Northumber- 
land county, Penn., on October 7, 1769, and 
died in Selin's Grove, March 25, 1840. His 
grandmother on his father's side, Elizabeth Haus- 
wirth, whose maiden name was Miller, was born 
September 30, 1774, and died at Selin's Grove, 
January 6, i860. John Jacob Miller was the 
name of the grandfather on the mother's side, 
who was born March 9, 1786, and died at Selin's 
Grove, March 18, 1842. Sarah Miller, whose 
maiden name was also Miller, his grandmother 
on his mother's side, was born December 9, 
1786, and died at Selin's Grove, June 20, 1879. 



1044 



COM.VE.VOKA Tl VE lilmiUAPllIi AL RECOlili. 



His father, Benjamin Houseworth, was born in 
Union county, Penn., on August 30, 1806, and 
died June 24, 1878, at Selin's Grove. 

Mr. Houseworth's mother, Lydia House- 
ith, whose maiden name was Miller, was born 
in Warwick township, Lancaster Co., Penn., 
April 22, 1S10. She was married to Benjamin 
Houseworth, February 14, 1833. Her death 
occurred February 9, 1S91. The following chil- 
dren, all born at Selin's Grove, were the fruit of 
their marriage: Utica mow Mrs. B. F. Tanner 1, 
born January 20, 1834; Mary Catherine (Mrs. j. 
Hall), born October 6, 1835, died March 6, 
1887; Benjamin Franklin, born December 8, 
1837; John Jacob, born April 3, 1842; and Will- 
iam Eugene, the subject of this sketch. The 
Houseworth family were among the pioneer 
families of Snyder county, and to their industry 
and brawn (they all having been carpenters and 
tradesmen) is attributed more than an equal 
share, with their other pioneer contemporaries, 
of the honor due the hardy yeomanry for the 
goodly heritage left to their posterity, and which 
they now enjoy and heartily appreciate. 



OBERT MIDDLESWARTH. If it would 
be impossible to prepare a satisfactory edi- 
tion of Hamlet without naming the " melancholy 
Dane," an attempt to give a view of the men 
who have been and are prominent in the devel- 
opment of this section with no mention of the 
Middleswarth family, would be a signal failure. 

It was in the year 1792 that John and Martha 
Middleswarth, the great-grandparents of the well- 
known citizen whose name appears above, came 
from New Jersey to make their home at a point 
on the frontier line in what was then Northumber- 
land county, Penn., but is now included in Beaver 
township, Snyder county. The pioneers found but 
few wagon roads through this section, and v 
obliged to cut their way through the forests and 
cross deep and danger >us streams without bridges. 
With Indians for neighbors they cleared a farm in 
the wilderness, and deei ( -;i ized in their fields in 
friendly company with their cattle. Amid such 
surroundings, Ner Middleswarth, our subject's 
grandfather, one of the most distinguished me» 
of his day, grew to manhood, having accompai 
his parents to their new home when he was about 
ten years old. He was born during the Revolu- 
tionary war, and was irs I age when the 
Constitution of the United States was adopted. 
His existence dates back to the birth of our coun- 
try, and passes on through the war of iSu, the 
Mexican war and the war of the Rebellion. He 
lived durii g the administration of sixteen Presi- 



dents, viz.: Washington, Jefferson, Adams, 
Madison. Monroe, J. Q. Adams, Jackson, Van- 
Buren, Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, 
Pierce, Buchanan and Lincoln. In 1813, when he 
was aged thirty years, Union county was formed, 
and in 1855, when he was seventy-two years old, 
Snydercounty was erected. He passed through two 
county division campaigns, of which the erection 
• >l Snyder out of Union was the most exciting 
one in which all public men participated. Beav- 
ertown was laid out in 18 10 when he was twenty- 
eight years old, and he was a resident there in 
1S27. When he was thirty-two years old. the 
war of 18 12 with Great Britain commenced. 
James Madison was President of the United 
States, and Simon Snyder was Governor of Penn- 
sylvania. He raised a company, became captain 
and was assigned to the 8th Penn's Rifles. In 
1 814 he raised another company, became captain, 
marched to Marcus Hook, where they were sta- 
tioned awaiting orders to face the enemy, the 
regiment being under Col. Uhl, with Gen. Cad- 
walader as division commander. 

In 1 Si 5, after the close of the war, he 
was elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania 
and was re-elected thirteen times, serving four- 
teen terms, from 181 5 to 1S41. He was twice 
elected Speaker of the House. In 1848 he rep- 
resented his district in the Senate of Pennsyl- 
vania, filling the unexpired term of Dr. Jacob 
Wagenseller, who died after serving two years. 
In 185 1 he was the Whi« nominee for Canal 
Commissioner of Pennsylvania, and received 487 
more votes in Union county than Gen. Irvin, the 
nominee for Governor. This flattering vote was 
an evidence of his popularity among the people 
who had known him from his infancy. The 
Pennsylvania Canal was built in [828 when he 
was a member of the Legislature, and the large 
vote polled for Mr. Middleswarth for Canal 
Commissioner induced his party to nominate 
him for State Treasurer in 1S52. His name was 
often mentioned as a suitable person to be 
elected governor, and he could have secured the 
nomination had he desired it. In the year 1 
he was elected a member of the Thirty-third 
Congress of the United States, serving with ac- 
ceptance the term of two years. After the I 
mation of Snyder county, in 1855, he was elected 
a count 5 iditor with Francis A. Boyer, Si . 
and Henry W. Snyder, a son of Gov. Snyder, 
popular and leading men of the county. Alter 
ing three years as auditor he was elected, in 
5, an associate judge of the county, serving a 
full term of five years. He was a public servant 
a period of twenty-seven years, and it we add to 
this the time lie served in the war it will be about 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1045 



thirty years, the period allotted to one genera- 
tion of man. He was executor, administrator 
and guardian for many estates in his locality 
which required much of his time, besides being 
frequently consulted in matters of public and 
private business, and being a lover of peace he 
frequently settled quarrels among neighbors, thus 
preventing many lawsuits. 

His successful career seems the more remark- 
able when we consider that his schooling must 
have been very limited. When he arrived at 
the age of manhood, schools were still kept in 
private houses where English and German read- 
ing were taught. This fact is conclusive evidence 
that when he was a youth, if they had schools in 
the locality where he lived, they were of a very 
inferior kind and of short duration, and accord- 
ing to one authority he never attended school but 
six days in his life. Private study and keen 
observation enabled him to secure an excellent 
education, and he was a fluent speaker in the 
German and English languages, his addresses on 
politital and other topics being listened to with 
interest by large crowds of people. As a pre- 
siding officer he was dignified, and he displayed 
a complete mastery of parliamentary rules. His 
public position brought him in contact with edu- 
cated and refined people, and he was a man of 
polished manners when in the society of the re- 
fined. His appearance and manner would at- 
tract the attention of those not personally ac- 
quainted with him, and he would impress a 
stranger as being more than an ordinary man. 
During his Congressional term he was elected an 
honorary member of a number of literary societies 
in connection with different colleges and acad- 
emies in Pennsylvania. He would always ac- 
knowledge these honors in neatly and properly 
worded replies, and he would also forward useful 
public documents as contributions to their 
libraries. He had an extensive correspondence 
with his patrons when he was a member of Con- 
gress, being then seventy-two years of age with 
his mental faculties unimpaired, and the family 
now possess a number of letters requesting him 
to attend to various businesses in all the public 
departments at Washington. Among them are 
letters from Gov. Porter, Gov. Curtin, Gov. Mil- 
ler, of Wisconsin, Judge Walls, Gov. Pollock, 
Judge Shindel, Dr. Hottenstein, Samuel Pawling, 
and many others too numerous to mention. 

His was a busy life from infancy to youth, 
from youth to manhood, from manhood to old 
age. He was a living illustration of the proverb 
of Solomon: "He that driveth with a slack hand 
becometh poor, but the hand of the diligent 
maketh rich." He acquired extensive real estate, 



on which were erected grist, saw and paper mills, 
and distilleries, and much of his property is still 
owned by his descendants. While he was not a 
Church member he was a believer in Christianity, 
and contributed to the Lutheran Church at 
Beavertown, to which several of his family be- 
longed. He died -in June, 1865, aged eighty-two 
years, four months and twenty days, and his wife 
Christiana passed away some time before. They 
had the following children: John, who married 
Elizabeth Fall; Mary, Mrs. Jacob Howell; 
Moses, who married Eliza Hontz; Abner, our 
subject's father; Aaron J., who marrie.d Harriet 
Oyginger; Abraham R., who married Elizabeth 
Bubb; Merib, Mrs. Jacob Feese; Jacob, who 
married Sarah Bubb; Martha, Mrs. John S. 
Smith; Sarah, wife of Reuben Klose; and Ma- 
tilda, Mrs. Peter Rigel. 

Abner Middleswarth, the father of our subject, 
was born about 181 5 at the old homestead in 
Beaver township, and in his youth learned the tan- 
ner's trade at Beavertown, under Henry Dreese. 
After working for three or four years at this 
business he engaged in milling above Beavertown, 
continuing about eight years. In 1847 he re- 
moved to a farm near Troxelville belonging to 
his father and now owned and occupied by the 
subject of this sketch, but subsequently he located 
upon what is known as the "paper-mill prop- 
erty" above Adamsburg. His last years were 
spent in the same vicinity in the little town called 
Peola, which he named. He was a leading Re- 
publican, and at times held office, but was not a 
seeker after political honors. In religious faith 
he was a Lutheran, and for many years he served 
as deacon in the Church. His death occurred 
on September 17, 1889, aged seventy-four years, 
ten months and twenty days, and his remains 
now rest in the cemetery at Adamsburg. His 
estimable wife, Sophia, a daughter of Henry 
Bickel, survived him and attained the advanced 
age of eighty-two years. Their children were: 
Henry J., now a resident in Pawnee county, 
Kans. ; Robert, our subject; Susan, widow of 
Michael Smith, of western Nebraska; Ehnira, 
Mrs. William Ewing, of Spring township, Snyder 
county; Abram, now of Denver, Colo. ; Miss 
Lizzie, residing in Colorado; and John, a resident 
of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. 

Robert Middleswarth, the subject proper of this 
biography, was born August 12, 1839, at Beaver- 
town, and his education was begun there with 
William Frederick as his first teacher. During 
his boyhood his parents removed to his pres- 
ent farm, and from that time his schooling con- 
sisted of only a few weeks in each winter. Hav- 
ing been reared to farm work, he has always 



1046 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



continued it. On arriving at manhood he rented 
the old home for seven years, but in 1880 he 
purchased the place from his father. It contains 
150 acres of choice land, and he has made many 
improvements since taking charge. He owns an- 
other tract of ten acres, and also has a half-in- 
terest in a threshing machine. At present he 
es but little attention to business, personally, 
his tenants managing the farm, but he has been 
an active worker, his strength having been re- 
markable in his youth. As a business man he is 
shrewd and far-seeing, and he ranks among the 
substantial citizens of the locality, while his fair 
dealing in all transactions has won him the re- 
spect and esteem of every one. He is a stanch 
Republican, but has invariably declined to accept 
a place on the ticket, his impaired hearing being 
a hindrance. 

At the age of twenty-two years he was mar- 
ried to Miss Lydia Hassinger, who was born in 
Beaver township, Snyder county, in 1 841, the 
daughter of Joseph Hassinger. Two children 
have blessed their union. David, a merchant at 
Troxelville, is married and has one child, Neoi 
and Jeannette, who married William H. Fet- 
terolf, of Adams township, Snyder county, to 
whom has been born a daughter, Annie. Mr. 
Middleswarth and his wife are both members of 
the Lutheran Church, and take a prominent part 
in religious work. Fraternally, he belongs to the 
K. G. E., at Adamsburg. 

Our subject has always been, and is now. ex- 
ceedingly fond of hunting, fishing and trapping, 
and many a night, darkness having overtaken 
him, he has slept in the mountains tributary to 
the Alleghanies, with only a pine knot as a pil- 
low, a rock as his sheet and the blue sky as hi^ 
cover. Scores of deer and bear have fallen un- 
der the unerring aim of his trust\- rifle; he is a 
fine marksman with a steady nerve and a keen 
eye, and has a great store of knowledge of the 
habits and characteristics of birds and wild 
animals. 

MATHAN T. DUNDORE, a leading farmer 
and business man of Union township, Sny- 
der county, has for a number of years been the 
popular postmaster of Dundore, which office was 
named in his honor. He was born April 29, 
1^40, in Bern township, Berks county, Penn., 
and is the only representative of the family in 
Snyder county. In 1881 there was completed 
an extensive genealogical record of the Dundore 
family, by Nathan Dundore, of Philadelphia, 
who in his introductory remarks mentions sev- 
eral gentlemen to whom he was indebted for as- 
sistance, including our subject. 



Mr. Dundore is a representative of the fifth 
generation of the family in the United States, 
being descended from Jacob and Anna M. Wen- 
delbrecht) Dunder (as the name was then 
spelled), who were married about 1745, in Ger- 
many, their native land. They were probably 
born in one of the Rhine provinces, and in 1748 
immigrated to America, locating permanently in 
Berks county, Penn., near Host Church. In 
1 77 1 he bought a farm east of Bernville, but con- 
tinued to reside for several years on his farm in 
Tulpehocken township, Berks county, and finally 
removed to the former place, where he died May 
12, 1789. He was born July 25, 1720. His 
wife survived him for some time. 

Of their family of nine children, John, the 
eldest son and third child, was born March 20, 
1751, and died October 14, 1823. He married 
Catharine Geiss, who was born December 23, 
1753, and died January 12, 1S27. Of the nine 
children born to them, John, the third son and 
child, was born June 30, 1780, and died April 
14. 185S. He was twice married, first, to'Eliza- 
beth Kline, who was born March 30, 1783, and 
died April 14. 1S12, leaving five children: Sam- 
uel K., the father of our subject; Rebecca; Isaac; 
Polly and Mary. After the death of his first 
wife, John Dundore married her sister Christiana 
Kline, who was born February 8, 1704, and died 
April 5, 18G1. Five children grace that union. 

Samuel K. Dundore was born April 27, 1805, 
and on the 29th of January, 1830, was united in 
marriage with Miss Catharine Tobias, who was 
born January 10, 1809. They continued to re- 
side in Berks county, where the father died De- 
cember 18, 1857, and was buried at Zion Church 
cemetery, while his wife died April 26, 1875, and 
was laid to rest in Haag cemetery. Their chil- 
dren were as follows: Aaron; Catharine; Aaron 
T. ; Nathan T.. of this review; Cornelius T. ; and 
Samuel T. 

R( ired in the county of his nativity, Nathan 
T. Dundore obtained his early education in its 
country schools, where he learned readily and 
progressed rapidly. At the age of nineteen he 
entered the Union Seminary, at New Berlin, 
Penn., where he pursued his studies for a time, 
and subsequently took a course at the Eastman 
Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y-, from 
which institution he graduated. Previous to this 
he had taught school in Berks county during the 
winter of 1SG1-2, and on January 1, 1864, he 
went to Philadelphia to accept a position as 
bookkeeper for the wholesale hardware firm of 
Smith & Seltzer, where he remained until March, 

In the meantime, on April 6. 1865, Mr. Dun- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1047 



dore was married to Miss Maria Witmer, of 
Union township, Snyder county, with whom he 
became acquainted while attending Union Sem- 
inary. She was born July 28, 1843, an d is a 
daughter of ex-Associate Judge Daniel Witmer, 
and his wife, Catharine Herrold. The Judge is 
now deceased, having passed away in December, 
1890. 

In the spring of 1866, Mr. Dundore formed a 
partnership with his father-in-law, in the mer- 
cantile business, and together they conducted a 
store at what is now Dundore, until the latter's 
death, since which time our subject has been 
alone in business. He carries a well-selected 
stock to meet the demands of his customers, and 
besides conducting his store he is also successfully 
engaged in general farming. In September, 
1869, he was appointed postmaster, a position 
which he still fills to the satisfaction of all con- 
cerned. He is a stanch Republican and strong 
Protectionist, and though he takes a keen inter- 
est in public affairs, he is no politician in the 
sense of office-seeking, preferring to give his un- 
divided attention to his extensive business inter- 
ests. Being a great reader, he is well posted on 
the questions and issues of the day, and is in a 
position to make an intelligent choice of political 
parties. As he is a strong friend of public edu- 
cation, he has efficiently served as school director 
in his township, and probably no man in the 
community has done as much to promote the 
moral, educational or material welfare of his 
township or county. 

In February, 1862, Mr. Dundore united with 
the Evangelical Association, but since 1891 he 
has been one of the most active and prominent 
members and substantial supporters of the United 
Evangelical Church. For fourteen years he was 
superintendent of the Sabbath-school, has always 
been active in its work, and has been a delegate 
to a number of State and county Sunday-school 
conventions. He was also a delegate to the first 
General Conference of the United Evangelical 
Church, which was .held at Naperville, 111., No- 
vember and December, of 1894, and the following 
year was a delegate to the Central Pennsylvania 
Conference, held at York, Penn., where he was 
appointed trustee of the Central Pennsylvania 
College, at New Berlin, Penn. The Witmer 
United Evangelical Church was built on a por- 
tion of his farm, which comprises 300 acres of 
excellent land, and he laid out the beautiful cem- 
etery connected with the church. He has ever 
been a liberal contributor to all enterprises tend- 
ing to advance the interests of the community, 
and is recognized as one of its most valued and 
influential citizens. 



Pi) SCOTT RITTER, sheriff of Snyder coun- 
ty, is an able and popular official, and is re- 
garded as one of the influential Republicans of 
this section. He was" born April 16, 1862, at 
Kratzerville, Snyder county, where his family 
has been well known from an early date. His 
grandparents, John and Elizabeth Ritter, resided 
there, the latter attaining the advanced age 
of ninety-three years. In their family were the 
following children: Catherine, married to Jacob 
Miller; Sarah, married to John Beachler; Eliza- 
beth, wife of Squire Wagner, of Kratzerville; 
Mary, who became the second wife of the same 
gentleman; John, Daniel, Elias, all three de- 
ceased; Louis; Samuel and H. J. 

The late H. J. Ritter, our subject's father, 
was born near Kratzerville, January 3, 1832, and 
remained there for some time after his marriage, 
removing finally to Shamokin Dam, Penn., 
where he died December 31, 1886. In early life 
he was a merchant, but his last years were spent 
in agricultual pursuits. He was a man of excel- 
lent character, a member of the Lutheran 
Church, and was held in high esteem among his 
associates. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Veronica Wagner, was born near Selins Grove, 
August 14, 1835, and is now residing with our 
subject. She is a daughter of William and 
Christiana (Beaver) Wagner, and on her mother's 
side is descended from the noted pioneer family 
of which ex- Gov. Beaver is a member. Our 
subject was the eldest of seven children. Of the 
others, Heber died in infancy; Irene married W. 
G. Morris, of Mt. Carmel, Penn. ; H. L. resides 
at Nuremburg, Penn.; Daniel P. is a shipping 
clerk at Sunbury, but lives. at Shamokin Dam, 
Penn.; Cora died in infancy; and Miss Katie I. 
resides with our subject. 

Mr. Ritter began his education in the public 
schools of Shamokin Dam, and afterward studied 
at Selins Grove for a few terms, acquiring a good 
practical training as a preparation for life's 
duties. He taught school successfully for five 
terms, and then clerked in a store at Shamokin 
Dam for nine years. In the meantime he be- 
came an active and efficient worker in the local 
Republican organization, and in recognition of his 
ability and popularity he was nominated to his 
present office, and was duly elected. His nomina- 
tion was the result of an appeal to the people at 
a primary, and, as the first contest ended in a tie, 
the matter was again referred to the people, who 
made him their choice by a decisive majority. 

On October 16, 1888, Mr. Ritter was mar- 
ried to Miss Abbie A. Hottenstein, daughter of 
I. R. and Abigail (Thompson) Hottenstein, in 
whose family were six children besides Mrs. 



1048 



COMMEMORATIVE BIO<; RAI'IWM. II FJORD. 



Kilter, as follows: H. P., William J., Isaac L., 
Elija R.. Mary E. (twin sister of Mrs. Ritter) 
and Carrie T. The father of this family was a 
son of Dr. Isaac Hottenstein, one of the most 
prominent physicians in central Pennsylvania; he 
died February 7. 1895. The mother passed 
away on December 6, 1880. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Ritter have been born four children: Anna P., 
Harry R.. Rachel M. and one that died in in- 
fancy. 

Socially Mr. Ritter is identified with the P. 
O. S. A., in which organisation he held the office 
of District President, and lie is a member of the 
Lutheran Church, with which his family has 
been connected for generations. 



JAMES KEEMER DAVIS, Jr. (decea 
who in his lifetime was a prominent men 
of the Sunbury Bar, and one of the leading 
citizens of the city, descended from one of the 
old families of this Commonwealth and a pioneer 
of this locality. 

Major Anthony Selin, his great-grandfather, 
was a patriot of the war of the Revolution, com- 
ing to this country from Switzerland. He was 
the founder of Selins Grove, Snyder county. 
His wife, Agnes Snyder, was a sister of ex-Gov. 
Snyder, of Pennsylvania. 

Born October 14, 1843, at Selins Grove, 
James K. Davis, the third bearing that name, 
the son of the late James K Davis, a leading 
citizen and business man of Selins Grov. 
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. At the age of eighteen, young Davis en- 
tered Allegheny Cellege at Meadville, Penn., 
from which institution he was graduated in 1865 
He then came to Sunbury and read law under 
tin instruction of Hon. John B. Packer, and was 
admitted to the Bar in August, [867. In Jan- 
uary, following, he was also admitted to practice 
in the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth, in 
Philadelphia. In 1869 he was honored by his 
Alma Mater with the degree of Master of Arts. 
From 1867 to 1873, Mr. Davis was entrusted 
with the management of the legal business of his 
preceptor, the Hon. John B. Packer, while the 
latter was a representative in Congress. In this 
Mr Davis acquitted himself with creditable 
efficiency. In 1875 he visited South and Central 
America with the expedition to make examina- 
tions and surveys for the proposed route for the 
Inter-Oceanic canal between the Atlantic and 
Pacific oceans; he was chief clerk for Capt. Ed 
ward Barrett, of the United States ship " Can- 
andaigua." during this survey, and his letters 
home from the various foreign ports are of great 



interest to the student, because of their literary 
excellence and historical value. In 1S74 he re- 
turned home, making a tour of various Southern 
States, and in August, 1875, became managing 
clerk in the law office of S. P. Wolverton, Esq., 
which position he occupied up to his death June 
20, 1881. Mr. Davis possessed legal abilities of 
a high order, coupled with great energy and busi- 
tact. He was a man of positive view- 
plain and outspoken, but combined all the ele- 
ments of a thorough gentleman. 

On February 1 3, [878, our subject was mar- 
ried to Miss Emily A. Haas, daughter of Henry 
and Catherine C. (Weaver) Haas, both of whom 
were born in Sunbury. For many years the 
father was the genial landlord of the "Central 
Hotel " there, a most hospitable home for the 
traveling public. Mrs. Davis was one of four 
daughters born to their parents, namely: Mar} 
E. (Mrs. William R. Dunham), of Philadelphia; 
Emily A. (Mrs. James K. Davis); Catherine C. 
• Mrs. Henry E. Davis), of Sunbury; and Jane 
W, (Mrs. Norman S. Engle), of Sunbury. To 
the marriage of James K. Davis and wife was 
born a son, James K., who is now attending The 
Pennsylvania State College, Centre county 



AM SMITH. M. I)., of Beaver Springs. 
Snyder county, who has been in successful 
practice for more than a quarter of a century. 
might well be content with the professional hon- 
ors which he has won, yet he has an equally 
prominent place in other lines of effort, bein 
leading capitalist, business man and politician of 
his locality. He has an enviable record as a 
soldier also, having entered the Union army as 
a boy of seventeen and served until the close of 
the war. 

Dr. Smith was born February 25, 1846, the 
eldest son of John S. Smith and his wife Mar- 
tha Middle-worth, daughter of Hon. Ner Middle- 
worth, one of Snyder county's most distinguished 
citizens. The Doctor was reared upon a farm, 
and began his education at Riegel's school house, 
John Doon being his first teacher. Although 
his father's educational privileges had been lim- 
perhaps for that very reason, he had de- 
termined to give his children the best advantages 
possible, and in order to encourage the teachers 
in this locality he boarded them at his home 
without charge. When but twelve years old the 
Doctor entered Union Seminary at New Berlin, 
Penn.. and before he was seventeen he took 
charge of a school at Port Ann, Penn. In Feb- 
ruary. [864, he interrupted his studies to enlist 
in Company I, 49th P. V. I., and he saw some 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



J 049 



severe fighting during his term of service. His 
first battle was the engagement in the Wilder- 
ness, and July of 1S64 was spent in the Shenan- 
doah Valley. The regiment then went to Peters- 
burg, and, after taking part in the operations 
there, went on to Richmond and was present at 
Lee's surrender. The Doctor was wounded on 
April 2, 1865, in a charge, and in a number of 
battles he showed unusual bravery, for which he 
was promoted in the spring of 1865 to the rank 
of coiporal. At the close of the war he returned 
home and resumed his studies in a school at 
Selins Grove, known as the Missionary Institute, 
now Susquehanna College, where he spent two 
years and graduated in 1868. That year he be- 
gan the study of medicine with Dr. I. B. Conrad, 
of Beavertown, and in the fall of the same year 
he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
phia, from which he was graduated in 1870. 
Since that time he has been in active practice in 
Beaver Springs, meeting with marked success 
from the start. During eighteen years of this 
time he has been a physician for the Pennsylva- 
nia Railroad Company, and he takes a high place 
in the various professional organizations, being a 
member of the American Medical Association, a 
permanent member of the State Medical Society, 
and a member of the Snyder County Medical So- 
ciety, of which he was president for five years. 
His sound judgment in business affairs is widely 
recognized, and he is a director in the Beaver- 
town Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and owns 
a one-half interest in a hotel and business block 
in Adamsburg. He also operates some iron ore 
deposits near Adamsburg, furnishing employment 
to a number of men. A few years ago he built 
the finest brick residence in Adamsburg, and his 
real-estate holdings include some excellent farm- 
ing lands, besides an interest in a tract of pine 
land in Florida. 

The Doctor was married to Miss Alwilda 
Stetler, of Beavertown, a daughter of George 
Stetler, and they had one son, Charles G., who, 
in 1897, graduated from the Jefferson Medical 
College of Philadelphia. 

On March 14, 1882, Mrs. Smith passed to 
the unseen life, and the Doctor has since mar- 
ried Miss Carrie Specht, of Beaver Springs, the 
daughter of J. W. Specht, a wealthy merchant. 
Dr. Smith and his wife are prominent in social 
life, and she is an active member of the Luther- 
an Church. Fraternally, the Doctor is a mem- 
ber of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of Amer- 
ica, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Grand Army 
of the Republic, of which he is a charter mem- 
ber, and for seven years served as commander, 



and the Masonic Order — the Blue L°dge at Se- 
lins Grove, the Commander}' at Lewistown, and 
the Scottish Rite at Harrisburg. Jovial, liberal 
and public-spirited, Dr. Smith has a host of 
friends, including the leading citizens of his lo- 
cality. His influence is solicited in aid of every 
movement in his community, and he is especially 
active in politics. In January, 1S98, he was 
nominated in his county for the State Legislature, 
defeating W. W. Witmyer, having a majority of 
447, and out of 235 votes cast in his township 
he received 223 of same. Dr. Smith is also pen- 
sion examiner for Snyder county. It was mostly 
through his efforts that in October, 1897, the 
board was appointed, for which he has the thanks 
of the old veterans of the county. He was a 
guest at a very elaborate banquet given to Hon. 
Boies Penrose at Philadelphia, in honor of the 
latter's election to the United States Senate, and 
for some time he served as chairman of the Sny- 
der County Republican Committee. 



PiROF. GEORGE E. FISHER, Ph. B.,who 
now fills the chair of Natural Sciences in 
Susquehanna University at Selins Grove, is one 
of the ablest of the young educators of the 
State. A close student, he is a thorough master 
of the subjects which he teaches, and his own 
enthusiasm is an inspiration to even the dullest 
and idlest student. The value of his work is not 
to be tested merely by the actual instruction 
given, though that is of the best, but in the 
quickening and stimulating influence of his keen 
and active mentality which produces results that 
must operate long after his students have left the 
institution. 

Prof. Fisher was born January 17, 1869, in 
Middlecreek township, Snyder county, near the 
town of Kreamer, and inherits the name George 
from his grandfather and great-grandfather. His 
father, the late Calvin Fisher, was born in 1844 
in Penn township, Snyder county, at the old 
Fisher homestead. The Professor's mother, 
whose maiden name was Matilda_ Miller, was 
born in 1844, and is still living, but the father 
passed away in 1872. They had six children: 
Gertrude, who died in 1872, three months after 
her father's death; Annie, who married Milton 
Orwig, of Middleburgh, Penn.; George E., our 
subject; Charles K., a teacher in the public 
schools of the county; and Foster C, now prin- 
cipal of the academy attached to Susquehanna 
University, who graduated from the University 
in 1893, and from Bucknell College in 1896, be- 
coming the principal of the academy in the same 
year. He is noted for ability as an educator, his 



1050 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



power as a disciplinarian being excellent, and his 
class work most efficient. 

During boyhood the Professor enjoyed the 
advantages of farm life, strengthening his 
physique by outdoor exercise; but after the death 
of his father his mother removed to Salem, 
Penn., where she has since resided. The public 
schools near his home furnished the youth with 
the beginnings of knowledge, but it was not long 
before his keen and thoughtful mind demanded 
better and wider opportunities. In the fall of 
[884 he entered the Susquehanna University, 
then Missionary Institute, and during his course 
there he won the respect of his classmates and 
teachers for his sterling qualities as a student 
and a man. After graduation at the end of the 
M'phomore year at Missionary Institute, he spent 
one year teaching 111 the public schools of Penn 
township, with ability and success, but feeling. 
however, the need of a complete college course, 
he entered the Junior class at Bucknell Univer- 
sity in the fall of 1889. His work there was 
marked by the same studiousness that had char- 
acterized his work in the former institution, and 
in 1 89 1 he was graduated from the university 
with honors. 

In the fall of the same year he accepted the 
principalship of the Friends' Normal Institu 
a Rising Sun, Mil. After holding tins position 
for one year, he resigned to accept the professoE- 
ship of Science in Bucknell Academy. In this 
institution he labored faithfully for four years, 
endearing himself, by his devotion to his work, 
to all entrusted to his care and instruction. At 
the close of the spring term of 1896 the profes- 
sorship of the Natural Sciences in Susquehanna 
University became vacant. After careful de- 
liberation, the Board of Directors concluded 
that Professor Fisher was the proper man for the 
vacancy, and he was unanimously elected. To 
tum it was a matter of great regret to leave his 
former position, but his love for his rirst Alma 
Mater, and a conviction that a larger field of use- 
fulness was awaiting him, caused him to accept 
the position he now holds. 

To crown all Professor Fisher is an earnest 
Christian, science and revelation speaking alike 
of the great First Cause. He is a member of 
the Lutheran Church, and his character is an ex- 
emplification of his faith. 



C MORRIS SHOWERS, a leading merchant 
of Centreville, Snyder county, is a man of 
excellent business ability, and is now the ow 
of the store in which he clerked when a boy. at 



the magnificent salary of seventy-five dollars per 
year. Pleasant and courteous in manner and 
honorable in his dealings, he has won the con- 
fidence of a large circle of acquaintances and 
his friends are legion. 

Mr. Showers is a member of an old and high- 
ly respected family of Juniata county, his great- 
grandparents, John Adam and Elizabeth (Womer) 

wers, having been pioneer residents there. 
The former attained the advanced age of eighty- 
seven years, and for fwenty years resided with 
his son Daniel, his death occurring at Centerville 
about 1 86 1. Daniel Showers, the grandfather 
of our subject, was born in Juniata county, in 
1803, and as one of a family of fourteen children 
was obliged to begin work at a very early age. 
He learned the carpenter's trade and followed 
cabinet making, and for some time he was en- 
gaged in farming in Washington township, 
Snyder county, where he also conducted the 
"Summit hotel." After removing to Centerville, 
in 1848, he bought the "Centerville Hotel," 
which he managed. 

He was a short, heavy-set man, but was not 
robust, and he died in May, 1858, at the age of 
fifty-five, his remains being interred at Centre- 
ville. In politics he was a Democrat, and he 
was a devout member of the Lutheran Church, 
as was also his wife, Mary B. Haines, who was 
born in 1800, in Washington township, Snyder 
county, and died in March 1854. They had 
seven children: George W., our subject's father; 
Elizabeth, who married Frederick Mertz, and 
died in April, 1879; Margaret J., who married 

rles Dieffenderfer, and died at New Colum- 
bia, Penn.; Daniel H., who died December 9, 
1896. at Philadelphia; Barbara Ellen, now Mrs. 
Peter Hartman, of Centerville; and Mary and 
John (twins), of whom the former is now Mrs. 
J. E. Shenkel. of Centerville, and the latter is a 
restaurant keeper at Lewisburg. 

George W. Showers, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born July 16, 1831, in Juniata county, 
and was educated in the subscription schools of 
that time. During his boyhood his parents lo- 
cated in Centerville, where he became acquainted 
with the details of carpentering and cabinet 
making under his father's instructions, while 
assisting also in hotel work. He was an excell- 
ent mechanic, and for many years followed his 
trade in Centerville. In his later years he car- 
ried on a mercantile business there, as a mem- 
ber of the firm of Walter cV Showers, and he 
owned and cultivated a small tract of land in the 
same vicinity. He gained a comfortable com- 
petence, and was held in high esteem as a citi- 
zen. Notwithstanding the temptations of hotel 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1051 



life he was a total abstainer, never under any 
circumstances indulging in intoxicants or to- 
bacco. In politics he was a Democrat, but 
beyond being a regular voter he paid little at- 
tention to public affairs, although he served 
creditably as school director. In religious work 
he took an active part as a member of the 
Lutheran Church, in which he held the office of 
deacon. He was of less than medium height, 
stout, and apparently healthy, but he died very 
suddenly of apoplexy on May 26, 1878, at the 
comparative early age of forty-seven years. 

On September 14, 1852, George W. Show- 
ers was married, in Center township, to Miss 
Mary Yerger, who was born in that township on 
June 8, 1830, the daughter of Charles Yerger. 
The first six years of their married life was spent 
in a rented house, but later Mr. Showers built a 
residence. His wife died March 18, 1868, and 
both were buried at Centerville. He had six 
children: Elmira J., born April 4, 1853, mar- 
ried Dr. J. F. Kanawell, and died in 1894; C. 
Morris is the subject of this sketch; William 
Franklin, born March 31, 1858, died June 15, 
i860; Henry A., born August 15, i860, died 
April 5, 1865; Lizzie A., born December 17, 
1863, is the widow of James M. Miller, of Cen- 
terville, and Laura A., twin to Lizzie, married 
Dr. George C. Mohn, of Laurelton, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

The subject of this sketch was born Septem- 
ber 25, 1854, at Centerville (Penn's Creek P. O.). 
He began his education in a building that stood 
near the present site of the United Evangelical 
Church, his first teacher being Austin S. Houtz. 
After availing himself of the somewhat limited 
privileges of the local schools, he entered Free- 
burg Academy in 1 871, and pursued his studies 
there for three months. When but thirteen 
years old he began clerking for Walter & Hart- 
man, general merchants of Centerville, his sal- 
ary being, as has been said, only seventy-five 
dollars per year, without board. His school 
days ended in 1871, and he resumed clerking, 
which he had followed irregularly during boy- 
hood. For some years he was employed by Wal- 
ter & Hartman, by Walter & Showers, the firm 
of which his father was a member, and by 
Simonton & Showers, and in 1880 he became a 
partner of Valentine Walter, in the same estab- 
lishment. In 1882 he became the sole owner of 
the store, but in 1890 was joined by his brother- 
in-law, James M. Miller, as a partner. The 
death of the latter in 1S92 caused Mr. Showers 
to become the sole proprietor again, and he has 
ever since continued the business alone. He buys 
and sells produce, and carries a large stock of 



merchandise, being the leader in his line in that 
locality. 

On February 24, 18S1, Mr. Showers was mar- 
ried to Miss Savilla Walter, who was born July 
11, i860, in Limestone township, Union county, 
the eldest daughter of Valentine and Susanna 
(Shaffer) Walter. She is a very intelligent lady 
and has received more than ordinary educational 
opportunities. Two sons were born to this 
union: John C. , now a student in Susquehanna 
University, of Selins Grove, and Ralph W., who 
is at home. Mr. Showers and his wife are both 
active members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he holds the office of deacon. In politics 
he adheres in general to the principles of the 
Democratic party, but on occasions he votes for 
the best man according to his judgment. He is 
not an office-seeker, but at present he is serving 
as a member of the school board. Socially, he 
is a member of the Masonic order at Selins 
Grove. 



EUBEN KROUSE, one of the most intel- 
ligent and well-informed men of Middle 
Creek township, is a worthy representative of a 
pioneer family of this Section of Snyder county. 
He was born February 28, 1839, on the farm 
where he still continues to live. His grand- 
father, Christian Krouse, came to this region 
from Montgomery county, Penn. , upwards of 
one. hundred and ten years ago, and died of 
paralysis while assisting in the erection of the 
second church at Salem, Penn. In his family 
were five sons: John, Philip, Daniel, Henry and 
George; and three daughters: Catherine, Eliza- 
beth and Mary. 

John Krouse, our subject's father, was born 
in Middle Creek township, in 1789, and when a 
young man married Miss Barbara Boyer, also a 
native of Snyder county, and a daughter of 
Leonard Boyer, a farmer by occupation. Their 
children were as follows: Mary, who owns the 
old homestead and lives with our subject ; George, 
a resident of Cass county, Mich. ; Isaiah, who 
died in Michigan after reaching manhood; Annie, 
who married Benjamin Hotenstine, and died in 
Snyder county; Valentine, who died in Middle 
Creek township; Reuben, of this sketch; and 
Lena, wife of Aaron Dennis, of Williamsport, 
Pennsylvania. 

After his marriage, John Krouse located on 
the farm now occupied by his son and daughter, 
and there successfully carried on agricultural 
pursuits throughout life. He was an ardent 
Democrat in politics, and in his township held 
the office of overseer of the poor, while in re- 



1052 



( 0MMEMORAT1VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ligious belief he was a Lutheran. His death, 
which occurred in 1855, resulted from an attack 
of typhoid fever, and his wife, who died at the 
age of seventy-six years, now sleeps by his side 
in the Salem Church cemetery. 

During his boyhood and youth Reuben Krouse 
attended what is known as the Krouse schi 
his first teacher being John M. Douberman. 
Although the schools were much inferior to those \ 
of the present day, he made the most of his 
opportunities, and by subsequent reading and 
observation he has become a well-informed man, 
thoroughly posted on the leading questions and 
topics of the day. Upon the home farm he con- 
tinued to engage in agricultural pursuits until 
twenty years of age, when he began learning 
watch-making. Being a natural mechanic, he 
could make wagons, sleighs and do all kinds of 
carpenter work, and he familiarized himself with 
watch-making by studying books on the subject 
and taking watches apart and putting them to- 
gether again. His entire life has been passed 
on the old homestead with the exception of the 
summer of 1865, which he spent at carpenter 
work in Elkhart, Ind. He is now successfully 
operating the farm for his sister, and also culti- 
vates a tract of eighty acres which he owns in 
Middle Creek township. Since 1890 he has also 
engaged in the threshing business, and while thus 
employed has become widely acquainted, and 
wherever he is known is held in high esteem. 
The Democratic party finds in him an earnest 
supporter. He is not only a great reader, but 
possesses a retentive memory, and is an excellent 
conversationalist, which makes him quite a pop- 
ular and prominent citizen of the community 
where he has so long made his home. 



CALVIN BLYTHE NORTH. To as early as the 
fifteenth century the North family can be 
traced in English history. In the time of Oliver 
Cromwell one of the family crossed to Ireland. 
and there settled on lands in County Westmeath, 
and from this one of the name has descended 
the subject of this brief biography. 

The first of the family to settle in this coun- 
try was Caleb North, who left Ireland with his 
four sons and four daughters, and landed at Phil- 
adelphia in July, 172'j. His son Roger had a 
son Joshua, whose son John was the father of 
the man whose name introduces this sketch 
sketch. John North was born May 2, 1799, and 
married Jane Houston McAlister, a daughter of 
Hugh McAlister, and a granddaughter of Major 
Hugh McAlister, the founder of McAlisterville, 
Juniata Co., Penn., and whose military title was 



won by service in the American Revolution under 
Gen. Washington. 

John and Jane H. (McAlister) North reared a 
large and intelligent family : Calvin Blythe ; 
Hugh M., of Columbia, Penn., one of the best 
known lawyers and politicians :>f central Penn- 
sylvania ; Thomas Elliot, a merchant of Carl' 
dale, 111.; Adolphus, a retired farmer of Leba- 
non. 111.; Samuel E.. of Carbondale, 111.; Ed- 
mund D., attorney, of Lancaster, Penn.; and 
Jennie E., married to Dr. Washington Righter, 
of Philadelphia. 

Calvin B. North, now one of the foremost 
and leading citizens of Selins Grove, is a native 
of Juniata count)', and was born at McAlister- 
ville March 28, 1824. His early years were 
spent under the home roof, and in attending the 
public and private schools of that day. At the 
age of sixteen he entered a store at Thompson- 
town, in that county, as clerk, where he re- 
mained for more than five years. In 1845 he 
red a wholesale dry-goods house in Philadel- 
phia, as salesman, remaining there until 1 
when he returned to McAlisterville, where he 
, irked in general merchandising with his fa- 
ther, and continued this partnership for more 
than eight years, after which he traveled exten- 
sively (or a year or more through the Western 
and Southern States. In the year 1857 Mr 
North received an appointment to a clerkship in 
the Department of the Interior at Washington, 
D. C„ under the administration of President 
Buchanan, and remained there until Noveml 
1 86 1. In February, 1S62, he entered the Mifflin 
County Bank at Lewistown, Penn., as teller, and 
so continued till March, 1864, when the First N . 
tional Bankof Selins Grove, Penn., was organized, 
and he was elected cashier, which position he 
has continuously occupied to the present time, 
placing him in rank of length of service and 
well in the van-guard of the bank officers of the 
country. His faithful and conscientious service 
conservative management have won for him 
the highest regard of the community where he 
lives, and the high esteem of all who know him 
On January 5, 1S65, Mi. North was married 
1 Miss Annie Richter, a daughter of the late 
Peter Richter, a prominent and leading citizen 
of Selins Grove, whose wife, Elizabeth Holstein 
Richter, was a lineal descendant of Conrad 
Weiser, who was most prominent in Provincial 
times as the official interpreter between the Gov- 
ernment and the Indians. The son and onh 
child born to this union, Roscoe Calvin North, 
has been for some years connected with the First 
National Bank of Selins Grove as assistant 
cashier. 







i 


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1 






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M "*"*• 


J??'/ ; <(-f^ 





6/2Jr*& 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



lt)53 



In politics Mr. North has always been a 
Democrat, but on the currency question has 
sided with the more conservative members of his 
party, repudiating the doctrine of free silver. He 
has ever been a prominent worker in the party 
ranks, and in his younger years was active in 
County and State Conventions, but became less 
so in later years when other duties claimed the 
major portion of his time. Though reared in 
the faith of the Presbyterian Church, he, finding 
no Church of that denomination in Selins Grove, 
joined the Lutheran Church, in which, to-day, 
he and his family are faithful and earnest work- 
ers. 

Though now past the alloted span of three- 
score years and ten, Mr. North is still active in 
the care of his business affairs. His interest in 
the welfare of his community and the country is 
undiminished, and he is yet at the front in pro- 
gressive movements. Strong and true, he stands 
like the sentinel for the past generation, keeping 
watch over the present. 



CHARLES BOYER. There are in every com- 
' munity men who are leaders in thought and 
action, who take a prominent part in public 
affairs, and are potent factors in advancing the 
welfare and prosperity of the localities with which 
they are connected. Such a man is Mr. Boyer, 
who is now a general merchant, and the post- 
master of Paxtonville. He was born in Middle- 
burg, Snyder county, July 31, 1S35, and is a 
representative of one of the .old families of the 
State. His grandfather, John Boyer, was a na- 
tive of Montgomery county, and removed to what 
is now Center township, Snyder county, where 
he owned and cultivated a farm of 200 acres. In 
political belief he'was a Whig, and, in religious 
faith, was a Lutheran. 

George Boyer, father of our subject, was 
born on the old homestead in Center township, 
and was educated in the German schools. He 
was reared to manhood upon a farm, and learned 
the tanner's trade under the direction of his 
brother Samuel, of Middleburg, following that 
business until 1850, when he turned his attention 
to farming. He laid out the town of Fremont, 
which he named in honor of Gen. Fremont, and 
for some years conducted a hotel there. He was 
engaged in general merchandising in connection 
with our subject for three years. In business he 
was strictly honorable, enterprising and industri- 
ous, and commanded the respect of all with 
whom he was brought in contact. His political 
support was given the Republican party, and he 
served as county commissioner of Snyder county. 



He took a very active interest in educational 
affairs, was an earnest worker in the Lutheran 
Church, and did all in his power to promote the 
movements that tended to uplift humanity. He 
was married, in Center township, Snyder county, 
to Sarah Spaid, who was born in Franklin town- 
ship, a daughter of George Spaid, a farmer of 
Center township, of German descent. Mr. Boyer 
died in Fremont, October 31, 1893, and his wife 
also passed away in that town. They were the 
parents of seven children: Samuel, of Fremont; 
Charles, Henry, William and Edwin, all of Fre- 
mont; Sarah, wife of Percival Garman, of 
Fremont; and Mrs. Barbara Becker, of Kansas, 
now deceased. 

Charles Boyer, of this review, acquired his 
education in the public schools of Middleburg, 
and worked in the tannery with his father until 
eighteen years of age, after which he learned the 
carpenter's trade in Middleburg, following that 
pursuit for a period of four years in Mid- 
dleburg and Fremont. Through the suc- 
ceeding four years he served as consta- 
ble of Perry township, Snyder county, and 
then exchanged civic for military service, enlist- 
ing in October, 1862, as a member of Company 
I, 172nd P. V. I. He was mustered in at Har- 
risburg, was elected first lieutenant of the com- 
pany, and assigned to the Army of the Potomac. 
He did guard duty at Fort Yorktown, and served 
for nine months, suffering greatly from the hard- 
ship and exposure incident to army life. 

After his return home Mr. Boyer embarked 
in merchandise in Fremont in connection with 
his father, whose interest he purchased after 
three years, continuing alone in business for a 
similar period. In 1872 he came to Paxtonville, 
built a fine residence and business block at a cost 
of more $7,000, and opened the first store at 
this place. He carries a large and well-selected 
stock of general merchandise, and his uni- 
form courtesy and straightforward dealing have 
secured to him a trade which is large and profit- 
able. 

In 1858, Mr. Boyer was married at Fremont, 
to Mollie Rathfon, a native of Perry township, 
and a daughter of Jacob Rathfon, a f aimer. 
They became the parents of nine children, of 
whom two are now deceased. Those still living 
are: Nelson, a fruit grower and school teacher 
of Lima, Ohio; Stephen, who is employed as an 
engineer in Kansas; Elmer, a railroad foreman 
of Chicago; Morant, also a railroad man of that 
city; Clark S., who is engaged in clerking for 
for his father, and Alda and Ida at home. 

Mr. Boyer exercises his right of franchise 
in support of the men and measures of the 



1054 



COMMBMOEA TIVE BIOGUAl'lIl' A L REt 'ORD. 



Republican party, and does all in his power 
to promote its growth and insure its success. He 
was assessor for one term, and tax collector for 
two terms, and discharged his duties with 
marked promptness and fidelity. His business 
interests are well managed, and have brought to 
him excellent returns for his labor. His life has 
been well spent, and he has therefore gained the 
high regard of all with whom he has been brought 
in contact. 



LFRED SPECHT, ex-sheriff of Snyder 
county, is a citizen of Beavertown, and his 
popularity, which is founded upon his character 
as a man, extends through all classes in the com- 
munity irrespective of political affiliations. His 
position has been won by hard work and good 
management, as he began life a poor boy, but his 
perseverance and courage under difficulties have 
but increased the respect and esteem of the peo- 
ple among whom his life has been spent. 

He comes of a patriotic family, and his grand- 
father, Adam Specht, was a corporal in Captain 
Henry Miller's company at Marcus Hook, on No- 
vember 10, i s 1 4 . Lieut. -Col. George Weirick 
ing the commander of the regiment. Adam 
Specht came to New Berlin, Lancaster county, 
m 1 791, when he was but seven years old, and 
growing to manhood there he was married to 
Catherine Smith, a daughter of Peter Smith. 
For many years he carried on a pottery business 
at Beavertown, which contained but a few houses 
at the time that he settled there. He died on 
November 6, [872, aged eighty-eight years, and 
his wife on April 20, 1870, at the age of eighty- 
two, both being buried in the cemetery at Bi 
ertown. Among their children was a son Elias, 
our subject's father, who was born March 25, 
1820, at Beavertown. At an early age he left 
home and learned the gunsmith's trade with his 
brother Adam, in McAlisterville, Juniata Co., 
Penn. He was married in Beavertown to Miss 
Julia Hofnagle, a native of Beaver township, 
born in 1S1S. Her parents, Christian and 
Hannah Bingaman) Hofnagle, were prominent 
residents of that locality. After his marriage our 
subject's father continued to reside at Heaver- 
town, following his trade. He had had but 
limited educational opportunities in his vouth, 
but possessed much mental ability, and was 
highly respected in the community. In re it^ious 
faith he was a Lutheran, and at one time he 
was an elder in the Church. Although never 
a politician, he was at times active in local af- 
fairs, and during one year held the office of con- 



stable. In early life he was a Democrat, but 
when the war issues arose he became a stanch 
supporter of the Republican party. In October, 

1862, he enlisted in Company G, ij2d P. V I . . 
and, after remaining at Fort Vorktown for some 
time, took part in the battle of Gettysburg, and 
later his regiment pursued Lee into Virginia. 
H> was a drummer in his company and re- 
mained in service about ten months, taking 
part in all the engagements of his regiment. 
His death occurred in February, 1890, but his 
widow still resides at the old home in Beaver- 
town. They had five children, of whom our 
subject was the eldest; Mary married Samuel 
Bickel, of Beaver township; Adam, who resides 
111 Sunbury, Penn.. is a mason by trade; Eliza- 
beth married Thomas Keller, of Adamsbi 
and F. E. is the agent of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road Company at Beavertown. 

Alfred Specht was born May 15, 1843, and 
was reared in Beavertown. He attended school 
in a building near the site of his present home, a 
Mr. Frumbarger being his first teacher. After 
he was ten vears old he attended school only in 
the winter season, and at fifteen he left school to 
enter the employ of his uncle, Moses Specht, for 
whom he drove the team and delivered plows, 
farm machinery and merchandise. On May 24. 

1863, he was married in Beavertown to Miss 
Sarah E. Kern, who was born in the same town- 
ship, July 11, 1843, the daughter of Jacob and 

h (Weirick Kern. For one year after his 
marriage, Mr. Specht made his home at Bellevue, 
Ohio, where for five months he was employed as 
a night watchman and baggage master for the 
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad Com- 
pany. In 1865 he returned to Beavertown and 
learned the molder's trade in his uncle's foundry, 
and for twenty-four years he continued to foil iw 
that business, with the exception of short periods 
when he was employed by his uncle in a store. 
In 1869 he purchased a house and lot in Beaver- 
town, upon which he has made many improve- 
ments, and in 1872 he bought a small tract of 
land near the town, where he carries on farming 
in addition to his other pursuits. 

Mr. Specht has always been a Republican in 
politics, his first Presidential vote being cast in 

;. in York Center, Ohio, for Abraham Lin- 
coln. His popularity has made him a favorite 
candidate of his party for various offices, and in 
the fall of 1893 he was elected sheriff of Snyder 
county. He took charge of the office in January, 
1894, and served until January. [897, his resi- 
dence being at Middleburg during that time. In 
1882 he was elected justice of the peace, and this 
office he held for eleven years, resigning during 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1055 



his third term in order to take the office of sheriff. 
Educational affairs have always received his sym- 
pathetic attention, and for three years he served 
as school director. 

Socially, the family is prominent, and he and 
his wife are both members of the Lutheran Church. 
Mr. Specht and his father at one time belonged to 
an Odd Fellows' lodge at Beavertown, which has 
since been suspended, and our subject has also 
been a member of the Grange and of the Im- 
proved Order of Red Men. He has two sons, 
both residents of Beavertown: Charles F., who 
married Clara Hartman, has one child, Lura E. ; 
and Thomas J., who married Ella Custer, has 
one son, Benjamin C. 



Jj F. STETLER, one of Middleburg's most en- 
terprising and successful citizens, who for six 
years has served as the borough's chief 
burgess, has won an enviable reputation as an 
architect and builder, his artistic taste being 
shown in many of the later structures erected 
in this section. Space will not permit of a full 
list of the handsome residences which have been 
designed and built by him, but among the pub- 
lic buildings we may mention the Snyder county 
prison, the Lutheran Church edifice at Middle- 
burg, the Mifflin County National Bank, the 
Russell Bank, at Lewistown, Penn., and the new 
school houses at Reedsville, Milroy and Free- 
burg. 

Mr. Stetler was born March 21, 1848, in 
what is now Franklin township, Snyder county. 
On the paternal side he is of German descent, 
his great-grandfather Stetler having come to 
Pennsylvania from the Fatherland at an early 
day. His son, John Stetler, the grandfather of 
our subject, was reared in one of the lower 
counties, and as a young man settled in Snyder 
county, where he engaged in brick laying for a 
time, and later in agricultural pursuits, his death 
occurring on a farm in Franklin township. He 
married Elizabeth Bollender, and had seven 
children: Kate, who married Fred Bollender, 
and died in Illinois; Mary, wife of Joseph Sha- 
man, of Adamsburg, Penn. ; Sarah, who died in 
childhood; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Rathgeber; La- 
vina, wife of Jacob Kizer, of Liverpool, Penn. ; 
Franklin J., who removed to Michigan, and died 
there; and Aaron, our subject's father. 

The late Aaron Stetler, who was for many 
years an honored resident of Snyder county, was 
born in Franklin township, August 3, 1823, and 
died March 27, 1890, at his home in the bor- 
ough of Middleburg. He was a carpenter by 



trade, and in early life was engaged in contract- 
ing and building, but in 1859 he purchased a 
farm and devoted his attention to agriculture. 
As an intelligent and patriotic citizen he took 
keen interest in the questions of his time, and on 
August 22, 1862, he was drafted in the service of 
his country, becoming a member of Company C, 
i/2d Pennsylvania Infantry, with the rank of cor- 
poral, and served until discharged on August 1, 
1863, the greater portion of the time being spent 
at Yorktown, Va. In politics he was a steadfast 
Republican, and he was for many years an act- 
ive member of the Lutheran Church. He was 
married to Miss Mary Walter, who was born in 
Centre township, Snyder county, and died April 
1, 1885. Our subject was the eldest of four 
children who lived to adult age. (2) Calvin, a 
resident of Middleburg, is engaged in the insur- 
ance business, and also follows the barber's 
trade. (3) George F. operates a planing-mill at 
Middleburg. (4) Henry S. resides at Akron, 
Ohio. 

J. F. Stetler's early life was spent upon his 
father's farm ; his course of study in the local 
schools was supplemented by two terms in the 
seminary at New Berlin. In 1865 he began to 
learn the carpenter's trade, and after completing 
his apprenticeship he worked for two years as a 
journeyman. He then established himself in an 
independent business as a contractor, and short- 
ly afterward he and his brother Calvin, and David 
Stahlnecker, opened a planing-mill at Middle- 
burg. This was purchased by their father some 
time later and conducted by him until his death. 
From the first Mr. Stetler endeavored to bring 
to his work a higher order of skill and taste than 
had before been prevalent among the builders of 
this section, and his success led to a constant 
demand for his services as an architect. Since 
1885 his time has been almost entirely given to 
this branch of his business, and pleasing exam- 
ples of his work abound, adding to the natural 
beauty of the landscape, and lending silent but 
effective influence toward the cultivation of 
higher standards of taste. 

In 1 87 1 Mr. Stetler was married to Miss Het- 
tie E. Ulrich, and their home is brightened by 
five children: Lillian, Herbert, Clarence, Aaron 
Leroy and Pauline R. , two of them living, 
namely, Lillian and A. Leroy. Mrs. Stetler was 
born October 4, 1858, in Jackson township, 
Snyder county, the daughter of Jacob and Eliz- 
abeth (Moyer) Ulrich. Her father, who was 
born in Jackson township, Snyder county, in 
1815, died in 1893, and her mother, who was 
born in Union county, in 1820, passed to the un- 
seen life in 1887. Mrs. Stetler was the youngest 



1056 



' 0MMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPIIKAL RECORD. 



of four children, the others being: Mary, who 
married William H. Beaver, of Middleburg ; 
Lavina, wife of Aaron Stahlnecker, and Susan, 
wife of B. F. Hermon. 



W. POTTER, of Selins Grove, is one of 
&L the leading members of the Bar of Snyder 
county, having been actively engaged in practice 
since 1S72, and all who are familiar with the 
personnel of the legal profession in this section 
will rind in that fact a sufficient evidence of ability 
and worth. 

Mr. Potter comes of a good old Pennsylvania 
family, and his paternal grandparents, Jacob and 

abeth All bright) Potter, lived and died in the 
vicinity of Liverpool, Perry county. They had 
six children: Ezra, Isaiah, Isaphene. Mary A 
(Hoover), Rebecca (Van Camp) and William; of 
these, Mrs. Mary Ann Hoover and Mrs. Rebecca 
Van Camp are yet living. 

Rev. Isaiah Potter, the father of our subject, 
was born in Perry county January 7, 18 19, and 
although his instruction was limited to the com- 
mon schools of that day he managed to secure a 
good education through private study, and be- 
came a prominent minister of the United Brethren 
Church. For many years he preached on a regu- 
lar circuit, and for a time was a presiding eldei 
in his Conference. He also served as a delegate 
to the General Conference. He died Octobers, 

: , his wife, Mrs. Mary Ann (Wasson) Potter, 
who was born in Millheim, Penn., February 13, 
1822, is still living. Of their eight children, the 
eldest, Cyrus M., is in the United States postal 
service at Washington, D. C. ; Albert W., our 
subject, is mentioned again below; Seneca died 
in 1 S 5 1 ; Lizzie C. married I. M. McCloskey: 
Milton G. is in the postal service in Pittsburg, 
Penn.; Newton I. died in 1884; Miles I. 1 
attorney of Middleburg, Penn.; Emily I. died 
when about twenty years of age. Mrs. Mary Ann 
Wasson) Potter was a granddaughter of Robert 
and Ruth (Elliot) Wasson, who were of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and came from Liverpool. Eng- 
land, in the latter part of the last century. They 
married and settled in the neighborhood of 
Ephrata, Lancaster county, Penn., later moving 

iear " Potter's Bank " and Boalsburg, in Cen- 
tre county. They reared a family of eight chil- 
dren, among whom was a son, George M. George 
M. Wasson married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob 
Kryder, who was one of the judges of Centre 
inty. George M. Wasson engaged in mercan- 
tile business in Millheim, Centre county, later 
removing to Nittany Valley. Clinton county. 



He became the father of five sons and four daugh- 
ters, two sons and three daughters yet living. 
The eldest daughter, Mary Ann, wife of the Rev. 
Isaiah Potter, is mentioned above. 

Mr. Potter, whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born January 7, 1S47. in Hunting- 
don county, Penn., but was reared in Mifflin 
county, completing his literary education in a 
seminary there. He studied law with George 
W. Elder, of Lewistown, and in 1S72 was ad- 
mitted to the Bar. Since that time he has been 
continuously engaged in practice at Selins Grove, 
his ability gaining for him a high rank in the pro- 
fession. Hehasalwaystaken keen interest in public 
questions, and is influential in local affairs and in 
the councils of the Republican party. Three 
different times he was the choice of his county 
for the Congressional nomination. He belongs 
to the Masonic fraternity, in "which he has the 
rank of past master, and to the G. A. R., hav- 
ing won the right to membership in the latter by 
ninety-days' service in Company F, 46th Penn- 
sylvania Volunteer Militia, in 1S63. 

In 1869 Mr. Potter married Miss Mollie E. 
Reams, who was born June 3, 1849, m Mifflin 
county, and died in October, 1S76. In March, 
1878, Mr. Potter formed a second matrimonial 
union with Miss Marie L. Davis, a native of 
Selins Grove. By the first marriage there were 
three children: Grace B. (who died in 1871), An- 
nie M. and John R. ; and by the second there 
were also three, viz.: Edith M., Robert D. and 
M. Marguerite. 

On January 2;. 1898, there occurred a sad 
accident, the result of which Mr. Potter will 
suffer a lifelong inconvenience. A freight train 
on the Sunbury ..V Lewistown railroad ran into a 
Selins Grove sleighing party at Rreamer Station 
at four o'clock that morning. Two persons were 
instantly killed and a dozen others injured, four 
of them seriously. Eighteen persons were in a 
sled returning home from Middleburg, 
where they had been attending a social party. 
Before the driver was cognizant of an approach- 
ing train, the big engine crashed into the side of 
the sled just back of his seat. Mr. Potter had 
both arms crushed, and his left leg broken in the 
hip joint. The right arm had to be amputated 
at the elbow. No one of the party escaped 
without a bruise of some kind. The injured were 
all taken to the hotel at Kreamer, where medical 
aid was summoned from Selins Grove and Mid- 
dleburg. The fortitude with which Mr. Potter 
has borne this affliction proves him to be a man 
ol e;reat courage and indomitable will, uncon- 
quered by adversities, strong throughout all for- 
tunes 




frST^r; C^-Ot^h,, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1057 



FRA C. SCHOCH, one of the leading citizens 
J! of helms Grove, Snyder county, where for 
twenty years he has been prominent in the busi- 
ness of that locality, is a representative of one of 
the old families of the State. 

Matheus Schoch, the founder of the families 
in Union and Snyder counties, Penn., was born 
December 16, 1738, in the province of Alsace- 
Lorraine, Germany. At the age of eleven years 
he and a brother were sold as redemptioners to 
pay their passage to America, entering into a con- 
tract to pay for same by working for a term of 
years after their arrival. They landed at Phila- 
delphia September 2, 1749, having come in the 
ship "Albany," of which Robert Brown was 
master. They remained in that city until they 
had carried out their contract and were again 
free. Here in the New World, realizing the ad- 
vantages, and having well ingrafted the Swiss 
thrift and economy of their native home and 
blood, these two brothers very soon accumulated 
sufficient means to send across the ocean for a 
brother and sister still there. Matheus Schoch 
first settled at Tulpehocken, Berks county, and 
in 1775 came to Penn township, then Northum- 
berland county, now Snyder, settling near where 
is now the town of Smith Grove, where at the 
time of his death he was the possessor of large 
landed interests. He died May 10, 1812, aged 
seventy-four years. He was twice married his 
first wife being Maria Margetta, by whom he'had 
eight children, namely: John, Henry, Michael 
Peter, Jacob, and two that died in infancy' 
whose names are not known. The mother of 
these died in 1785, and the father was again 
married, this wife becoming the mother of three 
children: George, Daniel and Margaret. The 
mother of these survived her husband a number 
of years, dying March 5, 1832. 

Of the children by the first marriage, Jacob 
was next in line of descent— the grandfather of 
our subject. He was reared on his father's 
farm in Middle Creek township, and became a 
blacksmith by trade. After the death of his 
father, in the division of his estate the lands 
on which the town of Smith Grove is now built 
and considerable of it adjacent thereto, fell to 
Jacob. The latter was married to Elizabeth 
Hendricks, a Quaker lady, of English origin of 
Chester county, Penn. Jacob Schoch was a 
thrifty and frugal man, and by close attention 
to business throughout life prospered greatly 
becoming well-to-do. He built the first house 
erected in the town of Smith Grove, which 
event occurred in 1822, this building being the 
"stone hotel," there, which is yet used for that 
purpose. He here resided, farming and keeping 



hotel, until his death. Two of the thirteen 
children born to this marriage died in infancy; 
the others were: George, Michael, Jacob, 
Samuel David, John A., Benjamin, Catherine 
Elizabeth (Mrs. Philip Goss, of New Berlin 
^enn.), Margaret, and Angeline (Mrs. Rev Will- 
iam Ansbach). 

John A. Schoch, our subject's father, was 
born January 5, 1808, at the old homestead near 
what afterward became Kreamer, where he 
passed his early years. On December 2 1830 
he was married to Miss Lydia Houtz, and, hav- 
ing purchased the old "stone hotel," settled in 
it but , n 1836, not liking the hotel business, he 
sold the property to Jacob More, and moved to a 
farm three miles west of Middleburg, which he 
became the owner of. There he remained fol- 
lowing agricultural pursuits until his death which 
occurred December 15, 1863. He was the 
pioneer advocate of public schools in this local- 
ity, and early in the forties donated the ground 
upon which the first public school building in 
Snyder county was erected. He was also instru- 
mental in securing the best teachers and main- 
taining a high standard of education, even mak- 
ing personal sacrifices to accomplish these ends 
His wife was born October 17, 1S12, at Selins 
Grove, and is now living in that city, to which 
she moved in 1866. She is a most estimable 
woman, possessing marked excellence of char- 
acter and nobleness of heart, and has always 
been interested in educational advancement. 
She has the honor of havingorganized, in 1846 the 
first country Sunday-school in the county in which 
she lived, and although now enwreathed with the 
silver crown of a peaceful old age, she is still 
profoundly interested in the higher Christian ed- 
ucation. 

Of the thirteen children born to her union 
with John A. Schoch, the eldest, Franklin J is 
a retired merchant at Selins Grove; he was born 
October 3, 183 1, married to Kate S. Leisenring 
in 1854, and has five children— Lydia Louise is 
married to George C. Wagenseller; Anna Maude 
is married to Rev. Harold Folmer; Eva Kate- 
and two sons who died ,in childhood. (2) Anna 
Elizabeth, born May 19, 1833, married to John 
M. Smith in 1852, is now deceased. They had 
seven children— Lillie is married to A. H. Amich, 
of Cumberland, Md. ; Mary is married to Robert 
Parns, of the State of Nebraska; Effie is married 
to F. Foresman, of Nebraska ; Myra is married 
to H. Were ; Carson is married and resides in 
Illinois, where he is practicing medicine; Frank 
is now in collage; and Sidney died in childhood 
(3) David A., born February 18, 1835, was 
married, in 1859, to Harriet Wagner, of Or- 



!,,.> 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



angeville, 111., and had four children, of whom 
one only, a daughter. Anna Maude, survives, 
the sons dying in infancy. (4, Kate M., born 
December 7. 1S36, married November 24. 1 
Judge Jerry Crouse, and resides at Selins Grove. 

Ada, born in 1S38, married S. O. Kempfer, 
M. D., who died in Illinois. His widow is a 
resident of Selins Grove. | hn, born in 

1S40, died when a boy. 7 John Calvin, born 
October 11, 1842, married December 2. 1 
Maggie Hassinger, and they have three children 
— Clydia married Harry Kloss; Lyle married 
Charles Swingle; and Naomi. John Calvin 1- 
now the prothonotary of Snyder county. 
Amen Z . born September 29. 1S44, married 
February 6, 181 gie Appleman, and they 

have one child They reside at Blooms- 

burg, Penn. 19) Silas H., born in 1849, died 
at the age of twenty-two years. (10) Ira C. 
our subject, is treated farther on. ;ii) Cecelia, 
born in 1855, died in infancy. [2) i! 
Harvey, born August 20, 1S57, is a resident of 
Selins Grove. He married Emma C. Schr. 
and they have three children — Silas H.. Marion 
nd Agnes Helen. [3 l .eorge H., 1 
■ j, 1859, died in infancy. 

The Houtz family, into which John A. Schoch 
married, were early residents of Pennsylvania. 
Philip Houtz, the great-grandfather of Mrs. John 
A Schoch, came to America from Switzerland 
in the ship "Thistle", of Glasgow, which was 
commanded by Master Colin Dunlap [See Col. 
Rec. Ill, page 3S5. ] The line of descent of 
Mrs. Schoch was Philip, Henry, and Christian. 
Christian Houtz married Elizabeth Zoeller, who 
a daughter of Frantz Zoeller, a patriot 
through the war of the Revolution, having served 
in Capt. John Lesher's company, Pennsylvania 
Militia, from Berks county, under Col. John Pat- 
ten. He enlisted August 27, 1776 [See Penn. 
Archv. Second Series Vol XIV, page 256.] 
Frantz Zoeller was the son of John Zoeller, who 
was the son of Johan Heinrich Zoeller, who 
came to America in 1708. The ZoeW 
of German and French extraction, the place 
their nativity being Hesse Darmstadt. On ac- 
count of religious persecution they left their na- 
tive land, determined to seek a home where ; 
might worship God according to their own man- 
: and belief. They accordingly went to Eng- 
land, where, as they were men of some means, 
they purchased from Good Queen Anne patents 
f ir land in what is now the State of New York. 
They located in Livingston Manor, but under 
the persecutions of the Palatinates, freeholders 
in 1723 received no more consideration than 

■rs, so they left New York and came to Tul- 



y 



pehocken, Penn. The land upon which they 
settled has always been owned and lived upon 
by some male member in the direct line. It is 
now in the possession of Mr. Monroe Zoeller, a 
gentlemen of rare ability, highly educated, a I 
musician, and a man whose extensive travel has 
taken him over a very large part of both hemis- 
pheres. The deeds to the tract of land men- 
tioned in the foregoing date back to 1696. 

Ira C. Schoch, the subject of this biography, 
was born August 14, 1 S 5 3, near Middleli 
Penn. , and at an early age showed decided ten- 
dencies toward study. When he was twelve 
years old his father died, and his mother moved 
to Selins Grove to give her growing family 
benefit of better schools, and in due time young 
Schoch entered Missionary Institute, now 5 
quehanna University, where he was graduated in 
1S71. He then taught for several years, and in 
February, 1S76, he became a partner in the mer- 
cantile firm of Schoch Bros, at Selins Grove. 
This business was most congenial, as it brought 
him into acquaintance with all classes of people. 
He continued in it until 1892, when the firm was 
dissolved and the store sold. Since that time he 
has given attention only to his private invest- 
ment. In 187S he married Miss Mary Schnure 
(eldest daughter of George Schnure, presi- 
dent and founder of the First National Bank 
of Selins Grove), who died in 1S83, leaving three 
children — John A. and George S. (twins), and a 
daughter, Ethel D. , all of whom are now stu- 
dents in the Susquehanna University. 

On December 7, 1887, Mr. Schoch was mar- 
ried to Miss Laura E. Richter, a native of Selins 
Grove, born in May, 1857, and now prominent 
in the best social circles of that place. By this 
marriage there are six children: Pauline, Cath- 
erine, Andrew, Brewster, Christin, and Dorothy 
Richter. The chief care of Mr. and Mrs. Schoch 
is the education of the children, to whom the 
the best opportunities obtainable are given. The 
home life is in itself a liberal education, refine- 
ment and culture marking every phase. Mr 
Schoch's manners are a model of courtesy and 
geniality, and his career shows that brusque and 
rude methods are by no means essential to suc- 
cess even in business life. He is treasurer 
Susquehanna University, which position he has 
held for four years; he is also a director in the 
Board of the University, as well as in the Public 
School Board of Selins Grove. 



H<'N CHARLES MILLER. One of the 
most attractive estates in this picturesque 
region is the old Miller farm in Penn township, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1059 



Snyder county, near the village of Salem It is 
now owned and occupied by the well-known citi- 
zen whose name opens this sketch, and it has 
been in the possession of the family since the 
days of his great-grandfather, Frederick Miller 
In 1766, a warrant for this property was 
issued by the Penns to Martin Troster, of Buff- 
alo township, then a portion of Northumberland 
county and, on April 3, 1778, a deed was ac- 
knowledged before Benjamin Weiser, a justice 
of the peace, conveying the land to Peter Hoster- 
man. On October 25, 1778, the latter conveyed 
it to Frederick Miller, who, in order to perfect 
his title, obtained, on August 12, 1793, a war- 
rant from the Commonwealth, signed by Gov 
Thomas Mifflin . The title next passed to George 
Miller, a son of Frederick, and next to his grand- 
son, George D. Miller, from whom it came to its 
present owner. 

Frederick Miller, our subject's great-grand- 
father, was a native of Germany, the son of 
Johan Daniel Miller, citizen of Freymerdheim 
and his wife Attilia Catharina, a born Rumelin' 
They had a family of six children— four sons and 
two daughters; Frederick, the second child and 
first son of this family, being born November 2? 
1738, and married Eva Maria Albright; coming 
to America in early manhood, he settled, between 
1770 and 1780, in what is now Snyder county 
On taking possession of the present homestead 
in 17S8 he found there a dense forest ©f sturdy 
oaks and lofty pines; but with the energy which 
characterizes his race he soon transformed it into 
a productive farm. He died July 14, 1S21 and 
his wife, Eva Maria, who was born July 25 
1740, died September 14, 1822, both bein^ 
buried at Salem church. Their son George our 
subject's grandfather, was born in Penn town- 
ship, April 19, 1773, and died there May 1, 1836 
Like all of the members of this family, he took 
an active interest in local movements, and he 
was especially prominent in religious work as a 
member of the Lutheran Church. He married 
(first) Susanna Good, of Penn township and 
(second) Mary Magdalena Deshler, a lady of 
English descent, who was born June 20 1779 
and died July 18, 1826. Miss Deshler' was a 
woman of gentle character and of culture, hailing 
from southeastern Pennsylvania; a singular ro- 
mance of their marriage being, that, having won 
this fair maiden's heart, her husband brought her 
to his home in central Pennsylvania from the 
banks of the Delaware on horseback, the method 
of travel then in vogue. She brought, among 
her household effects, the first piano known to 
have been in this community. This early instru- 
ment, during the lifetime of its owner, stood in 



the old Miller homestead. It is now the property 
of Mr. Deshler, a banker of Columbus, Ohio a 
distant collateral relative of this family, it having 
gone into that branch as an heirloom at Mrs Mill- 
ers decease. By his first marriage he had four 
children: John, a farmer and miller by occupation 
born 27th of August, 1799, died in Washington 
township, Snyder county; Mary Magdalena, born 
the 2 1 st of February, 1S01, and married John 
Kline, died at Globe Mills, Snyder county; Eliz- 
abeth, born the 3d of February, 1803, was deaf 
and dumb, never married (her death occurred in 
Penn township); Catherine, born the 31st of De- 
cember, 1805, and married Jacob Schoch, died 
m Selins Grove. By the second marriage there 
were six children, of whom our subject's father 
George Deshler Miller, was the eldest (2) 
Jacob born September 27, 1S11, a farmer, died 
at Selins Grove. (3) Daniel, born April 24 1813 
lived and died in Buffalo Valley, Union county' 
two of his sons, Samuel F. and Frank W now 
res.de in East Buffalo township, in that county 
(4) barah, born 21st November, 1814, married 
John Swengle, of Franklin township, Snyder 
county, and both are now deceased. (5) Han- 
nah, born May 19, 1816, is now Mrs. Michael 
Swengle. of Princeton, 111. . (6) Frederick, born 
November 21, 1817, died in youth, unmarried. 
George D. Miller, born December 8, 1808 
at the homestead, died March 2, 1884 He 
was a tall man, six feet in height, and weighed two 
hundred pounds. Likeothersof this family he was 
an earnest supporter of the Lutheran Church and 
for many years he held the office of trustee His 
wife, Mary Kessler, was born August 1, 1S13 
and died September 10, 1S61, the remains of 
both being interred in the family burial plot at 
Salem Church. They had five children: Sarah 
now Mrs. David Witmer, of Salem, Penn. ; Will- 
iam K., who married Sarah A. Boyer, and died 
November 1, 1864; Charles, our subject; Matilda 
Mrs. Calvin L. Fisher, of Salem, Penn., whose 
husband died in 1872; and Mary E., now Mrs 
Theodore Row, of Middlecreek township, Sny- 
der county. 

Charles Miller was born March 2, 1843, at 
the old home, and has always resided there. He 
attended the public schools of the locality for 
some years and then entered the classical de- 
partment of Missionary Institute (now Susque- 
hanna University) at Selins Grove. Much of his 
time in youth was spent in assisting his father in 
farm work. On June 1, 1862, he was married 
to Miss Lydia Kantz, of Penn township a 
daughter of Philip and Catherine (Erdly) Kantz. 
Her father was born December 10, 1793, in 
Lebanon county, and died September 23, 1856, 



1060 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and her mother who was born February 8, 1S02, 
in Penn township, then a part of Northumber- 
land county, died July 22, 1866. Mr. Miller's 
home life is an ideal one, his family enjoj 
every comfort and privilege that can be secured 
for them. He has had six children, of whom 
four are living: (1) Ida died September 23, 
[872. (2) William K. was educated at Selins 
Grove Institute, and in Williamsport, Penn., 
taught school; during Gov. Beaver's administra- 
□ held the position of Assistant State Librari- 
an, at Harrisburg, Penn., where he still resides 
He is a member of the liar, having studied law 
with Congressman Simon P. Wolverton, of Sun- 
bury, and being admitted to the Philadelphia Bar 
from the law office of United States Sen 
Penrose. He was the representative dele 
from his county to the Republican State Con- 
ventions of Pennsylvania, in 1 S90 and 1S91, and 
has been actively identified with the Republican 
State Committee in Philadelphia for ten 

George Philip, a physician, graduate of 
the Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, 
died September 19, 1895, at Kane, Penn. He 
was a successful physician at Middleburg. His 
wife, formerly Miss Mary Moyer, survives him 
him with one daughter, Ida. (4) Franklin re- 
sides at the homestead in Penn township. 
Charles A. was graduated from the Susquehanna 
University in 1895, and is now a teacher. (6) 
Scott Edgar is a student at Susquehanna Uni- 
versity. The father estimates highly the ad- 
vantage of thorough knowledge, and no expense 
has been spared in the education of his children. 
The public career of our subject has been a 
notable one, as he has filled acceptably numerous 
positions of honor and trust. His honesty and 
the unvarying sense of justice which has gov- 
erned his conduct, together with his ability, 1 
firmly established him in the confidence and 
esteem of his fallow citizens. During the Civil 
war, when Pennsylvania was invaded by the 
Confederate army, he offered his services, enlist- 
ing in the fall oi 1 < ompany D, [8th 
P nnsylvania Volunteer Militia. This regiment 
pursued the enemy beyond Hagerstown, Ml . 
and cattle 1 ii Antietam many Rebel 1 
oners and wounded men from both sides were 
brought within their lines. Soon after his return 
from this service Mr. Miller took charge of the 
public schools at Salem, continuing until the 
spring of [863. In 1876 he was elected on the 
Republican ticket as a member of the State Le 
lature, and in 1S7S, having served his constitu- 
ents satisfactorily, ha was honored with a re- 
election to the same seat. During his second 
term the Pittsburg Riot BiU was introduced, 



providing for the appropriation of four million 
dollars from the State treasury to be distributed 
among those who had sustained damage during 
the riot. This iniquitous measure was pushed 
forward by most unscrupulous means, Mr. 
Miller and others being approached with large 
and tempting inducements, but Mr. Miller re- 
sented the insult and threw his influence toward 
the defeat of the bill. This act of integrity was 
rewarded by the people in 1882 with a third term 
as representative, an unprecedented distinction, 
Mr. Miller being the only representative from 
Snyder county who has been accorded three 

is. In 1876 he was the Senatorial delegate 
for the district composed of the counties of 
Northumberland, Snyder and Union to the Re- 
publican State Convention, and in 1884 he was 

in complimented with the same appointment. 
In addition to these honors he has served several 
terms as school director in his district, as town- 
ship auditor, and as postmaster at Salem, where 
he served from the establishment of the office 
until his resignation several years later, when he 
was succeeded by his brother-in-law, David 
Witmer. 

In religious and philanthropic work Mr. Mil- 
ler has been equally active. His kind and gen- 
erous heart has led him to relieve the needy 
whenever he could do so, and many sincere 
benedictions have followed his unobtrusive chari- 
ties. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, 
having been confirmed on May 25, 1861, at 

em, by the Rev. C. G. Erlenmyer. His con- 
tributions have been liberal, and he was a mem- 
ber of the building committee when the new 
church edifice was erected in 1897. His grand- 
father was a trustee of this Church in 1S11, 
being one of the patentees who secured the title 
to the church property from the State, and he 
also was a member of the building committee 
when the ancient church was built, eighty-three 
years ago. He has also done much to promote 
the work of the Sabbath-school, in which his 
family have always taken an active part, and for 

is he has been a leading member of the 
Church council. 



JW. SAMPSEL, M. I)., a successful physi- 
cian of Centerville, Snyder county, bel 
family which has become famous in the 
lical world, many of its members having ob- 
tained prominence in the profession. 

The first ancestor of whom we have an\ 
count was the Doctor's great-great-grandfather, 
Nicholas Sampsel, a man of more than ordinary 
education, who came from England at an early 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1061 



day. His son, Henry Sampsel, the great-grand- 
father of our subject, resided for a time at Mif- 
flinburg. Union county, Penn., but moved to 
Ohio the year after that State was admitted. 
He settled near New Lisbon, then a pioneer sec- 
tion, where Indians and wild beasts were plenty. 
His descendants are now scattered over the State. 
He was twice married, and by his first wife had 
seven children — four sons, Paul, Henry, Joseph 
and George, and three daughters, Mrs. Fox, Mrs. 
Bricker and Mrs. Frederick, all of whom raised 
families. His second wife had several children, 
among whom were some successful physicians of 
their time. George Sampsel, our subject's grand- 
father, was born November 30, 1790, in Mifflin- 
burg, and accompanied his parents to Ohio where 
he remained until he was about twenty-one years 
old. He then returned to Pennsylvania, making 
the journey on horseback, and early in 18 12 was 
married in Union county to his first wife. Miss 
Sarah Kuhns. She was born September 21, 
1 791 , near Philadelphia, but her parents, Peter 
and Rebecca (Neese) Kuhns, removed to Lewis- 
burg when she was but a child, and later settled 
near Centerville, where her father conducted a 
mill. He died at the age of ninety-four, and his 
wife attained the advanced age of one hundred 
and three years. Their son, John, lived to the 
age of ninety-four, and the family has always 
been noted for longevity, as Nicholas Kuhns, the 
father of Peter, lived to his ninety-sixth year. 
After his marriage, George Sampsel located near 
Centerville on a tract of land owned by his fa- 
ther-in-law, where he followed milling until 1818, 
when he returned to Columbiana county, Ohio. 
Later he came back to this section on account of 
the failing health of his father-in-law, who, at 
his death, left a large estate to be divided between 
three children — John, Sally (Mrs. Sampsel) and 
Polly. There were two sawmills and a grist- 
mill on Penn's creek, and a gristmill west of 
Centerville included this property. Mr. Samp- 
sel continued to reside in Snyder county until 
his death at the age of seventy-six years. When 
John Kuhns removed to Venango county, Penn. , 
he bought his mill property, and consolidated it 
with the mill that he had previously been oper- 
ating. He accumulated a large fortune for that 
day, and at one time owned about a thousand 
acres of land. Politically he was first a Whig 
and later a Republican, and while not a politican 
he held various township offices. His informa- 
tion on general subjects was extensive, as, al- 
though his early educational opportunities were 
limited, he was always fond of reading. His first 
wife passed away September 6, 1855, and his 
second wife was a Miss Barbara Yerger. By the 



first marriage there were eight children — Joseph, 
born October 20, 1812, was a cabinet maker by 
occupation, and died at Hartleton, Penn. ; George, 
born March 10, 1815, died in 1896 near Center- 
ville; Polly, born March 15, 18 17, married John 
Snyder, and died in Middleburg, Penn. ; Hopnia, 
the father of our subject, is mentioned more fully 
below; Sarah, born May 8, 1822, married John 
Lenhart, and died at Shamokin Dam, Penn. ; Su- 
sanna, born October 26, 1824, married Daniel 
Bogar, now deceased, and resides in Shamokin, 
Penn. ; Ner Jackson, born August 26, 1829, died 
at Bellevue, Ohio, and was buried at Centreville, 
Penn.; Napoleon, born July 9, 1834, resides in 
Union county, Penn. By the second union there 
were four children — Oliver, born July 7, 1858, 
died in Snyder county, between 1820 and 1830; 
Caroline, born June 1, 1861, married a Mr. Diehl, 
and died in Dakota; John E., born November 8, 
1 1863, resides in Hartley township, Union county; 
and Catherine E., born January 8, 1867, is now 
Mrs. Amos Musser, of Center township, Snyder 
county. 

Hopnia Sampsel, the father of our subject, 
was born near New Lisbon, Ohio, October 8, 
1 8 19. He was but an infant when his parents 
located near Centreville, and he was reared there, 
his youth being mainly spent in assisting his 
father, leaving but little time for school. At 
twenty-one he went to Ohio and spent two years, 
being employed during most of the time in a 
gristmill at Bellevue. On returning to Pennsyl- 
vania he worked at the miller's trade in Lancas- 
ter county for a time, but later rented his father's 
mill, which he afterward bought, and has now 
operated for more than fifty-two years. Since 
1885 he has rented the property to others, and 
he now resides at Centreville. He is exceedingly 
well-preserved, his memory being excellent, and 
he is highly respected by his associates. He is 
a Republican in politics and a regular voter, but 
has never sought office. In early life he was a 
Whig, and his first Presidential vote was cast for 
William H. Harrison. When about twenty-nine 
years old he married Miss Anna Shinkel, who 
was born February 14, 1829, in Coventry town- 
ship, Chester Co., Penn., the daughter of John 
and Mary (Smith) Shinkel, who afterward moved 
to Centerville. She is a member of the Evan- 
gelical Church, and is a lady of most estimable 
character. Our subject was the eldest of three 
children. (2) Charles E., a miller at Centerville, 
married Sallie C. Middleswarth, a great-grand- 
daughter of Hon. Ner Middleswarth, and they 
have two children — Irene D. and Stanley Quay. 
(3) Effie married Foster Chambers, of White 
Springs, Union county. Their parents estimated 



1062 



COMMEMOUAT1VE BJOGJiAI'IIICAL IlECuhl). 



at their right worth the advantages of an educa- 
tion, and all the children received excellent 
opportunities. 

Doctor Sampsel first saw the light March 22, 
[852, near Centerville, Snyder county, and for 
some time he attended the schools of that neigh- 
borhood, his first teacher being John Mench. 
At seventeen he entered the Freeburg Academy, 
where he spent three terms, and then began 
teaching at what was known as Herman's school 
house. He taught school four terms in all, and 
then engaged in milling with his father, ha. 
learned the business during boyhood. The wirk 
did not agree with him, and in 1875 he began to 
study medicine. By private study he prepared 
to enter the University of Pennsylvania, where 
he spent the winter of 1876 and 1877. His sec- 
ond year was spent in Jefferson Medical College 
at Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the 
spring of 1S78. Since that time he has been in 
active practice at Centerville, and has built up a 
large and lucrative business. In 1S87 he estab- 
lished a drug business in connection with his 
practice, and he now has one of the best stores 
in the counts He has a farm in Center town- 
ship and more than 500 acres of timber land, and 
conducts a sawmill in connection with the latter. 
His business property was built up by himself, 
and in 1882 he also built a fine residence in 

iterville. His success has been due to his 
own efforts, his frugality enabling him to com- 
plete his studies almost without assistance. His 

jment is held in high esteem by his fellow 
citizens, and he is one of the leading advisers of 
the Republican party in his section. He cares 
nothing for political honors himself, however, 
and the only local office that he has ever held is 
that of school director. Under Harrison's ad- 
ministration he served as a member of the Sun- 
bury Board of Pension Examiners. 

For his first wife the Doctor married Miss 
Kate Hartley, who died at Centerville, leaving 
one daughter, Virginia B., now Mrs. G. C. Smith, 
of Johnsonburg, Penn. After her death he mar- 
ried Miss Henrietta R. Spangler, a daughter of 
George C. and Mary (Ocker) Spangler, and by 
this union he has one son, George Hopnia. 
Socially, the Doctor and his family are promi- 
nent, a.nd he was at one time identified with the 
Patriot Order Sons of America at Centerville. 
At present he is an active member of the Mason- 
ic order at Selins Grove. 



E 



S. STAHL, a prominent representative of 
the agricultural interests of Union township, 
Snyder county, belongs to an old and honored 



family of Swiss extraction which was founded 
here previous to the nineteenth century. 

His great-grandfather, Frederick Stahl, was a 
native of Switzerland, and previous to coming to 
Snyder county lived for a time near Hummels- 
town, Penn. Here he located near Freeburg, in 
Washington township, where his death occurred. 
He was married in this country, and became the 
father of three sons: Adam, the grandfather of 
our subject; Peter, who went to Wayne county, 
Ohio, during pioneer days; and Frederick, of 
whom nothing is known. 

Adam Stahl was born June 30, 1778, and was 
but a boy when he accompanied his parents on 
their removal to Snyder county, where he sub- 
sequently married Eve Susanna Albright, who 
was born May 10, 1782. Her father, Frederick 
Albright, was one of the very earliest settlers of 
Flintstone Valley, where he located several years 
previous to 178S, as a warrant for land was 
issued to him November 27 of that year. His 
farm, comprising 1 y> acres in Washington town- 
ship, Snyder county, was called "Garter Snak 
On September 22, 1S00, Adam Stahl purchased 
of his father-in-law sixty-two acres of the "Gar- 
ter Snake " tract, where he continued to live 
until 1822. and upon the place conducted a dis- 
tillery, being one of twelve in Washington town- 
ship at that time engaged in -that business. On 
leaving that farm he removed to Union township, 

!er count)', where he passed his remaii 
days, dying October 16, 1863. His wife had 
died on the 3d of April, of the same year, and 
both were laid to rest in Reiser cemetery. Union 
township. He was a powerful man, weighing 
about 220 pounds, was a shoemaker by trade, a 
Whig in politics, and a Lutheran in religious 
belief. 

The children of Adam Stahl and wife were 
as follows: Lydia, who married Jacob Sholly, 
and died in Union township; Frederick, a farmer. 
who died in Monroe township, Snyder county; 
Jacob, who died in Wayne county, Ohio; Peter, 
who died at the age of five years; Mary, who 
(first) wedded Henry Whitmer and (laten Simon 
Sholly, and survived both husbands, dying in 
Unii 'ii township; Susanna married Jacob Leaven- 
good, ami spent her last days in Ohio; John, the 
fathei 1 ur subject; Daniel, the only survivor, 
who is still living on his farm in Union township, 
where he has now made his home for seventy- 
five - imuel, v 1 in Chapman town- 
ship, leaving two sons, Adam and George, the 
former a merchant and banker of Kans 
the latter a teacher in the Pittsburg schools; 
Elizabeth, who married D. J. Heintzelman, and 
died at Port Trevorton. Snyder county, and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1063 



Benjamin, who was a Union soldier during the 
Civil war, and died in Iowa. 

NearFreeburg, in Washington township, John 
Stahl, our subject's father, was born October 20, 
1813, and was about nine years old when he was 
taken by his parents to the new home in Union 
township, where he was reared and continued to 
remain for several years after attaining his 
majority. At Freeburg, in 1S40, 'Squire Mohr 
performed a marriage ceremony which united the 
destinies of John Stahl and Miss Mary Shotz- 
berger, who was born in Chapman township, 
October 28, 1818, and never attended school but 
about a month during her entire life, while her 
husband had no educational advantages. She, 
however, became able to read the German Bible, 
but was entirely unfamiliar with the English 
language. Her parents were Jonathan and 
Catharine (Matter) Shotzberger. Her father was 
born September 26, 1783, and died February 4, 
1859, while the mother was born April 3, 1794, 
and died August 29, 1874, the remains of both 
being interred in Keiser cemetery, Union town- 
ship. After his marriage John Stahl located on 
the old Stahl farm in Union township, which he 
and his brother Daniel operated for a short time, 
and then he rented the old Sechrist farm for 
three years. At the end of that period he pur- 
chased a farm in Union township, where he con- 
tinued to make his home for many years, and 
where our subject was born May 19, 1841. The 
other children were as follows: 

(1) Levi Stahl, born October 16, 1842, inter- 
married on July i, 1866, with Catharine Benner, 
whose parents were Christian and Sarah Benner, 
and to them were born the following children — 
Hiram B. , born January 30, 1867, died Decem- 
ber 5, 1870; Henry, born September 20, 1868, 
died December 29, 1870; Harvey, born Decem- 
ber 16, 1869, who in 1889 went to Nebraska, 
was married May 6, 1894; and is now in partner- 
ship with his brother Christian, owns and oper- 
ates a farm in Nebraska; Mary, born March 3, 
1 87 1, was but fourteen years old when her 
mother died, took charge of the family and helped 
her father raise the children, and, when all have 
left but one, she still remains to keep house for 
her father, who is a blacksmith and farmer; 
Christian, born July 1, 1873, went to Nebraska 
in 1892, and later became a partner in a farm 
with his brother Harvey, and now assists him in 
farming; Sarah, born August 27, 1874, married 
to Benjamin Benner, and now lives at Shamokin, 
Penn. ; Meta, born October 1, 1875, married to 
John Stauffer,and lives in Iowa; Allen, born March 
1, 1877, went to Iowa in 1896, where he now 
resides. James, born September 11, 1878, died 



November 8, 1878; Amnion, born December 20, 
1SS0, now lives with his father in Union town- 
ship. 

(2) William S. Stahl, born June 23, 1S44, in- 
termarried on September 11, 1870, with Lydia 
Row, whose parents were Peter and Lydia (Fet- 
ter) Row, and to them were born the following 
children: John Keamer, born April 7, 1871; 
Annie Matilda, born April 17, 1873; James 
Franklin, born May 22, 1877; Jacob Peter, born 
February 3, 1879; Jonas Aaron, born March 27, 
1 881; Jeremiah Melanchton, born March 31, 
1883; and Lewis Edward, born February 15, 
1S86, died August 7, 18SS; the others are all 
living in Penn township. The above mentioned 
Annie Matilda Stahl was married on September 
10, 1893, to Oscar Herman, and they have a 
child, Mary Jane Herman, born March 7, 1894. 

(3) Hannah Stahl, born December 19, 1845, 
intermarried on July 23, 1863, with William 
Krebs, and to them were born the following chil- 
dren: Jennie and George, who live in Delaware, 
and Franklin, a merchant in Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania. 

4 Aaron S. Stahl, born October 4, 1849, in- 
termarried with Salome Martin, and to them 
six children were born: Charles W. intermarried 
with Gertie Coryell; William is a news agent at 
the Pennsylvania depot, Sunbury, Penn. ; Jennie, 
who died in infancy; Howard, Omar and Delia, 
all living at Sunbury, Pennsylvania. 

(5) Leah J. Stahl, born May 5, 1854, inter- 
married on December 24, 1S71, with John S. 
Aucker, and to them were born eight chil- 
dren: Nora L., born July 10, 1873, intermarried 
on December 24, 1S96, with Joseph M. Wal- 
born; Charles E. , born March 31, 1875, on Au- 
gust 25, 1894, intermarried with Kate Witmer, 
and to them was born a daughter, Esther Marie, 
on April 15, 1895; Rosa E. , born May 17, 1877, 
intermarried on April 4, 1897, with George A. 
Foltz; Arthur E. , born February 15, 1779; 
Francis E., born March 27, 1882; Harry M., 
born March 1, 1884; Robert F., born June 16, 
1886; and Earnest Guy, born December 20, 
1S93; all are living in Union township. 

(6) Hiram S. Stahl, born September 3, 1857, 
intermarried on January 8, 1882, with Annie 
Laura Miller, and to them five children were 
born, three of whom died in infancy, and the 
other two are living in Washington township 
with their parents — Olive Annette, born April 7, 
1885; and Mary Cathrine, born May 3, 1887. 

The mother of our subject and of the foregoing 
family, who was a consistent member of the 
Lutheran Church, died July 12, 1868, and was 
buried in Keiser cemetery. 



1064 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL UECOltD. 



After the death of his first wife, John S 
sold his farm .to his son Levi, with whom he 
made his home for a short time and afterward 
lived with our subject. On November 19, 1871, 
he was again married, his second union 1 
with Mrs. Mary Readig, nee Bickle, who was the 
widow of Thomas Readig. Mr. Stahl depart! 
this life January 12, 1879, and was also laid to rest 
in Reiser cemetery. While not a member of any 
Church, he gave liberally to religious work, was 
a peaceful, law-abiding citizen, and a Democrat 
in politics. He possessed much mechanical skill. 
was a man of sound judgment and good business 
ability, and. as a farmer, accumulated a comfort- 
able competence through his own unaided effort. 

A- E. S. Stahl was the eldest son, and work 
was plentiful upon the home farm, he was unable 
to attend school as much as he would have liked 
during his early boyhood, and at the age of eight- 
een could scarcely speak a word of English, his 
school training having been all in German. His 
first teacher was John Ziegler. He was reared 
in much the usual manner of farmer boys, and 
by work in the harvest and hay fields managed to 
save enough money to purchase his books and 
pay his tuition at Freeburg Academy, which he 
entered April 2, [860. Here he prepared him- 
self for teaching, and for five terms successfully 
followed that profession in Monroe, Penn and 
Union townships, Snyder county. 

On September 27, 1S63, Mr. Stahl was united 
in marriage with Miss Julia Crissinger, who was 
born in Northumberland county, Penn., January 
1, 1842, a daughter of John and Christina A. 
(Wolfe) Crissinger. They began housekeeping 
near Fisher's school house in Penn township, 
where Mr. Stahl was engaged in teaching, and 
later lived on the Null farm in Union township. 
Subsequently he operated the Hoover Mill farm 
in Penn township, and in 1868 purchased the 
farm of 100 acres of rich land, where he still lives, 
buying the same of Samuel Pottiger. The log 
house standing upon the place continued to be 
his home for nearly twenty years, but in 1SS7 
he replaced it by a substantial brick residence. 
A good barn was built in 1883, and the other 
buildings are all in keeping with the neat and 
thrifty appearance of the place, which is regarded 
as one of the model farms of Union township. 

Four children came to brighten the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Stahl, namely: Ida G., born July 
10, 18G4, is successfully engaged in teaching 
school; Sarah P., born October 1:. 1865, is the 
wife of Frank Brown and has two children, Ida 
E. and Oliver R. ; J. Amnion, born January 1, 
1867, is professor of the schools at Bancroft, 
Neb.; and William O., born July 2 lied 



Jul) "Of these, Ida G. and J. Amnion 

entered the Freeburg Academy, while Major \\ 
H. Dill, the best and most efficient teacher the 
county ever had, was principal, to whom they 
give the honor of having gained an education. 

th hold diplomas from that institution, and 
permanent certificates issued by the State 1 1 
partment of Education of Pennsylvania. Both 
commenced teaching at the age of seventeen. 
Ida G. has successfully taught thirteen terms, 
which vocation she is engaged in now. J. Am- 
nion taught five terms in Pennsylvania, and in 
. went to Schuyler, Neb., where he taught 
three terms, then entered the University at Lin- 
coln, Neb., continued his studies two years, was 
then elected principal of the schools at Bancroft, 
N' b., where he successfully taught four terms of 
nine months each, and is employed for another 
term. 

Our subject is a Democrat in politics, but is 
not strictly partisan, and often supports men 
side of his party when he considers them best 
fitted for the office. He has capably served as 
school director, and in 1892 was appointed to fill 
the unexpired term of D. S. Sholly as justice of 
the peace, to which position he has since been 
elected, and which he is now filling in a most 
creditable manner. Both he and his wife are 
faithful members of the Reformed Church, in 
which he has served as deacon and superintend- 
ent of the Sunday-school for several years. He 
at one time held membership in the Grange, and 
also in the Odd Fellows Society, but at present he 
is connected with no fraternal order. An an in- 
fluential and public-spirited citizen, he stands 
deservedly high in the esteem of the entire com- 
munity, and is a pleasant, agreeable and hospi- 
table man, who keeps well informed on the lead- 
ing questions of the day. 



ENJAMIN F. WAGENSELLEK. M D , 
a leading physician of Selins Grove. Sny- 
der county, is a man of ability, one who, through 
his force of character, has become prominent, 
and has come to the front in the different walks 
of life. 

Born February 17, 1838, at Selins Grove, 
Mivder county. Dr. Wagenseller has descended 
from ancestors who for upward of 1 50 years 
through their respective generations have been 
identified with the interests of the Common- 
wealth, among whom, too, have been men of ca- 
pacity' and position, The founder of the family 
here in America was (Stoffel) Christopher Wag- 
enseil, a German, and the great-great-grand- 
father of our subject, resided in Hanover town- 





<l^t^r- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1065 



ship, Philadelphia Co., Penn., and prior to 
1734, as it is of record that he paid "quit rent" 
on 1 50 acres of land there. His wife was Anna 
Christina, and their children, whose names as 
they appeared in the father's will dated June 13, 
1760, were: John, Ann Mary and Elizabeth 
Catherine. Of these, it is known that Ann Mary 
married John Dirr (now spelled Derr), and Eliza- 
beth Catherine married David Haag. The lat- 
ter, so says the history of Montgomery county, 
arrived from Germany September 7, 174S, at the 
age of twenty-two years. It appears from Chris- 
topher's will that he owned 101 acres along the 
Perkiomen creek in Upper Hanover township, 
Philadelphia county (Hanover township was di- 
vided in 1S41); that he sold one-half of it to his 
son-in-law, David Haag; and that he bequeathed 
the other half to his only son, John. The Per- 
kiomen creek divided the land equally with Dav- 
id Haag's land on one side and John's legacy on 
the other. John Derr at one time owned the 
land upon which the town of Pennsburg now 
stands. Johannes, or John Wagenseil was born 
in Montgomery (then Philadelphia) county, June 
2 4. r 739. an d died September 29, 1799. His 
wife, who was Margaret Honnetter, was born 
April 12, 1740, and died November 9, 181 1. 
She was the daughter of Andrew Honnetter, a 
farmer of Douglass township. Both she and her 
husband lie buried in the cemetery at the old 
Trappe Lutheran Church. Their eight children 
were: 

(1) John Wagenseller, born December 14, 
1763. baptized January 23, 1764, married 
Elizabeth Weidner, and died August 5, 1S11. 
He was proprietor of the " Red Lion Hotel " 
near Chester Springs, Penn. They had seven 
children — Margaret, born May 15, 1789, mar- 
ried Benjamin Ramsey, and died September 12, 
1849; Thamzen married John Marshall, son of 
Joseph Marshall, of near Wilmington, Del., and 
died January iS, 1873; Fanny married an Evans, 
and then Joseph Beidler, and died August 28, 
1870; Abigail married Joseph John, and died 
February 17, 1855; Abraham, born August 26, 
1 79 1, at Lionville, Penn., married Catherine 
Meyers, daughter of Capt. Henry Meyers, of 
Philadelphia, and died January 31, 186S (his 
wife died June 28, 1847, at Glen Moore, Penn.; 
Abram and Catherine had five children); Julia 
Matilda, born December 13, 1826, at Lionville, 
married John Irey, December 25, 1845, ar, d 
she now resides at Phoenixville, Penn.; Mary 
Elizabeth, born May 3, 1830, married Dr. B. 
G. Miller, and now resides at No. 1 509 Second 
avenue, Rock Island, 111. ; Thomas Meyers, born 
August 14, 1833, married Mary Malinda Rice, 



of Perry ville, April 24, 1862, and died February 
7, 1 87 1 (Mary has since married Richard Strat- 
ton, of Fairbury, 111., and resides there now); 
John Andrew, born December 11, 1836, 
married Emily Johnston, May 18, 1864, 
and now lives a retired life at No. 142 Price 
street, Germantown, Penn. ;and Emily Law, born 
December 3, 1839, was married on May 7, 1863, 
to Newton Smith, a merchant, of Ulster county, 
N. Y., who died December 12, 1884; the widow- 
resides at Peoria, 111. The sixth child of John 
and Elizabeth (Weidner) Wagenseller, was 
George, born at the "Red Lion Hotel," Chester 
county, January 18, 1788, and died April 18, 
1857, in Crawford count}', 111. He was married 
to Leticia Cavender, who was born October 3, 
1788, and died September 29, 1865. To them 
were born seven children: (a) John Cavender, 
born July 24, 181 3, married Jane Rebel, and 
died in September, 1871; (b) Thomas Weidner, 
born November 19, 181 5, married Jane Mont- 
gomery, September, 1849, and died March 5, 
1865; (c) Abram, born September 2, 1818, mar- 
ried Barbara McGowen, and is still living at 
Indian Camp, Guernsey Co., Ohio, the oldest liv- 
ing Wagenseller known in this country; (d) Will- 
iam, born in Beaver county, Penn., June 24, 
1 82 1, married Elizabeth Waldrop, at Palestine, 
111., February 4, 1844. His wife was born Feb- 
ruary 3, 1818, and died March 4, 1864; he then 
married Eliza A. Gomer, July 30, 1865, and now 
resides at Hamilton, Mo. ; (e) Amos, born May 
30, 1S24, and on September 24, 1848, married 
Malinda Rich, who was born June 4, 1827, and 
died November 29, 1856. On September 6, 
1857, he married Jemima Snapp, who was born 
December 12, 1830, and died September 23, 
1872; September 26, 1S74, he was married to 
Elizabeth Rogers, who was born June 14, 1843, 
and he now resides at Solomon, Kans. ; he is the 
father of fourteen children, four with his first 
wife, six with his second wife, and four with his 
third wife, (f) Elizabeth married Hugh Mathus; 
and (g) Thamzen, born October 15, 1830, died 
March 21, 1839. The last of John and Eliza- 
beth (Weidner) Wagenseller's children is Eliz- 
abeth, born September 14, 1800, married Joseph 
Riter, and died May 29, 1855. The descendants 
are living about Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. 

(2) Catherine, the second of John's children, 
was born December 3, 1764, married Conrad 
King, and died in 1820. Catherine was the 
mother of nine children. (3) Susanna, born 
February 2. 1768, married Conrad Swinhart, of 
Montgomery county. (4) Anna Maria, born May 
20, 1770, married Benjamin Royer, of Royers- 
ford, Penn. (5) Maria Margaretha, born June 2, 



1066 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1772, married Mathias Walter, of Philadelphia 
county. 

William, born May 25, 177 s . married 
Rebecca Neilor, who died October 20, 1844; he 
was a hotel keeper in West Pikeland township, 
Chester county, and died July 22, [868. Will- 
iam and Rebecca had five children: James, born 
November 28, 1808, married Harriet Hartman, 
and died without children in Chester county, 
July 15, 1868; George, born August 17, 18 12, 
was never married, was superintendent of a divi- 
sion of the Sunbury & Erie railroad, a member 
of the House of Representatives from Schuykill 
county, and died December 1 ;, 1873; Ann, born 
April 14, 1 S 1 5 , married Frederick Holman, and 
died June 23, 1885, at Chester Springs, Penn. ; 
John Neilor, born April 11. 18 17, married Sarah 
McVeagh ishe died September 20, 18' 
resided at Sin<, r Sing, N. Y. , was in the hotel 
business the last fifteen years of his life, and died 
February 27, i87l;and Mai orn October 

28. [818, married John Young, and is still living 
at Anselma, Chester county. 

The next child of John and Margarei 
Wagenseil is Peter Wagenseller (here is where 
the change in spelling occurred), the grandfather 
of our subject, born in Philadelphia now M 
gomery) county, September 24. 1774. man 

anna Longaker (Longenecker), January 7, 
1 800, and resided in Providence township, 
Chester county, until the spring of 1834, when 
they moved to Columbus, Ohio. ?Ie died June 
14, 1 S 3 5 . Susanna's ancestry is traced back to 
I'lrich Longenecker. Sr., born in Switzerland, in 
1664. A copy of the family coat of arms is in 
the possession of Hon. A. B. Longaker, of 
N01 ristown. Peter and Susanna had ten children, 
all born in Montgomery county. Jacob, the 
father of our subject, born January 22, [801, will 
be referred to more fully later on. John, born 
December 17, 1802, married Mary Ann Norton, 
December 25. 1823. >he was born September 
2. [805, and Vlaj 19, 1834, from illness 

contracted on the journey west to Ohio with her 
husband's father. John next married Catherine 
Briggs, who was born in Montgomery county, 
N. Y", December 8, [810. John died in 
Columbus, January 2, 1845, and in 1847 his 
widow married Stacy Taylor. Mrs. Taylor died 
March 28, 1S53. The children of John with his 
wife were Araminta, born April 17, 1829, 
married Reuben Bergstresser, March 14, 1S50, 
lied at Pekin, 111., of typhoid pneumonia, 
January 25, [86] (her husband v rn Janu- 

824, in Selins Grove, and died May 10, 
I, in Denver, Colo., of apoplexy*; Samuel 
rton, born February 21. 1S27. and is : 



residing at Ukiah, Cal.; Mary, born April 14, 
1832, was first married to John Perkins, then 
to William Rankin, and third to Lewis Lutz, now 
resides at East Las Vegas, N. M.; Matilda 
married a Stephenson, and resided in Ste- 
phenson county, 111. ; and Sarah Ann died in 
youth. John's marriage with his second wife 
resulted in the birth of three children: Em- 
ily, born January 10, 1840, near Columbus, 
Ohio, married William Wirt Clemens, of Mas- 
sachusetts, May 9, 1S65, and died July 31, 
1897, at Columbus; John, born March 29, 1S45, 
died of consumption; Jacob, born January 8, 
1S38, went to California years ago, and as he 
has not been heard of is supposed to have been 
killed on the plains. The third of Peter and Su- 
sanna's children is Benjamin, born November 4, 
1809, married Elizabeth Doyle, July 20, 1842, 
lied at Pekin, March 15, 1S44. His wife 
was born August 9, [S26; they had only one 
child: Theodore L., born April 18, 1843, mar- 
ried Emily Lander, September 6, 1S66, at Chil- 
licothe, 111., and now resides at No. 645 Fverett 

nue, Kansas City, Kans. Peter's fourth son 
was Joshua, born July 5, 1813, married Harriet 
Rupert, May 1, 1840, a descendant of Prince 
Rupert, who was a prominent man in the Royal 
family during Cromwell's time. Joshua died at 
Pekin, July 21, 1S82; his wifi >rn Jul\ 

1823, and died March 17, 1873. They were the 
parents of five children: Albert Elon, born Feb- 
ruary 1, 1S41, married Mary Hammer, March 27, 

1, who was afterward divorced, and February 
24, 1897, married Hubbard Sylvester Latham, 
and resides at Manito, 111. William Henry, born 
February 1, [845, married Ophelia J. Leighton, 
October 17, 18G6, and now resides in Omaha, 
Neb.; his wife was born February 17, 1848. 
Laura Catherine, born November 28, 1849, 
and in 1870 married Algeia Parker 
only brother of Mrs. Robert G. Ingers< 
from whom she was divorced, and now re- 
sides at No. 3608 Ellis avenue, Chicago. Frank 
Rupert, born December 30, 1851, married Agnes 
Reynolds, January [6, 1 s 7 3 , and now resides in 

in with six children. Harriet, born Decem- 

lied January 5, [888. Pet 

filth son, who was also called Peter, was born 

July i". 1 •! 1 5, and died m Selins Grove, Septem- 

IO, [830. Peter's sixth son was William 

lley, born November 13, 1817. His first 
born was William Jeremiah, born March 23, 

9, man i >ecca Forry, November 5, 

1. and died August 3. 1895, at Selins Grove. 
[See sketch of George Washington Wagenseller.] 
He was married to Amelia Bergstresser, and 
died August 10, 1876. For two terms he was a 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1067 



member of the House of Representatives. His 
children by Amelia Bergstresser are Martin 
Luther, born September 6, 1840, married Carrie 
L. Kistner, December 7, 1865, and now resides 
at Selins Grove; Ada E., born June 17, 1842, 
resides with her mother at Selins Grove; Ben- 
jamin Newton, born October 17, 1846, died in 
1863; Alice Laura, born March 12, 1849, mar- 
ried Rev. Emanuel Benton Killinger, and now 
resides in Trenton, N. J. Of the daughters of 
Peter and Susanna was Catherine, born Novem- 
ber 29, 1S04, married Mathew Chain, who died 
in Franklin county, Ohio, March, 1835. She 
then married Elijah Timbrel, and died of cancer 
in 1872 at Pekin. She had four children by her 
first husband, viz. : William P., Joshua Wagen- 
seller, Kate and Matilda, and two by the second, 
John and Benjamin, both of whom died in the 
army, the latter December 1, 1S61, at Jefferson 
City, Mo. Hannah (Catheiine's sister), born 
April 25, 1807, married William Hamilton Chain 
(brother of Mathew, and both sons of old Mathew 
Chain, of Montgomery county). Hannah died 
May 20, 1880, at Lewistown, 111., and her hus- 
band died at Columbus, Ohio, October 8, 1855. 
They had five children: Jacob M. resides at 
Utica, Neb. ; William H. died at Bushnell, 111. ; 
Albert resided in Denver; Mary, married to Will- 
iam F. Criss, resides at Carthage, Mo. ; and 
Sarah, married to Dr. Fisher, formerly of Jack- 
sonville, 111. , but now both are dead, and are bur- 
ied at Los Angeles, Cal. Two other children are 
mentioned in Peter's family Bible — Susanna, 
born May 20, 1S20, died May 27, 1820; and 
Henry, born April 18, 1826, died April 24, 1S26. 
(8) The eighth and last of John's and Mar- 
garet's children is Jacob, who married Martha 
Shrack, and died of heart and kidney trouble. 
They had six children — David, born 1S12, mar- 
ried, September II, 1834, Ann Meyers Wynn, 
who died November 20, 1S65; he then married 
Hannah McCracken. By his first wife he had 
eight children: Martha, born January 14, 1836, 
married Seth Humphrey, and resides at Glad- 
wyne, Penn. ; Mary, born June 16, 1837, mar- 
ried George Mallison, and died June, 1S85; Mar- 
garet Ann, born October 7, 1840, married Sam- 
uel Happersett, January 31, 1S62, and now re- 
sides in West Chester, Penn. ; Levi, born Octo- 
ber 4, 1842, married Alice Raney, and died near 
Philadelphia (widow resides at No. 391 1 Melon 
street, Philadelphia); Harriet, born April 2, 
1845, married Harry Tovvnsend, and they now 
reside at 26th and Poplar streets, Philadel- 
phia; James Wagenseller, born December 29, 
1850, married Esther A. Moore, March, 1883, 
and now resides at Glen Moore, Penn. ; Fannie, 



born December 7, 185 1, married Harry G. 
Mason, and now resides in Chester, Penn. ; Ber- 
tha, born September 14, 1856, married Edward 
Riley, of Chester, Penn. Jacob's other children 
are John Shrack Wagenseller, born November 
16, 1808, married Margaret Wynn, who was 
born in 1S10, and died May 17, 1889; Levi mar- 
ried Catherine Worthington; Sarah married Jo- 
seph Pearson; Margaret married James Mont- 
gomery; Martha married William McCarraher, 
formerly resided in West Chester, and died in 
1S94. 

The great-grandmother of our subject, Su- 
sanna Longaker, traced her ancestry back to Ul- 
rich Longenecker, Sr. , of Switzerland. On the 
28th day of August, 1733, Ulrich Longenecker, 
Sr. , aged sixty-nine years, and Ulrich, Jr., aged 
twenty-two years, took the oath of allegiance at 
Philadelphia. They arrived in the ship ' ' Hope, " 
of London, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes, 
and with them came Jacob, aged nineteen years. 
David came about 1725; John, 1727, and Chris- 
tian, 1729. Ulrich, Sr., had five sons including 
Jacob, who, in 1845, married Susanna, the 
widow of John (John was the son of Daniel). 
They had five daughters, and two sons, Peter 
and Jacob. The latter changed the name from 
Longenecker to Longaker, and married Cather- 
ine, daughter of John Detweiler. Their children 
are: John, Jacob, Peter, Hannah (married 
James Miller), Susanna (married Peter Wagen- 
seller), Abraham, Isaac, Henry, Joseph, Samuel, 
and Catherine (married Henry Swinehart). From 
Peter and Susanna (Longaker) Wagenseller 
sprang Jacob, the father of our subject. 

Jacob Wagenseller, M. D., was a native of 
Pennsylvania, born January 22, 1801, in Mont- 
gomery county. He was liberally educated, 
having graduated at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania. He established himself in the practice of 
medicine in his native county, but in about 1827 
located at Selins Grove, Snyder county. In ad- 
dition to practicing medicine he carried on mer- 
cantile business, keeping a general store and 
dealing extensively in grain. He was thus en- 
gaged at the time of his death, which occurred at 
Selins Grove, April 27, 1847. He had abandoned 
his profession some years previously. He was a 
man of fine business qualities, and made a success 
of life. He became prominent in business affairs. 
He was a Whig, and as such was elected to the 
State Senate, in which body his intelligence made 
him a useful member. He was active in party 
affairs, and a man of influence in the community, 
as well as a leading spirit in every movement 
calculated to develop the resources of the county 
and advance the interest of Selins Grove. He 



L068 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



served two terms in the Senate, being; a member 
at the time of his death. He married Miss Mary 
Richter, who died in 1S63. Her father, Peter 
Richter, was one of the leading citizens of Selins 
Grove. Of the eight children of Jacob and Mary 
Wagenseller, the eldest, Peter Richter. born De- 
cember 8, 1S29, died August 18, 1873, was a 
prominent physician at Selins Grove; he married 
Catherine Chritzman, and they had six children: 
Mary Amelia, born July 18, 1854, died in 
infancy; Franklin Jacob, born October 8, 1855, 
married Mary L. Keely; George C, born June 
30, 1857. married Lulu Schoch, June 1, 1 
Albertha Lemisa, born December 20, 1859, mar- 
Dr. B. F. Emerick, June 16, 188 1 ; Gertrude 
A , born September 29, 1861, died in infancy; 
Annie E., born September 2, [865, married J. 
A Strohm, of Carlisle, January 19, 1886. (2) 
Sarah married J. B. Evans, of Chester county. 
Mary married Rev. Franklin Gerhart, of 
Williamsport. 141 Catherine died at an early 
age. (5) Benjamin F. , our subject, is mentioned 
more fully farther on. (6) Lydia Catherine, who 
died in 1858, was the wife of William Holman, 
of Chester Springs, Penn. (7) Martha Jane 
married Lloyd Sharpless, of Bloomsburg, Penn. 
(8) John J., who resides in Bloomsburg, married 
(first) Miss Mary Willier, now deceased, and 
(second) Miss Clara Hughes, now deceased, and 
(third) Miss Jennie Mears, February 15, 1 

Dr. Benjamin F. Wagenseller, in 1851, be- 
came a student in the preparatory department 
of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, and still 
later he was a student at the University at Lewis- 

g. Coming from a family distinguished for 
its medical ability, heat an early age turned his 
attention to this profession, and in 1856 began 

ling with Dr. Samuel Wagenseller, at Pekin, 
111. During 1858 and 1859 he read with his 
brother, Dr. P. R. Wagenseller, at Selins Grove; 
and then he became a student in the medical de- 
partment of Pennsylvania College, Philadelphia. 
!ii 'in which he was graduated in i860. In 1 
he opened an office in Beavertown, Snyder Co., 
Penn., and in August, 1862, he was commis- 
sioned, by Gov. Curtin. as assistant surgeon of 
the 139th 1'. V. I. This 
manded by Col. Collier, a 
became a brigadier-general 



was corn- 
man who afterward 
and later one of the 



judges of the courts of Pittsburg. Dr. Wagen- 
seller served in this capacity until Januar) 31. 
1863, and was then commissioned surgeon with 
the rank of major and served under Brig.-Gen. 
D. B. McKibbin (of the regular army) in the 
158th 1'. Y. I. In September, 1863, he was 
mustered out with the regiment. When the 
201st Pennsylvania Regiment was ordered out 



Dr. Wagenseller was commissioned surgeon with 
the rank of major, and so served until the close 
of the war. He saw much of severe service in 
different portions of the South, and, at the close 
of the war, he participated in the Grand Review 
at Washington. Among the difficult duties per- 
formed was the burial early in September, 1 - 
by the 139th Regiment, of the Union soldiers who 
had fallen at the battle of Bull Run about a week 
before, and stdl lay on the field exposed to the 
hot summer sun. Most of the Confederate dead 
had already been interred, and the soldiers of 
the 139th, under a flag of truce, performed the 
last sad rites over the neglected bodies of our 
own fallen heroes, burying fifteen hundred in 
three days. 

Since the close of the war Dr. Wagenseller 
has been in active practice at Selins Grove, his 
character and ability winning him a high rank 
among his professional brethren. He is a mem- 
ber of the Snyder County Medical Society, of the 
Medical Society of the State of Pennsylvania, 
and of the American Medical Association. In 
the Snyder County Society he has served as pres- 
ident. He also belongs to the Northumberland 
County Medical Society, and is at the present 
time serving as president of that body. This or- 
ganization now has seventy-eight members. For 
twenty-five years Dr. Wagenseller has been sur- 
geon for the Pennsylvania railroad, and he is a 
member of the National Association of Railway 
Surgeons. At one time he filled the chair of 
physiology at Susquehanna University, Selins 
Grove. At all times a Republican, he has for 
many years been identified with the organization 
of his party, and has been to a number of State 
Conventions, and to three National Conventions. 
In 1S68 he was an elector and cast his vote for 
Grant and Colfax. In 186- he was commis- 
sioned, by President Grant, as revenue assessor 
of the Fourteenth District, comprising the coun- 
ties of Dauphin, Juniata. Northumberland. Sny- 
der and Union, and served in that capacity until 
[872. In the following year he was a candidate 
for the State Senate, and during the same year 
was appointed examining surgeon of the Un 
States board of pension examiners. In 1880 he 
was a delegate to the National Republican Con- 
vention at Chicago, and in 1884 and 1S92 was 
again a delegate. During 1S82 he received the 
Republican nomination for Congress. In local 
affairs Dr. Wagenseller has also been extremely 
active, and has officiated as a member of the 
borough council. Repeatedly he has been called 
upon to fill the position of chief burgess. At 
present he is serving as president of the board of 
health of the borough. He has also been iden- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1069 



tified with the business interests to some extent, 
and was formerly a director of the Snyder County 
Bank. In religious faith he is a Lutheran; since 
early manhood has been a member of the Church, 
and for many years past he has served as elder 
in the Church. Socially he is connected with 
the Masonic fraternity as a member of Lafay- 
ette Lodge. 

In 1S61 the Doctor married Miss Maria A. 
Schoch, daughter of Jacob Schoch, and he has 
one child, Mattie J., who is now the wife of Mar- 
tin L. Snyder. They have one child, Anna 
Marie. The family reside in a handsome res- 
idence on Market street. 



JOHN P. WETZEL, a farmer and fruit grower 
of Beaver township, Snyder county, was 
born September 24, 1 846, in what is now Sny- 
der county, then a part of Union county, and in 
the same neighborhood has spent his entire life. 

Mr. Wetzel is a son of John and Lydia (Aig- 
ler) Wetzel, and a brother of Samuel A. Wetzel, 
ex-Judge of Beaver township. He attended the 
schools near his home, and as soon as old enough 
to handle the plow began work on the farm. At 
the age of fourteen he became his father's as- 
sistant at the carpenter's trade, which business 
he followed until 1867, when he learned the 
blacksmith's trade in Mifflinburg, Union county, 
following that pursuit for some time thereafter. 
Hoping to benefit his financial condition, he 
moved to St. Joseph county, Mich., where he 
followed his trade for several months. He also 
spent several months in Bellevue, Ohio, after 
which he returned to Pennsylvania, and operated 
the home farm for his father for a year. In 1871 
he rented that farm, which he continued to cul- 
tivate for three years, when he removed to the 
farm of J. P. Smith, in Franklin township, rent- 
ing that property for three years. In 1877 he 
purchased the old homestead, and has since de- 
voted his time and energies to its improvement. 
He erected a fine barn and made other improve- 
ments at a cost of $1,500, has placed his land 
under a high state of cultivation, and has suc- 
cessfully a>nd extensively engaged in the raising 
of fruit. The place is neat and thrifty in its 
appearance and well indicates his careful super- 
vision. 

In 1 871 Mr. Wetzell was married, in Beaver 
township, Snyder county, to Mary E. Bingman, 
a native of that township, and a daughter of 
Frederick Bingman, who is still living. They 
now have a family of seven children: Ida E., 
wife of William W. Dreese, a telegraph operator, 
of Mifflin county ; F. Marion, a lumberman; Kate, 



wife of Charles Coleman, of Virginia; Samuel, 
Mary C, John K. and Mabel R., at home. 

Our subject is a stalwart Republican who 
does all in his power to promote the growth and 
insure the success of his party. He served for 
three terms as supervisor. He belongs to the 
Reformed Church, in which he has served as 
deacon, and for fifteen years has been superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school, his devotion to the 
cause of the Church being most marked and mer- 
itorious. He has been president of the Snyder 
County Agricultural Society since 1894. He be- 
longs to the Odd Fellows Society, and in social, 
political and business circles he is highly es- 
teemed for his many excellencies of character. 

Charles L. Wetzel, who is serving as county 
surveyor of Snyder county, and justice of the 
peace of Beavertown, was born January 17, 1861, 
and is a brother of the gentleman whose sketch 
is given above. He was educated in the public 
schools of Beavertown and in Freeburg Academy 
under Profs. Dill and Boyer, after which he 
spent several terms as a student in the Normal 
University in Ada, Ohio. He afterward engaged 
in teaching in the district schools of Snyder county 
for fourteen years, was for twelve years a teacher 
in Beavertown, one term in Troxelville, and one 
term in Adamsburg. He has followed surveying for 
fifteen years, and was elected county surveyor of 
Snyder county in the fall of 1892 for a three- 
years' term. So acceptably did he discharge his 
duties that in 1895 he was re-elected, and since 
1894 he has also filled the office of justice of the 
peace, discharging his duties with a fairness and 
impartiality most commendable. He has also 
been township auditor for nine years, and in his 
political affiliations he is a stanch Republican. 

In 1887, in Beavertown, Charles Wetzel was 
married to Sarah Diehl, who was born near 
Mifflinburg, a daughter of Henry Diehl, of Union 
county. They have three children: Chauncy 
Blaine, Maggie Eve and William D. Mr. Wetzel 
belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America, 
in which he has filled all the offices, and is a 
member of the Reformed Church. 



OHN LANDIS COOPER is a wealthy re- 
tired agriculturist now residing at Selins 
Grove, Snyder county, and his elegant home 
displays the influence of the refined and cultured 
tastes of its occupants. Mr. Cooper has always 
been a friend of education, and, in fact, is in 
sympathy with all advance movements. His 
patriotism was demonstrated by gallant service 
in the army during the Civil war, and he has for 
years been actively interested in the G. A. R. 






1070 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



The Cooper family originated in one of the Brit- 
ish Isles. Our subject's grandfather Cooper, cross- 
ing the ocean at an early day, located in New Jer- 
sey, where he engaged in farming. He died there 
in i S 1 8, leaving two sons, Israel and John. The 
latter, who became the father of our subject, was 
born in 1807, in New Jersey, and was left father- 
less when nine years old. He began his business 
career under disadvantages, and, although he had 
no capital at the start, he acquired a handsome 
competence, and at his death, in 1S79, was the 
owner of 300 acres of land. His wife, Catherine 
Snyder, a native of Northumberland county, was 
born in 1809, and died in 1893. They had nine 
sons and two daughters, all but one of whom 
lived to adult age. Hiram, who married a Miss 
Simpson, lives at Goshen, Ind. ; Jeremiah died in 
Selins Grove; Isaac Newton is living in retire- 

1 at Sunbury, Penn. ; Thomas died some 
years ago; Harriet is the wife of Jacob Muench, 
of Snydertown, Penn. ; John L. is mentioned 
more fully farther on; Simon P. died at the age 
of eight years; David W. lives on the homestead; 
Joseph Melancthon, a physician in Schuylkill 
county, Penn., weighs 285 pounds; Martin Luther 
is living in retirement in Snydertown, Penn. ; and 
Mary, who married Rev. A. K. Zimmerman, of 
Selins Grove. Of those who lived to maturity 
none weighed less than 184 pounds, and the 
heaviest was light and strong on his feet. All of 
them remained at home until they reached the 

of twenty-one, with the exception of Thomas, 
who became a clerk, but gave his salary to his 
father while under age. They were a remarkably 
harmonious family, the boys agreeing among 
themselves, and never calling upon the father to 
settle a dispute of any kind. 

John Landis Cooper was born December 1 
1S40, at the old homestead in Northumberland 
county, where he grew to manhood, obtaining an 
education in the district schools while assisting 
in the farm work. He left home first when, on 
August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 131st 
1 V. I., in response to Gov. Curtin's first call 
for nine-months' men. His regiment was as- 
signed to the Army of the Potomac. He was 
taken ill with typhoid fever, and while in that 
condition, in September, 1862, he was taken 
prisoner in Chambersburg, and as soon as able 
1 1 'led and sent home. He remained 
there some three weeks, and then reported at the 
hospital at Harrisburg, where he was held until 
a general exchange, March 4, 1863. He then 
rejoined his regiment at Stoneman's Station, and 
here remained until the regiment was discharged, 
in June, 1863. After returning home he entered 
the employ of the Northern Central Railroad 



Company, remaining a part of two years, then 
began farming and lumbering, which he has since 
carried on with great success. In 1890 he built 
his present home, still owning his two farms, one 
of 87 acres and one of 204. In politics Mr 
Cooper is a firm believer in the principles of the 
Republican party. 

On September 20, 1866, Mr. Cooper was 
married to Miss Emma A. Hummel, by whom 
he has had two children: (1) Nora E. was grad- 
uated from Susquehanna University in 1- ~ 
married Rev. Robert G. Bannen, who also grad- 
uated in same class, and now is a Lutheran min- 
ister of South Williamsport, Penn. ; they have 
one child, Paul C. (2) Arthur E. was graduated 
from Susquehanna University in 1890; he mar- 
ried Miss Carrie L. Ulsh, of Middleburg, Penr. . 
and they have one daughter, Florence Anita. 
The parents are active members of the Second 
Lutheran Church (General Synod) of Selins Grove. 
Mrs. Cooper being very active in all Church and 
temperance work. She is active in the \Y. C 
T. [}., being treasurer of the work in the count v. 
and superintendent of the Mother's work. 

Mrs. Cooper was born July 28, 1845, near 
Selins Grove, Snyder county, where the Hummel 
family has resided for many years, her father, 
the late John Hummel, having been born there 
in 1817. He died in 1895, and his wife, Han- 
nah Diebert, who was born in Orwigsburg, Penn., 
in 1820, passed away in 1S77. Their children 
were: Franklin, who died when twenty-one; 
Emma A., Mrs. Cooper; Edward, who is now 
representing the Seventh District in the State 
Senate; Mrs. Kistner, of Selins Grove; and H. 
\\\, who is a coal and lumber merchant in North- 
umberland county. 



JAY GILFILLAN WEISER. The familj ol 
Weiser was eminent in the early annals of 
Pennsylvania. Conrad Weiser, prominent in 
the internal development of Pennsylvania long 
before the Revolutionary war, emigrated from 
Germany to Newburgh on the Hudson, in New 
York, in the year 17 10. He became a leading 
personage in Colonial times, and exercised a per- 
manent and wide influence upon the times in 
which he lived, rendering important services to 
the Province of Pennsylvania in effecting treaties 
with the different Indian tribes. 

In the civil and military relations of those 
early days he was, perhaps, one of the most 
noted and distinguished of the public men wh' 
helped to make Pennsylvania one of the leading 
Colonies. He was noted particularly for his 
sterling integrity, his high qualities of fair dealing 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1071 



as an interpreter, and in his man}' important 
negotiations with Indian chiefs, as well as in the 
diplomacy he displayed in arranging questions of 
moment affecting the disposition of the land, he 
gained great influence and high standing with 
both the representatives of the Indian tribes and 
the Colonial government, in whose behalf he 
spent the best years of his life. He made several 
long journeys from the southeastern settlements 
in Pennsylvania, by direction of the Provincial 
authorities to arrange treaties, encountering 
numberless perils of the forest and foe, penetrat- 
ing into the far interior, reaching the Great 
Lakes of New York and Canada, and returning 
in safety. He died July 13, 1760, full of years 
and honor, and his remains lie near Womelsdorf, 
Berks Co., Pennsylvania. 

Jay Gilfillan Weiser, subject of this article, 
springs from Frederich, the second son of Conrad 
Weiser, and traces his descent in unbroken line 
through Jacob, John, Peter, and Jonathan, his 
father. They were all more or less prominent 
in the public affairs of their native State. Jona- 
than Weiser married Mary Gilfillan, of near Mil- 
lerstown, Perry county; her father was James 
Gilfillan, and her mother was Sarah Jones, 
daughter of Nathan Jones, who was born at Had- 
dington, West Philadelphia, and who married 
Sarah Gibson, of Kingsessing. The father of 
Nathan Jones was Robert Jones, of Marion. 

Jay Gilfillan Weiser, on his paternal side in- 
herits German blood, and on the maternal side 
he has an infusion of Irish and Welsh. The 
Joneses lived on the famous Welsh Tract contig- 
uous to Philadelphia and were contemporary with 
the landing of William Penn. Jonathan Weiser, 
father of Jay Gilfillan Weiser, was born at Wom- 
elsdorf, Berks Co., Penn., and after he had 
grown to manhood, located at Mahantango, Jun- 
iata Co., Penn., where he became engaged in 
business enterprises, holding several positions of 
trust, and was elected associate judge, which pos- 
ition he filled, and died shortly thereafter, leav- 
ing to survive him his wife and five children — 
three sons and two daughters — Jay being his 
third child, born at Mahantango, Juniata Co., 
Penn. He was educated at the Millersville 
State Normal School, unde% the supervision of 
Dr. Edward Brooks, eminent as an author of 
educational works, now Superintendent of the 
Public Schools of the City of Philadelphia. 
Thereafter he entered the law department of the 
University of Pennsylvania, and graduated in 
1882, having studied law in the office of Hon. 
Louis E. Atkinson, ten years a representative in 
Congress from the 1 8th Pennsylvania District, 
as well as having been under the tutelage of the 



late Hon. Richard Vaux, ex-Mayor of Phila- 
delphia, and Judge Michael Arnold, of the same 
city. 

Mr. Weiser was admitted to the Philadelphia 
Bar in June, 1882, upon motion of Mr. Vaux, 
spending some time thereafter in their law offices, 
from which many rising young men went forth 
into the professional field. He located in Mid- 
dleburg, Snyder Co., Penn., December 23, 1886, 
where he has since successfully practised his pro- 
fession. He was his party's nominee for District 
Attorney in 1SS8 but failed of election, because 
of the overwhelming majority of the opposing 
party; was a delegate to the Democratic Conven- 
tions in 1889 and 1891, and in 1896 was chosen 
at the Allentown Convention of 1896, as a Del- 
egate to the National Chicago Convention of that 
year, which nominated Hon. William J. Bryan 
for the Presidency. In the law Mr. Weiser is 
held in high esteem for his fine qualities of mind 
and high professional honor, a thorough and apt 
student, well equipped for his profession by a 
complete education, and enjoying the confidence 
and regard of all his professional brethren and 
the public at large. 

In politics our subject is a Democrat, clinging 
to the Jeffersonian traditions of the organization, 
and is frequently called into counsel, as a repre- 
sentative of his district, at conventions held for 
nominating State candidates and enunciating 
party platforms. In 1893 he was pressed by the 
leaders of his section of the State for a position 
in the Consular service, under the second Cleve- 
land Administration; and Gov. Pattison recogniz- 
ing his trained qualities of mind and professional 
ability appointed him one of the Five Commis- 
sioners to prepare the History of " The Frontier 
Forts of Pennsylvania, " erected as garrisons by 
the Province, as a means of defence against the 
Indians, prior to the Peace Treaty of 1781. He 
performed his arduous work with ability and 
fidelity, his district composing sixteen counties of 
the Commonwealth. Mr. Weiser is President of 
the Snyder County Historical Society, recently 
organized, is a supporter of the progressive insti- 
tutions of his community, is social and affable in 
disposition. He is unmarried. 



HARVEY SCHOCH, a successful business 
man of Selins Grove, Snyder county, is 
prominently identified with the various interests 
of his locality, political, social and religious, as 
well as financial. For some years he has been a 
member of the well-known mercantile firm of 
Schoch Bros., but of late he has given his atten- 



1072 



( OMitEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



tion to the insurance business, in which he is now 
a leader. 

Mr. Schoch is a representative of one of the 
oldest families of the county. He was born Au- 

I 20, 1857, on the old farm in Franklin town- 
ship, Snyder county, a son of John A. and Lydia 
(Houtz) Schoch [see sketch of Ira C. Schoch], 
and after attending the public schools there and 
^elins Grove he took a course in Susquehanna 
University, graduating in 1877. I' 1 1882 he be- 
came a member of the firm of Schoch Bros, and 
for seven years he was actively engaged in mer- 
cantile business. He held the position of post- 
master of the city under appointment of Benja- 
min Harrison. Since 1882 he has been more or 
less interested in insurance business, and, on giv- 
ing up his connection with the firm in 1SS9, he 
devoted his entire attention to that line, carrying 
fire, life and accident risks. He is thoroughly up 
to date in his business methods, and his manners 
are gentlemanly and courteous under all circum- 
stances. 

As a member of the First Evangelical Lu- 
theran Church of Selins Grove, he has always 
taken an active part in religious work. In Ma- 
sonic circles he has been a prominent figure for 
years as past master of Lafayette Lodge No. 
194, F. *.v A M., at Selins Grove; Perseverance 
Chapter No. 21, R. A. M., and Pilgrim Com- 
mandery No. 11, K. T., at Harrisburg; Harris- 
burg Consistory, 32nd degree, S. P. R. S. ; and 
the Lu Lu Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. , at Phila- 

bia. 

In 18S3 Mr. Schoch was married to Miss 
Emma C. Schnure, daughter of George Schnure 
[see sketch of Mr. Schnure]. They have three 
children to bless their union: Silas Howard and 
Marion Schnure, two bright boys; and Agnes 
Selin, the daughter, named for her great-grand- 
mother — the daughter of Maj. Anthony Selin, 
the founder of Selins Grove. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON WAGENSEL- 
LER, A. M., editor of the Middleburgh Post, 
is an enterprising and talented young man, whose 
abilities have found a congenial field for expres- 
sion in journalistic work. He was born near 
S«lins Grove, Penn., April 27, 1868, and his 
bnvhood was spent upon his father's farm, much 
of his time being given to wholesome outdoor 
work. When he was fifteen years old his father 
became the manager of the G*angers' store at 
Selins Grove, and for several years George clerked 
there during the summer months, while attending 
the public schools in winter. In March, 1887, 
he entered Missionary Institute, now Susque- 



hanna University, at Selins Grove, having secured 
the necessary funds for his tuition and books 
through the diligent and careful saving of many 
small sums. On June 6, 1889, he was gradu- 
ated, and during the following summer he became 
the principal of the public schools of Cowan, 
Union county, where he taught with marked 
success for one year, graduating five students 
on May 15, 1S90. In September of the same 
year he matriculated as a student at Bucknell 
University at Lewisburg, Penn., entering the 
junior class. His summer vacations were devoted 
to canvassing, by which he earned enough money 
to pay the expense of his entire course, and on 
June 22. 1892, he was graduated from the classi- 
cal course with the degree of A. B. Three years 
later he was granted the degree of A. M. from 
his Alma Mater. 

During the summer of 1892 the Pennsylvania 
National Guard was called out to quell the riot 
at Homestead, Penn., and Mr. Wagenseller went 
with the Lewisburg company, spending eighteen 
days'on duty. In August, 1892, he accepted the 
position of Professor of English and the Sciences 
in the Coatesville Academy, but in the following 
January, having learned that his salary was in 
jeopardy, he resigned. In April, 1893, he began 
work as Principal of the Teachers' Normal 
School at Kerrmoor, Clearfield county, Penn., 
the course being completed in June. During the 
following summer he was offered three positions 
within ten days, viz. : the presidency of Palatinate 
College at Myerstown, Penn. ; the assistant prin- 
cipalship of the public schools at Clearfield, 
Penn., and the principalship of the Bloomfield 
Academy at New Bloomfield, Perry Co., Penn. 
He accepted the latter, and held the position 
until the spring of 1894, when he resigned to 
engage in his present calling. On March 17, 
1894, in partnership with A. E. Cooper, he pur- 
chased from Thomas H. Harter the Middleburgh 
Post, with the entire printing plant. On De- 
cember 12, 1894, the partnership was dissolved, 
and Mr. Wagenseller became the sole proprietor 
and the editor. 

The history of the Post goes back to some 
time in the forties, when a German Whig paper 
was established at Naw Berlin, called the Union 
Demokrat. For many years it was published by 
Christian Moeser. In 1850 it was bought by Is- 
rael Gutelius, and in the spring of 1853 it was 
moved to Selins Grove. In 1861 it was changed 
from a German to an English paper, and the 
name changed to the Post. Until the latter part 
of 1866 it remained at Selins Grove, and prier 
to New Year, 1867, it was bought by Hon. Jere- 
miah Crouse, and moved to Middleburgh, and he 




JZUo. TfrTfa 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1073 



continued its publication until December i, 1882, 
when Thomas H. Harter bought it, and retained 
it until the subject of this sketch secured it as 
above stated. On February 3, 1898, the entire 
plant was moved into a large building built es- 
pecially for the purpose, near the center of town. 
It is a strong Republican organ, free to expose 
wrong-doing in public life at all times, and it 
now has the largest circulation within the coun- 
ty, of any newspaper whatever. By his industry 
and vigilance he has greatly extended the influ- 
ence of the paper, and he has added to the print- 
ing plant from time to time such modern devices 
as are required in an up-to-date office. 

The ancestry of Mr. Wagenseller can be 
traced back to Christopher Wagenseil, who with 
his wife, Anna Christina, came from Germany 
prior to 1734. [For the lineal descendants see 
sketch of Dr. B. F. Wagenseller.] William 
Jeremiah Wagenseller, the father of our subject, 
was born in Snyder county, Penn., March 23, 
1839, and died August 3, 1895, m tne borough 
of Selins Grove, at the age of fifty-six years, 
four months and ten days. Early in life he 
went to live with Henry and Catherine Bickhart. 
His education was obtained in the public schools 
of his district and in the school of life. On No- 
vember 5, 1861, he was married to Miss Rebec- 
ca Forry, the daughter of John and Esther For- 
ry, of Penn township. The ceremony was con- 
ducted by Rev. C. Z. Weiser. Less than a year 
transpired when the call for able-bodied men 
came, and on October 28, 1862, he enlisted and 
was made corporal of Company F, 172nd P. V. 
I. His term of enlistment expired January 28, 
1863. He again enlisted, this time on Septem- 
ber 5, 1S64, and was assigned to Company D, 
208th P. V. I. On October 5, 1864, at Bermu- 
da Hundred he was handed his commission as 
sergeant of his company. He participated in 
the fierce fighting at Fort Steadman, and in the 
capture of Petersburg, Va. On June 1, 1865, 
at the close of the war, he was discharged, and 
• he, with thousands of others, threw off the sol- 
dier's uniform and returned to the life of a civil- 
ian. He was prominently connected with the 
Grange movement, and for several years was 
master of the local organization, and he also 
was the presiding officer of the Snyder County 
Pomona Grange. In 18S3, the Grangers opened 
a co-operative store, and Mr. Wagenseller was 
chosen general manager, and held the position 
until November, 1890, when he voluntarily re- 
tired to private life. 

There were ten children born to William J. 
•and Rebecca Wagenseller, viz. : Kate Alice, born 
February 22, 1862; Mary Louisa, born May 17, 

68* 



1864, died August 25, 1865; John Franklin, born 
August 1, 1866; George W., the subject of this 
sketch; an infant son, born April 28, 1870, died 
May 5, 1870; Ida May, born May 15, 1871; 
Amon Sylvester, born November 11, 1873, mar- 
ried Jeneatte Smith August 8, 1897, and to them 
was born a son, Bruce Sylvester, February 23, 
1898; Anna Celesta, born June 10, 1876, died 
February 17, 1882; Charles Henry, born Decem- 
ber 9, 1877, died July 24, 1878; and an infant 
son, who was born September 30, 1881, and died 
the same day. 

On October 22, 1896, George Washington 
Wagenseller, our subject, was married to Miss 
Miriam Orwig, daughter of Dr. John W. and 
Margaret (Zellers) Orwig, of Middleburg. Mrs. 
Wagenseller was born June 18, 1875, in Middle- 
burg, and she can trace her ancestry back to 
Gottfried Orwig, who, with his wife came to 
America in 1743, and settled in Berks county, 
Penn. He was born, it is supposed, in Bruns- 
wick, Germany, August 24, 1 719, and qualified at 
the port of Philadelphia, October 2, 1741, ar- 
riving from Rotterdam in the ship " St. An- 
drew, "Charles Stedman, master. His age is giv- 
en as twenty-two, which corresponds to the tomb- 
stone record at Orwigsburg, Penn. He went to 
Germany, and brought his wife, Clara, over in 
1843. She was born January 26, 1716, and died 
January 5, 1788, aged seventy-two years, less 
three weeks. Gotfried and Clara had six chil- 
dren, viz.: Catharine, born December 4, 1748; 
Peter, born at Maiden Creek, Berks Co., Penn., 
July 8, 1750, married Hannah Webb, and died 
at Orwigsburg about 1807; Maria, born Decem- 
ber 19, 1751; Henry, born at Maiden Creek, 
December6, 1753, married Elizabeth Haring (no 
children), was a private in the Revolutionary war, 
in Col. William Thompson's Riflemen, died De- 
cember 18, 1836; Elizabeth, born October 8, 
1756; George, youngest child, born at Maiden 
Creek, March 11, 1758, was in the Revolution- 
ary war and took part in the battles of Long 
Island, White Plains, and Brandywine. He had 
joined the rifle company of Capt. James Olds, 
in July, 1776. His last services were rendered 
at Fort Jenkins in 1778. He was married to 
Mary Magdalene Gilbert, who was born August 
10, 1758, by whom he had twelve children. He 
died at Mifflinburg, Penn., March 2, 1841. Got- 
fried and his wife, the parents of these children, 
settled in 1743 at Maiden Creek, near Reading, 
Penn., on lands purchased from the Iroquois In- 
dians, but afterward removed to Sculp Hill, 
near Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill county. During 
the Revolutionary war a company of old men 
was organized (Germans), eighty in all. Their 



1074 



ruMMEMORATIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RKCORD. 



captain was nearly one hundred years old, and 
in a history of Pennsylvania the names of this 
company are given, and Gotfried is among 
them. 

George Orwig, the youngest son of Gotfried. 
is the great-great-grandfather of Mrs. Wagensell- 
er. Maria Magdalene, the daughter of Conrad 
Gilbert, was born August 10, 1758, and died 
January 30, 1841. About 1812, George Orwig 
moved to near Mifflinburg, Union county. Both 
are buried there. They had twelve children, as 
follows: George, born January 17, 1780, died 
near Bellevue, Ohio, February I, 1852; John, 
born July 21, 1781, died near Bellevue, Ohio, 
September 25, 1844; Jacob, born April 18,1783, 
died at New Berlin, Penn., January 23, 1 
Abraham, born February 26, 1787, died at Or- 
wig's Mill, Union Co., Penn., December 16, 
1852; Isaac, born February 27, 1785, died near 
Orwigsburg; Henry, born June 27, 1789, died in 
Mifflinburg, married (no children;; Mary Sarah, 
born August 27, 1 791 , died October 9, 1792; 
Maria Magdalen, born December 5, 1793, mar- 
ried Ephraim Hackman, died at Adamsburg, 
Penn.; Rebecca, born February 1, 1796, married 
Thomas Crotzer, died at Mifflinburg; Samuel, 
born April 6, 1798, married Mary Meyer, died at 
Mifflinburg, September 7, 1872; William, born 
March 22, 1800, died on his farm in Lewis town- 
ship, Union county, February 26, 18S9; and Han- 
nah, born July 1, 1802, never married, died at 
Mifflinburg, October, 1882. 

John Orwig, the second son of George and 
Maria Magdalene (Gilbert) Orwig, is the great- 
grandfather of Mrs. Wagenseller. He was a 
merchant at Mifflinburg, and in 1820 was the 
postmaster at that place. In 1826 we learn that 
he was still there. Later he moved to Ohio, 
and died on September 25, 1844. He had five 
sons: Joseph, the eldest, is the grandfather of 
the wife of our subject; John; Daniel; Samuel; 
and Henry; and two daughters, Susan, married 
Daniel Auble, now resides in Akron, Ohio; and 
another daughter, whose name is not now at 
hand. Of these children, Joseph was born No- 
vember 21, 1801, married to Anna B. Keller, 
December 24, 1829, and died August 2, 1S79. 
Anna B. (Keller) Orwig was born June 17, 18 10, 
and died July 4, 1S74. To this union were born 
twelve children: Sarah E., born Decembers, 
J I, married February 26, 1856, to William 
■r, and died January t8, 1881, in Kan 
(William Calpel murdered by the Missou- 

nans May [9, 1-- Samuel P., born May 18, 
1834. married December 9, 1856, to Mary Tran- 
Amanda L., born February married 

June 6, 1858, to M. O. Eilert, and died March 



27, 1S85; Andrew J., born October 24, 1836, 
married March 18, 1861, to Sarah Browers, and 
died May 16, 1S80; Lucina A., born April 15, 
1838, married December 1, 1857, to Aaron 
Weary, and died February 25, 1870. Martha 
J., born December 29, 1839, married March 24, 
1864, to William A. Orr, and died March 25, 
1890; William P., born March 13, 1841, mar- 
ried October 10, 1866, in San Francisco, to 
Emma Dean, and died about 1896. Malinda D., 
born October 2, 1844, married March 7, 1867, 
to John Yeatter, and died June 4, 1890. John 
W., born February 22, 1S43, married June 4, 
1868, to Margaret Zellers, daughter of Samuel 
Zellers and a Miss Stout. Mary M., born May 
15, 1846, married October 10, 1869, Andrew 
Hudgason, and died December 1, 1885. Joseph 
C. , born February 13, 1849, is married, and re- 
sides at Herndon, Penn.; and Susanna M., born 
February 28, 1852, died February 21, 1874. 

John W. ami Margaret (Zellersi Orwig had 
three children: (1) Lillie Susanna, born January 
11, 1869, married to Harry Harter, now resides 
at Northumberland, and they have two children: 
Wilmer and De Briceon; (2) Miriam, born June 
18, 1875, married October 22, 1896, to the sub- 
ject of this sketch, and (3) an infant daughl 
born Februarv 23, 1883, and died February 26, 
1883. 

On his mother's side our subject's ancestry is 
ii more hard)' than on the paternal side. 
Coming from Germany during the Colonial 
period, they settled in Berks county. Mr. Wag- 
enseller's grandmother was a Zerbe. Her ances- 
tors came overland from Schoharie. N, Y. , to 
Tulpehocken, Berks county, in the Weiser Col- 
ony in 1723-27. They were a prominent fam- 
ily. John Forry, the grandfather of our subject, 
was married October 28, 1 S 3 2 , to Esther Zerbe, 
in Berks county, by Rev. Thomas Leinbach. 
They resided in Berks county until 1839 or 1840, 
when they moved to near Richfield in Snyder 
county, where they resided several years, and 
then moved to Penn township, Snyder county. 
They reared a family of sixteen children: I 
ward, born August 23, 1833, married December 
[ 8, 1859, to Sarah Ann Jodon, now resides at 
Freeburg. Penn, ; John, born September 28, 
1834, now resides at Elkhart, Ind. ; Levi, born 
May 29, 1836; Amanda, born September 29, 
1837, married Lieut. William H. Gemberling, 
and resides at Selins Grove; Jonathan, born No- 
i>er 22. [838, married Deborah Grissinger, 
now resides at Milton, Penn.; Rebecca, born 
20, 1840, married November 5. 1861 
William J, Wagenseller (the father of our sub- 
1 now. a widow, resides at Selins Gr< 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1075 



William, born March n, 1842; Alfred, a cripple, 
born July 20, 1843, died August 19, 1879; El- 
mira, born October 29, 1844, married (first) to 
Matthias U. App (now deceased), and (second) to 
David Reed, and now resides at Adamsville, 
Cass Co., Mich.; Lydia, born September 19, 
1S46, married to Norman Fisher, now resides 
near Selins Grove; Mary Ann, born October 21, 
1848, married March 9, 1875, to Jacob Martin. 
now resides at Goshen, Ind. ; Elizabeth, born Sep- 
tember 9, 1850, married November 3, 1S67, to W. 
N. Fisher, now resides near Selins Grove; Samuel 
Boyer, born August 25, 1852, unmarried, resides 
south of Selins Grove; a son, born January 12, 

1854, died in infancy; Calvin, born February 28, 

1855, married October 29, 1874, to Alice Daub- 
ert, and now resides at Kantz, Snyder Co. , Penn. ; 
and Catherine, born November 25, 1857, mar- 
ried to Frank Duck, now resides at Kantz, Sny- 
der Co., Pennsylvania. 

John Forry [Forrer], our subject's grand- 
father, was born in Berks county, March 25, 
1805, was a wool carder, and died January 2, 
1865, at Selins Grove, Penn. His wife, Esther 
(Zerbe) Forry, was born in Berks county, No- 
vember 20, 18 14, and died at Selins Grove, Au- 
gust 27, 1874, a ged 59 years, 9 months and 7 
days. 

George Washington Wagenseller is one of 
the rising young men of central Pennsylvania, a 
clear thinker, a forcible writer, and a congenial 
fellow. Public-spirited and progressive, he 
forged his way to the front with that zeal and 
ardor that can result only in triumph. A mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, a local historian, 
an ardent Republican, these are additional nom- 
enclatures that disclose his taste. At present he 
is compiling a history of the ' ' Wagenseller Fam- 
ily in America." He resides in the borough of 
Middleburgh, at the county seat of Snyder coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania. 



LEVI FISHER, of Selins Grove. "Our fore- 
/ fathers," writes a well-known author, "still 

live among us in the record of their lives as well 
as in their acts, which live also. Whoever has 
left behind him a record of a noble life has be- 
queathed to posterity an enduring source of 
good." Among the many histories in this vol- 
ume from which readers can gain inspiring ideals, 
none are more suggestive and helpful than those 
which tell of individual effort and sacrifice dur- 
ing the long struggle for the preservation of the 
Union, and the following brief account of one 
of our brave defenders is deserving of the appre- 
ciative reception which it will receive from every 



true American. Entering the army while in the 
first flush of manhood, Mr. Fisher came back 
permanently crippled; yet notwithstanding his 
disabilities he has maintained a useful and hon- 
orable position in life, serving with marked 
ability in various offices of public trust. 

Mr. Fisher was born January 19, 1843, in 
Penn township, Snyder county, and is of an old 
Pennsylvania family. His paternal grandfather, 
George Fisher, was a native of this State, born 
probably in Lehigh county, and his death oc- 
curred before our subject's remembrance. He 
married a Miss Campbell, and reared a family of 
six children, viz. : Samuel, our subject's father; 
George, now a resident of Shamokin Dam, Penn. ; 
Adam, who resides in Northumberland county, 
with a son ; Isaac, who died in Selins Grove ; 
Henry, who died in Elkhart county, Ind., and 
Elizabeth, who married John Winkleman, and 
removed to Indiana. After the death of our 
subject's grandfather, the grandmother married 
George Gemberling, by whom she had one son, 
Sephares, now a resident of Penn township, 
Snyder county. 

Samuel Fisher, the father of our subject, was 
born in Lehigh county, in 1809, but came to 
Snyder county before his marriage to engage in 
business as a contractor and builder. He died 
in 1879, but his wife, Anna Fetter, who was 
born October 23, 1815, in Jackson township, 
Snyder county, is still living at the old 
homestead in Penn township. They had seven 
children: Elizabeth (Mrs. William Remer), Will- 
iam H. (who married Miss Sarah Lytle, and re- 
sides in Goshen, Ind.), Levi (our subject), Bar- 
bara E. (deceased, who never married), Zacha- 
riah Taylor (who married Miss Grace Eyer, and 
resides in Wisconsin), Ada (Mrs. H. A. Rearick, 
of Sunbury, Penn.), and Samuel A. (who lives 
at the old homestead). 

Mr. Fisher has always made his home in his 
native county, and in his youth received such 
education as the public schools of the day afforded. 
On January 25, 1864, during the Civil war, he 
enlisted in Company F, 184th P. V. I., and soon 
afterward went to the front, his regiment being 
assigned to the Army of the Potomac, Hancock's 
Corps. His first important battle was the en- 
gagement in the Wilderness, and then followed 
the battles of Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. 
He took part in the famous charge at the latter 
place, and fell in front of the Rebel works, hav- 
ing received three wounds in a few minutes. His 
right leg was so mangled above the knee that it 
was subsequently amputated, but before it re- 
ceived any attention Mr. Fisher lay for four days 
and nights among the dead and dying, without a 



1076 



00 VXhWf \RA TI VE BIO GRA I'lIJi A L RECORD. 



particle of food and with no shelter from the 
elements. A heavy rain fell, and the bodies of 
the living and the dead were partially immersed 
in water as they lay upon the field unattended. 
When assistance came Mr. Fisher, with others, 
was taken by sea to an island in New York har- 
bor, and, a fever having already set in, he lay in 
a hospital there for some time. On September 
3, 1864, he arrived at his old home, but on the 
3rd of December following he went to Philadel- 
phia to receive treatment. After spending sev- 
eral months in various soldiers' hospitals, he was 
sent, in April, 1865, to Chester Hospital, where 
there were at the time fifteen hundred soldiers 
with but one leg each. The man in charge of 
the place fed these disabled heroes of the war on 
mush and molasses for two weeks after Mr. Fish- 
er's arrival, and then the patients rebelled and 
petitioned the higher authorities for better fare, 
which they immediately received. 

A pension was granted Mr. Fisher soon after 
the close of the war, and this was afterward in- 
creased to $45 per month. He has not been able 
to follow any particular occupation, but his abil- 
ity and fidelity have been called into use at vari- 
ous times by his fellow citizens, who elected him 
jury commissioner in 1881 for a term of three 
years, and county treasurer in 1S91 for a similar 
term. He has been a member of the school 
board of Selins Grove for three years, and has 
served five years as city tax collector. He is a 
stanch Republican in politics, and takes an act- 
ive part in religious work as a member of the 
Reformed Church. He is a member of Capt. C. 
S. Davis Post No. 148, G. A. R. 

In 1870 Mr. Fisher was married to Miss Alice 
Amelia Huffman, a native of Monroe township, 
Snyder county, born August 22, [850, They 
have one son, Charles, now a fireman on the 
Pennsylvania railway, who married Miss Maud 
Jarrett, and has a daughter, Myra Alice. 



HON. SAMUEL A WETZEL, president of 
the Beavertown Mutual Fire Insurance 
Company, and ex-Associate Judge of Snyder 
county, is one of the leading citizens of his lo- 
cality. He is noted for that most uncommon 

ility, sound common sense, his advice be- 
ing sought on various matters both in politics 
and business. The Wetzel family has been 
identified with this State for several genera- 
tions, and our subject's grandfather, Philip Wet- 
zel, came to this section from one of the lower 

inties at a very early day, and spent his re- 
maining years here and in Middleburg, following 
the carpenter's trade. He had four sons: John, 



Levi, Daniel and Samuel; and three daughters: 
Nancy, Mary, and Sally, who is now the widow 
of John Smelker, of Mifflin county. 

John Wetzel, our subject's father, was the 
eldest child of his parents, and was born Febru- 
ary 10, 1 8 1 5. He learned the carpenter's trade 
with his father, being set to work at a very early 
age, and receiving but very little education. In 
1839 he married Lydia Aigler, who was born 
April 12, 1822, in Beaver township, Union 
county, Penn., the daughter of Jacob and Esther 
(Klose) Aigler. After his marriage he engaged 
in business for himself, doing contract work and 
building many houses and barns. During the 
winter seasons he would work at the cabinet 
maker's trade, as furniture was manufactured in 
those days in small shops, and being a good 
mechanic his services were always in demand. 
He was a small man, but, although he could never 
be called robust, he did much hard work in his 
life, and left a comfortable competence as a re- 
sult of his labors. During 1864 he removed to 
St. Joseph county, Mich., and remained a few 
months, but with the exception of this time he 
made his home throughout his married life in 
Beavertown, upon the same lot now occupied 
by our subject. In early years he was a stanch 
Whig in politics, and later was an equally ear- 
nest supporter of the Republican party; but al- 
though he was a regular voter he never seemed 
especially desirous of public office. He was a 
justice of the peace for a number of years, but 
finally declined to serve longer. He died at the 
age of seventy-six years, and was buried in Union 
cemetery of Beavertown; his widow, a most 
estimable lady, still resides at the old home. 
Our subject was the eldest of nine children; 
Amelia, who married Isaac Boush. died in Bea- 
vertown leaving one son, James C, now an ex- 
pert telegrapher at Pittsburg, Penn.; Jacob is 
shoemaker at Beavertown; John P., is a farmer 
in Beaver township, Snyder county; Ellen 
married Robert Beaver, of Beavertown: Will- 
iam A. is a resident 'of the same place; Ade- 
line married Jacob H. Bingaman, of Beaver- 
town; Charles L. , also a resident of Beavertown, 
is a justice of the peace and county surveyor; 
James D., also of Beavertown, is a carpenter by 
occupation. 

Mr. Wetzel was born March 14, 1840, in 
Beavertown. and attended school near the old 
home, his first teacher being Solomon Engle, 
formerly a justice of the peace. His opportun- 
ities were decidedly inferior to those afforded in 
the schools of to-day, and his active mind was not 
satisfied by the limited course afforded. After 
leaving school he prepared himself for teaching 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1077 



by private study, and after his marriage he taught 
for two terms at twenty-two dollars per month. 
The scanty returns of this occupation discouraged 
him, and he engaged in the carpenter's trade; he 
also clerked two years for Moses Specht in Beav- 
ertown, and for ten years worked in his foundry 
and machine shop, where plows, corn shellers, 
threshing machines, and implements of various 
kinds were manufactured. In 1864 he enlisted in 
Company I, 184th P. Y. I., which was attached to 
the Second Army Corps. He remained with the 
regiment until January, 1865, when he was taken 
ill and sent to the hospital at City Point, Va. 
He saw some severe fighting around Petersburg 
previous to his illness, and on returning to his 
regiment in February, 1865, he joined in the 
operations around Richmond, being at Appo- 
mattox at the time of Lee's surrender. Then 
came the Grand Review at Washington, after 
which he was discharged and returned to Beaver- 
town. 

In politics he is a Republican, and he has 
served as township auditor and as county auditor 
for one term. In 1867 he was elected justice of 
the peace, and he served in that office until 1883, 
when he resigned because of his election as As- 
sociate Judge of Snyder county. He served in 
this important position for two terms, and since 
his retirement his knowledge of law and his sound 
judgment have been called into play at different 
times, as he has often been asked to act as admin- 
istrator, executor, guardian and arbitrator. He 
owns several lots in Beavertow r n and a small 
farm in the same township, and has an interest 
in various business enterprises, being one of the 
founders of the Beavertown Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company, incorporated in 1879, of which 
he has been the president ever since its organiza- 
tion. The old homestead, which has now been in 
the family for more than sixty years, has been 
remodeled by him, and he has also erected a fine 
office building on the place. 

In 1863 he was married in Beavertown to 
Miss Emma Smith, a daughter of Adam and 
Mary (Specht) Smith. They have had eight 
children, of whom five are living: (1) Mary L. 
married James M. Kline, of Beavertown, and has 
two children, Libbie and Emma. (2) Jane A. 
married S. L. Freed, of Beavertown, and has 
one son, Edwin R. (3) Palmer E. died at 
twenty-two years of age, at the beginning of 
what seemed a promising career. (4) Libbie A. 
married William M. Specht, of Beavertown. 
(5) Miss Gertrude E. is at home. 16) Charles 
S. and (7) John A. were twins; the former died 
at the age of eight years, and the latter is now 
at home. (S) Katie E. died at the age of three 



years. Mr. Wetzel is prominent in Church 
work, and he and his wife both belong to the 
Reformed Church at Beavertown, in which he 
has held office as deacon, and is now serving as 
treasurer. He is a member of W. H. Byers 
Post No. 612, G. A. R., at Adamsburg, and was 
once an active Mason, and an Odd Fellow dur- 
ing the existence of that order in Beavertown. 
On July 22, 1897, President McKinley, in recog- 
nition of his worth as a citizen and his firm ad- 
herence to Republican principles, appointed him 
postmaster at Beavertown. 



JOHN H. WILLIS, of Selins Grove, is one 
of the most popular citizens of Snyder 
county, twenty-four years of faithful service in 
the public schools of that section having won the 
full confidence of the people. At present he 
holds the office of register and recorder of Sny- 
der county, and his ability, his excellent educa- 
tion and his unswerving fidelity to duty command 
the respect of all parties. He was born June 23, 
1S51, at Wilmington, Del., and after pursuing a 
liberal course of study, he began teaching, which 
he abandoned only after nearly a quarter of a 
century of successful work. For two years he 
remained free from regular business cares, but 
in 1897 he was nominated on the Republican 
ticket for the office which he now holds. A 
nomination by the Republicans is equivalent to 
an election in Snyder county, and Mr. Willis well 
deserved the honor because of years of faithful 
and effective work for the party. 

In 1882 Mr. Willis married Miss Lucy Huff- 
man, a native of Juniata count}-, Penn., born 
October 15, 1S53, and six children have blessed 
the union: Alice Carey, Angeline, Nevin, Katie, 
George W. and Ira. Socially, Mr. Willis and 
his wife are prominent, and he .is a member of 
the Reformed Church, and of several fraternal 
associations, including the Patriotic Order Sons 
of America and the Masonic fraternitv. 



J 



C. SCHOCH, prothonotary of Snyder coun- 
ty, is a man who is held in high esteem by 
his fellow-citizens, his sterling qualities of 
character making him entirely worthy of confi- 
dence. He has an honorable war record, and 
his reputation as a successful agriculturist shows 
that in the " piping times of peace" he has used 
his energies to good account. He belongs to a 
well-known pioneer family, his great-grandfather, 
Matthew Schoch, having settled at an early date 
at the site of the present village of Kreamer, 
Snyder county. Matthew Schoch was born De- 



Ifi7- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



cember 16, 1738, at Muhlhausen, Germany, and 
came to America in 1752, his labor for a term 
■ t years after his arrival going to pay for his 
passage. Landing at Philadelphia, he remained 
in that vicinity while fulfilled the terms of his 
contract, and then he located in Northampton 
county, Penn. , near Tulpehocken. Later he ac- 
companied Conrad Weizer, the noted Indian 
agent, to this section, and purchased a large tract 
of land where Kreamer now stands. He died 
in 1812 leaving eleven children, among whom 
was a son Jacob, our subject's grandfather, who 
followed the blacksmith's trade fora time in early 
manhood, and in 1822 built the first house in 
Kreamer, where he spent his remaining years as 
a farmer and hotel keeper. He married a 
Quaker lady named Hendricks, and had thirteen 
children, of whom the following lived to adult 
age: George, Michael, Jacob, Samuel, David, 
John A., Benjamin, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mar- 
garet and Angeline. 

John A. Schoch, our subject's father, was 
born at the old homestead near Kreamer, Janu- 
ary 5, 1808. He was married in 1830 to Miss 
Lydia Houtz, and for six years they made their 
home at the old stone hotel. In 1836 he sold 
the place and bought a farm near Middleburg 
where he resided until his death in 1S63. Thor- 
oughly progressive in his ideas, he did much to 
advance the best interests of his locality; early 
in the forties he donated land upon which to 
build the first public school house in Snyder 
county, and his zeal for the cause of educa- 
tion never slackened; throrghout his life he 
sought to elevate the standard of the local 
schools by securing the best teachers at good 
wages. His estimable wife, who was born at 
Selins Grove, October 17, 1812, is now residing 
in that city. She is a lady of high character 
and unusual mental ability, and in 1846 she or- 
ganized the first Sabbath-school ever established 
m that county. Of their children, the eldest, 
F. J. , is a retired merchant at Selins Grove; Eliza- 
beth is the wife of John M. Smith, of Nebraska; 
David A. resides at Orangeville, 111. ; Katie mar- 
ried Jerry Crouse, of Middleburg; John Calvin, 
our subject, is mentioned more fully below, A 
Z, is a merchant at Bloomsburg, Penn.; Silas 
H. died at the age of twenty-two; Ira C. is a 
resident of Selins Grove; Celestia died in infancy; 
H. Harvey resides at Selins Grove; George H., 
deceased, was the eleventh in order of birth ; Ada, 
widow of Dr. S. A. Kempfer, resides at Selins 
Grove. 

The subject of our sketch first saw the light 
October 15, 1842, in Franklin township, Snj 
county, and was reared upon a farm. His edu- 



cation was begun in the district schools near his 
home, and he afterward attended the academies 
at New Berlin and Selins Grove. In 1862 he 
enlisted for nine months in Company F, 131st 
P. V. I., and went to the seat of war, where he 
took part in a number of important engagements, 
including the battles of Antietam and Chancel- 
lorsville. He was discharged at the end of nine 
months and twenty-one days of service, and, re- 
turning home, he resumed the work of farming. 
In 1864 he took charge of the homestead, which 
he continued to operate until 1892, doing general 
agricultural work. At present he is the owner of 
the homestead farm, superintending the cultiva- 
tion of it himself. In November, 1892, he was 
elected to the office of prothonotary, and since 
February 1. 1893, he has held that position, 
having been re-elected in 1895. He is a stanch 
Republican, one of the chief advisers of the party 
in his locality, and as an official his ability and 
fidelity have won praise from all classes, irre- 
spective of political affiliations. 

On December 1, 1864, he married Miss Mar- 
garet Hassinger, a native of Snyder count}, bom 
October 12, 1842. Three children have blessed 
this union: (1) Clyde A. married Alfred Klose, 
of Beaver township, Snyder county, and they 
have one son, Harry Jacob. (2) Anna L. mar- 
ried Charles Swing, and had one child, Annie L. , 
who died in 1896. (3) Naomi M. married J. E. 
Stahlnecker, of Middleburg. 



CHARLES HOWER, of Selins Grove, is now 
the senior member of the Bar of Snyder 
county, and his long and successful legal career 
has gained for him a reputation extending far 
beyond local bounds. He is frequently retained 
in important cases in various parts of the State, 
but in most cases of note in his own county he 
has taken part on one side or the other. For 
many years he was also solicitor for the Sunbury 
& Lewistown Railroad Company under the man- 
agement of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 
Mr. Hower is of German descent remotely, and 
was born February 18, 1832, on the old Hower 
homestead, called Howerton, in Allen township, 
Northampton county, Penn. This place has 
now been in the possession of the family for 
more than a hundred and fifty years, a recent 
owner being George Hower, an uncle of our sub- 
ject, who died several years ago at the age of 
eighty-seven years. Frederick Hower, our sub- 
ject's great-grandfather, a native of Baden, Ger- 
many, came to America with his parents when 
only eight years of age. His son, John Nicho- 
las, the grandfather of our subject, and Eliza- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1079 



beth Dreisbach always resided at the old home- 
stead in Northampton county. Jacob Hower, 
our subject's father, who was born at the same 
place April i, 1793, and Miss Mary Morden, 
daughter of George Morden, a Quaker, who 
came from England at an early age with his 
parents, and resided at Belvidere, New Jersey. 
Jacob Hower died May 9, 1864, and his wife De- 
cember 27, 1865, the remains of both being in- 
terred at Mifflintown, Juniata county. 

The early education of our subject was ob- 
tained in the common school near his home, and 
at the McEwensville Academy, Northumberland 
county. When not engaged in study he devoted 
his time to farm work, assisting his father as his 
years and strength permitted, thus developing a 
fine physique which has enabled him to pass 
through the arduous toil of professional life with 
ease. At nineteen he left home to seek his for- 
tune, and for three years he taught school, first 
in Delaware and Chillisquaque townships, North- 
umberland county, and then in Liberty township, 
Montour county, in order to secure the means to 
study law, for which both inclination and talent 
fitted him. In 1851 he began his preparation in 
the office of William C. Lawson, Esq., a promi- 
nent attorney at Milton, and later he pursued a 
course in the Easton Law School under Judge 
Green, now a judge in the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania, and Judge McCartney, another 
noted jurist. In November, 1854, he was ad- 
mitted to the Bar of Northumberland county, 
Hon. George E. Miller, Hon. Joseph Casey and 
Henry Donnel, Esq., constituting the examining 
committee. April 3, 1855, after Snyder county 
was organized, he located at Selins Grove, where 
he has ever since been engaged in active practice. 
In 1858 he was elected district attorney of Snyder 
county by an unusually large majority, and this 
office he filled acceptably for three years. His 
professional work has always held the first place 
with him, and he has repeatedly refused to enter 
upon a political career. In 1882 when the Re- 
publicans of his county instructed their delegates 
to the State Convention to support him for the 
nomination for judge of the Supreme Court, he 
declined to allow his name to be brought before the 
convention. This position is usually considered 
one of the greatest honors that can fall to a 
practitioner, and had he desired the place he 
would have had a strong following, Colonel David 
Taggart, the senatorial delegate, and a goodly 
number of other delegates outside of his county 
favoring his nomination. Among the celebrated 
cases in which Mr. Hower has been engaged was 
the trial of Israel Erb, Emanuel Ettinger, and 
Urich and Jonathan Moyer, for the murder of an 



elderly couple named John and Gretchen Kintz- 
ler. The victims lived in Adams township, Sny- 
der county, and the crime was committed on the 
night of December 8, 1877, their dwelling being 
afterward burned and the bodies consumed in the 
flames. Suspicion fell upon the four men men- 
tioned, all of whom resided within four miles of 
the Kintzler homestead. The county commis- 
sioners decided to investigate the matter and 
asked Mr. Hower to act as counsel, which he 
agreed to do on condition that he could first as- 
sure himself that the suspected parties were 
guilty. His careful inquiries convinced him that 
they were, and he accordingly advised their arrest 
and assisted in the prosecution. All were con- 
victed of murder in the first degree. Ettinger 
afterward committed suicide in jail; the two 
Moyers, who confessed their guilt after convic- 
tion, were executed; and the sentence of Israel 
Erb was commuted by the Pennsylvania Board 
of Pardons to imprisonment for life in the peni- 
tentiary. These were the first and only persons 
ever convicted of murder in the county. 

Mr. Hower enlisted in October, 1862, in the 
i72dP. V. I. with the rank of first lieutenant, 
and served as a quartermaster for some time. 
In 1 864 he became a member of the board of en- 
rollment of the Fourteenth District of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

On December 26, 1854, Mr. Hower was 
united in marriage with Miss Amanda Nicholas, 
of Northumberland county, who passed to the 
unseen life October 14, 1858, her mortal re- 
mains being laid to rest in the Lutheran Ceme- 
tary at Selins Grove. Mr. Hower formed a sec- 
ond matrimonial union on September 1, 1859, 
with Miss Rebecca Shriner, daughter of Daniel 
Shriner, of Mifflinburg, Union county, who, in 
his declining years, made his home with our 
subject; he died June 1, 1886, at the age of 
ninety-three years. One of the early recollec- 
tions of this venerable man was the sight of the 
famous Dr. Joseph Priestley, who arrived in 
Northumberland county from England about 
1793, the year of Mr. Shriner's birth, and died in 
1804. Mr. Hower has two children, both by his 
first marriage. Mary Alice, born October 2, 
1855, married Wm. Field Shay, Esq., of Wat- 
sontown, Pennsylvania, and Asher Morden, 
born September 17, 1857, married and resides 
at Selins Grove. 



WH. RIEGEL, treasurer of Snyder coun- 
ty, is a man whose sterling qualities of 
character are widely recognized. In business life 



1 18 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he has shown the enterprise and sound judgment 
which the world is always inclined to admire, and 
as a citizen he is progressive and public-spirited, 
taking a leading part in the various movements 
that tend to promote the welfare of the commu- 
nity. 

Mr. Kit born May 21, i S 57. in West 

Beaver township, Snyder county, and has been 
a lifelong resident of the county. John Riegel, 
the grandfather of our subject, was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and became a successful farmer of 
Franklin township. Snyder county, where he 
died at an advanced age. He married Miss Cath- 
erine Bingaman, and their son Peter, our sub- 
ject's father, was born October 27, 1S24, at 
Beaver Furnace, but is now residing near Middle 
Creek, Snyder county, upon a farm. In early 
years he learned the chair maker's trade, but 
thirty-five years past he has been engaged in 
agricultural work. In politics he is a stanch Re- 
publican, and while he does not take an active 
part in public life he is a man of influence in his 
locality. His estimable wife, whose maiden 
name was Matilda Middleswarth, was born in 
1827, at Beavertown, Snyder county, a daughter 
of Hon. Xer Middleswarth, who was at one time 
a leading politician of this section, serving one 
term in Congress and thirteen terms as a mem- 
ber of the State Legislature. Of the ten children 
born to Peter and Matilda Riegel, the first tin 
Ephraim, Angeline and Jane, died in their youth. 
Amanda married A. A. Ulsh, of Middlecreek, 
Snyder county; W. H., our subject, is mentioned 
mure fully below; P. F. is a fire insurance agent 
at Beaver Springs, Snyder count}'; Harriet mar- 
ried J. F. Yetter, of Decatur, Mifflin county. 
Penn. ; Jacob W. resides near Lewistown, Penn. ; 
John M. is a resident of Middlecreek, Spring 
township; and Howard resides at Middlecreek. 
Spring township, Snyder county. 

The boyhood of our subject was spent in 
Beaver township, Snyder county (now Spring 
township), where he received a district-school 
education, and learned the brick layer's trade. 
For some time he followed farming, but in 1 SS3 
he located at Adamsburg, and has since been act- 
ively engaged in his trade, although he still ; 
some attention to agricultural pursuits. On N - 
vember 3, 1896, he was elected county treasurer, 
and on the first Monday in January, 1897, he 
assumed the duties of the office. On April 1, 
1897, he removed his family to Middleburg, and 
he is already thoroughly identified with the best 
interests of the place — business, social and re- 
ligious. 

On December 31, 1S76, he married Miss Mary 
A. Maurer, of Beaver township, Snyder countv, 



and one daughter, Elsie, brightens their home. 
Mr. Riegel is a member of the Reformed Church 
and of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. 



EDWARD BASSLER (deceased; was one 
of Snyder county's most successful busi- 
ness men. having been engaged for nearly 
half a century in mercantile pursuits at Selins 
Grove and Freeburg. In social, political and 
religious activities he was no less prominent, 
and although he had lived in retirement for 
some years previous to his death, the news of 
his final departure from earthly scenes on No- 
vember 23, 1895, caused profound grief among 
a wide circle of acquaintances. 

Mr. Bassler was born January 19, 18 16, at 
Selins Grove, the son of John Bassler, an old- 
time tavern keeper, and his wife, Catherine 
Weiser, who was a descendant of the famous 
pioneer, Conrad Weiser. This worthy couple had 
eight children: (1) Lucy, married (first) Samuel 
Hackenburg, (second) a Mr. Walter, and (third) 
a Mr. Newman. She died in Wabash, Ind.. in 
1894, aged eighty-eight years. (2] Maria, widow 
of George Gundrum, lives in Philadelphia, and is 
now nearly ninety years old. (3) John W (de- 
ceased) was formerly a partner of our subject in 
Selins Grove, but later he became a merchant at 
Sunbury, Penn. 14) Edward, our subject, is 
mentioned more fully farther on. (5) Sarah, 
who was a physician, married Henry App, and 
died near Bristol, Ind. (6) Simon J. joined the 
regular army in the West, and all trace of him 
has been lost. 

Our subject had but meager educational op- 
portunities, and at an early age began to learn 
the stone mason's trade. He followed this for 
some time, and during the construction of the 
canal he was employed on the stone work. When 
that great water-way was completed he began 
his mercantile career, having saved about $1,000 
by close economy. The canal added new lil 
business at Selins Grove, and of this he took ad- 
vantage. In partnership with his brother John, 
he opened a small general store about 1S41, the 
venture proving a success from the start, although 

r capital was limited, our subject furnish 
the major portion. Their location was after- 
ward changed, and at one time they conducted a 
business opposite the site of the First Lutheran 
Church. 

On December 27, 184b, Mr. Bassler was 
married to Miss Catherine A. Boyer, of Fi 
burg, Rev. J. G Erlenmeyer officiating, and this 
union proved a most fortunate one. As Mr 




&& 



et^j 




COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1081 



Bassler was in business in Selins Grove at the 
time of his marriage, he continued to reside there 
until the ague seized his wife, when a new home 
was made in Freeburg. This was intended to 
be temporary, but became permanent, as Mrs. 
Bassler's health was much better in Freeburg, 
and in 1850 our subject engaged in mercantile 
business there in partnership with his father-in- 
law. Later he was appointed postmaster, and 
served creditably for several years. In 1885 he 
retired from active business, and his son, J. C. 
W. Bassler, succeeded him, with Milton Strayer 
as a partner. This ended a continuous career in 
the mercantile business of forty-six years, eleven 
years in his native town and thirty-five years in 
Freeburg. He had built one of the best houses 
in the county in connection with his business 
establishment, and after his retirement he con- 
tinued to look after his extensive financial in- 
terests and other matters. On March 8, 1881, 
he became a director in the First National Bank 
at Selins Grove, which position he held until his 
death, and he was for many years a trustee of 
Freeburg Academy. His estate was valued at 
more than $126,000, and in all his years of busi- 
ness he kept absolutely free from litigation. In 
later years he loaned money extensively, and 
many a poor man retained his home through his 
leniency. He was a stanch Democrat, and, 
while he never let politics interfere with busi- 
ness, he took keen interest in the success of his . 
party. In 1880 he was Snyder county's choice 
for Congress, but at the convention he withdrew 
in favor of R. Milton Speer, of Huntingdon 
county. For many years he was an active mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F., having joined the lodge 
in Selins Grove. On May 2, 1833, he was 
received into membership in the Reformed Church 
at Selins Grove, being baptized by Rev. Daniel 
Weiser. 

Mr. Bassler was noted for his sociability, and 
he was a congenial companion. Always a lover 
of music, he found great pleasure in having his 
children sing and play, and no place seemed as 
attractive to him as his home. His favorite 
hymns were " There is a Reaper whose Name is 
Death," and "Nearer, My God, to Thee," and 
the latter was sung at his funeral at his request. 
The text for his funeral sermon was also selected 
by him from Revelations, xiv, 13: "And I heard 
a voice from Heaven saying unto me, write, 
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from 
henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
rest from their labors; and their works do follow 
them." He suffered much for three years before 
his death, and expressed at times a desire 
to depart and be at rest. To his faithful 



wife, who survives him, he often expressed his 
gratitude for her continual devotion to him. 

Their family consisted of two sons: (1) Ed- 
ward B. died February 22, 1S92, and was buried 
at Freeburg. He left four children — William 
L. married Miss Emma J. Arnold, has one daugh- 
ter, Katharine A., who was born August 24, 1897, 
and resides in Freeburg; Katy F. (a twin of 
William) died in Philadelphia, unmarried. She 
was a most popular young lady, beloved by all 
who knew her. Blanch A. married Milton H. 
Gasser, of Cleveland, Ohio, and has two sons — 
Raymond, born September 25, 1894, and Milton 
Leonard, born December 3, 1897. Charles W. 
is a resident of Cleveland, Ohio. (2) J. C. 
W., of Freeburg, Penn. (single), is one of the 
substantial citizens of that town, and lives with 
his mother. 

Mrs. Bassler is a lady of refinement and 
culture, possessing marked social gifts, and her 
home bespeaks her artistic tastes by scrupulous 
neatness and order. She was born at Freeburg, 
November 19, 1827, and is a member of a well- 
known family, her grandfather, Philip Boyer, 
having been a prominent resident in his day. 
He was born July 3, 1746, and died at Freeburg, 
March 24, 1832. He was twice married, his sec- 
ond wife, Catherine Paul (widow of Henry Paul), 
being Mrs. Bassler's grandmother. This estimable 
lady was born January 29, 1762, and died January 
8, 1 S3 5, her remains being interred beside those 
of her husband at Freeburg. Isaac Boyer, Mrs. 
Bassler's father, was born June 27, 1805, came 
to Freeburg with his parents in boyhood, and, 
after attending the subscription schools of that 
time, he learned the tanner's trade. At one time 
he owned the old " Boyer Tannery," which had 
been purchased by his father in 18 15, but later 
he sold this property and engaged in mercantile 
business near by, in partnership with Andrew 
Roush. Afterward the firm removed to what is 
known as Bassler's Corner, in Freeburg, where 
Mr. Bassler built a store room and residence. 
After a time he became the sole owner of the 
business, and continued for several years, and his 
next partner was his son-in-law, Edward Bassler, 
the firm continuing until the death of Mr. Boyer, 
on October 10, 1870. He was a tall, stately 
man, over six feet in height, but, although ap- 
parently healthy, he died very suddenly while 
going across the street for water, at seven o'clock 
in the evening. While he was notably success- 
ful in business he was a generous man, contrib- 
uting liberally to every worthy cause. He was 
especially active in religious work as a member 
of the Lutheran Church at Freeburg, in which he 
served for years as elder and trustee. In politics 



l.iso 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he was a stanch Republican. In 1824 he was 
married in Freeburg to Miss Barbara Strayer, 
who was born August 3, 1799, near Kantz, in 
what is now Snyder county, but was then North- 
umberland. She was a daughter of Matthias 
Strayer and his first wife, who was a Weiand, 
and was the youngest of eight children. Through- 
out her life she was noted for her kindly nature, 
and in her domestic affairs she was a model of 
exactness and neatness. Among her generous 
gifts to the Lutheran Church of Freeburg maybe 
mentioned the pipe-organ and a complete com- 
munion set. On the last Christmas that she 
spent on earth she purchased one hundred and 
twenty baskets for the infant class in the Sab- 
bath-school, and these happy children visited her 
home to express their thanks. She looked out 
from the window of her chamber with tearful 
eyes upon them as they held their beautiful gifts 
in their hands, and sang for her one of their sweet 
hymns. Her death occurred on January 2 1 , 
1882, and she was buried beside her husband in 
the Lutheran cemetery at Freeburg. Isaac and 
Barbara Strayer had four children: Mrs. Bassler; 
Mary A., born December 7, 1829, died July 20, 
1833; Araminda, who died December 31, 1839, 
aged seven years, seven months and eleven days; 
and Emma J., widow of John Weist, now a resi- 
dent of Freeburg, where she is highly respected 
for her mental gifts and amiable character. 



FJ. WAGENSELLER, M. D. The family 
of which this successful physician of Selins 
Grove is a representative has furnished many 
able workers to the medical profession, and he 
displays in full measure the qualities which that 
noble but arduous calling demands. 

Dr. Wagenseller was born October 8, 1 
at Selins Grove, where he received his literary 
education, attending first the public schools, and 
later the Susquehanna University, from which he 
was graduated in 1 S 7 5 . He then took a course in 
medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, re- 
ceiving the degree of M. D. in 1878, and on 
returning home he immediately engaged in prac- 
tice. His success has been most gratifying, a 
large and lucrative practice rewarding his de- 
votion to his work. Not only does he command 
the confidence of the "laity," but he standswvll 
among his professional brethren, and is a promi- 
nent member of the Snyder County Medical 
Society, and at present is serving as its president. 
His business absorbs his time, and while he 
strong Republican in principle he has never given 
especial attention to political movements. lit 
has been a member of the town council continu- 



ously since 1883, always being re-elected with 
good majorities; is now acting as president of 
that body. 

In December, 1879, Dr. Wagenseller was 
married to Miss Mary L. Keely, a native of Selins 
Grove, born February 8, 1857, and two children 
— Harry and Florence — bless the union. The 
Doctor and his wife belong to the Lutheran 
Church at Selins Grove, and take a sympathetic 
interest in all lines of moral and religious ad- 
vancement. 

The Wagenseller family is of German origin, 
the head of the American branch, John Wagen- 
seller, born in 1737, having crossed the ocean 
when a young man and settled in Montgomery 
county, Penn. He was still "heart whole and 
fancy free " it seems, as he was married after his 
arrival to a Miss Margaret Hornetter. His death 
occurred September 29, 1799, at Goshenhoppen, 
Montgomery county, Penn. He had eight chil- 
dren, among whom was a son Peter, our sub- 
ject's great-grandfather, who was born in Sep- 
tember, 1774, in Montgomery county, and died 
June 14, 1835, at Columbus, Ohio, leaving a 
widow. He was married to Susan Longacre, 
also a native of Montgomery county. His widow 
died at Pekin, 111., April 29, 1862. Her father, 
Jacob Longacre, who married a Miss De Franc, 
was born in Germany in 1756, and died in Ches- 
ter county, Penn., in 1807. Peter and Susan 
Wagenseller had ten children, all born in Mont- 
gomery county: Jacob, our subject's grandfather; 
John, born December 17, 1802, died in Ohio in 
January, 1845; Catherine, born in November, 
1804, died in Ohio in 1838; Hannah, born April 
25, 1807, died October8, [855; Benjamin, born 
in November, 1809, died at Pekin, 111., in March, 
1844; Joshua, born July 5, 1813, died at the 
same place about 1883; Peter, born July 16, 
181 5, deceased; William F., born November 13, 
1 8 1 7, died August 10, 1876; Susan, born in May. 
1820, deceased; and Henry, born in April. 1826, 
deceased. 

Dr. Jacob Wagenseller was born January 22. 
1801, and died at Selins Grove, April 27, 1847. 
He was a man of much intelligence, a graduate 
of the University of Pennsylvania, and held a 
prominent place in his day and generation. He 
married Mar) Kichter, whose father, Peter Rich- 
ter, was one of the leading citizens of Selins 
Grove. The children of this union were: Peter 
Kichter, father of our subject; Sarah married J. 
B. Evans, of Chester county; Mar} married 
Rev. Franklin Gearhart, of Williamsport; Cath- 
arine died at an early age; Benjamin F. , a phy- 
sician at Selins Grove; Lydia Catherine, who 
died in 1858, was the wife of William Holman, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1083 



of Chester Springs, Penn. ; John J., who resides 
at Bloomsburg, married (first) Miss Mary Willier, 
now deceased, and (second) Miss Clara Hughes. 
Dr. Peter Richter Wagenseller was born 
at Selins Grove, December 8, 1829, and died Au- 
gust 18, 1873. In his youth he attended the pub- 
lic schools in the vicinity of his home, and 
proved himself a thorough student, thoughtful 
and earnest. At the age of sixteen he entered 
the preparatory department of the Pennsylvania 
College, at Gettysburg, and was graduated in 
1852. During his college career he began the 
study of medicine under the wise and able guidance 
of Dr. Henry Huber, and on graduating at the col- 
lege entered the medical department of Pennsyl- 
vania College at Philadelphia, receiving the de- 
gree of M. D., in 1853. He practiced at Selins 
Grove, and soon became one of the best known 
of the skillful physicians of the county. He 
was progressive in his ideas, and kept apace with 
all the improvements of modern science. On 
July 19, 1854, he wedded Catherine Chritzman, 
daughter of George and Mary (Ulnch) Chritz- 
man, of Gettysburg. This union was blessed 
with children as follows: Franklin J. , our subject; 
George C. , who married Miss Lydia Schoch, 
and is now in the drug business at Selins Grove; 
Alberta, who married Dr. B. F. Emerick, of Car- 
lisle, Penn.; and Annie E., who married J. Al- 
fred Strohm, of Newville, Penn. The father of 
this family was prominent in public affairs; in 
1864 he was examining surgeon of the enrollment 
board of the 14th District of Pennsylvania; after- 
ward became examining physician on pensions. 
He took a deep interest in educational matters, 
serving as school director and also as director of 
the Susquehanna College; at the last named in- 
stitution he was lecturer of physiology and hy- 
giene. At different times he was a member of 
the town council, and was also chief burgess of 
the borough. In his religious belief he was 
a member of and an officer in the Lutheran 
Church. He faithfully discharged his duties in 
every walk of life, and his early death at the age 
of forty-three, seemed to cut short a career that 
would have been of inestimable good to the com- 
munity. 



DOMER G. SMITH, M. D., of Freeburg, who 
occupies a leading position among the rep- 
resentatives of the medical fraternity in Snyder 
county, is descended from one of the oldest and 
most highly respected families of Penn's Valley, 
Centre county. His father, Joseph Smith, was 
born in what is now Penn township, that county, 
April 8, 1826, a son of Francis and Anna M. 



(Kuhns) Smith. The former was born in Dau- 
phin county, Penn., October 3, 1801, and was a 
son of Francis Smith, a native of Ireland and of 
Scotch-Irish lineage. He was a cooper by trade, 
and in the early part of the 19th century removed 
to Penn's Valley, settling near Millheim. He died 
when more than seventy years of age, and was 
buried at Aaronsburg. During the last ten years 
of his life he was not able to walk, being crip- 
pled by rheumatism. His wife, Ellen Smith, 
was a native of Scotland. They had six chil- 
dren: Robert, who died near Millheim, was a 
mason by trade and served as justice of the 
peace and county commissioner for some years; 
Joseph, who died near Millheim, was a cooper; 
Francis was the grandfather of our subject; Han- 
nah became the wife of John Straub, and died in 
Millheim; William, a wagon maker, died at War- 
riors Mark, Huntingdon county; John, a mason, 
died near Millheim. He was a Democrat in pol- 
itics, and represented his party in the State Leg- 
islature. 

Francis Smith, grandfather of our subject, 
accompanied his parents from Dauphin county to 
Middle Creek, Snyder county, and afterward 
went with them to Buffalo Valley. Subsequently 
he came to Penn's Valley, where he married 
Anna Kuhns, who was born July 11, 1802. Hav- 
ing learned the mason's trade, he followed that 
pursuit until losing his eyesight. He died at the 
age of eighty years, having been blind for eight- 
een years previously. His wife died at the age 
of eighty-five, and both were buried in Heck- 
man's cemetery. In politics he was a stanch 
Democrat. His children were John, a black- 
smith, who died at Smithtown; Joseph; Ellen, 
wife of John Mayer, of Penn township, Centre 
county; William, a wagon maker and farmer, 
who died on the old homestead in Penn town- 
ship; Mary, wife of E. E. Smith, of Penn town- 
ship; Robert J., a blacksmith, who died in Gregg 
township, Centre county; and Jacob, a mer- 
chant, who died in Potter township, Centre 
county. 

Joseph Smith, father of our subject, was 
reared in what is now Penn township, and when 
his services were not needed on the home farm 
he worked at other pursuits through the neigh- 
borhood. When seventeen years of age, he began 
learning the wagonmaker's trade under Jacob 
Hennish, of Brush Valley, serving a two-years' ap- 
prenticeship. He received no wages, but was per- 
mitted to work for two weeks in the harvest fields 
in order to earn his clothes, and if he extended 
this time he had to give half of his earnings — 
twenty-five cents per day — to his master. On 
completing his apprenticeship he worked for one 



1084 



i OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



month for his uncle. William Smith, at Warrior's 
Mark, Penn., and in the fall of i S46 was induced 
to move to Condotown, by Jacob Condo, who 
built him a shop at that place. He formed a 
partnership with that gentleman, and in connec- 
tion with work at his trade engaged in wagon- 
making for ten years. At the expiration of that 
period Jacob Condo withdrew and was succeeded 
by Jonas Condo, who managed the blacksmith 
shop. With the exception of three years spent 
on a rented farm in Brush Valley, Joseph Smith 
has resided continuously at Penn Hall. For 
about forty years he has also followed the under- 
taking business, beginning that trade when each 
undertaker manufactured his own coffins. 

On September 27, 1848, Joseph Smith was 
married in Centre county to Wilhelmena Schmelt- 
zer. who was born in Union county. July 11, 1 - 
a daughter of Jacob and Hettie (Eyster) Schmelt- 
zer. When she was five years old her parents 
removed to Brush Valley. Centre county, and she 
was reared by her grandfather, Conrad Schmelt- 
zer. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became the parents of 
the following: Margaret A., wife of John H. 
Hazel, of Chicago, 111.; Sylvester, who died in 
infancy; Ezra F., of Dakota, 111., for some years 
a teacher, but now a carpenter; Eliza, wife of 
James Grenable, of Altoona, Penn.; George, a 
hardware merchant of Dakota, 111. ; and Domer 
G. The father of this family is a stanch Demo- 
crat, and has served as assessor, overseer and tax 
collector in Gregg township, Centre county. He 
and his wife are prominent members of the Lu- 
theran Church, in which he has served as deacon 
and elder, and at one time he was an Odd Fellow. 

Dr. Smith, whose name begins this sketch, 
was born near Madisonburg, Centre county, Au- 

t 12, 1S66. He obtained his education in 
Penn Hall and Spring Mills Academies, entering 
the latter institution at the age of thirteen. He 
displayed superior mental capacity, and was al- 
ways in advance of his class. At the age of 
eighteen he was qualified to teach school, and 
was thus employed in Gregg township, walking 
four miles every morning and evening to the 
school. In 1885-6 he taught the Texas school 
in Millheim, Penn., and during this time began 
reading medicine, and continued the study of the 
higher branches, reciting Latin and physics every 

urday to Prof. Hosterman. In the spring of 

7 he passed a highly creditable examination 
before the medical examining board of Centre 
county, and spent the summer in study in the 
office of Dr. F. H. Van Valzah, of Spring Mills, 
Penn., and in the fall of 1887 entered the Jeffer- 
son Medical College of Philadelphia, where he 
was graduated in the class of 1 890. In the sprint.' 



of that year Dr. Smith came to Freeburg, and 
soon won a standing not only equal to that of the 
old practitioners, but ofttimes surpassing them. 
He is the close student of medical works, and 
keeps thoroughly abreast with the times in all 
the improvements of his profession. He now 
has a large and lucrative patronage, and still 
greater successes undoubtedly await him in the 
future. 

On February 11. 1891, Dr. Smith was united 
in marriage to Miss Emma Heckman, of Potter 
township, Centre county, daughter of William 
and Nancy 1 Rupp) Heckman. He is a member 
f the Odd Fellows Society at Freeburg, the 
Snyder County Medical Society, and the North- 
umberland County Medical Society. He is exam- 
ining surgeon at Freeburg for United States pen- 
sions, and in 1894, when only twenty-eight years 
of age, he was the Democratic candidate of the 
1 8th Pennsylvania District for Congress, an honor 
which came to him entirely unsolicited. He be- 
longs to the Lutheran Church, his wife to the 
Reformed Church, and they are recognized lead- 
ers in society circles. He is a very public-spir- 
ited and progressive citizen, supporting all meas- 
ures calculated to benefit the community. He is in 
reality the instigator and founder of the telephone 
enterprise in this county, and it was only through 
his unyielding efforts that this enterprise came to 
the county, and a company was formed of which 
he is a very active member. A man of fine 
nature and well disciplined faculties, he is justly 
deserving of the unqualified confidence which is 
given him. 



JOHN HUMMEL (deceased), late a merchant 
and prominent business man at Hummel's 
Wharf, in Snyder county, was one of the \ er\ 
successful men of his time and locality 

Born December 16, 18 17, in Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder Co., Penn., he was the son of Ben- 
jamin and Catherine (Hilbish) Hummel. The 
father, an agriculturist and hotel keeper, was a 
was a son of John Hummel, a soldier in the Rev- 
olutionary war. Our subject was the eldest of four 
children, the others being; Amelia, Harry, and 
Mary Ann ^married a Mr. Biddlespach), all 
now deceased. The father of these died in 1865, 
and the mother in the following year. John 
Hummel a brother of Benjamin, was a soldier in 
the war of 1812, serving as a captain. Benjamin 
Hummel in his religious views was a Lutheran; 
in politics he was first a Whit.', then a Republic- 
an. While he had little education in his young 
life, he later acquired by reading, much informa- 
tion and was well-informed on the leading ques- 




/^^^^^^/^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1085 



tions of the day. He became a man of means, 
owning at the time of his death several farms. 

John Hummel, the son, on reaching man- 
hood was married to Miss Hannah Diebert, who 
was born in 1821, at Pottsville, Penn., a daugh- 
terof John and Christena (Dewalt) Diebert. To 
the marriage of John Hummel and wife were born 
ten children: Benjamin F. died in 1865, at the 
age of twenty years; Emma A. (Mrs. Casper), of 
Selins Grove; Catherine A.; Anna C. (Mrs. H. 
U. Kistner); George S. ; John D. ; Stephen D. ; 
Edwin M.,now serving in the State Senate; Irvin 
D. ; and Harry W. , of Northumberland county; 
all are deceased excepting Emma A., Anna C, 
Edwin M. and Harry \V. The father of these 
along in the early fifties established Hummel's 
Wharf on the river above Selins Grove, where he 
was largely engaged in various business enter- 
prises. He had a general store there, handled 
grain, lumber and coal, also operated a sawmill. 
He was a business man of rare judgment and 
capacity, and was very successful, amassing a for- 
tune; was worth probably $100,000 at the time of 
his death. He served as State Fish Commissioner, 
and built the fishway at Columbia, Penn. He 
was very fond of hunting and fishing. He was 
an extensive dealer in cattle, hogs and sheep. 
He was liberal of his means to worthy objects. 

Mrs. Anna C. (Hummel) Kistner was born 
December 12, 1848, and on September 5, 1871, 
was married to Harry U. Kistner, a sketch of 
whom appears elsewhere in this volume. At her 
father's request, she returned to her home and 
cared for him during the two years of invalidism 
that preceded his death. Her devotion and lov- 
ing kindness soothed his last sufferings, and proved 
the daughter to have fulfilled a woman's mission 
and been indeed a ministering angel. 



MO. FISHER. The Fisher family has 
owned the principal portion of the Isle of 
Que since Colonial times, and the successful 
young agriculturist whose history is here outlined 
is of the fourth generation in direct descent from 
the original purchaser of the homestead. The 
first of the name to come to America crossed the 
ocean from Germany about 17 10, and located 
first in New York State, spending a few years at 
a point on the Hudson river, and settling at Scho- 
harie in 1 7 1 3. In 1723 he came to Pennsylvania 
and established his home in Berks county, where 
many of his descendants now reside, and from 
which point others have scattered to various por- 
tions of the United States. Previous to the 
Revolutionary war, John Adam Fisher, our sub- 
ject's great-grandfather, came with his wife Eliz- 



abeth, to whom he was married April 26, 1768, 
and located on the lower end of the Isle of Que. 
The Indians were still troublesome, and the mem- 
bers of the family often found it necessary to flee 
to places of safety during outbreaks. 

Christian Fisher, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born June 21, 1771 , and always resided 
at the old homestead, following farming as an 
occupation. He was a Lutheran in religious 
faith. He died when over seventy years of age, 
and his remains were interred in the old Lutheran 
cemetery at Selins Grove. His first wife died 
leaving no children. His second wife, Hannah 
Snyder, daughter of Casper Snyder, was a mem- 
ber of one of the oldest families of this section. 
After her death he married her sister Elizabeth. 
By both these marriages he had children, his sec- 
ond wife being the mother of a son, Michael, our 
subject's father, who was born at the old home 
September 6, 181 3, and passed his life there. 
Michael Fisher died April 16, 1867, and was bur- 
ied in Union cemetery at Selins Grove. He was 
married to Miss Sarah Hoot, a native of Beaver- 
town, Snyder Co., Penn. Our subject is the 
younger of two children, and the elder, S. Tura, 
is now the wife of Charles E. Ehrhart, an at- 
torney in Hanover, York Co., Penn. Their 
mother still resides at the homestead, and is 
highly honored by all who know her. She is a 
devout member of the old Lutheran Church, to 
which her husband also belonged. 

M. O. Fisher first saw the light on August 
14, 1866, at the homestead on the Isle of Que, 
which he now owns, his widowed mother residing 
with him. He was reared as a farmer boy, and 
bis education was begun in what was known as 
the Narrows School. After attending the district 
school for some time he pursued higher branches 
of study in the public schools of Selins Grove. 
Since leaving school he has taken complete man- 
agement of the homestead, and is considered one 
of the ablest agriculturists in his vicinity. Al- 
though very popular socially, he is not married. 
In politics he is a stanch Republican, as all the 
members of the family have been since the organi- 
zation of that party. 



CiG>L. PHILIP HILLBISH. Although he has 
_Ji now passed his eighth decade, the subject 
of this sketch, an honored resident 'of Selins 
Grove, has strength and vigor which many a 
younger man might envy. With undiminished 
eyesight he can enjoy all the advantages that 
leisure affords to a man of literary and artistic 
taste, while his remarkable memory preserves for 



lu-0 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



him all the stored-up knowledge that his keen 
observation has gained in past years. 

He comes of German ancestry, the name, 
which was originally Hallowbush, being now 
spelled Hillbish, Hillibish, Hallerbush, and in 
various other ways. He is of the sixth genera- 
tion of the family in the United States, tracing 
his descent from Christian Hallowbush, who was 
born in 1 7 1 8 in the Palatinate, Germany, and 
came to America in 1724, accompanied by his 
brother Peter and his widowed mother. They 
landed at Philadelphia, and located in Salford 
township, Montgomery county, Penn. Peter, 
who was born in 1709, died in 176S, leaving five 
children: Catherine, Johst, Magdelene, Mar- 
garet and Anna Maria. Christian died in Mont- 

iery county in 1778, and his wife died in tin- 
same year. They had four children: Magde- 
lena, Henry, Adam and Peter. Adam Hillbish, 
our subject's great-grandfather, was born in 
1736, and died in 1S24. He had six children: 
John Peter, who died at the age of four years; 
Pi ter, Henry, Philipina, Dorotha and John. 
Peter Hillbish, the grandfather of our subject, 
was born February 2, 1763, and died May 21, 
[834. He married Susanna Schnall, who bore 
him eleven children: John Henry, who died in 
childhood; John, Henry, Polly, Catherine. Peter, 
Susanna, Elizabeth, Jacob, Sarah and Daniel. 

John Hillbish, our subject's father, was born 
February 9, 1789. in Frederick township, Mont- 

nery county, and was reared as a farmer boy. 
1 lis educational opportunities were much inferiorto 
those of the present day, and he had but one month 
of instruction in English. He was unusually gifted, 
however, and became noted for his ability as a 
mathematician, being ahle to calculate rapidly 
and accurately by mental process. The greater 
part of his life was spent in Freeburg, Snyder 
county, where he engaged in milling, tanning 
and farming, and also conducted a hotel and 
store. In all these lines he was successful, his 
business capacity being extraordinary, and he 
amassed a handsome fortune for that day. In 
his tannery he instructed many men who 

afterward became successful in that business. 
Among them was Abraham Schoch, of New Ber- 
lin, whose descendants have been largely en- 

ed in the tanning business. John Hillbish 
was the first postmaster at Freeburg, and although 
his brothers were of another political faith 
stood finfi and true to Democratic principles. 
He was prominent also in religious work as a 
member of the Reformed Church. He was mar- 
ried April 27, 1813, to Miss Salome Gross, a na- 
tive of Snyder county, born September 4, 1793. 
He died at Freeburg, September 9, 1S40, a 



fifty-one years and seven months, and his wife 
survived him over twenty years. Her last days 
were spent with our subject at McKees Half 
Falls, where she died June 19, 1862. She was 
a member of an old Snyder county family, and 
the daughter of Henry and Phcebe (Havice) 
Gross. Our subject was one of seven children, 
as follows: (1) John A., born January 1, 1S14, 
died March 8, 1850, at Liverpool, Perry Co., 
Penn. (2) Philip is mentioned more fully below. 
(3) Phcebe, born January 16, 18 18, married 
John Reifsnyder, and died in Perry county, Feb- 
ruary 19, 1845. (4) Mary A., born May 28, 
1820, married John Swineford, and died in Chi- 
cago, 111. (5) Daniel J., born September 23, 
1824, now deceased, was for many years a lead- 
ing physician at Rebersburg, Penn. (6) Calvin 
G., born August 24, 1830, died at the age of 
thirty-one, at our subject's home. He was a 
talented man, and achieved distinction as a phy- 
sician and surgeon. His first preceptor was his 
brother Daniel, and he graduated in medicine in 
March, 1856, from Dartmouth College. In No- 
vember, 1856, he was appointed a surgeon in the 
United States army as the result of a compet- 
itive examination, and was ordered to California, 
where he remained three years, meanwhile con- 
tracting a disease from which he died. In 
March, 1861, he was surgeon of the garrison at 
Fort Pickens, and on its reinforcement he was 
ordered to Governor's Island; but the hand of 
death was already upon him, and he started for 
his old home at Freeburg, but stopped to see his 
brother Philip at McKees Half Falls; he lived only 
six days, dying August 6, 1861, and his remains 
were taken to Freeburg, and interred at the side 
of his parents. (-) Sally, born December 6, 
1S33, is the wife of George Merrill, of Abilene, 
Kansas. 

Col. Hillbish first saw the light November 1 1, 
181 5, at the old homestead in Freeburg. He 
was educated in the subscription schools of that 
day, one of his first teachers being Jessie Teats. 
Ashe learned rapidly, he secured the personal at- 
tention of his teachers and pursued his studies 
faster than the majority of his fellow student- 
In 1828 he was one of a class of three to bt 
the study of geography under George Weirick as 
instructor. The other members of the class, 
which was the first in this branch ever organized 
in Snyder county, were George C. Moyer and 
Elias R. Menges. Later Col. Hillbish took up 
the study of surveying in company with his 
teacher, Jessie Teats, who knew but little more 
about it than he, and progressed until he was 
able to follow that business. He also spent one 
term at Lafayette College, at Easton, Penn. F 1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1087 



some time he did bookkeeping for his father, and 
then went into mercantile business at Liverpool, 
Penn., with his brother-in-law, John Reifsnyder. 
While there he was married, in 1839, to Miss 
Barbara E. Speck, a native of Perry county, and 
in 1844 he settled in McKee's Half Falls, 
where he continued his mercantile business and 
also surveying and conveyancing. In the spring 
of 1868 he removed to his present residence at 
Selins Grove, and until 1893 was engaged in 
surveying, conveyancing and road viewing. He 
owns 160 acres of land in Chapman township, 
Snyder county, and a hotel property and four 
residences at McKees Half Falls. His home at 
Selins Grove, with its extensive grounds, cost 
twenty thousand dollars, and since taking pos- 
session he has improved it in many ways. The 
view of the Susquehanna is a most charming 
one, several miles of wood and water being com- 
manded from the windows of his residence. 

In 1 85 1 Death entered his home, taking 
away his beloved wife, Mrs. Barbara Hillbish, 
who was buried at McKees Half Falls. On 
January 10, 1854, he formed a second matrimo- 
nial union, with Miss Margaret E. Thompson, 
who was born January 20, 1834, the daughter of 
Samuel and Sarah (Bachman) Thompson, well- 
known residents of New Buffalo, Penn., where 
she was educated in the local schools. By his 
first wife, Col. Hillbish had six children: Benja- 
min F. , born in February, 1840, died in Sep- 
tember of the same year; Sarah M., born April 
6, 1 84 1, married William C. Thompson, and 
died January 22, 1889; Frederick S., born July 
6, 1843, is a physician at Fremont, Ohio; Will- 
iam P., born August 10, 1845, is an attorney at 
Sunbury, Penn.; Thomas J., born July 9, 1849, 
became a successful physician, and died May 20, 
1 88 1, at Green Springs, Ohio, while en route 
home from Detroit, Mich.; Barbara E., born 
September 6, 1851, lived only twelve days. By 
the second marriage there were seven children: 
Charles E., born 6, 1855, died in infancy; James 
H., born March 8, 1857, died at the age of five 
years; Philip, Jr., born February 19, 1859, died 
August 5, 1893, at Selins Grove; Margaret E., 
born November 22, i860, married N. N. Lech- 
ner, who was for thirty years in charge of the 
collection department of Aultman, Miller & Co., 
at Akron, Ohio, where he died in 1896; Cordelia 
E., born December 18, 1863, is the wife of J. J. 
Given, of Charlottesville, Va. ; Samuel F. , born 
August 18, 1866, resides at Selins Grove; and 
another son died in infancy, unnamed. 

The Colonel's extensive business relations 
have given him a wide acquaintance, and he is 
extremely popular among all classes. He has 



always been an ardent Democrat, and was a can- 
didate for the Legislature from Juniata, Snyder 
and Union counties, being defeated by a bare 
plurality. For more than thirty years he has 
been identified with the Masonic fraternity, and 
for seven years he was an officer in the home 
militia, serving first as adjutant, and later as 
colonel. At one time he was a member of the 
Reformed Church, but for some years he has 
been connected with the Methodist Church, to 
which his wife also belongs, and he has held va- 
rious offices in that society. 



JIT F. KANAWEL, M. D., a successful physician 
J of Centerville, Snyder county, enjoys a very 
large practice, which extends over a wide 
range of territory. His life so far is a striking 
illustration of what a young man can do, not- 
withstanding limited opportunities, when he has 
ability united with energy and high purpose. 

The Doctor is of German ancestry on the 
paternal side, his grandfather, John Kanawel, 
having been the first to cross the ocean. John 
Kanawel (2), our subject's father, was born and 
reared in Reading, Penn., but at the age of 
twenty-one removed with his parents to Juniata 
county, Penn., where he met and married Miss 
Barbara Woods. Her father, Joseph Woods, who 
was of Scotch-Irish descent, was a prominent 
citizen and a devout member of the Presbyterian 
Church. John Kanawel accumulated a fair com- 
petence, and became quite influential in his com- 
munity. Although not a politician, he took great 
interest in public affairs, and at one time was 
elected on the Democratic ticket as county com- 
missioner of Juniata county. He belonged to 
the Masonic order, and was prominent in religious 
work as a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
His death occurred when he was aged seventy- 
four years, and his wife passed away at the age 
of fifty-two, their remains being intered at Mc- 
Alisterville, Penn. They had eight children: 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. Jacob Booth, of Lima, 
Ohio; Margaret, Mrs. William Davis, of Ord, 
Neb. ; J. F., our subject; William, who served as 
a soldier in the Civil war, and was wounded at 
the battle of Gettysburg, his death occurring 
some years later from the effects of his injuries; 
George D., a contractor at Lima, Ohio; Joseph 
C, a resident of Allen county, Ohio; Henry, 
now residing in Iowa; and Luther, a resident of 
Philadelphia. 

Dr. Kanawel was born in Juniata county, 
February 4, 1S45, and was reared as a farmer 
boy, enduring the hardships incident to that early 
time. He began his education at the Mount Pleas- 



1088 



COXMKUoUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ant school house in Fayette township, Juniata 
county, and although the methods and appa- 
ratus were crude he made the best of his oppor- 
tunities. His father, who was a man of much 
intelligence, insisted upon a regular attendance 
at school, when other parents of that time were 
only too apt to keep their sons out owing to 
the pressure of farm work. Our subject pur- 
sued his studies at McAlisterville Academy 
after completing the course offered in the local 
schools, and then taught for four terms when he 
entered Tuscarora Academy in Academia, Penn. , 
for further study. From his youth he had been 
desirous of entering the medical profession, and 
his first preceptor was Dr. A. J. Fisher, of Mc- 
Alisterville. In 1866 he entered the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, and although his course 
- interrupted by the lack of funds, he gradu- 
ated from the medical department of that insti- 
tution in 1871. He found himself $750 in debt, 
a somewhat discouraging position considering 
the slow returns of the first years of professional 
life, but he engaged in practice at Centerville 
where he speedily won success. Going there a 
stranger where many others had failed, he entered 
into competition with several old practitioners. 
It was a German section where the language of 
the Fatherland was almost exclusively spoken, but 
the Doctor has surmounted every difficulty. His 
close attention to his professional work has not 
prevented him from making some excellent in- 
vestments. He helped to organize the Farmers' 
Bank at Mifflinburg, and the First National Bank 
it Middleburg, and is a stockholder in each insti- 
tution. He- owns in one tract 136 acres of land 
in Centre township, one tract near town con- 
taining thirteen acres, and also has a fine property 
in Centerville upon which he has built a busi- 
ness block, his office being situated there. His 

lion on financial matters is held in the highest 
esteem, as is usually the case with men who have 
won large wealth through their own efforts. At 
various times he has had students in his office, 
and all are now successful practitioners. He is 
a member of the Sunbury Board of Pension Ex- 
aminers, and of the Snyder County Medical Soci- 
ety, and a permanent member of the State 
Medical Si iciety. 

has a fine home in Centerville, built by 
himself. On October 12, 1870, he married Miss 
Elmira J. Showers, a daughter of George Show- 
ers, one of Centerville's leading citizens. She 
passed to the unseen life November 21, 1 
her mortal remains being buried in the Center- 
ville cemetery. Socially the Doctor is very 

ular; he is a firm friend to any one whom he 
lVkes, no test of devotion seeming too gr 



For many years he has been an active member 
of the Lutheran Church, serving fifteen years as 
deacon previous to his resignation in 1X96. 
Politically he is a steadfast Democrat, but he is 
not an office seeker, and beyond casting his vote 
regularly takes no active share in partisan work. 



HM. NIPPLE, M. D. A well-known writer, 
Samuel Smiles, in his work on "Charac- 
ter,'' has said truly that "the authentic picture 
of a human being's life and experience ought to 
possess an interest greatly beyond that which is 
fictitious, inasmuch as it has the charm of reali- 
ty.' In the following modest record of success- 
ful attainment there is much to inspire as well 
as to interest, for, beginning his career without 
sufficient funds to gratify his love of scientific 
study, the subject of this sketch, now a promi- 
nent physician of Selins Grove, has made his 
own way to a high rank in the medical profes- 
sion. 

Dr. Nipple was born June 18, 1838, in New 
Buffalo, Perry Co., Penn., where his grandfather, 
Frederick Nipple, a native of Lebanon county. 
Penn., settled at an early date. This worthy 
pioneer followed agricultural pursuits, and at the 
advanced age of seventy-five was killed in a rail- 
road accident. Four children survived him: 
John, Henry, Narcisse, and Matilda. 

The late Henry Nipple (father of our subject) 
was born December 15, 180S, in Perry county, 
and passed his life there, his death occun 
June 8. 1890. By occupation he was first a 
blacksmith, and later a farmer, and he took much 
interest in a quiet way in various local movements, 
especially those of a religious nature, being a 
member of the Presbyterian Church. In poli- 
tics he was a Democrat. His wife, whose maiden 
name was May Orner, was born in Perry county. 
July 3, 1 8 10, and died March 4, 1880. Her fa- 
ther, Martin Orner, a son of an early settler, was 
a lifelong resident of Perry county, and reared 
a large family of children, among whom were 
Joel, Rebecca and May Mrs. Nipple 1 ). The Doc- 
tor was one of eight children born to his parent- 
Miss Rebecca resides at the old homestead near 
Millerstown, in Perry county; H. M. is men- 
tioned more fully farther on; Frederick is a 
farmer of Perry county; John O. is r physician 
in Snyder county; Calvin resides at Patterson, 
Juniata county; Alfred enlisted from Perry coun- 
ty in the L'nion army during the Civil war, and 
met a soldier's death in the service; D. Clark is 
a physician in Newton Hamilton, Mifflin Co., 
Penn.; and Miss Mary A. Nipple resides at the 
old homestead. 




jQ^stytyA Jipc/Za 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1US& 



Dr. Nipple's youth was spent in Perry coun- 
ty, and he made the best use of such educational 
opportunities as the local schools afforded. He 
attended the Normal Institute in that county, 
for a time, and then, being thrown upon his 
own resources, he began teaching school. He 
did not give up his cherished hope of securing 
a medical education, and, after six years of work 
in the school-room, he was able to take a course 
at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where 
he was graduated in 1862. His first location 
was at Andersonville, Perry county, but later he 
removed to Fremont, Snyder county, and re- 
mained thirteen years in successful practice. 
Twelve years were then spent at Freeburg, where 
he also gained an excellent practice, but, the 
fact that Selins Grove offered better educational 
privileges for his children, led the Doctor to 
locate there in 1887. The Doctor himself has 
never lost his keen love of study, every new ad- 
vance in his own profession arousing his special 
interest, and in 1891 he took a post-graduate 
course in the medical department of Jefferson 
College. In 1892 the honorary degree of A. M. 
was conferred on him by the Pennysivania Col- 
lege. Aside from his practice he is extensively 
engaged in other lines of work, owning several 
farms and carrying on a large lumber business, 
cutting and logging in the mountains. He also 
owns and operates a canning factory. Politic- 
ally, he is a Republican, and he belongs to vari- 
ous fraternal orders, including the F. & A. M., 
and the I. O. O. F., which he joined at the age 
of twenty-one. 

On September 13, 1866, Dr. Nipple was mar- 
ried to Miss Emma Viola, daughter of Jacob and 
Rebecca Schnee, of Fremont, Snyder county. 
Mrs. Nipple was born February 7, 1847, near 
Fremont. They had three sons and one daugh- 
ter: Charles \Y. , born June 8, 1868, died June 
10, 1868. Lizzie J., born March 6, 1870, died 
March 21, 1870. H. Newton, the older of the 
two sons living, was born at Fremont, Penn., 
July 6, 1 87 1. After finishing his academic course 
at the Freeburg Academy, he entered the Senior 
class of the Selins Grove High School, from which 
he was graduated in 1 888. He was the first male 
public-school graduate in Snyder county. In 1891 
he was graduated from Susquehanna University. 
Desiring to continue his studies, he entered 
Pennsylvania College, at Gettysburg, Penn., and 
received his degree with the class of 1S93. He 
now began to read medicine with his father, and 
entered Jefferson Medical College in 1884, where 
he graduated in 1898. William B. was born in 
Freeburg, Penn., May 25, 1875. After spending 
some time at the Freeburg Academy, he entered 

69* 



Selins Grove High School, where he was grad- 
uated in 1S92, and he was graduated from Sus- 
quehanna University in 1897, receiving the de- 
gree of A. B. 



JOSEPH MIDDLESWARTH, a prominent 
resident of Beaver township, Snyder county, 
has been for many years identified with the 
agricultural interests of that locality, and at pres- 
ent is living in retirement at Beavertown. 

He was born in Beaver township April 4, 
1838, the son of Judge A. J. Middleswarth, and 
grandson, of Hon. Ner Middleswarth, his family 
being one of the oldest and most influential in 
this section. Although he was given the best ed- 
ucational advantages to be found in the locality, 
and attended the schools of Beavertown for some 
years, his opportunities were decidedly inferior 
to those enjoyed by the boys of to-day under 
similar circumstances. Reared upon a farm, he 
acquired in youth a thorough knowledge of agri- 
cultural work, and has always followed that oc- 
cupation. At the age of twenty-one he left home 
and spent a summer working as a farm hand for 
Conrad Rearick. In the fall of the same year, 
1859, he married his first wife, Miss Sarah Kern, 
daughter of Henry Kern, and during the next four 
years he was employed upon the farm of his fa- 
ther-in-law. He then rented a farm in Beaver 
township from his father, and remained there 
eighteen years, but later moved to a place of his 
own in the same township. This is a valuable 
farm, containing one hundred and twenty-five 
acres of good land, and after residing there some 
years Mr. Middleswarth turned the active man- 
agement over to other hands, and, building a 
comfortable home in Beavertown, he settled 
there in the fall of 1889 to enjoy a well-deserved 
period of leisure. 

During the Civil war, when it became neces- 
sary to enlist more men for the safety of the 
Commonwealth, Mr. Middleswarth enlisted June 
16, 1863, in Capt. Anthony C. Simpson's Com- 
pany I, 30th Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, and 
served until July 26, of the same year. On 
March 4, 1865, he again enlisted, this time be- 
coming a member of Company D, 74th P. V. I., 
under Capt. Lewis Miller, and was discharged 
at Clarksburg, W. Va., August 29, 1865. He 
has always taken keen interest in local affairs, and 
is a stanch Republican in politics. While he is 
not an office seeker, he has served as overseer of 
the poor and school director. In religious work 
he is also prominent, and he is a trustee of the 
Lutheran Church at Beavertown, of which he 
and his wife are both members. At one time he 



mini 



UMRMORATIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows. As a citizen he is highly esteemed, his 
honesty and good nature winning the regard of 
all who know him. 

Mr. Middleswarth has been twice married. 
His first wife died in March, 1864, her remains 
being interred at Beavertown, and on May 21, 
1868, he married Miss Amelia Bingaman, who 
was born September 7, 1841, the daughter of 
Frederick and Mary (Smith) Bingaman, of Beav- 
ertown. She was the eldest of a family of ten 
children — four girls and six boys — and was edu- 
cated in the common schools of her native place. 
A genial disposition, combined with fine mental 
qualities, makes her a most excellent helpmeet. 
Mr. Middleswarth has had four children. Two 
wire by the first marriage, viz.: Lawrence II . 
a miner residing in Beaver township, Snyder 
county, and Sally, now Mrs. Charles Sampsel, 
of Centerville, Penn. ; and by the second union 
there were also two, namely. Anna L. , wife of 
William Moyer, of Beaver township, and Miss 
Alice J., at home. 

The Middleswarth family has been prominent 
in this section from the earliest times, our sub- 
ject grandparents, John and Martha Mid- 
dleswarth, having come from New Jersey in 
1792 to locate in the woods near the present site 
of Beavertown, then a portion of Northumber- 
land county. The log house in which they first 

le their home has disappeared and the mod- 
ern structure that has replaced it is now occupied 
by a descendant. The pioneers came through 
almost unbroken forests, cutting their roads as 
they traveled, and crossing rivers without bridges. 
As they cleared a homestead they experienced 
the hardships of primitive existence, but they also 
had an opportunity to enjoy a phase of life which 
has now passed away forever. An Indian trail 
ran by their door, and at a spring near by friendly 
members of that race dressed their game while 
on their hunting trips. Our subject's grandfa- 
ther, Hon. Ner Middleswarth, was but a boy of 
ten years when he accompanied his parents to 
this section, and growing to manhood amid the 
wholesome surroundings of a pioneer home he 
developed an unusually strong constitution which 
served him well in the arduous duties of later 
years. His educational opportunities were of 
the scantiest, but by some means he managed to 

ure a good knowledge of books as well as of 
men and of affairs. When he was thirty-two 
years old, the war of 18 12 with Great Britian 
commenci d. 

James Madison was President of the United 
States, and Simon Snyder was Governor of 
Pennsylvania. He raised a company, became 



captain, and was attached to the 8th Pennsyl- 
vania Rifles. In 1814, he continued in the'serv- 
ice and raised another company, became cap- 
tain, marched to Marcus Hook, where they were 
stationed awaiting orders to face the enemy. 
This action proved that he was a true patriot 
ready if need be to be offered on the altar of his 
country, in order to perpetuate the liberties 
which our Revolutionary fathers had transmitted 
to them. In 181 5 after the close of the war he 
was elected to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, 
filling the unexpired term of Dr. Jacob Wagen- 
seller, who died after serving two years. In 
[851 he was the Whig nominee for Canal Com- 
missioner of P' ' 1 nia, and received t 
hundred and eighty-seven more votes in Union 
county than Gen. Irvin, the nominee for Govern- 
or. This flattering vote was an evidence of his 
popularity among the people who had known 
him from infancy. The Pennsylvania Canal 
was built in [828 when he was a member of 
Legislature, and was a measure of public improve- 
ment which he assisted in having established. 
The Canal Commissioners were at that time 
state officers, and were elected by the votes of 
the whole Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but 
this office has since been abolished. The large vote 
polled for Mr. Middleswarth for Canal Commis- 
sioner induced his part)' in 1852 to nominate 
him for State Treasurer. His name was often 
mentioned as a suitable person to be elected e 
ernor, and he could have secured the nomination 
had he desired it. 

In the year of 1853 he was elected a member 
of the Thirty-third Congress of the United Stal 
serving with acceptance the term of two years. 
After the formation of Snyder county in 1855 he 
was elected a county auditor with Francis A 
Boyer, Sr. , and Henry W, Snyder, a son of 
Governor Snyder, popular and leading men of the 
county, serving a full term of five years. In all 
he was a public servant for a period of twenty- 
seven years, and if we add to this the time he 
served in the war it will be about thirty years, 
the period allotted to one generation of man. 
He was executor, administrator and guardian for 
many estates in his locality, which required much 
of his time, besides being frequently consulted in 
matters of public and private business. His was 
a busy life from infancy to youth, from youth to 
manhood, from manhood to old age. He was a 
fluent speaker in the German and English lan- 
guages. His appearance and manner would at- 
tract the attention of those not personally ac- 
quainted with him, and he would impress a 
stranger as being more than an ordinary man. 
During his Congressional term he was elected an 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1091 



honorary member of a number of literary soci- 
eties in connection with different colleges and 
academies in Pennsylvania. He would always 
acknowledge these honors in neatly and properly 
worded replies, and he would also forward 
useful public documents as contributions to their 
libraries. The library in the Freeburg Academy 
contains some books which he presented with his 
name written therein. He had an extensive cor- 
respondence with his patrons when he was a mem- 
ber of Congress, and among the letters preserved 
by the family are some from Gov. Porter, Gov. 
Curtin, Gov. Miller, of Wisconsin, Judge Walls, 
Gov. Pollock, Judge Shindel, Dr. Hottenstein, 
Samuel Pawling and many others too numerous 
to mention. He married Miss Christiana Swarts- 
line, by whom he had twelve children: John, 
Mary, Moses, Abner, Aaron J. and Abraham 
K. (twins), Merib, Jacob, Martha, Sarah and 
Matilda. All of these attained honorable posi- 
tions in life, and Aaron and Abraham were espe- 
cially active in military and political affairs. 

Hon. Aaron J. Middleswarth, our subject's 
father, was born January 22, 181 5, in Beaver 
township, Snyder county, and was reared upon a 
farm, receiving the ordinary educational priv- 
ileges of the time. Throughout his life he was 
interested in agriculture, being the owner of three 
farms in West Beaver and Beaver townships, and 
he also had property in Beavertown, where he 
spent his last years in retirement. In politics 
he was a Republican, and his extensive acquaint- 
ance in the county made him a strong candidate 
for any office. For some years in early life he- 
served as constable, and later he filled most 
creditably the office of associate judge of Snyder 
county. His military service was in connection 
with the State militia, in which he held rank 
successively as major, lieutenant, colonel and 
brigadier general. He died September 9, 1891, 
and was buried in the cemetery at Beavertown. 
His first wife, Miss Sally Feese, a daughter of 
Jacob Feese, was born October 10, 181 1, and 
died October 19, 1844, her remains being interred 
at Adamsburg. He then married her sister, Mrs. 
Eliza (Feese) Dreese, widow of Henry Dreese, 
and she passed to the unseen world April 5, 1853. 
His third wife, Harriet Eichenger, survived him, 
her death occurring in the fall of 1895. There 
were no children by the last marriage, but his 
first wife bore him five sons and three daughters, 
as follows: Isaac, born September 22, 1833, now 
a resident of Iantha, Mo. ; William, born De- 
cember 8, 1834, a resident of Cass county, Mo. ; 
John, born January 1, 1830, now residing in 
Wilmot, Penn. ; Mary A., born in February, 
1836, now Mrs. Philip Dreese, of Kantz, Penn.; 



Joseph, our subject; Jacob, born September 23, 
1839, now residing in Missouri; Elizabeth, born 
December 7, 1840, now Mrs. Joseph McClellan, 
of Centre county; Martha, born March 3, 1842, 
now Mrs. Henry Rearick, of Holden, Mo. By 
the second union there were five children: Irvin, 
who died in childhood; Sarah, born December 
25, 1S47, now Mrs. William Dreese, of Beaver 
township, Snyder county; Abraham, born Feb- 
ruary 27, 1850, who died in Beavertown in 1876, 
aged twenty-six years; the twins, Lizzie and 
Elmira J., born April 31, 1851, of whom the 
former died in childhood; the latter is now the 
wife of George Snyder, of McClure, Pennsylvania. 



J 



OHN P. RICHTER. The Richter family has 
been prominent in Snyder county since pio- 
' neer times, and the subject of this biography 
is one of its worthiest representatives in this 
generation. Like most of his ancestors, he has 
always followed agricultural pursuits, and he 
owns a beautiful farm adjoining the borough of 
Selins Grove overlooking the Susquehanna river, 
Penn's creek and the Pennsylvania canal, the 
three sheets of water being parallel with each 
other at that point, and giving a most charming 
view. 

The first of the name of whom we have au- 
thentic account is Christian Richter, grandfather 
of John Peter Richter, who settled at an early 
date in what is now the southern portion of Sny- 
der county. His birthplace is not known, and we 
have but few details as to his life. He married 
Julia Ann Johnston, of Middletown, Pennsylva- 
nia, who was still living in 1802. They had 
seven children, Peter, John, Godfrey, Frederick, 
Henry, and two daughters whose names cannot 
now be recalled. Peter Richter, the father of 
the subject of this sketch, was born in 1780 and 
died May 25, 1846. He started in life without 
capital other than a strong will and an indomit- 
able resolution to succeed, and became one of 
the most prosperous business men of what was 
then Union county. He was a merchant, miller, 
farmer, and bank director in what was the old 
Northumberland bank, a man of wide and ex- 
tended influence, and left his family what in 
those days was a large estate. He was a kind 
father; no one in need appealed to him for as- 
sistance in vain. Peter Richter married Eliza- 
beth Holstein, a daughter of George Holstein 
and Mary Weiser, his wife. The Weiser family 
is one of the eldest and most noted in the early 
history of Pennsylvania, the second of the family 
in this country being Conrad Weiser, the noted 
Indian interpreter, respected, trusted and es- 



1092 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAl'UICAL IiECOIiD. 



teemed alike by the Indians and early settlers. 
Our subject is a great -grandson of Captain Con- 
rad Weiser, who fought in the American Revolu- 
tion, and who was in turn a grandson of the ( 
rad Weiser who so ably served Pennsylvania in 
the Provincial times, that his position was one of 
an official and historical character, and there is 
no exaggeration in saying that he was regarded as 
the official interpreter of Pennsylvania; it is said 
that William Penn and Conrad Weiser were two 
men, at least, of whom the Indians thought and 
spoke well. 

To Peter and Elizabeth Richter were born 

it children, viz.: Harriet intermarried with 
Dr. H. P. Hottenstein, of Selins Grovi , Louisa 
intermarried with Ur. A. S. Cummings. of Sun- 
bury, Penn.; Hannah died in infancy; William 
Henry died at the age of nineteen, while a mem- 
ber of the Senior class of the University ol Lew- 
isburg; John Peter, our subject; Anna R, married 
to Calvin B. North, a banker of Selins Grove; 
Elizabeth died in infancy, and Martha E., married 
to A. Stanley Ulrich, attorney at law, Leba- 
non. Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Richter was born March 15, 1835, at the 
old home on the Isle of Que, Selins Grove, but 
when he was seven years old his parents moved 
to an adjoining estate; his education was begun 
in the subscription schools of that day, but the 
major portion of his time was spent in farm and 
other work, as was the custom of that time; the 
methods and lack of machinery then made all 
work far inure laborious than similar work is to- 
day. When yet a young man he took charge of 
his farm (inherited from his father;, adjoining 
e, and has uninterruptedly resided 
there since On March 11, t s 5 ' , , he married 
Miss Mary Catharine Derr, a native of Mucks 
county, Penn., and a daughter of John and Han- 
nah (Fine; Derr. In 1S57 Mr. Richter erected 
the pleasant and handsome home which he now 
occupies, and in 1 87 1 he put up a fine large barn. 
The estate comprises [20 acres, and is one of the 

len farms of the county, reflecting the care 
and successful management that Mr. Richter has 
always given to his affairs and business. His rirst 
wife died September 28, [886, and is buried at 

us Grove, where t< >r so many years she was 
held in higl teem, and was an active and 

a member of the Evangelical Luth< 
Church. She left three children: Laura E., now 
Mrs. Ira C. Schoch, ol Selins Grove; William II.. 
of Benvenue; and Harriet, married to Samuel J. 
ling, attorney at law, Selins Grove. Hi . 
Rii htei a S( cond matrimonial uiik >ii with 

Mrs. S.uah (Boyer) Miller, widow .it William 
Miller. She was born at Salem. Snyder county, 



November 12, 1837, one of the three children of 
>amuel and Susan (Snyder 1 Boyer, and enjoyed 
the ordinary educational opportunities of the 
time. There are no children by this union, but 
by her first marriage she had four children as 
follows: Susan A . now Mrs. Henry A. Ott, of 
Penn township, Snyder county; Mar)' M., now 
Mrs. Charles W. Herman, of Wyoming, Penn.; 
Sarah A., who died in infancy, and William 
Henry, who is now connected with the Philadel- 
phia Record. 

While Mr. Richter is disposed to lean toward 
the Democratic party on political issues, he is not 
a strong partisan, and votes for the better man 
on all occasions, official place and power have no 
charms for him, and he has never been a candi- 
date of any party. He was at one time an Odd 
Fellow, and he has always been interested in the 
various social movements of his locality. He is 
a member and now an elder of the Second Lu- 
theran Church, the lot for which Church was 
presented by his father, Peter Richter, mam 
years ago. 



JOHN HOUTZ is a cigar manufacturer of 
Freeburg, Snyder county, and a leader in the 
business circles of the town. The qualii 
tions essential to a successful business man are 
his, and by the conduct of his enterprises he has 
not only gained for himself a handsome compe- 
tence, but has proved an important factor in pro- 
moting the material prosperity and progress of 
the community. 

Mr. Houtz is descended from one of the old 
and honored families of Snyder county. His 
grandfather, Christian Houtz, located in what is 
now Monroe township, at an early day, remov- 

Erom Lebanon county, l'enn. He was born 
in Hummelstown, Penn., March 19, 1775, a son 
of Henry Houtz. He was a man of no little 
means, and in Monroe township purchased a large 
tract of land, comprising what are now some of 
the finest farms of the county. He also owned 
considerable timber land on the present site of 
Shamokin, which became very valuable foi 
anthracite coal deposits. About 1828 lie re- 
moved to Washington township, Snyder county, 
where he died August 3, [852, and was buried in 
the Weiser cemetery at Selins 1 He be- 

longed to the Reformed Church, and was one of. 
its liberal support 

On August i", I hristian Houtz was 

married to Anna Elizabeth Zeller, who was born 
in Monroe township, in 1786, and dud Septem- 
ber 28, 1822, Their children were as follows: 
mi |ul) i'', [803, was a minister in. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1093 



the Reformed Church, and a highly educated 
man. He died December 28, 1832. (2) Chris- 
tian, born July 16, 1805, was a convert to the 
Mormon faith, and died in Salt Lake City, Utah, 
in November, 1S50. (3) Daniel, born April 15, 
1807, died at Alexandria, Penn. He was a suc- 
cessful physician, owned valuable coal lands near 
Houtzdale, which was named in his honor, and 
left afine estate. (4) Henry, born September 27, 
1809, was a physician of Freeburg, and died 
March 11, 1865. (5) Jacob, born March 31, 
181 1, died October 15, 1812. (6) Mrs. Lydia 
Schoch, born October 17, 181 2, is living in Selins 
Grove. (7) Jacob, born October 12, 1814, was 
a woolen manufacturer, at an early day joined 
the Mormons at Nauvoo, 111., and later went to 
Salt Lake City, where he died in January, 1896. 
(8) Catherine, born September 18, 18 16, became 
the wife of Francis Boyer, of Pennsylvania, and 
after his death joined the Mormons in Utah, 
where she died in 1895. (9) Emanuel is the 
next of the family. (10) Elizabeth, born Octo- 
ber 10, 1820, married Dr. Joseph Eyster, and 
died in Sunbury, Penn., in 1896. The second 
wife of Christian Houtz was Catherine Zeller, a 
sister of his first wife. They were married May 
10, 1825, and her death occurred on September 
2, following. 

Emanuel Houtz (father of our subject) was 
born June 20, 1818, in what is now Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder county. He attended the schools 
of the neighborhood, and remained at home with 
his parents throughout his youth. He was mar- 
ried in Middleburg, February 6, 1840, to Susan 
Moyer, who was born in Washington township, 
June 1 8, 1820, a daughter of John and Hester 
(Burkholder) Moyer. She was their ninth child 
and fourth daughter. Her grandfather, Christo- 
pher Moyer, was the founder of the family in the 
United States. Her father settled near Free- 
burg, in 1 801, and died there July 17, 1842. His 
family numbered ten children, namely: Henry, 
George, John, Jacob, Mary, Catherine, Michael, 
Elizabeth, Susanna, and Philip. 

Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Houtz began their 
domestic life on his father's farm, which came 
into his possession by the terms of the will. In 
1842 he removed to some property belonging to 
the Moyer family, and, with the exception of the 
years from 1863 until 1866, which were passed 
in Mercer county, Penn., he spent his entire 
married life in Washington township. He fol- 
lowed farming for many years, and on locating 
in Freeburg embarked in merchandising in part- 
nership with his brother Henry, whose interest 
he afterward purchased. He also engaged in 
manufacturing brick, and made the brick used in 



the construction of the Freeburg Academy in 
1853. He also established the cigar business 
now conducted by our subject. He died April 
2 9. 1 895, and was buried in Evergreen cemetery, 
at Freeburg. He was a member of the German 
Reformed Church, was one of its most liberal 
contributors, and was generous to a fault. He 
was a warm advocate of the public schools, of 
temperance, and of all the movements calculated 
to advance the best interests of the community. 
In politics he was a Republican. His widow 
still survives him, is a most highly esteemed 
lady, and a member of the Reformed Church. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Houtz were born 
the following children: Elizabeth, wife of Jacob 
Miller, of Philadelphia; Malinda C, widow of 
Gustavus Erlenmeyer, of Freeburg; William H., 
of Lewistown, Penn. ; Sarah, wife of William C. 
Bratton, of Lewistown; Mary A., of Freeburg, 
who has pursued her musical education under the 
direction of Anthony Rubenstein, a nephew of 
the celebrated Master of music, under whom he 
received his training; Alice, wife of Milton 
Strayer, of Freeburg; Rena, twin sister of A'ice, 
and wife of Dr. L. A. Shirk, of Tour City, Penn. ; 
and John, our subject. 

John Houtz was born in Freeburg, August 
21, 1858, and began his education in its public 
schools under Luther Erlenmeyer. As a boy he 
followed various pursuits in order to assist his 
parents. He worked at off-bearing brick, receiv- 
ing twenty cents per thousand, and in this way 
carried brick used in the construction of the Lu- 
theran Reformed Church edifice and in the house 
in which he now lives. When in his teens he 
attended the Freeburg Academy for a short time, 
but his own educational advantages were not 
equal to those of other members of the family. 
At the age of nineteen he began working at the 
cigarmaker's trade for his father, serving a two- 
years' apprenticeship. In 1878 he embarked in 
business on his own account as his father's suc- 
cessor, and from a meagre beginning he has built 
up an extensive business, the largest of the kind 
in Snyder county. From an annual output of 
two hundred thousand the sales now amount to 
nearly one million cigars. The growth of the 
business has been steady and substantial, good 
goods, just prices and honorable dealings secur- 
ing an excellent trade. He possesses excellent 
business sagacity and mechanical skill in his call- 
ing, and these, combined with close attention to 
his business, have brought him a desirable and 
richly-merited success. From fifteen to twenty 
hands are employed in the factory. In addition 
to this enterprise Mr. Houtz owns some fine 
farming lands, conducts a livery stable in Free- 



10H4 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



burg, and has several valuable residence proper- 
ties in the town. 

On June 8, 1882, in Northumberland county, 
Mr. Houtz was married to Miss Mary A Strob, 
a native of Selins Grove, and a daughter of An- 
drew J. Stroh. They now have one child, Will- 
iam W, who was born December 8, 1S83. Mr. 
Houtz is a stanch advocate of Republican princi- 

, has served as election judge, township 
auditor, and is now a member of the board of 
auditors. He belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, at Freeburg, and he and his 
wife are members of the Reformed Church, in 
which he is now serving as deacon. He is in- 
terested in all that tends to the improvement of 
his native village, and lends his active co-opera- 
tion to all movements for the public good. 



/*> VV. WEAVER, the popular proprietor 1 
\J the "Central Hotel " at Freeburg, was born 
at what is known as The Loop, in Potter town- 
ship, Centre Co., Penn., March 19, 1854, a son 
of Henry and Eliza (Wasser) Weaver. By ti 
the father was a miller, but after his removal to 
Middleburg, in 1S56, he engaged in the drug 
business for e i tr h t years, and later conducted a 
hotel in Winfield, Onion Co., Penn. From there- 
he came to Centerville, Snyder county, where 
ith occurred in January, [868, and where 
his remains were interred. His political sup- 
port was ever given the Democratic party. He 
was twice married, having by the first wife two 

writers — one who lives in Iowa, and another 
who died in California. 

In February, 1871, the mother of our subject 
was married to Matthias Schnee, and afterward 
came to Freeburg, where, in 1873, they opened 
the hotel which Mr. Weaver now conducts. Mrs. 
Schnee. who was a member of the Lutheran 
Church and a most estimable lady, died in Free- 
burg, April 12, 1896, at the age of seventy-six 
years and twenty-three days, and was laid to rest 
in Evergreen cemetery of that place. 

During his boyhood Mr. Weaver accompanied 
his parents on their various removals, and at- 
tended the common schools of the places where 
they made their home, his primary education be- 
ing obtained in the schools of Middleburg and 
continued at the Freeburg Academy. When but 
ioy he was initiated into public business, with 
which he has since been actively identified. 

On May II, 1875, in Freeburg, Mr. Weaver 
was married to Miss Barbara E. Schnee, a 
daughter of his step-father, and they have be- 
come the parents of six children, all at home, 



namely: Mary E. (a graduate of Freeburg Acad- 
emy, who is engaged in teaching), Charles M., 
Frank H., Susie E., Bessie E. and Frederick A. 
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Weaver em- 
barked in the hotel business at Mt. Pleasant Mills, 
where he remained for four years, and then re- 
turned to Freeburg, conducting a general store 
here for thirteen years. In 1 894 he opened what 
is now known as the "Central Hotel," which is 
the leading hostelry in the town. He is an ex- 
cellent landlord, quiet and unassuming, always 
looking after every detail that adds to the pi- 
ure and comfort of his guests He and his fam- 
ily stand high in society, where intelligence and 
true worth are accepted as the passports. With 
the Lutheran Church both he and his wife and 
eldest two children hold membership, and, so- 
cially, he is connected with Odd Fellows Lodge 
No. 197, at Selins Grove. His sympathies are 
generally with the Democratic party, but at local 
elections he considers the fitness of the man 
the office rather than the party to which he be- 
longs. » 



JG. SNYDER. One of the most attractive 
homes in the little city of Beavertown, Sny- 
der county, is that owned by the subje' 
this biography, who after many years of success- 
ful work as an agriculturist has returned to enjoy 
his well-earned competence. He is counted 
among the best citizens of that locality, his 
ability and high character, no less than his 
wealth, giving him much intluence. 

Mr. Snyder was born September 3, 1840, at 
Freeburg, Snyder county, the son of George and 
grandson of Gaugler Snyder, who was an early 
resident of Union township, Snyder county. 
George Snyder was born in Chapman township. 
Union county (now Union township, Snyder 
county*, July 28, 1816, and as he was left 
fatherless in childhood was reared by his 
mother's brother, Jacob Reigle, a farmer in 
the same locality. His youth was spent 
in farm work, and his education was acquired 
in the subscription schools of that day, 
the instruction being mainly in German. He 
learned the blacksmith's trade under Benjamin 
Apple, of Freeburg, where he engaged in busi- 
ness on his own account and remained until 
1 844. He then removed to Chapman township, 
below McKees Falls, and continued in business 
about twenty years, retiring in [864, He was a 
small man but was most industrious, and he 
secured a fine competence through his own 
efforts. Politically, he was a Democrat, but be- 
yond voting regularly he took no active part in 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1095 



partisan work. In religious faith he was a 
Lutheran, and for man}' years he served as treas- 
urer of the Church. His wife, Elizabeth Gaug- 
ler, to whom he was married in Freeburg, was 
born in January, 1817, in what was then Chap- 
man township, Union county, the daughter of 
John Gaugler, and she is still living at the old 
homestead. Our subject's father died August 7, 
1896, and his remains were interred in the 
Evangelical Lutheran churchyard in Chapman 
township. Of two children, the elder, Susanna, 
is now the wife of G. \Y. Lyter, of Chapman 
township. 

Our subject, who was the younger of the two 
children, was but a boy when his parents moved 
to Chapman township, and he was educated 
there in the public schools, his studies being often 
interrupted by the necessity for assisting his fa- 
ther. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and 
after attaining his majority he worked for some 
time at one hundred dollars per year and board. 
In November, 1862, he was married in Chapman 
township to Miss Sarah Rine, who was born in 
McKees Falls, the daughter of John M. and 
Mary (Schnee) Rine. For a year and a half 
after his marriage, Mr. Snyder remained in Chap- 
man township, and was employed by his father in 
a blacksmith shop, but in the spring of 1864, he 
removed to Beaver township, Snyder county, 
and took charge of a farm owned by his father- 
in-law, which he rented until 1872. In partner- 
ship with his father, he purchased, in the fall of 
1870, another farm in the same township, to 
which he removed in the spring of 1872. There 
he remained until 1891, when he settled at Beaver- 
town, having purchased the Moses Specht home, 
one of the most pleasantly situated residences in 
the village. He rents his farm, and is now quite 
free from business cares, but for seventeen years 
he was treasurer of the Beavertown Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company, having held the position 
until 1897. He is a Democrat in politics, and, 
although he is not especially active in political 
affairs, he has given much attention to educa- 
tional matters, and at one time was school di- 
rector in Beaver township. 

Mr. Snyder and his wife have had five chil- 
dren: George W., who married Miss Susan 
Hassinger, and resides in Beavertown; John E., 
who died at the age of twenty-four years; Miss 
Anna J., who resides at home; Henry E., 
who died when about eighteen years old, and 
one that died in infancy. The family is identi- 
fied with the Lutheran Church, of which Mrs. 
Snyder is a member, and our subject was at one 
time a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows. 



ISAAC DREESE is a leading representative of 
the industrial interests of McClure, Snyder 

county, and ranks among the prominent and en- 
terprising business men, whose well-directed efforts 
not only bring them a good substantial return, 
but also promote the material welfare of the 
community. He is now engaged in the manu- 
facture of lumber and staves, and his business is 
managed with ability and method. 

Mr. Dreese was born in Decatur township, 
Mifflin Co., Penn., December 28, 1845. His 
grandfather, John Dreese, was born in Northum- 
berland, now Snyder, county, and was of German 
descent. He made farming his life work, and 
owned several large tracts of land constituting a 
number of fine farms, on which were good resi- 
dences and other excellent improvements. He 
married Martha Middleworth, a sister of Hon. N. 
Middleworth, of Beaver township, Snyder connty. 

John Dreese, the father of our subject, re- 
ceived a good education in English and German, 
and followed farming on the old homestead up to 
the time of his marriage, when he removed to 
Mifflin county, purchasing a farm of 500 acres in 
Decatur township. About one-half of this land 
was under cultivation. He placed the remainder 
under the plow, and made many excellent im- 
provements upon the place, extensively engaging 
in farming and stock raising there. He was mar- 
ried in what was then Union county, but is now 
Snyder county, to Anna Wagner, who was born 
near McClure, and they became the parents of 
thirteen children, namely: Jacob W., of Kansas; 
Maria, wife of J. D. Ulsh; Rebecca, deceased 
wife of Solomon Romig; Isaac; Catherine, wife of 
D. B. Hassinger, of West Beaver township, Sny- 
der county; John H., who is living on the old 
homestead in Decatur township; Mary A., wife of 
George Boardman, of Shamokin; Reuben, of 
Kansas; Clara, widow of George Lambert, of 
Sunbury; James H., deceased; Sarah, wife of 
William Martin, of Decatur township, Mifflin 
county; Joseph, of Newport, Perry Co., Penn.; 
and William H., of Kansas. The father of this 
family was a Republican in his political belief. He 
held membership in the Lutheran Church, served 
as one of its elders, and promoted the educational 
interests of his neighborhood by serving as school 
director. He died on his farm in 1877, and his 
widow departed this life in McClure in 1887. 

Isaac Dreese supplemented his early educa- 
tional privileges received in Decatur township, 
Mifflin county, by study in Freeburg Academy 
and afterward engaged in teaching school in his 
native township and in Snyder county for five 
terms. He also assisted his father in the devel- 
opment of the home farm until he had attained 



1090 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



his majority, when he removed to West Beaver 
township, Snyder county, and purchased a farm 
of eighty-one acres, which he successfully oper- 
ated for nineteen years. He erected thereon a 
house and barn, planted an orchard, and made 
other substantial improvements. To stock raising 
he gave considerable attention, and kept on hand 
a high grade of horses, cattle and hogs. In i 
he removed to McClure, where he purchased a 
stave factory of Squire Howell, which he has 
since successfully conducted. He also owns a 
stave-mill in Huntingdon county, Penn., one in 
Wesl Beaver township, Snyder county, also a 
half interest in another in Juniata county, in 
partnership with his son-in-law, R. E. Stinely. 
He furnishes employment to twenty-five or thirty 
men, shipping each year more than thirty car 
loads. This is one of the important indust 
of the county, and Mr. Dreese has acquired 
thereby a handsome competence as a result of 
his well-directed efforts. He has also erected twi i 
fine residences in Mc< lure, each costing more 
than $1,500, and has otherwise improved the 
town. He also erected a double house in Lewis- 
town, Mifflin county, valued at $1,500. 

Mi. Dreese was married in Decatur township. 
Mifflin county, December 22, 1868, to Jane Ann 
Burkholder, who was born in DeWitt count}'. 
111., February 11, 1848. She was educated in 
Decatur township, and for five winters taught in 
the public schools there, and conducted a select 
school for six summers. She is a daughter of 
Henry and Jane (Allen) Burkholder. Her father 
was born in Mifflin county, was a hatter by trade, 
and died in Illinois in 1850. His widow is still 
living with Mrs. Dreese, at the age of eighty-seven 
years. She was the mother of seven children, 
two of whom are living Matilda E., wife of 
Rupert Church, of Wisconsin; and Mrs. Dreese. 
Our subject and his wife were both engaged in 
teaching the winter they were married and the 
following winter, and have four children: Minnie 
E.. born April 24, 1870, wife of K. E. Stimely, a 
teacher and assessor of McClure. by whom she 
has two children; Ira H., born November S, 
1N72. who married Carrie E. Bubb, and is a rail- 
road man of Lewistown; Mertie M., born August 
10, 1881, and Lester A., born April 21, 1885, 
living at home. 

Mr. Dreese is a prominent and influential 
member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has 
served as deacon and elder. He has also long 
been an active worker and teacher in the Sunday- 
school, and has served as its superintendent. A 
stanch advocate of Republican principles, he was 
elected on that ticket school director and assessor. 
In the performance of every duty, whether of a 



public or private nature, he is true to the trust 
reposed in him. The wife of our subject, Jane 
A. Dreese, has been actively engaged in Sunday- 
school work for about twenty-five years, serving 
as teacher, and teaching the primary class in 
Christ's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Mc- 
• Inn , for about ten years. 



D NORMAN APP. Few homes in this sec- 
tion show as many evidences of refinement 
and culture as does that of the subject of this 
sketch, a well-known agriculturist of Monroe 
township, Snyder county, and the visitor within 
its hospitable walls is impressed with the happy 
blending of the enjoyments of rural life with the 
delights of broad intellectual activity 

The App family is of German extraction, and 
has been identified with Pennsylvania for several 
generations. The progenitor of the Snyder 
count) branch was Matthias App, who came 
from Northampton county at an early date, 
about 1790, and engaged in farming, merchan- 
dising and distilling with such success that he be- 
came one of the wealthy men of the locality, now 
Snyder- county. He was twice married, and 
reared a family of nine children, four sons and 
five daughters. His sons were: (1) Frederick, 
(2) Matthias. (3) Leonard, and (4) John; and 
his daughters were: Polly, Catherine, Eliza- 
beth, Regina and Susan. Soon after the war of 
[812, Mr. App purchased a tract of land opposite 
to Minn y, on the west side of the Susquehanna 
river, known as Black Hole Valley, and settled 
thereon five of his children: (i) Frederick and 
four of his daughters. Some of their descendants 
-till reside in the same locality, mainly the Apps, 
the Grosses, the Heilmans, and the Bucks. 1 2 1 
Matthias, Jr., settled in the West over a half a 
century ago, residing for the most part in Illiti 
where his death occurred, though he also spent 
some time in California. (31 Leonard settled on 
part of the original farm of his father, near Selins 
Grove, where he engaged in farming and milling. 
This land is owned and occupied by some of his 
sons — namely: Jeremiah and Solomon. The 
portion of his son Simon P., deceased, is occu- 
pied by the sons of the latter — G. Nelson and 
uel. Of the sons of Leonard App, Jeremiah 
and Solomon both gave their services to their 
country during the Civil war, being members of 
Company G, 147th P. V. I., the latter as a cor- 
poral and the former as a private. Another son, 
Jacob App, served in the Mexican war, bringing 
home with him from that struggle a young Mex- 
ican whom he educated; he (Jacob) became a 
candidate for the Legislature, he failed of elec- 




A 71 



crmitu^ 



^f^ 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1097 



tion, after which he went to California during the 
gold excitement, and there died. By industry, 
economy and frugality Leonard App accumulated 
considerable property, and became one of the 
wealthy men of the community. He was a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church of Selins Grove, and 
took an active part in the organization of the 
Second Lutheran Church, now called the Trinity 
Lutheran Church, and served as a member of 
the building committee. To its upbuilding he 
contributed freely of his means, and he labored 
faithfully, especially in family visitation and 
prayer meetings. 

The descendants of the daughters of Matthias 
App are: the Grosses and Bucks, of Black Hole 
Valley and Muncy; the Ulshes, Kistners and 
Rev. P. Born, D. D., of Selins Grove, who was 
for over thirty years professor of the Classical 
and Theological departments of the Missionary 
Institute, now known as Susquehanna University, 
of Selins Grove; and the Kleckners, of Crawford 
county, Pennsylvania. 

(4) John, the remaining son of Matthias App, 
was the eldest son of the second wife, who in 
her maidenhood was Elizabeth Buck. He was 
born September 22, 1793, and was a man of 
vigorous mind, of sound judgment, of profound 
and abiding convictions, and, when convinced he 
was right, of determined, unyielding and perse- 
vering purpose. Possessed of more than an 
ordinary degree of liberality, he was always 
among the first to advocate every reform move- 
ment that promised good to the community. 
When yet a boy, he took a deep interest in his 
father's business affairs, attending faithfully to 
all the duties assigned him. During his youth 
he exhibited the qualities that distinguished him 
in after life. At the breaking out of the war of 
18 1 2, in accordance with his ideas of duty to 
his country, he wished to enlist, but his father 
refused to allow it because he was under age. 
He quietly submitted to parental authority, but 
a few months later, when the recruiting officer 
came around, John announced his intention of 
enlisting, and upon his father again objecting, 
he said: "To-day, father, I am of age, and now 
I shall enlist," which he accordingly did, joining 
the company of which Jacob Hummel was cap- 
tain. When the company arrived at Marcus 
Hook, it was found that the army was deficient 
in supplies, and the government called for vol- 
unteers who were able and willing to furnish 
teams to haul supplies for the army. Among 
others John App responded to the call, and going 
home his father helped to furnish him a team 
with which he might assist in supplying the 
needs of the army. 



In 18 17 John App was married to Catherine 
Gross, of Adamsburg, and became the father of 
nine children, who are mentioned later. Some 
time before his death, his father purchased 
several lots in Selins Grove on which he 
erected a substantial and commodious brick 
building for his future residence. When com- 
pleted he put his farm in charge of his son 
John. The father died in 1828, and after his 
death, in 1836, John moved to town and occu- 
pied the house erected by his father, and here 
cared for his widowed mother until her death. 
John App pursued the business of farming un- 
til his death in 1876. Part of the time he 
operated two farms — the original one, in con- 
nection with the distilling of liquor for a number 
of years, the distillery having been established 
by his father, and a second farm, which he pur- 
chased adjoining Selins Grove on the west. 

Whiskey was then a universal beverage, nearly 
everybody used it, even the clergy not being ex- 
empt from the habit. The result of its use was 
continual evil, especially in the harvest field, 
where the workmen often became intoxicated 
and were found lying in the fence corners; they 
would engage in personal brawls, and it was 
sometimes difficult to prevent a general fight. 
Seeing these sad results, and dreading the idea of 
having drunkards as his companions and asso- 
ciates, as well as fearing its degrading influence 
on his own nature, John App determined to effect 
a reformation, and in consequence became the 
first temperance reformer in the community. 
His still was at once abandoned. The use of 
whiskey was banished from his premises, and was 
to be used no more in his harvest field. He 
made known his determination throughout the 
neighborhood, saying that hereafter his harvests 
must be reaped without the use of whiskey, but 
adding that he would pay ten cents extra wages 
to all who would work without its use. This 
aroused a general opposition. His former hands 
declared they would not work for him. Even 
his pastor discouraged him, but he declared that 
rather than give whiskey again, he would go forty 
miles to find hands. The courage with which he 
maintained his position aroused the admiration 
of the more thoughtful, and the inherent noble- 
ness in their characters "rose in majesty to meet 
his own" in his bold stand for higher morality. 
Some ten days before harvest Rev. Daniel Wei- 
ser, living in Selins Grove, came to Mr. App on a 
special mission of encouragement, assuring him 
that should the crisis come he would be ready to 
hang the preacher's mantle behind the entry- 
door, and assist in the harvesting of the wheat 
crop. By this time the news had spread to the 



- 



■ nMSlEMDUATlVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



adjoining counties, and words of encouragement 
came from Sunbury, Lewisburg, Mifflinburg and 
New Berlin, but not a whisper came from the 
towns of his own county — Middleburg, Freeburg, 
and Richfield — their citizens believed in free 
whiskey for all. 

It will not be out of place to preserve the 
names of a few of his friends above referred to — 
George A. and Henry W. Snyder, sons of (. 
Snyder, Charles Rhodes, Judge Jordan, of Sun- 
bury, and attorneys Lashell and Merrill, of New 
Berlin. Mr. Merrill came in person with others, 

urged him to abide firm in his purpose, as- 
suring him they could act their part as well as 
Rev. Daniel Weiser. It was now proclaimed 
that on a certain Monday morning the harvest- 
ing of the App wheat would be commenced, and 
a general invitation was extended, saying that 
work would be given to all, and that ten cents a 
day extra would be given to all who would work 
without the use whiskey. The eventful Monday 
morning came. At four o'clock in the morning 
i voice called at the outside of Mr. App's win- 
dow wishing to know whether work could be had, 
and if it were true that ten cents a day extra 
would be given for doing without whiskey. 
"Yes, it is true, " was the reply. "Well, we 
will work for you for the extra ten cents, and do 
without whiskey, " then adding, "But we have 
brought our wives and daughters with us. ( in 
they also have work 5 " "They shall haw- 
work," was the reply, "and an extra cup of 
coffee or milk, and five meals a day." By this 
time the whole community seemed to be pour- 

into John App's to see how the no-whiskey- 
in-the-harvest-field would succeed. Others came 
from the hills across the river from Selins Grove. 
Soon there were more applicants for work than 
could be accommodate! By eight o'clock fully 
fifty persons had eaten their breakfast. Of 
these fourteen cradlers, with two rakers and 
binders to each crad' a number with the 

sickle were employed. These were formed into 
two companies, and set to work in separate fields. 
and the rest were dismissed. The harvesting 
progressed rapidly and harmoniously, and 
soon brought to a close. No-whiskey-in-the 
harvest-field had triumphed, and a new era for 
temperance reform was inaugurated! !t was ad- 
mitted that John App was the first victor in the 
local war against " King i 

< 'wing to the absen M-hools, Mr App 

failed to enjoy the advantages ol an education, 
but by his "wn efforts and perseverance, after 
reaching manhood, he became a good rea 
learned to write and acquired the elements of 
practical arithmetic, thus enabling him to keep 



his own accounts and manage his own business. 
Ni iw that his children were growing up, he keenly 
felt the necessity of giving them a school educa- 
tion. There was no school in all the surrounding 
community, but Mr. App determined to have a 
school. Me put up a building on his own prem- 
ises and fitted it out as a school room, and em- 
ployed a teacher, making himself responsible for 
the payment of his salary, thus becoming the 
•Father of English Schools" in this section. 
He invited his neighbors to send their children 
to his school free of charge. As the children all 
spoke German at home, and few, if any of them, 
understood English, and as the teacher did not 
understand German, the pupils must be taught 
English, hence the rule was laid down that no 
German should be spoken in the school room. 
How to speak English without knowing it was 
up-hill work, but, by dint of persevering effort, the 
pupils gradually learned to read and speak the 
English language. This was the first scl 
building in this part of the country, and the 
identical building is still standing on the corner 
north of the beautiful farm mansion, and is I 
in a good state of preservation by Mr. App's 
grandson, D. Norman App, the present owner of 
the farm. This was the beginning of English 
schools and the use of the English language by 
the young people. 

Prior to i S 4 3 , preaching in the Lutheran 
Church at Selins Grove had been in German. 
For some time, however, the need of regular 

lish service was felt to be a necessity. The 
young people were fast becoming English, and 
they must be provided with English preachim 
be lost to the Church. The subject was agitated, 
and mainly through the influence of William 
dangler, John App and a few others, the con- 
sent of the pastor, Father Shindel, was obtained 
to procure an assistant pastor to devote himself 
to the English interests of the congregation. 
Through the efforts of Rev. Dr. Reynolds, a 
member of the Pennsylvania Synod, and a pro- 
fessor of Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg. 
Penn., a young man. Rev. H. Ziegler, who had 
just been licensed by the West Pennsylvania 

d at Aaronsburg, was secured to accept I 
position. This was in the fall of 1S43. The 
only promise of support came from John App, 
and u was in these words: " We cannot prom- 
ise you any regular salary for the present, but I 
will give you house room and board gratis." 
This was accepted, and Mr. Ziegler entered upon 
his work as assistant pastor. It was not long 
before German was entirely abandoned in the 
services of the congregation and English took its 
place. Mr. App lived to see abundant fruit- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1099 



his efforts to introduce English preaching. (Of 
the two Lutheran Churches at Selins Grove the 
English preaching referred to was introduced at 
that time in the new or Second Lutheran 
Church (now Trinity) only.) 

In the summer of 1857, Rev. H. Ziegler was 
engaged as an agent of Dr. B. Kurtz to assist 
Rev. P. Williard to canvass Perry county to se- 
cure funds for the location of the contemplated 
Missionary Institute (now Susquehanna Univer- 
sity). After the canvass was completed in Perry 
county, Rev. Ziegler laid a proposition before the 
council of the Second Lutheran Church of Selins 
Grove (now Trinity Lutheran Church) to make 
an effort to compete with Perry county and other 
places for the location of the Institute. The 
council called a meeting to consider the proposi- 
tion, but after a brief discussion they were on 
the point of deciding that it would be useless to 
make an effort. John App now arose and ad- 
dressed the meeting about as follows: "Don't 
be too hasty, brethren. Let us at least make an 
effort. I will give $1,500 to start a subscrip- 
tion." Thus encouraged the council decided 
that an effort should be made. Dr. B. Kurtz 
and Rev. H. Ziegler were invited to address the 
citizens of Selins Grove on the subject, and a 
day was appointed for that purpose. After the 
addresses a committee was appointed to canvass 
the town and vicinity for subscriptions. The 
result was that, in about ten days, $22,000 were 
secured. A committee of the board of mana- 
gers of the contemplated Institute was now 
sent to Selins Grove to decide on its location. 
In view of the liberal subscription, it was 
agreed that Selins Grove held out the strong- 
est inducement for its location. There was, 
however, one serious objection to its loca- 
tion here. A pool of stagnant water in the 
southwest end of the town was a constant 
breeder of malaria in the fall of the year. 
This would make Selins Grove an unhealthy 
location for the Institute. A proposition was 
made to drain this pool. The right of way 
to make the drain was secured from the land 
holders. Mr. App now said to William Gangler, 
one of the owners of the lots through which the 
drain had to pass: " Now go ahead. Have the 
work done, and draw on me for the pay." The 
draining was soon accomplished, and the objec- 
tion to the location of the Institute was removed. 
It was now to be located at Selins Grove. Mr. 
App thus secured its location by two liberal and 
opportune acts — the subscription of $1,500, and 
the making himself responsible for the payment 
of the cost of draining the stagnant pool. It 
must be said that whilst Dr. B. Kurtz was the 



founder and father of the Missionary Institute, 
John App was the instrument under God of its 
location at Selins Grove. His interest in the 
Institute did not cease with its location, but he 
continued to labor in its behalf, contributing 
liberally toward the endowment of the theo- 
logical department, and also toward the erec- 
tion of five students' houses; indeed when- 
ever the Institute was in need of funds for re- 
pairs, etc., John App was always found ready 
and willing to come to its relief, and it never had 
a warmer or truer friend. From the time cf its 
founding until his death he served on the Board 
of Directors. After eighty-three years passed 
in "the glory of a life well spent" the soul of 
John App passed fearlessly on 

" Before that sapphire colored throne 
And Him that sits thereon." 

As has been already stated, there were nine 
children born to John and Catherine (Gross) App. 
These were: (1) Matthias married Harriet, a 
daughter of George Snyder, and a granddaugh- 
ter of Gov. Snyder, and settled near Austin, Cass 
county, Mo., where he became an extensive land 
holder, and one of the most progressive farmers 
of the county. He is highly respected in the 
community, and his influence is always in favor of 
every reform movement. His family consists of 
three sons and three daughters — John, Harry, 
George, Emily, Ellen and Kitty. (2) Eliza mar- 
ried Rev. H. Ziegler, who was professor of the- 
ology and superintendent of the Missionary Insti- 
tute until ill-health compelled him to resign. 
Their children were — Louisa, wife of Rev. J. B. 
Shoup; Henrietta, wife of Rev. G. W. Reese; 
Lorena, wife of Rev. G. W. Fortney; Hattie; 
Herman, a lawyer in Iowa; John, a Luth- 
eran minister at Louisville, Kentucky; and Ida, 
deceased in infancy. (3) Hiram engaged in 
farming until 1896, when he sold his farm and 
moved to Selins Grove, into the old App home- 
stead erected by his grandfather in 18 16, as 
stated above. He, too, assisted in permanently 
establishing the Missionary Institute by liberal 
contributions of money, time and labor; and, 
after the death of his father, was elected a mem- 
ber of the board of directors, for a number of 
years serving as president of the board. He 
married Caroline Hall, and has eight living chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters — John Hall, 
for a number of years principal of the public 
schools of Shippensburg, Penn.; Charles Frank- 
lin; Lawrence Tazwell; Grant Ellsworth; Mary 
Ellen; Lottie Mabel; Cora Jennie; and Bertie Caro- 
line. (4) Anna A., married Harry Witmer, and 
lives in Decatur, 111. ; her children are — Edward, 
Howard, Alberta, Cora, and Frank. (5) Mary 



1100 



( 0MMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ann, deceased. (6) Simon P., deceased. 
Catherine (better known as Kate), deceased, 
married M. W. Reynolds, of Port Deposit, Md., 
new of Baltimore, that State, and their children 
were — May. Winfield Scott, Louis, Harold, 
and Maud. (8) George, deceased at the age of 
twenty-two years. 

(9) Isaac App, though not the youngest in 
the family of John App, is mentioned last 
cause of his closer connection with the line we 
trace. He was born October 21, 1S24, and dii d 
April 1 1, 1872. He was one of the leading ag- 
riculturists of Snyder county, and was highly re- 
spected among his fellow citizens for his sterling 

lities of character. In politics he was a 
Democrat until the formation of the Republican 
party, to which he became a stanch and true ad- 
herent the remainder of his life. In his religious 
belief he clung to the faith of his fathers, con- 
scientiously following the guidance of him who 
sang "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott." Public- 
spirited and progressive, he contributed largely 
to the founding of the Missionary Institute. Not 
having a public school in his section of the town- 
ship, he advocated the building of one, for which 
purpose he donated a rich, level plot of ground 
from the center of his farm, a short distance 
south of his home, along the public road to Selins 
Grove, and through his practical efforts a public 
school was secured for the people of his neigh- 
borhood. He used his influence to secure com- 
petent teachers, thus continuing the efforts in 
ilf of education begun by his father. 

On December 5, 1848, Isaac App was mar- 
ried to Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Eliza- 
beth (Koppenhaffer) Holt/man. natives of Dau- 
phin county. The founder of the Holtzman 
family in this country was Hon. Hans (John 
George) Holtzman, who in the seventeenth cen- 
tury came from Wurtemberg, Germany, and 
landed at Castle Garden, thence going to Phila- 
delphia, where he earned enough money to go 
back to Germany and bring over with him his 
wife and family. He landed at Philadelphia, 
and soon came to Berks county and bought a 
(arm. He had one son, Henreich Adolph, who 
inherited the property, and was married, and lived 
in Tulpehocken township, Berks county. Penn. 
Henreich Adolph Holtzman had a son Go 
Michael, who after the death of his parents 
sold the property, was married to a Miss Lebo, 
also of Berks county, after which he moved 
to Lykens Valley, where he bought a tract of 
land of 410 acres in Washington township. 
They had children as follows: Peter, John, 
Jonathan, Michael, Jacob, Marie, Salile and 
Elizabeth. Of this family, the third son, 



Jonathan Holtzman, was married to Eliza- 
beth Koppenhaffer, and their children were: 
Mary, wife of Isaac App, mentioned more fully 
below; Elizabeth, wife of William Stroup, and 
her children are— Mary, Newton, Charles, Nor- 
man, Emma, Harry and Katie; Jonathan, de- 
ceased; Edward, deceased; and David K., who 
married a Miss Mattis, by whom he had one son, 
Charles, and one daughter, Emma (now de- 
ceased). Later David K. married a MissNeagly, 
of Lykens Valley, and had a daughter, OtilleaC. . 
now one of the finest musicians in Dauphin 
county. 

Mary (Holtzman) App was born September 
25, 1825, and died February C, 18S7. She was 
the mother of four children: (1) Francis, who 
engaged in teaching school for several terms, and 
is now an agriculturist residing near Berrysburg, 
Penn. He married Sarah Miller, and their chil- 
dren are George '/.., Harry and Frank. (2) John 
G., a graduate of Shippensburg Normal School, 
is a teacher at Lewisburg, Penn.; he man 
Alice Weiser, of McKees Half Falls, and their 
children are — Carleton Smith Gillfilen and 
Charles Weiser. (3) D. Norman; and (4) Henry, 
who was a graduate of the law department of the 
University of Michigan, died September 3, 1897. 

D. Norman App was born April 28, 1853, at 
the homestead where he now resides. His work 
in school was unusually thorough, and he was 
far advanced for his years. A retentive memory 
and close application, coupled with a natural 
thirst for knowledge, made up in his case for 
many years of school work, as the death of his 
father just at the time he wished to enter upon a 
collegiate course necessitated complete alt 
tions of his plans The fall before he 
sixteen he began teaching school, and taught in 
all five terms. His summers were devoted to as- 
sisting in the cultivation of the home farm, and 
at an early age he was familiar with the best 
methods of agricultural work. After the father's 
death the oldest two boys managed the farm un- 
til 1S76, when the estate published a notice of a 
sale of personal property, and the farm came 
under the management of I). Norman App. On 
November 22, 1882, D. Norman App, Francis S. 
App and Henry J. App became the purchasers. 
and later 1). Norman bought the interests of the 
other two brothers. This farm is a well-tilled 
tract of 228 acres, improved with modern build- 
ings, and all the accessories that prove the owner 
a progressive farmer of the nineteenth century. 
It is one of the largest and finest tracts of land 
in the county, and is in the highest state of cul- 
tivation. It has been in the possession of the 
immediate ancestors of the present owner, a rep- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1101 



resentative of the fourth generation, for more 
than a century. The Patent from the Common- 
wealth was granted by Thomas Mifflin, Govern- 
or, to Simon Snyder, later Gov. Snyder, on Au- 
gust 27, 1790; on September 10, 1790, he sold 
the undivided third interest to Anthony Selin. 
On November iS, 1790, Simon Snyder and An- 
thony Selin and Catherine, his wife, conveyed 
this same tract of land, containing then 253 
acres, to Matthias App. On August 5, 1S1S, 
Matthias App and his wife, Elizabeth, granted 
the same to his son, John App, and he by his 
deeds, dated June 24, 1857, and March 6, 1S71, 
conveyed to Isaac App this tract. After his 
death it descended to his four children, and by 
purchasing their share D. Norman App has be- 
come the sole owner. This farm lies about two 
miles north of Selins Grove, within easy reach of 
the Selins Grove and Sunbury markets. Mr. 
App has met with remarkable success in raising 
blooded stock, for which purpose he is equipped 
with one of the finest and largest bank barns in 
this section of the State, being 100 feet in 
length. Nowhere in the county can as large a 
number of fine blooded horses and cattle be 
found together, as can always be seen on this 
yard. Recently he sold several lots of horses to 
European buyers; he is and always has been a 
great admirer of the Percheron draft horse. He 
raises registered Red Polled cattle and Poland 
China hogs. The success of his practical ideas 
has placed him in the front rank as an up-to- 
date farmer and manager. 

On February 8, 1882, D. Norman App was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth, a 
daughter of John Conrad and Catherine (Dunkel) 
Dunkel, the latter of whom passed to her final 
rest February 22, 1893. Of their six children, 
five survive: Mary E. , Mrs. App; Charles E. 
died at the age of eighteen; William and James 
M. reside in Buffalo township, Union county; 
Martin L. resides in East Buffalo township; and 
Katy S. is at home. 

Mrs. App is well educated, and possesses rare 
tact and judgment, making her a most admirable 
helpmate to her husband in the management of 
their extensive estate, as well as in the ordering 
of their beautiful home. The success of Mr. App 
is due, in no small degree, to the energy, the 
careful attention to detail and the hearty co-op- 
eration of his wife, always exhibited by her in all 
the important moves and business undertakings 
of his life. Their union has been happily blessed 
with three children: Isaac Dunkel, Mary Edna, 
and Robert Lincoln. 

Mr. App takes an intelligent interest in all 
the questions of the day, and is a firm believer 



in the principles and policy of the Republican 
party; though not in any sense an office-seeker, 
he is serving his third term as township auditor. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Trinity 
Lutheran Church at Selins Grove. It is seldom 
a community is so fortunate as to possess a fam- 
ily where each succeeding generation so faithfully 
carries out and enlarges upon the work of pro- 
gression begun by the preceding one. Of the 
App family this is undoubtedly true. Civiliza- 
tion owes much to such families. Matthias, 
John and Isaac left behind them monuments 
more outlasting than beaten brass or chiseled 
marble, and the present scion of this truly noble 
house, D. Norman App, is so ordering his life 
that he may be not unworthy of his sires. 



GHARLES A. SAUER. Among the substan- 
1 tial and enterprising farmers of Snyder 
county, whose names are scattered through the 
pages of this volume, none is more worthy of 
mention than the gentleman whose name opens 
this article. His entire life has been passed in 
Middle Creek township, where he was born June 
8, 1862, a son of Adam and Susanna (Yerger) 
Sauer. Upon the same farm where our subject 
now lives, his grandfather, John Sauer, made his 
home for a number of years. He met his death 
by falling from a chestnut tree when his son Adam 
was about eighteen years of age. His other 
children were all younger, and were as follows; 
Jacob, now a resident of Fremont, Neb. ; Sarah, 
who married John Dauberman, and died in Kratz- 
erville, Penn. ; Polly, wife of William Birch, of 
Indiana; Mrs. Jonathan Heimbach, of Union 
county, Penn.; Henry, who makes his home near 
New Berlin, Penn. ; and Joseph, of Limestone 
township, Union county. 

On the old homestead in Middle Creek town- 
ship Adam Sauer was born, and his limited educa- 
tion was obtained in the schools of that locality. 
In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and 
became quite an extensive contractor and builder, 
erecting many of the best houses and barns in his 
section, and having many apprentices under him. 
He was married to Elizabeth Swartzlander, who 
died leaving three children: Mary, now the wife 
of John Mittman, of Dodge county, Neb. ; Henry, 
of Kreamer, Penn.; and Isaac F., a farmer of 
Middle Creek township, Snyder county. For his 
second wife, Mr. Sauer married Miss Susanna 
Yerger, and our subject was the only child born 
to this union that reached adult age. Through- 
out life the father continued to reside on the old 
homestead, which his sons operated for him, 
while he worked at his trade, and he met with 



II". 



( OMMEMORATIVE IJIOGRAPIIK AI. RECORD. 



excellent success in his undertakings, accumulat- 
ing considerable property At his father's death 
the entire responsibility of supporting the family 
fell to him, but he was equal to the emergency, 
and was a splendid example of a self-made man. 
His career was such as to win the commendation 
of all .vho know him, and as an honorable citi- 
zen, he well deserved the high regard in which he 
was held. Although he never took a very active 
interest in politics, he regularly cast his ballot 
in support of the Democratic party. He was a 
thful member of the Lutheran Church, and 
was liberal in support of all Church or benev- 
olent work. His death occurred in 1889, when 
111 his seventy-second year. 

In 1 he Sauer school our subject began his 
literary training with Charles Schnure for his 
first teacher, and li ntire educa- 

tion in the country schools with the exception of 
one term spent at Freeburg Academy under Major 
Dill He never left the old home farm, which 
became his property after his father's death, ami 
he is now the owner of fifty-eight acres of rich 
arable land, which he has greatly improved 
since it has come into his possession. 

When twenty-two years of age, Mr. Sauer 
was married to Miss Lizzie C. Bilger, a native of 
Middle Creek township, and a daughter of Hen- 
luckei Bilger. They now have four chil- 
dren, whose names and dates of birth are as fol- 
lows: Minnie S.. March 7. [887; William A., 
March 25, [889; Mary E., July is, 1890; and 
Bertha M.. February S, 1893. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sauer are connected with 
the Lutheran Church, while in politics Mr. Sauer 

lentified with the Democratic party. For a ' 
time he served as deacon of the Church, and is 
now secretary of the Sunday-school. He is one i 
of the most progressive and public-spirited citi- 
zens of his township, gives his support to all 
worthy enterprises for the good of the commu- 
nity, and is an efficient member of the school 
board. 

FREDERICK C. MOYER, deceased, was a 
representative citizen of Snyder county, and 
for more than half a century conducted an ex- 
tensive mercantile business at Freeburg. He was 

identified with various important interests in his 
locality, many of which were far-reaching in 
their influence, and, as the founder of Freeburg 
Musical College, he created a lasting monument 
to his memory. He belonged to a well-known 
family, and was of the fourth generation from | 
Christopher Moyer, the first of the name to set- 
tle in the United States. His grandfather, 
Christopher Moyer, resided near Campbellstown, 



Penn., and his father, Christopher Mover (2), 
was born in that vicinity in 1776, and about 1800 
removed to the neighborhood of Freeburg to 
make his permanent home, his death occurring 
there June II, 1840. He married Bettie How- 
erter, who was born October 20, 1777, and died 
November 20, 1862. 

Frederick C. Mover was the eldest of a fam- 
ily of nine children — four sons and five daughters 
— and was born February 17, 1S10, near Free- 
burg at the old homestead where his early years 
were spent. In April, 1832, he engaged in mer- 
cantile business in Freeburg, and nine years later 
his youngest brother, George C. Moyer, became 
his partner under the firm name of G. & F. C. 
Moyer, which existed about fifty years. In early 
manhood Mr. Moyer married Miss Mary A 
r, who was born in Penn township, Snyder 
county, May 11. 1810, the eldest child of John 
and Elizabeth (Spotts) Boyer, and she proved to 
be a true helpmate, her assistance and encour- 
agement being of great value to him throughout 
his life. In 1^38 he located on the northv. 
corner of South and Market streets, at FreeburL;. 
and there he continued to reside until his death. 

i hirty-eight years he conducted a hotel th< 
but in 1S70 he remodeled the place, adding a 
third story, and thus secured an admirable loca- 
tion for the Musical College. For many years 
he was the director of this institution, which 
speedily won a well-deserved popularity, and is 
now successfully managed by his son, Henry B. 
Moyer, whose sketch appears below. He was 
also extensively engaged in farming, and his pro- 
gressive ideas were shown in the ditching of low- 
lands, the use of lime, and the changing of the 
course of creeks whenever necessary to straighten 
them or to secure other desirable ends, and in 
these and similar measures his neighbors after- 
ward followed his example to some extent. When 
the first bank was established at Lewisburg he 
was one of its directors, and he was a trustee of 
the Mifflinburg Academy during 1S44, 1S45 and 
1S46, while it was a State institution. In politics 
he was a Republican of the strongest kind, and 
at one time he remarked that he did not see how 
any Mover could be a Democrat. His high char- 
acter and his well-known ability caused him to be 
chosen to various official positions, and from 
1847 to 1850 he was auditor of Union county, 
while later he served for three years as one of the 
auditors of Snyder county. For twelve years 
was postmaster of Freeburg, under the adminis- 
trations of Harrison, Taylor, and Lincoln. He 
was a man of marked intelligence and great en- 
ergy, possessing decided convictions, and his 
opinions were held in respect by all who knew 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1103 



him. In religious work he was active as a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church at Freeburg, in 
which he served as trustee for thirty-four years 
and for a long period conducted the congrega- 
tional singing. 

On July 30, 1 89 1, this estimable citizen 
passed to his final rest, his death causing sincere 
mourning throughout the community in which he 
had so long resided. His beloved wife survived 
him but a few years, her death occurring Decem- 
ber 28, 1896. They left a large family of chil- 
dren, all of whom were given excellent advan- 
tages. A lifelong acquaintance thus writes: 
"He (Mr. Moyer) could look with justifiable 
pride and satisfaction upon a numerous train of 
descendants, not one of whom would cause a 
fond parent's cheek to crimson with shame." 
His eldest son, William, born September 27, 
1834, resides in Freeburg, and his biography is 
given below; Philip B., born November 13, 1835, 
is a resident of Freeburg; Caroline, now Mrs. S. 
G. Hilbish, lives in the vicinity of Freeburg; 
Sarah E., widow of Dr. J. C. Schaeffer, resides in 
Arizona; Daniel B., born May 5, 1841, died July 
7, 1874. He was formerly a teacher, and editor of 
the Freeburg Courier, he held a prominent place 
in the community, being especially active in the 
work of the Republican party, serving one year 
as chairman of the county committee, and in 1 872 
representing Snyder county on the State Central 
Committee; John C, the next in order of birth, 
died at the age of eighteen; Henry B., born July 
24, 1846, succeeded his father as director of the 
Musical College; Lydia, now Mrs. Henry Brown, 
and Mary J., Mrs. F. E. Hilbish, both reside in 
Freeburg. 

WILLIAM MOYER, of Freeburg, is one of 
the well-known citizens cf Snyder coun- 
ty, and has held many positions of trust and re- 
sponsibility, in which he has acquitted himself 
with honor. In business life he has been emi- 
nently successful, while his long and faithful serv- 
ice in public office has gained for him the esteem 
and confidence of all classes of people. 

He was born at Freeburg September 27, 
1834, the son of Frederick C. and Mary A. (Boyer) 
Moyer, sketch of whom appears above. His edu- 
cation was begun in the schools of his native town, 
his first teacher being William Gardner. While at- 
tending school he assisted his father in the store, 
hotel and farm until he reached the age of fourteen, 
when, having passed through the course offered 
at the home schools, he was given better oppor- 
tunities at Berrysburg Classical Institute, A. C. 
Fisher's select school at Selins Grove, Tuscarora 
Academy, Berrysburg Seminary, and Freeburg 



Academy, where Jacob S. Whitman was princi- 
pal during the last term of our subject's attend- 
ance. Being an apt scholar Mr. Moyer made 
good use of his time, and at the age of twenty 
was prepared to teach. Mathematics was always 
his favorite study, and this led him to acquire a 
knowledge of surveying, under the tuition of 
Henry Motz. In 1852 he learned the art of mar- 
ble cutting in Philadelphia, and at a later 
date he made this knowledge useful in an estab- 
lishment at Freeburg, which he still conducts. 
From 1854 to 1858 he taught in the public schools 
of Freeburg, and in the latter year, having al- 
ready gained recognition as a competent surveyor, 
he was elected county surveyor for a term of 
three years. Since his retirement from this posi- 
tion he has continued to follow the same line of 
work independently, and has had a large and lu- 
crative business. He owns an excellent farm 
near Freeburg, and as if these varied interests 
were not enough to occupy his time he has also 
done some notable work as a teacher of vocal 
music, having conducted classes in Bedford, 
Dauphin, Juniata, Northumberland, Union and 
Centre counties, and in every district of his own 
county. After the organization of the Freeburg 
Musical College he has had charge of the vocal 
department there until the death of his father, 
and has conducted the annual conventions, his 
efficient work being a potent factor in the success 
of that well-known institution. In 1895 ne es- 
tablished the Freeburg Opera House, where 
these annual conventions are held, and which 
supplies a much desired place for similar enter- 
tainments throughout the year. His interest in 
music is not surprising, as his family from his 
great-grandfather, Christopher Moyer, down to 
the youngest descendant, has shown especial 
gifts in this art. 

Mr. Moyer has been identified with the Re- 
publican party from its birth, and his first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for John C. Fremont. 
While he is not exactly a politician, his earnest 
and effective work is of more value to the party 
than the services of many who claim reward for 
their "influence." In 1863 he was elected coun- 
ty superintendent of schools for Snyder county, 
and served until 1872, and in 18S1 he was chosen 
for a fourth term. In 1875 he became a justice 
of the peace, and this office he now (1897) holds, 
this being his fifth term. In 1864 he was com- 
missioned as a notary public by Gov. Curtin, and 
he has filled many positions such as assignee, 
guardian, executor and administrator. No wor- 
thy cause fails to command Mr. Moyer's sympa- 
thy, and whenever possible he gives his active 
aid. He is a member of the Reformed Church, 



1104 



i OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL liKCORD. 



in which he has held probably every office except 
that of preacher, and since May. [855, he has 
served as superintendent of the Lutheran and 
Reformed Sunday-school, making forty-three 

rs in that position. He has represented the 
school in many Sabbath-school conventions in 
his county, presiding at its first and twenty-eighth 
annual sessions, and has been chosen as a dele- 
gate from his county to State conventions at 
Philadelphia, Lancaster, Williamsport, Johns- 

n, Sunbury, Carlisle and Harrisburg. In 
recognition of his merits and services, the hon- 
orary degree of Master of Arts was conferred 
upon Mr. Mover in June, 1879, by Franklin and 
hall Coll' 

As a practical friend to temperance, Mr. 
Mover sets an excellent example, as he neither 
smokes, chews nor drinks, and the same is true 
of all his brothers. He has a pleasant home 
and an attractive family. On December 18, 
i860, he married Miss Sarah C. Hilbish, who 
was born March 2, 1837, at Liverpool, Penn., 
the daughter of John A. and Amelia (Fisher) 
Hilbish. Seven children have blessed this union, 
of whom five are living: (l) Frederick C. , born 
September 24, 1861, is a graduate of Franklin 
and Marshall College, and has a high reputation 
as a musician, being now the organist of the 
First Reformed Church at Reading, Penn., and 
a successful teacher of music; he married Miss 
Katie Reeser, and has had three children — Leroy 
K., deceased, John W. and Myron K. (2) Mary 
A., born February 9, 1 S63, married Jefferson S. 
Pawling, of West Milton, Penn. (3) Ida J., 
born July 18, 1865, married Charles F. Sessinger. 
and died in Philadelphia March 21, 1893, leaving 
three sons — Lawrence F. , William R. and Ber- 
nadotte. (4) Sarah E., born October 25, 1866, 
died in infancy, (5) Bertha B., born November 
8, 1S70. married William J. McNutt, of Phila- 
delphia, and has one child -Marion. (6 Will- 
iam G., born August 20, 1875, is a printer in 
Philadelphia. (7) Myron A., born April 23, 
1878, is a marble cutter in Freeburg. 



PROF. HENRY B. MOYER, the director of 
the Freeburg Musical ( has won an 

enviable reputation by his able administration ol 
that well-known institution. Possessing rare dis- 
cernment as a musical artist, he is also gifted with 
practical abilities "I a high order, making him 
emphatically the right man for the place. 

The College, located at Freeburg, Snyder 
county, on the Sunbury and Lewistown railroad, 
is beautifully situated in one of the most charm- 
ing valleys in the State, pure air, romantic Si 



cry and the stimulating influences of a refined 
society combining to render it an ideal spot. 
The building is a commodious structure, three 
stories high with a frontage of one hundred and 
twenty-six feet, and is well furnished throughout, 
everything that could suggest comfort for stu- 
dents being supplied. On the first floor is a 
library, reception room, practice rooms, dining 
and dwelling rooms. The second floor contains 
rooms for study and practice and the sleeping 
apartments, all being well arranged and perfectly 
ventilated. On the third floor is the music hall, 
which has a seating capacity of 800, and is used 
not only (or the annual conventions and for vocal 
classes, but forms the general instruction room. 
The whole building seems admirably adapted to 
its purpose, new facilities being added from time 
to time in accordance with the most advanced 
ideas, yet the charges are very low as the man- 
agement desired to bring its opportunities within 
the reach of all. The teachers are specialists in 
their respective departments, and all branches of 
the art receive faithful interpretation. None but 
the best methods are employed, and as a rule the 
instruction is given individually. A visit to the 
school affords a pleasant experience, the students 
ranging from beginners, who are just learning to 
read music at sight, to the advanced workers in 
harmony and composition, and many teachers, 
pianists, organists, and choristers have received 
a thorough training there. 

Prof. Moyer is a member of a prominent 
family of this section, whose history is given else- 
where in this volume. He is of the fifth gener- 
ation from the original settler in this country, 
and was born at Freeburg, July 24, 1846, 
the son of Frederick C. and Mary Ann (Boyer) 
Mi >> er. His boyhood was spent principally upon 
a farm, but after attending the public schools 
and the academy of his native town he went to 
Harrisburg, Penn., to take a course in Bryant & 
Stratton's Business College, where he was gradu- 
ated. He taught in the public schools for sev- 
eral terms with marked success, and in 1S70 en- 
gaged in mercantile business as a member of the 
firm ol G. & F. C. Moyer at Freeburg. In 1887 
he became the sole proprietor of the establish- 
ment, and he continued the business until the 
spring of [895. In 1877. upon the death of his 
brother, Daniel B. Mover, he purchased the lat- 
ter'* half-interest in the Freeburg Courier, and 
until April 1, 1896, was one of the editors and 
publishers of that sheet, and on December 1, 1897, 
assumed full control. for many years he as- 
sisted his father in the directorship of the Mu- 
ical College, his sagacity and foresight bi 
potent factors in the building up of the institution. 




r 



J 



cfA^y 73. frlOy-iS^. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1105 



On the death of his father, in July, 1891, the 
college became his sole property, and he assumed 
the post of director. By his energy, liberality 
and wise management he has imbued the school 
with a more advanced spirit and greatly enlarged 
its influence, so that it now ranks among the 
leading institutions of the kind in the country. 
Since giving up his mercantile business in 1S95, 
his entire time has been devoted to the interests 
of the college. 

In politics Prof. Mover has always been an 
ardent Republican, and during Harrison's ad- 
ministration he held the appointment of post- 
master at Freeburg. He is one of the most 
zealous and liberal members of the Reformed 
Church at Freeburg, having taught in the Sun- 
day-school and served as deacon for many years. 
His knowledge of men and affairs has been 
broadened by extensive travel, and he has taken 
a stand on the side of progress whenever any 
beneficial movement has been started in his 
community. 

On April 5, 1S75, he was married to Miss 
Lizzie Mertz, daughter of Peter P. Mertz, of 
Freeburg. Two children have blessed this union: 
Nevin Clark, who was born August 17, 1878, and 
died November 22, 1881, and Miss Ada Vera, 
born January 17, 1883. now an accomplished 
musician, being especially noted as a pianist. 

Mrs. Moyer is a lady of self-culture and refine- 
ment, and presides over her hospitable home with 
dignity, and contributes largely by her congenial- 
ity and force of character to the advancement of 
the interests of her husband. She is a lover of 
flowers and plants, not only for the adornment 
of her home, but also for the sanctuary. She is 
a great worker for the cause of missions and in 
the Endeavor movement, and often sacrifices her 
time and pleasure to encourage others to work 
for the same cause; is benevolent and at all 
times ready to aid the sick and needy. Her 
mother was a daughter of Henry Hilbish, a sol- 
dier in the war of 18 12. The occupation of her 
father was that of a farmer, and in his later years 
he retired. His keen perception and good judg- 
ment fit him as a man of affairs. He held the 
office of county commissioner from 1865 to 1868. 
During his term the present court house was 
built. He also held various township offices. In 
politics he was a firm believer in the principles of 
the Republican party, and he was also a devoted 
member of the Reformed Church. 



|*VEORGE B. M. ARNOLD. This genial and 
\£i popular gentleman fills most acceptably the 
combined positions of ticket agent, telegraph 



operator, and freight and express agent, for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Adamsburg, 
Snyder county. His practical ability, his unfail- 
ing tact, and his thorough reliability make him 
a valued employee of the company, in whose 
service he has spent his entire business career. 
Mr. Arnold was born June 26, 1862, at Mid- 
dleburg, Snyder county, and is a son of John H., 
and grandson of George B. Arnold, a native of 
England, who came to this country in early man- 
hood and located at New Bloomfield, Penn. 
John H. Arnold, our subject's father, was born 
and reared at the latter place, where he read law 
and was admitted to the Bar. He then settled 
at Middleburgh, Penn., where he married Barbara 
E. Moatz, a daughter of George Moatz, a well- 
known citizen. He continued to practice at 
Middleburgh until the fall of 1891, and took a 
prominent part both in professional life and in 
the local Republican organization, serving one 
term as district attorney of Snyder county. He 
was also an active worker in the Masonic frater- 
nities at Selins Grove. At present he is em- 
ployed in Cleveland, Ohio, in the office of the 
Erie City Iron Works. Our subject was one of 
three children, the others being: J. Herschel 
is now a clerk in Valparaiso, Ind.; and Maude 
is the wife of H. L. Hebebrand, of Cleveland, 
Ohio. 

Our subject's educational opportunities were 
not of the best, being limited to the public schools 
of Middleburgh, with three terms at the Free- 
burg Academy, but his active mind has enabled 
him to enrich these limitations and acquire a 
wide range of information upon various subjects. 
In December, 1883, he entered the office of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Middleburgh, 
and on March 5, 1SS5, he became day operator 
at Selins Grove, where he remained five years. 
From March 27, 1891, to July, 1892, he was 
stationed at McClure as agent, operator and ex- 
press agent, and since that time he has held his 
present position at Adamsburg. He is a member 
of the International Association of Ticket Agents. 
On March 17, 1896, Mr. Arnold was married 
to Miss Gertrude M. Gross, and they have one 
son, Thomson G.,born January (2, 1897. Mrs. 
Arnold is a lady of unusual ability, and for five 
years previous to her marriage she clerked in the 
store of a brother-in-law, N. E. Schlagel, of 
Juniata county. She was born in Union county, 
the daughter of Wilson and Mary Gross, but 
removed to Juniata county with her parents when 
she was about eight years old. Mr. Arnold and his 
wife are both members of the Lutheran Church, 
and are prominent in the best social circles of 
their locality. He is identified with the Masonic 



70. 



1106 



OOMMBMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RBt oliD. 



Fraternity, being a member of La Fayette Lodge, 
No. 194, F. & A. M., at Selins Grove; Lewis- 
town Commandery No. 26, K. T., at Lewistown; 
Consistory, 33d degree, at Harrisburg, and the 
Mystic Shrine, at Philadelphia. He is the young- 
est 32d-degree Mason in Snyder county, where 
there are but two others of that rank. Politic- 
ally, he is a Republican, but he has m 
sought or held office. 



JAMES AURAND, a well-known cabinet 
maker of Beaver Springs. Snyder county, re- 
sides near that town on a fine homestead of 
ninety-live acres, which has been eained by his 
industry and judicious economy. Aside from his 
many excellent qualities as a man and a citizen, 
Mr. Aurand has a claim upon the esteem of 
the public through his record as a soldier in 
the Civil war. He enlisted on February 27, 
1 S64, as a private in Company I, 49th P. V. I . 
and after lying 111 camp at Brandy Station until 
May 4th, the regiment moved forward to take 
part in the battle of the Wilderness. On Maj 
5th Mr. Aurand was wounded, and for thin 
days he lay upon the field among the dead and 
dying. He was then taken to Alexandria, Va., 
for treatment, and remained there until dis- 
charged on surgeon's certificate, on June 5, [865, 
lus wound being so painful and so seriousth.tt 
he was granted a pension before leaving the 
hospital. 

The Aurand family is of German origin; our 
subject's grandfather, John Aurand. who was 
formerly a successful farmer near Troxelville, was 
the first to leave the Patherland. He had ten 
children, eight sons and two daughters. Daniel 
Aurand, the father of our subject, was born Jan- 
uary 25, [814, at the old homestead near Troxel- 
ville, and at an early age learned the wagon- 
maker's trade. He also became a skillful carpen- 
ten, and in his time built over forty barns. He 
married Miss Mary Lepley, daughter of Adam 
Lepley, 1 successful agriculturist of Beavertown- 
ship, Snyder county. Although Daniel Aurand 
started in life without capital, he secured a com- 
fortable home, and his affairs were in a most 
promising state, when, in 1851, he decided to go 
to Adams county, Ohio, with his family. Not 
long after his arrival there he was taken sick, and 
in order to return to Pennsylvania he made a 
wagon in which the family made the long jour- 
ney, three weeks being spent on the road. The 
proceeds of the sale of his property in Ohio were 
never forwarded to him by the so-called friends 
who had the matter in charge, ami on his return 
to his old home he had to begin life over again. 



By hard work he succeeded in securing another 
home, and his remaining years were spent at 
Troxelville. He was highly respected, and held 
an influential place in local affairs, being elected 
to various offices on the Republican ticket. He 
and his wife are members of the Evangelical 
Church, and he died in that faith at the advanced 
age of eighty years. His wife passed away at 
the age of seventy-eight, and their remains now 
rest in the cemetery at Troxelville. Their chil- 
dren were: Mary, who married Simon Benfer, 
and died at Troxelville; Elevina, now Mrs. W. 
D. Woodling, of Adamsburg; Henry, a resident 
of Port Ann, Snyder county; James, our subj 
and Miss Eliza, a resident of Franklin township, 
Snyder county. 

Mr. Aurand's birth occurred March 4, 1S43, 
in what is now Spring township, Snyder county, 
and his education was obtained in the Musser 
Valley school-house, John Durn being his first 
teacher. He learned the carpenter's trade ui 
his father's directions, and thus gained a knowl- 
edge of cabinet-making;, to which he has devoted 
the greater portion of his time. He later took up 
the business of undertaking, and on Noveml 
13th he finished the first coflin that he ever ma 
Since that time he has done much business in 
that line, and, in fact, all of his enterprises si 
to have resulted satisfactorily. 

On June 5, 1 868, Mr. Aurand was married m 
Adams township, Snyder county, to Miss Sarah 
A. Kline, by whom he has had two children: 
Austin S., who died at the age of six years, and 
Irvie D. 1)., who is now at home. Mr. Aurand 
and his wife are both members of the United 
Evangelical Church, and he takes great interest 
in the work of that society, having held the office 
of steward for some time. At present he is class 
leader. In politics he is a Republican, and lias 
served as school director and tax collector. As 
might be supposed from his army record, he is 
actively interested in the Grand Army of the 
Republic, and he was a charter member of Post 
No. 312, at Adamsburg. Although most quiet and 
unassuming in manner, his influence is felt as a 
power for good in the various progressive mo> 
ments in his community. 

His homestead has. been acquired by slow and 
gradual process, his first purchase being fourteen 
acres of his father's farm, where he built his first 
house. He has since added a few acres at a time 
until he now owns ninety-five, all in excellent 

lition. Mrs Aurand, who has been a most 

excellent helpmeet, was born July 19, 1845, in 
Adams township, where her father, Daniel H. 
Klme. was for many years a prominent resident. 
He is a native of Troxelville, born November 15, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPUICAL RECORD. 



1 107 



1 8 1 2, and since 1880 has made his home with 
our subject. He is a man of much intelligence, 
a stanch Republican, and has always held the 
esteem of his fellow citizens. His wife, Mary 
Stambach, who was born in Beaver township, 
Snyder county, died in 1875, and was buried at 
Troxelville. Of their large family five children 
lived to maturity: Josiah, who died in Spring 
township in 1896; James, a resident of Troxel- 
ville; Sarah A., now Mrs. Aurand; Daniel P., a 
Methodist minister at Surprise, Neb. ; and How- 
ard, who died in Adams township, Snyder county, 
at the age of twenty-six years. 



FRANKLIN J. SCHOCH. This well-known 
capitalist has for many years been a leading 
business man of Selins Grove, and, under the 
firm name of Schoch Bros., he has built up one 
of the largest mercantile concerns in the locality. 
Although he has now retired from that line of 
enterprise he still holds large real-estate and 
other interests at Selins Grove and elsewhere, 
and his leisure and wealth enable him to lend a 
helping hand to such progressive movements as 
command his approval. Mr. Schoch was born 
October 3, 1831, the son of John A. and Lydia 
(Houtz) Schoch, and was reared at the old fam- 
ily homestead in Middle Creek township, Snyder 
county. [For ancestral history of the Schoch 
family see sketch of Ira C. Schoch.] He attended 
the subscription schools of that day, the rough 
log building with its rude seats and bare walls 
being fairly symbolical of the old-fashioned meth- 
ods of instruction then in vogue. It is a note- 
worthy fact that his parents took an important 
part later in bringing about the adoption of the 
present admirable system, as they donated the 
land upon which the first public-school building 
in Snyder county was erected. His mother was the 
organizer of the first country Sunday-school held 
in the county. Under the influence of such parents 
the youth acquired a practical education not- 
withstanding the lack of suitable privileges, and 
at an early age he became a clerk in a store. 
There he familiarlized himself with all the de- 
tails of mercantile life, and in 1853 he engaged 
in a similar business on his own account at Se- 
lins Grove, meeting, as has been noted, with 
remarkable success. He also became interested 
in milling, and continued both lines until 1884, 
when, having accumulated a large fortune, he re- 
tired. 

In politics our subject is a strong Republican, 
but has never taken an active share in partisan 
work, his influence being exerted in a quiet way. 
In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and like all 



his family he has always been ready to support 
any worthy cause. He is identified with vari- 
ous social movements, and for years has been a 
member of the Masonic Order, Lafayette Lodge, 
No. 194, of Selins Grove. 

On April 3, 1854, Mr. Schoch was married 
to Miss Susan Catherine Leisenring, who was 
born November 1, 1834, at Sunbury, Penn., 
where her father, Gideon Leisenring, owned a 
large amount of property. Later Mr. Leisen- 
ring removed to West Virginia, where he died in 
1882, at an advanced age, his birth having oc- 
curred March 29, 1802. His wife, Louisa Shin- 
del, to whom he was married June 17, 1828, 
was born October 21, 18 1 1, and died March 27, 
1S53. Mr. and Mrs. Schoch have had five 
children, of whom three are living: (1) Lydia 
Louisa married George Wagenseller, and has two 
sons — Franklin S. and George Jacob. (2) Anna 
Maude married Rev. H. N. Follmer, a Lutheran 
minister, now located at Pittsburg, and they have 
three children — Ethel, Franklin and William 
Harold. (3) Miss Eva Kathryn Schoch gradu- 
ated from the classical course in Susquehanna 
University and from the New England Conserva- 
tory of Music, and is now a popular member of 
the best social circles of Selins Grove. 



WILLIAM F. HOWELL. In former years 
biography dealt more largely with those 
who had attained distinction in military or po- 
litical circles, in the sciences, letters or in pro- 
fessional life, but it is the lives of those who are 
prominent in the affairs of business that contain 
lessons most practical for the majority of man- 
kind. When a man by resolute purpose, honor- 
able dealing and energy works his way steadily 
upward, acquiring a comfortable competence and 
winning the respect of friends and neighbors, his 
career is a source of incentive and inspiration to 
those with whom he is associated. Such is the 
life of Mr. Howell, a prominent lumber dealer of 
McClure. 

Our subject was born in the town which is 
now his home, May 22, i860, and is a represent- 
ative of one of the honored old families of cen- 
tral Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Samuel 
Howell, was born in Center township, Snyder 
county, received a common-school education, 
and throughout his life followed farming. He 
also took great delight in hunting, especially in a 
bear chase, and in addition to his rifle carried a 
tomahawk. He was a well-known and highly 
respected citizen, and died at the home of his 
son Jacob in McClure. His wife passed away in 
Snyder county. In politics he was an Old-line 






COMillCMnHA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Whig, and afterward a stanch Republican. In 
his family were two children: Jacob H. and John 
C. , the latter now deceased. 

Jacob H. Howell was educated principally in 
tin i . He followed the lumber 

business during the greater part of his life, war, 
also a millwright, and owned and operati 
sawmill in West Beaver township. The mill 
was propelled bj watei power, and he contii 
business there for twenty-live years. Although 
he retire! from ai live business cares in [893, he 
is still living at thi mill, and is one of the popu- 
lar and infl citizens of the community. 
Hi was married in West Beaver township to 
Sophia Wagner, a native of that township. 
a daughtei ner, a fanner of the 

1 hood. He hold 1 hip in the 

Reform* 1 h, and his life has b 

by 1 1 ty. In politics I 

a Ri 11, and ! > liool dire 

and His business affaii 

inaged with industry, and h 
ti 1 him tency. His 

nee and good 
will of all, and his 

inanity are many. In h ly were ten chil- 

dren: Willia m F. rid John, who r 

in M William A. Ulsh, of 

Snydertovv n; Clara, wil ! 

d in 
infai: 

al privileges of William 
F. i I h as the 

Normal 
D. S. B ncipal. 

by working in the saw- 
mill with In 

which he spent a • 
in the employ ol the Lewistown 

I thus earned he 

his way throngh college. He taught 
'■ree terms in M with an 

rollment "I seventy-six pupil 

iful in that work. I le foil ■ 
tei for foin nd then engaged in 

contracting and buildii li in 

1 tow nship, Mifflin count} 

' I 1 ire In 1 88 
nill ii Mi Clure, which he 
ducted for four years and then sold out, pur- 
chasing a lumber mill in We er township. 
which hi I ted for foui He is now 
successfully engaged in the lumber business in 
Mc< alingin mining timber, ties, bark and 
luml i 1 which he receives is 
quite extensive, [n November, 1882, Mr. Howell 



was united in marriage in McClure to Miss Liz- 
zie L. Manback, a native of West Beaver town- 
ship, and a daughter of Lewis W. Manback. a 
retired farmer of McClure. They now h 
three children: Hopie W. , Sudie V. and Eva N. 
In 1889 Mr. Howell was elected justice of the 
peace on the Republican ticket for a five-years 
. and in 1894 was re-elected, so prompt and 
faithfully had he discharged the duties of the 
office. He is a member of the United Evangeli- 
cal Church of McClure, was class leader 
eight years, has been an active worker in the 
Sunday-school, and is a member of the Christian 
Society, of which he has served as 
secretary and chairman of the prayer n 
ittei He belongs to the Odd i 
[ Md 1 charter men 

the Sons ol Veterans, Camp No. • Mc- 

Clure Publii :kes 

:ep interest in everythii t he- 

welfare of the community, and gives his sup; 
to all measures for the public good. In 1 
he is honorable, in public service prompt, and 
con> in the Church faithful 

reliable. 

FREDERICK M. MONTELIUS, a n 
mer of West Perry township, 
nty, was born in Northumberland county, 
Penn., Sep*. His ancestral his- 

t ( 1 ry 

His grandfather, Frederick M. Montelius, 
I when onlj 
ped by the Hessians, who brought 
him to this country and sold him as a slave in 
Philadelphia. He was obliged to work until 
nty-one 5 ling his free- 

He v. d in a store, and his 

ifterward started, him in business in Phila- 
mained for some time, when 
here-moved to Reamstown, Lancaster Co., Penn. 

ntinued in I 1 cantile busin 

until Ins death. He was married in Philadel- 
phia to Eli; abeth 1 1 1 native of l 

als.i passed away in Lancaster 
county. In politics he was a Whig, and, in 
ligious faith, a Lutheran. The children 

dparents were: Charles, William. John, 
!. M lp us, Fanny, Sally, Elizabeth, and two 
who died in childhood. 

Peter Montelius. father of our subject, 
educated both in English and German, 
thn mghout thi I of life d in 

hing, following thai profession in Lancasl 
Union and Northumberland counties. He also 
served as organist in various Lutheran Churches. 
He was a surveyor, and he also was serving 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



\ 109 



justice of the peace in Jackson township, North- 
umberland county, at the time of his death, which 
occurred in 1858. His political support was given 
the Whig party, and in the Lutheran Church he 
long held membership. In Lancaster county he 
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Stit- 
zer, a native of Reading, Penn., and a daughter 
of David Stitzer, a Revolutionary soldier, of 
English descent. Her death occurred in Green- 
brier, Northumberland count)-. They were the 
parents of twelve children: Elizabeth, deceased 
wife of John Snyder; Mar}-, deceased wife of 
George Snyder; Timothy, deceased, was a sol- 
dier in the Civil war; Sarah, deceased wife of 
Daniel Fetter; Rachel, wife of Nathan Erdman; 
Jane, deceased wife of John Shafer; Fannie, wife 
of B. Eister; Charlotte, wife of Solomon Snyder; 
Harriet, wife of Samuel Keifer; Amy, wife of 
Michael Heppner; Maria, wife of Edward Starr; 
and Frederick M. 

Frederick M. Montelius learned the shoe- 
maker's trade in his youth, and followed that 
business for himself both in Greenbrier and other 
places, also surveying, remaining in Northumber- 
land county until 1875, after which he engaged in 
shoemaking in Richfield for five years. On the 
expiration of that period he abandoned his trade 
and purchased a farm in West Perry township, 
which he operates with success. 

In 1862, at Greenbrier, Mr. Montelius was 
drafted for service in the Union arm) - , and was 
mustered in at Carlisle as a member of Co. K, 
1 7 -<L P. V. I., under Capt. Hoffman and Col. 
Charles Kleckner. He was then stationed at 
Yorktown, Va. , where he was engaged in doing 
guard duty. He remained in the service for ten 
months, and, in July, 1863, returned to his home, 
but the following year he enlisted at Harrisburg 
as a member of the Third Heavy Artillery, which 
was attached to the iSSth P. V. I., with which 
he served until the close of the war, being sta- 
tioned at Fort Harrison, Virginia, 

In 1870, at Hickory Corner, Mr. Montelius 
was married to Miss Sarah Hain, who was born 
in Little Mahoning, Northumberland county, a 
daughter of David Hain, a farmer of that county. 
Seven children came to bless their union: Ira, Ir- 
win (who died at the age of eighteen years), David 
(who died in childhood), Rebecca, Frances, Sadie, 
and John. The parents attend the Lutheran 
and German Reformed Churches, and Mr. Mon- 
telius served as elder and deacon in the Lutheran 
Church. He was supervisor of his township. So- 
cially, he is connected with the Masonic lodge 
of Shamokin, and with the Odd Fellows Society 
at Greenbrier. He is a very genial, pleasant 
man, whom to know is to respect and honor. 



His enterprise and well-directed efforts have 
brought him success in business, and he is now 
the possessor of a comfortable competence which 
enables him to live retired, enjoying the fruits of 
his former toil 



J'OHN H. WISE, a representative farmer of 
Union township, Snyder county, was born in 
Northumberland county, Penn., June 8, 1843, 
and is a son of George F. and Maria A. (Horner) 
Wise, natives of Montgomery county, Penn. The 
father was born in 1799, learned the stone ma- 
son's trade, and removed from his native county 
to Stone Valley, near Georgetown, Penn. He 
afterward lived successively in Northumberland 
county, on Hall's Island, and in Snyder county, 
and in 1872 died in Snyder county. His wife 
passed away about eight years previous, and 
both were buried in Whitmer cemetery. In pol- 
itics Mr. Wise was a Democrat, and his Church 
relations were with the Evangelical Association. 

Their children were as follows: Ephraim, who 
died in Snyder county; Susanna, who married 
George Campbell, and died in Union township, 
Snyder county; Henry, who died in Chapman 
township; Mar}-, who died in Montgomery coun- 
ty, at the age of eight years; Gabriel, a farmer 
of Union township, Snyder county; John H.; 
and Caroline, wife of Henry Boyer, of Juniata 
county, Pennsylvania. 

John H. Wise, in his early boyhood, pursued 

his studies in a little school house 16x18 feet, 

t 

which stood on the Daniel Whitmer farm, but 
his educational privileges were very limited. His 
father was a laborer, and at the age of ten years 
John H. started out in life for himself, since 
which time he has been dependent entirely on 
his own efforts. He worked at the carpenter's 
trade, under William Thursby, until that gentle- 
man went to the army, when he gave up the 
business. In October, 1862, he also went to the 
front as a substitute, joining Company A, 172nd 
P. V. I., under Capt. Solomon Bowerman. Pre- 
vious to this time, as a member of Company D, 
1 8th Regiment, Pennsylvania Home Guards, he 
was in active service for fourteen days, going as 
far south as Hagerstown, Md., when with his 
regiment he was stationed mostly at Yorktown, 
and after nine months and four days' service he 
was discharged. 

For some years thereafter Mr. Wise followed 
any honest employment that would yield him a 
living. He aided in the excavation of the canal 
at Port Trevorton, was employed by the Reading 
Railroad Company until February, 1859, and 
then secured a situation with the Pennsylvania 



1110 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Canal Company, with which he continued for 
over sixteen years. After being with that com- 
pany for about a year he was promoted to the 
position of sub-foreman, and it was with much 
reluctance that the company accepted his r< 
nation fifteen years later. On January 17, 1864, 
our subject was married, in Liverpool, Finn., 
to Malinda G. Whitmer, who was born in Union 
township, Snyder county, November 5, 1847, a 
daughter of Isaac and Catharine (Gaugher Whit- 
mer. Mr. Wise and his wife began their domes- 
tic life in his parents' home, but after a short 
time he rented a small house and later bought it 
for $200. This was the first real estate he ever 
owned. On selling that property he rented a 
small place of Judge Whitmer, and made it his 
home until April, 1873, when hi the oc- 

cupant of his present farm. He continued there 
as a renter until 1SS5, when he purchased the 
place. He is now successfully carrying on agri- 
cultural pursuits, and is the possessor of a com- 
fortable home, owing to his osvn industry, good 
management and perseverance. 

To Mr. and Mrs Wi been born eleven 

children: Estella May, who died October 28, 
[865; Minnie E., who was born September 9, 

7, and is the wife of Alonzo Stevenson, of 
Harrisburg; Sally L. , who was born June l8, 

o, and is the wife of William W. Arnold, of 
Port Trevorton; Mary C, who was born Octo- 
ber 24, 1872, and is the wife of Perry Rothermel, 
of Port Trevorton, by whom she has one child, 
Blanche; Carrie E., who wasborn June 16, [874, 
and died February 25, 1876; Charlie, who was 

a March 9, 1879, and died January 11, [882; 
James A., who was born May 14, [881; Francis 
I born October 6, 1884; Harvey E.. born Jan- 
uary 9, 1887; and Robert, bom February 11, 

Mr. Wise supported the Democracy until 
12, since which time he has been a Republican. 
lb served as supervisor in 1888, 1889, and 1890, 
and was again elected to that office in the sprint,' 
of 1897. He and his wife have been members 
of the Evangelical Association since 1859, and 
are very prominent in Church work. He has 
served as exhorter, and is assistant superinti 
ent of the Sunday-school, and has done as much 
as any one man in the community for the wel- 
fare of the Church. He also belongs to John C. 
Arnold Post No. 407, G. A. R. He is a \< w 
strong temperance man. and though addicted to 
the use of intoxicants in early life, w hen he be- 
came converted? at the age of fifteen years, he 

-wore all such, and is recognized as one of 
the strongest temperance workers in his section 
of the county. 



P 



ETER S. BOBB, one of the best known 
and most enterprising agriculturists of Bea- 
ver township, Snyder county, was born Septem- 
ber 25, 1850, in that township when it formed a 
part of Union county. 

Peter Bobb, his grandfather, was born in 
what was then Northumberland county, but now 
is a part of Snyder county. He was a well-to- 
do farmer and owned a tract of land which he 
greatly improved, making his home thereon un- 
til his death. His remains were interred in the 
Hassinger cemetery. He was married in Beaver 
township to Willimina Hassinger, a native of the 
township, and they became parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Daniel and John, both decea 
David, of Illinois; Jacob and Samuel, who live 
in Michigan; Katie, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of 
Abram K. Middleworth, of McClure, Penn.; 
Amenias, deceased wife of Amos Aigler, and 
Sarah, widow of Jacob Middleworth. The 
father of this family was a stanch Whig, and a 
consistent member of the Lutheran Church, 
contributing liberally to its support. 

Reuben Bobb, father of our subject, was 
born in Beaver township in 1S21, was educated 
in the German language, and was reared on his 
father's farm. In his younger days he worked at 
the carpenter's trade, but after his marriage set- 
tled on the old homestead of 1 1 1 acres, on which 
he erected a fine frame residence, good barn and 
other necessary outbuildings. There he contin- 
ued until 1875, when he removed to his home in 
the northern part of the township, having erected 
there the only brick residence in the township 
outside of Beavertown. There he is enjoying 
the fruits of his former toil, in company with his 
wife, who has shared with him life's joys and 
sorrows for over half a century. 

On May 25, 1841), in Middleburg, Reuben 

ib was married in Snyder county, to Lucinda 
Engle, the wadding being solemnized by Rev. J. 
F. Sheudel. She was born in Franklin town- 
ship, Snyder county, in 1824, a daughter of 
Solomon and Catherine (Hendricks) Engle. Her 
father was one of the best-known citizens of the 
township, a successful school teacher who filled 
the offices of surveyor and justice of the peace. 
Mr. Bobb gives his political support to the Re- 
publican party, and is a consistent member of the 
Lutheran Church. His family numbers three 
children: Elvina, wife of J. W. Specht, a mer- 
chant of Beaver Spring; Peter S. ; and Man 1 
wife of Kermer Walters, a merchant of Mifflin- 
burg. 

Peter S. Bobb, whose name opens this review, 
began his education in the Bobb school house in 
Beaver township, under the direction of William 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1111 



Savage. His school privileges were limited to 
three months' attendance in the winter season, 
for his services were needed on the home from 
the time of planting in the early spring until after 
the crops were harvested in the autumn. In 
1875, ne purchased a farm in the northern part 
of Beaver township, and also operates the old 
homestead. He now has a very valuable prop- 
erty, the well-tilled fields and neat appearance of 
the place indicating his careful supervision. His 
business affairs are conducted with industry and 
energy, and as the result of his well-directed 
efforts he has become the possessor of a comfort- 
able competence. 

In June, 1865, in Beaver township, now 
Spring township, Snyder county, Mr. Bobb was 
married to Matilda Gross, a daughter of the late 
Jacob Gross, a farmer of Beaver township. Their 
home is blessed by the presence of two children: 
Charles W. and Melvin E., who assist their father 
in the work of the farm. The family attend the 
Lutheran Church, and Mr. Bobb is serving as its 
trustee. In politics he is a Republican, and does 
all in his power to promote the growth and insure 
the success of his party. He is deeply interested 
in the cause of education, and, during his ten 
years' service as a school director, has done much 
for the improvement of the schools in his neigh- 
borhood. 



fENRY J. HEISER, a lumber manufactur 
i and proprietor of the Valley View Fi 



irer, 
JflL and proprietor of the Valley View Fruit 
Farm, is a man to whom success has come as 
the reward of enterprising labor. He was born 
in Snyder county, August 30, 1851, and supple- 
mented his early education, acquired in the com- 
mon schools, by one term's study in the high 
school of Selins Grove. At the age of sixteen he 
left his grandfather's home, where his childhood 
days were passed, and went to Selins Grove, 
where he learned the carpenter's trade, under 
the direction of C. B. Miller. For three years 
he worked as an apprentice, after which he was 
employed by William Haines at Salem in a plan- 
ing-mill for two years On the expiration of 
that period he removed to Sunbury, where he 
spent a short time, after which he worked at his 
trade in Port Trevorton for one year. 

Mr. Heisercame to his present home in Perry 
township, Snyder county, in 1874, where he pur- 
chased eleven acres of land, on which stood an 
old sawmill. He afterward erected an excellent 
sawmill, equipped with the latest improved ma- 
chinery, also built a cider-mill, and made many 
excellent improvements upon the place. In 1884 
he established the Glen Albion Apiary, and is 



now extensively engaged in bee culture. He 
sells born comb and extracted honey, and also 
manufactures bee-hives and fixtures. This 
branch of his business, which has proved quite 
profitable, is now in charge of his son, Arthur. 
In 1889 he began raising fruit, and now has on 
the Valley View Fruit Farm particularly fine 
varieties of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries 
and currants. He has set out an extensive or- 
chard of plums and cherries, the first orchard of 
these fruits planted in the county exclusively for 
tire market. These always find a ready sale on 
the market, and add not a little to his income. 

On January 15, 1874, in Port Trevorton, Mr. 
Heiser was married to Frances I. Beachell, a na- 
tive of Washington township, Snyder county, 
and a daughter of A. J. Beachell, a miller of 
Perry township. They now have seven children: 
Robert Arthur, who was educated at Selins 
Grove and at New Berlin, and Dennis Elvin are 
living; Bertha Cora, Stella Esther, Eva May, 
Howard Earle and Nevin Melvin are all now de- 
ceased. Mrs. Heiser was educated in the public 
schools of the county, and in the Freeburg 
Academy under Prof. D. S. Boyer and Major 
Dill. She is a lady of culture and refinement, 
and presides with gracious hospitality over her 
pleasant home. 

Mr. Heiser is a Democrat, active in support 
of his party, and, in 1890, he was elected county 
commissioner. He has served as assessor of 
Perry township, as school director, and as tax 
collector for three years. He, his wife and 
sons are members of the Lutheran Church, and 
he belongs to LaFayette Lodge No. 194, F. & 
A. M. 



w 



\ANIEL GOOD. The splendid farm owned 
by this gentleman at Kratzerville, in Jack- 
son township, Snyder county, is a standing mon- 
ument to his industry, perseverance and good 
management. He comes under the category of 
self-made men, and is now numbered among 
the successful agriculturists of the community. 

Mr. Good was born May 13, 1844, in Monroe 
township, Snyder county, when it was still a 
part of Union county, and remained under the 
parental roof until he had attained his major- 
ity, aiding his father in the work of the farm 
and attending the district schools. On leaving 
home he began milling in Kelly township, Union 
county, for David Wagner, with whom he re- 
mained two years, receiving $80 for the first 
year, and $20 per month for the second. He 
then worked in the Benfer mill, in Snyder 
county for the same length of time, after which 



Ill: 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he returned to the Buffalo mills in Kelly town- 
ship, Union county. During the two years hi 
spent there he received $25 per month, but at 
the end ol that time was again employed in the 
Benfer mills for two years, and continued to fol- 
low milling for sixteen years Sine* [880, how- 
ever, he has ■> ral farming upon his 
present place, which he purchased for $2,800. 

John and Hannah (Wagner) Good, the par- 
ents of our subject, were natives of Snyder 
county, as were also the paternal grandparents, 
George and Elizabeth Good, whose remains were 
laid to rest in the cemetery at Salem. The 
father, who was a farmer and blacksmith by 
trade and occupation, and a • consid- 

erable prominence in his community, held 
several township offices. He died in Monroe 
township, Snyder county, November 7, 1868, 
aged sixty-one years, six months and eighteen 
days, and the mother passed away in th 
township, June 23, 1886, aged seventy-six years, 
month and thirteen days, both being buried 
at Kratzerville. They were consistent members 
of the Reformed Church, and in politics, Mr. 
Good was a stalwart Republi 

To this worth)- couple were born the fol 
ing children: Hiram, now a retired farmer of 
Penn town-hip, Snyder count)-; Mary A., wile of 
Henry Castetter, a farmer of Tama count)-, 
low a; William, an agriculturist of Oriental, 
manda, wife of Sowara Seecrist, a 
(armei of Northumberland count) , Penn. ; Frank- 
lin, a retired fa 1 Selins Grove, Snyder 
county; Daniel, the subject of tins sketch; Sa- 
villa, wife of Daniel Smith, oi M wnship, 
who 1- engaged in wmill and threshing 
busii id Alfred, a farmer of Monroe town- 
ship. 

On June 1, 1871, in Lewisburg, Penn., \ 
iel Good was married to Miss Satira Crevelling, 
who was born at Lightstreet, ( olumbia Co., 
Penn. , i ■ l, 1S49, a daughti 1 

and Matilda (Evans) Cr 1 natives 

Columbia count)-. The mother, who was born 
in January, [825, still resides at the old home- 

id in West Buffalo township, Union I 

in., but tlie father, a farmer by occupation, 
died in that count)-, March 26, [894, at the 

ty-four years. Politically he was a Re- 
publican, and, religiously, a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife 
also belongs. His parents, Alexander 

ecca 1 Man 1 1 revelling, died in Columbia 
county. 

Mrs. Good is the fourth in order of birth in 
a family of eleven children, namely; Rebecca 
A . deceased wife of Pierce White, a retired 



farmer living in Union count)-; Samantha C, 
wife of William Mathers, a farmer of the same 
county; William P., an agriculturist of Decatur 
count), Iowa; Oscar C, a farmer of Lycoming 

rity, Penn. ; Clara P., wife of Reedy Wolfe, a 

farmer of Union county; John W. and Charles, 

I in infancy; Miss Agnes M.. a resident 

of Wilkes Barre, Penn. in G., a saddler 

of Bloomsburg, Penn. ; and Arthur, deceased. 

The following children have been bor 
Mr. and Mrs. Good: Regina, wife of Henry 

rick, of Markelsville, Perry county; Cyrus, 
who died in infancy; and Gertrude, Clara, Ira 
P. , E. Wilson and Matilda A., at borne 
parents are active and prominent members 
the Reformed Church, in which Mr. Good : 
merly served as deacon, and is now elder. Po- 
litically, he is identified with the Republican 
party. The family 1- nd favorably known, 

and has mam warm triends throughout tl. 
munity. 



Y0S1 1 1. WAGNER, Esi . a 1 ■; 
tired agriculturist residing in Kratzerville, 
Snyder count)-, is one of the leading citizens of 
his locality, and for more than thirty-five years has 
held the office of justice of the peace. He 
man of marked intelli ig well ac- 

quainted with the English and German Ian 
and possessing a good store of information on 
general topics, and his gonial disposition makes 
friends for him wl he is known. 

id old Pennsylvania stock, his 
great-grandparents, Jacob Schoch) 

Wagner, having resided in Perks count)-. His 
grandparents, Yost and Veronica Berga) W 
ner, were both born in Perks count)-, but re- 
:i earl) life to Snyder county, then 
Northumberland count)-, where they made their 
permanent h The-)- lived to an advan 

1 ssing away about 1S40, and the remains 

William 

Waj ' s father, was born in what 

is now Snyder county, and became a successful 

of that locality. He was . stent 

memb 1 I the Lutheran Church, and in politics 

first a \\ hig, and lati 1 a Republican, Ins in- 
fluence being d in a quiet way. He died 
in Monroe township, Snj aty, in [874 
the ity-four, and his estimable w 
whose maiden name was Christiana B lied 
in 1877, sixty-nine, both being buried in 
the cemetery at Selii She was a nat 
of Snyder count), her parents. Michael and 
Susan (Utt) Beaver, whose remains rest in the 
cemeten : [ins Grove, Inning come fi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1113 



Lehigh county at an early date. William Wag- 
ner and his wife had a large family of children, 
as follows: Lucy A., who died at the age of 
eighteen; Emanuel, a farmer of Licking county, 
Ohio; Yost H., our subject; John M., a farmer 
near Keokuk, Iowa; Esther, wife of H. Bay, a 
farmer in Brown county, Kans. ; Veronica S., 
widow of H. J. Ritter, of Middleburg, Penn. ; 
Mary, widow of Samuel Heiser, of Keokuk 
county, Iowa; Lida, who married Daniel Gross, 
a farmer in Lycoming county, Penn. ; Jacob, 
who died in Delaware, at the age of forty-four, 
and William H., a retired farmer, at St. Joseph, 
Michigan. 

'Squire Wagner was born December 26, 1828, 
in Beaver township, Snyder county, and, until 
he reached the age of twenty-four, resided with 
his parents, much of his time being given to 
farm work. His education was obtained in the 
common schools, which he attended four months 
each winter. When he was eighteen years old 
he began teaching, and continued for seven con- 
secutive terms at different places in Snyder 
count}'. In 1866 he bought one of his father's 
farms near Kratzerville, consisting of sixty-four 
acres, but in 1881 he left the farm and moved to 
his present home in Kratzerville, which he had 
purchased some time before, still retaining the 
farm, however. He is successful as a farmer, 
being an able manager, and his shrewd judgment 
has often been called into service by his neigh- 
bors in business matters and the settlement of 
disputed questions. Since 1862 he has served as 
justice of the peace, and is the oldest justice in 
the county; for eleven years he held the office of 
school director. In politics he is a steadfast 
Republican, and has taken an active part in local 
politics, having been delegate to county conven- 
tions and serving on the county committee for a 
number of years. Before the war he was greatly 
interested in military affairs, having served three 
years as a private and five as first lieutenant in a 
company in the State militia. 

In the fall of 1852 Mr. Wagner was married 
to his first wife, Miss Susan Hahn, by whom he 
had four children: (1) John O., a physician at 
Adamsburg, Penn., who married Miss Ella Gross, 
and has one son, Otto. (2) Laura, who died at 
the age of two years. (3) Ellen, who died at 
the age of five; and (4) Clara S., who married 
Emerson Lilly, and has had three children — 
Susan, Edna and Ralph. Mrs. Susan Wagner 
died in October, 1S66, and later the 'Squire 
married a second wife, Miss Elizabeth Ritter, 
daughter of a well-known farmer of Snyder 
county, John Ritter, and his wife, Elizabeth 
Bohrn, who were the parents of ten children. 



On the death of his second wife, in 1887, the 
'Squire married her sister, Miss Mary Ritter. In 
religious faith he is a member of the Lutheran 
Church, having been confirmed at the age of 
eighteen years, and at present he is treasurer and 
has been deacon and elder. 



EVER MILLNER, an enterprising and 
X*L popular merchant of Kantz, is one of the 
most successful general merchants of Snyder 
county, and his career is an exemplification of 
the fact that success depends upon individual ef- 
fort, upon perseverance and -wise management. 
He was born in Russia, near the German border, 
June 9, 1862. His father was a merchant, and 
reared a family of four sons. Our subject and 
his brother Herman are the only ones now liv- 
ing in the United States, the latter a merchant 
of Pocahontas, Virginia. 

Meyer Millner received very limited school 
privileges, and at the age of fourteen started out 
in life for himself, since which time he has been 
entirely dependent upon his own resources. At 
the age of eighteen he determined to try his for- 
tune in America, thinking to benefit his financial 
condition in this land of open opportunity. He 
sailed from Hamburg, and in August, 1 88 1 , 
reached New York, whence he made his way to 
Baltimore, Md., where he had friends and rela- 
tives living. He could not then speak a word of 
English. Friends helped him, and, with a pack 
of goods on his back, he started as a peddler in 
in Snyder county, and also in Centre county 
followed that business for three years. His la- 
bors were successful, and he built up a very good 
trade in this way, accumulating thereby a hand- 
some competence. In 1884 he formed a part- 
nership with Daniel S. Miller, and the firm of 
Millner & Miller purchased the general store of 
Philip Snee at Kantz, the stock being valued at 
about $1,000. About a year and half later Mr. 
Millner became sole proprietor, and has since car- 
ried on the business alone. In 1887 he built his 
excellent store room, and has added greatly to 
his stock, which includes a good line of men's 
clothing and furnishing goods, and everything 
found in a first-class general store. He undoubt- 
edly has one of the best appointed stores in his 
line in the State, and well merits the liberal 
patronage which is accorded him. 

On September 15, 18S7, in Philadelphia, Mr. 
Millner was married to Miss Babette Dryfosse, 
a native of Germany, who for some time prior 
to her marriage lived in Toledo, Ohio. They 
have two children: Minnie R. and I. Sigmund. 
Mr. Millner is a stalwart Democrat in principle, 



1114 



commemoua tive biographical record. 



but at local elections, where no issue is involved, 
frequently supports the men whom he thinks best 
qualified for the office regardless of party affilia- 
tions. He was appointed postmaster of Kant;? by 
President Cleveland, and served as such during 
both his administrations, resigning the office at the 
close of the second administration. He and his 
wife belong to the Jewish Synagogue in William- 
sport, Penn., and are people of sterling worth 
who have the warm regard of many friends. In 
K ant/ they have a pleasant home, which is noted 
fur its hospitality 

In addition to his mercantile interests in 
Kantz, Mr. Millner is a buyer and shipper of 
produce, and his business in that line amounts 
to thousands of dollars annually. With a capi- 
tal of $25 he rami- to the United States, and has 
steadily worked his way upward to a foremost 
place among Snyder county's successful business 
men. His methods arc strictly honorable, and 
the liberal patronage he receives attests the con- 
fidence reposed in him by the public. He is now 
a director of the First National Hank of Middle- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 



GEORGE C. KUSTER, a prominent repre- 
sentative of the agricultural interests of 
Penn township, Snyder county, was born on 
March 31, 1846, on the farm where he still con- 
tinues to reside. His father. Daniel Kuster, was 
also a native of Penn township, a son of Paul 
Kuster, who came from the southern part of the 
Mate to Snyder county at an early day. In his 
family were five children: Susannah, Catherine, 
Elizabeth, Mrs. Ritter, Henry and Daniel. 

Daniel Kuster was reared on a farm, and for 
1 short time in early life followed the tanner's 
trade, but devoted most of his time t<> agricult- 
ural pursuits, in which he met with excellent suc- 
cess. At Muncy, Penn., he was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth Turner, whose father 
was also a farmer, and they began their dom< 
life upon the old Kuster hi id, where he 

ami his brother Henry engaged in farming in 
partnership until [853, when the former sold 
and purchased a place in Limestone township, 
Union Co., Penn. After a residenceof one -. 
however, he returned to I'' mi township. Snyder 
county, and bought from Jacob Miller a farm of 
144 acres, which is now the home of our subject. 
At this place he continued to make his home un- 
til called to his final nst, at the age of sixty-six. 
Ill- wife died at the age of sixty-two. and there- 
mains of both were interred in Salem cemetery. 
They wen- earnest members of the Lutheran 
Church, and were highly respected in the com- 



munity where they so long made their home. 
In politics the father was a Whig until President 
Buchanan's administration, when he began giv- 
ing his support to the Democratic party. 

Our subject is the eldest in the family of five 
children, and the only one now living. The 
others were as follows: Susanna and Catherine 
1 twins), the former of whom married Daniel S. 
Miller, and died at Kant/, Penn., and the latter 
married '/.. M. Duck, and died in Perry county, 
Penn. ; Ellen, who died at the age of eleven 
years; and Jeremiah, who died at the age of 
sixteen. 

George C. Kuster began his education in a 
school near Pawling Station, taught by Miss 
Mary Kitter, and after attending the common 
schools for some time, was for one term a stu- 
dent in the Freeburg Academy. He heartily en- 
dorses the improved school system of to-day, 
and does all in his power to promote the cause 
of education. As a farmer boy he was reared to 
habits of industry and thrift, was " put in the 
harness young and was kept there. " being of 
great assistance to his father in the work of the 
farm. Until twenty-six years of age he remained 
at home, receiving only his board and clothes in 
compensation for his labors. 

In October, 1872, in Snyder county. Mr. 
Kuster was married to Miss Sarah Hendricks, a 
native of Washington township. Snyder county, 
and a daughter of George Hendricks. Her ed- 
ucation was also obtained in the public schools. 
I ive children graced this union, namely: Will- 
iam S. . who died in infancy; and Mar] C, The- 
odore F. , Jennie M. and George D., all at home. 

After his marriage, Mr. Kuster still continued 
to reside on the old homestead as he was the 
only son, and cultivated the place for one-third 
the products. This he continued until after the 

ill of his mother, when he received one-half, 
his father lived with him. After the latter 
died, he bought the farm in the fall of 1886, has 
made many excellent improvements upon the 
place, and the well-tilled fields yield bountiful 
harvests in return for the care and labor he be- 
st iws upon them. 

At Mate and National elections, Mr. Kuster 
always supports the Democratic party, but at 
local elei tions, where no issue is involved, he is 
not strictly partisan. In religious belief both he 
and his wife are Lutherans, and labor earnestl} 

the good of the community and the better- 
ment of their fellow men. Mr. Kuster was a 
charter member of the Grange, with which he 
continued to be connected during its existence, 
and was also a charter member of the branch 
the Farmers Alliance formed at Selins Grove. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1115 



Through his untiring efforts he has secured a 
comfortable property, but has lost not a little 
by aiding supposed friends. He is an honest, 
hard working man, a good and kind neighbor, 
and a citizen of whom the community may be 
justly proud. The family originally spelled the 
name Koster. 



F> P. FESSLER, a thrifty and successful agri- 
culturist of Centre township, Snyder county, 
owns an attractive homestead near Middleswarth 
P. O., as a reward of his industry and economy. 
He is not only a diligent worker, but he has the 
faculty for management by which he obtains the 
best results from his labors. As a citizen he is 
highly respected, his honesty and fair dealing in 
all his affairs being a notable characteristic. 

Mr. Fessler is a native of Snyder county, 
born March 18, 1853, in West Beaver township. 
His parents, David and Anna Elizabeth Fessler, 
removed to Centre township when he was about 
six years old, and he was reared there, receiving 
his education in the public schools, with his 
brother Reuben as his first teacher. The im- 
provements which have been brought about in 
our school system meet with his approval, as he 
believes that no pains should be spared in the 
education of the youth of America. During his 
early years he gained a thorough knowledge of 
farm work, and the greater part of his life has 
been spent in that pursuit. When he was about 
twenty years old he began to learn the black- 
smith's trade at what is now Cowan, Union coun- 
ty, but, finding the occupation uncongenial, he 
gave it up after three months and returned home, 
where he assisted for some time in the manage- 
ment of his mother's interests. Later he decided 
to try the saddler's trade, but a short apprentice- 
ship at Centerville satisfied him and he resumed 
his farm work. Six years were spent in Ohio 
and Illinois, then returning to this State he was 
employed for a time as a general laborer. 

On July 27, 1884, our subject was married to 
Miss Lavina Benfer, who was born in Limestone 
township, Union county, June 4, 1862, the daugh- 
ter of Enos and Sarah (Mauser) Benfer. The 
first two years of his married life were spent upon 
a rented farm and for one year he worked in a 
tannery at Centerville, but in the fall of 1885 he 
purchased his present farm from Frederick Her- 
man. It contains one hundred and four and a 
half acres and is considered an excellent piece of 
property. Mr. Fessler's business has occupied 
his attention too closely for him to give much 
time to local affairs, but he is a stanch Democrat 
in politics and votes regularly. 



Mr. Fessler and his wife have a large and 
interesting family, nine children brightening their 
home at the present time, viz.: Sally, Lettie, 
Anna E., Harry, Lena, Reed, Ralph, Reuben 
and Edna. 



D*R. JOHN SCHOCH, a well-known dentist of 
_' Hummels Wharf, Snyder county, is one of 
the leading citizens of that locality and a worthy 
representative of a family which has long been 
prominent in this section of the State. 

He was born January 9, 1839, in Middle Creek 
township, Snyder county, where his father, Jacob 
Schoch, was a prosperous agriculturist. Jacob 
Schoch was a native of Berks county, Penn., and 
was born in 1801, the son of Jacob Schoch (r). 
After coming to Snyder county our subject's 
father engaged successfully in various lines of 
business, and acquired a handsome property for 
that time, including two farms and a gristmill. 
He was equally noted for two qualities which are 
not always found together — enterprise and hon- 
esty — and was a consistent member of the Lu- 
eran Church. He took an intelligent interest in 
public affairs, and strongly opposed slavery and 
disunion. His death occurred in 1853, and his 
wife, Catherine Miller, who was born in Middle 
Creek township, in 1804, died in 1879. They 
reared a large family of children, of whom the 
eldest, William, removed to Illinois, and died at 
the age of sixty. Matilda married Henry J. 
Boyer, and now resides in Chicago. Henry is a 
resident of Selins Grove. Of George J. and Eliz- 
abeth (twins), the former is engaged in agricult- 
ure in Snyder county, and the latter is the wife of 
John S. Miller, of Moran, Allen Co. , Kans. ; Maria, 
now the wife of Dr. B. F. Wagenseller, of Selins 
Grove, and Susan, deceased, who married Henry 
Willi, were also twins. John, our subject, is the 
next in order of birth, and the youngest died in 
infancy, unnamed. 

Dr. Schoch spent his early years upon a 
farm, his education being begun in the district 
schools near his old home. He also attended 
the academy at Freeburg for a time, and at the 
age of fourteen he became a clerk in a store. A 
few years later he went west, where he traveled 
for two years, and on his return he located at 
Selins Grove and began the study of dentistry. 
He answered Gov. Curtin's emergency call for 
aid in 1863, and became a member of Company 
I, 30th Regiment, under Capt. A. C. Simpson; 
the regiment was stationed at Carlisle, Penn., 
and our subject served in all about six weeks, 
when he was honorably discharged. 

After he returned to Selins Grove from the 



1116 



UMEMORA riVK BIOGRAPHICAL hh< ORD. 



West, he remained there, practicing his pr. 
sion successfully, until after his marriage, in 
1866, to Miss Mary A. Brobst, who was born and 
reared on the farm which they now occupy. It 
is a beautiful estate, and their home is a model 
of comfort and order Four children have blessed 
their union: Carrie K.. a young lady of fine 
abilities, who is a graduate of Susquehanna Uni- 
versity; Norah Irene, who is a graduate in music 
at 11 An, Md., is proficient in the art. 

has taught music five years; May and Martha, 
attractive girls. The family are identified with 
the Lutheran Church, the Doctor and his wife 
being prominent members, and he is a stanch 
supporter of the principles and policy of the Re- 
publican part\ 

Mrs. Schoch was born March 2, 1S46. and 
1 an excellent education in the Ladies' 

linary at Selins Grove. Sh her de- 

scent from Philip Brobst, who came from ( 
many in 1732, and landed .it Philadelphia. 
Somi of the earlier families spelled then 

-st. lie had John, win. located near 

New Berlin, where he lived to a good old age, 
following farmin 1 occupation. Hew 

in the Revolutionary war, and Mrs. 
a hatchet he carried all during his 
i I m, John Jao >b, the grandfather 
of Mrs. Schoch, was born at Albany, Berks ( 

n., in 1 735, ami I rmer 

in Dry Valley, S ounty, but his death oc- 

curred at the hi 

the a ixty years; he served through the war 

of iSij. He mam . ho died 

on the same farm a ! lore his own 

rhey had ten children: Li thewife 

iel Ritter, of Si unty; Daniel. Mrs. 

Schoch's father; ; rho went west, a 

in Illinois; John, w I n, Ohio, 

and died there in h, who married 

(first 1 Mi. Shafl John App, and 

Selins G 
Samuel Werline, ol Shamokin, Penn.; Liza, who 
married Daniel Fredei md died in Snyder 

county; Mary, deceased, formerly the wif 
John Gift, "t Pedee, Green county, Wis.; Fan- 

wifi of Daniel Ulrich, . .( Selins Grove; and 
tharine Miller, wife oi Jonas Millei 

1 I 111.I Brobst was bi >rn in 1 81 7, and pi 
his life at the homestead, its culth ation occupv 
much of his time. In religious faith hew 
Lutheran, and when the "New ("lunch" was 
formed he) identified himself with that branch. 
He was prominent in local affairs and took an 
interest in military matters, serving for some time 
in the State militia. In 1838 he was elei 
second lieutenant of the Union Greene, attached 



to the Union Independent Battalion of Volun- 
teers of the Militia of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania in the First Brigade of the Eighth 
Division, composed of the Militia of Northumber- 
land, Union, Columbia, Luzerne, Susquehanna 
and Wayne counties. On his election being duly 
certified, Lieut. Brobst was commissioned, and 
I with credit until his retirement, in 1S4J 
II died in 1847, at the age of forty years and 
n months, and his wife, Elizabeth Lepley, 
who was born in Dry Valley in 1808, died in 
1870. Of their two children, Mrs. Schoch is the 
survivor, their son having diet! when but 
two in. >nths old. 



JOHN D. BOGAR, who resides at Port Tre- 
vorton, is one ..f th minent busi- 

ness men ..f Snyder county. His intei 
are extensive and ad 5 to the commercial 

vity of this section, thus advancing the gen- 
eral prosperity while adding to his individual suc- 
las justly won the somewhat hack- 
neyed yet expressive title of a self-made man 
with no capital to aid him he started out in life, 
and : 1 lilv worked his way upward, wini 

wealth and honor by his successfully man 
business interests, his untirii; and his 

olute purpi ■ 

Mr. Bogar was bom in Liverpool, Pi 
Februai \ His father, Jeremiah 1'.. 

was born in Freeburg, Penn., December [I 
and was f Danii B ^ar, whose birth oc- 

curred in Sunbury, Penn., in February. 1; 
while the great-grandfather, also named Dai 
died in I :itv-thi\ 1 

The family is of Swiss origin, and was found. . I 
in America by ti 

tied in North Carolina, the second in Phil; 
phia, and the third near Sunbury, Penn. The 

named was the father of Daniel 1 
previously in I. The great-grandfather of 

our was a potter icconist, am! 

came possessed of considerable wealth. His 
wile. Savilla Bogar, died in 1826, and he after- 
ward married again, but his children were all by 
tiie first marriage, and were as follows: I'm 
who died in New Perlin, Penn.. w! 
he had followed merchandising; Paul, deceased, 
who was a mercb 1 ntreville, Penn.; 

Jacob, deceased, a merchant of Lewisburg; John, 
a merchant who died in Freeport, 111., at the age 
of eightv-ilin Samuel, who died at the age 

..f twehc years. 

Daniel Bogar, grandfather of our subject, 
reared and educated in Sunbury, and received his 
business training under the direction of his fa- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1117 



ther, who manufactured crockery and shipped it 
to market by way of the Susquehanna river, the 
boat used being propelled by several men with 
poles. His father gave him a start in mercan- 
tile business at Freeburg, and he was married 
there to Mary Wolf, who was born in Snyder 
county in 1806, a daughter of Peter Wolf, a 
miller by trade. In March, 1830, Daniel Bogar 
sold his business in Freeburg and went to Liver- 
pool, where he conducted a hotel and store for 
some years. In 1856 he removed to Port Tre- 
vorton, and was the first toll-keeper on the Port 
Trevorton bridge, which had been built for the 
transportation of coal across the river by the Tre- 
vorton Coal & Railway Company. He died May 
11, 1866, and his wife passed away in May, 1862. 
In politics he was first a Whig, and afterward a 
Republican. On one occasion without his knowl- 
edge, his friends made him the nominee for coun- 
ty sheriff, and, although he made no canvass, he 
came within a few votes of election. He be- 
longed to the United Brethren Church and was 
active in its work, was a man of kindly, genial 
nature, fond of fishing and of fun, yet at all 
times lived an honorable and upright life. 

The following is the record of his family: 
Jacob P., the first to locate at Port Trevorton, 
was a merchant and telegraph operator, and died 
in August, 1S77, aged fifty-two. Sarah A. is the 
widow of Christian Deitrich, of Lykens, Penn. 
William H., who was an engineer at a large coal 
breaker in Lykens, died at the age of fifty-eight 
years. James, a railroad agent at Herndon, 
Penn., was killed at Selins Grove Junction while 
boarding a train. Lizzie is the wife of P. H. 
Lamey, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

Jeremiah Bogar, born in December, 1830, 
the second of this family, is the father of our 
subject. During his infancy his parents removed 
to Liverpool, Penn., where he attended school. 
At the age of fifteen he was employed on the 
canal as a driver. Later he and his brother, 
Jacob, became owners of the canal boat "Robert 
Lesher," and, when his brother Jacob met with 
an accident, he operated the boat alone, and fol- 
lowed that business until 1855, when he joined a 
party en route for California. They left New 
York, July 5, crossed the Isthmus of Panama, 
and at length reached San Francisco, but while 
in the West Mr. Bogar suffered a severe illness, 
and in February, 1856, started for home by way 
of the Nicaraugua route, reaching his destination 
in March. 

Jeremiah Bogar was married, in 1S52, in 
Liverpool to Flora Meek, who was born there 
August 15, 1835, a daughter of Daniel and Susan 
(Rhoads) Meek. After his return from Califor- 



nia, he boated on the canal for a season, and, in 
the fall of 1856, in connection with his brother, 
Jacob, he bought out David Postlewaite, a mer- 
chant of Port Trevorton, conducting that store 
for some time, and also running a canal boat. 
In 1862 Jeremiah Bogar built the first sawmill 
at Port Trevorton, conducting the same until 
1876, when our subject took possession. He 
also built a planing-mill and sash-factory, which 
he sold, and, in connection with a partner, he 
bought 1,200 acres of land, which he afterward 
sold at a good profit. For several years he was 
in the insurance business, and is now a jobber in 
powder, dynamite and other explosives. He 
served as postmaster during the war, and during 
the "emergency period," organized a company 
at Port Trevorton, of which he was elected cap- 
tain. When it was time to start for the front, 
however, some of the men refused to go. A sim- 
ilar condition of affairs existed at Selins Grove 
with a company organized by Col. A. C. Simp- 
son, and the two companies united, Mr. Bogar 
being elected first lieutenant. With the 1 8th P. 
V. I , they went to the front, and there he served 
as quartermaster until the time of his discharge. 
In politics he and all of his sons are stanch Re- 
publicans. He belongs to the United Evangel- 
ical Church, has been Sunday-school superin- 
tendent, and class leader, which relations to the 
Church he at this time sustains. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Bogar had eleven 
children: John D. ; Jacob P., of Herndon, 
Penn.; Charles, who died at the age of fifteen 
years and six months; Clara E., wife of H. E. 
Austin, who died in Washington, D. C. , at the 
age of thirty-two; George, who was drowned at 
the age of two and a half years; James H. and 
Isaac M., both of Port Trevorton; Mar)', wife 
of Samuel Smith, of Mazeppa, Penn. ; Joseph 
E. , a physician of Herndon, Penn.; Christian 
D., of Port Trevorton; and Victor E., who is 
attending school at New Berlin. 

John D. Bogar, whose name begins this arti- 
cle, was a child of only two years when he came 
with his grandfather, Daniel Bogar, to Port 
Trevorton, living with him for some years. He 
attended the district schools here, afterward 
pursued his studies in Freeburg Academy, and 
completed his education in what is now Sus- 
quehanna University, at Selins Grove. An acci- 
dent caused him to abandon his plan of becom- 
ing a bookkeeper, and he took up the life and 
fire insurance business, which he followed for 
some time. In his youth he had worked to a 
considerable extent in his father's sawmill, and 
gained a practical experience in that line of 
operations. Before reaching his teens he also 



1118 



' OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL llFJORD. 



carried the mail between Port Trevorton and 
Herndon for three years, for $3 per month. On 
December 5, 1876, he purchased ln> fatl 
sawmill at Port Trevorton, and has since success- 
fully carried on business along that line. He 
rebuilt the mill entirely in 1895, making the 
plans himself and personally superintending its 
construction. His lumber operations bave be- 
come extensive and profitable, and he is one of 
the recognized leaders in that industry in Sny- 
der county. The marketing of his prod 
caused him to become an extensive patron "I 
the ferry, running between Port Trevorton and 
Herndon, and he finally purchased a half inter- 
est in the same, at ono greatly improving it. 
Alter a time he built a steamboat, and h 
now sole proprietor of the business, while at the 
present time he is inti 1 in both the Port 

Trevorton and Union ferri ing the sole 

owner of the Port Trevorton & Herndon ferry, 
and owner of one-fourth ol the " Union ferry," 
both doing bush n Herndon and Port 

Trevorton. 

In [881 Mr. Bogar purchased a saw and 
stave null, and began the manufacture of nail keg 
heads and »l In March. 1889, the plant 

was removed to Herndon, where be has exten 
interests. He opened lumber and coal yards at 
that place, and in June. [889, when other lum- 
bermen suffered heavy losses, his foresighl and 
precaution practically fortified him against all 
loss, and the big demand for timberthat immedi- 
ately followed found him ready to meet it. In 
buill a line flouring-mill at Herndon, with 
a capacity of 1 1 5 barrels daily, and, in the con- 
duct of this enterprise has a partner, F. A. ISing- 
aman, the firm of Bogai & Bingaman being con- 
nected in the operation of several successful enter- 
prises in both Port Trevorton and 1 lerndon. Mr. 
Bogar organized and is treasurer of the II 1 
Manufacturing Company, which is doing a pros- 
perous business in the manufacture of sash, doors 
and blinds, and furn mployment to thirty 

men. He also aided in the organization of the 
A. S. Speece Powder Company, of Speeceville, 
Penn., with which he was connected until Di 
cember, 1896, 

On Octobet s6, 1873, Mr. Bogar wedded 
Miss Mary Moyer, who was born in Chapman 
township, Snyder county, April ;, [855, a daugh- 
ter of Philip and Susan 1 Kant/ Moyer. Their 
children are: Daisy K., wife o| | <,, s nXl | 
lit Trevorton, by whom she has one child, 
Mary Catherine; Jerry D. graduated from the 
Shamokin Business College on May 24, [895, 
and is now a member and vice-president of the 
Herndon Manufacturing Company, and superin- 



tendent of his father's sawmill; Thomas II . 
Harvey S., who is attending school at New Ber- 
lin, Penn., and Susan F. at home. 

In politics Mr. Bogar is a stanch Republican, 
an esteemed counsellor of his party, and he has 
served as delegate to the State Conventions, and 
as chairman of the County Central Committee. 
He is also trustee of the Central Pennsylvania 
College of New Berlin, and is a member of La- 
Fayette Lodge No. 194. F. & A. M., of Selins 
Grove. He served as district president of the 
tic Order Sons of America, aided in insti- 
tuting many lodges through central Pennsylvania, 
and was a charter member of the lodge at Port 
lie is a member and trustee of the 
1 Hive United Evangelical Church, and is a mem- 
ber of the building committee, and aided in the 
supervision of the erection of the house of wor- 
ship. He is now superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, and is a very charitable and benevolent 
man, who contributes liberally to all measures cal- 
culated for the public good. In manner he is very 
genial, easily approachable, and at all times a 

tleman in the truest and best sense of the 

term. His success in business is remarkable, 

i has been achieved along the lines of un- 

;ing industry, earnest purpose and honorable 

it. There are five men in his employ who 
have been with him for twenty-two years, con- 
vincing proof of his popularity as an employer. 
His name is a synonym for integrity in business, 
and there is no citizen that Snyder county could 
so illy afford to lose than John U. Bogar. 



"(>I1\ P. KANTZ is a retired fanner living at 
his pleasant home in Monroe township, Sny- 
der county. It has often been remarked that 
those lives that are the most successful are usu- 
ally the least eventful; this seems to have been 
the case with our subject; his life has been one 
of usefulness and helpfulness to those about him, 
but it has not been filled with any strange or 
thrilling incidi 

Mr. Kantz was born November 22, 1821, in 
Penn township, Snyder county, a son of Philip 
Kant/. The maternal grandfather Snyder was 
a well-to-do farinei I Snyder county. The fa- 
ther, a native of Lebanon county, Penn., came 
to Snyder county when a lad of ten years, and 
became one of the leading carpenters and cabinet 
makers of his community in an early day, manu- 
facturing many coffins, for which he never charged 
more than $6, as he did not believe in costly 
funerals or in charging exorbitant prices. His 
later years were spent in farming. He passed 
away in 1856, at the age of sixty-three years, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1119 



nine months and thirteen days, respected by all 
who knew him. 

John P. Kantz is the youngest of the family 
of five children: (i) Betsy is the widow of Sam- 
uel Knights, a brick maker by trade. (2) Jacob, 
who was by trade a carpenter, removed to Indi- 
ana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits 
until his death. (3) Phoebe became the wife of 
George Hendricks, of Nittany Valley, Centre 
Co., Penn., but is now deceased. (4) John re- 
moved to Ohio when thirty years of age, and 
there engaged in milling until his death, which 
occurred a few years since. 

For two years, from 1840 until 1S42, Mr. 
Kantz served an apprenticeship to the chair 
maker's trade and painting, which he success- 
fully followed for twenty-one years, or until 1863. 
During that period he saved some money, which 
he invested in his present farm in Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder county, and for many years gave 
his attention to agriculture, but he is now living 
retired, enjoying a well-earned rest. His com- 
fortable dwelling is tastefully furnished with arti- 
cles of his own manufacture. In September, 
1864, he enlisted in the Union army, and par- 
ticipated in the battles of Fort Steadman and 
Petersburg, besides several minor engagements. 
When hostilities ceased he was honorably dis- 
charged, June 1, 1865, and returned home. 

On February 26, 1850, Mr. Kantz was mar- 
ried to Miss Anna E. Bechell, who was born in 
December, 1827, a daughter of Andrew Bechell, 
a miller living near Selins Grove, in Snyder coun- 
ty. They became the parents of six children, as 
follows: (1) Marion, born June 27, 1851, was 
educated in the Missionary Institute at Selins 
Grove, and also took a course in penmanship in 
Philadelphia. For several years he has now held 
a responsible position with Dunn & Bradstreet, 
of New York, and is held in high in high esteem 
by the firm. He married Miss Ellen Evans, but 
has no children. (2) Ann E. and (3) Virgil (twins), 
both died at a boutthe age of 1 year, 1 month and 
18 days. (4) Robert A., born July 13, 1858, 
and was principally educated in the Missionary 
Institute, of Selins Grove, but completed his 
literary studies in the University of Ann Arbor, 
Mich. Since 1885 he has been in the employ of 
the War Department at Washington, D. C. He 
married Miss Laura Hughes, daughter of a prom- 
inent farmer of Snyder county, Penn., and they 
have one son, Robert Hughes, born in June, 
1886. (5) and (6) twins, born September 6, 1S60, 
died in infancy. 

Mr. Kantz has been called upon to mourn the 
death of his estimable wife, who departed this 
life April 6, 1887, and she was laid to rest in the 



cemetery at Selins Grove. He is an ardent Dem- 
ocrat in politics, and a Lutheran in religious be- 
lief. Upright and honorable, he deserves and 
has the respect of all who know him. 



HIRAM ULRICH, a leading citizen of Penn 
township, Snyder county, is descended 

from one of the oldest and most prominent pio- 
neer families in the vicinity of Selins Grove, it 
being founded there several years prior to the 
Revolutionary war by John George Ulrich, the 
great-grandfather of our subject. 

John George Ulrich was a native of Ger- 
many, but came to this region from Tulpehock- 
en, Berks Co., Penn. He secured a tract of 
land, which was still in its primitive condition, 
the country round about was still all wild and un- 
settled, and Indians were frequent visitors at his 
pioneer home. He had sufficient prudence and 
foresight to extend a friendly welcome to them, 
and later this proved of great value to him and his 
family. On one occasion an attack was expected 
from a large body of hostile Indians, and Mr. 
Ulrich was advised by some of the Redmen to 
leave with his family, but, not desiring to aban- 
don his crops to them, he sent his family to a 
place of safety and remained on his farm. The 
enemy came, committed their depredations, but 
did not disturb Mr. Ulrich in the least. His 
farm near Selins Grove has never passed out of 
the family, and in early days the spring thereon 
was frequently visited by the Indians, there being 
a path from Middle Creek to Buffalo Valley past 
it. He took up ninety acres of government land 
upon which to erect a Lutheran church, which 
was afterward called " Rows Church." At his 
death Mr. Ulrich was buried in Rows Church 
cemetery in Penn township, Snyder county. He 
had but two children: John George; and Cath- 
erine, who married Jacob Bickle, a Revolution- 
ary soldier, but had no children. 

John George Ulrich, our subject's grand- 
father, continued to live on the old homestead, 
and throughout his life carried on the occupa- 
tions of farming, distilling and tanning. When 
the first Lutheran church was built in Selins 
Grove he pledged all his land for its payment, 
and gave material assistance in its erection. He 
married Catharine Laudenslager, by whom he 
had the following children: John George, Ben- 
jamin, Samuel, John, Daniel, Jonathan K., 
Molly, wife of Adam Good, and Elizabeth, wife 
of Peter Berkstresser. All died in Snyder coun- 
ty, and, with their parents, were buried in the 
old Lutheran cemetery at Selins Grove, with the 



1120 



CO VMBMOBA TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL UE'ORD. 



exception of Samuel, who was laid to rest at 
Kratzerville, the same county. 

At the old ancestral home near Selins Grove, 
Jonathan K. L'lrich, father of our subject, spent 
his early life. At New Berlin he learned the 
tanner's trade, which he followed for almost half 
a century. Alter living in Selins Grove for a 
number of years he purchased th 
where he spent some time, bul I ins last 

days in the village, dying thei 13. Hewas 

married in that place Hariett B 

who was born there, a daughtei 
Frederick 1 ;ei She died January 

consistent members of the 
I ,uth ran < I ■ he was alw 

talwart Democrat. To this worthy couple 

were born the following children: Alfred, who 

1 ly manhood ; I [iram ; Thi who 

i in child! I; F B., a wn- 

ship, Snyder county painter of Selins 

ve; I' \ \ is a resident of the same place, 

and died January 31, [898; C. P., an attorm 

! Asher Ho 1 
of Penn township. 

At Selins G Hiram l'lrich was 

h 7, 1 - known as the 

pper Box school of that place he obta 
education. Until eighteen yeai 

ther in iieiy, and then began a thi 

lip in the tannery oi I ' 
ins Grove, receiving noth 
but his board and clothes in c 
his services. After he had 1 
the busii ' into partnership with his 

>r, and togethei 
tions until a d their place in 1 

• 2,000 to ibject. 

1 removed to the home farm, where he and 
his brother Daniel operated the old I 
which had I but he i 

n up that bi illy living 

I. In 1 irta- 

1 iidence upon his place, and has also 
le man_\' oth id valuab 

nients. 

On November 14, 1861, in 1 township, 

I nion Co., Penn., Mr. l'lrich was ' to 

Miss R. E. Thompson, who 
Mifflinburg, Penn., tigh- 

ter of Benjamin and Rachel (Reninger) Thomp- 
, farming people of Buffalo Valley. Her fa- 
ther died at the age of sixty-eight, her mother at 
the age of seventy-two, and both were interred 
in Lewis cemetery, Limestone township, Un 

ntv. In religious belief they were Metl 
Mrs. Ulrich is the third child and second daugh- 



ter in a family of eight children, two sons and 
liters, and obtained her education first in 
Pontms school, Buffalo township. Union county, 
and later in the Mifflinburg Academy. To 
subject and his wife were born two children: 
Robert T., a promising young man. who 
studying medicine at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in Philadelphia, and died at the age of 
twenty-one; and Rachel H . now the wife of 
Rev, I line, I. Stonecypher, a Lutheran minister 
of Hartleton, Union county. 

Mr. l'lrich gives his political support to the 
nil measures of the Democratic party, and 
ved his fellow ctizens in the ca- 
ol director. Through his own 
rts he has acquired a comfortable ci 
pete, 1 is everywhere regarded as 

nt the most honorable and upright business 
- locality. He and his estimable 
wife are both prominent and active members 
the First Lutheran Church of Selins Grove, of 
which he trustee, and thev enjoy the re- 

spect and esteem of a large circle of friends and 
acquaint 



r\,ANIEL S. BOYER, a leading 1 



D 



xJ Freeburg, Snyder county, is now serving his 
justice of the peace, and at its 
ration will h nt forty consecutr 

m th insible office. His name will, h 

nost widely with his 
an demy being larg 

I to his energy, wisdom and 
fi >r it 

to an excellent family. 

his ancestors were early settlers in Mont- 

nty, Penn. An uncle, Gen. Philip 

Bo) 1 in the war of 1S12 as captain 

ipany, was sheriff of that county at one time, 

father of Hon. P>. M. B ' lerly 

President fudge of the Montgomery County 

1 wo ti mi- a member of C01 
Another uncle, Isaac Boyer, ha graphical 

ind another uncle, I rancis \ 
1. Sr., died at Freeburg in 1 876, aged eighty- 
Philip Boyer, Sr., the grandfather 
-pent his earls' years in Mont- 
nty, but later removed to Freeburg, 
when- he .lit d Di ci mber 24, (832, aged eighty- 
six ■ [ohi Boyer, our subject's father, a 
native of Montgomerj county, married Miss 
Elizabeth Spot/, daughter of Matthias Spotz, of 
Selins Grove, made his home at Freeburg, his 
death occurring there January 23, 1S37. Daniel 
S. Boyer is the young >1 I afamilyof three sons 
four daughters. His eldest brother, Henry 




DAHIEL S. BOYER 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1121 



]., a resident of Chicago, 111., is the father of 
Allen Boyer, one of the noted stenographers of 
the West. The other brother, William S., is a 
prosperous agriculturist residing at Gratz, Penn., 
and was at one time a justice of the peace. The 
eldest daughter, Mary Arin, married F. C. Moyer, 
of Freeburg, and died in December, 1897, aged 
eighty-four years. Polly married Dr. H. C. 
Beshler, a prominent physician of Berrysburg, 
Penn., and died in 1895, aged eighty-one years. 
Sarah, widow of Simon P. Lark, resides at 
Berrysburg, Dauphin county, and her only son, 
H. L. Lark, was a member of the Dauphin County 
Bar, but later engaged in a banking and real- 
estate business at Peabody, Kans., returning to 
Millersburg, Penn., in 1894, where he is prac- 
ticing law. (He married Loyetta, a daughter of 
Col. John P. Tressler, founder of the Lutheran Or- 
phans' Home at Loysville, Perry county, Penn). 
His only son, Charles Tressler Lark, graduated 
with honors at Gettysburg (Penn.) College in June, 
1898, and his only daughter, Mabel Lark, gradu- 
ated with honors at Mechanicsburg Irving Female 
College in June, 1897, and will complete a post- 
graduate course at Bryn Marth in June, 1899. 

Daniel S. Boyer was born July 9, 1827, at 
Freeburg, and as he was but a child when his 
father died, he was reared under the sole guid- 
ance of his mother, a devout Christian, whose 
gentle influence he gratefully recalls. He first 
attended the subscription schools of Freeburg, 
taught by Burge, Burr, Montelius, Naille, and 
others, and then pursued the higher branches in 
the Classical Institute, at Berrysburg, Dauphin 
county, under the instruction of A. B. Sprout. 
At the age of sixteen he began to teach in his 
native town, and so successful was he in this 
work that he continued without interruption for 
ten terms. In 1857 he was elected county su- 
perintendent of public schools for three years, 
and during his term of office he conducted many 
institutes in his county, and delivered numerous 
addresses on educational topics. His high rep- 
utation as an instructor led to his appointment as 
assistant teacher of the Freeburg Academy, and 
in 1861, on the retirement of Mr. Millet, he was 
elected principal. This position he held for ten 
years, and during that time the institution reached 
the high-water mark of prosperity and influence. 
He owns a large portion of the stock of the 
academy, and for twenty years was the president 
and secretary of the company which had it in 
charge. In 1867 he built a town hall, 36x60 
feet, and two stories in height. The upper 
floors were used as lodge rooms by the I. O. O. 
F. and the P. O. S. A., while the ground floor 
had an audience room with a seating capacity of 

71* 



five hundred, and was fitted up with a large stage 
and elegant furnishings, including an expensive 
curtain. This comfortable and convenient hall 
was appreciated by the people of the town, and 
the academy used it constantly for literary enter- 
tainments until it was destroyed, on June 14, 
1894, by lightning. 

Agricultural pursuits have occupied much of 
Mr. Boyer's time, and he is thoroughly familiar 
with the practical details of farm work, his intel- 
ligence and love of progress being no less evi- 
dent in this than in other lines of effort. For 
five years he was secretary of the Snyder Coun- 
ty Agricultural Society, and for eight years was 
president of the Union Agricultural Association. 
He is a stockholder of the Agricultural Society of 
Gratz, and for five successive years delivered the 
annual address at the fairs held by that associa- 
tion in Dauphin county, his speeches containing 
valuable information on the subject of agricul- 
ture. His sound judgment and wide knowledge 
of men and affairs are always at the service of his 
friends and acquaintances who often call upon 
him for advice. He is still a diligent student, 
his reading covering an extensive range, and he 
is well-known as a writer for the local press, 
having furnished items for four newspapers in 
Snyder county for many years. Other articles 
on various topics have been prepared by him 
from time to time, and among them we may 
mention a series on the life of ex-Gov. Snyder. 
As a speaker he is pleasing and effective, and in 
May, 1S85, he was chosen to deliver the histor- 
ical address at the unveiling of the monu- 
ment to Governor Snyder at Selins Grove. 
He also delivered the address at the reunion 
of the descendants of the Hon. Mr. Mid- 
dlesworth at Beavertown, in the year 1894. 
In 1886 he was appointed to serve the unexpired 
term of W. H. Dill, deceased, as county super- 
intendent of the schools of Snyder county, and 
he delivered a eulogy on the deceased at the 
State Teachers Association at Allentown, in July, 
1886. Politically, Mr. Boyer is a Democrat, 
and in 1874 he was a delegate to the State 
Convention at Pittsburg, his vote being cast for 
Judge Woodward. In 1875 he was appointed 
bank assessor for Snyder and Centre counties by 
Auditor-General Temple, and when Hon. Isaac 
Slenker held the office of auditor-general Mr. 
Boyer served as clerk of the department of mil- 
itary claims. His long and faithful service as 
justice of the peace has already been referred 
to, and it is safe to say that no man in his com- 
munity is held in higher esteem than Mr. Boyer. 
For many years he has been a member of the 
Lutheran Church at Freeburg, in which he has 



L122 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPIIKM. RECORD. 



held office as deacon, elder and secretary, and 
for forty-two consecutive years he has been su- 
perintendent of the Sunday-school. All phases 
of religious work command his sympathy, and 
he is well versed in general Church literature, 
especially in the history of the Lutheran Church. 
In 1852 he was married to Miss Leah J. Snj 
der, of Berrysburg, but of their five children all 
died in infancy. They delight in entertaining 
visitors in their hospitable home, and children, as 
well as friends of mature years, find a warm wel- 
come within their doors. 



J P. YODER, ai tn ami progressive 

farmer, and a leading and influential citizen 
of Middle Creek township, is a representa- 
tive of one of the oldest families of Sir- 
county, four generations of the family having re- 
sided upon the farm where he still lives. The 
founder here was John Joder, who came from Mont- 
nery county, Penn., over a centur) ago and 
took up his residence upon this place, where his 
death occurred. 

Among his children was Samuel Yoder, our 
ject's father, who was born on the old horn. 
stead July 8, 1807, and was reared as a fanner 
boy, receiving such an education as the country 
schools of his day afforded, On February 10, 
1, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 
Hilbish, who was born in Washington township, 
Snyder county, April 28, 1S0X, a daughter of 
Peter and Susannah (Schell) Hilbish. Their en- 
life was spent at the Voder home- 
stead, which the father successfully operated. 
He was an officer in the Reformed Church, with 
which he and his wife were connected, and, being 
a great student of the Bible, was well posted on 
the Scriptures. He was a man of more than or- 
dinary intelligence, and was widelj and favorably 
known. His death occurred October 23, 1 S S 5 , 
his wife's January 14, 1SX7, and both were laid 
to rest in the Zeiber cemetery. 

In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following children: Emanuel, born April 11. 
1830, is one of the substantial and reliable men 
of Middle Creek township, but for the past six- 
ars he has been a cripple, the result of 
eral accidents. He is an elder in the Re- 
formed Church, and in politics i- 1 Ri publican. 
J. P., of This sketch, is next in order of birth 
Samuel II.. who served as associate judge, died 
in 1895 ii Globe Mills, Penn. Marj A. wedded 
Geor^i- K. Fagley, the present sheriff ol North- 
umberland county, and died September 3, 18 

In the common -ehools of Snyder count}-. 
J. 1' Yoder acquired his primarj education, 



which was supplemented by a short course in the 
Freeburg Academy. He was reared in much the 
usual manner of farmer boys, and has become a 
thorough and systematic agriculturist. On Christ- 
mas Day. 1 860. he was married to Miss Margaret 
A. Oldt, who was born March 17, 1847, in Dry 
Valley, Penn., and is the only child of Daniel 
and Sarah (Benfer) Oldt. They located on the 
old homestead, and four children came to brighten 
the household by their presence, namely: Sarah 
E. is now Mrs. C. A. Moyer, of Spring Mills, 
Center Co., Penn., and has one child, Blanche. 
Allen A. was educated in the schools of Selins 
Grove and Lock Haven, Penn. Later he suc- 
cessfully engaged in teaching in Snyder county 
for five years, then became a medical student in 
Philadelphia. He completed his course in medi- 
cine in the Medico-Chirurgical College, Phila- 
delphia, devoting four years there in study, and 
was graduated with honors {summa cum laude). 
He was elected class treasurer in his Senior ye tr 
by a very large majority. Recently he has been 
elected on the Medico-Chirurgical Hospital staff 
as resident physician. He contemplates to seek 
more medical lore abroad in one of the medical 
centers in Europe. S. Luther is a farmer resid- 
ing at home. D. Norton is also under the pa- 
rental roof. The family occupy a prominent 
place in the social circles of the neighborhood 
and have many warm friends. 

Mr. Yoder is now the owner of 240 acres of 
rich and arable land, which he has placed under 
a high state of cultivation, and is recognized as 
one of the most substantial and enterprising 
farmers of Middle Creek township. He regu- 
larly supports the Republican party by his ballot, 
and has efficiently served as assessor and school 
director, holding the latter office at the present 
time. With the Reformed Church he is officially 
connected, having been a deacon for sixteen 
years, and his estimable wife is a faithful mem- 
ber of the same congregation. Although a plain, 
unassuming gentleman, he readily wins the con- 
fidence of all with whom he comes in contact, 
and has a host of friends who appreciate his 
sterling worth. He is a great friend of the cause 
of education, and in all things keeps fully abreast 
with the times. 



EUBEN B. FESSLER, whose death oc- 
curred on February 5, 1898, after a sick- 
ness of only two days, was a military veteran 
and a well-known business man. then living in 
retirement at Centerville. Snyder county, his 
wealth enabling him to fill his leisure with the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1123 



pursuits most congenial to a man of intellectual 
gifts. 

The Fessler family has been identified with 
Snyder county for many years, our subject's 
grandfather having resided in Penn township at 
the time of his death which occurred early in the 
present century. David Fessler, our subject's 
father, was born in Penn township, March 28, 
1809, and, as his father died not long afteward, 
he was taken into the home of John Rager, a 
farmer in what is now West Beaver township, 
Snyder county. He attended the subscription 
schools of the locality at irregular intervals, but, 
as the strangers among whom he lived took no 
interest in his education, he spent but three 
months all told in school. At an early age he 
was apprenticed to a Mr. Rearick, a chair maker, 
and after learning the trade he followed it in 
connection with farming. He secured a small 
farm, buying it acre by acre at different times, 
but in 1858 he removed to Center township 
where he had bought the Spayd farm, and there 
he spent his remaining years, his death occurring 
May 9, 1872. He was a man of medium height 
and weight, very quiet and unpretentious in 
manner, but he did much hard work in his life 
and gained a comfortable competence. At the 
time of his death he owned two farms, compris- 
ing 220 acres, and had some money besides, all 
this having been gained by shrewd management, 
as he never speculated. In early life he was a 
Whig, but in 1856 he joined the Democratic 
party. While he was no office seeker he served 
several terms as constable in West Beaver town- 
ship. For many years he was a deacon in the 
Lutheran Church, to which his wife also be- 
longed. On November 22, 1832, he was mar- 
ried in Beaver township to Miss Elizabeth Keller, 
a native of that locality, born February 11, 181 5, 
the daughter of Abraham Keller. She died April 
25, 1889, and the remains of both now rest in 
the cemetery at Centerville. They had the fol- 
lowing children: Catherine M. , born December 
28, 1833, married Frederick Price, of Stephen- 
son county. 111. ; Louisa, born September 9, 1835, 
died January 3, 1837; Reuben B., our subject, 
is mentioned more fully farther on; William H. ; 
born February 13, 1839, is a farmer in Center 
township; Amanda J., born in May, 1841, died 
in 1843 from scalds received through falling into 
a bucket of boiling water; Wilson H., born Jan- 
uary 25, 1843, died in Center township, and was 
buried in Centerville; Ann E., born July 19, 
1846, married Walter Seivel, and died in Illinois; 
Alfred, born February 3, 1849, resides in Sum- 
mit county, Ohio; Mollie E. (a twin of Alfred) 
married F. J. Boyer, of Centerville; Harriet, 



born April 24, 1851, married Levi Young, of 
Center township; Frank P., born March 13, 1853; 
Uriah H. (a twin of Frank) is a tanner at Cen- 
terville. 

Reuben B. Fessler was born August 3, 1837, 
at the old home in West Beaver township, where 
he attended the subscription schools during boy- 
hood. He was a very bright student, and so 
readily acquired a knowledge of reading that 
before he ever attended school he could read 
German. At sixteen he began teaching, and 
continued that occupation until be was twenty- 
one, when he entered Union Seminary at New 
Berlin. He did not graduate from this institu- 
tion, but took an irregular course, studying there 
in 1857 and 1859. As he was the eldest son he 
found much to do at home, and while still a boy 
began to work at chair-making with his father. 
His natural gifts as a mechanic ennbled him to 
learn any trade with facility, and even late in life 
he often passed spare moments in making articles 
of various kinds. In 1859 he became a clerk for 
John Walls & Co., of Lewisburg, with whom he 
remained until August, 1862, when he enlisted 
at Lewisburg in Company E, 142nd P. V. I. 
Their first battle was at Fredericksburg, and 
he remained with the regiment through all 
their engagements until detailed for special 
duty at the corps headquarters. On June 
1, 1863, after the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, he was commissioned sergeant. The regi- 
ment contained only three men from Snyder 
county, the others being Henry Stuck and John 
S. Bellinger, and our subject was the only one 
of the three to survive the battle of Fredericks- 
burg. On May 29, 1S65, he was discharged with 
his regiment, and after his return home he clerked 
for some time at Lewisburg, Buffalo Cross Roads 
and Ashland, Penn. Later he operated a saw- 
mill for his father, and in 1869 he went to Cowan, 
Union county, and clerked for three years. At 
the death of his father in 1872 he was made 
executor under the will, and for some time he 
remained at home. He then clerked for a time 
in Lewisburg for George K. Swope, and after- 
ward spent three years in Mifflinburg clerking for 
William Young & Son. In May, 1877, he took 
a trip to the West, spending some time in Kansas 
and other States, and in the spring of 1878, after 
his return to Pennsylvania, he engaged in a 
general mercantile business at Adamsburg in 
partnership with James Specht. On disposing 
of his interest in this store he bought the Beaver 
Springs Tannery, and continued the business 
successfully notwithstanding the fact that he be- 
gan without any knowledge of the trade. After 
four years he traded the property for a farm in 



1124 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RE( ORD. 






Minnesota, and since 18S4 he has done no active 
work. He then made his home at Centerville, 
having determined to take the world easy during 
his remaining years. While he was not ex- 
travagant, 1 verythiDg he bought was of the best, 
as he believed that that plan proved economical 
in the long run. Fishing and hunting were his 
ta\ orite diversions, and in them he had few equals 
in the county and no superiors. He was a scien- 
tific angler, studying the habits of fish carefully, 
and his outfit was the best that money could buy. 
Alter 1893 he became an expert rider on the 

■ le. In reading, also, he took much pleasure, 
and his excellent memory enabled him to become 
well informed on general topics. With all his 
other aptitudes Mr. Fessler can claim proficiency 
as a housekeeper, for, as he never married, he 
performed domestic work with the skill of an 
adept. 

While he was a stanch Democrat, he never 
sought or held political office. At one timi he 
was an active mi of the Masonic order at 

Lewisburg, having joined in 1873, and he be- 
longed to the Patriotic Order Sons of America 
at Centerville during the existence of that lodge. 
In manner he was quite unassuming, but he was 
deservedly popular wherever known. 



F. ARNOLD, a prominent citizen of Free- 
burg, and a traveling salesman of more than 
twenty-five years' experience, was born at his 
present home in Washington township, Snyder 
county, May 29, [841. The Arnold family in 
this county is descended from George Arnold, 
the paternal grandfather of our subject, a mill- 
wright by trade, who left his home in Lancaster 
county and took up his residence near McKees 
Half Falls. He married Miss Mary E. Strayi r, 
and their remains are now interred in Grubbs 

irch cemetery, the grandfather departing tins 
life at the age oi sixty-four, Ins wife .it th 
eighty-five ["heir children were: Henry, Geo' 
[ohn, Elizabeth and Catharine, whose remains 
lie buried in Grubbs Church cemetery; S 

ijamin and Martha, who died in Michigan; 
and Mary, who died and was buried in Northum- 
1 mnty, Pennsj \\ una. 

Henry Am ild, the fathei of our subji 1 1 . ■■• as 
born in what is now Chapman township, Snyder 
county, September 19, 1800, and learned the 
millwright's trade under his father. His school 
privileges were very meagre, but he was a man 
of naturally strong intellect, and fitted himself 
for school teaching. He was especially profi- 
cient rman teacher, having thoroughly 
mastered that language. Alter working in his 



father's distillery for some time, he later pur- 
chased a farm, upon which he spent his remain- 
ing days, his death occurring at the age of sev- 
enty-eight years and twenty-eight days. He 
married Anna Brugger, who was born in Switz- 
erland in [802, and in 1817 came to the United 
States with her parents, John Rudolph Bru§ 
and wife. They were sixty-three days upon the 
ocean, and the voyage was a stormy one. Their 
son Casper died at sea, and was buried in the 
water. The other children of the family were 
Mrs. Arnold, Gabriel, Rudolph, Casper, Mary, 
Maria and Jacob. The last named was born in 
the United States. The family located in Stone 
Valley., near Georgetown, Penn., where the fa- 
ther was prominently connected with Church 
work, serving as leader of the choir for many 
years. He and his wife afterward removed t 1 
the southwestern portion of Snyder county, then 
a part of Union county, where they spent the 
remainder of their days, the former dying at the 
age of eighty-four, and the latter at the age of 
ninety. 

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold, the parents of our sub- 
ject, had a family of nine children: Matilda, of 
Shamokin, widow of George Foltz; Caroline, 
wife of Isaac L. Bliem, of Philadelphia; Louisa, 
wife of William Hockenbraucht, who died August 
18, 1892; [ohn R.. who died of scarlet fever at 
the age of six years; Henry, who was drowned 
at the age of tsvo and a half years; Anna, wife of 
B. E. Adams, of Shamokin; B. F. ; George W. . 
assistant steward in the Bethany Orphans Home 
at Womelsdorf, Penn.; and Emma J., who re- 
sides in Clyde, Ohio. The father of this fa 
ily did not acquire wealth, but accumulated a 
comfortable competence, and was very liberal. 
A devout Church member, he took an active 
part in Church work, and was a man highly re- 
spected by all. 

B. F. Arnold spent his boyhood days at the 
place of his birth, and pursued his education in 
the schools of the neighborhood. Being the 
eldest son. he was early called upon to assist in 
the labors of the home farm. At the age of eight- 
een he left the parental roof and went to North- 
umberland county, where he was engaged 
driver of a huckster wagon by Major A. lams, 
selling the products at Pottsville and Minersville. 
His father received his earnings until he was 
twenty-one years ol age. Realizing the advan- 
tages of a good education he determined to fur- 
ther lit himself for a business career by more ex- 
tended study, and for two terms attended the 
Freeburg Academy, walking five miles to and 
from thesi ho il each day. He thus fitted himself 
for teaching, an i for two terms had charge of the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1125 



Reichenbach school. He then went to Locust 
Gap, Penn., where for a year and a half he was 
engaged in business as a dealer in stone in con- 
nection with B. E. Adams For a short time 
thereafter he was in the same business alone in 
Shamokin. 

On March 23, 1865, Mr. Arnold wedded Miss 
Mary A. Keeler, who was born May 20, 1S42, a 
daughter of Jonas and Eliza (Moyer) Keeler. 
Soon after this Mr. Arnold embarked in the 
huckster's business in connection with his father- 
in-law, whose interest he purchased after two 
years, continuing alone for four years. On April 
1, 1 87 1, he entered the employ of John S. 
Lentz, a wholesale liquor dealer of Philadelphia 
as traveling salesman, and continued in his em- 
ploy until February 25, 1888, when on the death 
of Mr. Lentz he severed his connection with that 
house and entered the employ of F. P. Dilley, 
also a wholesale liquor dealer of Philadelphia. 
During his twenty-six years' experience as a trav- 
eling salesman he has been employed by only 
two firms, a fact which well indicates his fidelity 
to duty and his success in his chosen vocation. 
By his good management, enterprise and energy 
he has accumulated a comfortable competence, 
and is the owner of the old Arnold homestead. 
He now travels over Snyder, Union, Centre, 
Juniata, Perry, Mifflin, Dauphin, Lebanon, 
Berks, Schuylkill, Northumberland, Lycoming 
and Columbia and Sullivan counties, but he 
formerly traveled in the East. He is a man of 
very pleasant, genial manner and good business 
ability, and these two qualities make him very 
successful as a salesman. 

During the Civil war Mr. Arnold was three 
times drafted, but on the first occasion was ex- 
empt by reason of his service as a school teacher. 
The second time he employed a substitute, and 
the third time the war ended, thus obviating the 
necessity of his going to the front. In politics 
he is a stanch Democrat, and in 1878 was the 
choice of his party for the office of sheriff, but 
the Democracy was then in the minority. He 
and his wife are members of the Reformed 
Church, and for eight years he served as deacon, 
while at the present time he is treasurer of the 
Church. He is a charter member and trustee of 
Freeburg Lodge No. 611, I. O. O. F., has been 
identified with the order since 1865, and was dis- 
trict deputy of Snyder county for two years; he 
has also been a trustee of Freeburg Academy 
since 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold became the 
parents of three children: Henry K. , who died at 
the age of sixteen; Jonas F., who died at the 
age of eleven, and Emma J., wife of W. L. 
Bassler, of Freeburg. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and 



their daughter occupy an enviable position in so- 
cial circles, and are highly esteemed for their 
sterling worth. 



TLLIAM H. EWING, one of the best 
known and most successful agriculturists 
of Spring township, Snyder county, was born 
March 19, 1843, m Tyrone township, Perry Co. , 
Penn., and belongs to a family of English origin, 
which was early founded in the lower counties of 
the State by his great-grandfather. His descend- 
ants later removed to what was then Cumber- 
land county, but is now Perry county. 

Jesse Ewing, father of our subject, was also 
a native of Tyrone township, Perry county, at- 
tended the common schools, and followed farm- 
ing until sixteen years of age, when he was united 
in marriage to Miss Catharine Kiner, then only 
seventeen years old. With his father-in-law, 
George Kiner, of Tyrone township, he began 
learning molding and brick making, which he fol- 
lowed in connection with the operation of a small 
tract of land until his death, which occurred in 
1855, when he was aged thirty-five years. In 
early life he was a strong Whig in politics, and 
later became a leading member of the Know 
Nothing party in Perry county, where he served 
as assessor of his township. 

Our subject is the second in order of birth in 
a family of three children, the others being 
Sarah J., who was born when her mother was 
only eighteen years of age, and became the wife 
of L. Page, of Tuscarora Valley Juniata Co., 
Penn.; and Mary, wife of William Bailie, of Lib- 
erty Valley, Perry county. After the death of 
her first husband, Mrs. Ewing became the wife 
of Frederick Peck, a native of Perry county, and 
a farmer by occupation, and two children were 
born of this union: Emma, wife of' William 
Shull, of Ickesburg, Perry county; and Caroline, 
wife of John Ewing, of Madison township, the 
same county. The death of the mother oc- 
curred in Madison township, and she was laid to 
rest by the side of her first 
township cemetery. 

As his father died when 
years old, William H. Ewing was early thrown 
upon his own resources, and has since made his 
way in the world unaided. He had the oppor- 
tunity of attending school only through the 
winter season, and in his early boyhood began 
work as a farm laborer in his native township, 
receiving the meagre wages of $7 per month. He 
was thus employed until the outbreak of the Re- 
bellion in 1 86 1, and in September of that year 
went to Harrisburg for the purpose of enlisting. 



husband in Tyrone 
he was only fifteen 



1126 



■• MELIORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



He gave his age as much older than he really 
was, and accordingly was accepted, being mus- 
tered into service as a member of Company B, 
47th P. V. I., which was under the command of 
Capt. H. D. Woodruff and Colonel Good, and 
was assigned to the Ninth Corps. Army of the 
>mac. He participated in the battles of 
Loonsville, Gainesville, Culpeper, Drainsville, 
I redericksburg, and several smaller engage- 
ments, but at Key West, Fla., received a sun- 
stroke, which confined him to the hospital at that 
place for ten months. He was finally dischai 
at Key West in December, [862, and returned to 
his native count} . but was unable to perform anj 
manual labor. He found employment in looking 
after stock for his board and clothes until strong 
enough to do other work, but, wishing to a. 
enter the army, he re-enlisted in 1864, at Mi 
town, Juniata Co., Perm., in Company I). 207th 
P. V. I., under Capt, I. Deagon and Colonel 
Albright. He was again mustered in at Harris- 
bur^, and served for eleven months, when hostil- 
ities having ceased, he was honorably discharged. 
Returning to his home, Mr. Ewing found employ- 
ment in a tannery for a short time, and then en- 
ed in hoop making in his native county until 
[867, when he came to Snyder county and lo- 
cated near Adamsburg, where he also followed 
hoop making for two years. He was next em- 
it carpenter work for the same length of 
time, and for the following two years was in a 
sawmill. In the meantime Mr. Ewing married 
and located on a farm in Beaver township, which 
he operated on the shares for four years, during 
which period he saved a little money, but with 
the hope of securing a fortune quicker, he re- 
solved to go west. In 1875 w 'th his little family 
he went to Kansas, where he took up a hoi 
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, but, during 
the two years spent there, he received no returns 
for his hard labor. Accordingly, in the 
spring of 1878, he returned to Snyder 
county, poorer than when he started, landing 
in Lewistown with only thirty-five dollars in 
money, the clothes they wore, and a little bed- 
ding. Here he began life anew, operating his 
father-in-law's farm for a year and a half, and 
then purchased his present place in Spring town- 
ship, comprising ninety-six acres, purchased of 
Samuel Aurand. Fortune at last smiled upon his 
efforts, and he became one of the most success- 
ful agriculturists of the community. He has 
made many excellent and valuable improvements 
upon his farm, including the erection of a fine 
residence and good barn, costing about $2,500. 
Ih was one of the first in his section to make a 
specialty of the raising of peaches, and this in- 



dustry proved quite profitable. In 1894 he laid 
aside all business cares, and is now living retired, 
enjoying the fruits of his former toil. 

On January 3, 1867, at Middleburg, Rev. J. 
P. Shindel performed a wedding ceremony which 
united the destinies of Mr. Ewing and Miss El- 
mira A. Middleswarth, who was born in what was 
then Beaver township, but is now Spring town- 
ship. Snyder county, a daughter of Abner Mid- 
dleswarth, and a granddaughter of Hon. Ner 
Middleswarth. Nine children blessed this union: 
Jesse, a farmer of Spring township, who married 
Annie Arbagost, and has two children; Theo- 
dore, who married Kate Mitchell, of Middle 
Creek, by whom he has one child, and lives on 
the old homestead; Francis, a farmer of West 
Beaver township, Snyder county, who is married 
to Annie Snook, and has one child; Jane, wife of 
Henry Keeley, of West Beaver township; Etta, 
at home; Carrie, wife of Robert Kearn, of Beaver 
township; and Charles, George and Ira, all at 
home. 

As an ardent Republican, Mr. Ewing has 
taken quite an active and prominent part in local 
politics, has served as constable of his township 
three years, supervisor one term, and overseer of 
the poor. He is a member and faithful Sunday- 
<>1 attendant in the Lutheran Church, and is 
an honored member of William H. Boyer Post 
No. 612. (.. A. K. His residence in Sir. 
county, covering almost thirty years, has num- 
bered him among its valued citizens who have 
been devoted to the public welfare. He has 
manifested the same loyalty in days of peace as 
in days of war, and all who know him have for 
him the highest regard. 



SIMON YF.AGERwas for many years actively 
, identitit d with the agricultural interes; 
Mifflin count}'. Penn., and enjoyed more than 
nary success, but is now living retired in 
Middle Creek, Spring township, Snyder Co., 

11., surrounded by all the comforts and many 
of the luxuries of life, all of which were secured 
through his own unaided efforts. 

Mr. Yeager was born in Derry township. 
Mifflin count}-, February II, 1S42. was educated 
in the common schools, and at the early age of 
eleven years began working for his board and 
clothes. As a laborer he continued to work 
until the outbreak of the Civil war, when his 
mother, fearing he would enlist in the army, sent 
him to Bellevue, < >hio. where he had living an 
uncle, a Mr. Ilickes. After working on a farm 
tlni, foi about three months he found an oppor- 
tunitv to enlist, and in 1S62 became a member 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1127 



of Company H, 107th O. V. I., under Colonel 
Meyers and Capt. A. Vignos. For three years 
he was in the service with the Army of the 
Potomac, and participated in many important 
engagements, including the battles of Chan- 
cellorsville, May 2, 3 and 4, 1862; Gettysburg, 
July 1, 2 and 3, 1863; Hagerstown, July 7, 1863, 
Fort Wagner, S. C, September 7, 1863; ami 
John Island, S. C, February 9, 10 and 1 1, 1864. 
With his regiment, Mr. Yeager went to Jackson- 
ville, Fla., and while on a raid was captured by 
the Rebels and sent to Andersonville prison, 
where he was confined for three months and a 
half, suffering untold agonies. He endured all 
the hardships incident to Southern prison life, 
was almost starved to death, and when finally 
released at the close of the war was so ill that he 
was obliged to remain, for three weeks, in the 
hospital at Columbus, Ohio. 

Returning to his uncle's farm near Bellevue, 
Mr. Yeager was employed there for three months, 
and then returned to Pennsylvania. For about 
twenty years he worked as a laborer near Lewis- 
town, Mifflin county, sixteen years of which time 
was spent in the employ of the North American 
Tanning Company. He was later with the Penn- 
sylvania railroad for a few months, after which 
he purchased a farm of 100 acres in Decatur 
township, Mifflin county, which he successfully 
operated until 1889, when he came to Middle 
Creek, Spring township, Snyder county, and 
bought his present place of seventy acres, where 
he is now practically living retired, enjoying a 
well-earned rest, free from all the cares and re- 
sponsibilities of business life. 

On December 27, 1866, in Lewistown, Mr. 
Yeager was united in marriage to Miss Hannah 
C. Baer, a native of Granville township, Mif- 
flin county, and a daughter of John Baer, a farm- 
er of that township, who was of German and 
English descent. To them were born two chil- 
dren: Mary J., now the wife of J. M. Baker, a 
lawyer of Beaver Springs, Perm. ; and George A., 
a farmer of Spring township, who married Malin- 
daj. Snook and has one child. The wife and 
mother was called to her final rest in November, 
1889, while residing in Decatur township, Mifflin 
county. Since 1877 Mr. Yeager has been a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church, and socially he be- 
longs to the Grand Army Post and the Odd Fel- 
lows Lodge of Adamsburg. He is a stalwart Re- 
publican in politics, and has served his fellow cit- 
izens in the capacity of supervisor of Decatur 
township, Mifflin county. He was a brave de- 
fender of the Union during the dark days of the 
Civil war, and is equally loyal to his country's in- 
terests in days of peace. 



¥ 



|FALENTINE WALTER, one of the most 



prominent residents of Center township, 
Snyder county, has been engaged in various lines 
of business and been equally successful as a mer- 
chant, agriculturist, and lumber manufacturer. 
At present he devotes his attention to the two in- 
dustries last named, conducting two farms and 
two mills near Centerville. It is a noteworthy 
fact that his wealth has not been gained by undue 
economy, as he has enjoyed the luxury of help- 
ing others, and has given his family every com- 
fort and privilege. Mr. Walter was born Feb- 
ruary 14, 1834, in Union township, Union 
county, and is a descendant of the well-known 
German pioneer, Jacob Walter, whose descend- 
ants are now numerous in this section. Our 
subject's parents, David H., and Catherine (Phil- 
lips) Walter, removed during his boyhood to the 
vicinity of Salem Church, in what is now Frank- 
lin township, and after four years they moved to 
the neighborhood of Middleburg, where he first 
attended school with David Swenck as his 
teacher. His father valued education very 
highly, and always insisted upon his children at- 
tending school, and our subject, being exception- 
ally clever, was prepared at an early age to 
teach. His first school was in Center township, 
and for three years he taught in country schools 
during the winter terms for seventeen dollars per 
month, boarding himself, and for the next two 
years he taught for twenty dollars per month. 
From seventeen to twenty-two years of age his 
time was thus employed during the winter seasons, 
and in summer he would assist his father upon 
the farm. He also attended Freeburg Academy 
for two quarters. After he was twenty-one years 
of age his father paid him wages for his farm 
work, and he remained at home until the age of 
twenty-four. On February 22, 1858, he married 
Miss Susanna Schaffer, who was born in Lime- 
stone township. Union county, in 1832, the 
daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Frock) Shaffer. 
He then located upon his father's farm in Lime- 
stone township, Union county, which he rented 
for several years, but in 1867 he removed to Cen- 
terville where for four years he followed agricul- 
tural pursuits. He then went into mercantile 
business, and spent twelve years, at times with 
partners, and some times alone. In 1882, he re- 
tired from this line of business with a handsome 
competence. He owns two farms near Center- 
ville as stated, containing in all 250 acres of 
farm land, sixty-eight acres of woodland, and 
eighty-eight acres of mountain land. His saw 
mill and planing mill at Centerville are both 
operated by steam and he does a large business in 
I lumber. 



L128 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGIiAPM' .1 /. RECORD. 



In 1892 he remodeled his residence in Cen- 
terville, making it one of the most attrai I 
homes in the town. He has four children: Se- 
villa, who married C. M. Showers, of Center- 
ville; Ella, wife of Dr. R. I). Kothwell, of New 
Berlin; Alice, now Mrs. J. J. Rowland, of Shen- 
andoah, Penn. : and Sadie, now Mrs. J. D. Ureese, 
of Chillisquaque, Penn. Mr. Walter has reason 
to be proud of his daughters, and he has given 
them unusual educational advantages. In fact, 
he has always shown himself to be a friend 
to every improvement in schools, and has 
done much to encourage better methods in 
his locaity, having served three terms as school 
director. His sound judgment in business mat- 
ters causes his advice to besought on many ques- 
tions, and his generosity is also called upon at 
times. He has lost in the neighborhood of twenty 
thousand dollars through payments on forfeited 
bail, but he never felt indignant over such losses, 
however, being thankful that he could meet his 
obligations. In politics he is a Republican, and, 
although he has never sought office, he has been 
elected to a number of positions, serving sixteen 
years as overseer of the poor, and two terms as 
triennial assessor, in addition to his work in the 
interests of the poor. At one time he wa 
member of the I. O. O. F., and he and his wile 
are prominent workers in the Lutheran Church, 
in which he has held the office of trustee. 



l)OBERT LESHER, a prominent agricult- 
X\. urist of Monroe township, Snyder county, 
came of a family early established in Northum- 
berland county, Pennsylvania. 

George Lesher, his father, a native of Berks 
county, came, when a boy, with his parents to 
Northumberland. His ancestors, who were orig- 
inally from France, came to this country prior to 
the Revolutionary war. George Lesher was 
married to Catherine Robbins, and each attained 
the age of seventy-three years. To them were 
born nine children — rive sons and fourdaughters, 
namely: Robert, the subject of this sketch; 
Daniel (deceased); Ann, of Lock Haven, widow 
of Jacob Ulp; Mary, of Northumberland, widow 
of John Barnhart; George, of New Buffalo; Will- 
iam (deceased); Sarah, who married John Ham- 
mer (both deceased); John (deceased): and 
Charles, a prominent farmer, of Northumber- 
land county. 

Robert Lesher was born October 19. 1 S 1 7 . in 
Northumberland county, two miles west of the 
borough of Northumberland, and began his edu- 
cation in a subscription school, which he at- 
tended for several years, but completed his lit- 



erary course in a public school. Until he had 
attained his majority, he remained upon the 
home farm, where he spent his winter evenings 
profitably reading books, which he borrowed 
from the library of J. C. Horton, Esq., and 
others. A fondness for reading was early culti- 
vated, and has ever clung to him. At the age of 
twenty-one he began working in a Northum- 
berland boat-yard, and after working there sev- 
eral years, he left for New York to complete his 
trade. Being a man of great executive ability 
and tact, he soon became foreman of a yard 
in that city. Remaining here sufficiently long 
to thoroughly acquaint himself with the man- 
uent of a yard, he returned to Northum- 
tnd and launched into business for himself. 
Alter successfully operating a yard in this 
town for several years, giving employment to 
upwards of seventy-five men, he started a branch 
yard in New Buffalo, carrying on the work for a 
period of twenty-three years. During this time 
he amassed considerable money, but seeing that 
in the near future the canal boat would give way 
to the railroad car, he disposed of his yards 
purchased a tract of land in Monroe township, 
Snyder county, on Blue Hill, a short distance 
from Northumberland. Returning to the occu- 
pation in which he had first been schooled, he 
became one of the most prosperous agriculturists 
of the county, purchasing land until he now owns 
four adjacent (arms. Having a fondness for read- 
ing makes him a theoretical farmer, as well as a 
practical one. 

In 1 844 Robert Lesher was married to Hannah 
Wells, who bore himthreesons — Robert, George 
and Marks. The wife and mother died July 24, 
1852. Hannah Wells was a daughter of John 
Wells, who was one of the first councilmen of 
Northumberland borough. Her mother's maiden 
name was Rebecca Lloyd. A year later Robert 
I., sher was united in marriage with Sarah 
Vandling, who was born June 30, [833. 
Mrs. Lesher is a daughter of John Vandling, 
who was a noted school teacher of Central 
Pennsylvania a half-century ago. He died in 
the year [876 at the age of seventy-five years. 

! His grandfather, John Vandling, a native of 
Germany, came to America when a young man. 
Her mother, whose maiden name was Susan 
Douty, was a daughter of John Douty, a promi- 
nent farmer of the Reystone State. 

The second union of our subject was blessed 
with fourteen children — six sons and eight daugh- 

; ters — as follows: William, Hannah M., Jai 
1>., Emma, ^arah T.. Anna U, (deceased), 
Susan V., Charles, John V., Ellis V , Margaret 

i C, David C. (deceased), Lizzie Y. and Helen G. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1129 



The members of this family all grew to maturity; 
Anna U. died at the age of twenty-six years, 
and David C. at the age of twenty-one years. 

As an ardent Democrat, Mr. Lesher takes an 
active part in political affairs, and was twice his 
party's candidate for the State Legislature. For 
fifteen years he served as school director, and 
was ever faithful to the duties entrusted to him. 
He gives his earnest support to any and all 
measures calculated to promote the general wel- 
fare of the community. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lesher are consistent members 
of the Presbyterian Church, and their straight- 
forward course in life has gained for them the 
respect and confidence of all who know them. 



MMON M. AURAND. Of small avail 
L would be all the gifts of the good fairies 
if the perception of their best use and purpose 
were lacking, and in the successful career of this 
talented young editor we see the value of the 
practical, definite ambition that is based upon a 
keen insight as to one's own proper line of 
work. Mr. Aurand was born near Adamsburg 
(Beaver Springs P. O.), Snyder county, Septem- 
ber 3, 1870, and is therefore about twenty-seven 
years of age. He is a son of Samuel F. and 
Ellen E. (Stumpff) Aurand, who were both of 
Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. His father's par- 
ents, Isaac Aurand and wife, are still living, but 
his mother's parents, John R. Stumpff and wife, 
died within a few weeks of each other, in the 
spring of 1881. Young Aurand received only 
a common-school education, and in 1887, at the 
age of sixteen years, he commenced the publica- 
tion of the Adamsburg Herald, in a small-sized 
form. This paper rapidly grew in size, circula- 
tion and influence, until now it has the largest 
circulation of any weekly paper in Snyder, 
Mifflin or Juniata counties, over two thousand 
copies being issued every week. In 1893 he 
started the American Business Journal, and in 
1896 the American Monthly Herald, both of 
which papers have been very successful, the 
former having a circulation of 25,000 copies and 
the latter 20,000 copies per month, extending 
all over the United States. In 1894 he erected 
the present substantial Herald building, opposite 
the P. R. R. depot, Adamsburg, wherein is lo- 
cated one of the most modern and best-equipped 
newspaper plants in Central Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Aurand is quite a well-known factor in politics, 
having been elected a delegate from Snyder 
county to the Republican National Convention 
at St. Louis, in 1896, and he also served as sec- 
retary of the county committee for several terms. 



In 1897 he was appointed postmaster at Beaver 
Springs. 

In 1889 Mr. Aurand was married to Miss 
Jennie M. Helfrich, daughter of Lewis Helfrich, 
and one son, Ammon Monroe, Jr., has blessed 
the union. Such is the short history of a re- 
markably successful young man, who started in 
life a poor boy, and has energetically worked his 
way up to an influential position, and brief as is 
the account, it conveys a helpful suggestion to 
every youth who would win a worthy place in 
life. 



DANIEL S. MILLER. "The hand of the 
__' diligent maketh rich." So said the wisest 
of men, and his observation is as true to-day as of 
old. In the career of this quiet, yet energetic 
and able citizen, now a leading resident of Kantz, 
Snyder county, there is much to be learned of 
practical worldly wisdom, his success in life hav- 
ing come as a reward of well-directed effort. 

Mr. Miller was born February 7, 1837, in 
Washington township, Snyder county, the son of 
John, and the grandson of Frederick Miller, who 
settled in Penn township at a very early date. 
This well-known pioneer was married three 
times, and by his first wife had the following chil- 
dren: John, Betsy, Polly and Kate. John Mil- 
ler, our subject's father, was born and reared at 
the old homestead in Penn township, and when 
not engaged in agricultural work his time was 
spent in learning the miller's trade. He was 
married in Penn township to Miss Christy Ann 
Snyder, a native of Philadelphia and the daugh- 
ter of Adam and Catherine (Beisch) Snyder. 
After his marriage John Miller engaged in the 
milling business on Middle creek in Penn town- 
ship, in partnership with George A. Snyder. 
Later he took charge of a mill property in Wash- 
ington township, which had been purchased by 
his father, and included sixty -two acres of farming 
land, and, as an old log house stood upon the 
farm, John Miller removed there with his family. 
After his father's death he bought the place and 
improved it very much, building a good brick 
house which is still standing. He was a 
large man, of powerful build, and was a most 
industrious worker, acquiring a handsome fortune, 
at the time of his death owning two good farms. 
In early life he was a Whig, and later a Repub- 
lican, and he and his wife were both consistent 
members of the Lutheran Church. He died at 
the age of seventy-seven years and six months, 
and his wife lived to be more than seventy-five 
years old, their remains being interred at Salem 
Church in Penn township. They had five chil- 



1130 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOQRAPI1ICAL RECORD. 



dren: Edward, a farmer near Kreamer, Perm.; 
George P., a miller, residing in Washington 
township, who was drafted in the Union army 
during the Civil war, but was rejected; Lewis, a 
farmer in Franklin township, Snyder county, who 
served during the war as captain of Company 1 . 
[31st P. V.. I.; Daniel S., our subject; Samuel, 
win 1 died in Washington township at the age of 
thirty-seven years; and Frederick, a farmer in 
Penn township. 

The Snyder family, of which our subject's 
ther was a member, was well known in Phila- 
phia, where Adam Snyder, our subject's grand- 
father, owned a grocery store. While visiting 
New ( 'rleans on a business trip he was taken ill 
with yellow fever and died, and was buried 
there. He left a widow and three children; 
George, a farmer, who died in Salem, Snyder 
county; Christy Ann, our subject's mother; and 
1I1 Ann. who married Charles Chamberlain, a 
carpenter of Selins Grove, and died in Phila- 
delphia while undergoing an operation. Mrs. 
Snyder married a second husband, a Mr. Miller. 
at Pricetown, Berks Co., Penn., and there v 
several children by this union. Later she mar- 
i a third husband, also named Miller, but 
then i no children by this marriage. She 
died in Middle Creek township, Snyder county, 
aged eighty years. 

Mi Miller's youth was spent at the old home 
in Washington township, his educational ad- 
vantages being limited to the schools of that 
locality. At the age of nineteen he began to 
learn the bricklayer's trade, which he followed 
some time. On October 7, 1861, he enlisted at 
Huntington, Penn., in Companj II, 51st P. V. 
I., and went to the seat of war. He saw some 
hard lighting, their first battle being at R 
Island, and on September i", 1862, at Antietam, 
he was wounded in the left hand by a ball, thirty- 
two pieces of bone being afterward taken out. 
He has never entirely recovered from this wound, 
his hand being crippled, but afti 1 
time 111 hospitals at different pi nainly in 
the Patent 1 Mill e Hospital in Washington, he re- 
joined his regiment at Knoxville, Tenn., in the 
fall oi [863. He remained in active service un- 
til November 16, 1864, when, his ter I enlist- 
ment having expired, he returned h ■. \lter- 

rd he was instrumental in raising a company, 
and could have gone with them as second lieu- 
tenant, but he sum his place to another. 
In 1 he 'i 1 81 ij he was empl >yed by the 
Northern * entral Railway Company as .1 rna itei 
bricklayer and placed m charge ol the construc- 
tion of buildings along their line between Sun- 
bury and Erie, Penn. While on this work he 



was under the direction of men who later gained 
high positions, such as Mr. Roberts, deceased, 
formerly president of the Pennsylvania Railway 
Company, and Mr. Thompson, who is now the 
head of that great company. Altogether. Mr. 
Miller spent more than seven years in railroad 
work, being employed lor a time on the Lehigh 
Valley railway. He built a number of shops, and 
and helped to build depots at Pittsburg, Alliance, 
Ohio, Canton, Ohio, Fort Wayne, Ind., and 
elsewhere. In 1S70 he and his brother Lewis 

lit a farm at Kantz, Penn., and later Mr. 
Miller purchased the brother's interest and now 
owns thi entire farm. He also has a tract of 
land in Wasington township and a fine property in 
Kantz. In the fall of 1888 he built there a 
handsome brick residence, doing the bricklaying 
with his own hands. For nearly two years he 
was engaged in the mercantile business at Kantz, 
in partnership with Meyer Millner. He stands 
high in business circles, and is noted for his ex- 
clusive devotion to his own affairs, and for his 
strict honesty in all his dealings with others. 

In May, 1S70, he married his first wife, Su- 
sanna Kister, who was born in Penn township, 
Snyder county, the daughter of Daniel Kister. a 
leading citizen of that locality. The two chil- 
li of this unicn died in infancy, and in Octo- 
ber. [884, Mrs. Miller breathed her last, her 
remains being laid to rest in Salem cemetery. On 
November I. [886, Mr. Miller married his sec- 
ond wife. Miss Sarah Meyer, who was born in 
Miles township, Centre county, and was reared 
in Brush Valley, near Rebersburg, Centre coun- 
t\, where her parents, John and Catherine 
Poorman Meyer, were prominent residents. Mr. 
Miller is a Lutheran in religious faith, and his 

is a member of the Reformed Church. He 
also belongs 10 the Union Veteran League, and 
he formerly was a member ol the Masonic fra- 
ternity and of the 1. A R. at Selins Grove. In 
politics he is Republican, but on public questions, 
in all others, he does his own thinking, and 
at times supports good men outside of his party. 



RTHUR B. SPECHT, ol Beavertown, is 
one -I our most enterprising and successful 
citizens, and is extensively engaged in mercantile 
business and in manufacturing, his foundry and 
machine shop at Beavertown being among the 
largest in this section. His family has been 
prominently identified with the development of 
the locality, and his forceful and energetic char- 
acter is an inheritance from a sturdy pioneer 

try. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1131 



Adam Specht, the grandfather of our subject, 
came to New Berlin, in 1 79 1 , when he was a 
boy of seven, and was reared to manhood there. 
He married Catherine Smith, a daughter of Peter 
Smith, and settled at Beavertown where at that 
time there were but a few houses. For many 
years he carried on a pottery business in the 
town. During the war of 18 12, he served as a 
corporal in Capt. Henry Miller's company, and 
on November 10, 18 14, he was at Marcus Hook, 
with the regiment commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel George Weirick. His death occurred 
November 6, 1872, at the age of eighty-eight 
years, and his wife passed away April 20, 1870, 
aged eighty-two, their remains being interred in 
the Beavertown cemetery. 

The late Moses Specht, our subject's father, 
who was one of the leading men of his locality in 
his day, was born in Beavertown March 4, 1818, 
and died November 2, 1895, having lived to see 
his native village grow to an important railroad 
town. He was practically a self-educated man, 
as he only attended a subscription school for 
three terms of three months each, and his teach- 
ers were but illy qualified to instruct him, even in 
the elementary lessons in reading, writing and 
arithmetic, to which his course was limited. 
Through private study he gained a fair educa- 
tion, becoming especially skilled as an accountant. 
Early in life he learned thegunsmith's trade, and 
for some time he followed it successfully. In 
1845 ne built a hotel at Beavertown, which he 
conducted many years, enlarging it as his con- 
stantly increasing business demanded. In 1847 
he engaged in mercantile business, and in time 
he had one of the largest stores in the county, 
his trade extending over a wide territory. The 
steam tannery, which is now the leading concern 
at Beavertown, owed its establishment mainly to 
his foresight and energy. He was one of the 
principal promoters of the Sunbury & Lewistown 
railroad, serving as a director during the con- 
structive period. He secured subscriptions for 
the enterprise to the amount of $30,000, and 
then collected and paid the entire sum into the 
treasury, and he also obtained the gratuitous 
right of way for eighteen miles of the road, with 
unincumbered titles to the lands for the location 
of stations at McClure, Adamsburg, Beavertown, 
Paxtcnville, Middleburg and Kreamer, devoting 
a whole summer to the work without compensa- 
tion. In 1879 he took a contract for two miles 
of the hardest grading on the section then being 
constructed, and did the work at a cost of $11,-' 
000, putting fifty-eight thousand loads of dirt 
into one "filling." In addition to all these en- 
terprises, he built a number of houses on con- 



tract. In 1850 he built the Lutheran and Re- 
formed Church at Beavertown, the first church 
edifices in the place, and in 1880 he built the 
large brick school house there, the directors 
adopting many improvements in the original plan 
in accordance with his suggestions. For many 
years he held the position of express agent at 
Beavertown, and he was also engaged in the 
foundry business, and in lumbering, operating a 
sawmill near his town. Throughout his career 
he seems to have followed the Biblical in- 
junction, " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, 
do it with all thy might," his industry and sound 
judgment being apparently equal to any task. 
As may be supposed, he was frequently called to 
serve the community in official positions, and 
when barely twenty-one years old he was elected 
constable of old Beaver township, which then 
consisted of the present townships of Beaver, 
West Beaver, Spring and Adams. In 1845 he 
was elected justice of the peace, but he resigned 
before the expiration of his term. For one term 
he served as county auditor, and for more than 
forty years he was one of the auditors of his 
township, his close scrutiny of the accounts at 
each annual settlement permitting no suspicious 
items to pass unchallenged. In 1S61, Gov. 
Curtin appointed him to fill the office of sheriff 
of Snyder county in the place of Frederick 
Bause, deceased, and, at the expiration of the 
term in the fall of 1862, he was elected to the 
same position, his service proving most satis- 
factory to the people. His kindly heart led him 
to use every effort to save the property of those 
against whom he held executions, yet he never 
faltered in the performance of any necessary offi- 
cial act. In 1840 he was appointed postmaster 
at Beavertown, a position which he held almost 
continuously for more than forty years, serving 
under every administration except one, during 
that time. 

The funeral of this honored citizen was at- 
tended by a large concourse of people, many of 
whom came from a distance to pay their last 
tribute of respect. Although he had reached the 
advanced age of seventy-eight, and had for some 
time been living in retirement, his sudden death 
as the result of an apopleptic stroke caused a 
shock to the community where he had so long 
been a familiar figure. One who knew him 
well has said, " We have always found him 
a courteous and affable friend, a safe and ju- 
dicious counsellor, who ever had a word of kindly 
advice in season," and few men have been more 
deeply missed and mourned than is Moses Specht. 
His beloved wife, Rachel Bingaman, passed to 
the unseen world June 28, 1S94. Of their three 



1132 



' 'OMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



children, Arthur B. and Miss Louisa reside at 
Beavertown. and Horace is now deceased. 

Arthur B. Specht, the subject proper of this 
sketch, was burn September [9, at [845, at the 
old home in Beavertown, where he was educa: 
in the subscripts Is of the day, attending 

only in the winter months. At an early age he 
began to show remarkable ability as a im 
being competent to take charge of the stal 
engine in his father's sawmill when he was but 
twelve years old. He ran this engine for about 
ten years, and while still a mere boy he construct- 
ed a similar machine. When the sawmill was 
closed, in 1 s 6 3 , he began to 1 lerk in his father's 
ami also worked in the foundry, learning 
every detail of the business. In 1865 he beca 
his father's partner in the foundry, and in 1 
he went into business for himself in that line. 
He built a large machine shop and foundry, 
equipped with modern machinery, and costing 
about $3,000, the plant being second to none in 
the county. For fifteen years past he has con- 
ducted a general store at Beavertown, and his 
handsome business building cost him in the 
neighborhood of $1,200. In 1865, he married 
Miss Amanda Moyer, who has proved herself an 
admirable helpmeet in financial affairs, as 
successfully conduits a milliner} 1 in 

connection with the store. They have an 
elegant home, the finest in tin town, which cost 
about $3,000 to build, and Mr. Specht also 
owns another dwelling house which he rents. 
He is thoroughly progressive in his ii 1 has 

his own opinions upon the questions of the day. 
In politics he is a strong Republican, as was his 
father before him, and he firmly believes in the 
necessity for maintaining a sound currency. His 
manners are genial and unassuming, ami he 
makes friends wherever he is known In religious 
faith he is a Lutheran, and has been a member of 
the Church for some years During the Civil 
war he served as a soldier for two months, enlist- 
ing in (862, in an independent company for 
State duty at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, and I' 
Washington. Of his two sons, 1 Lester E., 
who is employed in the Beavertown offices ol the 
Pennsylvania railroad, married Miss Lillie 
Gagle, daughter ol Wallace Gagle, of Clinton 
county, and they have two children — Earl and 
k. {2) William, who resides at the home- 
stead, married Mi^ Libbie Wetzel, daughter of 
(udge S, A Wetzel, - n. 

Mrs. Specht was born and reared at Paxton- 
ville, and her father, the late Henry Moyer, was 
one of the leading farmers and stork dealers of 
Snyder county. His birth occurred in Musser 
Valley, at the present site of Troxelville, his 



father, John Mover, having been an extensive 
stock dealer in that locality in the early d 
Henrv Moyi 1 grew to manhood upon a farm and 
became familiar with all branches of his future 
business, which he followed until a tew years 
previous to his death, in 1S87. He owned 280 
acres of land in Franklin township, upon which 
he made many improvements, building commo- 
dious barns and two handsome dwelling hou 
He was an excellent citizen, a member of the 
Reformed Church, and was held in high esteem 
by all who knew him. His remains now rest in 
ird, in Franklin township. 
His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Blett, 
is still living [897), in her seventy-fifth year, and 
makes her home in Beaver township, Snyder 
county. She is a native of Musser Valley, and 
her father, Michael Blett, was a prominent farmer 
near Troxelville. Henry and Sarah Moyer had 
the following children: Katie, who died at an 
earlv age; Lydia, wife of Calvin C. «Derr, of 
Franklin township. Snyder county; Aman 
Mrs. Specht; Sarah, wife of Walter Shcck, of Bel- 
lona, N. Y. ; Samuel, who married Miss Ida Bow- 
ersox, and now resides upon a farm in Franklin 
township; Alice, wife of Jacob Treed, of Beaver- 
town; Adda, wife of Paul Riddley, of Mount 
Carmel, Penn. ; and William, a fanner in Beaver 
township, Snyder county, who married Miss 
Annie Middleswarth, daughter of Joseph, and 
granddaughter of Hon. Ner Middleswarth. 



JM. BAKER, of Beaver Springs, who is now 
serving his second term as District Attorney 
for Snyder county, enjoys the distinction of 
having been elected to that office with a greater 
majority than any other person ever elected t 1 
office in Snyder county. He is a native of Snyder 
count}-, however, having first seen the light No- 
vember 30, [861, in West Beaver township, but 
his youth was spent elsewhere and it was as a 
comparative stranger that, in 1891, he began to 
practice his profession in the place of his na- 
tivity 

II comes of an excellent family, and on the 
rnal side is oi English descent. His father, 
Walter Baker, was born in Snyder county, and 
learned the trade of carpentering and cabinet- 
making near Middle Creek with David Oker. 
He followed these lines of business for some time, 
and although he began life without capital, he is 
now comfortably situated, owning a fine farm in 
Decatur township, Mifflin Co., Penn. In 1872 
he removed to Dormantown, Penn., where he 
now resides. He has always taken an interest 
in local affairs wherever he has resided, and has 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1133 



several times been elected to office on the Repub- 
lican ticket. In religious work he is prominent 
as a member of the Lutheran Church, serving in 
various offices, and for years he has been, super- 
intendent of the Sunday-school. His wife, Sa- 
loma McClean, who was born in Snyder county, 
is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Our subject is the 
eldest of nine children; William M. is a physi- 
cian at Lewistown, Penn.; Mary died in child- 
hood; Adda C. married E. S. Aurand, of Lewis- 
town; Ira R. is a teacher in Dormantown; Miss 
Lizzie is also a teacher; Samuel S. teaches in the 
schools of Dormantown; Elsie and Kirby are at 
home. 

Mr. Baker began his education in the schools 
of Bannerville, Penn., with W. Y. H. Moyer as 
his first teacher. As his parents left Snyder 
county when he was but a boy, he attended for sev- 
eral years in the public schools at Dormanown, 
and so readily did he learn that, at seventeen, he 
was licensed to preach. He secured a school in 
West Beaver township, Snyder county, at twenty 
dollars per month, and while teaching he devoted 
his evenings and, in fact, all his spare time to 
study. Previous to 1877 he had spent much of 
his time upon a farm, but afterward he worked at 
the carpenter's trade with his father, and although 
his occupation was not congenial he spent several 
summers in that way after he had begun teaching, 
his object being to secure means to attend school. 
In 1882 he completed a course in telegraphy in 
the normal school at Ada, Ohio, but not liking 
the business he never followed it. In 1884 he 
entered the scientific course at Ada, Ohio, and 
was graduated from that department in July, 
1886, as a civil engineer. He then returned to 
Pennsylvania and became a partner with his 
father in the stave business at Dormantown, and 
afterward returned to his Alma Mater to study 
law. Having learned the theory he took up the 
study of legal practice in the office of Andrew 
Reed, of Lewistown, and in 1890 was admitted 
to the Bar. For a short time he remained with 
his preceptor, but in March, 1891, he located 
at Beaver Springs, where he has met with un- 
usual success, his practice extending throughout 
out this section. In 1894 he was elected District 
Attorney, and since January, 1895, he has held 
that office, being re-elected without opposition 
in 1897. His abilities are recognized by all par- 
ties, his duties being most ably discharged. 

Mr. Baker married Miss Mary J. Yeager, 
daughter of Simon D. and Hannah (Bear) Yea- 
ger, well-known residents of Lewistown. Two 
children were born of this union: Beulah E , 
who died in infancy, and Walter C. , born Feb- 
ruary 16, 1890, now an interesting boy. Mr. 



and Mrs. Baker are prominent in social life, and 
she is an active member of the Methodist Church. 
Their home is a very pleasant one, having lately 
been remodeled, and in addition to this property 
Mr. Baker also owns three small tracts of land 
near town. Politically Mr. Baker is a stanch 
Republican, and socially he is a member of the 
Patriotic Order Sons of America, No. 98, at 
Beavertown, and of the Knights of the Golden 
Eagle at Beaver Springs. He was a charter 
member of the latter society, and has passed 
through all the chairs; also a member of the Sons 
of Veterans of McClure, his father having served 
as a volunteer in the Rebellion. 



ISAAC R. ULSH, an honored and highly-es- 
teemed citizen of Adamsburg, Penn., was 
born on August 10, 1828, in what is now West 
Beaver township, Snyder county, but which at 
that time was a part of Union county. His 
father, Andrew Ulsh, a large, well-proportioned 
man of powerful build, was born in Pfout's Val- 
ley, Perry Co., Penn., in 1785, a son of Henry 
Ulsh, and, when a young man, came to Snyder 
county to visit his sister Catharine, wife of Rev. 
Conrad Walker, one of the pioneer ministers of 
that county. Here he became acquainted with 
Miss Barbara Ritter, who afterward became his 
wife. Her father, John Ritter, gave to each of 
his children a farm, which was considered a big 
donation in those days, and, being a thorough 
and skillful farner, Andrew Ulsh received a good 
start in life, eventually becoming well-to-do. 
Much of his property he divided among his chil- 
dren previous to his death, leaving them in com- 
fortable circumstances. He died April 9, 1864, 
and his remains were interred in Black Oak 
Ridge cemetery. His wife, who was born in 
Lehigh county, Penn., in 1788, and came to 
Snyder county with her father in 1795, passed 
away at the age of forty years. Both were con- 
sistent members of the Lutheran Church, and 
had the respect of all who knew them. In his 
political affiliations the father was first a Whig 
and later a Republican. 

Our subject is the youngest of the children 
born to this worthy couple, the others being as 
follows: John, who died in Snyder county; Anna, 
who is the widow of John Orwig, of Bellevue, 
Ohio, and is still living at the age of eighty-seven; 
Henry, who died in McClure, Penn. ; Catharine, 
a deaf mute, who died in Adamsburg; Andrew, 
a resident of Spring township, Snyder county; 
Joseph, who died in Michigan; Elizabeth, now 
seventy-five years old, who is the widow of 



1184 



CO.VMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HKioiiD. 



Charles Raley. of Wyandot county, Ohio; and 
hia. wife of Joseph Stumpff, of Indiana. 
As a farmer boy Isaac K. Ulsh was reared in 
the township of his nativity, and at an early age 
he began to aid in the labors of the held and 
meadow. His educational privileges were quite 
good for those days, he having attended the 
schools 'it Derry township, Mifflin county, Penn., 
as his father believed in providing his children 
with the best advantages along that line. He wis 
married Novembei 29, 1849, to Miss Christiana 
Troxel, who was born in Adams township, Sny- 
der county, September 21, 1828, and was a 
daughter of John and Susan (Moyer) Troxel. 
The) began their domestic life upon a farm in 
Wesl Beaver township, Snyder county, to the 
cultivation and improvement of which Mr. Ulsh 
devoted his energies until 1SS1, when he re- 
moved tn Adamsburg, where he has since' found 
a pleasant home. Mrs. Christiana Ulsh died 
May 2, 1SS0, and was laid to rest in the Brick 
(him h cemetery. She was the mother of t' 
children: J. Howard, now a leading druggist of 
Selins ('.rove; Sarah J., who died at the agi 
live years; and William A.T. , a farmei "t Spring 
township. For his second wife Mr. Ulsh chose 
Miss Catharine L. Spigelmyer, "I Hartleton, 
Union Co., Penn., a daughter of Daniel Spigel- 
myer. 

On attaining his majority Mr. Ulsh allied 
himself with the Whig party, and since its disso- 
lution has been a stalwart Republican. He has 
been honored with official positions, being school 
director lor some time, and was elected justice 
"I the peace, but resigned after serving one year. 
An earnest, consistent Christian gentleman, he 
has for main- years been an active member "t 
the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as 
deacon and elder. An object of respect by young 
and old, he is everywhere greeted with affect i' n 
and esteem, and in bis declining years enjoys the 
reward of a well-spent life, in which he has ex- 
erted himself to do good to those around him. 
His sons are also numbered among the leading 
and prominent men of the county 



fj LFRED SMITH. In these days tin idea 
seems to prevail that the road to wealth 
must be sought in speculative lines, where speedy 
returns, if any, may be hoped for, and it is both 
instructive and pleasant to turn to the story of the 
man who through steady, safe, industrious work 
and careful, economical management has won a 
competence. The subject of this biography, who 
is now a substantial citizen of Beavertown, began 
his business career as a day laborer on the Middle 



Creek Valley railway, but his ability and fidelity 

"inmended him to his employers that he was 
promoted to positions of responsibility, and foi 
nearly a quarter of a century he has been in 
charge of Section No. 11. A shrewd, conserva- 
tive investment of his earnings has brought a 
good return, his real-estate holdings being especi- 
ally valuable. 

Mr. Smith is of Scotch descent on the paternal 

at-grandfather, Adam Smith, having 

been the first of the family to cross the Atlantic 

\merica. An old Bible, which bears dat< 
[765, is now a treasured heirloom in our subject's 
home. Adam Smith (2), the father of our sub- 
ject, was horn December 10. 1786, and early in 
the present century settled near Troxelville, 
Snyder county; his wife, Sally, was born De- 
cember 31, 1788, and they reared a large family 
of children, whose names and dates of birth are 
as follows: John D., born September 9, 1806, 
was a farmer in Adams township, Snyder county; 
Peter, February 1, 1 808, is mentioned more fully 
below; Henry, November 23, 18 10, was a n 
chant and fanner at Adamsburg, Snyder county; 
Adam, Jr.. April 14, 1813, was a farmer near 

vertown; Michael, May 21, [ 81 8, died at an 
e; Sarah, April 12. 1820. married John 
Bicket, and removed to Three Rivers, Mich.. 
Daniel, October 28, 1824, was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and his death occurred at Burnhain, 
Mifflin county; George, September 21, 1826, was 
a farmer, and died near Troxelville; Isaac, June 
21, 1828, is a wholesale merchant in Philadel- 
phia; Delilah, October 5, 1830, married Robert 
I -ter, and died at State College, Pennsylvania. 

Peter Smith, our subject's father, was 
reared mar Troxelville, on the old home- 

I where he first saw the light. He ret eived 
his education in the subscription schools of the 
day, and learned the hatter's trade at Mifflin- 
This business he followed at Adamsburg 
as long as it was profitable, but the advent ol 
manufacturing hats finally destroyed his busim 
Hi tin 'ii boughl eighty acres of land, and for a 
time followed agriculture, but his last days were 
spent in the town of Adamsburg, his death occur- 
ring in 1863. He was a highly respected citizen, 
in 1 was first a Whig and later a Ri - 

publican. For some time he held office as con- 
stable and tax collector. In religious faith he 
was a Lutheran. His wife, Hannah Hassinger, 
was born in what is now Spring township. Sny- 
der counts, where her father, Jeremiah Hassing- 
er, was a prominent citizen. Three children 
were born of this union: Wilson, January 2,0, 
1839. died in childhood; Alfred, our subject, 
was the second in order of birth; Milton F. . Sep- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1135 



tember 22, 1851, resides in Adamsburg. The 
mother afterward married a second husband, 
Abraham Dreese, and her death occurred July 2, 
1894, her remains being interred at Adamsburg. 

Alfred Smith was born June 8, 1842, at 
Adamsburg, and received his education there, his 
first teacher being a Mr. Jamison. The schools 
of his day were of the subscription order and 
much inferior to those of the present, and his 
attendance was restricted to a few months in 
each winter. At sixteen he began clerking 
in the store of his uncle, Daniel Smith, at Adams- 
burg. and later he was employed in the same ca- 
pacity by Irvin and Isaac Smith at Selins Grove, 
Joseph Raudenbush, of White Springs, B. L. 
Raudenbush, of Adamsburg, and Reuben Keller, 
of the same place. In 1862 he was drafted as a 
soldier, but as he was the main support of his par- 
ents and his father was at the time very ill, he 
paid his commutation and remained at home. In 
September, 1867, he began working as a laborer 
on the Middle Creek Valley railway, now called 
the Sunbury & Lewistown railroad, which was 
then being graded, and after working for a time 
on the grade between Adamsburg and Beaver- 
town he was put in charge of a gang of men. 
When the work of grading was completed, he 
was put in charge of some men at Lewistown. 
The road was finished in October, 1871, but he 
continued in the employ of the company as a 
section hand, and in 1874 was given charge of 
Section No. 11 (then Section No. 10). This posi- 
tion he has held ever since except for a short 
period from January, 1875, to J u b'- I 8/6, when 
the road was lying idle. His honesty and integ- 
rity have never been questioned, and no better 
citizen is to be found. He is no office seeker, 
but is a steadfast supporter of the principles of 
the Republican party. 

On June 18, 1865, he was married to Miss 
Mary A. Freed, who was born January 1 1, 1847, 
the daughter of Jacob and Susan (Ritzman) 
Freed, well-known residents of Beavertown. 
She was the fourth child and second daughter in 
a family of eleven children, seven sons and four 
daughters, and her youth was spent in Beaver- 
town. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members 
of the Lutheran Church, in which he has held the 
office of trustee since 1891. At one time he was 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, and at present he belongs to the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, at Adamsburg. 



WH. GORDON, the well-known section 
boss on Section No. 14, of the Sunbury & 
Lewistown railroad, belongs to one of the old 



and highly respected families of Snyder county, 
it being founded hereby Willis Gordon, a farmer. 
Among his children was John, the grandfather of 
our subject, who married Rebecca Haas and died 
in earl}' life, leaving only one child, Gideon Gor- 
don, our subject's father. The last named was 
born September 16, 1835, in Perry township, 
Snyder count}-, where he was reared until six- 
teen years of age, obtaining his education in the 
country schools of the neighborhood. He then 
learned the carpenter's trade under James Miller, 
for whom he continued to work as a journeyman 
for some time. In 1858 he married Miss Sarah 
Krouse, who was born in Penn township, Snyder 
county, July 4, 1830, a daughter of Henry and 
Susan (Walter) Krouse, and four children blessed 
their union, namely: W. H, of this sketch; 
Adam, a resident of Selins Grove, Penn. ; Clara, 
wife of Frank Row, of the same place; and 
George, of Kreamer, Snyder county. After his 
marriage Gideon Gordon located with his em- 
ployer in Penn township, but later removed to 
Kelly township, Union count}', where he followed 
farming for a time. Subsequently he returned to 
Penn township, Snyder county, and later lived 
at different times in Middle Creek, Washington 
and Penn townships until the spring of 1886, 
when he located in Kreamer, where he still re- 
sides. He is a stanch Democrat in politics, is a 
well-to-do and highly respected citizen, and at 
one time was a member of the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows. His estimable wife is a 
Lutheran in religious faith. 

W. H. Gordon was born in Penn township, 
January 6, 1859, and at Kantz began his educa- 
tion under the direction of Miss Elizabeth Mitt- 
man. He continued to attend the country schools 
until laying aside his text books. When quite 
small he was taken by his parents to Kreamer, 
and after a short time removed with them to 
Washington township, Snyder county, remaining 
under the parental roof until the summer of 1879, 
which he spent in Cass county, Mich. He re- 
turned to Pennsylvania in November, and on the 
10th of the following December did his firstwork 
on the section as an extra man. On March 4, 
1880, he was hired as a regular hand by the 
S. & L. railroad, and continued as such until 
August 31, 1 88 1, when he began work in the 
iron mines in Washington township, Snyder 
county. During the summers of 1884 and 1885 
Mr. Gordon worked with the carpenter gang on 
the Sunbury & Lewistown railroad, and on Oc- 
tober 13th of the latter year, entered the store of 
J. A. Smith, of Kreamer, where he was employed 
as clerk until May 4. 1887. when he began as 
laborer for the mason gang on the railroad. On 






' 'OMMEMORA Tl VE BIOGBAPHH At. UK' 'OBD. 



April 9, (888, he was given work on the wall, 
doing such jobs at masonry as his experience 
permitted, and he continued to follow that occu- 
pation until January 24, 1S92, when he was tem- 
porarily in charge of the section gang at Kreamer. 
On January- 27, [893, he was made boss of S 
tion No. 14. and is now satisfactorily filling that 
responsible and lucrative position. 

On February 22. [894, Mr. Gordon was mar- 
ried to Miss Lillie Smith, who was born in Mid- 
dleburg, Penn., November 27. 1 861, a daughter 
of Judge J. A. and Malinda (Walter) Smith. She 
served as postmaster under both of the adminis- 
trations of Grover Cleveland. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Gordon have been born two children: Guy \\\, 
born September 16, [895; and Mary Izora, born 
Ma\ </, 1897. Mr. Gordon uses his right of fran- 
chise in support "( the Democratic party, and 
has served his fellow citizens in the capacitv 
tax collector of his township. His wife is a con- 
sistent memberof the United Evangelical Church, 
and he at one time was connected with the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. They have 
the best home in Kreamer, which he erected in 

;, and there their many friends are always 
of a hearty welcome. Mr. Gordon is steady- 
going, trustworthy and strictly reliable, and no 
better type of a thrifty, self-made American citi- 
zen can be found in Snyder county. 



G 



EORGF FISHER deceased), late a citizen 
oi Selins Grove, Snyder county. 

e th.it when thy summons 1 omes to join 
I'Im inn aravan that mi 

I - l that I) i. h shall take 

His chamber in the silent halls of death — 
Thou go, nut like tin- quarry slave at night, 

ed tn his dungeon, but I ami sunt' 

11 unfaltering trust, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his much 
down tn pleasant dreams. 

— Thanatopsis. 

The venerable subject of this sketch, who 
passed to the invisible world on February 6, 18S0, 
was a man whose life and character gave evi- 
dence of a quiet hut firm belief in the homely 
virtues of honesty, industry, trustworthiness, and 
all these qualities which when displayed by hu- 
manity have greater influence for good than any- 
spoken words convey. Unassuming in disposi- 
tion and manner. Mr. Fisher never sought prom- 
inence but his devotion to the duties of his ap- 
pointed sphere wiin the esteem and confidence of 
all who knew him, and made his career more 
truly honorable than that of many who ha 
made- themselves nous in the eyes of the 

wi irld. 

Mr. Fisher was born in [802, at 



Ferry, Snyder county, and, having grown to 
manhood there upon a farm, he followed agricult- 
ural pursuits until having retired from active 
business he made his home at Selins Grove where 
his last days were spent. He was a member of 
a well-known family, and his grandfather, John 
Adam Fisher, who came from Germany, was an 
early settler on the Tulpehocken. and afterward 
located at what is now known as Fisher's Ferry, on 
the Isle of Oue, Pennsylvania. He had ten chil- 
dren — nine boys and one girl; and among them 
were John, born in 1773; Benjamin, born May 5. 
1775, and Christian, our subject's father, who 
resided throughout his life upon the Isle of Que 
and operated a farm which is still owned by his 
descendants. 

For his first wife George Fisher married Re- 
becca Gemberling, by whom he had eight chil- 
dren, four of whom died in infancy, and four are 
yet living. Those living to mature years are: 
Hannah E. married George Herman; Eleanora 
R. married Frank Walter; Caroline married 
W. Gemberling; and Calvin L. married Zilla 
Miller, and died when twenty-four years 
old; all were farmers. On June 13, 1S50, Mr. 
Fisher married Miss Susan Snyder, by whom he 
had eight children: n Newton S., born April 
30, 1851, is in the meat business at Selins Grove. 
2\ William A., burn February 9, 1853, married 
Mi>s Margaret Gemberling, and has six children — 
Susan, Willie, George, Sephoras, Olla and Nel- 
son. (3) Miss Joanna, born October 31, 1854, 
is at home. (4) Lydia M., born November 6, 
[857, died December 10, [86l. (5) George P., 
born June 9, i860, married Ettie Seigfried, and 
has two children — Lillian E. and Helen G. (6) 
Clara Estella, born July 14, [862, married John 
Thompson, and lives in Selins Grove. Their 
children are — Mary S. and John W. (7) Charles 
Grant, born September 15, 1864. died August 10, 
Mary Alice, born April 29, 1866, was 
married on June 28, 1892, to Rev. Robert F. 
Fetteroff, now located at Millersburg, Dauphin 
county. They have three children — Homer F., 
Bessie M. and Lulu Esther. The father of this 
family followed farming as an occupation, though 
in his younger days he had been extensively en- 
d in milling. He was prominent in the Re- 
publican party, and had served his fellow-citizens 
as assessor. Religiously he was a member of 
the Lutheran Church, in which he was an officer. 
Honest in all his dealings, progressive and lib- 
eral, and ever the helping friend to the poor and 

ly. 

Mrs. Susan Fisher, the widow of George 
Fisher, was born in Northumberland county, 
April 4, 1826, and is a lady of more than ordi- 




GEORGE FISHER 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1137 



in New Jersey, 
at her death, 
who married 
i2| Elizabeth, 



nary mental ability. Her father, Peter Snyder, 
a prominent agriculturist of Northumberland 
county, Penn. , was either born in this country or 
came here when a child, and was seventv-seven 
years of age when he died. Her mother, whose 
maiden name was Johanna Shipman, was born 
and was about seventy years old 
Their children were: (I) Marie, 

M. Sober, of Irish Valley, Penn. 

who died when sixteen years old. 
(3) Katie, who died at four. (4) An infant un- 
named. (.5) Jemima, who (first) married a Mr. 
Bergstresser, and is now the wife of James Grif- 
feth. (6) Sarah Jane, who (first) married a Mr. 
Speece, and is now the widow of William Thomp- 
son. (7) John S. married for his first wife, Miss 
Weiser, by whom he had children — Anson 
Lester (deceased), John C. and Luther twins), 
and Susan (deceased), (John C. is a physician at 
Bowling Green, Ohio). For his second wife, he 
married Kate Gemberling, and they have had 
three children: Hudson (deceased!, Simon, and 
Philip. (8) Peter (a twin of John), who married 
a Miss Wolverton. (9) Anthony, a resident of 
Fayette, Ohio. (10) Susan, Mrs. George Fisher. 
(ii) William, who lives in Northumberland 
county, and (12) Lydia, who resides in Nebraska. 



JOHN S. RINE is a representative of the fourth 
generation of the family of that name that for 
one hundred and thirty years has been prom- 
inent in what is now Chapman township, Snyder 
county. His ancestry can be traced back to 
Henry Rine, who was born in Germany, about 
1747, and in 1768, having crossed the Atlantic 
to America, located near McKees Half Falls in 
Chapman township. He built his cabin in the 
primitive forest, and there developed a farm. 
Throughout the remainder of his life he lived in 
that locality. He died about 18 17, and was 
buried in a private cemetery near "Pine's 
homestead in Chapman township." He had one 
son and five daughters — John; Mrs. Wyant Ney- 
man; Mrs. Frederick Meiser; Mrs. Linbert; Mrs. 
Shetterly; and Mrs. Coleman. 

John Rine, the grandfather of our subject, 
was born and reared in McKees Half Falls. He 
married Elizabeth Motz, and their children were 
George, a farmer and distiller, who died in Perry 
uship; Henry, a farmer, who died in Fre- 
mont, Penn.; John M. , father of our subject; 
Polly, deceased wife of Henry Fisher; and Mrs. 
Philip Roush, who is living near Elkhart, Ind. 
The mother of this family was buried in a 
ite cemetery, and John Rine afterward mar- 

72* 



ried a Miss Walter, by whom he had the follow- 
ing children: Jacob, of McAlisterville, Penn.; 
Benjamin, who is living near Lewisburg, Penn. ; 
Barbara, who first married Samuel Young, and 
is now Mrs. Gumby, of Indiana; Sallie, wife of 
Samuel Motz, of Akron, Ohio; Christiana, wife 
of William Boyer, of Gratztown, Penn. The 
grandfather lived to be over sixty years of age, 
and made farming his life work. He was a 
Democrat in politics, and was long an elder in 
the Lutheran Church, in which he held member- 
ship for many years. He died January 29, 1842, 
and was buried in the family burying ground. 

John M. Rine, father of our subject, was born 
January 15, 181 1, and his educational privileges 
were limited to a few months' attendance at the 
district school in the winter. He was reared on 
the farm, and from the age of eleven years fol- 
lowed the plow. On June 12, 1834, he wedded 
Mary A. Schnee, who was born in Perry town- 
ship, Snyder county, a daughter of Philip Schnee. 
He built a house on the old Rine homestead, and 
for fifteen years followed the tanner's trade. His 
business interests have ever been prosecuted with 
energy, and in consequence have been crowned 
with success. In connection with his tanning, 
operations he also carried on farming, and, in 
partnership with Daniel Leese, embarked in 
merchandising. Not long afterward he bought 
out his partner, and conducted a successful busi- 
ness until 1S77. He purchased of his father's 
estate the land on which he now lives, and has 
since become the owner of valuable property. 
He also operated two canal boats on the Penn- 
sylvania canal, and, though now eighty-six years 
of age, he yet superintends his extensive business 
interests. In politics he has always been a stanch 
Democrat, and has served as auditor, but has 
never been an office-seeker. He belongs to the 
Lutheran Church, in which he has served as elder, 
deacon and trustee, and has contributed very lib- 
erally to its support. His life has been a very 
honorable and upright one, and, through the long 
years of his earth's pilgrimage, he has main- 
tained a character that has won for him the high 
regard of all. He has been very devoted to his 
family, and in 18S3 he erected a suitable monu- 
ment to mark the last resting place of his ances- 
tors. John M. Rine, by his first wife, had ten 
children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of J. C. Frank- 
lin, of Fremont, Xeb. ; Henry S., of Cass coun- 
ty, Mich. ; Sarah, wife of J. G. Snyder, of Beaver- 
town, Penn. ; Catharine, wife of Adam Wentzel, 
of Landisburg, Perry Co., Penn.; John S. ; Lydia, 
wife of Charles Coleman, of Gratztown, Penn.; 
Philip) S., of Fremont, Neb.; Susan, wife of Ad- 
dison Watts, of B Ind.; George S., of Snv- 



113- 



OOMMBMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



der county; Benjamin S. , a merchant of Juniata 
count}-. The mother of this family died Febru- 
ary iS, [865, and was buried in Chapman town- 
ship. The father was again married, February 
20, 1868, his second union being with Mrs. Kliz- 
abeth Klingler, who was born November 26, 
1X20, and died November 13, 1881. On O 
ber 15. 18S2, Mr. Kine married Mrs. We1 
widow of Abram Wetzel. She was born in Ly- 
kens Valley, Penn., December 9, 1825, and is 
still living. 

[ohn S. Kine, whose name introduces this 
review, is one of Snyder county's most substan- 
tial merchants, and a wide-awake, liberal and 
public-spirited man, whose value in a community 
is almost inestimable. His life thus far has I 
spent in McKees Half Falls, where he was born 
November 10, 1847. He attended school but for 
about two months each year, as his services were 
needed by his father, and he worked at farming, 
tanning and merchandising. His father belit 
in giving his children a practical business train 
thus fitting them for life's responsible duties, 
and under his wise guidance Mr. Kine learned to 
successfully control business affairs. On account 
of his small stature he worked in the store m 
than his other brothers, and continued as a clerk 
in his father's establishment until April, 1877, 
when he bought out the business and became a 
merchant on his own account. He remained at 
the old stand until 1885, in which year he pur- 
chased the store of Philip Hilbish, of Mel- 
Half Falls, conducting operations there until in 
[887, when he erected his present commodious 
and substantial store room ami ware house. 
This is three stories in height, and is one of the 
finest business blocks in the city. In 1889 he 
erected four residences, which he now rents, and 
in 1893 he built his present palatial home, one 
of the finest in Snyder county, supplied with all 
modern conveniences, such as are si Idom seen 
in a country town. His store is stocked with an 
excellent line of goods, and he commands a \ 
liberal share of the public patronage. In addi- 
tion to Ins extensive mercantile interests, Mr. 
Kine deals in coal, cross ties and lumber, and Ins 
trade in the latter commodity has l> 

ive and lucrative He also carries on farm- 
ing o'n a large scale, and operate- several canal 
boat- 

In February, 1874, Mr. Hue was married to 
Miss Helena Bingaman, a native of Northumber- 
land county. Penn, and a daughter of Jacob 
Bingaman. She was a most estimable lady and 

1 the Lutheran Church. 
Shi died October 2 1 , 1896, and was laid to rest 
in Hall's Church ry. Mr. Rine has seven 



children: William B.. who is of the sixth gen- 
eration of the family residing at McKees Half 
Falls; George B. : Albert B. ; Mary B. ; Laura A . 
John M.;and Ella R. On December 29, 1897, 
Mr. Kine was again married, his choice being 
Miss Maggie H, Bowman, of New Buffalo. Perry 
county. Penn. Mr. Kine takes no active part 
in politics, save in an attempt to secure the best 
men for office, regardless of party affiliations. 
He has served as tax collector and as school di- 
rector, and is a warm friend of the cause of ed- 
ucation, doing all in his power to promote the 
interests of the schools in his locality. He has 
served for fifteen years as deacon of the Lutheran 
Church, and is one of the most liberal contrib- 
utors to and active members of the Church at this 
point. He was once a member of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America. In all the relation 
life his course has been such as commend hie 
the public confidence and support His busi- 
ness methods are above question, and his opinions 
are usually considered of authority on mattei 
finance. He is a most kind and indulgent fal 
and a faithful friend, is very prominent in trade 
circles, and his acquaintance is by no means 
local. 



SAM I Ilia (LLINGER. an honored vi I 
of the Civil war, who is now living retired 111 
Kreamer, Snyder county, was for many years one 
of the trusted employees of the Lewiston & Sun- 
bury railroad, being section boss of Section No. 
14. He is an excellent example of a self-made 
man, having started out in life for himself a poor 
but industrious boy, and has risen to the high- 
c si type of citizenship, and accumulated a com- 
fortable amount of this world's goods. Thai 
twenty years he was retained as foreman on S 

No. 14 by one of the world's greatest and 
most systematic railroad companies, plainl) testi- 
fies to his capability and the reliance placed in 
him. 

Mr. Bollinger was born in Washington town- 
ship, Snyder county, February 4. [842, a son of 
Henr\ and ( atharine (Duck) Bollinger, The 
mother was also a native of Snyder county, and 
a daughter of Joseph Duck. Throughout his life 
ry Bollinger worked as a common laborer, 
and became the owner of a small tract of land in 
Middle Creek township, Snyder county, where 
he died at the age of seventy-six. In politics he 
was a Ri publican. His wife is living at the ripe 
old age ol eighty-two They were the parents 
of eleven children, of whom eight reached years 
of maturity, namely: John, who was killed in 
_the Civil war; Jacob, a resident of Middle ("reek 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1189 



township; William, of Northumberland county, 
Penn. ; Henry; Harrison, of Northumberland 
county; Millard F., of Kreamer, Penn.; Mary, 
who became the wife of Ezra Roush, and died in 
Washington township, Snyder county; and Cath- 
arine, wife of Daniel Nogle, of New York State. 

The educational opportunities of our subject 
were such as the primitive schools of his section 
afforded during his boyhood, and were not of the 
best. He was but a small child when his par- 
ents removed to Middle Creek township, Snyder 
county, and when about sixteen he went to 
Northumberland county, where he worked for 
different farmers until enlisting in the Union serv- 
ice, in August, 1862. He became a member of 
Company C, 136th P. V. I., and was wounded 
in his first engagement, at Fredericksburg, De- 
cember 13, 1862. He was taken to the hospital 
near Washington, D. C. , and after his recovery 
was sent home, reaching his father-in-law's place 
in Northumberland county, where his wife was 
staying, July 4, 1863. He was married in that 
county June 22, 1862, to Miss Martha A. Farley, 
who was born there June 21, 1836, and is a 
daughter of William and Deborah (Wolverton) 
Farley. She was reared on a farm and educated 
in the public schools. 

After his return from the army, Mr. Bolling- 
er began housekeeping in Montour county, 
Penn., where he was employed at driving a team 
and other light work, as the wound in his right 
leg was still troublesome. For several years he 
continued to make his home in that county, and 
then came to what is now Kreamer, Snyder coun- 
ty, where in 1S72 he secured work as a section 
hand on the Sunbury & Lewistown railroad. A 
few months later he was promoted to foreman, 
and continued to hold that position until January, 
1893, when he resigned and has since lived re- 
tired. He erected his excellent home in Kream- 
er, where he and his wife are spending their de- 
clining years in ease and quiet, surrounded by 
many friends and acquaintances who have for 
them the highest regard. Five children were 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Bollinger, namely: Mary 
E. and Catharine R. . who died in infancy; Agnes 
D., now the wife of John Mitchell, of Renovo, 
Penn. ; William H., who died in Kreamer at the 
age of twenty-four years; and Minerva C. , who 
died in infancy. The parents are earnest and 
faithful members of the Evangelical Church, and 
Mr. Bollinger is now serving as trustee and ex- 
horter. Politically he is identified with the Re- 
publican party, and fraternally affiliates with 
Captain Rine Post No. 365, G. A. R. , of Middle- 
burg. He is now serving as treasurer of the 
Middle Creek township school board. A man 



whose word is considered as good as his bond, 
and whose integrity is neverquestioned, he stands 
deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow 
citizens. 



FA. BINGAMAN, who has attained to a 
proud position in commercial circles, is the 
architect of his own fortunes, and he has builded 
wisely and well. His life illustrates in no uncer- 
tain manner what can be accomplished through 
determined and honorable purpose, and without 
the aid of wealth or influential friends at the out- 
set of one's business career. His course com- 
mends him to the confidence and respect of all, 
and he is a highly esteemed and valued citizen of 
Port Trevorton. 

Mr. Bingaman was born in Georgetown, 
Penn , October 9, 1857, and is a son of Jacob 
and Angeline (Heintzelman) Bingaman. His 
father usually followed farming, but was a natural 
mechanic and worked at the carpenter's trade to 
some extent. He was born in Northumberland 
county. Penn., and died in Georgetown during 
the early childhood of our subject. His wife was 
born near Klingerstown, Penn., and was a second 
time married, becoming the wife of Samuel Len- 
hart, of Georgetown, with whom she removed to 
Ohio, but afterward returned to Pennsylvania. 
She is now the wife of Henry Houseworth, of 
Buchanan, Mich. By her first marriage her chil- 
dren were: Helena, who married John S. Rine, 
and died at McKees Half Falls; F. A.; and K. 
P., of Port Trevorton. By her second marriage 
she had one son, William T. S. , now of Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 

F. A. Bingaman, after his father's death, 
went to live with his uncle, Alexander Binga- 
man, and subsequently made his home with his 
paternal grandmother. He received but common- 
school privileges, and when fourteen years of age 
his guardian bound him out to a farmer near 
Berrysburg, but as he could not endure the abuse 
of his employer, he after six months ran away. 
Many difficulties and hardships beset his path in 
his boyhood, but with persevering energy he 
made the best of his opportunities. Later he 
accompanied his widowed mother to Shamokin, 
where he worked in the coal mines until the mine 
was shut down, after which he drove a delivery 
wagon for a short time. He then returned with 
his mother to Northumberland county, and at 
Hickory Corners followed any honest employ- 
ment that he could get, whereby to aid in the 
support in the family, being employed as a host- 
ler at Selins Grove, afterward working on the 
canal and at general labor at McKees Half Falls, 



1140 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and in the coal mines at Shamokin, where he and 
his brother kept bachelor's hall for a few months. 
About 1879 he began clerking lor J. S. Rim 
McKees Half Fall.-, and during much of the time 
for seven years was in the employ of that gentle- 
man. In the meantime, however, he invested in 
a canal boat, which he operated for several years. 
In the summer of 1893 he became associ. 
with J. D. Bogar in several business operations. 
The) do a milling business, deal in grain. 1' 
and feed, have a mill at Herndon with a capacity 
of 1 1 5 barrels of Hour per day, own an implen 
store in Port Trevorton, and operate two fei 
across the Susquehanna river. Thus Mr. Binga- 
man has steadily increased his field of operations 
until he now has a very extensive business and is 
ranked among the foremost representatives of 
commercial interests in his section of the county, 
In [880 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Bingaman and Miss Lizzie Zell, a native of Lan- 
caster county, Penn. They were married in 
Uniontown, Dauphin Co., Penn., and their home 
is now blessed by three interesting children: 
Clara; Emma H. and Annie V. The parents are 
members of the Lvangelical Lutheran Church, in 
which Mr. Bingaman has served as trustee, and 
as secretary of the Sunday-school. He was also 
elected Sunday-school superintendent, but de- 
clined to fill that position. He exercises his right 
of franchise in support of the Democracy, and has 
served as township auditor but prefers to devote 
his time and energies to his business, in which 
he has met with signal success. The obsta 
in his path he has overcome by determined pur- 
pose, and has resolutely worked his way to the 
front ranks among the prominent business men 
of the county. 



HU. KISTNER, the successful traveling 
salesman through eleven States for the 
Bonney Vise & Tool Works of Philadelphia 
descended fi iylvania family. B 

ust 7, 1 842, mar 1 lughesville, I. 
Co., Penn., Mr. Kistnei thi t Benjamin 

and Mai Kistner, the former of whom 

was a nati\ 1 ty, 1" >rn in 1 

the latter, of L) ■ irn in 1 - 

'I he fathei v n a lumberman 

ble busii 
and ability. He made held 

the 1 unity in wl 

• 
To this >rn the I 

chili 



excepting the first and last named. In his re- 
is views the father of these was a Lutheran; 
politically he was identified with the Republican 
part) . 

H. U. Kistner was taught early in life to be 
industrious. At the age of thirteen years he 
drove a team for his father in his lumber opera- 
tions. He attended the public schools and also 
subscription schools of his locality, and when 
nteen began teaching, which he continued 
for six consecutive terms, at intervals attending 
college at Selins Grove. In 1862 he entered the 
United States sen ice, enlisting in Company I, 
1 3th Regiment State Militia, under command of 
(apt. George Webb, as an emergency man; 
however, the command served only a short time. 
Again, in 1863, on Gen. Lee's army invading 
Pennsylvania, he became a member of Companv 
E, 37th Regiment of emergency men, called out 
by the Governor. In the spring of 1864. he 
studied telegraphy for one term at Muncy, Penn.. 
and in the following fall went to Iowa, where he 
taught school one term. He then entered the 
employ of the Chicago & North Western Rail- 
road Co. as operator. After remaining in their 
employ some time he went to Boone. Iowa. 
where he became the first operator and ticket 
agent at that point, remaining with the railroad 
company some three years, then, at his father's 
request, he resigned his position and returned to 
Selins Grove, Penn., where, in company with 
his father, he opened a general store. The two 
carried on the business for five years, when the 
son purchased the father's interest, and for six 
years continued the business alone. Owme, to 
poor health he sold out and moved to Borden- 
town, X. J., and there went into the machine 
and foundry business, among other things manu- 
facturing engines. After following this line of 
business for a time, he made a change and manu- 
factured "novelties." Later he sold out and 
became a salesman for a New York firm one 
when he made a change, entering the em- 
ploy of the firm with which he is now connected. 
II' is a genial and man, possessing the 

requisites of the successful salesman he is. lb 
is also of an inventive turn, and has taken 
out several 1 mong them a saw -• t, har- 

hitching snap and a combination I 

rent I !'■ >Iit- 

ically he is blican, and 1 

I with th .m Chui 

September 5, 1871, h> 1 lo 

Annie l ' I lumn itei I [ohn Hummel, 

• 
ssed this uni 

. . John 1 ). . 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1141 



Christine H. and Benjamin H. G. After a resi- 
dence of fourteen years at Bordentovvn, N. J., 
the parents returned to Selins Grove. 



GEORGE S. RINE belongs to a family of 
long and honorable identification with the 
interests of Snyder county, and is a worthy rep- 
resentative of the name. He occupies to-day a 
leading place in mercantile circles, and is a re- 
spected representative of the trade interests of 
McKees Half Falls. 

Mr. Rine was born at that place, May 9, 
1S54, and is a son of John M. and Polly (Schnee) 
Rine. He attended the Rohrer school, and ac- 
quired there the greater part of his education. 
In early life he was initiated into the labors of 
the farm, and remained at home continuously un- 
til twenty-two years of age, when he took a trip 
through the West, visiting in Michigan, Ne- 
braska and other States. He sought there a lo- 
cation, but his father insisted on his returning to 
Pennsylvania, and he acceded to this request. 
For several years thereafter he operated the home 
farm, and in 1885 he embarked in merchandis- 
ing at his father's old place of business. There 
he carried on operations until 1895, when he 
erected his present large business block, 45 x 52 
feet. He is a merchant of whom any community 
might be proud. Progressive and enterprising 
he fully meets the public demand by carrying first- 
class goods, and his honorable dealing and court- 
eous treatment have secured to him a liberal 
patronage. He is a man of considerable busi- 
ness ability, who has not limited his dealings to 
one line of trade, and he now owns and operates 
two canal boats and also operates four others. 
He carries on farming, and in all branches of his 
business displays an energy and sagacity that has 
brought to him success. 

On October 9, 1886, Mr. Rine was married to 
Miss Hattie Musser, a daughter of John and Mary 
(Gaman) Musser. They have four children: 
Gertrude M., Minnie A., Sarah C. and Samuel 
M., and the family circle yet remains unbroken. 
They hold an enviable position in society, and 
their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality. 
In politics Mr. Rine is a Democrat, but, like 
others of the family, is more widely known in 
connection with his business interests than for 
any active part he takes in political affairs. He 
is, however, serving as township auditor in the 
seventh -year of his incumbency. He and his 
wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he is now filling the office of trustee, and 
of the Sunday-school he has served as superin- 
tendent. 



JACOB A. AIGLER, of Beavertown, Snyder 
county, is one of the most successful edu- 
cators of this section, and is also prominent 
in public affairs, being a leading worker in the 
local Republican organization. Possessing an 
active and intelligent mind, well-stored with in- 
formation, he naturally wields much influence in 
his community, while his genial manner attracts 
the friendship of all classes. 

He was born at Beavertown, May 13, 1861, 
and belongs to an old pioneer family of that lo- 
cality. His great-grandfather, Jacob Aigler, was 
a native of Germany, but came to Pennsylvania 
in early manhood and settled in Berks county, 
where he spent his remaining years in agriculture. 
Jacob Aigler, our subject's grandfather, was born 
and reared in Berks count)-, but on reaching man- 
hood removed to what is now Beaver township, 
Snyder county (then a portion of Northumber- 
land county), and purchased a large tract of land, 
which he improved for a homestead. He owned 
another extensive estate in the Tuscarora Valley, 
in Juniata county, and was widely known as a 
successful and enterprising citizen. In politics 
he was a stanch Old-line Whig, and he and his 
wife were both consistent members of the Lu- 
theran Church. This estimable lady, whose 
maiden name was Esther Klose, was a native of 
the township where he made his permanent 
home. They had fourteen children, three of 
whom died in infancy. The others were: Amos, 
deceased, formerly a resident of Bellevue, Ohio; 
Joel, deceased; Reuben, our subject's father; 
Lydia, wife of J. P. Wetzel; Jacob, a resident 
of Bellevue, Ohio; Hattie, wife of Henry Eisen- 
hower; Sarah, wife of Henry Wagner, of St. 
Joseph county, Mich. ; Abner, a resident of 
Beavertown; Matilda, wife of William Kline, of 
St. Joseph county, Mich. ; Mary, wife of Frank 
Stettler, of the same locality, and Sophia, who 
married Isaac Boush. 

Reuben Aigler, the father of our subject, was 
born at the old homestead, December 14, 18 18, 
and received a good education for that time in 
the subscription schools of the vicinity, learning 
to read and write both in English and in German. 
Choosing agriculture as an occupation, he re- 
mained at the homestead, for many years 
working the place on shares for his father. In 
i860 he bought sixty acres, which he operated 
about fourteen years, making many improvements 
and building a barn and a handsome frame resi- 
dence. In the meantime he built an attractive 
and comfortable dwelling house at Beavertown, 
and in 1874 he retired from active business and 
settled there to spend his last years, his death 
occurring October 10, 1893. In his early life he 



114:? 



( OMMBMORATIVE BlOURAPlll'M. RECORD. 



was a stanch Whig, but when the Republican 
party was organized, he became identified with 
it, and always remained a firm supporter of its 
doctrines. He was an uncompromising foe to 
slavery, and during the Civil war served ten 
months as a soldier in Company G, 172nd P. V. 
I., under Captain Smith. In 1845 he was mar- 
ried in Beaver township to Miss Mary Eisen- 
hower, who was born January 17, 1827, in Wash- 
ington township, Snyder county, then Union 
county, and whose father, Abraham Eisenhower, 
was a well-known farmer of Franklin township. 
She survives him, and is still an honored member 
of the Lutheran church at Beavertown, in which 
he was for mans years a deacon and elder. Il«' 
never seemed anxious for public office, but took 
keen interest in all movements that promised to 
benefit the community, and gave special attention 
to educational affairs, serving for some time as a 
school director. Our subject was the youn 
of four children. Calvin, the eldest, died at an 
early age. Jerome F. is mentioned more fully 
below. Ellen |. married Frank Beaver, of Bea- 
\ ertown. 

His parents being fully aware of the advan- 
tage of an education. Mr. Aigler was given the 
best opportunities that tin- neighborhood affoi. 
being allowed to attend school in the sumrrn 
w<|| as in winter. After some years of study in 
the public schools of Beavertown, he entered the 
academy ;;t Freeburg, where Ik- spent several 
terms under the able instruction of Prof. 1) S. 
Boyer and Major Dill. When twenty-one j 
old he took charge of the Bobb school in Beaver 
township, where- he taught successfully for five 
terms, and later he taught ten years in Beaver- 
town and one year in Spring township. Snyder 
count}-. He also conducted a summer school 
l"i boys and sfirls in Beavertown, and his ability 
as an instructor and disciplinarian are wi 
recognized, His judgment is sought in various 
important interests, and he is a stockholder and 
director in the Beavertown Opera House Com- 
pany, As a in' 1 the Republican County 
1 mittei , he lias done much to forward the 
work of his party, and he also be! the 
Republican Club of I town, in which he has 
held the office of president. For six years he 
served as assessor of Snyder county. He owns 
a pleasant home at Beavertown. built by himself, 
and he and his wife are prominent in the best 
social circles of the city. He was married June 
4, 1885, to Miss Mary ('. Greenhoe, a native of 
Spring township, Snyder county, and a daughter 
of Reuben Greenhoe, a prosperous farmer of 
Beaver township. They have one daughter, 
Jennie E., another child having died in infancy. 



Mrs. Aigler is an active and efficient worker in 
the Sunday-school, and our subject takes deep 
interest in the various activities of the Lutheran 
Church at Beavertown, of which he is also a 
member. Fraternally. Mr. Aigler belongs to the 
P. O. S. of A., and is now the district president 
for Snyder county. 

Jeromic l-\, our subject's brother, was born 
April 29, 1847, and has always resided at the old 
homestead, his education having been obtained 
in the local schools. He assisted his father in 
tin farm work until 1874. when he took charge 
of the place on shares, but in 1894 he pur- 
chased it, and has since been conducting it on his 
own account. He has made many improvements, 
and is regarded as an able and successful man- 
ager. As a citizen he stands high in the esteem 
of the community, and for five years he has 
served as an elder in the Lutheran Church at 
Beavertown. He is an ardent Republican, and 
while he is not an office seeker he was at one 
time assistant assessor of his township. On De- 
cember 7, 1875, he was married in Beaver town- 
ship to Miss Lucy Boush, a native of that town- 
ship, and a daughter of David Boush. Her 
hiither, Dr. C. W. Boush, is a successful physi- 
cian at McClure, Pennsylvania. 



NJ. LIVINGST< )X. dealer in Furniture of all 
kinds; repairing neatly done; Undertaking 
in all its branches — Selins Grove, Snyder County, 
Pennsylvania. 



OEORGE M. SHINDEL, of Middleburg, is 
one of the most popular men in Snyder 
county, as is shown by his long continued service 
in some of the chief offices in the gift of the peo- 
ple of that locality. 

He belongs to a good old German family 
which lias been identified with Pennsylvania from 
The first ancestor of whom we 
have .1 definite account was Conrad Shindel, who 
was in mi in Gemmelsbach, Germany, in 16; 
llis -mi, John Conrad Shindel. the next in the 
line of descent, was married mi fanuary 2, 1710, 
■ emmelsbach, to Susannah Trexler, of Airte- 
bach, Germany, who was baptized October 18, 
5. They made their home at Airtebach, and 
n February 2S, 1732, a son, John Peter Slim- 
del, was born tn them there. II 1 Marie 
M. Gebhart, and in 1751, emigrated to Pennsyl- 
vania, locating at Lebanon, where he died May 
29, [784. John Peter Shindel (2), cur subject's 
1 indfather, was horn at Lebanon October 
3, 1787, and on June 4, 1S12. removed to Sun- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1143 



bury, Perm., where he passed his remaining 
years, his death occurring October 26, 1853. He 
married Susannah McCulloch, and had a son, 
John Peter Shindel (3), our subject's grandfather, 
who was born July 25, 1S10, at Lebanon, and 
preached for many years in Lutheran Churches 
in Union and Snyder counties, dying March 16, 
1888, at Middleburg; he was twice married, first, 
to Miss Mary Sophia Young, and, second, to Miss 
Sallie Gobin. By the first union he had five chil- 
dren: John Y., our subject's father; Maria L., 
wife of John P. Cronmiller, deceased; and Eliza- 
beth B., who married T. J. Smith, an attorney 
of Middleburg, now deceased, and two who died 
young. By the second marriage there were two 
children: Miss Martha E. and Edward G. 

Dr. John Y. Shindel, the father of our sub- 
ject, first saw the light at Sunbury, June 26, 1834, 
and in early manhood entered the medical pro- 
fession, which he has followed with marked suc- 
cess. During the Civil war he served ably as a 
surgeon in the Union army. He began his prac- 
tice at Bannerville, Penn., but later settled at Mid- 
dleburg, where he built up a large and lucrative 
practice and also conducted a drug store for 
many years. His wife, whose maiden name was 
Ada M. Moatz, was born in that town July 24, 
1839, and is still living. They had two children, 
of whom our subject was the elder. The other, 
Mary Sophia, died when about eight months old. 

Mr. Shindel entered upon his mortal career 
on February 4, 1S59, at Middleburg, and was 
educated there, his public-school course being 
supplemented by instruction under private tutors. 
At the age of fifteen he began to assist his father 
in the drug store, and five years were spent in 
that occupation. Later he was employed as a 
clerk in the county offices, and so well did his 
work commend him to the public that in 1891 he 
was elected register and recorder of the county. 
This office he held for two terms and in Febru- 
ary, 1897, as his second term drew to a close, he 
was nominated for prothonotary, a most unusual 
honor, as ordinarily two consecutive terms are 
all that can be conceded to any one man in the 
county, but he was, nevertheless, elected No- 
vember 2, 1897, for three years by a majority of 
1,070 against one of the most popular Democrats 
in the county. 

On January 16, 1879, Mr. Shindel married 
Miss Alice S. Isenhart, who was born February 4, 
1 86 1 , the daughter of Daniel Isenhart, now a 
well-known resident of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, 
and at one time, from 1876 to 1879, the sheriff 
of Snyder county. To this union has been born 
one son: William H., born October 17, 1879, 
now a student at Susquehanna University at 



Selins Grove. Mr. Shindel is a member of the 
Odd Fellows, and the Patriotic Order Sons of 
America. 



HURLEY ROMIG, whose efficiency and pop- 
ularity well fit him for the discharge of his 

duties as agent on the Sunbury & Lewistown 
Branch of the Pennsylvania railroad at McClure, 
was born in Beaver Springs, Snyder county, No- 
vember 5, 1873. He is a representative of one 
of Pennsylvania's early families. His grand- 
father, Samuel Romig, was born in Union coun- 
ty, now Snyder county, and throughout his life 
followed the occupation of farming in Beaver 
Springs, where he died in 1SS1. He was twice 
married, his second wife being the grandmother 
of our subject. 

Ephraim Romig, the father, was born in 
Beaver Springs, obtained his education in the 
public schools, and throughout his life has fol- 
lowed the art of photography, conducting a 
gallery in his native town. He has a wide ac- 
quaintance there, and his many excellencies of 
character commend him to the confidence and 
good will of all. He married Susan Adda 
Schroyer, who was born in West Beaver town- 
ship, Snyder county, a daughter of Henry 
Schroyer, a harness maker of Middleburg, that 
county. They are members of the Lutheran 
Church, and in his political faith the father is a 
Democrat. They now have two children: Hurley, 
and Clymer, now assistant postmaster at Beaver 
Springs. 

Hurley Romig attended the public schools of 
his native town, and at the age of fifteen years 
entered the printing office of the Weekly Herald at 
Beaver Springs in the capacity of "devil." For 
three years he was there employed, and then took 
up the study of telegraphy in the railroad office at 
that point. When he had thoroughly mastered 
the business he was given the position of night 
operator at Selins Grove, serving for six months, 
after which he was day operator for three years. 
On the expiration of that period he was appointed 
station agent and telegraph operator at McClure, 
in 1895, and has since creditably and faithfully 
filled that position, winning the approval of the 
railroad company and the commendation of the 
traveling public. In connection with his duties 
he is serving as agent for the Adams Express 
Company. 

On March 7, 1895, in McClure, Mr. Romig 
was united in marriage to Miss Tessie P. Baker, 
a native of McClure. They have a very pleasant 
home which Mr. Romig purchased at a cost of 
more than $1,000, and to which he has added 



1111 



VMEifORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



many excellent impr ts. He is a member 

of the Lutheran Church, secretary of the Sunday- 
school, and an earnest w< rker in the cause of 
Christianity. His political supp the 

Democracy. With unqm I fidelity he sei 

the interests of the < by which he is em- 

ploy* in all the relations of life he is true 

and faithful to the trust reposed in him. 



ER B. MIDDLESWARTH, a leading citi- 
X^l :en ol McClure, Snyder county, is one of 
the county's successful business 

titled with mercantile and manufacturing inter- 
ests in his locality. He is also prominent in 
political affairs and has held various offices, in- 
cluding that of sheriff of Snyder county, and at 
present he is serving as postmaster at McClure. 

Mr. Middleswarth's military record com- 
mends him to every true American, as he en- 
listed in the Union army when a young man of 
twenty, and took part in t the noted bat- 

tles of the Civil war. Mr. Middleswarth 
member of a well-known family of this section. 
■ md was born January 28, 1 S44. in West Heaver 
township. Snyder county, where he attended 
school in his early years. His education was 
completed at Adamsburg, and he taught school 
for two terms, but afterward he engaged in farm- 
in:; with his father at the homestead. On August 
-7- 1864, In- enlisted, at Adamsburg, in d 
pany I. 148th 1". V. I., under Col. J. H. Stover 
and ( apt. L. C. Edmunds, and was mustered 
into service at Harrisburg in the following month, 
the regiment being I to the Army of the 

Potomac. He held the rank of corporal, and 
among the engagements in which he participated 
we may mention those at Hatcher's Run and 
Boyden Flank Road in 1864, Fort Steadman, the 
final struggle at Petersburg, and the operations 
around Richmond, ending with the surrender of 
W'lnl. a 1 1'- tersburg he was taken ill, and 
for about a month he lay in a hospital at City 

it. Va. He was present at the Grand I 
view at Washington, and at its close was trans- 
ferred to Harrisburg. where he was mustered out. 
On returning borne he again took up the work of 
farming, and in 1 X66 he and his brother Isaac 
want mto partnership in the man t of the 

homestead. A few years later the estate was 
divided, and Squire Middleswarth conducted his 
share alone for some time. In the meantime he 
was active in local affairs a 

1 [873 to [879 he held the office of county 
auditor. From 1 S 7 , j he served as jus- 

tice of the peace, performing one marriage cere- 
mony during that term. In 1884 he was elected 



iff, receiving a handsome majority over his 
opponent. After serving tht rs with credit 

la retired and located at McClure, where he en- 
n the real-estate business, building several 
dwelling houses at a cost of more than five thou- 
sand dollars. In 1 894 he formed a partnership 
with H. C. Ulsh in a general mercantile busi- 
ness, which they have since conducted success- 
fully. The Squire is the founder of the Water 
i\ it McClure, of which he 1- 11 »w the 
secretary. He is also secretary of the Cemetery 
■ciation of the same city, which office he has 
held nine years. Notwithstanding his extensivi 
business interests, he has not lost his liking for 
political work or his influence in public affairs, 
and in June, 1897, ' le was appointed postmaster 
at McClure. 

In religious faith Mr. Middleswarth is a Lu- 
theran, and for many years he has been an elder 
in the Church. Since 1872 he has served almost 
constantly as superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, and established and organized the first 
Sunday-school teachers' meeting ever held in 
McClure He is also prominent in the Christian 
Endeavor Society, of which he was twice chi 
president. He takes great interest in the G. A 
R.. and has been Second Commander of Capt. 
M. Smith l'i st No. 355, and Commander of 
Capt. Ryan Post No. 364, at Middleburg. In 
1896 he was made secretary of the Juniata Val- 
ley Veterans Association, at the meeting held in 
Hunringdon county, and in 1897 he was instru- 
mental in making the Encampment at McClure 
a grand success, and he was elected vice-presi- 
dent of said association for 1898. 

On August 30, 1864, our subject was married, 
at Middleburg, to his rirst wile. Amelia Drei 
daughter of Abraham Dreese, a prominent farmer 
ol Beaver township, Snyder county. She died 
February 11, 1S92, leaving one child, Laura S . 
now the wife .III iward A. Ulsh, a stave manu- 
facturer of ( county, On July 7. 18 
Mr. Middleswarth married Miss Maggie I P( 
ters. a native of Armagh township. Mifflin coun- 
ty, .tw,] a daughter of Isaac Peters, a well-known 
ulturist of that locality. The family is prom- 
inent socially, and Mr. Middleswarth can always 
be relied upon to assist in any progressive move- 
ment in his locality. 

His ability, energy and public spirit may be 
said to lie family traits, as the Middlesu arths 
have been noted for the qualities that go to the 
making of good citizens, and have led in social, 
political, and business life, in this section, from 
an early date. They are of Scotch-Irish descent. 
John Middleswarth. our subject's great-grand- 
father, came from New Jersey m 1792 with his 




JYqA/$. VU^&^C&e^^T^fc 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1145 



wife, Martha, and several children, locating near 
Beavertown, where he purchased a large tract of 
land. He built a log house in the midst of the 
forest, and made his home there, being one of 
the first permanent residents of that vicinity. 
His remains now rest in the cemetery at Adams- 
burg. Hon. Ner Middleswarth, the grandfather 
of our subject, was born in New Jersey, and was 
about ten years old when he accompanied his 
parents to this State. He was reared as a pio- 
neer farmer's boy, amid rough yet wholesome 
surroundings, and in all his life had but three 
months' schooling. Possessing an unusually act- 
ive and acute mind and much force of character, 
he managed to acquire an excellent education 
and spoke both English and German fluently. As 
he owned a large amount of land he followed 
agriculture throughout his life, but he was also 
interested in mercantile business at Port Ann and 
Beaver Furnace, and owned and operated a dis- 
tillery and a gristmill. He was the founder of the 
Beaver furnace, and continued for many years to 
be the principal stockholder in the enterprise. 
In 1812 he enlisted as the captain of a company 
which he had raised, and went into service 
against the British with the 8th Pennsylvania 
Rifles under Col. Irwin. In 18 14 he raised an- 
other company, which was attached to a regiment 
commanded by Col. Uhl in Gen. Cadwalader's 
division, and was stationed at Marcus Hook. 
His long and honorable career as a legislator be- 
gan in 181 5 when he was elected on the Whig 
ticket to represent his locality at Harrisburg. 
He served thirteen terms, and twice was chosen 
Speaker of the Lower House. In 1848 he was 
elected to the State Senate, and later he became 
the choice of his district as a member of the 
XXXIIIrd Congress, in which he served with 
ability and fidelity. For five years he was asso- 
ciate judge of Snyder county, and at one time 
he was a candidate for the office of canal com- 
missioner, being defeated on purely partisan 
grounds. He was well known among the lead- 
ing politicians of his day, and was certainly one 
of the foremost citizens of this section. During 
the Anti-Mason agitation he took a prominent 
part against the society, and, in fact, his influence 
was a strong factor in every movement that arose 
while he was in public life. His wife, Christiana 
Swartzline, was born in central Pennsylvania, 
of German ancestry. They had twelve children: 
John (deceased), Moses (deceased), Abner (de- 
ceased), Abraham K. and Aaron J. (twins), 
Jacob, Merib, Mary, Martha, Eliza, Sarah and 
Matilda. The father died at Beavertown on 
June 2, 1865, and the mother passed away in 
1862. 



Capt. Abraham Kelley Middleswarth, our sub- 
ject's father, was born January 22, 181 5, in what 
is now Beaver township, Snyder county, and is 
at present living in retirement at McClure, Penn. 
He was educated in the country schools near his 
home, acquiring a good knowledge of the English 
branches. He has made farming his occupation, 
having remained at the homestead until 1838, 
when he located in West Beaver township and 
began to work on his own account. He was very 
successful, and at one time possessed more than 
800 acres of land in four farms, upon which he built 
several dwelling houses and barns and made other 
substantial improvements. Much of his attention 
was given to stock raising, and he was always 
fond of horses. Since 1866 he has left his busi- 
ness to younger hands, and an honored old age, 
quiet, peaceful and blessed with affection, crowns 
a worthy life. iHe has held in a high degree the 
esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has served with 
credit in several offices, including those of school 
director, township assessor and county commis- 
sioner. Politically, he was a Whig in early life, 
but, like all the members of his family, he be- 
came identified with the Republican party on its 
organization, and he has ever since been a stead- 
fast supporter of its doctrines. For many years 
he has been a leading member of the Lutheran 
Church, in which he has held various offices and 
at one time was an elder. At present he does 
not belong to any fraternal order, but he was 
formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. 

On January 16, 1836, Capt. Middleswarth was 
married, in Beaver township, Snyder county, to 
Miss Elizabeth Bubb, a native of that township, 
born in 18 17. Her parents, Peter and Wilhel- 
mina (Hassinger) Bubb, were well-known resi- 
dents of that locality; her father, who was of 
German descent, was a prosperous farmer. Five 
children have blessed this union: Delilah, wife 
of John Felker, of McClure; Isaac, who is en- 
gaged in the sawmill business in the same town; 
Ner B., our subject; Elvina, wife of George Ben- 
fer, of McClure; and Sarah Clementine Shindle. 
who married William M. Bratton, also of McClure. 



BANIEL OTT. There is particular satis- 
' faction in reverting to the life history of the 
honored and venerable gentleman whose name 
initiates this review, as he was for many years 
prominently identified with the agricultural and 
political interests of Snyder county. He has 
not only made the best use of his opportunities, 
but has thoroughly enjoyed life, and now in his 
declining years has laid aside all business cares 



1 1 16 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and devotes considerable time to traveling, in 
which he has ever taken great delight. 

In Pcnn township, where he still makes his 
home, Mr. Ott was born May i~ , 1820, a son of 
Daniel and Esther (Hummell) Ott, the former a 
native of Chester county, Penn. George Ott, 
the paternal grandfather, was the progenitor of 
the family in this locality, and took up 400 acres 
of wild land in Snyder county, building his log 
cabin near Penn's creek. He lived to about 

ity years of age, and at his death was buried 
by tht- side of his wife in Selins Grove cemetery. 
They had two sons and four daughters, of whom 
Frederick died in Lycoming count)' at the age of 

ity He never used glasses, as his eyesight 
was unimpaired at the time of his death. The 
daughters all married, and all died in Snyder 

ity except one, who passed away in Summit 
inty, Ohio. Daniel Ott, Sr, \» as about seven 
years old when brought by his parents to what 
is now Snyder county, was reared as a farmer 
and on reaching manhood married Esther 
Hummell, daughter of Jacob Hummell, a farmer 
* I Monroe township, Snyder county. They lo- 
cated on the old Ott homestead, where thi 
tinned to live for many years, and where 
mother died in [831. The father's death oc- 
1 Selins Grove, when in his sixty-eighth 
1 vas laid by the side of his wife in 

the cemetery of that place. In connection with 
his farm work, for several years he conducted 
the Ott Tavern, with the sign of the "Black 
first established in [820, and was 
one of the best known hostelries in tl 'ion, 

it being the favorite stopping place for teamsters 
in those early days. In early life 
the father was a Whig in politics and later a Ri 
publican; in his Church relations, he was a Lu- 
theran. 

To Daniel and Esther Hummell) Ott were 
horn the following children: fat ob, who died in 
Sell t e, who died in Elkhart a 

ty, Ind.; Samuel, who died in Penn township. 
Snyder if this sketch; Willi 

who died when young; Lydia. wife of Jack Gaug- 
ler, of Selii ind Henry, who died in 

December, 1897. After the death ol his first 
wife, Mi. Ott married her sister, Mrs Elizabeth 
(Hummell 1 Hettrich, and by her had one daugh- 

Elizabeth, now the wife oi I 
■i I lei 1 ien, Mich I >j hei former m 1 Mrs. 

< >tl had six children. She survived hei 
husband, and was buried in Selins Grove. 

During his boyhood Daniel Ott, [r., lived 

e distance from Selins Grove, where the 

rest scln onducted, and therefore his 

nal privileges were limited. Although 



he never attended school but one month, he has 
become a well-informed man, gaining that excel- 
lent knowledge which only travel and close ob- 
servation can bring. He has been called upon 
to settle up estates and perform other business 
which requires education, and by his own meth- 
ods and rules most satisfactorily discharged those 
duties. Not until after he had attained his ma- 
jority was he able to speak a word of English. 

At the age of nineteen Mr. Ott began learn- 
ing the shoemaker's trade under the direction of 
Rich Lloyd, of Selins Grove, and during his two- 
years' apprenticeship received not a cent of pay, 
and furnished his own clothes. He then began 
the battle of life for himself, and for seven years 
worked as a " tramp " shoemaker, walking first 
to Indianapolis, Ind. When he started out he 
was a green German boy with no education, and 
ignorant of the ways of the world, his only fac- 
ulty seemed his ability to defend himself, and, 
although small in stature, was often victorious in 
hand-to-hand contests with boys much larger 
than himself. After traveling over a large por- 
tion of Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, he returned 
ti ' Selins Grove. 

In May, [848, Mr. Ott was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Long, who was born near Selins 
Grove, December 20, 1824, a daughter of Ben- 
jamin and Elizabeth (Fetten Long, farming peo- 
ple. Her paternal grandfather was Jacob Long, 
who came to this region from Berks counts, 
Penn. Mrs. Ott was the oldest daughter and 
\ second child in a family of six children, three 
sons and three daughters. By her marriage she 
became the mother of six children — Esther L., 
now Mrs. Franklin Good, of Selins Grove; Mary 
C, wife of Peter Long, of that place; Adda, wife 
of Luther Landis, a miller of Goldburg, York 
Co , Penn.; Gertie I., wife of Frank Mater, of 

ins Grove; and two sons, who died in infancy. 

During his early business career, in addition 
to work at his trade, Mr. Ott would take any 

iloyment by which he could earn an honest 
dollar, and at his mai 'I saved over $500, 

but had spent three times that amount for whole- 
some pleasures. Locating at Selins Grove, he 
served as constable foi three years, having juris- 
diction over the whole county, and, on the expi- 
term, n m ived to his present farm 
on Penn's creek, m Penn township, locating here 
in 1853. His place comprise ! thirty-three acres 
of the home farm, which he had purchased of his 
father, but was improved with no buildings. He 
erected a pleasant dwelling, good barns and out- 
buildings, and continued the cultivation and im- 
provement of his land until 1S71, since which 
time he has practically lived retired As his 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1147 



financial resources increased he extended the 
boundaries of his farm until it now com- 
prises 125 acres of rich and arable land. 
Throughout his entire life he has continued to 
indulge his love of travel and hunting, and has 
visited every count}' in Pennsylvania, much of 
New York, and all of Ohio. He has also trav- 
eled extensively over Indiana, Illinois, along 
Cedar river, in Iowa, and over Missouri, Kansas, 
Colorado, Indian Territory aixl Texas. In the 
last named State he hunted buffalo and other big 
game, and has at his home the mounted head of 
an immense buffalo which he killed there. Mr. 
Ott has also visited many of the Eastern and 
Southern States, including Kentucky, West Vir- 
ginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New 
Jersey, and witnessed the grand review at Wash- 
ington, D. C. , in 1865. In connection with his 
farming operations, Mr. Ott was for some years 
interested in buying and selling horses and cattle, 
bringing several droves of the former from the 
west at an early day. Although still well pre- 
served, he does not engage in any active labor, 
but enjoys life to the utmost, and, possessing a 
retentive memory and being a good conversa- 
tionalist, he can relate many interesting events 
which have occurred in the course of his travels. 
He usually gives his support to the men and 
measures of the Republican party, but is not 
strictly partisan at local elections, and has cred- 
itably filled a number of township offices, being 
assessor for six years, and overseer of the poor 
five years. He and his wife are both prominent 
and active members of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he has served in a number of official 
positions, and is now elder. His is indeed a 
happy old age, and he well deserves the success 
and pleasure that he has gained, for his life has 
ever been such as to win the commendation of all 
who know him. 



JO. WAGNER, M. D. "All lives that are 
in the best sense worth the living," says a 
well-known writer, "are so by virtue of be- 
ing true to their own polarity. There is un- 
doubtedly a certain line of life, a certain definite, 
however dimly defined, path predestined for each, 
and that achievement which we are accustomed 
to call success is simply the result of the vision 
that sees, and the energy that follows this hidden 
but divine leading." In the success attending 
the efforts of this well-known physician and sur- 
geon, who for years has been a leading practi- 
tioner at Beaver Springs, Snyder county, we see 
an illustration of this truth. So strong was his 
desire to follow the direction of his special gifts, 



that he turned from the offer of a certain com- 
petence as a farmer, and making his own way 
through college entered his chosen profession. 

Dr. Wagner was born June 9, 1855, in Jack- 
son township, Snyder county, near Kratzerville, 
where his father, Y. H. Wagner, still resides. 
His mother, whose maiden name was Susanna 
Hahn, was a daughter of that well-known pio- 
neer, Capt. John Hahn. The Doctor attended 
school in Kratzerville, and although his oppor- 
tunities were inferior to those of the present day, 
he made such good use of them that before he 
was sixteen he was prepared to teach, his first 
school being in the Brouse school house in his 
native township. He was always devoted to his 
studies, and more than once his excess in appli- 
cation to his books caused illness. After teach- 
ing for a short time he pursued his studies in 
Professor Noetling's select school at Selins 
Grove, and thus prepared for better work as a 
teacher. He then secured a school at Kratzer- 
ville, and while there began to read medicine 
with Dr. P. Hermann, as from childhood he 
had a desire to enter the medical profession. 
His father did not sympathize with this ambi- 
tion, as he desired our subject, being the only son, 
to take the farm, and consequently the young 
man had to make his own living while carrying 
out his plans; hence, before entering medical 
college, he taught for several terms near Middle- 
burg, in West Beaver township, as well as at 
Evendale, in an independent school district. In 
the fall of 1877 he entered the College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., and after 
one term was obliged to resume the work of 
teaching in order to replenish his pocketbook. 
By close economy he managed to save enough in 
one year of teaching to take him through an- 
other term at college, and on March 3, 1880, he 
received his degree of M. D., having completed 
a full course. It happened that his preceptor 
was ill with pneumonia at the time, and during 
March, April and May, 1880, our subject took 
charge of his practice at Kratzerville. On Au- 
gust 2, 1880, he located at Adamsburg, and be- 
ing an entire stranger, failure was freely pre- 
dicted for him, but he succeeded from the start, 
notwithstanding the fact that the most difficult 
cases in the locality were given him. including 
chronic ailments pronounced hopeless by others. 
Success in these brought him new patients, and 
at the present time he enjoys an extensive and 
lucrative practice which is solely due to his own 
skill and ability. He allows nothing to take his 
attention from his work, and in addition to his 
practice he has, since 1889, been interested in 
the drug business. He formerly carried on 



1148 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL ■■ 



dentistry, but at present does nothing in that 
line except to extract teeth. 

He married Miss Mary E. Gross, of Be. 
town, a daughter of Christian and M nfer) 

Gross, and one child. Otto G.. born November 
22. 1889, brightens their home. The Doctor 
owns a pleasant residence in Heaver Springs, 
built by himself, and he also owns an excellent 
farm of fifty acres in the same vicinity. Dr. 
Wagner and his wil riinent members 

of the Reformed Church, and he is a charter 
member of Beaver Springs Castle No. 423, K. 
G. E., in which he is past chief and is now serv- 
ing the fourth term as M. of R. As might 
supposed, he is identified with the various pro- 
fessional organizations, and he belongs to Sir 
County Medical Society, in which he is now, and 
has been for a number of years, secretary and 
treasurer, succeeding J. V. Shindel. He is also 
a permanent member of the State Medical So- 
ciety. He takes keen interest in public questions, 
and is a stanch supporter of the Republican 
party, but has never sought political honors. 



H 



ENRY MOYER, an agriculturist, was born 
AM October 28, 1827, in Penn township, Sny- 
der county, on the farm where he now resides. 
His father, William Mover, was born on the 
same farm, November 15, 1801, and was a son 
of John Mover, who was born in Berks county, 

11., May 27, 1 7 7 1 . The great-grandfather of 
our subject was a native of Germany, and be- 
came the founder of the family in America, lb 
was liberally educated in his native land, and in 
this country became a successful teacher. He 
died in Berks county. 

John Mover, the grandfather, was a farmer 

shoemaker, and located at the present hi 
of our subject when the land was in its primitive 
condition. The mighty denizens of the forest 
fell before the stroki of Ins sturdy axe, and acre 
after acre was thus cleared and made ready for 
cultivation. Turkeys, deer and other wild game 
furnished the table with meat, and the experi- 
ences of the family were those that usually fall 
to the lot of the pioneer. The grandfatherthere 
continued to make his home until his death, £ 
tember 17, 1865. He married Anna Margaret 
Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania, April 17, 
1 77 1, and came to Snyder county with her 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Miller. Mr. 
and Mrs. Moyer were married in [794, and had 
four children: Samuel, who died in Penn town- 
ship; Elizabeth, wife of John Gemberling, of 
Selins Grove; Catharine, wife of John Gember- 
ling, a relative of the husband ol Elizabeth, and 



in Penn t twnship, and William, father of 
our subject. The parents of this family were 
members of the Lutheran Church; the grand- 
father of our subject was over ninety-four years 
of age at time of his death. His wife died Janu- 
ary 5, 1847. 

William 'Mover was reared on the old h 
farm, and was married March 21, 1825, to Mar- 

I Fisher, who was born at Fisher's Ferry, 
Deci ml t r 24, 1803, a daughter of Christian and 
Hannah Fisher. Their children are: Henry; 
Lydia, who was born October 10, 1830, and died 
August 3, 1850; and Susannah, who was born 
October 8, 1833, and died September 8, 1 S63, 
the wife of Robert W. Kern. The father of I 

1 gunsmith, and followed that trade 
until returning to the old homestead to assu 
tlie management of the farm. He was a leading 

nber of the Lutheran Church, and in politics 
was a Whig until the organization of the Repub- 
lican party, when he joined its ranks. He died 
[anuary 4, 1867, and his wife passed away 1 
cember 26, 1888. 

Henry Mover, of this review, bewail his edu- 
cation in Salem, under the direction of Joseph 
Weigle. For two terms he engaged in teaching: 
in Penn township, and when a young man 
secured a clerkship in the store of Davis & 
Schnure, at Selins Grove. He now owns a val- 
j uable farm, and gives his attention to agricultural 
pursuits In 1S96 he remodeled his barn, and 
has upon the place an excellent set of buildings. 
A fine peach orchard and many other kinds of 
fruit add to the value of the place, and few men 
are better informed on horticulture than he. 

On March 27, i860, Mr. Mover was married 
to Miss Mary D. Degel, who was born at Lahn, 
Bavaria, Vpril 11, 1838, a. daughter of John 
George and Barbara (Schubert} Moyer. 
came to the United States in 1853, reach 
New York after a voyage of eight weeks. 

11 this country one brother, John F., resid- 
ing at Northumberland, Penn. The children 
our subject and his wife are as follows: John 
1".. born August 3, i860, now a farmer of Juni- 
ata county, Penn.; David W. , born March 10, 
operating his father's farm; Charles A., 
born March 23, 1864, a merchant of Spi 
Mills, Centre Co., Penn.; Mary A., born April 
17, 1866, widow of Dr. G. P. Miller, living with 
her father; Anna M., born April 20, 1867, wife 
ol Prof. J. I. Woodruff; Sarah J., born Septem- 
ber 23, (868, wife of Dr. J. W. Seip, of Erie, 
Penn.; Clara P.. who was born December 13. 
1870. and died November 24, 1889; Cora \ . , 
who was born l ier 21. 1873, and is the 

wife of Charles Gable, of Selins Grove; an infant 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1149 



daughter, who was born January 7, 1876, and 
died April 21, 1876; Delia A., who was born 
September 23, 1879, and lives in Erie, Penn. ; 
and Verna E., who was born August 2, 1881. 

Mr. Mover is a zealous advocate of Repub- 
lican principles, has served in various township 
offices, was township clerk for a number of years, 
and is now auditor of Penn township. He dis- 
charges his duties with marked fidelity, being 
ever true and faithful to the trust reposed in him. 
He is one of the leading members of Salem 
Church, was trustee for a number of years, and 
is now trustee and a member of the building 
committee, having in charge the erection of a 
new house of worship in Salem. He was also 
superintendent of the Sunday-school for some 
time. His life, honorable and upright at all 
times, commends him to the confidence and re- 
spect of all, and he is one of the leading citizens 
of Penn township. 



EUBEN DREESE. Few citizens of this 
AX section enjoy to as high a degree the esteem 
and confidence of the people as does this well- 
known agriculturist of Spring township, Snyder 
county. He enjoys the distinction of being the 
third Democrat ever elected to the office of sher- 
iff in Snyder county, and he has held other po- 
sitions of public trust, including that of county 
treasurer, the only Democrat ever elected treas- 
urer. 

The Dreese family in Snyder county is de- 
scended from three brothers, Jacob, Peter and 
John, who came from Berks county, Penn., at 
an early day. John, who was known as "Big 
John," became very wealthy, and bequeathed a 
tract of land to the Lutheran and Reformed 
Churches, his bequest causing much litigation in 
later years. Peter married, and left numerous 
descendants. Jacob, our subject's father, was 
born December 15, [7S6, and during boyhood 
was bound out to a Mr. Fetterolf, with whom 
he learned the blacksmith's trade. This busi- 
ness he followed for many years at Adamsburg, 
where he also owned and operated a farm, which 
is now owned by our subject. His brother, 
" Big John," left him considerable property, and 
his own industry and ability enabled him to ac- 
quire a handsome competence. He owned large 
tracts of land, but, as he died before the war, it 
did not bring as high a price in the settlement of 
the estate as it would have done later. He was 
a stanch Whig in politics, and in religious faith 
was a Lutheran, being an active member of the 
Church and holding office at various times. He 
died October 1, 1854, as the result of an accident. 



He was walking on the sidewalk in Adamsburg 
when he was run over by a colt whose driver 
was using no bridle. When his injuries were 
examined it was found that his neck was broken. 
His wife, Catherine Smith, who was born De- 
cember 6, 1788, died September 7, 1863, and 
both. were buried at Adamsburg. Notwithstand- 
ing their advanced years they preserved their 
health remarkably, and Mrs. Dreese was known 
far and wide as a nurse, being always found 
ready to administer to the needs of the sick and 
helpless. No matter what the disease or ail- 
ment, she remained without hesitation at the 
bedside of the sufferer as long as her assistance 
was needed, and her kind heart was shown in 
many other ways, baskets of food and articles of 
clothing being often sent from her home to the 
poor. She was a daughter of Johan Adam 
Smith, of Troxelville, who was at one time a 
very wealthy land owner, but in later life met 
with financial reverses. Our subject was the 
youngest in a family of nine children: Christi- 
ana, who married, first, Samuel Aurand, and, 
second, John Felker, died in Spring township, 
Snyder county; Henry died near Adamsburg; 
Abraham, a farmer and blacksmith, died in 
Spring township; Mary married Philip Benfer, 
and died in Kratzville; Elizabeth married Adam 
Specht, and died in Adamsburg; Isaac died in 
Michigan; Amelia married Michael Beaver, and 
now resides in Beavertown; Leah is the widow 
of John Fike, of Juniata county, Penn. Al- 
though the father was of but medium height, 
most of his sons were tall, being nearly six feet. 
Several of them followed the blacksmith's trade, 
having learned it in their father's shop in Ad- 
amsburg, where four fires were kept burning con- 
tinuously. 

Squire Dreese was born October 17, 1830, 
at Adamsburg, and was educated there in the 
subscription schools of that date; the free 
schools being founded in time for him to attend 
only one winter. The school apparatus as well 
as the methods of instruction were quite primi- 
tive, and he learned to write on paper made 
near Adamsburg, an old-fashioned quill pen be- 
ing used. At eighteen years of age he left home, 
and going to Milroy, Penn., he learned the 
blacksmith's trade, receiving thirty dollars in 
cash for his two-years' work as an apprentice. 
Two weeks were allowed him in harvest time, 
however, in which he could earn money at hay 
making to supplement his scanty wages. After 
completing his apprenticeship he worked for a 
time at Reedsville, Penn.. at very low wages, 
and then returned to Adamsburg and established 
a shop of his own where the creamery now 



1150 



( OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



stands. ( )n March II, 1 852, tic was marri< 
New Berlin to his first wife, Mis> Matilda Saltz- 
man, who was born October 1st, 1831, the 
daughter of William and Catherine Saltzman. 
After his marriage Mr. Dreese engaged in farm- 
ing but retained the tools and other equipment 
of his blacksmith shop in order to do his own 
work. He now owns two valuable farms adjoin- 
ing Beaver Springs, and has sold off several town 
lots in Adamsburg. For some years past he has 
lived a semi-retired life, but he still ovei >i es his 
farm in a general way. In 1881 he built an ele- 
gant brick residence, and other substantial 
improvements have made his homestead <>ne of 
the best in the locality. In 1893 he laid out a 
cemetery on one of his farms, which now belongs 
to the Adamsburg Cemetery Association. 

His lust wife died July 27. 1869, and was 
buried at Adamsburg, and en January 30, 1870, 
In' l"i medasecond matrimonial union, with Mrs. 
Kate (Steininger Harbin, the widow of Hem\ 

rbin. She' was born March 3, 1838, n< <• 
Middleburg, and was the daughter of John and 
Sarah Aurand Steininger. She had two chil- 
dren by her first marriage — Sarah C, now de- 

sed, and Phebe L. Mr. Dreese had five 
children by his first marriage: (1) Allen, hern 
fanuary 1, 1853, died when ten days old. 
Milton, born January 1 . 1854, died Sept. 8, 1875, 
while a student in the college at Kutztown, 
Penn. ; he lacked but thirteen weeks of complet- 
ing his course there, and intended to enter the 
medical profession. (3) Lucy M., born June 6, 
1856, died April 15, 1S59. 14) Albright, born 
October 1, 1857, is a farmer in Spring township; 
he married Anna Creenhoe, ami has had three 
children — Homer, deceased; Catherine' M. and 
Myron G. 5) James D. , born February 
i860, is also a farmer in Spring township. 
married Laura Stroup, by whom he had 
children, Mary and Carrie, and after her death 
wadded Emma Baker. By his second marriage 
Mr. Dreese has one son, Henry J., born May 
30, 1877, w ' 10 now resides at home. 

In business circles Mr. Dreese's sound j 

it is h.ld in high esteem, and he is a direi toi 
in the Beavertown Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany. He holds stock in the First National 
Bank of Middleburg, and is interested in a num- 
ber of financial enterprises. His political cm 
is a notable one. He has been a Democrat sin< e 
•■ Know-Nothing" times, and from his youth has 
taken an active part in public affairs. He was 
supervisor in Beaver township for one term and 
in Spring township foi two terms. He has given 
especial attention to educational matters, serv- 
ing several times as school director. In 1S78 he 



1?. 

He 

two 



was elected county treasurer, and served three 
is, and in 1887 he was elected to the office of 
sheriff, defeating Daniel Bolender, a very popu- 
lar Republican. During his term of service Mr. 
1 >reese resided for three years in Middleburg. It 
had been a custom with his predecessors in office 
to remove the accounts at the expiration of their 
terms, but Mr. Dreese left his records of receipts 
in the office for the inspection of hisconstituents, 
an innovation which was highly appreciated by 
the people. This scrupulous honesty is doubt- 
less a factor in his popularity, and it is closely re- 
lated to another admirable trait, that of absolute 
fidelity to his friends. He is a liberal supporter 
of religious movements, and is an active member 
of the Lutheran Church, serving on the building 
mittee when the new edifice was built at 
Adamsburg. For more than thirtv years he has 
held office in the Church eitheras deacon, el 
or trustee, his service being interrupted only by 
his residence in Middleburg. Sociallv, he is a 
member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle. 



JC. MOYER, Esq. Among the early settlers 
in Berks county, Penn., were the ancestors 

of the Meyer or Mover family, who came 
from German}- during the Colonial period to 
make homes for themselves in the forests of the 
New World. They secured a large tract of land, 
and, with true German thrift and industry, trans- 
formed the wilderness into productive farm lands. 
As the locality became more thickly settled, their 
descendants found their opportunities for acquir- 
ing property somewhat restricted, and, moved 
by the same spirit which had caused their fore- 
fathers to leave the Fatherland, they followed 
the advancing line of settlement and became pio- 
neers in other regions. 

The first of the family to settle in what is 
now Snyder county was Jacob Meyer, the grand- 
father of the well-known citizen whose name ap- 
pears above, and the old gristmill known as Mey- 
er's mill, located in Mussel's Valley, three miles 
east of Troxelville, was built by him soon after 
his arrival. He purchased an extensive trai I 
land, and in addition to his milling interests and 
the care of his homestead, he conducted a tan- 
nery for many years. Nor was he indifferent to 
public affairs, for he gave freely of his time and 
thought to the various local movements which 

Ited in the establishment of political, relig- 
ious and educational institutions in the new set- 
tlement, and at times he served as a township 
al. He died about 1853. His wife, Chris- 
tina, bore him sixteen children, among whom 
was a son, John, our subject's father, who was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1151 



born February 10, 1802, and became one of the 
leading residents of that locality. During early 
manhood John Meyer was engaged for nine years 
in hauling merchandise between Philadelphia 
and Musser's Valley, railroads being thea un- 
known. Later he became interested in the 
tanning business and had a large trade 
throughout central Pennsylvania, but in 1875 
he sold out to a son, J. J. S. Moyer, now 
a resident of Salem, Oregon, and the last ten 
years of his life were spent in well-earned leisure. 
He was a Democrat in politics, and for years was 
a leading member of the Lutheran Church, in 
which he held office. His public spirit was shown 
in many ways, his desire to see local affairs prop- 
erly administered leading him to sacrifice his pri- 
vate interests at times in order to accept office, 
and his services as school director and supervisor 
extend over many years. He died suddenly on 
June 19, 1885, leaving a fine estate. He mar- 
ried Miss Catherine Bingman, who was born June 
25, 1808, in Berks county and was reared in the 
family of a Mr. Udree. She died after a linger- 
ing illness, and the remains of both now rest in 
the Union cemetery in Musser's Valley. They 
had eleven children, of whom our subject was the 
youngest: (1) Gudilla, born August 20, 1S30, 
married Isaac Krebs, and died in Adams town- 
ship, Snyder county. (2) Amelia married Henry 
Wagner, and died in Adams township. (3) John, 
born February 23, 1834, died in Beavertown. 
(4) Henrietta, born December 17, 1835, married 
Nathan Fetterolf, and died in Troxelville. (5) 
Susanna, born December 10, 1837, married Jo- 
siah Kline and died in Adams township. (6) 
Miss Neoriah, born November 2, 1839, is still 
living. (7) John J. died in childhood. (8) 
Catherine, born April 24, 1844, is the widow of 
Josiah Kline. (9) Yost H., born February 28, 
1846, is a farmer in Adams township. (10) John 
J., born April 28, 1848, is a contractor residing 
in Salem, Oregon. 

J. G. Moyer began his education in a school 
house which formerly occupied a site about a 
half mile east of Troxelville. He afterward at- 
tended Union Seminary at New Berlin, and on 
leaving school he taught for a few months, and, 
in 1868, he entered upon his business career as a 
clerk for Capt. G. H. Hassenplug, in Musser's 
Valley, at $7.00 per month. He remained there 
nearly three years, and then, forming a partner- 
ship with Mr. Swartz, he carried on a general 
store business at Troxelville. In 1873 he pur- 
chased his partner's interest, and his business in- 
creased so rapidly that in 1875 he built a hand- 
some two-and-a-half-story brick block, which 
he still owns. In 1878 he retired from mer- 



cantile life to engage in the lumber business in 
partnership with William B. Baum, of New Ber- 
lin. They manufactured railroad ties, and lum- 
ber of all kinds, and have an extensive trade 
throughout New York, Pennsylvania, New Jer- 
sey, and Connecticut, one day's shipment reach- 
ing as high as forty-seven thousand feet. They 
own large tracts of timber land in Snyder and 
Mifflin counties, and at one time had sawmills at 
different points on the Sunbury and Lewistown 
railroad. In 1887 Mr. Moyer began to conduct 
the business for himself, and in 1892 he began 
the manufacture of staves and heads, in which busi- 
ness he is now the leader in Snyder county, and 
in June, 1897, he took an order for one hundred 
car-loads of these and similar goods. As a busi- 
ness man, Mr. Moyer is shrewd and farsighted, 
and he has already acquired a handsome fortune. 
He employs a large number of workmen, and his 
various enterprises distribute large sums of 
money. He owns an excellent farm in Adams 
township, Snyder county, and since the spring of 
1886 he has resided in Adamsburg, where he has 
a handsome home. He has an interesting fam- 
ily, to which he is devoted. On May 3, 1873, he 
was married at Troxelville, by Rev. W. R. 
Wieand, to Miss Maggie J. Swartz, daughter of 
Elias R. and Christina (Bingman) Swartz, and 
granddaughter of Daniel Swartz, a pioneer farm- 
er of Snyder county. Another relative was 
Squire George Swartz, who was a well-known 
justice of the peace in the early days. Mr. and 
Mrs. Moyer have had three children: Miss 
Perie Pruelle, born October 18, 1874, a graduate 
of Mechanicsburg College, and who now lives at 
home. Miss Victoria May, born April 12, 1876, 
at home; and Franklin Guy, born January 13, 
1878, who died June 15, 1S81. Socially, Mr. 
Moyer is a member of the K. G. E. at Beaver 
Springs, and he and his wife are both identified 
with St. Luke's Church (Evangelical Lutheran) 
at Troxelville, and, in 1880, when the new edifice 
was built, he was secretary and treasurer of the 
building committee, and secured many large 
contributions for the work. He finds time also 
for the duties of citizenship, and has held sev- 
eral offices including that of township auditor. 
On March 30, 1880, he was commissioned justice 
of the peace, and his ability and impartiality so 
commended him to the people that he was re- 
elected at the end of the term. 



J 



OHN S. SMITH, a substantial and highly 
esteemed citizen of Snyder county, is the 
owner of two valuable farms, and although 
he is now living in retirement at Beavertown, he 



115-2 



COMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



was for many years an active and successful 

iculturist. At the age of seventy-seven yi 
he can look back over an interesting period of 
our history, and his vigorous mind and attentive 
memory make his conversation most instructive 
and entertaining. His family has been identi- 
fied with Snyder county since pioneer time, his 
idfather, Adam Smith, having from 

one of the lower counties of Pennsylvania at a 
very earlv day to settle near Troxelville, where 
he acquired a lai ol land. He died there 

several children, among whom were three 
sons — Adam, George and Daniel — and three 

i- therine, who married Jai 

Drees< ; Millie, who married Daniel Grimm; and 
Bevy, who married John Smith. 

George Smith, our subject's father, was born 
Snyder county in 1789, and always resided at 
the old homestead. He died in May. [822, from 
the effects of a kick in the stomach from a horse. 
The injury was not at first considered dangerous, 
but death resulted in a few days. He was buried 
in Musser Valley Cemetery. He was a tall man, 
an excellent farmer, and his fine qualities of 
character caused him to be greatly respected 
among his associates. His wife, Elizabeth 
Steininger, who was born in what is now Adams 
township, Snyder county, in [800, was a daugh- 
ter of Dabolt Steininger, a well-known pioneer. 
Our subject was the only child of this marri 
The widow afterward married Daniel Klose, by 
whom she had the following children : Leah, 
Lizzie, Sarah, the twins, Amelia and Daniel the 
latter a Lutheran preacher in Arizona', Mari- 
etta, George, James, Jerry and Alfred. Early 
in 1850 Daniel Klose and his family removed to 
the vicinity of Three Rivers, Mich., where he 
owned a large tract of land and carried on agri- 
cultural operations until his death. Mrs. Klose 
I there at an advanced agi 
Mr. Smith was born March 6, [821, at the 
old home near Troxelville. He was left father- 
at the early age of fourteen months, but 
fortunately his mother's second husband sup- 
plied his loss, proving to be a kindly and judi- 
1 and friend. As the schoi >ls 1 -I that 
were of an infi rt, and the work at 

Men interfered with his attendance. Mr. 
th's education has been almost wholly 

I Often he spent less than a month in 
>■ during his 

made him an 
better school privili 
■ ration. Farm work was then doni 

plenty to do at 
iitil [84 

1 irk 



yard at Lewistown, his father promising him $150 
if he would assist him until he was twenty-one. 
In [843 Mr. Smith married Miss Martha Middles- 
warth, who was born September 11, [823, the 
daughter of Hon. Ner Middleswarth, one of the 
most distinguished citizens of Clinton county. 
For one year alter his marriage, Mr. Smith took 
charge of the homestead for one-third of the 
crop, his stepfather visiting Illinois, in the 
iitime. In the spring of 1845, ^' r - Smith 
located near Beavertown on a farm belonging to 
his father-in-law, where he spent two years, and 
he then removed to Musser's Valley, and for fif- 
teen years had charge of another of his father- 
in-law's estates. He then purchased a farm 
below Beavertown, and after residing there ten 
years he turned the active work of management 
to younger hands, and removed to Beavertown 
where he purchased property in an unfinished 
condition, and made himself a comfortable 
home. 

Although Mr. Smith takes much interest in 
local improvement, his influence has been exerted 
in quiet ways. Politically he was formerly a 
Whig and is now a Republican, and while a 
stanch supporter <>t his party he has never shown 
a disposition to seek official honors. He was at 
one time a member of the Independent Order of 
Odd Fellows, and for many years has been a 
prominent worker in the Lutheran Church, serv- 
ing continuously as elder. He has six children, 
all of whom occupy honorable and useful posi- 
tions in life: A. M., is a well-known physician 
of Beaver Springs; George, is a hotel keeper at 
the same place; Ner and John D. reside in 
Newton, Kans. ; Adda married A. H. Bowersox, 
of Beavertown; and Rebecca is the wife of George 
Thomas, of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. 



AUGUSTUS SPRINGMAN, one of the 
wealthiest land owners of Washington 
township, Snyder county, is of German birth and 
his career furnishes an apt illustration of the en- 
ergy, industry and foresight which characterize 
his race. His early life was spent in the hard 
0] ol i" iverty, and [1 presenl 

shai ; I as his memory holds of g 1 and 

ill fortun 

Mr. Springman v 1 March 4. 1827, near 

|oseph and 1 1 
(Krouse) Springman. The mother die his 

childhood, leaving t« | stus, 

and two daughters, Annie and Maria. His fa- 
ther married a second time, and by thi 

In 1840 the father died, and, as the : 




^\ 




<• \<' a '/',/<■ . 



^/ /iC'J7/& n 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1153 



left in limited circumstances, young Augustus 
found himself practically without a home. For 
two years he hired out to watch sheep, receiving 
the sum of two dollars per year in cash for his 
services, and later he was hired by farmers at 
the rate of eight dollars per year. After a time 
he secured a position as a waiter in the house- 
hold of Herr Herman Humbold, a wealthy resi- 
dent of Frederickseck, Prussia, who lived in grand 
style (the suit of clothes which Mr. Springman 
wore while in his service cost five hundred dol- 
lars). In 185 i the ambitious youth went to Ber- 
lin to seek employment, and after a long and dis- 
couraging effort was obliged to take a place in a 
soap factory at four dollars per month. Although 
his employer was very wealthy, our subject often 
went hungry as the help was compelled to live 
upon what was left after the family had eaten, 
and it is not strange that he should decide to 
leave the situation and endeavor to find another. 
This plan proved a failure as he was arrested 
by the police and locked up, and on his release 
he started to walk to his old home, a distance of 
two hundred miles. Before he reached his desti- 
nation he endured many hardships, being so nearly 
famished at times that he was glad to gather up 
and eat things that the farmers had thrown away as 
useless. But this sad period was not his first ex- 
perience, as, previous to going to Berlin, he had 
been in such straits that during the hard times 
of 1 848 he had bought the sweepings from a grist- 
mill floor and baked it into bread rather than 
starve. His thoughts must have turned to Amer- 
ica as a land of better opportunities many times 
during his years of suffering and scantily rewarded 
toil, and in February, 1853, he took passage 
from Bremen to Baltimore, Md. , being the first 
emigrant from his native place. He had re- 
ceived from his brother the sum of fifty-five dol- 
lars as his share of his father's estate, and out of 
this he paid forty-five dollars for his fare and 
necessary outfit. Surely no one ever started 
more blindly upon so long a journey as he did, 
not knowing a word of English, and had no idea 
of any special place to settle or work to attempt, 
but he had youth and health in his favor, and his 
habits of industry and temperance promised well 
for him. On landing in Baltimore in the last of 
March, 1853, after a long and stormy voyage, he 
found himself with but $2.51 in his pocket, and 
while wandering about the city trying to decide 
what to do, he threw up his cane which he had 
brought from the Fatherland, and in accordance 
with an old German custom, looked to see the 
direction that the head might take as an indica- 
tion of his future course. Fortunately a kind- 
hearted German saw him, and was prompted to 
73* 



ask him where he desired to go. Mr. Springman 
replied that he did not know the name of the 
place. His new friend mentioned several cities, 
and on hearing the name of Harrisburg, our sub- 
ject decided that he would go there, and was 
shown the way to the depot. Laying all his 
money on the window sill before the ticket agent, 
he stated that he wished to go to Harrisburg, but 
as the agent did not understand him the said new 
friend stepped forward and repeated his request 
in English. The agent pushed the money back 
saying that there was not enough to pay for a 
ticket to Harrisburg, and the friend at once 
made up the required amount and gave it to Mr. 
Springman, who has never since seen or heard of 
him. When Mr. Springman arrived at Harris- 
burg he had one cent, and as he had had nothing 
to eat since the previous day he was in a serious 
predicament. Finding a man who could talk 
German, he learned the way to a German hotel, but 
he met with a discouraging reception as the propri- 
etor ordered him out of the house when he began 
to explain his circumstances. However, he se- 
cured some breakfast and a room by depositing 
his watch and some of his clothing, and then he 
started out in search of work. For a time he was 
unsuccessful, and his misfortunes seemed to reach 
a desperate stage when a fire destroyed most of 
his clothing, but at last a change came as if fate 
had wearied of persecutingso persistent and cour- 
ageous a soul. He was employed to unload a 
raft of lumber, for which he was to receive six- 
teen dollars, it being considered a two-weeks' 
task. By working almost all day and almost all 
night he managed to finish the work in three 
days, and the same man then gave him another 
raft to unload for seventeen dollars. His work 
was entirely satisfactory, and after this he had no 
difficulty in obtaining all he could do, so that 
within two weeks after going to Harrisburg he 
had fifty dollars in cash over and above his ex- 
penses and the cost of replacing his clothes. 
Later he worked his passage on a boat to the 
Red Bank furnace near Danville, Penn., where 
he secured steady employment. His fellow- 
laborers, who were Irish, did every thing in 
their power to make his stay disagreeable and to 
bring about his discharge, but he kept quietly 
on with his tasks, paying as little attention as 
possible to annoyances. Finally some of the 
workmen became so abusive that he was com- 
pelled to give them a sound beating, and not 
long afterward he was warned that a plot had 
been made against his life. His reputation for 
strength and bravery being well-established, his 
assailants did not dare to attack him single- 
handed, and they came upon him four to one. 



1 1 54 



VORATIVE BIOORAPSICAL Ith'ORD. 



He was prepared, however, and used a pieo 
crowbar to such good puri toneol the cow- 

ardly antagonists was badly hurt and the others 
fled in fear. Mr. Springman decided that he could 
no longer remain with his unfriendly companii 
and asked his employer, a Mr. Wood, for a 

timendation, but when the state of affairs be- 
came known he was made a boss, and his n 
active enemies were severely reprimanded Tv. 
and a half years at this place enabled him to 
seven hundred dollars, and he then went to Dan- 
ville, Penn., where he obtained similar emploj 
ment. He next engaged in peddling, in which 
was at first unsuccessful, losing ali his money, 
but with his usual persistence he kept on and in 
tune he made up for his losses. During tins 
id he took a course in Freeburg Academy 
under the instruction of Prof. D. S. Boyer, 

rning certain business forms and calculations, 
and acquiring the ability to read and write 
English. 

While passing through Juniata county on one 
of his business trips, Augustus Springman became 
acquainted with Miss Josephine Burd, of that 
countv. who was born July 2, 1S42. the daugh- 
ter of [oseph and Margaret (McCoj Burd, and. 
on March 15, i860, they were united in marriage. 
She was the granddaughter of James Burd, who 
resided near Mifflin, Juniata county. Jan 

a son of Col. Janus Burd, who was 
the third son of Edward Burd, a gentleman who 
lived on his estate of Ormiston, mar Edinburgh, 
Scotland, by his wife, fean Haliburton, daughter 
ol George Haliburton, the Lord Provost of Edin- 
burgh. Col. Burd was born at Ormiston in 1726, 
and came to this country lout,' antecedent to the 
Revolutionary war, and was for many years in 
the military service of the province of Pennsyl- 
vania, being one of its most noted milit 
during the French and Indian war, an 
manded the Second Battalion, Pennsylvania 
Regiment of Provincial troops. He compi 
the building oi Fori Augusta at Shamokin now 
Sunbury, Northumberland Co. , Penn., in 1;- 
[757; he was with the Forbes expedition, and 
-was in command at Fort Pitt and participated 111 
the construction of other forts, building of roads 
and other important matters of that time. II< 
was married in Philadelphia, in 1 74S. to Sarah 
Shippen, daughter of Edward Shippen, and sister 
of Chief Justice Edward Shippen, ami had ten 
children: Sarah married Judge Jaspei 
of Lancaster; Edward married Elizabeth Ship- 
pen, of Philadelphia; Jean married George Pat- 
terson, of Juniata county; Mary Shippen married 
Peter Grubb, "I I 1 Margarel married 

I ib Hubley, of Lancaster; James married 



Elizabeth Baker; Joseph married (first) Kitty 
Cochran, and (second 1 Harriet Bailey. The 
others died young and unmarried. James, after 
his marriage to Elizabeth Baker, removed to 
|uniata count}', Pennsylvania. His family con- 
1 ol Edward, Joseph and Allen. Joseph, 
grandson of Col. James Burd, married Margaret 
McCoy, and had five children: Edward died 
when seventeen years of age; Elizabeth inter- 
in. n it'd with l>r Sol. Page, of Kansas; Josephine 
married Augustus Springman; Dr. J. Patterson 
Burd, of Philadelphia, married Elizabeth Bord I e} 
Twiggs Shippen, daughter of Edward Shippen, 
oi Philadelphia; and Joseph S. Burd, of Sun- 
bury, married Eleanor Frank. 

Mrs. Springman brought her husband a tine 
fortune-, which he has managed with . lity, 

increasing it largely. He located at Freeburg, 
where he purchased a home and engaged in the 
real-estate business, and also dealt in horses and 

tie. In 1865 he bought the Mengas faun, 
where he resided one year. In [866 he bought 
the G 1 m, and built a tine residence in Free- 

burg. The years 1871 and 1872 were spent at 
Sunbury, Penn., in conducting a flour and I 
store and gristmill. On disposing of his inten 
there he returned to Freeburg and purchased the 
farm on which he now resides. At present he 
owns more than 820 acres of farming land, rep- 
nting an outlay of about $50,000, and he 
also has three pieces of property at Freeburg and 
a business block at Selins Grove. At four differ- 
ent times he has laid out additions to Freeburg, 
and his influence has been a helpful factor in the 
development of the town. On May 2, 1886, he 
laid out Evergreen cemetery at that place on his 
own land. Although uniformly successful in his 
undertakings he has lost money at times, and a 
few years ago, having guaranteed the right ol 

. for a proposed railway through his part ol 
the county, he was obliged to pay out $8,000, as 
some of the other guarantors had become in- 
solvent and could not meet their pledges. In 
politics he is a stanch Democrat, and he has 
been a Congressional delegate, and has repre- 
sented Sn) der county as a conferee in the district 
convention. For four years he was overseer of 
the poor, and he has served several times as ju 
of elections. He and his estimable wife united 
many years ago with the Lutheran Church at 
Freeburg, to which he has contributed liberally, 
not only in money but in time, serving at present 

trustee. 

Notwithstanding his early hardships. Mr. 

Springman is well preserved and enji irous 

1th He has made good use of his means 

since fortune smiled upon him. as he is not 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1155 



a believer in unnecessary self-denials. He has 
traveled extensively, and in 1867 he and his 
wife visited his native land, spending some time 
at his old home. They were cordially greeted 
by his friends and ielatives, who came from all 
directions to see him. While on their railway 
trips they traveled first class, as became wealthy 
Americans citizens, and on one occasion, when 
going from Bremen to Berlin, they occupied a 
compartment with a haughty German general, 
who was so rude as to stare at Mr. Springman 
through his eye-glass. This act was finally re- 
sented in an effective way by Mr. Springman, 
who got out his field-glass, and surveyed the gen- 
eral through it. The officer became furiously 
angry, but Mr. Springman was in no way discon- 
certed as he felt that an American citizen was 
quite as good as any German general. He re- 
turned to his adopted country more proud than 
ever of our institutions and ideals. 

On July 7, 1892, Mrs. Springman passed to 
the unseen life at the age of fifty years and five 
days. Her remains were interred in Evergreen 
Cemetery, where a beautiful and costly monu- 
ment bears lasting witness of the love and devo- 
tion of her husband. Of their five children, all 
are well settled in life, each occupying a hand- 
some property belonging to our subject, who is 
a most generous and affectionate parent. Mar- 
garet, born November 20, 1861, married John 
Strayer, of Washington township, Snyder coun- 
ty, and they have one child, Blanche. (2) Lau- 
ra, born May 4, 1864, married Robert Pack- 
nicke, of Washington township, and they have 
two children — Josephine and Frances. (3) Ida, 
born August 24, 1866, married John Kessler, of 
Selins Grove, and they have three children — 
Charles A., Carrie E., and Leon S. (4) Irene, 
born February 21, 1868, married William Gem- 
berling, of Selins Grove, and they have three 
children — Clarence, Burd, and Marie. (5) Jos- 
eph B., born September 18, 1873, is now a 
farmer in Washington township. He married 
Laura J. Diehl, and has two children — Josephine 
and Ralph A. 



WILLIAM DREESE, county commissioner 
for Snyder county, is a well-known agri- 
culturist and stock raiser residing near Beaver- 
town, and his popularity among his fellow-citi- 
zens is due to their recognition of his sterling 
qualities of character. He bears an honorable 
military record also, having entered the Union 
army as a mere boy of seventeen, and he may 
justly be regarded as a representative American. 
He was born December 25, 1846, in Beaver 



township, Snyder county (now Spring township), 
and is a grandson of that noted pioneer, Jacob 
Dreese, who came from Berks county, Penn., to 
Snyder county, at an early day, accompanied by 
two brothers, Peter and John. Peter married, 
and left a large family. John, who was known 
as "Big John," became the owner of a large 
tract of land, and a bequest to the Lutheran and 
Reformed Churches caused much litigation after 
his death. Jacob Dreese was born in 1786, and 
during boyhood was bound out to a Mr. Fetterolf, 
with whom he learned the blacksmith trade, 
which he followed for many years at Adamsburg, 
his shop containing four forges. He also owned 
and operated a farm, and was considered a 
wealthy man for that time. In politics he was a 
Whig and he belonged to the Lutheran Church, 
in which he held various offices and was a promi- 
nent worker. While walking on a sidewalk at 
Adamsburg, he was injured by a run-away colt 
whose rider was using no bridle, and died October 
1, 1854. His wife, Catherine Smith, who was 
born December 6, 1788, and died September 7, 
1863, was greatly beloved for her kindness to the 
sick and to the poor, many a helpless sufferer 
having been nursed back to health by her. Her 
father, Johan Adam Smith, of Troxelville, Penn , 
was at one time the owner of a large amount of 
land, but he met with reverses in later life. Nine 
children were born to Jacob and Catherine 
Dreese: Christiana, who married, first, Samuel 
Aurand, and, second, John Felker, died in 
Snyder county; Henry died near Adamsburg; 
Abraham, a farmer and blacksmith, died in Sny- 
der county; Mary, Mrs. Benfer, now deceased; 
Elizabeth, Mrs. Adam Specht, died in Adams- 
burg; Isaac is mentioned more fully below; 
Amelia married Michael Beaver, and now resides 
in Beavertown; Leah, widow of John Fike, re- 
sides in Juniata county; and Reuben is a promi- 
nent agriculturist of Spring township, Snyder 
county. 

Isaac Dreese, our subject's father, was born 
in 1 817, in what is now Spring township, Snyder 
county, then a part of Union county, and was 
reared upon a farm. In early manhood he mar- 
ried Miss Mary Beaver, a native of Beaver town- 
ship, Snyder county, which was named after her 
father, Jacob Beaver, one of the most extensive 
land owners of this section in his day. Three 
children were born of this marriage, of whom 
our subject is now the only survivor, the others, 
Irvin and Amanda, having died in childhood. 
The mother died in 1848, and about 1851 the 
father moved to Michigan, and located upon a 
farm in Osceola county, where he made his home 
until his death in 1S83. In 1862 he was married 



1156 



( <0M VEMOBA TlYE BIOQBAPBIt 'AL RECORD. 



to Miss Elizabeth Trowbridge, a native of Michi- 
gan, by whom he had one son, Nelson, who is 
now a farmer in Osceola county, Mich. Isaac 
Dreese was an excellent citizen, a member of the 
Lutheran Church, and a firm believer in prep- 
ress. His allegiance was given to the Republican 
party in the early days of that organization, and 
he spent three years in a Michigan regiment 
during the Civil war, taking part in the famous 
campaign under Sherman from "Atlanta to the 
sea." When only a year and a half old our sub- 
ject was bereft of a mother's love, and as he was 
but five years old when his father went West, he 
missed the fostering care of both parents. He 
was reared by his grandfather, Jacob Beaver, 
with whom he remained until twenty-one, his 
education being obtained in the common schools 
of Beaver township. As he could attend only in 
winter, his opportunities for learning were mea- 
gre, but it was mainly by his diligent use of his 
span- moments that he managed to secure a p 
practical knowledge of the English brandies. At 
the age of seventeen he enlisted at Middleburg 
as a private in Company B, 184th P. V. I., un- 
der 1 ■! Storer and (apt. Abner Brown, his regi- 
ment being attached to the First Brigade, Second 
Divisii a, oi ih ; Second Army Corps. He spent 
ten months in the service, and took part in sev- 
eral battles, including the engagements at Peters- 
burg and Hatcher's Run. After his return he con- 
tinued to assist his grandfather until 1S07. when 
he went to Michigan, when he was employed at 
farm labor for two years. He then came back 
t" his native county, and in Reaver township 
rented a farm belon^niL; to Aaron Middleswarth, 
and after fifteen years at that place he removed 
to the Isle of One. near Selins Grove, where (or 
seven years he conducted a farm for F. J. Schoch. 
In 1895 he took possession of his present ho: 
stead of eighty-three acres, which has cost him 
over four thousand dollars, including impn 
ments. It is a tine estate, well adapted to stock 
raising and § farming, ami Mr. l>reese has 

also made a decided sue I horticulture, as a 

specialty. 

In April, icX-o, Mr. Dreese wa - married in 
tver township to Miss Sarah Middleswarth, a 
daughter 1 >l and a granddaugh 

Xer Middlesv nth, wh • was one of the leading 
men of this - day. 1 -lev en 

havi d this union, of whom two, Laura J. 

; [., die i in childhood, and I in 

infancy urn tilers are Lester, a 

fanner near Selins ( 1 Kate, wile of J. R. 

Foster; Annie. Sarah; William; John; 

and Frank. The family is identified with the 
Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Dreese is a 



prominent worker, and has held the office of 
deacon. He also belongs to the P. O. S. of A. of 
Beavertown. In politics he is a stanch Repub- 
lican, and in 1896 he was elected county com- 
missioner by the largest majority given to any 
one on the ticket. His able and faithful service 
in this position has won the admiration of all 
classes in the community, irrespective of party, 
and his name is frequently mentioned in connec- 
tion with other official posts of even wider re- 
sponsibility. 



JESSE SHAMBACH. On a beautiful farm 
near Middleburg, Snyder county, this ven- 
erable gentleman, now more than seventy 
years of age, is passing the afternoon of life sur- 
rounded by a loving family and a host of friends. 
His estimable wife, with whom he has spent 
fifty-five years of wedded happiness, has also 
passed the allotted three-score years and ten, 
but she still takes delight in her accustomed act- 
ivities in the home. Their kindliness and g 
erositv have made them beloved throughout the 
community, and their house has been a center of 
generous hospitality during all the years of their 
united lives. 

Mr. Shambach was born August 30, 1822. in 
Center town-hip. Snyder county, and is of Ger- 
man descent, his great-grandfather, George 
shambach, having come to America at an early 
day. George Shambach (2), our subject's grand- 
father, settled in what is now Snyder county in 
pioneer times and engaged in farming. His fam- 
ily consisted of six children. Christian Shambach, 
our subject's father, being the youngest son. 
Christian Shambach was born in Montgomery 
county, but was married in Snyder county to his 
first wife, Miss Mary Walter, the daughter ol 
David Walter, a Revolutionary soldier, who is 
now buried in Salem cemetery in Snyder county, 
being the "iiK one of the heroes of the war ol 
independence to be interred there. After his 
inarriage Christian Shambach settled upon a farm 
and in 1 onnection with his agricultural work he 
followed the wagon maker's trade. He was a 
robust man, possessing great vitality, and did 
much hard work in his day. After he was sev- 
enty-six years old he made two wagons as an ex- 
ample to younger workers. His first wife died 
in [837 and was buried in Middleburg, and he 
rward married Mrs. Elizabeth (B htel I!il- 
widow of Isaac Bilger. They were inem- 
of the Reformed Church, and Mr. Sham- 
bach took a prominent part in local affair-. 
in earl) life a Whig and later on a Republican. 
He died at the age ol eighty-eight year.- and thi 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1157 



months, and was buried at Middleburg. By his 
first wife he had the following children: Daniel, 
who lives in the State of Indiana; David and 
George, residents of Paxtonville, Penn.; Mary, 
widow of Aaron Snyder, of Indiana; Jesse, our 
subject; Isaac, who resides in Indiana; Jacob, a 
resident of Perrysville, Ohio; Elizabeth, now 
Mrs. Benjamin Loos, of Center township; John, 
a resident of Adamsburg; William, now residing 
in Franklin township; Lydia, widow of Reuben 
Fisher, of Port Trevorton, Penn. ; and Henry, 
who died at Louisville, Ky. , while serving as a 
soldier in the Union army. By the second mar- 
riage there were four children: Harriet, now 
Mrs. Philip Amig, of Washington township; 
Aaron, who died at the age of thirty years; 
Sevilla, now Mrs. Derr, of Northumberland 
county, Penn. ; and Sarah, who died in child- 
hood. This family is probably unequaled for 
longevity, thirteen children being still living, and 
the average age of eleven of them is seventy-two 
years. 

Mr. Shambach obtained his early education 
in the subscription schools near his home, his 
first teacher being Henry Smith. Two months 
in each winter were considered a liberal allow- 
ance for study in those days, and the schools 
were decidedly inferior to those of to-day. He 
last attended the school of Salem Church, the 
building having now disappeared. During boy- 
hood he learned the wagon maker's trade with 
his father and assisted in the farm work, remain- 
ing at home until his marriage on September 1 1, 
1842, to Miss Sophia Fry. She was born in 
Center township, in 1825, the daughter of John 
and Wilhelmina (Walter) Fry, and their marriage 
occurred at New Berlin. They made their home 
for a year upon a farm belonging to Mr. Fry. 
Mr. Shambach then bought a small farm of 
thirty-seven acres, to which he afterward added 
fifty acres and then sixty-four acres, and with 
later additions it now comprises about 335 acres. 
Since 1857 he has occupied his present comfort- 
able residence. As a farmer he is considered 
one of the most successful in his locality, and he 
has been quite extensively engaged in horse 
raising, some excellent specimens of horse flesh 
having come from his farm. He is a good judge 
of horses, and in his dealings with others has al- 
ways been strictly honest, never misrepresenting 
any animal that was offered for sale, even when 
the sums involved amounted to five or six thou- 
sand dollars. His integrity has never been ques- 
tioned; his word on any matter is taken as con- 
clusive. Like all of his family, he is vigorous, 
physically and mentally, and as he himself en- 
joys life he desires that all around him should do 



so. The weary traveler has always found a 
kindly welcome at his home, it being Mr. Sham- 
bach's invariable rule to entertain strangers with 
cheerful hospitality. He and his wife have had 
a numerous family, as follows: Franklin, a 
blacksmith, died in Indiana; Nathan is a black- 
smith at Port Trevorton, Penn. ; Phares was 
formerly a blacksmith, but is now a farmer in 
Center township; Lavina married Jackson Bailey, 
of Center township; Joshua, a minister in the 
Evangelical Church, is stationed at Mazeppa, 
Penn.; Amandus is a blacksmith at Middleburg; 
Ellen married Isaiah Walter, of Centerville; 
Miss Wilhelmina resides in Altoona; Abbie mar- 
ried Jonathan Bingaman, and died in Center 
township; Elmer is a farmer in Center township; 
Willis resides in Union count)', and Emma died 
at the age of twelve years. 

Politically, Mr. Shambach was first a Whig, 
and, later, a Republican. He has never been 
anxious for public office, but has served as school 
director and tax collector. He and his wife are 
both members of the United Evangelical Church, 
and for twenty-five years he served as sexton. 
He has also been class leader for many years 
and at present is a trustee. He takes much in- 
terest in religious affairs, giving substantial con- 
tributions to various worthy movements under 
the auspices of the Church. 



QOTTLOB SCHRAY. Many of the most en- 
terprising and prosperous farmers of Snyder 
county have come from the land beyond the sea, 
and especially is this true of the many who have 
left their homes in the German Empire and 
sought a new abode in this land of freedom. 
Among these quite a prominent figure is Mr. 
Schray, who owns and operates a valuable farm 
in Union township. He was born in Wurtem- 
berg, Germany, December 11. 1839, a son of 
Jacob and Louisa Schray. The father, who was 
a contractor, died leaving a widow and ten chil- 
dren, six sons and four daughters, in very limit- 
ed circumstances, and, as the mother was unable 
to provide for their support, the family was soon 
scattered. 

Joseph, an elder brother of our subject, had 
previously come to the United States, and he 
asked to have some ctf the boys come to the New 
World. Accordingly, Gottlob, with his sister 
Carolina, started for America, leaving Havre, 
France, on the "Humboldt," which was fifty- 
eight days in reaching the harbor of New York. 
In that city the sister remained and is still living, 
being now the widow John Ernst. Our subject, 
who could not speak a word of English, went at 






1158 



COMMEMORA T1VE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



once to Reading, Penn., where his brother ov< 
a twenty-ai yard, in which Gottlob 

cruelly compelled to work as hard as any sla 

He had been led to believe that life here 
nearly all pleasure, but during his four-years' stay 
with his brother he was (ore • rk early and 

late, receiving no v i clothes, and those 

which his excellent mother had given him v 
worn to rags in that time. He was not aw 

of I ted. but was several 

times advised to leave his brother by those who 
took an interest in him, and finally decided to do 
so. Making II bundle of his clothi 

he threw them out of the wind 
and jun If. Mr. 

work with a tanner, Michael Miller, al Strauss- 
town, eight mill ig, and with him 
i fifteen years, at tirst receiving $60 
the business, the sec- 
was advanced by the death oi one oi 
the employees to a position where $30 per mouth 

ud this amount 
him. it being "1 oney than he had 

heard of." idy, industrious and economical, 

he had saved, on leaving hi 500, 

ami with this he secured a start in life. Later 
he worked for Benjamin Parvin for eight years in 
his tannery four mil' Reading, and here 

also accumulated considerab orked al- 

■l daj and night. Mr. Parvin was old, 
his sons were in the ind an arrange- 

t was made with our subject, wherein 
was to receive a certain amount oi the pi 
which caused him to work the harder. 

In the meantime about [863, Mr. Schray 
had married. Mi ca Strauss becoming his 

wife. She was born at Strausstown, Perks 1 
Penn., and was a daughter of William Strauss. 
in whose honor the village was named. She 
died at that place, leaving two children: Jan 
now a raiiroad engineer living at Little K 
Ark.; and Sally, wife of Jami I , of 

l nship, Snyder county. In [873 Mr, 

Schray came to Snyder county, and purcha 
his pre- 1 in Chapman township, ol |ohn 

Bittner, and here ha home. The 

destroyed by 
fire, and he erected his present comfortable res- 
idence; while on July (6, 1895, his barn was 
struck by lightning, and in ^he following year was 
replaced by the excellent one now seen upon his 
place. On coming here he brought with him 
$6,000 in cash tied in his handkerchief, but this 
did not represent his entire capital as he had 
lived frugally and industriously, and had saved 
considerable. Although he was entirely unfa- 
miliar with the occupation of farming, and many 



predicted failure, his tact, skill and observation 
assisted him, and he soon prospered in his new 
undertake 

In March, 1S70, Mr. Schray was agaim mar- 
ried, his second union being with Miss Eliza! 
Bittner, a native of Germany, and a daughter of 
fohn Bittner, who, oncoming to America first lo- 
catedin Philadelphia, later removed to Bern town- 
Irks county, and finally to Union town- 
ship, Snyder county. He and his wife, who 
maiden name of Anna M. Kilmer, both 
died 11 Union township and were buried in Keiser 

1 1' ry. Mrs. Schray, who was one of their 
children, was born August 18, 1835, was 
their only daughter, and was fourteen j 

when they crossed the Atlantic. By her 
marriage' she' became the mother of four chil- 
dren: Lizzie, who was burned to death at the 
time the house was destroyed by tire; Katy, n 
the wife- of Amman Seechrist, of Verdilla, Penn. ; 
and Charles W. and Lizzie, both at home 

Mr. and Mrs. Schray are both earnest mem- 

oi tin- Reformed Church, in which he has 

held office for nine consecutive years. He is an 

ellent example of a self-made man. and is to- 
day one of the representative and prominent 
farmers of Union township. His knowledg 

lish is self-acquired, as he n tl tided 

school aftei coming to this country, but, being 
naturally intelligent and a j;reat reader, lit 
kept well posted on the topics of the day, and is 
a close observer of men and events. He 
man of keen foresight, sound judgment and rare 
business ability, has never been ill a day in his 
life, and possesses that tireless energy that is sure 
to win success. Of unquestioned integrity and 
honor, he has gained the confidence and res; 
of all with whom he has come in contact, and no 
man in Snyder count) is more deserving the high 

trd m which he is held, or the success that 
he has achieved, than Gottlob Schray. 



Fll. and JOHN H. SUFFEL are substan- 
tial and progressive I. 1 >l Chap: 
township, who represent a family that has for 
nearly one hundred years 1 ntified with 
this locality. The grandfather, fohn Suffel, a 

ited in Ghapman town- 
ship in pioneer days, followed farming and h 

ed his family of six children, namely: fohn, 
who died in Chapman township at the age of 
fifty-six years; Peter, deceased; Jacob; Molly, 
wife of Abel Ibrrold; Elizabeth; and Cathai 
wife of John 1 .1 

ib Suffel • 11 mi the old family hi 

1 in 1810, and in early life worked on the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1159 



Pennsylvania canal, which lies along the farm. 
When a young man he married Catharine Her- 
rold, who was born in Chapman township in 
1 8 1 7, a representative of a prominent pioneer 
family of the county. They became the parents 
of the following named: F. H., born December 
26, 184O; John H., born November 15, 1842; 
Sarah, wife of Jerome Mover, of Chapman town- 
ship; Louisa, who lives with her widowed mother 
on the old homestead; Mary, wife of J. R. Moyer, 
of Chapman township; and James. The father 
of this family was a Democrat, and was a mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church. He made farming 
his life work, became the owner of the old home- 
stead by purchasing the interests of the other 
heirs, and at his death left a comfortable compe- 
tence to his family. His widow is still living at 
the old place. 

F. H. Suffel is now part owner of the farm. 
His educational privileges were limited to the 
four-months' term of the country schools. He 
possesses much mechanical skill, and, although he 
has never served an apprenticeship, can duplicate 
almost anything in carpenter work. He married 
Miss Catharine Burris, a native of Perry county, 
Perm., and their children are: Carrie, wife of 
Charles Lehman, of Millersburg, Penn. ; Lizzie, 
wife of Edward Dunkelberger, of Shamokin, 
Penn.; Sallie, Edith, Bessie and Jacob P., at 
home. Mr. Suffel is a Democrat in politics, and 
contributes liberally to the support of the United 
Brethren Church, of which his wife is a member. 
His business interests are well managed, and 
success has in consequence attended his efforts. 
From early manhood he operated canal boats, 
and in this way he has formed an extensive ac- 
quaintance from the sea shore to the northern 
terminus of the canal on either branch of the Sus- 
quehanna. He is now associated with his brother 
in the ownership and operation of the home farm, 
and is a man of sterling worth, of unquestioned 
probity in business and of high standing in social 
circles. 

John H. Suffel, who conned his lessons while 
sitting on slab benches in the country school 
house, was early trained to habits of industry 
and economy, and, like his brother, is numbered 
among the substantial farmers of the community. 
In 1872 they erected what was at one time the 
finest country home in Snyder county, and both 
have resided therein since. They purchased of 
the other heirs their interests in the old home- 
stead, and now have a valuable farm property of 
seventy-eight acres, which is under a high state 
of cultivation, and improved with all the acces- 
sories and conveniences of a model farm of the 
nineteenth century. John H. Suffel was united 



in marriage to Miss Barbara Moyer, a native of 
Chapman township, and a daughter of Benjamin 
Moyer. Having no children of their own, they 
adopted a son, David Roush, who lived with 
them between the ages of six and twenty-two 
years. Mr. Suffel impressed him with the ad- 
vantage and necessity of having a good educa- 
tion, and provided him with more than average 
privileges in that direction. John H. Suffel, like 
his brother, is a stanch advocate of the Democracy, 
but is not an office-seeker. He commands the 
respect of all by an upright life, and stands high 
in the community in which he has always made 
his home. 



E 



"\NOS KLINGLER. Among the leading and 



representative agriculturists of Snyder coun- 
ty, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil, there is 
none who stands a more prominent figure than 
the gentleman whose name begins this article. 
His home, which is in Penn township, is a pleas- 
ant and substantial one, and is known far and 
wide for the open hospitality and geniality of its 
inmates. 

Mr. Klingler made his appearance on the 
stage of life December 12, 1829, in Penn town- 
ship, at the home of his parents, Benjamin and 
Barbara (Benfer) Klingler. The father was born 
in what was then Northumberland county, Penn., 
but is now Jackson township, Snyder county, a 
son of Peter and Elizabeth (Hawk) Klingler, who 
came from the lower counties of the State to this 
region, where the grandfather followed the occu- 
pation of farming until called from this life. 
The father of our subject grew to manhood in 
his native county, and was married there to Miss 
Benfer, who was also born in Jackson township, 
the daughter of a farmer. They continued to 
reside there for a number of years, but spent 
their last days in Penn township, the father dy- 
ing at the age of fifty, the mother at the age of 
seventy, and both were buried at Kratzerville. 

Enos Klingler is one of a family of eight chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters, and was 
reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys. 
He attended the subscription schools, to which 
his father was a liberal contributor, and during 
his youth learned the carpenter's trade under the 
direction of Daniel Oldt and John Moyer. When 
about twenty-seven years of age he was united in 
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Oldt, a daughter of 
David Oldt, and for one year they made their 
home with his widowed mother. Mr. Klingler 
continued to work at his trade, and soon after his 
marriage purchased a farm in Jackson township, 
and with his brother bought from his father's 



1160 



: ' VEMORA Tl VE BIOGRA 1'IIK A I. UECORD. 



place a small tract in Penn township, becoming 
the owner of this before he had attained his ma- 
jority. On March 28, 1892, he removed to his 
present farm in Penn township, which was known 
as the Isaac Luck farm, and is now the owner of 
nearly 550 acres of rich and arable lands divided 
into four farms and improved with good and sub- 
stantial buildings. He is one of the most pros- 
perous, enterprising and reliable farmers of Sny- 
der county, and the success that he has achieved 
is due almost entirely to his own efforts and those 
of his estimable wife. 

To this worthy couple have been born th< 
lowing children: B. F., now a farmer of Penn 
township; David, an agriculturist of La Grange 
county. Ind. ; John, a farmer of Union county, 
Perm. ; Charles, Samuel and William, all at 
home; Barbara, widow of John Miller, of Elk- 
hart, Ind.; Mary E., wife of I!. F. Klingler, of 
Elkhart; Emma, who died at that place; Hattie, 
now Mrs. William Maurer. of Dry Valley, Union 
Co., Penn.; Catharine, wife of Newton Stettler, 
of Penn township, Snyder county; Sarah J., wife 
of Jacob Benfer, of Kramer, Snyder county; and 
Agnes C. and Anna M., both at home. The 
family is one of which the parents take a just 
pride, and they are now all filling honorable po- 
sitions in life. Although a Democrat in politics, 
Mr. Klingler is not strictly partisan, but selects 
the best man in many instances, regardless of 
party affiliations. Before he had attained his 
majority he was chosen a member of the grand 
jury, an honor rarely conferred upon a minor. 
1 1 cast his first vote at Selins Grove. He is a 
leading member of the Reformed contingent at 
Salem Church, with which he has been officially 
connected for many years, and is at present 
treasurer and a member of the building commit- 
tor the new house of worship. As a citizen 
he is one which any community might be proud 
t possess; honest, upright and honorable in all 
his dealings, he has won the respect and esteem 
of all who know him. 



J' MIX A. MOVER. It is ever of interest to 
note the methods that have been followed 

by the successful business man, to analyze 
his character, and see what are the elements that 
have enabled him to pass others on the highway 
of life, and soon reach the goal of prosperity. 

li a history contains incentives and lessons of 
value, setting forth an example that others may 
follow. A like history is that of Mr. Moyer. one 
of the leading farmers of Chapman township. 

He was born in Freeburg, Penn., January [6, 
1823, a son of Philip Moyer, who was born in 



the same place, January 1, 1S00. The latter was 
reared there, and in his youth learned the hat- 
trade. In the fall of 1828 he located near 
Liverpool, Penn., where he began conducting a 
tavern, and later to Dry Sawmill, about three 
miles above Liverpool. In 1831 he removed to 
the canal, a mile and a quarter above McKees 
Half Falls, where he conducted the "Seven stars 
I Lvern " (or a number of years, after which he 
made his home on a small tract of land in Chap- 
man township, which he had previously pur- 
chased, and which continued to be his place of 
residence until his death in 1856. His first wife 
was Barbara Bickle, who died in 1831. and their 
children were Luzetta, who was twice married, 
and died in Chapman township; John A. ; Will- 
iam, who died in Fremont, Penn.; Edward, who 
died in Springfield, Ohio; and Absalom, of Chap- 
man township. Philip Moyer married Julia A. 
Bickle, a sister of his first wife, and they have 
two children, who died in early life. His third 
wife bore the maiden name of Susan Kantz, and 
their children are Mrs. Sarah Tilton, widow, of 
Chicago, 111.; Jerome, of Union township, Sny- 
der county; Amelia, who married John Cole, and 
died in Port Trevorton; William, who died in 
Chapman township; and Mary, wife of John D. 
Bogar, of Port Trevorton. 

John A. Moyer. whose name introduces this 
review, was a small child when his parents went 
to Liverpool. He attended school at the Dry 
Sawmill, where instruction was given in the 
•'three R's, " but advanced little beyond that. 
At the age of eighteen he began learning the sad- 
dler's trade under the direction of Isaac Neyman, 
of New Berlin, serving a two-and-a-half-years' 
apprenticeship, during which time all the money 
he had was what he could earn by two weeks' 
work in the harvest field, that length of time be- 
_;iven him by his employer. When his term 
was ended, he followed his trade in the winter 
and worked on the canal in summer. He was 
married December 19, 1850, to Miss Louisa 
r. who was born January 13, 1831. He 
then located in Port Trevorton, where he lived 
for five years, during which time he was part 
owner of the boat, " Maria O. Sayrs." His present 
farm he purchased of his father, and since 1800 
he has not followed boating with the exception 
of the season of 1867. When working on the 
canal he owned four mules that he drove for 
more than twenty years. These mules made 
fourteen trips from Lock Haven to Philadelphia, 
a distance of 540 miles, in one summer. Mr. 
Moyer cared for the faithful beasts until they 
died, and only a few hours before the last one 
was killed refused a good price for it. To farm- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1161 



ing he has given the greater part of his time and 
attention for many years, and his systematic and 
energetic labors in the way of plowing, planting 
and harvesting have brought to him a comfort- 
able competence. Entirely through his own 
efforts he has accumulated a capital that now 
largely enables him to live retired. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Moyer were born ten chil- 
dren, but only three reached adult age. Edward 
W. , who was 1 born September 5, 1854, married 
Saloma V. Reichenbach, and is a farmer of Chap- 
man township; Mar}' E., born June 22, 1858, is 
the wife of George F. Wolfe, of the same town- 
ship; Barbara A., born May 20, 1861, is the wife 
of Franklin Zerbe, of Chapman township. The 
mother of this family died in February, 1870. 
Mr. Moyer was again married, in 1875, his sec- 
ond union being with Catherine, a daughter of 
George and Polly (Shaffer) Steffe, born May 30, 
1841, in Washington township, Snyder county. 
The children of the second marriage are Mary 
L. , wife of Leonard Ulsh, of Shamokin, Penn. ; 
Alba, wife of John Stroub, of Herndon, Penn. ; 
Dolly A., wife of Levi Carlin, of Chapman town- 
ship; and Philip, who died at the age of twelve 
years. In his political adherency Mr. Moyer is 
a stanch Democrat, supporting each Presidential 
candidate of the party since casting his first vote 
for James K. Polk. He has several times served 
as school director. He is a member of the Odd 
Fellows Society, and both he and his wife be- 
long to the Reformed Church, in which he is 
now serving as elder. By extensive reading and 
observation he has become a well informed man, 
and possessing an excellent memory is enabled 
to draw on his knowledge to enrich his conver- 
sation. All who know him esteem him for his 
sterling worth, and commend him for his well- 
spent life and successful business career. 



A. HUMMEL, of Kratzerville, Snyder coun- 
^k ty, a well-known druggist and manufacturer 
of carbonated beverages, is one of the successful 
business men of his section, and owns valuable 
propertyindifferent places, including the "Central 
Hotel " at New Berlin. He comes of an excellent 
ancestry, and on the paternal side is descended 
from a pioneer, who came up the Susquehanna 
river soon after the Revolutionary war and settled 
in Monroe township, Snyder county. His family, 
which consisted of six sons and three daughters, 
accompanied him, and their descendants are now 
numerous. Among the sons was Frederick A. 
Hummel, our subject's great-grandfather, who 
was born in Berks county, Penn., and died in 
Monroe township, Snyder county. Samuel Hum- 



mel, the grandfather of our subject, was born at 
the new home in Monroe township, Snyder coun- 
ty, and became a farmer by occupation. His 
death occurred in Union township, Union coun- 
ty, at the age of sixty-six, and his remains were 
interred at Kratzerville. His wife, Catherine 
Slough, was a native of Union county. They had 
the following children: Elizabeth, who married 
Barney Weaver, both now deceased; Miss Lida, 
who resides with her brother Jonathan; Isaac, 
our subject's father; William, who was accident- 
ally shot and killed while hunting; Miss Sarah, 
now residing with her brother Jonathan; Jon- 
athan, a well-known citizen of Union township, 
Union county; and Frank, a farmer near Free- 
port, Illinois. 

Isaac Hummel, the father of our subject, was 
born January 21, 1822, at the old homestead in 
Union township, Union county, and followed farm- 
ing until 1889, when he retired. Although he 
was at one time quite well-to-do, he has met 
with reverses, and now makes his home with our 
subject. In politics he is a stanch Republican, 
and he has always taken a keen interest in the 
questions of the day. On June 1, 1847, he mar- 
ried Miss Martha J. Pope, who was born October 
25, 1820, in Greenwood townshi'p, Columbia 
county, Penn., and is still living. She is a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church, but our subject's 
father is a Lutheran in religious faith. Of the 
six children of this worthy couple, our subject is 
the only survivor. Jackson died at the age of 
six years; William at the age of ten; Simon at 
the age of six; and the twins, who died in in- 
fancy, were not named. 

Thomas Pope, the great-grandfather of our 
subject on the maternal side, was born in Mas- 
sachusetts, and married Miss Mary Willhelm, a 
native of Maryland, and a daughter of William 
Willhelm, who came from Germany. Their son 
Fredrick, who was named in honor of the 
Prussian king, became a farmer in Northampton 
county, Penn., but his last years were spent in 
retirement, his death occurring at the age of 
eighty-seven. He married Miss Elizabeth A. 
Vallerchamp, who died at the age of eighty-two. 
Their children were Simon, a pattern maker at 
Williamsport, Penn.; Martha J. , our subject's 
mother; Watson, who died when nine years old; 
Fredrick, who died at the age of twenty-three; 
W., who died at ten years; Azima, a farmer in 
Kansas; Nelson, a farmer in Missouri; Jackson, 
who is connected with a machine shop at Millers- 
burg, Penn. ;and Sarah A., who died in girlhood. 
The Vallerchamp family is of French origin, and 
our subject's great-great-grandfather in this line, 
who died in the city of Paris, was a nobleman of 



L162 



COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



rank and influence in the court of the King. 
Simon Peter Vallerchamp, our subject's gn 

ndfather, came to America with LaFayette 
during the Revolutionary war, and was twice shot 
while serving in the cause of freedom. At Phil- 
adelphia he met and married Miss Jennie Perton, 
and their son, our sub i indfather, resided at 

Philadelphia where he owned a handson 
with a large park. 

A. A. Hummel first saw tin; light November 
zj , i S 5 1 , in Greenwood township, Columbia 

nty, Penn., and his boyhood was spent u] 

i in. Although hr now possesses an e\' 
ally fine physique, he pa- se\ eral < 

in early life, and bul for the skillful 
and untiring care of hismothei lie could not have 
sun ived \\ hen hi old, In- fell 

from a hay wagon which pa er him. cut- 

tin- his head. He had only partially rerov 
from this injury, being nof langer.when 

his parents took him out riding in order to give 
him the stimulus of fresh air and new scenes. 
their return home his lather left the carriage to 
pen up some rattle, when the horses ran awaj 
The mother was holding the hoy in her arms and 
both were thrown out, the latter being picked 
up for dead, as the' stitches in his pre\ 
wound had all bursted. whili i injuries \ 

received. 1 1 mothei mils up 

again, and for nine day- I ghts kept him in 
her arms, tending him so devotedly that hr 
finally recovered. He a- local sch 

until he reached the age ol n. when he 

entered Central Pennsylvania College and took a 
three-years' Ho then taught for one 

winter at Chestnut Ridge, Snydei county, and 
in the following spring became a student at 
Pennsylvania College in Now Berlin. At the 

his first term there (in [une, 1872) 
returned home, i hree years was 1 onfined 

to his bed with cerebro-spina! meningitis, a dis- 
ease from which few evei completely recover. 
During his convalescence he attended lectures un- 
der I n . Larisi m, 1 il Bucknel 1 e, hut his ill 
health prevented him from taking a full con; 
He is a mechanical genius, being able to make 
almost anything, and h ne interested in 
watch repairing which he continued i 
time as a regular business I le maki - 1 C 
cabinets, and has manufactured many keys and 
similar articles. While at Bucknell I illege he 
1 "1 kej - t' 1 the institution 
to replace some which had been lost. In [880 
he opened his present din- store with the 
thought that he could at least he sure of one 

1 1 usti imer, hin his health at the 

time was very poor, and he has made 



- of the business from the start, while car- 
rying on his other branches of work. In pol- 
itics Mr. Hummel is a Republican, but he is not 
an office seeker. He belongs to the Baptist 
Church, and is in sympathy with any movement 
that promises to benefit the community. 

On March 4, 1S73, he married Miss Alice 
Trutt, and their home is brightened by nine 
children: Josephine. Jessie I., Jennie E., Clara 
M.. Elmer A., Lama A., Sadie E., Oliver \\\, 
and ( land. Mrs. Hummel was born October 
-3' '855, at Kratzerville, the daughter of Dan- 
iel R., and granddaughter of Peter and Polly 
Reii hie} 1 Trutt. Her father, who was born in 
Union county, was a carpenter for main years, 
but is now living in retirement on a farm in 
■ ii township, Union county. His wile, Eliza- 
beth Krat/er. who died at Kratzerville in M 

13, at the age of fifty-seven, was born at that 
town, and was a daughter of Daniel and Magda- 
Fertig) Krat/er. The mortal remains of all 
now repose in the family burial plot at Kratzer- 
ville. Mrs. Hummel was the eldest of a family 
of nine children, the others being Amanda, wife 
of Noah Leitzel, a clerk at Northumberland. 
Penn.; Ada. wife of George Meacley, a railway 

man at Winheld, Penn. ; Joan, who married 
Elmer Heizer. a clerk in a drug store at Bethle- 
hem, Penn.; Oliver D., a dentist m Philadelphia; 
Miss ( lara, who resides with her father at the 
farm; Mary, wife of Charles Herald, ol fackson 
township, Snyder county; Irene, who married 
Lewis Solomons, a machinist at Williamsp 
Penn. : and Miss Jennie, who is at home with her 
fath 



II. SNYDER. If the honor of being 
representative farmer of Middle 
■k township, Snyder county, could consist- 
ently be given to any one man, it surely would 
fall to our subject, whose career as an agricult- 
urist would furnish ample e\ idence of his deserv- 
it, coming as he did to the township, buying 
id gi ling heavily in d 
where bet. ire him others had failed. 
By Ins excellent management and industry, he 
reversed the order of thme.s, and succeeded in 
the fullest sense of the word. He is a man of 
li natural intellectual ability, but had very lim- 
ited opportunities for obtaining an education. His 
knowledge has mostly been acquired in the school 
(perience, and he has become a man of un- 
usual business foresight and tact, a- his career 
will show 

Mr. Snydei was born in Dauphin county, 
Penn., May 9, 1S42, and is a son of George and 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1163 



Sally Snyder, who later removed to a place near 
Herndon.in Northumberland county, Penn., where 
the father died at the age of eighty-two, and the 
mother at eighty-six. By occupation the former 
was an agriculturist. Of their seven children, our 
subject is the second son and third child. All 
his brothers are farmers, and either live in Dau- 
phin or Northumberland counties. In the coun- 
try schools Mr. Snyder's meager education was 
obtained, but at the age of seventeen his hear- 
ing began to fail, and has since been defective, 
this affliction greatly handicapping him in his 
school training. On February 6, 1870, he was 
joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Snyder, 
who was born in Northumberland county, in 
February, 1848, the daughter of Gottfried and 
Anna Snyder. They have become the parents of 
three children: Ida, now the wife of George 
Aurand, of Middle Creek township, Snyder coun- 
ty; and James and Daniel, both at home. 

After his marriage, Mr. Snyder located on a 
farm in Northumberland county, which his father 
owned, and operated the same for ten years, but 
in 1880 came to Middle Creek township, Snyder 
county. He purchased his present fine farm in 
April, 1896, but had to go heavily in debt for it. 
The place comprises 270 acres of land, and was 
known as the old Hubler farm. Being a shrewd 
and systematic business man, he has met with 
excellent success in his undertakings, and is now 
the largest land owner of any resident farmer in 
Middle Creek township. He stands high as a 
citizen, and ranks second to none as a progress- 
ive and skillful agriculturist. Honest, straight- 
forward and reliable in all things, he has gained 
the confidence and respect of all with whom he 
has come in contact, either in business or social 
life. Politically, he is a Democrat, and relig- 
iously is a member of the Reformed Church, 
while his wife affiliates with the Lutheran Church. 



GEORGE F. MILLER, whose honorable iden- 
I tification with the business interests of Wash- 
ington township, Snyder county, has made him 
one of its leading and influential citizens, was 
born September 3, 1832, and is the second son 
and child, who lived to adult age, of John and 
Christy Ann (Snyder) Miller. He pursued his 
studies in the log school house which stood on 
the bank of the creek not far from the home- 
stead, the school being canducted on the sub- 
scription plan. At the age of fourteen his school 
days were over, and he entered his father's saw- 
mill, learning the trade. He afterward worked 
for Joseph Kleckner, of New Berlin, receiving 
$21 for three months' service. In the spring of 



1849 he returned to his father's mill in Washing- 
ton township, where he remained for several con- 
secutive years, after which he went to the West, 
traveling through Ohio and Indiana for a few 
weeks. Returning then to Pennsylvania, he be- 
came a student in the academy at Freeburg un- 
der Professors Whitman and McFarland, and 
later was employed in a mill about one mile from 
Adamsburg. 

On February 18, 1857, was solemnized the 
marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Isabella Dreese, 
who was born at Adamsburg, December 12, 1837, 
a daughter of Henry and Polly (Amig) Dreese, 
the former a native of Adamsburg, and the latter 
of Juniata county, Penn. The paternal and ma- 
ternal grandfathers were Jacob Dreese and Philip 
Amig, respectively. Mrs. Miller was the eldest 
of a family of six children, the others being Philip, 
of Penn township, Snyder county; Harrison, of 
Missouri; Banks and Jacob, who are living in 
Adamsburg; and Mary, wife of William Rlose, of 
Adamsburg. The father of this family was a 
farmer, and owned a substantial home. He 
ranked high as a citizen, and all who knew him 
esteemed him for his sterling worth. 

After his marriage Mr. Miller resided near 
Adamsburg until the spring of 1858, when he re- 
turned to Washington township, living in the old 
brick house on his father's farm and working in 
the mill. In 1880 he purchased of his father his 
present home; he has remodeled all of the build- 
ings, and has a nice brick residence and other ex- 
cellent improvements upon the place. He con- 
tinued in the milling business until 1882, when 
he retired to private life with a comfortable com- 
petence which was acquired through his honest 
toil. The home of Mr and Mrs. Miller was 
blessed with six children: Christina, who died 
at the age of three years; Daniel W., who died 
at the age of twelve years; Adda L., who married 
William Roush, and died in Washington town- 
ship, Snyder county; Mellie, wife of B. F. Har- 
lev, of Freeburg; John H., who is clerking in 
Freeburg; and Charles H., a bright and scholarly 
young man, who engaged in teaching when only 
sixteen years of age. 

In October. 1862. Mr. Miller was drafted for 
service in the Union army, and was assigned to 
Company I, 172nd P. V. I. He was sworn into 
the service at Harrisburg, but afterward was 
taken ill, and on account of his sickness was dis- 
charged. In politics he has always been a stanch 
Republican, and has been called upon to fill a 
number of public offices of honor and trust. He 
served as overseer of the poor in Washington 
township, and in 1865 was elected county treas- 
urer, acceptably filling that office for two years. 



in; i 



UORATIVE BIOGltAPIIICAL RECORD. 



He and his wife hold membership with the Luth- 
eran Church in Freeburg, in which Mr Miller 
ed as trustee and is now elder. II has always 
taken a very active part in Church work, contrib- 
utes liberally to its support, and tly advo- 
cates all measures for the benefit of humanity. 



SAMUEL BRUNNER, a substantial citizen of 
_) Center township, Snyder county, is a pros- 
it rous a ■ iculturist whose success is the result of 
his own hard work and jud sjement. 

He holds in a marked degree the esteem of his 
associates, his strict integrity and his unassuming 
manners winning the good will of all. During 
the Civil war he served sixteen months as a sol- 
dier, having been drafted as a member of Com- 
pany K, 105th P. V. I., and at the battle of the 
Wilderness he w I in the left leg so se- 

riously that he still suffers excruciating pain at 
times. 

He was born March 15, 1S32, in the town- 
ship where he now resides, and was the young- 
est son and ninth child in a family of ten 
boys and five girls) who were born to John and 
Polly Bfunner. His father was 1 German by 
ent, but wasa native of Berks county, Penn., 
and for many years he lived n die, 

where he engaged in fan I in the cooper's 

trade. In early years he affiliated with the Whig 

: v, but later he became a Republican. I [is 
death occurred at 1 1 1 I seventy, and his es- 

timable wife, who was bom in Center township, 
Snyder county, lived to be more than eighty 

is old. Our subject received only a country 
school education and had but a poor start in 
business life, as his parents found their means 
limited to enable them to provide for their 
is family. He learned the details ol 
farming and of the cooper's trade with his father, 
and on reaching manhood was employed for 
some time away from home. When in his 
twenty-third year, he Miss Ama 

Boyer, daughter of Elias B i ! located in 

Musser's Valley, where he worked i laborer. 

Later he returned home, as In I Lther wi 

him to take charge of the farm under an arran 

nt which would enable him to purchase the 
place from the other heirs when the father should 
iy. Some years later he sold the prop- 
erty and bought another farm in the vvn- 
ship, where his family resid is trip to 
Three Rivers, Mich., on business. On coming 
back to Pennsylvania he purchased his present 
farm (in 1867) from Rev. Jacob Farnsworth. 
The buildings were poor, but Mr. Brunner lias 
since erected a new residence and remodelled the 



barn, while other improvements add to the at- 
tractiveness of the place, which contains 115 
acres of good land. 

Mr. and Mrs Brunner have had a large fam- 
ily, several oi their children having died in in- 
fancy. Of the survivors, Phoebe is now the wife 

Franklin Bubb, of Bradford, Penn. ; Elias re- 
sides in Centerville; John settled in Nebraska; 
Jane married John Kreamer, of Middle Creek 
township, Snyder county; Alice married Elmer 
Zechman, 1 if Middleburg, Penn. ; Catherine resides 
al Centerville; Sadie married Allen Bowersox, of 

nter township; Adam resides in Nebraska; 
Henry is a physician at Trevorton, Penn. ; Will- 
iam settled m Michigan; Peter lives in Nebraska; 
and Miss Susan is at home. As an intelligent 
citizen Mr. Brunner takes keen interest in all the 
questions of the day. In politics he is a stanch 
Republican, and his loyalty does not depend in 
the least upon a hope of official place or power, 
being based upon principle. His influent 
given in a quiet but effective way to any progress- 
iva- movement, and he is especially friendly to 
tlu cause of education, as he believes it to be 
for the best interests of this republic that its cit- 

ns should have the most thorough training for 
duties of citizenship While he is not a mem- 
bi 1 of any Church, he is a sincere follower of the 
moral precepts of the lowly Nazarene, and his re- 
ligion is practiced seven days in the week. 



AUGUSTUS STROUB has for more than 
half a century resided in Chapman town- 
ship, Snyder county, and his name is identi- 
with the best interests by reason of his 
active co-operation in all affairs that he believes 
calculated to piove of public benefit. His own 
record is unblemished, and the probity of his 
business life is an example well worthy of emu- 
lation. 

Mr. Stroub was born in Chapman township, 
August 28, [844, and is a son of Jonathan and 
Catharine 1 Hendricks) Stroub. He attended the 
schools oi the neighborhood, and early became 
familiar with the labors of the farm. At the age 
oi sixteen he began working as a farm hand for 
ave his earnings to his father through 
the two succeeding years. He was determined 
and faithful in his duties, and his services were 
therefor. 111 demand. After his marriage 

lif rented land of his father-in-law, subsequently 
lived near McKees Half Falls, and continued to 
rent land at different places until March, 1873, 
when he removed to his present farm, which he 
had purchased in the fall of 1872. It comprised 
seventy-five acres, on which was a log house, but 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1165 



in 1880 that building was replaced by his present 
substantial and comfortable residence. He has 
given farming his undivided attention, and the 
neat and thrifty appearance of his place well in- 
dicates the careful supervision of the owner. 

At the age of twenty-two, Mr. Stroub was 
united in marriage to Miss Sallie A. Sechrist, a 
native of Chapman township, and a daughter of 
John and Annie (Fisher) Sechrist. To them 
have been born the following children — John 
A., who attended school in Freeburg until his 
sixteenth year, after which he engaged in teach- 
ing, is now a merchant of Herndon, and married 
Alba Moyer, by whom he has one child, Maxwell; 
William H. is now a clerk in Mt. Carmel, Penn. ; 
Foster, Gertrude and Annie C. are all at home. 

Mr. Stroub gives his political support to the 
Democratic party, and has served as assessor, 
school director and judge of elections. He and 
his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, of 
which he was treasurer for many years and is now 
secretary. He was formerly superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, and at the present time is serving 
as one of its teachers. He is faithful and true to 
all the duties of public and private life, and his 
career is one which reflects honor upon the fam- 
ily to which he belongs. 



It W. ENGLE. Among the energetic, pro- 
./H|t gressive and representative business men of 
Snyder county is numbered this gentleman, who 
is the only male descendant of Solomon Engle, 
who was one of the most conspicuous figures in 
this section of the State during the first half of 
the 19th century. He was a school teacher, and 
became very widely known. He also served as 
justice of the peace, and his fidelity to duty in 
every relation of life won him the high regard of 
all with whom he came in contact. 

William C. Engle, father of our subiect, was 
reared in Beavertown, and in his early manhood 
traveled over the country as a peddler, carrying 
his stock in a wagon. He afterward learned the 
molder's trade in Specht's foundry in Beaver- 
town, and followed that pursuit until failing 
health caused him to abandon it. He was twice 
married. He married Barbara Eisenhower, and 
they had one child, now deceased. After the 
death of his first wife he wedded Rebecca, daugh- 
ter of Jacob Klose, and they had three children, 
but our subject is the only one now living, James 
and John having both died in childhood. The 
father was a Whig in early life, but afterward 
became a Republican. He died at the early age 
of thirty-two years, but his widow still survives, 



at the age of seventy, and makes her home with 
her son. 

A. W. Engle was educated in the district 
school at Beavertown, Isaac Rothrock being his 
first teacher. Great improvement has been 
made in the schools since that time, and 
no one is more heartily in favor of this than he. 
At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to 
Simon Benfer, a carpenter, working for thirty- 
five cents per day, and often putting in sixteen 
hours. When he had thoroughly mastered the 
business he began contracting and building on his 
own account. In February, 1891, he purchased 
a portable sawmill and complete outfit, and has 
since engaged in business along that line. He 
now has a well-equipped sawmill, in 1895 put in 
operation a planing-mill, and in 1896 added a 
chopping-mill. He erected a substantial and 
commodious building in Beavertown, and is now 
doing an extensive and successful business. He 
owns 500 acres of mountain land, forty-seven 
acres of farming land and seven lots in Beaver- 
town, and also erected a very pleasant home 
there Mr. Engle was united in marriage to 
Miss Lizzie A. Shambach, a daughter of John and 
Catherine (Aurand) Shambach. They now have 
three children — John W. , Charles A. and Mary, 
all of whom are living. The mother of this 
family is a member of the Reformed Church, 
and a most estimable lady. Mr. Engle gives his 
political support to the Republican party, is a 
stanch advocate of its principles, and has served 
for four years as supervisor. He takes a com- 
mendable interest in everything pertaining to the 
county's welfare, and is rated high among its 
business men, whose honorable methods com- 
mend them to the confidence of all. 



JS. YEARICK, a well-known resident of 
Kratzerville, Snyder county, is extensively 
engaged in the manufacture of flour, oper- 
ating a mill in Jackson township, Snyder county. 
For some years he was identified with the mer- 
cantile interests of Kratzerville and he has a high 
standing in business circles in his locality. 

He is of German descent on the paternal side, 
the first of the family to come to America being 
his great-grandfather, who was a sailor by occu- 
pation, and who spent his last days at Mifflin- 
burg, Penn. Henry Yearick, our subject's grand- 
father, married and passed his life in Union 
county. The late Samuel R. Yearick, the father 
of our subject, was born at Mifflinburg, but spent 
the greater part of his active life at Kratzerville, 
where he was regarded as a leader in business 



1166 



( OMME VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



affairs and in political movements, b lint- 

is the rirst post: 
[851 to 1 8< ii i he was - cantile pur- 

suits, but his later yi nt in retirement, 

his curring July 14. »e of 

sixty-four years, eight months and ten d 
His wife, whose maiden name w rine 

Sas vas born in 1829, in M wn- 

ship, Snyder county, the daughter 1 I 
saman, who came from Lehigh county, Penn., 
when a young man, to make his permanent li 
in Snyder county, where he died at the advanced 
of eighty-three years. Our subject was the 
eldest of a family of four children, the others 
being Emma, who married Amos I human, a 

tore at Elkhart, Ind. ; Alice, wifi 
M. K. Hassinger, .1 farmei in Snyder county; 
and Laura, who married William Knouse, a work- 

1 in a mill at Sunbury, Pennsylvan 

Mr. Yearick was born at Kratzerville August 
■, and was educated there He remained 
at home until he reached the age ol tw< 1 j 
helping his father in the store in the meantime. 
On leaving h e he engaged in mercantile b 

- on his own account, continuing until [am 
«s, 1896, when Ins establishment was destn 
by fire, causing a lossof $2,400. Two years prior 
t • > this calamity he had taken charg ;rist- 

mill m Jai kson township, and he has evei - 

rated it successfully As a good citizen he 
takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, ami 
for eight years past he has served as school 
In politics he is a Republican, and 
fraternally he is a member of the I. 0. O. F. of 
Selins Grove, and Lafayette Lodge N F. & 

A. M.,at the same city. lb' the 

United Evangelical Church, and his sympatl 

alwa) 3 readily enlisted in favor ol any worthy 
ise. 

On March in, [870, he was married at Krat- 

ille to Miss 1 bur 1. 1 I li nfer, and four children 
have blessed the union. | 1 1 Henry, who is em- 
ployed in the mill, married Miss K 
and resides at- Kratzerville. (2) Samuel II. mar- 
ried Miss Mollie Harman, and has one child, 
Marion K. (3) Howard, wh ployed in the 

mill, and (4) Miss Maggie B. , both reside at home. 
Mrs. Yearick was born in Union count}', but her 
parents, Philip and Magdalena (Dreese) Benfer, 
removed later to Snyder county, where tl 

niied. her father conducting the null now 

subject. To Philip Benfer and 

his wife eight children were born: Isaac, a farmer 

in Monroe township, Snyder county; Abraham, a 

policeman at Warsaw, Ind. ; Mary, wifeof Robert 

-e, a farmer in Snyder county; Miss Cath- 
erine; Amelia, wife of Henry Wetzel, a farmer of 



Snj t\ ; Harriet, Mr-. Yearick; Elizabeth, 

wife of Harris Price, a farmer in Northumber- 
land county; and Sarah, who married J. H. Fer- 
a farmer in Kans 



SAMUEL KNOUSE, of Center town 
Mi inty, is one of the substantial citi- 

zen icality, ami his homestead of tl 

hundred acres near Middles warth gives evidence 
of business-like management. While hehas made 
his own way in the world, he has not been un- 
duly avaricious, having enjoyed life as he w 

g, balancing his occasional lossi - by his uni- 
form gains. Fair in his methods at all times he 
has never intentionally harmed any one, and as 
a neighbor and citizen he is held in the highest 
esteem. 

Mr. Knouse was born March 17, 1S41, in 
Penn township, Snyder county. David Kim 
bis father, was a native of Jackson township, 
Snyder county, and lived there during the great- 
ortion of his life, purchasing the old home- 
rid engaging in farming as an occupati 
lb- had a poor start in early years, and for a time 
he followed the shoemaker's trade, but later he 
confined his work in this line to 1 his own 

family shod. He married Miss Sally Maurer, 
daughter of Jacob Maurer, and before settling at 
his old home he resided for one year in \\ 
Beaver township, Snyder count}-. His death oc- 
curred when he was aged seventy-four \> 

nd the remains of both him and his wife were 
interred at Kratzerville. In religious faith I> 
Knouse was a Lutheran, and in his later years 
he was a supporter of the principles of the Re- 
publican party on the political issues of tl: 
I lut subject was i.ne of eight children, the others 
being Polly, Hannah. Susan, Jacob, Sal 
I'eter, and David. 

As the son of a busy farmer Mr. Knousi 
but limited opportunities for schooling, the work 
in his early days continuing 'far into the winter 
season on account of a lack of machinery. The 
ils, too, were inferior to those of the pres- 
ent, and his disadvantages in this respect have 
made him a hearty advocate of a better system, 
first independent employment was in a saw- 
mill, and by careful economy he saved enough 
money to engage in lumbering on his own 

nt, his operations being begun in Mont 
county. When he was in his twenty-third 3 
he married Miss Mary Brouse, a native of Jack- 
son township. Snyder county, and a daughter of 
lb iiiv Brouse, a well-known citizen. Mr. Knouse 
then located 111 Northumberland county upon a 
rented farm, and in addition to his agricultural 






COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1167 



work he engaged in hauling timber from the 
woods to the railroad on contract. His experi- 
ence in lumbering covers nearly ever}' branch of 
the business, his last venture being in Snyder 
count}'. During his residence in Montour coun- 
ty he purchased a farm, but in 1877 he bought 
his present homestead, which was previous!} 
known as the old "Matter farm." At three dif- 
ferent times he has added to his original pur- 
chase until it has reached its present handsome 
proportions, and his improvements are of a lib- 
eral and substantial sort. On October 2, 1896, 
his house was destroyed by fire, but a new one 
was completed in the following year. 

In private life Mr. Knouse is most exemplary, 
and his family find in him a kind and indulgent 
father. He and his wife have reared six chil- 
dren: Sarah, now Mrs. George Krebs, of Ad- 
ams township, Snyder county; Emnla, widow of 
William Swartz; Wilson, a railroad brakeman, 
residing in Northumberland count}', Penn. ; 
Alice, who married Thomas Voneida, of Union 
county; Miss Lizzie and Miss Ida, who are now 
at home. Politically, Mr. Knouse is a steadfast 
Republican, but he has never been an office 
seeker, the only position he has held being that 
of school director. He and his wife are both 
members of the Reformed Church, and at one 
time he served as elder in that society. His fam- 
ily stands well socially, and he is identified with 
all the movements that tend to promote the best 
interests of his neighborhood. 



PjHARES HERMAN. Among the well-to-do 
and successful farmers of Snyder county, 
who have accumulated a competency through 
their own exertions and economy, and who are 
carrying on the business of farming in a manner 
which draws forth praise from every one, is the 
subject of this biographical notice, who resides 
in Penn township, and who is now a popular 
member of the board of county commissioners. 
In the township where he still continues to 
live, Mr. Herman was born January 19, 1840, a 
son of Frederick and Mary (Kratzeri Herman, 
both natives of Snyder county, the former born 
in Penn township, and the later near Kratzer- 
ville. In early life the father learned the weav- 
er's trade, at which he continued to work in con- 
nection with farming, and, although he began his 
business career in very limited circumstances, he 
secured a good home and comfortable living. 
He died at the age of seventy-five, his wife when 
over sixty, and both were laid to rest at Kratzer- 
ville. To this worthy couple came the following 
children: Simon, now a resident of New Berlin, 



Penn. ; Jacob, who died in Penn township, Sny- 
der county, in the fall of 1896; George, a car- 
penter and farmer of Mifflin county, Penn.; 
Philip, of Kratzerville; Frank, of Michigan; Fred- 
erick, who was married and is now deceased; 
Phares; John, a resident of Michigan; Peter, 
who was married and is now deceased; Mary A , 
the wife of Harrison Row, of Penn township; 
and Harriet, wife of George Brouse, of Jackson 
township, Snyder county. The parents were 
both consistent members of the Lutheran Church, 
and in politics the father was a Democrat. 

Mr. Herman pursued his studies in the Herman 
school, but his privilegesalong that line were very 
meagre, as he never attended school more than 
a year during his life. As the family was large, 
and his services were not needed at home, he 
began to earn his own livelihood at a very early 
age, at first receiving only $4 per month. When 
only thirteen he was able to cradle grain, and 
could do a man's work. At sixteen he began 
learning the mason's trade under Elias Ritter, of 
Jackson township, Snyder county, who gave him 
fifty cents per day for his year's work. The sec- 
ond year of his apprenticeship was under another 
tutor, who paid him $1 per day, and at the end 
of that time they formed a partnership and con- 
tinued operations together for some time. 

On March 11, i860, Mr. Herman was mar- 
ried in New Berlin to Miss Margaret Klingler, 
who was born in Penn township, Snyder county, 
February 8, 1844, and is the second child and 
daughter in the family of four children of Sam- 
uel and Susanna (Fetter) Klingler. She had 
one brother and two sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Her- 
man have become the parents of six children, 
namely: Harrison F. , now a resident of Wyan- 
dot county, Ohio; Mary, who wedded I. F. Lau- 
denslager, arid died February 12, 1895, leaving 
one child, Florence; Percival A., a railroad tele- 
graph operator of Sunbury, Penn. ; Jane, who 
died in childhood; Milton P., who is attending 
Selins Grove College, and resides at home; and 
Anna S., at home. Borrowing money to go to 
housekeeping, Mr. Herman located in Jackson 
township, Snyder county, after his marriage, but 
during the war was drafted and became a mem- 
ber of Company F, 172nd P. V. I., under Cap- 
tain Harrison. The day after the regiment was 
organized at Middleburg, they proceeded to 
Harrisburg, where they were equipped for serv- 
ice and sent to Washington, D. C. , and subse- 
quently to Fortress Monroe. On being mustered 
out Mr. Herman returned to his home in August, 
1862, and for a time worked at his trade. Later 
he purchased ten acres of land in Jackson town- 
ship, on which he erected good buildings and 



1168 



GOUMEMORA TIVE l;ln,,HM'llliAL RECORD. 






continued to live until 1874, when he sold and 
purchased of Henry Ott eighteen acres of his 
present farm in Penn township. The buildings 
were all poor and the house was of logs, but it 
continued to be the home of the family until his 
present comfortable residence was erected in 
1882. The last work Mr. Herman did at his 
trade was when he laid the wall for his house. 
His substantial barn was built in [894. His 
farm nov rises forty-two acres of valuable 

land under a high state of cultivation and well 
improved, and besides his own residence there is 
another house upon the place, which he rents. In 
connection with general farming he has exten- 

|y engaged in the manufacture of lime since 
locating here, and this business has proved a 
profitable source of income. 

Mr. Herman's sympathies are with the Dem- 
ocratic party, but he often votes for the man 
whom he regards as best qualified to fill the of- 
fice, no matter to which party he belongs. In 
the fall of 1893 he was elected county commis- 
sioner, and so acceptable were his services that 
in 1896 he was re-elected. He is often called 
Honest Phares Herman, a title of which he may 
be justly proud, and which he has well earned, 
as his life has ever been one of the strictest in- 
tegrity. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, 
while his estimable wife holds membership in 
the Reformed Church. Their sterling worth 
and many excellencies of character have won for 
them a host of warm friends and acquaintances. 



E r W. TOOL. M. D. Man's success is not 
4 measured by the heights to which he has 

climbed, but by the depth from which he has 
risen. No man in Snyder count)' is more de- 
. ing of praise and commendation for an hon- 
orable and useful life than Dr. Tool, who from 
very humble surroundings has risen to a proud 
place among the medical fraternity <>f this sect 
of the State. He has also won distinctive horn 
in statescraft, and in all life's relations has gained 
the esteem and good will of those with whom he 
has been brought in contact. 

Dr. Tool was bom on Staten Island, Jun< 
1 S 3 1 , a son of William and Margaret (Lee) Tool. 
His father was born in Ireland, and was a son of 
Edward Tool, win 1 brought his family to Amei 
and died in this country when more than eighty 
years of age. William Tool married Miss Lee, 
a native of New Jersey, and supported his family 
by day's labor. They had four children: E. 
W. , Daniel, an expert mechanic and build- 
ing inspector of New York; Mary, wife of Philip 
Smith, of New York; and William, of Sunbury, 



Penn. Both the parents of this family died 111 
1863 of cerebro-spinal meningitis. They left their 
children destitute of all means of support, and 
for a time they were cared for by the authorities. 
Dr. Tool was afterward bound out to a dairy 
farmer, doing chores and other such work as his 
strength would permit, being then but twelve 
years of age. Later he went to the home of his 
uncle in Wilkes Barre, Penn., and was set to 
work at picking slate in the quarry. He was 
afterward made a mule driver in the mines, and 
a year later began working at the molder's trade, 
which he followed for twoyears and eight months. 
When fifteen years of age he could put up twelve 
car wheels pi r day. His wages all went to his 
uncle, from whom he received very harsh and 
unkind treatment. On one occasion when his 
cousins had trampled a field of grain he felt that 
he would come in for a share of the punishment, 
although he was innocent of the wrong, and this 
caused him to run away from home. Night was 
approaching, and he had no possessions save the 
scanty clothing on his back. That night he si 
in a trough, from which the canal mules were 
fed, and in the morning he applied for a position 
as driver of a passing canal boat, and was ac- 
cepted. He followed that business through the 
season of 1866, and in the following winter car- 
ried mail across the river bridge between Port 
Trevorton and Herndon. In 1867 he engaged in 
boating on the Juniata canal for Abraham Fav- 
inger, of Newport, and in the winter worked on 
a farm for his board. He often had to rise at 
two o'clock in the morning to go to Selins 
Grove, worked until late at night, and had but 
two poor meals per day. He was employed as a 
farm hand until 1868, when the Reading Rail- 
way Company purchased the Port Trevorton 
bridge, and he was appointed collector of tolls, in 
addition to which he carried the mail across the 
bridge, receiving for this service his board and 
clothing. 

In April, 1869, Dr. Tool entered the emplo} 
oi Hon. W. < ', Herold, with whom he remained 
for some time, working at various labors. Sub 
quently he was captain on the canal boat, " Gi n- 
eral Washington," which plied the West Branch 
canal, and later was captain on the boat "B. B. 
\I 1 it in. His next service was in a sawmill, and 
he mastered every detail of that business, from 
tiring the engine to filing the saws. His lab 
there were ended, however, when, in the fall of 
1874, the mill was destroyed by fire. Seeking 
other employment, he took charge of the coal 
office in Porl I 1 - <ton belonging to Mr. Herold, 
but, though twenty-three years of age, he could 
n t figure the cost of the coal, for his education 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



11G9 



had ended at the age of twelve years. Thus 
realizing the necessity of further school privi- 
leges, he entered the Missionary Institute at 
Selins Grove, and later attended Prof. Noetling's 
Normal School at that place, pursuing his studies 
through the winter season. He thus prepared 
for teaching, and later taught the Scholl school, 
in Union township, Snyder county. He worked 
on the canal in summer and continued teaching 
in the winter season, being for five years em- 
ployed in the Narrows school. At Port Trevor- 
ton, his last school, he was employed at an ad- 
vance of $5 per month over the former teachers. 
In his educational work he was very successful, 
and did much for the schools with which he was 
connected. Dr. Tool took up the study of med- 
icine under Dr. J. W. Sheets, of Selins Grove, 
and while reading there acted as hostler and 
general utility man for his board. In the fall of 
1879 ne entered the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Baltimore, practicing the strictest 
economy in order to continue his education 
there. He had Dr. M. L. Focht, of Lewisburg, 
as a room mate, and each alternate week he did 
the cooking and sweeping, the two men studying, 
cooking and sleeping in one room. He was 
graduated in 1881, and at once began practice in 
Freeburg, where he has met with most creditable 
success, winning a large and lucrative patronage. 
He has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of 
the science of medicine, and his skill has won 
him enviable renown. 

In May, 1882, Dr. Tcol married Miss Jennie 
Mertz, of Freeburg, daughter of P. P. Mertz, ex- 
county commissioner of Snyder county. They 
have two children: Clarence E. and Susan E. 
Their home is noted for its hospitality, and in 
social circles they hold an enviable position. 
Dr. Tool is a charter member of the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America, of Freeburg. He was 
reared in the Catholic faith by his parents, but 
became a Protestant, and is now a member of the 
Reformed Church, as is one of his brothers. He 
belongs to the Odd Fellows Society, and in poli- 
tics is a stanch Republican, taking a deep and 
commendable interest in the success of his party, 
for which he has labored assiduously. He is now 
school director of his district, was county com- 
missioner one term, chairman of the county cen- 
tral committee in 1886, iSSS and 1889, and in 
the latter year was appointed examining surgeon 
on the Sunbury pension board, but resigned on 
his election to the Pennsylvania House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1890, which office he held for two 
terms, and was one of the most acceptable mem- 
bers that Snyder county has ever sent to the Leg- 
islature. He has also served as vice-president of 
74 * 



Freeburg Academy. That he is a man of strong 
character is shown by his splendid accomplish- 
ments; that he is a man of true worth is attested 
by his large circle of friends. The history of 
Snyder county bears the impress of his strong in- 
dividuality, and his life is well worthy of emula- 
tion by those who know him. 



M M. SHAMBAUGH*. a well-known citi- 
jMl, zen of Middleburg, Snyder county, is a self- 
made man whose career will be of interest to all 
who appreciate the sterling qualities of industry, 
energy and foresight. He was born April 18, 
1858, in Center township, Snyder county, the son 
of Jesse and Sophia (Fry) Shambaugh,* who 
now reside upon the old homestead near Middle- 
burg. The family is of German origin, and the 
first to come to this country was our subject's 
great-great-grandfather, George Shambaugh.* 
George Shambaugh (2)*, the great-grandfather 
of our subject, became a pioneer farmer of the 
section now known as Snyder county, and his 
descendants are numerous in that locality. His 
youngest son, Christian Shambaugh*, our sub- 
ject's grandfather, married, first, Miss Mary Wal- 
ter, daughter of David Walter, a Revolutionary 
soldier, and, second, Mrs. Elizabeth (Bechtel) 
Bilger. By the first union- he had twelve chil- 
dren, among whom was our subject's father, and 
by the second he had four, and of this large f?m- 
ily thirteen are now living. 

Farm work during Mr. Shambaugh 's* boy- 
hccd was not made light by the use of machinery, 
as it is at this day, and the threshing season ex- 
tended far into the winter. He greatly desired 
an education, but as a dutiful son he remained at 
home, giving his assistance cheerfully to his par- 
ents. In the fall of 1873, he began to learn the 
blacksmith's trade at Middleburg, receiving $50 
for two years, with a vacation of four weeks in each 
year during harvest in which to earn a little extra 
money. After completing his apprenticeship he 
returned to the farm for a year, and then went 
to Indiana, where he was employed for some 
time by a railroad company at a point a few 
miles south of Fort Wayne. While there he 
met with misfortune, the first finger on his right 
hand being crushed. This was in 1875, and soon 
afterward he came back home to engage in hauling 
grain and lumber to Mifflinburg for his father. 
Later he worked for two years as a farm hand, 
and by close economy throughout all these years 
of toil he managed to save enough money to buy 
a farm near Middleburg, paying $1,500 for it. 
On April 15, 1878, he was married in Middle- 

* Name is more frequently spelled Shambach. 



117i» 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOORAPIIl'AL RECORD. 






burg to Miss Ada Smith, a native of that place, 
and a daughter of Harry and Amelia (Stahl- 
necker) Smith. After his marriage Mr. Sham- 
baugh* located upon his farm, but he sold it sub- 

lentlyat a small advance and built his present 
elegant residence in Middleburg. In 1882 he w;ts 
employed in driving a team and firing a sawmill 
at Shamokin, but in the latter part of the year he 
returned to Middleburg, and the following winter 
was spent in hauling logs in the vicinity of Beav- 
ertown. In [883 he worked for eight months on 

Lewisburg & Sunbury railroad. During the 
erection of the Snyder county jail, in [886, he 
was employed around the building as a black- 
smith, and in 1887 he opened a shop in Middle- 
burg, where he has since continued his trade 
with the exception of two years spent in Clinton 
inty. He now has a good business, keeping 
two hands at work most of the time, and lately 
he lias built an addition to his shop. 

He takes much interest in public questions, 
and is active in municipal affairs, having served 
as a member of the city council and as tax col- 
lector. 



H. HEKBSTER, senior member of the 
fit mercantile firm of Herbster & Felker, oi 
McClure, was born near Lewistown, in Mifflin 
county, December 9, 1867. His grandfather, 
Daniel Herbster, spent his entire life in central 
Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation. 
His father, Jeremiah Herbster, was born in Union 
county, now Snyder count}', and acquired a good 
education. He lost his father when only seven 
years of age, and has made his own way in the 
world since that time. Beginning life as a farm 
hand, he followed that pursuit until he had at- 
tained his majority. He spent several years on 
a farm in Union county, and afterward came to 
Snydei county, purchasing a farm of eighty-seven 
a< res near Adamsburg, where he still resides. 
He has made many excellent improvements upon 
the place, and in connection with the cultivation 
of his land is engaged in stock raising. In his 
business dealings he is methodical and honorable, 
and is a worthy representative of the agricultural 
interests of the county. He gives his political 
support to the Democracy, and in his religious 
faith is a Lutheran. In Snyder county he mar- 
ried Barbara A Oldt, a native of that county, 
whose death occurred in 1890. He has since 
married Mrs. Thompson and is still living on the 
home farm. 

Mr. Herbster is the father of thirteen chil- 
dren, all born <>1 the first union, namely: Sarah, 
wife of David Middleswarth, a merchant of Trox- 



elville, Penn. ; John, of Yeagertown, Penn. ; 
George, a merchant of Cleveland, Ohio; W. H.; 
Lydia A., wife of William Snook, of Mifflin 
county; Charles, deceased; Lizzie, wife of Ammon 
Beaver, of Beavertovvn, Penn.; Jacob C, a 
teacher of Snyder county; Cora, at home; James, 
of Snyder county; Alvin and Herbert, at home; 
and Mary, who died in infancy. 

To the schools of Adamsburg and Middleburg, 
Penn., W. H. Herbster is indebted for his educa- 
tional privileges. At an early age he started 
out in life for himself and has since been depend- 
ent upon his own resources, so that the success 
that he has achieved is the just reward of his 
labors. He worked as a farm hand for five 
years through the summer months for a salary ol 
$10 per month, and in the winter attended 
school. He afterward engaged in teaching for 
several terms in Snyder county, and entered 
upon his mercantile experience as a clerk in the 
store in Middle Creek. For two years he was 
employed by A. A. Ulsh, and then entered his 
brother George's store in Lewistown, where he 
continued until 1885, when he came to McClure 
and purchased an interest in the store of F. P. 
Decker. That partnership continued for two 
years, when Mr. Decker sold out to William 
Felker, and the firm of Herbster & Felker has 
since conducted a large and profitable business. 
They carry a well selected stock, and receivi 
from the public a liberal patronage. 

On January 9, 1896, Mr. Herbster was mar- 
ried near Middle Creek, Snyder county, to An- 
netta Knepp, who was born in Selins Grove, a 
daughter of Edward Knepp, a carpenter for the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Lewistown. 
Mr. Herbster was reared in the faith of the Dem- 
ocratic party, but his mature judgment endorsed 
Republican principles, and he is a stanch advo- 
cate of that political organization. His business 
record is most commendable, for from an early 
age he has steadily worked his way upward, 
achieving success by perseverance, industry and 
honorable dealing. 



Bl F. HARLEY. The motto "merit alw.i\- 
V commands its reward" is well exemplified 

in the career of the subject of this sketch, who is 
now a prosperous and leading merchant of Free- 
burg, Penn. Since an early age he has made 
his own way in the world, and for many years 
not only provided for his own maintenance but 
also aided in the support of the family. Mr. 
Harley was born in Delaware township, Juniata 
county, Penn., June 12, 1863, a son of Philip 
and Debbie (Anderson) Harley. The father is 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1171 



still living in that county, but the mother is now 
deceased. In their family were seven children, 
three sons and four daughters. Our subject ac- 
quired his education in the public school near his 
boyhood home, and continued to reside in his 
native township until 1890, assisting his parents, 
who were in limited circumstances and needed 
his help. 

At East Salem, Penn., Mr. Harley obtained 
his first ideas of mercantile business as a clerk in 
the store of C. G. Winey, where he received $9 
per month. By close attention he soon learned 
the best business methods, and being economical 
was able to save a part of his wages. After a 
few years spent with his brother, W. E. Harley, 
at McAlisterville, Penn., he began business for 
himself in a general store, which he sold on his 
removal to Adamsburg, Snyder county. There 
he became a member of the firm of Harley, Ba- 
shor & Co., which continued business under that 
style for three years, when it became Harley & 
Bashor.but the partnership was finally dissolved. 
For a short interval Mr. Harley was interested in 
no business, but in November, 1896, came to 
Freeburg, where he purchased the general mer- 
cantile establishment of Milton Strayer. He at 
once increased the stock, and became the leading 
merchant of the place. 

On October 16, 1894, Mr. Harley was united 
in marriage to Miss Mellie Miller, of Washington 
township, Snyder county, a daughter of George 
and Isabella (Dreese) Miller. She is descended 
from one of the oldest and most highly respected 
pioneer families of Snyder county. Although 
not a politician, Mr. Harley is a stanch member 
of the Republican party, and was at one time 
also an active member of the Knights of the 
Golden Eagle. He is a rising young merchant, 
and one whose present position — that of the lead- 
ing business man of his town — has been secured 
by his own effort. While but a recent arrival in 
Freeburg, he has already gained the confidence 
of the people and secured a liberal share of the 
public patronage by his fair and honorable deal- 
ings. 



EV. W. H. HILBISH, pastor of Christ 
Evangelical Church of McClure, was born 
near Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Penn., 
October 28, 1867, and is a son of Benjamin and 
Mary A. Hilbish. His paternal grandfather, 
Daniel Hilbish, was born in Northampton coun- 
ty, Penn., March 24, 181 8, and followed the 
occupations of farming and wagon-making in pur- 
suit of fortune. His last days were spent in re- 
tirement in Shamokin, where he died February 



8, 1885. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Bahnee, and was a native of North- 
umberland county, died in Shamokin, January 8, 
1897, at the age of eighty-two years. They 
were the parents of five children: Catharine, 
Mary, Benjamin, Hannah and Sarah. Mr. Hil- 
bish was a member of the Reformed Church, and 
was a worthy man, who had the respect of all 
with whom he came in contact. 

The father of our subject was born and edu- 
cated in Northumberland county, where he 
learned the stone mason's trade. He is now a 
contractor and builder, and has made his home 
in Shamokin since 1873, being a representative 
of its leading industrial interests. He was mar- 
ried there, and became the father of two chil- 
dren: W. H., and Benjamin F., who is now a 
minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church on 
Long Island. He was educated in Dixon Semi- 
nary, and also in a theological seminary in New 
Jersey. The father holds membership in the 
Lutheran Church, is a liberal contributor to its 
support, is a very charitable and benevolent man, 
whose many excellencies of character have gained 
him the high regard of all. 

Rev. W. H. Hilbish obtained his primary 
education in Shamokin, and, after his graduation 
from the grammar schools, entered the office of 
the Shamokin Times, where he learned the print- 
er's trade. In 1886 he matriculated in the Sus- 
quehanna University of Selins Grove, where he 
was graduated in 1889. He pursued this course 
preparatory to the study of theology, and entered 
the Theological College at Selins Grove, where 
he was graduated in 1892. Being ordained as a 
minister of the Lutheran Church, his first pastor- 
ate, covering one year^ was at Lariatsville, Ly- 
coming Co., Penn., and on the expiration of that 
period he went to Roaring Springs, Blair county, 
where he remained for a year and a half. Since 
1895 he has ministered to the spiritual needs of 
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of McClure, 
St. Samuel Church in Decatur, Mifflin county, 
and St. Paul's Church in West Beaver township, 
Snyder county, also in Troxelville. Under his 
able supervision the work of these Churches has 
been carried forward very successfully, and he 
has established Christian Endeavor Societies in 
McClure and Troxelville. He is a man of schol- 
arly attainments, a clear reasoner and an able 
speaker, and as preacher and pastor is quite pop- 
ular with his people. 

On Christmas Day, 1890, Mr. Hilbish was 
married, in Selins Grove, to Sarah Elizabeth 
Lutz, the ceremony being performed by the 
Rev. Jacob Yutzy. She is a daughter of Will- 
iam J. and Jane (Sears) Lutz, whose family 



117: 



COM.VK.UOli.i TI YE nioGUAPIIl' 'AL RECORD. 



numbered five children, but Mrs. Hilbish and 
r D., who is attending school, are the only 
survivors. Mrs. Hilbish has proved to her hus- 
band a very able helpmeet in his work, and is 
greatly beloved by the congreation. Two chil- 
dren grace their union — Harr) Paul, born Decem- 
ber 25, 1S91; and William Bruce, born Novem- 
ber 16, 1895. Mr. Hilbish is a member of Mc- 
1 lure Lodge No. 770, I. O. O. P., in which he 
is now serving as noble grand, and is also a 
member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America. 
His political support is usually given the Prohi- 
bition party. He is a man of kindly nature and 
broad humanitarian principles, generous and 
kindly, and by example, as well as by precept, 
indicates to others the way of life. 



BP. STROUB, merchant, farmer and post- 
m aster ol Pallas, is one of the most pro- 
gressive, public-spirited and valued citizens of 
Washington township, Snyder count}'. He was 
born in that township, September _-, 1852. a 
son of Jonathan and Catharine 1 Hendricks) 
Stroub. His father was born in what is now 
Union township, and then- still resides. He was 
twice married, and by the first union had three 
children: Augustus, a farmer of Chapman town- 
ship, Snyder county ; B. P.: and Alice, wife of 
Jul ward Hackenburg, of Center township, Sny- 

county. The mother of this family died, and 
was buried in Grubbs Church cemetery. For 
his second wife Mr. Stroub chose Barbara Stef- 
fen, and by this union three children were born: 
Agnes, wife of Edgar Reish, of Port Trevorton; 
Saloma, wife of Milton Shaffer, of Chapman 
township, Snyder county; 4 md Francis, at home. 

B. P. Stroub was only six years of age at the 
time of his mother's death. During his early 
childhood his father removed to Chapman town- 
ship, where he was reared to manhood. He 
pursued his education in the Houtz school house, 
and later prepared fi 1 teaching in the Freeburg 
Academy under Maj. Dill, a prominent educator 
of this section of the State. After studying there 
!< r two terms he tai I for sonic 1 

•r two terms teacher of the Reichtnbach 
school in Washingti n township, and one term of 
the Houtz school, in which he began bis own 
education. At the age of twenty-two he was 
married, and where he entered 

his father-in-lav a clerk. In 1 

when Mr. 1 I art was elected sheriff, Mr. 

Sii ub and 1 n ival Reichenbach bought out the 
and under the firm name of Stroub & 
K< irhenbach continued business until 1879. In 
that year our subject became sole proprietor, and 



has since conducted one of the best country stores 
in Snyder county; he has a large and well-as- 
sorted stock, and his fair dealing and earnest de- 
sire to please his customers has secured to him a 
liberal patronage. He is also extensively en- 
gaged in farming, and superintends the operation 
of 170 acres of land; in 1879 he was com- 
missioned postmaster of Pallas, and has held that 
office continuously since through the various ad- 
ministrations. 

Mr. Stroub was united in marriage to Miss 
Clara Eisenhart, a native of Pallas, and a daugh- 
ter of Daniel Eisenhart, ex-sheriff of Sn\ 
county, now a resident of Shamokin. They have 
five children: Harvey, a farmer; Walter D., 
Jennie S., Grover C. and Sarah E. ; and lost 
their two oldest, Laura, who died at the age of 
seventeen years, and William V., who died at 
the age of four years. Mr. Stroub has greatly 
remodeled his home, and now has one of the 
good residences in Washington township. His 
family is very popular in this section of Snyder 
county, occupying an enviable position in social 
circles. 

In politics Mr. Stroub is a Democrat, and, 
though not an active politician, is deeply inter- 
ested in the growth and success of his party. He 
belongs to the Lutheran Church, has served as 
deacon, and is now trustee. His wife is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church. He is a substan- 
tial citizen, who has been the architect of his 
own fortune. The persevering pursuit of an 
honorable purpose has brought to him a merited 
success, and his straightforward business meth- 
ods have commended him to the confidence and 

rd of all. 



JOHN TROXELL (deceased) was for many- 
years one of the leading citizens of Snyder 
county, and left the impress of his strong 
individuality upon its public life, his name being 
ineffaceably traced upon its records. He was 
born in what is now Beavertown, Snyder (then 
Union) county, in 1800, and was a son of John 
Troxell, a farmer. His school privileges were 
rather limited, and he began life for himself at a 
very earlj age, working as a farm hand until his 
marriage. He then rented land near Be. 
Springs, and for several years also operated a 

mill. He then purchased 3C0 acres of land, 
on which Troxelville now stands. He had no 

ey, but he airanged to pay for the place on 
the installment plan, and for years struggled and 

red hard to clear off the indebtedness- At 
length he had it free frcm all incumbrance. He 

ted a gi ence and barn, placed the 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1178 



land under a high state of cultivation, and, in 
course of time, made it one of the most valuable 
farms of the neighborhood. He possessed most 
excellent business and executive ability, discrim- 
ination and sound judgment, and by his well-di- 
rected efforts became one of the wealthiest farm- 
ers and most highly respected citizens in his sec- 
tion of Snyder county. 

It was on his land that the town of Troxel- 
ville was laid out. The town was named in his 
honor, and he built the first house there, while 
his son-in-law, W. B. Bann, conducted the first 
store and was the first postmaster. It lies under 
the shadow of Jack Mountain, and has become 
a very thrifty and enterprising place. It stands 
as a monument to the memory of its founder, 
who in 1852 retired from farming and built for 
himself a fine frame dwelling there, where he re- 
sided for sixteen years, enjoying the fruits of his 
former toil. He passed away in 1868, and was 
buried in Troxelville cemetery. 

In public affairs Mr. Troxell took a deep in- 
terest, and did all in his power to advance the 
welfare and prosperity of the community with 
which he was connected. He was a candidate 
for county commissioner of Union count}' on the 
Democratic ticket, and ran far ahead of his party, 
but lost the election by fifty votes. He belonged 
to the Reformed Church, served as its deacon 
and was secretary of the Sunday-school. A val- 
ued citizen, the entire community mourned his 
death, and he is yet remembered by those who 
were his friends in life. 

Mr. Troxell was married in Beaver township 
to Susan Moyer, a native of that township, and 
a daughter of John Moyer, a distiller and farmer. 
Eleven children were born to them: Elizabeth, 
wife of J. P. Smith, of Middleburg; Sarah J., wife 
of William Baum, of New Berlin, Union county; 
S. Delilah; Isaac N., a merchant of Philadelphia; 
Christina A., deceased wife of Isaac Ulsh; Sam- 
uel and John M. , both deceased; Catherine, de- 
ceased wife of Absalom Snyder; Mary and 
Robert, who died in childhood; and one who died 
in infancy. The mother of this family departed 
this life in 1849, and Mr. Troxell afterward 
married Lydia Keller, widow of Joseph Wedman, 
of Berks county, Pennsylvania. 

S. Delilah Troxell, who resides in the home 
at Troxelville, was born in Beaver township, 
January 5, 1844, and her early education, ac- 
quired in the common schools, was supplemented 
by study in Middlesburg, and in Union Seminary 
at New Berlin. She taught school for nine 
years in Snyder county, and for years was a 
teacher in the German schools in Strausstown, 
Berks county. She was extremely successful in 



that work, and her superior ability enabled her 
to command excellent wages. 

On account of her father's illness she aban- 
doned teaching, and spent two years at the 
bedside of her father, attending to his wants, 
and carefully ministering to him until his 
eyes were closed in death. She has since acted 
as her brother's housekeeper. She devotes much 
of her time to Church and charitable work, is a 
consistent member of the Lutheran Church, was 
for twenty-five years a teacher in the German 
Sunday-school in Troxelville, and for twelve 
years has been president of the Woman's Home 
and Foreign Missionary Society. 



CHARLES W. BOUSH, M. D., a successful 
and prominent physician and surgeon of Mc- 
Clure, is a native of Snyder county, born in Bea- 
vertown on May 4, 1868. His grandfather, John 
Boush, was born on the River Rhine, in Ger- 
many, and when a young man crossed the At- 
lantic to make his home in the land of the free. 
He took up his residence in what was then known 
as Union county, Penn., but is now Beavertown, 
Snyder county, where he successfully engaged in 
teaching school for many years, being one of the 
first German teachers in the locality. He also 
did some manual work, but devoted the greater 
part of his time and attention to his profession. 
In politics he was an Old-line Whig, and in re- 
ligious belief was a Lutheran. He was married 
in Union county to a Miss Jones, who was of 
Welsh descent, and they became the parents 
of ten children: Isabella, deceased; Sophia, 
widow of John Arbogast, who was killed on the 
Pennsylvania railroad; Libby, a widow; Mrs. 
Shoneis; Mary; Amelia; David F. ; Elizabeth; and 
two who died in childhood. The grandfather 
died in Snyder county in 1853, and his wife 
passed away in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 

David F. Boush, the Doctor's father, received 
only a German education, and became quite a 
good German writer. He has made farming his 
life work, and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres 
in Beavertown, improved with good buildings, a 
fine apple orchard, and all modern conveniences 
and accessories. Since 1891, however, he has 
laid aside all business cares, and is now living re- 
tired. During the dark days of the Rebellion he 
was a private in Company I, 184th P. V. I., un- 
der Capt. L. C. Edmonds, and served for one 
year and nine months, during which time he par- 
ticipated in a number of battles, but was never 
wounded. He was a brave and fearless soldier, 
always found at his post of duty, and is now suf- 
fering from a stroke of paralysis brought on by 



1174 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPUK AI. RECORD. 



his exposure in the war. He is a deacon and 
active member of the Lutheran Church, is a 
strong Republican in politics, and is widely and 
favorably known throughout Snyder county. 

In Beavertown David F. Boush was married 
to Miss Lycetta Kern, a native of that place, a 
daughter of an agriculturist of Beaver township, 
Snyder county. Twelve children were born to 
this worthy couple: Isaac, a resident of Beaver- 
town; Adamanda; Lucy, wife of Jerome Aigler, 
of Beaver township; Ellen, wife of Marks Huff- 
nagle, of Union county; Rachel, widow of Amos 
Snook, of McClure; Albert and Vinarva, both 
deceased; David Lincoln, who died in childhood; 
Clarissa and Alice, at home; Charles W. , of this 
sketch; and Elmer, a traveling salesman of New 
York. The parents still reside on the old home- 
stead in Beavertown. 

Dr. Boush acquired his literary education in 
the district schools of Beavertown, and later 
taught the high school of that place for one year. 
During his boyhood and youth he assisted in the 
work of the home farm, and on leaving the pa- 
rental roof worked as a farm hand in Union 
county for one year. For three years he read 
medicine under the directi"ii of Dr. W. M. Baker, 
of Beavertown, and, having saved a little money, 
and by the help of friends, in the fall of i Syo he 
entered Jefferson Medical College, in Philadi I 
phia, where he spent two terms. Later he took 
a course of lectures at the Medical University of 

timore, where he graduated in March, i S93, 
and the same year passed the State board exami- 
nation at the Pittsburg Western Pennsylvania 
College. In June, 1893, he opened an office in 
McClure, and soon succeeded in building up a 
large and lucrative practice. 

In the fall of the same year, in that place, 
Dr. Boush was married to Miss Lizzie M Smith, 
a native of McClure, and a daughter of Henry 
X. Smith, a well-known blacksmith of McClure, 
who is of German descent. To them wen born 
two children: James E., and Carrie, now de- 
ceased. 

The Doctor takes quite an active interest in 
civic societies, is a member of McClure Lodge 
No. 770, I. O. O. F. ; is a charter member of tin- 
Sons of Veterans, Camp No. 65, of which he 
was captain two years; and belongs to Camp \ 
98. P. O. S. of A. ; and Eden Conclave. Im- 
proved Order of Heptasophs, No. 60. He is 
also a prominent and influential member of the 
ler County Medical Society, and is deputy 
inspector for the State Board of Health. Polit- 
ically, he is identified with the Republican party, 
is a member of the standing committee, and is 
secretary of the school board. In the Lutheran 



Church he holds membership, and is an active 
worker in both Church and Sunday-school. The 
Doctor and his wife have a beautiful home in 
McClune, and there hospitality reigns supreme, 
their many friends always being sure of a hearty 
welcome. As a physician and surgeon, the Doc- 
tor is a man of deep research and careful investi- 
gation, and his skill and ability has won him a 
liberal support. Prominence in his profession 
comes through merit alone, and the position 
which Dr. Boush has attained attests his su- 
periority. 



BEUBEN J. SMITH, a retired farmer living 
in Bannerville, Snyder county, was born 
near Adamsburg, Snyder Co., Penn., January 
27- 1S35. 

Jacob Smith, father of our subject, was born 
and reared in the southern part of the state, and 
learned the weaver's trade, which he followed 
through the winter months, while in the summer 
he engaged in farming. Removing to central 
Pennsylvania, he located in what is now Spring 
township, Snyder county, where he purchased a 
farm, on which he made his home for a number 
of years. He afterward bought a farm of 1 30 
acres in \\\st Beaver township, which he im- 
proved with a fine bank barn and buildings, con- 
tinuing his residence there for a number of years, 
when he sold the property to his sons and re- 
moved to Bannerville, where he died in 1 
His wife bore the maiden name of Sophia 
Brocher, and was also a native of southern Penn- 
sylvania. Her death occurred in Beavertown, 
this State. In his political belief, Jacob Smith 
was a Republican. He belonged to the Re- 
formed Church, took an active part in its work 
and lived in harmony with its professions. In 
the family were ten children: Sarah, deceased 
wife of Elias Steminger; Joseph, deceased; Amel- 
ia, who died in childhood; Sophia, deceased wife 
of Peter Knepp; Rebecca, widow of Daniel 
Snook, of Mifflin county; Reuben J. ; Lyddie, 
wife of James W. Price, of Illinois: Mary, widow 
of J. H. L'lsh; Amanda, wife of William Smith, 
of Lewistown, Penn.: and Catherine E., de- 
ceased wife of P. H. Knepp 

Reuben [ Smith was educated in the com- 
mon schools of West Beaver township, Snyder 
county, and followed the occupation of farming 
from earl\- boyhood. He never left the old home- 
stead until he put aside business cares. When his 
father retired he purchased ninety acres of that 
farm and operated it until [892, placing the land 
under a high state (if cultivation, which brought 
to him a handsome return for his labors. He 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1175 



planted a good orchard, erected a fine residence 
and other substantial buildings, and in connec- 
tion with general farming successfully followed 
stock raising. Prosperity attended his efforts, 
and his energy and enterprise were crowned with 
a high degree of success. In 1892 he rented his 
farm and came to Bannerville, where he pur- 
chased a very pleasant home and has since lived 
retired, enjoying the comforts of life in company 
with his estimable wife, who has been to him a 
faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey 
for thirty-seven years. 

Mrs. Smith, who bore the maiden name of 
Mary J. Hassinger, was born in West Beaver 
township, and is a daughter of Daniel Hassinger, 
who was a well-known farmer of that locality. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith were married in West 
Beaver township August 30, i860. Having no 
children of their own, they are now rearing a 
grandniece, Minnie Sophia Steeley, in whose ed- 
ucation, happiness and welfare they take a deep 
interest. 

During the Civil war, Mr. Smith manifested 
his loyalty to the Union by enlisting, in the fall 
of 1862, as a member of Company G, 172nd P. 
V. I., under Capt. M. Smith and Col. Klickner. 
He did service with the Fourth Heavy Artillery, 
and for nine months was in the Army of the 
Potomac. He was always loyal and faithful, 
ready to lay down his life if need be for his coun- 
try, and was honorably discharged at Harrisburg. 
He is an ardent Republican, has served as school 
director, assistant assessor and tax collector, and 
his duties are performed with marked fidelity and 
promptness. He and his wife are members of 
the Lutheran Church, in which he has served as 
trustee. He was formerly a teacher in the Sun- 
day-school, and is now a member of the Bible 
class. He has a genial smile, which indicates his 
kindly nature, and he is well known for his un- 
bending integrity. To every duty he manifests the 
same fidelity that characterized his career when 
on Southern battle fields he followed the old flag 
to victory. 

PETER CARMAN, an enterprising and suc- 
cessful general merchant now engaged in 
business in his native town of Mt. Pleasant 
Mills, Snyder countv, was born October 12, 
1830. 

The Garman family is of German descent, 
and was founded in America at an early day. 
The first representative of the name in the county 
was Henry Garman, grandfather of our subject, 
who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and 
when a young man removed to Mt. Pleasant 
Mills, then a part of Union county. He pur- 



chased a farm of more than 300 acres, and in 
connection with the cultivation of his land exten- 
sively and successfully engaged in stock raising 
until his death, which occurred in Perry town- 
ship, Snyder county, in 1847. He was twice 
married, his second union being with Miss Barg- 
stressen, who became the mother of Peter P. 
Garman, the father of our subject. 

Peter P. Garman was born near Mt. Pleasant 
Mills, and was educated in German. He fol- 
lowed farming and blacksmithing, and became 
an expert workman at that place. He also made 
many excellent improvements upon his farm, 
which comprised ninety-six acres. In 1851 he 
established a store, which he conducted up to 
the time of his death in 1869. He was married 
in Perry township to Catherine Minium, who was 
born in Schuylkill county, Penn., a daughter of 
Nicholas Minium, who followed the tailor's 
trade in Perry township, Snyder county. Mrs. 
Garman died in 1891. In the family were seven 
children: Jonas, a merchant in Dauphin county; 
Peter; Catherine, wife of David Karstler, of 
Middleburg; Sophia, wife of Eli Minuig, of Bris- 
tol, Ind. ; Sarah, wife of Thomas Meiser, of Roy- 
alton, Mich.; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Henry 
Meiser, who has also passed away; and William, 
deceased. 

Peter Garman, the subject of this review, 
began his education in the public schools of 
Perry township, and continued it in Freeburg 
Academy. He learned the blacksmith's trade 
with his father, and spent the first twenty-two 
years of his life under the parental roof. In 1850 
he went to Watsonville, Ohio, and spent three 
years working at his trade in different parts of 
that State, also remained for a short time in 
Michigan. In 1853 he returned home, and after 
clerking in his father's store for three years, was 
made a partner, a business connection that was 
continued for seven years, when he became a 
traveling salesman for the firm of Thomas Else & 
Co., of Philadelphia, manufacturers and whole- 
sale dealers in boots, shoes and rubbers. For 
twelve years he was connected with that house, 
traveling over the greater part of Pennsylvania, 
and wherever he went his pleasant manner and 
honorable dealing won him the respect of those 
with whom he came in contact. His next vent- 
ure was in the hotel business in Middleburg, in 
connection with David Karstler; but after two 
years he sold out to his partner, and came to 
Mt. Pleasant Mills, where he has since engaged 
in general merchandising. His stock is large and 
well selected, and his store is the favorite trading 
point with a large number of the people in the 
town and surrounding country. 



1176 



COMMEMORA TIVB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 






Mr. Garman was married in Perry township, 
in 1S55, to Sarah Sturb, a daughter of Benjamin 
Sturb, <>f Perry township. They had two chil- 
dren: Jefferson, a shoe dealer of Aberdeen, 
Wash. , and William D., an operator in Mill City, 
Ore. The mother of this family dying in 1 
Mr. Garman wedded Mary Landis, a native of 
Perry township. Snyder county, a daughter of 
I b 1 mdis, who makes his home with Mrs. 
Garman. Our subject is a stanch Republican 
and sound-money man, arjd has served as over- 
seer of the poor. He belongs to St. John's Luth- 
eran Church, has served as teacher, superintend- 
ent and treasurer of the Sunday-school, and is a 
member of the Epworth League. He belongs 
to Freeburg Lodge No. 611, I. O. O. F., in 
which he has tilled all the offices, and his life 
exemplifies the benevolent and worthy princi- 
ples that underlie that society. He is a success- 
ful, honorable business man, a progressive, en- 
terprising citizen, and a kind-hearted gentleman 
of exemplary habits and character, enjoying the 

1 ct of all who know him. 



ISAAC SPOTTS, county commissioner of Sny- 
der county, and a practical and progressive 
fanner of Perry township, was born in Lower 
Mahoning township, Northumberland Co., Penn., 
August 18, 1S40. His lather, John Spotts, was 
a native of the same locality, and his grandfather 
was a blacksmith of Northumberland county. <>! 

rman descent. J"hn Spotts was educated in 
German, and learned the cooper's trade, which 
he followed during the greater part of his life. 
He also farmed in Lower Mahoning township un- 
til his retirement from active business life, his 
last days being spent in Georgetown, where he 
died in February, 1896. He married Lyddie 
Hepner, daughter of Henry Hepner, and she is 
still living at Georgetown, at the age of eighty- 
two Mr. Spotts was a member of the 
German Reformed Church, a Republican in poli- 
tics, and served as supervisor of his township. 

In the family of this worthy couple were 
bt children: Samuel, of Perry township. 
Snyder count} - ; Isaac; Eliza, wife of Edward 
Engel, of Northumberland county; Elias, of 
Uniontown, Penn.; Joel, of Illinois; Sop! 
wife of John Yager, of Lower Mahoning town- 
ship. Northumberland county; Benjamin, of Illi- 
nois; and Frank, of Fremont, Snyder county. 

Isaac Spotts attended the subscription schools 
in the winter months, but his educational privi- 
leges were quite limited. At the age of eight 
V trs he began working on his father's farm, 
was thus employed until fifteen years of age. 



when he began working for neighboring farmers 
at $100 per year. After three years spent in that 
way he commenced learning the tanner's trade 
under Isaac Motter, "t Uniontown, under whose 
direction he worked for three years. He then 
responded to the country's call for troops, enlist- 
ing September 16, 1861, in the three-years' serv- 
ice, as a member of Company B, 9th Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, under Capt. E. G. Savage. He 
enlisted at Harrisburg, and was in the Western 
Army under Kilpatrick. The troops were en- 
1 in pursuit of Morgan, and he remained in 
the service for a year and a half, when on ac- 
count of disability he was discharged. He was 
in the hospital at Louisviile, Ky. , for one week, 
and in Richmond, Va. , for a short time. 

Returning to his home in Lower Mahoning 
township, Northumberland county, Mr. Spotts 
operated a farm on shares for three years, after 
which he was employed on the North Central 
Branch of the railroad as brakeman, flagman 
and fireman for some years. He was then pro- 
moted to the position of engineer on the Balti- 
more & Potomac railroad in 1873, and after sev- 
enteen months' service resigned and returned to 
Georgetown, Penn.. where he was elected consta- 
ble. In the spring of 1877 he removed to Chap- 
man township, Snyder county, where he followed 
farming and also spent one year as proprietor of 
a hotel. In 1881 he came to his present farm, 
comprising forty-eight acres of good land. He 
has erected a good dwelling and made other im- 
provements to the value of $2,000, and is now 
engaged in fruit growing and stock raising. He 
is a man of much energy and enterprise, and his 
keen discrimination in business affairs has brought 
to him success. 

Mr. Spotts was married in Northumberland 
county, in 1864, to Kate Phillips, a native of that 
county, and a daughter of Jacob Phillips, a 
farmer. They had two children: George, a trav- 
eling salesman of Somerset county, Penn. ; and 
one who died in infancy. The mother of this 
family died January 6, 1875. For his second 
wife Mr. Spotts chose Kate Heikes, who was 
b irn in Perry township, Snyder county, a daugh- 
ter of William Heikes, deceased. They have no 
children of their own, but are rearing an adopted 
son, Fred Servy. 

Mr. Spotts is a stalwart advocate of Repub- 
lican principles, and has done much for the suc- 
cess of his party. In 1893 he was a candidate 
for county commissioner, but met defeat at the 
primary by four votes. In November, 1896, 
however, he was elected to that office by a ma- 
jority of over 1, too, receiving the second highest 
vote on the ticket, a fact which plainly indicates 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1177 



his personal popularity and the confidence re- 
posed in him. In 1888 he was supervisor of his 
township. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, 
in which he is serving as deacon, and he is 
prominent in civic societies, holding member- 
ship in La Fayette Lodge No. 194, F. & A. M., 
of Selins Grove; the old Odd Fellows Society; 
and Post No. 316, G. A. R. He is a progressive, 
enterprising and patriotic citizen, who manifests 
in the discharge of his duties the same fidelity 
which characterized his career as a soldier on 
Southern battlefields. 



BENJAMIN F. THOMPSON, a retired farmer 
) and highly respected citizen of Lock Haven, 
Clinton county, is the oldest living represent- 
ative of an honored pioneer family of Nittany 
Valley. He was born July 31, 1 821, on the old 
Thompson homestead near Mackeyville, Clinton 
county, and is a son of Moses Thompson, whose 
birth occurred in October, 1787, in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union Co., Penn., on the pike one mile 
east of Mifflinburg. 

The grandparents, Benjamin and Nellie (Rob- 
inson) Thompson, were pioneers of Buffalo Val- 
ley, and were the parents of nine children, as 
follows: John, a farmer, who died in Canton, 
Ohio; Moses, father of our subject; Samuel, a 
Methodist minister, who died on the old home- 
stead in Buffalo Valley; James, who died unmar- 
ried in the same Valley; Benjamin, who owned 
and operated the old home farm in Buffalo Val- 
ley; Abigail, who married Philip Pontius, and 
died in Buffalo township, Union county: Cath- 
arine, who married Daniel Lemmon, and lived 
for years in New Berlin, but died in Williams- 
port, Penn. ; Sally, who married Frederick Pon- 
tius, and died in the West; and Rachel, who first 
wedded John Van Buskirk, and after his death 
married Jacob Mauck, and died in New Berlin. 

On his father's farm in Buffalo Valley, near 
Mifflinburg, Moses Thompson was reared and re- 
mained until his marriage, acquiring his educa- 
tion in the schools of the neighborhood. He did 
most of the weaving for the family, as he had 
learned the trade in early life. In 1812, in Buf- 
falo Valley, he married Miss Hannah Betts, who 
was born in East Buffalo, June 21, 1792, a 

daughter of Solomon and (Dunkle) Betts, 

in whose family were seven children: William, 
Solomon, Jr., Catharine, Magdalena, Susan, 
Rachel and Leah. Mr. Betts was also a pioneer 
of BuffaloValley. 

After his marriage, Moses Thompson lived 
on one of his father's farms in Buffalo Valley, 
where two of his children, Eliza and William 



were born, but in 1S16, with his little family, he 
started by wagon for what is now Lamar town- 
ship, Clinton county, where his father had pur- 
chased about five hundred acres of land by the 
big spring, near Mackeyville. Their route from 
Union county was through Penn's Valley Nar- 
rows and Brush Valley, and across Nittany Val- 
ley. A story-and-a-half log house was their 
home until 1838, when a large brick house was 
erected, which is still standing and is now occu- 
pied by the owner, James H. Porter. Only sev- 
en acres of the land had been cleared, every- 
thing was still in its primitive condition, and 
wild animals roamed through the forests. At 
one time a pack of a dozen wolves entered Mr. 
Thompson's barnyard and destroyed most of his 
sheep. He successfully engaged in farming 
upon that place until life's labors were ended, May 
27, 1847, and he was laid to rest in Cedar Hill 
cemetery. His wife survived him many years, 
dying February 17, 1886, when past the age of 
ninety-three, and now sleeps by his side. She 
was still well preserved, and retained her men- 
tal faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr. Thomp- 
son, who was a portly, well-built man, very pow- 
erful, died of apoplexy. He was unwavering in his 
support of the Whig party, but aside from regu- 
larly casting his ballot for its men and measures, 
he took no active part in political affairs. In re- 
ligious belief he and his wife were Methodists, 
and they enjoyed the esteem and friendship of 
all who knew them. In the family of this 
worthy couple were the following children: Eliza, 
who never married, and died in Mackeyville, 
Clinton county, at the age of seventy-nine; Will- 
iam, a retired farmer, who also died in Mackey- 
ville; Solomon, who engaged in farming in Porter 
township, Clinton county, where his death oc- 
curred in the fall of 1S96; Benjamin F., of this 
review; James T., who is living retired in Salona; 
Moses R. , a farmer, who died in Porter town- 
ship; and Sarah E., who died at the age of six- 
teen years. The old homestead near Mackey- 
ville remained in the family until the fall of 1854, 
and the buildings which they erected thereon are 
still standing. 

In the old-time school house, with its slab 
benches and seats all around the wall, Benjamin 
F. Thompson began his education under the in- 
struction of John Brady, and he learned to write 
with a quill pen. He early became familiar with 
the arduous task of clearing and developing a 
new farm, and until thirty-three years of age he 
remained upon the home farm, assisting his 
brothers in paying off the mortgage on the same 
after he attained his majority. On May 31, 
1852, in Mackeyville, he married Miss Joanna 



1178 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Kling, who was born in Lacock township, Lan- 
caster county, Penn., September 15, 183 1, a 
daughter of John and Margaret Shafer) Kling, 
in whose family were eight children: Adam, 
who died near Beavertown, in Snyder county, 
Penn. ; Maria, who married John Rockey, and 
died near Zion, in Centre county; Moses, who 
died in Buffalo Valley, Kelly township. Union 
county; Elias, who is still living in that town- 
ship; Rezalza, who married Samuel Royer, and 
died in Lock Haven; Margaret, who wedded 
William Moyer, and died in Northumberland 

Mty. Penn.; Joanna, the wife of our subject; 
and Diana, wife of Benjamin Graff, who lives 
near Iberia, in Miller county, Missouri. 

John Kling, Mrs. Thompson's father, was 
born in Lacock township, Lancaster county, in 
1794, and was the fourth in order of birth in the 
family of John and Annie (Bear) Kling, the 
others being Joel, who died in Nittany Valley, 
Clinton county; Rebecca, who married William 
Moore, and died in Kelly township, Union coun- 
ty; Nancy, who died in Perry county, Penn.; 
Isaac, who died in Upper Lacock township, Lan- 
caster county; David, who died in Chester coun- 
ty, Penn.; Martin, who died in Indiana; Peter, 
who died in Perry county, Penn.; Hannah, widow 
of Peter Lckert, and a resident of Lancaster 
county; and Jacob, who died in Lacock township, 
Lancaster county. In the spring ol [833, John 
Kling, Jr., with his family, removed to Kelly 
township, Union county, but as Mrs. Thompson 
was ill at the time she remained with her pa- 
ternal grandparents in her native count}', being 
reared by them until seventeen years of age. 
Her father spent his remaining days at his new 
home, dying there at the age of seventy-two 
Her mother departed this lilt- in 1s.j4.at the age 
of forty-seven, and Mr. Kling later married Maria 
Kling. He and his wives were all buried in the 
cemetery at Lewisburg, In politics, In- was a 
Republican, and in religious belief, a Lutheran, 

ing as a deacon in his Church. 

For three years after his marriage, Mr. 
Thompson rented tli I 1: n on which he \ a ; Norn, 
and in the spring of 1855 removed to what is n \ 
known as the Brookside farm in Lamar township, 
Clinton county, which he purchased from Hudson 
Williams. There he continued to engage in 
agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1874, 
when he went to Lewisburg, and after three 
years there passed, he returned to the farm, but 
in 1S82 he laid aside business cares, and has 
since occupied a pleasant home on [ones street, 
Lock Haven, wherehe is surrounded by all the 
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. In 
the fall of 1881 he purchased seventy-tive and 






one-half acres in Allison township, Clinton 
county, which is operated by a tenant. The 
success that he has achieved in life is due entire- 
ly to his own unaided efforts, good management 
and strict integrity. He has been officially con- 
nected with the Methodist Church, of which he 
and his wife are earnest and consistent members, 
and their pleasant, genial manners and kindly 
dispositions have gained for them a host of warm 
friends. Originally, Mr. Thompson was a Whig 
in politics, and is now a stalwart Republican, but 
has never cared for office, at one time refusing to 
serve after being elected justice of the peace. ■ 



PETER MEITZLER. It is astonishing to 
witness the success of young men who have 
emigrated to America without capital, and, from 
a position of comparative obscurity, worked their 
way upward to a position of prominence. The 
readiness with which they adapt themselves to 
circumstances, and take advantages of opportu- 
nities offered, brings to them success and wins 
them a place among the leading business men ol 
the community in which they reside. Prominent 
among this class is Mr Meitzler, who is the pop- 
ular and genial proprietor of the "Riverside 
Hotel " at Lock Haven, Clinton county. 

Mr. Meitzler was born in Germany, Septem- 
ber 11, 1 83 1 , a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Lowald) Meitzler, who spent their entire lives 
in the Fatherland, where the father served a 
revenue collector for many years. Until thir- 
teen years of age our subject attended the public 
schools of his native land, and then crossed the 
Atlantic to Charleston, S. C. , where his brothers 
and sisters were living, and where he made his 
home until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 
the meantime he was bound out to learn the ma- 
chinist's trade, and after mastering the business 
he went as second engineer on the steamer " Isa- 
bel," continuing to follow the sea until 1857. 
Returning to Charleston, he engaged in clerking 
for a time, then went to Columbia, S. C. , from 
there to Savannah, Ga. .and later returned to 
Charleston, where he purchased the "Globe Ho- 
tel,'' on Queen street, and conducted the same 
until called into the service. When the war was 

1 he ram. to Williamsport, Penn., where he 
was eng iged in various business enterprises, and 
finally conducted a hotel at that place. In 1872, 
when the local option law was passed in Penn- 
sylvania, lie came to Lock Haven, and opened 
the •• Railroad House.'' and has since conducted 
several hotels there. The "Riverside Hotel," 
of which he is now proprietor, is one of the best 
and most complete hotels in the city, it being 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1179 



supplied with all modern conveniences. It can 
easily accommodate 200 guests, the cuisine is ex- 
ceptionally fine, and the place has become a pop- 
ular resort with the traveling public. 

In 1863 Mr. Meitzler was united in marriage 
to Miss Eva Herr, of Lycoming county, Penn. 
They affiliate with the Lutheran Church, are 
widely and favorably known, and have many 
friends in their adopted city. In his polit- 
ical views Mr. Meitzler is a Democrat, opposed 
to all monopolies, but has never been a politician 
in the sense of office seeking. The success of 
his life is due to no inherited fortune, or to any 
happy succession of advantageous circumstances, 
but to his own sturdy will, steady application, 
tireless industry and sterling integrity. 



A 



vama. 



L. 

of 



CLINTON, machinist in the town 
Renovo, Clinton County, Pennsyl- 



JAMES E. ROBBINS. The law of cause and 
effect holds good throughout the business as 
well as the material world, and certain causes 
will invariably bring certain results. The quali- 
ties which produce a success in business circles 
are the same — enterprise, good management, un- 
flagging industry and sound judgment. These 
are marked elements in the character of Mr. 
Robbins, who to-day stands as one of the lead- 
ing lumbermen of Noyes township, Clinton 
county. 

Mr. Robbins is a native of that county, born 
October 10, 1857, in Colebrook township, and is 
a representative of a family of Scotch-Irish origin 
which was founded in New England at an early 
day. His grandfather, Thomas Robbins, was a 
native of New Jersey, and when a young man re- 
moved to Fisher Creek township, Columbia, Co., 
Penn., where he continued to follow agricultural 
pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. 
Politically he is a Democrat. 

Isaac Robbins, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was born in Fishing Creek township, Co- 
lumbia county, was reared on the home farm, 
and attended the subscription schools of that lo- 
cality. In the early '40s he removed with his fam- 
ily to Sugar Valley, Clinton county, where he 
purchased 280 acres of land, sixty of which had 
been placed under cultivation, and to its further 
improvement and to lumbering he devoted his 
remaining years. He died in 1893, an d was 
buried near the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, 
in Green township, in which he was a very 
prominent and active member, being one of its 



founders and liberal supporters. He always ad- 
hered to the principles of the Democracy, and 
took a deep interest in the success of his party. 
He was three times married, his first wife being 
Miss Walsh, whom he married in Columbia 
county, and to them were born four children: 
George, a farmer of that county; JohnW., father 
of our subject; Catharine, wife of E. Felter, of 
Emporium, Penn. ; and one son who died in in- 
fancy. His wife dying in Columbia county, Mr. 
Robbins was again married, his second union 
being with a Miss Condor, of the same county, 
by whom he had five children: James K. P., of 
Williamsport, Penn.; Jesse, of Jersey Shore; 
Emanuel, also of Jersey Shore; and a son and a 
daughter who died in infancy. The mother of 
these children passed from earth in Sugar Valley, 
and was buried in Zion cemetery. For his third 
wife, Mr. Robbins wedded Mrs. Misener, who is 
still living in Jersey Shore. 

The birth of John W. Robbins occurred in 
Fishing Creek, Columbia county, April 19, 1828, 
and the public schools of Sugar Valley afforded 
him his educational privileges. He worked on 
the farm with his father during the summer 
months, and was employed in the lumber woods 
during the winter season until he attained his 
majority, when he started out in life for himself 
as a farmer, and he also worked for a while at 
the carpenter's trade. Going to Queen's Run, 
west of Lock Haven, he conducted a boarding 
house for some time, and also followed lumber- 
ing, after which he engaged in the former busi- 
ness at Lock Haven, and was employed in the 
construction of the railroad to that place, doing 
blasting. He saw the first train brought to that 
city. In i860 he removed to Westport, where 
he engaged in lumbering with Col. Noyes, and 
also ran rafts down the west branch of the Sus- 
quehanna to Marietta and Columbia. Subse- 
quently he bought a farm of 166 acres in Noyes 
township, Clinton county, on which he made 
many valuable improvements; was also owner 
and proprietor of the "Westport Hotel" for 
nineteen years, and at the same time followed 
lumbering. Although he has always been a hard- 
working man, he is still quite active and well 
preserved for one of his years, and now makes 
his home in Westport. As a Democrat he has 
been elected supervisor and overseer of the poor 
in his township, and has always faithfully per- 
formed every duty that devolved upon him, 
whether public or private. No man in Clinton 
county is held in higher regard, or is more de- 
serving the respect and confidence reposed in 
him. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church 
and of Renovo Lodge No. 595. I. O. O. F. 



11 Ml 



i (iSIMF.MOUATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL l!F.<ORD. 



On April 24, 1 s 5 5 , at Logan's Mills, Sugar 
Valley, John W. Robbins was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Herman, a native of that Valley, and 
a daughter of Michael Herman, a carpenter and 
farmer of Logan township, Clinton county. 
Three children were born of this union, namely: 
James E., the subject of this review; Thomas M., 
ter, butcher and merchant of Westport, 
who married Vera Kepler, and has two children — 
Elizabeth and [ames E., Jr.; and one child who 
died in infancy. Thewifeand mother was called 
to her final rest in September, (886, and was 
buried in Westport. The father was again mar- 

. in [888, his second union being with Mary 
Campbell, a native of Hyner. Chapman township, 
Clinton county, and widow of Robert Myers. 
Three children grace the second marriage: Floar, 
Elizabeth and John. 

Tin subjei t of this sketch received an ex- 

ut literary education, first attending the 
public schools of Westport, later the Allegheny 
College for two terms, and in 1880 graduated at 
the Central State Normal School at Lock Ha- 
ven, after which he entered the law department 
of the University of Ann Arbor, Mich., where, 
on his graduation in [882, he was granted the 
degree of Bachelor of Law, and was admitted 
to practice before the courts of Michigan. 
Returning to Westport in that year, he bought 
2.200 acres of timber land, and engaged in lum- 
bering fur three years, when, in partnership with 
William C. K. Xoyes, he purchased 1 1,000 ai 
and together they engaged in the manufacture of 
lumber for the same length of time.' In 1888 
our subject erected a sawmill in Chapman town- 
ship, Clinton county, at the cost of $4,500, 
which he still successfully operates. He is the 
owner of 1 1,000 acres of timber land besides 
the old homestead farm in Sugar Valley, and 
600 acres of land in the Red River Valley, 
Polk county, Minn., which he purchased in 
[883. He is one oi the most energetic, pro- 

;ive and reliable businessmen in the coun- 
ty, always upright and honorable in all his 
dealings, and in consequence he commands the 
confidence and respect of all who know him. 
On August 9, 1883, Mr. Robbins was mar- 
: ai Mill Hall, Clinton county, to Miss Mar- 
garet McMicken, who was born at that place, a 
daughter of Joseph and Susan iSterretti McMick- 
en. Her father, who is deceased, was for many 
years one of the prominent physicians and highly 
esteemed citizens of Mill Hall. Mrs. Robbins 
began her education in the schools of that place, 
and in l aed from the Central State 

Normal School, after which she successfully 
engaged in teaching for several terms in Clin- 



I Cameron counties. She was a most 
estimable lady, a leading member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, a teacher in its Sunday-school, 
and was one of the first to make an effort to 
secure the erection of a house of worship in 
Westport. She died March 31, 1896, mourned 
by a large circle of friends and acquaintances 
who appreciated her sterling worth. Mr. Rob- 
bins is also a prominent member of that Church, 
has taught in the Sunday-school, served as a 
steward, and was a member of the building com- 
mittee. Fraternally, he is connected with Re- 
el Lodge No. 495, F. & A. M. ; the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows; and the Patriotic 
Order Sons of America. Although he has never 
been an office-seeker, he has served as school 
director for nine years, also as clerk of his town- 
ship, and has ever faithfully performed every duty 
of citizenship. His industrial interests have 
made him an integral factor in the business life 
of his community, his sterling worth has gained 
1 1 him prominence in social circles, and he is 
uniformly esteemed by old and young, rich and 
I 1 1 



HENRY C. WOLFE. On September t8, 
1727, there arrived at Philadelphia, the 
good ship "William and Sarah," bearing a large 
number of Germans from the Palatinate. Among 
these voyagers were Hans Bernard Wolf and 
Hans Jerrick Wolf, or in plain English, John 
Bernard and John George Wolf. The latter is 
presumed to have been a son of the former. At 
that time the Valley of the Tulpehocken, in 
northern Berks county, was largely settled by 
Palatines who had come overland from Scho- 
harie. N. Y., where their land titles had been 
invalidated by the New York authorities. To 
this Valley the Wolfs also made their way, and 
becoming members of the little colony accumu- 

1 property with characteristic German thrift 
and enterprise. In 1748 John Bernard Wolf 
died leaving an estate, his wife. Eve, and son, 
John George, being made his executors. The 
latter had several children among whom was 
a son, George Wendell, the Union county pio- 
neer, who was born on the Tulpehocken March 
16, 1740. In 1758 he was bound out to one 
Jacob Miller to learn the art of cordwaining, and 
he afterward carried on his business successfully, 

ing a handsome competence. Nor was he 
lacking in patriotism, as he served in the Revo- 
lutionary army, enrolling himself in 1776 as a 
private in Capt. Michael Furrer's Company, 
Colonel Patton's Regiment, Berks County Mili- 
tia. On March 12, 1766, he was married to Ann 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



11S1 



Elizabeth Reid, by whom he had eight chil- 
dren: (i) Michael, born August 2, 1767, died 
in 1847. His wife, Catherine Smith, of Lew- 
isburg, passed away in 1858. They had twelve 
children, among whom were three sons — George, 
who died in 1882, aged eighty-three years; Abra- 
ham, who died in 1878, at the age of seventy- 
seven; and Michael, born August 6, 1809, who 
married Margaret Engelman, and removed to 
Ohio. (2) Magdalena, born December 6, 176S, 
married a Mr. Noll before her father's removal 
to Union county, and died at her home in Berks 
county. (3) Peter, born in 1 77 1 , died in Buffalo 
Valley in 185 1. He married a Miss Reid, and had 
three sons — Peter, Leonard, and Daniel, the lat- 
ter going to Ohio. (4) Jacob, born May 29, 1773, 
died in 18 14. His wife, Catherine, who survived 
him, was a daughter of John Bashore, who was 
killed by the Indians in Buffalo Valley in 1778. 
She was born June 12, 1772, and married to Jacob 
Wolf, March 6, 1796. Their children were: 
Catherine, Elizabeth, Jacob, John, Samuel, and 
Jonathan. (5) John, born July 17, 1777, mar- 
ried and moved to Ohio at an early day. (6) 
Christian, born in April, 1779, was for some 
time engaged in business at Lewisburg as a hat- 
ter, but in 1807 located at Fayette, Seneca Co., 
N. Y., where he died in 1833. In later years 
he entered the ministry and was a prominent sup- 
porter of Rev. Jacob Albright, the founder of the 
denomination known as the "Evangelical Asso- 
ciation," which is also known as the German 
Methodist Church. Christian Wolfe married 
Barbara Books, of Buffalo Valley, but their de- 
scendants are not numerous. (7) Leonard, born 
May 2, 1782, married and settled in Ohio. (8) 
Andrew, born May 3, 1784, died in Buffalo Val- 
ley, January 21, 1 87 1 . His wife, Anna, who 
died in the same year, was a daughter of Martin 
Dreisbach, and sister of Rev. John Dreisbach, a 
colleague of Rev. Jacob Albright, mentioned 
above. All of this family were active and influ- 
ential workers in the Evangelical Association; 
and of the children of Andrew and Anna Wolfe, 
two sons, Aaron and Simon, were ministers, and 
two daughters married clergymen, Reverends 
Benjamin Hess and Henry Rohland, respect- 
ively. 

As has been said, George Wendell Wolfe was 
a prosperous man, but as old age drew nigh, he 
saw that the opportunities for his descendants 
were rapidly lessening as the region where he 
had settled became more closely populated. De- 
siring to remove to a newer section where better 
provision could be made for them, he disposed of 
his Berks county property, and, in 1793, pur- 
chased from Abraham Mensch about one thou- 



sand acres of choice land on Turtle creek, in 
Union county, a few miles south of Lewisburg. 
He himself removed to this estate in 1796, and 
his death occurred there March 12, 1826, his 
wife following him March 7, 1829. The remains 
of both were interred in Dreisbach cemetery. 

The late Jonathan Wolfe, son of Jacob Wolfe, 
mentioned above, and his wife, Catherine 
Bashore, was born in East Buffalo township, 
Union county, August 2, 1812, and was one of a 
family of six children left fatherless at an early 
age. His mother afterward married Jacob Reedy, 
and lived at the old farm on the creek which be- 
came his property in later years, and was a favor- 
ite home. Times were hard, and at the age of 
thirteen he hired out to Mishalls Lincoln, near 
Mifflinburg, for twenty-eight dollars a year, or 
fifty cents a week. Soon afterward John Hoy 
offered him $5.50 a month, and as Lincoln would 
not raise his wages the offer was accepted. He 
remained with Mr. Hoy a year, and for a few 
months attended a school taught by James Aiken. 
Through the latter's voluntary recommendation 
he was offered a situation, in 1827, as a clerk in 
Joseph Hutchinson's store, where he worked 
about two years, but being ambitious to see 
more of the world he determined to go to Phila- 
delphia. He knew no one there, but having 
heard of the " Bull's Head Tavern," he inquired 
for it on his arrival, found it, asked for work, and 
was employed there until he secured a position 
as clerk and bookkeeper with Solomon Alter, a 
prominent Philadelphia merchant. He advanced 
rapidly with Mr. Alter, soon had his entire con- 
fidence, and largely administered his business. 
In May, 1833, he formed a partnership with his 
brother, Samuel, under the firm name of S. & 
J. Wolfe, and engaged in mercantile business in 
Lewisburg. After a time Mr. Alter requested 
him to return to Philadelphia and manage his 
affairs, and for three years Mr. Wolfe attended 
to both lines of enterprise. Later he became in- 
terested in milling, in which he met with his ac- 
customed success, and for years he ranked among 
the wealthiest men of the county, his credit be- 
ing practically unlimited. It would be difficult 
to mention all the enterprises throughout the 
Valley to which he lent a helping hand, sustain- 
ing them by money and influence until prosperity 
was assured. 

He was a man of fine sensibilities, and, not- 
withstanding his lack of suitable educational 
privileges in youth, and the pressing cares of 
business life, he became well-informed, showing 
unusual familiarity with the best literature. 
History and the works of the great poets were 
his especial favorites, and he could quote exten- 



1182 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



sively from Shakespeare and the Bible. For the 
light literature of the day he cared nothing, and 
it was only when he sat down with some acquaint- 
ance whose intelligence invited serious conversa- 
tion that his abilities, his learning, his ready and 
apt choice of language, and the charm of his 
manner were realized. He was married March 
29, 1837, to Miss Elizabeth Troxell, granddaughter 
of George Troxell, one of the first residents of 
Lewisburg, and the first to die after the town 
was laid out, his death occurring in 1790. He 
lived on the corner of Second and St. < atherine 
streets, and the house is now one of the few re- 
maining landmarks of the olden time. Mrs. 
Elizabeth Wolfe died May 6, 1876, but Mr. 
Wolfe survived until February 26, 1X90, when 
he passed away in his seventy-eighth year. Five 
children are still living: Edwin C. ; Mary A11- 

ta, wife of Hon. S. 1). Bates; Henry C, 
whose name appears at the opening of this mem- 
oir Leon B. ; and Charles J. 

Henry C. Wolfe, son of Jonathan Wolfe and 
Elizabeth Troxell, was born October 9, 1843. 
He grew up amidst the busy scenes of his father's 
lift;, and obtained an accurate knowledge of busi- 
ness affairs. After completing his literary stud- 
ies at the Randolph Academy and at Lewisburg 
University, now known as Bucknell College, he 
took a business 1 ourse at Eastman's College, at 
Poughkeepsie, N. V. Returning home in 1862, 

clerked in his father's drug store for some 
years. In 1S72 he became a member of the 
flourishing firm of W. D. Himmelreich & Co., 
the firm name being then P. Billmyer <.V Co. 
Here, although a comparatively young man, he 
has assisted in operating the most extensive saw- 
mill and lumber business in Lewisburg. He was 
married in 1869 to Miss Sarah Alice Billmyer, a 
native of Lewisburg. They have one son. Philip, 
who married a granddaughter of fudge Walls. 

While Mr. Wolfe is a most competent busi- 
ness man, he is much more than that — his public 
spirit being shown in Ins active support of pro 
gressive movements in his locality. In politics 
he is a Democrat. 



JroHN C. DUNKEL, a wealthy retired agri- 
culturist residing near Lewisburg, is the owner 

of several fine tracts of farming land in Union 
county, one of which has been in the possession 
of his family since 1 8 1 1 . 

Conrad Dunkel, the grandfather of our sub- 
ject, in the year named left his early home in 
Berks county, Penn. , to settle in what is now 
Buffalo township, Union count}-, where he cleared 
and improved a farm. He was a natural 



chanic, turning his hand effectively to anv kind 
of work, and as opportunity came to him he fol- 
lowed different trades, especially that of carpen- 
ter. His wife, Susanna Kaufman, to whom he 
was married in 1793, accompanied him to the 
new home. She died in 1842, at the age of six- 
ty-eight, and his own death occurred in Lewis- 
burg three years later. Their remains were first 
interred in the Lutheran churchyard at Lewis- 
burg, but have since been transferred to thefam- 
ilv lot in Dreisbach cemetery in Buffalo tow nship, 
They had five children: John, who was born in 
1795, died in East Buffalo township, Uni 

inty; George, born in 1800, developed ex- 
traordinary strength in boyhood, but died at the 
age of fourteen from pneumonia, resulting from 
a cold caught while fishing; Michael is mentioned 
more fully farther on; Maria, born in 1S09, mar- 
ried George Belman, and died in Northumber- 
land county; and George, born in 1818, died in 
1820. 

Michael Dunkel, our subject's father, was 
born in Maiden Creek township, Berks county. 
January 30, 1 803. and, coming to Union county 
in boyhood, always made his home at the farm 
in Buffalo township. He was slightly crippled 
in his right arm, as a result of falling from a mill 
door in childhood, at the old home in Berks 
county, and was somewhat hampered in his choice 
of occupations. Twice he began to learn a trade, 
but gave up the idea. For a short time he worked 
in a woolen-factory in Berks county, and later 
spent two years as a clerk in Lewisburg, but 
finally settled down to farming, in which he suc- 
ceeded in gaining a handsome competence. His 
methods were slow and sure, speculation being 
quite foreign to his disposition and habits. The 
old farm came to him by will, but certain obliga- 
tions to the other heirs had to be met before he 
obtained the sole ownership. 

He was fond of visiting and very hospitable, 
and his wonderful memory made him a most en- 
tertaining companion. In boyhood he had re- 
ceived fair educational advantages, which he had 
supplemented by reading upon various subjects, 
especially the history of our own and other lands. 
Politically, he was first a Whig, and then a Re- 
publican, but while voting regularly, he was not 
an office-seeker. In religious work he was active, 
being a devout member of the Dreisbach Church, 
to which he gave liberally of money and til 
holding various official positions. Although he 
had not a particularly powerful physique, his 
constitution was good, and he lived to be nearly 
ninety years old, and in spite of ten months' suf- 
fering from a fall, he retained full possession of 
his mental faculties to the last. His death oc- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



L183 



curred December 17, 1S93, and his remains now 
rest in Dreisbach cemetery. His wife, Eliz- 
abeth Stitzer, to whom he was married February 
16, 1826, was born April 27, 1805, and died 
March 6, 1877. Her parents, John and Dorothea 
(Dunkleberger) Stitzer, kept a hotel at Mifflin- 
burg, where they reared a family of eight chil- 
dren, and Mrs. Dunkel was next to the youngest 
of their three daughters. 

Eleven children were born to Michael and 
Elizabeth Dunkel, five of whom are yet living: 
Mary, born February 28, 1827, married Peter 
Rangier, of Lewisburg; Samuel, born February 
10, 1829, died March 16, 1829; Carolina, born 
January 17, 1830, married Levi Gemberling, and 
died in Kelly township, Union county; John C. 
is mentioned more fully below; Elizabeth, born 
May 2, 1835, is the widow of John Ryder, for- 
merly a hotel keeper at Vicksburg, Penn. ; Su- 
sannah, born June 5, 1837, died July 27, 1839; 
Conrad, born May 15, 1838, died May 16, 1838; 
George, born May 15, 1838, died June 19, 1838; 
Susanna, born September 6, 1839, is now Mrs. 
Adam M. Grove, of Kelly township; Catherine, 
born February 19, 1842, married Isaac F. 
Brown, of Buffalo township; James M. , born 
April 16, 1845, was killed June 3, 1863, at the 
battle of Cold Harbor. He had made repeated 
efforts to get into the army, offering himself as a 
recruit in every company that went from Lewis- 
bur;;, but was rejected. When finally accept- 
ed he proved himself a good soldier, and fell while 
fighting bravely. 

The subject of our sketch was born June 26, 
1832, at the old homestead, and was educated 
mainly in that district, attending first the Mc- 
Clure school house on Turtle creek. He studied 
a short time at Mifflinburg Academy, and had an 
excellent chance to obtain an education, but he 
did not especially care for study and his father 
permitted him to stay at home, where he delight- 
ed in being around the horses. With his natural 
inclination for farm life and his thorough prac- 
tical training in its details, it is not strange that 
Mr. Dunkel should have become one of the lead- 
ing agriculturists of his county. 

On January 3, 1856, Mr. Dunkel took unto 
himself a helpmeet, Miss Catherine Dunkel, who 
was born October 9, 1833, the youngest daugh- 
ter of John S. and Leah (Dreisbach) Dunkel, of 
Buffalo township. Union county, who reared to 
adult age a family of eight children, three sons 
and five daughters. After his marriage, Mr. 
Dunkel continued to reside at the homestead 
until 1887, when he removed to his present lot 
of five acres in East Buffalo township, near Sa- 
lem church. He still owns ninety-eight acres of 



the old homestead, and another tract of twenty- 
five acres in the same township, besides 140 
acres in East Buffalo township, making altogether 
more than 300 acres. At one time he owned 
property in Kansas, and he has made several 
trips to the West. For eighteen years he was 
identified with the Grange, but since his retire- 
ment from active business he has given his atten- 
tion to other lines of thought. He reads a great 
deal, and is fond of good company, in which his 
own conversational powers make him thoroughly 
at home. 

On February 21, 1893, Mrs. Dunkel passed 
to the unseen world. Of their six children, five 
survive: Mary E. married D. N. App, of Selins 
Grove, Penn. ; Charles E. died at the age of 
eighteen; William and James M. reside in Buffalo 
township, Union county; Martin L. lives on the 
140-acre farm previously referred to, in East Buf- 
falo township; and Miss Katie S. Dunkel is at 
home. 

Mr. Dunkel believes firmly in the principles 
of the Republican party, but in local affairs votes 
for the best man, whatever ticket he may be on. 
He has served for some time as school director 
in East Buffalo township, and held several town- 
ship offices at his former home. He united with 
the Evangelical Church in his youth, and for 
thirty-one years was a trustee in Salem Church. 
While living in Buffalo township he was for a 
time a deacon in Dreisbach Church. 



f/ILLIAM LINCOLN MERTZ, auditor of 
Union county, is one of our most pro- 
gressive and successful agriculturists, and has 
been for some years a leading live-stock breeder, 
having upon his extensive farm some fine speci- 
mens of Belgium horses, Registered trotting 
horses, Registered Holstein-Friesian cattle, and 
Registered English Berkshire hogs. At the re- 
cent fair at Lewisburg and Milton, he received 
the first prize on all stock exhibited, except one 
cow, and serious doubt was cast upon that de- 
cision by circumstances. His business interests 
do not prevent Mr. Mertz from giving effective 
thought to public affairs, and the public, recog- 
nizing his ability, has chosen him on occasions 
to various posts of duty, where he has served 
faithfully and well. 

Mr. Mertz was born in East Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, July 2, i860, the son of 
Henry and Lydia (Aurand) Mertz, who were 
both natives of Union county, and lifelong resi- 
dents there. His paternal grandfather, Jacob 
Mertz, coming in an early day from Berks coun- 
ty, Penn. , located in Union county. The later 



1184 



- OMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years of himself and wife were passed upon a 
(arm in East Buffalo township, Union county. 
He was a farmer, and also engaged in distilling. 
He died April 5, 1 S 59, aged seventy-eight years. 
The maternal grandfather, Abraham, and wife 
died in that township, their remains being 
interred at Lewisburg. All four grandparents 
passed away before our subject's birth; and his 
parents attained a good old age, the father 
breathing his last November 26, 1889, when in 
the seventy-fourth year of his age, and the 
mother surviving until 1896, both being laid to 
rest in the Lewisburg cemetery. They were de- 
vout members of the Evangelical Church, and 
the father, who was a farmer by occupation, was 
a steadfast Republican in his political views. 

Of their large family of children, our subject 
was the youngest. The others were: MaryC, 
born January 4, 1838. died unmarried. Susanna, 
born October 17, 1839, is now the wife of Cyrus 
Fetter, of East Buffalo township, L'nion county. 
Nirah Jane, born March iS, 1 841, married Chris- 
tian Leader, but is now deceased. Elizabeth, 
born April 18, 1842, and John, born March 4, 
1S43, both died in childhood. Lucinda, born 
April 13, 1844, married C. W. Chappell, a lum- 
berman and merchant in Cambria county, Penn., 
and has had nine children. Abraham, of East Buf- 
falo township, born October 13, 184^), married 
Lizzie Dolby, and has had rive children. Cath- 
erine, born May 26, 1851, married Franklin 
Kessler, of East Buffalo township, and has had 
seven children. Jacob, who resides in the same 
township, was born May 8, 1853. married Sallie 
Walker, and has one child. Etta A., born No- 
vembei 8, 1854, is the wife of John Richard, of 
Sullivan county, Penn. Lydia is the deceased 
wife of M. K. Gearhart, a wealthy retired resi- 
dent of l'nion township, Union county. 

Our subject gave early evidence of mental 
ability in his eagerness for an education, and his 
effective use of every available opportunity for 
advancement in his studies. The local schools 
soon proved insufficient for his needs, and in 
1878 he spent six months in study in the Univer- 
sity at New Berlin. Later he studied for three 
terms at the Lewisburg Academy, teaching in 
vacations, and thus earning money for the prose- 
cution of his plans. An uncle, Abraham Aurand, 
was desirous of having some member of the fam- 
ily enter the ministry, and noting our subject's 
love of study, determined to educate him for that 
calling. Mr. Mertz. who was then about nine- 

irdly begun to profit by this kindi 
when the uncle died. The latter had tried to 
arrange for the future, and, when dying, he 
called tin young student to his bedside and told 



him that he could continue his studies as he was 
to be the administrator of the estate and was 
provided for. This arrangement failed, however, 
owing to the fact that Mr. Mertz had not attained 
his majority, so that he was obliged to depend 
mainly upon himself for the necessary fund- 
any further study. 

Mr. Mertz taught school for two terms in East 
Buffalo township, Union county, and then, find- 
ing the occupation uncongenial, he clerked for 
ten months for G. K. Swope, in a general store 
at Lewisburg. Being strongly urged to resume 
the work of teaching, he did si 1 for one term, hut 
he turned a deaf ear to all entreaties to continue, 
and, returning home, he conducted the farm. 
He was married August 15, 1882, to Miss Han- 
nah B. Kunkel, and took his bride to the old 
home, but after four years he decided to give up 
farming and the next three years were spent in 
operating a threshing machine, which he pur- 
chased in partnership with a brother-in-law, J. 
M. Kunkel. He then moved to Nnrthumberland 
county, Penn., and conducted John E. Morgan's 
farm for three years, after which he moved to a 
farm in White Deer township. Union county, and 
remained four years. In the spring of 1897 he 
located in Kelly township, Union county, contin- 
uing there the raising of fine live stock, together 
with general fanning. 

As a citizen, Mr. Mertz is deservedly popular, 
and he can always be relied upon to help forward 
any movement that promises advantage to his 
community. He is a member of the Reformed 
Church at Lewisburg; and also belongs to the 
White Deer Grange, at New Columbia, White 
Deer Alliance No. 400, of White Deer, and the 
Royal Arcanum, No. 948, at Lewisburg. In the 
local Republicanorganization he isactiveandintlu- 
ential, and in November, 1S96, he was elected to 
the office of count)- auditor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mertz have an interesting fam- 
ily of four children: Olive G., born May 13. [883; 
Charles E., [uly 15. 1886; Mary L., September 
15. 1892; and Lester L., March 1. 1S96. Mrs. 
Mertz was born in East Buffalo township. Union 
county, July 31, [862, the daughter of George 
and Mar) (Moyer Kunkel, who were natives of 
Dry Valley, and passed their lives in Union 
county. The father was a farmer by occupation. 
and a steadfast Republican in political faith, and 
both parents belonged to tin Reformed Church, 
their lives giving proof of their devotion to its 
teachings. Mr. Kunkel died October 20, 1894, 

i seventy-three, and his wife did not long 
survive him, her death occurring June 6. 1 1 

Mrs. Mertz was the youngest of six children: 
(i) Diana, married Edward Young, a farmer ol 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1185 



Snyder county, Penn., and died leaving three 
children. (2) Michael died at thirteen years of 
a S e - (3) Joseph, now a retired resident of 
Lindville, Penn., married Emma Gundy, and 
has one child. (4) John M., of Lindville, is still 
engaged in the threshing business. He married 
Mary Walter, and has one child. (5) George, a 
farmer in East Buffalo township, Union county, 
married Ella Burge, and has two children. 



\MW W. WOLFE, a prominent resident of 
V JL Lewisburg, is a representative of one of 
the pioneer families of Buffalo Valley, his great- 
grandfather, George Wendell Wolfe, having 
located there more than a century ago. 

The family originated in Germany, and their 
history is traced to the time of the arrival of 
the ship "William and Sarah," at Philadelphia, 
September 18, 1727, with a large company of 
emigrants from the Palatinate. On this vessel 
was Hans Bernard Wolf and Hans Jerrick Wolf, 
or in plain English were John Bernard and 
John George Wolf. The latter is presumed to 
have been a son of the former. The valley of 
the Tulpehocken in northern Berks county was 
at that time settled by Palatines who came 
overland from Schoharie, N. Y. , where their 
land titles had been invalidated by the New 
York authorities. The Wolfs pushed their way 
also to Tulpehocken, and settled among these 
unfortunates. John Bernard Wolf died in 1748. 
His executors were his wife and his son, John 
George. The latter had among other children a 
son George Wendell, born on the Tulpehocken, 
March 16, 1740, who in 1758 was bound out to 
Jacob Miller to learn the art of cordwaining. On 
March 12, 1766, he married Ann Elizabeth Reid. 
He was very prosperous in business, and accum- 
ulated a considerable estate. He served with 
credit in the war of the Revolution, entering as 
a private in Capt. Michael Furrer's Company, 
Colonel Patton's Regiment, Berks County Militia, 
on August 27, 1776. [See Pennsylvania Archives, 
Vol. XIV, P. 249.] In 1793, when advanced in 
years, he disposed of his property in Berks 
county and purchased from Abraham Mensch 
about 1,000 acres of fine land in Buffalo Val- 
ley, in order to locate his children to better 
advantage then was possible in his old home, and 
himself removed thither in 1796. The estate was 
situated on Turtle creek a few miles southwest 
of Lewisburg. George Wendell Wolf died there 
March 12, 1826, and his wife. Ann Elizabeth, on 
March 7, 1829, both being interred in the Dreis- 
bach cemetery. Their family consisted of the 

following children: (1) Michael, born August 2, 
75* 



1767, died in 1847. He married Catherine 
Smith, of Lewisburg, who died in 1858. They 
had twelve children, among whom were three 
sons — George, who died in 1882, aged eighty- 
three years; Abraham, our subject's father; 
Michael, born August 6, 1809, who married Mar- 
garet Engelman and removed to Ohio. (2) Mag- 
dalena, born December 6, 176S, married a Mr. 
Noll before her father's removal to Buffalo Val- 
ley, and died at her home in Berks county. (3) 
Peter, born in 1 77 1 , married a Miss Reid, and 
settled in Buffalo Valley, where he died in 185 1. 
He had sons, Peter, Leonard, and Daniel, who 
went to Ohio. (4) Jacob, born May 29, 1773, 
married Catharine, a daughter of John Bashore, 
who was killed by the Indians in Buffalo Valley 
in 1778. Jacob died in 1814, leaving a widow 
and children, viz. : Catharine, Elizabeth, Jacob, 
John, Samuel and Jonathan. (5) John, born 
July 17, 1777, married and removed to Ohio at 
an early day. (6) Christian, born in April, 1779, 
married Barbara Books, of Buffalo Valley. In 
early life he was a hatter, and lived at Lewis- 
burg, but in 1807 he removed to Fayette, Seneca 
Co., N. Y., where he died in 1833, leaving but 
few descendants. He was a minister and a prom- 
inent supporter of the Rev. Jacob Albright, the 
founder of the denomination known as the Evan- 
gelical Association, which is also known as the 
German Methodist Church. (7) Leonard, born 
May 2, 1782, married and removed to Ohio at 
an early day. (8) Andrew, born May 3, 1784, 
married Anna Dreisbach, a daughter of Martin 
Dreisbach, and settled in Buffalo Valley, where 
he died January 21, 1871, his wife passing 

The family were promi- 
Evangelical Association, 
of Rev. John Dreisbach, 
a colleague of the founder of the Church (Rev. 
Jacob Albright, 1 796-1 808). Two sons, Aaron 
and Simon, were ordained clergymen, and two 
daughters were ministers' wives, Revs. Benjamin 
Hess and Rohland. respectively. 

Abraham Wolfe, the father of our subject, 
was born in 1800, and died in 1878, and was 
reared in Union county. He became extensively 
engaged in agriculture, and was also successful 
in general business, accumulating a fine fortune 
for that day. In 1859 he returned to Lewisburg 
to spend his declining years, and his death oc- 
curred there. Politically, he was a Democrat, 
and for many years he was a leading member of 
the Evangelical Church. His first wife. Miss 
Herbst, died from typhoid fever in the second 
week after their marriage, and he formed a sec- 
ond union, this time with Miss Elizabeth Hoff- 
man, who was born near Mifflinburg, December 



away the same year, 
nent members of the 
Mrs. Wolf was a sister 



1186 



COMMIPHORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



24, 1818, and died October 4, 1850. They had 

three children, of whom our subject was the 
youngest. Joanna E. married W. P. Thomas, 
of Levvisburg; and Hiram M. resides at the old 
homestead, a part of the original purchase. 

W. W. Wolfe was born in East Buffalo town- 
ship. Union county, July 15, 1849, and was 
reared at Lewisburg, attending the public schools 
and the academy, now Bucknell College. Sev- 
eral years of early manhood were spent in gen- 
eral mercantile business, but he disposed of this 
ti ■ engage in the grain and coal business, in which 
he has continued. He also represents in Lewis- 
burg and vicinity several leading insurance com- 
panies. 

In 1S7S Mr. Wolfe was married to Miss M.ir\ 
M ('.aunt, a native of Centre county, born July 
17, 1850, whose father, Richard Gaunt, was of 
English birth. No children have blessed this 
union. 



MRS EMILY A. KEISER, East Buffalo 
township, Union county, post office Lewis- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 



I 



SAAC Bi.llK. Among the first actual set- 



X tiers along Turtle creek in Union county were 
John and Catherine Hubler, the grandparents of 
the venerable gentleman whose history forms the 
subject of this biography. He and his brother 
came from Northampton county and settled in 
the lower end of Penn's Valley, Centre county, 
where the}- lived a number of years. John, find- 
ing the timber too heavy to clear, sold his tract 
and removed to Turtle Creek, Union county. 
They settled in 1793 upon the farm which has 
ever since been known as the Hubler homestead, 
being now occupied by the fourth generation in 
direct descent. John Hubler was a large man, 

iw-boned" and vigorous, and after transform- 
ing his Pennsylvania property from the primitive 
state into a habitable farm, he sought new lands 
to conquer, making several trips to Ohio, and 
purchasing a large tract in Stark county, which 
his sons afterward developed. He died in 1845, 
aged eighty-two years, and his wife, who was 
four years younger than he, survived him only 
ten days. She was a member ol the Lutheran 
Church, but he inclined to the Dunkard faith. 
The family burial lot in Dreisbach cemetery con- 
tains their mortal remains, with those of many 
of their descendants. They had five sons — Abra- 
ham, John. Jacob, 1 1 < - 1 1 1 \ and Adam— all of whom 

cept Henry died in Stark county, Ohio. Of 
tlu-ir four daughters, Mi-. Metz and Mrs, Focht 



also died in Ohio. The others, .-sails, who mar- 
ried John Heimbach, of West Buffalo township, 
Union county, and Eve, Mrs. Peter Wolfe, both 
died in Union county. 

Henry Hubler, our subject's father, was born 
at the old homestead in January or February, 
1 80 1. The nearest school was at Dreisbach 
Church, three miles away, and the instruction, 
which was entirely in German, was by no means 
equal to that given in the average country school 
of to-day, so that he had but meagre opportuni- 
ties for learning. He always made his home at 
the old farm, the other boys taking the lands in 
Ohio, and he was considered one of the substan- 
tial agriculturists of the township. Robust and 
strong, he did much hard work in his day, but 
he was not one to introduce innovations in the 
way of scientific methods of management, being 
decidedly in favor of following the accepted cus- 
toms. He kept well within the line of progress, 
however, building a new barn in 1847 ar >d a com- 
fortable brick residence in 1850. In 1857 he 
divided the homestead farm, which was a la 
one, and on the east half built a brick house ami 
large bank barn, of which the subject of this 
sketch is the owner. He was a man of domestic 
tastes, seldom leaving home to visit even with 
relatives. Politically he was first a Whig, and 
later a Democrat. 

In earlv manhood Henry Hubler was married 
near New Berlin, Penn., to Miss Rebecca Heim- 
bach, a native of what is now Snyder county, 
who died in 1877, his own death occurring in 
[874. Five children blessed their union: Abra- 
ham, now a resident of New Berlin; Isaac, our 
subject; Jeremiah, who died some years ago at 
New Berlin; John, who lives on the west end of 
the old homestead; and Thomas, who died in in- 
fancy. 

Isaac Hubler's youth was passed at the old 
homestead on Turtle creek, where he was born 
October 1, 1826. The country was becoming 
more thickly settled and, a school having been 
built about a mile east of the farm, he attended 
there, his first teacher being Jonathan Shout 
Later he studied for three months at Mifflinburg 
under the well-known educator, Aaron Fisher, 
but at twenty-one his school days ended. In 
watching the advancing methods of our modern 
schools, with their wide range of studies and 
their humane, yet effective modes of maintaining 
discipline, he rejoices over the improvement, 
realizing its value by contrast with the past. He 
remained at home until twenty-six. when he was 
married, at Mifflinburg, to Miss Susanna Faust, 
a native of Northumberland county, Penn., born 
March 14, 1828. Her father, David Faust, was 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1187 



twice married, first to Miss Theresa Snyder, Mrs. 
Hubler's mother, by whom he had three sons and 
two daughters. By his second wife, Mary 
Whear, he had one son, William H. The fam- 
ily resided at Mifflinburg, and Mr. Faust and 
both his wives died there. 

Mr. Hubler and his bride began housekeeping 
at Lewisburg, he being then engaged in business 
as a drover, buying his cattle in the West and 
and selling them in Buffalo Valley. After two 
years he removed to Mifflinburg, where they 
lived seven years, Mr. Hubler spending three 
years and a half in mercantile business. As his 
health was affected disagreeably he gave up this 
business, and, in i860, he again engaged in cattle 
dealing, continuing about a year. In the spring of 
1 86 1 he rented a farm in East Buffalo township, 
and after five years there he located on one of his 
father's farms on Turtle creek in the same town- 
ship. At first he rented it, but a year previous 
to his father's death he bought it for a home- 
stead. As advancing years made physical effort 
less pleasant than of yore, he has given the act- 
ive work of the place into the hands of his eldest 
son, and, since 1884, he has been entirely free 
from business cares. In 1894 he removed to 
another residence near Salem Church in the 
same township. His farm contains ninety acres 
of excellent land, and he owns twenty-five acres 
of timberland, and two dwelling houses besides 
the homestead. 

Of eight children: Thomas J., the eldest, mar- 
ried Emma Himmelreich; issue, one daughter, 
Cora V. John H. died in infancy. Margaret A. 
married Emanuel Hoffman, of Mifflinburg, Penn. ; 
issue, one daughter, Vesta H., and one son, Paul 
H. James E. married Clara M. Rangier, who 
died in January, 1897; issue, one daughter, Eva 
May. William B. died in infancy. Ada M. mar- 
ried Prof. William C. Mauser, of Bloomsburg, 
Penn.; issue, Helen B., and Marian E. Sallie 
E. married William E. Benner, of Vicksburg; 
issue, Mary S. Mazie A. is at home. 

Mr. Hubler and his wife are prominent mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church, in which he held 
the office of elder for twelve years. He was at 
one time an active worker in the Farmers Alli- 
ance, and his influence has always been felt in 
local politics. While sympathizing in the main 
with Democratic principles, he is not a strict 
partisan, and his friends and admirers are to be 
found in all classes. He held the office of over- 
seer of the poor for six years while living in a Re- 
publican stronghold, and in Mifflinburg he served 
one year as a member of the city council. In 
1858 he was elected brigadier-general by the 
Second Brigade, Eighth Division of Pennsyl- 



vania Militia, his commission being signed by 
Gov. Packer, but the breaking out of the Civil 
war caused a re-organization of the force. 



JACOB HEFFNER. No country has afford- 
ed greater opportunities to the poor man 
than our own; it is indeed the poor man's 
country. Here an industrious, frugal man has a 
chance to accumulate wealth. Many fail to do 
so, but the best of our population lay by some 
of their earnings, and soon find themselves in 
possession of a handsome property. Among 
them is the gentleman whose name introduces 
this article, and now, after many years of faith- 
ful toil, he has laid aside business cares and is 
enjoying a well-earned rest at the home of his 
son. Jonathan, in Alvira. He is the second old- 
est man in Gregg township, Union county, and 
is ripe in honors as well as years. 

Mr. Heffner was born April 10, 181 3, in 
Berks county, Penn., of which his parents, 
George and Mollie (Wentz) Heffner, were also 
natives. The father, a farmer by occupation, 
was a stalwart Democrat in politics, and both he 
and his wife were earnest members of the Lu- 
theran Church. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject, Abraham Heffner, spent his entire life 
in Berks county, and the maternal grandmother 
died when our subject was but nine days old. 

Until he had attained his majority, Mr. Heff- 
ner remained under the parental roof, and re- 
ceived his education in the district schools of the 
neighborhood. Until nineteen years of age he 
gave his father the benefit of his services upon 
the home farm, and then began serving a two- 
years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, 
during which time he was allowed only twelve 
davs each year during the hay-making and har- 
vesting season, in which to earn some money for 
his own use. On leaving home he lived with a 
brother-in-law, JohnSherrer, in Berks county, for 
two years and a half, during which time he worked 
at his trade for seventy-five cents per day. 

In the fall of 1836, the fall in which he was 
married, he bought a house and lot in Greenwich 
township, Berks county, paying for it $400, into 
which he moved April 1, 1837, and lived there 
until April I, 1 841. He then started with two 
teams for Lycoming county, arriving there on 
the 4th of that month. He rented a house for 
one year at Somerset, in Brady township. In 
1840 he had bought twenty acres of timber land. 
During the summer of 1841 he cleared a piece of 
ground, and raised his own bread. In the winter 
of 1841-42 he built a shanty on his own place, 
moving into it on April 1, 1842. That summer 



11-- 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he built a house. In 1846 he added to his twenty 
acres fifty-seven acres from the same tract, all 
woodland, which he purchased. In 1847 he 
built a barn, doing all of the work himself except 
the framing of it and raising the building. He 
also did all of the work on the house. He worked 
this farm until i860. He next lived for seven 
years in Washington township, the same count}', 
but at the end of that time returned to Brady 
township, and then, in 1877, came to Alvira, 
Gregg township, Union county. Upon the death 
of his wife, however, he returned to Lycoming 
county, and made his heme with his daughter 
Sarah for five years, but since that time has lived 
with his son in Alvira. 

On October 20, 1836,111 Berks county, Mr. 
Heffner was married to Miss Sarah Sherrer, who 
was born in that county, March 11, 1S1X, and 
departed this life October 24, 1882, beloved by 
all who knew her. Her parents, Michael and 
Catherine (N'eece) Sherrer, spent their entire 
lives in Berks county, where her father followed 
the occupation of fanning. In their family were 
six children, namely: John; Daniel; Polly, who 
married Abraham Spoon; Elizabeth, who became 
the wife of Jonathan Ueitrick; Catherine, who 
married John Deitrick, a cousin of her sister's 
husband; and Sarah, the wife of our subject, who 
was laid to rest in the Messiah Church cemetery 
in Gregg township, Union county. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Heffner were born the fol- 
lowing children; (1) Catherine is the wife of 
Harrison Bower, a farmer of Lycoming county, 
and has two children — Lloyd and Laura. (2) 
Diana is the wife of John Wert, of Illinois, and 
has one child, Lula. (3) Susan is the widow of 
Samuel McLeas, and makes her home in Will- 
iamsport, Penn. She has four children — Emma, 
Katie, William and Warden. 4 Mary A., of 
Stlins Grove, Penn., is the widow of William 
Gardner, and the mother of three children — Kosa, 
Oden and Minnie. (5) Hettie A., twin sister of 
Mary A., wedded Eli Moller, but both are now 
deceased. They had three children Anna. Irvin 
and Jennie. (6) Jonathan, a farmer of Alvira, 
married Eliza Wertz, and has four children — 
Sarah E., William H., John W. and Arthur A. 
(7) Savilla is the wifeoi A. A. Witmer, oi Alvira, 
and has three children — Howard. Edith and Aus- 
tin. (8) Elizabeth is the deceased wife of Fred- 
erick Binger, oi Maryland. (9) William, also a 
resident of Maryland, wedded May Linthicum, 
and has four children. (10) ob is a carpenter 
of South Williamsport, Lycoming county. 
Sarah is the wife of David Bangest, of Rinktown, 
Schuylkill Co., Penn., and has seven children — 
Amandus, Anna, Cora, Oscar, Edith, Mary and 



Bessie. (12) George is a carpenter in Pittsburg. 
i an. (13 Charles, who is also a carpenter of 
that city, married Barbara Clark, and has one 
son, Oden. Our subject now has thirty-two 
grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. 

Since casting his first Presidential vote for 
Martin Van Buren Mr. Heffner has been a pro- 
nounced Democrat in politics, but has never 
cared for official distinction, although he served 
as supervisor in Lycoming county. At the age 
of eighteen he joined the German Reformed 
Church, of which he has since been a consistent 
member, and as elder, deacon and trustee took 
an active part in its work until failing health 
caused his retirement. Although he has reached 
the age of eighty-five, his eye-sight is good and 
his hand steady, and, being a great reader, he is 
one of the best informed men of Gregg township, 
taking an active interest in the leading questions 
and issues of the day. The success that he has 
achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts, 
and by his industry, perseverance and good man- 
agement he accumulated a comfortable compe- 
tence, which now enables him to lay aside busi- 
ness cares. In 1847 he was one of several who 
bought an acre of ground and assisted in building 
the Messiah Church. He was one of the first 
deacons of that Church, and served as an elder in 
the same for sixteen years, as a trustee six years 
and as treasurer over twenty years. 



E 



MANTEL WOLFE, a veteran of the Civil 



war, and one of the leading citizens of East 
Buffalo township, Union county, is the owner of 
an excellent farm which has been brought to a 
high state of cultivation under his judicious man- 
agement. 

Mr. Wolfe is a member of a well-known fam- 
ily which is mentioned frequently in this volume, 
and his parents, Leonard and Mary (Treasl 
Wolfe, were highly respected residents of East 
Buffalo township. His birth occurred there Feb- 
ruary 15, 1837, and his schooling was of the 
primitive sort, being confined to the irregular 
sessions in his district. It was not possible for 
him to take full advantage even of these privi- 

3, as his help was needed on the farm in 
winter as well as in summer, the old fashioned 
method of threshing giving him many days of 
work of which the modern farmer's boy knows 
nothing. The wholesome country life gavecom- 
plete development to his strength, and in early 
manhood he was noted for his fine physique, his 
tall and well-proportioned frame, six feet in 

;ht, carrying his 225 pounds with ease. His 

nation for courage and muscular power would 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



11 V.I 



have kept him almost constantly engaged in 
fights with the " bullies " of the neighborhood if 
he had not been of a peaceable disposition. As 
it was, one desired to wrestle with him would 
usually be obliged to provoke him bv some in- 
solent words or acts before Mr. Wolfe would 
join in a "friendly tussle," which invariably 
ended in the discomfiture of his opponent. He 
was still at home when the Civil war broke out, 
and in August, 1862, he enlisted in Company 
E, • 142nd P. V. I., under Capt. J. Merrill Linn. 
His first battle came on December 13, 1862, at 
Fredericksburg, and soon afterward he was de- 
tailed as a teamster, a position which required 
not only a thorough knowledge of driving, but an 
ability to act with prompt and self-reliant energy 
in unforeseen emergencies. He remained in the 
service until the close of the war, and on receiv- 
ing an honorable discharge returned home to as- 
sist his father on the farm. On March 31, 1872, 
he married his first wife, Miss Kate Glase, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Glase, of Buffalo township, Union 
county, but continued to reside at the home- 
stead. His present farm near Cowan was pur- 
chased, in 1875, from David Heiser, and since 
1876 he has made his home there, many improve- 
ments having been made during the time. The 
residence has been remodeled and a commodious 
barn erected. In 1876 Mrs. Kate Wolfe died, 
her remains being laid to their final rest in the 
cemetery at Lewisburg. The two sons of this 
union, Charles and John, now relieve their fa- 
ther of the active work of the farm, and are 
ranked among the most promising young men of 
the locality. In 1877 Mr. W'olfe married his 
present wife, Miss Fannie Young, a native of 
Buffalo township, who is now one of the active 
members of the Lutheran Church at Cowan. 
Since the war Mr. Wolfe's health has not been 
as robust as before, and about five years ago he 
relinquished the plowing and other manual labor. 
His past industry and frugality have won him a 
comfortable competence, several thousand dol- 
lars being laid aside for a "rainy day." He is 
kind hearted, and his quiet, unassuming manners 
show the reserve force in a character which has 
won the respect of all who know him. Politic- 
ally he is a stanch Republican, but he has never 
been a candidate for office, all invitations to take 
a place on the ticket having been declined. 



fOHN WOLFE, a veteran of the Civil war, 
living retired in Lewisburg, is now enjoying 
a comfortable competence which he accu- 
mulated by his own perseverance and industry. 
He is a representative of one of the old and hon- 



ored families of Union county, where he was born 
November 2, 1823. His paternal grandparents 
were Peter and Elizabeth Wolfe, who made 
their home in this locality at a very early day in 
its history. 

Leonard Wolfe, the father, whose birth oc- 
curred in East Buffalo township, Union county, 
February 8, 1797, there grew to manhood and 
was married January 21, 1821, to Anna M. Tros- 
ter, who was born in New Berlin, Penn., August 
10, 1 80 1, and was a daughter of Martin and 
Catharine Troster. For some time her parents 
resided at Supplee's Mill, in East Buffalo town- 
ship, but later removed to Ohio, where they 
spent their remaining days. The mother of our 
subject died July 1, 1862, and the father, who 
was a farmer by occupation, departed this life at 
the home of his daughter, Elizabeth, February 
12, 1875. Both were laid to rest in the ceme- 
tery at Lewisburg. 

In the family were nine children, namely: 
Elizabeth, born June 14, 1 821, married John 
Brown, and died in East Buffalo township; John 
is next in order of birth; Daniel, born February 
8, 1826, died in Kansas; Mary A., born March 
17, 1828, wedded Simon Gundy, and died in 
Watsontown, Penn.; Catherine, born June 13, 
1830, died March 4, 1837; Samuel, born June 
27, 1832, died March 18, 1837; Martin, born 
August 2, 1834, died February 28, 1837; Eman- 
uel, born February 15, 1837, is a resident of 
Union county; and Magdalena, born August 5, 
1839, is the widow of William Wolfe, and is liv- 
ing near Washingtonville, Pennsylvania. 

John Wolfe spent the first twelve years of 
his life upon the farm where his birth occurred, 
and then accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval to another farm in East Buffalo township, 
but after a few years there passed, the father 
purchased the former place, where our subject 
remained until several years after his marriage. 
As he was the eldest son, and his services were 
needed at home, his school training was neces- 
sarily very limited. 

On March 14, 1S51, Mr. Wolfe was married 
to Miss Leah E. Gundy, who was born in East 
Buffalo township, September 14, 1831, and is the 
oldest child of Capt. Jacob and Tachel (Zent- 
meyer) Gundy. At her birthplace she was reared 
and married, and her knowledge of a hickory 
broom or a milk pail was much more thorough 
than that of geography, as there were only two 
books of that kind in the school which she at- 
tended to a limited extent. Of the five children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe, Jacob is now a 
resident of Lewisburg; Nathaniel and William 
died in infancy; John G. died at the age of five 



1190 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



years; and Rachel is the wife of Ferdinand Lin- 
dig, of Lewisburg. 

For five years after his marriage Mr. Wolfe 
continued to reside upon his father's farm, and 
the- following year was passed upon another farm 
in East Buffalo township, but since that time he 
has occupied his present residence at Five Points 
in Lewisburg. On March 4, 1865, he enlisted 
in Company I, 92d P. V. I., under Capt. Hess, 
and served until the close of the war, being for a 
part of the time confined by illness in the hos- 
pital at Columbus, Ohio. On his return to 
Lewisburg he followed teaming and farming until 
1894, when he laid aside business cares. He 
has never fully recovered from a stroke of par- 
alysis; but now, in his declining days, he is sur- 
rounded by all of the comforts and many of the 
luxuries of life, which have been obtained by his 
former years of toil. He has always affiliated 
with the Republican part)-, and with the Lutheran 
1 inirch he and his estimable wife both hold 
membership. 



J\< (Hi LOWER was for many years one of 
the most active, energetic and progressive 
farmers of Gregg township, Union county, 
but is now practically living retired, enjoying the 
prosperity which he seemed by his early labors. 
He was born April 12, 1816, in Washington 
township, Lycoming county, Penn., and through- 
out his entire life he has been prominently iden- 
tified with the growth and development of this 
section of the State. He well remembers when 
it was almost an unbroken wilderness, infested 
by wild animals, and, 111 common with other 
pioneers, he shared the hardships and trials inci- 
dent to frontier life. 

Henry and Elizabeth (Wertzler) Bower were 
both natives ol Berks county, Penn., but became 
acquainted and were married in White Deer 
township, Union county, then a part of Lycom- 
ing county. Both died in Lycoming county, the 
father in 186G, at the age of eighty-two \ears, 
six months and six days, the mother in February, 
1836, at the age of sixty-three, and wen luried 
at Brick Church, Clinton township, and St 
Church, Brady township, respectively. They 
were consistent members of the Lutheran Church, 
and in politics the father was a Democi. 
occupation he was a farmer. In their family 
were the following children: Jonathan, who was 
killed by the cars at Montgomery, Penn.; Abra- 
ham, also deceased; Mary A., widow of Aaron 
Wetzell, and a resident of Gregg township, I 1 

nty; Jacob, of this sketch; Sarah, widow of 
Peter Swart/, a farmer of Dakota; Elizabeth, 



deceased wife of John Huntington, a resident of 
New Mexico; and Lydia, who died unmarried. 
The father and several of his brothers participated 
in the war ofi8i2. They were the sons of John 
and Elizabeth (Bohn) Bower, who were born in 
Berks county and died in Lycoming county. The 
maternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob 
Wertzler, passed away at Reading, Pennsylvania. 

Jacob Bower resided with his parents until 
the age of twenty-one, and during this tune 
worked upon his father's farm in Washington 
township, Lycoming county, and attended the 
subscription schools for three months each win- 
ter. He then went to Blackhole, the same 
township, where he was employed by his brother- 
in-law, Peter Swartz, in a distillery, for twelve 
years, at $10 per month, which was considered 
good wages at that time. With that gentleman 
he went to Clearfield county, Penn., in [846, 
and there engaged in the manufacture of square 
timber, and floated the same down the river dur- 
ing the next decade. While in that county they 
purchased a sawmill, which they successfully op- 
erated for eleven years, but at the end of that 
time Mr. Bower removed to Rush township, 
Centre county, Penn., where he resided until his 
removal to his present homestead in Gregg town- 
ship, Union county, in 1866. 

In Morris township, Clearfield county, Mr. 
Bower was married to Miss Elizabeth Haas, who 
was born in Moreland township, Lycoming coun- 
ty, October 26, 1824, a daughter of John and 
Mary (Baker) Haas, who spent almost then 
tire lives in Northumberland county, Penn., 
where the father died in 1828, alter which Mrs. 
Bower lived with Peter Swartz. She was the 
youngest of four children, the others beinj; Wash- 
ington and. Daniel, who died in the \\ 
Charles, also deceased. Her paternal grand- 
father, Peter Haas, also died in Northumberland 
county. Six children blessed the union of Mr. 
and Mis power, namely: 
July 30, 1 85 1, in Danville 
Maggie Gulich, and has 
Emma, Miriam, Elizabeth 



John H., born 
Penn., married 
four children — 
and Charles. 1 J 1 



Abraham S. , born Octobei 6, 1853, is a 
fanner of Gregg township, Union county. 
He married Hannah Gn ss, by whom he had two 
children — Retta and Elizabeth, both now 
ceased. (3) Lydia E., bom in Centre county, 
May 3, 1855, is the wile of J. S. Hoiiser, who 
operates the old Power homestead, where our 
subject now resides, 1 t harles W. , born Feb- 
ruary 5, 1857, is a lumberman of Allenwood, 
Union county. He married Tilla Kolbe, and has 
two children — Francis E. and Georgi M 
Mary M., born January 16, 1859, is the wife of 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1191 



William Houser, a carpenter of Gregg township, 
who is a brother of J. S. Houser, mentioned 
above. They have one son — Franklin B. (6) 
Benjamin F., born August 23, 1863, is engaged 
in farming near Milton, Penn. He married Mrs. 
Elizabeth (Huff) Marsh, widow of Jacob Marsh, 
by whom she had three children — Florence N., 
who is still with her mother; and Kate and Will- 
iam, deceased. By her marriage to Mr. Bower 
she has four children — Mary, Jacob, Willard and 
Homer. 

Mr. Bower is the oldest member of the Grange 
in Union county, being a charter member of 
Spring Garden Grange No. 32. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for John Buchanan, but he 
is independent in politics, always supporting the 
man whom he considers best qualified to fill the 
office, regardless of party ties. He is a faithful 
member of the Baptist Church, and has served 
as collector of the congregation to which he has 
belonged for the past twenty years. Ever a hard- 
working, industrious man, he accumulated con- 
siderable property, and his success was entirely 
due to his own well-directed efforts. He enjoys 
the respect and confidence of his fellow-men in 
the highest degree, and has made many warm 
friends since coming to Union county. 



LEVI CROMLEY. An old-time settler in 
this region would find little to remind him 

of former days if he could come back again. 
Dense forests have given way to well-tilled farms, 
busy cities with their factories, schools and 
churches would meet his wondering gaze, and 
even the familiar turnpike roads of his day, which 
probably seemed to him then the limit of prog- 
ress, has been almost superseded for the purpose 
of traffic by the iron rails that uphold the rail- 
road locomotive. The good old inns, at which 
the weary traveler along the "pike" could find 
rest and refreshment, have fallen into decay or 
have been changed out of all resemblance to the 
places that he once knew, and we can imagine 
the, delight of finding here and there a landmark 
like the old hotel at Lewisburg, which has been 
used as a hostelry for so many years. 

The old turnpike once ran by its hospitable 
doors, but at present it faces on the east the 
Reading railroad on Market street. Its proprie- 
tor, Levi Cromley, who was born in Miles town- 
ship, Centre county, Penn., September 12, 1 8 1 7, 
has himself seen many changes in this section, 
and can give many interesting reminiscences of 
old times. His grandfather, Francis Cromley, a 
German by birth, was one of the pioneers of 
Brush Valley, and with his wife, who was Miss 



Springer, from England, passed his last years 
there. 

Their son Jacob, our subject's father, became 
a leading business man of Centre county, owning 
and operating a sawmill and carding machine, 
and conducting his large farm. He married Mol- 
lie Kline, daughter of Jacob Kline, who was also 
a pioneer of Centre county. They first united 
with the German Reformed Church, but later 
became Methodists, in which faith they died, the 
wife at the age of eighty, the husband at eighty- 
three. They had ten children: John, who died 
in boyhood; Jacob, now a resident of Wayne 
Station, Clinton Co., Penn. ; Catherine, deceased; 
George, who lives in East Buffalo township, 
Union county; Levi, our subject; Sarah, who 
married Samuel Snyder, of Centre county; Har- 
riet, a resident of Woodward, Penn. ; Mary, who 
lives near Rebersburg, Centre county; Beckie, 
deceased; and Philip, who died at the age of 
seventy-five. 

Levi Cromley spent his early life in Brush 
Valley, but at twenty-eight, having thoroughly 
learned the tailor's trade, he started out to see 
what fortune had in store for him. After one 
year in Richland, Ohio, he returned to his na- 
tive State and located in New Berlin, Union 
county, where he followed his trade about thirty 
years. He then engaged in the hotel business, 
and after some experiments purchased his pres- 
ent hotel, of which he took possession March 
27, i860. 

Mr. Cromley was married, in New Berlin, to 
Miss Mary Beauford, and eight children have 
brightened his home; (1) Sarah married H. 
Cornelius, of Lewisburg, and has two children — 
Minnie and Maurice. (2) Jacob died at the age 
of seventeen. (3) Rebecca was twice married; 
by her first union she had one son, Robert; her 
second husband was John Fleesman. (4) Will- 
iam, the proprietor of a tin shop at Lewisburg, 
married Miss Alta McPherson, and has four chil- 
dren — Roy, Laird, Lee, and John. (5) Anna 
married a Mr. Lewis, and has four children — 
Nellie, May, George, and Florence. (6) Thomas, 
born in 1867, died in 1880. (7) Charles, born 
in 1865, resides in Lewisburg. He married Miss 
Weingardner, and has three children — Elizabeth, 
Levi, and one whose name is not given. (8) J. 
Newton, born January 21, 1871, is now one of 
the most popular and influential young men of 
the city of Lewisburg, and has already achieved 
a degree of prominence in political circles, which 
speaks well for his future, being at present a 
member of the Republican Central Committee. 
He was educated in the public schools of Lewis- 
burg, and at an early age assumed the manage- 



1192 



( 0MUBM0BAT1VB BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ment of the hotel, relieving his father of the 
cares which advancing years made a burden. 
He is an active member of the order of Knights 
of the Golden Eagle, in which he has passed all 
the chairs, and he is now the assistant chief of 
the Lewisburg Fire Company. His wife, for- 
merl) Miss Martha M< Kaney, is a native of 
Columbia county, Penn., born September 16, 
1873, and they have two children — Warren and 
Marguerite. 



MARTIN I). WOLFE. It is now more 
than a hundred years since the family to 
which this well-known citizen belongs became 
identified with Union county, and its various 
members have won for the name an enviable dis- 
tinction by their intelligence and worth. This 
high reputation is in no wise diminished in this 
generation, and our subject, who is counted 
among the leading agriculturists of two town- 
ships, displays in a marked degree the admirable 
characteristics which the name suggests. An ex- 
tended account of the earlier generations is given 
elsewhere, much of the information being ob- 
tained from records and papers which have been 
preserved by our subject. As the youngest son 
in his branch of the family the duty devolved 
upon him, in accordance with an old family cus- 
tom, to hold these treasures for transmission to 
future generations. The data in his possession 
having been so fully given it will suffice here to 
indicate the line of descent from John Bernard 
Wolf, the founder of the family in America, 
through John George W'olf to George Wendell 
Wolfe-, our subject's grandfather. 

Andrew Wolfe, the youngest son of George 
Wendell and Elizabeth Reid) Wolfe, and the 
father of our subject, was born in Kerks county, 
Penn., May 3, 1784, and was twelve years old 
when his parents came to this section. His edu- 
cational privileges were few, but a naturally clever 
mind enabled him to acquire a goodly store of in- 

I lation. His training in arithmetic had been 

entirely mental, but he could work problems with 
ease and accuracy by this method. He wis 
especially well versed in the Scriptures, and in 
his younger days was a minister in the Evan- 
gelical Church, in which he afterward continued 
to be an active member. He was a large man, 
five feet, eleven inches in height, and weighed 
about 200 pounds, and enjoyed excellent health. 
Fear was unknown to him, and he never hesitated 
to venture out at any time of night to find out the 
cause of a disturbance. Genial and fond of com- 
pany, Ins home was a pleasant place to visit, his 
ample means permitting him to extend a gen- 



erous hospitality. His extensive reading included 
all questions of importance in politics and gov- 
ernment, and he took keen interest in national 
issues, first as a Democrat, and later as a Re- 
publican, joining that party on its organization. 
At one time he held the office of supervisor in 
his township. 

On June 5, 1809, Andrew Wolfe was married to 
Mi-- Anna Eve Dreisbach, who was born |une2o, 
1792. the daughter of Martin and Sophia (Bucks) 
Dreisbach, early settlers in Buffalo township, 
I nion county. Previous to his marriage he had 
followed the hatter's trade, but he afterward lo- 
cated in Buffalo township on a farm bought at a 
sheriff's sale, it being then a part of Northumber- 
land county. He died January 21, 1871, and 
his wife followed him on June 3, of the same 
year, the remains of both being buried in Dreis- 
bach cemetery. 

They reared a large family of children, each 
■ I whom received a fair share of their father's 
wealth as they left the parental roof for homes 
of their own: (1) Elizabeth, born August 30, 
[8lO, was married May 7, 1829, to Jacob Ritter, 
and died in Buffalo township, January 14, 1846, 
her interment taking place in Dreisbach ceme- 
tery. (2) Anna, born September II, 181 1, was 
married in Union county, March 4, 1845, to 
Rev. Benjamin Hess, an Evangelical minister. 
They removed to Stephenson county, 111., where 
she died March 4, 1861. (3) Rebecca, born 
March 20, 181 3, was married January 28, 1845, 
to the late Elias Orwig. She now resides in 
Hartleton, Penn. 14 Simon, born February 22, 
1S15, followed farming until he was twenty-five, 
when he entered the ministry of the Evangelical 
Church. After thirty years of service he became 
a clergyman in the Reformed Church, and he 
in that faith December 23, 1890, at Mc- 
( onnellsburg Penn. (5) Martin, born November 
4, 1 8 16, died October 11, 1820. (6) Leah, born 
August 2 1, 1 8 1 8, was married February 11, 1844, 
to Henry Kohland, an Evangelical minister, now 
deceased. She resides at Freeport, 111. 1 7) 
Aaron, born August 5, 1820, was at one time a 
minister in Union county. Later he moved to 
St phenson county. 111., and engaged in farming, 
and now is a banker in P'reeport, 111. He was 
married December 10, 1844, to Miss Mary A. 
Sankey. (8) Andrew Wolf, Jr., born July 28, 
[822, moved to Freeport, 111., was a farmer, and 
died there, May 2, 1868; his wife was Sarah 
Herb. (9) Sarah, born September 10, 1824, 
was married F'ebruary 13, 1845, to Abram Eyer, 
and died at New Berlin, Penn., in 1876. (10) 
Mary, born October 4, 1826, married Isaac Eyer, 
Jr., and died in Lewisburg, Penn., November 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1193 



6, 1888. (1 1) George Jackson, born October 22, 
1828, is a dealer in implements at Lewisburg. 
(12) Susannah, born March 25, 1831, died Octo- 
ber 3, 1842. 

Martin D. Wolfe, the thirteenth of this large 
family of children, was born March 10, 1833, 
and attended, during his boyhood, the schools 
near his home, his first term being at Buffalo 
Cross Roads school house. No more earnest 
friend of better education for the masses can be 
found to-day than he, as his own limited oppor- 
tunities have made him sympathize with all youths 
who desire to obtain knowledge. He and his 
brother, George Jackson, remained at home 
longer than the others on the understanding that 
they were to have the refusal in purchase of the 
farm. When he was eighteen, Mr. Wolfe 
began to operate the place for one-half of the 
proceeds, and continued this plan either with his 
brother or father until the death of the latter, 
when our subject became the sole owner. 

On January 8, 1878, he was married in East 
Buffalo township to Mrs. Ada Koonse, nee Fred- 
erick, widow of Henry A. Koonse, and daughter 
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dunkle) Frederick. 
Her parents, who were married September 15, 
1842, were both natives of East Buffalo town- 
ship. Her father was born January 9, 1822, the 
son of Philip and Christiana (Brown) Frederick, 
and became a prominent citizen, engaging in 
business as a farmer and cattle dealer. He was 
a Republican politically, and he and his wife 
united many years ago with the Evangelical 
Association. He died January 27, 1880, and his 
remains lie buried in the Dreisbach cemetery. 
His wife, a daughter of John and Leah (Dreis- 
bach) Dunkle, was born November 15, 1820, 
and since 1881 has made her home with our sub- 
ject. She has two daughters, of whom Mrs. 
Wolfe is the younger. Susanna, born December 
4, 1843, is the wife of Henry G. Swartz, of Phil- 
adelphia. 

Mrs. Wolfe was born September 17, 1845, 
and after attending the district schools of her na- 
tive township for a time, completed her educa- 
tion at a female seminary in Philadelphia. Her 
intelligent conversation and kindly manners made 
her a most agreeable companion. By her first 
marriage she had two children: Charles, born 
November 23, 1869, now an attorney at Youngs- 
town, Ohio; and Mary, born October 13, 1874, 
who possesses rare talent and skill as an artist, 
and is now an instructor in an art school in Phil- 
adelphia. Three children have blessed our sub- 
ject's marriage: Anna Eve, who lived only twen- 
ty-two months; Emma, who died May 1, 1896, 
aged fourteen years, seven months and twenty- 



seven days; and Andrew (the third), born No- 
vember 9, 1885, who is at home. 

After Mr. Wolfe's marriage he resided one 
year at Lochiel P. O., Union county, and then 
settled upon the old homestead in Buffalo town- 
ship. In the spring of 1890 he moved to his 
present farm, the old Frederick homestead in 
East Buffalo township, on the pike, two miles 
and a half west of Lewisburg, where he has an 
elegant residence. These are both fine estates, 
and under his able management rank among the 
best in the county. He stands high in the com- 
munity, and wields much influence in a quiet way. 
Politically, he is a stanch Republican, having 
given his support to the party since his first vote, 
which was cast for John C. Fremont, for Presi- 
dent. 



m BRAHAM MERTZ, one of the most thor- 
^3L ough and skillful agriculturists of East Buf- 
falo township, is a worthy representative of one 
of the honored pioneer families of Union county, 
where his grandfather, Jacob Mertz, located at an 
early day, coming here from Berks county, Penn. 
He engaged in farming and also in distilling, when 
that business was very common in Union county. 
He died April 5, 1859, at the ripe old age of 
seventy-eight years, and his remains were in- 
terred in the old portion of the Lewisburg cem- 
etery. 

Jacob Mertz was twice married, but all of his 
children were born of the first union, and were as 
follows: John, who died in Lewisburg; Henry, 
the father of. our subject; Peter, who migrated 
to Kansas; Barbara and Susan, who died unmar- 
ried; Mary, who became the wife of Henry 
Hawes, and died in Lewisburg; Catharine, who 
married Peter Aurand, and died at the same 
place; Elizabeth, who married David Smith, and 
died in East Buffalo township; Mrs. Peggie Van- 
dergrift, who died in Milton, Penn. ; and Mrs. 
Sarah Fetter, a resident of Illinois. 

Henry Mertz spent his entire life upon the 
old homestead at Mertz Cross Roads, on the 
Furnace Road, in Union county, dying there just 
one month previous to his seventy-fourth birth- 
day, in November, 1889. He was a tall, well- 
built and powerful man, possessing much more 
strength than any of his sons, and was a farmer 
by occupation. An enterprising, industrious man 
and good citizen, he had the respect and esteem 
of all who knew him. 

In 1837, Henry Mertz was united in marriage 
with Miss Lydia, a daughter of Abraham Aurand, 
who also belonged to one of the old and honored 
families of Union county. Her death occurred 



1194 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



February 5, 1896, and she was laid by the 
side of her husband in the Lewisburg cem- 
etery. In their family were the following 
children: Mary C, born January 4, 1838, died 
unmarried; Susanna, born October 17, 1839, is 
now the wife of Cyrus Fetter, of East Buffalo 
township, Union county; Sarah Jane, born March 
18, 1 84 1, married Christian Leader, but is now 
deceased; Elizabeth, born April 18, 1842, and 
John, born March 4, 1843, both died in child- 
hood; Lucinda, born April 13, 1844, is the wife 
of C. W. Chappell, of Cambria county, Penn. ; 
Abraham is next in order of birth; Catharine, 
born May 26, 185 1, is the wife of Franklin k 
ler, of East Buffalo township; Jacob, born May 8, 
1853, makes his home in Turtleville, Penn.; lata 
A., born November S, 1854, is the wife of John 
Richard, of Sullivan county, Penn.; Lydia E., 
born October 8, 1857, is the deceased wife of 
<.. M. Gearhart; and William L., born July 2, 

', is a resident of White Deer township; 
Union county. The parents were both faithful 
members of the Evangelical Church, while the 
father was a stanch Republican in politics, and 
acceptably filled some minor offices. 

Upon the old homestead in East Buffalo 
township, along the Furnace road, Abraham 
Mertz was born October 13, 184O, was there 
reared in the usual manner of farmer boys, and 
in the schools of the neighborhood secured his 
education. Maria Thompson beinj; among his first 
teachers. During his youth he worked many 
summers for farmers of that locality, as the fam- 
ily was large, and his services were not nei 
at home, but the winter months he. spent under 
the parental roof. 

On October 16, 1S77, Mr. Mertz was married 
to Miss Lizzie Dolby, a native of Northumber- 
land county, Penn., and a daughter of Christian 
Dolby, Five children ha\ e been born to them: 
William C.,born May 9. 1878, died December 

1890; and Lottie M. , born November 12, 
[881, Charles M., born December 16. 1883, 
Emma E., born October 2, 1886, and Blanche J., 
born April 12, 1 892, are all at home. For the first 
six years after his marriage, Mi. Mertz lived on 
Ins father's farm, and then removed to Dry 
Valley, where he rented land foi three years. 
I oi the following two vears he resided in V 
Buffalo township, near Foresl Hill, but since the 
-pun- of 1888 has lived on the Baron Mi 
farm, one of the finest in central Pennsylvania. 
Although he is operating r< nted land, he owj 
home and small farm in East Buffalo township, 
and is acknowledged to be one of the best and 
most progn irmers of the community, as 

his long retention as manager of his present 



farm would indicate. Upright and honorable in 
all the relations of life, no man has ever doubted 
"Abe" Mertz' word, and he is held in the high- 
est regard by all who know him. In his political 
affiliations he is a Republican, and, religiously, 
he and his estimable wife are members of the 
Evangelical Church. 



JOSEPH ZIEBER, one of the most industri- 
| ous and thrifty farmers of Limestone town- 
ship, Union county, is a native of the 
county, born November 9, i860, in what is now 
Beaver township, then Adams. His paternal 
great-grandfather, Daniel Zieber, was a native 
of Germany, and with his brother crossed the 
Atlantic to America, but they became separated 
soon after landing, Daniel coming to Pennsyl- 
vania. All trace of the brother has been lost. 
Daniel Zieber, the father of our subject, was 
born on a farm in Middle Creek township, Sny- 
der Co., Penn., in June. [8ll, a son of Daniel 
Zieber, who died at Smith Grove, that county. 
For a time after his marriage the former rented 
land in Snyder county, but later purchased a 
farm there, and, in connection with agricultural 
pursuit, also engaged in the distillery business 
and in stock-raising. A hard-working, energetic 
man, he labored night and day for many years, 
engaging in threshing or at anything at which he 
could make an honest dollar, and, although he 
started out in life in limited circumstances, he 
became quite prosperous, owning over 450 
acres of valuable land. He was a stanch Re- 
publican in politics, and a consistent member ol 
the Reformed Church. He died in April, 1895, 
at the age of eighty-three years, ten months and 
seven days, and was laid to rest in the cemetery 
at Troxelville. 

The father was twice married, his first wife 
beinj; a Miss Gemberling, by whom he had the 
following children: Samuel, now a resident of 
Michigan; Hannah, widow .if Jacob Nearhood, 
of Troxelville, Penn.; Mary, wife of John Getz, 
of Adamsburg, Penn. ; Elizabeth, who married 
iley, and died in Hillsdale, Indiana 
Co, Penn.; and Catharine, widow of Joseph 
Gotschall, ol Mifflinburg. In Snyder county, 
Mr Zieber was again married, his second union 
being with Miss Elizabeth Weller, a native of 
that county, and a daughter of Jacob Weller. 
-till resides on the old homestead farm in 
Snyder county, at the a^' niy-eight years, 

is the mother of nine children: Sophia, and 
John, both residents of Snyder county; Daniel, 
of Mifflin county, Penn.; Jacob, who operates 
the old home farm; Alvina, who died in infancy; 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1195 



Susan, now the wife of Henry Hassinger, of 
Bennerville, Penn. ; Wilson, of Pawnee Rock, 
Kans. ; Joseph and Frederick L. , of Snyder 
county. 

Each winter during his boyhood Joseph Zie- 
ber attended school for a few months, but his 
studying was mostly done at home, where he 
"burned much midnight oil." His father being 
an excellent manager, he found plenty of work 
for his boys to do, leaving little time for idleness. 
At the age of twenty-two our subject left home, 
going to Bellevue, Ohio, where he worked as a 
farm hand for two years at $20 per month, but 
at the end of that time he returned to Mifflinburg, 
Penn., and engaged in farming with his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Gotschall, for a time. Later he fol- 
lowed teaming for almost a year, and subse- 
quently was in the agency business, selling bug- 
gies and patent rights. 

At the age of twenty-five Mr. Zieber was mar- 
ried to Miss Clara Rishel, a native of Mirflinburg 
and a daughter of George Rishel. They now 
have three children: Henry W., who is attending 
school; and Frederick L. and George R., at 
home. On March 11, 1890, the family removed 
to their present home, where Mr. Zieber pur- 
chased sixty-six acres of good farming land of 
Len Klose, trading his town property for the 
place. He has since successfully engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits, and is regarded as one of the 
most thorough, skillful and reliable farmers of 
Limestone township. Being a great reader, 
he has become well posted on the leading ques- 
tions of the day, and in politics he is an ardent 
Republican. While a member of the Reformed 
Church, he and his wife attend the Methodist 
Church, to which she belongs, and in social 
circles they occupy an enviable position. 



JOSEPH DURST, one of the representative 
and honored citizens of Union county, is now 
living retired upon his farm in West Buffalo 
township. A son of George and Catherine 
(Moyer) Durst, he was born December 21, 1825, 
on the old ancestral home near Centre Hall, in 
Centre county, Penn. With the development 
and prosperity of this section of the State, the 
family has been long and prominently identified. 
His mother was a descendant of the Moyer family, 
which, with the Orwigs, Wolfs, and a number of 
other families, emigrated from New York (at that 
time known as New Amsterdam) to the eastern 
part of Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary 
war, and there many of their descendants still 
live. The paternal great-grandfather of our sub- 



ject was a native of Germany, and on crossing 
the Atlantic to this country located in Lancaster 
county, Penn. , where he reared his family. The 
grandparents, Peter and Esther (Hurst) Durst, 
were both natives of that county. 

Mr. Durst, of this review, is the oldest in a 
family of eight children, the others being as fol- 
lows: (2) Cyrus, a farmer by occupation, lives 
at Boalsburg, Centre county. (3) Priscilla be- 
came the wife of Henry Dale, but both are now 
deceased. (4) George is a farmer living at Cen- 
tre Hall, Centre county. (5) Philip owns and 
occupies a portion of the old homestead near 
Centre Hall. (6) Hiram also owns a portion of 
that farm, where he is now living. (7) John 
Henry, a valiant soldier of the Union army, was 
killed at the battle of Gettysburg. Two days 
later our subject went to the battlefield and se- 
cured his body, bringing it home and laying it to 
rest in the Mirflinburg cemetery. (8) Elizabeth. 

During his boyhood and youth, Joseph Durst 
attended the common schools of Centre county, 
and being a great reader, a man of studious hab- 
its, and possessed of a bright intellect, he has 
added to his limited education until he has be- 
come one of the best informed men in West Buf- 
falo township. He continued to live in Centre 
county until 1867, when he sold his farm to his 
brother George and came to Union county, pur- 
chasing the farm near Mirflinburg on which he 
still resides. From his father's estate he inher- 
ited $4,000, and he has prospered in his business 
undertakings he is now numbered among the 
most substantial and wealthy citizens of the com- 
munity. Of late years he has laid aside business 
cares, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest. 
At the age of thirty, Mr. Durst was united in 
marriage with Miss Margaret Kleckner, a daugh- 
ter of David Kleckner, of West Buffalo town- 
ship, and they became the parents of two chil- 
dren: (1) Sarah A., born February 1, 1857, is 
now the wife of Cyrus Ruhl, a substantial farmer 
of Lewis township, Union county, and they have 
three beautiful children, named respectively — 
Durst, Charles and Ernest. (2) J. H. Meade, 
named for General Meade, the hero of Gettys- 
burg, was born May 4. 1863, and died at the age 
of two years. The wife and mother was called 
to her final rest July 2, 1876, at the age of forty- 
four years, one month and two days. On April 
24, 1888, Mr. Durst was again married, his sec- 
ond union being with Miss Mary, a daughter of 
George and Susan (Caldron) Strunk, farming 
people of Mifflin county, Penn. With Mr. and 
Mrs. Durst resides her brother, Henry Strunk, 
who has in his possession a tomahawk, which, if 
it could speak, could without doubt tell of bloody 



1196 



CO.VMhWORA TIVE BIOGRA I'll It A I. RE( ORD. 



work done by it in the hands of its former sav- 
age owner. 

In his politics, Mr. Durst is a straight and 
stanch adherent to the principles formulated in 
the platforms of the Democratic party, and in the 
exercise of his elective franchise almost invari- 
ably supports the candidates offered by that or- 
ganization. He is a leading and representative 
in. in of West Buffalo township, and merits and 
receives the warmest confidence and esteem of 
his fellow-citizens. Religiously, both himself 
and wife are consistent members of the Presby- 
terian Church. 



E 



DWARD DOUGLASS LEBKICHER, a 
highly respected resident of Lewisburg, 

Union county, is in honored veteran of the Civil 
war, having spent three years in active service in 
the Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves. He enlisted 
May 6, 1861, in Company B, as a private, but 
was in charge of his company throughout the 
spring of 1864, and until his discharge on June 
11, of that year. Among the important battles 
in which he participated were those of South 
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Cold Har- 
bor, the second battle of Bull Run, and the 
seven-days' fight at Richmond. Mr. Lebkicher 
comes of patriotic stock, his grandfather Leb- 
kicher having been a soldier in the Revolution- 
ary army. He died al Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. 

John Lebkicher, the father of our subject, 
was born in 1795, and, after his marriage to Miss 
Mary Ludwig, settled in Union county, where he 
followed various trades, including carpentering 
and tanning. He was a Roman Catholic in re- 
ligious faith, and in politics adhered to the Dem- 
ocratic party. His death occurred in 1870, at 
the age of seventy-four, and his estimable wife, 
who was born in 1800, passed away at the age 
of eighty- nine. Of their numerous family, the 
following lived to adult age: John, who lives in 
Snyder county; Joseph, who died in 1849, ; 'ged 
twenty; Lavina, who died at twenty-one; Albert, 
who is a resident of Reading, Penn.; Michael, of 
Bellefonte; Lucia Ann, wife of Hanson Gussler; 
Edward Douglass, our subject; and Lewis, who 
is a resident of New Berlin, Union county. 

Edward Douglass Lebkicher was born at New- 
Berlin, December 9, 1837, and grew to manhood 
there. He began to learn the blacksmith's trade, 
but before his apprenticeship was completed the 
war broke out and he promptly responded to the 
call for men to defend the old Hag. On his re- 
turn from the army he settled in Lewisburg, and 
has since been employed as a blacksmith in the 
Central foundry. Energetic, competent, faithful 



to every duty, he commands the respect and con- 
fidence of all who know him. In his political af- 
filiations he is a Democrat, and he is prominently 
identified with the G. A. R. and the I. O. O. F. 
Mr. Lebkicher owns a pleasant home in Lew- 
isburg, and has an interesting family. He was 
married June 27, 1863, to Miss Anna M. Byers, 
a native of Lewisburg, born May 6, [846, and 
nine children have blessed their union: Charles 
]'>., who died in infancy; John, who lived only- 
two years; Lewis, a resident of Lewisburg, who 
married Miss Seachrist, and has one child. Ster- 
ling; Joseph, a painter in Lewisburg; Harry, 
Mary, Sallie and Elizabeth, who are at home; 
and Frankie, who died in childhood. 



PETER MILLER (deceased) was one of the 
valued and honored citizens of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, where his entire life was 
passed. He was born December 9, 1S19, a son 
of George and Sarah (Mertz) Miller, and upon 
the home farm was reared to agricultural pur- 
suits, but in early life he also learned the car- 
penter's trade. 

On January 11, 1844, Mr. Miller was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Wise, whose birth also 
occurred in Buffalo township, Decembers, 1820, 
and for sixteen years they made their home with 
her parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Voneida) 
Wise, while he supported his wife by work at his 
trade and also at farming. In Buffalo township 
he then purchased the first home he ever owned, 
and there continued to reside until 1 S74, when 
he removed to Buffalo Roads, where he erected a 
comfortable brick residence. Laying aside act- 
ive labor, he practically lived retired, though he 
still continued to oversee the work on his farm^. 

For almost fifty-three years, Mr. and Mrs. 
Miller traveled life's journey together, and their 
home was brightened by the presence of four 
children, namely: Sarah J., born April 4, 1845, 
in now the wife of Lewis Hendricks, of Buffalo 
township; Aaron, born March 13, 1S47, is an 
agriculturist of the same township; Amanda E., 
born April 12, 1S56, died June 9, 1S58; and Miles 
A., born August 20, 1S59, is also a farmer. 

Industrious, persevering and progressive, 
from a humble beginning Mr. Miller worked his 
way steadily upward until he became one of the 
most substantial and prosperous citizens of Buf- 
falo township, leaving to his children each an ex- 
cellent farm, besides the comfortable home and 
competence left his widow. He was a shrewd 
business man, of sound judgment and good ex- 
ecutive ability. For many years he served as 
either a deacon or elder in the Lutheran Church, 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1197 



of which he was a prominent and influential 
member, and as a Republican he was called 
upon to fill a number of minor offices of honor 
and trust. He passed away June 20, 1896, and 
his remains were interred in Union cemetery of 
Buffalo township. His record was an honorable 
one, and his memory will long be cherished by 
the many who had the pleasure of his friendship, 
for his sturdy worth, and for his countless acts 
of benevolence and kindness. Mrs. Miller, who 
still survives her husband, is held in high respect 
as a good woman and a true Christian, she being 
a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. 



J I S. RAUDENBUSH (deceased). Rarely if 
ever in the history of Buffalo Valley has a 
larger assemblage of people been gathered at 
the funeral of any private citizen than that which 
met to pay the last tribute of respect to the late 
J. S. Raudenbush, of Vicksburg. His sudden 
death on July n, 1891, at the comparatively 
early age of fifty-two years, caused sincere mourn- 
ing throughout a wide range of acquaintances, to 
whom his genial manners and upright character 
had endeared him. While he had not lived to 
the limit of the allotted term of man's life, he had 
accomplished more in the business world than 
most men have been able to achieve in a much 
longer time. The following brief review of his 
life will serve to show something of the force of 
will, the fine judgment, the irresistible energy 
which marked his career. 

Mr. Raudenbush was born August 28, 1838, 
at McKeesburg, Schuylkill Co., Penn., the son 
of Daniel and Catherine Raudenbush. The fa- 
ther was in prosperous circumstances, but death 
came upon him without warning, and his fortune 
was left in such a state that unscrupulous persons 
could and did make away with most of it, a large 
family of children being thus robbed of their 
rightful inheritance. Mr. Raudenbush remained 
in his native village, and at fifteen years of age 
became a clerk in a store there, acquiring a knowl- 
edge of mercantile business which afterward 
proved of good service. His brother, Benjamin 
Raudenbush, was then a merchant and hotel- 
keeper at Adamsburg, Snyder county, and during a 
brief visit there Mr. Raudenbush became so im- 
pressed with the advantages of this section that 
he decided to remain. About this time his brother 
opened a small store at White Springs, Lime- 
stone township, Union county, placing our sub- 
ject in charge, and in this somewhat restricted 
sphere Mr. Raudenbush showed his ability by 
making an unqualified success. Thus encour- 
aged, he determined to establish a business of 



his own at what is now Vicksburg, and in the 
summer of 1865 he built the second house at the 
place, a store and dwelling combined, and re- 
moved his stock from White Springs. The ven- 
ture was not regarded favorably by the business 
men of his acquaintance, but the event proved 
his wisdom. Among the shrewd movements 
which contributed to his success was the inaugu- 
ration of regular trips in a railway car to the coal 
region, where he disposed of farm produce, grain, 
meat, live stock and other commodities, thus 
building up a trade which brought thousands of 
dollars into his locality to be distributed among 
the farmers, for whose produce he thus secured a 
market. His increasing business compelled fre- 
quent enlargement of his building, and it was not 
many years before he became known among the 
wealthy men of the county. He was interested 
in many important business ventures, including 
the Farmers' Bank at Mifflinburg, of which he 
was a vice-president. In 1872 he built the first 
and for twenty years the only grain elevator at 
Vicksburg. His advent in that locality was the 
signal for progress and growth, and he suggested 
the name of the town at a meeting called by him 
in September, 1865, to consider the plans for 
organization. He at once applied for a post 
office at the place, and became the first postmas- 
ter. His estate at his death was estimated at 
$100,000. Although a stanch Republican in 
politics, he never diverted his attention from his 
business to enter public life, the only office he 
ever held being that of school director. 

Like many of our successful men the "tide 
which bore him on to fortune" seems to have 
set in at the time of his marriage to an intelligent 
and sympathetic helpmeet. On June 1, 1865, 
he was married to Miss Mary A. Rule, a native 
of Lewis township, Union county, born June 28, 
1 84 1. Her father, Jacob Rule, Sr., was a well- 
known farmer of Lewis township. Her mother, 
whose maiden name was Sally Stitzer, was a 
daughter of David Stitzer, a blacksmith by trade, 
who for many years kept a hotel in Mifflinburg. 
Mrs. Raudenbush was the next to the youngest 
in a family of ten children, six sons and four 
daughters. She was reared as a farmer's daugh- 
ter, attending the common schools of the town- 
ship, but with the characteristic adaptibility of 
American women has shown herself capable of 
filling any position with success. In the fall of 
1865 Mr. and Mrs. Raudenbush began house- 
keeping at Vicksburg in the building which was 
occupied by the store, but in 1886 they erected 
the finest residence in the county outside of 
Lewisburg. It is of brick, with hardwood finish 
on the interior, and is supplied with every modern 



11'.- 



COMMEMORATIVE IilOQRAPniCAI. RECORD. 



convenience, including steam heat and hot and 
cold water in the bath rooms. The widow still 
occupiesthiselegant home. Of the three cnildren, 
the eldest, Harry R., born May 3, 1866, is a 
graduate of Duff's Business College, at Pittsburg, 
and for some time past has managed his father's 
mercantile business. He resides at Bluff City, 
Va. Cora V., born February 2, 1S6S, wh<> was 
educated at Lewisburg Institute and Dickinson 
Seminary, at Williamsport, is at home; Benja- 
min F., born July 15, 1877, is a student at the 
Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, New 
York. 

Mr. Raudenbush and his wife united with the 
Reformed Church early in their married life, and 
while they wen/ members of the congregation at 
Dreisbach Church, the funeral services were held 
in the Mifflinburg Church, the Masonic society 
of which Mr Raudenbush was a member taking 
charge of the ceremonies. It was while en- 
fed in his usual duties at the store on Mon- 
day morning in July. 1891, that the first warn- 
ing of approaching death came in the form of a 
paralytic stroke, and after his removal to his 
home near by, he never again left it, his death 
occurring "ii the following Saturday. A brief 
but impressive service was held at the home on 
July 15, the day oi the funeral, in the presence 
of an immense number of sorrowing neighbors 
and friends, and a procession nearly a mile in 
length followed the remains to Mifflinburg. 
There his pastor, Rev. Kohler, delivered a 
thoughtful and touching address from which we 
■ incite the following: "We are all mourners 
here this morning. A life of exemplary business 
service has unexpectedly closed. The affection- 
ate husband, loving father, the helper and coun- 
selor of us all, the true brother and warm friend, 
the industrious, plodding business man, kind 
neighbor and excellent citizen, has passed from 
oui sight, but not from our love and memory. 
We who are assembled here are not all who 
share an interest in this untimely death. There 
are not a few who are prevented from mingling 
their tears with ours through engagements, others 
whose health does not permit them to be with 
us, tu pay the last tribute of respect which the 
living ever pay to the virtues and memory of our 
honored dead; and beyond us and above us, if 
we could but penetrate with human eye the veil 
that separates the spirit world from the natural, 
there is still a greater congregation than here, 
of angels and archangels, and all the com- 
pany of heaven, who desire to look into the 
mystery of human redemption and rejoice over 
the triumphs of a redeemed soul. And at this 
time when the gates of heaven are perchance a 



little ajar, and the place where we stand, holy 
ground, it does not become us to fret or mur- 
mur or complain against an all-wise God, and an 
all-loving Father for taking from our midst so 
unexpectedly the soul of our beloved brother, 
but rather let us reverently and obediently say, 
' The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. 
Blessed be His holy name. The Lord is right- 
eous still. He doeth all things well.' ' 



? SCOTT HALFPENNY, secretary and 



I It treasurer of the Lewisburg Woolen Com- 
pany, of Lewisburg, Union county, and mana- 
ger of their extensive plant, is an able and suc- 
cessful business man, whose judgment has great 
value among his associates. Like many of the 
substantial citizens, he is of English descent, the 
first ancestor to cross the ocean being his great- 
grandfather, James Halfpenny, of Wales. 

Mark Halfpenny, Jr., the father of our sub- 
ject, was born September 24, 18 12, at Wash- 
ington ville, Montour Co., Penn. , a son of Mark 
Halfpenny, Sr. , a native of Montgomery county, 
Penn., and his wife, Mary (Saylor) Halfpenny. 
At the early age of ten years, Mark Halfpenny, 
Jr., was apprenticed to Samuel Rogers, of 
Miinev, Penn , to learn the business of woolen 
manufacturing. In 1837 he and his brother, 
James, under the firm name of J. & M. Half- 
penny, commenced business at Millheim, Centre 
county, and in 1841 they removed to Laurel Run, 
near Laurelton, Union county, where they con- 
tinued business until 1851, when they dissolved 
partnership, and Mark Halfpenny built a woolen- 
mill a few miles north of Laurelton, and carried 
on business himself until 1866, when the factorv 
was destroyed by fire; he then removed to Lew- 
isburg, and established the Lewisburg Woo 
Mills, which he conducted until 1870, when the 
firm of M. Halfpenny & Sons was organized by 
the admission of his two sons, W. F. and W. S. 
Halfpenny, who continued business until 1874. 
wlun the firm of M. Halfpenny & Co., consist- 
ing of M. Halfpenny. W. A. Schreyer and W. S. 
Halfpenny, was organized, and the business con- 
tinued by them until 1878, when the mill was 
burned. It was immediately rebuilt, and Frank 
Halfpenny was admitted to the firm; in 1886 the 
present organization of the Lewisburg Woolen 
Company was incorporated, M. Halfpenny re- 
taining a large interest, which is held by his heirs 
at this time. After an honorable and successful 
business career of over fifty years, Mr. Halfpenny 
died June 23, 1889. He had married Christianna, 
who was born in 1823, a daughter of William 
and Rachel (McCoy) Foster, and she proved to 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1199 



him a faithful helpmeet, an exemplar)' Christian 
wife, whose death on June 2, 1877, was the first 
break in the family circle. Their children, ten 
in number, are: William Foster, who is now in 
Tacoma, Wash.; W. Scott, our subject; Frank, 
a clerk in the office of the county commissioners; 
Mark, a merchant in Niles, Ohio; James and 
Thomas Edwin, who are connected with the 
mill; Katie Foster, unmarried; Robert Foster, 
of Lewisburg; John, now with Whitmer & Sons, 
of Philadelphia; and Neal McCoy, who is mar- 
ried and resides in New York. 

W. S. Halfpenny began his earthly career 
January 10, 1847. The foundation of his educa- 
tion was laid in Lewisburg, at the public schools 
and the academy, but his course there was sup- 
plemented by further study in the Tuscarora 
Academy in Juniata county, and in Bryant & 
Stratton's Business College, at Philadelphia. Thus 
equipped for business, he entered his father's 
employ as bookkeeper, later becoming a partner, 
as stated above. 

In 1872 Mr. Halfpenny was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Mary M. Baker, a native of 
Union county, born in 1851, and two children, 
Mark and Ethel, have blessed the union. The 
family has been identified with the Presbyterian 
Church in the past, and Mr. Halfpenny inclines 
to that faith. Politically, he is a Republican, 
and he is a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 



SAMUEL RUSSELL GRAY. Pride in an 
,' honorable lineage is a trait which reveals 
a fine discernment of the values on other than 
the material plane, and the wish to have one's 
own life and personality remembered in the years 
to come is no less a mark of nobility of heart. 
A due regard for our posterity may, indeed, con- 
strain us not only to fill our appointed station 
with fidelity, but to take effective measures to 
preserve the record of our modest achievements 
and of our standing among our fellow men, for 
the instruction, the encouragement and the in- 
spiration of those who will trace through us the 
line which unites them with the past. To this 
worthy work this book is dedicated, and interest- 
ing as it will be to the present generation in its 
presentation of the history of our leading citi- 
zens, its records will increase in value as the 
years roll by. 

The subject of this sketch, a prominent resi- 
dent of Kelly township, Union county, is de- 
scended in both paternal and maternal lines from 
ancestors who participated in the stirring events 
which marked the release of this country from 



English rule. Robert Gray, his grandfather, 
came from England in Colonial times with his 
wife, Mary Reese, and settled on a farm near 
Jerseytown, Penn., but at the outbreak of the 
Revolutionary war he joined Washington's army 
and fought in the cause of freedom. His son, 
Lieut. Samuel Gray, our subject's father, who 
was born in Montour county, Penn., in 1792, 
was a patriotic man, a Whig in political faith, 
and served as an officer in our second war 
with the mother country in 1812, being stationed 
at Black Rock. He was a noted contractor, and 
the canal between Watsontown and Duart, Penn. , 
was constructed by him. He also engaged in 
teaming; he met his death by accident, June 4, 
1 83 1, while driving a six-horse team, through 
falling under the wheels of the wagon, which 
passed over his breast. His wife, Isabella Wat- 
son, was born November 11, 1800, and passed 
away September 5, 1863. She was a devout 
adherent of the Presbyterian Church, as was her 
husband during his life. Her parents, John L. 
and Elizabeth (Mann) Watson, came from Dublin, 
Ireland, at an early day, and located in Columbia 
county, Penn., upon a farm. They, too, dis- 
played a patriotic spirit during the Revolutionary 
war, and John Watson was taken prisoner by 
the British on account of his sentiments, and 
chained to the floor. His heroic wife rescued 
him, her devotion, no less than a regard for her 
physical weakness, so touching the hearts of the 
guards, that they did not interfere with her plans. 

Lieut. Samuel Gray and his wife reared a 
family of seven children, of whom our subject 
was the youngest, and is now the only survivor. 
The names of the others, with dates of birth and 
death, are as follows: Joseph H., January 4, 18 iS, 
in August, 1876; John G., December 12, 1820, 
February 2, 1861; Catherine, October 22, 1822, 
in 1856, married Samuel Gray, a distant relative, 
also deceased; Robert, October 5, 1824, May 9, 
1848; Mary Y., July 8, 1827. in March, 1880, 
married William Kissner, deceased; and Phcebe, 
March 28, 1829, in 1871, married Jesse Hill, now 
a farmer in Montour county. 

Samuel R. Gray was born in Lewis township, 
Northumberland county, Penn., March 24, 1S31, 
and remained at home until the age of twenty- 
three. He received a common-school education, 
and at early age began to show his business abil- 
ity, a threshing machine, purchased when he was 
eighteen, being the foundation of his prosperity. 
With money saved from his earnings with the 
machine, he purchased 130 acres of land in his 
native township, and in 1854 established him- 
self there as a farmer. He remained eleven 
years, during which the Civil war broke out and 



1 21 " i 



COMMEMORA TIYE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



he was drafted three times, first in 1862, then in 
[863, and finally in 1865. Twice he paid $300 
for a substitute, but on the third call he deter- 
mined to respond in person; but while he was at 
Harrisburg, on his way to the front, the news of 
Lee's surrender made further help unnecessary. 

On leaving his first farm he purchased anoth- 
er in Lycoming county, Penn., which he sold in 
1871. One year was spent at Turbutville before 
again resuming business, and then, having decid- 
ed upon a change, he purchased a foundry at 
McEwensville, -Perm., which he operated suc- 
cessfully for twenty-one years. Wishing to pass 
his remaining days in the peaceful surroundings 
of a royal neighborhood, he disposed of the foun- 
dry, and again engaged in farming, purchasing a 
farm in Buffalo township. Union county, where 
he resided two years before removing to his 
present farm near Mazeppa. 

Mr. Gray enjoys excellent health despite a 
permanent injury to his shoulder caused by be- 
ing thrown when about nineteen years old by a 
runaway horse. Successful as a business man, 
he has always been an influential figure in local 
affairs, and while residing in Northumberland 
county he was often called upon to serve in 
township offices. He is active in the Farmers 
Alliance, being now a member of the society at 
Kelly Cross Roads. 

Mr. Gray has a pleasant home, and he and 
his wife, formerly Miss Alma Long, are most 
genial and hospitable in spirit. They are both 
fond of literature, and are especially well versed 
in the Scriptures. Mr. Gray is a member of the 
Reformed Church, but his wife is an Episcopal- 
ian. They have no children. By a previous 
marriage, with Miss Rebecca J. Stiner, born Oc- 
tober 20. 1833, died November 6, 1870. Mr. 
Gray had eight children: John L. S. ; Elizabeth; 
Harriet F. ; George P., an iron molder at Battle 
Creek, Mich. ; Sarah E., widow of John Hopp, of 
Lewisburg, Penn; Samuel R., a molder at Battle 
Creek, Mich ; Rebecca J., wife of William Pep- 
per, a farmer in Armstrong county, Penn. ; and 
William H.. who, like his brother, resides in 
I'.attK Creek, and is an iron molder by trade. 

Mrs. Alma (Long) Gray was born in Muncy, 
Lycoming Co., Penn., February 5, 1S38, the 
daughter of George and Nancy (Doctor) Long. 
Her paternal grandfather. Nicholas Long, en- 
listed in the Revolutionary army when only six- 
teen years old, and served throughout the strug- 
gle. He was married three times. George 
Long was born in Northumberland county, Penn., 
in May, 1801, and died February 14, 1880. He 
was by occupation a wagon maker. Mrs. Gray's 
mother, who was born in Lycoming county, 



January II, 1S11, and died in Muncy, March 6, 
1862, was his first wife, and after her death he 
married Mrs. Mary (Frye) Shirks, by whom he 
had no issue. By the first marriage there were 
nine children: Aaron, who died in infancy; 
Emma, wife of Samuel Gortner, a carpenter of 
Williamsport, Penn.; James D., who died in 

2; Harris S., a carpenter at Mishewauke, 
Ind. ; Alma (Mrs. Gray); Anna, wife of Amos 
Burger, a blacksmith at Muncy, Penn.; Samuel 
1> . who died in 1875; William, a shoemaker at 
Mishewauke, Ind.; and Ella, wife of John P. 
Kramer, a carpenter of Watsontown, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

On the maternal side Mrs. Gray is descended 
from a prominent family of Lycoming county, 
Penn., her grandparents, George and Eve Doc- 
tor, having owned a farm of 300 acres at the 
present site of East Muncy. Her grandfather 
was an influential citizen of that locality, but for 
six years previous to his death he was confined 
to his bed through an injury sustained while try- 
in;,' to extricate a sheep which had become fast- 
ened in a fence. 



FOLLMER FAMILY. For upwards of a 
century and a half the Follmer family have 
been identified with this Commonwealth, where 
through the several generations its members 
have been characterized as honest, conscientious 
and truthful people, making good citizens. 

The name was formerly Yollmer and is of 
German origin, but when John Yollmer, the head 
of the American branch, emigrated from the Fa- 
therland, in 1737, coming to Philadelphia, Penn., 
where his name was recorded Follmer by mis- 
take, that spelling was thereafter adopted. In 
1740, he settled in Berks county, Penn., where 
he passed his remaining years. Michael Foll- 
mer, a son of this worthy pioneer, moved with 
his family, in 1778, to Limestone township, 
Northumberland county, and encamped on his 
arrival under a large wild cherry-tree, which is 
still standing. Frederick, a son of Michael, lo- 
cated in White Deer Yalley, in 1795, purchasing 
300 acres of land, on which he built the mill 
now occupied by A. S. Sypher. The mill con- 
tained three run of stone, and was patronized by 
the people for many miles around. He married 
Miss Maria Barbara Geiger, by whom he had 
three children: Susan, who married Joseph 
Mackey, and had five sons and one daughter; 
Daniel, who is mentioned more fully farther on, 
and Rachel, who married James Donaldson, and 
had one son and two daughters. Frederick 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1201 



Follmer died April 7, 1812, and his wife July 6, 
1803. 

Of these three children, Daniel Follmer was 
a man of good ability and high character. He 
was the first man in his locality to refuse to fur- 
nish whiskey to his harvesters. He was born 
March 13, 1786. in Limestone township, North- 
umberland county, and accompanied his father 
to the White Deer Valley, in 1795. His educa- 
tion was limited to the country schools of that 
day, and during his youth his time was mainly 
spent in assisting his father on the farm and in 
the mill. He remained at home until his mar- 
riage, in June, 1808, to Miss Margaret Reed, who 
was born August 31, 17S9, in Lycoming county, 
a daughter of James and Jeannette (Watt) Reed, 
of Chester county,, both of Scotch descent. The 
father of James Reed and the mother of Jean- 
nette Watt were natives of Scotland. James 
Reed was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, 
and participated in the battle of the Brandywine. 
He settled in Gregg township, in 1788. While 
away from home, in the war, his wife carried 
her son on horseback to the home of her father 
in the same locality. 

Daniel Follmer made his home upon a por- 
tion of his father's homestead, building a man- 
sion which is now occupied by his children. For 
many years he was engaged in farming and mill- 
ing, and at one time he was a contractor, and 
built a number of bridges in this section. His 
sterling qualities of mind and heart won the es- 
teem of all who knew him, his dealings with all 
with whom he came in contact being strictly hon- 
orable. From his youth he was a member of 
the Old-School Presbyterian Church, and he was 
one of the founders of the Washington Presby- 
terian Church, of Gregg township. In politics 
he was a Whig before the war issues arose, but 
he became a Republican on the organization of 
that party. In 1825-26 he served as commis- 
sioner of Lycoming county, to which Gregg town- 
ship was then attached. About this time he was 
appointed by Gov. Shultz justice of the peace, 
and for many years he held that office, either by 
appointment or election. Various local offices 
were also filled creditably by him, and for six 
years he was a school director, and at differ- 
ent times held other township offices. His death 
occurred March 30, 1875, i n tne ninetieth year of 
his age; for thirty years previous he had lived in 
retirement. 

Daniel and Margaret Follmer had seven chil- 
dren whose names with dates of birth are as fol- 
lows: Maria B., May 10, 1810, married John 
Foresman; Jane W. , May 8, 1813; Cynthia, De- 
cember 29, 1 8 1 5 ; Elizabeth, August 2, 1818, 

76 



married Robert Caldwell; John R., December 24, 
1 82 1; Daniel G., November 11, 1826; and Mar- 
garet R., May 28, 1829, who died August 12, 
1 88 1. The mother of these passed away Sep- 
tember 6, 1853, in her sixty-fourth year. Two 
unmarried sons and a widowed daughter reside 
at the homestead. 

John R. Follmer, the elder son, attended 
school at the Hammond school house and a log 
one by the mill in the locality of his birth, 
and later in the Milton and Lewisburg Acade- 
mies. He studied law with James F. Linn, in 
Lewisburg. in 1843-45, an d, on being admitted 
to the Bar, practiced for some time at Selins 
Grove, but ill health compelled him to seek an 
outdoor life. He is an ardent Republican, and 
was formerly quite active in political affairs, hav- 
ing been elected in 1S83 to the office of county 
surveyor. 

Daniel G. Follmer, the younger son, has 
always made his home at the old farm, which is 
now worked by other parties under the direction 
of the owners. 



OHN REEDY, one of the most progressive 
and successful citizens of Kelly township, 
Union county, has been for some years a 
leading agriculturist there, and, since 1893, he 
has engaged also in contracting and building, in 
which his ability and enterprise have been con- 
spicuously displayed. 

Like many of our most prominent men he is 
of old Pennsylvania stock, his ancestors settling 
in Berks county at an early day, and his grand- 
father Reed)- was a drummer in the Revolution- 
ary army. That worthy pioneer married, and 
reared a family of five children: Jonathan, who 
was born in 1798; Emanuel, our subject's father; 
Michael, who went to New York State in early 
manhood, and has never been heard from; one 
who married Godfrey Fogt, and died in Illinois, 
where they settled late in life; and Lydia, de- 
ceased, who married George Baker, now living 
in retirement at Mazeppa, Union county. 

Emanuel Reedy, our subject's father, was 
born in Berks county, January 29, 18 10, and in 
18 1 5 came to Union county with his parents, 
who settled a quarter of a mile from Buffalo 
Cross Roads, upon a pi ace no w known as the Rissell 
farm. Emanuel Reedy was a miller until the age 
of thirty-five, when he engaged in farming. 
This business occupied his remaining years, al- 
though for some time previous to his death, 
which occurred April 18, 1884, he left the active 
work of the estate to other hands. He was an up- 
right man, straightforward in all his dealings, 



1202 



OOMMl VORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Ins word being "as good ind, although 

his quiet disposition made him averse to public 
life, he was chosen by his fellow citizens al 

times to fill local offices. He took much in- 
terest in pi problems, and <■ .inch 
. porter of Republican principle 

Hi- wife, Rachel Ingelman, was the ) 
child of Solomon Ingelman, who was a native 
of Berks county, Penn., but came to I □ 

'its in pioneer times, and < i arm- 

ing The) I fht children: David, decei 

i in Stephenson county. 111.: S 
formerly employed in the mint at Phil.. 
phia, died at Sandusky, Ohio, where he spent 
his last days in retirement. John, whose active 
years were spent at the carpenter's tradi 
Findlay, Ohio; Tobias, deceased, was a farmer 
in St. Joseph county, Mich.; Bets} Elizabeth 
married [acob Margh, a farmer of Kelly town- 
Union county, and both died there; Nellie 
married William Speice, a stonemason, and died 
in White Deer township, Union countv; Mai 
garet, widow ol Michael Wolf, is now living in 
Sandusky county, Ohio, at the age of eighty- 
four. Racli> subject's mother, was born 
November 18, 1814, in White Deer township, 
Union county, and was married there, by Rev 
Mr. Onsbaugh, to Emanuel Reedy The chil- 
dren of this union were. Samuel, who 
when two and one-half j I; \im,i, will 
M. I. Weaver, a tanner near Schuyler, Colfax 
( . Neb. ; [ohn, our subject; Levi, a well-known 
cattle dealer at Buffalo (.'toss Roads, Union 
county; and Hammond, a fanner on the old 
Reedy homestead in Buffalo township. Union 
county. 

The subject of our sketch was born No-. 
ber 8, 1*44. in Kelly township, Union county, 
a mile and one-half west of Kelly's Cross Roads, 
and until the age oi twenty-three remained 
home, assisting Ins lather upon the farm and ai 
quiring an education in the local schools as op- 
portunity afforded. His first independent work 

1 farmer was on a rented farm in Buffalo 
t iwnship, Union county, and later he moved to 
Kelly township and worked upon Judge Hoffa's 

ite. thirteen years in all. In the fall of 1 
he purchased his present farm of ninety-th 

1 a half acres near Buffalo Cross Roads, at 
$140. 1 5 per acre. The care of this estate occu- 
pied his time exclusively for a time, but 111 1 

m operating a sawmill at Hagerstown. 
In 1K93 he gave up that bu to engagi 

contracting and building, and ha 1 irried on 
that business successfully, his contracts in the 
fall of 1895 calling for 500,000 feet of lumber. 

Politically, Mr. Reedy is a Republican, but 



in prefers to exert his influence 111 a quiet way, 
and has nevei aspired to public office. Such 
men as he are not often overlooked, howi 
and he h cted to represent his town- 

■ as supervisor, in which office he served with 
characteristic ability and energy. In religious 
faith he is a Presbyterian. 



NICHOLAS C. LAHR, a well-known agri- 
culturist oi East Buffalo township, Union 
county, was born Oi I 1834, in Lower Ma- 

hanoy township. Northumberland county, Penn., 
a son of Paul and Mary M. (Bordner Lain, and 
a grandson ol Paul Lahr. Sr., a native of Berks, 
this State. The birth of the father occurred 
near Georgetown, in Northumberland county, ami 
in 1836 he removed to what is now Snyder coun- 
ty, Penn.. but at the end of six years returned 
to the former county, where he continued to make 
his home until called from this life, at the au 
fifty-eight. His wife bad passed away two years 
previous, and they now sleep side by side in the 
Lewisburg cemetery. He was a skilled mech. 
and, in connection with farm work, also engi 
j in the manufacture of plows, harrows and coffins 
Although he started out in life a poor man. by 
workmg early and late, lie secured a comfi 
Mi- competence. He was a tine specimen of 
physical manhood, weighing from 189 to 200 
pounds, was an ardent Republican in politics, 
and in religious belief was a Lutheran. 

Our subject is the second in order of birth in 
the family ot six children, the others being as fol- 
lows: William, now a resident of Milton, Penn.; 
Henry and Paul, both ol Kansas; Frank, who 
died after reaching manhood; and Catharine, who 
first married Levi Moll, m Pennsylvania, and 
after his death wedded John Thomas She de- 
parted this life in Kansas. 

The early education of Nicholas C. Lahr was 
such as the common schools afforded, and he 
later attended the Lewisbur; my at inter- 

vals for two years. At the age of eighteen he- 
began learning the carpenter's trade under tin 
direction of Jack McLaughlin, of Lewisburg, but 
never completed In- apprenticeship. As a young 
man, however, he became thoroughly familiar 
with all departments of farm work, and through- 
out life has principally followed that occupation, 
meeting with a fair degree of success. 

In the fall of 1861, in Lewisburg, Mr. Lahr 
was married to Miss Susan Schrack, who was 
born in October, 1S41, in East Buffalo township, 
Union county, and is the oldest of the ten chil- 
dren of John S. and Catharine 1 Dunkel i Schrack. 
During his early life her father was a teamster. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



L203 



traveling between Philadelphia and Fruitstown, 
Penn. , but later located in Union county, at one 
time owning the elegant home and farm on which 
our subject now resides. For three years after 
his marriage Mr. Lahr operated a rented farm in 
Northumberland county, and for twenty-three 
years lived on the George Ard farm, in White 
Deer township. Union county. He then removed 
to his present farm, which he had previously 
stocked, and now has one of the most desirable 
places in East Buffalo township. It comprises 
110 acres of excellent farming land, supplied 
with good buildings and all the accessories found 
upon a model farm of the nineteenth century. 
In connection with general farming, he engaged 
in the threshing business for fifteen years, doing 
considerable work along that line in his neigh- 
borhood. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Lahr have been born the 
following children: Catharine, now the wife of 
James M. Pawling, of White Deer township; 
Annie, wife of H. Everett, of Northumberland 
county; Clara, at home; John, a resident of Cal- 
ilornia; and Frank, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
Religiously, the mother is connected with the Lu-i 
theran Church, and, politically, Mr. Lahr affili- 
ates with the Republican part)-. They have won 
an assured position in the highest social circles 
of the community, and have hosts of warm 
friends. 



JTOHN HUTCHISON CRISWELL (deceased). 
''The memory of the just is blessed," and 
surely it is a beautiful thing to have so spent 
the years of one's life as to win the affectionate 
regard of an entire community. This reward 
came in full measure to the late John H. Cris- 
well and his estimable wife, who were known far 
and near as "Uncle and Auntie " Criswell, and 
while for those who knew them there can be no 
need of words to strengthen the recollection of 
their beneficent lives, their many friends will be 
glad to see in this Record a permanent record 
through which their influence may be impressed 
upon still wider circles. 

Mr. Criswell was born in Kelly township, 
Union county, upon a farm adjoining the pres- 
ent homestead, now occupied by his daughter, 
Miss Mary A. Criswell, a lady of fine mental gifts 
and unusual executive ability. His parents, 
Joseph and Elizabeth (Hutchison) Criswell, set- 
tled in Union county at an early day, and the 
mother's death occurred at the present home. 
They had seven children, whose names with 
dates of birth are as follows: James, August 31, 
1806; Thomas H., March 28, 1808; Hannah B. 



(Mrs. John Huntington), March S, 1810; John 
H., March 20, 181 2; Rachel, May 7, [814, did 
not live to adult age; Mary A., June 20, [816, 
and Elizabeth, August 29, 18 18, who is the only 
survivor of his family, married William Spotts 
(now deceased), and resides at Steelton, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Reared as a son of a pioneer farmer, Mr. 
Criswell had the most meagre opportunities for 
an education, attending school only eleven days. 
It is therefore worthy of especial note that he 
managed by private study to acquire a fair edu- 
cation, including a knowledge of bookkeeping. 
He was interested in all the movements of his 
time; in politics, he was a Republican, and 
his influence in local affairs being marked, his 
able service in various township offices demon- 
strated his fidelity and public spirit. By occu- 
pation he was a farmer and shoemaker, and his 
industry and thrift gained for him a comfortable 
competence. 

On April 16, 1834, Mr. Criswell was united in 
marriage with Miss Jane Mathers, a lady of rare 
Christian character, and, like himself, a devout 
member of the Presbyterian Church. She was 
born June 24, 1S11, at Mazeppa, Union county, 
and was called to her eternal reward September 
4, 1884, at a ripe old age. Her father, James 
Mathers, was a native of Berks county, Penn., 
and his wife, Isabella Oliver, was born in Scot- 
land. 

John H. and Jane Criswell reared a large 
family of children, of whom five are living. The 
names with dates of birth are as follows: Joseph, 
February 19, 1835. is a tailor at Chattanooga, 
Tenn. ; James, April 16, 1837, died September 
27, 1853; William, April 12, 1839, is a farmerin 
White Deer township, Union county; Elizabeth, 
September 24, 1841, married Daniel Kuhns, a 
carpenter and farmer of Kelly township, Union 
county; Mary A., July 15, 1843, '- s mentioned 
more fully below; Isabella M., July 21, 1845, 
died September 5, 1853; Rachel, April 21, 1848, 
died August 26, 1853; Sarah M., October 10, 
1852, died October it, 1853; Thomas O., Sep- 



tember 



[8 



SJ- 



is a farmer near Tavlorville, 



Union county; and John, May 5, 1850, died 
April 16, 1866. The surviving children all oc- 
cupy positions of usefulness, and are held in high 
esteem in their respective communities. 

Miss Mary A. Criswell, as has been said, 
resides at the old home, which is endeared by 
the memories of her beloved parents, and from 
which she has never been absent for more than 
three weeks at a time. Her active and intelli- 
gent mind takes deep inteiest in all that concerns 
the progress of the locality. She is helpfully re- 



1 I'M 1 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL HE CORD. 



lated to various religious and philanthropic move- 
ments, and she has been a member of the Re- 
formed Church since May 12, 1869. 



FRANKLIN WILLIAM BERKENSTOCK, a 
well-known citizen of Union county, is now 

spending ins declining years in a pleasant home 
near White Deer, his leisure being sweetened by 
the remembrance of pasl years of toil. 

His family has been identified with Pennsyl- 
vania for more than a century. His great -grand- 
parents on his father's side, of German origin, 
crossed the Atlantic to find wider opportunities 
in the New World. They located in Lehigh 
county, where their son, Abraham, the grand- 
father of our subject, was born and reared. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Engleman, a native of 
the same county, and made his permanent home 
there upon a farm. Their son Jacob, our sub- 
ject's father, married Elizabeth Walt man, a 
native of that locality, a daughter of William 
and Sarah Waltman. Both Jacob and his wife 
were born in Lehigh county, but after passing 
many years moved to Lycoming county, Penn., 
to end their days upon a farm. 

Jacob Berkenstock remained at his early 
home until 1841, when he went to Lycoming 
county for a few years, but finally he settled in 
Northumberland county, Penn., where he died 
in the spring of i S 7 5 , at the age of sixty-six, his 
wife following him three years later, at sixty- 
three years of age. He was a carpet weaver by 
occupation, and at times carried on farming on 
a small scale. In politics he was a Republican, 
and he and his wile were both Lutherans in re- 
ligious faith. Their children were: Mandus. 
who died in Northumberland county, in 1871; 
Lucinda, widow of Samuel Mingus, of Turbuts- 
ville, Penn.; Eliza, who married Andrew Fink, 
of Lehigh county, both now deceased; Julia, 
wlm married Robert Mackey, and moved to Illi- 
nois, where she died, all traces of her husband 
being lost since ; Susannah, wife of Edward Dief- 
fenderfer, now living in retirement in Lehigh 
county; Franklin W.. our subject; David, a 
farmer residing in White l>eer township; Edwin, 
a fanner in Michigan; Elemanda, widow of Ed- 
ward Dove, of Allentown, Penn. ; Tellera, who 
married (ohn Yaker, ami dii ' in N01 liumber- 
I ml county, where he now resides; Harrison, 
win. died at Allrntown; Harmon, ol Norihum- 
inty; Theresa, who married William 
Strickland, a tanner of Sullivan county, Penn., 

and died al W dS ntowii 

Franklin W. Berkenstock was born July 6, 
1829, in Socken township, Lehigh county, Penn., 



and, as circumstances compelled him to enter 
upon the work of bread-winning at an early age, 
he left home at thirteen to learn the shoemaker's 
trade with his brother-in-law, Andrew Fink. He 
remained four years, and then accompanied his 
parents to Lycoming count}', where he worked 
three years at his trade for Joseph Wise, receiv- 

^40 for the first year, and afterward working 
b\ the piece as he found it more profitable. Be- 
ing thoroughly skilled in all branches of trade, 
he decided to go into business for himself, in 
Gregg township, Union county, where he con- 
tinued until 1854. The " Western fever " at- 
tacked him, and one year was spent in prospect- 
ing for one of the much-talked-of locations in the 
West, where fortunes were made in a marvel- 
ously short time; but upon actual inspection he 
discovered that they were not what his fancy 
painted them, and he returned to Union count}-, 
contented to remain. Locating in White Deer 
township he resumed his trade, which he followed 
until his retirement in 1875. 

On December 31, 1858, Mr. Berkenstock 
was married in that township by Rev. Mr. Flor- 
enceworth, to Miss Jane Walter, a native of Sny- 
der county, born November 21, 1836. Her par- 
ents. William and Elizabeth (Wolfe) Walter, 
were born, reared and married in Snyder county, 
and in 1850 removed to a farm in White Deer 
township, Union county, where the father died 
in March, 1874. aged sixty-two, his last years be- 
ing spent in retirement. He was well-to-do, and 
was prominent in local affairs, holding office at 
times. He was a Republican in politics, and he 
and his wife, who survives him and resides at 
Lewisburg, became identified many years ago 
with the Evangelical Church. 

Mrs. Berkenstock was the eldest of a family 
of seven children, the others being: (2) Fietta 
died at the age of fifteen. (3) Jonathan, a farmer 
in Marshall county, Iowa, married Miss Marica 
Mosby. (4) Joel is a retired farmer in White 
Deer township, Union county. (5) Miss Judis 
resides at Lewisburg with her mother. (6) Cath- 
erine married Harvey Smith, a farmer near M1111- 
cy Station. Penn. (7) Sarah married Rev. Peter 
Raderbock, now of Western Springs, Illinois. 

On abandoning the work-bench in 1875, Mr. 
Berkenstock purchased the Walter homestead, 
where he resided until his removal to White 
Deer. After one year in that village he settled 
at his present home in that vicinity, which com- 
biner the advantages of farm life b) those af- 
forded by the neighboring town. He is an ear- 
nest supporter of Republican prim iples, and is in- 
fluential in local politics, having been chosen to 
ifficesol trust in his township in his more 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1205 



active days. He belongs to the Grange at New 
Columbia, and to the Evangelical Church, in 
which he is a trustee. 

Mr. and Mrs. Berkenstock have had five chil- 
dren, of whom all but one are living: (i ) Emma, 
born October 26, 1859, married A. M. Smith, a 
farmer in California, and has three sons — Guy, 
Joseph R. and Owen. (2) Clinton, born April i, 
i860, a farmer, married Miss Minerva Ranck, 
and has four children — Frankie A., Naomi, Leah, 
and Lottie. (3; Elizabeth, born October 18, 
1864, died in March, 1872. (4) William, born 
May 3, 1870, is a fruit sprayer in California, and 
was married there to a Miss Wagner. (5) Owen, 
born April 10, 1881, resides with his parents 



WALTER P. LILLEY, of Lewisburg, is 
one of the rising young business men of 
his locality. Like many of our best citizens he 
is of old Berks county stock, being the fifth gen- 
eration in descent from Peter Lilley, an old set- 
tler. John and Sarah (Almond) Lilley, our sub- 
ject's great-grandparents, were both natives of 
Berks county, as was also his grandfather, John 
Lilley, now an honored resident of Lewisburg, 
and his grandmother (now deceased), whose 
maiden name was Sarah Heckman. 

The late Henry Lilley, the father of our sub- 
ject, was born at Black Run, Union county, but 
much of his life was spent at Lewisburg, where 
he engaged in the business of shoemaking. He 
was married thereto Miss Anna Lutz, a native of 
the town, born in 1853, but he died not long after 
this event, at the age of twenty-three. He was 
a member of the Lutheran Church, and his up- 
right character made for him many friends wher- 
ever he was known. His widow married a second 
husband, George Wealer, who is now engaged 
in the manufacture of cigars, at Reading, Penn. 
There were two sons by the first union: Walter 
P., our subject; and Henry, who lived only 
eighteen months. By the second marriage there 
were also two children: Albert, now a cigar 
manufacturer, in California; and Emma (de- 
ceased). 

Walter P. Lilley was born at Black Run, 
Union county, November 5, 1867, and after the 
death of his father, in 1871, was reared by his 
grandfather, John Lilley, of Lewisburg, with 
whom he remained until the age of sixteen, at- 
tending school in the meantime. At sixteen he 
went to Bellefonte, Penn., to enter the employ 
of W. A. Lyon, and, after five years with him, 
he spent two years with H. H. Schreyer, a 
dealer in wall paper and similar commodities. 
He returned to Lewisburg, and for one year was 



engaged in the meat business there, with C. F. 
Hodd, and since that time he has followed that 
trade. He spent six months in Girard, Penn., 
but sold his shop there to open another in Mont- 
gomery, Penn. , where he remained the same 
length of time. On disposing of that business 
he went to Milton and worked for two vears for 
G. W. Hurtz, a butcher there. He then estab- 
lished his present market at Lewisburg, where 
he has met with gratifying success. 

On March 29, 1892, he was married, at Belle- 
fonte, to Miss Minnie Olewine, a native of that 
city, and a lady of rare social gifts. Her father, 
the late Samuel Olewine, was born in Monroe 
county, Penn., and at the time of his death, 
which occurred October 10, 18S9. at the age of 
sixty-one, was a wealthy retired farmer residing 
at Bellefonte. His wife, MaryM. Stetzer, whom 
he married at Aaronsburg, Penn., was born in 
Northampton county, Penn., and died at Belle- 
fonte, July 22, 1874. Her parents, David and 
Elizabeth (Rockey) Stetzer, were of German 
descent, and Mr. Stetzer, in his later years, con- 
ducted a hotel at Laurelton, Union county. 
Mrs. Lilley was the youngest in a family of five 
children. Mary now resides with our subject; 
John is in the hardware business, at Bellefonte, 
with J. H. Harris; Catherine married John Kline, 
an attorney at Bellefonte; and William is de- 
ceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lilley have a beautiful home at 
Lewisburg, their commodious brick residence 
being furnished throughout in a manner which 
displays a cultured taste. One daughter, Helen, 
born January 1, 1894, has blessed their union. 
They are prominent socially, and are identi- 
fied with the Lutheran Church, in which both 
take an active interest. 



J I LEXANDER EDELMAN, a leading and in- 
L fluential member of the agricultural com- 
munity of West Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, has spent almost his entire life upon his pres- 
ent farm, his parents, John and Mary A. (Zim- 
merman) Edelman, locating there when he was 
only two years old. He is a native of the coun- 
ty, born April 8, 1849, and is one of the two 
children born to his father's second marriage. 
There were five children in the family who grew 
to years of maturity, the others being John and 
Cornelius, both farmers of Missouri; Eli, who 
was an agriculturist of Union county, Penn., but 
is now deceased; and Edwin, a miller living in 
West Buffalo township. The father has been 
called to his final rest, but the mother of our 
subject is still living, now a resident of Bloom- 



[206 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL llE'ORD. 



ington, Ind. Her parents lived and died in 
Union county, Pennsylvania. 

In the public schools of his native county 
Alexander Edelman acquired a good practical 
edui rid upon the home farm was early 

trained to habits of industry, becoming a thor- 

h and skillful agriculturist. He was mar- 
ried in [874 tn Mi.-s Mary Harman, a daughter 
of Samuel F. Harman, a tailor by trade, who 
was employed in a gristmill, and toward the close 
of his life turned his attention to farming. He 
was tin Jacob and Sarah (Klingler) Har- 

man. while the maternal grandparents of Mrs. 
Edelman were Jacob and Sarah (Boot) Boyer, 
the 1. iltrr a daughter of Charles Boot, a native 
of Ireland. 

Tn "nr subject and his wife have been born 
five children, whose names and dates of birth are 
as follows: Charles S. T., October 16, 1876; 
Sarah F., Januarj 24, [879; Edwin S., Oct 

Vngie, July 21, 1888, and Chauncy 
F., December jo, [893. All are still at hi 
with the cep ion of the eldest sun, who is now 
living in New Yi>rk Si 

Politically, Mr. Edelman has ever been iden- 
tified with the Democratic party, and, religiously, 
he is a consistent and faithful membei oi the Lu- 
theran Church. He is a prosperous and sub- 
stantial farmer, and is highly respected by all 
who have the pi i his acquaintance. His 

family i the brightest and most intelli- 

gent in the community, and they occupy a most 
delightful home, where happiness and good ch 

nd supreme. 



GALEN C. WHITMER, one of the most pop- 
ular and enterprising young business men of 
Hartley township, is a native of Union county, 
born Novembei 26, 1859, and is a son of Philip 
and Elizabeth (< Whitmer, being an onlj 

child. The mother died March 28, [895, and 
was laid to rest in the Hartleton cen 

Philip Whitmer was one of a family of live 
children. His twin sister became the wife ol S. 
Haupt, and i\\<<\ June 29, 1889, leaving a 
of nine children. Henrj is a coa! merchant ol 
Philipsburg, l'enn. William is extensively en- 
gaged in the manufacture and sale of luml 
having a main office in Philadelphia, where lie 
resides, and several branch offices in other cities 
in Pennsylvania and also in West Virginia. Sarah 
married Charles Hassenplug, and they li\i in 
Mifflinburg, Penn., where she died at about the 
age of thirty years. 

it Whitmer, whose name introduces 



this review, was educated in the common schools, 
and during his youth learned the tinsmith's trade. 
Of sterling qualities and undoubti .1 inti grity, he 
bids fair to become one of the leading and influ- 
ential men of his county. He possesses unusual 
business sagacity and the true American spirit of 
progressiveness, which are bound to win success 
in any undertaking. He is a man of intrii 
worth, esteemed in all the relations of life, 
he has the high regard of all with whom he comes 
in c6ntact. Politically, he is a supporter of the 
Republican party, and, religiously, he is a con- 

1 nt member of the Lutheran Church, to which 
his ancestors belonged. 

On September 29, (885, Mr. Whitmer was 
united in marriag with Miss Lizzie Myers, a 
daughter "I John Myers, a well-known farmer of 
Union county, and a granddaughter of Isaac 
Myers, a minister of the Dunkard Church. Four 
children bless this union, whose names and dates 
of birth are as follows: Grace, August 1-. 1 
Helen. April 17. 1888; Candace, May 21. 1 
and Anna, July 1 J, 1890. 



J A. MORNINGSTAR, Esq., who has for 
twentj \ '.us acceptably served as justice of 

tin- pi .11 1 is one of the best known 
most highly respected citizens as well as one of 
the leading agriculturists 1 I Lewis township, Un- 
ion county. His birth occurred in York county, 
Penn., October 10, 1832, but since three years 
Lge he has found a pleasant home in Union 
county, and bi □ n lively identified with its best 
interests. 

His parent-. Petei and Barbara (Fox) M >rn- 
ingstar. were both natives of Germany, where 
their marriage was celebrated, and three chil- 
dren were born to them previous to theii 1 migra- 
tion to America. The iathei was born in Ham- 
burg, and the mother near that city. On their ar- 
rival in this country they located in York count}-, 
Penn., where our subject and his younger brother 
were born. In tlieii family were seven children, 
follows: Michael is deceased; Peter, a Union sol- 
dier during the Civil war, who was taken p 
by the Rebels and incarcerated in Andersonvil 
he being one of eighteen who survived the ill tn 

1 thej 1 .id tie re, dii 1 1 years .1 

Catharine, a resident of He la Park, Centre < 
Penn., is the widow ol Samuel Wff, of that 
count\ : Elizabeth is the wife ol |oel Boyer, a 
farmer ol Linn county; Mary lives with our 
subject, who isnexl in order of birth; GeorgeW., 
the youngi quite a wealthy resident ol l 

ifornia, where he owns 500 acres of valuable 
land. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1207 



Although our subject's early educational priv- 
ileges were limited to the opportunities afforded 
by the common schools of his locality, he is by 
nature studious, and his extensive reading has 
covered a wide range of subjects, making him a 
well-informed man. His business training was 
received upon the home farm, and throughout 
life he has devoted his time to agricultural pur- 
suits. 

On attaining to man's estate Mr. Morningstar 
was united in marriage with Miss Lucien, daugh- 
ter of A. Burris, a native of New York, and a 
veteran of the war of i S 1 2 . Eight children 
graced this union, who reached years of maturity, 
as follows: Emma B. is the wife of |oiiu Wallace, 
of Swengel, Penn., a pensioner of the Civil war; 
Mary, born November 26, 1854, is the wife of 
Isaac Strickler; Margaret, born February 26, 
1856, married Isaac M. Royer, and lives in Rid^e- 
burg, Penn.; Sarah A., born December 14, [857, 
is the wife of James Miller, a coachmaker of 
Mifflinburg, Penn.; Martha, born July 29, 1861, 
wedded James Boyer, a farmer of West Buffalo 
township, Union county, living near Mifflinburg; 
George Woodward, born October 18, 1863, who 
operates his father's farm, is married and has a 
six-year-old daughter; Seymour H., born May 5, 
1865, is a farmer in Lewis township. Union 
county; and Andrew J., born April 18, 1867, \ 
educated in the Williamsport Commercial Col- 
lege, and is now a traveling salesman, residing in 
Illinois. The mother of these children was called 
to her final rest May 25, [868, aged thirty-four 
years, and on the 13th of January, 1870, Mr. 
Morningstar was again married, his second union 
being with Mrs. Sarah J. Grove, ne'e Smith. By 
her first husband, who died at the age of twenty- 
four years, she had two children. 

In his political affiliations Mr. Morningstar is 
an ardent Democrat, and, religiously, is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church, to which his family 
also belong. He was appointed the first inspector 
of Lewis township, in 1857, the township being 
organized in that year, and he has also filled the 
offices of school director three terms and treas- 
urer of the school board for the same period. 
H,e faithfully discharges every duty that devolves 
upon him, whether public or private, and thus 
wins the commendation of the entire community. 






C CHARLES H. BERNHART. Few cities of 
J) the size of Lewisburg. Union county, can 
boast of as well-equipped livery stable as that 
which the enterprising young business man, 
whose name introduces this review, has recently 
opened there. Possessing the finest outfits and 



horses obtainable, the establishment has a metro- 
politan air, and without doubt Lewisburg's resi- 
dents will show their appreciation of the ven- 
ture, and by liberal patronage make it a success. 

Mr. Bernhart was born August 22. 1866, at 
Ridgway, Penn., and has always made his home 
in Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, John 
Bernhart, was born in Reading, Penn., and 
passed his life there. The late Isaac Bernhart, 
the father of our subject, was a native of Mid- 
dleburg township, Berks county, born March 3, 
[833, and became a prominent business man, 
engaging early in life in the lumber business, at 
which he made money. On retiring from this 
occupation he interested himself in banking and 
similar enterprises to still further success. He 
was a member of the Reformed Church, and 
in politics was a stanch Democrat. He died 
January 25, 1892, leaving a widow and two chil- 
dren: Charles H., our subject; and Mary K. 
Mrs. Bernhart, who was formerly Miss Margaret 
Schunck, was born in Berks count} 1 , in 1838, and 
now resides in Reading, where her ancestors have 
been prominent for several generations. 

Charles H. Bernhart was carefully educated 
for business, attending college for two years and 
a half, and later pursuing a course in a commer- 
cial college at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. On leaving 
school he entered the employ of the Atlantic 
Railroad Company, at Philadelphia, for a time, 
and then returned home to engage in mercantile 
business, after which he again entered the serv- 
ice of the railroad company. 

In 1889, Mr. Bernhart was married to Miss 
Lena Baker, of Lewisburg, and located in that 
city, where he has built a nice residence. He • 
entered upon the livery business in April, 1807, 
having erected a commodious and well-planned 
stable, and stocked it in an " up-to-date " style. 

Mr. Bernhart is a man of fine physique and 
elegant manners, and he and his accomplished 
wife are leaders in social life. 



KwlflLLIAM B. and GEORGE A SMITH 



umL are numbered among the steady-going 
and most reliable young men of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, who have chosen agricultural 
pursuits as their life work, and are meeting with 
excellent success in their field of labor. Their 
father, John B. Smith, now deceased, was born 
in Hartley township, Union county, January 9, 
1832, and was a son of George Smith, a farmer 
by occupation, who reared a family of five sons 
and several daughters. 

The primitive country schools of this time 
afforded John B. Smith his educational privileges, 



1 L'l IS 



OOMMEMORA TIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



and, as his parents were in limited circumstances, 
he began life for himself at an early age. Un 
the direction of Mr. Hull, at Lewisburg, he 1" 
learning the tanner's trade, but his health would 
not permit bis following that occupation, so he 
turned his attention to farming, in which he met 
with a fair degree of succ< 

In Buffalo township John B. Smith was mar- 
ried to Miss Rebecca Kauffman, a daughter of 
Jacob and Rachel (Reidy Kauffman. Five chil- 
dren graced their union: Jacob K., now a resi- 
dent of the West; and William ]>., Amelia E., 
Matilda J and I L, who are still on the 

old home farm. After his marriage, Mr, Smith 
located on a small place in 1 iuffaL > township, and 
ttention to buying and selling cattle. 
1 oi a time he lived in Cowan and later near that 
village, but, in 1870, he located on the old 
Jacob Kauffman farm, which he purchased, as his 
wife was one of the heirs. It comprises sixty- 
seven acres of rich and arable land, and is im- 
proved with good and substantial buildings 
There the lather continued to make his home un- 
til his death, which occurred on the iothof May, 
1889, and upon the same place the mother de- 
parted this life November 1, [891, both being 
laid to rest in the cemetery at Mazeppa. They 
were earnest and consistent members of the Re- 
formed Church, and were held in the highest re- 
gard by all who knew them. Although a regu- 
lar voter and a stanch Republican in politics, Mr. 
Smith cared nothiDg for the honors or emolu- 
ments of public office, preferring to give his en- 
tii' time and attention to his business interests 
and his famih . 

The old home farm is now successfully oper- 
ated by the sons, who are numbered among 
the most skillful and thorough agriculturists of 
the community, and in social as well as business 
circles stand deservedly high. The family is 
one of prominence in the community, and at 
their hospitable home their many friends are al- 
ways sure of a hearty welcome. 



ISAAC 1\ BROWN. The value of modern 
_ scientific methods in agricultural work is ad- 
mirably show in the well-kept farms of this sec- 
tion, and the subject of this sketch, a leading 
citizen of Buffalo Valley, is especially noted for 
his progressive and systematic management. A 
judicious conservatism governs his acceptance of I 
and application of new theories, and he has had 
remarkable success in all his attempts at ad- 
vancement At present he has two farms under 
cultivation in Union county, sixty-six acres in 
Buffalo township, and 107 acres in East Buffalo 



township, and both show the wisdom of his 
plans. 

Mr. Brown is a member of an old pie 
family, his grandfather. John Brown, who was 
born November 12, 1756, in Pine Grove town- 
ship. Berks count}-, Perm., having settled in Un- 
ion count)' in the spring of [804. He was ac- 
panied by his wife and their children, and 
his remaining years wi 1 nt at their new 

home, near Smoketown, his death occurring De 
cember [3, 1838. His remains were interred in 
Dreisbach cem< tery. Jacob Brown, our subject's 
father, was born in 170.9 at the old homestead in 
Berks county, and, coming to this section in 
childhood, was reared in Union county. He 
married Miss Elizabeth Wolfe, a native of Past 
Buffalo township, Union county, and a member 
of an old and respected family. Some years 
after his marriage, Jacob Brown removed to 
Northumberland county, and located upon a 
tract of 152 acres, near McEwensville, which he 
then owned. Later he returned to East Buffalo 
township, Union county, and, settling upon a 
farm on Turtle creek, remained there until his 
death, December 28, [870. His wife survived 
him several years, and both were buried at Lew- 
isburg. He was five feet eight inches in height, 
and of average weight, and always followed 
farming as an occupation. He belonged to the 
Reformed Church, in which he held various 
offices, and was influential in local politics, sup- 
porting the Republican ticket and occasionally 
accepting a place thereon for some township 
office, although he was not by any means a 
seeker after public positions. Of his children, 
the eldest, John W., now a resident of I 
Buffalo township, was a soldier in the 202nd P. 
Y. I. during the Civil war; Samuel, a farmer in 
the same township, served in Compan} E, 142nd 
P. Y. I.; Peter was drowned, at tl >f eight- 

een, while engaged in boating; William W. re- 
sides in Lewisburg; Isaac F. is mentioned more 
fully below; and Mary died in infancy. 

Mr. Brown's birth occurred January 23, 1 S 3 7 , 
while the family were living in Delaware town- 
ship. Northumberland county, but since the age 
of fifteen he has resided in Union county. His 
early education was limited to the common 
schools of the day, such as they were, but a nat- 
urally acute mind has enabled him to supple- 
ment these meagre advantages by observation 
and reading. When the war broke out he was 
still at home, and, like his two elder brothers, 
he determined to offer his services to his country. 
On August 21, 1S62, he enlisted, at Lewisburg, 
in Company E, 142nd P. V. 1., and on Novem- 
ber 1 of that year he was appointed corporal. 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1209 



He participated in all the battles and skirmishes 
of his regiment, including the engagements at 
the Rappahannock, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, two days, Mine Run, the Wil- 
derness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Petersburg, 
Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's Run. He was 
wounded in the left shoulder at Fredericksburg, 
and spent four weeks in the Patent Office Hos- 
pital, but during that time his regiment did no 
fighting. On August 22, 1865, he was mustered 
out with an excellent record, and, returning home, 
again took up the work of the farm, assisting 
his father. 

On December 15, 1870, Mr. Brown was mar- 
ried to Miss Catherine Dunkle, who was born 
February 19, 1842, in Buffalo township, Union 
county, the daughter of Michael and Elizabeth 
Dunkle. This family is one of the oldest in that 
locality, and the "Michael Dunkle farm," of 
which our subject's present home is a portion, 
was a fine estate. Mr. Brown had saved some 
money, and had a good start toward a compe- 
tence, and by shrewd management he has added 
to his possessions until he now ranks among the 
wealthiest farmers of the township. Beside his 
two farms, he owns a good brick house, with five 
acres of land, on the pike in East Buffalo town- 
ship, two lots in the Shrines addition at Lewis- 
burg, sixty-seven acres of timber land, and a half 
interest in the Reish farm and mill in West Buf- 
falo township. He is also a stockholder in the 
Union County Agricultural Society. 

As a citizen he has always been ready to en- 
couarge any beneficial movement in his locality, 
and he has taken keen interest in educational 
matters, serving for about twenty years as school 
director, and endeavoring by every means to 
secure better privileges for the children of this 
day than were vouchsafed to himself. In polit- 
ical faith he is a Republican. He is a member of 
the G. A. R. , Tucker Post No. 52, at Lewisburg, 
and he and his wife both belong to the Reformed 
Church, in which he was for many years a dea- 
con, and is now an elder. 

His only son, Michael J. Brown, born De- 
cember 14, 1876, is a promising young man, who 
is following closely in his father's footsteps, and 
takes an active part in the management of the 
farm. 



PETER BINGAMAN. Like many other res- 
idents within the bounds of Union county 
who started out in life with naught but an abund- 
ance of determination and indefatigable industry, 
and who have succeeded through their own dili- 
gence, energy and economy, we classify the gen- 



tleman whose name opens this sketch. From 
early boyhood he has made his own way in the 
world, and is now the owner of a good farm of 
ninety acres in Limestone township. 

Mr. Bingaman was born November 4, 1817, 
in Berks county, Penn. , a son of Christian and 
Elizabeth Bingaman, who, in 1838, removed to 
Union county, where the father worked as a la- 
borer for the Berlin Furnace Company* support- 
ing his family in this way. With savings from 
his meagre wages after years of toil, he bought a 
small home and piece of land in Beaver town- 
ship, Snyder county, Penn., where he died at the 
age of fifty-nine. His wife survived him many 
years, reaching the advanced age of ninety-four. 

Our subject was the fourth son and sixth 
child in the family of eleven children, and was 
twenty-one years of age at the time of the re- 
moval of the family to Union county. His edu- 
cational advantages were very limited, and as a 
young man he was employed as a wood-chopper 
for the Berlin Furnace Company. On October 
10, 1839, he was married to Miss Catharine 
Mertz, who was born in Hartley township, Union 
county, August 21, 1821, a daughter of John 
Mertz. They began housekeeping in that town- 
ship, where he rented a small dwelling, which 
for some time was very scantily furnished. His 
health becoming impaired he was obliged to give 
up wood-chopping, and for many years engaged 
in farming on rented land, and by incessant toil 
and the strictest economy, aided by his excellent 
wife, he was at last able to save a few hundred 
dollars, which, in the fall of 1875, he invested in 
his present farm, buying the same from Vitalis 
Walter. He continued to live in Hartley town- 
ship until the following spring, when he took up 
his residence upon his own farm. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bingaman became the parents 
of the following children: Catharine E., born 
May 30, 1840, is now the wife of William Bart- 
ley, of Centre county, Penn.; William H., born 
December 6, 1841, was married and died in Hart- 
ley township, Union county, leaving six sons; 
John W., born September 4, 1843, is a farmer 
of Limestone township, Union county; Margaret, 
born September 22, 1845, is the wife of Harry 
Walter, of Lewis township, Union county; Mary 
J., born June 12, 1847, is at home; Calvin, born 
May 2, 1850, is a resident of Michigan; Martin, 
born July 21, 1852, lives in Lewis township, 
Union county; Hannah, born September 21, 
1854, died in infancy; Samuel, born May 12, 
1857, makes his home in Limestone township; 
and James J., born October 18, 1861, died in 
childhood. Mrs. Bingaman, who was a consist- 
ent member of the Lutheran Church, and a faith- 



[210 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



ful helpmeet to her husband, died December 10, 
}, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at 
Mirrlinburg. 

Politically Mr. Bingaman uses his right of 
franchise in support of th< ratic party, 

but he has never been an office-seeker, his time 

attention being wholly occupied by h 
ness affairs. He, too, is a n 
standing^ the Lutheran Church, and has won 
for li i high place in the regard ami esteem 

of his fellow-citizens, who appreciati rling 

worth. 



CHRISTIAN SCHNURE, an enterprising busi- 
3 man of Vicksburg, Union county, has 
met with gratifying success during his brief i 
deuce in that city, and he is now a leading pro- 
duce buyer, his goods being taken to the coal 
regions for sale. Although a stranger when he 
settled there in the spring his business 

methods have won for him the confide:, 
esteem of the large number of people with whi 
he deals, and he is looked upon as one of the 
substantial citizens of the town. 

Christian Schnure, who is the third of his line 
to bear that name, was born September 5, I 
in Hartley township. Union county, and 
German descent, his grandfather, Chrisii.ni 
Schnure, having been the first of the famil) to 
leave the Fatherland and make his home in 
America. Christian Schnure, our subject's father, 
was a native of Snyder count)-, and after fol- 
lowing the weaver's trade for seine time set- 
tled upon a farm in Hartley township, Union 
county. He lived to the ripe old age of 
eighty-two years, and left property valued at 
more th 1 >i « 1, mosl "1 il being the result 

of his own efforts, Politically, lu- was a Re- 
publican, and for many yen- In- was a lead- 
ing member of the I d Church. His v 

I j dia Keister, who died in hei 

1 'i 1 1. nil- j township, and a 
daughter <>t John Keister. I i sons and five 
daughters were born t" their union, cur sub 
being the seventh child and third son. I 
pan 1 their last at the old home in 

II irtley township, and tl 'in 
the 1 ry at " Whip ; I I 

Mr. Schnun the first ten 

life in his native, township, and his education was 

-in in the White I louse, but his par- 

ents then removed to Nittanj Valley, Centre 
county, and remained thi rs, during which 

the boy attended the winter sessions at Marion 
District School. In 1858 the family returned to 
Union county, where Mr. Schnure grew to man- 



hood, securing a fair education in the country 
schools and learning at home all the "ins and 
outs " of farm work. For some time after com- 
ing of age he worked on the railway, then in 
/f construction near Spring Mills, but he 
continued to reside at home. At thirty-three he 
married Mis- Sarah Kuhl. who was born June 4, 
[850, in Lewis township. Union county, the 

ghter of ' mmI Hannah Kaufman Kuhl. 

1"! ten years Mr. Schnure made his home 

11, Snyder county, on a farm belonging to 
his uncle, George Schnure, and then removed to 
the Ruhl homestead, which he rented for two 
years. The next five years were spent at Swen- 
gel, but in [895 he purchased his present huck- 
stering business at Vicksburg from Robert Gel- 
linger. He owns a good home at Vicksburg, and 
one at Millmont, and has also a lot in the villi 
of Swengel, so it is evident that he is not only 
energetic in carrying on his business, but can 
make judicious investments of the proceeds. He 
is very quiet and unassuming, attending strictly 
to his own affairs, and this is doubtless one fac- 
tor in his suo 

II is a stanch Republican in political faith. 



At one time he belonged to the 



l'n ion League, 



and his sympathies are with every movement 
thai pn imises beneficial results to thecommunity. 
His wife is an active member of the Lutheran 
Church. Two promising boys, Henry and Clar- 
ence C. , brighten their home. 



SAMUEL ZIMMERMAN. No more highly 
) respected citizen can be found in Limestone 
township, and probably no other man in Union 
county has been longer in the employ of another 
than our subject, he having worked for I). W. 
nan for thirty-nine long years. His birth 
occurred in Snyder county, Penn., February 16, 
[849, but when a child he was brought to Union 
ily by his parents, Jonas and Maria 'Faust) 
Zimmerman, who located upon the farm now 
owned and occupied by our subject. The grand- 
father. I k Zimmerman, lived and died in 
Wist Buffalo township, Union county, whither 

county. 
lather, who was a shoemaker by trade, 
died when his son Samuel was quite small, !< 

the mother with six little children and a 
small farm of thirty-three acres, which was not 
entin 1) paid lor In order to cleai the place of 
debt, she sold a portion of her ' land, and in 
early life she often did a man's work in the har- 
field and at various other employments in 
older to support her family. This estimable 
. died at the age of seventy-two years, six 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1211 



months and twenty-four days, upon the farm left 
her by her husband, and her remains were 
interred in the Mifflinburg cemetery. 

The six children of the family were as fol- 
lows: William, now a resident of Paxtonville, 
Snyder Co., Penn.; James, of Hancock county, 
Ohio; Sarah, wife of David Parker, of Lewis 
township, Union county; Samuel, of this sketch; 
George, of Hartley township, Union county; and 
Mary, wife of Scott Moyer, of Mifflinburg. 

For a time Samuel Zimmerman attended the 
public schools of Union county, which were 
much inferior to those of the present time, but 
his educational advantages were limited as at an 
earh r age he began earning; his own livelihood 
in the employ of D. W. Pellman. He not only 
supported his widowed mother during her de»- 
clining years, but he has also helped other rela- 
tions, and he is a most generous and considerate 
man. From the other heirs he purchased the 
old homestead, comprising sixteen acres, and 
has remodeled the house and made other useful 
improvements. He has also laid up some 
money, and for the success he has achieved in 
life he certainly deserves great credit, for it 
is all due to his own untiring efforts. In man- 
ner, he is quiet and unassuming, attending 
strictly to his own affairs, and in politics he is a 
stanch Democrat, but no politician in the sense 
of office-seeking. 



BANIEL HORNER, a prominent and suc- 
cessful farmer and stock-raiser of Hartley 
township, Union county, living near, the village 
of Cohn, is a self-made man, who, by the exercise 
of his resolute will and persevering industry, has 
built up one of the most creditable homesteads 
of the locality. His straightforward methods of 
doing business, and his value as a member of the 
community, have gained for him a wide circle of 
friends and acquaintances, who have watched 
his career with interest, and are not slow to ac- 
knowledge that he is deserving of all the good 
that has fallen to him. Although he began life 
in limited circumstances, and commenced work 
as a farm hand at $6 per month, he has acquired 
considerable property. 

In the township where he still resides, Mr. 
Horner was born October 27, 1826. His parents 
were natives of Berks county, Penn., and became 
honored pioneers of Union county, where the 
father followed the occupation of farming. In 
order of birth, their six children were as follows: 
Amos, who at an early day removed to Indiana, 
where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 
his death; Samuel, a Union soldier of the Civil 



war, who removed west in 1876; Isaac, who is 
living in the West; David, who is married and 
resides in the West; Daniel, of this sketch; and 
John, who is also married and lives in the West. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
spent upon a farm, while his education was re- 
ceived in the common schools. In 1846 he pur- 
chased his present farm, and to its cultivation 
and improvement has since devoted his time and 
attention. In politics he is an ardent Republican, 
and in religious belief is a Lutheran. 

In |une, 1850, Mr. Horner was married to 
Miss Elizabeth March, daughter of John March, 
and they became the parents of four children: 
Margaret, now the wife of Samuel Church, a 
farmer of Hartleton, Union county, by whom 
she has three children; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph 
Pursley, a prominent farmer of Hartley township, 
Union county, by whom she has seven children; 
Westie, who married William Libby, a lumber- 
man, and has six children; and Alice, who died 
at the age of eleven years. 



BJ. WEIDENSAUL, a prominent business 
man of Lewisburg, Union county, has re- 
sided in the suburban district known as Smoke- 
town since 1864. He was "born in Hartleton, 
Union county, June 11, 1841, and his early life 
was mainly spent at the "American House," an 
old-time hostelry standing on the turnpike at the 
end of the Lewisburg bridge. He remembers 
distinctly the days when the chief means of 
transportation was by wagons on the turnpike. 
The hotel was conducted by Adam Weidensaul, 
our subject's father, who was born in Reading, 
Penn., but after some years of residence at Selins 
Grove, Penn., removed to Union county, his last 
days being spent in Hartleton. He was a Re- 
publican in politics, and in religious faith was a 
Lutheran. His death occurred at the age of 
sixty-five, and his wife, Leah Woscar, who was 
born in 1813, passed away in 1895. She was a 
daughter of Elias Woscar, who came from Ger- 
many and made his home at Broad Mountain, 
Schuylkill county, in this State. To Adam and 
Leah Weidensaul eleven children were born: 
Elias, Henry. John, Mary, R. J., Emma, Wel- 
lington, Hannah, Charles, Hayes and Ida. 

R. J. Weidensaul learned in his youth the 
business of coach painting and trimming, in 
which he was engaged for many vears. About 
twenty years ago he added to this a livery busi- 
ness, in which he has been very successful. At 
the age of twenty-three he was married to his 
first wife, Miss Mary Wolfe, and began house- 
keeping on the same lot in Smoketown that his 



121f 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL REC<>i;i>. 



home is now on. Eight children were born to 
this union: John is deceased; Aaron. ;i resident 
of Lewisburg, married Miss Kate Hower, and 
they have two children — William and Hilda: 
Katie i- at • child died in infancy; 

I in business with his father; Edith, 

and ( hades are now at home. The mothi 
this family has been called to the better world, 
and Mr. Weidensaul has since formed a see 
union, this time with Mrs. Eli abeth Dunklebar- 
ger. I 'his, by whom he has had two chil- 

li: Liza C. and Harry B. Mrs. Weidensaul 
has a daughter. Carrie, by her first husband. 

In his political views Mr. Weidensaul 
Republi d in relij the 

doctrines of the Evangelical Church. 



AARON SMITH, a prosperous agriculti 
of Buffalo township, Union county, counts 
among his ancestors several of the pioneer set- 
i il this section. 

On the paternal side his great-great-grandfa- 
ther, Adam Smith, who was employi d during the 
Revolutionary period in hauling supplies for the 
Colonial forces, settled at a very early period 
upon a tract of land lying along " Furnace Road," 
in what is now East Buffalo township, Union 
county. His death occurred there, and his 
mains now rest in the old cemetery at Dreisbach 
church. He had four sons and two da 

in removed to Be: vnship, Snyder coun- 

tj and some of his descendants still reside near 
Beavertown; George died in Union county; 
Michael is mentioned fully farther on; John 

died al Beavertown, Snyder county; and one 
daughtei married Michael Maize, and the other 
w edded Steffy Touchman. 

Michael Smith, the great-grandfather of our 
sub| ame the owner of two farms on the 

Furnace Road, and spent a long life in agricult- 
ural pursuits, dying in Union county, fuly 2, 
[841. He was married (first) to a Miss Bower, 
of Dry Valle} . second 1 to Mi .Susanna Bart| 
of Mifflinburg, and third to Miss Sophia Bickle, 
who h I Sickle, was killed by an In- 

dian. He had three daughters: Mrs. [oseph 
Nyhart, Mrs. John Wolfe, and Mrs. David Oldt, 
whi I near New Berlin, and five sons: 

Michael, who settled in Michigan; Daniel, who 
went to Ohi imin, an early settler in Illi- 

; Jonathan, our sub; randfather; and 

David, who died in Union county, [onathan 
Smith was born in \j\>2. at the old homestead 
on the Furnace Road, and'died in 1832, from tin 
effects of a fall in a barn from the haylofl to the 
floor. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. 



In religious faith he was a Lutheran, and, al- 
Igh lie died at an early age, he had already 
attained an influential place among his busii 

His farm of 160 acres was one of 
the best in iwnship. lie was buried in 

Dreisbach cemetery, and his wile, Khzabeth 
Wolfe, who passed away many years later, at 
the it > -two. was interred at White 

Deer church. She was born in Last Buffalo 
township, Union county, the daughter of |acob, 
and granddaughter of George Wolfe, one of the 
first settlers in Buffalo Valley. Her mother, 
Catherine Basner, was a daughter of John Bas- 
ner. who on county in 1 77+, near 

the present siteoi New Columbia, and was killed 
in 177S, on the Susquehanna river, by some In- 
dians. To Jonathan and Elizabeth Smith eight 
children were born, viz.: Aaron W., our sub- 
ject's father; Simon, a resident of White Deer 
township, Union county; Mary, widow of Elias 
Noll, of Lewisburg; Michael, who was killed in 
a stom quarry in White Deer township; Jona- 
than, wli it an early age; Catherine, widow 
of foseph Mover, of White Deer; John, who 
died in boyhood; and Jacob W., now residing in 
Lewisburg. 

The late Aaron W. Smith spent his youth at 
the old farm in East Buffalo township, where he 
was born October 6, [816. He received a good 
education for the time and taught school several 
terms. On April 25, 1839, he was married in 
the same township, by Rev. M. Anspach. to Miss 
Esther Sterner, who was born in that locality, 
Jul\- 29, [82 I, the daughter "I Nathaniel Sterner* 
They began housekeeping in their native town- 
ship, where Mr. Smith followed the tanner's 
trade, but in the spring of 1 S4 J he bought a tan- 
nery in White Deer township and removed thi 
remaining until late in the " 50s, "when he gave 
up the business to engage in farming upon some 
land which he purchased in the same locality. 
About [864 he removed to another farm in Lewis 
township, to pass his declining years, and his 
death occurred there on February 12, 1.S70, 
from typhoid fever. Ten other members of the 
family were suffering from the disease at the 
time, and a son and daughter died of it. His 
wife survived him, and married William Hoff- 
man, but at her death, in July, 1S83, she was 
buried beside her first husband in Ray's ceme- 
tery, in Lewis township, Union county. Both 
parents were Lutherans in faith, and the father 
held various offices in the Church. Politically, 
lie was a stanch Republican, but he never sought 
e. although time he served as jury 

missioner. Heleft a good estate, mainly ac- 
1 umulated by his own industry, his start in life 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1213 



having been a very modest one. Of eleven chil- 
dren, the eldest, Sarah J. married (first) Jacob 
Grove, and (second) A. J. Morningstar, and now 
resides in Lewis township, Union county; Cath- 
arine E. is the wife of J. Young, of St. Joseph 
county, Mich.; Joanna died January 22. 1849; 
Levi died June 17, 1848; Jonathan died April 23, 
1870; Mary Lucinda died August 24, 1S50; 
Aaron, our subject, was the seventh in order of 
birth; Jerusha A., died February 17, 1870; Ur- 
sula E. is the wife of Martin Harmon, of Nor- 
folk, Va. ; Delilah A., married James Hacken- 
burg, of Buffalo township; and Anna A. married 
Wilson Holt, now residing near Centerville, 
Michigan. 

At the time of our subject's birth, September 
10, 185 1, his parents were living in White Deer 
township, and, as he was nearly thirteen years 
old when they removed from the locality, his 
education was mainly obtained there, the com- 
mon schools of that day offering but a limited 
course. He remained at home until after his fa- 
ther's estate was adjusted, and then began work 
on his own account, taking such employment as 
he could find in sawmills and lumber camps, or 
on neighboring farms. About 1879 he went to 
Michigan and later to the vicinity of Osage, 
Iowa, where he spent two years working as a 
general laborer and farm hand. The following 
winter was passed in Pennsylvania, and then, 
after seven or eight months in Michigan, he re- 
turned to his native county to make a permanent 
home. 

On December 28, 1880, Mr. Smith was mar- 
ried, in Mifflinburg, to Miss Celestia A. Engel- 
man, a native of White Deer township, born May 
3, 1857. Her father, Joseph Engelman, was 
born March 18, 1827, and died December 12, 
1864, and her mother, whose maiden name was 
Mary Stahl, was born December 20, 1834, and 
died September 30, 1858. She was the only one 
of their children to live to adult age, and, as she 
was left an orphan at the age of seven, she made 
her home with an uncle, Philip Stahl, who was 
appointed her guardian. She received a com- 
mon-school education, and was reared upon a 
farm, where she gained practical knowledge of 
her future duties as the helpmeet of an industri- 
ous farmer. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith located temporarily in East Buffalo town- 
ship, but in the fall of 188 1 they purchased their 
present farm of seventy-two acres in Buffalo 
township, to which they removed on January 10, 
1882. In addition to this property, Mr. Smith 
owns another farm of seventy-five acres in the 
same township, and a house and shoemaker's 
shop in Mazeppa. He is a hard worker, a good 



manager, and his quiet, unassuming manner by 
no means blinds his acquaintances to his worth 
as a man and citizen. He is a prominent mem- 
ber of the Lutheran Church, and takes much in- 
terest in public affairs, giving his unwavering al- 
legiance to the Republican party. 

Three children have blessed his home, of 
whom the eldest, Esther S., born July 17, 1883, 
is living; Omer A., born October 26, 1887, and 
Eva M., born June 19, 1891, died in infancy. 



HENRY R. BAKER, a representative agri- 
culturist of Buffalo township, Union coun- 
ty, was born in the same township, January 13, 
1849, on the old home place of his parents, Will- 
iam and Susan (Kauffman) Baker. With Adam 
Kling as teacher, he began his literary education 
in the public schools of Cowan, and his training 
at farm work was upon the old homestead, under 
his father's able directions. For six years after 
attaining his majority, he continued to work for 
his farm, receiving $150 per year. 

On December 9, 1875, in West Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, Mr. Baker was married to 
Miss Sabilla Shoemaker, who was born Novem- 
ber 7, 1852, in Buffalo township, but when a 
child was taken by her parents, Levi and Martha 
(Gebhart) Shoemaker, to West Buffalo town- 
ship, where she was reared. She was the fourth 
child and eldest daughter in a family of ten chil- 
dren, of whom seven reached manhood and 
womanhood. Her education was acquired in 
the Kauffman School in West Buffalo township, 
and her first teacher was Miss Josephine Thomp- 
son. Her father still lives near Mifflinburg, but 
her mother, who was a consistent member of the 
Lutheran Church, died March 25, 1884, and was 
buried in the Mifflinburg cemetery. Mr. and 
Mrs. Baker have three children: Ada M.. born 
September 20, 1876; Florence E. , born Decem- 
ber 26, 1878; and Levi W., born February 10, 
1884; all are at home. 

On his marriage, Mr. Baker located on one 
of his father's farms, which he rented for fifteen 
years, but in the fall of 1890 he purchased the 
Levi Miller farm in Buffalo township, and has 
there resided since the following March. He 
has made many valuable and useful improve- 
ments upon the place, and has one of the finest 
country homes in the county — an elegant brick 
residence, neat and tastefully furnished. It 
abounds in hospitality and good cheer, as the 
family have many friends and acquaintances, 
whom they delight to entertain. The parents 
and daughters are members of the Reformed 
Church, in which Mr. Baker has served as dea- 



lL'l I- 



COM ME MOB A TIVE BIOQliAl'HKAI. UKVoUl). 



and the young ladii tivelj interested 

in the Christian Endeavor Society. While an 
ardent supporter of the I >■ 

subject is no politician in the sense ol i ek- 

preferring to give his entire tin en- 
ti"ii to his business intere 



DAVID ROYER, proprietor of the 'I. 
Hotel," at Lochiel, Union county, is a man 
who ial temperament, sound judgment and 

\\ ■ ll-proved integrity ha him thi 

t( em and friendship of a ho intano 

far and near. "Davy", as he is familiarly 
known, keeps many business irons in the fire, 
a farm and dealing extensively in live 
stuck, in addition to managing his popular hos- 
telry. 

As a review of one's ancestr) gives the best 
possible introduction to a | \ history, we 

will begin our account of Mr Royer by mention- 
ing the head of the family in this country, Se- 
bastian Royer, who came from Switzerland in 
171S. and located in what was then the Colon) 
ol Pennsylvania, on the Schuylkill river, at .1 
pi int which is still called I. Later 

with two sons, [ohn and Vmos, moved to 
Lancaster county, where he died in 1758. Ai 
Royer, who died 1769, had five sons: Philip, 
t In isti >i'li>. r. Peter, John and Daniel 1 hri 

1 Royer, the great grandfather of our subject, 
settled in Union county, and 
John, Daniel, and Joel (our subject's grandfa- 
ther), who was born April [3, 1770. and died 
October 30, 1853, and was in his later years an 
extensive land owner in Kelly township. Union 
county. He was married to Miss Susanna Bren- 
beiser, a native of Lancaster county, who 
born June 30, 1779. and died March 30, 1871, ai 
the age of ninety-two. They had twelve chil- 
dren: Nancy, Isaac, Israel, Adam, Sarah, Eliz- 
abeth, Anna, Rebecca. Susanna, foel, ( 
and Mary R. 

Israel Royer (our subject's lather) was 
in Lancaster county, but came to Union county 
in boyhood with his parents. His first wife, 
therine Kitter, was a native "1 Bufl 

nship, in the same county, and they 
began housekeeping upon one of the farms 
belonging to Joel Rover, where eleven chil- 
dren were born to them: Susannah, now 
Mrs. Daniel Rangier, of Buffalo township, 
Union county: Mary A., who married | 
Neese, and moved to Iowa; David, our subject; 
Rebecca, who married Frank F. Troxel, and 
died in Northumberland county; William, of Mc- 
Ewensville, Penn. ; Samuel, of Bellevue, Ohio; 



Joel, who was killed during the Civil war at Fort 
serving in defense of the Union; 
Ad. mi, ' Penn. ; Anna, decea 

whi I many; Elizabeth, new Mrs. Charles 

liman, of Iowa; and Catherine who died at 
an early age. The mother of this family 
when our subject was about fifteen years old, 
and the father was married to Mrs. Catherine 
Shively, widow of John Shively. There v 
two sons by this union: John and Michael, both 
living near Hartleton, Pennsylvania. 

Alter the death of his first wife Israel K 

1 1 111 Kelly township to Hast Buffalo 
township, and later to Hartley township, in the 
■ county. Both his wives were Dunkards in 
religious faith, and he inclined toward that 
Church, contributing liberally to its work, and, 
when he passed away at seventy years of a 
his remains were laid to their final rest in the 
Dunkard cemetery, three miles above Mifflinburg. 
He was a man of average height and in his hab- 
its was industrious, but while he accomplished 
much work he never gained more than a moder- 
ate competence. He had a comfortable home 
and was considered well-to-do, and in local 
affairs his opinions were listened to with gi 

Politically, he was first a Whig, and, 
later, a Republican, and he never neglected his 
duty as a citizen <>n election day, voting regu- 
larly according to his convictions. 

1 >ut subject was born at the old honn 
Kelly township, Union county, February [6, 1835. 
and his schooling was that common to the time 
locality. He keenly appreciates the differ- 
in the schools of the present, and he en- 
dorses every improvement by which the children 
of this day tire given better opportunities. His 
\ training at home prepared him for farm 
work, but he had a poor start in life, his avail- 
able funds on leaving home at twenty years ol 
amounting to $2.50. He spent three years 
working for Thomas Howard, a farmer in his 
native township, at $i20per year, and contini 
in the same line of work with other employi 
until he was twenty-seven years old, saving nearly 
$1,000. 

About this time Mr. Royer was married, tit 
Mifflinburg, to Miss Mary C. Heinley, daughter 
of John Heinley, a prosperous farmer of Buffalo 
township, Union county. He rented his father- 
in-law's farm aud operated it for five years, then 
conducted William Royer's farm in Limestone 
township two years, returning afterward to the 
lb inky homestead. After another year there 
he bought ti farm of forty acres near Vicksburg, 
going in deb) to the amount of $1,500. A year 
he made an advantageous sale, and in tin 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1215 



spring of 1868 bought the old ''Biehl Hotel" 
property, lour miles from Lewisburg on the pike 
between that place and Mifflinburg. There were 
thirty-one acres in the place, and he has since 
purchased fifteen acres from John C. Dunkle, 
and fifty-five acres from Andrew Miller, making 
a valuable farm. In addition to his hotel, he 
owns two dwelling houses in the same vicinity. 
This success reflects great credit upon him, be- 
ginning as he did with no financial aid. In his 
business dealings he asks only for what he con- 
siders his own, and concedes the same right to 
others. In the buying and selling of live stock 
his trade extends over several counties, giving 
him a large acquaintance, and wherever he is 
known his word is as good as his bond. 

One daughter. Miss Adda M. Royer, bright- 
ened his home. His wife is a consistent member 
o( the Lutheran Church, and the family has al- 
ways been in sympathy with the social and phi- 
lanthropical movements. Politically Mr. Royer 
is a steadfast Republican, but he has been too 
closely devoted to business to care for office, al- 
though hs served one year as constable in East 
Buffalo township. 



JOSEPH SPANGLER, an agriculturist of en- 
ergy and ability, who has made his own way 

in the world unaided, is a resident of Buffalo 
to vnship, Union county. 

Horn in the same county, three miles from 
New Berlin, in Limestone township, April 7, 
1836, Mr. Spangler is a son of Daniel and Lydia 
(Mees) Spangler. Upon the farm where our 
subject's birth occurred, his father was born 
January 14, 1804, his grandparents, George C. 
and Anna Catharine (Blank) Spangler, being 
pioneer settlers of Limestone township. In the 
southern part of Pennsylvania the former was 
born November 2, 1755, but died on the old 
homestead in Limestone township, March 2, 
1829, while his wife, who was born May 16, 
1762, died July 7, 1S41. 

Daniel Spangler had a twin brother, Jona- 
than. The former, who was a man of average 
size, devoted his entire life to agricultural pur- 
suits, was a Democrat in politics, and a Lutheran 
in religious belief. On January 31, 1826, he 
was married to Lydia Mees, who was born Jan- 
uary 26, 1807, and was a daughter of Michael 
and Anna Barbara Mees. Mr. and Mrs. Spang- 
ler became the parents of the following chil- 
dren: Mary A., born April 27, 1827, married 
Benjamin Hollabach, of Kelly township, Union 
county; George C, born July 21, 1829, died in 
Centerville, Penn., in September, 1893; Cath- 



arine A. , born September 8, 1831, is the wife of 
Samuel Gramley, oi Rebersburg, Penn.; Henri- 
etta, born February 23, 1834, died September 
5- '853; Joseph is next in order of birth; David, 
born February 21, 1838, is in the planing-unll 
business in Van Wert, Ohio; Michael, born July 
26, 1840, is a resident of Van Wert county, 
Ohio; John, born January 27, 1843, is a farmer 
of Limestone township, Union Co., Penn.; Ed- 
ward, born May 7, 1845, died in a hospital at 
Alexandria, V'a., June 18, 1864, having been a 
member of Company F, 145th P. V. I., First 
Division, Second Army Corps, in the Union 

ice; Willoughby, born January 3, 184S, died 
Match 21, 1865; and Thomas L. , born July 5, 
1850, is a farmer of Limestone township. The 
father departed this life December 9, 1857, the. 
mother on May 18, 1865, and both were buried 
in the New Berlin Cemetery. 

As his parents were in limited circumstances, 
Joseph Spangler began work at an early age, and 
his educational opportunities were therefore lim- 
ited, but he is a warm friend of our public-school 
system, justly appreciating the value of a good 
education. He was married in Limestone town- 
ship, December 2, 1858, to Miss Barbara Etman, 
who was born in what is now Snyder county, 
Penn., February 28, 1838, and is a daughter of 
Henry and Sarah (Hendricks) Etman, who were 
the parents of seven children, two sons and five 
daughters, of whom she was the fifth in order of 
birth, and the third daughter. Mr. Etman was 
1 distiller, but never a drinker. As her parents 
were poor, she lived among strangers from the 
age of eight years, and thus was deprived of 
school training. By her marriage she has be- 
come the mother of five children, namely: Harry 
\\\, born June 19, 1859, is a farmer of Lime- 
stone township; Martin L., born March 2, 1861, 
died in infancy; Newton E., born November 7, 
1865, is a successful teacher; Anna M., born 
February 9, 1868, died at the age of twenty-four; 
and Thomas E., born July 7, 1872, is at home. 

For a few years after his marriage Mr. Spang- 
ler lived upon his father's farm, and then rented 
elsewhere for two years, but in April, 1865, he 
moved to his present farm in Buffalo township, 
then belonging to Edward Wilson. After farm- 
ing it on shares until 1875, he purchased the 
place, comprising 116 acres, at $100 per acre, 
but went heavily in debt, as he had only $3,000 
to pay down. Soon afterward he sold six acres, 
but still owns the rest, which he has placed under 
a high state of cultivation. His life is a worthy 
example of what may be accomplished by the 
exercise of honesty, economy and industry. His 
good and noble wife bore her share in the hard- 



1216 



OOMMBMORA Tin-; BIOGRAPHICAL RBOORD. 



ships of their early married life; for two years 
and a half she was compelled to do her cooking 
upon an old-fashioned tin-plate stove, and she 
began housekeeping with only $55 worth of fur- 
niture and other necessary articles. She patiently 
endured all inconveniences, cheerfully bore her 
part in the work, and ever proved a true and 
faithful helpmeet to her husband. They have 
reared a family of which they have just reason 
reason to be proud, and all have the respect and 
esteem of the entire community. The parents 
are consistent members of the Lutheran Church, 
and in politics Mr. Spangler is a Democrat. 



JOSEPH CLINTON BAKER, of White Deer 
township, Union county, is an enterprising,', 
progressive citizen, who is not only success- 
fully engaged in agriculture, but conducts also a 
sawmill and an extensive threshing business, his 
brother, John H. Baker, being a partner. The 
Baker homestead, upon which both brothers re- 
side, was settled about a century ago by John 
Baker, the grandfather of our subject, who came 
from Berks county, Penn., with his wife. Heddie, 
to locate permanently. They reared a family of 
ten children: Daniel, a farmer in Illinois; Abra- 
ham, a farmer in White Deer township, Union 
county; Amos, who owns and operates a part of 
the original Baker farm; George, who resides 
with his brother Abraham; Benjamin; Moses, a 
farmer in White Deer township; Michael; John; 
David; and Jacob. 

The late Benjamin Baker was born at the 
present homestead August 31, 1835, and passed 
his life there, his death occurring January 
9, 1897. He was a blacksmith by trade, but 
owing to ill health retired from active work some 
years prior to his death. While he was inter- 
ested in the questions of his day, and was a 
strong Democrat, he was averse to public life, 
and gave his attention strictly to his private af- 
fairs. In religious faith, he was a Lutheran. 
His wife, whose maiden name was Harriet Engle, 
was born in Clinton county, September 12, 1844, 
and passed to her eternal rest June 20, [871. 
They had three children, of whom our subject 
was the youngest, the others being: Anna J., 
wife of Percy Beaver, a farmer of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union count}'; and John H., who is men- 
tioned more fully farther on. 

Joseph C. Baker was born July 9, 1870, and 
has always ^ived at the homestead, the schools 
of that locality affording him his early education. 
Through practical work at home he was taught 
the art of farm management, which he and his 
brother gradually assumed as their father's 



health failed. In 1893 a sawmill was built on the 
place, has since been operated, and for four- 
teen years past has been run a threshing ma- 
chine each season. Business having occupied his 
thoughts so extensively and profitably, J. C. 
Baker has not taken an active part in local pol- 
itics, but he is an earnest believer in Democratic 
doctrines. He is interested in religious work as 
as a member of the Reformed Church, and is in 
sympathy with local progress in all lines. 

<>n November 13, 1890, he was married to 
Miss Sevilla ('. Brown, and four bright children 
have blessed their union: Edith M., born Janu- 
ary 13, 1892; George \\\, March 26. 1893; Dora 
E., April 16, 1894; and Florence, November 28, 
[896, making the fourth generation of the Baker 
family to occupy the homestead. 

\h- Sevilla Baker is also descended from an 
old Pennsylvania family, her great-great-grand- 
parents having come from Germany and located 
m lierks county. Her great-grandfather was a 
tanner in that county for many years, but his 
son, George Brown, Mrs. Baker's grandfather, 
was born and reared in Schuylkill county, where 
he married Miss Sarah Bartley, a daughter of 
Abraham Bartley, of that county, and who was 
a native of Germany. Mrs. Baker's father, 
George Bartley Brown, was born in Schuyl- 
kill county, February 18, 1827, and is now 
a prominent resident in White Deer township, 
iii county. His second wife, Sarah F. Yost, 
Mis. Baker's mother, was a daughter of Michael 
and Catherine (Fulmer) Yost, of Bucks county, 
Penn. She died April 12, 1883, at the age of 
forty-eight, and of her seven children all but one 
are now living: James M., born November 27, 
1865, is a coachmaker at Montgomery, Penn.; 
Paden S., born January 6, 1867, died October 
30, 1884; Irene, born February 26, 1868. mar- 
ried Alpheus Koch, a farmer in Lycoming county, 
Penn.; Sevilla C, born March 1, 1870, is the wife 
of our subject; George A., born April 6, 1871, is 
a fanner in Buffalo township, Union county; 
Miss Fva D., born February 27. 187S, resides 
with her sister, Mrs. Koch; and Cyrus W . born 
April 9, 1883, is at home. 

John II. BAKER (son of Benjamin) was mar- 
ried on September 25, 1890, to Miss Anna Maria 
Catterman, and has two children: George B. , born 
May 8, 1891; and Hazel M., born May 27. [894, 
brighten their home. Mrs. John H. Baker was 
born in Kelly township, Union county, May 8, 
[871, and her parents, George and Margaret 
(Young) Catterman, who were both natives of 
Union county, are now residing upon a farm in 
White Deei township. The father is a well- 
known Democrat, and both parents are members 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1217 



of the Lutheran Church. They have had six 
children, of whom Mrs. J. H. Baker was the 
youngest; Jacob L. is a resident of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county; Mary E. married William 
Hughes, of Montgomery, Penn. ; Harris, a farmer, 
resides with his parents; John W. is deceased; 
and Minnie is the wife of John Kostoboder, a 
clerk in a store at Montgomery, Pennsylvania. 



M 



ATHAN KNAUER is now retired from the 
active labors of life, and occupies a com- 
fortable home in the town of Swengel, Union 
county. His has been a long and useful ca- 
reer, with little time for idleness along the 
thoroughfare of life, and by his straightforward, 
honorable course he has won the high regard of 
all who know him. 

Mr. Knauer was born in Chester • county, 
Penn., October 16, 1836, a son of Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Munchauer) Knauer, who spent their 
entire lives in that county, the former dying at 
the age of seventy-three, and the latter at the 
age of fifty-two years. Their remains were in- 
terred in St. Peter's cemetery in Chester county. 
They were the parents of ten children, namely: 
Samuel, deceased; Susan, wife of John P. Church; 
Elizabeth, wife of F. Painter, a farmer of Ches- 
ter county; Isaiah, who married, and reared a 
family in Chester county, where he still resides; 
Mary, who became the wife of Jacob Airgood, a 
carpenter and farmer of that county, and died in 
1890; John, who is married and lives on the old 
homestead in Chester county; Anna, wife of 
Louis Dampman, a tailor of Montgomery coun- 
ty, Penn. ; Sara, widow of Eben Sheeler, of 
Chester county, who died while serving in the 
Union army during the Civil war; Asenath, widow 
of Josiah Keim, of Pottstown, Penn., who died 
in 1893; and Nathan, of this sketch. 

Our subject attended the common schools to 
a limited extent, but is almost entirely self-edu- 
cated. He early became familiar with the work 
of the farm and the mill, his father being en- 
gaged in both occupations. At the age of twenty 
he came to Union county, and for forty-one years 
was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits 
in Lewis township, but he has now retired from 
the active management of his farm. 

Mr. Knauer was married to Miss Harriet 
Hilbish, who was born January 27, 1840, and 
when ten years old came to Union county with 
her parents, Jacob Hilbish and his wife. Her 
father became a prominent farmer of Lewis town- 
ship, but in 1871 removed to the West, first lo- 
cating in Ohio, later in Indiana, and finally in 

Missouri, where he died in August, 1S93. His 
77* 



wife, who was born February 25, 1S09, is still 
living and retains her faculties to a wonderful 
degree. She has traveled quite extensively 
throughout the West. She is a descendant of one 
of the three Revolutionary soldiers who captured 
Major Andre, the spy, and delivered him to Gen. 
Washington. 

Mr. and Mrs. Knauer have eight children: 
Maria B., wife of Joseph Heater, a farmer of 
Ohio, by whom she has two children; John W. , 
a telegraph operator, now stationed at Crestline, 
Ohio; Margaret, a resident of Milton, Penn.; 
Charles A., who married Miss Anna Hirsh, and 
lives in Swengel, Penn.; Susan E., an estimable 
young lady residing with her parents; George M., 
a telegraph operator; Anna M., at home; and 
William C. , who is attending school at Selins 
Grove, Penn. The family is connected with the 
Lutheran Church, and holds an enviable position 
in the social circlesof thecommunity. Politically, 
Mr. Knauer is identified with the Republican 
party. 



LEVI BEAVER, one of the intelligent and 
/ highly respected farmers of Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county, was born in Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder county, Penn., June 11, 1843. His 
parents were George E. and Mary (Bower) 
Beaver. The grandfather, George Beaver, Sr. , 
removed from Berks to Snyder county, where he 
spent his remaining days as a farmer and pump- 
maker. His children were: Matthias, John, 
George E., Nathan, Michael, Absalom, Elias, 
Catharine, Anna, Lydia, Dena and Elizabeth. 

George E. Beaver was born in Monroe town- 
ship, Snyder county, was reared on a farm, and 
in the fall of 1832 married Miss Bower, who was 
born in Union township, Snyder county, March 
19, 1814, a daughter of Henry and Catharine 
(Wise) Bower. Her father was a farmer, and 
his children were: Henry, William, Polly, Cath- 
arine, Elizabeth, Dena, Mary and Sally. At the 
time of this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. George E. 
Beaver received from her father $100, with which 
they purchased seven acres of land. They built 
there a little home, which was scantily furnished, 
and began their domestic life. The husband 
worked as a laborer, and as the years passed 
was able to add to the comforts of his home. 
During his later years he suffered much from ill- 
health, and resided with his children. His death 
occurred in 1892, at the age of eighty-one, and 
he was buried in the cemetery in Kratzerville, 
Snyder county. In politics he was first a Whig, 
and afterward a Republican. He belonged to 
the Lutheran Church, of which his wife has been 



1218 



COMMEMORATIVE BWOHAl'UICAL BECOUli. 



a faithful member since 1832. She is still living, 
and makes her home with her sons, Levi and 
s J. Her children are: William, who was 
killed at a limekiln, in Union county, when sixty 
years of age; Jacob, of Penn township, Snyder 
county; Aaron, who died in infancy; Levi; Cath- 
arine, wife of Absalom Beaver, of Union town- 
ship, Union county; Elias J., of Buffalo town- 
ship; and Lavina, who died at the age of eighteen 
years. 

Levi Beaver, of this review, is a self-made 
man, who, since the age of nine years, has been 
dependent upon his own resources. At the age 
of ten he received twenty-five cents per day for 
his service as a farm hand. He was energetic 
and persevering, and if he had once worked for a 
man he could always secure employment with 
him again. At the age of eighteen he entered 
the employ of Charles Bellman, of Buffalo town- 
ship, but after a year returned to Union town- 
ship, and was employed by various farmers. 

On December 24, 1862, Mr. Beaver was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary J. Swartzlander, who was born 
in Penn township, Snyder county. December 31, 
1842. Her parents, Daniel and Susanna (Oldt) 
Swart/lander, had seven children, namely: John, 
Mar)-, Elizabeth, Emanuel, Charles, Lydia and 
Benjamin F. The father was a shoemaker by 
trade, and when a young man worked in Brush 
Valley, Centre county, hauling grain to that 
point from Lewisburg. He died at the age of 
seventy-five, and his wife, who passed away at 
the age of seventy-seven, was buried by his side 
in New Berlin cemetery. 

After his marriage our subject located in 
Limestone township, Union county, renting a 
home there, and was employed in the mines. In 
March, 1865, he enlisted in the 74th P. V. I., as 
a member of Company D, and joined his com- 
mand at Beverly, \V. Va. At the close of the 
war he returned home, and for five years was 
employed by Sheriff David Gross, in Union 
township. He afterward worked at different 
places until the spring of [879, when he rented a 
farm in Dry Valley. In the spring of 1SS1, he 
came to the Peter Voneida farm, near Cowan, 
where he has since lived. In the spring of [896, 
he purchased a small farm of twenty-seven acres 
in Buffalo township. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Beaver has 
been blessed with the following children: Anna 
I. . wife of John Reedy, of Buffalo township; 
I ranklin H.. a carpenter of Buffalo Roads; 
Charles I., a farmer of West Buffalo township; 
Jerome E., a farmer of New York: Daniel A. 
and Bertha M., at home. The parents are mem- 
bers of the Evangelical Church, and the family 



is one of prominence in the community, its rep- 
resentatives being leaders in the social circles in 
which they move. Mr. Beaver gives his political 
support to the Democracy, and is a member of 
the Farmers Alliance. He makes the most and 
best of life, is a loyal citizen and a good neigh- 
bor, and has the respect of all who know him. 



J 



THEO. SMITH, druggist. New Berlin, 
Limestone township, Union county, Penn- 
sylvania. 



THOMAS O. CRISWELL, a well-to-do ag- 
riculturist of Kelly township. Union coun- 
ty, now residing at Taylorville, is a member of a 
family which has long been prominent in that lo- 
cality, his grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth 
(Hutchison) Criswell, having been among the 
leading pioneers. The late John Hutchison 
Criswell, the father of our subject, was a man 
who stood high in the esteem of the community, 
and he and his wife, whose maiden name was 
Jane Mathers, so endeared themselves to all by 
their kindliness and sterling worth that they were 
universally known as " Uncle and Auntie Cris- 
well." The former was born March 20, 1S12, 
and died April 17, 1894, while his wife's life ex- 
tended from June 24, 181 1, to September 4, 
1884, and both were mourned on their departure 
as but few have been. 

They had ten children, whose names, with 
dates of birth, are as follows: Joseph, February 
19. '835; James, April 16, 1837, deceased; Will- 
iam, April 12, 1839; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel 
Kuhns), September 24, 1841; Mary A., July 15, 
[843; Isabella, July 21, 1845, deceased; Rachel, 
April 21, 1848, deceased; John, May 5, 1850. 
deceased; Sarah M., October 10, 1852, deceased; 
and Thomas O., September 2, 1S53. 

Thomas O. Criswell was born at the old Cris- 
well homestead, and until the age of twenty-one 
his life was passed there in the healthful work of 
the farm, his education being acquired in the 
neighboring schools. On arriving at his major- 
ity he began working the farm on shares, but 
after continuing this arrangement six years he 
made a trip to the West, visiting Iowa, Wisconsin. 
Kansas, Minnesota and Colorado. One year and 
nine months were spent in sightseeing and pros- 
pecting, his expenses being met by work on farms, 
in elevators, ami, in fact, whatever he could find 
to do. Naturally he found no place more at- 
tractive than this favored section, and returning 
home lie resumed work at the homestead for a 
year, when he took another farm in the same 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



1219 



township, belonging to his father, and conducted 
it until 1894. He then purchased his present 
estate from John Reedy, and, having delegated 
the active work of the place to other hands, he 
is enjoying a well-deserved leisure. 

He has a pleasant home and an interesting 
family. On September 27, 1885, he was united 
in marriage with Miss Lizzie Prutzman, and they 
have four children: James Lee, born November 13, 
1886; Clarence T., December 17, 1888; Jennie 
E., January 27, 1891; and Harvey F., January 
28, 1895. 

Mrs. Criswell was born in Hartleton town- 
ship, Union county, February 16, 1856, is a 
daughter of the late Enoch G. Prutzman, who 
died in Union county, in 1891, aged seventy- 
one years. He was by occupation a shoemaker, 
and he had been throughout his life a stanch 
Democrat in political faith. He was a native of 
Reading, Penn., as was his wife, Susanna Dil- 
camcamp, who was born in January, 18 17, 
and is now living in Mifflinburg, Penn. Both 
united with the Reformed Church many years 
ago and remained devout and consistent mem- 
bers of the same. They had the following chil- 
dren: Jacob, a farmer in California; Hiram, a 
shoemaker at New Berlin, Penn.; George, a 
blacksmith at Winfield, Penn.; Daniel, a farmer 
in Kansas; Sarah, widow of Peter Guyer, of 
Mifflinburg; Lizzie, Mrs. Criswell; Mary, who mar- 
ried Joseph Raybuck, a farmer in Buffalo town- 
ship, Union county; and Edward, who is also 
engaged in agriculture in that township. 

Thomas Criswell is a most agreeable com- 
panion, having a genial nature and an active, 
clever mind. As a good citizen he takes an in- 
terest in the problems of the time, and, politic- 
ally, he supports the doctrines of the Repub- 
lican party. He and his wife are prominent 
members of the Reformed Church. 



R. ZELLER, retired, post office Mifflinburg, 
Union County, Pennsylvania. 



MRS. PRISCILLA E. AMMON, widow of 
Elijah W. Amnion, is one of the most highly 
respected ladies of Vicksburg. Union county. 
She was born in West Hanover township, Dau- 
phin county, Penn., February 26, 1828, and is 
the tenth child and sixth daughter in the family 
of eleven children, four sons and seven daugh- 
ters, belonging to John and Christina (Killinger) 
Early. The father, who was a farmer in early 
life, served as justice of the peace many years, 
and, although not wealthy, he was in comfortable 



circumstances, able to provide his family with 
many luxuries and pleasures which money only 
can bring. He died at the age of eighty-two, and 
his wife when eighty-eight, and both were buried 
in West Hanover township, Dauphin countv. 
He was a Lutheran in religious belief, while she 
held membership in the Reformed Church, and 
both were honored and esteemed citizens of the 
community where they so long made their home. 

In her native township Mrs. Amnion was 
reared and educated, the school house she went 
to being some distance from her home. With 
the other children of the family, she was taught 
lessons of obedience and respect to those older, 
and was twelve years of age before she knew her 
father's first name, having always heard him 
called father, at home, and squire, by strangers. 
On September 28, 1848, she gave her hand in 
marriage to Elijah W. Amnion, their wedding 
being celebrated in Reading, Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Ammon was born in Robinson township, 
Berks county, Penn., January 24, 1824, and was 
a miller by trade, following that occupation in 
Dauphin county at the time of his marriage. 
During the eleven years that "he continued mill- 
ing there, he purchased the property known as 
Early's Mill, which he finally sold, and purchased 
a hotel at Linglestown, Dauphin county, con- 
ducting the same for several years. Later he 
engaged in farming in West Hanover township, 
that county, but in 1870 came to Vicksburg, 
where he bought the " Great Western Hotel," 
and carried on business until his death, which 
occurred August 31, 1877. He was laid to rest 
in the Dreisbach cemetery. He was an unswerv- 
ing Republican in politics, and was widely and fa- 
vorably known. 

A woman of rare business ability, Mrs. Am- 
mon successfully conducted the hotel for several 
years after her husband's death, and then erected 
her comfortable residence in Vicksburg, where 
she has since lived. Having no children of their 
own, she and her husband reared three others. 
Agnes Baker, a niece of Mrs. Ammon, was born 
in Dauphin county, June 7, 1 862, and from the age 
of six years she has made her home with her 
aunt. She is now the widow of Peter Guyer. 
Edward A. Baker was taken to their home when 
only twenty-two months old. He was born in 
Dauphin county in September, 1864, the child of 
Mrs. Amnion's youngest sister, Rebecca, who 
had just died. Here he remained until 18S1, 
when he went west, where he spent several years, 
and, after returning to Pennsylvania on a visit, 
went to Nicaragua. At Greytown, in that 
country, he was accidentally killed by a falling 
lighter, October 25, 1890, and was buried there. 



1220 



COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 



Robert Patrick lived with Mr. and Mr?. Ammon 
until seventeen years of age, learning the miller's 
trade with the former. He now lives in Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania. 

Since fifteen years of age Mrs. Ammon has 



been aconsistent member of the Lutheran Church, 
and her straightforward, womanly course and 
many excellent traits of character have gained 
for her the love and high. regard of all with whom 
she has come in contact. Mrs. Guyer holds 
membership in the Reformed Church. 



10 
Hi 



'C 



V 



y 



W 



^ 






*M 



*4r 



-«*or* 



Xr^ 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Adams, Rev. J. Q 581 

Adams, William T 581 

Africa Family 846 

Aigler Family 1141 

Aigler, Jacob' A 1141 

Aigler, Jerome F 114L' 

Albrecht, Andreas 788 

Albright, Andrew 789 

Albright Family 788 

Albright, John H 789 

Alexander, Hon. Cyrus T 445 

Alexander, Miss Emily 1-4 

Alexander Family 444 

Alexander, Francis 123 

Alexander, Francis M 364 

Alexander, James 123 

Alexander, J. W 446 

Allbaugh Family 336 

Alleman Family 1031 

Alleman, Hon. Horace 1031 

Alleman, Hon. Samuel 1030 

Allen, William P 956 

Allison, Edward 227 

Allison Family 504 

Allison, William, Esq 505 

Allison, William M 504 

Allport Family 138 

Amnion, Capt. Beach C 991 

Ammon, Elijah W 1219 

Amnion, Mrs. Priscilla E 1219 

Ammon, Samuel 991 

Andrews Family 135 

Andrews, W. W., M.I") 135 

Anthony Family 727 

Anthony, |ohn 1' 727 

App, D. Norman 1096, L100 

App Family 1096 

App, John 1097 

Ard Family 403 

Ard, George 139 

Ard, J. B 403 

Ard, Joseph B., M. D 139 

Ard, Wilson Potter, M. D 139 

Armstrong, Andrew 807 

Armstrong, Anthony 806 

Armstrong Family 590 

Armstrong, Mrs. Ida M 552 

Armstrong, John 491 

Armstrong, Lewis 551 

Armstrong, Richard, M. D 590 

Armstrong, Robert 491 

Army, B. H 348 

Arney Families 348, 365 

Arney, Jacob 365 

Arney, John J 365 

Arnold, Augustus 1033 

Arnold, B. F 1124 

Arnold, George B 1105 

Arnold, George B. M 1105 

Arnold, Henry 1124 

Arnold, Miss Kathryn A 1033 

Atherton, David 486 

Atherton Family 486 

Atherton, George W., LL. D 32 

Aurand, Amnion M 1129 

Aurand Family 1106 

Aurand, James 1106 

Aviragnet, Jean F. E 920 



PAGE 

Backus, Dr. William H 1034 

Bair, D. H 456 

Bair. W. T 455 

Bairfoot, Mrs. Flora O 479 

Bairfoot, Sidney W 47- 

Baker, Benjamin 1216 

Baker Families 961,974, 113 

Baker, Henry R 1213 

Baker, Henry S 552 

Baker, J. M 1132 

Baker, Jacob 974 

Baker, John H 1216 

Baker, Joseph C 1216 

Baker, J. Thompson. A. M 810 

Baker, P. A .961 

Baker, Samuel '.'41 

Baker, William 996 

Baker, William H 996 

Baptist Church, First, of Lock 

Haven 553 

Barber, Mary ( Marr) 7:>K 

Barker, Capt. Robert S 549 

Barner, Christian 711 

Barner Family 693 

Barner, Henry 69 I 

Barner, J. C 711 

Barner, Jeremiah J 693 

Barnes Families 323, 4 tO 

Barnes, John 323 

Barnes, Thomas 440 

Barnhart, Judge Henry 277 

Barnhart, "Philip W.... '-'77 

Barr, Mrs. Carrie S 838 

Barrows, Mrs. Elizabeth 565 

Barrows, William \\" 565 

Bartol, Elias 345 

Bartol, William C, Ph. D 845 

Bassier, Edward 1080 

Bassler, Mrs. Catherine A L081 

Batcheler, Jesse H 614 

Batcheler, Kimball D 614 

Beaber Family s: 'l 

Beard, Augustus \V 966 

Beard, John A 966 

Beaver Family 1 

Beaver, George E 1217 

Beaver, Hugh McAllister 200 

Beaver, Rev. Isaiah 1011 

Beaver, Jacob 1 

Beaver, Hon. James A 1 

Beaver, Rev. John L 1011 

Beaver, Levi 1217 

Bechdel.John 461 

Bechdel, S. Mitchell 461 

Bechtel, Jacob 641 

Bechtel, John 642 

Beck, Benjamin F 460 

Beck, Charles 584 

Beck, Charles W 578 

Beck Families 167, 578, 848 

Beck, Henry... 460 

Beck, Isaac 313 

Beck, Isaiah 379 

Beck, John G 578 

Beck, Samuel L 848 

Beck, William H 849 

Becker, Amos 851 

Beerly, Nathaniel 242 



PAGE 

Beerlv, Peter 244 

Beerly, Robert 313 

Behrer, Jacob 345 

Behrer, "John H 345 

Beirly, Charles 325 

Bellefonte Academy 66 

Bennage, David... .'. 903 

Bennage Family 921 

Bennage, Henry 921 

Bennage, John O 926 

Bennage, Samuel 926 

Bennage, Simon 903 

Benner, John 914 

Benner, Solomon 914 

Bennett, Mrs. Margaret B 9131 

Bennett, Sylvanus 913' 

Berkenstock Family 1204 

Berkenstock, Franklin Wm 1204 

Bernhart, Charles H 1207 

Bernhart, Isaac 1207 

Bersy, fohn 662 

Berry, William K 662 

Bickel, John 702 

, T. N 782 

Bickford, Charles F 755 

Bickford Family 611 

Bickford, (.lines A 611 

Biehl, Gideon 868 

Biehl, fames 867 

Bierlv, Anthony, Jr 236 

Bierly, Edwin S 238 

Bierly Families 235,243,269 

Bierly, Prof. H. E 237 

Bierly, Joseph C '-'-. 

Bierlv, Melchoir 326 

Bierly, R. D 269 

Bigony, Ephraim W 558 

Binder, Edward L 629 

Binder, Mrs. Luke 629 

Binder, Luke 629 

Bingaman, Christian 1209 

Bingaman, F. A 1139 

:nan, Peter 1209 

Bitner, Abraham B 642 

Bitner, Christian 663 

Bitner Family 221 

Bitner, Jacob A 663 

Bitner, John 643 

Blair Family 101 

Blanchard, Hon. John 188 

Blanche, Miss Mary 627 

Blanche, Michael 627 

Bliss, Rev. George Ripley, D. D., 

LL. D 762 

Bloom, W. H 199 

Blyler, Absalom: 1004 

Blyler, Samuel 1004 

Boal Family 159 

Boal, George M 159 

Boal, George W 159 

Bobb Family 1110 

Bobb, Peter S 1110 

Bogar, Charles A 970 

Bogar Family 1116 

Bogar, John D 1116 

Bogar, William 970 

Boggs, Andrew 178 

Boggs, Col. John 178 



I 222 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Bollinger, Samuel 1138 

Boob, Adam 314 

R.B 314 

.in] W 441 

t, II. M 700 

I 700 

'.V„ M. D 1173 

1173 

, Calvin M 59 

ns 817 

1190 

Co.) 60 

11 '."J 

; David F 289 

rsox 1 amily 289 

Bowersox, John. 289 

i uir 1 367 

1053 

iel S 1120 

1120 

Boyer, i leorge 1053 

I '.'7" 

Braucber, Miss Katie E '.'7" 

Braucht.R. O 

I -,\\ illiam 

nily 

Pi ter. 

er,( I! 

i I amily 

■ i, [ohn C 283 

s 283 

W 

122 

t,I. W..M.D 122 

B 122 

i 1116 

Brooke, Capt. J. P 950 

per N 476 

47'"' 

Brown, A. II 

Abraham G 

njamin F 619 

istian 818 

Brown, Elias 928 

n Families 

677, 590, -1-, 1208, 121] 

. I rancis E 928 

Brown, ( 7-:: 

B 

Brown, er) 704 

limwn. Henry 328 

I'.roun, Isaac' F 1208 

619 

Browi . 1208 

704 

, [ohn J 783 

Pi 

Brown, Mi 

I 400 

1 401 

el 4i in 

ird, I lenry A 425 

: Martin 

e. 679 

679 

1 art, Daniel 276 

mily 276 

rick, Sr 

593 

!< 276 

Brungart, Samuel I - - 

Brungart, Thomas F 188 

Brungart, W, I 

1164 

784 

! , M. S.... 
I 



PAGE 

Budinger, Thomas B 232 

Bumiller, R.A 281 

Burd, Edwin J., M. D 121 

Burd Family 1154 

Burket Family 

Burkb Miinr 228 

Burkholdi r, ieth. 228 

Burkholder, F. M 228 

Burkholder Family 228 

Burkh ix. 228 

Burkholder, Mrs. Mary E 229 

Burns, Christian 

Burns, Samuel 1025 

Burns lames 27 

Burnsiile, [udge Thomas 25 

Burrell Family 246, 670 

Burrell, Samuel 245 

Burrell, William J 670 

Burrey, J 984 

Burrey, Simon 984 

Bush, I (aniel Griffen 45 

Bush, George T 44 

But; Family 464 

Butz, I i rge C, M. S 464 

Caldwell, Hon. S. Woods 571 

Camen I leanoi 776 

Cameron Family 775 

in, William 775 

Carlin, i .•■■ rgi 282 

Carlin. W. 1 282 

Carlisle, II. I... M. D 212 

Carlisle. Samuel 212 

Carpenter Family 351 

Carver, [ohn 531 

Christ, Levi B 248 

Christ, Theo. s„ M. D 248 

imily ... 717 

Christie, Thomas 717 

Church, Frank P 1013 

Church, John H 1014 

Clark, Judge James W 567 

r, Jesse 31o 

Cleaver, William 316 

Clemsi n, Amos E 520 

Clemson, Frank H 520 

n. Paschal L 990 

is 

Clinton, A. L 1179 

Close, fohn 541 

\V. II 511 

i Family 

Clouser, Rev. Wm. W 

Coburn Family 4* 

1 P IS 

Cole, Edward T 518 

Cole, fohn 1 17 

Colyer, I laniel 4;"' 

William 190 

hn T 

ben T .441 



*7'_' 

i: eS ( .474 

i 1' 47'_' 

i kit! 191 

ir, Mrs. E zekii 

Confair, PI [r 

Family 

\ 

: A 

514 

219 

|ol ii W 219 

l. \ 10 I 

1 B 1004 

Mrs. Mary A 



PAGE 

Cook, W. H :<74 

Family 183 

Cooke, Robert, Sr 133 

Walter L 134 

nily I0711 

hi L 1069 

Corf, Benjamin 525 

Cor] Family 169 

Corl, Israel 461 

Corl, Peter 168 

Cornelius Family '.'77 

Cornel: :-. JeSSe '.'77 

njamin 608 

Corson Family 572 

1.. M. 1 ' 57l! 

( 'orss, 1 barles 584 

Corss Family 584 

nily :;:ll 

Crawford Family 639 

Crawford, 1 ieorge 

Crawford, James A 587 

Crawford, Judge James W 587 

Crider Family 72 

Crider, Fountain W 73 

(.'rider. Ph lip B 7L» 

Crider, William, Sr 7 - 2 

( 1 ider, Willi: Jr 7 - J 

Criswell Family 77* 

I riswi II, fohn H 1203 

Criswell, oseph 1203 

Criswell, Mrs. Mary A 1203 

Crisw( II, Thomas Il'1* 

1 1 iswell, William S 778 

Crumley, Jacob 1191 

Crumley, Levi 1 191 

I -... 978 

;rove, Samuel 977 

( Towe, J. mes 709 

Crust, lames 510 

Crust, \\ I! 510 

Curt in, Hon. Andrew G 15 

Curtin, Hon. Harry K 83 

Curtin, John ' 7'.' 

Curtin, Roland 79 

A 91 

e, Austin W 91 

an 

Capt. Christian 90 

Dale, Clement 

1 136 

Dale Families 89, 1 

Henry 

Dale, fared Y., M. D 138 

Dale, John M 240 

Dale, William... 240 

ly 800 

\ 

Darrah, W. P 

■ man, fohn 208 

Dauberman, 1. S 207 

286 

286 

Davidson, Alexander 

342 

1 1 1 

tin M41 

H140 

1042 

• K., Sr 1040 

lames K„ Ir 1048 

270 

840 

r.M.J 270 

DeHaas ler M 710 

71(1 

. I. II...' 406 ' 



INDEX. 



1228 



PAGE 

Deininger Family 345 

Deininger, Jonathan 345 

Deitrich, David A 545 

DeLong, John H 149 

Denlinger, Prof. David 

Denlinger Family 480 

Denlinger, William H 480 

Dennis, Charles Thomas 1006 

Dennis Family 1006 

Dennis, George 79] 

Dennis, Mrs. Mary J 710 

Dennis, William H 79] 

Derr Family 809 

Derr, Joseph Y 809 

Derr, Mrs. Mary J 810, 

Dershem, Jacob 797 

Dershem, Jerome B 797 

Deshler, E. J., M. D 280 

Deshler Family 280 

Deshler, Mrs. Maria J 281 

Dewire, John 937 

Dewire, Thomas 937 

Dickey, Adam 679 

Dickev Family 679 

Dieffenderfer, Mrs. David D. . . . 867 

Dieffenderfer, David D 366 

Dietrich, J. A 534 

Dietrich, John 534 

Dimm Family 1029 

Dimm, J. R.,'D. D 1029 

Dorman, John 

Dorman, Peter 634 

Dornblaser Family 591 

Dornblaser, Gideon 583 

Dornblaser, John 591 

Dornblaser, Lewis W 638 

Dornblaser, Peter 63] 

Dornblaser, Pierce M 630 

Dornblaser, W. H 588 

Dorworth, Charles E 26] 

Dorworth, Dr. E. S 26] 

Douty, Elmer E 735 

Douty, Reuben 736 

Downing Family 7b 

Dreese Families 1149, 1155 

Dreese, Isaac 1095 

Dreese, John 1095 

Dreese, Reuben 1149 

Dreese, William 11">"> 

Dreisbach Family 826 

Dreisbach, Martin 827 

Dreisbach, Solomon K 

Dubbs, John G 198 

Dundore. Nathan T 1046 

Dunham, Fred S 218 

Dunkel, Conrad 1182 

Dunkel, John C 1182 

Dunkel, "Michael 1182 

Dunlap, James 624 

Dunlop Family 177 

Dunlop, James 178 

Dunlop, John 178 

Dunlop. William 17S 

Dunn, Mrs. L. A 581 

Dunn, Mrs. Elizabeth 577 

Dunn, Washington, Esq 580 

Dunn, Hon. William 576 

Durst Family 1195 

Durst, George 297 

Durst, George, Sr 297 

Durst, Hiram 381 

Durst, Joseph 1 195 

Durst, Phili] 407 

Earon Family 613 

Earon, John.'. 613 

Eby Family . 367 



PACK 

Eby, John W 366 

Eddy, Lyman T 500 

Eddy, Thomas H 500 

Edelman, Alex 1205 

Eisenhauer Families 940, 948 

Eisenhauer, Henry 940 

Eisenhauer, Uriah A 948 

Eisenhower, Daniel 

Eisenhower, Samuel 7:L' 

Elliot Family 573 

Elliot, William F 57:1 

Elliott, Prof. James W . r >79 

Emigh, G. W., M. D 454 

Emigh, Jonathan 454 

Emory, Henry 1 7'_".i 

Emory, Jacob F 730 

Engle, A. W 1165 

Engle, William C 1165 

Engleman, Joseph 1208 

Erdley, G. F 

Erdley, Jacob, Jr 932 

Ertel, Philip 430 

Ertel, Samuel 430 

Etters, David 547 

Evans, Eliezer 138 

Evans Family 138 

William H 1125 

Eyer, Daniel 789 

Ever Family 739 

, lohn W 714 

Fabel, Peter 714 

Fair, Rev. M. W 716 

Mrs. Sarah A 716 

Fairchild, Ambrose 

Fairchild, Solomon 

Fairlamb Family 

Fairlamb, George A., M. D 85 

Farley, Abraham 7 V I 

Farley, Abraham W 781 

Farwell, Absalom 692 

Farwell, Lemuel 692 

Faulkner, lion. C. A 208 

Faulkner, W.A 203 

Felmlee, Oscar F 7-14 

Fessler, F. P 1115 

Fessler Family 1123 

Fessler, Reuben B 1122 

1 etterolf, E 806 

Fetterolf, Peter 306 

Fiedler, David 516 

Field, B. M 718 

Fink, George G 136 

Fink, George W 436 

Fishburn, Michael M 392 

Fisher Family 1085 

Fisher, George .... 1136 

Fisher, Prof. George E., Ph. B. . 1049 

Fisher, Levi 1075 

Fisher, M. 1085 

Fisher, Samuel 1075 

Fisher, Mrs. Susan 1136 

Fleming Family 563 

Flisher, Daniel 285 

Flisher Family 285 

Focht, Benjamin K 761 

Folmar Family 308 

Fulmar, foseph W 308 

Follmer, Daniel 1201 

Follmer, Daniel G 1201 

Follmer Family 1200 

Follmer, John R 1201 

Foote, G.W 834 

Forcey, David 279 

Forcey Family 279 

Forry [Forrer], John 1074 

Fortney, David F 60 



PAGE 

Fortney, David, Sr 61 

Fortney Family tin 

Foster, Charles H 156 

Foster Family 158 

Foster. Robert McCay 9] 

Foster, Capt. Robert M 91 

I . William 153 

Fowler Family 166 

Fowler, lohn T 166 

Fox, Thomas J 699 

Frain Family 104 

Frain, Isaac S 104 

Frank Family 171 

Frank, G. S., M. D 171 

Frank, Samuel 172 

Frantz, Daniel 470 

Frantz Family 

Frantz, Harvey E 83] 

Frederick, Jacob 1198 

Fredericks Family 550 

Fredericks, Hon. James W . . . . 

Fredericks, John 610 

Fredericks, Newton W 610 

Frick Family 907 

Fnck, Henry 907 

Frick, John 90? 

Frit/ Family 69] 

Fritz, Henry H 69] 

Fry Family 263 

Fry, Capt. William H 263 

Fryberger, Charles Theo 448 

Fryberger, John 448 

Fullmer, Charles L., M. D 629 

Furey, William P 487 

F'urst, Judge Austin O 51 

Furst Family 52 

Furst, R. H 553 

Furst, Samuel 716 

Furst, William G 438 

Furst, William 1 438 

Gardner, Andrew J 256 

Gardner, William R 255 

Carman, Daniel 105 

Carman Families 106,821,1175 

Garman, George W 746 

Garman, John F 746 

Garman, Martin 272 

Garman, Martin B '-72 

Garman, Michael 321 

Garman, Peter 1175 

Garner Family 473 

Garner, Samuel 472 

Garthoff, |ohn F 435 

Garthoff, John H 435 

Geary, D. B 342 

Geary, Reuben 343 

Gebh'art, John George 92.9 

Geddes Family 964 

Gellinger, Henry 

Gellinger, Robert 953 

Gemberling, Augustus A 1019 

Gemberling Family 949 

Gemberling, Franklin 949 

Gemberling, Samuel 1019 

Gephart, A. J 126 

,Gephart Families 125, 539 

Gephart, Jacob 125 

Gephart, Hon. John P - 

Gephart, J. Wesley 458 

Gephart, M. C 126 

Getgen, Samuel 1015 

Getgen, Thomas M 1015 

Getz, D. H 867 

Getz Family 719 

Getz, lohn N., Jr 71! 

Getz, William 867 



1 22 1 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

r, John 540 

Gilliland Family 43 

Gilliland, ( 43 

Gingery, John 

- i v, Joseph 921 

Ginter, David 918 

.lily- 918 

Ginter, William M 918 

Family 

Glace, George W 386 

-.1, I rum W 71'.' 

< ileason, LeRoy 718 

Glenn, Ephraim :;-l 

. W. S., M. I) 

1 1 438 

Glosner, Sampson 439 

>i i I' amily 689 

Glossi e 689 

i Families 

Glovi r, Hon. Horace P 

Glover, lames 995 

r, Oliver W. H.. M. D 994 

Glover, Robert V >• 1 1 

Good, Daniel Mil 

1112 

Goofl, George 680 

Goodman Family 688 

nan, \\ illiam K., M. I). . . . 688 

Gordon, ('.id eon 1186 

in, W. H 1185 

iley, Rev. J. J 684 

ib 742 

Gottsi hall, fohn 742 

Gow land I- amily 

Gowland, John 872 

has L 156 

Gramley, T, M 152 

at H 175 

Gramly Family 868 

Gramly, I. Austin 473 

Gran: I; 478 

Gramly, Philip 

Gramly, Samuel 368 

Gray Families 104, 129, 108 

128 

Gray, Mrs. Isaac 129 

Gray, 1 ieut. Samuel 1199 

uel R L199 

Samuel T lot 

Hon. William E 105 

408 

Green, G. I •orsey., 452 

Family :; ll 

Squire Joseph M 284 

nuel M 

I Ion. Andrew 19 

Family 19 

Gretzinger, William i 

(.n. i. , D.C 

Gricb Family 

Grimm, I )aniel 

Grimm, Hi nry 519 

i, Reuben 

\'lins 966 

( '.roil, Vndn w 

i ilies 872,951,966 

M. A., \1. I). . . -Ti' 

fohn 945 

er, Henry 

( lroo\ er, Nicholas 

Gross, David 912 

Gross, ( leorge 849 

Gross, [a 912 



Irew V 651 

i irt 652 



1 AG1 

Group, John W 

Group, Peter 672 

Grove, A. I". 

Grove, John 1012 

Grove, William, |r 167 

Grow, Alva S 

in!/ I amily 956 

( iuiswite, John 451 

Guiswite, Luther 15] 

Gumiih • 295 

Gummo, Edward 748 

Gummo, Richard 

Gummo, William. 668 

illus Family 139 

Gunsallus, |i ihn 138 

i runsallus, Meese 139 

lac, M. D 545 

Gutelius, Charles H., M. D 887 

Gutelius, Hon. D. F "4;: 

843 



Haag. i ieorgi 



|i tin 

ily 

Haas, Rev. W.A 

Hafer, Aaron W., D. D. S 

. Harrison 

Jacob 

Hafer, Moses 

nbuch, Mrs. Julia A 

i inn h, Peter 

oik 

Hain. B 

1 1 tines, fen miah 

Haini 

Hale, 1.1ms W., M. I) 

1 [ale F amily 

Hale, Lt.-Col. Harry S 



Family 

Halenbake, Giles W 



Halfpenny, John L 

Hail]., imy, Mark, Jr 

Halfpenny, W. Scott 

Hall, Hi nrj T 

Hall, James 

Hall, i 

Hall, Joi,,, Glen 

Hall, John Newlin 

A..., 

Robert 

inder K 



I [ami 1 ton, far es 

ti 



K 

I [and Family 

Harbi I K 

Harbesi m, I homas t '.rant 

is \" 

Harley, II. F 



, M. D ... 

ii. [ohn M 

1 larnisb, Martin 

r Family 

Harper, I. C 

I larper, [i ihn 

r, Simon. 

Harris. B B 

Harris, 

Families 182,611,771 

Harris, Jami 

Harris, James i Union Co. i 



284 
284 
684 
1036 
[036 
127 
813 
813 
427 
812 
811 
442 

442 
78 

7s 

79 

26 

597 

1019 
1019 
1198 
[198 
756 

609 
214 

■-'14 

748 
92 
92 

395 

171 

861 
86] 
1170 
199 
199 

127 

lnl 
[01 

769 
182 

-71 

1-;: 
771 



PAGE 

Harris, [ohn H., LL. D 

Harris, John W 611 

Harris, William S 7'_'5 

Harrison, Francis C, M. D 775 

Harrison, Mrs. J. C 775 

Harshberger Family 168 

II. 168 

Harter, Andrew (Coburn) 211 

Harter, Andrew I Marion 'I 

Harter, Emanuel 502 

Harter Families 211,2 

Hartei I 

234 

Harter. John F., D. D. S 174 

Harter, J. W 375 

876 

Harter, Thomas H [60 

r, William 16] 

1 220 

Harter, Dr. William S 174 

i; 

Hartman, Simon 290 

Hartswick, Christian 186 

Hartswick, H. B 485 

Harvey, I rank 7_'4 

Harvey, George C 574 

Harvey, Henry T 57 1 

Harvey, Ira M 575 

Harvey, Irwm M 

I [assi nplug F amily -74 

Hastings, ( ".o\ . Daniel H 

Hastin 1 '■'■ 

ii 

Hause G 779 

Peter 77'.' 

d Alfred 

ilies II 

749 

eph H 749 

!., M. D 

I ion. Thomas 

!, Thomas R., M. D 108 

William 

es, Mrs. Martha 225 

Haynes, Robert [as. (deceased). 224 

| 225 

>, William R 226 

John P 606 

I . Samuel L 



i, Michael 

Heat,.,,, Mrs, Sarah E 



I >aniel K 

B6I ' 

an, fohn 

in, Peter 

, Family 1187 

r, Jacob 1187 

Heim I 164 

Hemii I igene, M. D. . 

Heimbach, Elias 

Heimbach, S i 

Heinley, David 927 

Heinley, [acob 927 

iry J 1111 

■ I 418 

1 1, ml. rson 1 amilies 204, 186 

Henderson, j 

Henderson, Hon. John C 204 

Milton | 418 

W. B., MD 202 

ich Family '-"-'■ : 

llensvl Family 

. Lot K„ M n 163 

... 245 

I amily : >-'> ,; 



INDEX. 



1225 



PAGE 

Herb, Joel H 556 

Herbster, W. H 1170 

Herman, Phares 1167 

Herr, George, Sr 673 

Hen, George B 706 

Herr, George W 673 

Herr, Joel A To.', 

Hess Family 389 

Hess, William 389 

Hess, Mrs. William 389 

Hilbish, Benjamin 1171 

Hilbish, Rev. W. H 1171 

Hillbish Family 1086 

Hillbish, Col. Philip L085 

Hillibish, Nicholas 512 

Hillibish, William T 512 

Himmelreich, William D 780 

Hinkson, Mrs. B 271 

Hinton Family 130 

Hippie, George W 556 

Hoch, A. S 938 

Hoch, Samuel 938 

Hoffa, Cyrus 261 

Hoffa, John, Jr 261 

Hoffman Family 952 

nan, Hary N 952 

Holmes Family 344 

Holmes, James H 344 

Holmes, Robert 344 

Holt Families 87,277 

Holt, Hon. John Harbison 85 

Holt, Squire John 85 

Holt, William 87 

Holt. William F 87 

Holier, Henry Clay 315 

Holter, Jacob, Jr 315 

Holtzman Family 1100 

1 [oop Family 182 

Hoop, Gibbony F., M. D 132 

1 toovei Families 231,426 

Hoover, George D 427 

Hoover, Grant 426 

Hoover, Harvey 426 

Hoover, Jacob 428 

Hoover, Samuel 231 

Hoover, William E 428 

Horner, Daniel 1211 

Hosterman, F. O 477 

I [i isterman, George 382 

I [osterman, Squire Jacob 477 

Hosterman, John K 382 

Hosterman, Thomas 423 

Hosterman, T. W 423 

Hottenstein, Hon. Charles C. . . . 815 

Houseworth, William Eugene... 1043 

Houtz, Emanuel 1093 

Houtz Families 1058, 1092 

Houtz. fohn 1092 

Howell Family 1107 

Howell, William F 1107 

Hower, Charles 1078 

Hower, Hon. Jacob 815 

Hower, John 816 

Hoy, Judge Adam 39 

Hoy, Hezekiab K 227 

Hovt, A. V 94 

Hubler, George M 537 

Hubler, Henry 1186 

Hubler, Isaac 1186 

Hubler, John, Sr 950 

Hubler, W. T 537 

Hudson Family 507 

Hudson, Robert 507 

Huey Family 63 

Huff, James 557 

Huff, William 557 

Hufferd Family 1014 

« 



PAGE 

Hufferd, John 1014 

Hughes Families 66, 254 

Hughes, Rev. James P 66 

Hulley, Prof. Lincoln, Ph. D. . . 

Humes, Edward C 28 

Humes, Hamilton 28 

Humes, William P 28 

Hummel, A. A 1161 

Hummel Families 1026, 1161 

Hummel, John L084 

Hunter, Andrew 137 

Hunter, Maj. Andrew 137 

Hunter Family 137, 878 

Hunter, Henry F s?s 

Hunter. lames P 879 

Hunter, John A., B. S. and M. E. 479 

Huston, Hon. Charles 23 

Hutton Family 215 

Hyatt Family 768 

Hyatt, Hon. John T 765 

Hyatt, Hon. Pulaski F 763 

Ickes Family 268 

Iddings, Mrs. Mary 900 

Irland, T. Edwin 945 

Irvin, J. G 117 

Irvin, John, Jr 117 

Irvine, Robert H 757 

Irwin, Daniel 118 

Irwin, Daniel Pontius 312 

Irwin Families 149, 417 

Irwin, John 312 

Irwin, Louis C 312 

Irwin, William 149 

Irwin, William Ellis 416 

Irwin, William L 939 

Irwin, William U., M. D 118 

Isenberg Family 333 

Jacobs Family 70 

Jarrett, Hiram P 1035 

tarrett, John 1035 

Johnson, Daniel Irwin 466 

Johnson, David 931 

Johnson, David C 978 

Johnson Family 647 

Johnson, John 645 

Johnson, Jonathan C 466 

Johnson, Thew 645 

Johnson, William M 646 

Johnston, John T 112 

Johnston, Mrs. Mary A 112 

Jones, Alexander V 760 

Jones, Benjamin 357 

Jones, David 483 

Jones Family 357 

Jones, Jabez C. P 483 

Jones, Thomas 917 

Jones, William 917 

Jordan Family 304 

Jordan, Joseph 304 

Jordan, R. Emma 304 

Kanawel, J. F., M. D 1087 

Kantz Family 1118 

Kantz, John P 1118 

Kaufman, D 648 

Kaup, John 944 

Kaup, Levi 944 

Keefer Family 901 

Reefer, Thomas W 901 

Keen Family 356 

Keen, Jacob 356 

Keichline Family 169 

Keichline, John M 169 

Keichline, Peter 169 

Keiser, Benjamin F 924 



PAGE 

Keiser, Mrs. Emily A 1186 

Keiser Family 925 

Keiser, Jacob 924 

Keller, Daniel C 103 

Keller, Col. Daniel S 56 

Keller Families 56, 103, 251 

i. Frederick W 757 

Keller, Harry 57 

Keller, James A 250 

Keller, John H 251 

Keller, Mrs. Martha E. R 57 

Kelley, George W 470 

Kelley, Harry P 256 

Kelley, John 470 

Kelley, Michael D 264 

Kelley, Patrick 264 

Kelly; David H 894 

Kelly, John A 893 

Kemmerer, John N 754 

Kemmerer, Joseph 754 

Kendig, Joseph R 674 

Kepler, Jacob 422 

Kepler, Jacob M 422 

Kerlin, Edward M .^536 

Kersteter, Jacob 412 

Kersteter, John 450 

Kersteter, Leonard, Jr 450 

Kessinger, Henry F 466 

Kessinger, Joseph Ross 301 

Kessinger, Thomas L 302 

Kessler, H. T 559 

Kessler, Jacob 559 

Keys Family 2:12 

Kimpel, Adam 832 

Kimpel Family 832 

King Families 847, 1009 

King, Isaac 1009 

King, James, Jr 1009 

Kinsloe, Frank G 567 

Kinsloe, J. B. G 565 

Kinsloe, William A 567 

Kintner, Col. Jacob C 650 

Kintner, Joseph J 650 

Kissell, Andrew C 623 

Kissell, Henry 623 

Kister Family 418 

Kistler Family 592 

Kistler, Wilson 592 

Kistner, Mrs. Annie C 1085 

Kistner, H. U 1140 

Kleckner, Miss Alice 924 

Kleckner, Michael 923 

Kleckner, Solomon 923 

Kline, Daniel Z 216 

Kline Families 216, 1027 

Kline, George 99 

Kline, Harrison 99 

Kline, H. H 226 

Kline, Reuben 1026 

Klinefelter, Charles H 731 

Klinefelter, Peter 732 

Kling, John 1178 

Klingler, Enos 1159 

Knauer Family 1217 

Knauer, Nathan 1217 

Knight. John L 901 

Knight, Samuel H 901 

Knouse, David 1 166 

Knouse, Samuel 1166 

Kolp Family 911 

Korman, Andrew 402 

Korman, George 402 

Krape,C. A... 498 

Krape Family 498 

Krape, George 198 

Kreamer, A. F 157 

Kreamer, Elias 840 



1 226 



INDEX. 



K reamer Families 215, 839 

er, George W 252 

er.H.W 215 

mathan 157 

Krean 252 

William 241 

Kreider, Philip 

Kremer, Abraham 

Kremer, John K 

Conrad 568 

Hon. William C 

mi 

Krouse. Reuben 1051 

Krumrine, Adam H 191 

Krumrine, F. W 498 

Krumrine, John 191 

Kunes, Daniel B 280 

Kunes Family 279 

lames I 279 

Kiink. 1184 

Kurtz, Charles R 7^> 

■ lerick 39 

Kurtz, W. I 

Kuster, Daniel 1114 

. i ieorge C 11 M 

t, Damien 71i» 

Lachat Family 719 

Lahr, Nicholas C 1202 

Paul 1202 

i 1039 

.. William M 1039 

i h, Christian 74:i 

esse 74H 

Lauck, Peter 526 

Laurelton Lumber Co 

Laurie, J. Malcolm 44M 

Lauth, : 58 

Lauth, Mrs. Elizabeth 59 

lily 5 s 

l.i ■.ithi rs, Mrs. Mary E 253 

is, William Thomas 253 

Lehkich.-r, Edward 1) 1 196 

Lebkicl.er. |ohn 1196 

I 1im-.1i in 741 

. David. L022 

[ohn J 1022 

. Andrew Albright 786 

b 781 

Dr. William 788 

I eiser, William, [r., M. I> 

1085, 1128 

Lesher, [oseph G 1035 

bert 1128 

Lew is Family , , 134 

Leyman, George II 371 

Leyman, John 87] 

1 tmily 129 

nily.. 819 

Henry 

d 819 

1 illey, Walter P 1205 

J 518 

' 1 in 518 

' tmily 766 

768 
768 
Linden II. ill Lun 

nes 153 

- iuI 458 

49, 183, 776 

Rev. James, I). 1) 77 

Linn, Tame! I 50 

Linn, Hon 'ii 49 

Linn, lames Merrill 77b' 

77* 

Livingston, N . J 1 14'_' 



PAGE 

Lock Haven Chorus 555 

Lock Ha. tal 

Lock Haven Library 

ijamin 

Long, Benjamin H 

allies 134,324,934, 1200 

Long, George 324 

Long, Georgi W 331 

331 

Long, John 1) 324 

Long, William H 184 

Longaker Family 10 

772 

mis, Justin R., LL. D 772 

-(•, Charles C 496 

-■■. Samuel 496 

Lorain Family 176 

Lorain, Mrs. Fannie M 17f> 

Lorain, Henrj McD 177 

I.oram, Mai. Lorenzo 176 

Love, William 4M 

Loveland, Charles W 758 

Loveland, Reuben 

Loyd, Charles ."."1 

bert N 501 

Lucas, Charles -MO 

Lucas Families 310,332, 

Lucas, Ferdinand C 

Lucas, John T 

Lucas, Morgan M -V-!7 

Lukens Family ! 

Lukens, Tames A 165 

Lumbara, Hon, [oseph A... II 

Lut/. William M 

Lynn Family loin 

Lytle Family 

e, Samuel F., M. D 

McAllister Family 17 

McAllister, Hon. Hugh N 16 

rider 799 

799 

iiH sou 

arthy, Rev. Francis P 

imily 229 

nes A 708 

lloskey, Nathan 708 

McClure Family 

Mi ("lure, Finn. Harold M 792 

McClure, [ohn 182 

Mi i liarles S 560 

Mc< ormii k I amiliea 757, 560 

McCormick, Robert 562 

Mi i rt W 

Mi l oi mil . M 751 

Mi Coj . All icandi i 161 

McCoy Family 162 

1 ty, Frank 196 

inn 162 

McCoy, I »r. |..hn M 196 

177,893 

Mi Dowell F amilii s 323, 616 

McD rry W 

McDowell, William 617 

Mi 1 i-. I, 539 

Mi 1 ntire, L. B 180 

Mi I ■ \ . M. li 

Mil arlane Family 

McFarlane, l rank' 

McFarlane, w illiam 

Mm n 607 

oik Family 17o 

Mi i '.irk. [ames 170 

Mel ii., M. D 170 

McG id ">47 

Mi < .'in'-, [oseph 1 ".17 

McKinney, Andrew C 631 



PAGE 

McKinney Family 681 

McKinney, Hon. j. Harris 585 

McKinney, James Harris 

McKinney, James H 

McKini mel 112 

McLanahan, Robert 195 

id, Hugh 715 

M< Malum, Patrick 

ion. Mrs. Mary 550 

McMeen, Mrs. Nancy J -1 

McMeen, Dr. William -1 

McMicken Family 1180 

McMunagle, John 

McNamara, James 696 

Mallory, CO 

Mallory, James 15 399 

Mann Family 

Mann, John 

Mann, John Thomas 

Mann. Robert (Clinton Co.) 620 

Mann, e Co.) 328 

Mann, William, Sr 620 

Ir 621 

Mark Family 

Mark, Henry 

Marr, Key. Phineas 15 X95 

Marshal! Family 

Martin, [oseph 

Martin, Joseph, Sr 

Matlack, George Smedley Z96 

Matlack, Mrs. George S 

Mattern, David 

Mattern, George 

Mattel G 

Mattern, "John 

Mattern, Miles 

Mauck, David 

Mauck Family 822 

Mauck, Dr. John H B22 

May, Dennis M 750 

Mayer, Adam 

Mayer, Hon. Charles A 

Family 

Mayer, Hon. William H 

Mays Family 583 

Herbert I) 265 

M.ek. Hon. P. Gray 24 

Meek, Reuben H... 124 

i. Peter 117s 

, lohn B88 

Mench, ohn R - 

Meiich, Melancthon B88 

Mendenhall, Benjamin 1 

braham 

Mensch, Abraham, Sr 

Mirrey. I Ion. [oseph W 578 

Merrill, (".< n. Jesse 

Merryman, Leonard 

Merryman, Thomas 528 

Mertz, Abraham 1198 

Mertz Family 1198 

Mertz, Henry 1183 

William 1 1183 

Meyei 140,29 

Meyer, < ii irge J 

n. Henry 140 

Meyer, T. C ,.. 101 

141 

. Jacob S 



Meyer, "William H 

eswarth, Hon. Aaron I . .. 1091 

Middleswarth, ibner 1045 

Middleswarth, I 1am K 1 1 4 "> 

Middleswarth Family 1090 

Middleswarth, [oseph 

Middleswarth, Hon. Ner....l044, 1145 



INDEX. 



1227 



Middleswarth, Ner B 

Middleswarth, Robert 

Miles, John Q 

Miller, Abram V 

Miller, B. F 

Miller, Charles 

.. Miller, Hon. Charles 

Miller, Daniel 

Miller, Daniel S 

Miller, David 

Miller, Elias (Union County). . . . 

Miller, Elias (Centre County)... 

Miller, Enoch 

Miller, F. W 

Miller Families 205, 

■ 798, 959, 997, 1012, 1059. 

Miller, George, Jr 

Miller, George D 

Miller, George F 

Miller, H. M 

Miller, Isaac 

-Miller, John F. 

Miller, " 

Miller, 

Miller, 

Miller, 

Miller, 



Miller, 
Miller. 

Miller, 



Levi 

Mrs. Maria 

Michael 

Moses 

Moses \V 

Miller, Peter 

Miller, Mrs. Peter 

Robert V 

S. F 

William 

Miller, William H 

Millner, Meyer 

Mingle, Albert C 

Mingle Family. . . 

le, Henry ' 

Mitchi 'i 

Mit. 1 john. . . . 

*'' , iOnn 

.. ...ey, Edwin S 

Mohn, George C, M. D. 

Mohn, John 

Moll, Charles A 

Montelius Family 

Montelius, Frederick M 
Montgomery Family. . . . 
Moore, Katherine V. . . . 

Mm. re Family 

Moore, H. A 

Moore, John B 

Moore, Joseph. 

Morgan Family 

Morgan, John E 

Morlock, G. L 

Morningstar F'amily. . . . 
Morningstar, J. A., Esq. 

Mortimer, Samuel 

Mosebarger Farriily 

Mothersbaugh, H. H., M 

Motz Family 

Motz, Jacob F 

Motz, John 

John C 

John C. F 

Mrs. Maranda A 

, William R 

Moyer Families 1148, 

Moyer, Frederick C 

Moyer, Henry 

Moyer, Prof. Henry B 

Moyer, J. G., Esq 

Moyer, John A 

Moyer, Joseph K 

Moyer, Philip 

Moyer, Robert J 

Moyer, William 



D. 



Motz 
Motz, 
Motz, 

Motz, 



PAGE 

. 1144 
1044 

. 443 
. 238 
. 219 
. 4T5 

. 10581 
. 1001 
. 1129 

420 
:•>;, 
420 
904 

Him 

1129 

985 

1059 

1163 

997 

515 

798 

958 

900 

205 

798 

904 
1196 
1196 

239 
1012 

47.-. 

363 
1113 

210 

210 

210 

241 
21 

241 

74ii 

820 

820 
1023 
1108 
1108 

878 

955 

4<7 

487 

954 

954 

971 

971 

560 
1206 
1206 

678 

257 

723 

352 

528 
60 

352 

528 

358 

528 

1150-r 
1102 
1148 
1104 
1150 
1160 

906 
1160 

iii.ui 
1103 



PAGE 

Mulhollan, Mrs. Caroline 349 

Mulhollan, David R 272 

Mulhollan, lohn 271 

Mulhollan, Nancy J 349 

Mulhollan, Rudolph 349 

Munro, Alexander 664 

Munro, Archibald 664 

Murphy, James 635 

Murphy, Martin F 751 

M usser, Adam 829 

Musser, A. Clark 417 

M usser, C. Sumner, M. D 376 

Musser, D. | 529 

Musser, Daniel A 336 

Musser, Emanuel 258 

Musser Families 258,336,522, 529 

Musser, J. G 417 

Musser, James E 536 

Musser, Jeremiah 828 

Musser, lohn 

Musser, John J 381 

Musser, Mrs. Lydia A 337 

Musser, M. M. 

Musser, Philip 529 

Musser, Philip B 336 

Musser, Dr. Philip T 377 

Musser, Maj. William L 522 

Musser, William S. ( Millheim). . 522 

Musser, William S.(Sp"g Mills)., 198 

Muthler, Frederick 735 

Muthler, John 

Muthler, Joseph 7:!7 

Myers, David -Til 

Myers, Christian 690 

Myers, Christian, Sr 690 

M vers Family 690 

Myers, Isaac 990 

Myers, John 989 

Myers, loseph 494 

Myers, 'Mrs. Valeria R 872 

Myers, William J 4'.i4 

Nearhoof Family 347 

Neese, David (pioneer) 495 

Neese, David 469 

Neese Families 469, 494 

Neese, William 494 

Neff, Charles B 439 

Neff Families 439,479 

Neff, Lafavette 440 

Neidig, David 432 

Neidig Family 432 

Neidig,. Jacob' M 432 

Nesbit, David B 998 

N'esbit, John 999 

Nipple, H. M., M. D 1088 

Nogel.A. T 988 

Nogel, Jacob 988 

Noll Families 513,960 

Noll, George 513 

Noll, George P 960 

Noll, Mathias 1008- 

Noll, Samuel L L008 

North, Calvin B 1052 

North Family I 

North, Hon. James 75 

Nowell, Charles H 

Nowell, Joshua 667 

Nowland, Andrew ... 722 

Nowland, John 723 

O'Brvan, James 

O'Bryan, Walter 

O'Dwyer, William 724 

Odenkirk, George 543 

Odenkirk, Mrs. "Martha P 543 



PAGE 

Orndorf Family 333 

Orndorf, John J 133 

Orner, Jacob 728 

Orner, William H 728 

Orvis, Ellis L 14 

Orvis Family 8 

Orvis, Hon. John H 8 

Orwig, Emanuel 957 

Orwig Families 856, 1073 

Orwig, Mrs. Samantha 957 

I >rwig, Samuel 856 

t >rwig, Hon. Samuel H 

Osman Family 303 

Osman, Uriah D 103 

Owens Family 862 

Ott, Daniel 1145 

Ott Family 1146 

Owens, Capt. John A 862 

Packer, Jesse P 

Packer, Hon. William F 20 

Parsons, Joseph 75E 

Pawling, Charles W 933 

Pawling Family 858, 1020 

Pawling, James M 853 

Pawling, Jefferson S 1021 

Pawling, John Iu20 

Pawling, Levi 1021 

Pawling, Mrs. Lydia C..., 

Pawling, Samuel B. .....'. 

Paxton Family 193 

Pealer, Daniel' 370 

Pealer, William 370 

Peck, Solomon 229 

Pellman Family 841 

Pennsylvania State College, The 

Perkins Family 552 

Perkins, Rev. Dr R. W 552 

Perkins, Joseph 

Persing, Amos V., M. D 922 

Persing, Emanuel S 923 

Peters, George L 428 - 

Petrikin, Senator Henry 8 

Pinogel Family 240 

Plan, Alfonso." 508 

Piatt Family 508 

Piatt,. John G 508 

Pletcher Family 350 

Poorman, Daniel F 419 

Poorman Families 535,738 

Poorman, Fleming ■>'■'•'< 

Poorman, John 419 

Porter, A. D 752 

Porter Family 658 

Porter, James 658 

Porter, Tames H 752 

Porter, R. Williamson 658 

Potter, A. W 1056 

I'otter Family 109 

l'otor, George L. Ill 

Potter, Rev. Isaiah 1056 

Potter, Gen. James 109 

Potter, Judge James 110 

Potter, lames 110 

Potter, Thomas B„ M. D 63 

Potti i, William M 63 

Hon. William W 22 

Potter, William W 110 

Poulsen, Bertel 415 

Poulsen Family 415 

Pi iwers, Edward L 465 

Powers, John 465 

Pringle Familv 268 

Pringle, Sylvester R 268 

Prutzman, Enoch G 1219 

Pursley, James 1000 

Pursley, William 1000 



1228 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

• , I taniel, Esq 

e, Mrs. Eliza 606 

uly 589 



. Harry L 

■b 



1 570 

I in. James W 

s. Margaret A 601 

1 612 

R ibert C 



■ . William C. . . .• 612 

Quinn Family VU 

Ranck, Edward 

Ranck Family 919, 1010 

Kan. k. Harry P 

Ranck, Levi.' 851 

d 1 919 

Ranck. Jonathan 905 

i nnan L 1010 

mily 994 

I 

Rankin Family I 11 " 

I II 202 

Rankin, oho 202 

Rank:: A 1< M • 

ii B 100 

386 

WilliamS - 

b. I. S 1197 

Raudenbush, Mrs. Mary A 1191 

"II 

erick 



278 

L'74 

1 'J'.''' 

.'74 





1 

983 

1 lisE., M. S 98 

I 





."._'7 



267 



- 

William 267 

mily 64 

! I 64 

.. Wilbur F 64 

! 

; 1201 

ily 942 

Reedy, 1201 

I nrv 



>hn 

4o'.i 

( .... 4''." 

US 

liam 119 

rd, I >r. [acob 353 

M 1016 

1015 

• - K 1015 

1028 

476 

47t; 



PAGE 

Rhinesmith, David 412 

Rboads, Judge Daniel 4o 

Rhoads K 43 

Kin .ads Family 40 

41 

ily U3 

Rhone, (acob 115 

Hod. Leonard U3 

Michael H4 

Rich, Charles H 

Rich Famil) 

Rich, Mrs. j. F 626 

! 1 ihD. 

Rich, John, lr 626 

Rich, Joho 1' 625 

626 

Rich, Stiles Edward 627 

Rich, VV. Fli 626 

Richard 

Richter Family. I ' '1 

Richter.John P 

Ricker, Charles L 751 

Ricker, Jacob 752 

Ricker, Samuel L 75] 

Family 314 

Family 

. W. H 1079 

Rine Famil) H ; i7 

Rine, George S 1 141 

Rioe, [odd M 

Rine, John S lF'i7 

Rishel" Family 260 

Rishel, Jacob P 721 

Rishel, Col. |..hn 278 

. Martin L 278 

. William 260 

11 721 

Ritter Family 77-J 

Rater, H. J.. 1047 

Ritter, Hon. fames R 772 

Ritter, John 1017 

.! ion 

1047 

Rittman Family T>7."i 

Rittman, Philip P 575 

P 7":t 

Ruacl :. 1) 722 

708 

imily 117'.i 

I 1179 

:\ 11711 

:ion 135 

irnet 720 

imily 74o 

265 

too F 740 

hn L 

• y, Michael D 720 



Rode i mily '.'7'_' 

lartha I 

ithew : 

braim 1 14,'i 

1 14:j 



i, M. D 

I ranklin M 

Franklin M 

. Orrio H.. M. D 781 

amily 

I 

■ ;. i i 

Rote, D II 

SimoD 4_'.'. 

Rothei am H B2fi 

Rothr , M. D... 
Rothrock Family 



PAGE 

Rothrock, Dr. H. H 

Rothrock, lames H 

Rothrock, Dr. Roswell 

nin ".14 

aniel 4_".< 

Roush, Frederick 

Roush, John H 

r, Aaron C 4: 17 

Rover, D. D 

r, David 1214 

Koyer Families 411, 1214 

Royer, Henry 411 

Rover, Israel 1214 

Royi ...„ 

Royer, I. George 



E 41o 

Ruhl, David H 

Ruhl Family 

967 

Ruhl, Samuel F 

Ruhle. George I' 

Russell, Allen D 

Russell, Rev. Charles D 

Russell Family 

Rute, Benjamin 

Rut. 

Rutherford, S. W 

5, Rev. James 7".4 

Sampsel Family 1060 

Sampsel, 1 lopnia.. . . , 1061 

Sampsel, J. W., M. D 1 

Sanders, Henry, Jr 



Sanke) Fan 

Sankey, B 

Sauer. A .m ...1101 

Sauer, diaries A. . . . 1 1 ' »1 

Schmeltzer Family 

Schmeltzer, George 

Dure, Christian l-i 

Mire Fan) 1210 

Dure, Francis M 

aure, G. W 

Schnure, George, Esq 1 

Schnure, 

Dure, Howard I) 1032 

Schoch, B.S 

Schoch, Charles B71 

SchbCh Families 984, 1067 

Franklin J . llo7 

Schoch, H. Harvey 1H71 

loch, Ira C 1057 

I. C 1077 

Schoch, J.i. oh 1115 

.ch, Jacob M I 

Schoch, lames 

Schoch, Dr. John 1115 

och, John A I 

I " ■ ■ 

Schoch, Michael 

OCh, Si III 

Schotield, Hon. James 120 

Schrack, David 



Schrack, John G 

1157 

lily 681 



arenk, Henry M 681 

948 

mily. 



Sc. .it, Simon 

bold, Charles 



INDEX. 



1229 



PAGE 

Seebold, Mrs. Charles 

Seebold Family 1024 

Seebold, George E 1024 

Seebold, John 1024 

ild, Philip 837 

Selin Family 1041 

Shafer Family 546- 

Shafer, Isaac 546 

Shaffer, Adam 259 

Shaffer, Adam, Jr 818 

Shaffer, Daniel 816 

Shaffer, George 

Shaffer, Judge John 

Shaffer, John... 259 

Shaffer, Hon. John U 569 

Shaffer, U. S 318 

Shaffer, Willard O B16 

Shambach Family 1156 

Shambach, Jesse 1156 

Shambaugh, A. M 1169 

Shaw Family 615 

Shaw, Robert A., Esq 615 

Shaw, Robert M 615 

Sheckler, Conrad 1*75 

Scheckler, George H 975 

Shell Family 526 

Shell, Max 526 

Shellenbarger Family 985 

Shields, James 842 

Shields, William 842 

Shindel Family 1142 

Shindel, George M 1 142 

Shipton, John 980 

Shipton, Thomas W 980 

Shirk, Samuel 979 

Shirk, Samuel B.. 979 

Shivelv, Christi?- 992 

Shively.Geo- 992 

Shively ' 992 

Shiv ' 257 

257 

667 

1218 

i amily 80 

Shortlidge, Col. William 80 

Showalter Family 358 

Showalter, G. C 358 

Showalter, John 

Showalter, Josiah - 

Showalter, Russel D 358 

Showers, C. Morris 1050 ■ 

Showers, George W 899 . 

Showers, Samuel 899 

Shuey, C. C 431 

Shuey, Jacob 432 

Shugert Family 192 

Shugert, John Dunlop 193 

Shugert, S. T 193 

Shuler, L. W 661 

Shultz, J. J 354 

Simler, Charles 351 

Simler Family 351 

Simler, George B., Sr 350 

Simler, George B., Jr 434 

Simler, Jacob R 442 

Singer, Conrad 500 

Sineer, William J 500 

Slear, Charles 1001 

Slear Family 1007 

Slear, George M 1007 

Slear, Michael 1000 

Slear, Nathan 1005 

Slifer, Mrs. Charity V 774 

Slifer, Hon. Eli 773 

Slifer, William H 773 

Slinger Family 283 

Slinger, Tempest 283 



PAGE 

Smith, A. M., M. U 1048 

Smith, Aaron 1212 

Smith, Aaron W 1212 

Smith, Adam 594 

Smith, Alfred 1134 

Smith, Charles, M. D 603 

Smith, Daniel R 812 

Smith, Domei G., M. D 1083 

Smith, Elias E 

Smith, Ezekiel 798 

Smith Families.43,603, 1083, 1134, 1212 

Smith, George 1152 

Smith, George A 1207 

Smith, Capt. Henry 542 

Smith, J. Theo 1218 

Smith, Jacob 1174 

Smith, Jacob H 325 

Smith, Mrs. Jacob H 

Smith, James C 628 

Smith, John 812 

Smith, lohn B 1207 

Smith, John S 1151 

Smith, Joseph M 828 

Smith, Joseph S 755 

Smith, Joseph W. (Renovo) 696 

Smith, loseph w. (Centre Co.).. 462 

Smith, Dr. Peter 399 

Smith, Peter 540 

Smith, Peter B 594 

Smith, Reuben I 1174 

Smith, Robert..' 4-4 

Smith, Robert S 656 

Smith, Rev. S 859 

Smith, S. W 

Smith, Thomas 656 

Smith, W. H 542 

Smith, William F Ill 

Smith, William B 1207 

Smull Families 524, 669 

Smull, George H 524 

Smull, Reuben .V_'. r . 

Smull, Thomas J 669 

Snyder, Capt. Austin B 101 

Snyder, Daniel 913 

Snyder, Mrs. E 913 

Snyder, Elias 758 

Snyder Families 

390,598, 75:', 1037, 1094, 1130 

Snyder, Henry A 390 

Snyder, I. A 1037 

Snyder,}. G 1094 

Snyder, John 599 

Snyder, Miss Mary 102 

Snyder, Prof. W. A 598 

Snyder, W. H 1162 

Sober, Coleman K 800 

Sober, Isaac 800 

Sohmer, Valentine 751 

Solt Family 695 

Solt, John 695 

Spangler, Christopher 206 

Spangler, Daniel 1215 

Spangler Family 935 

Spangler, J. B 495 

Spangler, Jackson L 54 

Spangler, Jacob 447 

Spangler, John (Centre Co.) 447 

Spangler, John (Union Co) 936 

Spangler, Jonas 152 

Spangler, Jonathan 206 

Spangler, Joseph 1215 

Spangler, W. W 223 

Spangler, William W 152 

Specht, Alfred 1054 

Specht, Arthur B 1130 

Specht Families 1054, 1131 

Specht, Moses 1131 



PAGE 

Sperring, Henry 660 

Sperring, WilliamF 660 

Spigelmeyer, A 986 

Spigelmeyer, Abraham 

Spigelmyer, J j:s 

Spigelmyer, Shem 478 

Spotts Family 1176 

Spotts, Isaac 1176 

Spotts, Samuel 892 

Spotts, William H 892 

Springer Family 

Springer, John..' 643 

Springman, Augustus 1152 

Stahl, Adam H7i; 

Stahl, E. S 1062 

Stahl Family 1062 

Stahl, G. A.. 976 

Stahl, facob K 815 

Stahl, John 

Stapleton, Rev. Amnion, A. M., 

M.S 936 

Stapleton, William, Jr 936 

Steadman, H. C, M.'D 811 

Steadman, Mrs. Julia B - 1 1 

Steans Family 824 

Steans, Dr. l.'C 825 

Steans, Dr. Ralph 825 

Steele, i \v ;,.:; 

Steele, William W 533 

Stetler Family ]o.v, 

Stetler, J. F 1055 

Stevenson, Alexander 602 

Stevenson, Augustus N 640 

Stevenson Family 652 

Stevenson, Robert M 602 

Stevenson, William H 652 

Stewart Families 190,209 

Stewart, Miller, M. D 208 

Stewart, William 209 

Stine Family 471 

Stine, lonas, Sr 471 

Stine, Samuel H 493 

Stitzer, H. V 157 

Stitzer, William 457 

Stiver Family 222 

Stiver, W. H" 222 

Stockham Family 166 

Stonerod, C. P 361 

Stoughton, Augustus 993 

Stoughton Family 993 

Stoughton, Frank C 993 

Stover, A.J 321 

Stover, Adam 151 

Stover, Andrew 321 

Stover Families 150, 158 

Stover, Frank B 433 

Stover, George R 158 

Stover, George W 481 

Stover, Henrv 148 

Stover, Jacob E 199 

Stover, John A 317 

Stover, John C 150 

Stover, lohn M 158 

Stover, Perry H 481 

Stover, Samuel H 433 

Stover, Thomas 147 

Stover, William H 199 

Strickler, D. H 1002 

Strickler Family 1002 

Strickler, Ulrich 1002 

Strohecker Family 823 

Strohecker, John..' 823 

Strohecker, William 823 

Strohm Family 213 

Strohm, Michael 213 

Stroub, Augustus 1164 

Stroub, B. P 1172 



L230 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Strunl 

Strunk, William 

Stuart, David 

Stuart I 

Stuart, Howard M 392 

Stuar; \'<-> 

n W 266, 

i . II 1158 

Family 11".-' 

1158 

-ity 108£ 

I r 541 

541 

lull 

I *.' 

- , I ; ' 

r, Abraham . . 915 

, 1 bury J.. 915 

tin C L35 

ilies 144,3 

135 

102 

i T 

Taylor, Thomas J 144 

Temp 409 

., William 11 

Thomas, Charles 

5, < harles W 

"J" 7 

i oer D 982 

I 

wis 

is, William A 163 

is,Z.D 287 

jamin F 1 177 

Thompson I- amilies 98, 1 177 

Thompson, [ames I 

[., Jr., M- S. A.. 97 

; son, John R 726 

: son, Moses 98 

Thompson, W. J 4-4 

Throm R 

Throne, Michael 734 

Tibbins Family 595 

si ph E., \l. n 595 

amily \394 

D ,. . . . 394 

Tipton, Absalom S 

Tipton, Mrs. K. 1 

Tipton, William 320 

Tobias, Rev. D. S Jstk- 396 

Tobias, William A ,.«Kfc 396 

, JP^^ 115 

Tool, E. W., M. D 1168 

1172 

Troxi : Delilah 1173 

Trutt Family 1162 

Edward T 55 

Tuten Family 55 

Twitmyer, 1 fenry N 268 

V W 

Ulrich Family 829, 1119 

i, Hiram 1119 

1133 

1133 

. Dr. Wm 312 

B 511 

I |ol nG Ml 

Abraham S 71 

Mini J 70 

loud 72 

I amily 69 

70 

' 71 

v 955 



PAGE 



Dyke, Mrs. Henry H .... 
Van P< Ini a... 



Van Valzah Family 33 

Van V I. D 

Van Valzah, Robert F., M. D.. 

dam n 

■ H 

Vonada, Henrj 121 

Vonada, Tai ,; 44 

4 - .'l 

Voneida, Miss Esther 941 

imily 941 

Waddle Family 93 

93 

Bei . M. I i. 1064 

.. 1 . I., M. D 1082 

- 1064, 1078, 1082 

W., A. M.. 1072 

M, D 1067 

i Petei U 1083 
34,707,1112 

707 

r,J.O.,M. D 1147 

■r, Jacob 378 

Sr 878 

i r, [ohn 106 

5r 106 

Wagner, John C 

,ii M 272 

usanna 278 

Wagner, Vost H., Esq 1112 

Waite, '. 

manda 131 

laniel 307 

1 429 

i 1- amily 410 

ih E 

ohn 296 

mathan 131 

Walker, L. W 431 

i , Samuel E 595 

Walker, W. Harrison, 1 sq 120 

r, William 296 

Wallace, Frank T 380 

lb il m 1018 

Walter, Allied 492 

Waiter, David H 886 

Walter Families 492, 881, 981, 1 127 



Walter, Long in us 

i (Limestone Tp 

981 

, Valentine 1127 

1204 

Walton, I Albi rt 512 

Ward, I.E., D D. S 116 

Ward, Joseph 116 

Ward, Simon lltj 

. Adam 811 

, Henry C 311 



Watei s, l iii'i | 11 

n, [ohn ' 999 

inley K 105 



i. W illiam 999 

Weaver, C. A 

Weavi ... 217 
rnilies.... 17,295 

W i\u ( i, I I'd' nek 212 

r, F. 1 496 

Weaver, CM 

H 295 

Weaver, 11' nrj A 440 



PAGE 

Wea» 241 

W eaver, lames C 168 

ol. James F 95 

bn 

Weaver, Thomas M 

Weber, Abraham 

■■W.I 

Wil,' I 

nsaul, R.J 1211 

ler, Christian 

Weidler, Houston 665 

W eiser Family 1070 

., Jay G 1070 

Wentzel, f. I., Esq 729 

Werts, David R 677 

Wist Family 745 

745 

I lijah 

Weston, Orlando 406 

L 

Wetzel 1 amily 414 

n (Centre County). . 414 

Wetzel, [ohn (1 nion County). . . 1076 

-u B ' Mn 

1069 

Wetzel, Hon. Samuel A lo7f> 

U etze), Tobias 1! 510 

Wheland Family -I' 

White, Dr. F. K 244 

White, Hugh 675 

White. William 

Whiteleather Family 

Whiteleather, Henry 

Wh.tman, Frederick 949 

Whitmcr, Gale- '\ 1206 

W;< kersham '■• 317 

Williams,/ 118 

Williams, A .... 322 

Williams Fa 

Williams. 11 •<*> 

Wi l.i a ins, Jo. 

Williams, John . 

Williams, Joseph. . . . 

Williams, i. Meyer 

Williams, Mrs. Rebecca 130 

Williams, Samuel H 9fi 

Willis, John H 1077 

Wilson, Edward 869 

Wilson Family 

a, 11. M., M. D 869 

Wilson, Mrs. Margaret H 77 

in, Col. Philip 15 7- 

n, Thomas 988 

Wilson, Thomas H., M. D 870 

Wilson, William -71 

Wilson, Col. William P 

Wint'ei 1 964 

Winters. Joseph D 

Wirt, I 4-4 

Wirt, Philip 708 

Wirt, Solomon 4-1 

w ise Family 

Wise, [ohn II 

Witherrite, John 

Witherrite, Airs. Man 

Wolf Family '. 291,686 

Wolf, [ohn,. 

Wolf, 'Michael, Jr 549 

Wolf, 1 292 

Wolf, Robert J 

1 

, Abraham 1185 

Andrew 1192 

inuel 1188 

Wolfe I 1180, 1185 

HenryC 1180 

, fohn. 1189 






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